Consuming Darkness: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 11

-Ronnie-

I lay in my bed for most of the day, unable to stop the tears from flowing. I had held in so much of my emotions for so long that I felt like they were all coming out now. I knew I overreacted, I couldn't help it. But I was mad at him. I was so angry. I was mad at myself for letting myself fall for him all over again. I was angry that all I wanted was to go to him and have him hold me again in my sorrow. Make me laugh, kiss away my sadness. Instead, I lay in my bed, under my favorite green and black plaid blanket, until I felt numb.

When the other girls came back to the dorm room I feigned illness. They asked where I was last night and this morning, but they were used to me being gone. Imelda covered for me and said that she had asked me to go do more runs on my broom this morning to practice, hoping I'd be the substitute seeker for the Quidditch team. She definitely knew how to get what she wanted. I hadn't tried out for the team but she wanted me on so badly. They had won 1 of the 2 games they had played and their seeker was subpar. Imelda wanted to win. She was the team captain and after having Quidditch canceled all last year, she was determined to make sure she was seen this year. I agreed with her. It was the least I could do for her when she covered so well for me.

My dreams were once again plagued with nightmares, some of the worst I've had. I woke up early in the morning, not feeling like it was worth it to try to go back to sleep again. I was still wearing Sebastian's shirt. It still smelled of him- pine and old books. I had hidden under the covers, not wanting the other girls to see it, but I couldn't bring myself to take it off yet. I wrapped my arms around myself and clung to the fabric of his shirt. Wishing I could have him here with me. I wanted to be in his arms again, sleeping peacefully.

But I couldn't because he deserved more. He deserved better than me, and more than what I could give him. I was broken and so was he. He needed someone that was more put together, less shattered.

The next two days passed by in a haze. Sebastian and I both ignoring one another. I "tried out" for the team, but it was really just the whole team watching me and the current seeker find the snitch. It was distracting to have Sebastian on the team as well but he seemed content to not talk with me. I caught it rather quickly all three of the times it was released and made the team. Sebastian cheered for me as if nothing had happened, and Ominis sat on the sidelines supporting the both of us

After practice I left quickly, trying to avoid a conversation with Sebastian. He had been eyeing me while we were finishing up trying to get my attention. So now he wanted to talk? After days of not speaking and hardly looking at me? This was exhausting and not fair to either one of us.

As I walked off the field I heard someone call my name, but I kept walking, worried it was Sebastian. I heard my name again and turned to see Ominis walking quickly toward me with his wand out guiding his way.

"Veronica, wait!" Ominis called out again.

I stopped and waited for him to catch up. "Hello, Ominis!" I greeted him. He looked handsome, always had, but he had grown a few inches over the summer. He was probably the same height as Sebastian now, but his frame was more slender, and elegant. We began walking and Ominis looped his arm into mine, something we had done since last year. He didn't need me to guide him but he also seemed to like it.

"Everything alright Omi?" I wondered.

"I've been wanting to speak with you?" his tone was measured, and his face looked concerned.

"What's going on?" I inquired, and my interest peaked.

"It's probably best if we speak about it in private," he advised.

"Can I shower first?" I laughed. "I'm filthy and sweaty and I'm sure I smell awful."

Ominis chuckled. "It's not that bad," he lied with a playful smile on his lips.

"I'm sure I smell even worse to you!" I laughed. His lack of sight heightened all of his other senses and I was surprised he was gagging being so close to me. I was even more surprised that he even wanted to touch me.

"I don't mind, though I do prefer your normal scent," he laughed.

"What's my 'normal' scent?" I questioned, turning to him.

"It's quite lovely, one of my favorite smells," he smiled sweetly. "Freshly fallen rain and a hint of rosemary."

I laughed. "But not now?"

"It's still there, just very heavily masked from your intense Quidditch practice," he chuckled.

"I'll shower then. Unless you can think of another creatively roundabout way of telling me I stink," I teased.

"I really don't mind, I always enjoy being in your company," he replied sincerely.

"Whatever, liar," I laughed. "Meet you in the Undercroft in an hour?"

Ominis nodded, his hand brushing my arm lightly as he moved it away. His cloudy blue eyes seemed to be deep in thought, but Ominis Gaunt was possibly the hardest person in the world to read if he didn't want you to.