Up and Down

Papers and Ashes

When they get down to the Great Hall for a meal, the Goblet of Fire has been installed in front of the dais. Anna eyes its blue flames apprehensively.

Death and glory have been wrought by this thing in equal measure. Despite it all... the magnetic pull of its silent promise is palpable. Daring her to throw her name in.

Try it, it seems to whisper in her ear. Glory and greatness await you, yes, you...

Sebastian's hand doesn't let go of hers as they enter and he smiles as he pulls her over to the left. She shrugs and heads with him to the Slytherin table.

She has a strong suspicion he doesn't want her to sit with Alexandre, but Anna doesn't mind as also wants to check on Ominis. With shared classes few and far between, she'll see him a lot less during this year.

She still shares Herbology and Potions with Sebastian - he managed to get an 'O' in the latter. But, he isn't allowed to continue Transfiguration, unlike her and Ominis.

On the way to the blond boy, she slips a quick hug to Anne - the girl gives a small squeak of delight at her presence, but it seems that she has been in a conversation with her new classmates, so Anna leaves her be, resolving to catch up another time. They have a whole year ahead.

Sitting down among the green and the red - it had completely slipped her mind that Durmstrangs are also sitting at that table - she nudges Ominis with her shoulder.

"How was your class?"

Unlike Sebastian, he isn't showing his affection publicly to spare her the rumours and accusations, staying perfectly friendly while there are those who might see. Still, his hand lightly brushes hers as he goes to pick up a glass.

"Fine. It'd be better if a Beauxbatons wasn't trying to ask me about you for half of it."

"Me?..." her eyes dart over to her usual table. It's easy enough to spot Alexandre among her classmates, and thankfully he is sitting with his back towards her.

She can also hear Sebastian's teeth grind together, his hand coming to cover hers protectively.

"Yes," Ominis pinches the bridge of his nose, "it seems you mentioned that I'm your friend... so he was keen to know more about you. He was polite about it but I rather think he is interested in you."

Anna ignores Sebastian's pointed look of 'I told you so' and sighs.

"I was just being friendly. Coming to Hogwarts is overwhelming, I know better than most."

"Some men mistake kindness for interest, Anna. Do be careful."

Anna sighs, propping her head on her arm.

"Merlin, why me? He saw me with Sebastian, and... There are plenty of other girls around, and some are much prettier. Surely..."

A smile is tugging on the blond boy's lips and his finger caresses her hand in among the cover of plates and glasses.

"While I am quite biassed, my love, it only means he has good taste," he whispers, just barely audible.

She blushes at the compliment and turns back to her food. Not for long, though.

"Anna?"

"Hm?" She looks over at Sebastian to find his eyes fixed on the blue flames. Her stomach drops.

"We should put our names in."

"Right now?... everyone is watching."

"So what? Let them see their future Champion," he nudges her under the table, smiling, "and, let them see me with her."