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It was the end of June- and term- and the announcement had just been made that Slytherin had won the House Cup. Never before had the school been abuzz with so much conversation; its students and staff avidly discussing the past year’s events. Sadly, not everyone was so talkative, or cheerful for that matter. Ominis Gaunt, a pale, pureblood wizard, sat alone in the fifth-year boys’ dormitory, listening as his housemates celebrated in the common room.
Rian McCallum, the half-blood Hero of Hogwarts, was expected by many to be in the middle of everything, answering questions left and right. Instead, the short, skinny, dirty blond sat quietly on the mattress and fiddled with his hands. The talented, young wizard was dressed entirely in black, forgoing his usual white uniform and house relic robe. Naturally, Ominis looked up in shock; his pale, sightless eyes growing wide.
“I must say, I’m surprised,” the platinum-blond Slytherin spoke softly, “I thought for sure you’d be hoisted up by now, the crowd cheering your name...”
Rian shuddered at the thought of such attention.
“I’m far too shy for that, O. Besides, I wanted to stay and support you. After all, what happened with the Sallows was my fault…”
Ominis shook his head.
“No, it wasn’t,” he sighed, “Sebastian was the most stubborn person I have ever met. And while your support didn’t help, what he did was his choice and his alone. Honestly, as much as I hate to say it… I think what happened was inevitable.”
Rian heaved a sigh, wishing more than anything that he could fix this. Sadly, they had no say in the matter; what Sebastian did was unforgivable.
“I’m so sorry, Ominis. I can’t imagine how you must feel.”
The young Slytherin frowned and stared at his hands.
“I’ve never been worse,” he answered, “Sebastian’s been sent to Azkaban, and Anne has moved away. You’re the only friend I have left. And now I have to choose between my family’s abuse and spending summer on the streets.”
Rian smiled softly as he wrapped an arm around his boyfriend and squeezed.
“No, you don’t. You can stay with me. I’ve bought a home in Hogsmeade to go with my shop.”
Ominis leaned against his love with a weak smile, his cheeks pink.
“Ah, yes, Stitches and Draughts, Hogsmeade’s overnight success story.”
“Hey, it’s not my fault no one’s thought of frozen Butterbeer before.”
“Very true. Will we still have time for ourselves amidst the crowds?”
Rian pressed a kiss to his boyfriend’s cheek, smiling as a shiver ran down the shorter boy’s spine.
“Always.”