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It’s amazing how something that only started no more than a month ago can quickly become such an irresistible habit. Elsie flicks his hand away from hers without even so much a glance to him, continuing her conversation with Ominis as they walk through Hogsmeade. Sebastian catches himself, crossing his arms instead to stop himself from trying to hold Elsie’s hand. Thankfully, Ominis doesn’t notice.
“You’ve truly never even tried floating on the spot?” Elsie asks and Omnis cringes visibly. “Sometimes I am unbalanced enough just standing still, I don’t really know how I would even get on a broom,” he says. A child runs past them, narrowly missing Ominis as he takes a wobbly sidestep a second too late. “Theoretically, I could fly one-handed, but my wand is not very good with fast, sudden movements,” he says. “Hm,” Elsie says and Ominis shakes his head. “No.” Elsie’s mouth drops open in shock. “I didn’t even say anything!” Ominis steps over a puddle. “You didn’t need to say anything,” he says. “Alright, what was I thinking then?” Elsie says.
“I am not going to try ride a broom,” Ominis says in disdain. “Oh, come on, Ominis, you might find it fun,” Elsie wheedles. “I refuse to fall on my arse from six feet in the air,” Ominis says. “You’re at risk of falling all the time anyway,” Sebastian mutters. “I heard that,” Ominis says sharply. Elsie shoots Sebastian a glare. “What if we did it in a field somewhere? Outside of Hogwarts, away from anyone who could see us. Sebastian can be your landing pad,” she says. Ominis laughs. “Now you’re starting to convince me,” Ominis says, and Sebastian makes an indignant noise. “He’d crush me,” Sebastian says, earning a shove in the back from Ominis.
“I’m sure you’ll manage,” Elsie says brightly as she stops them before the left turn towards Madame Snelling’s shop. “I’m just going to go get something while you two get your hair cut, I’ll meet you back in the circle when you’re done.” She darts off, and they start walking again. “You two are as bad as each other,” Ominis tells Sebastian. Sebastian huffs in amusement. “You know she’s not going to let it go,” Sebastian says and Ominis shakes his head. “I wonder where she learnt that stubbornness from,” Ominis says dryly. Sebastian grins. “Who knows.”
Sebastian manages to convince Madame Snelling that he definitely does not ‘need to perm his waves into thick curls’. He also stops the scissors that she has charmed from snipping the hairs on the side of Ominis’ head too short, grabbing them and throwing them into the drawer until she is no longer distracted by the other customer and puts the scissors to rest. They make it out more exhausted than refreshed, and Ominis is still patting his hair suspiciously as they stand by the central square tree. “It looks fine,” Sebastian says, linking his fingers together in front of himself as they wait for Elsie. “I hope so,” Ominis says, finally giving up. “Well, you boys look nice!” Elise says as she walks up to them. She comes to stand in front of Sebastian, her eyes fixed on his face. Sebastian raises his brow at her, and she smiles, the corners of her eyes crinkling happily. Sebastian finds himself enraptured by her smile, and he has to remind himself that he can’t kiss it right now.
“Did you go a bit shorter this time, Ominis?” she finally says, turning away to look at Ominis. “Don’t ask,” Ominis sighs. Elsie laughs, her arms hidden behind her back, and Sebastian suddenly remembers that she had gone to purchase something. “What did you buy?” Elsie brings her hands to the front, and from her hand swings a leather strapping of some sort. “What is that?” Sebastian says. “It’s for Ominis and his broomstick lessons! Mr Weekes said Quidditch players use these,” she says and Ominis groans. “Elsie, like I said-“ Elsie holds up a finger. “Just give it a try? For me?” Ominis heaves a sigh. “We can try tomorrow afternoon.”
***
She likes his new haircut, even though all Sebastian asked for was a trim. It sits in its usual slightly tousled state, after Sebastian washed out all the pomade Madame Snelling put in in the showers last night. She twists a piece of Sebastian’s fringe between her fingers, while her other hand rests idly on Sebastian’s chest, held by Sebastian’s own hands. Sebastian just enjoys the attention, keeping his eyes closed as he readjusts his head where it lies against the lower half of her torso, his body cradled by her legs that lie on either side of him. “Funny how it gets even wavier where it’s been cut shorter,” Elsie says, and Sebastian shrugs lazily. “My hair is so straight that it looks the same no matter what.” He feels her shift, sitting up a bit higher against the tree she was leaning her back against. “I think I do prefer your hair a bit shorter,” she muses. “It looks a bit neater without all these hairs on the side touching your ears.” She runs her hand along his scalp just above his ear. “You don’t pull back your fringe and that touches your ears,” Sebastian says with a small smile, and his head follows the rise and fall of her stomach as she huffs. “That’s different. I feel like I look like a granny with all of my hair pinned up like that,” she says.
Sebastian cracks one eye open to look up at her. The ends of her fringe flutters in the wind where it frames her eyes and face, and Sebastian does admit that it makes her eyes look younger and rounder. He also likes the way it makes her seem a little more wild, like when it gets caught on her cheeks from the wind blowing, or how it sticks to her temples in unruly, swirling lines when she is damp with sweat from a duel. “I’ll make sure not to tell Imelda that she looks like a granny,” he says, and she tugs on a piece of his hair lightly as a reprimand. “It’s pretty on her!” she says, glaring at him. Sebastian chuckles. “It would be pretty on you too.” She averts her eyes, and there it is again, the shy look on her face that Sebastian has learned is solely reserved for him.
They were on that hillside again, where Sebastian took Elsie to watch the snow fall over the Hogwarts Valley. It’s the same spot that she realised that she might be more than just fond of him. He’s learnt more about her feelings since she told him that. He wanted to understand what she meant when she said that he took too long to realise she liked him too.
First, her sudden bouts of shyness, which Sebastian had always thought was uncharacteristic amidst her vibrant confidence, was because of him. She has informed Sebastian that his little quips, compliments, and remarks were always needlessly flirtatious, and it often sent her into a flustered state. Sebastian claims innocence, even though now all he does is to try fluster her more.
Second, she most definitely has shown no one else her Room of Requirement, and she wouldn’t have just given anyone something made out of her ancient magic.
Third, she wasn’t tired on Valentine’s Day. She was just annoyed at how many Valentines’ cards Sebastian had received. Sebastian laughed at that, but when she sulked, he reassured her that the cards truly had no worth to him.
Lastly, she had missed him over the Christmas holidays, just like he missed her. His favourite bit is knowing that she has worn his necklace every day since she received it, the silver chain hiding under her uniform during class hours.
It turns out that Sebastian really has been utterly oblivious. He admits as much, and she tells him she knows.
This hillside meadow has become their spot outside of Hogwarts now, just high enough that no one really comes here, but not too remote to be inconvenient to get to from Hogwarts. The breeze is just barely warm, and it tells Sebastian that winter is finally over, and Spring was here. He’s comfortable enough in the sun-dappled shade that he could sleep right here. “When are we meeting Ominis again?” Sebastian murmurs, and Elsie checks the time on her watch. “In about half an hour,” she says, her excitement undisguised. “You know you can’t let him fall,” Sebastian warns. “It’s just a fall, and we’d catch him,” Elsie says. Sebastian shakes his head, frowning. “He doesn’t like falling, Els. It’s scary.”
“Oh,” Elsie says, realising what Sebastian means. “That’s what the strap is for, it’ll catch him and his wand if he falls off the broom.” Sebastian’s still not sure about the whole idea, but Ominis is the one who conceded to Elsie’s persuasions, so he decides not to say anything. “I might take a nap then, before we have to baby poor Ominis,” Sebastian says. Elsie chuckles, and she starts to drag her fingertips slowly over his scalp in circles. Sebastian grunts in pleasure and she keeps going. “I’ll wake you up when we have to go,” she says.
***
In what is becoming exceedingly typical of Elsie, she succeeds. Ominis is on a broom, though his feet are no more than a few inches off the ground. Ominis’ knuckles are white where he holds onto the broom and his wand with a death grip. She is walking Ominis around the field on the broom the way a farmer would walk his goat, but Sebastian keeps that thought to himself. “See, not so bad, right?” Elsie says and Ominis is silent as he focuses on keeping his balance. Ominis has been far more cooperative than Sebastian expected. But Sebastian suspects that Ominis has a soft spot for Elsie, the same way Ominis always did for Anne. Elsie has proven that she often just needed a moment with Ominis to convince him of something, and it is that very soft spot that was letting Elsie strap Ominis and his wand onto the broom as she prepares him to go higher. Sebastian was already on one of the brooms that Mr Weekes had gifted Elsie. He floats in a slow circle around Ominis and Elsie, wand at the ready. Ominis made him swear on their friendship that Sebastian will catch Ominis in any manner necessary, and Sebastian is going to keep that promise.
“For all that is sacred and-“ Ominis mutters as he suddenly jerks higher into the air. Elsie hops onto her own broom swiftly, rising to float next to Ominis. “Same thing, Ominis, except now we’re actually in the air,” Elsie encourages. Sebastian laughs in surprise when Ominis starts gliding smoothly forward. “Well done, Ominis!” he calls. Ominis keeps going, but after five minutes he is still at a snail’s pace. Elsie is being patient, and perhaps a little too cautious after Sebastian’s earlier warning. But Sebastian knows that won’t get them anywhere. “Els,” Sebastian calls and she looks over as Sebastian slips his wand back into his pocket. “Let’s swap.” Ominis comes to a stop. “No-“ Sebastian swoops up next to Ominis as Elsie banks to the left to make space for him. “Don’t you trust me, Ominis?” Sebastian says. “Not really, no,” he says grimly. “You’d trust me to catch you though,” Sebastian says and Ominis doesn’t respond. “How’s the wand?” Sebastian asks and Ominis’ hands shift beneath the strap. “It can’t see anything, because there’s nothing around or beneath me to see,” Ominis says, voice strained. Sebastian thought so. Sebastian drifts closer. “Can you tell where I am though?” Ominis nods, turning his head towards Sebastian. “I can.”
“We’re going to try go faster around the field, so you’re going to have to keep up so that you can track me,” Sebastian says, looking to Elsie. She looks nervous at Sebastian’s idea, but Sebastian gives her a nod, and she nods back. “I don’t think I should,” Ominis says, his voice pitching higher. “You can,” Sebastian says. “I’ll be your eyes, and you just follow me, alright? I won’t go that fast, just faster than you are now. Alright? Elsie’s got your back.” Sebastian waits until Ominis finally sucks in a nervous breath before nodding.
Sebastian goes. He starts out with a walking pace. When Ominis seems to be able to keep abreast of him, Sebastian properly speeds up, as close to a jogging pace as the broom can maintain. He makes sure the tail of his broom was within Ominis’ range, turning back every so often to check that Ominis was still right by him. It was going well, until he hears Ominis inhale sharply. Sebastian immediately pulls into a halt and Ominis shoots past him by half a broom-length before stopping as well. “What’s wrong?” Sebastian says hurriedly, swinging around to check on Ominis. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Ominis says, shifting around in his seat. “Why did we stop?” The strap was still on, his wand was still there. He looks fine. Sebastian blinks, breaking into a smile when he realises that Ominis was smiling. “Well?” Ominis says, his nose tipping into the air. “Is something wrong?” Elsie calls as she flies up to them. “Ominis is actually enjoying himself,” Sebastian says and Elsie gasps, before she claps her hands in excitement. “You did amazing!” she says and Ominis clears his throat. “The feeling of going fast is quite something else,” Ominis says and Sebastian laughs. He knew Ominis would prefer a bit of speed. “A broom is far more fun when you’re flying at a good pace,” Sebastian agrees as he starts to move forward again. “Shall we?” Ominis rolls his shoulders back as he readies himself. “Alright.”
***
“I still can’t believe you did it,” Sebastian says as they make their way to the Great Hall for a late lunch. They ended up spending time on the brooms for far longer than they expected. “I knew I could,” Ominis says. “I knew you could too,” Elsie says sweetly, and Sebastian laughs. “Don’t let him pretend like he wasn’t about to faint on the broom.” Ominis jabs his shoulder with his wand and Sebastian yelps. “Between the two of you, I’ll be bruised from head to toe from all the stabbing and elbowing,” Sebastian says, rubbing his shoulder. “No one asked you to be a prick,” Ominis says, turning to Elsie. “I don’t know why you keep him around, Elsie, surely you could find someone else better to help you with your adventuring.” Elsie hums as she gives Sebastian a playful look. They reach the Great Hall doors, and Sebastian holds the door open with one arm to let them through first. “I’m not sure I can,” Elsie says, and Sebastian sticks his tongue out at Ominis. “You think too highly of him,” Ominis says as they take the far end of the long tables, prompting clean empty plates to pop onto the table in front of them. Sebastian immediately plucks a small bunch of cherries out of the fruit bowl next to the platter of sandwiches and places it right next to Elsie’s plate. “I think of him just fine,” Elsie says, smiling at the cherries and then Sebastian.
***
Despite his smooth session on the broom earlier, Ominis rejects another flying session in favour of homework, and Sebastian agrees that they are overdue for a study session. Elsie sulks, but she comes along to their usual corner in the Defence against Dark Arts tower with her books and parchment in tow. “You do realise that N.E.W.Ts are next year, right?” Ominis says, lifting his wand to peer over the doodles she had chosen to scribble over her parchment instead of working on her ancient runes homework. “I do,” Elsie says. “I just don’t stress about it.” Ominis chuckles, shaking his head. “I suppose not all of us are so naturally gifted to start only in your fifth year,” Ominis says, turning back to his History of Magic essay. “Precisely,” Elsie says, grinning. Sebastian pays them little attention, working on yet another Potions essay for Professor Sharp. A small sigh escapes Elsie when she realises Sebastian and Ominis weren’t falling for her distractions, and Sebastian hides a smile at that. The crinkle of fresh parchment tells Sebastian that she has given into their peer pressure and was finally going to start on her own studies.
They are only two hours in when someone walks up to the table. They all look up, and Sebastian has to hold his scowl in when he sees who it was. Leander stood in front of them, and when Sebastian leans back in his chair, he spies Garreth Weasley looking around the corner at them, failing to look like he just happened to be there. Ominis shifts, reaching for his wand to identify their visitor. “Hello, Leander,” Sebastian says, greeting the Gryffindor only for Ominis’ benefit. “Ah,” Ominis says. “Hello, Leander.” His hand immediately returns to his quill to continue his essay instead. “Sebastian, Ominis,” Leander says coolly, before angling his body to only face Elsie. Sebastian rolls his eyes at his back, going back to the Transfiguration notes he was in the middle of revising.
“Hello Elsie,” Leander says. “Everything alright, Leander?” Elsie asks. “Oh yes, I was just looking for you.” Out of the corner of his eye, Sebastian sees Ominis’ head tilt curiously, inconspicuously listening in. Sebastian would rather pull a mandrake out of its pot than listen to Leander’s snooty voice, but he suspects that’s a personal preference. “What for?” Elsie says. “Well, I know you’re busy right now, but I was hoping that maybe, um,” Leander pauses, running a hand through his hair. “If you could hurry it up, Leander, we’re trying to study here,” Sebastian says nonchalantly, keeping his eyes on his notes. “I’m getting there,” Leander snaps over his shoulder and Sebastian doesn’t bothering responding. “Where was- yes, uh, I was hoping that maybe you’d be free tomorrow? On Sunday.” A foot taps at Sebastian’s shin, and Sebastian pushes back, frowning at Ominis. Ominis nudges back again, more urgently this time, but Sebastian has no idea what’s wrong. Ominis fully kicks him in the shin and Sebastian sucks in a pained breath as Elsie replies to Leander. “Oh, I am, I guess, depending on what you needed me for?” Sebastian looks under the table, trying to locate Ominis’ foot to kick it back.
“Well, would you like to have tea with me in Hogsmeade?” Sebastian’s head snaps back up to look at Leander. Ominis’ panic suddenly makes sense. Ominis sighs audibly. Sebastian would laugh, but Elsie was sending him a frantic look. Leander misinterprets her entirely, looking over at Ominis and Sebastian. “Sorry, I would have asked you in a more private place but,” Leander’s upper lip twitches a bit. “I never seem to find you alone without these two these days.” Elsie smiles at Leander stiffly, before giving Sebastian another look. Sebastian cocks his head at Ominis in question and Elsie shrugs, shaking her head. Sebastian sighs, earning a heated look from Leander, who was now pink in the cheeks and flustered from Elsie’s silence. “Do you mind, Sallow?” Leander grits out. “Maybe you could, I don’t know, leave us alone for the moment? Take a hint?” Sebastian chuckles, and Leander growls at him. “I think you’re the one that needs to take a hint, Leander,” Sebastian says. “Wait-“ Elsie starts, and Leander shushes her tersely, turning towards Sebastian. Elsie gapes at Leander and Ominis stops pretending that he wasn’t listening in on their conversation. Sebastian narrows his eyes.
“Watch yourself, Leander, you’re being rude to the person you’re trying to ask out on a date,” Sebastian says, sitting back in his chair to look Leander in the eye. “Maybe I should put your arrogant arse on to the ground, Sallow. Maybe then you’ll leave us alone,” Leander says, his fists clenching. “If you wish to prove yourself wrong,” Sebastian taunts, sweeping his hands out in front of him. “I will accept the duel.” Elsie makes a noise, shaking her head at Sebastian. “Sebastian,” Ominis says warningly. Sebastian is unconcerned. Sebastian knows Leander was conceited, but he was not stupid. He wouldn’t risk losing a duel in front of Elsie if he was trying to earn her affections. Leander exhales harshly out of his nose, and as expected, backs off. “This is none of your business anyway,” Leander says, turning on his heel to try resume his conversation with Elsie. Sebastian thinks not. “It’s my business that you have the balls to ask Elsie out in front of me, considering she is my girlfriend.”
“What,” Leander says as he spins back around to look at Sebastian. Sebastian crosses his arms, gives him a mocking, pitiful look and Leander looks back to Elsie. “Is he joking?” Leander asks, baffled. Elsie gives him a pained smile. “Sorry, Leander.” Leander sputters, looking back and forth between her and Sebastian. “I can’t believe this,” Leander mutters. He gives Elsie a final look. “Sorry,” he says quickly, before running back to Garreth, pulling his fellow redhead away. Sebastian scoffs at Leander’s retreating figure as Elsie tuts at him.
“You couldn’t have let him down gentler?” she asks, giving him an exasperated look. “He was being an arse anyway,” Sebastian says. She opens her mouth to say something else when Ominis cuts in. “Will someone explain?” he exclaims in annoyance. “When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?” Ominis looks straight at Sebastian and Sebastian puts his hands up. “All I did was listen to your advice for Valentine’s Day,” Sebastian says. Elsie sighs helplessly. “We were going to tell you eventually, Ominis.” Ominis crinkles his nose. “How kind of you, especially after I was the one that encouraged Sebastian.” Elsie giggles. “I did hear.” Sebastian grins. “Technically though, she started it. She kissed me first,” he says. “He didn’t need to know that,” Elsie says, grimacing. “She’s right, I didn’t,” Ominis says, but he’s smiling. “But it does help me win one of my bets with Poppy.”
Sebastian blinks. “Your what?” he says. “You and Poppy,” Elsie says in disbelief. “I cannot believe- I’m going to kill her,” Elsie mutters. “No wonder she- she was pretending like Sebastian definitely would have, no wonder she, oh!” Elsie sighs in frustration. “We had two bets, when you two would get together, and who would make the first move.” Sebastian cannot believe his ears. “Ominis Gaunt,” Sebastian says. “You made bets on your two closest friends.” Ominis shrugs. “You’re despicable,” Sebastian says, laughing. Ominis’ smile has no remorse, and it is a little too happy to be just about winning a bet. “Wait a minute,” Sebastian says, realising something. “You and Poppy.” Elsie inhales sharply. “Wait, wait!” she says. “What do you-“ Ominis shakes his head, his smile falling away. “I do not know what you mean,” Ominis says tartly. “You do!” Sebastian crows, looking at Elsie. “I’ve caught him reading books about magical beasts. And he made a comment about hippogriffs being smart, but Ominis has never been near a single magical beast, because it’s too dangerous with him being blind,” Sebastian says. “Unless-“
“Poppy,” Elsie breathes. “Poppy has been showing you them, hasn’t she?” Ominis picks up his quill, pretending to return to his homework. “I can’t believe this,” Elsie says, looking at Sebastian in delight. “Right under our noses.” Sebastian chuckles, looking at his oldest friend. “Come on now, Ominis, no need to be embarrassed.” Ominis sighs, before putting his quill back down again. “Can we please talk about this somewhere more private?” Sebastian jumps to his feet. “Gladly.”
***
“Oh, Ominis,” Elsie sighs. Sebastian leans against one of the pillars in the Undercroft, watching Ominis pace. “You never know,” Elsie says. “I have thought about this many times, Elsie,” Ominis says, turning towards Elsie. “Even if I was willing to continue this vile bloodline, hiding my ancestry would be futile the moment they discover they are able to speak in Parseltongue. It is genetic, every Gaunt speaks Parseltongue.” Elsie glances at Sebastian, brow furrowed. “You are thinking in too many extremes,” Elsie says, insistently, looking back at Ominis. “And you don’t know if-“
“And if we stay the course, it will break her heart when I cannot give her what she wants.” Ominis says sharply. “Why waste everyone’s time? I don’t want to waste hers.” Sebastian takes a deep breath at the cold sadness in Ominis’ voice. “You already have been spending time with each other,” Sebastian says. “Six months, Ominis, you are telling me that you two have just been pretending there’s nothing more?” Ominis halts in front of him. “Rather rich coming from you,” Ominis says. Sebastian scowls at him. “You know this is an entirely different situation.” Elsie pulls at Sebastian’s arm, giving him a look. “No fighting,” Elsie says, before sighing. “It is true she would not show just anyone the creatures she loves so much, especially not Highwing.” Ominis returns to his pacing. “You two need to give up, I cannot be convinced.” Sebastian meets Elsie’s eyes, tilting his head towards Ominis, nodding. Ominis’ agitation only means that he isn’t truly sure, and Sebastian thinks Elsie will be able to work her magic on him again.
Elsie nods back. “You may find-” Elsie says, biting her lip once before continuing. “I cannot say more unless she tells you herself, but you may find that Poppy will understand what it is like to dislike your family’s legacy.” Ominis’ eyes close as he rubs at his temples. “Give yourself a chance, Ominis,” Elsie says. “If you wish to break away from your family so much, perhaps Poppy will be your answer. She is everything your family isn’t.” Ominis scoffs as he turns around at the end wall to pace back towards them.
“They would hate her. Half-blooded and the granddaughter of a beasts’ researcher? They would rather me be single the rest of my life.” Ominis comes to a halt when he hears himself. Elsie turns to Sebastian, a small smile on her face. She’s cracked him.
***
It is the next day. Sebastian sits with Ominis in the lobby of the Defence tower, and Ominis won’t stop tapping his foot. “You need to calm down,” Sebastian whispers, and Ominis hisses at him wordlessly. “I highly doubt you were any sort of calm when you were giving your flowers to Elsie,” Ominis says. Sebastian winces. “I tried to be as smooth as possible at least,” Sebastian says. “Just- just pretend you are having a normal conversation with her.” Sebastian wishes he paid more attention to how Ominis was whenever they were with Poppy. “I don’t know how you two have convinced me to do this,” Ominis mutters. “I had already convinced myself that I’d just let these feelings go. Even Anne agreed with me that it would be best if I did.” Sebastian’s throat tightens at the mention of his sister. “You told Anne?” Ominis nods. “I needed someone who would, more sensibly, be not so optimistic about my chances, and I knew that you would be far more insistent on me pursuing this.” His choice of words ignites something in Sebastian. “You know that two years ago she would have agreed with me,” Sebastian says. Ominis’ foot stops tapping.
“It’s changed her, Ominis,” Sebastian says, clenching his fists as he tries to keep his calm. Sebastian inhales sharply, before exhaling slowly. “You cannot listen to her.” Ominis doesn’t reply, and Sebastian closes his eyes for a minute. He opens them again, looking over at his friend. Sebastian rests a hand on Ominis’ shoulder. “Sorry,” he says. “Let us focus on the matter at hand.” Sebastian shakes him by the shoulder gently, as encouragement. “Just tell her how you feel, worry about everything else later,” Sebastian says. “We will wait for you in the Transfiguration courtyard to hear the outcome.” Ominis nods, opening his mouth to say something when they hear Elsie.
“Sebastian! Ominis!” Sebastian and Ominis look up. Elsie has her arm linked with Poppy’s as they walk over to them. The plan so far has gone smoothly. Elsie had gone before the sun had even risen, knowing that some days the Hufflepuff liked to wake up impossibly early to disappear into the forest. If they didn’t find her today, Ominis would have lost his nerve. Sebastian watches as Poppy loosens her arm from Elsie, tucking the front of her hair back behind her ears. Poppy’s eyes are fixed on Ominis, and Sebastian does not know how he did not notice it before. He had assumed Poppy always ignored him because she didn’t care for him. He had not considered the possibility that she was too enamoured with Ominis to pay him any mind. The girls come to a stop in front of them.
“Hello Poppy,” Ominis says. His voice is strained, but Poppy doesn’t seem to notice. “Hello Ominis!” she says, cheery as ever. “How have you been?” Sebastian enacts his part of the plan. “Poppy,” Sebastian says, and Poppy jumps. “Oh! Sorry. Hello, Sebastian,” she says as Elsie covers her smile with a hand behind Poppy’s back. “Do you mind if I took Elsie for a moment? I haven’t seen her all day,” Sebastian says, standing and pulling Elsie to him by the hand. “Oh, um, of course! I- I’ll stay with Ominis?” Poppy says, and Sebastian nods. “We might be a while, so feel free to just go off by yourselves,” Sebastian says, winking at Elsie. Poppy looks at Elsie too. Elsie plays the part, punching Sebastian in the arm lightly. “Stop,” she whispers loudly, and Poppy giggles. “Have fun, Elsie,” she says, dropping down on the bench next to Ominis.
“See you later!” Elsie calls as Sebastian drags her away, her other hand waving at Poppy and Ominis as they leave them alone together in the lobby of the Defence tower. They push through the doors to the Transfiguration courtyard. Elsie’s hand twitches in Sebastian’s as they slow down to a stroll. “Stop that,” Sebastian says, amused. “I’m just not used to it,” Elsie says, her eyes still darting around by instinct. There was no use in hiding their relationship anymore, in true Hogwarts fashion, the news got around quick; Elsie told Poppy, Poppy told Adelaide, which somehow lead to every Hufflepuff they knew knowing. Leander or Garreth must have announced it to the entire Gryffindor common room, because Natty sent Elsie a yellow Howler in her excitement, and even Professor Weasley sent them both a note reminding them that while relationships were not forbidden in Hogwarts, she expects both of them to maintain decency and their high grades in their subjects.
“Do you think Ominis will do it?” Elsie asks, and Sebastian frowns. “We’ve got him this far,” Sebastian says. “The rest is really up to him.” Elsie sighs as they settle onto the bench opposite the wyvern fountain. Sebastian lets go of her hand, letting his hands lock together in his lap. “In truth, I did not expect the reasons as to why he was not keen on pursuing the relationship to be so dark,” Elsie says. “He has mentioned it before, years ago when we were talking about family,” Sebastian says, watching the water trickle out of the fountain. “I did not realise then how serious he was, but I know him better now. It is typical of Ominis to have thought this far,” Sebastian says, looking back to Elsie. Elsie shrugs. “I suppose Ominis has always been a cautious person,” Elsie says, kicking her feet across the stone. Sebastian watches her fidget, thinking about what Ominis said about Anne. “He told Anne about Poppy,” Sebastian says. Elsie’s feet slow, but they keep skimming the floor in even motions. “Apparently, she agreed with him. That he shouldn’t bother.” Her feet stop. “Oh,” she says.
“They have always seen eye to eye on many things,” Sebastian says. “But her illness has taken much joy out of her. I was not lying when I said she used to be the most mischievous out of the three of us.” Sebastian sighs. “She has spent the past two years believing there is no way out of her situation, and that- that pessimism has clouded everything it seems,” Sebastian says. “I suppose I was no help,” Sebastian chuckles deprecatingly. “Oh Seb,” Elsie says, her eyebrows furrowing. “It’s alright,” Sebastian says quickly, not wanting to ruin their day with talk of the shadows that still loom dark over his family.
Still, Elsie cups the side of his jaw with her other hand, pulling his face to her. She presses a kiss to his cheek, soft and comforting in its gentleness. Sebastian keeps her hand against his face, pressing his own hand over hers. “Again,” Sebastian whispers, his eyes scanning the quiet courtyard and she doesn’t hesitate. “One more?” Sebastian asks. This time there’s a small pause. “Greedy,” she says before she leans in again. Sebastian turns his head, quick as a flash, and he kisses her on the lips just as quickly. “Extremely so,” he says with a devilish smile. Elsie shoves his face away, laughing.
***
The doors to the Defence tower burst open, and Poppy comes running out. “Elsie!” she calls, running to them. Sebastian watches in amusement as Ominis follows behind, more slowly, dodging the swinging doors. “I can’t believe you!” Poppy says accusingly, grabbing Elsie by the arms and pulling her to her feet. “I can’t believe you,” Elsie says. “Taking bets on me and Sebastian.” Poppy giggles. “I suppose this is payback,” Poppy says. She looks to Sebastian. “I am sorry, if you are upset,” she says, even though her tone suggests she has no shame about it at all. “It is alright,” Sebastian says. “If anything, I am more upset at myself for not noticing you two sooner.” Poppy’s smile turns sly, and Sebastian suddenly wonders if the Hufflepuff was ever as innocent as she seemed. “Well, you were too busy staring at Elsie like a-“ Sebastian holds up his hands, cutting her off with a grimace. “Yes, I know. Please don’t ever say that out loud.” Elsie laughs as she looks over Poppy’s shoulder at the approaching Ominis. “I assume Ominis was successful?” Poppy blushes. “Oh, yes,” she whispers, and Elsie squeals like Sebastian has never seen before. Poppy giggles at Elsie’s excitement, giving Sebastian a shy smile. Ominis finally catches up, and Sebastian pats the space next to him on the bench for Ominis to sit.
“Hello, Ominis,” Sebastian says, unable to hide the smugness in his voice. “Sebastian,” Ominis says, entirely too coolly for how nervous he was earlier. His face has been smoothed over into his usual neutral expression, and Sebastian doesn’t think that is right. “You are blushing,” Sebastian teases and Ominis’ shoulders stiffen. “I am not, you are lying,” Ominis says. Sebastian hums, disappointed that he didn’t take the bait. He looks over at the girls as they titter and giggle with each other. Poppy’s eyes won’t stop coming back to Ominis even as she speaks to Elise. Sebastian leans towards Ominis, keeping his voice low. “If you could see the smile on her face, you would be,” he says, and Ominis finally smiles, his face relaxing into a softness that Sebastian has seen him reserve only for the best of times. “I don’t need to. I can hear it.”
***
“They are adorable,” Elsie sighs down to Sebastian. Sebastian looks up from where he was crouched next to her, packing away the remains of the picnic they just had. They were at the lawns just outside of the beasts classroom, lying in clear view of the penned animals. Elsie was stood just in front of him. “Look!” Elsie says, pointing. Poppy and Ominis were squatting in front of a puffskein, and Poppy was guiding Ominis’ hand with her own, stroking the puffskein. “I can see,” Sebastian says, amused. “What?” Elsie says, and Sebastian shakes his head. “You love that they are together,” Sebastian says and Elsie smiles. “I do.” Sebastian goes back to arranging the leftover sandwiches and fruit into stacks in the picnic basket. “Why?” Elsie bends down to pick a strawberry up from the last of the fruit, and Sebastian watches proudly as she bites into it without hesitation.
“I always felt like Ominis talked about himself like he was all alone in the world, even though he had you and Anne,” Elsie says, straightening back up to watch them move onto the kneazles’ pen. “And his childhood was so painful, and it’s clear he’s never quite shaken it off,” Elsie crosses her arms, her half-eaten strawberry dangling from her fingers. “Poppy had a rough childhood too, in a different way,” Elsie says quietly. “But she’s come out of it stronger and happier.” Poppy’s laughter carries over the wind towards them. “As you can tell,” Elsie says with a smile as she finishes the strawberry. Sebastian nods, still curious about Poppy’s history that Elsie constantly alludes to. It was Poppy’s story to tell, she had said, and Sebastian can respect that. Sebastian looks over at the sound of Ominis chuckling. A kneazle was snuffling his hand for more treats, and Poppy was watching on fondly. “I feel like maybe a bit of love will help him,” Elsie says, and Sebastian raises his eyebrow at her as he moves to stand next to her. “Love?”
“Is it not the hope of every relationship to grow into love?” Elsie says, her gaze coming up to meet Sebastian’s own. She was no longer just talking about Ominis and Poppy. The look in her eyes is shy and uncertain, and Sebastian understands what she is asking. Sebastian steps closer, sliding a hand onto the small of Elsie’s back as he glances down at the necklace that sits over the front of her blouse. He kisses her once. “May we be so lucky,” Sebastian murmurs, before pressing another kiss to her lips. Her hands come up to grab onto the front of his waist coat, holding him to her. Sebastian smiles into the kiss when she angles her head just so, locking their lips together just so, and suddenly he can taste the strawberry she just had. “Aww!” They are pried apart by Poppy’s teasing yell, and they look over to see Poppy and Ominis coming towards them. Sebastian steps away from Elsie in embarrassment as she covers her mouth with a hand.
Sebastian forgets his embarrassment when he realises Ominis was walking freely without his wand. Poppy was holding the hand that usually held his wand, and she was the one guiding him over to them instead of his wand. “Should I be glad that I cannot see whatever is going on?” Ominis says wryly, and Poppy giggles. “Maybe,” she says. “Disgusting,” Ominis says and Poppy gasps. “No, it’s cute,” she says and Ominis shakes his head, the hint of a smile on his face. “Disgusting,” Ominis repeats, and Elsie laughs when Poppy smacks him in the shoulder. “Shall we go?” Elsie says, and Poppy nods, letting go of Ominis to walk ahead with Elsie. Sebastian picks up the basket as Ominis takes out his wand. “Would you like me to hold your hand instead, Ominis?” Sebastian asks with a grin. Ominis snorts. “I’ll pass.”
They walk in silence, following the girls as they walk back through the field. Everything around them was bathed in the blazing light of the sun as it begins to set on the horizon behind them. Sebastian watches how Ominis smiles when he hears Poppy’s laugh as she chats with Elsie. “How does it feel?” Sebastian asks. Ominis knows what he is asking. “Surreal,” Ominis says, his voice soft. “It has only been two weeks, but it is terrifying how quickly she has become-“ Ominis falters, his grip on his wand tightening. “I do not know how to describe it.”
Sebastian looks at Elsie, her entire body illuminated by the rays of the sunset. Her usually ashy brown hair looked like it was a fiery red, and her skin looked like it was golden. She looks back, as if she sensed him looking. Her eyes are a molten amber in this golden light, and they seem to glow even brighter when they find him. He thinks of what she said earlier.
“I understand,” Sebastian says.