call it what you want // sebastian sallow x reader

Chapter 3

I'm surprised about how fast the week flies by. I attend my classes; Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts. In two of these classes I have been assigned a seat next to Sebastian Sallow. We never interacted much, but the ones we had were about just as pleasant as the one in the common room. He seems to have his guards up so high that it is impossible to break them down. Not that I wanted to, but it would be nice to have a pleasant classmate.

Céline accompanied me on Friday evening to put my name into the goblet of fire. She always said she was going to, but refused at last. I don't blame her. This isn't something that appeals to everyone.

''I have other ways to achieve success,'' she explained to me.

And I did not doubt her for a second. Truthfully, she already had everything laid out for her. She came from a powerful family with important connections. She was already set up for success. Me, on the other hand, had to fight for any achievement I accomplished. Not that Céline didn't, but our prerequisites were not the same. I grew up in an ordinary wizarding family. My dad was a retired professor and my mother had a small shop that sold magic plants and potions. They decided to live in the countryside, so combining plants and potions was just a necessity for her shop to manage.

Growing up with a Professor parent early taught me that books are meant to be read, no matter if they are boring or interesting. So that was an interest that quickly caught up with me. But I chose to stick with the interesting books, despite my father's disagreement. I never left home without a book in my bag. One of my favourite activities during summer was to grab a piece of our homemade goat cheese, pick some berries and go sit on the cliffs facing the sea with a book in hand. That was always where I was most at peace. With the sound of waves crashing down below, the summer breeze stroking my cheek and the sweet taste of berries on my tongue. And of course, a book in hand that would consume me for hours.

I sit down with Ominis Gaunt and Poppy Sweeting. Céline waves at me from across the Great Hall, where she is sitting down with Ella, Garreth and Natty. They get along really well. It doesn't bother me to see her enjoying her company without me. Quite the opposite. I love that she is putting herself out there and getting to know people, because I am doing exactly the same. And we know at the end of the day, we always have each other to rely on. That really is the most precious kind of friendship.

''So, who do you think will be chosen?'' I ask my company.

''Honestly, it's impossible to guess,'' Ominis sighs. ''But it wouldn't surprise me if Ella's name is drawn. She always manages to become the centre of attention.''

''That's true, but she's already been through so much,'' Poppy says. ''Did she even put her name in there?''

''I think she did,'' I say, remembering us meeting in the Great Hall right after I put my name in there.

''Then I bet on her,'' Ominis says.

''Hmm,'' Poppy thinks. ''I don't think it's going to be her. It would almost be impossible to save Hogwarts and compete in the tournament.''

Headmaster Black interrupts us as he begins speaking before the Hall is silent. I guess he figured after last week that it's no use. He won't be able to silence us without saying anything interesting enough to keep us quiet.

''Ladies and gentlemen! Witches and Wizards! The time has come for us to announce the six students that will compete in the Triwizard Tournament,'' he says in a serious voice. ''Remember, there will be one female student and one male student from each school competing for the ultimate prize.''

Everyone looks around the Hall. Some excited, some nervous. My stomach is a mix of the two. My eyes meet Céline's and she has nothing but kindness in her eyes. I know she is rooting for me.