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

🥀 - Chapter 20 -🌹

-one week earlier – The day Ominis received Anne's letter-

(Ominis's Perspective)

I heard wings fluttering in the distance—sharp, rhythmic, and purposeful. From the familiar sound of soft screeching, I immediately recognized Zayy, my owl. I'd trained him to make his presence known before landing. Being blind had its disadvantages, but moments like this gave me a certain edge others overlooked.

Sebastian used to joke that all owls looked the same anyway. He'd often be stuck in the owlery, trying to tell Rya, his snowy owl, apart from a dozen identical others. But Zayy had always been different—loyal, predictable, mine.

He landed gracefully on my shoulder, and I reached up to stroke his feathers.

"Hello, my friend. What do you have for me today?"

Gently, I took the envelope from his beak and conjured a mouse onto the ground.

"Thank you, as always."

Zayy let out a satisfied squawk before gliding down to enjoy his reward.

—Letter from Anne—
Dear Ominis,

I'm writing because it's just as easy as dropping by, but easier on the nerves.

Two days ago, I received a letter from the Ministry. It's about Sebastian.

They've approved an early release. Apparently, his good behavior and the fact that he was a minor played a role. There's no exact date yet, but it won't be another year—I'm almost certain of it.

Do you think you and Helena could come by soon, even just for an hour?

– With love, Anne

I folded the letter slowly and slipped it into my pocket.

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

-The present, Ominis's birthday-

(Anne's Perspective)

I had just finished preparing tea and coffee for Ominis and Helena—they had gone for a walk together. The letter from Sebastian sat unopened on the table, along with the Ministry's notice and a worn Hemingway novel I hadn't touched in days. I'd stared at that letter every morning, fingers hovering, heart racing... but I couldn't bring myself to open it.

For nights, I barely slept, half-expecting Sebastian to appear in the doorway.

Everything was packed for my return to Hogwarts. I wore a soft white dress that reached just past my knees, its puff sleeves making me feel just a little more grown-up. My hair had been freshly trimmed, and I'd applied a little makeup to brighten my eyes. I wanted to look—and feel—like myself again.

As I lifted the teapot and headed to the living room, a loud crash outside drew my attention. Voices followed—raised, sharp, hurt.

I threw the door open.

Helena and Ominis were sprawled in the grass beneath the tree.

"OMINIS, YOU CAN'T SAY THAT TO ME—not after yesterday. Not after everything," Helena shouted from where she sat on top of him.

"LENA, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT!" he growled, pushing her off. "He's coming back. Sallow. And you don't seem to care what happens to us when he does!"

Helena scrambled to her feet, furious.

"NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO US. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH!"

"You still don't understand," Ominis sighed, exasperated.

"Oh, because I'm so transparent? I just run from my feelings, right?" she said with a bitter laugh.

I walked over and gently helped Ominis to his feet, brushing leaves from his coat. Helena was stomping back and forth near the edge of the house, arms folded.