Chapter 46 Decision

"I can't decide right now." She told Bagman. "When is the deadline?"

Bagman was flustered. He had not anticipated the turn of events."The next match is the day after tomorrow. We need to know as soon as possible—"

"I'll have my partner chosen by sunrise." Senna turned to exit the Great Hall, not wanting to leave room for argument. She heard her name being shouted behind her, but she ignored it.

Senna stepped out into the fresh air, feeling the cool breeze brush against her face. She needed some space to think and clear her head. The decision she had to make was a big one, and she didn't want to rush into it.

As she walked along the path, she took deep breaths and tried to focus on the task at hand. Despite the urgency of Bagman's request, she knew that it was important to make the right choice, even if it meant taking a little more time.

Senna sat in a secluded area on the damp grass. The sun had already set and the stars were visible. She had less than twelve hours to decide. She could call upon anyone in the world, and they would have to come to Hogwarts and face a dragon with her.

Many faces whirled through her mind. She could have even Clyde there, but she quickly shook that thought from her mind. As talented as Clyde was, he was still a muggle, and it would be too dangerous for him.

If she chose Elena Snape, would they have to let her mother out of Azkaban temporarily?

If she chose Struan, could she finally end this war by letting a dragon burn him to a crisp?

If she could have anyone...

"Please don't do something foolish." A familiar voice made Senna jump.

Senna turned around to see Tonks. "So, who are you going to choose?" Tonks demanded, her hands on her hips.

With the chaos of recent events, Senna had forgotten that Tonks was tailing her constantly.

It was so strange seeing Tonks in the flesh. She had become a figment of Senna's memory in the last few weeks. Just the enigmatic presence of someone who may or may not be watching–like a ghost.

Senna glanced over her. It didn't seem like her self-care had improved. She was still thinner and paler than what Senna remembered at the start of the year. She was really starting to look like a ghost.

But Tonks' eyes were a familiar warm hazel, and it made her heart jump in her chest. Senna quickly looked away from her, avoiding unwanted emotions. She had been alone for so long, even the company of someone she despised was comforting. How pathetic, she thought.

Senna scoffed, "So you finally show yourself. I was starting to think you were a coward."

Tonks' face contorted into a frown as she spoke, her voice laced with annoyance. "I don't appreciate being spoken to that way," she said, her eyes narrowing at Senna.

"Well, I don't think your boss would approve of us speaking at all, so why bother?" Senna snaped. She didn't care that she was being rude.

"I'm just looking out for you. I don't know what you're planning but—"

"I don't need you to look out for me. You've done enough of that." Senna interrupted, pointing to the curse mark on her neck. "Just run along and tell your boss that the spawn of evil isn't going to call in her scary twin brother to avenge her."

Senna didn't look up to see her reaction. She hoped she was livid. She knew it was childish, but she wanted Tonks to hurt like she was hurting. But when Senna didn't hear a response, she finally looked up to see Tonks' expression.

Tonks looked completely depleted as she stood there in front of Senna. Senna took a closer look at her. Her eyes were bloodshot and her hair was disheveled, as if she hadn't slept in days. Senna couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her former friend.

Senna took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Are you okay, Tonks? You look like you haven't slept properly in ages."

Tonks shrugged and rubbed her eyes wearily. "I'll be fine," she murmured. "Just been busy with work."

Senna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, stalking me must be tiring."

"You have no idea." Tonks sighed.

Her heart softened as she thought about Tonks. Despite their differences now, they had been friends—or something like that—a long time ago. Senna couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Tonks these last few weeks. But there was a wall between them that was a thousand feet high. She worked for the ministry, the very group of people that were trying to erase her taboo existence from the face of the Wizarding World.

Senna nodded, "Listen, Tonks," she said gently. "I haven't decided yet, I'm still weighing my options."

Tonks didn't look convinced, but she didn't feel like explaining herself any further. She knew that her decision would have to be made soon, but she didn't want to be rushed.

Tonks shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her expression serious. "Senna, have you considered choosing Viola?" she asked, her voice low. "She's a skilled dueler and a powerful witch. I think she could help you a lot in the next challenge."

Senna raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't expected Tonks to suggest someone like Viola, especially after everything that had happened between them. "Viola... really?" she asked skeptically. "I didn't think you were a fan of hers."

Tonks' face turned into a scowl. "I may not like her personally, but I can't deny her skills as a witch. And right now, you need someone who can hold their own against a dragon."

Senna considered Tonks' words for a moment. She was indeed thinking of choosing Viola. Viola was a skilled dueler and had proven herself in many areas throughout her years at Hogwarts. In addition, she had really wanted to compete in the tournament. She was sure Viola would be excited at the opportunity.

"I'll think about it." Senna said finally.

Tonks nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I never thought I would suggest bringing that foul girl here." Tonks' voice was low, as if speaking to herself.

Senna chuckled. "She's not that bad, once you get to know her."

Tonks shook her head, unconvinced. "No, I think she's nasty to the core."

Senna sighed. She couldn't defend Viola's honor, as her reputation preceded her.

Senna watched as Tonks turned and walked away, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She wasn't sure what to make of Tonks' sudden change of heart, but she couldn't deny that she felt a twinge of gratitude towards her former friend.

Maybe there was still a chance for them to work things out, she thought. But for now, she had a decision to make.

Senna woke up early the next morning, her mind made up. She quickly dressed and headed to the Headmaster's office. She knew that Bagman was waiting for her decision, but she wanted to tell Headmaster Roberts first.

Roberts was sitting at his desk, reading a letter. He looked up as she entered and sat up straight. "Good morning, Senna," he said warily.

Senna took a deep breath and sat down in front of him. "I've made my decision, Headmaster," she said, her voice steady. "I know who I want to be my partner for the next challenge."

Roberts raised an eyebrow in interest. "And who might that be?"

Senna hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Viola Richmond," she said finally. "She's a skilled dueler and a powerful witch, and I trust her."

Roberts studied her for a moment before nodding. "I see," he said. "Viola is certainly a formidable opponent, I've heard. But she is not a student of Brownwell. Isn't there someone among your peers that you would like to assist you instead?"

Senna frowned. "No. It has to be her."

"And you have thought this through carefully?"

Senna nodded. "Yes, sir. I know it's a risky move, but I believe it's the right one."

"Very well, Senna," he said. "I will inform Bagman of your decision."

Senna felt relieved. She had been worried that Roberts might try to talk her out the tournament again, but he had given her his blessing–sort of. She stood up and nodded her head in gratitude to him before leaving the office.

As she walked back to her dormitory, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The next challenge was going to be tough, but she was ready for it. With Viola by her side, she knew that they could face whatever came their way.