The Keeper and the Monster

Chapter 6: They don't know when to stop

"You wanted to chat?" asked Ophelia. She was tense after Sebastian'd left them in the quidditch pitch.

"I did." replied Imelda. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, just tell me what you want. Do you need help with something?"

Imelda growled. "Are you dense? Blimey. Why would I need anyone's help?"

That was usually why people would speak to Ophelia: asking for help.

"Then what do you want?"

"To have a chat. And while chatting, I am asking you: are you alright? Listen. I told you last year I used to hang out with Nerida Roberts all the time, until she ditched me for merpeople. I have to admit, that was hard. It hurt me."

"I'm sorry about that." sympathised Ophelia.

"Be sorry for yourself, because I think you're in the exact same situation with Sallow. I don't need and don't care about the details, but you do look sad. I want you to know that I know the feeling. I've been there."

Ophelia didn't know what to say. Speaking about it made her emotional and Imelda's gesture moved her.

"I..." She swallowed her saliva. Let's make a joke, it's better than crying. "I wonder if you plan on having this talk with Ominis."

"I do not. Ominis made it clear to the entire world that he don't want anybody's help, and I respect that. Moreover, he is not the one I saw crying in front of his common room a few weeks ago."

Ophelia nodded. "Thank you, Imelda. I appreciate that." She took a deep breath. "I'm not completely alone, though. I have Ominis, and even Poppy and Natty. But somehow, they don't fill the void."

"If the void has the shape of Sebastian Sallow, nobody can." Imelda's wisdom on the matter was impressive.

"Indeed. And they don't know how much it hurts. Ominis does, I can't imagine what he's feeling right now, he lost both Anne and Sebastian... But we never talk about it."

"It will pass, in the end. The void will close by itself. You might still feel betrayed, but it will be okay." Imelda's face was severe but her words were kind - and a bit sharp. Ophelia didn't want the void to close. She wanted Sebastian. Funny, cocky, sly, smart, insolent, loyal, infuriating Sebastian. But Imelda was right and her attempt to help meant a lot.

"You are worth to be known, Imelda." confessed Ophelia. "I'm glad you're here."

Not knowing what to reply nor what to do with this emotional declaration, Imelda crossed her arms and looked away. She must've forgotten what friendship was like.

"Anyway" She eventually answered "if you need to talk, I'm here. But know that I'm busy, especially this year as we have to win the quidditch Cup."

Ophelia smiled. "And I'll be there for you too. But know I have a busy schedule,too. Let's drink a butterbeer at Hogsmeade at some point when we're not so busy, alright?"

"Sure." Imelda smiled as well. "Anyway, I need to change."

"Do you want me to wait for you?"

"Do I... If you have nothing else to do, I guess you can."

"Then hurry up. I'm famished."

***

Sharp managed to have a talk with Ominis and Ophelia about the stolen book. They had ruined their potion on purpose so the professor could ask them to stay after the class.

Sharp made no comment on the fact they had been in the restricted section, but looked at the book with a frown. He moved his wand around it to study its magic.