After The Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 16

The letters Part 3

"Do we really need to wait here? I'm sure the owl will find us just fine inside of Hogwarts." Ominis complained, arms wrapped tight around him and nose tucked down into his scarf in an attempt to shield himself from the cool wind shifting around atop the owlery.

"But I say, why risk it?" Sebastian was wearing a jumper which was quite warm, though his toes bounced lightly to aid with warding off the cold bite of the air. The sun hadn't fully risen yet so the fall air was a bit sharper than he thought it would be when he had pulled Ominis out of bed bright and early on a Saturday morning. When leaving letters for Siren, they had placed a stone atop it, just like they had done outside of Ominis's window, and left it at the top of the owlery. This was the first time they were receiving a letter back at Hogwarts, and while, like Ominis had said, the owl would likely be able to find them just fine, he thought he better play it safe and just be there when the letter arrives. Save the owl the hassle.

"And I say, if that damned owl isn't here in five minutes, you will be waiting for it alone."

"Wow Ominis, I didn't know the chilly air could bring out such language in you."

"I've learned that when you put me in any unpleasant situation, my language can become quite colourful." Sebastian let out a soft chuckle as a shiver coursed through him. He was usually pretty good at withstanding cold temperatures, but something about the wind atop the owlery was just sharper.

"Siren will be rather disappointed to learn that, instead of turning me into a gentleman, I may have had quite an adverse effect on you." Sebastian looked over at his friend and could see a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"Hm, but not too disappointed. I think she will have expected this." Sebastian chuckled as he watched yet another owl enter the tower, frowning when he, once again, saw no note in its talons or beak. Just when Sebastian had opened his mouth to let his shivering friend know he could leave, he watched as an owl flew in, letter in beak. He watched it intently, waiting to see if it would come to them. Just as he had hoped, the owl flew over them, dropping the letter above Sebastian.

"Wait, here it is!" he called as he snatched it from the air before it could land in any of the droppings at their feet. He flipped the envelope over, smiling slightly at the fact that the envelope addressed the letter to 'Dearest Father and Mother'. He quickly flipped the letter over and began to rip the envelope open. Before he fully succeeded at his task, a hand ripped the letter from his grasp.

"If you think we are standing out here while you read this letter, you are mistaken. At least get us out of this forsaken tower first." Sebastian rolled his eyes dramatically even though his friend couldn't see it.

"Fine. Let's go."

They made their way down the endless steps of the owlery and were making their way past the beasts classroom when a familiar voice spoke to them.

"Sebastian, Ominis, good morning. What are you two doing out here so early?" Poppy was smiling at them as she brushed a puffskein that she held in her arms. Sebastian didn't think he would ever understand her love for those infernal creatures. One tongue up the nose had been more than enough for him.

"Good Morning Poppy." Ominis replied politely. "I have been asking myself the same question."

Sebastian shoved gently at his friend as he let out a dramatic huff and made his way over to Poppy.

"Honestly, you would think I have been torturing him."

"That is debatable." Ominis quipped as Poppy chuckled at them.