Forbidden Desires (Ominis x Sharp x MC)

Chapter 15 - A Shift in Perspective

"Avoiding your friends?" A gruff voice asks from beside me. I peel myself away from the research book before me to look up at the potion master who is now towering over me. As I look around, I realise that time has unknowingly crept by. I claimed a private corner of the library this morning and was now noticing a severe lack of students surrounding me as the day had quickly transformed from morning to early evening.

"I'm not avoiding them," I croak, suddenly realising how long it has been since I last spoke. "I'm just studying."

Professor Sharp leans forward to take a closer look at the books that surround me, causing a look of concern mixed with quiet curiosity to creep over his face. "I don't remember seeing anything about curses on the curriculum for fifth years," he states, filling my nose with his musky scent as he grabs the book in front of me, turning it over to read the cover 'The Secret World of Dark Magic: Unbreakable Curses Revealed'. "Hmm," he begins cautiously. "It's usually cause for concern when students begin to show a sudden interest in researching the dark arts. Is there something you want to tell me?"

I chuckle lightly as I sit back in my chair stretching my arms out in front of me. "Well, you know me, always eager to learn something new and the dark arts just seemed like the natural next step."

Sharp scoffs, shaking his head with a gentle smirk. "May I?" He asks, gesturing to the empty seat beside me. I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness wash over me as I push the chair out towards him. "Go on then," he continues as he perches closely beside me. "What's this all about?"

"It's just a bit of research," I explain. "I met Sebastian's sister last week."

"Ah, Miss Sallow," he replies. "She was a very bright student, it truly is a shame what happened to her. How is she coping? I bet she was glad to meet you."

"I doubt that very much," I reply hastily with a sarcastic laugh and an embarrassed shake of my head.

"I wouldn't be so sure," he begins. "When Miss Sallow first got cursed, I watched all of her classmates actively avoid her, as if they'd be cursed themselves if they got too close. I'm sure she was glad to make a new friend." I roll my eyes before hiding my face in my hands, noticing that Sharp's face turns curious as I peek between my fingers. "Miss Price, I'm not usually one for student gossip but..." he leans in closer, "because it's you... on this occasion, I'd like to know what happened."

A warmth creeps through my bones at his words. "Well, um..." Merlin, why was I so nervous all of a sudden? "Me and her uncle, Mr Sallow, we um...we kind of got into a fight-"

"A fight?!" The professor interrupts, slightly louder than he intends. "What do you mean you got into a fight? Merlin, are you ok?" I watch as his eyes scan my entire body for any sign of injury.

"I'm fine sir," I sigh fondly. "He didn't touch me. I suppose it was less of a fight and more just me attacking him..." My smile falters as I replay the events of the day in my mind. "I feel so embarrassed about it, but even so... I don't regret it." My eyes meet his expectantly, but he makes no attempt to fill the silence. "You should have seen the way he spoke to them..." I continue, "I think I'd even go as far to say he-"

"Deserved it?" Professor Sharp interrupts once more. Fierce confusion smothers my face as he quickly avoids my eyeline. "Apologies, I shouldn't have said that," he backtracks. "Our paths crossed occasionally in the Auror programme. I was never a fan." An unfamiliar smirk creeps across his face. "I'd be lying if I said I never thought about attacking him myself, but luckily I know how to keep my cool."

A genuine laugh leaves my lips encouraging the stern professor to follow suit. Despite the wide smile forming on my face, I can't ignore the strange churning in my stomach that is making this moment feel incredibly uncomfortable.