Like Moths to a Flame // Sebastian Sallow [Book One]

Chapter Two: Charms

Sebastian and Poppy continued practicing Accio, summoning Sebastian's textbook back and forth across the classroom, along with the rest of the class, also in pairs. He was quite bored, to be completely honest. Accio practice wasn't the most novel start to the new year. Sebastian enjoyed learning new spells, not dabbling with ones he'd known since he was a measly first-year. 

He would much rather be reading the book he had found in the library about healing hexes. There had been some interesting tidbits of information that he wanted to explore further. Something about a shrivelfig fruit had particularly captured his attention.

Sebastian had to admit he had been quite distracted lately. Searching for a cure for Anne was time-consuming, but absolutely critical. No one else, certainly not his uncle, was much help.

He should pay Anne a visit soon. He missed her.

Yawning, he glanced across the room. It looked like the new boy had already caught on easily.

Damien had paired up with Natty, the Gryffindor girl who had transferred last year from Uagadou. Sebastian actually quite liked Natty. He had crossed paths with her in Crossed Wands last year. She dueled surprisingly well. Not enough to beat him - but not everyone could be as deft with a wand. 

His ears perked up as Professor Ronen called the class to order. He was taking them outside. Sebastian hoped there'd be a round or two of Summoner's Court. He chatted idly with Poppy as they left class.

"How was your summer, Sebastian?" she asked.

"Not overly exciting." He glanced behind his shoulder, searching for Ominis who was dawdling behind, wand stretched out in front of him.

"I studied up a lot on Hippogriffs. Did you know they don't just eat insects, but also small mammals?" 

Sebastian nodded idly, half-listening. "Excuse me," he said as Ominis wandered over.

"Ominis," Sebastian said in greeting. Poppy dismissed herself to sit with some fellow Hufflepuffs.

Professor Ronen conjured the Summoner's Court platform as the class situated themselves.

"Sebastian," Ominis replied, settling down on the grass. "Who do you think Professor Ronen will call on for a match?"

Sebastian thought a moment. "If my instincts are correct, the new fifth-year. At least I hope. I'd like to see him lose today. Give people something else to talk about." 

"Still hung up on losing the duel?"

Sebastian didn't have a chance to respond as Professor Ronen brought the class back to attention. Ah yes - he had selected Damien and Natty. This should be interesting. Natty played Summoner's Court often. She'd be tough to beat. 

But to Sebastian's chagrin, the new boy was playing well. He watched intently as they flew through each round, clapping with the rest of his classmates when one or the other made a good move. 

And with that, Damien had won. Sebastian had to hand it to Natty, she didn't seem bothered at all by the loss.

Ominis stood back up, brushing his trousers absentmindedly. Grass clippings fluttered to the ground. "The new Ravenclaw is full of surprises, wouldn't you say?"

"You can say that again," Sebastian replied, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Shortly thereafter, Professor Ronen dismissed the class, but not before assigning homework due next week. Sebastian groaned. Homework, already? The joys of being a fifth-year.

Sebastian leaned down to pick up his knapsack at his feet. He didn't have class again until later this evening, so he'd head back to his room and get the book he was studying for Anne. He'd have plenty of time this afternoon to finish it.