Invisible String - Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Twenty-Six: Slytherin vs. Gryffindor

Gingerly pulling them from the package, I looked them over. Emerald green, with black grips on the knuckles and palms, they were simple enough Quidditch gloves. It was upon looking closer at the cuff of each glove, I noticed a small line of silver embroidery.

For luck S.S.

Next to his initials, a small serpent was circling a four leaf clover.

I blinked at the gloves, a smile spreading over my lips as I took them in. Who cared if he'd stolen my gloves? He'd replaced them with the only pair I would ever want to wear in a game again.

"You don't really need luck. I've been watching you fly. But I just thought-"

"They're beautiful," I said, cutting him off. His face was split into a wide grin now, clearly happy he had given me something that I liked. "Thank you, Sebastian."

He held his arm out to me, and I gratefully took it, looping my arm through his. "The second item on my morning agenda, is to walk you to your breakfast."

I allowed him to steer us, my hands clutching my gloves tightly as we walked through the common room, a few heads turning to look at the pair of us. I looked up at Sebastian, laughing lightly at the smug look on his face. We climbed the stone stairs, exiting the common room and making our way in comfortable silence up to the Great Hall. A murmur of voices met our ears, excitement filling each voice as they talked about the upcoming match at eleven o'clock.

I spotted Imelda halfway up the table, her hair pulled into it tight ponytail, her robes perfectly pressed, her expression stony. She was focused, and I knew she wouldn't calm down again until the game was won. Sebastian marched us right over to her and gave her a tight smile.

"Your co-captain has made it on time, Reyes," he said, his voice light, but not quite his usual tone. I was reminded instantly about how little he genuinely cared for Imelda- he neither hated nor liked her very much. He was simply indifferent, and had to tolerate her kidnappings of me in the name of a sport he generally disliked.

"Thank you, Sallow," she clipped back to him. Apparently, the feeling was mutual.

The voices of the rest of our team trickled up the hall, and I saw them all as I turned my head to look. Arcturus Black was leading the team, his shoulders tall, a swagger to his step I couldn't help but roll my eyes at. Sebastian's arm tensed around mine, his eyes flashing darkly as the fellow Slytherin approached.

"It's fine, Seb. Where's Ominis?" I hoped the mention of his best friend would calm him.

"He's collecting Poppy."

I blinked in surprise, noting that this was unusual behavior on the part of Ominis Gaunt. He never collected anyone except Sebastian. I'd be sure to ask Poppy about that interesting interaction later.

I squeezed his arm and moved to sit next to Imelda. Sebastian didn't seem to want to let go as the rest of the team started to fill in seats around us, but obliged nonetheless. I looked up at him and right when I did so, he lowered himself to be level with me and pressed his lips firmly on my forehead.

I distinctly heard Imelda and Nerida giggle behind me. I blushed.

"Kick Weasley's ass for me, alright?"

And then he was gone, walking down the table and throwing himself out of the doors to the hall, fists clenched, and a smug expression on his face.

"You and Sallow, then?" Arcturus Black's voice drew my attention back to the table. His eyes were roaming over me, his expression a mix of anger and curiosity.

"I don't see how that matters the slightest when we have a game to win. Eat," Imelda barked at him. I smiled at her as he ducked his head, missing her wink.