A Cruel Fate of Endless Devotion

Chapter three: A Trip to Hogsmeade

Sebastian sat in the library's upper level corner. He stuffed his nose into a book in hopes of finding the answer he desperately sought. He had been deeply absorbed in his book when he hadn't noticed an owl sitting on the desk in front of him until it squawked. "Well, hello there," he said, reaching out and taking the note.

                                                                                 Mister Sallow,

                                         Please meet me in my office as soon as you can.

                                                                                  Sincerely,

                                                                        Professor Weasley

"That's odd. I don't recall getting caught for anything to earn another detention" he said to himself.

Sliding the book into his satchel, Sebastian thanked the owl before scurrying off to the transfiguration classroom, not wanting to keep Professor Weasley waiting.

**********

"Whatever it is you think I've done Professor, I swear, it wasn't me" Sebastian said as he entered her empty classroom.

The Deputy Headmistress looked up from her desk, an amused smile on her face. Her amusement stemmed from the fact that Sebastian had a long history of getting into trouble at school. However, on this particular occasion, the Slytherin boy seemed like the perfect student for the task at hand.

"I did not call you here because you are in trouble, Mister Sallow"

"Oh"

"I was wondering if you might do me a favor" she said as she stood up, walking around her desk to stand in front of him.

"What kind of favor, Professor?"

"As you are most likely aware, our new student, Miss Sterling, was attacked on her way here"

"Yes ma'am. I have heard the rumors going around the school" he replied.

"Unfortunately all of her belongings and classroom supplies were damaged in the attack. I was wondering if you would do me the favor of escorting her to Hogsmeade. I would like her first visit to the village to be with a classmate, in case she gets lost or confused"

"You want me to escort her?" He felt a mixture of surprise and disbelief. He couldn't fathom that the Deputy Headmistress would have the confidence in him to handle such an important responsibility. "Why not one of her housemates?"

"If you do not want to-"

"No!" he yelled, wincing when he realized he had raised his voice to her. "I mean, I'd be happy to, Professor,"

"Very well then. I shall owl Miss Sterling to instruct her to meet you at the belltower courtyard in a few hours" Professor Weasley said with a curt nod. "Off you go"

**********

"Remind me again why I have to wait here with you. It wasn't me Professor Weasley asked to escort her to the village" Ominis groaned for the thousandth time.

"I asked because clearly I wanted your upbeat, chippy attitude" Sebastian sarcastically said.

"I have better things to be doing than standing here"

"I don't want to look stupid standing here myself. It'll only be for a little while longer, she should be here soon"

"I don't understand why you agreed to be her escort. It's not like you to do favors" Ominis said.