Invisible String - Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Twelve: The Restricted Section

I walked alone to the library that evening, having skipped dinner all together. I couldn't quite shake that feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, noting how it twisted and mixed with shame over the desire to feel the power of the Imperius Curse again. There was no way I could look anyone in the eye at dinner, not even Sebastian.

I was clutching my bag tightly as I hurried down flights of stairs from the safety of my peaceful Vivarium and only looked up when I made it to the top of the staircase before the library. The last time I'd gone into the restricted section, I'd met Sebastian right here. He'd stood with his back leaning against the marble bannister, a smirk across his face, and the memory was so vivid it felt as though I was seeing it all over again.

I remembered the excitement in his voice, the mischievous glint in his eye, the way my heart fluttered when he greeted me that night.

I couldn't help the smile that crept its way to my lips as I lost myself in memory after memory of simpler times.

Sneaking into the Undercroft for just a little more time together most days of the week, out of the prying eyes of the Slytherin common room.

Comforting each other after either of us had a rough day, his hands usually playing with my hair.

A stolen kiss in the cove hidden beneath the castle, our breathing heavy, our faces flushed.

Shaking my head to clear it, I walked down the stairs and blinked rapidly as I realized I wasn't seeing the ghostly memory of fifth year. It felt so vivid because Sebastian was waiting for me there, exactly as he had done then. The signature Sallow smirk across his lips, freckled face glowing, leaning casually against the bannister to watch me.

"Sebastian," I breathed out to him as I approached, unable to keep my grin from spreading. "Don't tell me we have to sneak in again."

"Ah, c'mon now, Abbi, you think I'd get you into trouble?"

He was playful. He was smiling. The sight of a happy Sebastian warmed my darkened soul.

"I wouldn't put it past either of us get into trouble," I teased back, leaning next to him against the bannister. I was painfully aware of how close our arms were to touching.

"That is an excellent point," he laughed, and I swore he shifted closer to me, his arm faintly brushing mine. "I'm still in awe of what you told me is under the restricted section."

I laughed a little awkwardly, feeling yet another pang in my stomach. I hadn't even gone to check in with the Keepers since Fig died. I needed to add that to my list of ever growing tasks. "I still can't believe you took the fall for me when you didn't even know what exactly I was after."

He shrugged at this, changing the subject to our task at hand. "Let's go, Poppy and Ominis are already grabbing books. I volunteered to wait for you."

A deep blush spread over my cheeks. How long had he stood here waiting for me?

We walked closely together, Sebastian holding the door open for me as we approached the library. I descended the small flight of steps quickly, my hand reaching for the next door, when fingers curled around my wrist pulling me to a stop.

I looked first at my wrist, caged in the freckled hand of Sebastian, fire spreading over my skin, then to his face. He wasn't looking at me when he spoke, but rather at the floor.

"I know you don't want Poppy to know."

I inhaled sharply but kept my gaze on him, willing him with my glare to look up and meet my stare. I didn't reply.

"She won't know. I promise. But... I do think we should talk about class today."

He still wasn't looking at me. His hand squeezed my wrist tightly.