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

Chapter Thirteen: Championship Round & Anne's Response

'That was impressive?' He mentally groaned. He couldn't do better than that? Merlin, what was wrong with him tonight?

"Thanks," Damien replied, his lips curving up ever so slightly. "You and Natty were quite enthusiastic."

Sebastian blinked. Should he say something about the wink? No, no, that would be unwise. He opened his mouth to say more, although he wasn't quite certain what yet, when Natty joined them, beaming. 

"Congratulations, Damien!" she said. "You were amazing out there."

"I'm just pleased to have done as well as I did."

Sebastian glanced around the room, soaking in the excitement of the other students. "Looks like you've made quite an impression on everyone. Did Lucan give you your prize?"

"No," Damien said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear, "he said he'd have it sent to my common room. Something about an outfit?"

Sebastian nodded approvingly. "Ah, the Crossed Wands champion garb. I still have mine from last year. I don't usually wear it, but I'd be happy to dust it off if you ever want to match."

Sweet Merlin, did he really just say that out loud? Stupid Sebastian. Very, very stupid. 

Damien and Natty, thankfully, merely chuckled, then Natty saved Sebastian from his panic, saying, "Well, I should probably head to bed."

"See you around, Natty," Damien said, raising a hand in farewell. 

Sebastian also waved, weakly, as she made her way out the gate. He noticed that the once crowded room had dwindled down to only a handful of students, most also in the process of exiting.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow night," Damien said, sweeping yet another strand of hair out of his eyes. No wonder he usually kept it tied back in a tight bun. As much as Sebastian wanted to see Damien's hair down again - fantasizing about running his hands through it was a nice little treat... 

No, no, no! Stop. Not the time, Sebastian. Not the time.

"Likewise," Sebastian coughed out. He wanted to say more but was finding it exceedingly difficult to form words now that he and Damien were alone.

Damien seemed just as tongue-tied. He cleared his throat. "Well, I guess I'll head out, too."

"See you tomorrow then."

"Have a good night!" Damien called over his shoulder as he left the room.

Sebastian stood there for a moment, processing. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was different between him and Damien. He tried to brush it off, telling himself it was just the excitement of the competition and the adrenaline rush that was still pumping through his veins. What was that wink anyway? He chided himself for not asking. Now he was going to spend all night thinking about it. 

Bugger it all. 

Well, he'd see Damien again tomorrow night. Satisfied in that knowledge, he adjusted his knapsack on his shoulder and started the long walk back to the Slytherin Common Room, allowing himself five minutes - only five - to ponder his earlier fantasy. One had to set limits for these things. 

***

Dear Sebastian -

A troll in Hogsmeade? A new fifth-year? You must tell me more.

As much as I appreciate you thinking of me, I wish you would spend less time searching for a cure. You know my feelings on it.

I'm doing alright. There are good and bad days. Uncle Solomon has been taking good care of me though. He can be a bit gruff, but his heart's in the right place.

The next time you're here, I'll show you the new vegetable garden I'm tending in the backyard. I know how much you love pumpkin, so I planted some seeds. Hopefully we can harvest a pumpkin or two before winter. I'll try to keep the cows away.

If you can spare a weekend, come by soon. Tell Ominis I say hello back.

Your long-suffering twin sister,

Anne

*Wink

*Gay Panic