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

Chapter Eight: Crossed Wands - First Round

Sebastian didn't catch Damien after any of his classes the next day. Or the next, despite the fact that they shared more than half. He hadn't even passed him in the halls, which was peculiar. It was almost as if Damien were avoiding him.

Or maybe it was the additional work their professors had assigned him. Ominis overheard that Damien had been glimpsed wandering around the castle with a giant tome uttering, "Revelio!" as he collected items no one else could see. Rather odd, indeed.

Well, Sebastian had more important things to do anyway. Last night he finished the book he found in the Restricted Section. Besides the shrivelfig fruit he had picked up for Anne in Hogsmeade, there were a few other things he'd like to investigate. For the time being though, Professor Garlick taught him a preservation spell to keep the fruit alive until he could give it to Anne, which was hopefully soon.

Speaking of Anne, he began writing her a letter last night as well. If she heard about the trolls in Hogsmeade, he didn't want her to worry. He should have written to her sooner.

Sebastian tapped his foot on the floor. He stood beside the gated entrance leading into the South Wing, waiting for Lucan to begin the first round of Crossed Wands, which started earlier than he expected this year. Rumor had it that Professor Hecat had asked Lucan to schedule the first round sooner. Sebastian wasn't sure he believed it; Crossed Wands was supposed to be a secret after all.

Sebastian's first match wasn't scheduled until later this evening, but it didn't hurt to observe the new duelists. He couldn't afford to be surprised again by an unexpected new talent like Damien. On the subject of Damien, perhaps he'd even make an appearance.

Natty walked through the door, greeting Sebastian with a casual wave of her hand. "When's your match, Sebastian?" she asked, surveying the crowded room beyond the gate.

"Just past eight. Yours?"

"In twenty minutes or so. Lucan asked me to duel a new recruit. Think I should take it easy on them?" She laughed.

"Never!" he retorted, smiling warmly. 

Natty smiled back. "Well, I'll see you inside." She passed through the gate and sat down against the far wall by herself.

As more students filed in, Sebastian wondered if maybe Damien wouldn't be coming after all. He had seemed interested when they spoke after Defense Against the Dark Arts class the other day. But maybe his avoidance of Sebastian extended to new ventures as well. That would be just Sebastian's luck. Not that he wanted a repeated of their first duel. Although, it would be thrilling to best Damien at something. It was a very tempting thought.

Sebastian's thoughts were interrupted as Astoria Crickett passed by. She glared at Sebastian as she rushed through the doors to meet up with Lawrence Davies, her dueling partner. Last year, Sebastian and Astoria had a particularly heated duel, ending with Astoria in singed robes. It was her fault, really. Everyone knew he favored fiery spells. She should have just dodged.

Upon turning around, Sebastian was met with an unexpected sight: Damien, standing directly in front of him. His hair was back in its usual low bun at the nape of his neck, his tie askew. He was smiling, more exuberantly than Sebastian expected, his dimple on full display. Sebastian nearly reached out to straighten his tie, but thought better of it. Instead, he just watched him for a moment, mulling over what to say.

He settled on, "Glad you could make it. Lucan's just over there." Simple, to the point. Why bother complicating things? 

Damien nodded and passed through the gate. Sebastian followed, settling down beside Natty on the floor.

"Is Damien joining Crossed Wands?" she asked.

"I would hope so. I invited him."

"Oh, that's exciting. A bit of friendly competition, then?"