Entangled Again || With Sebastian Sallow

Ch 21: The Invitation

"So, you chose Garreth," Natty looked up from her book with a smile, as Juliet re-entered the Gryffindor Common Room. It was late, and she was the only one still up, curled up in an armchair by the crackling fireplace.

"No, actually..." Juliet returned the smile. "I chose myself."

"Good for you," Natty's smile turned into a grin.

Juliet could always count on Natty to be ever-the-optimist. She probably would have given the same response if she'd been told that Juliet had chosen both guys and was entering into a throuple relationship.

Juliet was proud of her decision. She'd come to the conclusion that it wouldn't be fair to either Sebastian or Garreth to choose either of them right now. But she did feel it necessary to check on Garreth, considering she'd physically assaulted him.

And for a little closure.

While she'd tended to his wounds, her resolve caved a little – she almost got lost in the moment with him. She couldn't deny the physical attaction. But she was strong, and ultimately she wasn't in love with him. She was in love with Sebastian. They'd laid in bed hugging for a while, before she broke apart and broke the news. He seemed to understand, although she could tell he was disappointed.

She wanted to tell Sebastian as well. It broke her heart how upset he'd been that afternoon, and she felt like such a tool at her lack of response to him saying he loves her. He deserved to be told he was loved as well...

***

Sebastian had retreated to his home in Hogsmeade for the remainder of the weekend, to clear his head and escape the noise, only to be confronted with gut-wrenching gossip upon his return on Monday morning. Rumours of Juliet's escapade to the Gryffindor Tower after the duel seemed to have circulated their entire class, to which Garreth did nothing to dispel.

To say Sebastian was in a foul mood that Monday would be an understatement. Luckily, Professor Hecat was still refusing to teach hands-on lessons in DADA class, otherwise Sebastian possibly would have severely maimed someone. Accidentally, of course.

Juliet didn't have a chance to talk to Sebastian in DADA, since Hecat had thrown a last minute pop quiz at the class, but at least they had Potions together.

When she arrived at their Potions station after lunch, Sebastian was leaning back against it, his arms folded in front of him and a slight scowl on his face.

"Hey Seb..." Juliet said meekly.

She missed his contagious smile, but something about a scowling Sebastian was incredibly hot...

"Jules," he acknowledged her with a slight nod. He may have been a bit moody, but he was still a gentleman after all.

Before Juliet could say anything further, to try and cool off the unresolved tension between them, Professor Sharp interrupted to begin his lesson. Once he'd given instructions on how to make a Laughing Potion, the class began to shuffle around gathering the necessary ingredients. Juliet stole a glance over to Garreth and Imelda's station. Imelda had an expression that matched Sebastian's, but that wasn't out of the ordinary. Garreth happened to catch Juliet's eye, giving her a wink. Juliet smiled at him, happy that he wasn't being as sour as Sebastian was.

Garreth looked around, and when he confirmed that Sharp wasn't watching, he pulled out his wand and transfigured a Knarl quill, one of the potion ingredients, into a long-stemmed flower, sending it over Juliet's way.

Classic Garreth... ever the showoff!

And shit-stirrer.

As the flower floated gracefully over to Juliet, it suddenly burst into flames, causing those around them to gasp, and drawing the attention of Professor Sharp. Garreth's face fell, and Juliet whipped around to find Sebastian holding his wand up defiantly, his lips curled into a sneering smirk.