A Not So Peaceful Study Session
Astoria fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, exhaustion dragging her under like a powerful current. But for once, her sleep was undisturbed, free from visions or haunting voices, and when she awoke, she felt more refreshed than she had in days.
The morning routine was nothing out of the ordinary—breakfast in the Great Hall, her plate filled with toast, eggs, and a steaming cup of tea. A barn owl swooped down gracefully, landing beside her with a small parcel. She recognized the wax seal immediately—her mother's. With a small smile, she untied it, revealing a collection of treats and trinkets: homemade biscuits, a tiny enchanted quill, and a delicate silver bookmark shaped like a serpent.
"Care package?" Ominis asked from across the table, taking a sip of his coffee.
Astoria nodded, plucking a biscuit from the pile and handing it to him before offering some to Sebastian, who sat beside her, picking at his food.
"You're unusually chipper this morning," Sebastian remarked.
Astoria shrugged, slipping the bookmark into her satchel. "I actually got a full night's rest for once."
Sebastian smirked. "You mean, you didn't wake up from some ominous vision or find yourself sleepwalking into a deadly magical trap? Shocking."
She rolled her eyes, but the teasing warmth in his voice made her lips twitch in amusement.
The morning classes passed uneventfully. Between Potions and Charms, Astoria found herself thinking ahead, knowing she'll be spending her time unravelling the secrets of Isidora's tunnels. If she wanted to keep up—she needed to stay ahead in her studies.
So, after lunch, she made her way to the library.
The scent of aged parchment and polished wood filled the air as Astoria settled into her usual seat near the tall glass windows. Sunlight streamed through, casting a soft glow over her notes and books.
She had just begun reading when a familiar voice rang out.
"Well, well, well, look at you, Blackwood—ever the diligent scholar."
Astoria barely had time to react before Garreth Weasley plopped his bag into the seat across from her, setting his books down with an exaggerated flourish. His fiery red hair was its usual untamed mess, his greenish-brown eyes twinkling mischievously as he grinned at her.
Astoria exhaled through her nose, resisting the urge to smile. "Garreth."
"Miss me?" he asked, tilting his head playfully.
"No," she deadpanned, though the amused glint in her emerald eyes betrayed her.
Garreth gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "That's cold."
She shook her head, returning to her book. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just thought I'd study with my favourite Slytherin."
"I'm your favourite?" Astoria pretended to be shocked "Don't let Sebastian and Ominis hear about it."
"Oh, I'm taking this to my grave." he quipped, flashing a dimpled grin.
She sighed but gestured at the chair nonetheless. "Fine. But if you're going to stay, you better not be distracting."
"Me? Distracting?" Garreth grinned. "Never."
They fell into an easy rhythm—him pretending to study, her actually studying, while they traded banter between pages. Despite his mischief, Garreth was good company, and Astoria enjoyed his light-heartedness. He had an effortless charm, the kind that made people gravitate toward him like warm sunshine in a room, and while he was often jesting, it was always harmless. Just... Garreth.
But their quiet peace was short-lived.
From across the library, Sebastian and Ominis entered.
Sebastian's eyes immediately zeroed in on the pair by the window, his mood shifting instantly.
Ominis was mid-sentence when he noticed his friend had stopped walking. "...Sebastian?"
Sebastian was already striding towards them.
Astoria barely had time to register Garreth's next joke before Sebastian's voice cut through the air.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
Astoria looked up, frowning slightly at his tone. Sebastian's usual teasing lilt was missing—his smirk forced, his dark brown eyes unreadable.
Garreth, however, merely leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "Sallow. Fancy seeing you here. Come to ruin our little study date?"
Sebastian pulled out a chair beside Astoria, dropping into it without waiting for an invitation. "My plan exactly."
Garreth raised an amused brow but said nothing.
Ominis finally caught up, sighing heavily. "Merlin's beard, Sebastian, would it kill you to not run off every five minute whenever a nice-looking bit of trouble catches your attention?"
Sebastian ignored him, turning his attention back to Astoria. "What are you studying, anyway?"
Astoria wordlessly lifted the cover of her book, revealing the gilded title: Advanced Arithmancy Studies.
Sebastian let out an exaggerated scoff. "When did you become a Ravenclaw?"
She kicks him under the table.
"Ow!" he yelps, rubbing his shin.
Ominis, who had just settled into a seat, tilted his head slightly. "Advanced Arithmancy? Impressive, Blackwood. I'm taking that class as well. Honestly, with a good head on your shoulders, I don't know why you insist on associating with these two." He gestures vaguely at Sebastian and Garreth.
"Ouch?" Garreth chuckled "You're right, I've decided you are my favourite Slytherin after all." He reaches out to playfully ruffle Astoria's hair.
She batts his hand away with a glare, though there was no real malice behind it. "Hands off."
Sebastian, watching the exchange, tensed slightly, though he masked it with a smirk. "Yeah Weasley, keep those grubby butter fingers to yourself" he said, his tone was light but had an unmistakable edge. "Don't want you exploding anything, other than your cauldron."
Garreth grinned, unbothered. "That wouldn't be so terrible now, would it?"
Astoria looks pointedly at them both "It's honestly not as bad as it looks Ominis, until one covers your robe in mystery potion liquid for the fifth time that week or the other drags you into some Forbidden tomb infested with spiders."
Sebastian looks offended "Don't lump me in with him!"
Astoria settles back into her books with a smile. Despite the interruption, she couldn't help but feel warmth settle in her chest. These moments—this effortless camaraderie—were what she treasured most.