Apricitiy {Sebastian Sallow & Ominis Gaunt}

{7} Early Morning Conversations

After falling asleep in the late afternoon, I ended up waking early in the morning. I estimated it was before sunrise due to the lack of light reflecting off the stone floor. It had to have been really early considering Imelda was still fast asleep in the bed beside mine. 

I tried to sleep a bit longer but to no avail. My mind woke and refused to slumber again. I wrapped a robe around my pyjamas and placed my feet in some fluffy slippers. They were definitely a must-have when you were wandering around the Slytherin dungeons. Sometimes the rock flooring got quite cold in the early morning and late night. It reminded me of the cellar at my home back in England. It was always freezing in there which I suppose was the point. 

My slippers pitter-pattered against the steps as I descended into the main area of the common room. I didn't even notice a figure tracing their wand over the words of a book by the fireplace. 

I approached the tall windows leading into the never-ending abyss of the Black Lake. It was hard to see much of anything due to the lack of sun, but the occasional bubble rose behind the glass as a creature scurried away in the darkness. I inhaled and exhaled contently, leaning against the pillar. My brain was preoccupied with thoughts. Everything that had happened since my arrival at Hogwarts had been a mixture of spectacular adventure and life-altering danger. I had made friends and gained enemies. Learned so much in and out of the classroom and earned skills I had never even imagined I'd have to learn. It hadn't even been a month. 

"You're up quite early, Josie."

I jumped at the sudden voice. 

Ominis Gaunt held his book beneath his arm, pining it between his bicep and his ribs. His right hand loosely held onto the black wand before it lowered to his side. I suddenly felt underdressed. 

Even at what I estimated to be around 3 or 4 on a Sunday morning, Ominis was still dressed in his elegant and freshly pressed clothes. His white button-up top was creaseless and unstained while his green Slytherin tie was flawlessly symmetrical. Even his grey pants looked brand new. From his head to his feet, the Gaunt was perfectly composed. I had no idea how he did it. It amazed me how he always seemed so put together despite such little effort.

"Ominis! What are you doing awake at this hour?" By the tone of my voice, I'm sure he was able to pick up on my temporary fright. 

"Sorry for startling you, dearest. It was not my intention. As for your question, I have been unable to sleep due to the incessant snoring of my dormmate. I figured the exhaustion I'd experience throughout the day would be less painful."

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as bubbles drifted past the window. The atmosphere of this moment was oddly comforting. Something about the Slytherin boy eased every ounce of stress in my body. He had such a delightful presence—calm, attentive, endearing. Truthfully, I did believe he was still a little wary of me. I couldn't blame him. I got the impression that there was much more to him than met the eye. It was difficult to place my finger on exactly what it was, but I knew there had to be something. 

"Is... that the only reason you couldn't sleep?" 

I saw the hesitation in Ominis' expression. It was such a subtle change, yet I caught it very quickly. It was the way his eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly as he pondered my question. I feared I had crossed a boundary I wasn't aware had been placed.

"The events of yesterday were... troubling, but my sleep schedule is nothing to worry about, Josie," Ominis reassured. He wasn't sharing the thoughts rushing through his head. I didn't want to push him to though. Even I struggled to talk about my personal struggles. I would surely resent whoever decided it would be their duty to make me talk. I didn't intend on being that person for Ominis. Not yet, anyway. 

"What were you reading?"

"A Study in Scarlet."

"I think I know that one! My mum had a copy of it at our house back in Warwick. I didn't know you were interested in Muggle books."

"On the contrary, darling. I find them rather fascinating. Muggles have magic in their own right. They simply show it through word."

I smiled at the sentiment. Ominis was always so well-versed. It shouldn't surprise me that he too appreciated the art of muggle literature. Of course, he would also be a poet in his verbiage. Ominis Gaunt was, in himself, fascinating. 

We sat in silence for a few moments, staring out into the dark lake ahead. Well, I was. The crackling of the fire behind us created such a pleasant atmosphere, mixing with the muffled sounds of water shifting behind the glass as it rippled. It was both eerie and soothing all at the same time—being in a giant underwater dungeon in the dead of night with not a single other soul around. It was just Ominis and me. And I was quite okay with that. 

"Ominis? Could I ask you a question?"

After he tilted his head in my direction, I continued.

"What... happened to Anne? Sebastian mentioned her falling ill and being unable to attend Hogwarts, but... I've seen some of the texts he's been reading. Is Anne okay?"

I could see Ominis tense before relaxing again. I appreciated how he took a moment to compose his thoughts before speaking. Whenever I asked him a question, I noticed how he fully digested the words and formulated an answer with sureness and consideration. Sebastian was frankly quite the opposite. Sometimes I thought he spoke without even knowing what words were leaving his lips. It never ceased to astound me how different these boys were. 

"It isn't my story to tell, dearest. Sebastian should be the one to tell you about his sister. Yes, she is sick and Sebastian has been trying to help her through his reading, but that is all I will share with you." Ominis's expression darkened as he thought about Anne. I knew there was more to the story, but that look only confirmed it. However, I wouldn't pry. I respected his reluctance to share further information about his friend. It was good to know I could trust Ominis to be a good person and friend. I hoped he would one day feel the same way about me. 

"I understand. Thank you."

The blonde boy nodded gently and drew his wand from his side. I watched as the tip lit up red. He adjusted the hold he had on his book, ensuring it was secure without creasing any of the pages. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he spoke. "I should attempt to get some sleep this morning, yes? Thank you, Josie, for the wonderful conversation. It is always a pleasure."

My own smile grew. He was such an eloquent speaker. It was so precious to hear him call me Josie all the time. I didn't know why I loved it so much, but the nicknames both boys bestowed upon me had taken hold of my heart. And the way Ominis spoke in such an appreciative way made me feel more than loved. 

It made me feel valued. 

"You should. Hopefully, Sebastian has stopped his snoring by now."

The soft chuckle I drew from him made my cheeks flush. 

"And you're welcome. It was... really nice being in your company, Ominis." I watched as his wand led him away, across by the fireplace, and up the stairs to his dorm. 

It felt colder once he was gone. 

╚══════╝╚══════╝╚══════╝

So sorry for the delay! But here's a quick one to feed my fellow Ominis simps <3