A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 24

Lucy held a small bag over her back as she walked through the Forbidden Forest. Mud was slathered across her uniform as well as a horned serpent following closely behind her. She managed to save the creature from a group of poachers, the only thing she overheard before attacking was that this snake-like creature came from North America. She debated letting it go, but the serpent seemed to follow her regardless. She was unsure if it was a form of thanking her or perhaps it was just too scared to go off on its own in such a foreign land.

Lucy looked at the creature moving next to her. Its body was black, but the smooth part of its stomach was white. It almost reminded her of a dragon with the spikes on its tail and multiple horns on its head. The serpent's eyes were blue like the sea, matching the small gem that sat between its eyes.

She smiled softly, finding it rather cute, though some would say otherwise. She smiled softly, remembering the time her and Jess had a run in with a snake and the scream her dear friend let out. She let her hand skim over the serpent's head. His scales were rigid to the touch, but had a slight smoothness to them as well. Lucy was tempted to touch the small gem on its head, but didn't want to make the strange creature more uncomfortable than it already was.

Lucy was surprised the creature continued to follow all the way up to the castle. It was only when they were outside, did the serpent slither up her body, resting itself around her shoulders. It placed enough weight on both sides to not make her uncomfortable. Her eyes widened seeing the snake slowly disappear, though she still felt the weight of the creature on her.

"What should I name you?" Lucy mumbled to herself, walking into the Great Hall. She had been out all night and was ready for some food to help regain the strength she lost. She walked in, seeing the various students seated at their respective tables.

The students had come back around a week ago, which means it has been almost two since she and Sebastian began avoiding each other. He had yet to apologize and until he did, she did not want to see him.

"Not talking to yourself are you?" Lucy jumped, seeing Imelda appear next to her. The two had grown closer since the small sleepover they had with Anne, "Merlin, you look awful." Imelda scrunched her nose, taking in Lucy's appearance. The blood that tattered her clothes as well as the rips through her clothing. Mud covered her shoes and pants and her hair was slightly astray.

Imelda sighed, shaking her head as she attempted to help Lucy fix her hair at the very least. Lucy let a lopsided smile form on her face, laughing softly as Imelda attempted to help her, "It was a long night. Lots of poachers to rid this world of." Lucy dusted off her arms, being careful not to disturb the sleeping serpent wrapped around her neck.

"You are insane. Don't know where you get the time to practice flying." Imelda shook her head, "Speaking of which, I almost have the third course ready for our race." Imelda nudged the girl, walking to the free space at the Slytherin table. The two sat down across from each other, grabbing random food and filling their plates.

"I fly around on my broom between poacher camps. Other times I'll walk and sneak around. It's amazing the things you hear when you aren't seen." Lucy sent a wink her way.

"Mind if I join you two?" A familiar voice was already taking a seat across from Lucy and next to Imelda.

"Of course, Omi. You never need to ask." Lucy smiled softly.

The small smile Ominis held on his face turned into a look of confusion, looking in her direction, "Lucy, what is that?"

"Huh?" Lucy jumped slightly. It took her a moment to realize Ominis could sense the creature sat around her neck.