The Badger and the Snakes || A Poppy Sweeting Love Story

Chapter 4

Alfie watched the sorting ceremony for the first time and couldn't help but feel envious. He had missed out on so much, and now he only had this year and the next to experience Hogwarts to the fullest.

The energy in the Great Hall was intoxicating, and every time a first-year was sorted into Slytherin, he made sure to cheer as loudly as he could to make up for the years lost.

The feast that followed did not disappoint either. The food was plentiful and delicious, much more than what he was used to at home.

"So what classes do you both have tomorrow?" Sebastian inquired.

"History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions, unfortunately," Ominis responded with a hint of distaste in his voice.

"It seems like we have a few classes together, Ominis. I have Advanced Care for Magical Beasts, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Astronomy," Alfie added.

"Ah, so I'll be joining you two for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions then," Sebastian noted.

"At least I won't be alone in that dreadful class. I'm terrible at Potions," Ominis frowned.

"At least you've never blown anything up like Weasley over there." Alfie pointed at the Gryffindor table.

"You were an accomplice to that last year if I remember correctly Alfie. Whether you like it or not, you're almost as much of a troublemaker as I am," Sebastian teased.

"I highly doubt that," Alfie replied.

Imelda walked over to their side of the table and sat down next to Alfie. Their arms and legs brushed up against each other. "Hello, Alfie! Did you have a good Summer?" she asked.

"I did, Imelda. How was yours?" he replied, scooting away slightly to create some space.

"It was splendid! I did a lot of flying. My parents and I went on a trip flying through the British Isles. It was remarkable! I'll have to tell you more about it sometime," Imelda said, moving closer to Alfie again but not quite touching him this time.

"Nice to see you too Imelda," Sebastian said.

Imelda glanced over with just her eyes at the two boys she didn't acknowledge on the other side of the table.

"Hello, Sallow, Gaunt." She said curtly and redirected her attention promptly to Alfie. Sebastian scoffed while Ominis stayed silent and ate his food while they talked.

"Anyways, you should try out for the Quidditch team this year. It would be a shame if you didn't. After you blew my time trial records out of the water last year, I feel like you and I could be a great team." Imelda said, fluttering her eyelashes ever so slightly.

Alfie looked up in thought and tried to avoid direct eye contact with Imelda, cognisant of the fact that she was sitting so close. "I'm sure Quidditch will be more complex than just flying time trials though. I don't have much experience with the actual sport. It would be like assuming I'd be good at football, just because I'm a decent runner."

"Don't be modest, Alfie. I don't know what this football is but I've seen you fly, you have a natural talent for it. And I'm willing to teach you everything you need to know about Quidditch," Imelda said with a grin, inching closer again.

Alfie noticed this. Was she flirting with me?

Sebastian rolled his eyes and muttered, "Yeah, everything except humility."

Ominis couldn't help but snicker at Sebastian's comment, causing Imelda to give him a brief glare before turning her attention back to Alfie.

"I'll take you up on that sometime then," Alfie smirked.