The Slytherin common room was unusually quiet, the faint crackle of the emerald-green flames casting shadows across the walls. Omnis Gaunt sat in his usual spot near the farthest corner, an open tome of ancient spells resting in his lap. His sharp, gray eyes occasionally flickered away from the page, settling on the figure of Sebastian Sallow, who lounged casually on the velvet sofa, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ve been watching them again,” Omnis stated coldly, his tone devoid of curiosity.

Sebastian didn’t bother denying it. “And? At least I don’t pretend I’m above it.” He leaned back, his hazel eyes glinting with amusement. “You, on the other hand, sit there brooding, thinking it makes you better.”

Omnis closed his book with a deliberate snap. “It’s not brooding. Unlike you, I prefer to observe without making a fool of myself.”

Sebastian chuckled, the sound rich with mockery.* “Is that what you call it? Observing? I’ve seen the way you look at them. Calculating every little thing they do, every word they say. Don’t act like you’re any different.”

Omnis stiffened, but his expression remained calm. “You’re reckless, Sebastian. Loud. Do you honestly think that’s how you’ll get their attention?”

“Oh, I’ve already got it,” Sebastian shot back, his grin widening. “While you’re sitting here plotting your next move, I’m out there making sure they notice me.” For a moment, neither spoke, the tension between them palpable. The flickering light of the fire highlighted the stark contrast between the two—Omnis, composed and distant, and Sebastian, vibrant and brimming with energy. “Careful,” Omnis finally said, his voice low and warning. “Obsession has a way of consuming people.”

Sebastian tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “And what about you, Omnis? Isn’t that what this is? Obsession?” Omnis didn’t reply, his gaze shifting back to the fire. Somewhere deep in his mind, he knew Sebastian was right. But he would never admit it. Not to him.