The Shadows of Slytherin

Chapter 2: The Library Pact

James sat in the Gryffindor common room later that evening, the fire crackling softly in the hearth as he attempted to focus on his Herbology homework. But his thoughts kept drifting back to the dungeons and his unexpected conversation with Sebastian. The Slytherin's proposition lingered in his mind, stirring a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Earth to James!" Lily's voice broke through his reverie. She waved a hand in front of his face. "You've been staring at that page for the past ten minutes. What's up?"

James shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Just thinking about Potions."

Lily arched an eyebrow. "Potions? Or Sebastian Sallow?"

James felt his face heat up. "What? No! I mean, yes, but not like that. He just... suggested we work together more. Said we could learn a lot from each other."

Lily leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. "That's... surprising. Sallow doesn't seem like the type to reach out like that. Maybe he sees something in you."

"Or maybe he just wants to make sure I don't blow up any more cauldrons," James muttered, though he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it.

"Well, whatever his reasons, it might not be a bad idea," Lily said. "You could use the help, and who knows? Maybe you'll find out he's not so bad after all."

James wasn't so sure, but he nodded anyway. "Yeah, maybe."

The next day, James made his way to the library after dinner. It was quieter than usual, with only a few students scattered among the shelves and tables. He spotted Sebastian at a table near the back, already surrounded by a pile of Potions books and notes.

"You're late," Sebastian remarked without looking up from his book as James approached.

James rolled his eyes and sat down across from him. "Nice to see you too, Sallow."

They settled into an uneasy silence, the only sound the turning of pages and the scratching of quills on parchment. Despite his initial discomfort, James found himself getting absorbed in the work. Sebastian's meticulous notes and clear explanations made the complex subject matter more accessible, and James began to see improvements in his understanding.

After about an hour, Sebastian leaned back and stretched, his eyes tired but satisfied. "You catch on quickly when you actually try, Calloway."

James managed a small smile. "Thanks. Your notes are really helpful."

Sebastian glanced at him, something unreadable in his eyes. "I've noticed you put in more effort lately. What changed?"

James hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I guess... I just got tired of failing. And you being on my case all the time."

Sebastian's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Motivation can come from the most unexpected places."

James chuckled, the tension between them easing slightly. "Yeah, I suppose it can."

They continued working, the atmosphere more relaxed now. As the evening wore on, James found himself appreciating Sebastian's sharp mind and dry wit. It was strange, but in this setting, away from the pressures of the classroom and their usual audience, Sebastian seemed almost... likable.

When they finally packed up their things, James felt a sense of accomplishment. Not just because of the progress they'd made, but because for the first time, he felt like they might actually be able to work together without driving each other insane.

"Same time tomorrow?" Sebastian asked as they headed towards the library doors.

James nodded. "Sure. See you then."

As they parted ways, James felt a flicker of something he couldn't quite name. Maybe it was the beginning of understanding, or maybe just the start of a fragile truce.