3
The next two days went by rather slowly, with nothing but hours and hours of alone time. Evangeline spent a rather large chunk of time in the Thestrals’ stables, taking extra time to do the chores. When she became stir-crazy, a trip to Hogsmead helped ease her jitters, but when she had come back to the school, she was once again met with an extensive amount of time.
When the library had opened again, she rushed to reunite with the aisles and aisles of books, trying to ignore the judgemental glances from the librarian. And yet, even with her routine back to normal, she felt…bored. The feeling of boredom did not cross her very often; there was always something to do. Read, study, take a walk, something. Even sitting and just watching the landscape outside her window was typically an enjoyable pastime.
She did not miss the Slytherin boy from before, she didn’t even know his name, and his company was rather annoying. But with the castle so empty, her surroundings felt less magical and more…dead. It was a thought she quickly brushed away; she should be enjoying this downtime. Classes would surely sweep her back into a busy schedule, and with spring coming back soon after the next semester, there would likely be more dangerous adventures with professor Fig.
So, Evangeline pushed off her odd feelings and continued to read and study until the sun began to fall with the late afternoon sky. She planned to stay in the spot until the windows went black with night and only candlelight aided her sight, but when the sky was still blue, someone entered the library. At first, she paid no mind to the figure in the corner of her eye; they would likely leave soon. But, when another person walked into her view, she couldn’t help but glance up.
If there was one thing worse than a singular Hogwarts student dressed in green, it was a pair of them. They were engrossed in conversation, discussing something clearly interesting to the both of them as they meandered through the library. Evangeline recognized the brunette Slytherin immediately, with his confident stride and tousled hair. He was accompanied by a blonde who seemed a bit more reserved and held his wand up, as if waiting to cast. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a dull red glow at the end of his wand, and his eyes had a hazy glaze over them. It wasn’t hard to connect the dots, and she was surprised she didn’t notice the boy’s blindness sooner by the direction of his unfocused gaze.
The blind Slytherin came to an abrupt halt, nearly running into his companion, who had also ceased movement. Evangeline ripped her gaze from the blonde to the brunette. His eyes were already on her, a small smile forming on his lips. Behind the mischievous glint in his features, he almost looked…happy to see her. Relieved, even.
The Slytherin glanced back at his friend before approaching, and Evangeline sank further into her chair, bracing for the verbal battle that would no doubt begin momentarily.
“Hiding away in the library, reading? It’s a bit predictable, don't you think?” He sauntered over, a few feet away, now.
“Hm, yes indeed.” Evangeline tilted her head, saving her page before setting the book down. “Break into any locked rooms today?”
“Not yet,” he crossed his arms looking her up and down. She couldn’t tell if it was a hostile gesture or not. “But the day is young.”
“Sebastian, what on Earth are you doing?” The blonde Slytherin still stood at a distance, looking impatient.
Sebastian. Evangeline allowed the name to roll around in her head. It fit him. Before this moment, she didn’t even realize that they never truly introduced themselves, and first names never made their way into conversation. She quirked an eyebrow at the brunette. “Sebastian, huh?”
He cleared his throat, and to her surprise, almost looked a bit irritated at the fact of his name being revealed. “Yeah.” A pause. “And you, Barlowe? I think it’s only fair that we level the playing field.”
“Sebastian, can we go, please? I have things to do.”
Sebastian sighed heavily, glancing at Evangeline before turning to his friend. “Yes, Ominis. Wait a minute.”
Ominis grumbled, muttering small curses and complaints, but Sebastian paid him no mind, instead looking back to Evangeline, waiting for her answer. She was tempted to keep it a secret; it would be fun to have the upper hand, no matter how petty. But, she had to admit, their bantering encounters were quite entertaining, so she allowed him to have this win, hoping it would prompt him to seek her out later on.
“Evangeline.”
Although he didn’t show it, she knew he was pleased to receive an answer. “Really? I don’t think you look like an Evangeline.”
“And what do I look like, then?” She prompted, a bit intrigued to see what his answer would be.
“I’m not sure; Evengeline just seems like a name for someone much more agreeable than you.” he responded. She had to admit, she was almost hoping his answer would be more sincere, but really, this should have been expected.
“Hm, well Sebastian seems like a name for an intellect, or at the very least, someone with an inkling of intelligence.” She shrugged. “And yet, the name disappoints in your situation.”
He mock-pouted. “I’m terribly insulted. On the other hand, though, who got in trouble with the librarian? I suppose being book-smart isn’t everything, is it?” Evangeline opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off, walking backward a few strides to rejoin his friend. “Sorry, got to go. Have fun with…whatever you’re doing.”
She watched them leave, straining to hear their conversation. The only tidbit she caught was Ominis asking, “Who the hell were you talking to?”