Choices: Part 1

Chapter 11

The troll attack in Hogsmeade is all that anyone talks about for the next few weeks. Rumors fly around that maybe they are siding with Ranrok in this rebellion. I think they are right. I haven't forgotten the red glow in the troll's eyes when it attacked us. But it does not answer the one question everyone seems to have, why Hogsmeade? The most common theory most agree on is that it was just to cause panic. More than ever I want to talk to Professor Fig, but every time I go to his office, he isn't there.

Sebastian is hurt, that much I can tell. He isn't straight up about it, but there is always a tense edge to his tone when he speaks to me and he seems to find any possible way to avoid spending time with me alone. Hell, I barely see him with Ominis these days. He seems to be losing himself back in his research of helping Anne, according to Ominis. Ominis mentioned that he is looking for other methods just in case the Shrivelfig doesn't work. We don't see much of him during mealtime anymore either. I keep having to remind myself every time my heart drops that it is probably for the best. Still, I would like my friend back at least.

Next thing I know, it is November. The weather has turned cold, making it impossible to not wear gloves and scarves on your way to each class. The castle never seems to warm up properly to me. At least the classrooms are somewhat comfortable. Outside, snow has begun to fall, but not much. There is a light dust of it now on the grounds with grey cloudy skies. According to Imelda, this is good Quidditch weather. The first game is in a couple of weeks. I can't say that I'm not excited. From what Sebastian and Ominis have told me, it sounds like an exciting sport.

Sebastian. I hate that our friendship has taken an awkward turn. I keep thinking of all the fun we had at Hogsmeade before the attack and my heart just aches. I purposely been getting up early just to get a glimpse of him before breakfast, but it seems, outside of classes, he never wants to come out of his room. I sit at breakfast, alone, early Sunday morning while I doom on the fact that Professor Sharp assigned us a 3-foot-long essay about antidotes due tomorrow and I haven't even started it yet.

"Morning, Erin." Ominis says as he takes a seat next to me.

Like a fool, I look behind him for Sebastian, and disappoint crushes me when I notice he isn't there. Remember, it's for the best.

"Hello, Ominis." I say, dully.

"Are you or Sebastian ever going to tell me what's going on between you two?" Ominis demands.

"Huh?"
"Oh don't play coy. Something has been off about you two since you went to Hogsmeade. I'm blind, not stupid." Ominis states.

"It's nothing, Ominis." I say.

"I swear you both are just alike." He mutters.

"What?" I snap. Really, I am not in the mood for Ominis' grief. I know he means well, but I have no desire to tell him about the almost kiss and trying to explain why I rejected Sebastian.

"Word of advice, Erin," He says, leaning close to me to lower his voice, "Sebastian is a stubborn fool. If you want things to change, you're going to have to do it."

"That's –"

I am interrupted by the sound of hundreds of owls hooting as they fly into the Great Hall. I look up and am surprised to see one head right towards me. It lands with a light thump, sticking its leg out to hand me the letter tied to it. After I remove the letter, it nibbles on some bacon before taking off. I jump out of my seat as I read the letter, almost knocking over our goblets.

"What are –"

"I'm sorry, Ominis, but I got to go." I quickly say and run for the door.

"Don't forget what I told you!" He calls out after me.