The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

49. Unresolved business

Another day went by without Anne and Ominis around. So far, only a few classmates quickly asked about it, but no professors seemed to comment about it throughout the day. In any case, I would trust Ominis to fix himself a good cover if he needed to stay out of school for a few days. As a Gaunt, there was usually less justifications needed.

Sebastian was getting worried, mostly about his sister, but I reminded him that he didn't need to. She was well now, apart from the fact that her and Ominis were once again mad at Sebastian... and me. The best thing to do, I guess, was to let them come to us once they were ready.

During the last lesson of the day, I sat with Natty in Professor Ronen's class. We teamed to practice our Ascension Charm, one at a time while the other watched over the one casting Ascendio. As usual, Natty was naturally good at learning new spells, so was I.

I still could not completely focus with my mind, and eyes, constantly going back to Sebastian who seemed in an awful mood today. He seemed preoccupied, which was to be expected, but for a reason I could not quite tell, I was more worried about him this than usual.

"Alright, class! Today's lesson was quite successful!" Professor Ronen cheered. "Of course, by that I mean that no one blew up the ceiling during your practice."

Sebastian was waiting for me outside the classroom, silently glancing back and forth at random students passing by him. I waved goodbye to Natty and took Sebastian's hand in mine.

"Are you alright?" I asked as we walked in direction of the dungeons.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" He replied coldly.

"You are an awful liar, Sebastian." I scoffed.

Somehow, I managed to snatch him a soft smile.

"You should know that I am an excellent liar. It just happens that you know me so well. Even better than I know myself sometimes." Sebastian spoke, giving a slight squeeze to my hand.

"Being an excellent liar is not something you should be bragging about." I teased him. "But yes, I do know you well."

We arrived near the Slytherin common room entrance almost at the same time as Freddie, who then stood awkwardly next to me as the three of us waited for the door to appear.

Freddie cleared his throat loudly, almost as if he was intentionally trying to break the silence. I looked over at Sebastian, who let out a long sigh then led the way inside as soon as he could. We walked down the stairs. Sebastian tugged on my hand once downstairs and dragged me closer to him to let Freddie walk past us and away.

"Let's meet back here in 5 minutes." Sebastian said, to which I nodded. "Alright."

He pulled me towards me and placed a kiss on my forehead before walking away to the boys dormitory.

Nerida was leaving the room as I entered. We exchanged a quick smile before she went on her way. I changed into my tan riding attire, with blue pants. I put on my long beige coat and my Slytherin scarf because it was still cold outside. When I joined Sebastian, he was waiting for me with his black winter coat on, which suited him very well. He looked classy.

"This coat suits you well. I don't think I ever saw you wearing it." I remarked.

"I don't wear it often." He replied. "You know me, I look good in everything. Hence why I am perfectly content with my school clothes most of the time!"

"Oh, I know." I chuckled faintly.

It was snowing just a little bit, and the snowflakes looked so soft and light that they were falling slowly. If they were to fall even slower, it would look like the time has stopped. The walk to Hogsmeade was refreshing. Even if it was cold, the fresh air relaxed me.