In the Shadow of Darkness | Sebastian Sallow

Restricted Topics

"How are the lessons going, if I may ask?"

I sighed in frustration. They certainly weren't going well. The previous day's lesson had ended shortly after Hecat experienced the only memory I had of my mother, more specifically her eyes. The memory had shaken me, and every time she would cast Legilimens, I would think of it again and again, which prompted the professor to suggest we take a break and pick back up next week. She had looked understanding, perhaps even thoughtful, but that didn't help my embarrassment.

"Ah," Professor Weasley said simply. "Rest assured, you will prevail."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Of course, dear," she said, her eyes catching sight of someone. "Good evening, Mr. Sallow. I trust you are staying out of trouble." Her eyes twinkled as he approached.

"I try my best, Professor," he said in his usual mischievous voice.

She chuckled, bidding us both farewell and moving off without another word.

"Staying out of trouble," Sebastian repeated sarcastically. "With some of the rumors I've heard, she'd best stay out of trouble."

I narrowed my eyes as him, questioning.

His mouth dropped as he realized what he said. "Oh, um...never mind."

I grabbed his arm, pulling him between a pair of bookshelves and closer to me. "Never mind, what?"

He looked around uncomfortably, probably ensuring that Weasley wasn't going to jump out of hiding at any moment, and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Let's just say, next time she's around Professor Sharp, pay attention."

My eyes widened. "Are you suggesting...?"

He raised his eyebrows slyly. "Dunno."

I snickered at the thought but knew there was no way he was right. Weasley was far too professional for that, and really, so was Sharp. Plus, I was pretty sure they hated each other. "Anyway, did you need something?"

"I saw you were in the Restricted Section, and wanted to see what you were up to." He had leaned in by now, the scent of chocolate and pine mixing with that of the books.

I drew a shaky breath as all of my senses became hyper-aware of his closeness and my mind wondered briefly what it would feel like to kiss his neck right where his collar gave a glimpse of his throat. I swore my heart was pounding in my chest at the thought. "Only sanctioned fun. Sorry to disappoint you."

"This time." His pupils had almost completely consumed his irises as he stared into my eyes, one side of his mouth upturned as he placed a hand on the bookshelf behind me.

My teeth flirted with my lower lip as my imagination continued to run wild. Oh, how I wished to be truly alone with him! His other hand brushed a strand of hair out of my face, but his fingers stayed there. I knew he was going to kiss me, right there, just out of sight of anyone else.

"Sebastian, there you are." Ominis seemed to appear out of nowhere, making us both jump apart in surprise. He heard my breath, realizing it was more than the two of them. "Well, hello there," he greeted tentatively, clearly not sure who I was.

"Hello, Ominis," I replied, noting how he relaxed when he realized it was me.

"Sebastian and I were studying a bit for Arithmancy when he left rather abruptly." He looked toward his friend, adding with amusement and a raised eyebrow, "I suppose I know why, now."

I swore Sebastian's cheeks turned a light shade of pink as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I...you're welcome to join us, if you'd like. We were going to go off to practice some spells soon, anyway."