Chapter Text
After the disaster they called their fifth year at Hogwarts, the three of them decided to settle down in the Sallow residence in Feldcroft.
Solomon didn’t have the chance to finalize the sale of his Feldcroft property prior to his sudden death, and Anne didn’t have the heart to sell it when she left after her curse was lifted. With that, it was left to Sebastian, who decided to take it and try to build a life around it. He told them that being in Feldcroft brought a lot of bad memories with it, as well as Anne leaving. After the events of the last school year, he swore that he would work hard and make something of himself. He wanted to become someone that Anne would be proud of and could come back to. Sebastian declared that for the three of them, he would become someone better.
The girl, while she asked to be kept out of the papers as much as possible, became the hero of Hogwarts and an overnight sensation. She wanted to stay close to Hogwarts, in case Ranrok’s loyalists or the poachers came back looking for trouble, but still out of the public eye. Sebastian made the offer during their last week if she would like to stay with him in Feldcroft for the summer break. She accepted and joked that this way she could keep an eye on Sebastian as well.
That left Ominis, who was always grateful to be able to avoid his home life for as long as it was reasonably possible. Especially after finding out about the death of his aunt, he did not want to return when everything there reminded him of her. Ominis envied Sebastian’s bravery in that matter. Besides, his family might not have been aware of her death, and if they were, they didn’t know the circumstances of her ending up alone in the scriptorium. If they found out she was searching for proof that Slytherin was more than his pure blood ideology, she would be disowned. He didn’t want her death to have been in vain.
Unfortunately, life was neither easy nor fair.
“Could you be so kind and pass the butter?” Sebastian called out, his voice still heavy with morning sleepiness.
“Here you go.” She slid the butter across the table towards him.
“Thank you.”
The three of them have fallen into a comfortable rhythm. They woke up, ate breakfast together, then argued over specific uses of magic. The topic this morning was whether magic should be used to complete traditional household chores or not.
“It’s three plates and a single cup, Sebastian!” She exclaimed. “You can wash these by hand, save your magic for the job later.”
“I don’t want to. Maybe if you haven’t left more of your food on your plate than you actually ate, I wouldn’t complain. How about you wash the plates then, if you insist that they must be done by hand,” he suggested.
“You’re only saying that because you’re lazy. And take that back! I eat just enough for my age, thank you for your concern.”
At times like these, Ominis let them bicker back and forth for a bit before he decided to break them up. (It was Sebastian’s house, and therefore they answered to his rules, but it really wouldn’t hurt him to wash the plate by hand once in a while.)
After breakfast, the three of them went around Feldcroft and the surrounding hamlets to do odd jobs for the townsfolk. They ran errands, eradicated spider and troll lairs, broke minor curses, and anything else that people were willing to pay for. Their evenings were spent studying, much to Ominis’ displeasure. Unfortunately, the scars that their fifth year left showed the most during this time.
Even with the danger mostly behind them, the girl constantly found something to keep her mind busy. She read him spell books from previous terms to review, took on extra jobs farther away, brewed potions to sell, or engaged in a duel with Sebastian in the gardens. They started their dueling sessions inside the Sallow home until a spell bounced off someone and hit a bowl out of Ominis’ hand when he finally yelled at them to take it outside.
The townsfolk of Feldcroft were confused to see three children move into the cottage after everything that had happened. Naturally, they were wary of them, mostly because of Sebastian, who was branded as Solomon’s infamous nephew. It was due to the girl’s great charisma that they integrated as well as they did. After moving in, she went around and greeted the townsfolk, offered them help, and assured them that they meant no harm. Ominis and Sebastian followed her example, and everyone warmed up to them quickly after that.
Slowly and surely, they were also healing. Every Sunday morning the three of them went to gather flowers. A bouquet for Solomon, another for his aunt, and one for Professor Fig. They bantered around during meals or on jobs, and Ominis thought that that’s how a real family should be, not like what any of them grew up with. With each passing day, there was a little less silence and a little more laughter. Day by day, Ominis finally believed that they were going to be just fine.
Despite all their progress, they were still hurting, and their scars ran deep. They never fully discussed what happened in their fifth year beyond what they said in the Undercroft. They never talked about the goblin rebellion, Rookwood, Harlow, or the rest of the Sallows. They never said anything when they heard Sebastian sneak into the garden in the dead of night or when the girl suddenly sat up, a scream dying in her throat from the nightmares that plagued her in her sleep.
They were piling the dishes in the sink after lunch when a single letter swept under the front door.
The three of them stood, frozen, as they all thought the same thing. They haven’t been getting letters since they moved away for the break. The only person that would know that they were there and had a reason to write was-
“Anne!” Sebastian broke the silence.
He dropped the plate, which clattered in the sink in protest, and the girl swore under her breath. All while Sebastian bolted for the letter.
“It’s not Anne,” he muttered, trying to unsuccessfully mask the disappointment in his tone. “It’s for you, Ominis.”
“For me?” He asked, puzzled.
“From your mum.”
“Oh.” How would she know he was staying here? Did her owl spot him on its way to Hogwarts?
“Do you want me to read it out for you? Or would you rather we step outside for a moment?” He inquired.
Ominis felt Sebastian press the letter into his hand. His mother tried to write to him frequently until about the end of his fourth year. She begged him to come home for breaks and holidays, but he always had some excuse. He had exams to study for, or there was another event that he couldn’t miss. She now only sent a letter around Christmas, and when his birthday neared. There should’ve been no reason she would be writing this early in July. She must be trying to beg him to return home again….
“It’s fine,” he decided, ripping open the envelope. He unfolded the letter, hesitating for a moment before grabbing his wand with his other hand and casting a reading charm on it.
“My dearest Ominis,” The paper read itself.
“I understand that you are terribly busy with your summer studies and preparing for your upcoming NEWTS. I sent this letter to inform you that your sister Isra is getting married, and has asked that the whole family is in attendance for her big day. It is only proper that you attend as the youngest son of the main branch of the Gaunt household. We have enclosed a generous amount of money for your travels in case you would need it. Your father wants to add that if you are not here by Sunday, he will send your brother to collect you on his way down from the coast. As per the official invitation, you are welcome to bring a plus one if you wish to do so. I miss you dearly, and I wish you would visit home more often so I could see your face.
With love and lots of kisses,
Calista Gaunt”
The letter, once the enchantment wore off, gently floated down to the table.
“Ominis, I didn’t know you had a sister,” Sebastian noted, confusion evident.
“I have two, actually,” he corrected. He shook the money from the envelope onto the table and folded the letter so he could put it back in. “I didn’t feel the need to mention them. I didn't keep in contact, and they graduated before I even got accepted. ”
“Still, a heads up would have been nice,” he mumbled.
“Ominis,” she cut in, her voice distant. “You’re not seriously considering going, are you?”
He went to place his dirty cup in the sink and then sat down on Sebastian's old bed. His bed now, Ominis reminded himself. When they moved in, Sebastian took Solomon’s place, and Ominis and the girl got Sebastian's and Anne’s old beds, respectively. “It’s not like I want to, but I don’t really have a choice now, do I? You heard the letter, if I don’t go, my father will send my brother to get me. A formal family wedding is not something I can just casually miss out on.”
“We could hide you,” Sebastian suggested. “Do you really think they will look for you in Feldcroft? Or you can stay with that nice lady in Maurnweem. The one that was obsessed with you when you delivered her the Edurus potions.”
Ominis heard a soft thud, and Sebastian hissed in pain.
“It won’t work,” he sighed, deciding to ignore their antics. “Besides, I wouldn’t want you two to get caught up in my family’s messy business.”
“You can’t go alone-“
“For once, I agree with her-“
“I’ll go with you.”
“-That was not where I thought this was going.”
“Absolutely not.” Ominis furrowed his brows. Just the thought of her or Sebastian meeting any of his family members put his stomach in a twist. He already knew nothing good was going to come out of him bringing either of them along to the wedding. He could survive for a week and a half, then come back like nothing happened. He quite enjoyed the simple life they have started to build in the last month, he wouldn’t uproot it for the world.
“Please reconsider.” Her plea sounded more like a statement. “You know I can handle myself just fine.”
“You might be the ‘savior of Hogwarts,’ but my family is different,” he shot back. “My family is ruthless and unpredictable. For Merlin’s sake, they use unforgivable curses on Muggles for fun. And you’d be serving yourself up to them by coming with me.”
“That’s exactly why I can’t let you do this on your own,” she insisted, and he scoffed. “I’ve seen what happened with your aunt, Ominis. We promised. From now on, we are in this together. So please, let us help you.”
“I know. But not this time,” he stood up from the bed and headed for the door. He heard someone shuffle out of his way as he walked. “I’m going to clear my head, don’t follow me.”
The door slammed behind him, and just like he asked, no one followed.
———-
On his tenth birthday, surrounded by his family and the glow of candles, Ominis Gaunt wished for someone to protect him.
As he grew older, he realized that his hopeful cry for help was nothing but a selfish request. The more of his family’s dark secrets he witnessed, the less he wanted to bring someone into that world. Ominis learned early on that he shouldn’t rely on his family for anything and has distanced himself as much as he could over the years.
During this time, he has become closer to the Sallow family. He was too scared to call them his family, but they were there when he needed them to be. Solomon was cautious around him, being a Gaunt, as well as being Sebastian’s friend, didn’t come with the best reputation. Yet he never once, for as long as Ominis has known the man, has ever been bad to him. Solomon treated him as a guest, then later as a friend of Sebastian and Anne.
Sebastian never realized how good he had it. The Sallows were not wealthy by any means, but at least there was always a home to return to.
Ominis’ house was full of awful, rotten people. Each and every one of them had their vanity, anger, or cruelty that they hung onto like it was the only thing that gave them some sort of purpose. Ominis swore that he’d never have children, or if he did, they would never know their extended family, and he would take his ancestry to the grave. He never wants anyone to have the same upbringing that he did.
“Didn’t anyone teach you that stalking is bad manners, Sebastian?” He called out when he heard a set of footsteps approach him.
“How did you know it was me?”
“How did you know I’d be here?” Ominis countered.
“I’ll give you an answer for an answer.”
“Isn’t it an eye for an eye?” He chuckled wryly. “Or a penny for your thoughts, maybe?”
“Technicalities, my dear friend.” Sebastian stopped next to where Ominis was sitting.
“So?”
“To be completely honest, this wasn’t the first time I followed you,” he admitted.
“You bastard.”
“Hey, at least I admit to it.” Sebastian slowly sat down next to him and was surprisingly quiet for a moment. He tore some of the grass that grew between the stones of the bridge. “I remember this place. The first time ever that you came to Feldcroft, this was where you broke down. Anne and I spent close to twenty minutes reassuring you that you will be welcome at our house.”
“Indeed it is,” he nodded. “It’s been years, and you still remember?”
“It was the first time I really got to see the effect that your family had on you. It put things in perspective a little. Anyway, you owe me an answer now. How did you know it was me?”
“You’re the only one nosy and annoying enough to seek me at a time like this.” Sebastian lightly punched him in the shoulder, and Ominis snickered.
“What if it was her after all? Or some random person from Feldcroft?”
“She doesn’t know about this place. And I’m willing to take my guess that the locals don’t approach brooding strangers often.”
“Still, it’s unfair to assume that she hasn’t followed you as well. At least once.”
“She respects me too much. And my previous point still stands.”
“So you admit that she wants what’s best for you.”
Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not you too.”
“Hear me out here, Ominis.” Ominis stood to leave but was stopped by Sebastian’s hand on his shoulder. “I admit a lot was broken over the past year, and that it’s mostly my fault. I know you might never trust me to the extent that you did before, but I ask that you put your trust in her instead. I agree, this is not something you should have to do alone. We are here for you, and even if you think otherwise, you are still my best friend, Ominis.”
He hasn’t heard Sebastian this honest with his feelings since their last meeting in the Undercroft before the summer break started. He didn’t want to do this alone either, but he didn’t know what his family would do to her. He would be placing her in danger if he agreed to bring her along.
Sebastian’s words came with a small spark of hope. That he would finally have someone by his side to help him endure. Someone who would help him, and whom he could stay strong for. His own selfishness taunted him when he finally told Sebastian that he would talk to her about it.
“That’s the spirit!” He could practically hear Sebastian’s wicked grin in his tone. “Who could possibly say no when the bloody hero of Hogwarts is offering her services to them?”
“Shut up. You know how much she hates that title.” He let Sebastian help him stand up, and together they patted the gravel from their clothes. Before they started toward the Sallow cottage, Sebastian grabbed him by the arm.
“She is stronger than you think.” Ominis froze under his touch. “Don’t underestimate her. If anyone can handle whatever your blasted family is capable of, it’s her.”
“I know.” He breathed, but he was afraid that it was a lie. “Let’s get back before she starts worrying.”
“She will uproot the whole town if we go missing.”
And that one he couldn’t deny.
——-
When they walked through the door, the smell of cooked chicken and potatoes wafted through the air. She paced back and forth, as she always did when she was thinking too hard about something, always restless and alert.
“Ominis, have you-“ She started when she saw them walk in.
“I’ll let you come,” he cut her off. “But only under certain terms.”
“I’m listening,” she assured. “And thank you for considering. You too, Sebastian.”
He decided to ignore his friends’ obvious scheming and got his thoughts organized. “You should never go anywhere alone, and tell me if anything is amiss. If they do anything, we are leaving immediately, and I will deal with whatever the consequence of that.”
“Understood,” she confirmed almost too fast for his liking. He wanted to say more but Sebastian decided to butt in at that exact moment.
“Well now, since that’s resolved,” he clapped his hands together. “Can we eat? I am absolutely famished.”
———
They spent the rest of their Friday finishing up some jobs that required the three of them, and their Saturday packing. Those days were spent in comfort and without any major issues. While he should have been grateful for some uneventful days, he couldn’t help but feel as if this was the calm before the storm. He at least hoped that his worry didn’t upset the other two, but if they noticed anything, they didn’t say.
They boarded the train on Sunday afternoon. Sebastian was supposed to be there to see them off, but he caught wind of a well-paying opportunity in Aranshire that they all agreed they couldn’t pass up. That left the two of them.
“You have our tickets, right?” She asked for what seemed like the fourth time in the past fifteen minutes. Ominis was glad that she was coming along; he had made peace with it in the past two days, or at least accepted that he would make the best of it. However, she was fretting more than his mother on his first day of school. Worse, her anxiety was seeping into him, making him uneasy as well.
“Yes, I have them in my pocket. Stop fretting, you’re making me paranoid.” He sighed in response. He felt like he was taking care of her more than she was.
“Sorry, I’ve never been on a train before.” She explained. She actually told him this yesterday, but he was convinced that she forgot. “It’s been either thestral carriage or-“
“Broom flight, yes, I know.” He continued. “Calm down, or I will break the law to knock you out with a spell.
“I still think the Ministry- wait, Ominis, did we pack our wands?” She whispered frantically. Ominis sighed and put his hand on her head.
“Please. We will be fine. The train ride is the easy part. Don’t make this difficult. Just try to enjoy yourself.”
“Alright. Enjoy myself. I guess I can do that.” She laughed nervously but overall seemed less tense. Ominis smiled.
“Good. Come now, let’s not miss the train.”
The two of them boarded and found their cabin, a private one, paid for by his parents' money. Ominis used to feel guilty about using his parents' money, but he eventually learned the hard way that his money, whether he likes it or not, gives him immense privilege.
They shuffled in, sitting opposite each other, and he pressed some coins into her hand.
“For when the trolley comes.” He explained. “Get yourself some sweets.”
The first hour of their journey was spent chatting about trains over the sweets she had purchased. He asked how she liked the ride and told her about the Hogwarts Express. Ominis also shared some of his stories of what trouble he and Sebastian had meddled in before she came to Hogwarts. He told the story of how they managed to convince Kogawa that Ominis was also deaf, in addition to being blind, so she would openly criticize the students beside him, since he would have had to sit out Flying class anyway. She laughed so brightly that Ominis stumbled over his words and just smiled until she finished.
Slowly, they approached the topic of his family.
“So, what should I expect from the infamous Gaunt family?” She asked, still chewing on the candy she had bought earlier.
“Well, you already know about my aunt, Noctua. I believe I have briefly talked about my parents as well. I actually don’t know too much about my mother’s side of the family; she doesn’t talk about them. She’s harmless by herself and almost fully dependent on my father. She’s a picture-perfect, obedient wife from the outside, but a poor mother. We might get lucky in the sense that my parents care about their reputation the most. So the two of them at least will be on their best behavior.”
“That doesn’t seem so bad so far.” She remarked.
“They put on a show for guests, that’s all.” He scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “They’re still horrible people behind closed doors. Trust me on that.”
“I do trust you, Ominis.” She reassured, and he wished he could relax, but his head felt heavy. “So it’s your parents and your sisters?”
“I also have a brother, Cassius. He’s the oldest out of the four of us. He’s…” He frowned, and he was at a loss for words. Most memories of his brother weren’t too fond, and just the thought of him made Ominis want to run and hide like he is eight years old again. His hands squeezed around his arm, and he tried to will himself to relax.
“Take your time.” She comforted, but he couldn’t find it in himself to ease up.
“After Cassius, my parents had two girls: Morrigan and Isra. Let’s just say he was overjoyed when he found out he was going to have a brother. He expected me to be his perfect little partner in crime, someone who would go along with his brutal plans. However, he was disappointed when I started opposing him. When he realized I wouldn’t partake in his cruel acts, he turned his wand on me instead.”
“That sounds awful, Ominis. I’m sorry. To think that your own brother would turn on you like that.”
“This is why I say that you should never be alone with any of them. You will never know what they will do.” He emphasized.
“Are your sisters like that too?” She asked, and he tilted his head thoughtfully.
“They are more concerned with themselves if anything. I got my fair share of torment from them, but never nearly as much as Cassius. They might as well be twins with how close the two of them are. I wouldn’t trust them alone and definitely not together.”
“That sounds like a lot to keep track of. And I am sorry for all that you have endured. Truly.”
He hummed in response. “Just promise me that you won’t do anything crazy.”
“But crazy is our thing.” She laughed, and he shook his head.
“It’s Sebastian’s style, actually, he just always drags us into it somehow.”
“I don’t mind it. As long as it’s with you two.” She yawned.
“Are you sleepy?” He asked, concern lacing his voice.
“Just a bit.” She admitted. “How much longer of a train ride?”
“There are still a couple of hours left. We will arrive after nightfall, I believe. You could take a nap if you wanted to.” He offered.
“I might.” She shuffled closer to the window. “Please wake me when we get close.”
“Don’t rest your head against the glass, it’s not comfortable.” He advised.
“How else do you suppose I sleep, Ominis?” She asked, and for a split second, he thought she was taunting him.
“I was actually going to suggest that you could sit next to me.” His confidence in saying that drained as the realization of what he was implying dawned on him. He cleared his throat and frantically tried to explain himself. “Only if you’re comfortable with it, of course. I thought maybe it would be more comfortable for you, but really it’s not a big deal if you don’t want to. I promise I-”
She didn’t respond but instead swapped sides, so she was sitting next to him. Ominis faltered and decided that he should stay silent instead of embarrassing himself further. She scooted further until she was right by him. She felt comfortably warm, and Ominis could faintly smell her soap. When she slowly laid her head on his shoulder, he did his best not to freeze up. He cursed himself mentally for freaking out over such a soft and domestic gesture.
He let her sleep for the rest of the train ride.
---------
She has been here before.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place. In the middle of her two dearest friends. Having to make a choice that will burn all that they have built.
“I’m sorry, Ominis, but I’m taking it,” Sebastian spoke with resolve.
“No, you’re not,” Ominis warned calmly, but she knew he wasn’t. “If you won’t put it back, then I will.”
It was the same story. The same people, the same dusty-smelling corridor inside the catacombs, the same fire in Sebastian’s eyes, and the same desperation in Ominis’ voice.
This was the part where she spoke up and managed to diffuse the situation enough so that no one got physically hurt, and decided she would deal with the emotional scars later. Except she couldn’t speak. All she could do was stare in horror at how things played out.
“Why can’t you just be on my side for once?” Sebastian yelled across the room, and every inch of her wanted to move. She needed to intervene or do something. Do anything.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Sebastian. I care about you, and I will not let you down a dark path. Now put it back.”
“I will not let anyone stop me. Especially not you, Ominis.” Sebastian raised his wand, and she opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. “Imperio!”
She watched as the green light from Sebastian’s wand hit Ominis square in the chest, and the same possessed look overtook him that she saw in the goblin in Feldcroft. Sebastian’s face was overtaken by a sinister look.
“Hey, wake up.” A distant voice called, and she was gently shaken. As the nightmare collapsed around her, the last thing she saw was the sorrowful expression in Ominis’ possessed eyes.
Her eyes snapped open, darting around, taking in her surroundings. Where was she? Her gaze landed on the moving landscape outside the window. She was on a train. She and Ominis were going to his parents. She fell asleep. She was safe. Everything was fine.
“Are you alright?” He asked, and she noted how close he sounded.
She groaned and pulled herself from his side, immediately missing the warmth that it had provided. She rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. The sky looked like the sun had just set, which means that they were near.
“Just fine.” She lied, but her racing heartbeat and the shakiness in her voice was giving her away.
“You still have nightmares.” He muttered, and her heart dropped.
“I do.” She admitted out of courtesy but had no intention to further elaborate. She changed the subject instead. “Are we there yet?”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “They said ten more minutes until our stop. So we should probably get ready.”
“Noted.”
The two of them cleaned up the candy wrappers and got themselves in order. After the sleepiness wore off, the restlessness in her hand returned. Even after the goblin rebellion was over, her body has always been on edge. Wand always within reach, scouting her surroundings for potential danger. They encountered no major threats since the rebellion, but every time she closed her eyes, she found herself in scenarios she could have prevented if she had reacted faster. Or if she was just a little bit stronger.
Getting kidnapped by Rookwood, Natty being hit by Harlow’s Cruciatus curse, Sebastian killing his uncle in his quest for the cure, and Professor Fig dying at the final repository. All of these situations have caused pain that she could have put a stop to. Conflicts that she could have avoided. Lives that she could have saved.
On a particularly bad night, she woke up in cold sweat with a scream dying in her throat. After taking a few moments to calm herself down and convince her that nothing could hurt her, she spotted a glass of water on her nightstand. She didn’t remember placing it there, so it must have been one of the boys. It was a small gesture, but in that vulnerable moment, all she could do was hug her knees and try to stifle her cries.
That night, she swore that she would not let any harm come to anyone close to her ever again.
They got off the train with their luggage and transferred into a carriage. She didn’t know where Ominis found the resources to get a private carriage, but she didn’t want to pry either. She watched the trees pass by, and her thoughts drifted to Ominis’ family. From his warning words, it seemed like they were a dangerous and unregulated bunch. She had to stay alert and vigilant so that she could be there if he needed her.
“You’ve been quiet.” He noted, and she unstuck herself from the window of the carriage.
“Just thinking.” Ominis didn’t look much better. He looked pale and was becoming increasingly fidgety as the ride went on. She wished she could say or do something to reassure him, but she didn’t know what she could say that would hold meaning. He was about to return to his abusive family after years of trying to avoid them. She wanted to reach for his hand that was resting on his bouncing leg, but didn’t want to overstep any boundaries as friends.
“Thank you for coming with me, by the way.” He started, clasping his hands in his lap. “I know I was very hesitant to accept your help, and I appreciate you sticking with me.”
“Don’t even mention it. You are one of my best friends, Ominis.” She cut off whatever his overthinking mind was going to say next. “We promised we were in this together. No one will get left behind. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I understand. But please watch yourself.” Concern laced his voice, and their carriage came to a stop.
Ominis was the first to get out of the carriage, and he politely held out his hand for her to grab onto. She took it gratefully and exited after him.
“Welcome to the Gaunt Estate.”
Just as Ominis described, the estate was massive. The structure was two stories tall with an intricately carved wooden double door as the centerpiece. She could also catch a glimpse of the gardens, but couldn’t really appreciate them due to the lack of light.
“Well, here we go.” She huffed, and the two of them grabbed their bags. She kept glancing at Ominis, who was two steps ahead of her, wishing that she could read his mind. When they got to the large doors, she raised her hand to open the door.
“Wait!” Ominis called, and she froze in place.
“Does my tie look straight?” He asked nervously, and she let out a small laugh, easing the tension in her just a bit.
“Let me take a look.” She put her other suitcase down and moved to face him. Ominis always dressed a bit more formally than she and Sebastian, even during the summer months. Right now was no exception.
“Your hair is out of place where I slept on your shoulder. I can just-“ She reached up to brush a couple of stray hairs in order, but he flinched back from her touch. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s quite alright, it was just sudden. I should be the one apologizing.” He quickly explained, and she frowned. Just how anxious was he about meeting his family to make him this wound up?
“Would you still want to-“
“Yeah, yeah, that’s fine.”
More gently this time, she reached up to fix his hair. Ominis closed his eyes for the moment, and she was thankful. She knew that he couldn’t see her, yet she still felt a bit embarrassed staring at his face. Ominis was good-looking; she couldn’t deny that. His skin felt warm to the touch, and from this close, she could count every freckle on his face.
She reluctantly stepped away before her thoughts could stray further. “It’s done.”
“Thank you.” He opened his eyes, and she averted her gaze. He dusted off his vest for good measure and opened the door.
A slight uneasiness returned as she stood in the doorway and tried to take in as much as she could. The foyer opened to a double staircase that started from either side and led to the second floor. Under the overhang stood a smaller set of double doors. Green carpet ran up the stairs and disappeared into the further corridors. The walls were adorned with paintings and other artifacts of varying degrees of intricacy.
From the overhang, she heard someone approach, and her hand immediately reached for her wand.
An older man appeared on top and regarded them with a disgusted expression. He had dark hair with white streaks, making her guess that he was somewhere in his fifties. He had a well-built face, and she could pinpoint just how much he looked like-
“Ominis,” the man on the overhang regarded.
“Father,” Ominis responded curtly.
“You’re back.”
“You called me back,” he corrected.
“Who’s this?” He motioned in her direction.
“I’m-“
“She’s a friend from Hogwarts.” He cut her off, and Ominis’ father raised an eyebrow. “Mother said I am allowed a plus one. Correct?”
“That is correct. I’m just… surprised.” His father made eye contact with her, and she held her tongue. He inspected her up and down, and she quickly realized the position that she had assumed. She slowly removed her hand from her wand in her pocket and straightened her posture. She held her head high, matching his cold and calculating gaze.
“Very well.” He concluded, but his eyes didn’t stray from hers. “Your mother went to bed already. Fatigued or whatnot. You can see her at breakfast. You know where to find your room.”
“Of course, father. We will trouble you no further.” Ominis nodded.
She took a single step further into the house, and immediately every one of her senses screamed at her to run. Her hand twitched as she fought the urge to reach for her wand to defend herself from the dark energy that was assaulting her. This house has seen suffering, and she could feel it radiate off the whole structure. She looked back at Ominis’ father, trying to mask her panic. The man, as if he could tell anyway, grinned down at her.
“Silas Gaunt. Remember it.” With that, he turned around and disappeared where he came from.
They hauled their luggage up the stairs on Ominis’ instruction. On their way through the second floor, she made sure to inspect every door and corridor. Both to note an escape route in case they needed to leave, and to figure out which room Silas was staying in so she could avoid it.
Once they made it into Ominis’ room and out of earshot, she made sure that it didn’t hold any enchantments. She needed to tell Ominis about what she felt when she stepped foot in the house. But before that, another issue stood in their way.
“Ominis,” She cleared her throat, inspecting the room once more for good measure. “I think your parents misunderstood the nature of our relationship.”
The room was luxurious and lusciously decorated, just as she would expect from someone with a large sum of disposable income. The wooden furniture was all made of the same kind of rich, dark wood. The walls held green patterned tapestry and bore paintings of landscapes and still-life. It wasn’t the furniture or the decorations that she had an issue with, but the fact that there was only one bed.
“They did it on purpose, or didn’t care.” He shrugged. “I’ll take the floor, don’t worry.”
“I’m not making you sleep on the floor in your own room.” She stated, horrified. “Is there maybe another room I could stay in? We walked past two doors.”
“The room next to mine is my brother’s. You could take the one at the beginning of the hall, but that’s too far if something happens. I can’t risk it.”
Safety concerns, right. “Can we just… conjure a couch or something?”
“I’ll take the floor.”
“Absolutely not.” She argued.
“What else do you want to do?” He asked, gesturing. “Share the bed?”
She knew that his suggestion wasn’t serious, but her eyes lingered on the huge bed that could definitely fit two people. Perks of being wealthy, she guessed. After a pause, she muttered, “It looks big enough.”
“I’m sorry?”
“The bed.” She reiterated awkwardly. “It could fit us both.”
“I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” It might have been a trick of the light, but she could swear Ominis looked as flustered as she felt.
“It’s fine. We could put the pillows in the middle to make a barrier.”
“That could work.” He muttered. “But are you sure-“
“Yes, I am sure.” She decided. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to wash up and change.”
“Certainly.” He relented, and she went to grab her night clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.
Despite the lack of space and the constant self-consciousness that came with knowing that there were only a couple of pillows separating the two of them, she managed to sleep soundly through the night.