Magicis Par // Sebastian Sallow

5. First Date

            I stared in the mirror and huffed. I was certainly one who indulged in modern luxuries, and to not have access to them was starting to eat me alive. I could live without makeup and my cellphone, as use of one was not commonplace within the castle. Service was terrible anyways.

But I was near homicidal over the lack of hair products. My hair was naturally textured into waves, but it had started to look like a rat's nest in my opinion. I was certain that I'd be able to brew up some kind of concoction to help maintain it better, but I hadn't the space or time. I meant to locate the Room of Requirement this past week, but Professor Weasley loaded me with so many extra assignments that every waking moment I had that I wasn't in class, I was buried in the library.

I made a note to myself to spend tomorrow in the Room of Requirement trying to brew something up.

I was also in desperate need of a shower—not to bathe, a legitimate shower. Apparently, Hogwarts was far more behind on the times and hadn't installed them, but I did my research. I knew they had been invented over one hundred years ago, and I was determined to have my own in the Room of Requirement.

"Are you really fretting over what you look like for Sallow?" Violet snorted as she returned from the baths.

"No," I retorted. "I was just wishing I had something for my hair." Violet stood behind me and assessed it.

"I have some oil, but your hair is much longer than mine. I'm not sure how helpful it'll be."

I sighed heavily and started braiding it back like I had most every day this week. "Perhaps I'll pay Madame Snelling a visit." I pulled a few pieces out of the braid and turned towards the outfit lying on my bed.

That was another thing. I hated the clothes here. I longed for a pair of leggings and an oversized jumper. Instead, I'm stuck with a pair of trousers. I grimaced.

I could at least make the outfit somewhat flattering. The dark brown trousers were fitted and came down to my ankles with button flies up either side, and they were a workout to put on. The blouse, too. It was cream in color and had about three thousand buttons from hem to collar. And the collar was fucking massive. A pair of black boots sat on the floor next to my bed. They took me equally as long to lace up and tie.

I reviewed my appearance one last time in the mirror. "You're sure it's not a date?" Violet teased. She was dressed in a long skirt and turtleneck. It was far too warm for that today, so it was clear she didn't plan on leaving the castle.

"It's not a date," I groaned. "I've just never been one for skirts."

"Probably for the best. Harder for Sebastian to get into."

"Merlin, Violet!" Nerida scolded as she entered the room. "I only caught the tail end, but would you please give the poor girl a break?"

"Figured she should know what she's getting herself into," Violet grumbled before picking up an armful of textbooks and exiting, letting us know that she'd be in the library with Ominis for the majority of the day.

"Is he really that bad?" I sighed, turning to Nerida for an explanation.

Nerida shook her head. "Honestly, Sebastian's really lovely. He's intelligent and devoted, though a bit hot-headed. He may have a bit of a reputation with the ladies, but it's more because they're all obsessed with him than anything. I mean, you recognize how fit he is, right? Be honest with yourself."

She was right. Sebastian was attractive and exactly my type.

She took my silence as success and grinned. "I knew it." She started gathering some of her things—a leisure book, her wand, and a journal. "He's taken care of Anne their whole lives. You've spent a lot of time with him this week, so I'm sure he's told you at least a bit about Solomon. Not the best parental figure. Sebastian may not be the most responsible and gets into some trouble, but it's with the best intent in mind." She made for the door, only turning to offer me a, "have fun today," before exiting.