Torn (Ominis Gaunt)

3

She made it to class just in time, as the last few students were making their way in. Blasts of colour could be seen from the doorway as she went inside.

The tables were pushed to the walls, students gathered around the outskirts of the room and two students stood in the centre throwing streams of colourful magic at each other. She recognised one of the students as Sebastian.

'Is that all you've got Prewett?' he snickered at the ginger Gryffindor who glared back.

'Expelliarmus!'

'Protego!' the red magic bounced of Sebastian's protection spell with ease. She watched his eyes scan the room, falling on the large skeleton hanging from the ceiling.

Raising his wand, magic flew from the tip, destroying the chain holding it up. The skull of the skeleton dropped with speed, approaching the Gryffindor, causing a few gasps around the room.

'Levioso!'

Before the object hit the ground, it was caught in a swirl of magic from the professor decending her office steps.

'Mr Sallow, I'd prefer it if you kept my hebridean black skull intact thank you, it's not often you come across these' she sternly spoke and with a swish of her wrist the skull rested as it once did, chained to the ceiling. 

'I think this was the perfect opportunity to present how useful levioso can be in battles. A simple yet effective spell, which we will be learning today' she continued.

'Levioso?' spluttered Prewett, disappointedly.
'but professor Hecat-'

'Our new student' she interrupted, looking at the girl.

'Let us see how you fare in a simple duel' beckoning her forward. She stepped into the centre of the room where Prewett had stood.

'Mr Sallow will be your opponent'

'Time for a proper Hogwarts welcome' he nodded at her as he strolled past. His usual confident grin plastered across his face.

'And duel!'

Sebastian shot the first spell, which she easily avoided with a protego.

'Levioso!' she called, taking Sebastian by surprise as he was left suspended in the air.

'Expelliarmus!' she watched as his wand lept out of his hand, clattering to the floor. Waves of red magic followed from her wand as the levioso wore off and he fell to the floor with a loud thump.

'I believe we have a winner! I'd like everyone to exeperiment with levioso outside of the classroom. Class is dismissed'

The classroom began to empty out, with students approaching her on the way congratulating her on her win.

'That can't have been your first duel' an exasperated Sebastian stood in front of her.

'I've had my fair share of them i suppose' she shrugged her shoulders.

'Fair share? That was like duelling an expert' he had his hands on his hips, breathing rather heavily.

'It's a good thing i held back, you've clearly exerted a lot of energy' she eyed him up and down, wearing a smirk.

'Held back? Merlin, perhaps you'll be the one to take my duelling crown' he loosely smiled back. 'we're still on for tonight?'

'If you don't want to wallow in your defeat, yes, i'll be there'

'Hilarious' he breathed, exiting the classroom.

'That was extraordinary!' a high pitched squeal called out from her side. A purple head coming into her eye line.

'You beat Sebastian Sallow! Now that is a feat'  declared Loretta, tucking a strand of purple hair behind her ear. They left the class together and walked towards the staircase.

'I heard you beat Sebastian in a duel today' a familiar voice came from the wall opposite the bottom of the stairs.

'News travels fast' she replied, approaching Ominis who was once again leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

'Don't let it go to your head, you were just lucky' he turned his head in her direction before pushing himself off the wall and leaving. She was confused at his little dig but put it down to the two boys being good friends.

Professor Fig was awaiting her arrival in his office. She'd separated from Loretta who headed back to the common room, and made her way to the professors office successfully by herself.

'How has your first day prospered? I have heard you've already impressed your professors' beamed professor Fig as she took a seat.

'I believe i'm going to enjoy my time here' she smiled back upon hearing the compliment.

'That is great to hear. Now in regards to the locket, i have discovered a map'

'A map?'

'Yes a map, perhaps you ought to have a look at it?' he tapped his wand against the locket which unfolded a large, intricately detailed map of the school. Blue traces of magic floated up from the paper and swished about her head.

'They lead to the restricted section.' She pondered. 'it's leading us to a book?'

'The restricted section? It seems so, let's make our way-' he began to rise from his seat as she did the same.

'Fig! I need your assistance with Ministry matters this instant!' thundered the unpleasant voice of the headmaster as he stomped his way over to were the pair stood.

'Headmaster i'm with a student-'

'I said this instant! Your student can wait, this is an order' he turned on his heel and walked out, expecting professor Fig to follow.

'I'm afraid this will have to wait, focus on your studies in my absence, we will follow the map the minute i return' he spluttered as he hurried out the door. She stood in the same spot, looking at the magic map. She couldn't wait until the professor returned. Maybe she could ask someone to take her to the restricted section, although 'restricted' didn't sound particularly inviting. There was one person she figured would know how to get in.