Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it
POV Sebastian
The next day, I woke up more tired than ever. Life was like a train I couldn’t catch up to.
So much was happening.
Like every morning, my thoughts were overflowed by memories of Anne. With everything happening, I didn’t really get the chance to lay flowers on her tomb. So that’s a task I would try and do as soon as I have a moment.
I went down for breakfast, but to my great surprise, Ominis wasn’t there. And he didn’t show up later neither. So I headed straight for our first lesson with Professor Katona male version. That’s how we called them now because talking about them was very confusing.
I found Ominis there. He was sitting in the front row. So I sat by his side.
« Hey, where were you this morning ? » I asked.
« Just … working out. I didn’t see the time. » he stated.
« Obviously not. You’re blind » I joked.
« You’re hilarious » he said sarcastically.
Our fellow classmates found their seats. I was surprised to see Valerian sit at the far end of the classroom. She usually sat in the front row. She didn’t look … cheerful. She actually looked depressed, which was strange for her. She was always such a bundle of joy. I wondered if anything was wrong with her. Maybe I should ask Ominis.
« Hey, do you know what’s wrong with Valerian ? » I inquired.
« Why ? » he demanded.
« She looks … upset » I affirmed.
Ominis didn’t reply. But his face now looked guilty and miserable.
« Did you guys get into a fight or something ? » I questioned.
He once again remained silent and looked down.
« Ominis ... » I started.
« Good morning my dear students. As we discussed, I will now distribute the autorisation slips for our school trip to the ministry in 2 days time. I want you to sign them now, and return them on my desk » instructed Professor Katona.
The professor distributed the parchment, stopping when he had reached Ominis.
« Do you need help to … sign ? » asked the professor to Ominis trying to be helpful.
« No, that’s ok Professor, Sebastian can help me place my hand » he stated.
« Yes, I’ll definitely give him a {hand} » I said trying to brighten up the mood.
« You’re just impossible Sebastian » he replied exasperated.
« … » the professor didn’t even bother answering. He then continued, stopping near Valerian asking her the same question.
I helped Ominis position his hand and fingers to the bottom of the parchment, quill in hand, where he signed his name. I then signed my name. We then marched to the Professor’s desk and placed them with the others. I put mine first, followed by Ominis, and when he turned around he bumped into Valerian.
« Sorr... » he started.
He pulled a long face and just stood there. Valerian first looked in his direction with a downcast face, she just extended her arm to place her parchment, her face so close to Ominis’s, him still in her way, and turned her hills causing her gorgeous hair to flip right into Ominis’ face. She was definitely annoyed with him.
Ominis now looked crushed. Something did happen between them. But what ?
We then sat back down. While the Professor was debating, I kept thinking about my best friend and Valerian. Should I intervene ? Or should I let them sort it out ? Maybe he told her that he was engaged and of course, she didn’t take it well. But I didn’t know how far they got into their relationship.
At lunchtime, Ominis once again didn’t show up. I see. He was trying to avoid her. He wasn’t an easy situation after all. Maybe I should talk to Valerian.
I sat with Edmund, Cassandra and her. I was about to ask her what was wrong, but I could see Cassandra nodding her head as to say DON’T. So I followed her advice and didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to unleash the girls’ wrath.
When the last class was over, I asked Valerian if we could go for a walk in the gardens. She agreed and we were now enjoying the outdoor fresh air. Or at least I was. She looked more miserable than ever.
« You look very glum these days Valerian. Would you like to talk about it ? » I asked hoping she wouldn’t deny me.
« I’m sure you know more than I do » she replied bitterly.
Even her voice had changed. It was usually enchanting and smooth and now was sharp and bitter.
« Actually, I’m not sure how much I know. So much happened lately that I have no clue what’s going on between you and Ominis » I admited.
« Really ? » she asked.
« Yes » I said genuinely.
« Well, we were getting … close. We spent time together, we use to have long conversations together, and then after that banquet he attended, he wasn’t the same. He wouldn’t talk to me, he’s avoiding me. I know things aren’t … easy with his family. But I don’t understand what happened, what changed because he told me he was in love with me, we also … » she started.
« Also what ? » I urged.
« Also shared … special moments together » she finished. « And then, nothing. Did something happen that night ? » she demanded desperate.
Special moments ? What did she mean by that ? Is a a code name to say kiss ? I mean Ominis did want to kiss her. So maybe he did after all.
« Euh, ... » Merlin I didn’t know what to say.
« Listen, Valerian, something did happen, but it’s not for me to say. He’s my best friend, and I won’t betray his trust » I admited.
« I understand, and I appreciate your honnesty » she replied sincirely.
« But I will say this. Ominis’ family is dangerous. And they have a great power of influence in the wizard world and also power over him. You’ve never met them, but they are dreadful people. The way they treat Ominis is … despecable » I said fuming.
« I know they have a complicated relationship » she said softly.
« Oh no, this isn’t relationship. In a relationship, there is love. And trust me, there is no love there » I replied despitfully.
« You must understand that Ominis is often stripped from his choices, they manipulate him, use him, even ... »
« Even what ? » she demanded.
« I shouldn’t tell you this » I uttered.
« Please do, I want to know » she pleaded.
I wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but if I were to help them both, she needed to understand.
« They tortured him. Many times, using the crutio curse, or Sectusempra, which inflicts deep cuts all over your body causing an intense bleeding. Whenever his mother cast it on him, she would leave him lying on the floor and would only come back when he passed out. All this because Ominis refused them, or couldn’t accomplish their demands. » I said disgusted.
I could see tears runing down her cheeks and she looked horrified. Of course she was very empathetic, but I think anyone would cry hearing this.
« I’m sure you’ve noticed the scar on his hand. » I implied.
« Yes » she replied her voice trembling.
« And you remember our lesson about the dark quill, and Ominis knowing so much about it ? » I added.
She let out a cry of shock, looking in disbelief.
« Yeah, because he couldn’t write his name, so that was his punishment. He had to write it until he mastered it with that dreadful quill » I told acusingly.
« The reason I’m telling you this is because as you can see, he never gets to decide. And they make him do things he doesn’t want to do. If Ominis decides to tell you the truth, you need to understand that » I insisted.
She looked mortified and concerned.
« Valerian, may I ask you a … personal question ? »
I needed to know if she was worth helping, if she would stand up for Ominis.
« Go on »
I took in a deep breath.
« Do you love him ? » I asked.
She paused for a moment.
« I was in love with him from the very start you know. I love how charming , funny, clever, kind-hearted he is. And when he asked me to come to the funeral, he admited he needed me to be here, and I was overjoyed. But then he put this distance between us. And I have never felt so heart-broken in my life. These past few days I felt a void, living aimlessly and this great emptiness in my heart. And the smallest detail that would happen in my life, I wanted to share with him. But everythime I turned around, he wasn’t there . And that’s when I realised that I wasn’t just in love with him, but I loved him. And that’s why being appart his so painful. Because he means the world to me. I love him so much that my heart bleeds from him. »
Her voice was heavy with sorrow. I couldn’t help but feel emotional. She was deeply in love with him. And this is something I had never experienced, that love she was describing, that love for another person, in a romantic way. And I couldn’t help but feel envious. Envious of Ominis, to have someone love him that way. But he deserved a person to love him like she does. No one deserved it more than him.
Nevertheless, she didn’t seem to know about the engagment yet.
« Valerian, if I help you, with Ominis, would you fight for him ? Would you stay by his side no matter what happens, no matter what he tells you ? » I urged.
She looked startled by my question. When she had time to think about my demand, she replied determined.
« Yes. I would. I want to. » she affirmed.
« Good. Then come with me. It’s time I had a little chat with my best friend »
We then returned to our doorms. I asked Valerian to wait in the living room while I would speak to Ominis. I had to convince him to speak with her.
I knocked on his door. He let me in.
« Ominis, we need to talk , now » I ordered.
He looked at me surprised.
« Ok, take a seat then » he replied puzzled.
He sat on his bed and I sat on the chair.
« We need to talk about Valerian » I exclaimed.
He let out a loud sigh.
« I know you’ve been avoiding her. Why ? » I asked bossy.
« It’s … complicated » he replied.
« I’ve got time. Talk to me Ominis. Please. Is it because you’re engaged now ? » I demanded.
« I’m not engaged to that lying cockroach. At least, not yet » he complained.
« Ominis ?! » I urged.
He paused looking nervous.
« It’s … Yes ! It’s one of the reasons ! How am I to tell the woman I love that I am engaged to someone else ?! » he shouted enraged.
« So you love her ? Valerian ? » I asked amazed that he would be so blunt and honnest about it.
« … I do. But it doesn’t matter now. Because once more, my family is going to ruin my life. And I thought, maybe it was best I stayed away from her. She would be safer that way » he explained heavy hearted.
He paused.
I thought to myself is he really doing this to protect her, or protect himself from a broken heart ?
« But it has been so hard, so painful » he added.
His eyes were slightly swollen and were turning red.
He rubbed the corner of his eyes with his thumb and index, then pulling his hand down along his face.
« You must tell her the truth Ominis. She deserves to know. And tell her how this situation makes you fell along with your feelings for her » I urged.
« I can’t » he replied in despair.
« Why not ? I think you’re underestimating her » I exclaimed sharply.
« ... » He remained silent looking upset.
« Why is there anything else ? » I demanded.
He was now looking towards the floor, sorrowful.
« Yes … Marvolo threatened to tell her about the muggle boys » he admited shamefully.
« Ominis, this wasn’t your fault » I reminded him sincerely.
« You keep saying that, but that’s not how I feel ! » he yelled bitterly.
« I know. Then tell her about it too. You know, even if you hold up your end of the bargan, Marvolo will most likely tell her anyway, because he knows it will break you. Don’t let him hold that kind of power over you, Ominis. Tell Valerian everything » I insisted.
He rose up agitated.
« You don’t understand, I don’t want her to resent me, to see me as a monster ! She was blinded by dark magic and was tortured by dark wizards, like I tortured those boys » he was now in tears.
I swallowed deeply.
« Actually, I do know what that’s like, to feel like a monster , to see others look at you that way, with that look of disgust in their eyes » I said voice broken.
And Ominis looked in my direction, his face empathetic.
« Of course, I know you do, I’m sorry » he appologized.
He then sat back down on his bed and let out a sigh, wipping his tears.
« Please Ominis, I’m begging you to do this. You will regret it if you don’t. And trust me, I know all about regret. I don’t want it to happen to you » I said compassionately.
There was a short silence.
Ominis was now panting. I knew he started feeling anxious.
« Don’t forget, the engagment is only temporary. I won’t let you marry the Malfoy filth » I said determined.
He chuckled.
« You won’t give me a choice anyway, am I right ? » he bantered.
« None what so ever » I replied satisfied.
« Fine then. I’ll talk to her » he said now looking apprehensive.
« I’m glad you agree. Because she’s waiting for you in the living room » I admited.
« What ? Now ? » he replied startled.
« Yes now before you change your mind, now come on let’s go ! » I commanded.
I opened the door and waited for Ominis to come out first, making sure he doesn’t change his mind. He let out a sigh shaking his head in disbelief. He then stepped out of his bedroom waiting for me to close the door. We were now both heading to the living room.
But there were other students there. I could see Valerian sitting on the couch, looking upset.
« Valerian ? Could you come this way please ? » I asked trying to pull her in the corner where Ominis and I were standing.
I could see Ominis distressed, panting and sweating more and more with every step she was taking. She was now standing in front of us.
« You two need to talk things through, Ominis has a few confessions to make. And you can talk about it at our home away from prying eyes, in Felcroft, isn’t that right Ominis ? » I wooed.
He shot me a grave look.
« Remember what I told you Valerian » I muttered in her ear.
« See you later guys » I said leaving them to sort it out.