Invisible String - Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Seven: Peace

When classes finally ended on Friday afternoon, all I wanted to do was curl up in front of the fire in the common room and fall asleep. My conversation with Sebastian following our shared dreams had been raving through my head all day, and Poppy and Imelda had to wake me up in classes more than once.

Instead of going to get rest though, I was trudging up even more flights of spiraling stairs, off to the Room of Requirement to check on my rescued beasts. I knew Deek would have cared for them in my summers absence, but I knew I needed to care for them myself.

How had the first week of classes gone downhill so quickly? It had been shaping up to be a good start of term, between being back here, having Imelda make me part of the Quidditch team, being on semi-speaking terms with Sebastian and Ominis again, it should have been a great week.

In truth, I was drained. Emotionally, mentally and physically, exhausted. I hadn't gotten back to sleep after my dream, my head was pounding with a headache and my muscles ached from this mornings private Quidditch session with Imelda. She'd set our house team tryouts for next Wednesday and insisted on one-on-one lessons until then. I definitely needed them, and my groaning muscles were evidence enough of that.

Walking three times past the blank wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabus the Barmy, I thought hard about my secret room. Just as I passed the wall the final time, the familiar wrought iron door began to form. I walked in and breathed in deeply. The smells from my potting tables wafted to me and it made me smile, the freshly tended to earth evident that I had been correct in assuming Deek would continue to care for my little private corner of Hogwarts.

My potions stations were freshly polished, supplies I had gathered at the end of last term neatly organized in a large curio cabinet off to the left. I walked deeper into the room, searching for the house elf I'd grown so close to, and throwing my things down on the large ornamental table in the center of the main room as I walked past.

My potion supplies were dwindling down from what I'd collected last year and I knew a trip to J.J. Pippin's shop in Hogsmead would be due soon, and I made note to check with Poppy if she'd want to come with me. I grabbed a few ingredients to set a potion brewing before turning towards my atriums and setting off go check on my creatures.

The darkness of the atrium swallowed me and I found myself splitting into the widest grin since I'd left Hogwarts at the end of last term. This space that Deek and Professor Weasley had given to me fifth year truly felt safe. It was mine, and I let out a happy sigh as I breathed in the fresh smell of damp earth.

This was pure and simple. This was peaceful.

It was bliss here, in the dark atrium, no students milling around, no ominous dreams, no running into Sebastian, no Unforgivable Curses.

And it pushed all thoughts of worry to the very back of my mind.

A few hours later, after feeding and tending to my collection of creatures, I knew I needed to head back down for dinner. Imelda was sure to be needing me for another round of practice and I didn't think it wise to hide out in here all evening. Even as I knew this though, I couldn't help but stroke the dark leathery wing of my thestral and press my face into his side.

I could stay here with them all week and not want to leave.

I knew I needed to. So with one final pet and nuzzle to my thestral, I turned, leaving the atrium and quickly grabbing my cloak, but pointedly leaving my bag on the table.

I'd be back before I'd need it again.

I found myself wandering empty halls, my shoes echoing loudly against the stone floors. The sun was setting through the stained glass windows and I smiled lightly to myself.

The colors from the glass bounced and sparkled all around the hall and I couldn't help but do a small twirl where I was. The colors danced with me, all around the halls, begging to be appreciated and I intended on doing just that for them.

Hogwarts, at sunset, was my absolute favorite.

The noise from the Great Hall echoed louder and louder the more levels I descended and I found myself slowing just a hair to enjoy the peace for a moment longer.

Deep breath in, deep breath out.

One foot in front of the other.

Doors loomed in front of me and I heard loud bits of laughter coming from all the tables. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath for the last time before pushing the doors open.

My time of peace had ended.

The noise and laugher ringing around me did bring a smile to my face, admittedly, but as I sat next to Imelda, I noticed that the feeling of bliss that had taken to me this afternoon was shrinking.

I scooped a large helping of chicken and potatoes onto my plate, turning to her. "I'm guessing we are getting up early for practice tomorrow?"

"Yes!" She said, pointedly, as though I was silly for needing clarification. "We have the pitch tomorrow morning and since it's Saturday I don't want you to be surprised if there are people watching."

I groaned a little but smiled for her. "Eh, let them watch the show. They'll realize the skill they have to meet to beat us this year."

Imelda smiled even wider.

I tried to focus on what Imelda was saying, her excited babble about tryouts in a few days filling my head but I felt a pair of eyes on me, drilling into me from down the table. It drew all my attention and I looked around for the set of eyes I was sure to find.

And there they were.

Soft brown eyes, surrounded by freckles. Concern written all over his face.

I stared back at him for just a moment before turning away, my mind back on my atrium and the dancing stained glass windows.

Next time, I'm skipping dinner.