Right Where You Left Me | Sebastian Sallow |

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Shiniest Pearl

Anchor: Novo Amor

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Fifth Year 1891

"Happy Birthday Eliza!"

Everyone cheered as I blew out the candles from my small tray of cupcakes. I was surrounded by my closest friends in the Bell Tower Courtyard on a beautiful spring evening. Natty and Poppy planned a small surprise party just to celebrate me.

I've only known these people for such a short period of time, but I've never felt more loved by others. I looked around the large picnic table, taking everything in. The cupcakes from Honeydukes were perfectly iced in red frosting with little gold details. My eyes darted to the small stack of presents towards the end of the table, each one addressed with my name on its card.

I stared at everyone's smiling faces as they bit into their cupcakes. Natty, Garreth, Poppy, and others sat at the table. I even managed to catch Ominis smiling. It was a rare sight to see nowadays since Anne left.

"Bennet! Open my present next!" Garreth shoved a small box into my arms. The paper covering the box was...interesting. The box was wrapped with today's Daily Prophet and a big red bow.

I ripped open the paper, tossing each bit behind as I tried to reveal what's underneath. I held the box in my hand, opening the lid. To my surprise, I found several small colorful bottles inside. And that means only one thing.

Merlin, he made a new potion.

"Surprise! I created my own potion that will give you pleasant dreams every night Bennet! I figured since I can hear you screaming down the hall at night from nightmares." Garreth looked proud of himself with his creation.

I was embarrassed. Ever since Fig died it was as if the nightmares only got worse, "O-Oh gee." I paused, knowing that he was only thinking of helping me, not trying to call out my nightmares, "Thank you Garreth, I'll be sure you let you know if they ease my mind."

Would I actually drink them though is the real question.

I got a small gift from every single friend, even Ominis. He gave me a new quill set that I kept rambling on about. But Sebastian? I've received nothing, he didn't show up tonight. I'd never expect anyone to give me a gift but, I haven't even seen Sebastian at all today.

When the gathering ended, I headed back into the castle to my dorm to settle in for the rest of the night. When I parted ways with everyone, I noticed Natty and Poppy snickering as they watched me walk away.

Did I have icing on my cheek that I didn't know about?

Finally making it to my dorm, I glanced out my window to spot Hogsmeade over the lake. The buildings were covered in golden rays from the start of the setting sun. It was April 28th, just now a little over a month into the spring season. As I gazed at the magical enticing town, my eyes were focused on the flickering lights from the occurring Spring Festival.

Oh, how I wish I was there.

The Spring Festival at Hogsmeade started last week and continued into the next. I've stared at the twinkling lights from my window every night, envying their beauty. I've asked everyone to go but they've all said no.

Collapsing onto bed and unlacing my boots, my attention was caught by something placed neatly on my nightstand. It was an envelope, with my name addressed in the familiar, elegant penmanship.