Spellbound Souls

Chapter 13. Lines Drawn

Cassandra

Grace, Atticus, Sebastian and I are sitting on the small terrace of the tea shop in the Hogsmeade Square. As it is still September, sitting outside is still pleasant. The sun is inviting, and the temperature feels lovely on my skin. We just sat down, and floating cups and a teapot floats our way.

"I'm so glad we could get together today," Grace says with a chipper voice. I'm not the closest of friends with Grace, but as her roommate I felt obligated to meet Atticus, officially. I have seen him in the halls and some of my classes, but that was it.

"I have heard a lot about you, Cassandra. As has my family," Atticus begins. "You have quite the reputation in the wizarding world. With you being named the Saviour of Hogwarts and all that," he takes a sip from his tea. I can't help but feel he is patronising me. Before I can react, he swifts his focus to Sebastian.

"Of course, I know you, Sebastian. We spent some time together in our first years," he says cooly. Sebastian picks up his cup and takes a sip. Not making eye contact with Atticus.

"Yes, I remember," he murmurs. I'm starting to think Sebastian has some history with Atticus, but now is not the time nor place to pry.

"If you don't mind me asking, where were you the last year? My family was shocked to hear about your uncle," I don't hear any sincerity in his tone.

"I needed a vacation, you'll understand," Sebastian still doesn't make eye contact with him, and a palpable tension is brewing. I give Grace a look but she's eyeballing Atticus.

"I do," he simply answers. I feel as I'm missing some context here. There is a hostile environment between Sebastian and Atticus. And I'm actually dying to know why. When I told Sebastian Grace had invited us to meet Atticus, he didn't really react. He just said it was fine and that he was coming with me. I didn't think there would be a grudge between the two.

Grace, Atticus and I are having a conversation. He asks me about my adventures in my fifth year, and how it feels to being able to wield Ancient Magic. I ask him about his family business. He tells me they have houses all over the world. Between the topics Grace and him have small, adorable interactions. Every time they do so, I look up to spot some owls.

"I have to go," Sebastian stands up and tosses a galleon on the table. "I have some assignments I need to finish. Meet me later?" I nod and Sebastian gives me kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for the invite, Grace," he gives her a friendly smile. "Atticus," he says cooly with not as friendly smile. And he walks away towards the castle.

We sit a tad longer on the terrance and talked about all sorts of things. Atticus told me that if I have serious ambitions about becoming an auror, he could pull some strings. I thanked him, but I told him I still wasn't sure about my future plans. He was, on the other hand, sure of his. The moment he was born it was all settled. He would take his part in his family business. Travel the world to trade and negotiate about magical items.

The sun was setting, and it was time to go back to the castle.

"I will pay inside. I have to use the bathroom too," Grace stands up and walks inside. Atticus leans towards me.

"Finally, some alone time," Atticus whispers, his breath warm against my ear as his hand slides onto my thigh under the table. A shiver runs down my spine, but not from excitement. The cozy terrace of the tea shop is filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of teacups, but all I can focus on is the discomfort settling in my stomach.

Grace had just gone inside to pay for the tea, leaving me alone with Atticus. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, trying to put some distance between us without causing a scene.

"Atticus, stop," I say, my voice low but firm, pushing his hand away.

He doesn't take the hint. "Come on, Cassandra," he murmurs, leaning closer. "We could have some fun, I got my eye on you for a while now."

I stiffen, glancing toward the door. "Atticus, I'm with Sebastian and Grace is my friend. This isn't right."

He chuckles, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "Sebastian won't know, and Grace doesn't have to find out. It's just a bit of harmless fun."

I feel a surge of anger. "It's not harmless, and I'm not interested. You need to respect that."

Atticus' expression darkens, but he doesn't move his hand. "You're really going to turn me down? You're missing out."

I push his hand away more forcefully, standing up from the table. "Yes, I'm turning you down. And if you don't back off, I'll make sure Grace and Sebastian both know exactly what you tried to do."

For a moment, Atticus looks like he might argue, but then he glances at the door. Grace is making her way back outside, her expression cheerful and unaware of the tension between us.

Atticus sighs, putting on his charming facade once more. "Fine," he mutters, leaning back in his chair. "Your loss."

Grace reaches the table, oblivious to what just happened. "Everything's settled," she says with a smile. "Shall we head back?"

I nod, eager to leave. As we walk away, I feel a mix of relief and anger. Atticus' behaviour was unacceptable, I'm suspecting Sebastian holds a grudge against Atticus, and now I can understand why.

***

Later that day, Lucan, Sebastian, and I gather at what is typically the Gryffindor table during mealtime. However, since it's not, students are free to sit anywhere. Leaning over a map of Hogwarts Valley, we plan our next lesson and its location. Lucan and I are keen on practicing outside of the school grounds, using different secret locations to challenge students to adapt on the spot—just like Aurors do.

Lucan is thrilled about being named co-leader of the newly formed dual club. Although he had previously excelled as an organiser for Crossed Wands, he felt it wasn't right to continue with the club after the events of two years ago. Nonetheless, knowing his passion for it, I felt it was only fitting to include him in this new club, which also offers school credit.

Yesterday marked our first lesson, where we focused on safety during duels. Students were eager to learn about my Ancient Magic, and I assured them I would reveal it in due time. Given Professor Weasley's desire to attend, we held the lesson on school grounds. It wouldn't have been appropriate to ask her to travel to a more hazardous location, such as a fallen castle with debris and falling rocks. During the lesson, we organised the students into groups for their upcoming duels.

"Come to think of it, shouldn't Sebastian not be here?" Lucan asks. I smile and shrug. "I told him this was a secret meeting, but he insisted on coming," I say teasingly. "Besides, I know some places in the area that could be of use," Sebastian adds. "Okay, but no special treatment just because you're together with the leader of the club," Lucan says sternly. "And don't tell anyone you know the location," he quickly adds.

Sebastian laughs. "Of course, I promise," he says, hand over his heart. With a grin, I roll my eyes. "Now that's settled, what would you suggest?"

Sebastian leans in, tracing his finger along the map. "How about Falbarton Castle? It's secluded and has plenty of obstacles for a challenging duel."

Lucan nods, considering the suggestion. "That could work. We'll need to check it out first, make sure it's safe enough."

"Agreed, I think it has been abandoned for the last two years," I say, marking the tower on the map. "Since I cleaned out most of the poachers. We can take a trip there tomorrow to scout the area."

Just then, a group of students enters the Great Hall, their chatter filling the room. We straighten up, hiding the map under some books to keep our plans secret.

"Remember," Lucan says quietly, "not a word to anyone." Sebastian smirks. "Your secret is safe with me."

As the students disperse to different tables, I feel a thrill of excitement. Our plans are coming together, and the anticipation of the first outdoor duel fills me with energy.