Passionate Professors || Sebastian Sallow

Part 1 | Ch. 27 - Festivities

The Sorting Ceremony feast slowed down and the students' bellies were filled with their first Hogwarts meal of the school year. Remnants of empty plates disappeared and an assortment of sweet treats instantly took their place. Thick puddings, warm berry pies, flaky fruit tarts, chocolate eclairs, creamy trifles, and ornate layered cakes appeared before us. I was stuffed but I helped myself to a small bowl of chocolate pudding as a goblet of wine conjured up in front of each staff member.

"If everyone would be so kind to raise a glass," Garreth was standing at the podium again, his golden goblet held high. The students raised their teacups and water glasses. "Cheers to an exciting year at Hogwarts!" Clinks filled the room and everyone dove into their desserts.

Looking exhausted, students began filing out of the Great Hall. Issac Reyes and the other prefects worked on wrangling their respective houses, beginning a slow exit to their dorms. Sebastian chugged his wine and finished the last of his pie before heading over to me.

"That was long. Ready to party?" He smirked, a light red wine stain had formed on his lips.

"Yes, but classes start tomorrow, so we really need to try not to get a bad hangover." I said giggling and downing the rest of my cup.

"That's my girl," Sebastian said, putting his palms on the side of the table and leaning towards me, winking.

The last of the students cleared out and the house elves quickly cleaned up the Great Hall, readying it for the staff party. Brooms swept, furniture moved, and decorations shifted swiftly in the background.

"Did you invite anyone tonight?" Sebastian asked, refilling his goblet, the red liquid gurgling out of the bottle loudly.

"I forgot to tell Poppy and Leander to come but I sent them a note earlier today. I hope they can make it. What about you?" I prayed to Merlin that he didn't invite Ominis.

"Ominis and his girlfriend, Willow Flavia. It'll almost be like old times, right?" He gave me a crooked smile, the alcohol must've already begun to flow through his veins. "I'm curious, why did you and Ominis stop talking after school? I always thought your friendship would stand the test of time."

Poppy and Leander Prewett strolled in holding hands, saving me from answering his question. I broke away from Sebastian and ran over to her, my heels clicking on the floor with each step. We both squealed as we enveloped each other in a hug. Leander waved at Sebastian, who lazily trailed behind me.

"So good to see you two! I'm so sorry for the last minute invite, I totally forgot to ask you when we went out for coffee." I apologized to both of them.

"Don't be! We're so glad to be here. Hi, Sebastian." Poppy said, craning her neck around me as Sebastian finally caught up to us.

"Hi Poppy, Leander, how've you been?" He was overly excited to see them, the wine definitely getting to his head.

"Great. Congratulations on becoming the new Potions Master, mate." Leander said, shaking Sebastian's hand and looking up at the ceiling, "thankfully there's no Hebridean Black skeletons up there." He joked, Sebastian laughing loudly.

"It's still in the classroom, you know." Sebastian mentioned, joking back. It was fun to see the two of them get along. Maybe Sebastian was turning a new leaf if he could get along with Leander after their tension as students.

"Let's get you two a drink," I said, taking Poppy by the hand and strolling over to the enchanted bar that had just been set up near the crackling fireplace. Empty goblets lined up on the counter, waiting to be filled with whatever alcohol or spirits we desired.