Oh, Merlin. It's you. (Ominis x Reader)

A Brief Walk

"How are you feeling, y/n?" Sebastian asked you with concern. You had been finishing random tasks and odd bits of homework throughout the day in preparation for the festivities of Interval Weekend, but hadn't expected to run into Sebastian when fetching a book from the library. To be honest, you were a bit surprised to see him there.

"I'm really much better." You smiled. You weren't sure exactly what he was referring to as you had taken several beatings the last couple of days, but your mind finally agreed that he must have been referencing the cruciatus curse you had taken not even 24 hours prior. You assumed this as he had taken his own not even a couple of weeks before as well and understood the excruciating pain of it. "Thanks for asking."

"Of course. I really ought to check in on you more. What you did for Ominis was truly a special thing."

"It's not a big deal." You murmured, running your fingers along the spine of a book you needed.

"Not just the spell, y/n." He looked you dead in the eyes now and you felt frozen in place. "You may have been the only person on this earth who could have convinced him to go back there. Always so pliant when it comes to you."

"I....I.." Your train of thought was lost in Sebastian's brown eyes. He seemed to swallow every last thought in your brain as if he was some omnipresent being.

"You know he's deathly afraid of hurting you." He continued, absentmindedly. As if he was not aware of the effect his words had on you. "You must be patient with him. I know there are things he wishes to tell you, but he's just too scared. I fear after last night's events, the progress he's made is surely lost."

"What... what are you talking about?"

Sebastian only seemed to chuckle, retrieving the book for you after your hand lingered on it for too long. He placed it in your palm evenly with a nice pat. "It took Ominis years to open up to me. When we first arrived here, he spoke to no one, not even me and the other roommates. What he did say was usually quite curt and...well, mean . We were all terrified of him. But Anne and I didn't give up. We made him sit with us at every meal until eventually he revealed the Ominis you see today." He sighed, leaning against the hard wood of the bookcase. "Anyways, most people still see him as that boy. The cold, reserved descendent of Slytherin. But what took him years to tell me, he'd told you in only a matter of weeks. You're very dear to him, y/n. You hold this sort of power over him, this kindness, and I think he's afraid of abusing it. Or his family abusing it. Sorry, long-winded explanation. Anyway, just be patient with him. I promise he's worth it."

You stood in shock at Sebastian's words. You weren't exactly sure what sort of things Sebastian wanted you to be patient about, as everyone seemed to be dancing around the feelings you had towards Ominis and whether they were mural or not. However, you could understand that whatever he was doing, he was trying to protect Ominis.

Was Ominis scared of hurting you? And was Sebastian scared of you hurting him? Merlin, it was hurting your head! But regardless, you were struck by the utter sincerity in Sebastians's voice. Much like at the beginning of the year when he insisted that you tell him if Ominis ever revealed something worrisome to you, he had an odd way of showing his love for the boy but you could not deny it warmed your heart a bit.

"I'll see you tonight, y/n. And please, don't tell him I've said anything. He already worries too much." Sebastian smiled one last time before leaving you alone to digest his words.

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Before you knew it, it was time to head back to your dorm and get ready for the night. You didn't give yourself enough time to change, so you just freshened up quickly before meeting Ominis outside by the fireplace.