In the Shadow of Seventh year

Chapter 32: Gold at Gringotts

After your time together in the Room of Requirement, you and Sebastian had stayed there cuddling and just enjoying each other's presence, making some small talk. 
   Eventually the both of you went down to the kitchens where Bimsy prepared some delicious food for you since you had missed dinner. 

Sebastian walked you back to your common room once your stomachs were full. 
   You were a little disappointed at first, wanting to stay with him longer, but he gave you a kiss and told you it was best to rest up since he would fetch you here before breakfast the next day. 
He still wouldn't tell you where you were going, but he did mention it was a pretty long train ride, since it wouldn't do going by Floo powder and the ride would give them time to relax a little and just talk -"or make out" Sebastian had suggested with a wink, making you slap his shoulder with a roll of your eyes.

With a last hug and kiss, you went inside the barrels. 

The common room was very empty, most students having gone back home again after the ball, but Poppy was sitting in a chair with a book. 
   Walking up to her, it was clear the Hufflepuff wasn't even pretending to read, her eyes unfocused as they gazed into the fire, a dreamy smile on her face. 

"What's got you all smiling like that?" You asked curiously as you took a seat in the chair opposite her. 
   The girl jumped and looked over to you. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in." 
You smiled at her and raised an eyebrow, still waiting on an answer. 
   Poppy tilted her head in confusion until her brain finally caught up with her ears and a blush spread on her face. 
She closed her book and began tracing the cover -which you recognized as one of your novels. 

"Well." Poppy started, looking around to ensure they were alone. "Ominis and I... last night we um, we spend it in the Undercroft."
   You squealed, immediately knowing what she meant. "I'm so happy for you Poppy! How was it for you?" 
She tucked some hair behind her ear and shyly smiled. "It was amazing. Everything I've hoped for and more." Her shyness fell away as she looked you in the eyes. "Ominis was so sweet and caring and I'm just so happy!" 
   The smile on your face only grew. After everything your friend had been through and considering how long she had been pining after Ominis, words couldn't express how much you thought she deserved this. 

"I never doubted Ominis would be a gentleman. I'm glad he treated you well." 
   Poppy beamed. "Thank you!" Then her smile turned a little wicked. 
"How about you? I didn't see you all day and your bed was unslept this morning so am I wrong to assume you spent the night with Sebastian?" 
   You nodded. "Yeah, the whole day too." 
"And? I'm sure you didn't just cuddle all night, right?" Poppy leaned forward with a smile. 
   With a chuckle, you shook your head. "No, we did more than just cuddle." You stared dreamily into the fire remembering last night. 
"It was amazing. Sebastian was good to me and I couldn't have wished for a better first time." 

Poppy sighed happy. "I guess we both are lucky, huh?" 
   You agreed, but then your mind went to the events of the day and your mood dampened.
"I found my family today."
   Your friend's eyes widened in shock and her mouth fell open. "What!? How, when, where!?"

It was strange how fast the mood changed, but you swallowed down the lump in your throat and blinked back the tears that were threatening to wet your eyes at the memory of uncle Noah standing there all alone in St. Mungo's. 
   "Sebastian has been trying to find out about them for me all this time." You told her. "He took me to visit my family home, which strangely was a place I've been to before." 

You slowly began explaining what Sebastian had told you: about his deal with Shacklebolt, how he researched all he could find about your family. That he found out what happened to your grandparents on both sides and what happened to your own parents. 
   How he took you to their house and the moment you recognized it, the guilt you felt having looted the place before and Sebastian showing you their graves where you finally could pay your respects to your parents.