The morning sun cast a soft glow over the castle as students bustled through the corridors, heading to their first classes of the day. Among them were Aurelia and the Slytherin boy Isaac referred to as Sallow, both making their way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Their paths converged at the entrance, and they exchanged a friendly smile before entering the room.

The classroom was arranged with rows of desks facing the front, where a stern-looking elderly witch stood. Professor Hecat, known for her profound wisdom, surveyed the students as they settled into their seats.

Aurelia chose a desk near the window, her blue quill and parchment ready for note-taking. Sallow, with his characteristic confidence, took a seat in the row behind her, his keen eyes scanning the room with casual interest.

As the class began, Professor Hecat introduced herself and outlined the semester's curriculum. She was discussing the importance of recognizing various dark spells when she caught sight of Sallow's slightly bored expression.

"Mr. Sallow," Professor Hecat's voice rang out, causing Sallow to sit up a bit straighter. "Perhaps you would be so kind as to demonstrate the Levioso spell on the board?"

Sallow's lips curved into a wry smile, and he rose from his seat with an air of nonchalance. He took his wand in hand, and with a quick flick and incantation, the chalk floated up from the tray and began to write a string of words in the air.

Aurelia watched the display with a mix of surprise and intrigue. Sallow's magical skill was evident, even in a casual demonstration.

After a moment, Sallow released the spell, allowing the chalk to fall back into the tray. He turned to Professor Hecat, a knowing glint in his eye. "There you are, Professor."

The class watched in awe as the chalk resumed its place, now imprinted with the words Sallow had written in midair.

Professor Hecat nodded appreciatively. "Impressive control, Mr. Sallow. Five points to Slytherin."

Sallow returned to his seat with a satisfied smirk, the attention of the class still lingering on him. However, his eyes couldn't help but flicker briefly toward Aurelia, who had been observing the exchange with surprise and curiosity.

The rest of the class continued with Professor Hecat delving into the theory and history of dark spells. Aurelia diligently took notes, her focus on the material at hand. Sallow, on the other hand, seemed to be listening with only half an ear, occasionally glancing out of the window as if the world beyond held more interest.

As the class neared its end, Professor Hecat assigned a reading assignment from a particularly dense textbook. The class came to a close and the students gathered their belongings as they were dismissed.

"Quite the captivating class, wouldn't you say?" he remarked, his tone lighthearted.

Aurelia smiled politely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Indeed. Professor Hecat seems to be quite knowledgeable."

Sallow's eyes sparkled with amusement. "But I have a feeling you could teach the class yourself with all those diligent notes."

Aurelia blushed faintly, caught off guard by the compliment. "Well, I do believe in being well-prepared."

Sallow chucked, the sound warm and inviting. "I'm sure you excel in everything you do, Aurelia."

Before she could respond, the flow of students carried them apart, each heading to their next class. As they parted ways, Aurelia was utterly taken aback. How was it he came to know her name before they'd been introduced?

Later that evening…

The library bustled with students engrossed in their studies, the soft rustle of pages and the occasional whisper creating an atmosphere of scholarly concentration. Aurelia was no exception, seated at a desk by a window, her attention fixed on the ancient text before her.

Sallow, his curiosity piqued by the Ravenclaw immersed in her studies, decided to seize the opportunity to initiate a conversation. He wandered over, his confident demeanor betraying none of the intrigue he felt. Slipping into the chair across from her, he cleared his throat softly.

Aurelia glanced up, surprised by the sudden presence of a stranger. Her hazel eyes met his striking amber ones, and for a moment, she was taken aback by his magnetic gaze.

"Hello again," he began with a warm smile, his tone inviting.

"Hello," Aurelia replied, offering a polite smile in return. She couldn't help but wonder what his name was after their last encounter.

"I couldn't help but notice your dedication to your studies," he said, leaning slightly forward as if to share a secret. "Not many venture into these depths of the library."

Aurelia's cheeks tinged with a faint blush at his observation. "Well, I do plan on making the most of my time here at Hogwarts."

Sallow extended a hand across the table, his gaze locked on hers. "I'm Sebastian Sallow, by the way."

Aurelia's surprise registered in a subtle lift of her eyebrows. She accepted his handshake, her grip firm but gentle. "I believe you already know my name. Nice to meet you, Sebastian."

Sebastian's lips curved into a playful grin, his gaze dancing with the knowledge that he possessed information she didn't. "The pleasure is all mine, Aurelia."

As they talked, their conversation flowed naturally, delving into topics such as their favorite subjects and ambitions. Sebastian navigated the discussion with a masterful ease, his charm evident in every word he spoke. Aurelia found herself captivated by his wit and charisma, a warmth building within her as they exchanged thoughts and stories.

Time seemed to pass quickly, the library's hushed ambiance fading into the background as they got lost in their conversation. Yet, despite the natural rapport they shared, Aurelia couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Sebastian than met the eye. There was an air of mystery about him, a sense that he held secrets just beneath the surface.

As their conversation eventually came to an end, Sebastian rose from his chair, a smile still playing on his lips. "I'm sure our paths will cross again, Aurelia."

Aurelia nodded, her own smile genuine. "I look forward to it."

With a final nod, Sebastian walked away, leaving Aurelia to her studies. As she watched him go, she felt butterflies taking flight in the pit of her stomach. Aurelia felt pulled to him like a moth to a flame.