Lilacs and Rot
OMINIS POV
The cool crisp smell of autumn had begun to permeate the castle grounds with a slight tinge of rot and sugar mixed together, this always had me alternating between joy and disgust. The sound of the trees shedding their leaves was much like someone mixing dittany in a mortar, soft and pleasant. It was the slow petrification of those leaves once they landed that was the worst of it all. The part I hated most, large piles where the underlayers decomposed with the drippings of run off and rainwater. My overly sensitive nose chose to betray me at the worst possible moment deciding that the rot of vegetation was the preferable scent. It was an acidic sort of odor that would cause a headache if I lingered too long, which luckily was not the plan. Regardless of which smell was more prevalent It was always in moments like these that my body decide to betray me, always. I walked a little faster, wand hand outstretched with the tip gently pulsing as I maneuvered around the various piles of leaves strewn about the breezeway.
All Hallows was a week away and most of school was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming feast. It had been two months since the start of our 6th year and already I was being harassed. Usually, this was one of my favorite times at Hogwarts. Warm cozy fires, excited chatter, and dozens of activities to partake in. This year, however, was soured by the fact that Sebastian Sallow had taken up the mantle to act as my own personal poltergeist. Always appearing and acting as if a rift had never been created and having to be chased off with vague threats. At breakfast, in the corridors, in the common room, and once he even had the gall to follow me into the lavatory, stating that he wasn’t following me he just had to use the facilities. He made Peeves seem docile in comparison. It was exhausting! His attempts at contrition were hallow and I simply refused fall back into the familiar pattern of feeding a mongrel who would continue to bite my hand.
The ripple effects of 5th year still echoed like a wound that refused to heal. As soon as we had stepped foot onto the campus grounds Sebastian had hunted me down demanding to know why he was given another roommate, as if he had not betrayed me, cast an unforgivable curse on our friend, nor killed his uncle in the madness that was his pride. He had lost everything due to his own folly, and yet still acted as if in some way he was also the victim. Never once stopping to ask if anyone else felt the fallout. Never once asking me how I was holding up. I had given way to his narcissistic tendencies for far too long. I had told him in the scriptorium and again here that you always have a choice. He chose the dark arts over our friendship. It was that simple… or at least I comforted myself saying that. He was a man now, and I was no longer willing to hold his hand through his self-sabotaging schemes. I had my own problems to worry about. A change in sleeping quarters might in fact help him make new friends instead of constantly chasing after a connection that was no longer there, and I could finally have some peace. Everything was still so raw, and after the horrid summer I had endured, seeing him again was like pulling the edges of that wound farther apart.
His summer had consisted of sporadic visits from our new 5th year friend, while mine was spent in torment at the Gaunt Manor, waiting on an owl full of apologies or invitations that never came. He was showered in attention and kindness whereas I was thrust into the hell hole I had desperately strove to escape. It should have been me spending leisurely time at the seaside and amongst the fields of Feldcroft, not in the cold dark hall were cries of pain could be heard at all hours of the day, constantly on edge, playing the ghost so as not to become a target. Yes, I was bitter, but I wouldn’t allow him to see that. I would simply let my silence drown him slowly, as his had done to me. It felt like a fitting punishment, if not a bit immature. Being back at Hogwarts finally allowed me to have autonomy again and I would be damned if I would let him drag me back down into his lunacy. Passing through more cold stone arches I found myself walking to a place no one would ever think to look for me…. The outdoor beasts classroom.
The clouds parted and the sun came out to caress my face with its gentle rays as I took up a seat next to the pen of kneazles. There soft mewling was calming, and I found myself turning my face upward and closing my eyes. The sounds of their tiny nails digging into the dirt gave a nice vibration to my ear drums. I took a deep breath and let it out, the tension slowly ebbing from my face as I let my body relax, the sun kissing my eyelids. I could sit here for hours, mind slowing down to just focus on feeling the warmth. As time began to pass my thoughts started to wonder.
Maybe in my next life I could come back as a snake and just bask on a rock. A smooth, warm rock. Quiet. Calm. Peaceful. What a pleasant idea that would be. No worries about magic of any kind, light or dark, just a simple sleepy life.
As my thoughts and the relaxing embrace of the sun began to lull me into the gentle arms of sleep a breeze started to pick up. The resounding smell of rot and sugar wafted together creating a scent that was somewhat delightful, and just slightly adjacent to the previous one of acidic decay. Hmm, there was another note, something floral and out of place for the time of year. Inhaling deeply, I tried to pinpoint the new additive.
Lilacs? It’s the middle of October…. where did we have lilacs?
I wasn’t the best at herbology, but I did know for a fact this was a species that only bloomed in the early summer months, barely lasting, and a hard scent to replicate. It was very out of place in the midst of the highlands. My eyes slide open, and I straightened up to the sound of gravel crunching as the new student from last year, my remaining friend Lessie Aspen began to approach, the gait of her steps giving her away.
“I thought I’d find you out here. Hiding from Sallow again?” She let out a chuckle.
The smell became almost overwhelming, and I was developing a heady feeling. The usually delicate scent of the lilac was aggressive, as if she herself had become one of the bushes. The thought of Lessie suddenly becoming a dryad was amusing. I wasn’t entirely sure what she looked like, just the notion of annoyingly unruly hair, but the very idea of her arms sprouting the delicate blooms was amusing. This was a drastic turn from her usual smell, which often consisted of an earthy scent much like the petrichor after a fresh fallen rain, mixed with a delicate echo of amber. If my hearing wasn’t what it was, I don’t think I would have been able to identify her right away. That was a very unsettling thought.
“You smell of lilacs, it’s quite nice. A bit strong but nice.” I let out an exaggerated breath and avoided the question.
“Avoidance, and here I thought we were all adults now,” She gave a reprimanding tut at the unanswered question. “Thank you, though. It’s a new perfume we made this summer.”
“We?” I knew who she meant, but for reasons beyond my control my mouth betrayed me. It had been doing that a lot lately and it was getting insufferable. I would have to work on that. I could hear her swishing her skirt and her hands began to move animatedly.
“Yes, Sebastian and I. Really Ominis, I did send you owls all summer about my travels. It was one of our first activities to you know…. try and sort him out. It was meant to be a gift for Anne, but she’s still refusing to speak with him, so he gave it to me as a thank you for showing him the process. It’s a very interesting process actually… first you have to harvest the fresh petals and then you boi..”
I cut her off as my blood pressure starting to rise. Yes, I had received her owls. They were a spot of sunshine in my otherwise gloomy summer. However anytime the mongrel was mentioned I had found my eyes skimming to the bottom, not wanting to sour the image I had of her. Why did everything have to revolve around Sallow? It was like whatever I did, his grubby little finger prints were on everything spoiling it! Couldn’t I just have one day of peace without his interference? Without thinking my mouth started to move, vitriol spewing forth.
“A very interesting process indeed. One that I am not likely to pursue nor inclined to hear about.” I could hear her sharp intake at the curt remark and knew it must have stung. I could just imagine her face, brows furrowed and eyes wide. I was usually so careful with my words, yet today It seemed every little thing way getting under my skin. The regret came almost at once, and I rubbed my face while standing up to look in her direction.
“I sorry Lessie, that was harsher than I meant it. I’m sure it was an enjoyable pursuit, truly. It seems I have been having a trying day and am not quite myself. Please do forgive my outburst.”
She stepped closer, and true to her people-pleasing nature, accepted my hasty apology. A lingering hint of concern lilted her tone.
“If something is bothering you Ominis, you can talk to me about it. I know Seb has been relentless in trying to make amends with you and if you need more time I can try to get him to let up a bit. From our earlier conversations about your summer, I can understand how his attitude could be making things difficult for you. You deserve to feel safe here.”
I could feel my face soften. She was always so giving, too giving, willing to help everyone but herself. A blessing and a curse. Her best and worst trait as it would seem since she had readily welcomed the turncoat back into the fold. It was like she enjoyed pain. Something, I could not abide. I wasn’t sure if that was what was making this whole situation harder. It had been nearly lethal watching Sebastian destroy himself in the aftermath of the Solomon’s’ death. However, watching Lessie continue time after time to bring him back from the edge at the expense of herself had left a festering wound in my heart. The thought of him hurting her again made my blood boil. She was almost as stupid as him. Almost.
“I can’t forgive him. I don’t know if I ever truly can. This constant pestering isn’t helping the matter either. It is suffocating. I feel as if I can’t breathe. I-I-I still have nightmares about it all. Sometimes it feels like we’re still in the catacombs and all I can hear are your screams. And then this summer… not once did he write…. I waited…. but” My eyes start to water as I forced back the tears, voice catching in my throat. I couldn’t do this here, not now. Not out in the open where anyone could walk by. I could only imagine the rumors it would create.
Without hesitation Lessie came over and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close. My first hug in almost 6 months, the last one having also been from her before departing for the summer holiday. A shiver runs through me as I realized how truly touch-starved I was, and I could slowly feel my shoulders relaxing. We stand like that for a minute or so while I regained my composure. This was not the time nor place for such a conversation. I could feel her hand patting my back as if I were a child, whispering soothing words over and over again into my ear.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.
My hands reach for her shoulders, putting her an arm’s length away. Her perfume not helping with attempts at breathing properly.
“Thank you. I needed that.” It comes out as a shaky whisper, and I find I am at a loss on how to proceed after that embarrassing display. I have never not been in control of my emotions and this whole process seems very foreign.
“I will always be here for you, I promise. Even if I have to fight off a whole horde of goblins with one arm.”
Her voice gets slightly lower as mischief laces her words. I can hear the smile on her lips, as the delicate scent of lilacs began to engulf my senses. The warm imprint of her body against mine lingering. I usually loved the smells of these blooms, but they seemed tainted now. A small frown creases my face as she speaks again.
“You know Ominis, I have something that might help clear your mind.”
“Mhm, Is that so?”
“If you’re up for a small adventure that is.”
There was a whooshing sound, and it took a moment to place as I realized that she was on her broom and mounted hovering a few feet above the ground. Had she had that this whole time? Where was she storing it?! Regardless of what she had planned, it was obvious what my answer would be. I had never turned down a request from her and I didn’t plan on changing that anytime soon. Besides, if she had her broom that meant it was further than walking distance, which in turn meant no chance of stumbling upon my brown-haired poltergeist.
“We do have a couple hours before dinner.” I gave an attempt at a smile as she extended her hand and helped me on the back. A spark of static ignited as our hands touched, causing the both of us to pull back and start laughing. I wanted to make a joke about her ancient magic acting up again, but my brain had exhausted all executive functions. Instead, it went into tactile overdrive. Her calloused hands were not those of an amateur. I had always know she was adept with a broomstick, but her hands gave the impression that more often than not she was in the sky. My fingers lingered in her palm as I settled myself behind her. I gently traced over the callouses, circling the largest by her ring finger. It was hard and rough with a bit of flanking skin. Usually, something like that would repulse me, but on her it just seemed right. What must it be like to fly any time you wanted? I felt a pang of jealousy. She lowered my hands to her waist with a huff, making them connect to create a human belt against her.
“I know, I know I should take better care of my hands. They make riding gloves. I have heard it all.” This seemed to have struck a chord. An insecurity I didn’t know about.
Hmm, I will have to write that down later.
“Actually, I was admiring them. Flying is a skill not everyone is able to afford. One must practice in order to be proficient, and I can tell you may be closer to mastery on the subject.”
I couldn’t quite tell but it seemed as if that had soothed the nerve. Her voice became sweet again.
“Make sure to hold on tight.”
It may have been due to the heightened emotions of having to actively avoid Sebastian or the knowledge that I would soon be floating through the sky, which was a rare occurrence in itself, but a gentle fluttering began in my stomach much like a kaleidoscope of butterflies. The heat radiating off of Lessie’s back coupled with the strong scent of the blasted lilacs was having an intoxicating effect. This was much better than sitting with the kneazles. Without realizing it my grip tightened as my forehead found a resting spot on her neck.
She drew a slow breath as we started to float a bit higher.
“Are you all settled?”
I opened my mouth to respond, sending a huff of hot air onto her neck. She shook ever so slightly, her pulse spiking with an inhale. I wasn’t sure if I had caused her sudden spasm or if it was from the wind, but I nodded in agreement.
“Yes, lets start this adventure you promised.”
Within seconds, the earth disappeared beneath my feet and the wind whipped around us, causing the loose braid of Lessie’s thick hair to go every which way. It must have been a sight to behold. The feeling of being safely tucked against her as we propelled through the nothingness was indescribable. Terrifying, yet exhilarating. To be honest, she was possibly the only one I trusted enough to be this vulnerable with, knowing should I lose grip and fall, she would most certainly catch me. The further away from Hogwarts we went, the more my anxiety receded. Whatever this adventure held, it was going to be a good one and I was thankful to at least have one friend willing to stand by my side.