5
Evangeline felt sick to her stomach on the walk back to the potions’ classroom. Sebastian was clever and irritating, sure, but this… How was she supposed to keep this a secret? It went against everything she had believed in. She followed rules, she got perfect marks, she did everything as it needed to be done. But harboring information about a student wielding forbidden magic? That was not who she was. There was a slight tremble in her fingertips, and she pulled her hand into a tight fist, pushing the nerves away.
There were three more days before students arrived back at Hogwarts. Three days until the second semester would begin, and she would need to decide what to do with this newfound information. Just the thought of knowing this and keeping it secret made her skin crawl, but what would happen to Sebastian if she did? Evangeline knew she shouldn’t care; it was his own fault for practicing such magic, and yet the fear in his eyes when she was helping Ominis… he didn't look like an evil wizard trying to take over the world.
She knew he didn’t need bad intentions to cause pain and suffering, though. Even death, if the circumstances allowed it. Evangeline was all too familiar with what happened if someone messed with magic they weren’t prepared for. That’s why she stuck to the rules.
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Evangeline woke slowly the next morning, groggy and comfortable in her bed. She was thankful for the lack of activity in the castle; she could spend her mornings waking slowly -or even better, sleeping in- and enjoying time to herself. Typical mornings during school were quiet as well, since she was not assigned a roommate with her late application, however, her fellow Ravenclaw, Samantha, made it her life’s purpose to pull her from bed with a cheerful smile and endless begging. Evangeline didn’t know why the girl liked her so much, since she had her own friends, but despite keeping to herself for the most part, Evangeline had to admit she was closer to the girl than anyone else.
When the memories of the day before came rushing back, a strike of anxiety clutched at her chest and her early-morning bliss was replaced with layers of anxiety and rushed thoughts buzzing in her head. Three days to decide Sebastian’s fate. She should turn him in, she knew it; every fiber of her being knew it, and yet, something was holding her back. Call it interest, attachment, mild entertainment; she didn’t want to see him sent off. Surely the punishment would be bad enough to ruin -or end- his life. Evangeline wasn’t sure she could live with herself if that was the case.
Either way, the inner turmoil was driving her crazy, and she knew it would be pointless to try sleeping some more or getting any reading time in. She needed to walk around, move her feet while she thought. And get something to eat. Her stomach was aggressively demanding food; she’d gone straight to her room after the incident the day before, and skipped eating for the rest of the day after cleaning her potions’ station.
The halls echoed with each footstep, completely empty without the bustling students. She tried to wrench the worry from her mind for a little while, taking in the architecture that she loved so much. That is, until a pair of voices trickled toward her. She recognized them immediately, freezing before the pair of Slytherins came into sight.
Ominis looked rough; his eyes were heavy with exhaustion, and Sebastian was helping him walk. Surely the effects of the spell were torment, and way too much for the Wiggenweld to take away completely. She just didn’t think he would be affected that badly.
Sebastian cut off his sentence when he saw her, shutting his mouth and averting his eyes. Still ashamed, then. For good reason.
Ominis questioned his friend’s sudden silence, but the three of them froze when a set of footsteps worked their way toward them. Professor Hecat, perhaps one of the most well-respected professors at Hogwarts, demanded respect from a room. Evangeline looked up to her, quite a bit, even though she was intimidating.
“What on earth has happened to you, Mr Gaunt?” The usual mask of indifference left her face upon seeing the state of him, leaned against Sebastian and laborious breathing.
“Had a fall, that’s it.” he said, trying to right himself and forcing a smile.
“I think not,” She responded, worried eyes glancing over his form. She looked to Sebastian, who stayed silent, focusing instead on trying to avoid her burning gaze.
Evangeline watched this happen right in front of her, as if she wasn’t even there at all. She didn’t notice Sebastian’s pleading expression until Hecat had called her name, impatiently waiting for an explanation. This could be her out. She wouldn’t have to hold onto this information anymore; her conscience would be clear. No more guilt, or worry, or fear. It was the perfect opportunity, and she wouldn’t be running to tell an authority figure, since the professor had asked her directly.
But despite all of this, when she opened her mouth to answer, she did not say that Sebastian was practicing unforgivable spells. She did not say that he was putting everyone in danger, being completely irresponsible. She didn’t beg and plead Hecat to do something, to make sure spells like this were never used again. She didn’t tell on the student who once blamed her for his faults. Insead, shocking both herself and Sebastian, she said, “It’s true. I saw the whole thing. The pair were fooling around and he slipped on the stairs. Nasty fall, but I figure he’ll be alright.”
Sebastian’s mouth was open in shock, eyes darting from Evangeline to Hecat, seeming to check if the professor believed the story. Evangeline’s ears were ringing, her heart pounding. Did she really just lie to a professor? Hecat, of all people?
The professor looked a bit suspicious, but nodded slowly, turning back to the pair of Slytherins. “I trust you will rest up before classes start, Mr Gaunt. Wouldn’t want this accident to cause any hindrance in your studies.”
Evangeline heard the breath all three of them let out when Hecat’s footsteps receded around the corner. She was ashamed, of course, but a part of her was relieved to know Sebastian wasn’t going to be punished for his foolishness.
She met his eyes, and saw a wave of different thoughts behind her. Relief, surprise, gratitude. She didn’t want any of it.
Instead of granting him a comment, she simply lifted her chin a centimeter, turned on her heel, and walked off. She could’ve sworn her name was called, quietly, almost like a whisper, but her feet wouldn’t stop moving.