Invisible String - A Sebastian Sallow Story

Chapter XV

"Not sure if I did it right, but I tried my best" she said, stepping back to let Solomon resume his position before she moved away.

"Well?" Solomon asked, while Sebastian leaned forward, assessing how their combined effort manifested. Feeling around he didn't find spots that had been neglected. As his fingers ghosted over the spot where she'd held his face he smiled.

"Definitely much better than if I had attempted that on my own or with Ominis back at school" he said.

Solomon laughed at the thought of the blind boy his wards spent most of their childhood around with having to be the one instructing his nephew without sight. Sebastian cleaned up while his uncle resumed conjuring a tree for the living space. Eventually Sebastian crossed the threshold back to the kitchen, joining her by leaning against the counter where she had started folding dough for bread.

When Solomon turned his back he leaned down whispering in her ear "still just as handsome?"

"Devilishly" she muttered under her breath as he smiled and reached a hand to help her. His arms wound from behind her body to resting the the dough on the table top as he started to help knead. She took a step towards the table, hips touching the solid furniture as he followed closely behind her. She gave a warning glance over his shoulder to knock it off, as Solomon wouldn't be distracted for long.

He relented, coming back to her side just as Anne and Ominis decided to wander back. As they did so, the girl finished preparing the last of the food and Solomon finished making the house feel homey for the holidays.

Sebastian helped pass the young woman a towel as she finished washing her flour covered hands. She thanked him with a gentle brush of her now clean hand against his cheek before moving back around the table with everyone else.

Solomon brought out a bottle, she couldn't quite read the label to, and set out enough small glasses for everyone as he filled them with a flick of his wand. Once they were full Anne brought a glass for herself and carefully handed one Ominis as Sebastian did the same for her. They all held them close as Solomon spoke.

"I know this years been hard on everyone, and I'm not one for words so I will keep it brief, but I'm glad we can all be under the same roof and enjoy the Yule time together. Things have been different since this time a year ago, but it's important for us to remember that family, is the most important thing we all have. Gaunt, I am glad you continue to allow us the honor of being your chosen family. And to our new friend, your presence has been wonderful addition amongst this household. We may not have much, but being able to lean on each other remains something we Sallows do best. To another year of laughter, family and love" he said, raising the glass.

"dheagh shlàinte" the twins said nearly in unison as they brought their glasses together with a small tap.

Ominis and his love followed suit, the words being repeated despite being somewhat foreign on their tongues.

Once they had finished the toast, she looked at Sebastian who's eyes met hers playfully over the rim of his glass before he tossed the drink back without caution. She quickly moved to follow suit and when she did the liquid immediately burned her throat. Over the years she'd had her fair share of muggle wines, even other liquors, but this was entirely different.

Unable to contain herself she let out a shaky cough from how unprepared she was at the drink. Beside her Ominis stifled his own, still not used to the amber liquid, but having done so a year prior with the Sallows was mildly more prepared.

Sebastian laughed at her reaction to the scotch, sliding the glass from her hand before carefully pulling her into his side. Raising a gentle hand up her back he suppressed the remnants of his laughter into a soft chuckle. "I believe the Scotch has proven to be too fiery for you my dear" he said as she finally composed herself.