All The Magic We Made (Sebastian Sallow x Fem!OC)

I'm Canadian And It Shows

After careful examination of my surrounding area to make sure nobody is paying too much attention, I discreetly place the highly (Garreth) sought-for, universally (Garreth) celebrated, world (Garreth) renowned fwooper feather next to his cauldron. I glance at him just long enough to catch the beam that lights his face, delight glinting in his eyes, before quickly going back to my own cauldron and trying to get started on an extra assignment.

I barely know three minutes of peace before hearing a loud BOOM in the corner of the classroom.

And seeing as it wasn't caused by me, it must have been Garreth. Shit.

"Weasley!" Professor Sharp bellows.

"Sorry, Professor!" he answers back, his words broken through coughs as he wipes the ash and muck from his face.

"Come talk to me," Professor Sharp says. "Now, Weasley."

Garreth hurries to the professor's desk, where they begin a quiet convention, Sharp clearly irritated with the low, urgent manner he's speaking. I should have never participated in this. Now Garreth will be in trouble and I'll be in trouble and the professor is mad and what if points get taken off Hufflepuff? What if I get expelled? What if everyone hates me forever? What if---

"Miss Andrysiak," Professor Sharp says as Garreth leaves his desk, head hung low. "A word."

This is it. I'm about to die.

I slowly make my way to his desk, my heart racing. Apparently my nervous system can't tell the difference between being held at gunpoint and a discussion with the teacher. The seconds tick by like hours, and I want to be anywhere but here right now. I'd wrestle with the giant squid of the lake to get out of this if I could.

Before the professor could even get a word in, I'm already talking a mile a minute. "I am so, so sorry, Professor Sharp, I have no excuse, I shouldn't have agreed to take a fwooper feather from your private cabinet. Garreth probably already told you the whole story, so you probably know what happened already, and I don't know where I'm going with this, but I'm ready to own up to the consequences of my actions. I did something I shouldn't have, and---"

"Miss Andrysiak, please slow down," Sharp says, holding up a hand to stop my never ending string of words. "Mister Weasley did not acknowledge your involvement at all."

"Sorry."

"You can stop apologizing for a moment as well."

"Sorry." Damn it. 

The Canadian in me is really showing right now.

Professor Sharp sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. Someone needs to get this man a raise. He gestures to the seat across from his desk. "Have a seat, please."

I sit stiffly, fiddling with the hem of my skirt. "Professor---"

"Please." He holds up his hand again. "You've said quite enough. Give yourself the privilege of a breath."

I let some air enter my lungs before releasing it. Then I give him two thumbs up.

"Firstly, you understand that what you did was an extreme violation of the trust I have placed upon you, yes?" he says sternly.

"I understand, sir."

"Secondly, I need you to understand that this type of behaviour calls for severe consequences."

I hand my head low. "I understand."

"However...I do appreciate your integrity. It is admirable how you took responsibility without being asked," he says. "Because of that, and because I am aware of the predicament upon your enrollment in this school, I will let you off with only a warning."

It's like a weight has just been lifted off my chest and I can breathe again. I look up at him with a big, grateful smile. "Really? I swear it won't happen again."

"I will hold you to that, Miss Andrysiak," he says. "This is your only warning. Do not take it lightly."

"Of course, sir." I nod.

"While I have you here, I trust that you took a look at the extra assignments I assigned you?" he says, putting his hands together on the surface of his desk.

"I have, sir. It's fascinating," I say. "In my past school, we had a subject similar to this called "chemistry". I find potions to be infinitely more interesting, however. And enjoyable."

"Chemistry. What an interesting word." Professor Sharp hums. "If you need any help regarding your potions assignments, please do bring all your inquiries to me."

"Thank you, Professor," I say, filled with relief at the prospect of having help accessible. I'm definitely going to need it; I have a feeling that today won't be the last time a potion decides to turn against me and attempt murder. "I've never been amazing at chemistry and it seems the same applies to potions."

"Mister Sallow is rather exemplary in the subject. Do not mention this praise to him or he will get a big head." he adds in warning.

"Already does, Professor," I say with a little laugh.

Professor Sharp smiles, just a little. "Figures. I only mean to say that he is also an excellent resource to turn to. Peer support is incredibly beneficial when adjusting."

I nod in understanding, smiling back at him. "I understand. We're acquainted and he has already helped me in so many ways."

"I am happy to hear this. Sebastian does not often take to newcomers so quickly."

That's news to me.

Professor Sharp dismisses me back to my table, and on the way back, I catch glimpse of Sebastian's simmering cauldron. Looking perfect, of course.

The potion, I mean. The potion looks perfect. You guys know what I meant-- you know what, I'll stop internal-monologuing now.

"Hey, Seb?" I say, stopping next to him.

"Whoa, since when was I "Seb"?" he laughs, crossing his arms and leaning back against the edge of the table.

"What do you mean? You've always been Seb."

"Not up until now, I wasn't," he says. "Up until now, I've been Sebastian."

"There's no way--"

"No need to get defensive, Loves." The bastard winks. "I don't mind it."

I shove him playfully. "As I was saying. Is it true that you don't take to newcomers quickly?"

"Hm. Don't I?" He grins.

I roll my eyes, although I'm not able to repress a smile. "Fine, keep your secrets, Sallow."

"And I'll keep yours, Andrysiak."

It's crazy, I know. But in that moment, I could swear that something akin to understanding---or, being understood---passed between us. 

That seems to be happening more often lately.