The Unwanted Malfoy Heiress

Nineteen: The Restricted Section

The Prefects were out in force by the time Sebastian and I arrived at Central Hall. I didn't care for how distant he was being but filed that information away for later mental perusal. We were crouched in an alcove away from their gaze. "Are you sure we can't devise some sort of diversion for the guards?"

Sebastian shook his head. "No, it's too heavily guarded to do that. If there were only one or two Prefects that could work, but five? No, we would be caught red-handed. I didn't want to have to use disillusion charms, but we have no choice now. Do you know how to cast it?"

"No."

"Never mind. It's a simple enough spell. Not as effective as an invisibility cloak, mind you, but those cost a pretty galleon. But spells? Spells are free."

I produced my wand. "I'm ready. Teach me."

He led me through the necessary wand movements and the incantation. When I got it down pat, we cast it a few times before I felt confident enough to use it at will. "We should add the silencio charm to mask the sounds of our footsteps."

"There is no guarantee that they won't hear us."

I rose an eyebrow. "Mr. Sallow cautious? How odd. I expected more boldness from you."

He did not smile. "I'm trying to keep you from Scribner's detentions, not act on my impulses. Besides, I have books to borrow myself regarding Anne's affliction."

"You never mentioned what her affliction was before. Do you mind if I ask?"

He seemed to debate with himself about whether or not to answer me but then nodded to himself. "You might as well know, but later when we're not in danger of being ratted out to the staff for breaking curfew."

"Alright, I suppose that will have to be good enough. Let's go."

He nodded, and we cast the disillusionment charm on ourselves. I added some silencing charms I read about for DADA class, not two days prior. We crept on silenced feet, even though regularly the marble of the floors would pick up any and all sounds. I did not dare to breathe for fear that any of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw Prefects present would pick up the sounds of my breathing. Quietly, and quickly, Sebastian reached the front door of the library, and I followed his vaguely shaped robes figure as it disappeared inside.

He led me to one of the hidden bookcases where one of the study desks was set up, and he removed the charm on himself and the silencing one as well. I did the same, and he looked over at the librarian's desk. Madame Scribner was sitting at her desk working on something.

"Damn," Sebastian swore, whispering.
"You said she would be gone by now."

"I said she is usually gone. Right. Here's what we're going to do: I'm going to create a distraction, and you get the key from her desk."

"Why not just cast the unlock charm?"

"After my last exploit here, she made certain the unlock charm wouldn't work. So, hence, a key. Remember the book I was reading when we first met in the common room?"

"Yes. I swore we were going to kiss or make out that night."

Sebastian grinned. "I also jokingly swore to marry you one day, as I recall."

I felt my face heat up from the memory. "I remember. I was flattered. You were attractive. Still are to me."

He reached over to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. "Likewise, Baby girl. Wait for the distraction, I'll be back."

He went to go, but I tugged on his hand, and he stared at me for a moment before he crashed his lips to mine in a brief but fiery kiss. "For luck."

"Yes, for luck."