[ON HOLD INDEFINITELY] Comfortable in the Chaos «Sebastian Sallow»

23. A Wretched Weight

"Valeria you've been studying all day. Perhaps it's time for a break?" Sebastian suggested laying on the couch in the room of requirement.

" I'm done studying now." I said with a chuckle, as I stirred my cauldron.

" What are you brewing then?" He asked.

" Next week's potion for class."

He sat up immediately. " Why on earth are you doing that now" he chuckled.

I shrugged. " To get ahead. Why else?" I laughed. " This way I'll know the proper way to brew it and can be done quicker." I shrugged.

Ominis huffed from his desk in the corner. " Perhaps I should take note of your habits Valeria. But I don't even want to begin thinking of next weeks potions class."

I turned to face the boys when I noticed an owl sitting on the ledge of the fireplace.

I raised an eyebrow as I approached it. " When and how did she get in?" I asked curiously.

Sebastian looked at the owl with the same confused expression.

It held a letter in it's talons and looked at me curiously.

As I reached to grab it, the owl moved away flying to a higher perch.

" What the..." I murmured.

" Looks like she doesn't want you to read the letter just yet.." Sebastian said confused.

" If I'm not mistaken that's Thalia's owl..." I said as it watched Sebastian with a close eye.

" I wonder if the letter is truly meant for my eyes only.."

" What does that mean?" Sebastian asked.

" It means the bird isn't letting me read the letter if I'm around you." I chuckled.

" and why the bloody hell not?!" He shouted and eyes the owl. " What problem do you have with me?!" He shouted at it.

I only laughed. " Alright. Calm down. Don't harm Thalia's bird. I'll be in the vivarium. I'll let you know—"

I was suddenly silenced by the bird screeching at the mention of me telling Sebastian about what the letter said.

" Nevermind. This is between me and Thalia I suppose.." I murmured.

" How the bloody hell does a bird know!!" He shouted clearly frustrated.

I rolled my eyes and motioned for the bird to follow me into the vivarium. I hiked  a ways away into a clearing above the water fall. Thalia's owl followed and dropped the letter in my lap now that I was alone.

" Valeria,
I hope this letter finds you well. And your studies at Hogwarts are going fine. Once I returned to the ministry I was caught in a whirlwind of updates.

The ministry isn't of my concern right now. I have reason to believe the magic you harness is more dangerous than we think. Not just because of the physical toll it's having on your body.

I can't explain it further just yet. Right now you are safest at Hogwarts. So long as you stay out of trouble. Please. Stay out of trouble.

In regards to the Sallow twins. A curse breaker who owes me a favor will be traveling with me to Feldcroft this weekend.

He will cure Anne's curse.

Do not tell Sebastian Sallow yet. The last thing we need is him stirring up trouble or poking around through the process.

It won't be a pleasant experience for his sister. She will be in immense pain through it. But once the curse is broken. She will live.

Sebastian can't be around for that. I fear he could lash out.