Your first week at Hogwarts had been eventful to say the least - a dragon attack, a duel against another student, a Slytherin no less, and then a troll attack in Hogsmeade. It seemed like you were a magnet for all things trouble. So when herbology popped up on your class timetable, you were eternally grateful for the reprise against all the danger you’d already been subjected to. Herbology, whilst maybe not the most interesting subject, was a very calm and peaceful one, with no need for fire or spells. The most trouble you’d encounter was the piercing shriek of a mandrake, but only if you weren’t careful.

Your teacher, Professor Garlick, was probably the most enthusiastic person you’d ever met, and that enthusiasm bled into her introduction of you to the rest of the class. “Class! Please welcome the newest rose in our garden!” And you thought that’d be the end of it, you’d go about your class as usual, plant some magical flower or something, then leave to complete the numerous assignments set for you, courtesy of Professor Weasley. But, it seems, the world had other plans for you. As your eyes circle the room, they land on the Slytherin boy you’d duelled - and beat - days before. He was peering intently from his potting station, but instead of being met with a glare as you expected (no boy wanted to be beat in a duel by a girl, and a Slytherin? You knew they were stubborn and temperamental, so you expected to have a target on your back since), you were met with…well, how you’d describe it, you didn’t know. Let’s just say it wasn’t angry, quite the opposite actually.

And, to your chagrin, you were made to sit directly next to him. You’d heard about Slytherins, that they were cunning and often times cruel, so you didn’t know what to make of his stare, and you didn’t want to do anything more to provoke him. You had already knocked him on his ass during the duel, and got him caught in the troll attack when Mrs Weasley made him accompany you to Hogsmeade. You didn’t want to give him any more reason to hate you.

“Hello, trouble.” Sebastian says, the nickname holding both a teasing and affectionate lilt. “Glad to see you’re in my class. Was hoping some fun would appear. What kind of turbulence do you have in store for me today?”

You can’t tell if it’s cruel, or simply friendly teasing. “No trouble today. Just want a normal class, without being attacked by some mythical creature.”

“Hm, I suppose you can’t expect much amusement in herbology anyway. Can’t be certain with you, however.”

Your cheeks burn at the teasing. Even if it wasn’t meant hurtfully, you couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. You were already the talk of Hogwarts being new, joining during fifth year nonetheless. That was practically unheard of. You didn’t want to draw more attention to yourself. So, you decide that maybe its a good idea to pass the humiliation onto someone else for a change, and if Sebastian was os willing to do it to you, why couldn’t you repay the favour?

“Were you staring at me, back then?” You ask, slightly accusingly.

It didn’t seem to phase him. “Just admiring the new rose in our garden.”