In the Shadow of Injustice

Chapter 4: Ringing Bells

a/n: This is a bit of a quieter chapter before things get tough. Ominis and Johanna are trying to figure out their friendship now that there are only two of them. 

Longer chapter than normal. 

When Ominis and Johanna entered the Great Hall for breakfast that morning, the cheerful chatter that usually greeted them fell silent before divulging into harried whispers.

The long tables were set with food, their familiar smells filling the air but Ominis had no appetite, the queasiness from the dream of the night before carrying into the day. If Johanna had noticed the bags under his eyes she didn't say, her own weariness apparent from the way she walked.

As they made their way through the crowd, Ominis could feel her tense as someone brushed past, the effects of the curse still bringing her pain. He longed to take her hand to give her some comfort but knew that the best thing for her right now would be no physical contact at all.

He didn't want to take his spot at the Slytherin table, knowing that he would no longer have Sebastian by his side. So he found a seat alone in the corner of the table. He slowly picked up his fork and silently began to eat.

He could feel his eyes welling up with tears at the mere thought of the jokes Sebastian would be making when he overheard that Malfoy had lost his weekly allotment to spend.

He took a deep breath to steady himself. He was determined to get through the meal, even if it meant eating alone. Yet that thought was ruined when Imelda slid in next to him.

"How are you faring Ominis?" His first name fell so easily from her lips it was as almost as if Anne was still here and the two had stopped by to check in before heading to practice.

"I'm fine Reyes. I just want to be left alone at the moment."

Imelda sighed, "Whatever you say Gaunt, but do know I'm here if you want to talk. I know we aren't exactly friends but I'll look out for you in Sallow's absence."

Ominis bristled at this.

Sebastian and Anne often would shut up the bullies that had bothered him during the early years. Since then no one dared to insult him, knowing they'd probably fall prey to one of Sebastian's hexes or clever pranks.

If Imelda was implying that they would likely start up again now that Sebastian was gone, he was insulted.

"I'm perfectly capable of fending for myself Reyes. You are forgetting that I am no longer a child."

"That's not what she meant," Grace Pinch-Smeldy's voice chipped in, "She means that we can be your friends if you wish."

"I do not wish anything but to be left completely alone. If I ever do decide to go back on the friend market, it will not be another Slytherin I befriend, they can't be trusted."

"Then what are you saying about yourself, Gaunt?"

A memory flashed through his mind, Sebastian's hateful tear-filled voice as he was dragged away.

"Exactly that, they can't be trusted."

And with that he fell silent, leaving them to talk among themselves.

If only Johanna were next to him. He oddly found himself not wanting to leave her side. Not after everything they had been through, not after the fact she was now his only friend. He didn't want to let her out of his sight again.

After all, it was because he hadn't kept closer tabs on Sebastian that Sebastian had managed to run off and get them both in over their heads. It was his fault had Sebastian hurt her.