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

29. The Study Process

We returned to Hogwarts the next afternoon. Sebastian had a hard time parting from Anne. So did Ominis. Thalia offered a hug before I left.

And I accepted it.

It felt odd. I was hugging a woman who looked like my mother. And acted like the mother I needed.

But she wasn't her.

It was still comforting to say the least. She told me she wanted me to enjoy my two weeks at Hogwarts and Christmas before we handle the compact case business.

Lectured me about the importance of being just a student.

I felt some of the weight lifted. Like I could breathe a little bit better suddenly. I looked forward to the holidays at Hogwarts. They were quite lonely last year. But me, Sebastian, Ominis, Natty and poppy decided to have our own little celebration together.

Our plans for it grew more the closer we got to Christmas. And perhaps it was the light feeling from knowing Anne would be back after the break that made me and Sebastian slightly careless about our endeavors with one another.

Sebastian couldn't bare to hide his affections. If his hand wasn't in mine, it would be on the small of my back. Gently pressed, reaffirming my presence with him.

He waits for me in the common room in the morning. Patiently reading by the fire before we go to breakfast. Ominis sleeps in so much and usually misses it. But sometimes Sebastian manages to drag him out in time.

The winter snow upon Hogwarts felt like it brought peace along with it.

I sighed to myself wondering where Sebastian was. Id half expected him to be in the main vivarium when he told me to meet him in the room of requirement. But he wasn't there.

I huffed and headed back into the main room. With many vivariums this would definitely take a moment. But I did want to check on a baby thestral first.

So headed for the swamp. The air was a little warmer in there somehow. It was nice and smelled of muddy grass and water.

And all the beasts were the most calm in this one. Thestrals. Unicorns. Purple toads.

The baby thestral was getting bigger. And was very curious.

I fed him a treat and watched him slowly jog in a happy little circle before returning to his mother.

I felt two arms slip around my waist and lips against the side of my cheek.

" Careful darling. You nearly ruined my surprise for you." Sebastian murmured against my cheek before kissing it.

I laughed and spun around, pressing my lips to his. Any kiss we shared since the weekend, was never as gentle or hesitant. He kissed me deeply and with longing every time.

And I melted every time.

" A surprise?" I pull back away in question.

He briefly pecks my lips once more.

" A surprise." He grinned and took my hand in his leading me up one of the staircases of the hill.

" I thought you wanted to meet in the room to study?" I laughed as I followed him.

" I did. And studying we shall do. But why study in a room when you have these vivariums?" He said with his usual cockiness.

I rolled my eyes and followed him. At the top of the hill in a small clearing over looking parts of the swamp and my beasts, he had set up a neat place for us to sit and study beneath the tree.

He had laid out a thick blanket. A small fire for more warmth and light. As well as several pillows from the room of requirement.

" you're right. This is much better than the room." I said with a smile looking over at him.