The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

*32. Uneasy return

*A month later (3 weeks after Anne's return to Hogwarts*

"Are you feeling confident about the O.W.L.S coming for you at the end of the year?" I questioned Anne while we were sitting together alone in the potion classroom, after dinner on that Thursday evening.

"I rather am. I studied a lot, and even when I was sick, I kept up with most of my lessons, so I should do well despite all the time away." She answered while juicing a squill bulb to add to her cauldron. 

The last 3 weeks have been quite difficult, I'd say. Of course, Anne was the talk of the school and she was receiving plenty of attention. Most people are happy to see her back and are being really kind and welcoming. The hard part is the tensed relationship between her and Sebastian.

She's still refusing to have a proper conversation with him, and of course he has a hard time respecting that. Anne and I grew really close lately, I spend a lot of time with her. Sometimes I almost feel bad when leaving her alone. 

She was surprised to know that Ominis is with Poppy. The two girls are quite different and never really were more than acquaintances, but I always suspect there was something between Ominis and Anne, so I guess if there was, it might be odd for her to see him with a girlfriend. 

Ominis was trying to be present for her, as a friend, but it was clear that Poppy was a bit insecure about it, even if she is being understanding. Anne and Ominis get along so well, it can be intimidating.

"At least you got to keep up a little. Try to arrive in a brand new world where you discover that magic exists!" I joked.

"Yeah, it must've been hard. But the ministry was really accommodating to let you pass your O.W.L.S while completing your sixth year." Anne scoffed. "You managed it, after all."

"You're right. It was double the work, but it was worth it." I smiled, taking notes in my book while Anne was adding a dash of tincture thyme to the boiling liquid.

"You're just naturally talented, like me." Anne teased. "Consider yourself lucky!"

They might still be fighting, but if only they could hear themselves and realise how similar the two of them are... that Sallow sass is really a thing!

"Do you still need me?" I asked Anne while I closed off my book and put my quill away.

"No, I'm almost finished anyway. Thanks for agreeing to help me study." Anne spoke softly while stirring the potion.

"Good, I'll see you later in our room!" I smiled at her before leaving the potions classroom that professor Sharp agreed to let Anne come and study whenever she needed.

"About damn time!" Sebastian complained when he finally saw me enter the Slytherin common room. "Where were you again?"

"Oh, you don't have to spend your evening waiting for me by the staircase, you know!" I teased him, but quickly realised he wasn't having as much fun as me. "I was with Anne, she wanted my help studying potions."

"Anne doesn't need help studying potions. She could teach that class better than professor Sharp!" Sebastian answered in an arrogant manner.

"Maybe, but anyway, she asked and I agreed. What do you want me to say?" I told him while heading to put my books back in my room. 

"You already share a room with her, if she just wants to catch up with a friend, you already have lots of time for that." Sebastian pointed out as he followed me in my room. 

"Are you jealous?" I asked with a slight chuckle. 

"Of my sister? You're delusional!" Sebastian scoffed. "But I could enjoy some more time with my girlfriend, I won't lie."