Right Where You Left Me | Sebastian Sallow |

CHAPTER THREE: Reminders

As the sun started to disappear and dusk approached, the towering silhouette of Hogwarts finally came into view. Even though this is my third year attending the school, the excitement never truly left when looking at the castle at the beginning of the year.

With Ominis now being able to use his wand to guide himself, we both made our way out of the train and onto the Hogsmeade Station platform. Ominis and I started to walk over to the Thestral carriages to take us back to the castle when I suddenly heard two familiar voices call out my name.

"Eliza!"

I turned around to see both Natty and Poppy running towards me with open arms. A smile spread across my face when both of my friends enclosed me in a group hug.

"It is so good to see you, my friend!" Natty exclaimed.

After a quick, tight hug, they both released and Poppy spoke, "Oh Eliza, I missed you! Will you be attending the Sorting Ceremony tonight?"

It wasn't an odd question for Poppy to ask since I didn't attend last year, or any other school activities besides Quidditch.

"Of course, Poppy, I'm looking forward to watch Ominis convince the Slytherin first years about spotting mermaids through their common room window."

"Say that a little louder will you! Don't let the first years hear you and ruin my fun." Ominis said.

The rest of us laughed as we all started to walk towards the carriages.

While walking over, I glanced over to the Black Lake and watched the glow from the boats that took the first years to the castle. What a feeling it must have been to have that as your first impression of Hogwarts. I didn't get to experience this because of me entering as a fifth year, nor did I have a pleasant arrival at the castle either.

Once on the carriage, Poppy and Natty sat on one side chatting away about their summer and the upcoming school year. Where Ominis and I sat together on the other side in silence until Poppy asked us both a question.

"Have you two heard from Sebastian?"

Ominis and I immediately both glanced at each other knowing this was a very sensitive topic for both of us, especially me. Ominis thankfully answered.

"N-No, we haven't heard anything."

No one else has heard from Sebastian in the last year and a half. No one knew where he went or where he currently is. After the word got out that Anne disappeared, everyone assumed that Sebastian went with her.

If only they knew.

Poppy didn't know any better, she was just a kind soul concerned for a friend. After Natty sensed how uncomfortable I was based on the sad look across my face, she quickly changed the subject.

"I have something to share with all of you!" Natty excitedly exclaimed, "I have been selected as Gryffindor's new Quidditch Captain!"

They couldn't have picked a better student to take on this role. Since our captain last captain was a seventh year, everyone wondered who would take the leadership position. Natty was highly competitive, daring, and overall, a natural leader.

"Natty that's amazing!" I squealed, "I'm sure with your leadership you can help lead us to victory."

"How exciting! I can't wait to watch you both this season!" Poppy said. With Poppy not having any friends on her own house team, she always supported Gryffindor when we played. Everyone needs a friend like Poppy Sweeting.

Last year, Ominis attended every single one of my matches and visited me in the Hospital Wing after my accident. He told me it wasn't easy sitting in the stands without hearing the familiar sound of his friend's name being shouted scoring.