when cynthia first starts in the drama club, lydia would complain to floyd and arthur about how annoying she is during rehearsals and they would just kind of look at each other like “are you thinking what i’m thinking”
lydia would act annoyed around cynthia during rehearsals etc. but when she gets home she always ends up thinking about her constantly and giggles to herself when she thinks of something dumb she did earlier
cynthia love’s physical touch. she loves to hug and hold hands and kiss. she often will dramatically kiss lydia’s hand. lydia calls her an idiot for it but she is actually blushing really hard and can’t stop smiling so cynthia kisses her more
in addition to that, when they’re in a safe place cynthia will sneak up behind lydia to hug her
i’ve said this before and i’ll say it again. lydia uses masculine compliments for cynthia and it always makes her blush so bad
cynthia will not admit to anyone that she actually likes romcoms but lydia “makes” her watch them and if they’re musicals they’ll sing along to the duets
this one is based off a real scene- in ep. 7 after the play at the frosty palace, the camera pans over to lydia a couple times and each time she’s like spaced out and looking out the window. i think she was truly just hoping cynthia would show up and talk to her and she was disappointed everytime she heard the bell chime and someone walked in who wasn’t her
lydia has a polaroid camera and will take pictures of cynthia when she’s not paying attention and keeps some on her vanity mirror
on drive in nights they’ll sneak onto the concessions roof and watch the movie from there. cynthia does bad impressions of the actors and lydia info dumps random information about the actors she’s read in the papers
cynthia steals lydia’s hat off her head if she doesn’t give her enough attention and then holds it “out of reach” and says she can have it back if she can guess the password (the password is missing her on the mouth. a lot.)
lydia leaves notes in cynthia’s locker sometimes. it’s always left on a little lilac post it with no signature but cynthia keeps them all in an old mints tin in her room.
durning rehearsals, cynthia will try to catch lydia’s eye and subtly flirt with her while she’s acting because she likes how flustered she gets and if she breaks character she has to buy cynthia a soda (flirts with body language, kissy faces, teases about the scene, sits behind geraldine and then makes bunny ears behind her, etc.)
Hi! Would you mind writing something about MC finally being able to cure Anne by the beginning of their 7th year and she starts avoiding and distancing herself from Sebastian after that, because she assumed he was still near her because of Anne's issue not because he actually had feelings for her? Thank you in advance and sorry if this makes you uncomfortable!
Thank you for this request, Anon!! Sorry it took so long to get to you - I hope it's what you wanted! And please don't apologize, I'm not uncomfortable at all. I'm honored you thought of me for your ask. 💕
Sebastian was having a very good day.
By the start of term in his final year at Hogwarts, he could honestly say that for the first time in his life, he didn't have a single care in the world.
He and MC had spent the better part of the past two years researching a cure for Anne, and as he'd expected, it came in the form of his companion's peculiar ancient magic. Just weeks before school picked back up again for seventh year, they'd managed to finally remove Anne's curse. It was a grueling task, but the effects were almost immediate.
Although Anne still decided to enroll in Beaxbatons, stating that she needed to remain away from Scotland a while longer, she'd forgiven Sebastian enough after they'd cured her without Dark Arts that she promised to write him letters and visit Feldcroft over the holidays.
Ominis, as well, had come around in sixth year to mend their friendship. He and Sebastian may have even become closer after having overcome the strain and tragedy they'd endured through fifth year.
And MC, devoted friend that she was, had never once wavered in her boundless loyalty to Sebastian. She'd stayed with him in Feldcroft the summer before sixth year, making sure he was cared for and patiently pulled him from his grief. Always tidying the little cottage, ensuring Sebastian ate, tending the garden, and rousing him from seemingly endless nightmares.
After weeks of allowing her to coddle him, he'd finally found the strength to stand on his own again and thanked her, telling her to go back to her own family home. While he could never express the full extent of his gratitude for her in words, he hoped to spend the rest of his life trying to deserve her friendship.
Still, she'd remained in Feldcroft anyway to keep him company the remainder of that summer - claiming it was because she would feel lonely if she left. He knew it was for his sake, however, but appreciated that she thought prudent to shield his ego. He truly did find comfort in her constant presence, and it had helped to ease the deafening silence left by both Anne and Solomon's absence.
Again, she stayed with him throughout the holidays during their sixth year and had even convinced Ominis to join them for their final summer off this time around. That was when they'd stumbled across the cure in an old tome while exploring the ruins of Isidora's house where Anne was originally cursed. Ominis had been the one to find the book, which was why Anne so readily agreed to let MC try in the first place.
Now, with Anne healthy and finally back to school in France, Sebastian felt like everything was at last as it should be.
He, Ominis, and MC had arrived back at Hogwarts together the previous night, MC heading to her own house for the feast to watch the sorting. Everything had been exceptional that evening, and Sebastian was finally, finally able to let loose with his housemates and enjoy just existing within the castle walls. He'd gone to sleep with a smile still plastered on his face and woke in much the same state.
Now, he was practically hauling Ominis to the Great Hall for breakfast and eager to start the day. More eager still to catch up with MC, whose endless presence he'd become spoiled by over the years.
"Sebastian, slow down this instant before I make you eat with the first years you're so intent on behaving like." Ominis groused, displeased with his best friend's inexplicable enthusiasm at such an unholy hour of the morning.
Unbothered, Sebastian simply grinned and ushered him along. "It's our final year at Hogwarts, Ominis. We must make the most of every second!"
"Does making the most of every second entail spending an extended period of time in the hospital wing? Because if you continue recklessly charging through the castle, that's where we'll both end up." Ominis retorted, earning nothing more than a barking laugh from Sebastian.
To his credit, Sebastian did slow down a bit on the stairs. However, the moment he saw a familiar streak of hair and the flash of her house robes, he released his grip on Ominis entirely and full-on sprinted to greet MC. It had only been a single night, but he'd missed her terribly.
When he waved and shouted her name across the hall, he expected to see her face light up brightly as it so often did when they saw each other at school. Instead, she looked like he kicked her baby mooncalf with the way her expression contorted into something akin to misery. It was only for a moment, but he distinctly saw her displeasure and slowed his steps, dropping his hand uncertainly to his side before carefully approaching.
"Ah, good morning, Sebastian. Sleep well?" She asked, trying to wrench a small smile onto her face.
After living together for two years, it was second nature by now for him to read her expressions. Still, it felt like a gut-punch that she might be unhappy to see him. Especially when he could think of no one else he'd rather be near.
"Of course I did - now that I don't have to listen to all your snoring." He said, trying to get a smile from her. When her face remained tight, he continued, concern growing. "Did you not, though? Has something happened? You seem a bit off-kilter."
Perhaps she really did just have a bad night's sleep? He couldn't think of anything he'd said or done to upset her in the time since they'd been laughing and joking yesterday. Everything had been normal when they'd said goodnight to each other. It couldn't be that she was displeased to see him.
"I - " She started but stopped almost immediately as she began and pressed a forced smile to her face again. "No, I suppose not. Perhaps tonight will be better."
Tension he hadn't realized he'd been holding eased itself from his shoulders at her admission - he could see the dark circles under her eyes. Of course, she was just tired. Knowing MC, she likely stayed up with her housemates catching up and playing games all night.
He approached and easily slid his arm across her shoulders and tugged her into him. "Breakfast ought to fix you up, darling. Come on, let's - "
Not that was odd - she noticeably stiffened under his touch and slipped out from under him, retreating a few paces.
Wearing an apologetic grimace, she said, "Sorry, Sebastian. I'm not really hungry this morning. You and Ominis go on ahead. I'll see you in class."
Not giving him a chance to reply, she skirted away from him and the rest of her friends, escaping quickly up the stairs and out of sight.
"That was certainly concerning. I don't believe that girl would miss a meal even if she were in a coma. Have you done something to offend our dear friend?" Ominis accused from beside him.
"Of course not." Sebastian said, scandalized. But then he recalled the way she recoiled from him and reconsidered, turning to Ominis in a panic. "Have I?"
Ominis simply offered an unhelpful shrug in response and mumbled something about apologizing to her, but for the life of him, Sebastian had no idea what he should apologize for.
Instead of chasing after her, he opted to give her space to cool off while he wracked his brains over breakfast, wondering just what he did to set off the one person who'd never been cross with him. Hell, she'd thanked him after he used Crucio on her. He could think of nothing worse he'd done to her - no great offense he could have possibly committed to warrant that kind of reaction. Still, she'd never lied to him before - perhaps she really was simply sleep-deprived.
Unfortunately, the rest of the week played out much the same. Every time Sebastian would approach her in the corridors or at meals, MC looked like she was physically pained by the mere sight of him and would make some half-assed excuse to scurry off. She avoided the Undercroft like the plague and declined all of his invitations to visit Hogsmeade in the evenings.
By the middle of the week, fed up with her avoidance, he'd gotten so desperate that he'd enchanted a note into a paper bird to dive bomb her in the Library until she opened it.
The message inside had been playful - a simple, 'I give you my explicit permission to hex me to your heart's content if I've offended you, love.'
Rather than a smile, a laugh, or even a hex, she'd hastily scribbled a note of her own and sent it back. The contents were curt. 'If you have time to hound me, perhaps you should concentrate harder on your studies.'
MC's stiff note solidified the fact that she was indeed very upset with him. Frustrated, Sebastian spent the better part of that particular evening blowing off steam in the Undercroft until the entire room was singed and smoking. Ominis made sure to scold him for the mess later on.
He couldn't help it, though. He'd always taken for granted that MC was a constant in his life. And now she was withdrawing from him - after everything. She meant the world to him, and he always thought she shared at least a similar sentiment She was, by far, the most cherished person in his life. He could accept if Ominis and Anne never forgave him and had been endlessly grateful when they had, but if MC left him? It was unthinkable.
Classes weren't much better. Where Sebastian and MC normally partnered up at any given opportunity, she now chose to sit at the opposite side of the room, with a decidedly different desk-mate in every single class. Natty in Charms, Garreth in Potions, and Poppy in Care of Magical Creatures. If she could feel his burning, sullen stare from across the room all day, she certainly gave no indication, instead looking perfectly unbothered while she laughed with her friends - friends who were not Sebastian.
That stung. Was she truly so angry with him? Had he offended her so greatly that she could feel so carefree while shoving him unceremoniously out of her life? There had been scarcely a day since they'd met that he could remember without her by his side, and now he felt like he was losing her for reasons entirely beyond him. He could hardly bear to be without her, and yet she had the audacity to laugh with her peers like her avoidance wasn't slowly killing him. And it was infuriating.
The final straw was when MC had the gall to pair up with Ominis at the end of the week in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Prewett of all fucking people was the partner Sebastian was left with. She may as well have spit in his face. His two best friends, cozying up in front of his face.
Ominis knew how distraught Sebastian had been throughout the whole ordeal - even knew the way he hid his deeper feelings for their friend over the years. He'd never dare risk asking more of her by expressing that well-hidden affection - not when she'd already given him so much, but Ominis understood the way it had been tormenting him to watch the girl he loved suddenly drift away. And there they were, partnering in front of him like his whole world wasn't crumbling.
Partners were lining up along the the room to review Disarming, and Sebastian stood gawking as he enviously watched MC and Ominis chatting while they squared up. Sebastian was sure MC would sooner chew her own arm off than speak with him all week, yet there she was, content as could be to pair up with his best friend.
Had the two been talking this whole time? They certainly didn't seem uncomfortable with each other. Ominis hadn't said anything, but he was always rather tight-lipped about his personal affairs. Could it have been something more? Something they couldn't tell him?
Sebastian couldn't help it - body moving on its own, he knocked his shoulder roughly against Ominis and took his place in front of MC, glaring between them all the while.
"Sebastian, what the hell - " Ominis stumbled slightly at the unexpected contact and complained.
"Prewett needs a partner. Figured you and MC looked far too carefree to take your dueling seriously." He glowered, fighting back the small remorse he felt for nearly toppling his poor friend. But when he heard MC start to protest he interrupted her loudly. "You two can go back to flirting after class for all I care. Right now we should concentrate on our studies, isn't that right?"
He spat the words at her and withdrew his wand. Angry with his friends and himself. Sebastian knew he was being petty - if she didn't want to speak with him, he very well couldn't force her. But the way she flinched and cast her gaze downward when he looked at her only served to fuel his exasperation, and he wanted nothing more than to grab her and make her look at him.
Ominis balked at the suggestion. "Flirt? Have you finally lost your mind, Sebastian?"
"Careful, Ominis." Sebastian warned, barely clinging to the last shred of his self-control.
"It's fine, Ominis. I'll be fine." MC said softly, and Ominis paused a moment longer before shaking his head and making his way to Leander.
Sebastian raised his wand and assumed a dueling stance, eyes flashing angrily up at MC when she meekly raised her own wand - still refusing to look at him.
"Unbelievable. At least look at me while we're dueling." He snapped.
Now she looked up, and he could see her eyes for the first time all week. Tired and red - she'd been crying. She looked on the verge of an outburst right then and there as well. Any other day he'd have dropped his wand and rushed to her side. Today, however? He wanted her to feel as bad as he did. It was cruel, of course, and he knew it. But he was far more wounded by her abandonment than he cared to admit.
"Expelliarmus!" He shot the spell the moment he met her gaze, relishing in the way her wand was violently ripped from her grasp and sent spiralling towards him.
Snatching it out of the air, Sebastian twirled her lost wand mockingly between his fingers, waiting for her to trek across the room the reclaim it.
She seemed to toy with the idea of abandoning her wand with him and simply bolting, if the way her eyes darted between him and the door was any indication, but ultimately trudged forward and planted her feet in front of him. A part of Sebastian that was far too childish to be seventeen decided at the last moment he wanted to bully her - just a bit more.
When she reached to take her wand back from his hand, he dropped it onto the floor and made no move to fetch it for her. He delighted in the annoyed huff she let out - it was the most reaction he'd gotten from her since they'd returned. Crossing his arms, he waited while she collected her wand and briskly turned to stalk back into position.
Again, the urge to rile her up overcame him, and he gripped her wrist firmly and tugged her back to him before she could retreat. She gasped.
Leaning down to whisper sharply in her ear he said, "Don't worry, I'll let your boyfriend partner with you from now on. Didn't realize your dueling had gone to such utter shit over the summer."
He could hear the audible snap of her teeth as she shut her mouth. If he wanted to push her over the edge, calling her ability into question seemed to have done the trick.
Aggressively ripping her arm back from him, she practically sprinted across from him and took on a far more intimidating stance than before. Gone was the meek girl who looked ready to flee in tears. This was the MC he knew in battle - a threat. This was who he wanted to see - the fierce witch who was unafraid to meet his gaze. Someone to match his own frustration.
Again, he wasted no time attacking her, but she was well-versed in battle and wouldn't be caught off guard twice. Shielding, she hurled her own spell back and he blocked it as well.
Then she followed up with a Stunning spell, and he narrowly deflected it.
"Disarming spells only, you two." Hecat's chided, but the warning fell on deaf ears.
Sebastian cast his own flurry of spells, smiling when he made her stumble to dodge a particularly nasty combination.
"Don't fall for me now, darling. Wouldn't want to put out poor Ominis when you've finally got him in your grasp." He teased.
"Bastard!" She snarled, furious.
Now she was crying, and Sebastian felt any urge to fight leave him instantly. His let his wand arm go slack to his side and was about to surrender when -
"Depulso!" MC knocked him clear into a desk, effectively silencing the entire room while Hecat rushed over to help him back to his feet.
"This is why I warned you that we were only practicing Disarming. Why is it always you two?" She tutted, grabbing Sebastian's chin to roughly turn his head into the light so she could inspect the lovely new gash across his forehead.
MC gasped as the stream of bright red streaked down his face, and rushed over as well.
"Gods, Sebastian, I - " She started, looking horrified. She reached out a hand to touch his face, but drew back quickly with a whimper.
"We'll discuss detention later. For now, take responsibility for your actions and bring Mister Sallow to the Hospital Wing." Hecat said sharply. "The rest of you can write me 10 inches of parchment on precisely why the use of Depulso is strictly forbidden in mock duels. You can thank your reckless classmates for that assignment when they return."
Sebastian, coming out of the daze the brutal knock-back had sent him into, heard a collective groan sound from their peers before he felt MC snake a delicate arm around his back, making him drape his own around her shoulders so that she could properly hoist him to his feet. Hecat hushed them all and waved her wand to set the room right.
"Easy now, Sebastian. Just lean against me if you feel dizzy, alright?" MC soothed, gingerly extracting herself from him when he seemed steady. She kept a firm hand wrapped around his arm, keeping a close eye on him as they walked out of the room.
Ringing in his ears subsiding, Sebastian came to his senses when they rounded a familiar corner of the castle. Rather than allow her to guide him to the Hospital Wing, Sebastian grabbed hold of the hand she still kept on him and wheeled them in the opposite direction. Ignoring her increasingly desperate protests, he wordlessly pulled her around the corner and through the opening in the old clock to drag her, at last, into the Undercroft she'd so stubbornly avoided all week.
"Sebastian! Really, you're worrying me. Are you confused? This isn't the Hospital Wing. You hit your head bad. Blainey should see to that." MC rambled worriedly, trying to redirect him back out of the room.
When they'd reached the makeshift seating arrangement comprised of old crates in the far corner, he finally stopped pulling her along and released her hand, taking a seat on one of the wooden boxes and gesturing for her to do the same.
"Just shut up for a moment and sit with me." He said quietly.
Obediently, she stopped speaking and sat next to him. Still, she imitated Hecat and grabbed him by the chin to tilt his face and prod at the wound. He allowed her to fuss, if only to enjoy being close to her again. The mild scent of her perfume soothed his earlier anger almost as much as the softness of her fingers against his face. He watched her nose scrunch up in displeasure and nearly laughed at how adorable she looked as she concentrated, biting at the side of her cheek.
Until she touched the cut, and he yelped while she let out a sympathetic hiss.
Drawing her wand, she wordlessly stitched the skin back together and wiped the trickle of drying blood from his face with her robe sleeve. His vision was obscured by the fabric while she worked to clean him, so he wasn't aware she was crying again until he heard the telltale sound of sniffling, and he pulled her arm away from his face to find her with an absolutely tortured look.
"Oh, stop that. I've given you much worse in our duels. Didn't even need Blainey for this, see? Just surprised me is all. That was an impressive Depulso." He said, offering a crooked smile.
That only made her cry harder, and he grunted when she hurled herself at him to crush him in a hug while she sobbed into his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian. I'm so sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me and I just - Gods if you didn't despise me already, I can't possibly blame you for doing so now."
It took him a moment, but he adjusted and wrapped his arms around her, smoothing out her hair and wondering just how they had gone from bitterly arguing to whatever this was.
"Despise you? Why? Because you're dating Ominis?"
She recoiled like he'd slapped her, but the look on her tear-stained face was almost amused.
"Ominis? And me? Whatever gave you an idea like that?" She laughed, wiping at her tears with the back of her hand before placing it back on his shoulder.
"Well you've been ignoring me all bloody week while you've cozied up to him quite nicely. After today, I figured that was why. Thought neither of you wanted to tell me." The words felt ridiculous even as they tumbled out of his mouth, but he hadn't come up with any other explanation for her odd behavior.
That sobered her immediately, and she grimaced, pulling back from him. The Undercroft felt quite cold then, and Sebastian wanted her arms back around his neck and her face buried in his shoulder. But her reaction spoke volumes regarding his suspicion, and when she failed to speak he filled the silence.
"I apologize for reacting the way I did to the news. I guess I just thought - " He stopped, debating his next words and choosing the option that was less likely to widen the rift between them. "I just thought we were all closer than that - keeping secrets from each other, you know?"
She looked up at him ruefully and said, "There's nothing like that between myself and Ominis."
"So then you're actually cross with me? Is that it?" He asked, flabbergasted. "Because it seems to me you've taken no issue with Ominis this past week, yet you won't even look at me."
"I'm not! You've done nothing to wrong me, Sebastian. Rather, I've been an exceptionally poor friend to you and I...simply needed some time to come to terms with it." He watched as she nervously played with the hem of her skirt, slowly working up the nerve to continue. "I sincerely apologize for making you think you were at fault for my actions. You're nothing short of wonderful to me. As always. It's a miracle you've put up with me as long as you have."
"It's not at all like you to be so self-pitying. Has someone slipped something into your pumpkin juice?" Sebastian asked jokingly, and she shook her head no.
He reached a hand out to brush a few stray hairs out of her face. Again, she pulled away from his touch and he let his arm fall to his lap, defeated.
They'd never been strangers to physical shows of affection - having lived and fought together so long, Sebastian thought of MC as an extension of his own being. He could always touch her with ease, never thinking twice. She'd been much the same, always ruffling his hair and falling asleep on his shoulder. Now there was an obvious disconnect - some invisible barrier that prevented him from accessing her. He didn't like it.
"Then what? I must confess, I'm not sure what I've done to earn this treatment from you. You say you're not angry, but..." He made a wide gesture to the space between them.
"It's nothing you've done. I swear to you. I'm angry with myself."
"I'm going to need more than that, MC. Come on, I can tell this week has been as rough on you as it has for me. Just tell me what's wrong. We can fix it. I don't like this anymore than you do."
"That's just it though, isn't it? I hate being apart from you, but it's just as miserable being near you. I can't stand it anymore, Sebastian. It's torture."
"It's - it's torture?" He gaped, mind reeling. She found simply being in his presence torture? Had he simply imagined their closeness all this time?
"Yes! Do you have any idea how excruciating it is to be so hopelessly in love with your best friend when nothing can ever come of it? Gods, I hate myself every day for wishing you to give more of yourself to me than you already have, and yet I can't stand the thought of having anything less." Chest heaving, she threw all caution to the wind and simply blurted it out.
Sebastian went completely still, processing, but she charged forward, unable to stop the words once they'd already begun tumbling out. It was now or never, it seemed.
"I thought I could manage it - just for one more school year. But Violet had to go and open her damn mouth and spoil everything the moment we returned." She said, hysterical, and buried her face in her hands. "Told me how laughable it was that I was still trailing after you like a niffler after treasure even though you were certainly only keeping me around long enough to cure Anne. That you'd want to be rid of me now that I'd played my part."
"Violet McDowell caused this outburst?" He asked, brain slowly catching up with the gravity of it all.
"I've just poured my heart out to you, and you focus on Violet?" She peeked out at him from between her fingers, appalled.
"I'm simply trying to discern whether or not I now owe that vile girl a favor even after she's made you cry." Sebastian said thoughtfully, reaching over to take hold of her hands. She tried to pull back, but he gripped tight.
"A favor?"
Watching her wail as she was, Sebastian thought it might be in poor taste to laugh at that exact moment. If only she knew how absurd she was being. He couldn't restrain the low chuckle that slipped out, however.
"Yes, a favor you silly thing. Do you even hear yourself? Keeping you around until you've played your part. Ridiculous. I'd be incredibly offended if you hadn't just admitted you love me despite thinking so poorly of me." He said, now actually laughing at her.
Looking positively mortified, MC paled considerably.
"I've really ruined it all, haven't I? Our friendship, I mean. I can Obliviate you? Have Ominis do me as well. We can pretend this whole ordeal never happened and go back to the way things were before." She stared up at him, pleading.
"Why? So I can torture you again?" In a single fluid motion, he slipped one of his hands from hers to press beside her head, against the crate she was leaning on. "Especially not when I can finally do this."
Before she could even open her mouth to question him, his mouth was on hers, swallowing her surprised gasp. His lips curled into a smile when he felt her fingers lace between his, and he slid his other hand from the crate and combed it through her hair to rest at the base of her neck.
He waited patiently for her to adjust and allowed her to choose their pace, pleased when she chose to deepen their kiss by fisting her free hand into the front of his robes and tugging him into her further.
The taste of her mingled with the remnants of blood still on his mouth, and her sweet perfume combined with the faint, lingering smokey scent from his outburst in the room earlier that week. Her hands and lips felt impossibly good, and he wasn't sure if he was delirious from hitting his head or from how surreal it was to finally be touching her in ways he'd only dared to dream of.
When they were both panting messes of tangled hair and disheveled robes, Sebastian leaned back to press his forehead against hers, immensely proud of the state he'd put her in. Unwilling to stop touching her entirely, but needing to catch his breath, he opted to litter her flushed cheeks and neck with playful array of kisses until she swatted him away, laughing.
"Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to do that?" He asked, still breathless and grinning like an idiot.
"So why didn't you?" She asked, trying to steady her own rapid breathing.
"Why didn't you?" He quipped, cocking an eyebrow.
"Fair point. I suppose this means Violet was mistaken." She asked, flushing brighter.
"Afraid so. And here I thought I was the lovesick fool. Ominis is always telling me as much." He chuckled.
"Ominis told you that? Ominis told me I ought to just confess to you outright. Said it was simply nauseating the way he could feel me pining after you." She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "He was trying to convince me to grow a backbone in class today. Almost had me convinced until you barged in."
"It would appear I've made a bit of ass of myself today." He smiled, amused. "And for the record, so there's no more doubt in that pretty little head of yours - I love you. Have for a while now."
He held her gaze when he said it, and the way he spoke was so genuine that she forgot how to breath for a moment.
"So Ominis has known - this entire time? And he's had to watch us flounder about?"
"It would appear so. Don't worry - I know just the way to repay him for his patience."
"Are you finally going to assist me in convincing him to court Anne?" She asked slyly.
Sebastian looked downright mischevious when he said. "Well, he certainly understands the pain of watching a couple of fools pine after each other. What say we give those two a bit if a nudge?"
MC grinned and made to stand. "I'll write Anne as soon as I get back to my room."
Sebastian tugged her back down into his lap, grin widening and making her blush furiously. "Awfully presumptuous of you to assume I'm letting you go back to your room."
MC crept through the corridors and slipped into the door to the Undercroft, squelching with every step. She prayed to Merlin Sebastian and Ominis had already turned in for the night.
The metal grate groaned loudly as it lifted to the ceiling, announcing her arrival to the two Slytherin boys she was hoping not to see.
For a moment, she stood stock still, hoping that if she waited long enough, they’d forget they heard the gate opening and she’d be able to sneak out again. Her robes stuck to her skin, her hair clung to her face and water dripped down her sleeves and onto the floor, already creating a large puddle of muddy water beneath her.
“Don’t just stand in the doorway,” Ominis chastised, “In or out, MC.”
They were both sitting with their backs towards her. Ominis with his fingers trailing over the braille in his book, and Sebastian scratching at his parchment with his quill.
MC still didn’t move. She could do nothing but let her teeth chatter as her embarrassment paralysed her.
Eventually, Sebastian looked up.
“Are you coming in or- What in Merlin's name?” He laughed, pressing his hand to his mouth to suppress it, “What happened to you?”
Ominis appeared from behind the back of his tall armchair, “What is it? Can I hear… dripping?”
“She’s soaked to the bone!” Sebastian snorted, “What happened?”
“You have to promise not to laugh!” MC ordered, the blush on her cheeks the only warmth in her body.
“We promise,” Ominis said seriously.
MC turned to Sebastian with a pointed look, who held his hands up in mock surrender, fighting the smile on his lips.
“I- I fell into the lake.”
Sebastian erupted into laughter, throwing his head back and clutching his stomach. Ominis brought a hand to his mouth as if in shock, but she could tell he was hiding a chuckle.
“Don’t laugh!” MC protested as a small smile turned her lips upwards.
“Sorry…Sorry,” Sebastian gasped between laughs, pulling himself out of his chair, he took a couple steps forwards, “You must be freezing.”
MC rolled her eyes, “Well, obviously! It’s the middle of winter and I had to pull myself out of the lake!”
Sebastian suppressed another round of laughter before turning to Ominis, “Will you go get a change of clothes from her dorm, Ominis?”
Ominis frowned, “Can’t we just-”
“Ask Imelda, she’ll get something for you,” Sebastian interrupted rather forcefully.
“Not Imelda!” MC said with wide eyes, “She’ll never let me live it down. Ask Nerida, she owes me after the whole mermaid thing.”
“Mermaid?” Sebastian asked, raising an eyebrow.
MC shook her head to say don’t ask.
“Fine,” Ominis said, rising from his chair. He seemed annoyed, somehow, but left the Undercroft wordlessly.
“Here, take off your robe, I think we have some blankets in here somewhere,” Sebastian said, pointing over to the fire they were sitting around.
MC slipped off her robe, and hung it over the cabinet by the fireplace to dry. The chairs just weren’t close enough to get the full heat she needed, so she sat on the small rug directly in front of the fire. She pulled off her boots, careful not to spill the water that had pooled inside them, before hugging her knees to her chest.
Moments later, Sebastian returned and draped a soft, fluffy brown blanket over her shoulders.
“Thank you,” MC breathed, wrapping it around her tightly, “Why do you have these here?”
Sebastian shrugged, “Anne, probably.”
He sat down on the floor behind her.
“Your hair is a mess. Here-” He untucked it from the blanket and let it spread across her back, “Let me sort it.”
MC was about to laugh and scold him for teasing her, but the words were stolen out of her mouth as he gently ran his fingers through the knots, untangling them with care.
“How did you fall in the lake anyway?” He asked quietly, pulling out a small twig from behind her ear.
MC blushed again, “I was following butterflies for Ms Willardsey.”
“What?” Sebastian chuckled.
She shrugged, “She was too scared to do it herself, and she was really sweet too.”
“You need to learn to say no to things more often.”
“It was no trouble, really-”
“You fell into the lake, MC! I’d say that was a little bit of trouble,” He joked, though there was an edge of seriousness to his tone.
MC sighed and nodded, “I guess.”
“Stop moving your head! Merlin, you’re worse than Anne.”
MC pursed her lips together to suppress a smile, but she was glad he couldn’t see the warm, red flush forming on her face. Once all the knots were untangled, Sebastian grabbed a hairbrush (Anne’s again, he insisted) and slowly worked on smoothing through every section of her hair. He was so gentle with his movement, pushing a little harder on her scalp to massage the skin there.
The warmth of the fire and his repetitive, soft touches made MC’s eyelids grow heavier. She shut them and breathed out deeply, content and relaxed. Sebastian hummed a small chuckle.
He set the brush down and MC audibly groaned in complaint, making Sebastian laugh again. He ran his fingers through her now silky hair, before parting it into three. With practised, skilled motions, he began to plait.
It was MC’s turn to laugh this time; “So you can braid hair now?”
“Oh, I’d say I’m a professional. Anne made me learn after our mother died, because she used to braid Anne’s hair all the time.”
There was a short silence. MC could hear the painful nostalgia in each word.
“It’s a pity there’s no Quidditch season this year - I’m the official team hair stylist.”
MC snorted and covered her hand with her mouth, “Really?”
“Oh, yes,” Sebastian chuckled, “Imelda won’t admit it, but having her hair braided is somewhat of a good luck ritual for her.”
“That’s so sweet,” MC smiled.
“There,” Sebastian said, “All done.”
MC spun around to him, her hand reaching up and stroking the perfect French plait on the back of her head.
“Thank you, Seb,” She breathed.
His eyes sparkled.
“Glad to help.”
There was a thick, weighted silence. MC swallowed as Sebastian’s eyes flew down to her lips. She leaned in.
The sound of the gate opening drew them both away.
Ominis stormed in, “I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to Nerida Roberts before but she’s bloody obsessed with mermaids.”
Sebastian and MC exchanged a glance.
“Here,” He said, handing her a folded green jumper and a skirt. His expression softened a little.
“Feeling warmer now, at least?”
MC nodded, taking the clothes from him, “Yes. Thank you, Ominis.”
“There’s a changing screen in the corner there,” Sebastian pointed over his shoulder with a smirk.
“Why have you got-”
He shook his head to say don’t ask.
MC nodded, scooping herself off the floor and to the wooden partition screen. She changed quickly - the cold of the Undercroft, not least the feeling of only a screen hiding her from the Slytherin boys made her feel rushed.
She reappeared, now dry and feeling more proper than before. She began to fold her wet clothes up when Ominis rolled his eyes.
He lifted his wand, aimed them at her clothes, and flicked. The water lifted from them and hung mid-air in little droplets. He flung them into the fire, where they sizzled and turned to steam.
MC stood with her mouth open.
“What was that?”
Ominis pursed his lips, “A simple drying charm.”
MC looked at Sebastian who was rubbing the back of his neck. Suddenly the fireplace was very interesting to him.
“Are you telling me that all this time you could have just taught me that charm?”
Ominis raised an eyebrow and turned expectantly to Sebastian.
“Oh come on,” He said, lifting his hands defensively, “My way was more fun.”
Let's be fr..this guy gets jealous INSANELY easily in canon, even when platonically speaking.
It's hard to pinpoint where he exactly started catching feelings for you, but he certainly fell for you fast after your adventure into the library's restricted section.
Unfortunately, because of your growing reputation as a "hero" around Hogwarts, Hogsmede, and other hamlets...you've have strangers and students alike often come up to you and interrupt your conversations with Sebastian.
They mean well, only showing up to compliment you or thank you for some favor you've done for them.
But still it puts him in an sour mood, especially if he's unable to do anything about it without coming off as a prissy Slytherin.
During classes, he feels 10x worse if he's not partnered with you and instead sees you with classmates he views as "competition"...like Garreth, Leander, or even Amit, scowling at them in envy and unable to focus unless the professor specifically calls him out on it.
The only exception is Ominis, since he's a trusted friend and damn well knew his crush on you (he has certainly used this as blackmail to stop him from doing stupid stuff) but Sebastian will still huff about how "close" you two are growing.
Sometimes his jealousy gets so bad he needs to go blow off some steam in the Undercroft, casting damage spells on whatever poor dummy, pillar, or knight armor happened to be in his way.
It's nothing that Repairo couldn't fix.
While your assistance in his quest to find a cure for Anne was extremely important to him, that's not the only reason he brings you along for the ride.
He genuinely enjoys your company, and it's his chance to actually be alone with you and talk without any rude interruptions.
Well...there's trolls, rankrok's loyalists, spiders, ashwinders, Inferi, etc....but none of them are annoying students who try to hog all your attention just to spite him.
Aside from Ominis, Anne keeps encouraging her twin brother to make some move if he's that jealous (which Sebastian repeatedly denies).
Sooner or later...he may lose that chance, and he fears this. But he never knew when the moment would come..
Then one night, you were both fighting poachers and their leader, an Animagus, insulted him so horribly that it made his confident expression drop for a moment--as did his Protego shield.
You didn't hear what she said exactly, but his devastated face told you enough and you were pissed.
So you rained down a torrent of ancient magic lightning before she can even think of transforming.
Sebastian could only watch as you smite her like some furious god unleashing your wrath on the world, finding you both badass and ethereal.
When it's all over, you rushed to his side and ask if he's okay--but he just kisses you right there and then, silencing you.
He's so sick of waiting.
Garreth Weasley
His jealousy is nowhere near as bad as Sebastian's...but it's still there. Just subtle.
He pouts a lot when somebody steals your attention away, and he tries way too hard to impress you with whatever brilliant potion concept he drafted up (and definitely didn't have approval to brew in class under any circumstances).
Speaking of which, you're his usual partner in potions class, so he'll be highly disappointed if Professor Sharp decides to pair you with somebody else that day.
Garreth feels this sting in his heart if he overhears you praising them for their perfect brew, while he stares into his bubbling cauldron and sulks, wondering what he could've done differently.
He didn't know how you truly felt about him, so he got the genius idea to cook up a love potion the day you had a substitute for class (he sat at the furthest station and had secretly gathered the ingredients beforehand).
Just as you were about to try it for yourself, he accidentally knocked an incompatible ingredient into the pot and caused its contents to explode, staining both of your robes in pink.
While everybody laughed, the sub made the stains vanish with some magic and decided to dismiss class early, making you two stay behind to clean up the mess.
Luckily only house points were deducted due to your actions, so you won't be getting detention for this.
Still...Garreth was quite upset and you could tell.
You reassure him you're not mad in the slightest, and that you knew exactly what he was trying to do (followed by a small wink before continuing your cleanup).
His face turned as red as a maxima potion, and when he returns to the Gryffindor common room for the night, he gets confused stares from his fellow housemates as they wonder what's gotten into him.
But he can't stop thinking about you.
Maybe you ingested droplets of the love potion after it exploded, since you did seem particularly flirtatious with him in that moment and knew his intentions.
Looks like he got his wish after all.
Now to ask you out properly..
Ominis Gaunt
He's not an easily jealous guy. He'll never get angry at other people for simply wanting to spend time with you or if you're partners with them in class.
You've made a name for yourself at Hogwarts, and while he doesn't always agree with the dangerous stuff you get involved with, he only expects people to look up to you and pull your attention away from him.
Though deep down, it kinda hurts...especially since quite a handful of students from other houses perceive him as someone you shouldn't be around (some Gryffindors with "holier than thou" personalities even had the guts to say you're better off without him when he's standing right there).
Being a Gaunt + a Slytherin had that effect, unfortunately...
But he's sick of hearing that all the time.
Anyone else would've snapped at whoever criticized them based on blood status or rudely interrupted a conversation they're clearly having with you.
Yet when he does it..suddenly he's the bad guy?
It never made sense.
So any jealous feelings Ominis has stem from his own insecurities, and they grow even worse the more he realizes he's in love with you..
Like Sebastian, he'd probably storm off to the Undercroft to calm down if he's feeling heavily upset.
Fortunately, you're quick to defend him and decline other people's advances, saying you'd much rather hang out with him.
When you nearly got into a wand duel/fistfight over something insulting they said about him, that's when he realizes you cared about him as more than a friend...
Though he wanted to test the waters, so to speak, before hyping himself up to confess to you.
So throughout the week, Ominis expressed subtle desires to be in closer proximity to you (which you were fine with despite being initially confused at his sudden change in behavior)
These are, but not limited to, linking arms while walking in the hallways, napping beside you while you were reading or petting a random cat, "accidentally" falling asleep on your shoulder in History of Magic, and letting you guide him through assignments in herbology and potions class so he took the correct measurements (his grades improved, which is always a plus).
It takes a little bit of encouragement from Sebastian, but by the week's end, he courts you in one of his favorite spots outside the castle, gathering flowers, candles, and everything.
You truly made him feel loved..and he was going to do his best to reciprocate that.
How he wishes he could see the looks on those Gryffindor preps' faces when they realize the "hero of Hogwarts" is his date.
Poppy Sweeting
Considering how little she spoke to other students, even ones from her own house, this Hufflepuff found it difficult to get close to you at first.
You being hailed as a "hero" made it especially challenging, as you seemed constantly busy and people were bugging you for attention/advice/help....all while Poppy was standing in the background, forcing a smile.
Of course, you always made time to help her rescue beasts. It became your passion, and she was happy about that. Your adventures together allowed you to connect on an emotional level.
The moment she knew she was in love was the night when you both observed a Mooncalf dance, trying to make sense of the pattern those sweet big-eyed creatures left behind.
No matter how many times you've seen them, their dances are spectacular--ever captivating.
But when Poppy asked for your opinion on the pattern she drew out, she stops after seeing your breathtaking smile, eyes practically sparkling in the glow of the moonlight..
And suddenly that's all she could focus on.
Suddenly that was the most beautiful thing in the world.
Since then, her jealousy around other students has increased tenfold...especially when one jerk who disrespected beasts bragged about their poacher parents and invited you to visit their camp.
You've never seen a girl Depulso another student so fast in your life, but Poppy acts like nothing ever happened.
Similar to Sebastian, her jealousy manifests in the form of glares and general scorn towards anyone trying to ask you out on a date (which you, fortunately, decline).
She 100% rambles to the beasts about you.
If Highwing and Lord of the Shore could talk, they'd tell her to just stfu and confess to you already bc the tension is killing them.
It only (finally) happens when you invite her to the Vivarium for the first time, and they both nudge you two together, not backing down until you finally kiss.
If any of yall know that scene in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet where the box legendary pushes Arven towards his friends...that's this exact situation.
Leander Prewett
There's not doubt that this Gryffindor was going to grow jealous of your rising popularity in Summoner's Court and Crossed Wands.
He's a sore loser, while you have generally good sportsmanship..but he secretly appreciates you encouraging him to keep practicing. He only keeps going because of your words alone.
Outside of classes and competitions, he tries to hang out with you but oftentimes your attention goes to other people--whether it's professors keeping you after class to go over extra assignments or a friend sending you an owl with an urgent request.
You don't mean to keep ditching him, but to him it feels like you're always "too busy" for him.
Leander just scowls at the owls while they stare back at him like "hey, don't shoot the messenger".
Yet even when you do manage to spend time together, he only ever asks about your recent escapades....and then refuses to believe them despite you explaining them in great detail.
To this day, he still isn't convinced you possess ancient magic.
But the truth is that he wants to believe you. He admires your bravery and is insanely in love with that aspect of you....though he doesn't know how to express that.
He wishes he can relate and have cool stories to tell, but when people bring up his name they only ever talk about his constant failures.
He doesn't feel any better when others rush to defend your acts of heroism, thinking he's being a jerk.
The truth is you actually loved him and his company despite your frequent banter, but believed him to be way out of your league.
At least until the day Professor Kogawa assigned you to help him after flying class, citing the lack of respect he's been showing to his broom and your good influence on classmates.
He saw this as his chance to impress you...and failed miserably as he was unable to focus and snapped at his broom in frustration, causing it to whack him in the face just as a group of Slytherins passed by.
They laughed and teased him relentlessly, but after scaring them off with a chomping cabbage...you realized Leander had disappeared.
But he didn't go far as you discover him sulking near the lake, hiding himself with the Disillusionment charm (which you cancelled with Revelio).
It's there he finally talks about his true feelings towards you, and you see a more vulnerable side to the typically uptight Gryffindor.
Sebastian and Ominis write you a letter (๑•́ ᎔ ก̀๑)
Sebastian:
To you,
I’ve always wondered something. Call it an itch, I just simply need scratched? Do you like poetry? What’s your favourite colour? If you were an animal…what would you be?
Caught you off guard, didn’t I? Truthfully, I feel like I know you and yet, I also don’t know you—like we skipped the whole making friends part and went straight to feeling pure admiration.
I’d like to think, we’re fine regardless of not knowing the little things, but now…I feel as if I am missing out—missing out on knowing the real you? Is that strange? It feels strange.
If it helps, I like poetry—I find them interesting. My favourite colour is blue and if I could be an animal…I would be a Beaver and no, you may not ask questions about it.
I suppose, this letter, was my poor attempt at expressing that I want to know more about you…to understand what makes you tick. And to be quite honest, I just find you interesting.
Is there anything, you want to know about me? I’d tell you anything, if you asked. Perhaps, I should just leave it there…intrigue and such.
Write me back, if you’d like—or meet me by the lake, I will be there tonight…after dinner. There’s meant to be a meteor shower tonight and I know you like Astrology and things to do with the sky…Amit told me…I promise I’m not that observant.
I look forward to seeing you…and yes, I suppose I’m overly confident, that you will actually show up.
From Sebastian—also please remember a coat, you feigning ignorance and stealing mine, will not work tonight.
Ominis:
To you,
I’m curious? Do you think you’re slick, when you slink behind the pillars of the DADA tower? Or do you perhaps, think I don’t notice you?
I’ve noticed you for some time now actually, considering your footsteps are much too loud and you’re also incredibly clumsy. Was there something in particular, that you were doing or do you just wish to creep around—following the blind kid?
I heard you question others about me too, do you perhaps…have a crush on me?
I’m not usually bold and maybe because it’s a letter, I feel more confident, but now I’m just simply curious? And truthfully, I would be lying, if I didn’t make a comment on the fact that you also intrigue me. You seem to be the talk of the school, troll attacks, duelling and what else…I’m afraid to ask.
Sebastian talks a lot about you and I suppose that’s why I’m intrigued. You sound different, almost like a fresh breeze? And now, I can’t focus on anything else. Could you humour me and answer a question?
Do you think, people can change their fate?
I know, a pretty intense question to ask a stranger…but there is something about you that drags me in, it’s almost suffocating—in a way, that feels somewhat addicting. It’s scary and yet, I can’t help but want to find out why.
I’d love to figure you out. I have time, I’ll be in the Library until late, if you’d care to join me. I have more questions, if that seems more enticing to you and I can always come up with more.
I hope to see you.
From Ominis—please do, remember your textbooks…can’t have you looking suspicious around me, someone might get the wrong…idea.
MC: *continues blasting confringo*
Ominis: Sometimes I look at them and I wonder, are they the villain? Are we enabling them?
Sebastian: *sighs dreamily* Yes,
letter left on your doorstep {ominis gaunt x reader}
summary: ominis gaunt enlists you to help him find out whose sending him love letters. it's a little bit awkward considering it's you sending them.
a request for @ihatethisappsomuchitpains who wanted ominis fluff of reader sending him love letters
i'm not sure how i feel about this one (it's unedited, quelle surprise)
the idea of reader being like sebastian sallow is so oblivious hehe while seb is like they put the note in ur bag at exactly 2.24pm is killing me
also ominis would totally start a conversation to set u off so he could listen to u rant. and yes, i re-read othello and it made me mad so there's a ref to that in here lmao
You were staring at him again.
You knew it. And Poppy Sweeting, your best friend, definitely knew it, based on the amused smile she was sending your way.
You felt the heat on your cheeks, quickly looking down. You need to get your note done anyway.
You'd admired Ominis Gaunt since the start of last year. And since the start of this year, you had been sending little notes his way. He had no clue it was you, of course. You'd taken advantage of your close seating position in Charms to slide them into his bag, using Wingardium Leviosa. Really the hardest part was when Sebastian Sallow clearly had been informed, and started watching Ominis' bag like a hawk.
However, it turned out the freckled boy was easily distracted by pretty much anything, so you'd use the few moments he would look away to leave your letters.
You had no clue how they'd been received, mind. You'd never heard Ominis discussing them. In fact, Sebastian's behaviour was the only reason you knew he'd even got them. It didn't stop you from writing them. You'd come to accept that the Slytherin boy didn't even know who you were, at this point you were almost writing them as therapy.
They weren't anything inappropriate, in your defense. You would write about how handsome he was, how you admired his spellwork, how you wished you had the courage to speak to him. All completely innocent.
They'd still be mortifying if he knew they were from you.
Anyway, you had a note to write, and Charms was nearly finished.
-
You'd been wandering the library idly, trailing your fingers across the spines of the fiction section as you perused for a new offering, when you heard it. Him.
"I just wish to know who it is. They write such beautiful words, and I would love to meet the person with the mind to create such... poetry, almost."
You all but melted against the bookshelf, face red.
"I know mate, you never shut up about it. I've been trying to keep an eye out, but whoever it is is sneaky as hell."
And that was Sebastian.
You smirked a little at that. You weren't sneaky, he just had the attention span of a Niffler.
"I think if I found the author, I'd kiss them on the spot, for showing such kindness and tenderness in their words."
You squeaked at the idea, your balance slipping, knocking several books off loudly.
Maybe they didn't hear it.
"Hello? Who's there?"
Shit.
You looked up slowly, and there was Ominis at the end of the stacks, eyes narrowed and wand lifted as it always was. The sight was beautiful, if admittedly quite intimidating.
"Hi, sorry, don't mind me." You babbled.
His face softened.
"Oh, it's you. From Charms."
You were on fire. He knew who you were. He'd said your name.
You were silent for a moment, trying to comprehend this new development, only coming back to yourself when you heard your name said again.
"Are you... okay? What was that noise, from before?"
You jumped.
"Yes, sorry! Uhm, I'm fine, I just slipped and knocked some books off. Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
Ominis smiled gently.
"Are you okay? You didn't hurt yourself, did you?"
You shook your head, then mentally kicked yourself for it.
"No, no, I'm fine. Just surprised me a little."
Why was he coming closer?!
He knelt, using his wand to find the books on the floor, before standing and passing them to you. He seemed to hesitate, before speaking.
"You sit behind me in Charms, don't you? Not in front?"
What an odd question.
"Yes."
"Oh, good... I - this is out of the blue, I know but... I've been having some letters put in my bag, and I'd really like to know who they're from. You haven't noticed anyone putting something like that in there, have you? Sebastian's been utterly useless at keeping an eye out."
He was NOT asking you this. What do you say?!
You'd been quiet too long again. He cleared his throat, quietly.
"Um, no, sorry! Haven't noticed anything at all! I can keep an eye out though!"
WHY DID YOU SAY THAT?!
You were an idiot. But goddamn, he was pretty when he smiled like that.
-
So now, courtesy of your own stupidity, you were spending Charms watching over Ominis' bag for a letter writer who you knew wouldn't write because it was you.
You'd have just said it out of politeness and not actually done it, but Sebastian kept looking back, checking to see if you were watching it. And now his eyes were on you instead of the bag, you were a lot less confident about being able to pull it off secretly.
No letter for poor Ominis today. You hoped he didn't think you'd tired of him. But you had too much attention on you to get that letter to him, and in all your other classes, you sat much too far away to pull off your usual stunt. So, he was just going to have to go without until you puzzled out a new plan.
Poppy was having the time of her life with all this, of course. She'd just about cried with laughter when you'd explained the situation.
To be far, it'll probably end up being funny in hindsight, but present you is not admitting to that.
-
Ominis was trying to kill you.
Since he'd got you in on his love letter search party, he'd started spending a lot of time with you. He'd find you in the library or by the lake, and ask you if you'd seen anything. You'd of course say no, and then you'd sit and talk until one of you had to go.
Now, he didn't even come over with the pretense of asking for an update. He'd just flop down beside you and ask about your day, or throw a random question at you that he knew would tempt you into a debate. (When he brought up Othello, you ranted for an hour, him grinning the whole time.)
But that didn't mean the subject never came up any more. Like today, for example.
Ominis had slid into the seat opposite, and immediately gone into a ramble about the letter writer/you.
"I must have done something to offend them. They sent them every class, and now it's been three weeks. I've scared them off somehow, I'm sure of it. Or they've merely got bored of me, which is understandable."
That last sentence pricked your ears. Your mouth was moving before you could think.
"They're not bored of you, Ominis."
Well, let's hope he didn't read too much into that.
At his raised eyebrow, you continued speaking, desperately trying to remove yourself from the hole you were digging.
"Who could be bored of you? You're amazing, and kind, and a fantastic conversationalist."
A flush went all the way down to your chest as you snapped your mouth shut. You might not be out as the letter writer, but you'd all but said you fancied him there. He smiled softly, muttering a thank you, before the conversation moved on.
-
You'd decided to just get it over and done with. Rip the band-aid off, so to speak.
The purpose of these letters was to share your feelings, and to let Ominis know that someone thought he was special. And now, your feelings were more pent up than ever, and Ominis seemed to have taken the silence as indication he was unloveable. You had to fix your mess.
One last letter. The chance to meet up, and get both of your feelings off your chest. You could tell him you liked him, and Ominis could rest easy knowing he'd done nothing wrong.
The letter was slipped in his bag in Charms, as always. Sebastian saw it happen, his eyes wide. You weren't too concerned. You'd be telling Ominis later anyway.
And then the time came, and you were waiting in Greenhouse One, leaning against a table and idly stroking the leaf of a sleeping Chinese chomping cabbage. You were riddled with anxiety, but you'd made this mess, you were going to fix it. If you could.
The sound of footsteps drew your attention, and you looked up to see Ominis approaching, a hesitant look on his face. You let out a soft 'yes' when he said your name.
"So. Sebastian told you about the note then? Is that why you're not surprised?"
He opened his mouth to speak, but you'd decided to get it all said quick, so you held up a hand to stop him.
"I'm sorry. I heard you saying you liked the letters, and I'm sorry they ended up being from me. I imagine that's not the outcome you wanted. But even though you don't feel the same, I still mean everything I said. I just hope you can find it in yourself to not treat me diff-"
Ominis surged forward, kissing you to interrupt your rambling. You stood there in shock for a moment, before reaching your hands up to interlock them behind his neck, kissing back just as intensely. His hands slid into his neat hair, messing it a little. The two of you stayed like that for a minute or two before he moved away.
"I've known the letters were from you for months. I'm glad they were from you."
Your eyes widened.
"You knew?! How?"
He laughed a little, stroking your cheek.
"Sebastian saw you putting one in my bag and told me. I was waiting for you to tell me, but you never did, even when I said what I did in the library."
Your eyebrows raised.
Today was not going as expected.
"You knew I was there, in the library?"
"Of course I did, my wand tells me where people are, remember? I said those things because I hoped you'd hear them and feel comfortable enough to come forward."
You looked up at him.
"So, you're not mad, that it's... me?"
His expression soften even more, his hand moving to trace your jaw.
"I'm thrilled. I've been admiring you for about a year now, but I didn't know you felt the same. So when I realised the letters were from you... I was giddy. Especially with how eloquent and lovely they were."
The laugh came out of your mouth before you could stop it, and his eyes went wide from the sudden noise, his head tilting.
"Sorry! It's just... I've liked you since about fifth year. Poppy used to make fun of me for constantly staring at you. To hear that you've liked me for so long too is surreal... and lovely."
Ominis grinned, kissing you quickly again.
"We're fools, aren't we, to have waited this long?"
You were fools. But when Ominis kept kissing you like that, you were fairly sure you were the happiest fool in Hogwarts.
"Can I help you?" @paintingheroes - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
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