The Call of the Void (Sebastian Sallow x F!MC)

XIV: F e l d c r o f t

"I need to consult her journals," he murmurs, though it's evident he's lost in his own thoughts. After another stretch of silence, he regards her with a wary look. "She was investigating Rookwood Castle before she died."

Siobhan knows it can't be coincidental.

"Perhaps we'll learn more after you complete another trial for the Keepers," Professor Fig suggests, the two listening as the bell tower chimes. He affectionately pats her shoulder. "You should get some breakfast. Will you promise to take it easy today?"

"Yes, sir," she nods, ready to fall into bed and not wake up until Monday.

His eyes flick over her shoulder, and she doesn't need to look to know Sebastian is there. The professor fondly smiles as he approaches, wrapping one of his freshly bandaged hands around hers. Siobhan feels her face heat up, but she doesn't pull away.

"I'll be in touch," Professor Fig says before departing.

Sebastian squeezes her fingers to gain her attention. "Were you two talking about Quidditch?"

"Huh?" She finds herself momentarily distracted by how unruly his hair is, thinking she must look just as disheveled. She resists the urge to reach up and comb it back into place.

"Something about a Keeper?" he raises an eyebrow. "And a trial? Is little miss afraid of flying thinking of trying out for Imelda's unofficial team?"

"I'm not—" Siobhan frowns at his teasing remark. She huffs, gesturing back toward the hospital wing. "Shouldn't you be resting?"

"You heard Nurse Blainey," he smirks. "I don't listen."

"But you do eavesdrop," Siobhan counters.

Sebastian's eyebrows twitch up, but he isn't upset by the accusation. "Call it selective hearing. It's just another one of my many talents."

He says nothing else until they've left the faculty tower and are on their way to the Great Hall for whatever scraps might be left over from the morning meal.

"You know," Sebastian singsongs in the way that usually preludes one of his ideas. "Rookwood Castle is in Feldcroft."

So he had overheard everything.

Siobhan anticipates what he's about to suggest.

"Instead of waiting for Professor Fig, why don't we scout ahead?" he offers, far too eager for someone who nearly had his head sliced off the night before. "I'm sure you'll tell me what you're searching for. I know the area, and..."

"It would be nice to visit Anne."

Even if he's not doing it on purpose, Siobhan feels guilted into agreeing. She can't say no, not now.

"Okay," she nods, failing to hold back a yawn. "I hope it will be less daunting than last night."

Sebastian huffs a sardonic laugh. "Just wait till you meet Uncle Solomon."

■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■

The following weekend, Siobhan meets Sebastian in the clock tower courtyard after breakfast. He's dressed warmly, for once, a dark coat pulled over his grey woolen jumper, and a green Slytherin scarf wrapped loosely around his neck.

"It'll snow any day now," he muses as she approaches, turning his attention from the sky to her. "Does it snow in Nottingham?"

"Sometimes," she responds, adjusting her coat to block out the morning breeze. "Usually on Christmas, if we're lucky."