The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

18. Family reunion

The next morning, I felt rested despite the headache that was trying to take over. I couldn't believe we just decided to sneak out in the middle of the night like that. I'd blame the firewhiskey, but the truth is that I was glad we did. Some alone time with Sebastian, away from all the drama was just what I needed.

Sebastian went out to buy some ingredients and food so we could eat for the next two days until we'd get back to the castle. Meanwhile, I enjoyed this alone time to start reading my book. Reading it made me feel closer to my mom, in a way I haven't felt in a while.

"Honey I'm home!" Sebastian shouted as he came in. "Wow, I always wondered how that would sound be coming from me!"

We both burst in laugh while I got up to help him put away the food.

"Don't get use to this, we need to head back tomorrow afternoon, preferably in time for dinner." I explained.

"I know, I know." He scoffed.

We cooked together a simple omelette that we ate with some berries. After breakfast, we spent some time outside practicing new spells and combos on the training dummies. We eventually gave up on the training dummies and decided to duel together. Obviously, I won, so he requested a rematch. Hopefully he won that second duel, I couldn't bear with his mood if he were to lose two times in a row.

We ate a quick bite for lunch then headed for a walk outside, where Sebastian showed me all his favorite spots for when he wanted to enjoy some fresh air while reading.

We talked all evening, and we really got a chance to learn more about the other. We laid together in bed, my head resting on his chest while we talked for what seemed like hours. Sebastian told me many stories of happy memories he had with Anne and his parents, and I told him about my mom and grandmother.

I knew it was hard for him to talk about his parents, or Anne, so I was happy he felt comfortable enough to share all this with me. Coming from him, it was a lot.

We eventually fell asleep, although I didn't know when exactly.

Early the next morning, we had to leave as Sebastian remembered there was a quidditch match just after lunch this afternoon. Slytherin against Gryffindor. We used the floo flames to travel to Hogsmeade and walked back to the castle as if we never left.

A quick detour in the Slytherin common room and we were changed and ready to meet Ominis in the Great Hall. He asked about our little time away, but once Sebastian started detailing our first night there, Ominis stopped him and decided he wouldn't ask any more questions. It was nice of him to cover for us. Fortunately, no one asked questions except for Imelda and Nerida, but they were too caught up in their own affair to push it further.

"Well, I'm glad you too had fun!" Ominis said, just before eating a mouthful of roasted potatoes.

"It definitely was! Thanks, Ominis." I replied.

"Next time, you should take Poppy to my place, we'll cover for you!" Sebastian joked.

"Don't worry about us, we'll manage something." He scoffed. "When the time comes."

"I'll leave you two right now if you don't mind, I got to go meet the team and get ready for the match!" Sebastian announced as he got up and kissed me on the cheek before leaving.

Ominis and I met Poppy and Merida in the stands. Natty was sitting with other Gryffindors in a tower in front of us. I could also spot Albie Weekes in another tower with some other witches and wizards from Hogsmeade, and a few professors.

When Mrs. Kogawa announced the beginning of the match, my eyes were on Sebastian, who would have to compete against Garreth to determine which one of them would catch the golden snitch first.