A Younger Generation of Keepers

Chapter 2: Ominis' secret (part 9)

Mia's pov

The next morning was rainy and cloudy, making it terribly difficult to wake up. With a deep sigh, I got ready for the day, and made my way to Potions class, sitting at an empty desk.

Although Potions was my favourite class, I could barely keep myself awake on such an early hour of the day.

"Good morning beautiful princess" I heard Garreth's voice coming from behind me, accompanied by a warm kiss on my neck.

"Good morning" I greeted him with a smile. "Isn't Jess with you?" I asked curiously since normally they would come to class together.

"Nah!" he shook his head. "Natty said she didn't sleep in her dorm last night"

"I actually wanted us to have a little chat about Jess and Natty; I need your help Garreth" I said, determined to mend their rift.

"What will I get in return?" he asked playfully.

With a coy look on my face, I kissed him deeply before whispering. "Anything for you".

Garreth simply grinned, but before he could say anything, Jessica entered the room and took a seat next to us. She looked pretty, even without getting any sleep. Despite her lack of sleep.

"Where have you been, Jess?" Garreth teased her.

"Now is not the time!" she murmured, glancing around to make sure nobody was listening.

"Good morning class" Professor Sharp's voice caught my attention as he stepped into the classroom. "Today we're going to be brewing a very complex potion today" he continued, but I was more focused on what Jessica had to say.

"The book was stolen" Jessica whispered urgently.

"Stolen? What do you mean it was stolen?" I gave her a confused look.

"I double-checked Madam Scribner's archive list of all the books in the restricted section; the book's title was "A witch named Larissa" and its coordinates were provided by the list, but it wasn't there" Jessica explained.

I rubbed my chin, seemingly confused by the revelation. "Who would steal such book?" I questioned.

"I have no idea, and there's more" she paused for a second before adding, "Sebastian and I slept together"

"What? When?" I exclaimed, astonished by her ability to switch from one topic to another so quickly. I leaned in closer, eager to hear about her first time with Sebastian.

I was so caught up in her sexual intercourse, that I almost forgot about Larissa.

As Jessica was describing her new sexual intercourse, I became anxious. Garreth and I are dating for a month already, but we haven't really discussed anything about going all the way.

"Are you even listening?" Jessica raised both eyebrows as she pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yes of course I'm listening" I lied.

Grayson's pov

A meeting had been requested by Jessica in the Room of Requirement right after potions class. Walking into the room, I noticed everyone was already waiting for me.

After Jessica had told us all about her revelation, George spoke first. "It's no coincidence that someone has stolen that specific book" he expressed his concern.

"That's probably true" I nodded. "Was there a date on the archive list?"

"It was dated as of last May" Jessica responded with certainty.

"So somebody has stolen the book since May. Possibly over summer break when the school was less crowded" Mia concluded, voicing what everyone else was thinking.

"Or there could be a traitor among us – perhaps a Professor" George added suspiciously.

"That would make sense since Professors have access to the restricted section, they can just go and take any book they want" Mia agreed.

"But Professors would still need to report to Madam Scribner that they borrowed a book" I said, trying to piece together the puzzle.

"That would raise many suspicions, whoever got that book didn't borrow it, they stole it" George stated confidently, his voice firm. "Now that the book is out of the picture, we need to find another source of information about Larissa"

I had an epiphany at the sound of George's words. "Sophronia Franklin!" I exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Who is that?" Jessica inquired, her brow furrowing in confusion.

I never thought I would hear her say that. Apparently, she knew everyone at Hogwarts except the nerds.

"Some Ravenclaw that George and I met last year; she's obsessed with the library and I think she'll be able to provide us with some information about Larissa! I suppose she even fancied George a little bit" I added, exchanging a quick glance with Jessica.

"That's ridi..." George began his sentence, but was immediately interrupted by Jessica.

"Perfect! If she's going to say anything to anyone, it's you" she said, leaving no room for debate.

"Fine" George agreed.

After our meeting, I headed to the Defence Against the Dark Arts tower to look for Ominis. He was at his usual spot, seated on the floor near the window next to the main entrance. Honestly, I had no idea why he liked that spot so much.

"Hey Ominis" I let out in an awkward tone as I sat next to him, trying to gauge his mood.

"Grayson, I've been looking for you" Ominis said with a serious look on his face.

"You have?" I asked surprised, his question catching me off guard.

Ominis nodded, "Yes, I've got something to tell you" he began hesitantly, "I think we should stay friends"

Although he spoke softly, his words felt like sharp knives stabbing my heart and I could barely hold back my tears.

"Friends?" I questioned, struggling to believe he actually said that. "We're not friends Ominis" I tried to mask my woe, but I knew he could hear the sadness in my voice.

"I know, but it's best if we stay friends – for now" Ominis remarked, his voice trembling slightly. He was lying; lying to me, to himself, to everyone.

"You're scared Ominis! Don't let your fears ruin your life!" I advised him, my voice filled with frustration. Tears started to run down my eyes, as I stood up and walked away.

I was angry; angry at him for refusing to fight for us, but I had to accept and respect his decision.

I won't be his friend; I'll just do my best to avoid him from now on.

I returned to my Common Room; my heart aching from Ominis' words. I retreated to my dorm and buried my face in my pillow; I was not in the mood for any social interactions for the rest of the day.