The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

36. A blind boy's heart

It's been 3 days since we got back from the ruins, I've managed to miss only one day of classes, while Ominis covered for us. I needed that day to get some rest, as it took almost a full 24 hours before I regained consciousness.

Sebastian stayed with me  during every minute of it. Poppy pointed out that my stated required observation, so Sebastian volunteered to stay by my side. I guess it was good that I was in no posture to start an argument, because we couldn't use that time alone to go over our last fight, before all of that happened.

We ignored it, and I knew that eventually we'll have to talk about it... or do we really? Sebastian admitted that he was scared to lose me, even after we got back. He had no idea yet at that point if I would go back to a normal state. Of course he didn't directly apologised, but judging by the things he said, I could tell that he was sorry, and what we just went through reminded him, again, how things can spiral down quickly.

I gradually started feeling my fingers and hands first, then my legs and the rest of the body eventually followed. Once I was able to speak, I was happy to confirm to Sebastian that everything he said to me, I heard.

"Will you study with me in the library this evening?" Anne questioned me while we were sat next to each other in the Great Hall at lunch.

Sebastian didn't sighed, nor did he gave me an insistent look, which I would've expected considering the reason of our last fight. But he didn't need to. I had some thinking done of my own too.

"Not tonight, I'd rather another time if you don't mind." I answered, then glanced at Sebastian to whom I smiled softly. "I have... other plans tonight!"

"Alright! You enjoy your plans then!" Anne got up after finishing eating early. "I'll head off to my classes, I'll catch you later in our room."

"Good, see you later." I smiled at Anne.

Sebastian and I finished eating in silence, while we were both sat and facing each other. Ominis was over Sebastian's side of the table, and he still hadn't touch his plate yet. To be honest, he didn't eat at all since we got back, or at least, just enough not to starve to death.

"You know what, I think I'll head off too. I'll see you two shortly in charms class." Ominis spoke coldly and got up from the bench.

I watched him walk away from us, until he passed through the doors and that we couldn't see him anymore.

"Have he spoke to you about it since?" I asked Sebastian.

"No, you would know. I haven't left your side since we got back." He replied. "... and I'm not sure I want to ask him about it."

"Why?"

"I... I guess I don't know what I should say. I mean, he despise everything Dark-Arts related especially when that comes from my mouth, even innocent questions. If he wants to talk, I'm sure I'm the last person he'd go to about his own use of... you know." Sebastian cleared his throat.

"I'll ask Poppy about it. Maybe he spoke to her." 

"You can try, but... I'm not sure either." Sebastian scoffed while scraping what was left on his plate with a piece of bread. "You may not have noticed, but it's been bumpy between them lately."

"Of course it is, he looks like if guilt is eating him alive, and I know Poppy won't say it, but she felt left out recently." I admitted, feeling bad that it is indeed how it felt like recently.

"I agree, but I don't think it is for the reason you imagine." Sebastian sighed, letting me know that he might know something that I don't. "It has nothing to do about what's going on with you and that we haven't brought her with us."