Author's Note: Hello! Sorry for not updating more frequently or more consistently. Anyway, welcome to chapter 5! This one is a bit shorter, but I'll make it up to you, I promise! Anyway, enough from me, I hope you enjoy! No characters belong to me, all rights belong to Warner Bros. Happy reading!
When the boys returned, neither Sirona or Henry remarked on their prolonged absence, nor on their obvious puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. Instead, Henry beckoned both boys over to the bedside table, where there were several potion bottles arranged in neat rows.
"Now," he said, his tone entirely business-like. "These are the potions and remedies Vivienne needs to take daily. Once she wakes, she will need to drink this Blood-Replenishing Potion-"he held up a bottle filled with a dark red liquid.
"This Bone-Repair solution-"here he held up a bottle that was periwinkle blue in color. "Wiggenwelds, of course for pain, and this Sleeping Draft, at night for sleep." He pointed to the green Wiggenwelds and the purple sleeping potion in turn.
"Now remember, she is still very weak, so don't expect her to be up and about for at least a few days, after she regains consciousness."
"When will she wake up?" Sebastian asked, sounding worried. Henry patted his shoulder. "Not to fret. She will wake soon, once her body catches up with her. Now, once she is up and moving, small walks are encouraged. But don't overdo it."
"Will she be alright to return to school once term starts?" Ominis asked. Henry took his time to answer, twirling his moustache. "Well, that is entirely up to her, but I don't see why she wouldn't be able to. So long as she paces herself and checks in with the school's nurse now and again, she should be fine. Is Nurse Blainey still there?" At their nod, Henry smiled.
"Good. Perhaps if she knows about her condition, she might be able to help. "Um…" Sebastian started, unsure of how to phrase his next words. It wasn't that he didn't trust Nurse Blainey, but rather he felt that the fewer who knew about Vivienne's circumstances, the better.
Sirona, having correctly interpreted Sebastian's worries, spoke up. "I can talk to Professor Weasley and have her speak to the nurse directly. I won't go into any specifics," she added, seeing as both Sebastian and Ominis were about to protest, "I will merely state that Vivienne had an accident during the holidays, and just needs occasional checkups. Fair enough?" Sebastian looked at Ominis, who seemed to ponder her words carefully. At his nod, Sebastian followed suit.
Henry nodded approvingly. "Glad were on the same page. Now, I've left you enough supply of potions to last the week. Tell Sirona to send me an owl, and I shall send more. I am confident that she will make a full recovery, so long as she takes her potions, and gets plenty of rest, and… love."
"What!?" Sebastian and Ominis said in unison. Henry gave them a knowing smile. "They really were rather clueless, weren't they?" He thought.
"I'm going to let you in on an old Healer secret," he said, placing one hand each on Sebastian and Ominis's shoulders. "Potions and spells can only go so far when it comes to healing. We find that in dealing with magical injuries, particularly ones involving the Dark Arts, the best remedy is simply… love. There is no magic more powerful. And from what I have witnessed tonight, the two of you love her very much. She is lucky to have you both." Sebastian and Ominis both nodded, understanding his meaning.
With another smile, he straightened up and went to grab his carpet bag.
"Well then, I must be off. I'm going to go home and get some shut eye. I suggest you do the same. Healer's orders." Henry said, chuckling at his own joke. Sirona showed him out, and when she returned, she waved her wand and two comfortable looking camp beds appeared, complete with squishy pillows and soft-looking blankets.
"Thought it would be better than trying to get you into your own rooms." She said. Ominis and Sebastian both smiled. Sirona knew them well. "Well, I myself am going to heed Henry's advice and turn in. I think I'll open later today, after lunch." She pointed her wand at Sebastian in a playfully threatening manner.
"And you my boy, have the rest of the week off." Sebastian looked as if he were about to protest, but Sirona cut in "No, you are needed here much more than in my kitchen. Don't worry, you will still have your wages."
This time Sebastian couldn't help but blurt out "But- if I haven't done the work, then shouldn't I no be-" "It's my pub, and I shall decide when and how my employees are paid." Sirona said, hands on her hips. "Now, goodnight boys. Let me know when she wakes; I'll make something special." And with that, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Rather than going to bed however, both boys simultaneously took their spots again by their sleeping friend. Vivienne stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. She sighed in her sleep, which ended in a loud snort. Ominis had to clasp his hand over his mouth to muffle his giggle.
"Merlin's beard, that was…" "Adorable." Sebastian finished, chortling softly. "I cant wait to tease her about it."
"You know she'd have your head on a platter if you did." Ominis said, reaching out and brushing a stray curl from her face. Sebastian hummed in agreement. For a moment they said nothing, just simply watched her sleep; Or in Ominis's case, listened to her deep breathing.
"You know, I don't think I've ever been more terrified and relieved, all within the same day." Ominis said suddenly. Sebastian couldn't help but agree. "When you said she wasn't breathing, I… I felt like the entire world had come crashing down. Have you any idea what happened?" Ominis shook his head.
"No, one minute I could hear her, struggling to breathe, struggling to get to you, and the next…nothing. I have to rely on my hearing, so when all I heard was the two of you dueling… I panicked. I don't know how she was able to come back to us, but I am forever grateful she did."
Ominis was now lightly stroking her face, her hair, her hands. To some, it might look suggestive, but Sebastian knew better; this was how Ominis saw the world. And though he couldn't see her, he could still imagine how she looked. Seeing him do this brought Henry's earlier words to mind, and Sebastian couldn't help himself:
"You love her." It wasn't a question. It wasn't an accusation. It was a pure, simple fact. Ominis looked startled, but he responded, nonetheless.
"I do love her, as an older brother would." Sebastian looked skeptical but said nothing. Ominis scoffed. "I know you have that look on your face, but it's true. There are many different types of love; mine is nowhere near romantic." Sebastian nodded, though he couldn't see it.
"And you?" Ominis asked. Sebastian locked eyes with his best friend, unsure of what to say. Taking his silence as a refusal, Ominis narrowed his eyes. "I know you do Sebastian. I hear the way you speak to her, and it seems everyone can see it but you. Especially after tonight's events, I have a hard time believing that you don't."
Sebastian sighed. "I…I do. I'm in love her. I've been in love with her for months. But after everything that's happened.. I'm just worried…" "What, that she doesn't feel the same?" Ominis asked. Sebastian shook his head.
"No, not really. I worry that she does. But then someone better comes along, someone who deserves her, and can give her everything she could ever want. Someone who would take her away from me." This time it was Ominis who shook his head, but his smile was kind.
"I don't believe that would happen. With everything that happened last term, I don't think there is a single soul who could replace you in her heart. Besides," He looked down at his hands now resting on his lap. "If she didn't love you, I highly doubt she would have taken the Cruciatus Curse instead of you."
At his mention of that, Sebastian's heart lurched. "Do…do you think…" here he paused, clearing his throat. "Do you think I may have caused her damage…when I…" "Oh, Merlin's Beard no!" Ominis declared, his silvery eyes wide.
"Sebastian, you used it once on her. Once. And you didn't want to. But it had to be done, according to you. Damage like this…this happens when the curse is used multiple times, over an extended period of time."
"Still…I feel… so guilty about it. For it to work, I had to mean it. I had to want to hurt her. I had to steel myself, use all my willpower in that moment. When it was over, I was disgusted with myself. I still am. How, in all the world, could she possibly love me, let alone like me?"
Ominis shrugged. "You'll just have to ask her that yourself, my friend." Sebastian sighed. "How…do I even bring it up? I doubt she's going to want a love confession laid at her feet after everything she's been through."
"Well, I would hope not!" Ominis said, looking scandalized. "She needs to recover first, you git! Ease your way back into her heart. Take the time while she's here recovering to apologize, and try to show her the Sebastian that wants to love her. Then, you can tell her."
Sebastian nodded. He suddenly heaved a huge yawn. He was exhausted, but there was still one thing buzzing about in the back of his mind.
"So, you say your feelings for Vivienne…are entirely platonic?" He asked. Ominis fixed him with a cold stare. "Yes. How many times do I have to say it? I love her, yes. But I am not in love with her. There is a difference." Sebastian believed him. Ominis wouldn't lie to him to spare his feelings. Far from it. However …
"Well, since were prying into each other's love lives, is there a special lady who has caught your…ear?" He grinned at his word play, but Ominis merely pursed his lips.
"Cute, Sallow. Very cute. And since we're being honest…" Ominis took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "No, there isn't a special lady. My romantic interests in partners lie…elsewhere." Sebastian nodded, but then the meaning behind his words sunk in, and his eyes widened.
"Oh."
"Yes."
"I see."
There was a beat of silence as Sebastian digested this new information. Sebastian looked at Ominis, who suddenly was looking very self-conscious. He smiled, knowing it would change nothing about their friendship.
"Well then," he said, causing Ominis to look up at him. "Is there a special…fellow you have set your heart upon?" Ominis stared at him for a moment, then let out a breathy laugh.
"Well, yes. There is, in fact. But…" "What?" Sebastian pressed. He had never seen Ominis quite like this, nervous and flustered. It was a sight to behold. He wouldn't tease him now, but he stored it away for later.
"But… I'm afraid it is impossible. You see," Ominis looked straight into Sebastian's eyes, a wistful smile gracing his features. "He is already in love. He fell in love with a girl he met last year, a girl who has helped him through his darkest times; and I am certain she is in love with him too. It only took him until very, very recently to realize it."
Sebastian looked confused, and Ominis wished now more than ever that he could see the expression on his face. All at once, the realization dawned on the freckled boy, and his cheeks turned a brilliant pink.
"Oh."
"Yes."
"I…I see."
"That you do."
Sebastian was…dumbfounded. He… really didn't know what to say. But still, the words came tumbling out anyway.
"Ominis, I'm sorry…" the boy in question merely waved his hand, dismissing his apologies. "Don't be, please. I had come to terms with my feelings ages ago, before you even met Vivienne. Trust me, its more of a relief now that you know."
"Well… thank you, then." Ominis raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?" "Nothing, it's just that…I'm flattered."
"Your…flattered?" Ominis repeated. "Your best friend tells you he has feelings for you, despite knowing they are unrequited, and you say that?"
"Well, I am rather charming…" Sebastian said, and Ominis rolled his eyes. "Your impossible, is more like it, Sallow."
"Ah, but you love me." Sebastian quipped, unable to keep the humor out of his voice. Ominis simply pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation, his face now a brilliant red. "Oh, God dammit…" He muttered. Sebastian snickered. Yes, nothing at all would change in their friendship, he knew.
"So, when do you think you'll tell Vivienne?" He asked. "She already knows." Ominis replied.
"WHAT?!" Sebastian yelled. "Shhh! You'll wake her!" Ominis hissed. But it wasn't necessary. The Sleeping Draft was still affecting her, for Vivienne only seem to adjust her head upon the pillow before settling down again.
Sebastian crossed his arms over his chest, annoyed. "How the devil did she get to know before me, your best friend? Especially since I am the target of your affections. You wound me, Ominis. You truly wound me." Ominis merely rolled his eyes again.
"Oh, stop being so melodramatic. I didn't so much as tell Vivienne; she figured it out on her own and confronted me." "And she didn't think to tell me about it?" Sebastian retorted. Ominis crossed his arms too, looking unamused.
"She respected my privacy on the matter. At the time, I wasn't ready to tell anyone. And she agreed to keep my secret. Still haven't the faintest idea how she worked it out though…" Ominis said, frowning down at Vivienne.
Sebastian shook his head, also looking down at the girl between them. "She really is something, isn't she?" Ominis hummed in agreement. "She most definitely is." He stood then, bending briefly to place a soft kiss on Vivienne's forehead.
"I think its time we both turned in. Ill stay for awhile to make sure she's settled before heading back home, if that's alright." "Course it is." Sebastian said, standing and stretching his arms overhead. "I feel like I could sleep for a week." he said through an enormous yawn. Ominis yawned as well, and he sleepily made his way to his cot.
"Well then. Goodnight Sebastian. Sleep well." "Yeah, you too Omi." Sebastian said. He went to go extinguish all the lamps, allowing the room to be cast in the peaceful, dim glow of early morning. He then returned to Vivienne, and gently caressed her cheek.
"Sleep well. Wake up soon Viv." He then went to his own cot, and laid down facing her, to keep her in his sights. He got comfortable and let his eyes drift closed, the soft, rhythmic breathing of his two companions lulling him to sleep.
Author's Note: And... Ominis dropped the mic. Or in this case, wand. Anywho, I do hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'm hoping to update again sometime this week. Happy reading, and I'll see you soon!