The Final Keeper | Sebastian Sallow Love Story

A Late Arrival

They both casted their Disillusionment Charm and crept along the wooden bridge connecting different areas of the tent together. They headed down a makeshift staircase, cautious not to let the wood squeak underneath their footsteps. It was hard because the nails were coming up-causing the wood to rattle if their footsteps were too heavy.

She spotted an area that was loaded with different types of Ashwinders. An area she'd like to avoid. As she backed up, she headed in a more round about way to see if there was a way to bypass all the Ashwinders.

"You don't think he saw it happen, do you?" She heard a male voice up ahead. It was another Scout alone. He appeared to be grumbling to himself. "He's just a child. We should release him. This is the sort of thing that could draw unwanted attention."

Adelaide walked up to him quietly, "Petrificus Totalus."

"Harlow will decide what to do with him once he gets back." An assassin rounded the corner she didn't see, and froze. Before she could get ready, Adelaide used her ancient magic to silently turn her into rocks.

"What spell did you just use?" Natty whispered, confused.

Adelaide didn't answer her question, muttering, "Let's keep moving."

The large area packed with different enemies was unavoidable. And she could hear the screams as her and Natty moved closer. "Help! Can someone help me? Is anybody there?"

Adelaide snuck around the side, wary of a duelist in the center that wore a red and black cape. Whoever that was, she's rather avoid them entirely.

They found another staircase leading them down another level where she would bet anything that Archie Bickle was downstairs. And she was absolutely right. In a large wooden crate with a singular torch lit to provide him with some light she saw a small boy around the age of eight.

"Archie?" She called out in a whisper, running up to the crate. "Archie Bickle?"

The boy looked at her suspiciously. His flat cap on his head covered in dirt along with his grey pants, white shirt, and suspenders. "How do you know my name? You're wearing a Slytherin robe." He looked at Natty, "And you're a Gryffindor."

Adelaide held a singular finger to her mouth to silence him. "Your mother sent us to find you."

"Oh!" He visibly relaxed, "I'm so glad to see you."

Natty shh'd him, "Not too loud Archie."

"Sorry." He apologized with a sheepish look.

It made Adelaide grin, despite her surroundings. "We need to get this open." She looked carefully at the lock, "Alohomora."

The lock came undone, clinking to the ground with a loud thump. She heard the footsteps upstairs pause.

"A man called Harlow-he killed my father." He fought tears, looking between both students.

Adelaide swallowed, fighting back the tears. "We're so sorry, Archie. We won't let him get away with it. But first, we need to get you home to your mother."

"Thank you-for saving me."

"We wouldn't have it any other way, Archie. Now, let's get you back. We know a safe way back, but we need to hide you." Natty retried a vial from her robe, "Here. It's an invisibility potion. I was saving it for later, but you'll need it now."

Archie didn't hesitate to drink the potion and Adelaide grabbed his hand. It was a bit clammy from all the nerves, but she tightened her grip to make sure he didn't stray. They walked passed all the unsuspecting Ashwinders, and knew Harlow was going to have their heads when they realized two students and a child had snuck past them all.