The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

44. Talk to me

The first week of March was rather quiet. There was still 4 months left, and for me, plenty to study. The lack of event the past few days allowed me to focus on my studies, which annoyed Sebastian at first. Let's just say he has different things in mind when it comes to spending evenings alone together in my room of requirements.

Freddie was standing outside the Muggle studies classroom when I arrived for our class. His back was leaned against the wall, one hand holding his books, the sleeves of his black and emerald green robe rolled up.

"Careful, boy. I might think you were waiting for me." I joked as I passed next to him.

"Maybe I was!" He replied, pushing himself away from the wall before he followed me inside the classroom.

As I took place at my usual spot next to the tall boy, Eileen glanced at me from behind her desk. We had a brief eyes contact, nor friendly nor tense, just a quick looking up at the other.

"You and I are the only Slytherin taking that course, why wouldn't be waiting for my favourite classmate to arrive?" He spoke to me.

"You forgot about Charlie." I scoffed, pointing my chin at another Slytherin sitting by himself at the back of the class.

"Who?" Freddie joked. "Oh, right. Well, is it even his name?"

"I'm... not sure." I laughed. "I mean, sometimes it does feel like most students around here are just there to fill up the school. Does that make sense?"

"Oh no, yes I know what you mean!" Freddie exclaimed, lowering his voice as he leaned closer to me, seeing as the class is about to start. "I sure hope I won't just be a nameless face in your memories when you leave here."

I had not much time to think more of the possible meaning behind Freddie's last comment. I must confess that even tho Eileen is an impostor, she was doing a great job teaching this class. Rather ironic in my opinion. As much as I would want to think the worst of her on every aspect, she was quite intelligent. She seemed to be someone with great knowledge.

I was discovering sides of her which she had in common with my father. In fact, she was more alike him rather than of Alfred. The major difference I could tell was that clearly, my father did not have such a wicked foundation, a quick willingness to choose the darkest path leading to a goal.

"I expect you all to write two inches of your theory of what that last object showed is and its utility. We will get over it next week." The professor announced before students rushed out of the classroom. "Miss Ainsley, a word?"

Freddie looked at me with a concerned face, to which I just gave him a reassuring nod. He left after the others, and I grabbed my books and walked slowly toward Eileen. 

"Giving assignments?" I remarked. "You are mastering that fake teacher thing."

Eileen scoffed and sat on the corner of her desk, her hands resting on her knees.

"You might be surprised. In another life, maybe, I would've enjoyed a simplest way of life!" She answered, amused.

"Maybe." I contained an eye roll. "Is there development in our affair?"

"Indeed, there is." She exclaimed. "Actually, I visited the Gaunts this weekend."

"Oh, how are you still in one piece? I suspect Marvolo would've wanted to finish what he started."

"Oh no, he wouldn't. He still needs me after his plan failed. I convinced them I was willing to help." She declared.

"I guess they still plan on opening that relic..." I sighed. "They could've done that the last time. Don't they need me."