Consuming Darkness: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 71

-Ronnie-

I woke the next morning with Sebastian wrapped around me, holding me close against his body. It didn't take long for us to become entangled with one another again and again.

The weekend was filled with studying and grueling practices for the upcoming Quidditch game. I fell asleep two nights in a row while studying with Poppy and Natty in the library.

Monday rolled around and I wanted to fix my impulsive mistake as quickly as I could. I spun my wand in my hand absentmindedly as I sat on the edge of the fountain in the Transfiguration Courtyard waiting for Finnian. I had written him to tell him to meet me after class so I could talk to him. He had to see it coming right?

I groaned, hating myself. I must enjoy these situations, I had no one to blame but myself for the anxiety and guilt that gnawed at my stomach. Finn was nice, he'd understand. We had become really good friends. He'd even joked about not actually being able to go with me. He knew I was dating Sebastian. I'd opened up to him about it. Even though I knew all of that, and knew he was my friend... I still felt bad. He had admitted to having feelings for me and I'd toyed with them a few times. Hurting him and Sebastian in the process.

"Quite a way to end my day: a beautiful girl waiting for me after class," Finn's voice rang out over the courtyard. Other students had also started to converge on the courtyard.

"Hey Finn!" I flashed him a charming smile. I had to play this right if I didn't want his feelings hurt too bad and if I wanted to remain friends.

"What do I owe this meeting to? You alright?" He cocked his head and purses his lips.

"Well first, I wanted to thank you again for talking to me the other day, and finishing up detention for me."

"Well I haven't had the chance to thank you for saving my sorry arse from Sallow the other day," he nudged me with his shoulder.

I laughed. "I promised you that I wouldn't let him kill you." I shrugged and side-eyed him.

"I would hate to have to face you in combat!"

"I can't imagine that ever happening!" The thought alone was laughable.

"Wanna walk with me back to Hufflepuff common room?"

I gestured for him to lead the way, and followed behind him when he began walking.

"So you and Sallow finally call it?" He asked after a moment of silence where I tried to figure out how to have this conversation with him.

"No," I paused. I knew how Finn felt about Sebastian, and Sebastian had not done himself any favors by breaking his nose and practically threatening to murder him.

"Seriously?" He looked down at me as I kept pace.

I gripped the strap on my book bag. I wasn't ashamed of my decision, everything in me knew that Sebastian and I were meant to be together.

"Yeah, things are actually really good between us now. Had some good conversation. Hard, but good."

Once through the doors, Finn veered left near a cupboard that once held a dedalian key. It was tucked behind the stairs so no one could overhear us.

"Are you serious V?" His voice was dripping with disapproval.

"Yes I'm serious Finn," I chuckled, my tone light in an attempt to lighten the soured mood.

He groaned and threw his head back, scrubbing his hand down his face. "Veronica..."

"Finnian," I replied pointedly, raising my eyebrow.