The Keeper's Snake // Sebastian Sallow

The Grey Lady

Fiona woke up at 3:00 to the sound of Constance getting back to the dorm. Instead of allowing her friend to sneak in undetected, Fiona got out of bed, grabbed Constance's arm, and pulled her to the Ravenclaw common room. Fiona needed to talk.

"Fiona! What are you doing? Can't you let me sleep?" Constance whispered. Fiona quickly cast the muffliato charm. She didn't want to have to whisper.

"Constance you just returned from what I can assume was an evening of snogging my brother. Can you please just stay up a bit more? I need you." Fiona's tone was at first annoyed but quickly turned sad. She sighed, thinking about what Sebastian had said to her. Constance noticed Fiona's sadness.

"What happened? You left with Sebastian and then?" Constance asked.

"We had a fight." Fiona replied. "Well he yelled, and I cried."

"He hurt you? Sebastian Sallow? The same Sebastian Sallow that is obsessed with you?" Constance was shocked to say the least.

"He accused me of being loose with my affections. He was upset at James but took it out on me. I don't understand why." Fiona was tearing up. Constance quickly embraced her.

"Aw my sweet friend, it sounds like he was jealous." Constance rubbed Fiona's back.

"Jealous of what? He is supposed to be my best mate... and I thought maybe I was feeling... it doesn't matter. He was cruel." Fiona was confused about her feelings for the Slytherin now.

"Fiona, do you have feelings beyond friendship for Sebastian?" Constance spoke softly. Fiona knew this question was coming, but she didn't have an answer prepared. If Constance had asked her before she left the Ceilidh, she would have answered yes, but now things were different.

"I thought maybe I did, but I don't know anymore. He meant to hurt me. He knows exactly why I am careful with my physical affections, and he still accused me of being a slag. So it doesn't matter if I care for him or not because he clearly wouldn't reciprocate." Fiona let a tear roll down her cheek.

"Fiona, I'm assuming he immediately apologized?" Fiona nodded. "It was something said in the heat of the moment then. It doesn't mean he thinks or feels lesser about you. Do you think Sean and I have never rowed?" Fiona opened her mouth in shock.

"Sean gets jealous?" Fiona asked.

"I wish," Constance sarcastically laughed. "I'm the jealous one. How can I not be when Natty Onai is in love with him. They are in the same house. She can see him whenever she wants." Fiona had suspected Natty held a flame for Sean, but she didn't know Constance was aware.

"But Constance, Sean is Crazy about you. I'm sure he hasn't noticed Natty like that."

"I know, but it didn't stop me from ripping his head off. I'm just glad he is quick to forgiveness. My anger didn't mean I didn't love Sean. Sometimes people are overcome by emotions, which can sometimes be hurtful, but it can also be euphoric." Constance was now smiling.

"Constance you are far wiser than our age normally dictates." Fiona chuckled. "How did you know you were in love?"

"I couldn't tell you. It was just a feeling that was filling up my heart dying to be shared."

"Thank you for listening to me and sharing, and please don't tell Sean. Let's go to bed." Fiona and Constance headed back to their room and quietly got into their beds. Fiona fell asleep a bit less hurt than she was before her chat with Constance. While she dreamed about Sebastian's outburst, she also dreamed about his intense stare during the Ceilidh. It made her breathless.

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Fiona awoke, got dressed, and headed to the Great Hall with Constance. They were both decked out in blue in support of Ravenclaw. They sat at their house table to support their quidditch team members. Fiona caught Sebastian walking in with Ominis. He locked eyes with her, looking guilty. She quickly averted her glance. She didn't want to start crying.