Invisible String - A Sebastian Sallow Story

Chapter XXXVII

Sebastian was surprised seeing how much faster than him the small girl moved, considering how much shorter her legs were than his own, but he didn't question it. They had the most ground to cover, and needed to find her knapsack in the room of requirement, as well as Highwing and possibly Calico before they headed off. Sebastian knew the hippogriffs were fiercely loyal to the girl, and having them in the fight would prove handy in tracking her location.

Soon the pair found themselves out of breath and in front of the room's appearing doors. Sebastian hardly waited, as he pushed his way inside, rushing towards the vivarium she kept the creatures in when a small voice called out behind him.

"Mr. Sallow! Ms. Sweeting!" turning around Sebastian saw Deek looking frightened at their hasty entrance.

"Deek, I'm glad to see you're alright." Sebastian said, frantically looking for the old leather bag she stored in the room.

"Deek heard what happened to our friend and he sent the phoenix to help. Was he able to locate the camp Ms. Sweeting?" Deek asked, walking towards a small shelf, pulling a chair to sit directly under it, before climbing up onto it.

Poppy only nodded, using this time to catch her breath as she avoided looking at sebastian.

"Good. Those poachers are always up to no good. I am glad our friend is alright." Deek reached up, retrieving the leather bag Sebastian was looking for easily before handing it off to him"

"Deek went ahead and already put Highwing inside. I figured it might come in handy having them if she came to the room. You'll take them to her for him right? Deek is so honored to serve such a kind witch like her." he said, nervously fidgeting as he handed Sebastian the bag.

"I promise we will Deek, thank you for your help." With a snap of his fingers, the house elf left them standing there in the dimly lit room.

"Ready?" He asked the hufflepuff girl, noticing the way she was staring at something above one of the planting stations on the wall. Just as Sebastian was turning back to the hall leading to the door she let out a loud wail, collapsing to the ground faster than he could react as she folded in on herself.

By the time he made it to her shaking frame, Poppy was tucked into fetal position, rocking back and forth as she struggled to breathe, all the while tears rained down her face. Somewhere between the loud cries and struggled to breathe he could hear her attempting to speak but couldn't tell what she was saying.

"Hey, shhh Poppy..." he cut himself off before reprimanding the girl on the poor timing of her outburst as he saw a moving portrait of his witch and the girl along the wall.

"I , I..." she started to say as he tried his best to figure out what was upsetting the girl.

"Hey Sweets , you gotta breathe alright? Not doing anyone any good by hyperventilating and I really hate to leave you behind but if you're not well enough to fight-"

"No!" She shouted, startling him. In her brown eyes Sebastian could see a look reminiscent of a cornered animal, so he leaned back slightly, giving her some space.

"I -" Poppy spoke looking at his outstretched hand in the gap between them where he'd paused it before she continued crying. "I'm so sorry" the hufflepuff girl wailed as she covered her face with shaky hands.

Finally taking the risk he leaned forward enough to put a hand on her shoulder as he felt the tremors wracking her body as she cried. If he left her, he was concerned she'd join them later and alone, so he needed to calm her and do so quickly.

"Poppy," he said with a sigh as she continued crying into her palms. She refused to look at him so once again he repeated her name much more firmly this time. "Poppy."