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

🥀 - Chapter 18 -🌹

(Helena's Perspective)

After what happened with Ominis in the Potions classroom, we never talked about it. We went to our lessons, laughed with our friends, and acted like nothing ever happened between us that summer. Every day, Garreth checked in—always asking if I'd spoken to Ominis yet. And every time, I gave him the same answer: no.

By mid-September, a letter arrived. It was from Anne.

She wanted to see us and invited both Ominis and me to her uncle Solomon's house.

When I reached the bridge near the edge of the forest, I saw him waiting. The sunlight danced across his soft, golden-brown hair and sun-kissed skin. I caught myself staring—again. He looked so effortlessly handsome. But I reminded myself of the awkward distance that had grown between us.

So I kept it casual. "Hey Ominis, I'm here. Let's go see Anne."

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

(Ominis' Perspective)

I'd been sitting there in the sunlight, listening to the birds and letting the wind run through my thoughts. I'd been patient. I was still waiting for her to say something—anything—about us. We had spent weeks pretending that nothing had happened, like our summer moments had simply evaporated.

And all she said was, "Hey Ominis, I'm here. Let's go see Anne."

We began walking toward the Apparition point just beyond the forest. But my thoughts were far from calm.

*Hey Ominis. Just that? After everything? Does it really mean so little to her? Had she already moved on? Did I mess it all up? Maybe she's waiting for me to bring it up... again.*

I couldn't take it anymore. I stopped in my tracks.

"Helena... do you have a moment? I need to talk to you."

She paused.

"What's going on between us?" I asked, heart pounding. "We were so close. And now... you're distant. Ever since this summer, I've felt you slipping away. I'm still your best friend, aren't I? Talk to me."

She was standing right there, but it felt like she was miles away.

I reached out, wanting to hold her hand—but she stepped back.

"You want to know what's going on?"

"Yes," I said, stuffing my hands into my pockets, trying to steady myself.

"You told me to see other people. To experience more. You said you'd be the last and only love I'd ever need... right?"

I nodded. "Yes, I did say that. And if that's still what you want, the offer stands."

"Then explain something, Ominis." Her voice was tight. "Why did it bother you so much when I was with Evan? You told me to explore... I don't understand."

I took a breath, the weight of everything pressing on me.

"Because I was scared, Lena. Scared that I'd lose you to him—your so-called soulmate. That bond between you two... it's pure. And every time I think I'm getting close to you, something changes. And I have to pull away. I give you space. I wait."

I looked up, voice cracking slightly.

"Yes, you're free to see whoever you want. But that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. I'm still waiting for you. I've always been waiting for you."

The forest fell silent. Not a bird, not a whisper of wind.

Then she stepped forward and took my hands in hers—cold, soft, trembling.