The Serpent and The Bird

Hogsmeade here I come

- I can't believe she beat me.

- You can't believe a girl beat you?

- Of course not, Ominis. I can't believe an American beat me. Don't care if she's a girl.

Ominis still had a grin on his face, while walking out of the classroom with his friend. After the duel, Sebastian didn't have the chance to talk to Everleigh, and once the class was dismissed, the girl had walked out of the room with Natsai, not even glancing on his direction. Perhaps she hated him for patronizing her. He figured he could make it up to her on their trip to Hogsmeade. Oh, that was definitely happening. Sebastian has snuck into the Potions classroom that morning just to add some lacewing fly in Garreth's cauldron, knowing an explosion might happen with the mix of ingredients and Weasley would end up in detention. That was one out of the equation. One more to go. He now needed to get rid of Natsai and then, like the gentleman that he was, he would offer his assistance to the Deputy Headmistress to accompany the new student to Hogsmeade for supplies. And then he would work his charm.

- I have to go, Ominis. If you see my sister before I do, tell her something came up and I'll see her tonight in the Undercroft.

- If I "see" your sister, it would be a miracle. And what are you doing that's more important than this? We have gone to the Undercroft on the first day of class each year since first year to drink and practice spells. It's tradition.

- I didn't say I wasn't going. I'm just going to join you a bit later than normal.

Sebastian ignored Ominis somber expression.

- If this is because of that girl...

- I don't want to hear it, Ominis.

- But you need to. You don't even know her, Sebastian. You've barely talked to her at all.

- Can't change that if I'm here listening to your blather.

- Maybe she would do good to knock you down on your ass again. Hopefully smack some sense into that snitch-size brain of yours.

Sebastian regretted not pushing Ominis down the stairs of Divination class when he had the chance.

********

- Wait, you aren't coming with me?

Everleigh tried to hide her disappointment. She could tell Natsai really regretted being the bearer of bad news.

- I'm so sorry, Everleigh. I didn't expect professor Shah to call me for help on the very first day of class. Although I should've known. After all, I told her last year that I'd help her set up the Astronomy classroom for the fifth years once school started again. It's good practice for me, since I want to become an Astronomy professor.

- I suppose I can forgive you... - Eve offered a candid smile. - I still need to get to Hogsmeade today, though. There's a lot of books I don't have and I have to study to catch up with the rest of you. I'll probably spend the entire weekend at the library.

- From what I've seen, you don't need to catch up with us. We need to catch up with you. I've gotta run to see professor Shah now, but when I see you tonight, you better show me how to do those wandless spells.

- It's a deal.

- Oh, and... - Natsai turned to her before exiting the Gryffindor common room. - Professor Weasley still wanted someone to accompany you to Hogsmeade. Just so you wouldn't get lost. She found another student to take you. Didn't say who it was but they'll be waiting for you down the east corridor off the Entrance Hall at 4 o'clock.