Invisible String - A Sebastian Sallow Story

Chapter XXI

Sebastian wiped the sweat that had accumulated near his hairline with the back of his left hand while he continued to dry the wood table with his right. Since he'd started working at the 3 Broomsticks he found carrying around a rag at all times to be helpful, given there were often spills in this line of work.

He hadn't even been back with everyone at the castle for five minutes before he was using the Floo network to travel to the tavern, practically begging on his hands and knees to Ms. Ryan for employment in his spare time. The conversation had gone over quite honestly, and as he continued to clean the mess left by one of their regular patrons he remembered the words the witch had told him.

" Whatever do you need a job for Sebastian? You are in school. You need to be focused on your studies. I am sure your parents would not be thrilled with the idea of you splitting your time this way..." she told him apprehensive to grant his request.

"I am only talking about the occasional evening and weekends Sirona please... It is very important to me that I am able to make the money on my own. Being here is much safer than the alternatives I have considered. Besides, I am old enough to be making decisions." He told her, begging his case.

"What is it that you so desperately need the galleons for? If... if your family needs help covering for Anne you know you can always ask me for the assistance... I knew your parents quite well, and I refuse to watch you work yourself to death on Solomon's behalf." She explained, misreading the situations, but still offering from the kindness of her heart.

"It's not... it's not entirely to do with Anne. In fact, for the most part it isn't." He said, looking down sheepishly. Sebastian was anxious explaining himself to anyone besides Anne and Solomon, as they may not understand his witch came from different customs. While he was confident in his affections for the new student, he worried about the judgment he may face from others over their chosen course of actions.

"Sebastian, you know I am going to need more information than that..." she explained, trying to be gentle to the young man.

"I know, I know" he frustratingly ran his hand through his disheveled hair, looking around awkwardly suddenly aware the nosy sets of eyes upon him as he struggled, trying to find the words to say when he was interrupted.

"I need a hand grabbing one of the kegs from storage. Join me?" She asked. Sebastian realized she could just lift them with a simple charm, taking the moment of privacy the tavern owner so graciously was offering. He nodded, stepping through the doors to the back store, following her down into the cellar as the enchanted braziers on the wall lit up as they walked down the stairs.

"Alright, out with it. What trouble have you gotten yourself into Sallow? Whatever it is we ca-" she started, immediately assuming the worst but when Sebastian shook his head she stopped speaking.

"I am not in trouble. Far from it actually..." he blushed, thinking of how to word his request and explain his current situation without looking like a love stricken fool.

"Is it to do with that girl? The new student? The one with you over the holiday?" She asked. Ever the astute Ravenclaw.

Sebastian nodded, clearing his throat while looking back at Sirona who eyed him curiously.

"I will say, you looked quite smitten, even after the troll attack. Then each time you've visited with her since... I've noticed a shift in you. I am correct in assuming it's been because of her?" Sirona continued to dance around the subject.

"Yes... I have grown, quite attached to her." He said, confirming the witch's suspicions.

"You are saving up to gift her something I assume? That's why you need the money? I am sure if you plan to get something from a shop here I could work out a few days work in exchange -" Sirona started but Sebastian interrupted.