Chapter Text
Ever since the new 5th year joined Hogwarts and knocked Sebastian on his ass (while stealing his heart at the same time), Sebastian developed a new morning ritual. He would arrive, as late as possible as usual, to breakfast, plop down on the empty spot that Ominis had so nicely saved for him, listen to Imelda prattle on about some boring Quidditch news, and sigh and longingly stare over at the Hufflepuff table.
It was always something different every day, much to Sebastian's delight. Sometimes she would wear the most eccentric outfit, a clashing cacophony of mismatched colors that only she could pull off while being the most gorgeous witch in Hogwarts. Sometimes she would arrive late, wiping the sleep from her eyes, tired from their shared late night misadventures.
This morning Sebastian was unlucky. Sitting directly across from Poppy, she was obscured from Sebastian's gaze.
Even more unlucky, Imelda Reyes decided she had permission to sit next to him.
"Did you see what the new Hufflepuff was wearing today, Sebastian?" Imelda teased.
Ugh. "No, why should I care? It's not like I spend my mornings just ogling her."
"Of course not." Imelda said breezily. "It's only been the talk of the entire school. Surprised you were the last to hear about it, what with you practically drooling over her every morning."
Ominis snorted into his porridge.
"I have no idea what you're on about. What she does doesn't concern me in the slightly." Sebastian lied like the lying liar he was.
Imelda shrugged. "Oh, that's a shame. And here I was about to bring you the news that your favorite Hufflepuff is most definitely off the market now. Looks like someone got to her before you did."
"WHAT?" Sebastian bellowed.
Imelda grinned. "See for yourself, pretty boy."
Playing right into her trap, Sebastian stood up, now blatantly searching for the Hufflepuff. He was able to angle his view around Poppy. A part of him was excited to see what ridiculous set outfit she was wearing today. Sebastian didn't see what the fuss was all about. Nothing unusual, her usual Hufflepuff robes, a grey sweater, and-
-And a Red and Yellow Gryffindor scarf.
His mind went blank. The usual bustling of voices in the Great Hall silenced themselves. Sebastian could feel the heat erupt in the back of his eyes. His wand shot dangerous hot sparks, itching for a fight.
Who, in Salazar Slytherin's name, gave her that?
She was wearing a Gryffindor scarf in front of the whole damn school. Anyone who was anyone knew what that meant. Why, it was practically a front page advertisement on the Daily Prophet! Wearing another House's apparel meant you were seeing someone. Off the market. No longer available. Every other day you would see a Ravenclaw girl wear a new black and yellow tie. A Slytherin showing off their newly acquired blue coat. It was a possessive silly schoolboy thing, but if you were an eligible bachelor or bachelorette, you wore your gifted scarf with pride.
Who in Merlin's name would claim what was rightfully his? Who would be daft enough?
He didn't even register that his body was moving, until he was halfway across the Great Hall, making a beeline straight towards the Hufflepuff table.
"Morning." He greeted Poppy and the new transfer student stiffly, interrupting their conversation.
"Oh Sebastian! Good morning! Did you have any of the strawberry tarts? They're especially good today!" She beamed behind the offending Gryffindor scarf that was around her neck.
"Who gave you that?"
"Oh, well, I'm pretty sure the House elves make the tarts from scratch and then they sort of apparate it up here. I'm actually not quite sure how their magic-"
"Who gave you that tacky thing? Was it Garreth? Prewett? I always knew that weasel was up to no good. I should remind him o-"
She looked at him in alarmed confusion. "What on earth are you talking about Sebastian?"
Sebastian felt his jaw clench. So, she had no idea. Of course she wouldn't. She was a new transfer student, immensely popular and with half the school falling over themselves fawning over her. It had to Prewett. Only that sniveling bastard was underhanded enough to trick Sebastian's Hufflepuff into something so nefarious. Practically broadcasting to the whole school that they were dating. Gryffindor chivalry indeed, taking advantage of someone like that. He bet all Prewett had to do is go up to her with his big, ugly nose and manipulate her into wearing that disgusting thing.
"Your scarf," he spat. "Who gave it to you?"
Her eyes darted at Poppy who gave her a bewildered shrug. She blinked in confusion, almost as if she forgot she was wearing it. "Oh, this? It's so cozy and warm, isn't it? I think it really matches with my complexion!"
Sebastian could practically feel his back molar crack.
She continued, unaware of the inner storm brewing inside of Sebastian. "Natty and I were out at Hogsmeade and got caught in the rain. My poor scarf got soaked, and I haven't had a chance to learn the drying charm yet. She was nice enough to lend me hers instead!"
He deflated, wand dropping into his pocket; fight forgotten. "Ah…Natty…the other…transfer" Of course. It wasn't that long ago that Natty transferred and was learning all the nuances of the social intertwining of a different country much less Hogwarts social etiquette. Probably thought all of this was silly anyway.
"Is something the matter, Sebastian?" She leaned over placing her gentle hand on his forehead. "You're awfully red. You're practically burning up!"
Poppy tried to hide her laughter behind her hands.
Sebastian's blush was so strong it practically hid all the freckles on his face. Arms flapping around, he pushed away her hand from his forehead. "Never mind me. It's a miracle you didn't get sick wearing that silly thing. If you really needed an extra scarf you should have come straight to me."
He started undoing his own warm green and silver scarf. And with the most nonchalance and charm he could muster, he gently wrapped it around his Hufflepuff's neck. Green and silver framed her rising blush so nicely. Something deep in his stomach purred possessively in approval.
"There. All better. Those colors match you better anyway. Red and yellow look awful on you." He flushed. "Not that you ever look awful. You look fantastic. One of-No, the best looking person at Hogwarts." His ears burned as Poppy practically howled in laughter unable to hold herself back any longer. "Um, best looking friend at Hogwarts. Much better than that old Ominis anyhow."
His Hufflepuff blushed, trying to hide her smile behind her newly acquired gift. The butterflies in her stomach were practically doing flips. "Thank you, Sebastian. Y-you're not so bad yourself, for a Slytherin."
He nodded stiffly. "Well, if you ever need any more just ask me. Slytherin is a good look on you." He wasn't sure what to do now that his mission was complete. "Um, don't ask Ominis though. He…um…he hates it when people borrow his clothes. Gets all particular about his things. Just come to me whenever you need anything."
Her eyes swam in amusement, and she brought Sebastian's scarf closer to her face, inhaling the rich dark scent left behind. A rich oak wood, some warm-scented cologne, and a slight musk that was undeniably Sebastian. Her eyes never left his gaze as she gauged his reaction. "Oh, how lucky, that I am friends with the most charitable Slytherin I know. It's nice to know that my friends are so concerned about me."
Sebastian's knees felt weak. He mustered up the energy to croak out, "Well, it's not all charity. It's nice having friends in my debt."
She got closer to him, in the mood for something a bit more daring. "Well, I would hate to always be in your debt. There must be some way to repay you."
His mouth gaped open. For once, the manipulative, charming Slytherin was at a lost for words.
"How about I treat my favorite Slytherin to some Butterbeer? My treat? I have to start paying back some of that debt somehow."
Sebastian's mouth was dry. "If I have nothing better to do, I suppose I'll join you. It's not like I'm doing anything." (Ominis wouldn't mind getting ditched.)
"It's a date then." Sebastian choked at her words. "7'oclock. Three Broomsticks. I'll see you then."
Sebastian nodded stiffly and promptly marched himself to the Slytherin table, a bit bewildered as to what just occurred.
Poppy's laughter finally subsided, as she finally got a moment's rest to wipe the tears away from her eyes. "Blimey, I can't believe that worked. I knew borrowing Natty's scarf was a brilliant move."
The other girl smiled, gently packing away the old scarf borrowed from Natty back into her bags, right on top of her very own and very dry Yellow and black scarf that was secretly tucked away. "What can I say Poppy? Sometimes to catch a Slytherin you got to think like a Slytherin."