The Shadow Trio | Year 7: Running from the Light

Part 13 - A Bountiful Breakfast

I enter the Great Hall on a dreary Friday morning with my two companions by my side, Ominis and Poppy. The lovely aroma of bacon and blueberry waffles fills the air, creating a savoury and sweet scent that is both mouth-watering and ironic, given my current breakfast company.

The ceiling mimics the sky, the illusion of todays rainy highland weather moving above us. I sigh, realizing that I'll likely spend the day indoors. The three of us walk towards the Slytherin table and plop our bottoms down on the hard bench.

Sebastian didn't care to join us for breakfast today, likely because of the little squabble we had last night. I do admit that I miss him, he hasn't slept with Ominis and I in the Undercroft since before the Ravenclaw party, four days ago. I depend on the man to keep the bed warm, as Ominis barely generates enough body heat to prevent himself from succumbing to hypothermia. I badly want to find him and dust off his sorrows but I don't have the energy today to deal with his self destructive behaviour, not after collecting my own sanity off the floor from the passionate kisses we shared last night.

"I heard Lucan knocked Leander on his ass in Crossed Wands yesterday," Ominis says, casually starting breakfast conversation. "Always a pleasant day when that twat gets humbled."

"Well... that and listening to Hobhouse cry about his own Boggart."

Poppy softly snickers. She then picks a waffle from the middle of the table while ignoring the bacon, she delicately sets it on her plate to begin her vegetarian-friendly meal. Her honey and floral fragrance fills my nose as she eats beside me.

"It's busy in here for breakfast, where's Sebastian by the way?" She asks between nibbles.

Ominis reaches for a croissant from the woven basket of baked goods separating the two of us. The dreary autumn weather usually dampens his spirits. You can catch Ominis in a good mood during the spring when the flowers begin to bloom and the spring air smells earthy and floral. When promises of warm days and blissful summers are around the corner. Today is different, his face displays a calmness that I can only assume is the result of our night in the Prefect's bathroom together.

"Your guess is as good as mine. That man has been self-sabotaging too many times to count these days," The blind man shrugs while taking a sip of his black tea. "It's a pity, really."

"He almost vomited on my shoes the last time I saw him," Poppy says disappointed. She told us about the state she found Sebastian in yesterday, neither one of us were shocked, only frustrated. Frustrated that he can't regulate his emotions like the rest of us who also suffer from trauma.

Ominis quietly chuckles. "Welcome to being friends with Sebastian Sallow, my dear." He says, lifting his teacup in an ironic toast.

I take a bite of the crispy bacon, noticing Poppy staring at me from the corner of my eye. I meet her gaze with a soft smile, and she returns it. "Girl, your hair is so pretty today," she says while running her dainty fingers over my braid. "I wish my hair was longer sometimes so I could do that."

The heir of Slytherin let's out a soft sigh and mutters, "Merlin, what I wouldn't do to be able to see those beautiful, soft locks." I blush and look away as if he's staring right into my eyes.

"Hey Gaunt..." a familiar voice greets.

I turn to see Leander standing directly behind Poppy and me, a conniving smile is presented on his rosy face as he waits for Ominis to look up from his teacup. "Hobhouse says you have experience with the cruciatus curse, can you teach it to me?" Prewett says with a menacing chuckle.

A flame ignites in my stomach, and I immediately want to snap at Prewett for preying on Ominis' past traumas, but Ominis is quick to the punch. He chuckles, calmly takes one last sip of his tea, and stands up from the bench, looking in Leander's direction with contempt.

"I don't need my fucking eyes to see what you're getting at, Prewett," he says while pointing his index finger at him. "I'll kick both of your asses so hard that you'll be able to taste the bottom of my Oxfords!"

Leander chuckles once more at Ominis' threats. The Slytherin slams his fist on the table, causing the silverware to bounce off his plate. "You tell me where the fuck that little rat is. Puffskein Dunkein show yourself!" He yells while quickly striding towards the exit of the Great Hall, chasing after Prewett and Hobhouse.

Poppy giggles and slides closer to me on the bench. "Wow... He's quite smitten with you today."

I look down at my hands placed in my lap and smile, reminiscing about the exchange that took place two nights ago. I think about his soft hands caressing my breasts, his hard shaft pressing against my stomach.

"You're blushing!" Poppy exclaims. "Did something happen between the two of you?" I unconvincingly shake my head while trying to fight my telling smile. "Oh please tell me!" Poppy urges, while grabbing a hold of my arm.

"Fine." I say, taking a deep breath. "I kissed Ominis while we were bathing alone in the Prefect's bathroom."

The Hufflepuff's big brown eyes light up. "You cheeky girl. I don't know how many other girls can say they've locked lips with Ominis Gaunt in the Prefect's bathroom... I think you're one of a kind."

I take a sip of my English tea, the earthy flavour warms my lips in a soothing way.

"He's a good guy, you know. You two would make a wonderful couple." I give her a concerned look. "Poppy, you know I can't, especially with Sebastian and I-"

She cuts me off, "No, I don't want to hear another word. I know the three of you are very close but Sebastian Sallow is a heartbreaker. If you let him near you, you're only going to get yourself hurt."

I look down, unable to meet her eyes for my next confession. "Sebastian and I kissed last night."

"You kissed him too?" Poppy says, disappointed. "Dear Merlin, Babe. This love triangle is more tragic than Leander's sex life." She tightens her grip on my arm urgently. "Promise me right now that you'll stop fooling around with Sallow, that man will always be trouble."

I nod my head, I know she's right. Our friendship is special and I'll be damned if I become just another girl for him to conquer. "I promise."

"Good girl," she says with a small smile as I take a bite from a poppyseed muffin. Her gaze then shifts past me, so I turn to see what's caught her attention. Behind me stands Garreth Weasley in his Gryffindor robes, holding a bright red apple.

"Good morning, ladies," he greets while walking up to us. He steps onto the bench and sits casually on top of the table. "We're having a party in our common room tonight, care to attend?"

Poppy ponders his offer. "Will Lucan be there?"

"I believe so, why? Does little Poppy Sweeting have a crush?"

"Shut your mouth, Garreth!" She snaps. "No need to make up rumours... I was just wondering."

The redhead laughs and starts tossing the apple into the air, catching it with ease. "Right..." his gaze shifts to me. "What about you doll, can I count on you to come? I'll even let you bring your two henchmen."

I glance at Poppy and spot the hopeful look on her face, she wants to attend the Gryffindor party for one reason alone, Lucan Brattleby. The founder and leader of the dueling club, 'Crossed Wands'. He was quite juvenile in fifth year, but recently, he has grown into a strikingly handsome gentleman. I nod my head at Garreth. "We'll be there."

His face lights up. "Brilliant! I'll see you two ladies tonight, you better be wearing red."

Weasley winks at us with a playful grin spreading across his freckled face. He takes a big bite of his apple, the loud crunch drawing the attention of several snakes around the table. With a raised brow, the lion eyes his two pray before sauntering back to his pride.