Up and Down

Friend and Foe

"Well, you three look rather tired."

Sebastian groans as Anna blushes into her cup. Alexander slides onto the bench opposite them, resting his head on the palm of his hand.

"Piss off, you sneaky shite," the tip of Sebastian's knife buries into the ancient wood of the Ravenclaw table with a thunk, "I don't want to ever see you again."

"Well, that's too bad, Sallow. We're still classmates until the end of term."

"I will end you."

Ominis puts his hand over Sebastian's, which is still gripping the knife.

"Alexandre, I really must ask for you to stop antagonising him. I know it can be rather fun," Sebastian makes an indignant noise at the statement, "but you have no idea how much havoc you've been causing."

"Oh, but I do know," the Beauxbatons smiles, "but it was all in good fun. All you had to do was ask nicely. I shan't bother you again."

"As if I would believe that for a second-"

"Gilles, Sallow, take a joke," Alexandre rolls his eyes, "your behaviour is truly appalling sometimes. I couldn't stand you being so possessive over dear sweet Anna. She's a person, not your property. And, since she happens to be a beautiful and talented witch, why not have some fun courting her while reminding you of the value of self-control and trust?"

Anna blinks in surprise.

"What..."

Alexandre shrugs, smiling apologetically.

"I do admire you, but I'm here for but a single year. It would be foolish to have any serious designs. But picking at a bond like the one you have? Entertaining, and only proves how strong it is. A weaker one would have shattered."

"Just who do you think you-"

Alexandre looks over at Ominis, frowning quietly beside them, completely ignoring fuming Sebastian.

"Though that love potion did tip the scales against you. I had to tip it back, or that wouldn't have been any fun. A good thing for the two of them to have someone with a cooler head. My hat is off to you, Gaunt, for having the patience."

Sebastian's free hand grabs a plate of scrambled eggs and throws it into Alexandre's face. He bursts out laughing, wiping his face with a sleeve before cleaning himself off with a flick of a wand. He gets up and bows with a smile.

"I was only ever after a kiss, my fair lady. You did resist rather admirably... against a part-veela."

"So you do have veela blood..." Ominis sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I should have known."

"Veela?..." Anna stares in confusion. Alexandre chuckles.

"Look it up sometime. I'll see you after the winter break, dear Anna. I do hope after all this we can still be friends."

He winks and salutes them with two fingers to the temple.

Anna can't help the laughter bubbling up in her throat. Sebastian clearly doesn't find the matter quite as amusing.

"I hate that bastard."

Anna continues with her breakfast as Sebastian continues to glare at Alexandre's retreating back.

"What the hell is a veela?" She asks, looking at the two of them.

Ominis sighs, shaking his head.

"Magical beings of beauty and seduction. They have been known to interbreed with wizardkind... uncommon but not that rare, especially on the continent, which is how Alexandre and his lot happen. Part-veelas, they are said to retain the beauty of their inhuman ancestors, and possess some of their abilities, namely..."