🥀 Roses and Novels | Hogwarts Legacy Fanfic | Sebastian, Ominis and Evander

🥀 - Chapter 2 - 🌹

(Helena's Perspective)

On my way back to the Slytherin dormitory, I felt a slight sense of relief settle over me. Professor Weasley had certainly scolded me for making the reckless decision to face Ranrok alone. She was right to be angry. Still, she admitted she was grateful that Sebastian had warned her about my plan—that warning was what brought some of the professors to my aid. Without them, I might not have survived.

She wasn't just concerned about my actions, though. She wanted to check on me—how I was feeling, what state I was in, and what came next.

Did I have lasting injuries from the fight with Ranrok? Was I traumatized? Had I properly sealed the repository? Where would I spend holidays and weekends now that Eleazar Fig was gone? Was there finally a cure for Anne Sallow? And how did I truly feel, knowing that Sebastian—my best friend—might soon be sent to Azkaban... by the choice Anne, Ominis, and I had made?

"You're welcome to stay with me for a few weeks," she offered gently, passing me a biscuit and a steaming cup of tea. "You'll have to share the house with my husband, our four cats... and Garreth."

I smiled politely and thanked her, but the thought lingered in my mind.

*Six weeks under the same roof as Garreth? 
He's a good friend, but his chaotic energy for that long?*

 I shook my head quietly to myself.

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

Back in the dormitory, I found Ominis and Imelda by the fireplace, a copy of the Daily Prophet in hand. I dropped to the floor beside them.

"Ah, Helena," Ominis said softly. "I'm glad you're back. How are you feeling?"

I took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm alright now. Thanks, Ominis."

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Imelda suddenly screamed, slamming the newspaper onto the floor.

"They're keeping him in Azkaban for almost a year before reviewing his case," she snapped. "Only then will they even consider early release."

My eyes widened as I picked up the paper. There he was—Sebastian Sallow—staring out from the front page. His eyes looked vacant, hollowed by guilt and trauma. He'd been in court for two days already.

"Helena," Imelda said hurriedly, "I know the decision you made with Ominis and Anne wasn't easy... but seeing his face like this, I'm genuinely afraid for him."

"He knew the consequences," Ominis replied firmly. "All we can do now is wait... and hope the outcome is just."

I looked back at the moving photo. Sebastian's expression was unreadable, but his eyes said everything. I was sorry. But Ominis was right—Sebastian had made his choices. Now, we could only wait.

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

That Morning in the Undercroft
(Sebastian's Perspective)

"YOU RUINED EVERYTHING, SALLOW! YOU LOST HER—JUST FORGET IT!" Ominis shouted, his voice echoing through the Undercroft.

"I HAD NO CHOICE!" I yelled back, the guilt tearing at my throat. "I HAD TO SAVE LENA! My uncle... he could've hurt her."

It had been days since I killed Solomon. Days since Helena ran from that cave in tears. Days of silence from Ominis—until now.

"I did it for her," I continued. "For Anne. For everyone."

"NO!" Ominis barked. "You did it for yourself. You used her—over and over—and now you'll finally face the consequences of your own damn mistakes!"