Like Moths to a Flame // Sebastian Sallow [Book One]

Sebastian was not in a good mood. A few days had passed since his midnight excursion with Damien to the Restricted Section. While he managed to talk his way out of that detention - Scribner apparently had more bark than bite this year - he had no luck getting out of the one from Professor Shah for his tardiness the week before.

Professor Shah had assigned him the detention, but it was Professor Weasley's duty as Headmistress to make sure he followed through. Shah had given him a good chunk of time to settle into the new school year, but now Sebastian was polishing silver in the trophy room instead of enjoying a beautiful fall afternoon in Hogsmeade with the rest of his schoolmates, probably Damien included. Not that that was relevant whatsoever. 

Ominis apparently had some Potions ingredients he needed to pick up at J. Pippin's, so instead of bringing Sebastian along he enlisted Imelda. Sebastian assumed she was taking a break from flying for the day since she hurt her wrist in Crossed Wands last night.

Speaking of Crossed Wands - he started rubbing a Quidditch trophy more vigorously - last night had been a total disaster.

For the first time ever, Sebastian lost a match to Leander. It was absolutely infuriating. To make matters worse, everyone had been there, even Ominis, who only came to matches occasionally, not being a member. He shuddered at the damage control he would need to do over the next few days, perhaps even weeks. Surely not months?

Well, maybe not everyone had witnessed his defeat. Damien had been late to his match, nearly leading to a forfeit. Natty had vouched for him though, mentioning something about how they'd been in Lower Hogsfield together earlier that evening. She suggested he might have gotten lost on his way back, since she left the hamlet just before him. Sebastian found that explanation highly improbable, but Lucan accepted it without question.

When Damien did arrive, he chose Natty as his dueling partner and, naturally, they won. At least Damien would make it to the last round. Sebastian fully expected him to win the tournament this year. The final round was scheduled for this Friday. He supposed he'd attend, if not reluctantly.

He moved on to polishing the House Cup. What was Damien doing with Natty in Lower Hogsfield yesterday anyway? Not that it was any of his business, and yet... they were friends now, weren't they? Sebastian let out a frustrated groan, wringing the cloth in his hand.

He didn't regret not ratting on Damien, but he was anticipating at least some gratitude for his loyalty. To be fair, they hadn't had a chance to speak privately yet. Although Damien did sit next to him in Defense Against the Dark Arts today. Maybe that meant he appreciated Sebastian's discretion. Hard to say for sure.

Ominis was not pleased to hear that Sebastian had been caught in the Restricted Section again. Word had already spread across the school, most likely thanks to Peeves. There was even a rumor that Damien had been involved, but Sebastian quickly shut that down whenever he heard it. When recounting the story to Ominis, he left Damien out of it entirely, skirting around the truth. It didn't sit well with him to lie to his oldest friend, but he'd made a promise to Damien, and he intended to keep it.

Sebastian heaved a sigh. Lying and detention were not things he wanted to make a habit of, but it seemed like trouble always had a way of finding him.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Sebastian's gaze shifted to the hourglass nestled in the corner, marking the remaining time until his detention ended. It was nearly up. He needed to finish a paper on the care and usage of Mandrakes before Herbology tomorrow, but maybe he'd take a stroll outside first. He didn't want to waste a chance to soak in some sun.

Packing up his supplies and grabbing the hourglass, he headed back down the stairs to Professor Weasley's office.

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