(AN: Hay. Just a short chapter today, but there will be more. If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to PM me)
"And the winners are Team Eastey!"
The team crowed around, yelling and wooping. Sophia lifted Steve on to her shoulders as they paraded around the field. The other team flew low over their heads in mock anger, but upon closer inspection one could tell they were all laughing. Mark and Angela rushed up as the others in the crowd cheered.
"Amazing flying!" Angela was practically jumping up and down in glee.
"Shame it was a mock match." Said Mark as he helped his smaller brother off of Sophia's shoulders.
"Well we all know who would have one the tournament though." Steve smiled, he looked around, then back to the others, eyes twinkling. "What do you all say to a little⦠celebration."
"Oh I don't know Steve." Mark chuckled "The Prefect here might not approve."
"Hay." Snapped Sophia in mock annoyance "It's our sacred right as upper classmen. Besides as long as we're all back before curfew why should I mind?"
"Well then." Steven took Sophia's arm "Lead the way, milady!"
Soon the four of them were slipping into a dingy looking pub, with a faded green sign hanging over the door that read, the Wolves Den. The inside was dim, with dust on some of the ancient looking bottles hanging behind the bar and an odd amount of dog hair covering all the apolstered surfaces. Behind the bar stood a man, well less a man then a pile of hair with a face. His chin was bare, as was the top of his head, but his sideburns were so long and ragged it obscured his ears. His eyes twinkled golden in the dim light from the candles floating above his head. He looked up to them and smiled, his canines ever so slightly to long and pointed for comfort.
"Hay. My favorite non-cursed folk." He popped open a bottle of butterbeer and poured them each a glass.
"Hay Calgary." Angela flashed her toothiest grin at him "looking good today."
"You're an awful liar girl." He chuckled.
"Oh you'd be surprised." She sipped the drink.
"So," Mr. Calgary turned his attention to Sophia. "How's the smartest girl I know?"
"Worried about you." Sophia sat at the bar and leaned in "I heard about the legislation about restricting business license for 'Subhuman' citizens."
"Oh politics." He waved his hands dismissively "Listen kiddo, anti-werewolf bills are nothing new, and they are always voted down. Besides, you're about to graduate. You should be celebrating. Not worrying about little old me."
"Little." Snorted Steve "You're like 8 feet tall."
"Only 6"9'" he growled
"Sure Goliath." He mimed slaying Calgary with a sling.
He frowned. "Try hitting me with a sling Junior and see what happens."
"You wanna go old man?" Steve smiled
"Oh sounds like a challenge." Angela set down her glass. "Sweety. Go officiate."
"Sure." Laughed mark. He paused before he exited to the back room. "Aren't you coming dear?"
"Uh. No. I wanted to have a word with Sophia." Her smile seemed strained now.
"Oh. Okay." Mark excited for the two wizards, and soon the sound of a rather violent chess match drifted out from the back. Sophia and Angela drank in silence for almost an hour, before Sophia finally spoke.
"Angela if you've something to say you'd best say it." She said checking her watch. "I've got to get back to the castle soon."
"Oh. Right." Angela's face had lost all humor. She sat staring at the far wall; with an expression so dull you'd think she'd just been mesmerized. She looked over to Sophia. "I just wanted to say. I love you. You've always made my life bearable."
Sophia blushed "Angela. For god sake, what's with the sappiness."
"I wish." She continued as though Sophia hadn't spoke "You had been born my sister. No I wish I had been born yours. I wish I could have been anywhere but where I am." She was rubbing the corner of her left eye.
"What do you mean Angela?" this was starting to scare Sophia. "Are you talking about leaving your family to join the order?"
"Yes. That is what I've always planned isn't it?" Her voice was as hollow as a rotten pumpkin.
"Well yes. Ever since third year it's all you've talked about." Sophia leaned close "Angela please tell me what's wrong."
Suddenly Angela threw her arms around Sophia and pulled her close in a tight, almost desperate hug. "I've made a choice, Sophia. And it hurts. Loosing your family hurts."
"I know." She patted her back "But I'll always be there for you."
Angela pulled back and looked her straight in the eyes "no matter what?"
"Of course." Sophia tried to put on a cheerful face.
Angela smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes "You'd better head back to the castle. I'll meet you there later."
"Alright." Sophia drained her glass and grabbed her handbag. "See you later."
