evermore || sebastian sallow

chapter 27 - slow motion, love potion

chapter 27 - slow motion, love potion

Snow graciously fell on the ground during the last week of November. It was mesmerizing to see snowflakes collecting outside the Potions classroom window.

It was Tuesday, so I was in Advanced Potions with Sebastian, Garreth and Aura. We were patiently awaiting instructions from Professor Sharp.

I wished I was outside. Although I wasn't very fond of the cold, I could use a day out in Hogsmeade right now because I was stressing too much about school lately. It didn't help that I got another owl from my father this morning, reminding me of my cursed duties.

Letter after letter. Owl after owl. My November was composed of threats and vigilance due to the Gaunts watching my every move. But all I desired—all I craved was to slow down and feel free.

I was so damn exhausted from having to constantly watch my back and second guess every action I take. Especially with Sebastian.

I just wanted my friend back. No pretenses.

My head was whirring with too many unnecessary thoughts and I wished it would all just stop.

One good thing about being in class though was that I was free from the Gaunts' watchful eyes.

"Hey," Sebastian called, bringing me back to reality. "Are you okay?"

I didn't realize I'd been staring out the window that long, or that I'd been fidgeting with my bracelet. My breathing was uneven, so I forced it to calm down.

"I'm alright. Don't worry about it." I gave him a small smile that took a lot of effort to put on.

Sebastian squeezed my hand under the table, the sudden contact surprising me. He didn't look convinced, but nodded anyway, his lips forming a thin line.

He let go of my hand, his scorching skin leaving my cold ones.

These days, every time he let me go in any way at all, I found myself wishing he didn't. But I wasn't going to admit that.

It made me seem needy and clingy. And for someone who was just a friend, I didn't think he would want that. I'd probably only aggravate him.

Stop overthinking! I cursed myself.

Most nights I couldn't fall asleep because I was overthinking so much. I couldn't help it.

Professor Sharp entered the class a minute later, greeting us warmly, and immediately beginning the lecture.

I squirmed in my seat, trying to be more comfortable. I could feel Sebastian's worried gaze burning through me from behind, but I tried to ignore it. At least Garreth and Aura didn't seem to notice anything.

"Can anyone tell me what this is?" Professor Sharp held up a clear vial, molten gold swirling inside it.

I raised my hand, immediately recognizing it. "Felix Felicis. Also known as Liquid Luck, Professor. It makes someone lucky for a certain amount of time, but if taken in excess, it can be dangerous because it would succumb them to recklessness."

I almost smirked, knowing I brewed endless vials of them last year to help with my quests.

"Well done, Miss Gray. Ten points to Ravenclaw."

I heard Sebastian snort behind me. "Of course you'd be an expert at it," he whispered from behind.

Professor Sharp kept lecturing, but Sebastian was making it hard to focus.