Part 8

Noah didn't know when Ominis would tell Sebastian about his sister, so he was worried all day. "Your dinner, young man," the nurse brought soup, bread, and pumpkin juice. "Thanks, it looks delicious," Noah sat down on the bed while the nurse placed his potion on the bedside table. "Drink it immediately after eating," she instructed, and then returned to her office, which happened to be near the hospital wing's exit.

Noah's nerves were on edge. He should have been with Sebastian and Ominis by now, not here. He had spent the whole day devising an escape plan and anxiously waited for the designated time. The nurse's final rounds were supposed to be at eight o'clock in the evening, and he had to wait for another forty-eight minutes. Barely forcing himself to swallow a few spoonfuls of soup, Noah placed the tray back on the table. Thirty-two minutes remained, and he replaced the contents of the potion with an empty bottle that looked identical. Eighteen minutes later, Noah pretended to be asleep and got into bed. When the nurse made her rounds at exactly eight o'clock, Noah applied a disillusionment spell on himself and carefully began his escape.

There were still two whole hours before lights-out, so there were no elders in the teachers' tower. The scariest encounter for Noah would be running into Professor Weasley along the way, but fortunately, he only encountered Professor Hecate and Natty's mother, Professor Onai. They were engrossed in a heated discussion about the current director, Black. Once Noah left the tower of teachers, he dispelled the disillusionment spell.

"I know you're supposed to be in the hospital wing," a voice spoke from behind Noah. Turning around, he saw Mr. Moon. "But I can turn a blind eye this time, can't I?" Noah asked hopefully.

"Are you alright?" Mr. Moon asked, sounding serious.

"Yes, I really need to meet my friends right now. Please pretend you haven't seen me," Noah pleaded, cupping his hands together. Mr. Moon sighed and told him not to get caught again. Realizing that his plan might not work, Noah put on a hood and proceeded more cautiously.

First, he checked the crypt, which was empty. Then he checked the library, also finding it empty. The astrology tower had a lesson for third-year students. Feeling disheartened, Noah only then noticed that it was already nine-thirty-two. He ran to the entrance of the Slytherin common room, hoping to find familiar faces. Hiding around the corner and applying disillusionment charms, he waited until almost ten o'clock until he saw Ominis.

"Ominis!" Noah called out, but Ominis apparently didn't hear and disappeared behind the door of his common room. Noah decided to wait a little longer. Lights-out arrived, and the elders started patrolling the corridors. "Sebastian is probably already asleep," Noah thought, contemplating a return to the hospital wing. However, another place came to mind—the Clock Tower, although the chances of finding Sebastian there were very low. After some thought, he decided to go there anyway, figuring he had nothing to lose.

As expected, the tower was empty. Noah began to berate himself for his impulsive actions. He could have waited until the next day and talked calmly after being discharged. Thinking that things couldn't get any worse, Noah decided to take a walk before going to bed, heading to the gardener's hut next to the black lake. Perhaps a stroll before sleep would help chase away his worries. When the main gate closed behind him, he noticed a dark, hunched figure sitting on a bench near the well with four griffins. It was Sebastian. Noah couldn't believe his eyes, but he composed himself and approached him, sitting down beside him.

They sat there in silence for about ten minutes until Sebastian finally raised his head. Noah, who had been gazing at the stars, noticed that Sebastian was finally ready to talk. He turned his gaze toward him.

"How long have you known about this?" Sebastian asked in a hoarse voice.

"Since yesterday morning. Ominis wrote about it in a letter," Noah said, noticing that Sebastian's eyes were moist.

"You did it. You were able to do what I couldn't," Sebastian said, lowering his head again. "I think I've lost my sister, my twin, forever. She doesn't even want to see me," he said the last words with difficulty and covered his face with his hands. Tears betrayed him, flowing despite his efforts to brush them away.

"I believe Anna just needs time. One day, she will find the strength to forgive you," Noah said, not knowing how to console him. He put his arm around Sebastian's shoulders, letting him cry.

"You're a good friend, truly. I haven't even thanked you," Sebastian raised his head and froze, realizing that Noah's face was very close, feeling his warm breath on his cheek.

Noah simply smiled, realizing that Sebastian had finally calmed down.

"I'm sorry!" Sebastian abruptly moved away from him. Noah didn't understand what he was apologizing for.

"Exactly! I brought something for you," Noah pulled a bag out of his robe pocket and handed it to his friend.

"What is it?" Sebastian took the bag and pulled out a piece of pie.

"Try it. It will take off all the anxiety like magic!" Noah began, but Sebastian almost shoved the whole piece into his mouth and almost choked.

"Hey, I was joking! What are you doing?!" Noah started hitting him on the back with his fist, unknowingly making it worse. Sebastian managed to swallow it with great difficulty and cleared his throat.

"How are you?!" Noah exclaimed, almost frightened.

"This taste..." Sebastian regained his composure and looked at Noah. "It tastes like Mom's blueberry pie, exactly! Where did you get it?" Sebastian looked bewildered, his eyes filled with surprise. Noting this fact to himself, Noah explained that it was a gift from Anna and that Ominis had delivered it.

Sebastian frowned and took a couple of steps away from Noah.

"I understand that I won't be able to change what I've done, but I can dedicate every day of my life to atonement," he clenched his hands into fists. "I am deeply indebted to you and Ominis for supporting me," his gaze was filled with determination.

"I believe in you, Sebastian. I know you're not one to give up, ever since that first day in Defense Against the Dark Arts class," Noah smiled back.

"That feels like a hundred years ago," Sebastian reminisced about their first duel. "Thanks. I can't imagine what lies ahead, but I'm grateful to you for your friendship."

Using a disillusionment spell, Sebastian headed back to the school.