The Serpent and The Bird

Beautiful and Fearless.

Everleigh had barely made it to the outside of the Three Broomsticks and the shouting and laughing were already too much to bear. Ominis laughed next to her, patiently waiting by her side as she gathered the courage to walk in.

- What's the matter, Grayson?

- I don't enjoy big crowds.

She muttered and Ominis expression softened.

- We have a couple of rooms here, if you rather hide away in peace after wishing Anne and Sebastian a happy birthday.

- Are you three staying the night at the Three Broomsticks?

- We have been doing so for a couple of years, when we all became of age. It's better than returning to the castle completely befuddled. Besides, it gives us more leeway to enjoy the night. - Ominis took a step forward and opened the door for her. The music and the chattering smacked her right in the face. - After you, madam.

She walked into the establishment, completely surprised to see it so alive with witches and wizards. Although, half the people gathering in there were Hogwarts students. There was a live band playing some Gaelic music that had almost everyone singing and dancing in the middle of the tavern. While Everleigh did not like big social gatherings, the energy she felt in the room was neighborly enough to slip through the cracks and made her feel good. She smiled when she saw Amit Thakkar jumping on a table and dancing to the Scottish tunes. She leaned towards Ominis to shout.

- Is everyone here celebrating Anne and Sebastian's birthday tonight?

- The vast majority. But the whole school is probably out celebrating either way.

- Celebrating what?

- Did you miss Weasley's speech tonight before dinner? We are having a Yule Ball this year.

- I wasn't at dinner. I had to go to the owlery to... never mind. What's a Yule Ball?

- Oh, I always forget that you are from the Americas... - He grinned at her. - It's a winter ball, right before Christmas break. It's reserved for when the school hosts Tri-Wizards Tournaments, which hasn't happened in years, but the Headmistress determined it would be good for morale. After the troll attacks.

Everleigh nodded, her eyes scanning the tavern as she localized Anne, laughing in a corner with a group of Slytherin girls. She was representing her house wearing an all green pantsuit and she had done some makeup. She looked lovely that night.

Anne must've noticed her staring because she raised her head and her face lit up with happiness. She quickly walked towards her and gave her a hug.

- Oh, good! You are here! Everything alright getting into the village?

- We used the floo powder to travel. - Ominis answered for her. - I sent an owl to Mr. Pippin to kindly use his fireplace. I knew this one was going to be busy tonight, and didn't want to risk Everleigh getting seen on the way here.

He nodded towards the fireplace at the bottom of The Three Broomsticks, same one Everleigh had used before to get back to Hogwarts. Every few seconds, the fire turned green and vomited new people into the room, making it feel smaller and smaller. Anne let out a pleased sigh.

- That was good thinking, Ominis.

- Where's Sebastian?