A Younger Generation of Keepers

Chapter 1: The Big Return (part 4)

Mia's pov

I woke up with a great feeling of excitement in the cosy comfort of my dormitory, full of anticipation for my first day. With some quick movements, I got dressed in my fresh Hufflepuff robes, before hurrying out of the Common Room. As I stepped into Professor Ronen's class, my eyes surveyed the room, landing upon Poppy, who was sitting with Natty, having a casual discussion together.

"Good morning girls" I exclaimed, taking a seat beside them.

"Morning – wow you sound tired!" Natty pointed out.

"Thanks, I am!" I responded in a sarcastic tone.

"Good morning beautiful ladies" Sebastian showed up "Is this seat taken?" he asked as he approached my desk, and sat next to me.

"You know Sebastian, normally people ask and wait for a reply before they sit" I retorted with a playful smirk.

Sebastian chuckled ironically, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "So...where's your bestie?" he asked, his gaze searching the room.

I feigned innocence, pretending not to understand who he meant. "My bestie? Who do you mean?" I provoked him.

"You know..." Sebastian let out, scratching the back of his neck "Jess. Is she not coming?" he murmured, avoiding eye contact.

"Why do you care?" I maintained my provocative tone.

"Talking about me?" Ominis interjected, his voice piercing through our banter.

"Ominis! You scared me" I jumped in surprise, making everyone around me giggle, especially Sebastian. "Shut up!" I swatted him softly on his shoulder.

Ominis laughed, shaking his head. "That wasn't my intention Mia; I'm sorry!" he kindly replied.

Our humorous exchange came to an end when Professor Ronen entered the classroom. "Good morning!" he initiated the lesson "Since it is your first day back, why don't we play a Summoner's Court Tournament? Whoever wins, will receive 10 House Points".

Jessica's pov

I had so much fun spending time with Ominis during the Charms class. The excitement of the Summoner's Court Tournament buzzled around me, but I could not find it in myself to muster any interest in participating. To me, it all seemed rather mundane and boring.

However, amidst the excitement of the tournament, I could not help but notice Sebastian's gaze lingering on me from across the court. His stare unsettled me, stirring up a mixture of frustration and curiosity within me.

He's staring at me, yet making no move to come and talk to me. Ugh! He gets on my nerves.

Attempting to distract myself from Sebastian, I cheered loudly. "Well done, Leander" as he emerged victorious in his match against Cressida. I was not a fan of hers; she was a rude and jealous bespectacled wannabe who constantly wrote negative things about everyone in our school in that stupid diary of hers.

She lost it during our fifth year and unfortunately for her, Mia found it. She read it before giving it back to Cressida, and she told me all about it. After that incident, I knew I could never trust Cressida.

As the next round commenced, I was describing every detail of the match to Ominis. Midway through my commentary, I noticed Sebastian approaching us.

"Hey Jess, care for a round?" offered a random guy, whose name I could not remember.

"Not really thanks!" I politely declined the offer.

"Why aren't you playing, Jess?" Sebastian asked in a mocking tone.