I'd put on some casual clothes and pulled my green Slytherin sweater over the top, and put my hair up in a loose bun.
Poppy had exited the Slytherin commons and was waiting outside the entrance with Natty, Nerida, and Imelda when I arrived.
"First thing's first is breakfast," said Poppy. "We'll tell you some of our plans while we eat."
I nodded, and we began the walk to the great hall.
Even just walking, I felt a bit light headed from the medication, but I'm sure it would pass as the day went on.. or at least I hope so. "Sebastian and Ominis said they'd join us after breakfast," Poppy went on. "I just know you're going to have fun today!"
We reached the great hall and sat down at the end of the Slytherin table. Everyone was picking things up and putting it on their plates, but for some reason, I didn't have any sort of an appetite. I put a few things down on the plate and picked around, but the thought of actually eating anything made me sick.
"So we wanted to take you into Hogsmeade today and stop by a few fun stores, and then go to Three Broomsticks for some butterbeer afterwards," said Poppy.
"That sounds like fun," I smiled. I was trying so hard to stay awake. "I can't wait!"
After breakfast, we started to leave the hall. "Before we head off, I'd like to stop by the Hufflepuff commons if that's okay," said Poppy. "I got you a gift and I'd like to give it to you!"
"That's so sweet Poppy, you really didn't have to," I told her.
"It's okay, I really wanted to, plus- I just know you're going to love it!"
Before we started off for her commons, Sebastian and Ominis joined us as well.
"Happy Birthday, y/n," said Ominis.
"Thank you," I replied.
"Happy Birthday again, and good to see you," said Sebastian.
"Thank you, and good to see you too," I said. "I'm glad you'll be joining us today."
"Wouldn't miss it," he smiled.
We began our walk to the Hufflepuff common room, heading left and down the stairs.
I tried my best to keep my breath steady as we descended the many stairs, using the wall to steady myself. I hung behind the rest of the group, trying not to make it obvious I wasn't feeling the greatest.
Sebastian gazed back at me, and a look of concern crossed his face. He hung back so I could catch up to him. "Are you feeling alright?" he grabbed my elbow and asked me, his voice low. "You look a bit paler than usual."
"I'm fine, Sebastian," I lied. "Just up a bit later than I should've been last night."
"Okay," he told me. His body language and facial expression told me that he didn't believe me.
Once we reached the entrance to Poppy's commons, she went inside for a few minutes before returning. She came out with a little silver box that fit in her palm. "Open it," she said, holding it out to me.
I pulled the top off of the box, and revealed a little charm bracelet. There was a single charm, which was a little hippogriff. The bracelet was black pearl in color. "This is amazing, Poppy, I don't know what to say," I gasped.
"You don't have to say anything," she smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
"Would you like me to help you put it on?" offered Natty.
"Yes, thank you," I replied. Natty removed it from the box and clasped it around my wrist. I absolutely loved Poppy's gift. It definitely reminded me of her. She pulled up her sleeve and revealed that she had the same one, but in a silver color, the same hippogriff charm dangling on her wrist.
"I wanted to get us friendship bracelets," she said. "It's a muggle practice, but I thought it was such a cute idea!"
"I really love this, Poppy, thank you so much!" I told her, giving her a tight hug.
After that, we began to head up the stairs again. Going up was definitely a lot harder than going down. Sebastian was eyeing me the whole time, with that same look of concern upon his face.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he leaned in and whispered.
"I already told you, I'm fine," I grumbled. At the same time, I fumbled over a step.
"Merlin's beard, y/n, just take my hand!" he whispered, sounding annoyed. "You're more stubborn than you ought to be about these sorts of things."
I reluctantly took his hand, intertwining my fingers in his. Even though it was only to help steady me on the way up, it still sent shivers up my arm. I really hoped my hair was covering it if I was blushing. I could feel my face heating up.
Once we were up the stairs he didn't let go of my hand, and he looked down at them still clasped together. I slid my hand out of his rather quickly, uttering a swift apology.
"Don't be," he told me.
Next was Hogsmeade. I knew this walk was going to kill me. I wish we'd just fly there, but not everyone here had their own broom. We started off, and I was glad that we all elected to go at a leisurely pace. I was out of breath again, but tried to remain as steady as I could. Through the entire walk there, Sebastian never left my side- even grabbing my forearm at occasional moments to make sure I didn't lose my balance.
Of course out of all my friends here, he was the one who had to notice that I wasn't feeling my best. I didn't mind the extra contact with him though... I hated to admit it, but I kind of liked it.
Everyone chatted amongst themselves on the way there. Imelda was going on about the upcoming quidditch game next weekend, which would be against Gryffindor. Natty was giving her a hard time about it, bragging about how they'd beat Slytherin two times the year prior. I was nervous about the game as well. It was Slytherin's first game of the season, and my first game ever.
After a while we finally made it to Hogsmeade and headed off towards our first stop, which was Honeydukes.