The Serpent and The Bird

Who would you prefer I go on a date with?

- It seems I can never catch you by yourself.

Everleigh leaned against the glassless window, admiring the views of the castle grounds from the wooden bridge, while a cool gust of air blew in her face. She tightened the Gryffindor scarf around her neck as Anne offered her a chuckle in return to her words.

- I suppose I can say the same thing about you, can't I? I normally see you with Weasley and Onai. Are they good friends to you?

Everleigh thought about Garreth and Natty, and how they made her laugh until her stomach hurt. How they care about her without speaking those words, but with actions louder than them. Garreth and his unlimited joviality. Natty and her unlimited bravery. She smiled, that warm feeling protecting her from the cold breeze.

- They are fantastic friends. Just as are you.

She turned to Anne and smiled candidly at her. She had spent equal time with the Sallow sister and she had never met someone so pure of heart. From the beginning, Anne offered her unconditional friendship and made it her mission to see her through with whatever training she needed concerning her magic. She was there, along Ominis, helping her, guiding her, inspiring her to do more.

- I can't help but wonder why you have yet to tell them about what you are going through. The trials, the keepers... Ranrok. Wouldn't it be easier for you to be sincere with them?

Everleigh sighed and looked ahead one more time, her eyes surveying the Whomping Willow, as it lost its leaves, a bunch at a time.

- If I tell them, the same thing would happen with them as it's happening with you three. - She muttered, almost to herself, as she referred to Anne, Ominis and Sebastian. - They would argue to come with me and I cannot put them in danger. I already regret putting you in danger. I shouldn't... I should've kept quiet.

- Everleigh, I commend you for trying to keep us out of danger but you are our friend and we care about you. Nobody should bear such responsibility on their shoulders. Let us carry it with you.

Everleigh's demeanor faltered, her knuckles turning white as she grabbed the bridge railing with an almost crippling fear running through her veins. It was last year all over again, and she could clearly see his face as he landed on the floor, dead.

Anne noticed the change in the air and spoke her name softly. The words spewed out of Everleigh's mouth before she could control herself.

- The last person that tried to help me died protecting me.

Anne froze on her spot, and Everleigh felt the tears burning in her eyes, battling to come out. She fought them, blinking rapidly as she regained composure.

- He was... one of my best friends back in Ilvermorny. I cared about him. And he died fighting Ranrok loyalists in an attempt to keep me safe.

- Everleigh...

- I can't let the same thing happen to any of you.

Thinking of Anne and Ominis dying in her place made her stomach twist. But thinking of Sebastian taking a death curse meant for her physically made her ill. She couldn't even bare the pain of it. To lose them. To lose him. Her throat was dry, the unspoken confession pricking holes as it was trying to come out. But she didn't say any of it. Certainly not to Anne.