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The snow crunched underfoot as you descended the steps from the owlery, as you had chosen to send off this year's holiday gifts to your family. This time, a stunning snowy owl was the bird of choice, sending off tidings of great joy this chilly season. It was the start of winter break, and you were excited for the castle to be less full, even if most of the energy was of cheer and goodwill.
You had chosen to remain at Hogwarts for the winter break for a very selfish reason. A very indulgent and possibly nonsensical reason of not wanting to be away from the one person who you adore most. The person whose warmth soothed your soul and sent off riots of butterflies in your stomach with his adoring kisses and light embraces.
That being the breathtakingly handsome Ominis Gaunt, who held your heart in his gentle grasp. It was still a bit surreal that he was your beau through courtship, but each week that passes you're sure he is the one you want to share the adventures and simplicities of life with. However, there is still the seventh year of Hogwarts to complete, including an outrageous number of N.E.W.T. exams you anticipate taking. So, your relationship with Ominis was still fairly private, with only your inner circle of friends being aware of your commitment and affection. You were hesitant to be more public and have some aspect of your courtship become subject to the likely not-so-kind gossip of being with the blind heir of Slytherin. Many students at Hogwarts were unfortunately judgmental of Ominis by familial reputation alone; you were hesitant to have further slander shared because others feared to get to know a person for who they were rather than where they came from or perhaps what they looked like. So, with that, you assumed most other students thought you were friends with the mysterious Ominis, which is true. But he meant so much more than you could imagine or even adequately articulate to the various moonminds around the castle. Regardless, the past weeks had been some of the happiest of your life, spending most of your studying time and spare time with Ominis, basking in the glow of his affection and trust.
As you trekked back into the warmer halls of Hogwarts, the memory of last night flashed across your mind, causing your face to flush red with an intense blush. The echoes of cheers of your fellow students come to your mind, recalling the boisterous glee that permeated the Slytherin common room last night due to the sprigs of mistletoe mysteriously strung in convenient – or perhaps inconvenient in your view– places to catch a kiss before the new year breaks. Of course, you did not know that mistletoe had been placed, caught unawares. Then heckled and magicked to comply.
Last Night
Ominis had requested an evening walk across the grounds together, an excuse to huddle close and hold hands before bedtime beckoned. It had been nearly an hour of meandering before you returned to the bronze serpent that led to your shared house space. As you both descended down the staircase to the common room, it was unusually loud with raucous noises filtering up the stairs. Confused but with only one way forward, you both continued to spiral down slowly. Ominis was gently caressing the bracelet he had gifted you and gently released your hand per usual. You hold in a deep sigh, wondering if he had a specific step, he chose to let go since it was the same place each time and before getting to the common room. His touch left warm tingles across your skin each time, it was sad to let it fade away.
As you both rounded the last part of the staircase onto the landing, there was a faint chime, and a cold tingling jolted up your legs, causing both you and Ominis to abruptly come to a halt, unable to move another step.
"Kiss, Kiss, Kiss" is merrily chanted across the common room, from various groups of fellow Slytherins gathered. You scan the room in confusion, feeling Ominis brace a hand on your back as he anxiously whispers into your ear, "What in Merlin's beard is going on? I feel frozen in place, well from the hips down, so to speak."
As you twist your torso towards him, your head spinning with the various shouts of encouragement continuing to ring across the stone walls, with this maneuver, you can see bright green sprigs of mistletoe hanging above you both, tauntingly clustered and adorned with silver tinsel ribbon. Hovering in the air, with glimmers of magic that must be a charm…. or a curse for the holiday season.
Taking a quick breath, you respond shyly, "It seems we've be caught, literally, under some mistletoe. I cannot move either, and I wonder if it's cursed to keep us here until we comply……" Ominis' face is worryingly stoic as he processes your summary of the situation. It feels like an eon goes by as you try to grasp the feelings flickering across his face and in his misty aquamarine eyes, but in reality, it was only a dozen seconds or so. The hollering and chanting across the common room is not helping you decipher his reaction either, and you embarrassingly scan the crowd gathered to watch this blunder or glorious moment. Your tummy twists in fear that you don't know how to navigate this situation in a graceful and supportive way with the person you adore.
Ominis clears his throat, drawing your attention back to his handsome face, which causes you to notice the rosy hue flushing across his cheekbones. He leans in closer, responding with, "I can just kiss your cheek to see if that is sufficient…. however, I must confess I find it alluring to be able to claim your lips in such a manner that everyone here may know that you're mine. The choice is yours, my heart."
"I'm yours, Ominis…" you murmur. His response is a brilliant smile that lights up his entire countenance. He does not hesitate to break free from the mistletoe magic. He softly places both of his hands along your jaw, his thumbs lightly trace your bottom lip. Your eyes close slowly as Ominis draws you in towards him, savoring his tender attention. His grip gets firmer as your lips touch. The common room bursts into claps, cheers, and whistles from those witnessing Ominis claim your lips in a proper kiss – his warm breath mingling with yours, holding you confidently in place as he expresses his emotions through his lips. Far too quickly he pulls away, kissing your forehead before letting go of you. You bite down on your tongue to prevent a whine of dissent from slipping out.
"I think that should be sufficient enough of a kiss. Can you move now?" he slyly asks.
Your cheeks are nearly Gryffindor red, being able to see the crowd still focused on you both – mostly looks of surprise, happiness, and haughtiness. The most excited looking Slytherin was Sebastian, who lets out a wolf whistle as you make eye contact with him. You think he’s likely happy to not have to keep the courtship details of his two friends hush-hush any longer. A few others appear jealous, but most seem pleased with the display of affection.
Ominis, being ever a gentleman, gestures for you to continue moving into the common room, lightly placing his hand on your lower back and guiding you towards the seventh-year dorm staircases as he holds his wand in his other hand. You avoid making further eye contact with anyone else but hear voices buzzing about the kiss and whom was involved.
You internally plead that the Bloody Baron comes barging into the common room or that some other fellow Slytherin students get caught under the mistletoe soon, just to deflect the focus you feel from everyone gathered.
As you approach the first step, Ominis comes to a halt. You turn to him in confusion, seeing a mask of near indifference upon his face.
"I think it best if I don't follow you up…not because I do not want to spend time with you. But I can feel how tense you are, and I want there to be honor amidst our courtship, my heart…not nasty rumors," Ominis states softly.
You nod, understanding his perspective, but the sting of disappointment courses through your veins as you quickly turn and dash up the stairs to seek a quieter setting. You pace around your dorm room for about twenty minutes, mind spinning on the ramifications of what just happened. In desperation, you take a calming draught and wrap yourself up in the plush duvet to beckon a hopefully dreamless sleep.
Current Time
Your pace quickens as you enter the warm halls, determined to return to the common room and find Ominis before it gets any later in the evening. You may have procrastinated sending off gifts to your family. Still, you were determined to have a merry winter break and to celebrate Winter Solstice properly.
And preferably in close proximity of your sweetheart, with a smorgasbord of seasonal snacks. You were especially eager to taste the spiced apple cider cake that was on special at Honeydukes, as well as exchanging gifts with all those you care about. The Winter Solstice gift you crafted for Ominis is distinctive and personal, so you were eager to see if he liked it.
However, it was custom to exchange gifts once nightfall had settled on this longest day of the year, and your family's tradition was to gift within the starshine and moonbeams, ideally well into the late hours of the night, hours after the frivolity of the darkest day of the year had begun. You had clarified with Sebastian if there were any strict or cumbersome rituals for solstice that the House of Gaunt may follow, but he assured you that Ominis was not fussy. Sebastian did caution Ominis could get a little ornery if there wasn't enough enjoyable food to nibble on. Nevertheless, you were certain between the spiced cake, rum-glazed cauldron cakes, crystallized lemon, red currant tarts, herbed sausage rolls, peppermint pretzels, and heaps of salty smoked nuts. Ominis couldn't approach cantankerous due to a lack of foodstuff to eat and enjoy.
The twisting staircase back to the common room seems longer yet calmer compared to last night, you glare at the shimmering mistletoe that still hovers above the final landing. Luckily, whomever enchanted the trap was crafty enough to ensure that single persons passing through were unaffected. It was almost comical how long the single file line that was assembled prior to breakfast. Seemed like no one was in the mood for morning smooches. Or at least publicly.
You admittedly were disappointed you had not seen Ominis in person today, but he had sent a note via owl that he was looking forward to spending solstice together, and he would meet you in the northern alcove of the common room at nine in the evening.
Glancing at the wise owl clock on one of the fireplace mantles showed you had just under an hour to change and collect the food. You had enchanted a picnic basket to be deeper and sturdier than it seemed, which had most everything. You wanted to ensure everything was perfect, well as perfect as possible, in this imperfect but wonderful world.
You chose your favorite sweater, soft knit fabric in a hue you adored. And you had matching socks, not that Ominis would notice, of course, but you felt cozy and confident in your attire. The brass celestial clock on your nightstand showed it was nearly time to meet up with Ominis. You slid on your slippers, gathering the basket and the small black velvet box that contained your gift. Logically, it was tied with a ribbon of the darkest green satin because texture and aesthetics are essential.
You were hopeful to be the first one there, but as you approached the meet-up location, you were surprised by what you came across. Ominis was so devastatingly handsome as he elegantly spread across the couch, nearly in the center with both arms stretched out, beckoning you to curl up next to him for the night. Or perhaps the rest of time. Or…...as shivers slithered down your spine, straddle him and pour your emotions into his heart through your closeness and desire. The ache for both scenarios was etched on your mind. You then noticed a dozen or more candles floating in the air, in various shapes of stars. Quite a beautiful setup, but you wondered why and how.
Ominis then gracefully stands, reaching out towards you with a warmth in his voice - “Hello darling, how was your day?”
“Peaceful and busy ironically…. but what is happening with the candles? It a delightful ambiance, but I'm confused on the how and why…." You babble in response.
"Oh, good! I spent far too much time pestering Sebastian today. First, it took nearly 2 hours of pestering and fiery whispering in the library to convince him to wrap your gift for me. He complained it wouldn't look any better if he did it instead of me, but I insisted. Then I may have had to bribe him to help with this setup, but his unfaltering grumbles regarding romantic nonsense were worth it, I think." Ominis excitedly explains.
He continues, with a grin on his face…."Well, along with a threat to his overall well-being to help set this up in a way that was decent enough for us to enjoy…well for you, really. You mentioned your family traditionally exchanges gifts within the starlight or moonbeams on Winter Solstice. Since those glimmers are sparse this far in the castle's depths, I thought you might appreciate this alternative. Candles in the shapes of stars, by touch it seemed like a good mix of four, six, and eight-pointed stars. From our rune studies, I'm thinking it sets an interesting mood – elements, balance, and worship."
Your heart feels like it may be melting but in the best possible way from his thoughtfulness. You interrupt his discussion of symbolism with a kiss on his cheek, "It's wonderful, Ominis, your attention means so much. And Sebastian did well too, it may be good practice for him to be a bit romantic in the future. Sit, let me set out the snacks for us to share."
You press him lightly to sit back down and begin unpacking all the sweets, treats, and refreshments you'd compiled for this Winter Solstice celebration on the oak table nearby. Already perched on the table, you notice a copper cauldron simmering something delicious. "Should I be worried about what's bubbling? It smells enticing, but we both know potions are not your strength, my dear," you mention.
"Hilarious, my heart. Nothing to fear; I wouldn't risk tonight on any concoction of my making. This is fresh wassail, courtesy of Deek. He assured me it was a food-only cauldron too, not used in any of your potions or mixtures in the Room of Requirement.” Ominis proffers with a softer smile.
Content with his insight, you pour each of you cup full into the crystal goblets nearby. Handing it to Ominis, you explain all the foodstuff options available, curating a plate for him to eat first. You craft a plateful for yourself and settle in close on the couch with Ominis.
Three bites into your first treat you nearly choke while glancing at your love. Ominis was slowly licking off his finger in a lush manner, his face full of bliss. When he was done distracting you in one of the naughtiest ways to date, he groaned, "This is the best bite I think I've had this year." Your treacherous mind goes to where you'd prefer for him to nibble, on you. Or better yet, let you nibble on him.
"Oh good….." you murmur in response. Shaking your head to clear your thoughts, focusing on the moment. Not the what-ifs.
You are able to finish your plate without the risk of any untoward actions on your part, enjoying the conversation and being present in the moment. Even though Ominis continued to be more delectable the more comfortable he got.
Sitting close by Ominis while sipping the warm wassail only intensifies his enticing scent of citrus, sandalwood, and just him. You decide gifting next feels right; otherwise, you may be tempted to do something steamy.
“Are you ready to exchange gifts, my favorite moonmind?” You ask.
"Yes darling, let me go first," Ominis responds, reaching under the couch. He hands you a small box wrapped in rustic brown paper with a spring of mistletoe tied to it with twine. Cheeky.
“Oh, it’s lovely! Simple but lovely, perhaps Sebastian can consider gift wrapping as a profession. Or at least a hobby. But thinking it’s Anne’s influence. I’ll have to give him my regards. Is the mistletoe at your request?” you exclaim.
“Mistletoe?” Ominis repeats hesitantly.
“Yes, the greenery attached appears to be mistletoe. I relish our public declaration of affection that occurred last night but was unsure if you did as well” you respond shyly.
A scowl is all that you think you'll get in response before Ominis barks out, "That prat said it was holly." This sets you into a fit of giggles, and you proceed to kiss Ominis tenderly on his cheek, turning his countenance into a smile.
"I also immensely enjoyed last night; it was pleasurable to claim you as mine so publicly," Ominis states. You can only blush in response.
Unwrapping the box, inside, you find a dark grey stone the size of an egg, carved in the shape of a serpent. Lifting it out into your palm, it texture is cool and pleasantly rough as you caress the engravings. As you hold it up to the candlelight, you notice it has flashes of color - bright violet, deep emerald, dazzling cerulean. Peculiar but beautiful.
As you gaze upon it, Ominis shares, "It is a labradorite worry rock, or feel-good stone, in the shape of a snake. You're always twirling or twisting your quill when deep in thought. Or a sugar quill, I think, sometimes when your mind is plotting. Or solving. So, I thought this may be a more prudent item to use as you fidget. At least it fits better in a pocket than a quill and won't melt into a sticky mess. The goblin jeweler said it was a fine specimen, so I hope it is pleasing to your eye and touch. I considered moonstone too, but the weight of this stone felt pleasant.”
"Thank you, Ominis, it's so thoughtful. I'm excited to use it lots," you proclaim. His sweet smile causes an ache in your chest. So much love for such an incredible person.
You reach for his gift off the table, hands shaking slightly as you press the velvet box gently into his hands. He caresses the satin bow softly before untying it with a slowness that has you fretting. He creaks open the box, skimming his fingertips across the gift, coming across a nearly smooth ring,
He hesitantly asks, "…. Are you proposing to me?"
You gasp in shock, the notion having never crossed your mind, exclaiming, "Goodness, no! It's a signet ring. Engraved on the top are our initials, the same design you had made for my bracelet. A nod to us and to the symbolism that helped bring us together. Or that has such meaning to who we are, at least up until this point.”
You notice his shoulders relax, and seemingly true happiness softens his features, including your favorite constellation of moles on his cheek. You meekly continue explaining, "I had it made to fit your little finger, here. It's enchanted to fit well in case of injury or other swelling. I thought perhaps the hand you hold your wand with, because when we're together, it's the hand I prefer to hold when walking together. I may physically guide you at times, but you're the guiding light in my life. And I wanted to gift you something to show we are life partners who support, encourage, and uplift one another. It's made of platinum, as you likely already know, it symbolizes purity, rarity, and strength. All of those I believe you are, as well as to hopefully secure my feelings towards you. The other emblem of platinum is that of true love.”
Ominis slowly traces the ring, and while doing so, you appreciate the craftsmanship of the design. It is a snake with two tiny bright emerald eyes. The snake's body is intertwined around and through both of your initials, the loops creatively twisted in a resemblance of an infinity symbol.
The silence is soft, but you can’t keep quiet for long.
“However, it's not enchanted with parseltounge. I had to mimic the brilliance of your idea on my courtship gift, of our initials intertwined with infinity. Infinite in so many dimensions, and with all my heart. I did enchant it with a charm specific to my family, done under the full moon when the moonbeams are the strongest, and the starlight beackons. It should help you track the moon's phases. I know you cannot see, but it may help track time a bit….just a tool truly. The ring is meant to be pretty, as emeralds in the moonlight often are. And the serpentine image is special between us. It sparkles brightly too in this special starlight" …you trail off, unsure if he likes the gift.
Ominis softly asks, "It's perfect….I shan’t ever take it off. Will you help place it on?”
You reach out, taking the ring from his palm. You admire its design in the faux starlight before sliding it onto the little finger of his hand. Before you can let go of his hand, he pulls you across him, kissing you with a fervor that sets your heart and mind aflame. You aim to tug him as close as physically possible, the shared heat encompassing you both feels sublime, and his touch and taste bring you bliss for many minutes.
His taste is truly exquisite - the blend of him and the treats he enjoyed is tantalizing. His hands are gentle as they grip you close, and you cannot resist running yours across his chest, holding him closer and closer with each shared breath.
Ominis gently nips your bottom lip before tenderly touching his forehead to yours. While you are still trying to catch your breath, he grasps at your hip and continues to kiss down your neck, stilling when he reaches the juncture of your shoulder. You feel him inhale deeply. Then, exhale slowly. Another deep inhale helps your hammering heart to slow, you open your eyes as he softly speaks.
“You don’t know the power you have over me.” He takes another steady breath.
“You are a once in a lifetime experience that I want to have every day. A once in a lifetime love. So full of warmth, kindness, and wit. I want to walk the path of life beside you, through both the highs and lows...” Ominis states with a sincerity that brings tears to your eyes.
Your mind whirls with his words, knowing you want the same.
"Oh, Ominis, I hope you know you are worthy of all the love in the universe and all the love in my heart. You are simultaneously so full of strength and gentleness. I hope you are eager to pursue your wildest dreams and know that I’ll be right by your side," you whisper in response.
You lean into Ominis, sharing loving kisses as the starlight candles flicker on, knowing this Winter Solstice is special. However, it is only the first of hopefully many to share with Ominis that is full of warmth, treats, and love.