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It's been quite a few weeks since the chaos surrounding the new fifth year making it into the quidditch team, replacing the other injured student completely.
Ominis had spent weeks avoiding joining the conversation around it, preferring to be alone and encouraging the talks every now and then when other students in his house told him about it.
Why should he even bother? When all he could hear was Sebastian repeating the same news all over again in the dorm.
The new fifth year was a brilliant student, seemingly popped out of thin air, taking the school by storm and charmingly enough for every professor within the castle halls. Richie Foster, what a student.
Ominis couldn’t blame him, he was kind and helpful to him, rather he was keen on establishing a friendship with him than casting him out as a blind student. He was empathetic, so Ominis could clearly understand why people adored him.
It was just all too overwhelming lately for him.
After the scriptorium and the catacomb incident, the new fifth year had done his best trying to patch things up with him and Sebastian, even after Anne fled the town. He was still trying to reach Anne with help from Richie, but so far Anne hasn’t been replying to his letters.
Sebastian on the other hand, had been busying himself with sports instead of books, claiming that he should push himself away from the restricted section of the library for a few months and focus on something else. He had encouraged that at the beginning, relief flooding him when he saw Sebastian trying to mend himself back to what he was before.
He was glad that Sebastian wasn’t involving himself with dark magic, and he was relieved when Sebastian was keen on talking about quidditch and homework instead of anything to do with what happened before.
And he sees the effort Sebastian is trying to make with him.
On nights when they would sleep later than usual, Sebastian would talk with him and discuss their future, and Ominis would gladly talk to him about it.
Before the curse, before it all, they had a thing that had happened between them.
It was why he was so sensitive when Sebastian told the new student about Undercroft, it was why he was insufferable about Sebastian finding the cure through dark magic, it was why he was left crying alone in the nestle between high stones when Solomon was killed in the catacomb.
He had believed that it was all real, that what had happened between them was real.
He was angry about Undercroft because he had his first kiss there, with Sebastian, alone. He wasn’t entirely excited at the thought of another student coming in and out of that place for the spell cast practice or any other reason. It was special to him alone . And he showed and shared the place with Sebastian and Anne in the hope it would become their place of refuge, their place where they could let loose and enjoy themselves.
Now that Richie had known of the place, despite his kind heart, Ominis knew that Undercroft wasn’t so special anymore. Not to him at least.
-
“Ominis, I’ve been trying to find you,”
He heard a scratchy voice calling out for him in the distance, he stopped in his tracks, swishing his wand to sense in which direction was the person speaking to him.
In a quick scan, he sees a green glow on his right peripheral. He turns, seeing the tall stature of his new friend standing with hands resting on both hips, catching his breath.
“Are you quite alright? Sounds like you ran a marathon.” He noted, scrunching up his nose due to the distinct smell he picked up from Richie. He smelled oddly off. Like he came from somewhere deeper than a troll dungeon.
“I’ll be alright, listen—“ Richie began. “I found something that I think you would like, and I wanted to tell you this in private.”
Ominis stood straight, listening. He was confident there was no one within their vicinity, he was strolling alone, thinking of just basking in that warm window when Richie caught up to him.
“What is it?”
“It’s better if I show it to you, and I need you to not tell anyone, or if you do, that’s entirely up to you.” He explained, scratching his head. “I just thought I’d make it up to you about the location of the Undercroft.”
Now he’s confused. Why would Richie feel bad about knowing Undercroft? If anything, it would be Sebastian who should make it up to him for spilling the location to another person.
“Why would you…” He began, frown knitted clearly on his eyebrows.
“Let’s just say that Sebastian regrets it deeply and would’ve just introduced me to the room of requirement. And I had already told you about my room of requirement.”
He was correct. Ominis recalled being pulled in the direction of the tower until they reached a lone corridor, and then he was introduced to Richie’s secret place.
Richie had told him about the place and how he mostly uses it to study and tend to the animals and beasts, though Ominis was only there a few times for the food and tea, and the comfy sofa in the large window on the balcony.
“Exactly, you’ve told me of your place, and you knew of mine, so what is this new place you’re telling me?”
Richie grins and chuckles, ease hanging in the air as he snaked his arms around his shoulder. “We will move at night, it’s not as easy a location to enter as one might think.”
Ominis furrowed his eyebrows and stared in the direction of Richie’s voice, silently wondering what he was up to now.
-
Night time comes and Ominis climbs off his bed, shrugging his robe over his loose button-downs. He fell into a deep sleep after a brief nap and he knew it was nighttime, though he wasn’t sure what time it was. Surely it wasn’t after midnight, he pulled on his wand beside his pillow and cast a Tempus charm.
The spell speaks to him and Ominis rubs his sleepy eyes again.
There seemed to be no sign of Sebastian, or he was deeply asleep like the dead.
“Sebastian?” He called, secretly hoping he was there. Secretly hoping that he would ask where he would be going.
It wasn’t as if Sebastian didn’t ever care about his business, he usually was. But lately, he was too preoccupied with quidditch and classes and mingling with others, Ominis had sensed he was somehow cast aside, despite standing next to him all the time.
“Not here then,” He sighed.
Slowly making his way to the common room, Ominis fingers through his messy hair and climbs the stairs up to the entrance of their common room.
He heard the distinct chatter and giggles of girls in the distance, and he thought that some of them stayed up to study or gossip. Not that he cared for each of them. What he didn’t realize to sense was the lingering eyes of Sebastian Sallow following him until he exited the place.
Ominis made his way through the long corridor leading to the boy's restroom, remembering Richie’s instruction earlier in the day. He went up to the sink and washed his face, getting rid of any sleep left.
“Ominis! Good, you’re here!” Came a voice from one of the stalls, the thick wooden door creaking open. Ominis nods and accio a small white towel from the rail, wiping the water off his face. It felt refreshing.
“I’m here, now what?” He asked, hanging the towel by the sink.
“Hold on, it’s about to be cold, so wear this.” The other handed him a scarf. Ominis frowned. Whatever Richie is trying to show him is growing more suspicious by the second, he had slept on it during the day but now he’s actually frightened and a little nervous about it.
“What is it? We’re going outside?”
“No, no, we’re going downstairs.”
“Downstairs? I’m not following, Foster.” He grunted, wrapping the scarf around his neck nonetheless. Now that he’s fully awake, he’s aware of the thin layer that he’s wearing. Just a white button down and slack pants, barely sock feet with his comfortable shoes, the thick robe, and the scarf. It was mismatched, but it was eleven at night. He should’ve worn pajamas to bed by now.
“Alright Ominis, I’ll tell you this right now, and there’s no one here with us in this restroom.”
“Okay?”
“I found a letter from your aunt when I was looking around for a few moons scattered around the castle.”
At this, Ominis was taken aback. “A letter? From my aunt? Scattered in the castle?” He asked, not registering. What the hell was this new student on about?
“Here, it’s more of a note than a letter, I’ve read to identify who it was written by. But I’ll give it to you to read, I think she left it for you to stumble on.”
Ominis felt the crumpled paper being pressed on his palm. He smoothes the small note and pulls on his wand, pressing the tip to the middle of the paper.
Merlin I found it. Or should I say, Salazar.
The chamber. It’s dangerous enough for any person to enter, except for any descendant of Salazar. This old man really plays favorites heavily.
All I had to do was ask and it obeys. I’m sure the poor thing inside was lonely, I would make sure to visit from time to time, but I’m not really suitable to come and go as I like. Maybe my dearest nephew would do it for me.
I’ll return.
Ominis swallowed, hands slowly folding the note carefully and slipping it into the inside pocket of his robe. He missed his aunt dearly, and for every note he had found while discovering the relic that Sebastian was desperate to find, he had kept it close to his heart.
He read her notes and letters from time to time when he felt lonely. Sebastian usually would’ve comforted him and he would be alright in no time but—
No use in fretting now, Sebastian isn’t Sebastian anymore.
It’s for the best. If it meant he moved on from him, then so be it. Even if it hurts him a little.
Or a lot.
“Aunt Noctua… where did you find this?” He asked instead, curious as to when his aunt had the time to leave a note somewhere within the castle. As for the scriptorium, he had understood the letters, as she was trapped inside and had to figure her way out of there, but a chamber…?
He’s confused.
“I found it in the girl’s restroom,” Richie replied to him.
Ominis made a face and was about to question him until Richie cut him off again. “It’s to find the moons I swear! I was not up to no good inside there, I promise.” He sighed. “Anyways, I was casting revelio and your aunt’s letter slipped and fell from the sink.”
“The sink?”
“The middle sink. I suspect it was the entrance to the chamber she mentioned. I mean,” Richie scratches his chin. “It was painfully obvious actually, there was a crack in between and there was a hollow sound coming from it. I knew one could crawl in there.”
Ominis sucked in a breath. If his aunt had trusted him to seek the place, then he would. And the mention of the ‘thing’ inside it, he had quite an idea of what it was. If his suspicion was correct, then it might be the basilisk chamber that Salazar had made for his heir. Their family had entertained the idea of looking for it but it was all said in a joking manner.
Only Merlin knows how much of a coward his family was, torturing the weak but never having the balls to face those who are stronger than them. Cowards.
And Ominis Gaunt was not to be lumped together with the rest of them.
He’ll brave through it with Richie or alone. Just like Aunt Noctua had.
But she’s an adult, and he’s only fifteen.
“Take me to it.” He demanded. “Now.”
-
Standing inside the girl’s restroom, after Richie made sure no one was inside, was no different than being in the boy’s restroom.
He stood in the middle, hands resting on the rim of the cold sink, thinking of how to open it up.
So far, he had heard nothing. Richie had told him he could see a crack of an opening between the sink, so Ominis decided to take two steps back and hissed.
Open now.
He spoke in Parseltongue, as obvious as Salazar would’ve made it be. For an heir, it was easy to figure out that old man’s intention, he wasn’t subtle in his ideologies.
“Wicked,” Richie whistles. Ominis waited for a second and felt the ground shake slightly.
“It’s opening Ominis, you did it.” Richie nudged his elbow a little, encouraging him to take a step forward. Ominis took a deep breath and swished his wand, silently asking his wand to guide him through.
Throughout the whole way, Richie had made an effort to keep the conversation going, Ominis suspected that the guy was trying to keep the eerie feeling away, it was obvious.
“I mean, did Salazar build the entrance in the girl’s restroom because it was only for his female heir, or was he just making us feel like a pervert to enter through there?” Richie questioned, shaking the goosebumps off his skin.
Ominis let out a chuckle. “I mean, the castle changes every now and then, and I don’t think Salazar would’ve guessed his precious chamber entrance would be in the shitter.”
Richie snorted and they continued their journey in other topics of small talk. Conversation halts when they stumble upon the entrance to the chamber. A round metal door with seven snakes spread on it.
“We’re at the door, there’s seven metal snakes on them, it’s shut tight,” Richie commented, glancing at Ominis.
The blond sighed and whipped his wand once again, sensing the outline of the place. It was freezing cold, he should’ve been sleeping, but it was all too exciting to back out now. Aunt Noctua had discovered this before him. He trusts her dearly.
Before he could command the door to open, he heard another voice speaking to him.
And who might you be? Another Gaunt?
“I am a Gaunt,” He confirmed to the voice, speaking in a low hiss. “And I brought a friend,”
It has been a while since a Gaunt has visited, very well… the other one has promised to return but they have not been faithful to their promise…
“I’m afraid the others passed before they could return, so I am here to replace them.”
A pity… they were very kind.
“They… were.” Ominis was taken aback. Was he talking to the enchanted door or was it something else? Is there another creature inside?
Are you as kind?
He blinked, thrown off at the question. “I will not say, you should judge me as you will. But I will tell you I didn’t come here to cause harm.”
Very well… you seem promising…
Before he could reply, the door moved and he could hear the gasp from Richie as the entrance opened to them.
He had made it. They found the chamber.
-
The next few days, Ominis smiled a lot more. He spent more time in the chamber than Undercroft. It was better anyways.
The undercroft had quickly become lonely after Anne left, which he could bear, but after Sebastian… well, he’d rather not return.
Spending his nights inside the chamber alone should’ve made him feel isolated, but if anything, he was glad to find the basilisk a pleasant company. Richie accompanied him only once when they were first looking for it, but after that, Richie left him to be on his own, respecting his new space.
Though Ominis always finds him hanging around the long corridor after Ominis exited the chamber, waiting for him and urging him to tell him about his day and what he did inside the chamber.
The basilisk that Ominis had spoken to was kind enough to let him stay for a few hours, as the creature did with Aunt Noctua. He suspected because he was an heir, the basilisk was kinder than he had expected.
But he had never thought he would spend this week conversing with a basilisk in a chamber, talking about Aunt Noctua. The basilisk talked about how kind she was and how she struggled to find the right food for its consumption. Ominis never imagined himself laughing and smiling while talking to a basilisk , but Richie commented how happy Ominis was after finding out about the place, so Ominis thought it was alright.
Everything was alright.
-
Perhaps he spoke too soon.
In a week, he hasn’t conversed fully with Sebastian at all. It wasn’t what he had thought he would ever do, they were inseparable usually. But circumstances have been different lately. He missed him dearly, of course.
Ominis had stuffed all of his emotions and feelings towards Sebastian in the back of his mind, wanting to focus on the chamber and his studies.
Richie had hung around him a lot more too, ditching Natsai and Poppy when Ominis walked in the room.
“I bought supplies for you tonight,” Richie whispered to him discreetly, wiggling his eyebrows excessively. Ominis didn’t need to see to know how awfully suspicious Richie was acting. So he laughed, surprising both Richie and Sebastian who were sitting a few stools away from him.
“This isn’t supposed to be a suspicious transaction, Foster.” Ominis grins, taking the small pouch from him. Richie Foster grins wider and pats Ominis back. “Say hi to your new pet for me,” He teased, taking a seat on the stool next to him.
Ominis shook his head and slipped the pouch inside his robe, head snapping forward when he heard the sound of Sharp’s voice echoing inside the classroom.
Again, he was unaware of the stare coming from Sebastian, and how tight his grip was around the ladle next to his cauldron.
-
That night, he did his usual routine before going to bed, slipping past the prefects to go to the chamber had never been a problem due to the location of it. No prefect would hold him back from going to the restroom no matter how late it was.
As he slipped into the girl’s restroom, he noticed the echoing footsteps following close behind. He hissed the word and the sink split open for him. Ominis hurriedly walked towards the entrance.
“Is someone following me?” He hissed as the door opens for him.
A boy… Sallow…
“Sebastian.” Ominis sighed and slipped inside, not waiting to see if Sebastian followed or not. He was there to feed the basilisk, not entertain another heartache.
“Ominis,” His voice called for him as the door slowly closed behind him. “Oh, oh- shit.” The brunet cursed, robe almost caught in the process of him slipping inside.
“What are you doing here, Sebastian?” He questioned, not turning his back to face him. Sebastian was quiet for a while, probably too amazed and wondering what kind of place it was.
Remembering Undercroft, Ominis felt anger brushing his heart.
He didn’t want Sebastian here.
“Get him out.” Ominis hissed slowly for the basilisk to hear.
Unwanted guest? The basilisk questioned, slithering between the chambers.
“He shouldn’t be here. Open the door and get him out.” He asked, swallowing. “Please.”
“What was that?” Sebastian asked. “What—Ominis—”
The basilisk must’ve made its appearance, as evident from the sharp gasp coming from his oldest friend .
Hah. That was all he was.
As Sebastian made it clear to be. An old friend.
Ominis walked to the middle of the chamber, sitting down on the armchair he had transfigured a few days ago. Slipping out of his shoes, he curled to himself on the chair, listening faintly to the pleas his friend made as he was chased out by the basilisk.
For the first time that night, he didn’t want to see Sebastian.
He had hoped they would spend more time patching things up after the incident. He had hoped desperately, but Sebastian didn’t seem to feel the same.
And the kiss… was it all a fluke?
He didn’t want to think anymore. He buried his face in his knees, curled up on the armchair.
-
A week passed by.
Ominis acted as usual, cold and with an air of Gaunt, as the other students told him. He didn’t care. His grades maintained fine, he was still friends with the rest of his peers and Richie had been a true friend in between his unstable friendship with Sebastian.
He couldn’t figure the boy out anymore.
Sebastian kept him at arm’s length, or he did. He didn’t know anymore.
“Will you come to the quidditch match today?”
Sebastian's sudden invitation had surprised him. He had thought the boy was playing silence with him for a week, and now suddenly an invitation?
Ominis wasn’t going to turn it down. Not when he knew Richie was playing as well, and he knew it would be wise to come to support both instead of one. It would’ve made an awkward interaction with Sebastian if he came to support him suddenly after a week or so of not talking.
“Alright, I’ll attend.” He replied calmly, offering a small smile.
He wasn’t mad anymore after that time Sebastian followed him to the chamber. The boy didn’t mention it to him after that because he knew Ominis would lash out at him, and maybe Sebastian didn’t want him to be angry at him. Ominis didn’t know.
Sebastian doesn't seem to be open to communicating with him anymore.
Not that he hadn’t even tried, Ominis had always been the one to open the conversation usually, being a chatterbox. But when Sebastian had shut himself off and kept information from Ominis, he knew better than to force Sebastian to share. He didn’t want Ominis to stick his nose in his business, well, he’d take the message and wipe his hands off it.
“Great, lovely.” Sebastian sucked in a breath, tightening his lips and nodding.
“Good luck, Sebastian,” Ominis spoke one last time, whipping his wand out and exiting their dorm.
Once he was outside the room, he let out a sigh and massaged his chest, feeling the thump of his nervous heart. Talking to Sebastian feels odd now, and it really shouldn’t be. They were the best of friends, it shouldn’t have come to this.
A best friend who kissed you and then shut you off.
He shook his head and tapped his cheek, coming off of it.
Maybe Sebastian was trying again. Trying to mend their relationship. Ominis had no choice but to give him a chance.
-
Coming up to the quidditch stands, he was seated by familiar people. Natsai was standing on his left while he kept hearing a few of his classmate’s voices behind him.
The game had started for quite a while, he was engrossed as much as he could be, moving his wand every now and then to sense the position of the players in the air. The commentary helped a little with the details but he could see the game overall.
After the match ended, with his whole house cheering for victory, Ominis was guided down to the ground in the middle, wanting to congratulate both Richie and Sebastian for their good team plays.
Richie ran up to him, squeezing him in a tight hug, cheering at their victory. Ominis was taken aback by the sudden lift in the air but welcomed the embrace regardless. He could hear a few of the students from his house crowding the players, cheering and chanting.
“Congratulations on winning!” Ominis spoke over the loud cheers. Richie chuckled and pulled on his cheeks. “Thanks for coming and supporting us!” He was glad for Richie’s companion but he felt saddened that it was not Sebastian who came running up to him instantly.
Ominis smiled and whipped his wand out again, trying to locate and sense Sebastian.
Before he could take a step forward and follow the soft tug of his wand, he heard a wave of ‘oohs’ and whistling.
Richie went still next to him, arms still on his shoulders.
“Go get ‘er, Sallow!” A male student whistled from his right, and Ominis swished his wand again. Sebastian’s outline was clear to him, even for his blind eyes. And in all fifteen years of his life, he never wished to be completely blind as he did right at that moment.
He could sense Sebastian was taking a step back and whipping his head to look at him. He grits his teeth as he hears the next sentence coming from the male student.
“You should’ve aimed for his lips next time!”
Richie’s hold on him loosened and Ominis let out a shaky breath. So Sebastian had been kissed. Alright.
“Let’s go, Foster, I think the basilisk would love to meet you,” Ominis said instead, turning on his heels and walking towards the castle.
Richie stood for a second, stunned and disappointed, glaring at Sebastian. He turned on his heels and caught up to Ominis in a second.
-
“Are you upset?” Richie asked him once they were inside the chamber.
There was no basilisk in sight. It might be asleep. He doesn’t know anymore. Ominis sat next to Richie, staring down at his shoes.
“Sebastian… he…” Ominis began, trying to find his words. “He was my first kiss.”
Richie didn’t say anything to that but merely hummed, waiting for him to continue.
“I liked him, had been for quite a while. Well, it’s hard not to when he has been with me all this time.” Ominis chuckled.
“We kissed in the undercroft one night, we… I think I let slip that I liked him. This was all before what happened to Anne at Feldcroft.” He sighed.
“Was it mutual? The feelings?” Richie asked softly.
“I thought it was, at the time. His kiss felt real and passionate, maybe I was fooled.”
Ominis combs through his hair again, frustrated at the uncontrollable emotion of despair bubbling inside him. He wanted to cry.
“Maybe I was—am. A fool.”
Richie leaned in and rested an encouraging hand on his shoulder, slowly rubbing his for comfort. “I’m not making excuses for Sebastian but I didn’t think he saw that kiss coming, especially not from that admirer of his.”
“Admirer?” Ominis scoffed. “He always had been smooth with his words, a flirt.”
“It has to do with him being in the team, those girls only came to support him when he plays,” Richie told him. “Did he invite you to come tonight?”
Ominis nodded, a single tear slipping from his eyelid. He wiped them off quickly.
“He did, and I thought he was trying again.”
“Trying…?”
“Fixing our friendship…relationship? I don’t know anymore Richie,” Ominis sighed, closing his eyes. “I’m so tired of the heartache I’m feeling when he’s around.”
“This is just some stupid teenage feeling, I’ll grow out of it.” He muttered, feeling bitter now. “My parents wanted me to settle down with their choice anyway.”
At this, Richie began to sigh. “I’ll talk to him, get his head straight.”
“No, let him be. I think he has had enough of people convincing him to do the right thing,” Ominis waved at him, wiping the unending flow of tears down his cheek. “I want to see how he handles this.”
Saddened by his choice of words, Richie couldn’t help but agree. Ominis had advised the best he could when Sebastian was in pursuit of that horrible quest, and now he doesn’t need to play the same part again.
Richie could only hope Sebastian would put his intelligent brain to use.
-
The next day, Richie had stuck by Ominis's side like glue.
At once he was thankful that Foster was in the same house as him, as he sat next to the guy in the great hall, filling his stomach just for the sake of it.
He didn’t have an appetite, not when he encountered Sebastian last night in their shared dorm. Ominis had shrugged the boy off in an instant, claiming he was tired and needed to sleep.
He knew Sebastian could see how swollen his eyes were, he made no effort to conceal it. He wanted to show it, to show him how it had hurt.
But when Sebastian didn’t push, didn’t insist, Ominis felt his heart rip again. He was disappointed. He fell asleep with silent tears, damping his pillow.
When morning comes, Richie was already there to drag him to breakfast, leaving Sebastian barely awake to stop them both.
And here he was, almost half an hour later, sitting down next to Ominis. He had insisted on sitting next to him when he told the fourth-year student to move over. Richie glanced at him and said nothing, wanting to see how it all plays out as Ominis had said.
“Good morning Ominis,” Sebastian cleared his throat, reaching over to scoop his breakfast on his plate.
Ominis replied casually, bearing no indication of his tone whatsoever. “Morning, Sebastian.”
They sat in silence as breakfast went on, not chattering like the rest of the student body nor listening to their conversations. Ominis muted out the sounds quite easily, sipping on his goblet every now and then to find the appropriate time to leave.
When he heard the distinct noise of chairs scraping against the floor, he immediately stood and climbed off the bench, excusing himself to attend his classes.
Sebastian stood immediately after, following close behind him. Richie sat at the table, hand on his chin as he observed the two.
-
“I trust you don’t need me to guide your way to your class, right Sebastian?”
“No, you don’t. I just thought of walking with you.”
“How nice,” Ominis commented, the grip on his wand tightened just a tad bit as he approached the stairs.
They walked in silence to their classroom, even as Sebastian was held back by another group of students, asking him about quidditch, Ominis made no effort to wait for him.
He kept walking.
-
Once in class, he focused on the material and the way his professor spoke at the front of the class instead of thinking about Sebastian.
The boy had entered the class a few minutes after, again, taking a seat next to him. It somewhat felt weird and awkward but at the same time, familiar. He had gotten used to sitting next to others than Sebastian these few months because of his pursuit of that relic and cure, but when Sebastian insisted on claiming his seat next to him, Ominis felt a sense of familiarity about it.
Like they were slowly getting back to what they were used to. Like last year.
Clearly, Sebastian wanted to talk to him or refuse to be left out of Ominis’s business. Not that he ever cast him aside in the first place, Sebastian had done that, not him. He was merely existing.
The class continues in a dull blur, Ominis muting the words his professor says at the front of the class, but fully aware of how Sebastian was breathing and focusing next to him, scribbling his note on the parchment.
If he could just indulge in just a little bit of more selfishness, how comforting Sebastian’s presence was to him, and the way he smelled so distinctly from the rest, well… no one has to know but him. Ominis leaned in his arms on the table and slowly drifted to sleep.
-
Once classes were done, Sebastian subtly tugs on the sleeve of his robe. Ominis was shaking off every bit of sleep left of him, falling to a nap in the class had always been his weakness.
“Yes, Sebastian?” He yawned, stretching his limbs and pushing his chair off to stand up. Sebastian himself cleared his throat, waiting for the class to be dismissed completely, and all of the students walked in tow to the door.
“I want to talk with you, let’s go to the undercroft after Herbology.” He told him, voice steady. Ominis wasn’t sure how to pinpoint his emotions towards the undercroft anymore, he was neutral about it now, thinking of that place as any other part of the castle. No matter how angry he was about the reveal of that place to Richie, he was even now.
Richie told him about the chamber and his own little nest in the room of requirement. He wasn’t angry with Richie anymore, not at all. It was just Sebastian who never apologized to him about it. He made a passing comment about how it wasn’t a big deal that the new fifth-year knew about the place since he was barely in the castle anyway, venturing outside fighting goblins and trolls.
He understood the message, it was just that Sebastian failed to consider his feelings and attachment to the place.
Now all Undercroft was left is just a bitter taste in his mouth. He didn’t want to return there alone or with Sebastian, if Anne was there to drag him, then he might just consider stepping inside it.
But despite his strong emotions about not returning, he agreed nonetheless.
“Alright, but we’ll go right now. I can skip Herbology if it’s fine with you.”
Sebastian seemed taken aback at his suggestion. It wasn’t usual of him to offer to skip class, as it was usually Sebastian who would.
“Okay, okay. Let’s go now.”
-
Once they were inside the abandoned place, Ominis picked up on the new scent of the room immediately.
“Why does it smell… different?” He questioned himself, scratching the tip of his nose.
“Ominis,” Sebastian started immediately. They were barely away from the metal door.
“Yeah?”
“I want to apologize to you,” Sebastian spoke calmly, far different than how Ominis expected his apologies to be.
“I want to clear all of my faults and apologize to you.” He continued.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Ominis crossed his arms instinctively. “Why? Why now?”
They stood there for an awkward second, then Sebastian reached his shoulders, grasping it firmly. “I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, I know you were mad at me. Probably am. Ever since the catacomb.”
He was astounded by the straightforward attitude from Sebastian. He had thought it would’ve taken a couple more months for them to resolve this issue. He was prepared to do so as well.
“...Alright, you’re forgiven.” Ominis sighed in defeat, already knowing how this will turn out. He won’t lash out and argue, because he too, needed to apologize for whatever had transpired between them.
“I need to say that I’m s–” He was cut off before he could start on his apologies.
“Ominis, what was that chamber?”
Oh. Okay.
He gets it now.
Ominis swallowed again this time, but more so to stifle the anger burning in his throat. “Why do you want to know?”
“I was curious and saw you heading there and I—”
“What? So you can bring other students in and snog them there?”
That seemed to shut him up immediately. Ominis shrugged off his arms holding to his shoulder and took a step back, disappointment, fury, and all sorts of embarrassment flushing his entire body. He badly wanted to punch his face.
“How..? Why would you think of me like that?” Sebastian asked instead.
Wrong question to ask. He thought.
Exasperated, he let out a loud scoff. “I don’t know what to think, Sebastian. You can just bring them here instead! I’ll gladly stay out of your way, snog them here all you want! Merlin knows this place is not special to me anymore.” He spat, curling his fists and almost reaching for his wand tucked in his robe to get out of that suffocating place.
Hearing a footstep forward made Ominis reel back, fingers already grabbing the handle of his wand. “Ominis, I will not do such a thing,” Sebastian replied, voice softer than before.
He frowned. Won’t? He must be joking. He never thought of his oldest friend being such a heartbreaker, but after giving it a long thought and being one of the people he kisses, it’s not that hard to make such connections. Ominis Gaunt won’t tolerate such behavior.
“Why wouldn’t you?” He replied, eyebrows twitching at how hard he was frowning. He was scowling, that much was obvious. “You did it to me,” He said with a low voice, almost hissing. “You took what was special to me and shared it anyway, so what difference would it make?” He gestured to the room, pulling out his wand and swishing it, wanting to escape the undercroft. “I won’t waste a breath telling you about that chamber.”
After relieving some of his anger, he was glad to get some of it off his shoulders and dump it on Sebastian. He should’ve told him off weeks ago, it would’ve made him feel better.
“I’m sorry Ominis… I really am.” Sebastian's broken voice pierced through the room. He sounded like he was holding back tears, with his voice suddenly being strained. Like it was hard to speak. “I tried making it up but I keep screwing it up, I wanted to make up to you but all it had done was push you away.” He let out a staggered breath, and Ominis heard the rustling of his robes before he cleared his throat again.
“I tried my best with quidditch because I wanted to show you my progress, how I’m trying to be better.” He sniffed, breathing calmly. “I studied with others because I wanted to show you my grades are rising, but I failed you.”
Ominis stood there in silence, listening to him. He flicked his wrist and traced the outline of his friend, seeing the green glow in front of him, with hands on each side of his temple, head thrown back. Sebastian was trying to hold himself in, his emotions.
He let out a sigh, preferring to see how Sebastian was acting at the moment.
The boy let out another staggering breath, sniffing his tears away.
“I should’ve spent every waking moment with you because I can tell you right now Ominis. It was hell without you.” The brunet ran his palms through his face and looked straight at him. “I killed my uncle. I drove my sick twin sister away, and I broke your trust. I have no one else. I was wrong.”
Silence.
Ominis felt all of the emotions inside him flooding like it was shaken violently. He feels fatigued from it all.
“Merlin Sebastian, you are a mess,” Ominis whispered. “I’m proud of your progress of course. I can clearly see that you have been trying, you don’t need to keep it a secret. You didn’t even try to venture again with dark magic and I’m already so glad for it.” He poured back to him, emphasizing how much he was proud of him.
Despite it all, Sebastian did try not to be involved in dark magic, and Ominis was so thankful for it.
“And I know if it meant we were to drift apart, I already accepted it.” He finishes, resting both arms by his side.
At his last statement, Sebastian whips his head up, frowning. “W-What? Why?” He questioned. “Why would we drift apart? I don’t want to. I wanted to be better for you, for Anne. If it hadn’t been for you convincing me to do the right thing, I wouldn't be standing here Om.”
They took a second. Ominis not knowing what to say, and Sebastian seemingly takes a step forward to take his hands in his.
“But I have not done justice to you. I’ve hurt you.” He finished. He was speechless.
Sebastian raised his hand and brushed his thumb on his cheek, caressing under his eyes.
“Did you cry because of me?” Judging by his broken tone, Ominis wasn’t sure whether to answer truthfully or not. It was what he wanted last night, this conversation.
“Ominis, tell me.” Sebastian pushed, cradling his face in his palm. Ominis kept shut, eyes looking downwards. His friend tries again, leaning closer to inspect his eyes.
Ominis nodded eventually, feeling the wave of sadness and despair at last night’s event coming back to him. The unnecessary jealousy, and disappointment, all come crashing down on him.
“I did.”
Sebastian pulls him in slowly, hugging his waist and resting his face in the crook of his neck. “I’m sorry. I've been the worst to you this year. I'm so sorry.”
Ominis held back tears and held onto his arms.
“I'm sorry for bringing you to that scriptorium. The catacomb. I'm sorry for making you face your trauma again.” He spoke his apologies, raising his head to rest his forehead against his, muttering his words softly. “Ominis, I apologize for kissing you and not telling you how much I adore you . I should've poured my heart out and told you, it pains me that you think otherwise.”
“Sebastian…”
“No Ominis, listen, I need to say it.”
“Seb…”
“Ominis, I like you so much . I'm not trying to justify my actions, I know I was wrong. however my intentions were, I was still in the wrong for making you face what you shouldn’t be going through. I was pursuing the unforgivable because, in my stupid head, I thought of curing Anne, and protecting you. I thought if I knew everything there is to know, I would be set on protecting the one I love, which is you.”
“You can’t mean that,” Ominis said, in disbelief.
“I mean every word Ominis, I really believe so. I like you, no—I love you.”
“Are you even sure that you love me, Sebastian?”
He kissed him softly and Ominis could feel a tear touching his cheek.
Sebastian was crying.
Ominis reaches out and pulls away from the kiss, hands touching his face to wipe his tears away. Sebastian choked in a sob and another hot tears streamed down his face.
Ominis frowned and his face scrunched in a pout at Sebastian's pain.
They slowly got down on their knees and sat by the wall next to the entrance.
Ominis just kissed his face slowly, letting him rest on his shoulder as he cried.
“Can we just stay like this? Just for a moment?” Sebastian asked him. He nodded. “Of course, we can.”
As the brunet slowly drifted to sleep, he murmured close to him, head not facing upwards to face him. “Can you… uh, will you..?” He cleared his throat. “Do… you want to be with me?”
The question should’ve made his heart flip and make him feel butterflies all over, but all he could feel was the warmth seeping through his chest and the burning of his own cheeks as he tried to answer the question.
“Of course I do,” He replied softly, smiling warmly as he felt Sebastian lace their fingers together in reply.
“But if you think I’m sleeping here with you for a nap, then you’re mistaken, Sallow,” Ominis mumbled next to him, waiting for his reaction. “Get up, and let’s catch some sleep in your bed instead.”
In a matter of seconds, Sebastian Sallow was already on his toes and pulling him up with him. Ominis barks out a laugh, getting to his feet.
“You’re embarrassed, aren’t you?” Ominis teased, lacing their hands again. Sebastian shuts his eyes, face flushed with blush up to his ears. He must’ve been glad Ominis couldn’t see the state he was in at the moment. But he could sense it anyway.
“N-No, shut up.” He replied back, rattling the entrance open and dragging them both out of the undercroft.
-
Richie burst into their dorm an hour later, hair disheveled and he looked like a cauldron blew in his face.
Ominis was shaken awake by Sebastian’s sudden jolt at Richie’s appearance. “Merlin, what happened to you?” Sebastian’s voice echoed in the dorm.
Richie Foster stood by the door, mouth half-open at the sight of Ominis Gaunt curled up next to Sebastian Sallow in bed. Sebastian’s bed.
“Oh? This?” He laughed, shaking his head and raising a palm to greet them both. “Never mind me, I’ll be on my way. Just checking up on Ominis but seems like he’s in good hands.”
Before Ominis could crack his eyes open, Richie had already slipped out of the door and shut it softly behind him. Not caring about anything else but the good nap he was having, Ominis yawned and stretched around Sebastian, nuzzling his pillow and curling his limbs around Sebastian’s body.
“Was that Foster?” He mumbled.
Sebastian nodded and turned to face him, brushing his bangs falling to cover his eyes. He smiles and places his book on the side table, slipping down under the covers to lie with him. “Mhm, he was looking for you.”
He nods subtly. “Mmh, alright.”
After a moment of silence, Ominis heard Sebastian speak. “Between the two of you, I’m starting to feel left out.”
He laughed at the statement, grinning stupidly at his chance to tease him back. “At the very least, Richie didn’t kiss me and leave me to—”
“Ahh! I’m sorry my dearest Ominis Gaunt,” Sebastia cuts him off, flushed with shame as he nuzzles his neck and kisses his jaw. “Let’s not bring up my failure in courting you properly.” He mumbled.
With an idea, he caressed the side of his face smoothly and pulled his face up to attack him with a kiss. Ominis claimed his soft lips and remembered how hot his breath was, and how wet it was. He could feel how Sebastian swallowed after their lips were apart after the first peck.
He leans in again and kisses him breathlessly, not having enough of the taste.
Ominis almost purred into the kiss, greed taking over him. He leaned until he was laying above him, kissing his lips until his tongue slipped inside his hot mouth. He can’t get enough. Once he had the taste, he wanted more.
Their lips slot together in a perfect match, dancing together and overall, it was not enough . Ominis pressed his palm down his shoulders and ran them down to his chest, pressing them—no, he was kneading his chest like he wanted the material covering it to disappear.
Sebastian grunted and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him closer. Ominis smiled in the kiss at the gesture and gave his tongue one last lick before pulling their kiss apart.
He felt the way Sebastian chased for his lips again, but Ominis just smiled from ear to ear and nuzzled back in his pillow, untangling himself from his boyfriend .
“Now we’re even.” He told him, grinning at his successful attempt at riling him up. Sebastian was heard sputtering, dumbfounded, and clutching at Ominis’ body like he had expected more than just a heated kiss.
And with that knowledge, he finally drifts to a peaceful nap.
end<3