Forbidden Desires (Ominis x Sharp x MC)

Chapter 10 - The Duel

TW - death, murder
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Hogsmeade was always filled with life on Saturdays. Professors and students alike would be running around buying resources for lessons and occasionally indulging in a treat for themselves. I often found myself walking aimlessly through Hogsmeade on the weekends. Being from London, I was used to the hustle and bustle of a busy city centre, Hogsmeade had nowhere near as many people as London did, but it was the closest I could get to home. It brought me a welcome sense of comfort.

I was sat outside 'Steepley & Sons Tea Shop' with Poppy. We were wrapped up warmly, sipping on tea and watching the brown leaves fall off the branches of the nearby trees. We'd been sitting quietly for a while, watching as crowds of people rushed past us. People watching was one of my favourite things to do and apparently one of Poppy's favourite things too.

"So you've still not spoken to Sebastian?" She questioned me.

"No, I was speaking to Ominis last night and he said Seb has been planning a trip for the three of us to go to Feldcroft. He's sweet but I just really need some time before I meet Anne" I answered her before taking another sip of tea.

"So you're speaking to Ominis again then," she remarked, winking at me over her mug. I rolled my eyes at her, trying to hide my smile.

"Yeah, he apologised to me and well..." I leant towards her, lowering my voice to a whisper "I promised I wouldn't tell anyone, but him and Anne have been having some issues."

"Really?" Poppy replied, full of surprise. "I always thought they had the perfect relationship."

"Definitely not, I don't think Ominis is happy, to be honest. But you didn't hear that from me!" I placed my mug back down on the table and wrapped my hands around it to warm them. Poppy followed suit.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything. Oh! That reminds me, what did Sharp want with you after class yesterday? I waited for you for a good fifteen minutes, but then I gave up" she blew into her hands trying to warm them up.

"Ugh, I think I've made an enemy out of Sharp." I considered my next words carefully. Poppy wasn't aware of the trials or my powers and I didn't want her anywhere near the mess. I needed to make sure she was safe and that meant keeping her well away. "He was questioning me about my classes and he was insistent that I was falling behind and struggling" I let out an embarrassed sigh "I got a bit offended and may have started shouting back at him."

Poppy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You spoke back to Professor Sharp and you're still alive to tell the tale?!" We both began laughing. "Please Juliet, tell me your secrets." She mocked bowing down to me, making me nearly spit my tea at her in laughter as I took a sip. We both sat in a content silence for a moment, watching the passers-by once more. I couldn't stop myself from thinking about Professor Sharp. Ominis was annoyingly right, it was nice that he was concerned but he went completely the wrong way about it. His words cut deep and I was still so furious at him.

"You ok though?" Poppy asked breaking the silence, her voice full of concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine. He's just playing on my mind a bit" I replied, sounding a little deflated. Poppy rested her hand on mine and smiled warmly at me. I smiled back, but my cheeks began to flush and I couldn't hide my embarrassed smirk. Poppy looked at me questionably. 

"What have I just missed?" She asked, grabbing my hand firmer.

"We were washing these cauldrons together when we were talking and I accidentally splashed him..." I hid my face in my hands as Poppy begged me to continue the story. "He'd taken off his coat, so he was just in his shirt and it went completely see-through." Poppy nearly jumped out of her seat and I continued hiding my face, looking at her through the gaps in my fingers. "Oh my god Poppy. I'm not mad thinking he's a bit handsome am I?"