He Couldn't Be That Bad? // Sebastian Sallow and You (spicy)

32. Greek Party: Part 1 (really sizzling spice)

"Literally millions of women can do this. Since the dawn of time people have been draping fabric. Why can't I seem to figure it out?" I say as I yank on a knot around my midsection.

"If there is only one benefit for Enchanting the Home class, it's that we can destroy these sheets tonight, and have them mended by morning." Imelda is adding another snake to her hair. She's enchanted a few of the snake toys from a shop in Hogsmead to circle and weave through her loosely curled hair. "Do I look alright?"

"Petrifyingly so." I smile back at her.

Nerida glowers at the two of us. And although she is unsatisfied with the look of her toga, she storms out of the room anyway.

Imelda lifts her nose, adjusting another snake that had made its way off her head. "Nothing I disrespect more than a sore loser. If she wanted to be better, she should have practiced more."

I lift my eyebrows, studying her a long moment. "Is that really how you feel about your match with Damon and Sacharissa as well?"

Imelda stops, "Damon was the better competitor, and I feel foolish for thinking I should try to lose to boost his ego." Then she continued futzing with her hair some more.

A surprisingly mature answer. But I know Imelda still has quite a bit of pride. "Your talents on a broom are still superior. I'm sure the Hollyhead Harpies would see your talents put to good use."

Imelda blushes, the expression, however fleeting, still humanized her. I had pretended not to see the information brochures she thought she tucked away. But Imelda was quite the flyer, and would no doubt make a vicious competitor.

"I'm calling it. I need back up." I say. Giving up on ever being able to drape the sheets in a way that isn't horribly scandalous, or completely engulfing, I step into the line forming in front of the fireplace of the Slytherin common room.

Sajeena is tying a sheet around Nerida, like she's done for several other Slytherin's in the common room, and makes each of us look amazing. Despite wearing bed linens.

Younger years pout on the couches, complaining loudly that they can't attend Damon's Greek party.

Imelda hisses at one of them, practicing her Medusa glare. It's incredibly effective.

While in line, I lean over a nearby table, and conjure a circlet crown of flowers. Specifically bringing the ones I planted at the beach cottage to mind. Securing it on my head, I take a few deep breaths, happy that the conjuration also produces a lovely smell.

Nerida walks past me, purposefully hitting her shoulder into mine as she passes.

I turn around, calling after her. "I heard you made it to the next round of the singles duels. Congrats. I hope you win it all."

Having stopped in her tracks, she slowly raked her gaze over me. Assessing if I was being genuine. I was, but she didn't come to that conclusion. "Now that I'm not going up against any cheaters– I will."

Nodding my head with a big sigh. I suppose that's as good a conversation as I'm going to get.

Finally it's my turn and I step up to Sajeena.

"Any requests?" She asks, a little exasperated. She'd likely had no time to work on her own costume since she was so busy helping everyone else.

"I'm supposed to be Persephone, so something like that I suppose?" I shrug, handing over the rumpled sheet.

Sajeena gives me a sultry smirk. "I'll make you drag-down-to-hell worthy."

Once she's done, I applaud her work, and go fetch her three gold for her efforts.