In the Shadow of Love // Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 40 - Avoidance

The cool air on my face felt refreshing while the sun warmed my skin. The phoenix soared across the sky while two nifflers were playing nearby with some gold galleons I had given them to keep them away from my jewellery.

I felt at peace. There was something comforting about the fact that here, no one would find me. No one else knew of my room of requirement and my vivariums, I had mentioned it to Ominis once but he had no idea how to get in.

I wouldn't be bothered, I was in my own little world, free to have some space and time to think. Not even Deek was around. It was bliss.

I had no plans on coming out soon, even if I was missing classes. I didn't want to face Sebastian with the image of his arms around another girl, his tender kiss on her head and the way he looked at her.

Really I had no need to be jealous, upset or angry. Sebastian was only ever a friend and the romantic feelings I had developed in fifth year were only one sided. Those feelings I refused to accept were surfacing now.

But it bothered me. Surely I should have expected him to move on and have relationships? Just because I was so broken to even consider romance in my sixth year didn't mean Sebastian was too broken to do so.

I didn't want to face Ominis either when he would repeatedly ask what was wrong. He couldn't read my fake smile but he could sense my feelings and when something was bothering me. Ominis could read me like a book.

But hiding away would only raise more questions and suspicion.

Sebastian will be eyeing me wondering if I had seen his recent memory, Ominis and Imelda will demand to know where I went. I will have missed all my classes and have extra studying to do.

But the silence and warm sun on my skin were telling me to stay put a little while longer.

I pulled some books out my bag, leant against a large rock and decided to do some studying. This will help with missing class and keep my mind off that damn memory.

By time it reached five o'clock, my stomach was really starting to rumble as the apple I had found earlier in my bag did nothing to help. My eyes hurt from all the reading and my nails had all been chewed down from the anxiety I had looming over me all day.

I sighed admitting that it was time to venture back into the real world, stood up, grabbed my bag and left my sanctuary.

I made my way down towards the kitchens, maybe I could grab something there and sneak back to my dorm.

I managed to make my way there with no interruptions, the halls were quiet as everyone was either at dinner or in their common rooms.

The house elves were only too happy to give me food in the kitchen and I enjoyed a big bowl of warm soup and a crusty bread roll.

"Please come again soon, Miss!" One squeaked as I left.

I hurriedly made my way back to the Slytherin common room.

I knew it was too good to be true.

"Lily!" A voice called.

He knew it was me. He could tell by my footsteps.

I cursed under my breath before I turned round to face a furious looking Ominis heading towards me, wand out which had it's usual dim red light, guiding his way.

"Oh hey, Ominis." I said in a fake sing song voice.

"Where the blast have you been all day?! I have searched every corner of this castle after you failed to show to classes, no one has seen you!" He ranted.