Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Nineteen

This chapter is fun and has a bit of modern language use between the girls because it just felt more fun! So, just try to go with it and enjoy 😁

By the time I reached Lower Hogsfield, the confrontation with Sebastian was a distant memory. I was determined, now more than ever, not to let him ruin my girls' night, my schoolwork, my life... If anything, he had just proven who and what he was. And after everything with Ominis, I knew now that I deserved better. And I planned to keep it that way. I firmly put all my Sebastian feelings in a little box and pushed it far, far out to sea. Case closed.

"Rachel, dearie! We've missed you so much!" Mum encased me in a sweet hug, always squeezing just a little too tightly.

"Mum, you're hurting me again." I smiled at her overly affectionate nature.

"Oh, sorry, dearie. Come in, come in. I've made a huge meal. I hope you're hungry! HA! Who am I talking to? You're always hungry." Her grin was extra warm today.

I was actually starving having missed breakfast and not had an appetite for lunch. I had only shoved a muffin in my mouth in between classes.

We had the best dinner I could imagine having in a long time. I enjoyed my little family unit so much. I even had time to play a little game of jacks with Archie before the girls started arriving, their voices could be heard arriving by Floo just outside the door.

"Ok, beat it Little Bowtruckle. It's girl time!" I swatted his bottom, indicating it was time for him to vacate what was officially his room but used to be mine.

I threw the door open and called to my friends who squealed and came bustling into the house.

"Everyone, this is Mrs. Bickle, my mum. And Archie who has kindly decided to let me have my old room back for our slumber party." I introduced. Mum hugged everyone, she was a big hugger, even Imelda who looked intensely uncomfortable. It made me chuckle.

"Ok girls, I have plenty of snacks and games set out. Don't stay up too late now." She winked and went over to her usual spot by the fire.

"Wow, Rachel, this place is so cute!" Poppy gushed.

"I am so glad you and Mrs. Bickle are together now, my friend. You are the perfect fit." Natty squeezed me gently.

"This place is so small. Are we meant to all sleep here in this room?" Imelda scoffed.

The other three of us looked at each other and then immediately began laughing.

"Imelda, have you never had a slumber party before?" Poppy asked her.

She blushed. "Well, I didn't have many girl friends growing up. And I was always more concerned with learning to fly than braiding hair." She retorted.

"Good." I said. "Because you're an excellent flyer! And I can braid my own hair. And now we have something else in common. It's my first one too." I prodded her arm. She smiled, looking relieved.

"You weird Slytherin girls with your competitive natures and penchant for hanging out with boys... don't worry. We'll educate you." Poppy said, smiling with Natty. "There's usually not a whole lot of sleeping that happens at these things anyway. Lots of talking and giggling late into the night." She paused dramatically. "I CAN'T WAIT!" She clapped her hands together enthusiastically.

We all laughed.

"Ok, first things first. Did everyone bring what I asked?" Natty asked, looking around at us all, to which we all nodded. "Wonderful. Now it's time to put them on."

We each changed into our most ridiculous sets of nightclothes. Mine were a very light blue with every color of little duckies all over them. I looked like Easter threw up on me.