The Start of a Rivalry
Sebastian Sallow kept his word.
The Slytherin Quidditch tryouts had been fierce, but Sebastian had made quick work of it. His natural skill with a wand translated seamlessly to the broomstick, his precision with a Bludger nothing short of terrifying. Imelda, naturally, had been named captain, her sharp voice cutting through the pitch like a whip. To no one's surprise, Sebastian earned his place as one of Slytherin's new Beaters.
Meanwhile, Astoria had made her way to Hogsmeade, her list of supplies clutched in one hand. Scrolls for Charms, items for her vivarium, new seeds for Herbology—it was all starting to feel routine. The village was alive with students.
She found Natty, Poppy, and Garreth waiting near The Three Broomsticks. Garreth, ever the schemer, wasted no time in roping her into errands.
"J. Pippins," he declared grandly. "I need ingredients for my latest potion—an anti-gravity concoction that'll make you feel as light as a feather."
Astoria raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like an excellent way to accidentally float into the ceiling and get stuck."
"Only if brewed incorrectly," Garreth grinned. "That's where the fun is."
Despite herself, Astoria agreed. The two made their way to J. Pippins, where Garreth excitedly sorted through shelves, rattling off theories and modifications for his newest experiment. She let him prattle on, half-amused, half-impressed by his boundless enthusiasm.
Just as they were finishing up, the door to J. Pippins swung open, and in walked Sebastian, trailed closely by Natty.
Natty, arms crossed and expression unimpressed, clearly had not come willingly. "He dragged me out of Tomes and Scrolls to come find you," she deadpanned. "You have created a monster, Astoria."
Sebastian, however, didn't take his eyes off Astoria and Garreth, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. "Fancy running into you two here," he remarked, voice light but laced with something else.
Astoria turned, arching a brow. "Fancy, see you here. I take it you finished tryouts?"
Sebastian let out an exaggerated sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't make the cut, I'm afraid. You'll have to console me."
Astoria narrowed her eyes. "Liar."
He grinned. "Alright, fine. I'm Slytherin's new Beater. Hope you're prepared for the destruction I'll bring."
Garreth, who had been quiet until now, perked up. "Funny, I was just about to say. Gryffindor's Beater, at your service."
Sebastian's smirk faltered slightly. "Is that so?"
Garreth folded his arms. "First match of the year—Slytherin vs. Gryffindor. What do you say we make things interesting?"
Sebastian arched a brow. "Interesting how?"
"If Gryffindor wins, you have to publicly admit I'm the superior player," Garreth declared. "And if Slytherin wins?"
Sebastian's grin returned. "You have to call me 'Captain Sallow' for the rest of the school year."
Garreth rolled his eyes but shook on it. "Done."
With their shopping complete, the group made their way back to The Three Broomsticks, the cool evening air settling over them as they walked. Astoria found herself catching up with Natty and Poppy, discussing their summer breaks. Poppy spoke excitedly about the magical creatures she had encountered, while Natty, ever focused on her studies, recounted a fascinating text she had discovered on the magical history of African wizarding communities.
"I think you'd like it, Astoria," Natty said thoughtfully. "It discusses old magical traditions, some not too different from the ancient magic you have encountered."
Astoria smiled, intrigued. "You'll have to show me sometime."
As they entered the Three Broomsticks, an unknown figure lingered in the shadows, their gaze following Astoria and her friends.
Seated at a corner table, Sebastian and Garreth went to fetch drinks, leaving Astoria, Poppy, and Natty alone. Before long, a group of fifth-year Gryffindor boys sauntered over.
Poppy stiffened beside her, clearly wary of strangers, but Astoria kept her expression neutral. "Good things, I hope."
"Oh, of course," he said, flashing a smile. "A talented duellist, and not to mention an icy beau-"
Before he could finish, Sebastian and Garreth returned, setting the butterbeer down with an audible thud.
"Something wrong?" Sebastian asked smoothly, not bothering to hide his discontent.
The boy hesitated, then shrugged. "Just chatting."
Sebastian's gaze didn't waver. "Right, well. Times up."
Garreth, grinning but clearly taking Sebastian's lead, took a seat beside Astoria. "Better luck next time, mate."
The Gryffindor boys, sensing they had overstayed their welcome, quickly made their exit.
Astoria smirked. "That was not very nice."
Sebastian took a sip of his butterbeer. "I didn't even take out my wand."
Garreth chuckled. "This year is going to be interesting."
As the group finished their drinks, they began their journey back to Hogwarts.
As the group parted ways, with Natty and Garreth ascending the stairs back to the Gryffindor tower and Poppy heading towards her dormitories near the kitchen. Sebastian and Astoria fell into step together, making their way down to the dungeons.
"I've missed our adventures," Astoria admitted, glancing at him. "It's been a quiet few months. A much-needed break, but still."
Sebastian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. The Gaunt estate wasn't exactly... relaxing. Spent most of my time keeping myself busy. Training. Anything to avoid sitting alone with my thoughts."
Astoria nodded in understanding. "You know, you can always talk to me."
Sebastian huffed a small laugh but didn't respond immediately. He had always found it easier to open up to Astoria than to anyone else. There was something about her that drew honesty from him, even when he wasn't sure he wanted to share. She had a way of making him feel like he didn't have to keep his guard up.
By the time they reached the common room, Ominis was already there, seated in his usual chair by the fire. He tilted his head toward them as they entered. "Back from your grand outing?"
Sebastian smirked. "Weasley and I have a bet now. He'll be calling me 'Captain Sallow' soon."
Ominis sighed. "Merlin help us all."
The three settled in, the warmth of the fire filling the room as they caught up on the evening's events. Outside, the castle remained alive with murmurs of excitement—the school year had only just begun, and already, it was shaping up to be unforgettable.