Aftermath ✧ Sebastian Sallow

chapter thirty-seven

The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot by Brand New

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Sebastian's Perceptive

I felt a tremendous sense of guilt during the tree lighting in Hogsmeade. After sharing what should have been admirable words of affection with Adelaide, it felt like we had been going backward instead. 

Even without offering clarification of how I love her, it seemed like she already knew and hadn't raised the issue since. 

"Anyone else left to shop for?" Adelaide questioned as we left one of the last stops. 

"No, I'm good," I smiled back. 

Everything had been awkward between us since our fight in the Owlery. Truthfully I wasn't even sure if it was a fight, but it felt like one. 

I desperately wanted to just tell her the truth of everything, but Ominis had talked me off that ledge. The winter break was barely two weeks away. Yet two weeks was beginning to feel like a lifetime. 

Adelaide sighed uncomfortably, keeping her hand uncharacteristic to herself, "You seem gloomy lately. Are you sure that you are okay?"

"I'm fine really. Just feeling tired." I lied as we approached the other couple in the town square. 

"Don't mind him. He's probably just upset that Slytherin lost the quidditch season," Garreth teased as we approached. 

Truthfully I hadn't cared at all about Quidditch. Imelda had tried her best to coach me on the new position, but it just never felt right. 

"Well hopefully next year Slytherin will find a better seeker," I joked back at my own expense. 

It shocked me how quick the ginger boy always was to defend and cover for me, without really knowing anything. He was beginning to really make me regret punching him.

As our group regathered ready to depart back to the castle, Poppy walked over attempting to balance paper cups in her hand with a cheerful smile. 

"I got us hot chocolate for the walk back. To keep our hands warm!" She boasted handing out the hot cups. 

It was freezing that day. The most recent snow had iced over completely and the chill in the wind had been extremely unkind. The taste of hot chocolate didn't interest me, but the heat of the cup was welcomed even through the gloves. 

The two girls led the way down the path as they began recalling every gift they purchased and who they were for. Garreth and I followed mostly just listening to them with our drinks in hand. 

"Sebastian, are you spending the holidays with Ominis?" Poppy turned around asking me. It was the first time that she had spoken to me directly since the whole Truth or Dare game. 

"Not quite. He has to go visit his family in London for the holiday. I'll probably just stay at Hogwarts for the break," I clarified.  

That was the current plan at else. Ominis' family had demanded his return for the holiday, and despite the offer to join, I wasn't thrilled about spending the day with the rest of the Gaunts. The summer had been enough. 

"Well, there should still be people around the castle to spend the day with. I've heard of a few people staying back this year." Garreth offered, only to be meant with silence.