Chapter Text
“Thank you again for doing this, Miss Sweeting.” They were now by the pen, brushing the beasts and cleaning up after their early afternoon class. Since it was Poppy’s last one for the day, she opted to stay behind and help.
“It’s nothing Professor Howin,” Poppy says kindly. “I always appreciate any opportunity to spend time with my friends.
“Well, I’m sure they will miss you once you leave the castle.” She turns to the young Hufflepuff. “Are you still keen on being a Magizoologist?
“I am.” She couldn’t think of anything else she would rather do.
“Well, I daresay you’ll be one of the finest, given your natural inclination towards these amazing creatures.” Professor Howin nods approvingly.
A dash of pink appears on the young girl’s cheeks. “Thank you, professor. It’s just…it doesn’t feel like work when I’m with them.” She has this dreamy look in her eyes again as what usually happens whenever she talks about her friends.
“What about your fellow?”
Poppy blinks, confused. What is she talking about?
“Magizoologists are almost always on the go after all. I can’t imagine it will be easy courting after you both leave Hogwarts. Will he follow his uncle’s footsteps as an Auror?” The professor inquires as if she’s only asking about the state of the weather.
Poppy, on the other hand, feels her heartbeat quicken. “C-Courting?” There’s only one person she could possibly be referring to. “If you mean Sebastian, Professor, then--”
“Ah, look, there he is!”
Poppy turns and sure enough, Sebastian is indeed on his way over from the Quidditch pitch. From the looks of it, he has just finished practicing for the day. He started playing for the Team just a little after Imelda saw them together. Not that Poppy finds that suspicious. Imelda wouldn’t use that information to coerce Sebastian into playing for the Slytherin team now, would she?
“Such a delightful, young man.” The professor continues to speak while tending to one particularly vicious Kneazle. “You know the faculty was apprehensive about him at the beginning of the term. What with him being alone without a guardian? We also heard about his sister leaving.”
Poppy decides not to respond. It isn’t her place to say anything about Sebastian’s family life after all. She decides to focus her attention on the approaching Slytherin instead. He’s bathed in sweat, some hair sticking to his forehead. He took a moment to wipe his brows with his arm. When did he start developing those muscles? This action took no more than a couple of seconds but Poppy’s heart seemed to skip a beat as he drew nearer. As he approaches, he notices Poppy isn’t alone.
“Good afternoon, Professor Howin.” Smooth as ever.
“Afternoon, Mister Sallow.” nods the professor. “Well, we’re almost done here. Off you go, Miss Sweeting.” She shoos them away. “Don’t forget your appointment with Nurse Blainey.” Then, she turns her attention back to the still-struggling beast.
Sebastian instantly turns to her, brows furrowed. “What was that about?”, he demands now sweeping her form from top to bottom.
She hooks her arms around his and tugs him away from the pens.
“I’m fine, Sebastian. I actually haven’t got a clue. Professor Garlick just posted an announcement on the Common Room board.” She can’t help but note their proximity so she hastily pulls away, blushing.
“Ah. We also have one, too. I initially thought it was for Quidditch players only.” His tone seems off somehow.
Now it was her turn to look at him and she caught the rare sight of Sebastian Sallow actually flustered, his hair windswept and still a little damp from the sweat. She fights the urge to run her hands through it. For now, she needs answers.
“What is it? Do you know what this is about?” Poppy asks, curiosity growing every second the boy delays answering. Good grief, even his neck is turning red now.
He clears his throat. “Well, I may have a vague idea what the purpose of this meeting is.”
“Tell me.” She demands almost impatiently.
He looks at her with raised eyebrows. “Love, think about it. Sixth years aren’t exactly subtle about their…”, He clears his throat. “…relations. Naturally, professors are bound to get involved sooner or later.”
As realization dawns on her, she splutters. “B-But, we’re not even…”
“Not even what?” He stops walking. His gaze landed on the girl.
“C-Courting?”, the Hufflepuff can feel her face turning hot.
“Unbelievable.”
Sebastian shakes his head. He steps closer to her, and gently tucks her hair behind her ear. He captures her jaw and tilts her head up lightly. Poppy looks up and meets his earnest gaze.
“You know I’m almost offended,” He leans down to kiss her nose, “but then it’s somewhat adorable how you think we’re just friends after all this time.”
He smirks, no doubt thinking about their not-so-secret moments together, that every time she’s near, Sebastian somehow always ends up reaching for her, touching her, keeping her close. Even those silent moments spent reading at the library, or the chaotic ones involving wrestling with Kneazles and Nifflers. He even eats breakfast (The only meal Poppy doesn’t mind having in the Great Hall), at half-past six in the morning at the damned Hufflepuff Table. How could she miss such glaring signs? Sebastian sometimes forgets how Poppy could be a little clueless about human relations.
“You didn’t formally ask me! I didn’t want to assume!” Poppy says indignantly.
Sebastian considers this and it’s true – he hadn’t asked her. He groans and realizes how much of a daft idiot he was for not doing so earlier. He hugs her closer. “I’m sorry, Poppy. Allow me to rectify the situation.” Then he kisses her sweetly on the forehead. “In the meantime,” his voice lowered, “I’d advise you never to mention that notion of us not courting. To anyone. Ever again.”
They look at each other, blushing but not saying a single word. She finally sighs and envelops her arms around his waist. She buries her head on Sebastian’s chest and mumbles something.
“What was that?”
“You need a bath.” She repeats. He chuckles.
“I agree.” A pause. “Come with me?” Looking at her hopefully. Since the beginning of the Spring term, they’ve been so busy with classes and extra work that it has been weeks since they visited their spot.
She was about to say yes when…
*ahem*
They turn and find their two Gryffindor friends, trying (and failing) to keep their smirks and chuckles in check. The hero of Hogwarts spoke first, laughter still evident in her voice.
“Sorry to interrupt, but we’re supposed to be at the Hospital Wing soon.” Her smiling eyes darted back and forth between the two, finally settling on Sebastian. A silent conversation takes place. Their relationship took a slight turn at the end of the previous school year. They’re still friends, of course, but some wounds take longer to heal. The Gryffindor is just thankful that Sebastian seems to be on the right path now, much from the help of a certain petite Hufflepuff.
Sebastian reluctantly released his Precious Flower. “Very well.” He releases a small sigh. “I’ll find you later, Pops.” He looks as if he wants to say something else but can’t because of their audience.
Natty immediately stepped in, “Shall we go?” Not waiting for an answer, she drags Poppy into the stairs leading up to the castle. Poppy looked back and she saw Sebastian still standing where they left him, eyes following them. He gave her a wave and she was barely able to reciprocate before a giant door swallowed her up.
“So…” As they continue walking towards the Faculty Tower. “Any ideas why we’re all being summoned by the school matron?”
Silence.
Poppy couldn’t meet their eyes. Naturally, the hero of Hogwarts who’s as observant as ever, caught it.
Gasp. “Poppy Sweeting, you know something!” She accuses the now embarrassed girl.
“It wasn’t me – it was Sebastian who mentioned that this might be about the growing number in our class who are getting into a – a relationship.” She mumbles. Merlin, she certainly hopes this assumption is wrong.
MC scrunched up her face and made a disgusted sound. “So what, like a sex education course or something?”
Natsai slows down upon realizing the implications.
“Oh, for Godric’s sake, I do not want to endure one and a half hours of listening to a lecture about coitus! Natty exclaims furiously. She completely stopped walking and is now standing rigidly in front of the other two with both hands on her waist. “If I had wanted to learn something about carnal knowledge, I could have just stayed around the common room listening to Prewett drawl about shag – “
“Shh! Keep your voice down.” Hisses the other Gryffindor while looking around. She urges them to continue. “Don’t jump to conclusions, yet. This might not be what it is about.”
Poppy immediately nods. “She’s right, Sebastian could be wrong.” By this point, she isn’t sure whether she’s convincing Natty or herself.
The girl in question doesn’t look entirely convinced but given the fact that they are required to do so, she wisely nods and says with a resigned tone, “We shall see.”
As it turns out, Sebastian Sallow, is in fact, not wrong.
---oOo---
Nobody spoke while they were marching away from the Hospital Wing. The sixth-years were almost at the bridge when Cressida, who was also present during the class, turned to them. “Well, that was---”
“Don’t.” voices Imelda with distaste. “I never want to hear a single word about what transpired there. Two bloody hours wasted.” Her accent seems thicker now that she’s upset.
Nerida giggles at the sour look on her friend’s face, “Oh, don’t be so prudish Imelda. I daresay this has been quite illuminating.”
“I agree.” Adds the voice of Samantha Dale. “I think it’s important that we know such things. You know… for when the right time comes.”
“Oh, yeah, speaking of which,” Nerida turns to the group at the back where MC, Natty, and Poppy are trailing behind. “Have you and Sebastian already done the deed, Sweeting?”
Silence. Everyone within earshot stopped walking at once.
Poppy having been caught off guard by the question, froze. Just when she was just about to respond, another voice rang out, this time, laughing.
“Sebastian and Poppy? Please, Sebastian wouldn’t go after someone like Poppy.” Scoffs Adelaide in her posh saccharine voice. “I mean, no offence, but –”
Poppy feels MC tensing beside her when a cold voice calls out…
“I didn’t know we were fucking close enough for you to know what – or who I actually like, Oakes.”
Sebastian Sallow, standing tall near the hallway wall where he was leaning (and partially hidden) before, looks furious as he stares down at the now awkwardly standing blonde Hufflepuff.
Natsai, ever the mediator, immediately intervenes. “Sebastian! It’s good to see you, I was hoping to stay and chat about the next Crossed Wands battle, but I’m afraid we have plenty of assignments. I’ll see you at the usual place tomorrow, yes?”
That broke the spell and the other girls continued walking back to their dormitories, muttering something about dinner and finishing an essay due the next day.
When there are only the four of them left, MC smirks, “Quite the display there, Sebastian – I approve. What are you doing here, by the way?” She and Natty are smiling while glancing at the little Hufflepuff. “Here to see someone?” She can’t help but tease them. But she suddenly realizes something, then blushes the same shade of red whenever a certain blonde Slytherin is around, “Are you boys scheduled for the – uh… lecture, too?” Fishing for information whether the boys have to do it, too.
“Ahh, no. Ours is not until next week.” At this, all three girls suppressed a groan. How embarrassing – why must they torture them like this? Sebastian laughs. “I just came to look for Poppy.”
“I never thought I’d see the day. We’ll leave you two then.” She smirks. “Be sure to take care of Poppy, Sallow.”
“I always do.”
“And bring her back to the dormitory on time!” Adds Natty.
“Will you all stop talking as if I’m not here? I can take care of myself, or need I remind you of what happened last year?” Poppy says exasperatedly.
“What happened last year?” Sebastian demands at the two girls.
“Sorry, Sebastian, but I’m sworn to secrecy. Let’s go, Natty. The Great Hall awaits!”
Natty turns to them, “We’ll see you both around. Have fun!”
As the Gryffindors are leaving, Poppy feels a heightened sense of awareness at the presence of Sebastian Sallow. She instantly remembers what was discussed at the Hospital Wing. Now she can’t even look at him without those images popping into her head! Was it really necessary to provide illustrations?
As if reading her mind, the git chuckles. “So… Any pointers about the lecture for my turn next week?”
“Shut it.” She mumbles. They begin to walk while Sebastian moves closer to her. “Where are we going?”
“To the pond. We haven’t checked on Caligo for a while now.” He gently leads her down the Grand Staircase.
“But we can just fly from the balcony.”
“I need to get something from the kitchens first.”
She turns and promptly smacks him on the arm, “Sebastian Sallow! Did you cause the House Elves any trouble for –?”
“- Ow no, of course not – Well yeah, a bit. – don’t! – “Poppy tried to raise her hand again but Sebastian easily caught her hand with his. He tucks both their hands in his robe pocket before speaking. Romantic? More like self-preservation. For someone so tiny, she sure is strong.
“As I was saying, I only asked their help for dessert. The rest of the meal – I prepared them myself.”
“I didn’t know you could cook.” Poppy squeezed his hand gently this time. Her mind drifts to a scene where Sebastian is in the kitchen – cooking, while she prepares the dessert. She makes a mental note about dusting off her Gran’s pastry book. She needs to practice now especially if – wait. P-Practice? Her traitorous mind is getting way ahead of herself.
“You’ll be surprised by the things I can do, Poppy.” He murmured in a low voice, accompanied by a light squeeze of her hand.
“What?”
“Nothing. C’mon.”
The remaining walk to the kitchens was spent in silence but Poppy was flushing the entire time. Sebastian’s thumb has been busy tracing her hands, sometimes focusing on the sensitive skin between her thumb and forefinger, as well as her palm. She has recently been hyper-aware of the boy’s mere proximity. Touch is just on a different level these days.
After what seemed like ages, they finally stopped in front of the painting. As soon as they stepped in, the house elves surrounded the two, all eager to assist. The first time Poppy arrived at Hogwarts, she instantly felt overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of the castle, especially the crowd. Because of the past that she had to endure, not to mention the fact that she’s an only child, her ability to connect and trust other humans can be described as subpar at best. The Welcome Feast during the first year was the first time she has been exposed to such a grand display of human interaction. She enjoyed herself, yes, but there’s no question that she still prefers the peace of dining alone. Still, she tried her best to sit with her classmates at the beginning, but Poppy’s peculiarity wasn’t something she could hide. Soon after the first few rounds of insults and snide remarks, she decided to just forego meals in the Hall, opting for some fruits instead. Fortunately, she discovered the kitchens directly below the Great Hall, so she started spending lunch and dinner there. The house elves are kind and are more than happy to take her under their wing. One particular House-elf named Lulu, who for some reason loves wearing a beret, became her first-ever friend. Lulu is a young Elf who’s also very shy at the beginning.
It was she who spoke first. “Lulu is always happy to see you, miss! Master Sallow was working here for hours!” She’s practically bouncing now, making her hat drop and covering her eyes.
“I hope he didn’t give you much trouble, Lu.”
“Not at all, Miss! We knew it was all for Miss Poppy! We’re happy to help!”
“And I’m utterly grateful for that Lu, speaking of which, may I have it now?” Sebastian requests while crouching down a little. When did he get so tall?
She sees Lulu hand over a basket to which Sebastian promptly shrinks. “I shan’t forget this, Lu. I appreciate your help.” The Slytherin says sincerely.
“Don’t forget the blankets, Master Sallow!” Squeaks the voice of Pepper the Elf.
He gratefully accepts the bundle.
After thanking each one of the elves, they finally bid everyone a great rest of the evening. They made their way out of the courtyard where Sebastian summoned his broom. He mounted first before holding his hand out for Poppy. They’ve done this countless of times of course, but this one seems different. As Sebastian adjusted their positions and then kicked off, Poppy couldn’t help but feel as if something big was about to happen. After their talk earlier, her mind kept drifting back to the past few months since the beginning of the year.
Never in her wildest imagination did she ever think about being so intimately connected to someone, let alone Sebastian Sallow. They’d never interacted much before that fateful day. What did he see in her now? Had Sebastian never experienced what he had been through, would he even spare her a single glance? Probably not. Poppy suddenly feels cold. Her insecurities threatened to engulf her entire being. He’s always been charming. He’s a very talented and skilled wizard. He’s extremely intelligent without question, too. The entire world is his oyster. What could she – Peculiar Poppy – possibly offer? Her heart pulses, this time upon the realization that no, she doesn’t deserve him. Just as her heart continued to thud in a not-so-great way, she felt him tighten his hold around her waist.
“Look.” Sebastian’s breath feels warm. He was looking at two Hippogriffs in the distance, Caligo being one of them. It seems their friend has been busy these past few weeks.
“How long do you reckon before we see little Hippogriffs flying around the area, too?” He chuckles while simultaneously dropping their altitude. She can see the pond now.
When Sebastian landed their broom expertly, he instantly put it away and then held Poppy’s hand.
“You’ve been quiet.” Sebastian adds, “What’s wrong, Pops?” He’s about to take out their picnic basket but when he sees the downcast look on his Hufflepuff’s face, he stops and faces her completely. He squeezes her hand but patiently waits for her to speak.
“I-I’ve been thinking,” she says hesitantly. “Professor Howin asked me about our career after Hogwarts. I want to become a Magizoologist, Sebastian.”
“And you shall become a Magizoologist, love.” His eyebrows are furrowed in confusion. Then his voice hardens a bit. “Are you worried that I shall forbid you from pursuing your dream and make you a housewife? Because if that’s the issue here, then I will be offended.”
“No! That’s not – I know you aren’t like that.”
“Well, then what is the problem?” He’s looking at her, refusing to back down until he gets to the bottom of this.
“Magizoologists travel a lot, and if you want to become an Auror, it will be extremely difficult to keep a relationship.” At this, Sebastian made a disagreeing noise yet Poppy remained firm. “I just don’t want to hold you back. You have always been a brilliant wizard, Sebastian. I just don’t want you to miss any opportunities that–“ Poppy had to take a deep shaky breath or else she might not be able to hold back her tears. “Perhaps – I… it would be better if we remain as – as friends.” She can feel her heart breaking. She wants nothing more than to be with him. But she mustn’t be selfish.
“Poppy, look at me.” Sebastian is looking at her earnestly. “I’ve - I’ve done things – things that are irredeemable. Things that I will forever carry. That no matter how much regret I feel, there’s no chance at all of me being ever free from them.”
He needs her to understand that she is holding him back, yes, but not in the way she thinks. The darkness that consumed him before never really left. He can feel it always there – lurking, waiting. He needs her to understand – that she is the key reason why he wants to be good.
“You, on the other hand, are one of the most selfless people I have ever been fortunate enough to meet. It is I, who don’t deserve you.” He then touches Poppy’s chin and raises her head a bit so he can stare into the depths of her eyes. There is a look of hope there, but also a bit of uncertainty and fear. He knows this is all new to her. He knows she has insecurities, but he can also see the determined look in her eyes. His strong-willed girl. He lowers his voice, “But I will do my best to be.”
Poppy couldn’t hold her tears back anymore.
Sebastian chuckles and pulls her close. “You can’t get rid of me that easily, Sweeting.” Then adds, “You have seen me naked after all.” At this, Poppy finally cracks a smile, “You liar, I have never!”
He smirks, “I can fix that.”
She gasped and tried to hit his chest to which he promptly caught her wrist and hugged her close instead.
He kisses her head and softly murmurs, “Please, let me court you, Poppy. I’m too selfish to give this – you up – the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
She hugs him tighter and buries her face on his chest, “All right.” She feels shy all of a sudden.
Sebastian won’t have any of it. He gently touches Poppy’s neck until the girl meets his eyes. “Yeah?”
To which she nods and says a simple word. “Yes.”
Their smiles widen, and they embrace each other once more.
After a while, Poppy mumbles, “May I try what you’ve been working hard on all afternoon?”
“Of course, love. Give me a few more minutes.”
Being enveloped by his strong arms made Poppy feel as if there was nothing in this world that could ever hurt her. She knows how ridiculous that sounds but, in this moment, she allowed herself not to think and simply bask in being held by the person she feels most strongly for.