Before the Storm- Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt Love Triangle

Chapter 9: First Day Jitters

Poppy and I ran as fast as we could to make it to Charms in time. My first class last year was Defense of the Dark Arts where I met Sebastian. I can remember him taunting Leander and being amazed by him already. I was nervous to see Sebastian because last time I saw him he looked defeated slamming his hand on the wall and the reason he felt that way was because I made him feel that way. Poppy opened the door and there were a few minutes to spare before class started. I see Natty sitting by herself at the table we sat together last year. I met her here in Charms class.

"I am going to sit with Natty," I tell Poppy.

"Oh good, I was going to sit where I sat next time," She smirks and walks over to the other side of the room in the corner. I paused and realized she sat next to Sebastian last year. Sebastian was not in class yet which made me nervous because he would start out with a detention the first day. Professor Ronan comes in and smiles. He was about to shut the door and Sebastian came in panting.

"I am so sorry, Professor!" Sebastian huffs. He looked like he did not get any sleep last night. Professor Ronan raises his eyebrows and sighs letting Sebastian take his seat. Sebastian eyed the room and saw the seat where Poppy was. I watched him walk over to his seat and he did not even look in my direction. I was sad because I thought he would at least look at me. The whole class I watched him pretty much. He looked tired and he was falling asleep basically listening to the lesson. Finally class was dismissed and I was about to get up before Natty stopped me.

"Violet, may I speak with you for a moment?" Natty asked politely. I nod my head and sit back down, diverting my attention to her. "Violet, you've been staring at Sebastian the whole class! What's going on?" she questioned, looking at me with a hue of suspicion. I knew I could trust Natty, she was a good friend. I gave Natty a small overview of what was going on between the two of us and Ominis, avoiding any illicit details or mentioning's. She smiled at me as I finished my explanation. "Seriously? That is so Hufflepuff of you!"

"What is that supposed to mean, Natty?" I ask curiously. Why was that something people always brought up. I never noticed it regarding any other houses. Most of the time there was a derogatory meaning behind it.

"It means you care deeply about the ones around you, willing to sacrifice your own happiness for others. Loyalty." She winked at the last part. Loyalty was one of Hufflepuff's greatest assets, sometimes to a fault.

"And what do you think my happiness is?" I asked Natty, curious to see what her answer would be. I wasn't even sure I could pinpoint what my happiness was. Natty smiled at me, amused by my response.

"Your happiness? Please" she scoffed. "Your happiness is right there." she turned her head to Sebastian. He was standing in the doorway talking with Poppy, his back facing us. I rolled my eyes, annoyed that Natty could see right through me and my feelings so well. I valued her honesty though. "My advice? Just go for it. Chase your happiness. You deserve the chance to do something for your own accord for once." she said confidently.

"You know what?" I bite my lip, deep in thought. "You're right. I'm exhausted trying to please everyone, trying to keep the peace. I can't. I feel like I'm being pulled in so many different directions and no matter which way I go, none of it is up" I vent, more than I had expected to. "And if I want to be crazy and obsessed about Sebastian, I'll do it!"

"Yeah" she nodded her head smugly. "But maybe try to refrain from the obsession part." She smiled, giving me a wink. I nodded to Natty and walked up to Sebastian and Poppy. Confidence radiating from me, I was going to make this right between us.

"Sebastian" I call his name, smiling warmly in his presence.

"You are unbelievable!" Sebastian spat, turning around to look at me with pure disgust. He scoffed and quickly left the classroom, shaking his head as he steamed away. I stood there in shock, a lump forming in my throat. I felt humiliated, stupid. I had no idea what happened. I darted my eyes up to Poppy to see her looking fearful and almost queasy.

"What did you say to him?" I snare at Poppy.

"Nothing! I was on the receiving end of some very dark, dark stuff Violet." She looked down at her feet nervously. "Violet, I hate saying this. But I think Sebastian really needs you right now."

"What did he tell you, Poppy?" I soften my tone, instantly feeling regret for taking my rejection out on my best friend. Natty had stood on either side of us, crossing her arms into her chest anxiously.

"I don't-" she stuttered "-he said he trusted me to tell me things." She took a final pause. "I believe a part of him knew that I would tell you what he said to me but you need to hear this either way. Sebastian said he is feeling very despondent after losing everyone. Losing his sister completely, losing Ominis and what had happened between the two of you yesterday morning had done him in!" Natty had widened her eyes, looking at me questioningly.

"Oh for the love of Merlin." I rub my forehead in my hands, stress building up in my temples.

"Are you listening to me, Violet?" Poppy grabbed my arms. "What happened between you two during the party was special. He admitted how vulnerable he felt and that you hurt him when you basically turned him away yesterday morning after the fact!"

"Wait, just to verify that I'm following along correctly, that was Sebastian and you in the Arithmancy classroom during the party?" Natty asked casually.

"Yep!" Poppy squinted her eyes at me.

"I knew it! Proceed". Natty took a step back to continue listening.

"I can't deal with this right now." I grab onto Poppy's arms, shaking her rapidly. "I will go see him tonight, in the Slytherin common room. Thank you so much for continuing to make me a better person" I said with a hue of sarcasm. Poppy smiled in approval.

"How exactly are you going to get into the Slytherin common room?" Natty asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I have my ways," I bragged. We all looked at the floor, processing the details of our conversation when the realization of time hit me. "We're going to be late for Potions!"