Passionate Professors || Sebastian Sallow

Part 1 | Ch. 49 - Realization

I couldn't stop thinking about Octavia Gaunt through my last two classes of the day. It was definitely suspicious that after Sebastian caught her in the potions closet a few nights ago, she was suddenly not feeling well and not showing up to class.

My first thought was that she got spooked, thinking he was going to tel the Headmaster and ran off. Maybe she didn't trust that Sebastian wouldn't go straight to Garreth when he should have. But in the short weeks I'd known her, she didn't seem like the type to run away when she was scared. My second thought was that she was in immediate danger. Knowing her family and the type of people they were, it was a distinct possibility. Maybe they knew Sebastian and I were onto her. The Flava's were powerful Seers after all.

Sebastian resumed our nightly routine by waiting for me outside of my classroom before dinner. He was clearly worried as he paced back and fourth by the railing overlooking the floor below. Concern created furrowed forehead lines and pursed lips.

He pushed passed me and pulled me into the classroom, shutting the door behind him. "Did Octavia show up to class today?" There was a sense of urgency in the question but it sounded like he already knew the answer.

"No, I was going to ask you the same thing." I said softly, folding my arms and leaning up against a desk. I hated seeing Sebastian like this, especially knowing he spent most of his life in a constant state of worry because of his sister.

"Fuck," Sebastian spat, his fingers ran frantically through his hair. Sebastian grew more upset with every footstep, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "She doesn't deserve to be dragged into this, she's just a kid."

"I know," I laid my palms out, motioning to take his hands in mine and he obeyed. "She didn't ask to come from a dark family. Neither did Ominis, or Willow for that matter." I winced when I spoke her name out loud. "It always helps when we have a plan. Why don't I check the Hospital Wing and you take a walk to the Great Hall? If she's not in either places, we tell Garreth."

Sebastian groaned and rolled his eyes, I knew the last thing he wanted to do was come face to face with the Headmaster but at this point, we had no choice. Her life could be in danger for all we knew.

——

"Oh dear, just sit still," an older woman's annoyed voice floated out of the Hospital Wing as I approached. "I know you want to see your classmates again but I need to check your vitals."

Madam Francis' back was to me as she tended to an antsy student. She had her stethoscope pressed up against their chest.

"The doctors said I was fine. I'm starving, just let me go eat." He whined in protest. "Ah Professor Eversley, you miss me already?" His tone changed from a frustrated grovel to a flirty lilt once I came into view.

"Mr. Reyes, glad to see you've fully recovered." I said flatly, not giving him any satisfaction.

"I heard you were quite the hero when I collapsed." Issac raised an eyebrow. Clearly, he was unfazed by the accident or if he was, he didn't show it. If only the poison could've driven some much needed sense into him.

"Right. Madam Francis, he seems well enough to send off. Could I have a word with you?" I was relieved that Issac was doing better but I certainly didn't miss how he looked at me like a ravenous Mongrel or his attempts at courting me.

"Oh fine," she waved her hand at him and motioned towards the door.

"See you in class, Professor." He smirked, his eyes following me as he walked by. Pausing at the doorway, he waved, my stomach bubbling with disgust.

"That boy has no manners." Madam Francis shook her head, pushing up her spectacles with her forefinger. "What can I do for you dear?" She gathered her tools from beside the bed, a stethoscope, thermometer, and blood pressure cuff, before dropping them on her desk in the corner.