The Keeper's Snake // Sebastian Sallow

Friendship, Loyalty, and Love

Fiona returned to her dorm feeling uneasy. She had asked Sebastian to spend the night with her in the Room of Requirement, but just to sleep. She worried she was being far too forward. She also worried that sleep wouldn't be on her mind. She had seen his bare arse after all. As quickly as she looked away, the image was burned into her memory. She kept picturing his muscular and naked form. Not to mention the faded scars on his back, no doubt from when Solomon would beat him.

Fiona decided to read a bit to take her mind off of things. Her history of magic textbook was the perfect distraction. Just as she opened the book, Constance walked into the dorm. Her presence put Fiona on high alert.

"Fiona, I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you would be with Sebastian." Constance acknowledged Fiona's presence.

"Please Constance, I don't spend all of my time with him." Fiona rolled her eyes.

"Are you sure?" Constance retorted.

"What are you trying to say Constance?" Fiona asked.

"Nothing!" Constance held up her hands. "You could just leave a little bit of time for your mates. Sebastian never lets you out of his sight."

Fiona was getting annoyed. She knew what Constance was trying to do. She was being blackmailed by James Doyle. Fiona wondered if she should tell Constance she knew what was going on and offer her help. Maybe then she could also be free of Doyle.

"Sebastian is my best mate. You spend all of your time with Doyle anyways." Fiona mumbled back.

"James and I are in love." Constance struggled to get the words out.

"Sure Constance." Fiona faked support. "That's grand."

Fiona returned her attention to her textbook. She learned that a couple hundred years ago there was an attempted goblin rebellion. It was clearly unsuccessful, as wizardkind was still in existence. Still, it made Fiona wonder why goblins would take arms against wizards and witches in the first place.

Fiona's reading was interrupted when Constance received an owl. She started hysterically crying and screaming while reading it. Fiona closed her book and rushed to Constance's side.

"What's going on? What's wrong? Did someone die?" Fiona asked worried.

"You knew didn't you?!" Constance yelled.

"What are you talking about? Calm down Constance!"

"I hope Sebastian does the same bloody thing to you!" Constance replied through her tears as she pushed Fiona away from her.

She got up and left the dorm, leaving her letter lying on the bed. Fiona assumed she was off to the toilets to cry alone. Fiona's curiosity kept telling her to read the letter. She knew she shouldn't have, but she wanted to know what upset Constance so much. She picked up the letter and began reading, instantly recognizing the handwriting.

C,

This will be the last time I ever write to you. You should know that I have moved on. From my observation, you have done the same. While our few months together were a laugh, we did not share love. I know that now. I hope you find true love with Doyle. Have a nice life.

-S

Fiona was livid. How could her brother be so cold and senseless? Constance deserved a heartfelt conversation. The letter felt cruel and careless. Fiona returned it to its spot on the bed and marched straight to the Great Hall. Dinner was just beginning.

She didn't see Sean at the Gryffindor table, but she saw Ominis sitting by himself at the Slytherin table. She took a deep breath to calm herself down and took a seat next to him.