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

🥀 - chapter 35 - 🌹

(Sebastian's Perspective)

I did everything I could to hold her back by the boot, but it wasn't enough. She slipped from my grasp and plummeted off the cliffside, down into the churning waters below.

She landed near a large rock in the pool beneath the waterfall. Without hesitation, I leapt from the ledge, shifting mid-air from wolf back to man, and dove after her.

The water was cold but clear. I reached her quickly and checked her body, no major injuries, thank Merlin. Just a few scrapes along her legs. I pulled her to the riverbank and laid her down gently.

Her dark hair clung to her face, her freckles stood out like constellations, and her lips were tinged rose from the cold. I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, unable to stop staring. Anne was right, she had changed. Stronger, fuller, radiant. Not the fragile girl I once knew.

I didn't have my wand. I had left it behind, foolishly. I used what knowledge I had, gathering seaweed to bind her leg and placing crushed mint and eucalyptus beneath the makeshift dressing. It would do, for now.

As the sky turned golden with the setting sun, I stood over her, watching for any sign of movement.
She stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, those eyes I had missed more than anything. She looked at me, and for one moment, we were there again... in a memory that never left. Then she slipped away, back into unconsciousness.

I knew I had to act. I lifted her into my arms and carried her through the forest.

"Hold on, Lena," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I've got you."

Her chilled skin pressed to my chest as I raced through the trees. When the manor walls appeared, I called out, hoping someone would come.

Flood spotted me from afar and ran inside. Moments later, Ominis appeared at the gate, and my heart paused.

He could see me. *He could see me.*

His gaze was sharp, his steps steady, no wand to guide him. He looked directly into my eyes, and I saw recognition.

I handed Helena into his arms, brushing the wet hair from her face one last time.

"Ominis," I said quietly.

"Sebastian," he replied.

And then, without another word, I disapparated into the woods.

Back home, I collapsed.

The tears came before I could stop them. The year away had taken everything from me. And now, she, Helena, was in love with Ominis. My best friend. My brother in all but blood.

I had watched them from afar... in the woods. I saw their kiss, saw her pull him close. It was more than affection, it was passion. And it crushed me.

But if I wanted her back, I had to earn it.

I wiped my tears, steadied my breath, and pulled out parchment, ink, and a feather.

Letter:

Dear Professor Weasley,

I have completed my time at Azkaban and have spent the last few months in reflection and healing. I understand the weight of my actions and take full responsibility for them.

It's a new year now, and I wish to return to Hogwarts to complete my final year. My sister Anne informed me that Quidditch has resumed—I would like to participate and finish school with a proper diploma, to move forward toward a better future.

I hope you'll consider my request.

Sincerely,
Sebastian Sallow

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

(Helena's Perspective)

I awoke to the clatter of pots and low murmurs. I was lying on the kitchen counter in Gaunt Manor, surrounded by bandages, stained cloths, and the sharp scent of potions.

Ominis sat beside me, his sleeves rolled up, his fingers stained with dried blood.

"It took a long time to stop the bleeding," he said softly. "My wand didn't work. I had to do it all myself."

He handed me a wiggenweld potion. I drank it in a few gulps and looked at him, worry pressing on my chest.

"I saw him," I whispered. "He was there."

Ominis nodded. "I know. I saw him too. He brought you back. Then he left."

My thoughts swirled. Sebastian had saved me again. He had always been there, watching from the shadows.

Ominis gently peeled back the bandage on my leg and inspected the wound, it had already started to close. I drank a second potion to help the healing along.

His fingers grazed my skin, soft but deliberate. "What happened?"

I let my legs dangle and sat upright, gathering my thoughts.

"I chased Sebastian into the forest. My magic was nearly spent, but I used it one last time to leap and I landed at the waterfall's edge. He tried to stop me with his teeth, but I panicked... and I fell."

Ominis stood and stepped between my legs, gently cupping my face.

"You're lucky to be alive," he whispered. "A fall like that... it could've been the end."

He kissed my forehead, his touch lingering.

I leaned into him, comforted by his warmth. Then, softly, I asked, "Are we picking up where we left off in the woods?"

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. He glanced at the staff bustling around us. "Leave the kitchen," he said, calm but commanding. "Come back when I call."

The cook gave a nod. "Yes, Mr. Gaunt."

Everyone cleared out.

He stepped closer and gently took hold of my legs, drawing me toward him until I was perched right at the edge of the kitchen counter.

His hands slid slowly from my ankles up to my thighs, the touch deliberate and reverent. He pushed the fabric of my dress higher, fingers brushing my skin with care that sent a thrill through me.

Then, with a teasing smirk, he leaned in, lips brushing mine as his fingers played along my waist. I ran my hand across his jaw, down his neck, and tangled my fingers in his hair. Our kiss deepened, slow and full of fire, a wordless agreement passing between us.

I felt his breath hitch as I touched him, and his hands pulled me closer, his need unmistakable. We were lost in it, each movement fueled by everything we hadn't said, everything we had felt for far too long.

He held me like I belonged to him, and in that moment, I did. We moved together in perfect rhythm, breathless and wrapped in a kind of silent desperation that only lovers who have waited too long truly understand.

When it was over, we remained close, his forehead resting against mine, both of us catching our breath.

"I think you're blushing," he teased, still wearing that crooked grin that always got to me.

I rolled my eyes, hopping down from the counter. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you love me for it," he said, slipping his hand into mine.

And in that quiet moment between chaos and calm, I knew this was something I'd never want to lose. The rest... was quiet, close, and filled with emotion. No one watching. No past haunting. Just us, in the stillness of something real.

Later, he laughed, teasing me gently, "Let's eat before we get ourselves in trouble again."

I blushed, hopping down from the counter as he walked toward the dining room. I followed, heart still pounding.

We walked toward the dining room together, still feeling the warmth of each other's presence. I took my seat at the table, heart racing, cheeks flushed, as he turned back to call the kitchen staff.