A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 28

"Whatever happens next, I'm glad we met." Sebastian's eyes were sad as he looked at her. He turned his head to the floor as he disappeared from the Undercroft.

Lucy could only watch him leave, longing for him to stay. Ironic, especially considering she was thinking about leaving too. She felt helpless as she left. She saw Ominis standing a few feet away and approached him.

"I can't believe the mess that was made. I rushed back to Feldcroft, I didn't even have time to speak to the headmaster before I heard from Anne. I couldn't see it, but the grief she was feeling was unbearable. Part of Anne wants Sebastian to face the consequences... the other part of her can't bear the thought." Ominis had pain and hurt etched into his face as he spoke. The thought of losing his dear friend, or the fact he feels he is too far gone.

"When you say face the consequences, you mean Azkaban, right?" Lucy looked at him, her own sadness flooding her features and voice.

Ominis nodded, "I don't want to lose Sebastian, but I'm afraid we don't have a choice."

"Ominis... I'm glad you weren't there when it happened, but..." Lucy's mind flashed back to Sebastian's aching screams as his uncle burned him with a whirlwind of fire, "Solomon attacked us and nearly killed us. I know he shouldn't have used dark magic, but I fear what agony would've come if he hadn't."

"You're not wanting to say anything. Just let it go?" Ominis raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not saying we let it go. Keep a close eye on him, but Azkaban? Isn't that too severe of a punishment? We almost died, Ominis. Why does it matter what spell kills us? Either way, Sebastian regrets what he did and turning him in will only create a death sentence for him. He won't do this again." Lucy pleaded with Ominis.

"You and I both know we have heard that before." Ominis shook his head, dripping at his own hair in frustration.

"I understand that. And as I said before, I take full responsibility. And, to make sure he doesn't do this again..." Lucy swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat as tears began to stream down her face, "At the end of this year I will disappear."

"What are you getting at? Disappearing? Merlin, Lucy. What are you talking about?" Ominis shook his head.

"Ominis, I will explain. But first, promise me you will talk to Anne. Convince her not to turn him in." Lucy wiped the tears that fell down her face.

Ominis let out a sigh, contemplating with himself, "Fine. I shall do it. Now tell me everything."

Lucy let a lopsided smile form on her face as she sat on the ground, back resting against the wall. It reminded her of the time they shared their trauma down here after Marvolo's attack, "This isn't where I belong, Ominis."

Ominis let a sigh fall from his lips as he joined her on the hard ground, "To be honest, that doesn't surprise me. Some things you say just don't sound right. But, I guess that's why we get along so well. I don't belong in my family."

Lucy let a giggle escape her, "It isn't Hogwarts that I'm talking about. It's here, this era, this year, this time period, Ominis."

"Now you really sound crazy." Ominis shook his head, "But, I shall wait until the end of your explanation."

"Don't you think it's weird I came in as a fifth year?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.

"After everything that's happened? No it isn't weird." Ominis let a sad smile form on his face.

"Well, that's because I didn't have any magic. Or, I guess I didn't show any magic. I lived my life as a muggle for so long." Lucy shook her head at the memories of her life until now, "One day, I was looking through some shops in London. I found this necklace with a little hourglass in the middle. I immediately felt like it was calling to me. Little whispers filled my ears and it was all I could focus on. I still can't help but wonder if it has something to do with the Ancient Magic I am able to see." Lucy found herself staring at her fingers, wondering if she could see magic sparkle from their tips, "I played with the little dial, but nothing happened until I put it on. Professor Fig found me on the road, disoriented and in clothes far dating this time. He took me in and brought me here."

"Sounds to me as if you found a time turner." Ominis let his fingers twiddle together. It seemed like he was staring at the ground, head not even turning to face her as she spoke.

Lucy slowly nodded, remembering that Fig called it the same thing, "It shattered the minute I arrived, so I do suppose I am stuck, for now. But, Professor Fig said he would try to fix it."

"So, if he does, you'll go back?" Ominis questioned her.

Lucy simply shrugged her shoulders, "I've been having an internal battle with myself. I have my friends and family that I miss dearly. Yet, the thought of leaving saddens me." Lucy pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on top of them, "When Sebastian and I were fighting, I told him I'd leave and never come back."

"But what about now? You aren't fighting anymore, right?" Ominis finally turned his head towards her.

Lucy let out a sigh, "I feel bad, because I really was thinking about staying, but either way people will be hurt, including me. Sebastian and I... I honestly don't know. Today was a mess, as you said before. I guess part of me wants to go back and be a normal student at Hogwarts. One where I won't have to risk my life every day. One where I can go to Hogsmeade and have Butterbeers without looking over my shoulder, wondering if Ranrok, Rookwood, or Harlow are following me." Lucy shuddered, remembering how Rookwood and Harlow stormed into the three broomsticks, threatening her, "I want things to be normal again, Ominis."

"Though, if I could, I would tell you to stay, but I'm afraid it is your decision." Ominis rested his hand on her shoulder, "Either way, I am truly grateful for your friendship. Perhaps we could meet again in another life."

"Ominis..." Lucy's heart sank slightly as the boy looked away from her.

"I know you said you haven't made a decision." Ominis slowly rose to his feet, "But based on your sureness earlier, it seems like you have." 

A/N

I know it's a short chapter, but there will be plenty more to come! Trust me! Hope you enjoy :)