Choices: Part 1

Chapter 8

Our next class, Beasts, was just as fascinating as the other classes. The class was held outside near the forest in a small wooden pavilion, taught by Professor Howin. We learned about these adorable little creatures called Bowtruckles. Hand-sized, tree dwellers that survived off of insects. With a flat-face stick figure made of ark and twigs with two long sharp claws on each hand, they are able to camouflage themselves in the trees they live in. They are supposed guardians of these trees who's wood is used for most wands.

After class, and getting assigned yet another essay, I say goodbye to Imelda and head over to Sebastian who is waiting for me outside of the pavilion for lunch. He gives me a half smile as I approach.

"Hello again." He says.

"Hi yourself." I say.

We start to walk up the hill back to the castle. Students around us complain of the huge workload that has been thrown onto us, I hear one student say how it is ridiculous because the exams are months away.

"Enjoying Hogwarts so far?" Sebastian asks.

"I am, actually," I say, "It is just sort of...overwhelming."

Sebastian lightly chuckles. "Yeah, you picked the worst year to start."

"Not like I had much of a choice." I mutter.

"Good point. I don't think I ever heard of someone starting so late." Sebastian says.

"That's what everyone keeps telling me." I sigh.

We reach the castle at this point and head for the Great Hall. Sebastian holds the door open for me to go through first and we eventually find a spot near the other end of the Slytherin table. Sebastian and I sit a little away from the others, him across from me.

"I hope I didn't offend you," Sebastian continues, "But it is very odd."

I shrug. "Its fine."

We fill our plates and start to eat. I keep my head down and my eyes glued to my plate, too nervous to keep eye contact. I slowly chew my food, debating whether I should say something to Sebastian to strike up a conversation. What more can I ask besides the weather or what he likes to do? I always hated small talk. Sebastian doesn't offer any more conversation either and I start to question why he even invited me to sit with him in the first place. I sigh, slightly disappointed. This cute guy probably just finds me weird. Maybe it is for the best, can't get too attached here.

"You seem to be doing great so far." Sebastian says, softly. Startled, I look up and Sebastian is giving me a kind smile.

"Th-thank you." I stutter.

"You definitely knocked me down a peg in class today. Have you dueled before?" He asks.

I shake my head. "No. Professor Fig just taught me what I needed to know and I kind of just...winged it?" I want to hide myself under the table with how lame that sound. Sebastian only laughs and shrugs before going back to his food.

"Well, I would expect nothing less from someone who was able to escape from a dragon." Sebastian says.

"That was all Professor Fig, honestly." I say, blushing.

"What did happen?" Sebastian asks.

"Just that we were on our way to Hogwarts with a Ministry friend of Professor Fig's when out of nowhere a dragon came in and ripped half the carriage off." I say. "It all happened so fast. Professor Fig was able to Apparate us out of there pretty quickly. We spent the rest of the time trying to find my things."

I expect Sebastian to look just as disappointed as the other students, but he doesn't. His eyes are wide, as if hanging on every word I say.