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

Chapter Forty-Two: In Memoriam

Sebastian never expected to see the Great Hall decked out in mourning. Black banners, somber and imposing, hung from the high ceiling, casting an air of melancholy over the usually vibrant space.

The tables were devoid of their customary lively chatter and laughter, replaced by subdued conversations and hushed whispers. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, as students and professors alike wore expressions of sorrow and disbelief. 

Professor Fig was dead, a casualty in the battle against Ranrok and his Loyalists. The goblins had been defeated, but most importantly, Damien was safe. 

The specifics remained elusive to Sebastian, fragments of the truth scattered among the murmurs, but from what he gathered, a handful of professors had valiantly fought to hold the goblins back from entering the upper levels of the castle. Rumors swirled about Damien being captured and subsequently rescued by Professor Fig himself. No one seemed to know why he of all students was of interest to Ranrok - the general consensus seemed to be he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sebastian knew that wasn't the case, but he hadn't had the opportunity to confirm it. To his immense frustration, he hadn't been able to find Damien anywhere since the night of the attack. 

The more time that passed, the more concerned Sebastian was that he would lose the impetus to make things right with Damien. They needed to have a conversation, and soon. What that conversation would entail, he had no clue. Sebastian released a heavy sigh. He became vaguely aware that he was bouncing his knee underneath the table, disturbing the first-year sitting beside him. He promptly stopped.

Sharp had returned for Sebastian when it was all over. Surprisingly enough, he didn't share with anyone that Sebastian had attempted to join the battle. Sebastian was unsure why, but he wouldn't push his luck by asking. 

Natty and Poppy were not caught. Poppy informed him that after they searched the library and couldn't find Damien or Sebastian, they returned to the Great Hall in the hopes that Sebastian had been successful and the two of them were there. When that turned out not to be the case, it was too late for them to try again. They had been spotted by Madam Scribner, who had joined Professor Black in the Great Hall, and had to return to their respective tables. Although it seemed like she wanted to ask, neither one of them pried for more information about Sebastian's whereabouts for the remainder of the night. Sebastian was grateful for that. He didn't feel like explaining; it was too embarrassing.

Ominis didn't need to cover for Sebastian, as no one noticed his absence. He also didn't ask Sebastian why he didn't return with Natty and Poppy, which was unusual, but appreciated. Someday Sebastian would explain, but now was not the time. 

Two days had now passed since that fateful night, and Sebastian was still upset with how everything had turned out, although he was relieved Damien was unharmed. 

Sebastian could see Damien now, sitting at the Ravenclaw table by himself. He appeared utterly exhausted. There were bags under his eyes, and his hair was a disheveled mess. He was still alarmingly beautiful.

It pained Sebastian to see Damien this way. He pried his eyes away. His attention drifted back to the window. The wintry night added to the somber atmosphere.  All the professors had assembled, occupying their positions at the front of the hall. 

Professor Black advanced toward the pulpit. He held up his goblet, as if to make a toast, and cleared his throat. "Professor Eleazar Fig. I daresay he was a beloved professor to many of you. Certainly, a—long-standing colleague to his peers. A famed adventurer and renowned seeker of knowledge, he built a reputation—" Black paused, his eyes wide, as if he couldn't think of what to say, and continued, "charging into the unknown - brazenly disregarding both discretion and safety. Providing, perhaps, a rather unfortunate lesson for us all."