evermore || sebastian sallow

chapter 36 - the planning

chapter 36 - the planning

It was Monday again, and I'd never been more desperate for the weekend to come back because the pressure was getting higher.

I was researching alone in the library last night, trying to find ways we could tackle the Black Lake while gathering information on the merfolk. And when I wasn't researching that, I was studying for my actual classes because Samantha and Sebastian were getting ahead of me. Somehow.

I gave up on the merfolk research last night, unable to keep my eyes awake any longer. So, I made it a point to speak with Nerida Roberts instead—the Slytherin girl who asked me to retrieve the Mermish artifact last year just because she didn't know how to swim into the cave they left it in. It was a gift from them she had told me.

She owed me, so it was time I asked for a favour.

Since it was lunch time, I figured I'd find her in the Great Hall. I was starving because I skipped breakfast this morning, but as much as I loved food, I've got other priorities right now.

I walked in and scanned the Slytherin tables. I found Nerida speaking with Imelda, but I couldn't help it that my eyes also fell on Sebastian one row down the table. He looked so handsome in the afternoon light streaming through the stained glass windows, smiling and talking with other Slytherins and Ominis as if the whole world wasn't crushing his weight.

Before he could notice me, I tore my eyes away and made my way over to Nerida.

"Y/n!" Imelda's eyes perked up at my approach. "What are you doing here?"

I was beginning to think Sebastian noticed me because I could feel him staring. I tried my best to ignore him, but his presence was always so suffocating.

Nerida turned around, then grinned. "Hi, Y/n!"

"Hi girls," I greeted. "I actually need to speak with you, Nerida. Remember what you asked of me last year? About the mermaids?"

Imelda frowned in question, but kept quiet, eating her food.

Nerida nodded at me. "Yes, I do. I could not thank you enough! Did you need anything about it?"

"I do, actually. Let's speak in the courtyard," I suggested. "I'll explain later, Imelda. I promise," I whispered to her before I led Nerida out of the Great Hall and into the Viaduct Courtyard.

Once we were outside in the empty courtyard, Nerida asked, "What is it, Y/n? I'm surprised you're suddenly interested in them."

I chuckled nervously, trying to come up with an excuse without giving away my real reasonings. "Yes, well, you proved to me that merpeople are indeed misunderstood creatures. I want to do my part in building a better relationship with them as part of wizardkind."

Mentally, I was rolling my eyes because I was still bitter at how they almost tried to kill me on Halloween night. I couldn't deny that Nerida's actions were admirable though.

Nerida giggled. "I'm glad you understand my point of view."

"So, anyway," I began, trying to keep my voice innocent, "Could you help me contact the mermaids? I recall you have a good relationship with them."

"Oh, of course! It started off rocky, but I think I've built enough relationships with them over the year. I could send them another gift and ask if they could meet with you."