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Ominis yawns, as he takes his seat in Defence Against The Dark Arts. He sits with his hands folded neatly in front of him, his wand resting on the desk. He listens to the other students entering the classroom, waiting for the familiar footsteps of his girlfriend Y/N. His ears perk up at the sound of Y/N’s footsteps and the familiar scent of her sweet smelling perfume. Ominis smiles as he turns his head towards her approaching form.
“There you are Dove, I was wondering where you had got to,” Ominis said, smiling warmly at her presence. Y/N giggles as she sits down next to him, blushing at the nickname he gave her. Ominis grins at her giggles, and moves closer towards her, his shoulders pressing against hers. Y/N blushes at the contact and squeezes his hand in response. They both jump, as Professor Hecat addresses the classroom, starting the lesson. Ominis quickly composes himself as Professor Hecat starts speaking, refocusing his attention on the class. He listens intently, his hand still holding onto Y/N’s under the desk.
“Good morning class, today we will be learning about Boggarts, and how to defend ourselves against them. Now before we begin, can anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like?” Professor Hecat asks, addressing the group of 7th years before her. There was a brief moment of silence as Professor Hecat waits for a response. Ominis, being a bright student knows the answer but remains quiet, his hand gently squeezing hers under the desk.
Y/N raises her hand shyly, catching the attention of Professor Hecat. Professor Hecat nods in her direction, allowing her to answer. “Nobody knows what a Boggart truly looks like.” Y/N answers confidently before continuing; “they appear differently to each person, taking the shape of what the person fears the most.”
Professor Hecat looks towards Y/N, and with with pride in her voice says “10 points to Slytherin Miss L/N.”, before addressing the class again. “Miss L/N is correct, boggarts shift into our greatest fears which is what makes them so terrifying. To overcome a boggart we must turn it into something we find amusing,” she explains.
Professor Hecat demonstrates to the class the incantation to defeat a boggart and the correct wand movement before asking the class “Now, who would like to be the first to give it a try?” The class remains silent for a moment, some students hesitant to step forward. Ominis, feeling comfortable in his abilities is about to raise his hand to volunteer when he pauses for a second considering something. What is his worst fear he thinks? He shudders at the thought of his parents forcing him to cast an unforgivable curse and remembers the pain in Y/N’s voice when she took the cruciatus curse for him in the Scriptorium. He shrinks back in his seat, hoping Professor Hecat doesn’t pick him.
Professor Hecat’s eyes scan the room before pointing at Y/N. “Miss L/N would you be willing to step forward and give it a try?” Every pair of eyes turn towards Y/N including Ominis’ unseeing gaze. He squeezes her hand in reassurance.
“Of course professor,” Y/N replies, in a shaky voice, rising from her seat.
“Excellent!” Professor Hecat exclaims before adding “Remember, the incantation is ridikkulus. Visualise a humerous version of your fear and it will change the boggart.”
The professor takes a step back gesturing for Y/N to approach the shaking wardrobe. The silence in the classroom is deafening and all eyes are watching her every move.
The wardrobe doors open, and everyone waits for the boggart to appear. As the doors swing open, the boggart morphs from the shadows into something which causes the entire class to gasp. Everyone waits in anticipation as the boggart morphs into an image of her closest friends. Sebastian, Ominis, Natty and Poppy emerge from the wardrobe before dropping lifeless onto the floor infront of her. Y/N’s heart sinks as she takes in the horrific sight of her friend's unconscious bodies, and for a moment she stops breathing, her mind unable to comprehend the nightmarish scene unfolding before her eyes. She freezes when she spots the cold, lifeless eyes of her boyfriend staring at her. His eyes once full of warmth and life, now look at her with a haunting emptiness. The vision seems to mock her, reminding her of the worst possible thing she could ever imagine. She lowers her wand, her hand trembling.
The class freezes as they watch the scene unfold. Professor Hecat calls out to her “Focus Miss L/N. Visualise something amusing”
Professor Hecat’s voice seems to fade into the background as her heartbeat thunders in her ears. The picture in front of her was too painful to bear. She feels her knees trembling beneath her, as she struggles to catch her breath. Her ears ring and her vision darkens around the edges as she struggles to remain on her feet. She feels herself swaying slightly, the room spinning around her.
Gasps fill the classroom as Y/N collapses to the floor. Professor Hecat rushes over to her, closely followed by some concerned classmates. Ominis’ ears perk up at the sound of her falling, his heart pounding with worry. He wonders what she saw.
Professor Hecat quickly banishes the bogart back to the wardrobe, dispelling the image from the class. She then addresses the classroom in a firm but steady voice. “Class dismissed, everyone please pack your belongings and leave the classroom.”
The class begins filing out of the classroom casting anxious glances at their classmate who is still unconscious on the floor. Ominis quickly makes his way to Y/N’s side, crouching down next to her motionless form. His hand trembles as he reaches out to check her pulse, his mind consumed with worry. He sighs in relief when he feels her heartbeat strong against his fingers.
Her eyes begin to flutter open, the movement catching ominis’ attention.
“Y/N… Can you hear me, love?” Ominis shakily asks, his hand gently brushing against her cheek. Y/N stirrs at the sound of his voice before she quickly recalls the image of the boggart. She tenses, and tears fill her eyes. Ominis, sensing her realisation, gently tugs her into a sitting position, wrapping his arms around her shivering form in a protective embrace. “Hush my Dove, it's alright. You're safe now.” Ominis whispers soothingly in her ear, trying to calm her down. Y/N continues to shake, tears rolling down her already damp cheeks.
Professor Hecat, concerned for Y/N, casts her patronus to send a message to Professor Sharp, asking for his assistance and a calming draught. She watches on in concern, giving Y/N space.
Y/N, still wrapped in Ominis’ embrace is still inconsolable. His hands are attempting to soothe her, but he can still feel her shaking. Y/N, whose gaze is focused infront of her, is still seeing the image of her friends lifeless bodies.
Ominis knows he needs to find a way to snap her out of it. He gently tips her chin, her eyes now looking at him and his voice soft yet firm. “Y/N, look at me. I’m right here. It wasn’t real love. You’re not in danger and we are all safe and alive. Focus on my voice, Dove. Come back to me,” Ominis pleads.
Ominis is interrupted by the sound of footsteps entering the classroom. He looks up and hears Professor Sharp walking towards him. He tightens his embrace around Y/N, protectively sheilding her from the teacher’s watchful eye.
Professor Sharp limps towards the couple on the floor and kneels down beside them, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and understanding. He looks at Y/N’s tearstained face and unfocused gaze and takes in her shaking form before adressing her calmly.
“Miss L/N, can you hear me?” He asks, as she continues to stare into space.
Professor Sharp looks towards Hecat with concern and speaks again. “Miss L/N, I need you to listen to my voice. Can you try and focus on me?” He says, becoming increasingly concerned.
Professor Hecat steps forward, her voice authoritative. “I believe the fright of seeing her boggart has been too much for her. I have to say Aesop, it is probably one of the nastiest I’ve seen. She needs something to calm her down, or I fear she won’t snap out of it.”
Professor sharp pulls a calming draught out of his robe and carefully administers it to Y/N. He gently tips her head back, opening her mouth before pouring the purple potion past her lips. He then holds her nose, compelling her to swallow the potion before watching her reaction, anxiously.
Y/N relaxes in Ominis’ arms as the potion takes effect, her shaking slowing and eventually ceasing. Her body settles against Ominis, her head falling against his chest. Ominis can feel her struggling to stay awake, her eyelids fluttering as she resists the potion running through her veins.
Professor Sharp sags with relief, as the potion works its magic. He stands up, his hand going to the small of his back in an attempt to alleviate the pain from his limp. Professor Hecat looks at the pair, her eyes now fixed on the now relaxed student cradled in Ominis’ arms.
Professor Hecat turns her attention to Ominis. “She should be relaxed now, you should take her back to your common room to rest”
Ominis nods in agreement, and with a gentle but firm motion, he stands up with Y/N in his arms. Her body is limp in his embrace, the potion having done its job. He pays attention to her now relaxed breathing, his heart still full of anxiety, but the feeling of her in his embrace bringing him some solace.
Professor Sharp agrees to accompany the pair back to the Slytherin common room, the three of them leaving the classroom. Professor Sharp limps beside them, ensuring their safety. As they make their way down the stairs, Professor Sharp catches a glimpse of a few students trying to get a peek of the unconscious Slytherin nested in Ominis’ arms. He positions himself strategically to obstruct their view, preventing them from seeing her vulnerable state. Ominis, grateful for his aid, nods in gratitude.
They reach the door to the Slytherin common room without further incident, Professor Sharp speaking the password. “Aspiration.”
The stone wall slides back, revealing the entrance to the common room. He steps aside allowing his students through.
Professor Sharp waits at the entrance, and before it closes, he passes a small vial of shimmering liquid to Ominis. “Just in case she wakes up distressed again, place two drops underneath her tongue.” he instructs, before taking his leave.
Ominis looks around the empty common room, before walking up the staircase towards his dorm. He gently places Y/N on his bed and locks the door. He gently peels off Y/Ns robes, his touch careful and respectful. He dresses her in his own pyjamas, the fabric swallowing her petite frame. “There we go, my little sleepyhead. That should be a bit more comfortable.” He whispers.
Ominis smiles affectionately as Y/N mutters in agreement. Her drowsy mumbling was like music to his ears, making his heart flutter in his chest. He tucks her gently into his bed, the delicate sheets and blankets enveloping her in warmth. Ominis’ heart flutters when Y/N stirrs. He smiles down at her, gently stroking her hair back as she turns to look at him. “Hey there, Sleepy Dove” Ominis whispers.
Ominis’ breath catches in his throat when he feels Y/N reach a hand and gently caress his cheek. Her touch is soft and lethargic, sending shivers down his spine. He can feel her fingers tenderly trace his jawline, and he has to resist the urge to lean into her touch.
“Easy there. You’ve had a bit of a shock.” Ominis whispers. He chuckles softly as he listens to Y/N’s disjointed mumbling. She sounds like a tired toddler, her words muddled in an endearing mess. He can't help but find it adorable.
“That calming draught really did a number on you, didn’t it my sweet. You’re quite the chatterbox when your sleepy, aren’t you.” Ominis teases, caressing her cheek tenderly.
Y/N nods her head in approval before burrowing her head into his pillows. She sleepily blinks at Ominis, before sucumbing to sleep. Ominis tucks the bedsheets under her chin, before removing his shoes and joining her. He climbs above the sheets and grabs a book from his nightstand, using his fingers to graze across the text. Next to him, Y/N softly snores, her chest rising and falling. Ominis admires her sleeping form, before whispering “Sleep tight little Dove, sweet dreams.”
The only sound in the room is the quiet rustling of Ominis’ book as he turns the pages. His fingers skimming the words, but his attention also on Y/N. He keeps an ear out, his senses hyperaware of her presence, listening to the sound of her breathing.
A few hours pass, and Professor Sharp doing his rounds, knocks on the door to check on his students. He spots Ominis, sat up in bed absorbed in his book whist Y/N slumbers soundly next to him. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.
“Is everything alright in here, Mr. Gaunt?” He asks.
Ominis looks up from his book, as Professor Sharp addresses him. He places his book aside, before responding in his usual polite tone. “Yes, Professor, all is well. Y/N is still resting and I’m just reading” He adds a little sheepishly, feeling a strange feeling of being caught. He glances in Y/N’s direction, listening to see if she was still sleeping.
Professor Sharp gives Ominis a knowing smile, his eyes lingering on the two students for a moment before he speaks. There’s a softness in his tone, as if he understands the bond between the two. “Take care of her Mr. Gaunt, you have both been through a lot this year. Make sure to look out for eachother.”
Ominis smiles in response, appreciating his concern. He hears Professor Sharp exit the room, closing the door behind him, leaving them alone again. Ominis turns his attention back to Y/N, taking in her sleeping form. He feels a fierce protectiveness welling within him. “I will,” he whispers softly to himself, his words scarcely above a breath. I’ll take care of her, always.”