Seeing You Again: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Five

Amara

Ominis and I round the bend toward potions class. We're both silent, but he has a small grin on his face. The two of us didn't start out on the best terms when we first met. Sebastian snuck me into the Undercroft, and I got caught right away. Thankfully, I seem to have a secret skill at charming him, and I got myself out of trouble more times than I can count. 

He tried to warn us about the path Sebastian and I found ourselves on. Ominis knows firsthand how dark magic can affect wizards and witches. We didn't listen. That was our first mistake. Ominis tried, but by the time I started to realize just how deep we got ourselves into, it was too late.

When Sebastian killed his uncle, it was clear he knew he fucked up. After that, he vowed never to use the killing curse again. Ominis wanted to turn him in, but I talked him out of it.

I'm glad he and Sebastian were able to reconnect. I was worried the two of them wouldn't be able to return to what they had before the incident. Ominis is a good guy. Sebastian is... well, Sebastian. Ominis sees this, and he's trying to show Sebastian the right path to take. Which I'm appreciative of. Sebastian needs Ominis, and I'm glad he was there when I wasn't.

"Don't let her get to you." Ominis pulls me from my thoughts.

"She's not," I lie terribly. I'm many things, but a good liar isn't one of them.

"She and Sebastian have been over since before the summer holiday. She's just trying to rile you up. The competitive spirit between the two of you has reawakened in her eyes. For your sake, don't feed into it."

"I'm fine, don't worry." There's nothing to be riled up about. Imelda and Sebastian were together for a reason. Even if they still are, it would be fine.

Liar...

Merlin's beard, I can't even lie to myself.

Squeezing his arm one last time as we walk into the classroom, I sigh. The potions classroom is located in the underbelly of Hogwarts. The atmosphere is cold, dark, and slightly damp. Rows of tables line opposite sides of the room. Each bench can accommodate four students, two on each side. Professor Sharp's desk is at the front of the room, along with a freshly cleared blackboard. I missed this place... more than words can express.

The amount of time I spent raiding the supply closet to make Wiggeneld, Edurus, and Focus potions was obscene. Once I built my own stations in my Room of Requirement, I started to feel less guilty for borrowing Professor Sharp's supplies. I did miss the bubbling of the cauldrons, though. There's something different about brewing potions in this classroom than in my Room of Requirement.

"Good luck," I smirk at Ominis as we go our separate ways. Sitting down next to Poppy, I admire the extensive collection of glass vials and beakers. Trying to free myself of these puzzling thoughts and feelings I have toward Sebastian.

"Are you okay, Amara? Your face is twisted." Poppy holds back her giggle.

"I'm fine," I repeat before running my fingers across my scalp. I catch Poppy peering across the room, and I smirk as a wicked thought brews in my mind. "If you don't go grab that boy and make him your partner, I'll do it for you."

"What? No, I can't do that," she snickers nervously. Placing my hands on the table, I start to get up. "Who's going to be your partner?" Concern flows off her tongue.

"Don't worry about me. Go get him." With a matching grin, Poppy leaps out of her seat and approaches Ominis. Watching the two of them interact brings a natural smile to my face. I don't know how the two of them started hanging out or talking, but you can bet I'm going to find out.