A Cruel Fate of Endless Devotion

Chapter sixteen: A Trip to Feldcroft

Melody rubbed her hands together as she waited outside the entrance to the Slytherin common room. No matter how many times she visited the dungeons, she never could get used to the freezing temperature. 

"Of course they're running late. Don't mind me waiting out here I'm just freezing my arse off" she thought, rolling her eyes.

Just as she was about to give up and retreat to a warmer spot, the heavy stone door creaked open, revealing a smirking Sebastian Sallow and a somewhat nervous looking Ominis Gaunt. "It took you two long enough," she muttered under her breath as she walked up to greet them.

"Don't blame me for being late, Sterling. Ominis is the one who had to change his outfit three times" Sebastian said jokingly.

"I can't help it if I have impeccable taste," Ominis retorted, flashing a mischievous grin. "Besides, it's not every day we visit Anne. I wanted to make sure I looked nice."

"You look dashing" she complimented him.

While Sebastian and Melody opted for more casual attire, Ominis' stuck to his usual sophisticated look. His attention to detail enriched his ensemble. She could only assume that Sebastian had helped him color coordinate his formal wear. A hint of relief came from Ominis as he relaxed his shoulders, even if he couldn't see, he still wanted to look his best for their visit to Feldcroft and it was nice to know that someone thought so.

"And what about me?" Sebastian asked as he stuck out his chin, his hands on his hips, posing dramatically, making Melody giggle.

"You look very handsome as well" she giggled, her cheeks blushing a slight tint of red.

"I see you're wearing that ridiculous hat again" Sebastian pointed out.

"As I've told you before, there is nothing wrong with my hat," Melody said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"As much as I would love to hear the two of you bicker like an old married couple, I am eager to get to Feldcroft. We told your Uncle we would be there by lunch" Ominis said.

"How are we getting there?" Melody wondered.

"The floo channels of course. Right this way"

She followed both boys down a sharp corridor. At the end stood an intricately carved stone fireplace. Decorated with serpents and emerald green accents, the fireplace exuded a special type of magic.

"Can three people travel at the same time via floo flames?"

Sebastian grabbed her wrist, tugging her into the fireplace. "Of course they can," he said as he grabbed a handful of floo powder. "Although most people don't due to the chance you might switch bodies"

"What!?" Melody screeched. "Sebastian-"

"Feldcroft region"

**********

"I hope you know you're a bloody twat!" Melody huffed at Sebastian as she picked her hat up off the ground.

"I didn't think you'd actually believe me!" he laughed. "How gullible are you, Sterling?" he teased.

Pulling out her wand, Melody smirked as she pointed it at him. "Anteocultia" she muttered.

Suddenly his laughter stopped, his eyes went wide with realization. "Tell me you didn't do what I think you just did,"

"Serves you right"

Sebastian's jaw dropped, and he stumbled backwards in shock. His hands reached up to feel the large antlers that Melody had charmed to appear on his head. The absurdity of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks, and he couldn't help but burst into a nervous laughter, albeit tinged with a hint of embarrassment. He was sure he looked absolutely ridiculous to everyone who walked about.