Exile || Sebastian Sallow

32 | One Step at a Time

32 | One Step At A Time

Belle's Perspective

Mid-December snow gracefully fell from above, dusting my hair with cold dust as I strolled across the Transfiguration courtyard, books hugged to my front to keep them from getting wet. Despite the thick Ravenclaw sweater I wore under my fur coat and the thick stockings I paired with my skirt and boots, I shivered. As beautiful as snow was, I truly hated the cold so I picked up my pace to get inside faster.

I had just tapped my boots on the front steps when I heard a familiar whistle to my left. I swivelled my head and found a grinning Sebastian. His hands were in his pant pockets as he leaned sideways by the wall underneath the stone walkway, his red-tinted brown hair almost black against the blinding white snow.

I scanned the courtyard subtly. Transfiguration class finished a while ago, and I stayed for an extra time to practice my spell, so I suppose it was in my favour no one was around.

The next few days after Sebastian had asked me to be his girlfriend were a whirlwind of clandestine meetings after school, and midnights where we would meet between the letter exchanges where only the moonlight and fireplace would know of what was whispered between the both of us.

I still couldn't find the perfect time to tell Lila. I knew it was my life, and no one else should have a say in what I did with it, but I loved her like a sister. Eventually, I was going to need to tell her. Whatever the outcome might be.

Hogwarts had been abuzz with excitement for the upcoming Christmas Party next week. Decorations were already being put up, and I could swear I smelled peppermint hot chocolate wherever I went. Students were in every corner, daring each other to spill their Secret Friend, so moments like these with Sebastian were rare. With our crazy schedule as seventh years too, we barely had time to be by ourselves, let alone go on an actual date as a couple.

Sighing, I fast walked over to Sebastian. Despite the endless cravings I had for our trysts, I couldn't help the small irritation that made my brows scrunch a little because he was being risky.

"Why the frown, Sunshine? Aren't you glad to see me?" An arrogant, teasing grin I loved and hated so much shone on his face as soon as I stood before him.

"Don't you have a class to get to?" I huffed, small clouds forming out my lips.

He merely shrugged. "Free period, remember? It's Thursday, so my only class was Charms and Ancient Runes."

"Right," I sighed, but because I couldn't help it, I broke into a smile. "Came here to see me after class, did you? I'm flattered."

"Damn, am I that obvious?" He made a sound that seemed like he got burned, but sarcastically. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you with my affections. I promise, I most definitely do not fancy you beyond being my friend."

"Oh, shut it." I broke into a full grin. "I'm glad you're here. Transfiguration was a bit of a challenge today if I was being honest. Had to turn a poor owl into a pebble. Do you know how hard it is to turn a slightly big creature into such a very tiny thing?"

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with amusement. He clutched my chin gently and leaned to give me a soft kiss, the warmth of his skin instantly coursing through mine to blanket me against the frigid weather.