Alone

Chapter 15

They found Marian in the second last wagon, taking up the department at the very end of it. She opened the door for them and took some of the luggage pieces, helping Sebastian store them in the overhead rack.

When she was pushing back her trunk, he used the unwatched moment, and took out his wand, feeling save enough to use magic now they were back in the wizarding world.

"Accio seaglass."

His muttered spell remained unheard and he caught the piece of blue glass that flew from the side pocket of Marian's bag, pocketing it safely inside his robe.

Outside, there was the distinct sound of a whistle, meaning the train was about to move off.

 Ominis took his seat by the window while Marian still struggled with her trunk, giving it a firm shove to eventually store it safely on the rack.

A shook went through the train as it started moving, setting everyone to stumble who wasn't seated yet, including Marian and Sebastian.

With a small yelp, she swayed and fell against him. 

Instinctively, he caught her around her waist and steadied himself on the overhead rack with his free hand to prevent them both from tumbling over, waiting for the train to take on a more smooth motions as it left the station.

Marian had put one hand against his chest, fingers curling into his robe in an attempt to hold onto something, too and she slowly lifted her gaze, cheeks flushed as red as his own felt.

Much too late, he became aware of how close they were, her breasts pushing against his chest and her sweet scent radiating around her. 

He swallowed hard, his hand around her waist twitching, tempted to feel her curves and pull her closer, much closer, as close as they had been last night...

"Sorry 'bout that..."

She pushed herself up, biting her lip and retreating to the other side of the department, taking a seat in the empty row.

Sebastian hesitated for a moment before taking the seat next to her. He felt her tense up shortly, but she didn't comment it or flinch away. He took it as a good sign.

Eventually turning his eyes towards his best friend, he cleared his throat.

"So. The truth. Out with it."

Ominis leaned back, crossing his arms, brows furrowing.

"What is this, an inquisition?"

Marian beside him sighed, shuffling through her pocket and pulling out a piece of parchment.

"Ominis, we were worried sick. Sebastian was up and about to run off and get you out until this arrived."

Like so often, she seemed to be forgetting he couldn't see her.

"This?"

Sebastian sighed, trying to ignore the growling of jealousy in his chest at the sight of the well thumbed and worn looking letter she had apparently kept with her all summer, playing around with it again and again by the looks of it.

"Your cryptic letter. Mari kept it with her all summer. Thought I wouldn't notice..."

"Sebastian!"

She sounded both offended and surprised and she had every right to, because of course he hadn't noticed. Still, he couldn't help himself.

"What? It's true, isn't it?"

"Shut up..."

Ominis interrupted their quarrel with a deep sigh, shaking his head.