Sebastian POV
"If you're really sorry, then stay away from me. For me, as well as my sister."
My own words echoed in my mind as I absentmindedly stared at my bedroom ceiling. Part of me acknowledged that I had been excessively harsh on Eve, yet another very big part of me didn't want to be caught up in her goblin business.
The bedroom door opened slowly, making me glance in its direction. "You've missed a very nice dinner", Ominis murmured as he made his way towards his bed.
"There'll be very nice dinners after today too", I mumbled. "Would you care to explain why you've been acting like this all evening, Sebastian?"
I detected annoyance in his voice. I couldn't blame him, I've barely spoken a word to him since I've come back from Hogsmeade.
I just kept my mouth shut wanting to ignore him.
Ominis sighed. "I can't give you any advice if you won't tell me what's going on now, can I?" "I don't need advice Ominis, I just need to be alone", I asserted.
"Fine, but if you're just going to be sulking here, then I'm going to the common room to play wizard chess with Eve." And with that Ominis left the room.
For some inexplicable reason, my heart ached. I felt guilty because I knew that she didn't choose for this to happen. Perhaps I also felt culpable because she had been nothing but kind to me since arriving at the school yesterday. Nevertheless, I needed space from her, for me and for Anne's sake.
Eve POV
"Pawn to E4," Ominis began the game, employing a classic move. "Pawn to E5," I replied. "So, how was Hogsmeade?" Ominis inquired.
"Oh, the town is truly marvelous. It's so sad I had to get back already." He smiled at my words. "That's great! It must have been a true sight so see. Not to mention the smell of candy and butterbeer lingering in the air when you get close to Honeydukes or The Three Broomsticks", he added, sharing my appreciation for Hogsmeade.
It made me chuckle. "That for sure." Ominis' face suddenly turned a bit more serious. "By the way, did anything happen with Sebastian during the trip?" A lump formed in my throat. I had an uneasy feeling that Sebastian's dear friend was about to scold me.
"Why do you ask? Did he tell you something by any chance?" Ominis shook his head: "No, but he's been acting peculiar ever since you two returned." I sighed and stayed quiet for a few seconds, unsure how to approach the issue.
"Well?" Ominis waited impatiently for my response, tapping his fingers on the chess board. "There was a bit of an incident", I spoke up in a silent tone, fiddling nervously with my thumbs. "So I've suspected." "And there was a troll", I continued. Ominis' eyes widened.
"A TROLL in Hogsmeade? No wonder he's so quiet, he must be in shock!" I shook my head, forgetting for a second that Ominis couldn't see that.
"I don't think the troll is the reason, Ominis. We defeated it. However, the troll was sent by a certain goblin and, from what I noticed, I think that must have quite triggered Sebastian." I stopped my explanation, not wanting to talk about the whole discussion we had.
I could see Ominis' eyes soften. In a way that said 'I should've known' or 'I understand what he's going through'. He rose from his seat . "I think I'd better check on Sebastian then. Make sure he feels better", he started, "Eve, try not to take his behavior personally."
I nodded. However, it did feel very personal.
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A few days later I was summoned to professor Fig's office. Inside the locket that we found in the blue chamber in Gringott's, he had discovered an ancient-looking map of Hogwarts.
"How extraordinary ", he mumbled, examining the worn-out piece op parchment. "What is extraordinary, sir?" I asked, coming closer to join him in his mapviewing.
"This is a map of the lower level of Hogwarts, however there's nothing that indicates where we have to be or search or go." He scratched the back of his head in thought.
"We should head to the restricted section of the library. I see blue particles above it," I noted, pointing to the area illuminated by the magical swirls. "Of course, it makes sense that only people who can see ancient magic can decipher the map."
Fig chuckled and beamed at me. "Well? Let's go then!"
Just as we were about to depart on our little journey to the restricted section, Headmaster Black entered the room. ""Fig, I need you to go to the Ministry in London with a message immediately."
"But, Headmaster, I—" "No excuses. You must leave at once," the headmaster insisted sternly, unwilling to listen to any objections.
"I have students to teach right now, sir" Fig protested. "The students can wait, leave."
Professor Fig looked at me apologetically. "Our little adventure will have to wait. I'll return as swiftly as possible"
He and Headmaster Black left the office. I continued to study the map on Fig's desk. I couldn't possibly wait here for days knowing that Ranrok was already behind me, could I? Think Eve. How will you solve this?
Suddenly, the memory of a conversation I had a few days ago replayed in my mind.
"As much as I'd love to, it's actually from the restricted section, so I can't."
Sebastian's words were playing over and over again in my head. After our little argument I wasn't very sure whether it was the best idea to reach out to him, but at the same time it also seemed like the only option I had. I held my head with both of my hands and rubbed my eyes.
This was the worst possible timing ever. I felt my heart race as I was trying to convince myself of all the reasons I should ask him to help me. But at the same time, I couldn't think of anything but him saying "If you're really sorry, then leave me alone".
In frustration, I accidentally knocked over a glass resting on a dark, wooden table in the room. Gasping, I quickly fixed my mistake with a wave of my wand. "Reparo." The shards of glass flew back into place.
Taking one last look around the office, mentally preparing myself for the heated conversation I knew I was about to have, I made my way to the dungeons.
These past few days, my stroll to the common room had always been a peaceful one, indicating the end of a school day had come. However, this time was different. My heartbeat quickened with each step. The stress weighed heavily upon me.
He told you to leave him alone, you shouldn't overstep that boundary.
What other choice do I have? This is bigger than the feud between us.
The feud that wouldn't exist if only you didn't have a goblin villain as your enemy.
And how is that my fault? I didn't choose to have this magic that Ranrok apparently desires.
My mind was fighting itself. While wanting to respect Sebastian's wishes, I knew I simply had no alternative.
"Aspiration", I whispered at the metallic snake in the dungeons, almost hoping the common room would remain closed so I had an excuse not to engage with him. Alas, the door appeared and I cautiously entered.
Descending the stairs as slowly as possible, to prolong my approach even more, I couldn't see or hear Sebastian straight away.
Perhaps he isn't here after all. I sighed with relief momentarily. I wanted to give up, but was immediately overwhelmed with a feeling of guilt as my body tried reminding me of the goal I had.
I spotted Ominis by the glass window overlooking the underwater view on the lake and decided to ask him about Sebastian's whereabouts. After all, they were best friends.
I carefully cleared my throat to avoid startling him and he turned his face to me with his gentle, white eyes. "Eve? Is that you?" He asked. I stepped forward. "Yes Ominis, it's me."
He gave me a slight, reassuring smile. "I'm glad you're here, how have you been the past few days? We haven't had much chance to talk."
I sighed. "I still feel very bad for what happened with Sebastian, but I have been managing." Ominis only nodded in agreement. "Trust me, he'll come around sooner or later."
"Now that we're on the topic of Sebastian by the way, do you happen to know where he is?" I asked, nearly breaking into a sweat from nervousness as I noticed Ominis' widened eyes.
"What do you need him for?" "I can't really tell you... but- but it's important!" I tried to assure him. He sighed. "Well, if it's truly important, he's in our room. Third door on the left on the boys side of the dormitories."
The way Ominis required so little convincing truly astonished me, but I wasted no time to find my target. I rushed up the stairs and quickly ended up in front of the right entry.
Preparing to turn the doorknob, I noticed some sort of magical writing on the door itself: "Do not disturb."
Uncertain of my next move, I raised my hand, making myself ready to knock. Just as I was about to do so, the door swung open, revealing a very fatigued Sebastian Sallow.
He rubbed his eyes as he was simultaneously yawning. He must have been napping before I appeared.
When the freckled boy noticed my presence, his eyes widened in disbelief. "What on earth are you doing here?!" He exclaimed so loudly, I felt my heart jump. Unable to meet his gaze, I avoided any eye contact and stared at the cement floor instead.
I couldn't muster any words. The anger of the man in front of me caught me off guard, leaving me speechless
"Well?" Sebastian tapped his foot impatiently, his arms crossed, waiting for my response.
"I-", I started, clasping my hands together in an attempt to hide my nervousness. I looked up at him and found him staring right at me.
I couldn't help but notice the small droplets of sweat on his forehead, or the way his messy hair fell in an oddly perfect way across his sharp face. Or the way his eyes darkened as he glanced at me. It was intimidating, yet very attractive.
"I must have visited the wrong room, I apologize." Was all I could manage as I turned to leave, reconsidering my entire plan. I couldn't possibly ask for his help.
Before I was at a safe enough distance, he grabbed my wrist and turned me around, pinning me against the wall in the process. "Stop lying and tell me the truth, Eve. Why are you here?"
I couldn't help but blush at his assertive demeanor. "I told you-" "So you're telling me that you happen to stumble upon my room as a mere accident? You're a bad liar, darling. I suspect Ominis informed you of my whereabouts." The man kept me pinned between his arms.
"Fine", I sighed. "I need to speak with you." His gaze softened, although not entirely in a positive way, and he stepped back, dropping his arms beside him.
"I thought I made it very clear to stay away from me." I nodded, not daring to look him in the eyes. "I am very aware, Sebastian. However, it's urgent."
"What could possibly be so urgent that you need to come knocking at my door?" He furrowed his brows, evidently very confused.
"You once told me you were good at getting in the restricted section, didn't you?" I spoke up, still staring at my feet as I felt the man's posture change into a more defensive one. "Absolutely not," he replied, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm not helping you."
"I understand you want me to stay as far away from you as possible, Sebastian. But this is very important. I NEED your help sneaking in, please. I don't know who else to ask and it must happen today." I blurted out in a way that exposed the light panic that was starting to rise.
The tall boy turned away, only leaving me a view on his back, unable to read any of his expressions. Finally, a deep sigh escaped his lips and I became disappointed as I was already anticipating his forthcoming rejection.
We stood in silence for a while, only the ticking of a clock audible.
"Okay." Sebastian finally said.
"Okay?" I shot him a confused glance. "I'm going to help you." My eyes widened in disbelief, and a smile began to form. "But only because I need something myself." He concluded.
I nodded. "Of course! Thank you so much." "I'll meet you by the fireplace in an hour."
With that, he opened the door to his room and cast one final glance my way before disappearing from view.
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This chapter took me so long to write, because I just wanted it to be GOOD. So I rewrote sentences so many times to enhance the quality and I think I'm satisfied (enough)?
I'm trying to improve in writing so I hope this is a good start! And I also want to get some things moving but not too fast, you know?