Quidditch Tryouts
Astoria woke early, the first hints of dawn barely creeping through the enchanted windows of the Slytherin dormitory. The castle was still steeped in the quiet lull of morning, as she dressed - fastening the emerald-trimmed cloak over her shoulders before making her way into the common room.
The Slytherin common room was peaceful at this hour. A few early risers were scattered about, some reading, others nursing warm drinks. At one of the tables near the fireplace, Ominis sat alone, his fingers lightly grazing over the pages of a book.
Astoria approached, pulling out a chair. "Morning, Ominis."
He turned slightly at the sound of her voice, his expression softening. "Morning, Astoria. Up early as usual, I see."
"Habit, I suppose. How were the holidays? How did you survive having Sebastian around for nearly three months?" She smirked.
Ominis exhaled, shaking his head. "Surprisingly, he was quieter than usual. I think he was determined to do anything but sit still. The amount of time he spent outside—hunting down trolls, running through mountains, even playing Quidditch with some local brats—was a bit much. But I suppose it was understandable, given everything that happened last year."
Astoria nodded; her expression thoughtful. "He looks different. It seems like a lot of girls have noticed too." She rolled her eyes. "I spent half of Muggle Studies yesterday answering ridiculous questions from some Hufflepuff girl who was painfully unsubtle about her interest in him. I think she asked me, in the most roundabout way possible, if he was single. Twice."
Ominis smirked. "And what did you tell her?"
"That he has an unfortunate habit of sleepwalking into trouble, which usually results in detentions and near-death experiences." She shrugged. "If they're going to be curious, they might as well be informed."
Ominis chuckled. "You're much kinder than I would have been. If I had to endure that level of second-hand embarrassment, I'd have simply told her he was betrothed to a Hungarian Horntail."
Astoria laughed, shaking her head. "If only I'd thought of that."
Before Ominis could respond, Imelda strutted down from the girls' dormitory, her sharp gaze sweeping the room. "Where's Sallow?" she demanded.
"Not here." Astoria and Ominis answered in unison.
Imelda groaned. "Figures. I need him for Quidditch tryouts. He'd make a damn good Beater."
Astoria raised a brow. "Of course, you'd want to put him in the most violent position possible."
Imelda grinned. "Naturally."
Astoria smirked. "You do realize he's likely still snoring away in his dorm, completely unaware of your determination?"
Imelda crossed her arms. "Oh, I plan to drag him out if I have to. No way I'm letting talent like that go to waste. Besides, Sallow loves a challenge. He won't say no."
Ominis hummed. "He also loves sleep."
Astoria chuckled, shaking her head.
The morning carried on, classes passing in a blur. Soon enough, Astoria found herself weaving through the corridors between lessons when she nearly collided with Sebastian. He caught her by the shoulders, his usual smirk playing on his lips.
"You should watch where you're going, Blackwood," he teased.
"You should watch who you're running into, Sallow," she shot back, mirroring his smirk.
He chuckled, adjusting the strap of his book bag. "Where are you off to?"
"Charms. With you and Natty, actually," she said.
Sebastian nodded. "Good, maybe you can stop Natsai from rolling her eyes at everything I do."
Astoria tilted her head. "No promises." She then hesitated before adding, "A few of us are going to Hogsmeade after classes. Want to come?"
He seemed ready to agree but then hesitated. "I have Quidditch tryouts."
"Oh, Imelda found you afterall!" Astoria waved a dismissive hand. "No matter. We can go another time."
Sebastian thought for a moment, then smirked. "How about this? I'll make sure I blast through try outs with flying colours and meet you there right after."
Astoria gave him a flat look. "That was awful."
"You love it." He grinned.
She shook her head, feigning exasperation, but despite herself, she laughed.
Sebastian winked before heading off. "See you at Hogsmeade, Blackwood."
As she walked to class, she found herself smiling to herself.
Some things never changed.