CHAPTER 30 - A DIFFERENT LIGHT

Monday morning came faster than appreciated. Even when Light felt like the night was unending, it wasn't long enough. He didn't sleep a single second. He spent the night wrapped in his cocoon of negative emotions and when the rays of morning sun started shining to his room, he wasn't feeling any better than the evening before. But even so, he stood up, he cleaned his room and he took a long shower. He still had enough sense of self-preservation to know that locking himself in his room for longer than necessary would be like screaming for help. And he didn't need any. He never needed any help.

He was kinda surprised none of the professors came for him yesterday to question him about what happened. He was not sure what to think about it. Surely they must have known it was his doing. It was possible they were just waiting for him to come and confess. Which would happen if he had done something wrong. But… he was not going to confess to something he didn't do on purpose. To something he couldn't control. Because it was not his fault. It was fault of his stupid school mates and Lawliet.

Yes… that bastard has the biggest part. Light thought when he was conjuring a seventh layer of makeup on his cry-puffed eyes. He examined himself in the mirror again. He looked almost perfect. If it wasn't for the sadness he saw in his own eyes, everything would be alright.

"Pull together! You can do this! You are a great actor! You can deceive them all!" Light told the reflection and headed out of his room. In his mind, a plan was already formed. He was about to act like nothing happened, like it was all just an accident. And if some of the teachers ask him, he will play the victim. Which he was. His folder will simply remain stainless as it always has. And his power will be uncorrupted. He will forget about everything that happened. He will quit his lessons with Lawliet and be back on his own feet. Because that's how he was strongest.

Watari was sitting in a guest chair in the headmaster's office. It was early morning and the place was still empty. Roger didn't come back from yesterday's trip at night as planned, which gave Watari more time to deal with the situation. Not that he really needed that time - the moment L left the castle, the old man knew what he was about to do. There were many who were somehow in debt to L and many would be willing to cover for him. And covering for L in this case meant... covering for Light Yagami.

The old man couldn't help but shake his head in this situation. He was not sure if L was so blind or so deep in denial but he was acting like he was the boy's alpha. But L's obvious need to protect this omega wasn't the worst. The worst was the situation the young Yagami found himself in. He possessed more power than anyone knew. And that power was ignited by fear. It was not unprecedented. Watari saw many cases like that in his life. Young wizards who discovered great power within themselves and were fastly turning the wrong direction. Those who wanted to use it right but were not able to tame it. Or those who were only able to access it in fear or anger which lead to outbursts of destruction.

L used to be one of them.

When Watari took him in, the boy was instantly ready to attack and his power was as strong as Watari's own. If he made a single mistake back then, L could have easily turned against him and corrupt completely. The old man always considered it very lucky, how L turned out in the end.

Not that the dark haired alpha was a saint. God knows he is very far from that. Watari thought and literally felt a headache starting. But he also couldn't help but smile when thinking about his protegé and all the things they were through together: But no matter how much trouble he causes, he has always cleans his mess in the end.

Not everyone from Watari's dear children ended up as well as L. For example Beyond Birthday. A boy with a dark past and even darker future. Watari never understood where he made a mistake with the red eyed beta. He doubted he would ever find out.

With A it was different. The omega was shy, but determined and a hard worker. Alec was one of a few people who were able to catch up with L and B on a mental level but also to mitigate their eccentricism. After his death, his pretended death, neither of the boys were the same. But why Alec decided to do something so extreme like faking his death, was out of Watari's understanding.

But all these kids, all these creatures Watari and other people in the orphanage were trying to save had one incommon. They were mistreated orphans. Kids who never knew parental love. Or those who suffered a great trauma. That's why Watari was shocked to find young Light Yagami in a similar situation - full of negative dark energy. Because the boy came out of a loving family. And this, Watari knew for sure! He knew chief detective Yagami and met his muggle wife a few times. They were supportive of both their kids and they were very proud of them. So it was really a mystery how young Light got himself into a situation like this. According to every teacher, the boy was perfect in every way. Watari himself couldn't think about anything he would hold against him. His performance at school, his out-of-school activities, his looks and attitude. The only problem the boy seemed to have was DADA, which Watari originally thought was L's fault. But L obviously found a problem much deeper in the young omega.

Just how strong the trauma of becoming an omega must have been for him, to accumulate so much dark magic inside him? The old man asked himself and put his spectacles higher on his nose.

It was true that being an omega in Wizarding World must have been hard. Especially for someone so smart and talented as Light Yagami. Even when the situation of Omegas was improving fast during the last 30 years, it was still far from equal to alphas or betas. And Light with his performance and talent was able to become a concurrence to any alpha or beta.

If… only if he will be able to overcome the situation he is in now. He thought and looked up at the headmaster's chair. Roger was about to come back any minute now. Watari needed to make a decision. He needed to decide how big part of a truth he would tell to his colleague and official boss. If he will cover for L and Light completely, as L asked him, and risk that L will not be able to handle the boy or… he will tell Roger the truth and they will take some precautions. That was the real question that he had only minutes to decide.

On his way to the great hall Light met a few schoolmates and they were still sending strange glances towards him. But he decided to ignore it. It wasn't that much different from the time he first presented as an omega. They were all looking his way and whispering back then too. He also bumped into Misa and Sayu who were both bombarding him with questions and were obviously very concerned about his well being. But Light was not in a mood to deal with them. He managed to persuade them he was alright, just tired and he dismissed them both.

In the great hall, he pretended to be reading a book while eating, so no one would try to sit with him and make conversation. But that didn't really work, because after a few minutes he heard a familiar voice behind him saying: "Hello…"

Light turned around to see Mikami. He was not really surprised about that but decided to act surprised: "mmph… Hi."

"Can I have breakfast with you?" The alpha asked and Light felt several pairs of eyes on them. He needed to act normal. He didn't do anything wrong. And talking to Mikami, who was a part of his life before Lawliet, might be beneficial at the moment. He decided to be his sweetest self even when there was a voice in the back of Light's mind whispering that talking to Mikami was a bad idea.

"Ofcourse!" Light said and smiled.

The alpha seated himself next to Light, so close, they were practically joined at the hip. Light felt a quick wave of panic, but managed to suppress it. This was not a time to back off, especially, when he needed Mikami on his side.

"Are you alright?" Mikami asked.

"Of course." Light smiled and looked into the alpha's eyes, giving him his cutest smile. It obviously worked well, because Mikami's breathing quickened.

"Good…" the alpha started "I… just wanted to be sure."

"That's really nice of you. But there is no need to worry. Some stupid rumor and one idiotic teacher won't break me." Light said with his best acting skills, but he felt a sting of pain in his chest. Because the truth was, that stupid rumor and idiotic teacher ruined him completely.

Mikami looked at Light suspiciously, but the omega looked completely calm and self-conscious as ever: "I know you are strong, Light. You are probably the strongest wizard I know…"

Light knew exactly what Mikami was hitting at. The hourglasses. The explosion. But he was not ready to talk about that. Not yet. Nor ever. He quickly changed the topic:

"It makes me happy you are talking to me again. I was sad for the past two weeks… because I made you mad…" Light said and he bowed his head slightly in submission.

That seemed to work even better on Mikami. His eyes widened and he suddenly started to stutter: "I am sorry… I just… I guess my alpha ego couldn't stand being rejected. I needed a little time to get over it…"

Light smirked internally but on the outside looked like a perfect humble omega: "No, it was my fault. I was sending mixed signals. I am sorry."

It must have sounded honest to Mikami's ears, but Light was in his utmost mood of manipulation. He wasn't doing this often but right now it made him feel good. It made him feel like he was the one in control again.

"So… about our date…" Mikami started: "I hope it's still on?"

Light smiled sweetly at him and nodded. But inside he was laughing as a lunatic. Even when he didn't say he was interested in trying again, Mikami understood it that way. Which was exactly what Light wanted. He needed to use someone to make him feel good and give him his attention. Which was exactly what Lawliet denied him.

"If it's alright with you..." Light whispered shyly while averting his eyes. But he also made the show of licking his lips and he knew Mikami was practically eating him with his eyes. He was under his spell and Light was very aware of that.

"This Sunday?" Mikami asked and his eyes were fixed on Light's wet lips.

Light leaned closer and whispered: "I have Quidditch training in the morning, but in the afternoon… I am all yours."

Mikami took in a sharp breath and his spine narrowed as the air filled his lungs. He looked very proud of himself. The omega in the back of Light's mind offered him a picture of a colorful peacock, but Light ignored it.

"Then it's settled." The alpha said and Light gave him another shy smile. Before he could say something more, headmaster Ruvie appeared in front of the hall and demanded their attention. The hall fastly fell silent, as the headmaster started speaking:

"Regarding the events of yesterday, I am obligated to inform you I am truly disappointed that so many students of this school are involved in spreading rumors. I am not going to repeat the words that appeared yesterday in the evaluation notebook of Ravenclaw house, but I promise you, when we find the author of the inscription, they will face a punishment."

The headmaster made a pregnant pause and watched how many faces in the hall suddenly looked guilty. There was a dead silence in the hall so he continued: "I believe that all the students who misbehaved were already punished in the entrance hall, so there will not be any additional detentions this time."

Light frowned. Does it mean they are alright with me punishing them? He asked himself, but the headmaster continued his speech:

"Also, to prevent any additional rumors and speculations I must inform you, that the one who punished you by breaking the hourglasses was the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw, who got very angry about the disgrace of her family house."

That statement started a wave of whispering. Students seemed to be surprised by that but definitely not more than Light. He couldn't imagine why someone would choose to lie in his favor. They must have known it was him. And there was no way the Gray Lady would take it on herself by her own free will. So whoever was investigating what happened, fabricated this lie to cover for Light.

Could it be Lawliet? Does he feel guilty? Light thought and felt a wave of hope rising inside him. But he also felt Mikami shifting uncomfortably next to him.

He definitely knows it is a lie. He was right there. Light didn't turn to face Mikami and rather listened to what the headmaster had to say:

"I count on your consciousness and believe that other events of this nature will NOT reoccur." The headmaster took a look over the silent hall. "Good. I am pleased I've made my point. Now one last matter to be settled: Classes of Defence against the dark arts of 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th year are cancelled until further notice due to the absence of professor Lawliet."

There were a few shocked sighs and sharp inhales in the hall. But the headmaster continued: "The 1st, 2nd and 3rd years will get a substitute teacher. That's all. You are dismissed."

With that, the headmaster headed away and the hall came alive with voices. Everyone was talking about what just happened and Light didn't have any time to sort his thoughts, because someone spoke to him: "Light, could you please follow me?"

Light turned around to find himself under the watchful eye of professor Wammy. He was surprised by that, because for a moment he felt sweet relief. He thought he was out of trouble. But by the look the old man gave him, he understood he wasn't.

"Of course, professor." Light said, as calmly as he could and stood up. He shot Mikami an apologetic look and followed the professor out of the great hall.

Watari took Light to a nearby empty classroom and conjured Muffliato around them. He was not sure what direction the discussion would take, but it would be better not to get overheard. Either the topic will be yesterday's situation or L's instructions. It was up to Light to decide how much he would open himself. Watari decided to follow L's instructions and not to push the boy anywhere. He will just follow the official version of the story, unless Light himself will decide otherwise.

"Light, I was asked to give you this." The old professor started and took a letter out of his pocket.

Light was surprised. He expected a lot of things, but this was not one of them. He had a pretty good idea who the letter was from but had no idea why he chose professor Wammy to deliver it. Did Lawliet believe I wouldn't read it, if he sent it with an owl? Would he be right? Light was asking himself when he hesitantly took the letter from the old man.

"I must insist that you read it immediately. The matter is pressing and I need your answer."

Light frowned. He didn't know what this was about and it made him feel uneasy. He quickly unwrapped the latter and started reading:

Light,

I am sorry but I have to cancel our lessons this week. I'll be out on a private matter. But I feel like I can't leave without an apology and explanation. I am sorry I yelled at you and kicked you out yesterday. I was in the middle of something important and I wasn't aware of the situation. But you didn't deserve that kind of treatment and I do apologize.

I am also sorry getting the points you deserve caused you trouble. But just so you know, I was giving you those points during the last two months in small numbers. It was not a sudden decision. If you don't believe me, I can show you my evaluation notebook when I come back.

I have a favor to ask. I want you to teach the first three years of DADA while I am gone. Older years can handle a little pause but youngsters need constant attention. I also believe it could help you overcome your problems especially, when working with 3rd year students. There are a few newly presented omegas who you could help and I believe they might help you in a few things in return.

All the materials will be ready for you in the DADA classroom and all your missed lessons will be excused. If you don't feel like doing it alone, you can pick an assistant. I would recommend miss Amane. You too seem like a good team.

I know that teaching is not something you wanna do, so if you don't feel like doing it, don't force yourself. Professor Wammy will find another substitute.

See you soon,

L Lawliet

PS: Rumors are just rumors. They do not define who we are. Unless we let them.

Light's mind went blank for a few seconds. He felt a wave of relief going through his whole being. If professor Wammy wasn't in the room with him, he would probably sink down on the floor and let out a few tears of happiness. Because that's what he suddenly felt - happiness. It flooded him from the very core and he couldn't understand why.

Why? Why? Why? Just because he apologized? Or because he showed that he cares? God, why? Light was asking himself for a moment and suddenly he started feeling guilty. He realized that he bursted into his professor's office and started screaming at him without stating his reasons calmly and reasonably. At that moment, he thought he was in the right but… now that he faced an apology from the man, he realized he probably wasn't. He just violated his professor's private space and demanded his attention like it was something he automatically should have had.

No wonder he kicked me out… I acted like a complete bitch! Light suddenly saw the event from a completely different light. From the relief he felt he went to the state of complete guilt. He started realizing that Lawliet's cabinet was a mess of floating papers and the man was obviously in the middle of something. But Light didn't see it at the moment. He was just too pissed to think clearly.

But that doesn't pardon him. Light's mind offered: He should have asked me what happened. He should have shown some interest.

Watari watched the young Yagami reading the letter. A few strong emotions appeared on his face. Confusion first, then relief, happiness and at the last, guilt. The old man was surprised to see these sentiments on Light's face. The boy was usually stoic. But one letter from L and his facade cracked within seconds. Even when he made an effort to put his normal expression on, Watari knew the boy was full of emotions. For the first time, Light Yagami really looked like a teenager. It softened Watari a bit but it also made him worried. Because by what he just saw, Light reacted towards L as strongly as L reacted towards Light.

Watari found himself conflicted. On one hand, it was a good thing, because it meant Light was able to react truly towards someone and if that someone was L, there was a high chance he would be able to help him. But on the other hand… if Watari was right and feelings of a romantic nature were already growing between them, it could end up a disaster in many ways.

"I…" Watari heard Light saying and he saw that the boy was struggling with what to do.

"You don't have to do it, of course." Watari started and wanted to bring Light back to unemotive way of thinking: "You can surely imagine it will be like adding fuel to fire. There will be even more rumors and I am sure you already have enough on your shoulders."

Light opened and closed his mouth: "But then… Why is professor Lawliet doing this? Why is he putting choices like this on me when he knows how many problems his decisions have already brought?"

The old man couldn't help but smirk at Light's reaction. For once it seemed that Light spoke before he gave it a thought. But maybe it was a good thing. Light really looked like he needed an excursion to L's mind: "Light, let me ask you a question… Why are you part of The movements for omegan rights?"

Light frowned, he didn't realize immediately what the old man was up to, so he answered: "Because I want omegas to have equal opportunities! I want us to have the same rights as alphas or…" Light stopped before he could finish the sentence. He again realized one thing: If he got 320 as an alpha there would be no problem. Everyone would lay by his feet and worship him. It would be natural that he would become Lawliet's right hand and he could teach instead of him when he was not present. So if Lawliet decided not to give him his points because he was an omega, it would be a discrimination.

But still… getting so many points is ridiculous… Light thought and he was in a fight with himself.

"I must admit that I do not agree with L's methods on many occasions. He should have told you about those points first." Watari started when he saw Light thinking. The young man surely must have understood L's way of thinking at that point. "But L was never the one to care about rumors. If he feels like you are the best he will let you and anyone else know about it."

He thinks I am the best?! Light felt his omegan heart jumping happily in his chest. Part of him started seeing that the man was actually supporting him and his ideals more than he was letting out on the first sight. He was quirky, he was having sexistic notes and often made Light feel uncomfortable but… when it came to actions…

No… No, I can't just let it be! I won't come back to him when he whistles! I don't care how he meant it! He had done it all the wrong way! Light's rational part of mind was still in the lead. He was hurt and there was no rational reason for him to take the job! He had already decided he would cut his connection with Lawliet completely! But even when all these negative feelings were in the lead, he wanted to take the offer. He wanted to talk to Lawliet again. He wanted to work with him and be close to him. He wanted to do the job and make an impression on his alpha.

No! No! No! He is not my alpha… and I can't take it! Damn it, I can't! Even if I want to, I could do something to those kids! I just can't risk that!

Watari saw Light was deeply conflicted. There was a high probability the boy would turn down the offer. He was obviously afraid. Afraid of rumors, afraid about his reputation but probably also afraid of the power he possessed. And that was exactly what L wanted to avoid.

Watari knew he shouldn't be doing this. He had already done enough by covering for Light, but he felt like he would fail if the boy didn't say yes. So he decided to say the dangerous truth:

"But most importantly…" the old man started again: "... L trusts you."

Hi guys,

I am sorry it took me so long to update, but life has been crazy recently. I probably won't be back to regular updates sooner than August - there are many things going on. But I miss writing our idiots and I miss all of you! Hope you are having an amazing summer!

Love, J.