Chapter Text
He can feel her as she hurries through the halls, pausing on occasion to listen for anyone else. At this time of night, and with curfew rapidly approaching, he can only make out one or two other students in these lonely halls. She continues and he does the same after her.
He doesn’t mean to follow her, but he can’t help himself. Not only due to his curiosity as to where she goes after meeting with him and Sebastian in the Undercroft, but because she’s magnetic. It’s the only word he could describe her. Ever since she first stepped foot into their Charms class and even when she blasted dear Sebastian off the dueling platform, he could sense a distinct aura surrounding the new fifth year. Something unlike he’s ever sensed before. It actually answered his question as to how a fifth year could even join Hogwarts, let alone be expected to thrive. If he could sense the aura she possesses, then he was positive others could as well.
He chastises himself as he trails after her, her footsteps echoing in the empty stone cooriders while he maintains his silent walk. He doesn’t mean to follow her. He truly doesn’t, yet he can’t stop himself. This feeling. This presence she possesses. It’s driving him mad as to why, or how, she is the way she is. How eager he is to be within her presence. But, another nagging feeling bubbles up within him at what she does on her own. While she’s spoken to him about some of her ‘adventures’, he gets the distinct impression she’s leaving many details out.
Her footfalls stop again, making him do the same. He strains his ears and he swears he hears a door open then swiftly shut. He frowns when she suddenly disappears from his probing. He rounds the corner and retraces where she went, but he can’t find her nor any doors to slip into. It’s like she just vanished. His brows furrow while he recalls this being near the stairwell towards the Astronomy Tower. There shouldn’t be any areas in which she could just-,
“Why are you following me?” Her voice cuts him from his thoughts and he whirls around to find her standing in the middle of the hallway. He struggles to regain his composure at her sudden reappearance, his mind scrambling to comprehend how she reappeared in the hallway with nary a room to hide in. And the Disillusionment Charm wouldn’t hide her either, he’s sure of it. He replays the question in his mind. She didn’t sound accusatory. No. She sounded amused more than anything. Like a cat that’s caught their prey.
She approaches him, “Ominis?”
“Yes?” His voice strains to keep himself level sounding while he gathers himself. He has no good excuse as to why he’s following her. Nor any reasons as to why he would be here other than what he’s doing.
He can feel her eyes on him, studying him. He wonders if she’s concluded the same thing he has. The thought sends shivers down his spine.
“It’s nearly curfew.” She states.
“Indeed it is.” He cranes his head towards her with a raised brow, “Yet here we are.”
“Here we are.” She lets out a soft laugh and he can’t help but smile at the sound. She steps closer to him, looking around to ensure they were still alone, before she whispers, “Well, since you’re here, for whatever reason, may I show you something?”
Ominis internally winces at the jab. She’s offering to show him something? He makes a silent prayer it’s no trick before saying, “I-, yes. You may.”
He picks up on her slight nod of approval as she replies in a quiet voice, “It’s a secret though. So you mustn't tell anyone. Not even Sebastian.”
Ominis nods, “I promise.”
She steps away then goes towards a wall, “This way.”
He hears a door open and he’s quick to follow her through.
Sounds of cauldrons brewing, plants being watered, and a fire crackling greet him. There’s books flying to and fro while candles gently glide above them. He can smell fresh soil and a simmering pot of Wiggenweld over the slight stench of dung lofting in the distance. He takes this room in while she watches him.
“Where are we?” He finally asks.
“I suppose this is my own secret room. It’s called the Room of Requirement.” He can hear the smile in her words as she adds, “Since Sebastian showed me the Undercroft, it’s only fair I show you a secret place of my own.”
She walks away towards a set of stairs, “This way.” She pauses then fully looks back at him, “How do you feel about beasts?”
Ominis’ brows furrow once more, “I don’t fear them, if that’s what you’re wondering. Why do you ask?”
“You’ll see.”
He follows close behind while she leads them to a strange doorway. One which his wand struggles to comprehend for him. It’s almost like a portkey or portal of sorts. She stands next to him, watching as he hesitates on what to do next. Her hand grazes his. He hates himself for flinching at the sudden contact, but he’s relieved when her hand wraps around his own. The electric aura she possesses shoots through his arm like a hot current.
“Trust me. I think you’ll like what this surprise is.” She gives him a soft squeeze and he can only nod in reply.
She steps through the strange doorway first and he follows right behind. The air whooshes around them then he’s met with the sweet trill of bird song. He feels the warmth of the sun on his face and the gentle breeze ruffling his robes and hair. The air is as crisp as an autumn morning and he takes in the serene atmosphere for a moment.
“We’re outside?” He shakes his head. No, it wouldn’t be daylight quite yet.
She squeezes his hand once more, “In a way, yes. We are currently in a Vivarium.”
“A Vivarium?” He hums to himself as he pieces together why she had questioned him about his affinity towards magical beasts. “How do you know of this place? When did you even find this?”
He has so many questions, but she only giggles.
“I’ll tell you all about it. I promise. But, first,” She guides him forwards towards a clearing,“let me show you the surprise.”
He sucks in a sharp breath at the presence of a large beast in front of them. He doesn’t realize he’s clenching her hand until she whispers, “Don’t worry. She won’t hurt you.”
The beast approaches, giving a snort as she stops in front of them. Ominis realizes what beast this is.
“A unicorn.” He says in quiet shock.
“Yes. Have you ever been around one before?”
He shakes his head and she gives him a gentle squeeze. He can’t stop his slight smile at her touches while she asks, “Would you like to pet her?”
He gulps then nods. She guides his hand up then towards the beast. As he awaits the unicorn, his chest flutters in anticipation. A wet nose brushes against his palm before it fully presses into his hand. A surprised chuckle escapes him. She guides his hand up the unicorn’s snout then back down again. Much to his dismay, her hand leaves him and he’s left to pet the unicorn on his own.
“I’ve read of unicorns,” Ominis grins, “and their calm, serene nature. I fear the books did not do them justice though. They’re beautiful.” He whispers.
As Ominis lowers his hand back to his side. The Unicorn nudges his cheek with a parting snort. He listens as the beast trots away on the lush grass and he’s left with a sense of wonder.
“I think she likes you.” She smiles, pulling him from his thoughts once more. He can’t stop his smile as he takes in his friend next to him. How easily she pulls people into her. Into her warmth. He’s thankful for Sebastian’s insistence on including her into their lives.
“Thank you. For showing me this. I won’t soon forget this kindness.”
Her hand finds his once again and she guides him back towards the exit, “It was truly my pleasure, Ominis. I suppose it’s a good thing you have a coincidental knack of being where I am.”
His mouth falls agape and he wants to defend himself against her accusation, but her gentle laugh and even softer squeeze of his hand makes him fall silent for a moment.
“I don’t mean to. Truly.” He whispers. “With everything going on. You sneaking away from the castle. The poachers. The goblins. Even with what you do tell Sebastian and I, I know you’re keeping most of what you do to yourself. I… worry for you. Much like I do for Sebastian. I don’t wish for any harm to befall you. Either of you.”
The air whooshes around them and they’re back in the Room of Requirement once more.
“I don’t mind, Ominis. And I’m sorry. I don’t mean to worry you.” Her other hand rests on his forearm and more electric currents shoot across his body. “Do know that I am able to take care of myself. And I try not to throw myself into danger’s way too often.”
Ominis snorts with a slight shake of his head, “I don’t doubt your capabilities. Far from it.”
A bell tolls and she lets out a disappointed sigh.
“Curfew?” He wonders.
“Indeed. I must now also apologize for keeping you for so long.”
They walk down the stairs and towards the exit.
“Don’t. I would gladly serve detention if it means petting a unicorn once more.” Ominis smirks then adds, “That is, if I get caught anyways.”
She laughs while she holds open the door for him to walk through, “I swear you almost sounded like Sebastian for a moment.”
Ominis smiles and a silence falls between them as they stand out in the lonely hallway. Her hand gives his one final squeeze before letting go, taking the warmth he feels with her.
“Well, I hope you have an uneventful walk back to your dorm.” She whispers. “I shall see you tomorrow at breakfast, yes?”
He nods, “Sounds wonderful. Have a good night, my friend.”
“And you as well, my friend.” She smiles then turns on her heel to head towards her dorm. He stays there, listening to her footfalls as they drift away. He can still feel the echoes of her warmth in his hand while he sneaks his way back to his common room. A smile unable to leave his lips.