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A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: I Can See Us (7/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 7/16 Title: I Can See Us Word Count: 9495

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6

Last Chapter Preview: “I just realised that you’re a Hogwarts Hero as well,” Evelyn answered between her giggles, “because you’re the saviour of the Hero of Hogwarts.”

Ominis hugged her back, his voice clearly showing that he was trying to ignore his annoyance at Evelyn's remark, “I’m just glad that I can save you.”

“You can save me anytime.” Evelyn said as she stopped giggling and smiled when she felt his tighter hug. She even couldn’t contain her happiness at the moment if she tried.

“But no more free falling from a broom,” Ominis forbade sternly.

Evelyn laughed on his shoulder, “Okay.”

And as they embraced each other in the waning light of day, Evelyn felt a sense of hope and excitement for the possibilities that lay ahead. She may not know for sure what Ominis felt for her or what her relationship status with him was after the whole thing. But she thought it was fine. She was okay with what she had.

Because the Hero of Hogwarts was content with him as her saviour.

Notes for the chapter:

The world's first photograph made in a camera by a muggle was taken in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, titled, "View from the Window at Le Gras."

The necklace picture below is only for reference.

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character's house, you could choose her house yourself.

You could change the main character's name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

I am no expert of the Victorian era, the use of the calendar system, etiquette, and many other things from the said era are changed as I see fit to support the story. Several insertions of modern era culture will be present as well to support the story.

I never played Hogwarts Legacy. I wrote this and the chapters before based solely on my research on the internet, a.k.a. Searching about it and watching all the videos on Youtube. I wanted to play, but I had no proper equipment. So please understand if there are timeline or explanation differences between this fiction and what happened in Hogwarts Legacy. But I try to live up to the characters and canon story.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

7. I Can See Us

Late Autumn, 1891

It’s only been a little over two months since the sixth year started. Yet, Evelyn found herself already exhausted. Especially with her N.E.W.T. level classes. She didn’t realise how tiring they were. Yes, she passed the O.W.L. with good grades, but these N.E.W.T. classes were on a different level. Entering these classes, she realised that there was a lot she hadn’t learned. The fact that she didn’t attend a couple classes while recovering from the last broom accident didn’t help either. She found herself constantly trying to catch up with the challenging coursework, and this week seemed particularly overwhelming. The professors seemed to be piling on extra assignments and making the lessons more demanding than ever before.

Maybe that’s why she found herself almost nodding off once more while hearing Ominis talk about Sebastian’s last shenanigans, or was it his attempt at summoners court?

“Eve?” Ominis called gently.

Evelyn woke up in a jolt, “Yes! Yes, you won it?”

“No, I didn’t win when Sebastian got another detention from Professor Hecat,” he chuckled. “Why don't you accept that you are that tired?” Ominis teased, evidently seeing right through her denial of tiredness.

“I’m not.” Evelyn replied stubbornly, though she couldn't deny the heaviness in her eyes. She rubbed her tired eyes, feeling drained from the exhausting week she had had.

They were at their usual place at the astronomy tower, with their legs dangling at the edge, not minding the autumn breeze that blew her nightgown and his robe gently. Evelyn swore she was up and awake when they arrived at the observation deck. But the gentle wind, the warmth from the bluebell flame, and the comfort of his shoulder made her go straight to dreamland.

“We should go back,” he suggested gently.

“I don’t want to,” Evelyn answered, snuggling against his shoulder and closing her eyes once more.

That was true, she didn’t want to leave. She’s happy with the situation since it was the first time she felt so comfortable and at ease this week. The only time she could spend time with him was in the middle of the night like this, thanks to her bloody packed schedule. Every time they meet under the sun, they’re either busy with schoolwork or handling Sebastian's shenanigans. Not to mention, the nightmares she had this week were terrible. It got worse with how tired she was, so she couldn’t exactly ‘rest’ at night as well.

He chuckled again, “The Room of Requirement is not far. It’s better than sitting here out in the cold.”

Evelyn almost slipped and answered that it’s far better being here with him. It was always far better to be with him, whatever the situation or circumstances.

“I don’t want to move,” Evelyn said as her final answer, still closing her eyes.

“You’re just too tired to move,” Ominis remarked with a playful tone.

She yawned tiredly and just hummed in response. She then felt his shoulders move as he chuckled after hearing her hum, before silence came. It was comforting, and Evelyn almost drifted back to sleep until Ominis spoke again.

“It’s almost midnight,” he said softly.

“How do you know?” she murmured, half-asleep.

"I have a watch," Ominis replied, amused.

"You can read it?" Evelyn teased playfully.

"I may be blind, but I still have my ways," he retorted, pretending to be annoyed.

"Your wand told you?" she joked further.

"My wand told me," he answered with mock exasperation, causing her to chuckle.

“And? What will happen at midnight?”

“And…” he paused, waiting for a moment before continuing, “Happy birthday, Eve.”

Evelyn's eyes shot open in surprise. “What?”

“Don’t you remember that tomorrow—today—is your birthday?” Ominis asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

“I…” Evelyn trailed off, frowning as she tried to recall the date and day. “I don’t.”

“Well, it’s already one minute past midnight. Today is officially November the eighteenth,” Ominis said gently.

Evelyn remained silent, thinking about how right he was about her tiredness, and how terrible this week had been. She couldn't even remember her own birthday. She was pouting when something soft held her hand, cutting off her train of thought. Still with her head on his shoulder, she looked down, just to see Ominis’s left hand holding her right one on top of her lap.

Then, she felt something gently nudge her head.

“Happy seventeenth birthday, Eve.”

Her breath stopped when she felt his nose in her hair. Evelyn swore she almost died right there and then. Her mind short circuited as all of her exhaustion and shock collided. All she could think about was whether she took a shower before. Merlin, she did, didn’t she?!

“Does my hair stink?” Evelyn blurted it out.

Ominis laughed, not realising the real reason for her panic. “No,” he said after a few laughs and kissed her head on the hair again, “It smells wonderful.”

And then the realisation came.

He kissed her. He. Kissed. Her. Yeah, it’s a kiss on the head, or did it count as a kiss on the hair? Anyway, it’s still a kiss! He never did that before, and she certainly didn’t have the courage to do it to him first. And now, she's gotten not only one, but two kisses in one night. All her exhaustion seemed to vanish into the air. Her heart was racing furiously, and her cheeks quickly turned scarlet with all the blood rushing to them.

Ominis, oblivious to the effect of his action towards the girl, took something out of his pocket and turned to her. Evelyn lifted her head from his shoulder, her face still flushed and surprised. Thank Merlin, he couldn’t see her at that moment.

“And here,” he said softly, his right hand offering a long velvet box to her, “my gift for you.”

Evelyn, who was still reeling from the fact that he had kissed her, couldn’t respond. She was at a loss for words as she looked at him and the velvet box he held. She felt his left hand let go of hers and saw him open the box with a smile.

Her breath was taken away as she gazed at the stunning piece of jewellery inside the velvet box. It was a delicate silver necklace with a small charm in the shape of a snake. The head and tail of the charm were connected to the chain of the necklace, making the necklace a complete circle. It glistened under the soft light of the bluebell flames.

"My aunt gave me this just before she went missing. She told me to give this to someone I cherish one day," Ominis explained, his voice tender. "And I cherish you, Eve. I want you to have it, if you’d like."

Evelyn was still speechless, unable to find the right words to express her feelings. Whether it’s because of the kiss, the necklace, or the confession she just heard, her mind completely stopped. She couldn't believe or comprehend the abundance of affection he gave her.

“It’s beautiful,” she eventually said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Ominis smiled. “Now, I must warn you and apologise in advance. What will happen might surprise you.” Ominis took the necklace from the box and held it in front of him. “May I?”

It didn’t take long for Evelyn to answer. Trusting him with all her heart, even without knowing what he would do, she answered with a soft voice, “You may.”

Ominis then began to move his hands towards her. Evelyn moved forward slightly as she noticed him attempting to place the jewellery on her collarbone. Her breath caught when she felt the warmth of his fingertips and the coldness of the necklace against her flesh at the same time. The heat from her cheek quickly moved to the spot where their skin met. She then remained still, anticipating his next move with bated breath.

Surprised her, he did.

He was speaking in parseltongue, and she found herself captivated by the hissing yet soothing sound emanating from his lips. The spell broke when she felt the sudden movement on her collarbone as he spoke. She looked down and saw the snake charm from the necklace come to life. Its head released the end of the necklace chain that was attached to it and slither gracefully from his hand towards her collarbone and up to her neck, bringing the whole necklace behind it. Evelyn went silent in awe. She then felt the snake finish its journey by reconnecting to the end of the necklace chain it had released earlier and remaining motionless. The necklace beautifully adorned her neck

“There,” Ominis said gently, moving his hands away from her.

“Thank you, Ominis,” Evelyn replied in a quiet voice, still in awe and disbelief that she deserved such a precious and valuable present.

“Now, I’m going to teach you parseltongue so you can put it on and take it off by yourself.”

Evelyn’s eyebrow shot up. Hearing how he spoke and so casually mentioned that he was going to teach her something he himself considered to be the dark arts and had tried to stay away from previously really wasn't the thing she thought she would experience for the day. It made Evelyn amused.

“And you don’t mind me learning that?” Evelyn teased, “The so-called dark wizard language?”

“I can’t always be there to help you clasp and unclasp it,” he said in a feigned serious tone. “What if you wanted to take it off so you could use other necklaces? I can’t possibly be there when you’re dressing yourself.”

Evelyn was immediately flustered at his answer and at the way her mind quickly imagined that scenario. She definitely lost this round of teasing. “H-how do you say it?”

Ominis chuckled, “It’s simple. Follow me.”

Ominis then began speaking in parseltongue. Evelyn tried her best to imitate him. But the sound that came out of her mouth sounded very strange and weird, as if she were either trying to clear her throat or choking to death. They laugh at her obviously poor first attempt.

“You have to expand your mouth wider, but not too much.” Ominis instructed and did his best to demonstrate how, and Evelyn tried her best to follow.

It took her five more attempts to pronounce the phrase before she felt the necklace stir to life, the snake's head unclasping itself and falling limp. She shrieked in excitement at seeing the unclasped necklace on her neck, and Ominis chuckled.

“Congratulations. You have become a full fledged dark wizard,” He remarked in a playful sarcasm, a grin on his face. “Now, you could take it off whenever you needed too.”

Evelyn repeated the phrase again, then felt the necklace fasten itself. She smiled as she touched the snake charm. “I would never take it off.”

“W-well, that’s good to hear,” stuttered Ominis.

Evelyn could see his cheeks turning red under the bluebell flames. “What was the phrase?” she questioned, attempting to sound nonchalant as she felt herself blushing as well.

“It’s just something my aunt used to tell me,” Ominis explained in a quiet voice. He smiled softly, as if remembering a good memory.

“I hope it’s not something bad,” she playfully retorted, trying to pick up the mood.

Ominis chuckled and shook his head with a smile, “No, It’s not.” He held her hands tenderly, “It’s more of a declaration of a feeling.”

Evelyn froze. Did he just confess his feelings for her? He might have. She didn't know what that feeling was, but she knew that people used to declare only two feelings. And she was sure his beloved aunt wouldn’t usually declare her hatred for him. He would never smile if he were remembering that, wouldn’t he?

Evelyn tried not to think about it too much. But then, her mind suddenly reminded her that she, too, had just made the declaration of that feeling five times unknowingly. Five. Bloody. Times.

Evelyn's train of thought blew up in her mind. The explosion cleared the thoughts of other things from her brain, like, how to breathe, for example.

She was probably almost blue from the lack of air when Ominis suddenly spoke something else in parseltongue, shocking her brain to function again. She felt the necklace get warm and cold again in an instant, right after he said it. Prompting her to ask in surprise, "W-what did you just say?"

Ominis smiled tenderly, “Protect.”

“So, it will protect me when you’re not around?” Evelyn asked, her cheeks tinted pink.

“I hope it won’t have to.”

"I don't know what to say," Evelyn admitted. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the intensity of her emotions. Her words came out in whispers, “It's beautiful.”

“I hoped it was, since I couldn’t ‘see’ what it looked like exactly, and could only hope that you’d like it.” Ominis chuckled and smiled, "I'm glad that you do.”

“I like it very much. It’s so beautiful.”

“I’m sure it does, and I’m sure you are too.”

“You could ‘see’ it, you know,” Evelyn said without thinking, remembering her late aunt as she touched the necklace around her neck.

She remembered how one day, she mustered up the courage to ask her aunt how she, as someone who was physically challenged in terms of sight, could ‘see.’ She remembered how her aunt smiled warmly, and gently, placed her hand on Evelyn's cheek. Little Evelyn instinctively closed her eyes and mirrored the gesture, placing her own little hand on her aunt's cheek. With tender movements, her aunt traced the contours of her face, and Evelyn couldn't help but giggle as she felt the tickling sensation while also tracing her aunt’s face. When her aunt playfully booped her nose, Evelyn playfully booped her aunt's nose in return, noting the softness and warmth of her touch. Her aunt's hand then moved to Evelyn's mouth, and the young girl did the same to her aunt, feeling her smile. Evelyn imagined her aunt smiling in her head, and when she opened her eyes, she saw exactly that.

In that precious moment, Evelyn learned that sight wasn't just about physical eyes; it was also about perceiving and understanding with the heart. And she wanted Ominis to ‘see’ her. She wanted him to ‘see’ how beautiful his gift was, and understand how much she loved it.

“See what?” Ominis's head tilted in curiosity.

“Me,” Evelyn continued, trying to be nonchalant with the rapid thumping of her heart, realising what she was about to do, “wearing the necklace.”

Ominis shook her head and smiled warmly, “I don’t have to ‘see’ to know that you’re beautiful wearing it.”

By Merlin’s beard, he better stop doing that to Evelyn before she either dies of happiness or embarrassment. Either way, she would still be glad to do it. But there was something she had to do first. With a sudden surge of determination, Evelyn grabbed Ominis’s left hand with her right, and guided it towards her collarbone.

Ominis was flustered but didn't take his hand away as she moved it gently, “E-Eve, what are you doing?”

“I want you to ‘see’ me wearing it,” Evelyn said softly, her heart pounding with nervousness and anticipation. She joked a bit, “We muggles don’t have wands to ‘see’ things magically.”

“I—”

She gulped before continuing, “This is how my late aunt used to ‘see’ something. To see me.” Evelyn guided Ominis’s finger to feel the necklace that adorned her neck. His fingers hovered gently above it. She then brought her free left hand to his collarbone, touching the fabric that covered it, mirroring its position with his.

Ominis didn’t say anything or move any muscles. The silence and stillness that came after felt like a knife to Evelyn’s heart. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe she was being too forward. Maybe he was uncomfortable with it. With all the thoughts attacking her confidence, Evelyn began to withdraw her left hand from his collarbone. But Ominis gently placed his other hand on it, keeping it in place.

Evelyn took a deep breath and began to move her hand slowly across his collarbone. Ominis understood her even without words. His left hand mirrored her movements, touching the necklace on her gently. She could see him smile as he felt the snake charm of the necklace right above her collarbone. Evelyn tried her best to be still. His warm touch sent a shiver down her spine.

And she liked it.

This was certainly different from what she used to do with her aunt. She didn’t feel this warmth before—the warmth that pooled in her heart and below. This was new, and she liked it. She didn’t want it to end. The desire to touch and be touched by him surpassed the desire to only show him how the necklace adorned her. She wanted him to ‘see’ her. To ‘see’ all of her.

So she took a deep breath to calm herself and continued, tracing her hand softly from his neck up to his jaw. Her breath still caught as she felt his hand trace her neck in the same motion, sending another shiver down her spine.

Trying her best to focus and not be distracted by her pounding heart, Evelyn let go of Ominis’s hand she had been holding earlier, and gently touched his jaw with both of her hands. Ominis did the same, he let go of her hand, and copied her exact movement. She took a deep breath once more, and moved her fingers softly from his chin, up to his jaw.

Only after that, she realised that much of his features had changed through the summer. And how wrong this decision was.

She couldn’t stop herself from marvelling at the strong angles of his jaw, feeling how completely opposite it was from the smoothness of his alabaster skin. Even with her heart beating like a hummingbird's as she felt him do the same, she couldn’t stop herself from continuing up after. Touching his cheeks softly, noting how they felt less chubby than before. The sharp cheekbones that were previously hidden now accentuate the beauty marks on them. She traced them tenderly, noticing the constellations that were seen in the sky.

“You have the serpent’s caput on your left cheek.” She whispered with her fingers caressing the beauty marks on his cheek.

Ominis chuckled, and the shiver came again as she felt him doing the same to her. His rough, yet gentle fingers traced her cheek tenderly.

Evelyn gulped, and continued her exploration with a shaky breath. She gently moved her hands up to his forehead, imagining how much a crown would fit in it, just above his sharp eyebrows, showing him as the royalty he was. And then moved her gaze to his eyes. Her breath was immediately taken away, drowning in the tempestuous, yet gentle blue orbs that glistened magically under the bluebell flame.

Evelyn saw him frown, probably thinking she had spent too long looking into his eyes. She quickly moved her thumb and closed his eyelids after that. Her eyelids closed as well when she felt his thumb above them. In the darkness, she brushed his long eyelashes with her thumb, noticing how soft and probably long they were—probably longer than hers—and how he mirrored her gently. Still with her eyes closed, Evelyn then moved to his nose, and was surprised at how pointed, yet soft it was. She couldn’t help but bop it, and giggled when he did the same. With both of their laughs heard in the background, Evelyn opened her eyes to see the last thing she hadn’t explored.

His lips.

Maybe she should stop. This was probably enough. It was enough.

But her fingers still moved.

The laughter faded as her right thumb moved closer to his lower lip. She could hear his sharp intake of breath as she slowly stroked her thumb across it. She didn’t dare to move, waiting with bated breath for him to do the same to her. But he never did. He didn’t even open his eyes. She exhaled and continued. With her left hand on his cheek, she moved her right thumb delicately towards his upper lip, noticing how pale it was under the bluebell flame. Ignoring the thoughts of how she could give it colour through touch from the same parts of her body, she continued to trace his lips, moving slowly to his cupid’s bow, and suddenly took a sharp breath.

He kissed her. He kissed her thumb.

Evelyn stopped, not daring to move even an inch. Ominis grabbed her hand that was over his lips gently, and moved them away. His other hands slid to the back of her head, and softly pushed, causing them to lean on each other on the forehead.

The tension was palpable. She could taste it in the little space between them. She could feel his shaky breath right in front of her. She could feel the warmth of his skin. She could feel how much he wanted to. She closed her eyes and waited, desperately waiting in hope for him to do the thing she also wanted him to do.

She felt him move, and felt his lips on her forehead.

Evelyn’s eyes opened in surprise, only to see him moving backward with his hand on her cheeks.

With a tender smile, he said in a hoarse voice, “I can see you, Evelyn Rose.”

Evelyn could only gulp and nod.

“I can definitely see you,” he added playfully with a smile.

The tension disappeared after that. Evelyn smiled back at him. Their smile turned into a grin, which gradually became laughter. Perhaps, the laughter was the way they concealed their embarrassment, to get rid of the awkwardness of almost kissing. Or perhaps it was laughter of happiness, their hearts realising first before their minds that they share the same feelings for each other. Either way, they laughed for a while before a calm silence came to them.

“I’m sorry for my lack of response at first.” Ominis apologised out of the blue. “I never ‘saw’ someone that way before.”

“You never did?” Evelyn asked curiously.

“I might ‘see’ something that way, but never someone. My family never let me touch them. And I’m afraid Sebastian and Anne would feel uncomfortable if I did it since I’ve never done it before. So I never really did it.”

Hearing his explanation almost brought her to tears. She held his hand tenderly, “Well, now you did.”

“And I’m glad you’re the first one I did it with,” Ominis responded sincerely.

Evelyn quickly went silent. Her sadness quickly changed into embarrassment as she tried her best to contain herself from blushing too hard at her thoughts that came right after hearing him say it.

Ominis then kissed her hand that he had held before and said softly, “Thank you for letting me ‘see’ you, Eve.”

Maybe it was the gratitude and waves of emotions she felt, or maybe it was her own need that was pushing her. Whatever it was, it made her bravely move forward and kiss him on the cheek.

“Thank you for everything.”

And he replied with the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.

Evelyn struggled to concentrate on her classes that day. Her mind always found a way to come back to Ominis’s smile and what had happened at midnight. She couldn’t escape it.

Seeing a blue ball in the summoner court? Ominis’s eyes came to her mind. Feeling the soft fur of a puffskein? Immediately recalled Ominis’s much softer eyelashes. Seeing inside her cauldron in potion class? Ominis’s face suddenly appeared on the liquid surface. Seeing the white chalk Professor Garlick used to draw a chart? Ominis’s skin under the moonlight instantly came to her thoughts.

She couldn’t focus outside of her classes as well. It’s like he was everywhere. Even in the pictures in her textbook or in the paintings in the hallways. She almost screamed and had to look twice at Gaspard Shingleton in her history of magic textbook, whose face changed into Ominis’s at her first glance. She almost fell down the stairs when she thought she saw Ominis instead of the dark haired guitarist in the great hall’s painting. She even bumped into Professor Black accidentally when she was walking in the hallway, distracted by seeing a portrait of Ominis wearing the king’s garb waving at her.

Her day was already hard with the hallucinations she had. And yet, Ominis seemed determined to make it harder. Intentionally or not, Evelyn would never know.

Well, for starters, he looked too handsome today. Evelyn found herself flabbergasted to see him already at Charms class when she arrived in a hurry this morning, sitting calmly beside Sebastian. His uniform was crisp, his hair tidy, and his face beautifully stoic. Quite the opposite of Evelyn's ‘I woke up late and found this on the floor, so put it on as soon as I could’ uniform and ‘I brushed this when I’m running down the halls’ hair. They went back from the astronomy tower to their dorm when dawn had already broken. How could he still look that handsome with only a few hours of sleep? He even gave her an apple pie when she sat on her spot at her table beside his and Sebastian’s, as if he knew she would miss breakfast at the great hall.

And that was the second thing he did that made her day harder, show affection to her. She didn’t exactly know if the level of care he showed today was the same or not compared to the other days, but she surely felt the effects of it doubled. She was flushed throughout the charm class after he gave her the pie. She was immediately flustered every time she saw him smiling across the herbology class. She felt her hands sweat more than usual when he escorted her to the potion class. She even stayed awake throughout the history of magic class, unable to sleep at all with him sitting so close to her. Every smile, every word, and every touch he gave her that day really felt like fire cruising through her veins.

And Sebastian knew it. He bloody knew it in an instant.

“There’s the birthday girl.” Sebastian said out of the blue, causing Evelyn to halt her hurried step back to her dorm immediately.

“Ah!” Evelyn exclaimed as the books she carried fell to the floor.

“O..kay, something must have happened.” Sebastian said, confused. “I don’t think I would make you that nervous.”

She wasn’t nervous. It's only the exhaustion that was previously hidden by her anxiety regarding Ominis. She was going back to her dorm for the evening, wanting to go to the bed that'd been calling her name since the last session of astronomy class. Evelyn sighed tiredly, crouched down to pick up her fallen books, and said, “Just help me with this.”

“What happened?” Sebastian asked as he crouched beside her, helping to pick up her books.

“Nothing happened,” she answered as casually as she could.

“What is that?” he asked suddenly, pointing at Evelyn’s neck.

Evelyn looked down just to see the silver necklace gift from Ominis dangling on her neck, found its way out from under her uniform, where it had been hidden before. She tried her best to be nonchalant about it and quickly stood up.

“It’s my new necklace.”

“Never thought you’re a lover of snakes,” Sebastian said curiously from his still-crouching state. He followed her steps to stand up after he got all the books that were left on the floor.

“It’s a gift,” Evelyn said as she put the necklace back inside her uniform, away from other prying eyes.

“A beautiful one, that is.” Sebastian heaved the books he held, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Is it from someone I knew?”

Evelyn immediately walked away as soon as she heard his question. Sebastian quickly followed with a grin.

“So, it is from someone I knew,” he said playfully while walking beside her, carrying the rest of her books. “Hmm…Who else could possibly give you something that was related to snakes? It must be another Slytherin, isn't it?” His voice hinted at mischief as he continued to ask curiously, “I certainly didn’t give you that, Imelda perhaps?”

Evelyn rolled her eyes at his obviously feigned curiosity. He probably knew who gave it to her as soon as he heard her say that it was a gift.

“Do shut up.”

He chuckled, “Is that why you’re so jumpy today?”

“I’m not,” She stubbornly denied.

“You are,” He said matter-of-factly and continued with an annoying grin that Evelyn wanted to rip off immediately, “It makes me wonder, did Ominis only give you a necklace?”

She blushed at his accusation. Remembering that Ominis didn’t give her only a necklace but also a kiss under the stars. Three kisses, to be exact—It still counts in her book, even if it’s not on the lips—and he also gave her the bloody delusion that he had the same feelings as her. But Sebastian didn't have know that. He must not know. So Evelyn changed the topic instead.

“Yes, only that.” She said firmly before continuing quickly. “Were you searching for me?”

“I’ll let you go now, since I’m actually on an urgent task,” Sebastian remarked. He continued, his voice becoming serious, “Yes, I was searching for you. I need your help with something.”

The sudden change of tone worried her, but didn’t make her stop her steps as she asked for more detail, “With what?”

“Ominis.”

Evelyn immediately stopped in her tracks.

“I can’t believe he got drunk,” Evelyn complained as she ran through the cobblestone path angrily.

Sebastian shrugged, running beside her, “Neither can I.”

They were running to Hogsmeade—to the Three Broomsticks, to be exact—on a journey to help a certain blond that Sebastian believed was in urgent need of help.

After hearing what he said about Ominis, Evelyn and Ominis immediately put her books in the room of requirements and ran to the nearest floo flames station with Hogsmeade as the destination in mind. Only to be shocked when the relief bust of Ignatia Wildsmith told her that the floo flames were under maintenance. Evelyn couldn’t lie, it made her upset. And the fact that Sebastian didn’t want to go by flying on a broom or beast made her more upset. He was sulking when he found out she hadn’t taken him flying on a hippogriff before. Why did he reject the chance now?

It didn't make sense to Evelyn, but she still followed the will of her troublesome friend. So, here they are, running under the last light of the day, huffing and puffing, trying their best to arrive quickly to Hogsmeade and pick up their friend in a flash so they could go back to Hogwarts before curfew.

“Why didn’t you take him to the dorms immediately in the first place?”

“He won’t move and keep calling for you.”

What Sebastian had said was kind of a surprise for Evelyn. She whirled her head towards Sebastian while still walking, “For me?!”

Sebastian grinned and continued with a sing-song voice, clearly trying to imitate Ominis’s voice, “His exact words were, ‘Where is my rose? I won’t move until I see my rose’ as soon as I arrive after getting his so-called urgent owl.”

“You’re joking?” Evelyn asked in disbelief, and got a shake of the head from the brunette beside her.

“Nope. I tried to pull him off the table, but he wouldn't budge. I was confused at first hearing his drunken request, but then I remembered your last name. So I came straight to you.”

Evelyn frowned. “Wait, why was he drinking in the first place?”

Sebastian shrugged, “I hadn’t got a clue." He then nudged Evelyn playfully. "Did you do something?”

Evelyn didn't know how to answer Sebastian. She did do something out of the ordinary. However, she didn't expect that touching Ominis intimately and almost kissing him would be the reason for him to get drunk. It’s not strong enough, and he looked fine throughout the day. It made her sure she wasn't the cause.

The fact that Ominis became drunk was very odd in the first place. She never, ever heard someone get drunk because of butterbeer. Not to mention, Ominis rarely drinks. He even preferred to share one glass of butterbeer with Evelyn rather than drink one for himself. She didn’t believe Sebastian at first before he showed her the letter he received from drunken Ominis.

“I didn’t.” Evelyn answered firmly and asked in confusion, “How could he be drunk because of butterbeer?”

“He actually drank wine,” Sebastian said nonchalantly.

“What?!” Evelyn whipped her head towards him, “Why did Sirona give him that?”

“He’s already seventeen. It’s legal for him and me to drink it.” Sebastian shrugged, “Although, I'm more of a whisky person myself.”

“I know,” Evelyn rolled her eyes, “I just thought they wouldn't give it to him since he’s a student.”

“Everything’s legal when you have enough galleons,” Sebastian said with a smirk.

“That means…I can buy it too?”

Sebastian nodded, “Legally, only since today." He grinned and teased, "Meanwhile, it’s been legal for me and Ominis for months.”

Evelyn groaned and ran faster, “That just makes it worse.”

It didn’t take long for Sebastian to catch up with her more hurried steps and come beside her again. He asked, “Why?”

“Because, I’m the one who's taking a drunk friend home the day that alcohol became legal to me." Evelyn said sarcastically and exclaimed, “It’s supposed to be me! The one who was drunk and needed help to come home.”

Sebastian grinned, “Never thought you were a drunkard wannabe."

"I am not." Evelyn said sternly, her voice latched with annoyance.

He chuckled, "Don't worry about your first drunken experience. We can remedy that after we handle Ominis.”

Evelyn groaned at his tease and picked up her pace even more while Sebastian laughed.

After that, they ran in silence until they came in front of Hogsmeade, where she stopped right in front of the main doors. She leaned towards Sebastian, trying to catch her breath after running so far. Bloody floo flame just had to be under maintenance at the same time.

“He’s not quite a heavy drinker, is he?” Evelyn asked, concerned, with how she and Sebastian were supposed to bring back Ominis to the castle. Especially if he drank more after Sebastian left him. What if he was unconscious?

“I told Sirona to stop serving him drinks, and I guessed he only took two glasses before he sent me the owl,” Sebastin reassured her. With a hand on her shoulder, he grinned as if knowing what was on her head, “It’s going to be fine. We could use wingardium leviosa on him if he’s out cold.”

Evelyn's worry dissipated, and found herself giggling at the image of floating Ominis in the middle of herself and Sebastian on their way back to Hogwarts. “It would be quite a view.”

“Indeed.”

Evelyn sighed, “Let’s just get over it.”

“Sure, after you,” Sebastian bowed after Evelyn stood up from his shoulder.

Evelyn rolled her eyes at the gesture and pushed the door open.

“SURPRISE!”

A bunch of shouts immediately stopped Evelyn in her tracks. And she was shocked to see so many people she knew in front of her. Her friends were all there. Even Leander, standing behind Garreth and Amit, who were raising their hands as a gesture of surprise, smiled widely. Imelda was standing in front of Amit, smiling smugly at her while carrying a parcel. In front of her, Poppy and Natty were standing with a bright smile. And in the middle of them, was Ominis, standing with a cake in his hands.

“Happy birthday, Eve.” Ominis said to the surprised girl.

Hearing his soft voice made tears come to Evelyn’s eyes. Her annoyance and exhaustion were forgotten. She couldn’t stop smiling as she walked inside the Three Broomsticks towards her friends. “Thank you…” Her voice trailed off as she sniffled, “How did you guys do it?”

“With magic.” Garreth commented out of the blue, which made all her friends present laugh.

She chuckled and remarked playfully, “I’m clearly surprised.”

“Don’t pretend that you’re not. I successfully made the floo lady lie and also made you believe that Ominis was drunk.” Sebastian remarked proudly.

“You did what?!” Ominis exclaimed in surprise.

“The floo lady lied?!” Evelyn said at the same time.

Suddenly, Garreth started to sing the birthday song, and the banter was forgotten. Her friends—including Sebastian, who quickly took his place beside Imelda—followed his steps and sang, guiding her to blow out the candles as she came closer towards them. She looked around with tears in her eyes, genuinely happy to see her friends smiling and singing to her, feeling their happiness for her. Her gaze then moved to the one in front of her and never left, enchanted to see Ominis's beautiful face, smiling warmly at her in the candlelight.

Evelyn waited until the song came to an end, giggling a bit after hearing Garreth belt out the last part of the song, and finally asked, “Can I blow now?”

“Make a wish first!” Sebastian shouted from the back.

Evelyn closed her eyes. The others were silent, respecting the birthday girl. The only thing she could hear was her own breath and her own voice inside her heart. After saying her wish to herself, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles.

The party began again right after that. Hollers and claps could be heard as the last candle blew out. There was no one else but their group and Sirona herself inside the Three Broomsticks, with the place closed to the public by Sirona for the special occasion. Garreth then blew a yellow and gold coloured trumpet, something Evelyn guessed was supposed to be used for a Quidditch match support chant if the game wasn’t cancelled again for another year. It sounded so loud that everyone went silent and closed their ears immediately at the first blow.

“Sorry,” Garreth said, feeling guilty with a grin.

Imelda quickly took the trumpet from the ginger and thwacked his shoulder. Laughter ensued, and the party continued. Near the fireplace, Sebastian and Natty were chatting until they both nodded to each other and let out their wands. A pop could be heard, and it suddenly rained confetti and sparks.

Evelyn looked up and couldn’t help but smile at the rain of glittering papers and shining particles around her. She opened her palms to the air and laughed as she felt several sparks land softly, like a warm kiss on her hands. She couldn’t stop smiling, even if she tried. Remembering the boy in front of her, she looked back down. Her breath caught right at the moment she saw him.

He was breathtaking.

The way his head tilted at the right angle that made his eyes shone among the sparks and glitter that fell from the sky, his alabaster skin tinted golden under the fireplace light, and his mouth smiled radiantly made her feel shivers down her spine. Evelyn felt a war within herself. One side wanted to just forget about everything and kiss him right there and then. One side wanted to maintain her dignity and wait. Seeing how she couldn’t take her eyes off of him, it could be seen which side was winning.

Until several pieces of confetti made their way into Ominis’s hair and stayed there, causing her to laugh. They were clearly an odd addition to his tidy, neat hair.

Ominis began to frown, “What’s wrong?”

“You’ve got something in your hair,” Evelyn said between her laughs.

She stepped closer to him, positioning herself as close as possible without hitting the cake he was holding in both hands.

“Here, let me help.” A voice came out of the blue beside Evelyn, causing her to become still.

Turns out, it was Poppy, who was smiling while reaching out her hand to take the cake Ominis was holding. The boy gave her the cake after he felt her hands, and she quickly turned herself away, shouting excitedly.

“Who wants cake?”

The rest of the group quickly surrounded Poppy with excitement as she moved herself away from the couple. Poppy brought the cake with her to where Sebastian had prepared an empty table, and the others followed swiftly, practically making the surrounding areas of Evelyn and Ominis empty. Evelyn saw Sebastian smirk at her and raise his two thumbs up. Her cheeks flushed at the gesture, realising that her brunette best friend knew what was happening and tried to help.

Evelyn quickly cleared her throat in an attempt to clear the air that was getting hotter and moved her gaze back to the blond boy in front of her.

“Where were we?”

“There’s something in my hair?” Ominis said hesitantly.

She nodded nervously, “Y-yes. Let me help you get it off.”

Her hand then brushed gently through his hair, trying to take the confetti out without destroying his hairstyle too much. Which, pretty much failed at the first attempt.

His soft hair made Evelyn distracted and drowned in thoughts of running through it forever. Not to mention, her mind indignantly reminded her of the memories of last night. She couldn’t concentrate herself and made his hair a little bit messier than it was. Well, at least even with messy hair, he would still be handsome in her eyes.

After almost a minute passed, she successfully took the last confetti and moved her hands away, brushing his cheeks in the process. The gesture made a blush bloom in Ominis’s cheeks, causing Evelyn to suddenly become hyper-aware of how close they were.

Just like last night.

The thought of kissing him flooded her mind once more. The lower part of her body became warm as she looked at his lips, pale compared to his scarlet cheeks. Blood rushed to her cheeks immediately, causing them to be as scarlet as his. Evelyn closed her eyes slowly and felt herself gratifying towards him, getting closer and closer to the pale but soft lips that she wished to—

“Hey, you guys,” Garreth’s voice suddenly came, causing Evelyn to jump back, the moment clearly ruined. “Amit was showing his new picture making machine!”

“It’s actually called a camera, Garreth.” Amit spoke from behind to the ginger, not acknowledging the blushing couple.

“Yeah, yeah.” Garreth dismissed Amit and continued excitedly, “It’s basically like an automatic painting making device, right? We should take a picture of us all with it! Make the memory of this joyous moment permanent."

“Yes, but actually—“

“Gar!” Sebastian interrupted Amit’s explanation with a smack on Garreth's shoulder, “You ruined it!”

“Ruined what?” Garreth asked in annoyance, rubbing his shoulder that got smacked not once, but twice in the evening. Clearly not knowing what Sebastian meant.

Meanwhile, Evelyn knew exactly what he meant and blushed at the realisation that he was seeing her and Ominis almost kissing. She was still silent in embarrassment while Amit continued his interrupted explanation.

“Actually, it’s not a painting.”

“What is not a painting?” Sebastian asked, bewildered and still mad at Garreth.

Amit excitedly continued to explain how the camera in his hands works, “A camera would capture the light by—”

“Let’s just take the ‘photograph’.” Evelyn cut off poor Amit for the second time, who seemed not to be angry with the interruption.

Instead, he asked in delight, surprised but delighted to see a fellow technophile, “You knew it would create a photo?”

“Yes, it’s quite famed in the muggle society,” Evelyn said in a hurry, wanting to get out of the awkward and embarrassing situation as soon as she could, “now, let’s go.”

“Go where?” Sebastian asked, clearly not following the conversation.

“In front of the fireplace would be a good spot.” Ominis suggested suddenly, his wand already out of his pocket. It definitely surprised Evelyn, as he was silent before, she didn’t think he followed the conversation. “If a ‘photo’ was like a painting, it would be best to take it with all of us standing in front of the fireplace.”

“That’s a good idea!” Garreth exclaimed excitedly.

“Right, okay, I’ll set it.” Amit responded at the same time and swiftly went to a spot in front of the fireplace, while Garreth took hurried steps towards the fireplace and found himself in a spot in the centre.

“We’re going to take a photo,” Ominis explained to Sebastian, who still didn’t understand what was going on.

“A photo?”

"It's like a painting, but it was created by a new technology called the camera," Evelyn immediately explained.

Sebastian nodded, finally understood, and shouted to the ginger, “Oi, you can’t possibly be the centre of our paint—photo!” He quickly corrected himself and followed Garreth’s steps to the spot in front of the fireplace, leaving Evelyn and Ominis on their own.

They fell into an awkward silence, as Ominis seemed to be distracted by his brunette best friend, who was arguing with Weasley. Evelyn was going to say she should go find her own place for the photo when Imelda came and asked them about the bickering brunette and ginger in front of the fireplace.

“What is wrong with them?”

“I can’t believe there are two of them.” Ominis remarked in disbelief, seemed to not hear Imelda’s question as Garreth and Sebastian’s banter at each other could be heard rising in each second.

Evelyn shook her head with a smile, feeling her nervousness dissipate after hearing the remark. And answered the confused Slytherin girl, “They were fighting for the middle spot for the photo we’re going to take.”

“Photo?” Imelda asked in confusion.

“It’s basically a picture that was captured instantly using a device called a camera.”

“So, fast painting?”

“Not exactly.”

Imelda shrugged, “Well, we can’t have them in the middle of the picture, whether it’s a painting or not, can we?”

Evelyn was about to answer seriously before she heard Imelda continue, her voice offended.

“It should’ve been me,” Imelda remarked, walking to the bickering boys with determination. After that, there were three people bickering instead.

“They’re so childish,” Ominis commented with a shake of his head.

Evelyn could only laugh seeing her friends’ antics, “They are.”

“We should take our positions too,” he said softly and gave his elbow towards Evelyn. “Shall we?”

She smiled at the gesture, remembering the many times she held it on their journey through the halls, and put her hand tenderly on his elbow, “Yes, Lets.”

Evelyn smiled as she felt Ominis discreetly press his left elbow, which was where her hand held on, to his side. She tightened her grip on his arm, and they walked to their debating friends in front of the fireplace.

Apparently, Leander and Poppy joined in the debate. The former sided with Garreth, thinking a Gryffindor should be in the middle, while the latter only wanted to stop the quarrel in the first place but found herself joining in after hearing Leander say that Hufflepuffs should be at the end. The bickering continued in loud voices while Evelyn and Ominis just stood awkwardly on the side, trying to find their own spot in front of the fireplace. Natty soon joined, standing beside Evelyn.

“How long do you think they will continue?” Natty asked her.

“With Imelda and Sebastian?” Evelyn answered in disbelief. “Somebody better stop it before it turns into a brawl.”

Natty chuckled, “You’re right. You should do it, since you are the one who should be in the centre.”

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise, “Why?”

“You are the birthday girl.” Ominis answered for Natty, who smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Well, it has gone too long.” Evelyn released her arm from Ominis, took a deep breath and stepped closer to the bickering jumble of her friends, “Guys?”

Her call fell on deaf ears, the bickering still continued.

“Guys?” Evelyn tried once more, yet, their friends kept on debating to Merlin knows what because it was heard like it was not about who should be in the centre anymore. Garreth even began to list the ingredients for polyjuice potions out of the blue.

“Guys, ple—”

“For Merlin’s sake!” Ominis shouted out of the blue, silencing all the people present in an instant. Everyone stood still, clearly surprised. Including Sirona—who was helping to take the photo—stopped in her tracks of aligning the camera under Amit’s direction. With everyone’s focus on him, Ominis then commanded the bickering friends, “Move, Evelyn should be in the middle.”

The bickering friends dispersed immediately, leaving the centre spot empty for Evelyn, who quickly dragged Ominis to stand on the recently empty spot beside her. No one dared comment or complain about that. Her other friends moved quickly—and a little bit in panic—trying to find their own spot for the photo. It was actually kind of funny seeing them all a little afraid because of Ominis.

Hearing him shout and command clearly did something to Evelyn’s body. It sent blazing fire through her veins. And she didn’t lie when she almost kissed him right there and then. Luckily, she could still contain herself and put her hand back in its previous place on his elbow instead. Her only focus was on him while the others scrambled around.

“Places, everyone!” Amit shouted from his spot behind the camera, causing the students to stop and take their place for the photo, no matter where. He then instructed Sirona to align the camera once more.

“Hurry Amit!” Poppy exclaimed impatiently from Evelyn’s left. Probably afraid Garreth would change his mind since she got the position after Garreth relented as soon as she brought up her height as an excuse.

“Yes, yes, I’m coming!” Amit said after finishing his explanation to Sirona of how to operate the camera. After that, he ran to an empty spot beside Leander, who was at the end of Evelyn’s side of the group before he came.

Everyone was posing, and with her hand already on Ominis’s elbow, Evelyn decided to lean her head on his shoulder as a pose. Ominis put his wand in his pocket, put his head above hers, and held her hand that was on his elbow with his hand as a response. Evelyn's smile couldn’t get any wider after that.

“Say butterbeer!” Sirona shouted.

Everyone looked into the camera and followed the instructions, except for Leander.

“Why would I say—”

The camera’s flash interrupted him, and Sirona gave a thumbs up from behind the camera right after that.

“Wait, is it done?” Leander asked, but nobody answered him.

Everyone began to follow Amit, who quickly took the camera from Sirona, swept up in the excitement of the moment and wanting to ask more about the new equipment he had. Poppy was asking if it could take photos of her beasts, Imelda was enthusiastic about aerial shots while flying, and Leander, sadly, was still asking if the process of taking the photo was done.

“Guys? Is it really done? Can we take another? I think I blinked on that one,” Leander's voice was tinged with mild worry.

Sebastian chimed in, a playful grin on his face, “Don’t worry, Prewett. The photo would still look good even if you did. Even better!”

Leander grunted, “What’s that supposed to mean, Sallow?”

Sebastian ignored the tall ginger and walked up to Amit, his curiosity piqued, “Could I borrow the camera so I could take pictures with Anne in the summer?”

Leander called the brunette again in annoyance, “Hey! Answer me!”

Evelyn laughed at the interaction. She was about to break up the two squabbling boys and join her other friends when she felt a gentle yet firm grip on her hand. She turned to see Ominis tightening his grip on her hand.

“Why did you choose me?” Ominis's voice was soft, carrying a weight of curiosity and vulnerability.

Her heart skipped a beat. The way he asked the question caught her off guard, and for a moment, her mind went blank. She looked at Ominis, his earnest expression pulling at her heartstrings. He was asking about choosing him to be in the centre for the photo with her, wasn’t he?

Then, she remembered. She remembered how he gave her a tender smile across the class, how he waited every time she came home from her adventures, how he held her arm gently as they walked through the halls, how he gave her lavish gifts she couldn’t even repay, how he got angry but still cared for her every time she done something bad, how he held her when she was crying, how put his head on her head only just recently, and how he had kissed her under the stars.

She felt courage surge through her veins after remembering those moments. Hope bloomed in her heart. Maybe, he wasn’t only asking about her decision to choose him to be in the centre. Maybe… just maybe, he asked about her feelings as well?

With her newfound courage and hopefully not delusional hope, she gripped both of his hands and bared her heart to him.

“Because I can see us together.”

Ominis's gaze held a mixture of surprise and delight, as if her words had surpassed his expectations. Her confession hung in the air, and the unspoken emotions between them were palpable. Seconds stretched before he finally moved, taking a step closer.

Everything else went blurry for Evelyn as he came closer and closer. Evelyn’s heartbeat echoed in her ears and her cheeks flushed as she realised what was going to happen. His hand found its way to her cheek, and she felt herself gratifying towards him once more for the day, closing her eyes as she leaned in, she—

“Guys! Let’s take another picture!” A voice cut through the tension.

Evelyn opened her eyes, her almost-kiss with Ominis still hanging in the air like an unspoken promise. She turned her head towards the one who had unknowingly interrupted their moment. It was Garreth, bustling with excitement as he hurried back to his spot in front of the fireplace, eager for another shot of a photo.

Tenderly caressing her cheek with one hand, Ominis whispered before stepping back, “I can see us together as well.”

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of warmth spreading through her. She felt something unmistakable in Ominis's touch as their hands kept intertwining—an affirmation of the feelings she had evidently not blindly hoped for before. Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of delight and anticipation.

“Garreth!” Sebastian shouted when he arrived beside the ginger. His voice held a hint of annoyance and disappointment as his gaze shifted between the couple and Garreth, clearly seeing what should have happened before the ginger disrupted the atmosphere. “You ruined it again!”

“Ruined what? I just want to be ready for the next picture!” Garreth answered in disbelief.

She shook her head with a smile, “Let him go, Seb. It’s okay.”

Sebastian then led Garreth to his place beside him as he stood at his own place, beside Ominis. He shot Garreth a wry look, “You really have a talent for bad timing, mate.”

“Well, I had no idea what you’re talking about. I just want to look good for the next picture.” Garreth answered while combing his hair with his hands. “My descendant might see it someday!”

Evelyn felt her blush deepen as she realised what Garreth meant. Her descendants might see the photo someday too. Her and Ominis’s.

The others began to move to their previous places for the picture after seeing Sebastian and Garreth already in their own places. As the group gathered once more, arranging themselves for the photo, Evelyn couldn't suppress her smile. The interrupted almost-kiss had inadvertently unveiled what she had hoped to be true. Ominis's affection for her was not just a figment of her imagination, or worse, just a friend to friend affection. It was real and palpable.

Sebastian shot Leander a sly grin before speaking in an exaggerated, cheerful tone, “Ready for another attempt, Prewett? Make sure you don't blink this time.”

Leander's glare at Sebastian after hearing that was met with laughter from the group. Evelyn tightened her grip on Ominis’s elbow, and he returned it gently to her hand, sharing a gesture that spoke volumes. They did the same pose as before.

As the camera flashed, capturing another moment frozen in time, Evelyn's heart brimmed with contentment because she had gained the most valuable gift for her seventeenth birthday. An affirmation from the one who has her heart that he too, could see them becoming ‘us’.

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pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

Text

A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: Saviour of the Hero of Hogwarts (6/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 6/16 Title: Saviour of the Hero of Hogwarts Word Count: 9,142

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5

Last Chapter Preview: "Whatever lies ahead, we must face it together. That, I know.”

“Well, the stakes are high and the water's rough. But this friendship is ours,” Evelyn tightened her right grip on Ominis’s hand and reached for Sebastian’s hand on her left one, her voice as solemn as Ominis’s, “I will fight for it.”

“Me too.” Sebastian said firmly, his hand gripping Evelyn's and Ominis’s hands tightly. “Besides, people throw rocks at the things that shine,” he grinned, “and we’re obviously the shiniest. You couldn’t handle the rocks all by yourselves.”

“Obviously.” Evelyn rolled her eyes at Sebastian's joke and giggled.

Ominis chuckled and shook his head at them both, “I am glad you're both my friends, despite what happened and what everyone said.” Evelyn could see Ominis’s eyes welling with tears as his voice broke and came to a whisper, "Thank you."

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

6. Saviour of the Hero of Hogwarts

Autumn, 1891

Evelyn, Ominis, and Sebastian had been inseparable since the beginning of the sixth year. They became closer and spent more time together as they took many N.E.W.T. level classes together. One of them was the charms class, which they entered with Ominis being the only one to receive Outstanding score in O.W.L., while Sebastian and Evelyn had to settle with Exceed Expectations. Sebastian and Evelyn were content while Ominis was dissatisfied with it. Yet, he did nothing but urge them to study harder and help them if they asked him too.

But everything changed after the coastal vivarium event.

He became more attentive to how his friends learned and behaved. He even scolded Evelyn and Sebastian before Professor Ronen could when they did not pay proper attention in the class. To take things one step further, Sebastian and Evelyn even had to attend additional study sessions at The Undercroft, which Ominis insisted on every week. And the sessions did not cover only charms; he began to lean towards Defence Against the Dark Arts as well over the past week, even though Sebastian and Evelyn have actually gotten O's in the subject O.W.L, higher than his E.

It felt like having a new professor for two subjects at once for Evelyn. A professor who was more strict than the real ones and only accepted perfection from his students. And today was one of those days. She and Ominis were currently sitting in The Undercroft, waiting for their brunette friend to come before they began the session.

“It’s been ten minutes. He’s definitely late,” Evelyn said in a matter-of-fact way, putting down the book she was reading.

“Apparently, he is,” Ominis sighed and put down the book he was reading as well, “I sent him an owl, how could he possibly be late?”

“I had no doubt that you did. He’s probably in detention,” She said nonchalantly.

His voice came with scepticism, “For what?”

“I don’t know,” She shrugged and giggled a bit, “he always got into one that it became the first thing that came up in my mind.”

Ominis shook his head, “It’s not something that should be laughed at.”

Evelyn quickly stopped her giggle at his remark. She cleared her throat to dissuade the awkwardness, “Yeah, sorry.”

“Well, then.” He stood up from his sitting position beside her, “Let’s start, shall we?”

Evelyn had almost no complaints about the extra study sessions over the last few weeks, really. She couldn't deny that this additional learning session was very out of the blue, but she was glad of it. Since Ominis was paying more attention to her through it, even though it was not the way she preferred. And she spent even more time with him as well because of it. So, there’s that.

But with how Ominis always seemed to be on the edge and got angry more often than usual during the study sessions made her feel uneasy. He instantly shot down hers or Sebastian’s attempt at a joke, just like he had done previously. It’s like he turned immediately to serious mode as the session began. He even once shouted at Sebastian because he missed a target at the other end of the undercroft with Confringo. And immediately cast the said spell with all his might, quickly and precisely, causing the brazier to be almost blown to pieces with the force of it.

She couldn't deny that it was hot. But it also brought out the nerves in her. Something must have made him more irritable than usual. She wasn't used to seeing the calm and gentle Ominis she had known transform into this...agitated and aggressive one.

She felt that it was the right time to ask Ominis the question. The other time she asked him about it, he only answered curtly and quickly avoided her by ‘helping’ Sebastian practise his confringo. The last time, Sebastian created a distraction without knowing and made her unable to ask in the first place. So, with no troublesome brunette sighted near, Evelyn stared at Ominis, not moving even an inch from her sitting position, and asked.

“Should we? Can’t we just sit here and talk?”

Ominis frowned at the question, “About what? Do you have any difficulties in class?”

“No,” She shook her head, held his hand, and began to pull him down. She started speaking only after he sat back down beside her, “I wanted to talk about the reason you insisted on me and Sebastian coming into these sessions.”

"I insist because of your grades," He responded quickly and sternly. “It’s—”

“Omi, you practically dragged me and Sebastian here for the first free period we three had after I brought you to the coastal vivarium weeks ago,” interrupted her.

He frowned, “I did?”

She answered softly, “Yes, you did.”

"But you guys came on your own afterwards."

She put her hand on his shoulder, “We only came because you asked us to after the first time. Every time we had a free period, or when we had nothing to do in the evening before curfew after, you owled or gave us notes to meet here.”

His reply came with irritation, “Well, if you don’t—”

"I wanted to come," Evelyn stopped him, responding even before he finished, knowing what he was about to say. “I wanted to come. I understand you insist on us attending these sessions so we could pass the N.E.W.T. with a high score. That’s also why I came in the first place.” An obvious lie, She surely wanted to come only because she wanted to spend time with him in the first place. But he didn’t need to know about it, so she went on gently, “But I sense there’s something much more you don’t tell us.”

“I don’t have—”

“Don’t lie to me, Gaunt,” Evelyn interrupted him sternly, feeling frustrated, she removed her hand from his shoulder and crossed her arms in front of her, “You said that whatever lies ahead, we must face it together. What is the thing you know we would face together in the near future that made you become…this?”

“Become what?”

She gestured her hand towards him, “More agitated and irritable than before, especially in our study sessions. It’s like Sebastian and I were Duncan Hobhouse and you’re irritated even if we just breathe.”

Ominis scoffed, “You’re not him.”

Evelyn nodded, “Precisely. So tell me, why?”

It took a full half minute before he replied to her in a broken voice, “I can’t tell you why.”

Evelyn tried her best to be patient. She racked her brain to think of the excuses of his reluctance to share with her. The one topic he always avoided was his family. The topic that made him this worrisome before was also his family. It didn’t take long until she connected the dots.

“Ominis, did something else happen when you came home in the summer?”

“That place is not my home.” Ominis said with so much spite that Evelyn felt goosebumps hearing it. “What I can tell is that my gesture of coming back to the Gaunt manor last summer indirectly opened the door for my family to return to my life. No matter how much I want them not to. They will find out about mine and Sebastian's ongoing friendship, about our friendship,” his voice became tight, “I’m afraid that they might do something to you guys. To you. I feel afraid that they will know about your…blood and…” He trailed off and gulped, apparently trying to continue, but failed. “Merlin, I can't even finish the sentence.”

“I can protect myself, Omi,” Evelyn stated sternly.

“Of course the hero that defeated Ranrok herself can,” He replied sarcastically.

Evelyn was genuinely surprised to hear him bring up the topic that she defeated the goblin rebellion leader again, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“What I meant was that you are a powerful and brilliant witch, Evelyn Rose. When people begin to talk about the goblin invasion of Hogwarts, and how you’re there with all the professors, it’s not hard to put two and two together. The professors and yourself never talked about or denied it explicitly either, letting the rumours fly around and practically allowing the students to call you the Hero of Hogwarts. So it must be you, the key to all what happened in our fifth year. It must be you, that crushed the goblin rebellion leader, all by yourself. You’re probably even stronger than Sebastian and I combined.”

Evelyn was speechless while Ominis continued in a broken voice.

“But, I still worry. I still worry about the fact that I can’t always be around you and Sebastian. I still worry that I won’t be able to come to your aid in time. I still worry about you.” Ominis sighed, “That’s why I kept insisting on these sessions. If I can’t protect you both all the time, then at least let me help you train to protect yourself when I’m not there.”

Evelyn’s heart beated like a hummingbird's. The way he said it totally made her thoughts go off the rails. Maybe it was her wishful thinking, or mindless dreaming, but the thought of him worrying about her that much, made a dangerous hope bloomed in her heart.

Evelyn bravely put her hand on his lap, “You don’t need to protect us all the time. As I said before, I can protect myself. And so does Sebastian.” She then tried to pick up the mood, her voice playful, “Let me remind you that we got higher scores in Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. than you are.”

"Yes, I know,” Ominis rolled his eyes and smiled, “You always bring it up every time you have the chance."

Evelyn grinned as she saw his smile, she continued her tease, trying to lighten the mood more, “Of course, how else could I boast about it?”

And she earned a chuckle from Ominis and felt his hand intertwine with hers that was on his lap before he replied, “But I can’t help but to worry. Maybe you’re right. I am a doting mother—”

“Not for me,” Evelyn quickly interrupted. The notion of him as her ‘mother’ while she was thinking of another relationship that may bloom between them really made her want to vomit.

“Okay, only for Sebastian,” He chuckled a bit. “I guess, I feel less worried after I taught you both all I could during these lessons, knowing that I’ve done my best to help and prepare you for anything that might have happened. That’s why I was so hard on you both.”

Evelyn tightened her grip on his hand and smiled softly, “Okay.”

Ominis frowned, “Okay?”

Evelyn nodded, “Okay. You don’t need to tell me more.”

That apparently made Ominis confused as he stammered, “I—so—you get it? Just like that?”

Evelyn nodded, “Of course. I get that you’re worried about me and Sebastian. But, perhaps we should tone down this whole study session a bit? We could make it once a week? Sebastian and I would like to rest in our free time too, you know.” Evelyn smiled, “And I know that you miss your naps in the corridors.”

“I do miss it,” Ominis sighed, “Okay. I’m sorry. I pushed you and Sebastian more than I should.”

“No need to be sorry, Omi. I know you did it for a good reason. And I’m not going to lie, our sessions did help me. Professor Ronen was even impressed with my last score at the summoner’s court. I couldn’t do that without all your drills and practises."

“Well, I am a good teacher,” he said proudly.

“You are.” Evelyn rubbed her chin with her free hand, “maybe you should become a professor in the future?”

“And face the possibility of having someone who's just like you and Sebastian as my charge?” Ominis shuddered, “No, thank you.”

Evelyn's laughter echoed through the undercroft immediately, and Ominis joined in, the sound of their mirth filling the air as they held hands. In that moment, the usually dim undercroft felt warmer, enveloped by their shared joy.

Ominis was the one who spoke first after, “I’ll still worry about you both. Especially you, Eve. Since you're always wandering off to Merlin knows where, while I can only stay here and hope that you're okay.”

Evelyn felt a rush of emotions at his words. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of happiness and nervousness. His concern for her safety once again caused a spark of hope within. The fact that she was sitting shoulder to shoulder with her hands intertwined with his didn’t help at all. She tried to calm herself and prayed to Merlin for him not to notice her sweaty palms.

“Perhaps, if you’re that worried about me, I can tell you every time I go?” Evelyn suggested nervously. “Or you could come along the next time I’m off adventuring. It would be nice to have a companion besides Sebastian, Poppy, or Natty.”

She should have stopped then. But, her nervousness made her continue even before Ominis could respond, the way she talked became more rapid in every word. “Or I could join you? Doing stuff…just the two of us? I mean, not like that stuff. But stuff stuff, like join you when you’re reading for arithmancy? I may not take the class, but I can still help you learn it. Maybe quiz you a bit. But you have to tell me the questions and answers first obviously. And if you’re okay with it too, I would love to sleep with—no, I mean, nap. Nap. That was it. You look so comfortable when you’re napping—It’s like watching a kitten! I would love to join you, but I don’t want to impose. If you—”

Evelyn stopped abruptly as she heard Ominis’s chuckle, which then became full laughter. A laugh that was enough to make her realise that she had said and suggested probably too much. She quickly looked down. Trying her best to keep her voice straight, and even laughed along so he didn’t realise how embarrassing and hurtful it was for her to hear him laughing at her, “Yeah, sorry. It’s a bad idea.”

She started to release her hand from his grip, but was stopped as she felt him tightly gripping her hand.

“No, no. You got it all wrong.” Ominis said between his laughs. Evelyn then heard him take a deep breath, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. You’re just too adorable when you’re nervous.”

Her head went up towards him immediately, only to be met by his gentle smile. How can she be mad at him when he called her adorable and gave her that smile? She’s lucky she didn't transfigure into a pool of goo at that moment.

“I would like that,” he continued gently.

"Y-you would?" Evelyn stuttered, either from nervousness or too much endorphins after seeing his smile.

“Of course. I would like it very much if you told me about your adventures or invited me to join you in one. But…” Ominis trailed off, and Evelyn felt his other hand above their intertwined hands. “Would you like it? To hang out, just the two of us?”

Merlin’s beard, Evelyn’s heart couldn’t take that much. When he said it so tenderly and with both of his hands on hers, her heart almost stopped.

And why did he think she would mind hanging out with just the two of them? Well, they didn't often do things together with just the two of them, Sebastian was always with them. They never made arrangements to do something just the two of them before too. Evelyn didn’t know why. But, didn’t he realise she went to the hallway of the room of requirement every night since the coastal vivarium, knowing that he would be there? The answer was clear.

“Absol—” Evelyn quickly cleared her throat and pretended that she wasn't nearly answering so excitedly, “I mean, yeah. Yeah. I would love to hang out with you.” She smiled sheepishly, “Just with you.”

“Good. Just tell me where and when, and I’ll be there. And I’ll do the same. However, please keep in mind that you are not required to come. You can always say no. Just, think of it as an invitation?”

Evelyn would definitely think she was required to come. Well, at least to herself. It would be more of an obligation than an invitation for her. She must come every time. She would probably come even if it was raining frogs outside. But he didn’t have to know it. So she replied.

“Then it’s a deal.” Evelyn then smiled and giggled as she realised something, “I guess we move our meetings from under the stars to under the sun now.”

Ominis chuckled, “I guess. We don't need to be afraid and hide now.”

One of Evelyn's eyebrows shot up hearing what he said, “We don’t?”

“We don’t. With us meeting before the curfew, the prefects won’t bother us anymore.”

Evelyn felt a pang of sadness at his response. Would it mean she wouldn't see him at night again? She hoped he hadn't meant that. Because she didn't mean that they moved all of their meetings when she stated they were moving them. Not that she wanted Ominis or herself to always have nightmares, of course not. But, she was unwilling to give up their rendezvous under the stars. She didn't want to let go of the bluebell flames comforting warmth, his warmth.

As if he knew what Evelyn was thinking, Ominis caresed her hand tenderly and said, “But we still do when we meet again at night.”

A sense of relief washed over Evelyn. “Yes,” she smiled sheepishly, “of course.”

Ominis chuckled, “I’ll tell Sebastian about the new arrangements. He would be happy to hear that he doesn’t have to run here most of the time now.”

After saying that, he let Evelyn’s hand go and began to stand up with his wand out of his pocket. But before he could fully rise, Evelyn tugged him back down, making him stop in an awkward half-standing position. He ended up crouching with his wand in front of him, looking confused and surprised.

“You’re going now?” She asked in a surprised voice, her hand still holding on to his arm.

“Yes?" Ominis replied, his confusion mirroring hers. "I mean, I have to tell Sebastian?”

"But I want to be with you."

As soon as the words escaped her lips, Evelyn felt a mix of panic and embarrassment bearing down like a graphorn. She hadn't meant to say that out loud. The words spilled out before she could stop herself! And judging by Ominis's stunned expression, it was clear that he hadn't expected it either.

Ominis stammered, clearly taken aback by her sudden confession, “I-I, um…well—I want—“

The sound of the Undercroft door being opened interrupted Ominis before he could mutter a full sentence. Sebastian's voice followed soon after, filled with excitement as he ran towards his friends, "I’m here! I’m here! Sorry I’m late."

His arrival seemed to break the spell of the moment. Evelyn quickly let go of Ominis and focused herself on the new visitor to Undercroft who was standing before her, trying to shift the attention away from her and Ominis’s moment of vulnerability, "What did you do this time?"

"Relax, no one died," Sebastian replied nonchalantly.

Ominis quickly stood up from his crouching state, "What kind of answer is that?!"

The first invitation from Ominis to hang out together came exactly the next day, through a note he slipped into her textbook during their defence against the dark arts class. He invited her to study together at the library during their free period. Just the two of them. And later that day, as soon as the ancient ruins class ended, Hogwarts residents could see their esteemed ‘hero’ running up and down the stairs and through the corridors as fast as lightning.

When Evelyn arrived at the library, she looked a bit dishevelled with her messy hair and slightly off the shoulder robe, causing Ominis to look up from his book, puzzled.

"Eve? Are you okay?" he asked with genuine concern.

"I’m—" she gulped, trying to catch her breath, "I’m okay."

"Did you have a Niffler on your tail?" Ominis teased, his smile easing her tension.

"No," Evelyn laughed, "just don’t want to keep you waiting."

He chuckled, closing the book and motioning for her to sit beside him. "Come, you can sit here."

Evelyn settled down beside him. She closed her eyes, and leaned back while trying to catch her breath. She inhaled deeply again and was confused at first of the whiff of a familiar scent that came to her nose right after. It was also weird for her that she felt not a hard wood of chair, but a soft fabric on her temple. Her eyes widened suddenly. She was not leaning back to the chair, she was leaning back to him. To his shoulders. Realising what she had done, Evelyn quickly moved her head away and began to blabber an apology.

“I—I’m—Oh, I’m sorry—”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Ominis reassured her, “You could use my shoulder as much as you like.”

Evelyn was shocked to hear it, “I could?”

“Yes. It’s only for you,” Ominis said nonchalantly and Evelyn felt her heart stop.

But apparently, he wasn’t done talking, “For now. Since Sebastian was not here.”

"Oh," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible as she felt her heart beat slowly once more.

“I prefer you more than Sebastian to sleep on my shoulder at all times,” Ominis continued, “You’re much calmer than he is.”

He really did make her hope for just a moment. She couldn’t help the disappointment she felt, but decided to simply not think about it—which was quite hard—and just cherish the present moment. She put her head back to his shoulder with a warm smile.

And as their study session continued, Evelyn found herself at ease. She helped him with his arithmancy lessons while he helped her with her ancient runes. They started to quiz each other about each other’s subjects and share bits of their day before they met. It was a simple moment, yet, felt so precious to Evelyn.

That simple moment became more frequent and gradually became a comfortable routine for them over the next few days. She and Ominis spent more time together, studying and helping each other with their lessons in the library, practising spells with the dummies at the Undercroft, or simply hanging out and sharing bits of their day under the warm sun in her vivariums.

But life at Hogwarts was filled with responsibilities and commitments, and there were days when they had to go their separate ways. Evelyn had her duties as a student and as a friend to fulfil, and Ominis had his own tasks and responsibilities as well. There were times when she or he had to cancel their meeting or go sooner than they used to, because of their other appointments and vice versa. When she did have to leave earlier, Ominis would be understanding and even encourage her.

Like when she had to leave him earlier at the library because she had promised Poppy the day before.

"I'm sorry I can’t stay longer,” Evelyn said with a hint of regret as she packed her belongings.

"It's okay, go save the day," Ominis teased.

"Helping a friend couldn’t be considered saving the day," Evelyn giggled, appreciating his lighthearted banter.

Ominis teased again, “Whatever you say, hero of hogwarts.”

Evelyn giggled more, “Stop calling me that!”

Evelyn was beginning to playfully swat at his shoulder, but before her hand could reach him, Ominis caught it gently, intertwining their fingers. The tender touch of his hand on hers sent a warm sensation through her veins. Her thoughts began to drift to a different place entirely as she saw him turning his body towards her. She found herself captivated by their intertwined hands…and the lips she could see clearly behind them. It didn’t help her to gather her thoughts at all when the lips moved slowly to a smile she adored.

"Go save the world. I'll be waiting,” he said softly.

Evelyn could only nod. Her mind clearly went into overdrive as it couldn’t take all the sweet words and gestures.

“On the ground of course. Since I already told you that flying isn’t the thing for me,” Ominis added with a deadpan expression.

His humour broke the spell, and Evelyn laughed.

Waiting for her, Ominis did.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into almost two months. And Evelyn would still find him waiting for her either in the courtyard in the afternoon or in front of the great hall just before dinner started every time she returned from her adventures. She would still find a letter from him on her nightstand if she was gone too long and returned only after the curfew.

He always made sure that she knew he was waiting and wanted to know about her adventures if she was inclined to tell. It made her feel…admired, supported. And of course, it made the hope that had lingered in her since their first meeting alone in the library sparked every single time. But the fear of destroying the good thing she had with him exceeds her need for certainty.

So, she decided to just ignore the thoughts once more, and just enjoy the time she spent with him. And Since she was the one with a packed schedule, Ominis would often be the one who followed her for the past two months. Whenever he had the opportunity, Ominis would accept her invitation to join her various activities. However, Evelyn quickly found out that it was best to just invite him to her less dangerous ones.

She found it out when he once accompanied her to the caves in search of rare ingredients for potions—which, of course, he opposed at first but eventually, reluctantly, tagged along for. Evelyn took him to the wrong cave and they were met with spiders instead of a deserted, empty cave. They survived, mainly because of Ominis’s efforts, much to Evelyn’s surprise.

She was shocked by how he protected them both and defeated the spiders so easily. His attacks were even more precise and powerful than Sebastian's or hers. His protection charm was twice as powerful as what she would've conjured and even protected her as well. After that, Evelyn knew that if Ominis were competing in the crossed wands, he would probably be the winner instead of her or Sebastian.

She tried to ask him about it, but he said he would rather not talk about it or do it again. He even bought her any rare and expensive potion ingredients she ever needed after that. A gesture Evelyn saw as his way of telling her not to go adventuring to the caves or any dangerous places for potion ingredients again. Evelyn thanked him for it, but still went with Sebastian to the said places once in a while if she found her stock depleting rapidly. And she told Ominis about it, of course.

Yes, Ominis was strict and sometimes overbearing with his warnings and scoldings about how dangerous her adventures were. However, he never forbade Evelyn. That’s why she still told him about it. He supported her in her endeavours in his own way. Like making sure she didn’t have to go for it in the first place—buying her the rare potion ingredients, like before—giving her the expensive potions or enchanted wardrobes he bought just for her, or simply reminding her of the protection charm that she could use on her journey.

He also still accompanied her in her less dangerous tasks, such as delivering wand repair orders for Mr. Ollivander or going to the Hogsmeade for supplies. And much to her surprise, he also joined her in her tasks or adventures with the others. She didn't believe that Ominis would want to spend time with her and her other friends beside Sebastian, considering how much of a loner he was in the fifth year. She never even saw him hanging out outside the class with others aside from Sebastian and herself.

But, she had never been happier to be proven wrong. Ominis joined her and Natty in helping Sirona deliver her orders; he joined her and Poppy in a hike to watch the mooncalf dance; he even joined her and Garreth’s escapade to the Hogsmeade to borrow some potion ingredients that couldn’t be found at the castle nor the forest or caves—he scolded her after the first time but reluctantly joined again to make sure she was okay after; and he also joined her and Imelda flying race as a referee.

With more time spent together, Evelyn also realised that Ominis began to show and accept affection more openly, much to her happiness. He didn’t hesitate to hold her hand while walking in the hallways, which gesture she saw as a silent reassurance that she had a constant companion in him. He leaned his head on her shoulder while studying together, creating a sense of comfort in his companion for her. And he also didn’t mind if she found his shoulder as a safe haven to escape from the boredom of History of Magic class to the dreamland. She was content to have him around. In fact, she was elated by it, never minding the question about their shifting relationship that had been on her mind for the past few weeks.

But it seemed that the question wasn’t only on her mind. Sebastian, always perceptive and mischievous, had also picked up on the shift in Evelyn and Ominis’s relationship and had the same question. He decided to ask her about it in their next N.E.W.T. level potion class, which sadly Ominis couldn’t attend since he only got an A in his O.W.L.

"So, Evelyn," Sebastian began to ask in a hushed tone and a playful twinkle could be seen in his eyes, "Have you and Ominis been practising those affectionate gestures for a performance? Or are you just simply that affectionate to each other?"

Evelyn blushed at his teasing, "Oh, hush, Sebastian. It's not like that," she whispered back, trying to sound nonchalant as she stirred her cauldron with a smile on her lips.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, really? I see how you two are always together, holding hands and leaning on each other like a pair of lovesick Nifflers."

Unable to contain her laughter, Evelyn playfully retorted, her cheeks still tinted with pink, "Well, I've held your hand and leaned on you too, you know. Does that make us a pair of lovesick Nifflers as well?"

Sebastian leaned closer, his voice dripping with playful charm as he whispered beside Evelyn's ear, "So, you're saying you want us to be a pair of lovesick Nifflers?"

Evelyn couldn't help but giggle at his antics and nudged him away playfully. "Stop teasing, Sebastian. No, that's not what I meant. We're just friends."

Sebastian shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Shame. But remember, friends should keep their hands off each other."

Evelyn, quirked an eyebrow and countered, "What's wrong with friends showing affection? It's nice to have someone you can lean on and hold hands with."

Sebastian grinned. "So, you do want to be a pair of lovesick Nifflers with Ominis.”

Caught off guard, Evelyn's cheeks flushed even more. She stammered, trying to find the right words, "I—I mean—well, we're just friends."

Sebastian chuckled. “Oh, Evelyn, you definitely don’t want to be just friends with him.”

“I—Well I—” She groaned at Sebastian’s grin. She knew that no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t hide it from him. So, she threatened him instead, “Don’t you dare tell anyone about this. Especially him.”

Sebastian winked, "Sure, your secret’s safe with me."

Evelyn sighed and couldn’t help but smile at him. Her smile became a giggle, which gradually became full laughter as she saw him also grinning and laughing. Despite his teasing, Evelyn knew Sebastian would take her secret to the grave, and his playful teasing came from a place of affection and genuine happiness for her. She was glad to have him as her friend. Maybe he could help her with this heart trouble now that he knew about it?

“Hey, I’m sorry. But your potion seems to be boiling out of the cauldron,” A whisper came from Evelyn’s other side out of the blue.

It was Amit, and he was pointing at Sebastian and Evelyn's attempt at the Draught of Living Death as partners—which they forgot during their heart-to-heart discussion—and was currently boiling violently over the cauldron and onto the floor with a sizzling voice.

“Oh my god!” Evelyn shrieked as she quickly backed away from the cauldron.

Sebastian, clearly in panic after hearing Evelyn shriek and seeing the strongly gurgling potion, screamed.

“IT’S GOING TO BLOW!!!”

Chaos ensued.

Detention was not fun.

Evelyn and Sebastian literally had to mop, wipe, and polish almost the entire surface of the potion class to clean everything up. And they had to do it without magic since Professor Sharp had decided to detain their wands as well. Hours had passed since they cleaned up the mess their previous concoction had caused. It didn’t blow like Sebastian had warned, but the chaos that ensued after his scream made all the other potions spill as the students ran for their lives.

Evelyn put the mop in the bucket, clearly upset and frustrated. “This is not how I imagined my afternoon to be."

Sebastian, equally tired, replied with a weary smile, “Welcome to my world.”

Evelyn grunted, “How could you survive multiples of this?”

“Just take one step at a time,” Sebastian said with a shrug, tossing the wipe cloth he had used. "Or one wipe at a time, in our case."

Evelyn could only groan and quickly look at their work. After ensuring the class was spotless like Professor Sharp had directed, she quickly stormed out of the potion class. Sebastian followed her shortly. The heat she felt after cleaning the entire class was so intense that she decided to take off her robes while walking through the halls. They were going to meet Professor Sharp at the library to get their wands. “We have to run. I am already late. He probably waited—”

“Ahh, a clandestine meeting with the Slytherin descendant.” Sebastian interrupted with a grin.

Evelyn rolled her eyes as she kept on walking. “No. And if you must know, I’m meeting—”

“AAAH!” A sudden scream split through the air and made her stop. She halted quickly and whirled her head towards the direction where the scream came from.

“Did you hear that too?” Sebastian asked in surprise, also stopping beside her.

“Let’s go,” she replied, with urgency in her voice. They both ran towards the transfiguration courtyard, where the scream seemed to have come from.

The scene in front of them as they reached the courtyard was very strange. There were many first-years gathered, holding brooms that were clearly taller than themselves. Evelyn almost thought Professor Kogawa had relocated the flying class location before she saw them shout and point at the skies above. She moved her gaze to where they were pointing, only to be shocked to find a student, probably a first-year too, dangerously high in the sky on a rogue broom.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Evelyn took charge, her instincts taking over. She put her hand on the shoulder of a ravenclaw first-year that was on the outside of the circle, and commanded, “Go get a Professor.” The ravenclaw nodded and ran off while she shouted to the rest of the first-years, “Everyone! Step away!”

And step away they did, easing Evelyn and Sebastian’s way to walk towards the middle. She and Sebastian then took place just below the distressed student above, with the first-years circling them on the ground. Evelyn squinted her eyes, trying to make sense of the situation before taking action. She could see the poor student was trying their best to stay on their broom, which was wildly lurching.

Sebastian whispered to her, “Why is it trying to buck her off?”

Evelyn replied in a whisper, afraid the first-years surrounding her could hear her, “It’s probably hexed.”

Sebastian whispered, “We don’t have our wand. Maybe we—”

“AHHH!” A cry rang out from above, cutting off Sebastian. Evelyn felt dread as she saw the student begin to slip as the broom lurched once more. The student ended up with only their armpits holding on to the rouge broom, which came to a standstill as soon as they slipped.

“There’s no time.” Evelyn turned and quickly asked the nearest first year before Sebastian could even respond, “Can I borrow your broom?”

“O-of course.” The first-year Gryffindor gave her the broom shakingly, “Please save her.”

“Do you know her name?” Evelyn asked as she climbed onto the borrowed broom.

“Ayesha. Her name is Ayesha.”

"Okay," Evelyn said, nodding.

“Wait! Eve—”

Evelyn quickly zoomed up to the sky before Sebastian could finish. It took her a while, since the broom she borrowed was old and not as fast as hers. And the poor first-year was also very, very far from the ground. She didn’t even realise how high she was before she looked down. Evelyn shuddered at the sight of the first-years and Sebastian becoming dots as she went further up. Evelyn couldn’t help but wonder. How could the girl fly this high in the first place? With a hexed broom, no less.

Evelyn stopped ascending when she reached the same height as the girl and slowly put herself in a position just beside her as close as she could, afraid she would make the broom lurch violently like it did before.

“Hey,” She said calmly to the dangling girl.

“I-it won’t stop.” The girl whimpered at Evelyn as she tried to keep her armpit on the broomstick. It was obvious that the girl was crying.

“lt’s okay.” Evelyn smiled in hope it could ease the girl's tension, “Ayesha, right?”

The girl looked surprised, "H-how do you know?"

"Your friend told me," Evelyn replied, maintaining eye contact with Ayesha to calm her.

Unfortunately, Ayesha looked down as if trying to see her friend below, losing her balance and nearly falling off the broom.

“Hey! Hey, Ayesha.” Evelyn placed one of her hands in Ayesha's line of sight, “look at me,” she moved her hands towards herself, guiding the girl gaze back up, “good. Now, keep looking at me.”

The girl whimpered, trying her best to clamp her armpit on the broomstick. Meanwhile, Evelyn was thinking hard to find a way to get the girl off the broom safely. She could try to just grab the girl. However, the broom could lurch suddenly and hit her and the girl. Not a good idea. But the broom was calm now. If she could just grab Ayesha’s hand and tell her to let go of the broom, she could take the girl away slowly with her. Okay, that’s a plan.

Evelyn quickly put herself in her position, just beside the girl but lower. Carefully hovering not too close to the rogue broom. “I need you to take my hand.” Evelyn said firmly, reaching out her hand towards the girl, who only shook her head and sobbed.

“I-I can’t.”

“Yes, you can.” Evelyn reassured, determination in her voice. She stretched her hand closer and kept her gaze straight to Ayesha’s eyes, conveying her confidence. She nodded to the Gryffindor emblem on the girl’s robe, “Show me how brave you are.”

The girl finally stretched one of her hands towards Evelyn’s hand. But the broom lunged sharply out of the blue, causing her to slip. Luckily, the girl caught the broomstick with one of her hands. She was completely hanging, with only one hand gripping tightly to the broomstick.

Seeing the situation get more dangerous every second, Evelyn racked up a new plan in her mind and began to descend to a position just below Ayesha, refusing to give up.

“Okay! New plan!” Evelyn shouted to the girl above her, “I need you to jump towards me on the count of three!”

Still with her eyes on one of her hands that gripped desperately on the broom above her, Ayesha shouted back to Evelyn, fear and confusion could be heard in her voice, “What?!”

“JUMP ON THREE!” Evelyn yelled and got a nod as an answer. She braced herself for the risky move she would make; trying her best to prepare to catch the first year girl on a broom that she had just borrowed. A broom that was probably as old as she was since it was most likely the broom that was given on first class of flying. A broom that was probably never used properly for a long time. Basically, a broom that was not ideal for the thing she was about to do.

“Okay…” Evelyn said to herself before she took a deep breath, focusing on the dangling Ayesha above her and nodded, “ONE! TWO! TH—“

“AAAHHHHHH!!!” Ayesha's scream could be heard as her broom lurched out of the blue again, causing her grip to slip before Evelyn could even finish counting to three.

Evelyn zoomed down as fast as she could, rushing after the falling girl. She caught Ayesha’s arm within a few seconds and immediately pulled the broom up as hard as she could.

But they kept falling.

Realising that the broom couldn’t pull up or slow them both because of the momentum, Evelyn let go of it without hesitation and freefell with Ayesha. She swiftly embraced the girl and rotated their bodies so that she was the one underneath. And would be the first one to hit the ground.

The peaceful blue sky with clouds moving in their usual slow pace was her last view, before a muffled shout came to her ears,

“ARRESTO MOMENTUM!”

And everything went black.

The next thing Evelyn knew, her head was pounding.

She slowly opened her eyes with a groan and was quite surprised to see two blurry people standing in front of her. Evelyn could only decipher that the one on the right had blond hair, while the one on the left had brown. She tried to get up, but went straight back to the pillow as soon as she felt another pound on her head. It felt like her head was splitting into multiple parts.

A muffled voice came from her right, “Eve?”

Evelyn tried her hardest to remember the person whose voice she just heard, but the pounding in her head wouldn’t let her. She tried to open her eyes again.

“Take it slow,” the same voice came to her ears, clearly this time. Evelyn focused her eyes to her right, where she could see a person who was holding a pulsing wand.

Finally recognising the person, Evelyn greeted him weakly, "Hi."

“Hi,” Ominis replied gently.

“Wha—” Evelyn’s voice cut off on its own. Only after that did she realise she had a parched throat. She cleared her throat.

It was clearly the wrong thing to do, since she only felt her throat on fire after she did it. She couldn't help but cough.

“Welcome back to the living, Evelyn.” Another voice from her left chimed in.

Evelyn recognised the voice. She turned to her left, her voice croaked as she called, “Seb?”

“Yes,” Sebastian answered, handing her a mug. “Now, drink this before you talk more.”

Evelyn struggled to sit up and saw Ominis flick his wand. She then felt the upper side of the bed slowly moving up as well, helping her to sit up comfortably. She took the mug from Sebastian’s hand and drank the liquid in it. The water was a blessing. It sure did relieve the dryness in her throat. She sighed softly after feeling her throat soothe.

“Thank you,” she said to both of them.

“You’re welcome,” Sebastian replied, taking the mug from her hand and placing it on the bedside table. Meanwhile, Ominis just hummed back.

Seeing the bedside table made Evelyn realise where she was. Suddenly, the memories flooded back. She recalled the moment she caught the falling girl and decided to freefall with her the moment she couldn’t pull up. The girl in her arms, the blue sky above, and then…nothing.

Her mind pounded again as she tried to remember what happened next. She asked with urgency, "Ayesha, how is she?"

“Calm down,” Ominis reassured her gently. ”She’s okay. She’s with Madam Blainey at this moment.”

“Is she really okay?” Evelyn asked again, searching for any indication from Ominis’s face that he’s lying, but found nothing.

Ominis answered again, still in a soft voice, “Yes, Eve. She’s okay.”

Evelyn exhaled a breath of relief.

“Quite a save you did.” Sebastian commented, seemingly proud of what she had done.

“I didn’t even remember what happened after…” Evelyn’s voice trailed off as she looked to her right, where a calm Ominis was standing with his wand in front of him like usual.

She couldn't help but wonder why he appeared so calm. Why hadn’t he scolded her yet? Where was her reprimand for being so stupid and reckless? It wasn't the first time she'd done something like this. Where was his stern chastising like the time she came back late, full of scratches and minor injuries after her adventure to the cave with Sebastian?

It made Evelyn even think again about what had happened. She did recklessly throw herself towards the ground, didn’t she? He knew about it, didn’t he? Well, the fact that he was in the hospital wing was definitely a clue that he knew. He definitely knew.

“Why are you so calm?” she inquired, sceptical.

“Believe me, I’m not,” Ominis replied curtly.

Sebastian interjected, “This man has been pestering me for the past hours.”

“Hours? I’ve been out cold for hours?” Evelyn asked, surprised.

"How could I possibly not? One minute I leave you two alone again, and suddenly she's falling to her death," Ominis said sarcastically towards Sebastian, clearly not hearing Evelyn's question.

“It’s not my fault that she decided to play hero.” Sebastian responded to Ominis indignantly, seemingly not hearing Evelyn’s question as well.

“Without a wand.” Ominis replied with a disdainful tone, revealing his anger.

“Well, I didn’t have a wand either.” Sebastian retorted.

Evelyn's frustration at not getting a response to her query was quickly overshadowed by the pain she felt in her head after hearing the two boys quarrel. Feeling weak, she tried to make them stop in a low voice, “Guys…”

"You could still have stopped her." Ominis responded to Sebastian in anger, having missed Evelyn's call.

“What should I do?! Let the first-year fall?” Sebatian answered, provoked.

“How about not letting her fly in the first place?” Ominis retorted wittily.

“You know how she is!” Sebastian shouted in frustration.

“Guys, please…” Evelyn begged as her head pounded more. Yet, the boys kept arguing.

“I know!” Ominis yelled too, plainly just as frustrated as Sebastian, or, if not more so Evelyn guessed based on the tone. “But you could still prevent it!”

“How could I?!”

“She could’ve died!”

“She didn’t!” Sebastian stretched his hand towards Evelyn. “She’s alive and well! You saved her!”

Evelyn’s frown on her forehead from her headache deepened after she heard Sebastian’s shout.

“She—“

“Boys!” Another shout came out of the blue, stopping Ominis before he could retort back to Sebastian’s yelling. It was Madam Blainey, who was glaring at the previously arguing boys, “Lower your voice, or I will throw both of you out.”

The boys quickly became meek and apologised to the matron at the same time. The silence that came after Madam Blainey left them was not as peaceful as Evelyn wanted, with both of the boys still tense, and her weakened mind was plagued with the information she got from Sebastian’s shout. When the pounding in her head began to subside, Evelyn asked the silent blonde on her right.

“You saved me?”

“Barely.” Ominis answered quietly.

“He cast the slowing charm. But you’re so close to the ground and still got a concussion because of the impact.” Sebastian interjected.

Evelyn suddenly remembered the muffled shout she heard just before everything went black. “It was you?”

Ominis nodded, “I rushed as soon as I heard Sebastian panicking in the middle of the courtyard. You quickly came into my wand radius, and I quickly cast it.” Ominis paused before he continued in murmur, “But I'm still too late.”

“Casting a spell without ‘seeing’ the object was already quite a feat, Ominis. You saved her.” Sebastian reassured him.

“She’s still hurt,” Ominis said weakly.

Evelyn felt emotion welling up from within her, most of all, gratitude for Ominis for saving her.

“I’m alright.” She held Ominis’s left hand gently, "Thank you, Omi.”

Evelyn felt his hand tighten its grip on hers right after she said it. She could also see how his body went rigid. And how his eyes were brimming with tears.

“I’ll let you two alone,” Sebastian suddenly said, causing Evelyn to move her gaze towards him. She realised that he also saw Ominis’s tears when she saw his soft gaze on him. Sebastian turned his gaze towards her and smiled tenderly, “I’m glad that you’re awake, Evelyn.”

Evelyn smiled back and nodded, thanking him in silence for his understanding and for being with her until then. Another silence fell after Sebastian went out.

“What, were, you, thinking?” Ominis spoke in a hoarse voice, each syllable emphasising his suppressed rage and despair. He continued before Evelyn could reply, sighing, “You could have died, Eve.”

“I’m sorry, Omi.” She caressed his hand with her thumb, trying to comfort the distraught boy. When suddenly, a painful pound came to her head, causing her to groan. “Ugh, my head is still pounding.”

“Of course your head would pound. I heard your head hit the ground, hard.” He shuddered.

Guilt quickly rushed through her veins. It must be painful for him. She would’ve gone mad in tears if she were in his position. “I’m sorry I put you through—"

Ominis held her all of a sudden, causing her to stop in shock. His arms were almost crushing, encircling her shoulders like he was afraid she would be gone if he let go. His head leaned on her shoulder with relief, like he had finally found her again after being separated for a long time. Evelyn felt his concern. His pain. His care. His warmth. Evelyn felt all his emotions.

“Never, put me in that situation again,” he said brokenly.

Evelyn returned the embrace. Her hand cradled his head on her shoulder tenderly, trying to sooth all the pain he felt while also saying sorry for being the one who caused it. It was a heartwarming moment, but she couldn’t resist the urge to answer in jest, “Well, saving a student is one of the duties of the Hero of Hogwarts.”

She felt Ominis’s body reverberating as he chuckled in response. “I know. I learned the hard way not to force things to go my way too hard,” he said dryly to her shoulder and sniffled. “The last time I did it, I almost lost my best friend.”

Evelyn could only hug him tighter when she realised he was referring to the times when he had strictly prohibited and hindered Sebastian's pursuit of the dark arts. Her heart broke to think that he still felt guilty for making Sebastian continue pursuing the cursed path behind his back and causing things to get worse.

"I'm trying to understand, Eve," Ominis continued tiredly. “I'm trying to accept the reality that I couldn't stop or forbid you to do something. Merlin’s beard, I'm even fighting the impulse to lock you up simply to keep you safe."

Evelyn let go of their hug with an eyebrow raised, looking at the blond boy at arm's length with a funny look, “You want to lock me up?”

Ominis blushed, “T-that’s not what I meant. It’s only—I’m—W-well—”

Evelyn giggled as he stammered.

"I simply don't want to have grey hair so soon with my worry about you and your escapade," Ominis groaned, causing Evelyn to giggle even more.

However, her giggles disappeared when she felt him tenderly clasp both of her hands.

“But I like to hear you,” Ominis began in a quiet voice. “I like to hear you tell me how brave you were when you saved yet another beast in distress. I like to hear your exciting tales of how you managed to successfully help another friend. I like to hear the adventures of the Hero of Hogwarts. Because she’s the happiest when she does it. And I want her to be happy.”

“Ominis…”

“But I also want her to be safe. So please, no more sacrificing yourself for the sake of others.” He pleaded.

Evelyn couldn't contain the emotion she was feeling and immediately hugged the boy. With her head on his shoulder, she whispered her promise.

“I’ll try, Omi.”

She felt Ominis return her embrace. This time, his hands were behind her back and on her waist, guarding her tightly. Protecting her with their strength. Supporting her with their warmth. And calming her with their tender caresses.

They were enjoying a serene moment when a stray thought made Evelyn break into giggles, startling the boy.

“Eve?” Ominis asked in concern, letting go of his hug a little but not too far.

“I just realised that you’re a Hogwarts Hero as well,” Evelyn answered between her giggles, “because you’re the saviour of the Hero of Hogwarts.”

Ominis hugged her back, his voice clearly showing that he was trying to ignore his annoyance at Evelyn's remark, “I’m just glad that I can save you.”

“You can save me anytime.” Evelyn said as she stopped giggling and smiled when she felt his tighter hug. She even couldn’t contain her happiness at the moment if she tried.

“But no more free falling from a broom,” Ominis forbade sternly.

Evelyn laughed on his shoulder, “Okay.”

5 notes · View notes

pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

Text

A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: Ours by Choice (5/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 5/16 Title: Ours by Choice Chapter word count: 12,390

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4

Last Chapter Preview: With her breath caught, her flushing cheek, and her quickening heartbeat, Evelyn knew this was not a coincidence, as she previously believed. She didn't have to visit Madam Blainey to figure it out. Merlin , she even practically confessed it earlier. The feeling she had was real.

She’s falling for him.

So she tightened her grip on his arm.

And welcomed the sparks that flew every time she saw him ever since.

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

5. Ours by Choice

Autumn, 1891

“There you are,” Ominis said to the approaching girl.

“There you are,” Evelyn answered in a playful tone, causing the blond boy to chuckle.

Merlin’s beard, how much she missed him. Hearing his laugh and seeing him again after being separated for the whole summer made her realise how much she missed him. She missed his laugh, his smile, his scent, his voice, anything about him. Being separated for the summer after the O.W.L. was hard for her. The letters they exchanged were clearly not enough to satisfy her longing. Especially since she only got one letter for two months of their separation. One!

“You spent too much time with Sebastian.”

Evelyn lifted an eyebrow at his comment. She did spend part of her summer with the brunette. Only because Ominis cancelled all of a sudden. They were supposed to spend the summer together, Sebastian, Ominis, and her. Staying at Evelyn's house to accompany the brunette to visit his twin sister in London. Ominis was supposed to be there, as the third party to help the brunette reconcile with his twin sister. But Evelyn stood in his place instead after he bailed on her and Sebastian on the day they were supposed to take the train to London.

He had left suddenly without a proper goodbye. Leaving nothing to explain his sudden disappearance, making Evelyn and Sebastian worried. He eventually sent her and Sebastian a letter after a few days, saying he had to go back to his family manor in the summer for urgent matters. Urgent matters that he refused to tell neither Sebastian nor Evelyn about in the letter. And again, she only got one letter!

So it was no surprise that she answered him with resentment after he made her remember that.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing’s wrong with it,” he answered dejectedly. “I’m the one who cancelled our plans all of a sudden. I’m sorry, Eve.”

Evelyn sighed. She couldn’t stay mad at him when he’s saying sorry like that. He had said sorry every time she became upset remembering it. Evelyn lost count of how many times he said sorry since their first meeting after summer break. Evelyn did realise that it was not his fault he had to go so suddenly in the first place, and his family affair wasn’t her business either. She’s just…disappointed with how he left. She could be upset about it, right?

“Just do as I told you before. Tell me right away as soon as you have to leave,” Evelyn stood on his left, “remember, you don’t have to tell me why. Just…don’t leave without telling me first ever again.”

Evelyn felt his left hand clasp her right one tightly.

“I will.” He said with a smile. “Thank you for still agreeing to meet with me here, Eve.”

Evelyn felt guilt creeping in after she heard his sincere gratitude. The one who should be thanked was him, after what he did throughout last winter, spring, and the past few days since the new school year started.

More than one year had passed since her first encounter with the dark side of magic, and yet, the nightmares didn’t cease. His warning at their encounter last winter on the astronomy deck was right. It didn’t go away as soon as she hoped. The frequency of her nightmares may have decreased, but the terror had not. It was still the same rotting hands and bones that pulled her. It was still the same fear. And every night she had them, she would go to the same hall where the room of requirement entrance was. But didn’t come into the room as soon as she arrived.

Sometimes, she found Ominis already waiting there, as if he knew she would have a nightmare that night.

Evelyn would find him leaning casually on the wall where the entrance to the Room of Requirement was supposed to be. He would then greet her in whispers when they were close enough to touch. And then, they would walk arm in arm to the astronomy observation deck with a bluebell flame lantern illuminating the way up. They would sit in the same place as their last encounter and talk about anything. Their separate days, academics, or even the weather. Anything except for Ominis’s past, Ominis’s family, and Evelyn’s ancient magic secret. They would talk for hours until Ominis reminded her that it was almost dawn and they still needed to rest. He would then courteously accompany her back to her dorm, where she would sleep peacefully for the rest of the night.

The other times, she discovered that there was no one there.

And when she did, she would wait for a few minutes, even an hour. She waited with hope that somehow, Ominis would come. And when he did, he would come with his wand in front of him, greet her in the same manner, escort her to the same place, and talk with her beneath the same stars with the same bluebell flame lantern to keep them warm.

That’s why she’s the one who should be thanking him. Thanking him for keeping his word to help her face her nightmares. Thanking him for all the nights he spent accompanying her. Thanking him for still being with her after everything.

“Thank you for inviting me, Omi,” She said as she tightened her grip on his hand before releasing it gently and moving back a few steps to give him space to mourn.

She didn’t question his decision to invite her instead of Sebastian to such an important event of his life. She just accepted it when he asked at their last night's clandestine rendezvous. The invitation to join him in commemorating the one year anniversary of his knowing of the death of his beloved aunt, Noctua Gaunt.

Evelyn and Ominis were standing on the shore of the black lake. They stood in silence, the gentle ripples of water brushing over their shoes.

With his delicate skin caressed by the warm sun, Ominis appeared ethereal. She could practically see how beautiful the constellations of beauty marks on his left cheek were, connected by his faintly visible veins, as she stood to his left. He was both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The classic traits of Gaunts, enchanting yet dangerous, as Sebastian had said.

Evelyn broke the silence after she saw Ominis holding something between his right thumb and forefinger. “Such a shiny ring you got there, Ominis.” She said softly.

Ominis’s lips curled in disdain. “More like a bloody ring.”

Evelyn didn’t miss the resentment in Ominis’s voice, but she decided to continue, “Is that yours?”

Ominis sighed, his voice becoming strained in sorrow. “It’s my late aunt’s.”

“Oh…”

Silence came between them once again. Evelyn should have guessed it when she saw the size of the ring. It was too small, even for Ominis’s slender fingers. It could probably only fit on his little finger.

It was clearly made of gold and had no jewel stones. But it could still be considered a beautiful ring, even in its simplicity. It has an engraving of a crest, which is a shield of scales with two snakes facing each other in its centre and what Evelyn assumed to be thorny ivy tendrils on both its sides. With her curiosity overcoming her guilt, Evelyn finally asked.

“Is that your family crest?”

Ominis’s thumb touched the snakes on the ring, “Yes, it is.”

“Does every wizarding family have a family crest?” Evelyn asked in astonishment. In the muggle world, only noble houses wear crests. Perhaps the wizarding one was different? Perhaps everyone could have a crest.

“Most likely just the old ones,” Ominis shrugged, “old rich ones.”

“Oh…”

Ominis chuckled at Evelyn’s disappointment. To lighten up the mood, he then jokingly said, “Archaic, pretentious, racist, stick-in-the-mud ones.”

Evelyn giggled, “and your family is one of them?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Mine is one of the oldest ones.”

Evelyn turned herself completely towards the boy. She traced the engraving of the ring on his left open palm between them. “If you don’t mind me asking, what does it mean?”

“It represents everything I despise in myself.” Ominis said bitterly. He closed his palm, blocking Evelyn’s view of the ring. “Unquenched thirst for power and blood purity maniac.”

“Ominis, I—”

“No, I’m glad that you asked.” He cut Evelyn, opened his palm again, and continued sarcastically, “You see, we Gaunts believe that power is everything. Which of course, is perfectly consistent with the concept of blood purity. We believe that being a pureblood means one has a higher position in life than others and wields more power over them. Not to forget, there’s also a special ability that only we have, courtesy of our cunning ancestor, Salazar Slytherin. The ability to speak parseltongue, which you already know, I unfortunately inherited, is like the oil for our already scorching ego.”

Using his left thumb, he pointed to the snakes in the centre of the ring. "The snakes and scales on the shield signify it. Our noble way of life and the reminder of our great founding father,” He in disgust.

“With our vital role in wizarding society as the direct descendent of one of the most powerful wizards in the world, we have to keep the belief alive and our blood lineage clean," Ominis added. “We must preserve our ancestors' legacies while maintaining our authority over society.

“Like any other old barbaric family in the world, we do it by indoctrinating our children and practising inbreeding. We pride ourselves on how we teach our younglings about blood purity and the dark arts. We did it as soon as they got a wand from Ollivander to ensure that the propaganda was well embedded in their minds. Our method is unique, and no one else with a conscience probably agrees to it. But, it was extremely effective. We force our children to cast the curse they’ve learned on muggles. Killing two birds with one stone, I suppose. Teaching them about our rank in society and the power that comes with it.” He shrugged nonchalantly before he continued.

“The finest aspect is, the younglings didn’t have any choice in the matter. Since we also teach obedience and suppress their free will by making their own father curse them if they don't do as told. Their fathers also cursed them for showing weakness, like crying because they couldn’t bear to hear the screams of tortured souls for example. Screams that could be heard nearly every day in the Gaunt mansion. Especially from the dungeons. It made us Gaunts especially effective in producing a new batch of dark wizards in every generation—an accomplishment we Gaunts are immensely proud of.” Ominis ended with a sarcastic smile that sent shudders through Evelyn’s body.

“I would be one of them if Aunt Noctua didn’t come to visit every summer.” He spoke again, his voice heavy with loss and despair.

Evelyn was too stunned to speak. Because of what Sebastian had told her, she already understood how horrible the Gaunt were. But listening to Ominis, the one who got through it himself? A hundred times more heartbreaking than it was before. She couldn’t stop herself from imagining how hard it could be for a child to go through what he did. A child was not supposed to get through that in the first place. She would’ve died if she had been in his place.

“Well, that's what the shield and ivy indicated,” Ominis added nonchalantly, perhaps feeling uncomfortable with the silence that had crept in. “It signifies our obligation to safeguard Slytherin's lineage and legacy.”

“I'm sorry,” Evelyn said, trying to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes.

Ominis sighed. “Don't be,” He said softly. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

"I made you recall something bad about her," Evelyn sniffed. "When today is meant to be the day you honour her memory," her voice cracked as the tears began to pour.

“Hey,” Ominis said, hastily putting the ring in his pocket as he heard Evely’s sob. He then frantically traced his way to Evelyn’s hands and held them tight. “It’s all right,” He said. With a soothing motion, his thumb began to massage her hand. “I was able to appreciate the good memories because of the terrible ones. You reminded me that she was the good in the midst of all the awful things that happened to me as a result of my family. You actually helped me honour her more.”

Evelyn couldn’t help herself. She hugged the boy with all her heart, wishing that her sympathy and condolences were conveyed through the physical touch. She buried her face in his chest, and cried.

Frozen in surprise, it took a while for Ominis to finally begin to hug her back. And when he did, waves of emotions came out of nowhere and flooded his heart. A tear fell, indicating how exhausted he felt from holding it all back. Letting himself finally feel his pain and grief, he hugged Evelyn tighter and cried as well.

“I miss her,” He stated in a trembling voice as he cried on her shoulder.

“I know,” Evelyn tenderly stroked his back while crying herself, “I know, Omi. Let it all out.”

And Ominis wept.

It's been days since the one year anniversary of Noctua Gaunt's death.

The corridors remained unchanged. The wall between three braziers remained silent about what had happened behind it to the students, who kept strolling regularly when they crossed it. Yet, time appeared to stand still for Ominis, forcing him to endure the same sorrow he felt on the one year anniversary every time he came across the same wall.

And Sebastian was puzzled by his best friend's sorrow. That's why he was questioning Evelyn about it in the Undercroft just now, their blonde companion nowhere to be seen.

“He always has this sad face every time we come across the wall where the scriptorium entrance is.”

Evelyn couldn't help but think how tragic it was that her brunette friend hadn't actually realised it had been a year since their venture to the cursed scriptorium. Ominis was probably still feeling sorrow and grief over his aunt's demise. He did know of her death by seeing her skeletons in the scriptorium. It was understandable that he became sad every time he came across the entrance of the damned place, even after a year had passed. Especially after the memorial he had for her.

“Of course he does, Seb. It’s been a year since we last encountered his aunt’s remains in the scriptorium.”

“Has it been a year?” The brunette asked quietly, seeming to not realise that a year had passed.

“It has, Sebastian.” Evelyn answered softly, holding one of his arms, supporting him. “He asked me to accompany him the other day, to commemorate the anniversary of her death, of him knowing her death.”

“How come he didn’t ask me as well?”

Hearing his sad and disbelieving whisper made Evelyn feel guilty.

“I’m not sure, Seb,” Evelyn said dejectedly. “I just accepted it when he asked me too,” she sighed and removed her hand from his arm, “I don’t know why he asked me instead of you, but he did. It's better for us to accept his decision, than to look for the reasons in our minds, no?”

When she didn’t get any answer from the brunette, she continued jokingly, “Perhaps he’s just embarrassed to cry in front of you.”

“But, it’s…it’s different, Evelyn. It’s not only that.” He finally replied with a regretful tone, which caused deep concern from Evelyn. Her voice became quiet when she asked him.

“Different how?”

“He’s been in this misery for a while now.” Sebastian started explaining in a sombre tone. “He had nightmares almost every night since the first day after summer. I woke up in the middle of the night because of his screams. I had to calm him down every time, just for him to be silent about it and flee to Merlin knows where.”

Evelyn knew exactly where he went. To the familiar hallway near the astronomy tower, where he met her own ‘derived from sleep cause of nightmare’ self. Evelyn’s eyes widened. That’s why she had seen him every time she went to the said corridor, already waiting for her. He had nightmares as well.

But…she didn’t go there every night. Her nightmares didn’t come every night. Did he go there and wait for her when she didn’t?

Evelyn felt guilt in her stomach as she heard Sebastian sighed and continued desperately.

“Every night since the summer break, he moved so frantically in his sleep that I had to wake him up. Or he would wake up all by himself, screaming. By Merlin, Evelyn, I don't mind being woken up abruptly every night. But I just need to know why. I feel terrible knowing he needed my help, but I can’t give it to him. I don’t know anything about it!”

She felt sympathy for Sebastian. It must be hard for him to see Ominis drown in his misery more and more, not knowing why or how he could help. But, she really thought Ominis was fine. He looked fine the last time she saw him at their last clandestine meeting at the observation deck, which was two days ago.

Yes, his cheek looked more gaunt than ever before. Yes, his under-eyes are getting darker under the stars. Yes, his posture seemed more tired and weaker when he was escorting her. Yes. He looked different. But she asked him about it! For many times.

She asked if he’s getting enough sleep. She asked if he’s having a nightmare as well and what it contained. She asked if he had his meals. She asked if he had any problems. She even asked him to just tell her if he needed any help. He didn’t even have to tell her why and she would still help without any questions asked.

But he only smiled at her questions and said,

‘Don’t worry about me, Eve.’

And Evelyn suddenly realised how stupid she was.

She was so stupid for not realising it in the first place, for not pushing him to tell her about it, for believing him blindly, and for the most stupid thing she had done, not asking Sebastian about it.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!” Evelyn yelled at Sebastian with annoyance. Not annoyance at him, but at her stupid self as guilt came down bearing on her. They said falling for someone made a person more aware of the one they fell for. But it clearly didn’t in her case. Or she was just too blind to see the signs. Either way, she felt guilty for not knowing it sooner.

“Well, I thought it was the usual ‘I did and saw bad things that haunted me’ thing. He’s the one who is already familiar with the horrors of it before I am. I only had it after…my uncle's ordeal. After that, it’s not only him who has nightmares, I do too. Sometimes we have it at the same time, sometimes we don’t. Either way, we usually tell each other about it, since we’re the only ones who know about the horrors of doing…you know…”

Evelyn couldn't decide which was more heartbreaking. The fact that they both had suffered nightmares as a result of his trauma with the unforgivable curse, or that they had only each other to tell about it. They both didn’t tell her about the nightmares and avoided the question every time she asked.

“He used to tell me about his dreams. He'd been telling me about it every time he got it, ever since he told me about his missing aunt and his family in the second year. That’s why I always invited him to Feldcroft every summer. I thought it would help him somehow,” Sebastian sighed tiredly and continued with frustration, “but now, it’s like I’m back in first grade, with a stranger who wouldn’t tell a thing why he woke up with screams almost every night as my dorm mate.”

Evelyn considered telling him about her secret meeting with Ominis. Maybe he could deduce a new conclusion based on what Ominis and she had talked about or based on his behaviour when he was meeting her. However, what would she say? That she had nightmares and often met Ominis in the middle of the night whenever she couldn't sleep? That the reason why she also had nightmares because she too, had committed crimes before? That she had even killed more people than the fingers on her hand?

Evelyn pushed the thought away. Ominis never told her about his nightmares or problems in their meetings. Telling Sebastian about it couldn’t give him any more information than what he already knew.

“I don’t—”

“I don’t like this, Evelyn.” Sebastian cut off her answer with a stern voice. “If you do know something, please, tell me,” he pleaded.

“I don’t know, Sebastian. I really don’t.” She answered with the same sternness. “He didn’t share with me either. I just found out from you that he's been having nightmares since he returned from the summer. Since he’s back from his…”

Evelyn’s voice trailed off as the gears in her mind began to move. Ominis usually goes to the Feldcroft with Sebastian and Anne in the summer, but he didn’t on the last one. He went back to his family instead. And he had nightmares every day since he was back for the new school year. He had nightmares since he spent the last summer with his family. Nightmares which he hadn’t shared with Sebastian like he used to since the second year.

“Something must have happened in the summer, Sebastian.” Evelyn finally said her thoughts out loud. “Something terrible happened to him when he went back to his family.”

“You’re right…” Sebastian’s voice trailed off as he delved into his own thoughts. “How could I not think about it?!” He exclaimed all of a sudden.

Evelyn shrugged and answered without any hint of condescension to the brunette, like she was just stating a fact.

“Because I’m smarter than you.”

Sebastian shook his head, “I would have had a great comeback if I wasn’t filled with worry for our Slytherin descendant right now.”

“We could do something about it.” Evelyn offered.

“How? We don’t know what happened. He won’t tell either me or you about it,” Sebastian paced back and forth in frustration, “and we’re his closest friends!”

Evelyn grabbed Sebastian's hand and stopped him in his tracks. “We don't need to know why to help him. We could just be with him and be ready whenever he needs us,” she looked straight into Sebastian's eyes, “and we definitely don't need to handle his issues for him if he doesn't ask us to.” She added firmly.

“Okay, okay, I understand what you meant,” Sebastian took a deep breath, “no drastic moves such as searching for solutions in the dark arts.” He deadpanned.

Evelyn let him go and laughed. Sebastian joined after a few seconds. How could he joke in times like this, she would never know. Once her and Sebastian's laughter stopped, Evelyn whacked him on the shoulder in playful irritation.

“I’m serious!”

“Yes, Evelyn. I won’t.” Sebastian promised. “Well, what could we do?”

“Well, I have an idea to distract him from his problems for a while.” Evelyn said to him with a growing grin on her face, “and you’re going to help me.”

“It’s going to be bad for me, is it?”

“Sebastian Sallow! Where are you taking me?!” An annoyed shout could be heard echoing through the stairs of the Defence Against the Dark Arts tower.

Sebastian was currently escorting grouchy Ominis up to a certain hallway as Evelyn had instructed before. She clearly knew her blond friend’s schedule since she was right at her guess where to find him. Sebastian didn't need to seek farther; he spotted him in her initial guess, sleeping at the bell tower entrance hall.

“Just trust me, Ominis." Sebastian tried to reassure the blond boy as he led him up the stairs. It was quite difficult with the blond resisting him.

“How’d that work out? Me trusting you when you promised to do nothing else with a certain path?”

Sebastian took a deep breath at his friend’s sarcastic question while the said friend continued.

“Did it turned out to—”

“It didn’t turn out well. I should have listened to you. I am sorry for what I’ve done.” Sebastian cut off Ominis seriously as he continued to lead him up the stairs. “Now, stop being upset. We’re almost there.”

“I had every right to be upset about it. For my whole life.”

Ominis’s remark made Sebastian come to a halt. He took another deep breath and tugged on Ominis’s hand to tell him to pick up the pace as he too began to climb up again. Only to be pulled back with such force that he almost fell back.

“I won’t take another step before you tell me where we are going.” Ominis stated stubbornly, causing Sebastian to groan in frustration.

“We are going to her. To Evelyn.”

“Why?” Ominis asked the brunette.

“I don’t know, I just received an urgent owl from her to bring you with me, to meet her in a certain hallway.” Sebastian answered him.

“Which one?!” Ominis questioned—demanded Sebastian. The blonde’s frantic demand seemed to confuse the brunette, who answered nervously.

“Uh…the one near the astronomy tower? Which had a tapestry on one side and a blank wall on the other?”

Ominis let go of Sebastian’s hand and quickly climbed up the stairs on his own. His wand guided him with a red glow in front of him.

“Ominis, wait!”

Sebastian's shouts didn't slow Ominis in the least. He continued to move quickly up the stairs, and went sprinting as soon as he reached the top, his wand sending out waves just as fast in front of him. His robe could be seen fluttering as he ran across the corridors. He turned briskly towards the hallway, which he knew like the back of his hand. And finally saw the familiar girl he searched for, leaning in front of the blank wall.

“Ominis! Why—”

The girl's greetings were suddenly interrupted by his rapid question as he came to a halt right in front of her and gripped her arms tightly.

“Eve! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Are you injured?” Ominis released her arms and put his wand between himself and Evelyn, as if he were examining her with it.

“Yes, no, and no.” Evelyn answered him while looking at his frowning face, red under his wand glow. Seeing his concern for her made Evelyn warm inside. She would be lying if she didn’t like it. But, the way his hand trembled as it moved in front of her made her feel guilty. She held his trembling wand wielding hand, hoping the gesture would somewhat calm the frantic Slytherin in front of her.

“I’m okay, Omi.”

The gesture seemed to help him calm down as the waves from his wand went back to their usual pace. He finally lowered his wand. His eyes closed as he struggled to catch his breath.

“What happened?” She asked gently, still holding his hand.

It seemed like the universe wanted to help Ominis answer Evelyn’s question, with Sebastian running towards them. Seeing the brunette, Evelyn quickly moved her hand away from Ominis’s.

“You…I never imagined you…” Sebastian said breathlessly, referring to the already halted blond boy while slowly coming into a halt beside him. “Oh, hey Evelyn!” He became aware of the perplexed girl when he came to a complete halt. Still unable to catch his breath after running, he gulped and gestured to the blond boy, “here…here he is.”

“Can someone tell me what happened?!” Evelyn asked again in frustration.

Ominis was still silent while Sebastian took his time to catch his breath. He took a few deep breaths and put his hand on Ominis’s shoulder, leaning himself towards him. Sebastian then suddenly grinned before taking the part to answer Evelyn’s answer. His grin was so proud that it made the moment more confusing than before for Evelyn.

“This guy right here, is a snitch in disguise. He ran all of a sudden when I said that you wanted to meet us here,” Sebastian chuckled, “I couldn’t even catch up with him!”

Evelyn could see the veins in Ominis’s head popping after hearing Sebastian's answer. He finally opened his eyes and spoke with a very irritated tone.

“You shouted at me when I was asleep, practically dragged me running to Merlin knows where when I hadn't even completely awakened, only to tell me that Evelyn owled for us urgently after I asked about it! Of course, I thought of the worst and ran to her! How do you think I would react?!”

“Sebastian Sallow,” Evelyn glowered at the brunette, “that is not what I asked you to!”

“I only thought what’s best at that time! And besides, he’s here! I did exactly what you asked me to!” Sebastian defended himself frantically to Evelyn before turning to face the fuming blond Slytherin, “And I had to wake you up as soon as possible! Yelling at you was the fastest way I could think of!”

“I already have a disability,” Ominis said as he shook his head, rubbing his forehead in frustration, “please don't give me another one by yelling straight to my eardrums.”

“Sorry,” Sebastian said meekly towards Ominis, who only sighed.

Evelyn sighed disappointedly as well at the brunette and turned towards the blond Slytherin, trying her best to salvage whatever was left of her plan to cheer him up. Saving her already seemingly failing plan.

“I’m sorry, Omi. I told Sebastian to simply bring you here. I never imagined he'd give you that foolish explanation or that you'd be yelled at and hauled across the hall.”

“It’s fine, Eve. It’s not your fault.” Ominis replied gently to the girl.

Sebastian, who probably thought that all conflicts were resolved, held both of his friends’ shoulders with each of his hands, and spoke, “Well, if it’s all okay—”

“I’m still mad at you.” Ominis cut him off immediately.

The brunette gasped in shock, “How come?!”

“You woke me up from my blissful sleep.” Ominis stated with resentment.

Sebastian gaped at his friend's complaint, his hands moved from both of his friend’s shoulders to dramatically cover his gaping mouth before exclaiming, “You slept on the floor! In the hallway! What’s so blissful about it?!”

“I could sleep wherever I want!” Ominis yelled stubbornly.

“You could have a cold!” Sebastian yelled as well.

“It’s—”

“It is not healthy to sleep on the cold floor, Omi.” Ominis retaliation was interrupted by Evelyn's soft voice. It silenced both Sebastian and Ominis, before the latter finally responded in an equally gentle voice.

“Okay, I’ll try not to in the future.”

“Oh, so you listened to her but not to me?” Sebastian asked in disbelief immediately after Ominis’s reply.

“It wasn’t you who told me what I needed to hear.” Ominis answered nonchalantly.

Sebastian's eyes widened as he exclaimed in frustration, “I practically told you the same!”

“You did not.” Ominis stubbornly denied his best friend's claim.

“I did!” Sebastian stubbornly maintained his stance.

“Did not.”

“Did too!”

“You did not.”

“I told—”

Sebastian was interrupted by the sound of the wall moving behind him. He quickly turned, just to find Evelyn smiling beside the now not-so-blank wall. His eyes widened as he saw the enormous door that suddenly appeared. He even rubbed both of his eyes just to be sure that it was there, and he had not imagined the blank wall before.

“Wow…”

“W-what in the world?” Ominis commented beside him. The blind boy’s wand pulsed in front of him as he stepped towards the door.

Evelyn giggled at both of her gaping friends. She looked at each end of the hallway, which was thankfully empty. Maybe the others simply decided not to pass through when they heard Sebastian and Ominis bickering.

“Come!” She invited them both into the room, “before anyone sees.”

Sebastian was the first to wake up from his shock. He chuckled in disbelief before finally walking through the door and into the secret room. Ominis followed him after a while, walking slowly through the door with his wand in front of him. Evelyn went after him, and the secret door vanished from the outside.

“What is this place?” Sebastian asked in awe as they arrived at the main room of the Room of Requirement.

“The Room of Requirement...” Ominis answered Sebastian’s question for Evelyn with the same amazement in his voice. He then smiled towards her, “is this where you’re going every night?”

“Yes,” Evelyn answered Ominis shyly, “if I don’t see you in the hallway.”

“See him where?” Sebastian turned back towards his friend and asked out of the blue. A question that Ominis immediately answered with a straight face.

“None of your business.”

“Hey!” The brunette exclaimed in an offended tone. He was about to retaliate more but was distracted by the wall of books Evelyn had on one side of the wall. Everyone could hear him gasp in awe and practically run towards it.

“It’s…” Ominis began to say something before his voice trailed off as he walked towards where Sebastian was. His step stopped as he encountered a book in front of him, “so full?”

“Yeah, let's just say it’s under construction.” Evelyn explained sheepishly to the confused blonde. She levitated the stray book in front of Ominis and put it back where it belonged in the wall of books before continuing.

“Professor Weasley taught me the conjuration spell to decorate and fill this room with the things I needed to catch up with the other fifth-years. And I’m still deciding where to put what and which decorations I should put up. Basically all the stuff,” she paused to levitate another book from the floor and into the bookcase, “sorry for the mess.”

“It’s all right. Maybe I could help you sort it out? I may be blind, but I could still move a thing or two without causing any accidents.”

Evelyn was touched by Ominis’s kind offer. But she shook her head, “Thank you for the offer, but that’s not why I brought you or Sebastian here today.” She stepped closer to Ominis and offered her right elbow to him, “If I may?”

Ominis chuckled, “I may be blind, but I can still walk by myself, you know?”

“I don’t doubt it. But I much prefer it this way.”

Evelyn's answer brought a blush to Ominis’s cheek, who then put his left hand on her elbow sheepishly, his right one still holding his wand in front of him. She felt her own cheeks turning scarlet as well as his hand through her elbow. She didn’t know what got into her, but ever since she accepted her feelings for him, she started to be…bolder and more daring in her advances towards him. She wouldn’t lie; it was nice to see him blushing because of her. Definitely worth all the embarrassment she gave herself as well.

She escorted the blind boy up, deliberately taking slow steps. Not out of concern, but out of wanting to savour the moment as long as she could. They took the stairs to the second floor and walked arm in arm until they came to a glass building shaped like a pumpkin. It shone with a warm light that could be felt through the glass.

“Is that…sunlight?” Ominis asked in confusion beside Evelyn, who only smiled at the question.

“Yes. Can you see through?”

Ominis shook his head, “I can’t. I can see the door arch, but I can’t ‘see’ what's beyond it. It’s like…” he trailed off and frowned before continuing, “like there’s a veil covering it. Are we going outside? The light felt like sunshine.”

“Not really. You’ll see.” Evelyn answered Ominis before reluctantly letting him go. She turned herself towards the railing to the first floor, where a brunette boy could be seen focusing himself on the spines of books in front of him.

“So this is where she’s been running off too…” Sebastian murmured to himself, still browsing Evelyn’s books. He took one out from the bookcase and turned it around on his hand, trying to see the title clearly, “What is this Shakespeare? I never heard of it before.”

“Sebastian!” Evelyn shouted for the brunette, who whirled his head immediately towards her.

“Huh?” He squinted his eyes as if trying to see Evelyn more clearly, “Oh, wow! When did you get there?”

Evelyn moved her hands, calling him to come up, “come here!”

The brunette didn’t seem to understand that what Evelyn said was an instruction, not an invitation. He just stood there, still holding the Shakespeare book, and asked with a frown, “Why?”

Evelyn leaned herself towards the railing and glared at Sebastian while tilting her head towards Ominis. A gesture she hoped would make Sebastian remember why they were here in the first place. Sadly, the brunette seemed to not understand her since the response she got from him was only a deeper frown. Evelyn mouthed to him.

'Our secret mission!'

“What?” Sebastian moved towards her from the first floor, “I can’t hear you! Speak louder!”

“Just come here!” Evelyn finally shouted in frustration and anger.

“Okay, okay. But you better tell me about the Shakespeare book later.” Sebastian muttered as he put the book back where it belonged before going to Evelyn, skipping several steps as he went up the stairs and arriving in a jump in front of her.

“Here I—” he stopped all of a sudden and turned towards the glass pumpkin beside Evelyn, “wow, why’s that glowing?”

Evelyn noticed the sparks in Sebastian’s eyes as he saw what was behind the door. Afraid of him spoiling the surprise for Ominis, she hurriedly said, “I need you to stay calm.”

Sebastian turned towards her, “I can’t calm down.” He gestured to the glowing door on the glass pumpkin and started to speak excitedly, “How can I calm down when I see what’s behind that door?! How is it even possible?!”

“What is it? What have you and Sebastian been up to now?” Ominis intervened in panic.

“Nothing dangerous, and Sebastian had nothing to do with it,” Evelyn said quickly to the blonde before turning back to the brunette, “Calm down Sebastian. or I’ll kick you out.”

“Calming down now,” Sebastian took a deep breath to calm himself down, “I’m calm.”

Evelyn nodded to the ‘calm’ brunette, “Okay then, we—”

“Can I go first?” Sebastian cut her off with an excited voice, clearly not calm.

“We should—”

“Too late!” He cut her off again and zoomed through the door, leaving his two best friends behind in the dust.

Evelyn and Ominis went silent after seeing their friend's antics. A chuckle came from Ominis, which made Evelyn giggle as well, resulting in laughter from both of them. They laughed for a while before finally, sheepishly, calmed themselves down.

“Shall we?” Evelyn asked the blind boy with her right hand towards him.

Ominis smiled at the hand, as if he could see it and took it gently, “Yes, let’s.”

And they went through the door hand in hand.

The first thing Evelyn could hear was the crashing waves, followed immediately by the smell of the ocean. She took a few steps forward, taking the silent blind boy with her, and stopped as soon as she felt the warm sunshine on her skin. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A smile bloomed on her face. The experience of entering the vivarium was always different, but it still made her want to be in it forever.

Ominis gaped beside her, his wand-wielding hand still in front of him while the other was on Evelyn’s. It took him a while to get over his shock and finally speak with awe.

“What in Merlin’s—”

“Is that a hippogriff?!” Another masculine voice from in front of them interrupted the blonde, who then frowned as if trying to hear more clearly.

A screech immediately came from above, where a white hippogriff flew through the sky. It began to descend as soon as it saw the new visitors to the vivarium. It landed right in front of Ominis and gently nudged its beak towards his wand-wielding hand.

Evelyn reluctantly let Ominis hand go and stepped back. That gesture made him wake up from his shock and realise that the hippogriff was currently nudging his hand. He quickly bowed to the hippogriff in front of him. A smile could be seen on his face as he stood up from his bow and greeted the beast, “Hello, Highwing. It’s nice to see you again.”

“How can you know that it’s her?” Evelyn asked, surprised.

“I recognise her voice.” Ominis said casually with a smile while petting the hippogriff, causing Evelyn to feel even more admiration for him.

“Oh, wow…” Sebastian said as he finally joined them and looked at the white feathers with astonishment as he circled around the massive hippogriff. He stood beside Ominis in shock, not believing his friend who was currently petting the beast, “How could he tame the hippogriff so quickly?!”

“He—”

“It must be that pureblood in him.” Sebastian cut off Evelyn even before she could explain.

“No,” Ominis said nonchalantly, still petting the hippogriff, “it’s my charm.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes at Ominis's silly comment and couldn't help giggling. Ominis was still petting the hippogriff while Sebastian animatedly asked him questions about the hippogriff, clearly annoying the blonde, who tried his best to answer them all, even the silliest ones.

“What’s its name?”

“Highwing.”

“How come you aren’t afraid of it?”

Ominis rolled his eyes, “I must be dumb to not be afraid of a beast like her. I am feeling afraid as we speak.”

“Then how come you are petting it now?”

“My admiration for her exceeds my fear.”

“Wait, its a she?”

“I think so? I heard Evelyn called it ‘her.’”

“When did you first meet her?”

“Last spring.”

“Where did you first meet her?”

“I don’t know.”

“Not here?”

“No. This is my first time being here as well.”

“Where are we, exactly?” Sebastian asked the blonde while still looking at the hippogriff with astonishment, but never daring to come closer to it.

“I have no answer to that,” Ominis stopped petting Highwing and turned towards Evelyn, who was currently smiling at them, “Evelyn, where are we?”

“We’re at my coastal vivarium.” Evelyn answered, stepping closer to the boys and the hippogriff.

“Coastal…vivarium?” Sebastin asked in confusion.

“I have several vivariums. There’s the forest, coastal, swamp, and mountain vivariums. They’re for the beasts I saved from the poachers. I kept them until the personnel from the ministry came to release them into the wild safely.”

“Several?!” Ominis exclaimed.

“Ministry?!” Sebastian exclaimed at the same time at Ominis.

“It's a long story,” Evelyn answered shortly.

“Longer than the story of how Ominis tamed this beast?” Sebastian asked in a playful manner.

Evelyn shrugged and nonchalantly answered, “He was a natural. He quickly makes Highwing fall in love with him when I took him for a ride with her a while ago.”

The casual answer was apparently not considered casual by Sebastian, whose eyes immediately widened.

“You took him on a ride?! On a hippogriff?!”

Evelyn was perplexed by the way he answered the question; it felt as though she was betraying him by telling Professor Weasley about his latest misbehaviour with Garreth, and getting him into detention. Or like she was not choosing him as her crossed wands duel partner.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Don’t mind me.” Sebastian answered casually and turned around, stepping away from both of his friends towards the beach with his back towards them.

He gestured to the sand and continued, emphasising a few words, “I’ll just stand here, in the sand. Alone,” he kept walking, “while you both fly on a hippogriff happily together to Merlin knows where. Leaving me. Your best friend. Alone.”

Sebastian finally stopped as he stood right on the part where the waves hit the sand. He stood there so broodingly, as if he were left all alone and had no happiness in his life. Evelyn was confused by it, so she asked the blonde beside her, in a quiet voice. Afraid that the brunette would hear her.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s clearly upset. You have invited him to fly with you, haven't you?” Ominis answered in an equally quiet voice.

Evelyn blushed hearing the question and tried her best to reply as casually as possible, “No. You’re the only one I've ever invited to fly with.”

Apparently, that reply wasn’t casual for Ominis, who then asked her again in surprise, “I’m the first one?!”

Evelyn blushed even more at the innocent question. Somehow, her mind made it more intimate than it was supposed to be.

“W-well, you’re the first one I’ve ever ridden a hippogriff with.”

“Oh…” Ominis blushed, “and you never asked Sebastian before or after our flight?”

“No. It never crossed my mind.”

“Why?”

“I wanted it to be special,” Evelyn faced him, “it is your birthday present. It has to be special.”

She could see the flush on his cheeks deepening as he heard her response, causing her own cheeks to turn even redder as well.

He stammered, “I…well-um…he’s clearly feeling upset about being left behind on such an amazing experience. Maybe you could invite him to fly with you next time?”

Evelyn sighed before she replied in a dejected whisper, “I should, shouldn’t I?”

“Only if you want to,” Ominis whispered softly.

“Okay, I’ll invite him next time,” Evelyn huffed, “but I won't be at the same hippogriff as he does.”

“Why?”

Without realising it, Evelyn blurted out the first thing she thought, “It’s only for you.”

“For me?” Ominis asked, surprised.

Evelyn flushed. Did she really say it out loud? She did, didn’t she?

In denial and embarrassment, she quickly turned her head towards the brunette; the need to whisper was forgotten as her voice came back to its normal volume.

“Oh, look! He’s sitting in the sand now,” Sebastian was, in fact, sitting and pouting on the sand when Evelyn pointed it out. “Poor him,” she continued with fake pity and a fast pace in her voice, “we should go to him. Okay? Okay. I’ll go first.”

Without giving Ominis the time to react, Evelyn quickly walked towards the sulking brunette. She preferred to be with the sulking boy rather than face whatever humiliation she got herself into with Ominis, thank you very much.

Her hurried steps slowed down as she got near Sebastian. The sand could be heard moving under her boots as she finally stopped and sat beside him. She cleared her throat and spoke to him in a gentle voice.

“Hey, Seb.”

“Leave me alone.” Sebastian replied to her curtly, still upset and sulking about the whole ordeal. He bent his knees and put his hands on top of them, his head resting above them as he continued his sulking, “Go on, fly away. You can—“

A splash of water came out of the blue, cutting Sebastian off by soaking his face and front body, causing him to exclaim in shock.

“WHAT IN MERLIN’S—”

“Stop sulking.” A stern voice came from behind Evelyn and Sebastian. Ominis was standing there with his wand glowing brighter than it usually did, as if it did a spell that exactly made Sebastian as wet as he was.

“THE WATER’S COLD!” Sebastian complained as he gestured his wet body to Ominis, who just shrugged and sat beside Evelyn casually.

“Serve you right.”

“Oh, you’ll regret it!” Sebastian stood up abruptly and walked into the sea. He kept going, unconcerned by his wet shoes and trousers, then swiftly spun around as the water reached his calves and splashed the water towards his friends with all his might. Causing them, who previously only watched him in confusion, to be surprised and soaked just like him.

“Seb!” Evelyn screamed as she tried to shield her face from the sea water Sebastian splashed towards her with no mercy.

“Sebastian!” Ominis followed her steps and covered his own face with his robe. They tried their best to avoid all the splashes from Sebastian, which was a futile effort since they just got soaked more than they were before.

“Ha!” Sebastian stopped his splashes for a while. A satisfied grin came to his face as he saw his soaked friends, “Serve you both right!”

That grin was the trigger for Evelyn. She sprang to her feet and followed Sebastian into the sea. She started splashing wildly towards the brunette as she approached him. The grin on Sebastian’s face quickly vanished and was replaced with a surprised face.

“Hey!” Sebastian said with a laugh as he tried to avoid the splashes, walking away from the laughing and violently splashing girl.

“Come here you!” Evelyn exclaimed as she ran after him, splashing him with all the water she could with both of her hands. Her and Sebastian’s laughter could be heard between the splashing water and waves.

"Mercy, mercy, mercy!" Sebastian eventually gave up after being drenched to the bone. His robe was soaking wet as he raised his hand in surrender.

Evelyn stopped her splashing and grinned, pleased with her victory. But, she then realised that they were both soaked to the bone, whereas there was still one person out of the three who hadn't. She directed her eyes towards the partially dry Ominis on the beach. Sebastian seemed to understand her cue and tilted his head towards the blonde on the shore as well. They both grinned wider and began to walk towards the oblivious blonde.

“Are you guys done?” Ominis said with a smile. He seemed like he was previously laughing as well, seeing his friends' shenanigans, and apparently still felt amused by seeing them still inside the water and soaked to the bone in front of him.

“No.” Both Evelyn and Sebastian spoke and splashed the oblivious blonde at the same time with full power.

Ominis became soaked immediately. His previously neat hair became messy as it stuck to his forehead after getting wet. It was long, to Evelyn’s surprise, his hair even covered his eyes as the water dripped from its long strand. His robes got wet and stuck like a second skin, causing Evelyn to blush as she saw his broad shoulder silhouette. His wand was still glowing in his hand, with droplets of water on it.

“That’s it!” Ominis gripped his wand tightly and dashed towards his screaming and fleeing friends. Their giggling could be heard as they splashed water on each other's already-drenched bodies. And for the first time of the day, Evelyn felt pure happiness.

She’s happy being under the sun. She’s happy she felt the cold of the water. She’s even happy that she was wet. She’s happy she could just play and not think about another thing in the world. She’s happy because she spent her time with her friends. She’s happy…because she could be a child, even just for a while.

She felt ecstatic as she continued to splash her friends. They continued to splash at each other, in pairs of two versus one and, of course, in three ways one versus one. The crashing of the waves, the splashing of water, and the laughter of three different people could be heard under the sun. Until one of them suddenly slipped and fell, half of his body was submerged in water, making them all laugh even louder than before.

It was Sebastian, of course, since he was bullied by Evelyn’s wild splash and also by Ominis’s humongous waves that were created by a bit of magic with the help of his wand. Sebastian was still in his sitting position and was trying to get his own wand from his pocket when he suddenly stopped responding to Evelyn’s and Ominis’s attacks.

Evelyn stopped splashing after she saw her motionless friend, followed by Ominis. She asked the still brunette, “Finally surrender?”

Sebastian didn’t answer the question and kept sitting still, never minding that half of his body was under the water. His gaze was focused on the shore behind Evelyn and Ominis, “Is that what I think it is?”

Ominis frowned with his wand pulsing in his hand. The frown suddenly gone in seconds as he turned around to the shore, “Evelyn, do you—“

“You never said you also have thestrals!” Sebastian interrupted Ominis before he could finish his question.

Evelyn was still looking ridiculously at the brunette and huffed, “No, I don’t.”

“Then what am I seeing?” Sebastian pointed his arms towards the shore, causing Evelyn to whirl her head around.

“Oh…” Her voice trailed off as she finally saw what her friends were seeing. A black, skeletal, bat-winged horse was standing on the shore, looking at the three soaked students curiously. Evelyn didn’t hesitate and quickly moved towards the majestic creature, asking as she approached it, “Onyx, what are you doing here?”

“You said you didn’t have one!” Sebastian’s voice came from her left. They were both now out of the water, with water dripping from their robes.

“Well, I don’t have one here!” Evelyn exclaimed frustratedly as she came closer to the curious beast in front of her, “He’s supposed to be in my swamp vivarium. I don’t know how he could get here!”

“He’s beautiful.” A voice emerged from Evelyn's right. Ominis seemed to have followed her and Sebastian out of the water as well. His hair was still damp, and the water streaming down from it highlighted his cheekbones and jaw. Right down to his broad—

Evelyn quickly cleared her throat and refocused herself.

“You can see it?” She asked the drenched boy on her right.

Ominis nodded and slowly approached the beast. His left hand stretched towards it while his right still holding his wand. The thestral seemed not to be afraid of the gesture or the pulsing wand. Instead, it moved its fang towards Ominis’s stretched hand and gently nudged it. Ominis smiled as he felt the skin of the thestral on his. A smile that gradually evolved into a full grin as the thestral nudged its head into his palm again, clearly wanting to be petted more.

“I was right. It was the pureblood in him.”

Evelyn was astounded by the comment she heard from her brunette friend. She remarked in sarcasm, “Let me remind you that you’re also a pureblood.”

Sebastian, the said brunette friend, didn’t realise the sarcasm and exclaimed excitedly instead, “You’re right! Let’s try the theory, shall we?”

Evelyn shook her head, “You spent too much time with Garreth.”

“What? Slytherin can also be brave.” Sebastian boasted, causing both Evelyn and Ominis to shake their heads in disbelief. Ominis quickly responded to Sebastian before he could do anything worse.

"I doubt it was the ‘pureblood’ in me. The thestrals are simply gentle and kind creatures. They are widely misunderstood simply because other beings only see them based on the widespread perception of them…” Ominis voice drifted off as he petted the thestral. He eventually finished his remark in a quiet voice, “Just like me.”

“Ominis?” Evelyn asked softly in concern.

Ominis petted the thestral again before nudging it to go. It snorted and simply walked away from the three drenched students. Ominis watched it go with a melancholy gaze before eventually responding to Evelyn.

“In centuries past, the sight of them was regarded as unlucky. They have been hunted and ill treated for many years, their true nature, which is kindly and gentle, being widely misunderstood. Thestrals are not marks of ill omen and are not in any way threatening to wizards and witches, despite their spooky appearance.

I found myself similar to them, in terms of people judging me solely on the most noticeable thing about me. People tend to immediately fear or hate me when they hear my surname, since ‘Gaunt’ was closely related to the dark arts and very intimidating as it was the name of a direct descendant of the Salazar Slytherin. Everyone quickly assumed I was the same as my brother, my father, and his father before him. Even before they saw me with their own eyes or spoke to me. In their eyes, I was already a ruthless, dangerous, bloodthirsty dark wizard.”

“You are not those things.” Sebastian said sternly, which was replied to with a sigh from Ominis.

“I know I’m not. And I hope I never will be. That’s why I distanced myself from my family…” Ominis trailed off before his voice came back in scorn, “yet they still find a way to drag me back.”

Evelyn shuddered after she heard the hatred in his voice. Something must have happened during the summer that made him so angry. Something terrible must have happened and given him more nightmares than usual. Something must have happened, but Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to ask him about it, even if she was dying to know. She was reluctant to ask since it must have had something to do with his family. The one topic that even he would always avoid, even during their clandestine meetings at the astronomy observation deck.

But Sebastian seemed not to mind raising the topic as he finally asked the difficult question, “What happened during the summer, Ominis?”

“Everything.” Ominis answered in a tired voice. “I returned, thinking that they wanted me to join them in commemorating Aunt Noctua’s death, just like what they said on their sudden owl. They said they wanted me to join them since I was the one who found her remains. That’s why I left out of the blue.”

“I see,” Sebastian replied, “did they do it well?”

“They did it perfectly, just not the way I wanted, or the way my Aunt probably wanted them to. They did it perfectly in the way a true Gaunt would want to be remembered. They already had muggles lined up in the dungeons when I arrived at the manor—more than I'd ever seen.

“I saw them, on their knees, perfectly lined up, terrified and frightened. Well, I thought they were, since I could only ‘see’ their eyes widening and closing frantically, feel the palpable fear with my skin that raised goosebumps, and hear their muffled cries as I came down to the dungeon with my whole family. My brother apparently bewitched their mouths, so they couldn't even open them. He smiled very proudly at his success. Torturing them even in the absence of the unforgivable curse.”

Evelyn felt goosebumps on her skin as she heard Ominis continue. Ominis did say he had a brother, but she never thought he would be the complete opposite of him.

“My father lifted my brother's magic from one person at the end of the line. The man immediately screamed, cried, and begged to be released. His screams and pleas were futile. My father cast the cruciatus curse instead, making him scream more. I turned my face away and stopped my wand from sending waves immediately. I even closed my eyes.”

Ominis chuckled dryly, “not that it helped. Their agony felt even more pronounced by the full darkness I was in. I heard them all as my father, mother, and brother cursed them, one by one.”

Evelyn and Sebastian had no words after hearing the continuation of Ominis’s story. The story looks like it's straight out of a horror book.

“I remained silent in the dark until I felt my father’s hands on my shoulder. And I knew it was my turn. I remembered my wand humming in disapproval as I commanded it to send waves again, as if it knew what I was going to do. It relented, of course, giving me back my ‘sight’ again, allowing me to see her.” Ominis gulped, “She was the last on the line. I could ‘see’ her body was smaller than the others. I don't know how old she is, but she was obviously not older than myself, if not younger.” He chuckled dryly, “My family gave me the most young to torture.”

“Oh, Ominis…” Evelyn said regretfully, knowing where this story would go.

“I did it, Eve.” Ominis growled angrily to himself, “I knew it was wrong, and still did it.”

Sebastian stepped closer Ominis, “It was—”

“Don’t you dare say it was not my fault!” Ominis snapped and cut Sebastian off immediately. He took a deep breath, “I accepted that it was. I still did it, even to only one person.”

Evelyn felt tears pooling in her eyes as she heard Ominis continue.

“I didn’t want to in the first place. But I felt his wand pointing at me from the back. My own father threatened to torture me. My wand hummed immediately. I practically felt it pleading for me to cast the unforgivable curse. So, I think of my father, of the pain and suffering he caused me, of my hatred for him, and the desire to torture him myself,” Ominis said with such hatred before continuing blatantly, “And I cursed her.”

Evelyn could only imagine what the scene would be like. How terrifying it must have been to hear the girl's screams immediately echoing throughout the dungeon as the red sparks from Ominis’s wand zapped her into pure agony. Evelyn knew how it felt. She was in pure pain when Sebastian cast it on her in the scriptorium with Anne’s curser in his mind. Evelyn could only imagine how it felt for the girl when Ominis did it with his father in mind.

Evelyn could see the desperation in Ominis’s eyes as he continued, “I could barely stop myself. Lost in my thoughts of torturing my own father. A-and she went silent after I did. She just laid there, with her eyes and mouth open. I almost thought I had killed her,” Ominis ran his hand through his wet hair, “but then, I heard her weak breath, and my hands went numb. My father squeezed one of my shoulders, said he was proud, and left me alone with the victims.”

“Ominis…” Evelyn’s voice trailed off as she stepped closer to Ominis and put her hand on his shoulder, hoping the gesture helped him somehow as well as telling him how much her heart ached for him.

“They left me alone with the victims. With the ones they tortured in memory of my aunt. My aunt, who was most likely against it in the first place,” Ominis shook his head and continued with determination in his voice, “So I did what my aunt would do. I cast the false memory charm on each one them. Erasing their memories of my family and I torturing them and framing it as just another hazy nightmare.”

“You could do that?” Sebastian asked in amazement while Evelyn frowned, thinking that there must be a catch in it.

“I could. But it was not something I would like to repeat, as I had to experience every memory I wanted to tamper with. Watching myself or any of my family members cast crucio from the victim's perspective was a nightmare on its own.”

Ominis’s answer made her heart wrench. She was right. There was a catch to it. How could Ominis do that? She could only imagine how it felt to see oneself in the light of the one you tortured. She certainly didn’t want to see herself from the perspective of the ones she killed, even just once. It would be devastating. She would lose her mind. And he had to do it repeatedly.

“I called the house elves as soon as I finished and instructed them to bring the victims back to where they were before they were abducted. I had to do it fast before my father realised what I had done,” Ominis added, sighing, “I could only hope that what I did helped them get over it and move on.”

“It must have helped them.” Evelyn said firmly, squeezing Ominis’s shoulder in support while also trying her best to contain her tears, “Your aunt must be proud of you.”

“She’s more likely to be disappointed in me that I cast an unforgivable curse,” Ominis chuckled dryly, “but you’re also right. I think she would be proud of my progress on occlumency. I would die on the spot if my father knew what I was thinking about when I cast the curse. I guess I should thank her for teaching me that.”

“Are you a legilimens as well?” Sebastian asked out of the blue.

Ominis was quiet for a minute before declaring, "I am, unfortunately, a legilimens like my father. But I try not to use it. I don't appreciate people seeing inside my head, so I don’t do it to others either. I don’t want to become like my predecessor.”

Evelyn’s tears could not be contained after hearing that. She had never felt so helpless and so furious at the same time before. She already despised the Gaunt from what Sebastian and Ominis told her about them before. She already despised them for what they had done to Ominis. Yet, this revelation took her hatred to a new level. She couldn’t stop the tears of despair and rage because she couldn’t help Ominis at all in his family situation.

And she made him remember it rather than helping him to forget about it like she had planned before. She made him more miserable instead of cheering him up. Her plan failed, so she let herself drown in the deepest sea of despair.

“I see…” Sebastian trailed off in a broken voice.

“Well, anyway, that’s my summer. That’s why I've always had nightmares,” Ominis turned towards the other boy, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, Sebastian.”

“It’s okay, Ominis. Thank you for telling me—”

Sebastian was interrupted by a poke in his ribs. It was Evelyn, who couldn't stop the tears from her eyes and was wiping them from her cheeks. He quickly corrected himself afterward.

“Us. Thank you for telling us about it.”

“Thank you for listening,” Ominis smiled, “and for staying even after you heard it.”

"Of course we would!" Evelyn blurted tearfully as soon as she heard him, her voice raspy as she attempted to fight back her tears, "why wouldn’t we?"

“Being friends with the direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin must not be easy, Eve. I'll understand if you or Sebastian decide to stop being friends with me in the future.” Ominis answered her gently.

Evelyn got very irritated with how Ominis looked at the situation and how he thought of her and Sebastian's friendship with him. It wasn't his fault that he was born into a very cruel and scary family. It's not his fault that he had to do all the things he has done. Evelyn realised it, and she was sure Sebastian also realised it. They knew what they were getting into when they became friends with him. They knew it was hard. And no matter how hard it was, they would be there for him. They would not leave him behind.

“That's why I invited you here!” Evelyn exclaimed all of a sudden, shocking both Ominis and Sebastian. Sadness could be heard in her voice as she continued in a low voice, “to have fun and forget about the problems at hand, even if only for a while."

“And I—”

Evelyn cut Ominis off, continuing her rant. “It is hard to be your friend. It is hard to accept that I can't know everything about you. But, I still want to be your friend! I still want to—am trying to help you even though I don't know why or how. I just do my best with what I know,” Evelyn looked straight into Ominis’s face, “so don’t you ever think that I, or Sebastian would leave you, just because you’re a direct descendant of the Salazar Slytherin. We know. Suck it up, Gaunt. You’re stuck with us for eternity.”

“I know that!” Ominis exclaimed in frustration, making Evelyn’s and Sebastian’s eyes widen in surprise. “I heard the whispers, you know. How they talk behind my back about me. And I’m fine with it,” Ominis stubbornly continued, his voice growing heavy, “But I find myself not feeling fine with how they talked about you and Sebastian just because you’re both my friends. I am not fine with the fact that you and Sebastian would be judged negatively for the rest of your lives just because of me.”

“I don’t—”

Ominis interrupted Evelyn’s answer, seething, “I especially hate it when they spread rumours about you, Eve. How they judge and assume the worst of you just because you’re my friend. I hate it even more when I hear them making up and guessing the reasons why you wanted to be my friend and calling you names just because of your blood. It makes me want to do the killing curse on them.”

“Wow, Ominis,” Sebastian said in surprise, “never thought you had that much resentment.”

“Oh, shut up, Sebastian.” Ominis said angrily towards the other boy, “don’t tell me you never heard the other call her that and wanted to put them under the cruciatus curse right away.”

Sebastian only nodded in understanding, “Yep. I had.”

“Well, I don’t care.” Evelyn said stubbornly and made a gesture towards the brunette, “Being friends with the most troublesome fifth year in the school was more difficult than being friends with the direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin.”

What Evelyn said abruptly changed the atmosphere of the talk. Ominis gaped and suddenly chuckled, while the said troublesome brunette responded at the same time, clearly offended by the accusation and not following the changing mood.

“Hey! Look in the mirror yourself!”

“I had been asked why I wanted to be friends with Sebastian more than why I wanted to be friends with you, Omi.” Evelyn continued with a soft voice towards the blonde, not minding her other offended friend. “I know they talk about me behind my back, because one always has others who disapprove of whatever one does. And they'll judge it like they know all about it. They’ll judge our friendship like they know about me and you. Well, me, you, and this troublesome brunette we unfortunately had as a friend.”

Ominis chuckled, followed by Sebastian, who quickly forgot about his annoyance. Hearing her friends laugh made Evelyn feel warmth in her chest as she continued.

“I don’t care about what they think of me, and I’m sure Sebastian doesn’t either,” Evelyn held both of Ominis's hands tightly, “you are our friend by choice. You are my choice, Ominis Gaunt.”

Evelyn poured all her feelings for him into that sentence. She wanted him to know that she chose to be with him. That she chose him now, even after everything she heard. And she would still choose him in the future. As a friend, or even more. Either way, Evelyn chose him. Her heart chose him.

Evelyn felt Ominis’s hand grip hers tightly as he responded, “You are my choice as well, Evelyn Rose.”

Evelyn didn’t know if those words meant as much to him as they did to her. But she still felt happiness hit her like a train on a track coming towards her in full force as she heard them, letting her know there’s no turning back in this matter of the heart.

“Well, sorry for jumping in on this heartwarming moment,” Sebastian chimed in out of the blue, “I just want to note that I didn’t have a choice in the first place. Anne practically dragged me to be friends with Ominis too after she became friends with him.”

Evelyn and Ominis laughed at Sebastian's remark. He did jump in on a heartwarming moment, just like he said, but he didn’t ruin it. He made it better than Evelyn ever thought it would be. She couldn’t stop laughing, and her friends seemed to as well as they laughed beside her. Their laughter could be heard again, side by side with the waves of water.

Ominis was the first to stop laughing. He held both of his friends’ hands. Evelyn’s on his left, and Sebastian’s on his right. His voice was solemn.

"Whatever lies ahead, we must face it together. That, I know.”

“Obviously.” Evelyn rolled her eyes at Sebastian's joke and giggled.

Evelyn smiled and tightened her right grip on Ominis’s hands once more, while Sebastian leaned his head towards Ominis, clearly not hearing the murmured thanks.

“What did you—”

"Here comes the rough water!" Evelyn quickly let go of both boys' hands and pulled her wand from her pocket, cutting Sebastian as she splashed them with a massive wave with a flick of her wand.

Both boys could be heard yelling her name after they woke from their surprise, with Evelyn already running away in laughter.

“Evelyn!”

15 notes · View notes

pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

Text

A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: Sparks Fly (4/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 4/16 Title: Sparks Fly Word count: 9,973

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3

Last Chapter Preview: “It's too late for me.” Evelyn whispered, her vision blurred with tears.

“It’s never too late.” Ominis rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand. “Who you are is not what you did, Evelyn Rose. At least not to me.”

Evelyn felt like she was struck by lightning as she heard Ominis. The tears cannot be contained anymore. She let go of his hands and swiftly wrapped her arms around him, overtaken with emotion. Which was quickly returned by the blind Slytherin.

“You’re still an Innocent.” He whispered to her as she cried her heart out on his shoulder.

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

4. Sparks Fly

Late Winter, Early 1891

Evelyn found herself climbing the stairs of the Defence Against the Dark Arts tower in the middle of the night once more. The last time she did this was a few days ago, when she ran into Ominis out of the blue, and ended up confessing her greatest sin in tears.

Her cheeks flushed as the memory of her weeping in his arms flashed through her head. She couldn’t stop herself from blushing every time she saw him after that. It was so humiliating that she felt obligated to avoid ominis for a few days. And how difficult it was to do.

He was everywhere. In the classroom, the corridors, the courtyard, and even at the most remote corner in the library. Every time Evelyn came to a room, he was there. It was almost as though fate was punishing her more. She also had to be terrified of humiliating herself to death in front of him, as if the terrors from her nightmares weren't enough. The terrors that have led her here, wandering in the halls in her nightgown again. The only difference was she wore it with a robe this time.

She only wanted to get some sleep beneath the open skies in her coastal vivarium. Merlin help her if she gets any surprise meetings tonight.

Hoping desperately in her heart, Evelyn continued her journey and tried her best to be as silent as possible when she passed another patrolling prefect. She didn't know why, but they had seemed to increase in number tonight, making it rather difficult for her to move unnoticed. Afraid of getting caught and put into detention, she cast the disillusionment charm on herself and continued her covert voyage.

Her steps halted as she entered a hallway with a tapestry on one side. She looked around carefully. After, and only after she was sure there was not a single soul around except herself, she dispelled the charm.

“Having a nightmare again?”

“AH!” Evelyn screamed in surprise. She looked to her right, where a boy with a pulsating red wand appeared out of nowhere. How could she not notice him? Did he cast a disillusionment charm on himself?

“How—”

“Is anyone there?” A sound from the hallway behind her interrupted Evelyn. She didn’t even get a chance to respond as she felt the boy grab her hand after hearing the same voice and pull her along with him, running away from the sound with his wand in front as a guide through the darkness.

Evelyn felt her legs ache as she struggled to match the boy’s pace. It was certainly not fair for her since his step was twice as far as hers. He suddenly turned right, and Evelyn almost stumbled when she took her third step following him, bringing them both to a standstill.

“What is that?!” Evelyn whispered, annoyed, as she tried to see clearly in the darkness. When did it get so dark, she didn’t know. The red light from her partner's wand currently wasn’t enough for her eyes to clearly see what made her almost fall to the floor.

“Stairs,” the boy said quickly as he tightened his grip on her hand, “be careful.”

“Thanks for the warning,” she replied sarcastically and continued to complain in a whisper, “is it so hard to cast Lumos?!”

“Like that could’ve helped me.” The boy answered. The sarcasm and roll of the eyes from the blind boy were not missed by Evelyn. She was going to take her own wand from her pocket when—

“Hello?” Another voice could be heard approaching from the hall they just left, followed by nearing footsteps, stopping her movement.

“Lumos,” the boy whispered to his wand. The crimson light from the tip of it shined brighter under his command, illuminating the surroundings and allowing Evelyn to see the stairs in front of her under its warm glow. Without wasting any more time, the boy tugged on their intertwined hands and began to climb the stairs expertly with his wand in front of him. In panic of being caught, she swiftly followed the boy up with the crimson light helping her to see.

They climbed up for a while until the boy finally stopped and extinguished the light from his wand, causing it to glow like usual. Evelyn felt anxiety as she saw the light dim. She turned, just to see the once-lit stairwell turn dark again, making it nearly impossible for her to see more than five steps below. She couldn’t see if the previous person who followed them had already caught them up or not. Merlin help her if they did, detention was not on her list to do tonight, tomorrow, or ever.

With his hand still holding hers, Evelyn felt the boy turn around. She turned back to find him tilting his head towards the stairs, concentrating with his eyes closed and his brow furrowed. In curiosity, she turned towards the stairs again and did the same. He must have heard something Evelyn definitely couldn’t since his posture became relaxed after a few seconds.

“We’re good,” he let go of Evelyn's hand, “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Evelyn answered shyly. A brisk wind passed through her. Confused by it, she turned and finally saw the place he had taken her to. The spinning orbs made from steel were surely a dead giveaway of where she was. She exclaimed in disbelief as she realised she was back to the place of her last embarrassment with the one who she was embarrassed with.

“Here!? Again!?”

“I would lower my voice if I were you.” The boy spoke calmly as he walked to the table near the chalkboard.

Evelyn huffed, “You’ve said that we’re good.”

“We’re good, but your voice could still echo down,” The boy hovered his wand over the table in front of him, “lower it down, at least until you get further from the stairs.”

Evelyn sighed and approached the boy before asking in a normal voice. “Why did you bring me here, Ominis?”

“You can go back to the hall and be caught in detention if you like,” Ominis answered curtly with his back on Evelyn.

“I—”

“Or you can stay here until they’re gone.” His interruption came still in a curt manner as he turned. Evelyn could see his left hand holding a stick that was tied to a jar with a rope. The jar emitted a blue glow. Pale blue, similar to his eyes.

“Bluebell flames.” Evelyn said as she saw the familiar makeshift lantern they had left behind.

Ominis extended his lantern-wielding hand towards her indignantly. “To keep you warm. If you decide to stay.”

“Thank you,” she took the Bluebell Flames lantern from him with trembling hands, “I-I’ll stay.”

“Well then, I shall leave you alone.” He said quickly, pointed his wand towards the stairs and began to walk towards them.

“Wait!” Evelyn called, stopping him from taking any more steps. She approached him and said timidly, “You could…wait here with me. If you’d like.”

Sarcasm could be heard in Ominis's voice. “Would you?” he tilted his head towards her, “like it when I’m near?”

“Of course I—”

“I don’t think so,” interrupted Ominis. His voice came to a whisper as he continued, “Because you certainly don't for the past few days.”

“I—”

Ominis abruptly moved his body towards her. "Why are you avoiding me?" He asked sharply.

“What—”

“Why?” He cut her off again, his voice full of distress. “Is it something I've done?” He quickly added. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, Ominis,” she answered with regret. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

"Then why?" he said, his voice filled with desperate anger. Evelyn panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to her.

“I’m ashamed. I cried my heart out to you, and burdened you with my troubling mind when you already had enough problems,” she hung her head, “I am sorry.”

“Am I not your friend?” Ominis asked with his arms crossed over his chest, clearly annoyed.

Evelyn looked up, surprised to hear the question. The crimson glow from his wand made him appear scary, prompting her to gaze down once again.

“You are.” She answered timidly.

“Then why are you ashamed of telling me your problems? Why are you ashamed to cry in front of me?” Ominis demanded angrily. “Isn’t that what friends are meant to do?” he lowered his hands and took a step closer, “come to each other’s aid?”

Evelyn lowered her head further. “It is.”

“Then why?” he asked, both of his hands fell on either side, hanging dejectedly.

In all honesty, Evelyn didn’t know either. She really thought it was the embarrassment of realising someone knew your deepest, darkest secret. She couldn’t stop herself from blushing every time she saw him after doing exactly that. But when he put it like that, the answer became void in her head too. They are friends. It’s what friends are meant to do, isn’t it? Share each other's secrets? Comfort and aid one another when they are in need?

She listened and soothed Sebastian when he wallowed in his guilt over his uncle’s death. She listened and comforted Poppy when she cried about missing her parents. She listened and accompanied Natty when she’s upset because she remembered her late father. Why was it any different when she’s the one being listened to and consoled? Why was it different when Ominis did it to her?

“I don’t know either, Ominis.” She answered dejectedly. “But I always feel embarrassed everytime I’m near you since the last time we met…” Evelyn said, her voice trailing off as she looked at the particular edge where she and Ominis embraced each other tightly the other night, her cheeks getting hotter by the second, “here.”

“Then stop avoiding me and let me help.” He commanded angrily. When he didn’t hear any reaction from her, he sighed tiredly and pleaded, “I almost lost a friend. Don't put me through the agony of believing I'm about to lose another one.”

Guilt struck Evelyn like a Graphorn. Hearing Ominis’s plea made her realise how selfish she was. She hadn't considered how her avoidance of him might hurt him. She solely considered what was best for her and ignored his feelings. He must have been lonely since Sebastian and he still weren't on good terms. And with her avoiding him…he was alone.

Evelyn raised her head and looked straight at him.

“I’m sorry,” she apologised with all her heart. “I’m so sorry, Ominis.”

“It’s all right. Just…” Ominis said, trailing off as he took a deep breath. “Don’t do it again. Tell me right away if you have any problems, even if it's because of me.”

“I will,” Evelyn nodded, “I promise.”

“All right then,” Ominis nodded and walked to the same edge where they embraced just a couple days ago, “we best get comfortable, those prefects would be patrolling here for a while before they head to the other side of the castle after the commotion you made.”

Evelyn’s face began to warm up again as her mind decided to relieve the memory of being embraced by him. How she felt his warmth through layers of clothing, how she felt his hands gently caressed her back, and how she felt his breath so close to her as he whispered soothing reassurance to her weeping self.

“Are you avoiding me again?”

Ominis, already seated on the edge, legs dangling like he had done a few days before, woke her up from her reverie.

“No.” She answered indignantly and added in a much lower voice, whispering, “I’m just too flushed to be near you right now.”

“Pardon?” Ominis asked with his head tilted towards her. Panic rushed in Evelyn’s veins as she realised he might have heard what she said.

“N-Nothing.” She quickly replied and tried her best to forget her previous thoughts and change the topic as she approached him.

“Anyway,” she put the bluebell flame lantern on the space on his left and began to sit down beside him, the lantern separating them, “what were you doing?”

“I was actually on a secret mission of my own before you barged in with your noisy steps,” Ominis said. He said it so seriously that Evelyn instantly believed it.

“Secret mission?” She asked in pure curiosity.

“It’s a secret, so I can’t tell you,” he said quietly and continued with regret, “sorry.”

“Is that why you were hiding when I came to the hallway?” Evelyn whispered. She didn’t know why, but she felt like she was supposed to.

“Yes, don’t tell anyone about it. Otherwise, you'll be cursed before you've even said a single word.”

Evelyn believed him. With the ominous threat, she truly did. Until she saw the corner of his lips began to tremble as he tried to contain his laugh.

“Oh, you’re mean!” Evelyn hit his left shoulder playfully as she realised she had been tricked.

“Hey!” Ominis exclaimed between his chuckles, as he rubbed his left shoulder that she hit, “it was a secret mission!”

“Ah…A secret illegal mission,” Evelyn teased as she played along with Ominis’s scheme. “A gaunt heir wandering the halls of Hogwarts at night,” she stroked her chin thoughtfully, “what could he possibly be doing?”

“Not illegal in ‘going to a secret chamber and letting out a monster to kill everyone’ way,” he said while still rubbing his shoulder. “It was more of an illegal ‘I need to get out and get some air when I am forbidden to’ way.”

That came out of nowhere. Of course, Evelyn’s mind focused on the one thing she found so strange to be told as a comparison.

“Hogwarts has a secret chamber that holds a monster?!”

“Uh…no?” Ominis replied nervously. Which made Evelyn more inclined to believe that it was a fact rather than a lie. Hogwarts had to have a secret chamber, containing a monster that could kill everyone in the school.

“Liar.” Evelyn said while squinting in disbelief at Ominis.

“Tell me about the cave where you defeated Ranrok, and I’ll tell you about the chamber,” Ominis offered.

That made Evelyn's eyes go wide. She clearly didn’t expect him to ask her about it. Everyone in the school knew about the battle, but they never asked her. They probably didn’t know why Ranrok came and invaded Hogwarts, or why she was there. Let alone suggest that she’s the one who defeated him. The professors probably told some stories to cover it up, and she certainly didn’t know a thing about it. How could he possibly know about it?

Screw it. She preferred to not know about the chamber at all rather than tell him about the magic repository and the whole story following it. It was certainly not on her agenda today to talk about it and cause a ruckus with the professors, who tried their best to keep it secret.

“Next topic!” she said in panic. “How come I didn’t see you earlier?”

Ominis chuckled at her panic before continuing, “I thought you were a prefect, so I hid myself in the shadows,” he answered casually. “Being blind and accustomed to the darkness has its perks,” he added. “And also, perhaps you couldn’t because I commanded my wand to stop pulsing its waves.”

“You could do it?!”

“Of course,” Ominis shrugged. “It might have its own ‘mind’, but it still listens and obeys me. I told it to stop and became completely ‘blind’ for a few seconds before I realised it was you.”

“I see….” Evelyn said. Her voice trailing off as she tried to think what else she could ask him.

“You haven’t told me your answer yet.” Ominis said out of the blue.

“My answer to what?”

“Are you having a nightmare again?” He asked softly.

“Yeah,” Evelyn answered tiredly. She sighed, “but I got used to it by now.”

“It won’t go away soon.”

The way Ominis said it made Evelyn feel sad. He said it like he knew how it felt. As if he had experienced it himself. She wondered whether the secret mission he had before had something to do with his own battle against nightmare dread. But decided not to ask about it. It’s not exactly her place to ask about it when she also kept it a secret from him and avoided him after she finally told him about it. He would tell her if he wanted too.

“You sound so sure about it.”

“I know it,” Ominis sighed and smiled softly, “But I’m here to help.” He tilted his head towards her, emphasising the genuineness in his voice even more, “if you need it.”

Evelyn smiled, “Thank you, Ominis.”

“And I also wanted to help you figure out your…discomfort around me,” he continued, resolute in his voice. “What do you usually do to calm yourself? Perhaps I could help you in doing so, or simply remind you to do so whenever you feel nervous around me.”

Evelyn was moved by his sincere desire to help her. She felt a peculiar flutter in her chest as she smiled at the genuine friend beside her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself by focusing on the breeze that blew softly. Being in the same exact position when she cried her heart out to him before surely brought a lot of feelings inside her.

Here she was, making him do something for her again for the sake of friendship when she hadn’t even given him anything except being a poor one for him. The one who gave her comfort, when all she gave him was hurt.

“I used to count to eighteen,” Evelyn said.

“Why?”

Still closing her eyes, she answered, “Well, my birthday is on the eighteenth of November, my house number is eighteen, and the legal age is eighteen. I guess I just like eighteen.”

Silence came until Ominis spoke timidly, “My birthday is on the eighteenth too. The eighteenth of January.”

Opening her eyes in shock, Evelyn turned her head to the right all of a sudden, accidentally whipping the poor boy’s face with her hair, “Hey, it is today!”

She then grimaced when she saw him rubbing his cheeks, “Oh Merlin, I’m so sorry!” Her right hand cupped his left cheek, trying to soothe the pain she caused. With her focus only on the handsome face in front of her, Evelyn didn’t even realise she kept her hands on his cheek longer than she should. A soft smile bloomed in her face as she gazed at his face—a smile that, sadly, he would never see.

“Happy birthday, Ominis.” She continued to rub his left cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t congratulate you sooner.”

She felt him smile and heard his shy voice in response, “Thank you. And It’s okay. There aren’t many who know anyway.”

“I really am sorry.” She apologised again for being late to congratulate him and also, for her last behaviour. Thank Merlin he couldn’t see her right now. Her cheek was probably as red as a tomato. “You’ve been my friend for more than half a year, and I never asked. Sebastian has most likely prepared your present from a month ago and ready to hand it to you at breakfast later.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have known, since I am currently distancing myself from him right now. As you know, I’m still trying to process all the feelings from…”

Evelyn could feel the sadness herself and didn’t need any more explanation. “Yeah, me too.” She sighed and took a deep breath. “From now on, I will be the first person who congratulates you every year.” She promised.

“I would like that. If it doesn’t bother you.” Ominis answered timidly. Evelyn couldn’t help but smile as she saw his hopeful face.

“It doesn’t. I’d be happy too,” She said. Silence came again between them until Evelyn groaned, “Ugh, but I still don’t have any presents for you right now!”

“It really is okay, Eve,” Ominis said gently without any hint of disappointment.

“But I wanted to give you one!” She protested. Frustration could be heard as she continued, “And just my luck, I already promised Poppy I would help her after class this afternoon! I can’t go to Hogsmeade without breaking the curfew.” She sighed and began to sway her dangling feet back and forth, thinking hard, until suddenly... she jumped!

Her mind lit up, she stood straight from her previous place at the edge of the astronomy observation deck. “But I still can go and come back in time if I use the floo powder and run as fast as I can after it!” She exclaimed and then started to rapidly question the startled boy beside her, “Ominis, what do you want? A cake? A book? THE new book of the Nightingale collection? Oh! You probably want something sweet. How about your favourite Honeydukes fudge? I could go to the—”

Evelyn stopped as she felt a hand holding her right arm. The hand then moved down carefully as if trying to find something. It stopped when it found Evelyn’s right hand and clasped it tenderly. Evelyn was dazed, her mind still comprehending what had just happened. THAT was out of the blue. She had reason to cup his cheek and quickly withdrew her hand. But THIS?

She heard Ominis chuckle and say, “I am grateful that you’re willing to break the curfew for me. But…” He trailed off as he pulled her back down. She followed the tug, her gaze focused only on their intertwined hands, and sat in her previous place beside him. “I have a better idea,” he continued.

“Wh-what?” Evelyn stuttered as she still felt his hand holding hers even after she sat. His rather rough but warm hands enveloped hers. Her face couldn’t be more red.

“Let me use your technique to calm down.”

After hearing his request, Evelyn's gaze moved to his face, just to see a bright smile adorn it. That caused her mind to become blank. “Huh?”

Ominis chuckled. “Would you mind if I used your count to eighteen technique whenever I needed to calm myself down? As my birthday gift?”

“W-Why?” Evelyn asked in confusion. She really didn’t have a single idea why he preferred such a gift.

“I just like eighteen.” He shrugged and then rubbed his thumb on her hand, “Like you.”

Evelyn's brain refused to work as she felt his soothing touch, “Uh...huh?”

“O…kay?”

Seeing Ominis’s eyebrow raised with concern after he heard her dumb response woke her dead brain. Clearing her throat, and trying as best as she could to not think about their still entwined hands, Evelyn answered with more certainty, “Okay. I wouldn’t mind.”

“Good.” He smiled. “If I may suggest, you probably should start to count now. I could feel and hear your heartbeat accelerating at an alarming pace.” He chuckled. “I can’t have you become brain-dead every time I do this.” Ominis raised their clasped hands.

Evelyn laughed out loud, and he quickly joined. Swaying her dangling feet back and forth, she felt her heart full as the wind breezed through her hair softly, her hand still holding his.

“I’ll try not to.” Evelyn said with a smile. The strange flutter in her chest came back in full force as she remembered what they were doing. “W-Will you do it often?” She asked nervously, gesturing to their intertwined hands.

"I won’t if you don't want me to." He spoke gently.

“I…”

Evelyn's voice trailed off as she battled to put her emotions into words. She wanted to tell him that when he did it, she felt something within. She wanted to tell him that seeing his hand move towards hers made her stomach flip, that she felt flutters in her chest as she felt his warm skin against hers, that she felt dizzy from all the blood that flowed to her cheeks every time their hands finally entwined. And yet, it also brought her peace of mind, it brought her warmth, and most importantly, it brought her happiness.

She wanted to tell him that she didn't understand the sensation she felt, but it was just what she desired. She wanted to tell him, she needed it.

Thus, as Evelyn felt his hand begin to slip away, her grasp tightened in response, refusing to let go.

“I want to,” she said sheepishly, holding his hand tightly, “i-it calms me down.”

“Then I’d be glad to do it,” Ominis said with a smile as gentle as his voice. He caressed her hand tenderly and closed his eyes as the air drifted past them.

Silence came between them as Evelyn focused on the boy beside her. How bold he was to sit on the edge without a single hesitation. How kind a friend he was, willing to do anything she needed him to do. How peaceful he looked with his hair flowing slowly as the wind blew gently across it. And how beautiful he was with his long lashes brushing his cheeks as he closed his eyes. The cheek that had its own alluring constellation she would love to—

"I believe they've left." Ominis interrupted Evelyn's thoughts, causing her mind to become blank.

“Who?”

“The…prefects?” He answered with worry.

Evelyn blinked a few times, and her mind finally started to work again. He was talking about the patrolling prefects. The very reason they were hiding and waiting here in the first place.

“Oh, yes. Yes, the patrolling prefects,” she responded nervously as she looked down, and dusted off her lap of imaginary dust. Embarrassed.

“We should go back,” Ominis said as he began to prepare himself to stand up, his hand reaching for his wand in his pocket. “I could escort you back to your dorm if you want,” he added.

“Oh, yes…” Evelyn’s voice trailed off once again as she pondered. Did she want this to be over? Did she want to leave? Was it enough?

The answer came to her mind almost instantly.

“Can we stay?” she asked, causing Ominis to pause his movement to stand up. "Just a few minutes longer?"

He smiled and sat back down, “Of course, Eve.”

The way he pronounced her nickname made Evelyn’s chest feel warm. The way he still held her hand firmly yet with the utmost care made her feel comfortable. The way he smiled sincerely at her made her feel cherished. The way he was there and only there for her, made her feel—

“But we still have to go back to try to get some sleep.”

The boy's remark interrupted Evelyn's thoughts again. She answered with a feigned displeasure, smiling and rolling her eyes at him.

“Yes, mooomm.”

And Evelyn saw sparks fly as she saw him laugh under the stars.

Late Spring, 1891

“Ominis!” Evelyn called at the blond boy a few paces ahead of her. He stopped and turned, his wand could be seen pulsing with red waves. Concern could be heard in his voice as he inquired.

“Evelyn? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” she stopped as she finally reached him, “do I always have a problem when I call for you?”

Ominis said nonchalantly, “You usually do.”

“Well, I don’t,” Evelyn responded indignantly, “not right now.”

“Eve…” Ominis expressed his displeasure, causing her to regret her tease. She threw her hands up in defeat.

“Joking! I was joking!” She said. When she didn't hear back from him, she groaned and continued, “Well, I was wondering if you had any spare time this evening?”

“Evening?” He paused and shrugged, “I guess I have, since Sebastian will have detention instead of studying with me in the common room.”

It’s nice to hear him say Sebastian's name with ease again. And It’s also heartwarming to hear that he began to spend time with Sebastian again. They began to reconcile on Sebastian’s birthday. When Ominis sat out of the blue beside him in the great hall at breakfast.

Evelyn knew how much that gesture meant to the brunette. Ominis had always avoided Sebastian in the shadow of the relic catastrophe. So, Evelyn could understand why Sebastian burst into tears when he found his lost best friend sitting and eating beside him again after being apart for a few months. She remembered seeing Ominis reluctantly pat the weeping boy’s shoulder. A move that Sebastian misinterpreted as an invitation to hug him, which he did, stunning the already shocked blond guy and everyone else at the table. She remembered how she couldn't help but grin at her newly reunited best friends and joined the hug. Never minding the lost and confused stares from the other students.

Evelyn smiled at the memory and continued her talk with Ominis.

“How could you know?”

"I know he would," Ominis sighed, shaking his head, "I saw him being chastised by Madam Scribner earlier."

“Poor him,” Evelyn said in pity for the brunette.

“He got what he deserved.” Ominis said sternly.

Evelyn knew Ominis meant no harm. He was actually concerned about his brunette best friend. So she playfully shoved his shoulder with hers.

“Don’t be so mean.”

“I’m tired of watching him always get into trouble.” Ominis murmured with a dejected sigh. “Anyway, why did you ask?”

Evelyn smiled at his question. She put her hands behind her and moved her gaze away from him sheepishly.

“Well,” her feet rocking back and forth, “I’m inviting you to spend the evening together.”

“Just us?” Ominis asked in surprise.

“Just us.”

“I’d be delighted to.”

Ominis’s answer halted her rocking movement. Evelyn swiftly returned her sight to him and flushed as she noticed him smiling.

“G-Great! Maybe after our history of magic class?”

She could hear him chuckle before he responded, “Okay. Where will we go?”

“You’ll see.”

“I hope I don't regret this.”

Ominis playful remark didn’t go unnoticed by Evelyn who quickly shoved his shoulder to him, earning a good laugh from the young blonde wizard.

After what Ominis said as an insightful history of magic class—Evelyn couldn’t know if it was or not since she slept through it, they found their way to the surrounding castle grounds.

“It’s pretty far from the castle,” Ominis commented as his wand guided him to follow the girl before him.

“Not too far,” Evelyn turned her head back to him, still walking as she continued, “we’re still at the castle grounds.”

They are indeed still at the castle grounds. It’s just a bit far from the main building, nearing the black lake. They walked a few more until Ominis asked out of the blue.

“Are you going to kill me?”

Evelyn came to a halt as she heard the question and quickly turned to the Slytherin behind her.

“W-What?!”

Ominis shrugged at Evelyn’s shock. “You’re taking me far from the castle, bringing me close to the black lake. You could simply murder me and dispose of my body in the lake, never to be found and recovered,” he deadpanned.

Evelyn was gobsmacked when she heard the deadpanned explanation. He was referring to her own joke about him wanting to kill her at the astronomy tower before.

“We have to stop making jokes about killing each other.“

“Oh, but dear, you walked right into it,” Ominis smirked with his hand gesturing to the surrounding environment, “the situation begged me for it.”

His endearment calling went past her as Evelyn groaned in annoyance when he laughed. She walked again, ignoring the laughing boy. They hiked for a while before finally arriving at a clearing she had already designated as her goal when she arranged everything. It was a clear area with a cliff on one side from which the castle could be seen in all its glory.

“We’re here,” Evelyn said as she took a deep breath, relieving the fresh air surrounding her.

“Where is ‘here’?” Ominis asked suspiciously and began to aim his wand at his surroundings while Evelyn resumed her trek.

“Stand right there.”

“Why?” Ominis asked, but still followed her command, remained standing at his place, not moving even an inch.

Evelyn didn't respond, instead continuing to walk until she was a few feet ahead of the confused boy. She then searched through her enchanted pocket and took out her nab-sack. She then tried to open it, grumbling in the process as she couldn’t find it the first time.

“Eve?!”

“Just trust me!” Evelyn shouted to calm the worried boy. But it didn’t. Ominis was about to take a step forward when the nab-sack finally opened and a white hippogriff leaped out of it.

The hippogriff almost hit Ominis as it landed right in front of him. Thankfully, Ominis halted his steps as soon as he heard something else was between him and Evelyn. He instantly raised his wand in front of him to defend himself. The Hippogriff flapped its wings in caution and screeched as it saw his glowing wand.

“Wait!” Evelyn shouted as she ran to the space between Ominis and the hippogriff.

Ominis lowered his wand in surprise as soon as he heard her, and the hippogriff calmed instantly as soon as it saw him do so. It chirped and tilted its head curiously towards him and his glowing wand.

“Is that—”

“Yes,” Evelyn giggled as she saw the hippogriff’s interest towards Ominis and caressed its neck when she finally stood near it, “this is Highwing. She's the first beast I have ever rescued.”

“The first beast you’ve rescued?!” Ominis asked in shock.

Evelyn decided not to tell him about her story with Highwing as it could take her hours to finish. Time was essential for what she planned to do. Besides, she was not in the mood to be reprimanded, which Ominis would undoubtedly do if he knew the whole story.

“It’s a long story,” she said quickly. "Ominis, meet Highwing," she continued, motioning with her hand towards him and then to the massive hippogriff.

Evelyn remained still, waiting for Ominis to greet the hippogriff. But he just stood there, holding his wand. Its red pulses drew the hippogriff closer with interest.

“I…don’t know what to do,” Ominis awkwardly confessed.

“You could bow to greet her.” Evelyn suggested, and bow he did not.

Instead, he took a deep breath, placed his wand-wielding hand against his chest, and kneeled. He kneeled in the most graceful way Evelyn had ever seen, full of respect and admiration for the beast beside her. If she had been a hippogriff, she would have bent and kneeled as well in response.

And bent and kneeled the hippogriff did. With one of her front talons bent, Highwing replied to Ominis's greeting with what Evelyn thought was the most courteous bow a hippogriff could offer. Evelyn clearly did not expect it. She was worried that Highwing would reject Ominis since he couldn't see, let alone keep eye contact with it.

As a result, this change of events stunned and astounded her. It seemed as though Highwing understood his shortcoming and respected him more because of it. Evelyn could only stare in amazement as she gestured her hand towards Highwing and then to the kneeling boy.

“Highwing, meet Ominis, the one I—” Evelyn quickly stopped and cleared her throat, “The one I told you about before, my best friend.”

Evelyn could see the Slytherin boy smiling as addressed him as her best friend. Upon her introduction, the hippogriff rose from its kneeling position and the smiling Slytherin descendant slowly followed.

“She bowed back,” Evelyn added, deciding not to tell him of how the hippogriff gave him the most respectful bow she had ever seen, “that means she gave you the approval.”

“The approval to what?” Ominis asked with frowned brows.

“To come near of course,” Evelyn said, motioning for him to go closer. He approached cautiously, holding his wand in front of him. “Here,” she guided his free hand to touch Highwing’s neck when he was close enough, “there you go.”

“Merlin…” He expressed his surprise and bewilderment while petting the hippogriff. “I can’t believe I’m petting a hippogriff!”

“And now you’re flying one.”

Evelyn could see Ominis’s panic as he heard what she just said.

“Wh-what?!”

She giggled at his panic and mounted the hippogriff. Evelyn petted its silky feathers as she gestured it to lower its body. As if it knew what she’s trying to do, the hippogriff kneeled beside Ominis, giving him easier access to mount.

“Come!” She gave her hand to the perplexed boy, who thankfully still had enough understanding to take her hand and mount the beast. He sat behind Evelyn with his wand gripped tightly on his hand, probably trying to make sense of what was happening.

“Hold on tight.” Evelyn instructed the boy and shouted without waiting for his respond, “let’s go Highwing!”

The hippogriff ran towards the cliff as soon as it heard her shout.

“I’m not read—aaaaaaahhh!” Ominis screamed as Highwing let herself and them fall to the cliff

The exhilaration from falling made her forget all the anxiety she should’ve felt as his arms circled around her waist, holding her tightly as they went lower and lower to the ground. Suddenly, Highwing swiftly expanded its wings! Causing the wind to rush through Evelyn’s hair and robe as it continued to fly over the trees. She shouted joyfully, leaving all her worries behind.

“Woohoooo!”

“Aaaaaahhh!!!”

Another shout, well, more of a scream, came to her ears as they coursed through the air, causing her to laugh.

“I thought you said flying was easy!” She teased the screaming boy behind her.

“Flying with a broom! Not a full grown hippogriff!” Ominis complained as he tightened his embrace of her.

Evelyn's laughter faded as she realised how frightening it must be for him, struggling to make sense of his surroundings with his wand and his probably overwhelmed senses. She caressed his clenched hand on her waist gently and then gestured for Highwing to slow down. Highwing screeched in response while flapping its wings. It slowed down as it turned towards the black lake and began to descend. Its wings opened on either side, balancing as it coursed right above the black lake.

Evelyn could feel Ominis’s arms begin to loosen as the gurgling sound of the water could be heard as it touched the hippogriff's feet. Evelyn turned her head towards her back and saw the boy beginning to smile.

“Open your arms!” She gave him an example by opening her arms on both sides, imitating the currently hovering hippogriff’s wings.

Ominis put his wand in his pocket and followed her example. Amazement came to his face as soon as he felt the wind rushing over his arms. His robes fluttered behind him as he laughed and shouted in excitement.

“This is Amazing!!!”

Evelyn couldn’t help but grin. With the boy’s anxiety dealt with, she turned back and focused on the setting sun in front of her. She had done this a couple times herself. But it had never ceased to amaze her every single time. The sight of the sun setting over the water's horizon, the feeling of wind blowing through her hair, and the happiness coursing through her veins as she felt the warmth of the sun for the day never failed to bring tears to her eyes.

“It’s incredible, isn’t it?” Evelyn said as she turned her head back. Only to see him smiling at her.

“It is…”

Ominis’s voice seemed to be coming from another world as everything else faded in Evelyn's eyes. Her attention was only on his face, encircled by the golden halo of the final light of the day and adorned with a beautiful smile. A smile that she hoped, was only for her.

“Ah!” Evelyn shrieked as she lost her balance all of a sudden. An arm quickly held her tight as Highwing screeched anxiously, trying to maintain balance by flapping its wings.

“Careful,” Ominis said gently as he set her back gently to safety. She laughed at the almost disaster and held tightly again to the Hippogriff’s feather.

“Hold on tight!” She commanded the boy behind her. Only and only after she felt his arms around her, Evelyn shouted to the Hippogriff, “let’s go Highwing!”

The hippogriff happily complied and ascended quickly, two shouts of excitement and laughter could be heard on its trail.

They landed safely in the clearing from where they took off. Evelyn laughed as she unmounted the massive hippogriff, exhilaration still coursing through her veins. She immediately turned to help Ominis climb down, only to be surprised when he did so on his own in the most graceful way possible. Evelyn grinned to herself as she shook her head. Of course, the first time he did it on his own, he succeeded and passed with flying colours. This is Ominis Gaunt. The gracious, warm hearted Ominis Gaunt that captivated Hippogriff’s heart on his first try.

“How was it?” Evelyn asked the blond boy, who did not respond. His pale face was visible, causing Evelyn concern, "Ominis, are—"

"Never, ever, ever do that again." He abruptly cut in. Evelyn felt dread run through her veins and was ready to apologise when she heard him continue.

“Without giving me a warning first.”

She exhaled a sigh of relief and nervously asked him, “You liked it?”

“Liked it? I loved it!” Ominis exclaimed with a beaming smile, bringing a smile to Evelyn’s face. “It was amazing!”

“Well, I thought a flying trip with Highwing might be a nice birthday gift, as I haven’t given you one properly. I’m glad that you loved it,” she said as she walked closer to him, sheepishly tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ears, "happy belated birthday, Ominis."

“I don’t need another gift from you, Eve.” Ominis said while shaking his head.

Evelyn was at a loss for words and stammered, "I—I thought—Well I—"

“But. That was one of the most joyful events of my life. I may not be ‘seeing’ the trees, the waters, or the sunset, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. The sorrow of not seeing it pales in comparison to the freedom I felt when the wind cruised through my arms, the surge of excitement I felt when the enormous wings flapped under me, and the happiness I felt as I laughed with you under the final light of the day.”

Ominis paused as he stepped closer to her.

“It was an experience I will cherish all my life,” he held her hand tightly, “Thank you, Eve.”

And Evelyn saw sparks fly when she saw him smile under the golden sun.

Late Spring, A Few Days Before O.W.L, 1891

It was a nice, sunny day. A perfect day to sit outside and just bask in the sunshine. And that was what most of the students decided to do. The grounds near the castle were filled with students, sitting down in groups, trying to forget about the stress of schoolwork and upcoming tests. Including three female fifth-year students that could be seen sitting under the sun near the quidditch pitch.

“Ah, I love the sun.” The Gryffindor one said as she lay herself down, her dark skin glistened under the sun.

“Me too!” A chirp came from beside her. It was the Hufflepuff girl who quickly followed the Gryffindor and laid down on the grass as well.

Evelyn smiled at her friends and decided to join. She quickly laid herself down on the soft green grass beneath her.

“Me three!”

The three of them laughed and the grass beneath them rustled with their laughter, as if laughing in happiness too.

After the laughter ceased, Evelyn turned her gaze to the clear blue sky above. The clouds above moved slowly, as if to lull her to sleep. The soft sunlight and the gentle breeze made her eyes heavy. She felt peaceful and serene, almost lost in dreamland. Until a voice came and brought her back to reality.

“You guys realise that you’ll get your robes dirty?”

The smallest of the lying girls—the Hufflepuff to be exact—quickly opened her eyes and squinted to see the one who had disturbed the peace and annoyingly preventing the sun from shining on her. The individual was wearing a green quidditch gown and carrying a gleaming broomstick that was definitely taller than herself, clearly looked like she had just done quidditch practise. The Hufflepuff huffed as she finally recognised her. Who else has the right mind to train for the sport that has been cancelled for the rest of the year? Imelda Reyes is the only answer.

“Dirty of what?” The Hufflepuff asked the standing Slytherin in annoyance, “Grass? Move a bit would you?”

“Yes. Especially you, Onai.” She answered sternly, not moving from her place, and pointed her finger at the Gryffindor, who was still lying with her eyes closed. “Let me remind you that we’ll be having potion class after this, in which I’m currently your partner. You know how serious Professor Sharp is about keeping your cauldron clean and free of foreign objects. I'm not going to let my grades suffer because he sees a stray strand of grass that could blow our cauldron.”

Natsai ‘Natty’ Onai, The Gryffindor, only giggled in response to her ‘worried’ Slytherin friend.

“Relax, Imelda. I’ll conjure a wind to blow all the grass from my robe later. Let me enjoy the sun for a bit more.”

Imelda shrugged at her. “Suit yourself. But if Professor Sharp finds—“

“Oh, shut it.” The Hufflepuff suddenly sat up and grabbed the Slytherin girl's robe, causing her to tumble to the grass.

“Poppy!” Imelda exclaimed as she landed on the grass, her rear throbbing from the unexpected collision with the ground.

The other girls giggled at the scene before them. Imelda was fuming, massaging her aching back while Poppy grinned innocently beside her.

“Oh, hush. You’ve fallen from a higher place before.”

“It still hurts!” Imelda grumbled in displeasure.

Poppy might have felt guilty since her giggle faded after that. She scooted closer and hugged the annoyed Slytherin, “Sorry, Imelda.”

Imelda merely grunted in response and quickly dropped herself towards her back with Poppy still hugging her. The Hufflepuff could only shriek as she felt herself drop to the back all of a sudden. Their bodies landed on the ground with a puff of dust.

Laughter broke instantly. Poppy was the first to laugh, followed by Imelda, Natty, and lastly, Evelyn. Who wasn't exactly sure what made them laugh, but with the stress of the forthcoming test, chose to enjoy the bliss no matter why. For a little while, hers and the others' laughter could be heard for a while before the soothing silence returned. Followed by the chirps of birds and gentle spring breeze.

Evelyn’s eyes gazed at the clouds above, trying to make shapes of those cotton candy look-a-like in the sky. She was beginning to see a familiar shape when Poppy broke the silence.

“I like this, laying around under the sun with you guys makes me feel warm inside,” Poppy sighed blissfully, “do you guys ever feel warm inside?”

“I do.” A spontaneous answer came from Natty. “I feel it right now.”

Evelyn smiled at the sudden confession of emotion from her friends and decided to join, “I do too.”

“Don’t you feel warm too Imelda?” Poppy asked to silent Slytherin beside her, who finally answered after a few seconds of more silence.

“Yes, I feel warm.”

Evelyn snickered when she heard Imelda’s tone. Embarrassed, yet happy tone. Her mind then decided to bring up a certain memory when she also heard a quite familiar tone of voice from Imelda.

“Warmer than when Garreth helped you in Herbology yesterday?”

“Evelyn!” Imelda chided Evelyn with her face turning bright crimson with each passing second.

“Ooooh, someone has a cruuushh,” Poppy joined the teasing with a sing-song voice. It seemed to successfully make Imelda even more nervous as she quickly denied the suggestion.

“I don’t!”

“I never said it was you.” Poppy responded quickly in wit.

Evelyn laughed out loud hearing that. Poppy couldn’t hold her laughter any longer and quickly joined. They both were laughing at Imelda’s flushing face when a confession came out of the blue from the silent girl between Evelyn and Poppy.

“I had a crush.”

Evelyn whirled her head towards the Gryffindor girl beside her, “Natty?!”

“What?!” Imelda shot up from her lying position almost at the same time as Evelyn whirled her head.

“Ooh, how exciting!” Poppy exclaimed as she turned her body so she was lying on her stomach, facing the Zimbabwean witch with her head on both of her hands that were propped up with her elbow.

Natty giggled at her friends' reactions. Every one of their features revealed a look of astonishment as they focused their attention on her. Still lying on her back, she looked up at the sky and continued her confession.

“As I said before, I had a crush. It was a senior. A brave seventh year Gryffindor who helped me adjust to Hogwarts when I first moved here.”

“That was one year ago, right?” Evelyn asked.

“Yes. I had a hard time, especially in using wand to channel my magic. As I said before, we don’t use wands in Uagadou. The senior found it fascinating and we became friends in an instant. They helped me adjust to my wand as I taught them a bit about wandless magic.”

Imelda scoffed as soon as Natty finished her tale. “One house love,” she rolled her eyes, “lame.”

“Then please, do tell us about your cross house love.” Poppy retorted quickly, turning her head towards the Slytherin. Who was silent all the sudden after hearing it.

Giggle could be heard from Evelyn and Natty as they found their Slytherin friend’s face turning red once again. Satisfied with the reaction she got, Poppy turned her head back to the Zimbabwean Witch. Inquired excitedly.

“Was it love at the first sight?”

Natty went silent for a while, her eyes could be seen like they were searching for the answer. With a frown, she finally answered.

“I don’t like, like them at first. It just…happened. One morning we were practising together and all of a sudden I got this…tingling in my chest when I saw them doing magic without his wand. I thought it was pride. Like a teacher to be proud of her students? But, my stomach flipped when I saw them smiling excitedly, happy that they had successfully done magic without a wand. And I knew it was not it.”

Evelyn's mind came to a stop as she heard what Natty had just said. Tingling in the chest. Stomach flipping. She felt it too. She felt it before. And still felt it every time she saw the smile of a certain Slytherin friend of hers.

“You knew that you liked them right there and then?” Evelyn asked in a quiet voice, afraid of the answer.

Natty shook her head and said, “No.”

Evelyn sighed in relief. No, of course not. What she felt was probably just a fluke. Maybe she ate something bad in the morning and caused it every time she saw him for the whole day. Her stomach was probably still adjusting to the magical cuisine. She was right to decide that she should go see Madam—

“It’s silly, but I actually met with Madan Blainey for it. I knew that was not how the pride of a teacher would feel, as I remembered what my mother told me how she felt when she had a successful class session.”

THAT made Evelyn’s train of thought suddenly stop.

“You went to see Madam Blainey,” Imelda giggled in disbelief, “because your stomach flipped when you saw his smile?!”

“I never felt it before,” Natty answered calmly and shrugged, “and my mother told me to go to the hospital wing if I feel anything strange when she’s not around.”

“This is good. By all means, Onai, please continue.” Imelda said with a smirk.

Evelyn, on the other hand, had absolutely no desire to smirk. Natty actually did what she had pondered but hadn't done yet. Anxiety made her unable to do anything except hold her breath while waiting for Natty’s answer. She felt like a panicked train driver, pulling the breaks as hard as she could, trying to stop the train from falling off the cliff. The breaks screeched wildly on the rail as Evelyn heard Natty continue.

“Madam Blainey just smiled at me after I told her what I was feeling. She held my hand—and if I still remember it correctly—said, ‘Natty dear, when you’re at your age, sometimes you feel something out of the ordinary for the first time. And it’s absolutely normal. The tingling you feel in your chest, the flipping you feel in your stomach, and the sparks you see when you see that special someone are the symptoms of what I called, falling in love.’”

The train in Evelyn’s mind plunged off the cliff and exploded with such force that it made all her other thoughts evaporate.

Falling in love.

The realisation came bearing down on her. Every caught breath, every flush on her cheeks, and every quickening heartbeat, were her own body’s way to tell her of her own feelings. Every flutter she experienced, every tingle she felt, and every spark she saw flying whenever she saw his smile was her own body screaming for her to realise that,

She was falling in love.

“That is sooo romantic!” Poppy exclaimed excitedly, her leg moving up and down on the grass, “how does it feel? Falling in love with someone?”

A soft voice came from Evelyn's lips.

“It’s like being a house of cards, hoping anxiously not to be blown away every time he moves. And yet, you couldn’t—wouldn’t run from him, knowing you wouldn’t get far. Your mind throws away all common sense and makes excuses, willing to fall for him. Willing to leave everything behind and just drown in his blue eyes every time you see them.

You want him to take away the pain of longing, and yet, afraid to move first every time he’s close enough to touch. It's as though you're still with him even when he's not around, haunting you. You're hoping he knows and doesn't know at the same time, because you're embarrassed by your thoughts of him. Because…you see sparks fly, whenever he smiles.”

Evelyn was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she didn't realise she'd stated them aloud for everybody to hear. Her friends, including Natty and Poppy, were sitting up and looking in astonishment at her. Her face reddened from all the attention.

“Wow…Evelyn…” Poppy said in awe, causing Evelyn to be more embarrassed than before.

“Never knew you'd be such a romantic, Rose,” Imelda smirked, “who’s the lucky blue-eyed person?”

Evelyn quickly sat up, her eyes widened. Did she really say it? Blue eyes?

“Hmm…did she really say blue eyes?” Natty considered for a moment.

“It couldn’t be Sebastian, could it?” Poppy guessed out of the blue, “he has brown eyes.”

Imelda jumped out of the blue, coming closer to the blushing fifth year. “No. Absolutely not. Nu’uh. I don’t and won’t give my blessing,” she stated firmly. “There are better boys in this school than him. You’d best tell me right now that it’s not him, Rose.”

“I—”

“Hi, Eve.”

Evelyn thanked Merlin for the voice that came out of the blue behind her, saving her from any more damage from the embarrassment and the crushing realisation of her own feelings. Her head turned towards the voice. As it turned out, she was grateful too soon, seeing the blue-eyed boy in her confession was now standing behind her.

Her face went white with dread. He might have heard her.

“Hey, Ominis!” Poppy greeted the Slytherin boy happily.

“Gaunt,” Imelda nodded her head at him.

“Hello,” Natty greeted him curtly.

“Hello, ladies,” Ominis greeted the ladies present with a polite nod, “sorry to bother your conversation, but I believe Evelyn has an appointment to go.”

Evelyn, who was still drowning in dread, only gaped as she answered nervously, “I-I have?”

“You promised to assist Sebastian and I in studying potions?” Ominis's puzzled question sounded tinged with concern.

Evelyn chose not to be concerned about him having heard her confession. If he did, she would undoubtedly have to face the consequences. But it didn’t have to be right there and then. She quickly forced herself to forget, reset her mind, and focus on the boy’s question instead.

“Oh, yeah. Yes, I did.” She answered with a smile.

“Ready to go?” Ominis said while offering his hand to Evelyn, which she accepted nonchalantly and rose up with his assistance. Her hand remained on his even after she had properly stood up.

That, made Poppy’s and Natty’s eyes widen.

“Well, I’m sorry our time must be cut short. Let's regroup after the last class, okay?” Evelyn said to the girls, whose surprise she didn't even notice. After seeing the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor nod, she linked her arm to Ominis’s left elbow like she used to and walked away.

Seeing how the pair of friends left, Natty’s and Poppy’s mouths gaped and said the same thing at the same time.

“Oh…”

“What? Why?” Imelda—clearly unaware of what had occurred—questioned the two gaping girls, who instantly grinned after they woke up from their surprise, both acknowledging what just happened. They looked at each other and laughed.

In frustration, the Slytherin who had been left out, focused on the already distant strolling pair, sensing her friends' laughter had something to do with them. Seeing the intertwined arms, a light bulb suddenly lit up her thoughts.

“Gaunt?!”

Evelyn and Ominis walked arm in arm towards the Undercroft, where they and Sebastian had promised to meet. His wand guided them both through the mostly empty corridors. With the sun shining brightly, it was expected that most of the students would be outside, as she and the other girls had been. They were halfway through the journey when Evelyn felt Ominis discreetly press his left elbow, which was where her hand held on, to his side.

Evelyn felt her cheek warming up, finally noticed what they were doing and what the gesture meant. They say a gentleman who has reason to suspect that he may be in special favour with the lady with whom he is walking may discreetly press his elbow to his side after she has taken his arm in the formal manner. If he is correct, the lady tightens her grip on his arm; if he is incorrect, she removes her hand from his arm and tells him an excuse to stop the walk.

She had never considered it before. She only thought of his action of linking her hand on his elbow as a polite way to escort a lady—which was expected from a heir of a family such as his, and only thought of his pressing on her hand as a reassurance, as if he was simply checking if she’s still with him on the journey. But after her previous realisation…it became more serious for her. More…intimate.

With her breath caught, her flushing cheek, and her quickening heartbeat, Evelyn knew this was not a coincidence, as she previously believed. She didn't have to visit Madam Blainey to figure it out. Merlin, she even practically confessed it earlier. The feeling she had was real.

She’s falling for him.

So she tightened her grip on his arm.

And welcomed the sparks that flew every time she saw him ever since.

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pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

Text

A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: You’re still an Innocent (3/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 3/16 Title: You’re still an Innocent Word Count: 6,086

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2

Last Chapter Preview: Ominis shook his head while he put his hands between the bickering pair and broke them up, “Sometimes I wonder how I could be friends with you both.”

Evelyn’s anger vanished as she realised what Ominis had stated. “I’m your friend?” She said, surprised.

“Well, after your performance at the astronomy tower, I would be an awful person to not consider you my friend.” Ominis said with a shrug. He then turned towards her, practically blocking all things from her view except himself because he had already stood so close to her when he stepped between her and Sebastian.

“I…” Evelyn was flabbergasted. Evelyn could hear her heartbeat increasing at an alarming pace with him so near. She tried to calm herself down, but when she looked up and saw him smiling, her efforts crumbled.

“Thank you, Evelyn.” He spoke tenderly.

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

This chapter is a bit difficult since I never played Hogwarts Legacy. I wrote this and the chapters before based solely on my research on the internet, a.k.a. googling about it and watching all the videos on Youtube. I wanted to play, but I had no proper equipment. So please understand if there are timeline or explanation differences between this fiction and what happened in Hogwarts Legacy. But I try to live up to the characters and canon story.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

3. You're Still an Innocent

Late Winter, Early 1891

Evelyn ran as fast as she could. She felt how her leg strained, her body ached, and her breath shortened with every step she took. And yet, she still ran. Her mind couldn’t comprehend what had happened. The rocks and dirt of the catacomb halls became blurry when she went past them.

“Sebastian—” She called the boy while avoiding many skeletons in her path, her voice strained. “Wait!”

But the boy kept running, his robe fluttered as he took the flight down the stairs. Evelyn had no choice but to keep running too. Her heart pounded so loudly that she couldn’t hear anything beside it. Her legs tried as best as they could to climb down the stairs as quickly as possible without slipping. It was hard. This was too hard.

She felt tears begin to pool in her eyes as she climbed her way up to the sarcophagus hall. She didn’t have the time to even take a breath as she saw the Slytherin boy still scrambling his way out a few paces ahead of her. She tried to call him again, “Stop, Sebastian!” With a broken voice she pleaded, “Hold on!”

Alas, the Slytherin boy seemed to not hear her. He didn’t even slow his pace and kept moving hastily. His laboured breath echoed through the hall as he ran up towards the exit. Evelyn suppressed her pain and rushed as fast as she could with Sebastian’s fluttering robe as her beacon.

She was running all the way up to the main entrance of the sarcophagus hall when she felt something grab her ankles and made her fall.

Her ears were ringing and her vision was blurry. Evelyn tried to lift herself up and immediately winced as she felt her palms sting. Holding back the tears, she propped herself up with her elbows and turned her head towards her leg. Just to see a decaying hand emerging from the ground. The hand gripped her leg tighter, making her whimper in pain. She gripped her hand in reflex to cast, but felt nothing on it. Her wand was gone.

Frantically, Evelyn turned her head back and searched for her wand. It must not have fallen far from her. She was searching left and right with her eyes when she heard the ground crack. It made her even more panicked. She wriggled, trying to get her foot out of the hand’s grip while still searching for her wand. Which was seen on her right. She stretched and reached for it.

Adrenaline surged through Evelyn as she felt her wand hummed in her grip. She quickly turned her body and casted on the hand. It broke and Evelyn freed her leg. She crawled back with her elbows, not caring at how the rough dirt scratched her back. The ground began to tremble once again. Rotten bodies suddenly emerged from it, their eyes focused only to her. Evelyn quickly turned and lifted herself up, wand at ready.

“Depulso!” The bodies near her flung to the wall across. “Diffindo!” Several bodies fell as her spell slashed them into parts. “Confringo!” Others burned when they were hit by the fire. Evelyn attacked relentlessly. She was unstoppable. The bodies fell with a flick of her wand. Spells and spells she cast in the rage of the battle, never minding who got hit by it.

“Please don’t!” A voice made her stop. She turned and saw a masked Ashwinder scout pleading, his hand on his bleeding stomach. His voice was light, like he was no more than her age or even younger.

Evelyn didn’t even notice the scenery changing around her. The autumn breeze that passed through her made her realise that she was now at the Bandit Camp in the forbidden forest. The grass rustled in every step she took towards the young bandit.

The boy began to lose his balance, “H-hel—”

Evelyn quickly picked up her pace and caught him just before he fell. She put the boy gently on the ground and began to rummage through her pocket for the wiggenweld potion. She sighed in relief when she found it. She quickly uncorked it and turned to the boy, whose eyes stared blankly at the sky. His body rigid.

Evelyn stared at the boy. “Hey…” she called him.

She waited…and waited…and waited, for the boy to respond, for any kind of movement from him. For his chest to move, his eyes to blink, or even his groan of pain. But they never came. Evelyn's mind went numb.

And then, the realisation came. She’s the one who did it. She killed him.

“No…” Evelyn denied her own thoughts. Her breath became ragged. Her legs wobbled as she stood up. The potion in her hand fell and broke. Her eyes frantically scanned the scenery before her. Dread came.

They were everywhere.

The bodies of defeated Ashwinder scouts, soldiers, and assassins were scattered around her. There were new ones every time she turned. She saw new bodies lying with opened eyes, with closed eyes, or even no eyes. Bodies with no limbs, bodies with half of them scorched, and bodies with no heads. Even ashes of them. On her left, her right, behind, or in front of her. She lost count of how many of them were there.

Her eyes moved to her hand. It was dripping with blood. With their blood. She killed them all.

“Yes, you did.”

Evelyn whirled sharply at the sound and saw the injured bandit boy awaken from the dead. He screamed and charged her with his rotten hand.

Evelyn jolted awake, her heart threatening to beat out of her chest. Frantically, she sat up and began to scan the room around her. Struggling to see in the dimly lit room, Evelyn fumbled around and felt a familiar stick. She gripped it tightly.

“Lumos,” she whispered. With her wand illuminating the room, Evelyn could clearly see her own bedpost, her own books, and her own dormmates in their respective beds. But she still had doubts. The terror of the nightmare lingered. She kept her wand lit. Her trembling hand thrust forward, trying to get the light to reach even further as she took another cautious look around without moving from the safety of her bed. She noticed her dormmates' chests moving up and down as they slept blissfully. She counts, and only after the eighteenth count, Evelyn let out a relieved sigh and said, “Nox.”

She tucked herself under her blanket and tried to sleep. But instead of lying still, she found herself tossing and turning, the image of corpses from her nightmare returning every time she closed her eyes. Realising she would never fall asleep again tonight, Evelyn slipped out of her bed and slowly tiptoed out of the room with her wand in hand. A particular room near the astronomy tower as her destination.

Evelyn finally arrived in the hallway just before the stairs leading to the Astronomy wing, where the entry of the particular room must have been. She stopped herself in front of a flat wall that has a tapestry opposite of it, and began to think about the room she needed to be in. The wall before her was beginning to move when a voice called her out all of a sudden.

“Evelyn?”

Shocked, Evelyn hastily took a step back. The room forgotten. The wall had already returned to its previous state when she turned to the one who called her. “Ominis!”

The blond Slytherin approached her with his wand pulsed with red waves, and asked in a hushed tone, “What are you doing?!”

“What are you doing?” Evelyn retorted. She certainly didn't expect her first meeting with Ominis since the winter break to be like this. They started to drift away from each other after what happened with Sebastian. It wasn't intentional, with Ominis focusing on accompanying Anne and Evelyn continuing her fight with Ranrok, the two of them didn't find the time to spend together. It all happened so quickly. Their last meaningful interaction before the break was after the memorial for Professor Fig, where he found her in his office and sat beside her crying figure all night long.

Ominis rolled his eyes at her and said, “You’re one to talk.”

There was a pause as Evelyn stubbornly crossed her arms and waited for the boy to continue. Her irritation changed to worry when she saw his face become more and more red, just like his wand's pulse in front of him. She took a step closer.

“Ominis, are you okay?” She asked in worry, making the boy blush even more than before.

“Why are you wandering with only your nightgown?” The boy asked embarrassedly.

Evelyn's eyes widened. She didn’t even realise it! She quickly covered her chest and backed away from the boy, blushing. In her defence, she thought there would be no one awake during these hours. Even she would be asleep if she could. It was his fault that they were in such an awkward situation. He appeared out of nowhere and still approached her despite her state!

Wait…he couldn’t actually ‘see’ it could he? No. He couldn’t. If he couldn’t see it.. then…

“How did you know?!” Evelyn whispered sharply.

“I—”

“Ominis Gaunt,” Evelyn said firmly. “How did you find out?!”

“My wand told me!” Ominis answered in panic. “Not—told me like it spoke to me.” He quickly added and continued nervously.

“It emits a particular kind of wave that returns and p-provides me with information to help me interpret what is around. When the waves came back with the information that you’re wearing something lighter earlier, I concluded that you’re probably wearing something other than your robe.” He explained sheepishly. “And, I also heard your garments rustling when you hastily stepped back from the wall. It sounded different from what our heavy school robe would create. And, as it being the middle of the night, I finally deduced that you’re probably wearing your…night attire.”

Hearing how he ‘saw’ the world for the first time in detail was fascinating. Evelyn didn't expect the process to be so complicated.

“Wow,” she said in awe. Her annoyance at the situation vanished and quickly turned into curiosity. Her voice rose with excitement as she asked, “So you see through waves?”

“Not only wa—”

“How does it feel? How did you really ‘see’ through it? Did you imagine some pictures in your head?” Evelyn interrupted with enthusiastic questions. She then gasped as another question popped up in her head, her voice rose more with enthusiasm, “Can you see colours?!”

Ominis shook his head, “I can’t.”

“Oh…” That was not the answer Evelyn hoped for.

"I am flattered that you are intrigued by my method of 'seeing' the world and will be happy to answer all your questions," Ominis took his robe off his shoulder and continued, “but it’s probably best to cover yourself up first, for both of us.”

Evelyn then felt the soft robe covering her collarbone, a shy smile bloomed on her lips. She thrust her hands into the sleeves and held the robe thigher, burying herself more into it. It was definitely larger than hers. Her hands didn’t reach the end of it and her height made the robe hit the floor instead of hovering above it. Her face became red as she thought she probably looked silly wearing the clearly oversized robe. And because she got a whiff of a particular scent from the robe’s collar. His scent.

“Thank you, Ominis.” Evelyn said softly.

“You’re welcome.” Ominis smiled kindly. “Now, Let’s find a better place to talk, no? Before the prefects found us.”

“Okay!” Evelyn exclaimed excitedly. Her voice echoed loudly down the empty hall.

Ominis shook his head, “There’s no need to shout.” He chuckled.

“Sorry,” Evelyn said sheepishly. She lowered her voice down, but still full of excitement. “Okay.”

Ominis chuckled again while approaching the girl. He stopped when he was right in front of her and held out his right hand, “May I?”

Evelyn placed her right hand on his offered one, and Ominis gently guided it through his bent left elbow. He then put out his wand with his right hand and slowly walked. Evelyn trusted him completely as she took the steps beside him, arms linked, with no idea of where they were going. But her trust began to waver when she saw the stairs to the astronomy tower looming before her.

“Are we going up?”

Ominis tilted his head towards Evelyn and challenged her playfully, “Are you afraid?”

“No.” Evelyn replied indignantly. “I just hate the cold,” she added in a low voice.

“It’s not as cold as it was, with the spring coming,” Ominis tilted his head towards his right, “and…” He suddenly unlinked their arms and walked to the table near them. His wand hovered above it. After a few seconds, Ominis grabbed an empty jar on the right side of the table.

“This will help,” he said, casting a spell on a jar. Small blue flames erupted from his wand and into the jar. His wand hovered above the table once more. He flicked his wand when it was above a rope, and it quickly connected the jar to a short stick someone must have left behind.

“What is that?” Evelyn asked in wonder as Ominis walked back to her with his hands full. His wand on his right and the makeshift lantern on the other.

“It’s the Bluebell Flame,” he thrust the lantern handle to her, “here.”

Evelyn held it with both of her hands, afraid it was heavier than it looked. But she was proven wrong when she felt it in her hand. It was light, and she could feel the warmth of the fire seeping through the jar’s glass. “Wow, it’s warm. Not too hot, and not cold, just…warm.”

Curiously, she put one of her hands above the jar's opening. Ominis’s robe sleeve was beginning to slide down in the jar when he gently pulled her hand away.

“Be careful. It won’t burn you, but it certainly will burn my robe.”

“Oh, alright. Sorry.” Evelyn said sheepishly. She adjusted her grip, decided to only hold the handle with her left hand and said, “Thanks for the warning.”

Ominis gave a nod. “So, are you still interested?”

“Yes.”

Ominis offered his left elbow again, which Evelyn took gladly with her free hand. They began to climb up, arm in arm, to the astronomy observation deck. They were halfway through when Evelyn felt Ominis discreetly press his elbow to his side. Evelyn smiled and tightened her grip on his arm. Her cheek felt warmer than the jar on her left.

A chilling wind blew past them as they arrived at the upper observation deck. Evelyn immediately shivered and brought her left hand closer to herself. The flames in the jar brought the much needed warmth.

Ominis didn’t miss her shivers from the cold, “Maybe this was a bad idea. We should—”

“No. I’m fine. Your robe and the enchanted fire are enough.” Evelyn cut him off and tried to convince him with a smile. She slapped herself mentally as she realised Ominis would never see it. She then tightened her grip on his shoulder, trying to convince him that it was all okay.

“Okay then.” Still in doubt and cautious, Ominis brought himself closer to the girl beside him. Evelyn was grateful for it and drew closer to him as well as they stepped into the observation deck, shoulder to shoulder. With his wand as his guide, Ominis led himself and Evelyn nearer and nearer to the edge. “Watch your step,” Ominis said as they finally stopped, the railing being the only thing that separated them from falling to the ground below.

Evelyn looked down and regretted it immediately. Her grip on Ominis’s elbow tightened.

“It’s okay. I’m here,” Ominis said as he put his own hand above hers that held his elbow, “I need you to let me go now.”

Evelyn whirled her head towards him, “What?! Why?! Ominis Gaunt, I swear if you’r—”

“I’m not playing with you right now,” Ominis chuckled. “Trust me.”

Evelyn reluctantly let Ominis go. He put his wand in his inner suit pocket and began to lower himself down slowly, his hand feeling the railing as his guide. He sat with his feet dangling on the edge from the knee to below when he finished. He folded his arms over the central metal of the railing in front of him and rested his head on it, his eyes closed.

“Too afraid to join me?” He challenged her playfully.

“No.” Evelyn indignantly. She approached the railing to his left, grabbed it in annoyance with her free hand, and began to lower herself. She didn't even notice that she held her breath until she exhaled in relief when she finished sitting down fully with her leg dangling in front of her.

Evelyn huffed, “See?!”

Ominis tilted his head—which was already pointed towards his left—up and opened his eyes. “Yes, I see what a brave girl you are,” Ominis said mischievously, emphasising on the action that he clearly couldn’t do.

Realising what she had done, Evelyn grimaced and said, “Sorry.”

“I’m joking Eve,” he said with a chuckle.

Evelyn huffed in annoyance again. But his usage of her nickname didn’t get past her. Her annoyance subsided when she heard it. She sighed and put the makeshift lantern of Bluebell Flame between her and Ominis. Its flames brought warmth to both her and him.

Ominis frowned in confusion after he felt it, “Aren’t you cold?”

“Aren’t you?” Evelyn answered irritatedly.

Ominis chuckled at her response and shrugged, “I actually love the cold.”

“Like the cold man you are.” Evelyn talked before she could think. Regret came as soon as she realised it. “I—That’s—”

“I will admit that I am not always the best person to be with.” Ominis confessed. He then sat up straight, moved his hand to his side, and faced her. Regret could be heard in his voice, “I am sorry that we’ve grown distant since the winter break.”

Evelyn sighed and began to speak. “It’s okay,” her voice became more low, “I know you needed space. Sebastian was not the only one who went to the crypt and catacomb. I was with him. In every step he took.”

“I know that you were only there to accompany him in his difficult times. You were—” Ominis cleared his throat, “are, a good friend Eve. I should have been there too,” his voice strained, “I was—am, his best friend.”

“Ominis…” Evelyn trailed off, not knowing what to say.

“And I should have been there for you too,” he hung his head, “when you needed me.”

“Well, you did. You were there when I needed you the most.” Evelyn said softly. “I was surprised when you decided to accompany my bawling pitiful self after Professor Fig’s memorial. I assumed you didn't even look for me since you’d probably be furious at me too, with all I’ve done with Sebastian.”

“Oh, don’t get the wrong idea. I was. I wanted to strangle you and Sebastian myself when I first heard about it.” Ominis said in anger. He sighed, “But I still consider you both my friends,” his voice grew weary as he continued, “it’s just…hard…to process all of this.”

“Have you…finished? Processing it?”

Ominis shook his head in defeat, “I haven’t.”

Evelyn took a deep breath and said, “Take your time, Ominis.” her voice started shaking, “I—Sebastian and I…We'll wait.”

“It’s still hard to think about it,” Ominis whispered painfully.

"I know," Evelyn murmured, placing a hand on his left shoulder and squeezed it gently in understanding. “Then let’s not talk about it,” she put her hand down and suggested, “how about,” her voice began to fill in excitement, “you fulfil your promise and answer my questions?”

“I never promised anything.” Ominis answered with a frown.

“Coome ooon!” Evelyn whined.

It made Ominis chuckle. Shaking his head, he finally relented, “Okay, okay. What do you want to know?”

“Did you command your wand to send waves or does it do it on its own?”

“I guess you could say that it do it by itself. It’s like it has its own mind,” he pulled out the wand from his pocket and held it between them, “like now, I felt it hummed when you asked about it. That’s why I put it out.”

“It’s alive!?”

“No,” Ominis said while looking at her ridiculously. “You could say it's ‘almost’ sentient,” he added, turning his wand in his palm, “it understands what to do when I need it. For instance, I wanted to make something to make you stay warm earlier. And it sent waves on its own, assisting me to ‘see’ if something around me could help. I never really have to command it. It just listens to what I’m thinking and tries to assist. It truly helped me, even when I didn't realise I needed it.”

“Like in a duel?”

“Exactly. As you are aware, I have the disadvantage of not having normal sight, which makes it ‘challenging’ for me to see my opponent well. But my wand compensates for it. You could say that it becomes my…sixth sense. Yes.

By focusing on my other senses, such as hearing and smelling, I already get a feel for what's going on around me. But my wand makes it more detailed. It allows me to ‘see’ what's happening with more vivid images in my head, since it transmits waves that bounce back with more information than I could gather on my own. It helped me detect anything clearly within a ten feet radius. And, it also hummed when it detected an imminent attack on me, letting me know when to cast a protective spell. All while assisting me in channelling my magic to retaliate.”

“How come I never see you in action?” Evelyn protested. “I would like to see you in a duel.”

"You have," Ominis said tiredly, rolling his eyes at her. “When we went to the catacombs?"

“It doesn’t count!” She exclaimed disappointedly. “You went in and left me alone all of sudden for professor Black!”

“We—”

“Would you duel with me?” Evelyn interrupted eagerly.

“I would not.” Ominis answered firmly.

Evelyn asked him again with enthusiasm, “Come on, it couldn’t be that bad.”

“I’d rather not.” Ominis refused once more.

“Co—”

“No,” He said, his tone hard. “And if you say anything else about that, I won't answer any more questions,” he threatened.

“Ugh, fine.” Evelyn groaned and finally stopped bothering him with the request. “Next question,” she continued impatiently. “You said you had pictures in your mind? What does it look like?”

“I've been blind since birth. So, I don’t know if what I’m imagining in my head truly represents the real thing. But if I have to describe what the visuals look like, I would say it was like sketches.”

“You know sketches?” Evelyn asked, surprised.

“I was informed by Sebastian that paintings are a representation of something that painters pour on canvases, and the painters usually draw what they want to paint in lines first before they colour it. I've never seen any colours before, so the visuals I have in my mind are only made of lines,” Ominis shrugged, “I don’t even know in which colours.” His wand began to pulse as he pointed it up between him and Evelyn. “They only show where something starts and ends,” he continued. “So, yeah, maybe it’s similar to sketches.”

Evelyn couldn't help but stare at him. His pale blue eyes shifted to an eerie red, exposed to the red light from his wand. They didn’t even look directly into her eyes. They looked sideways, with unreadable looks. Complete with his tilted head, they made Evelyn shudder. Is this why he didn't want to duel with her? Because he was scared she would see him in a different way after it?

“You have a killer look,” Evelyn joked out of the blue

“W-what?!”

Evelyn giggled at his shocked face, the red light that enveloped it becoming less menacing than before. “The way your face glows red when you wave your pulsating wand near it,” she said, holding the wand just above his hand and pushing it forward towards his face, “makes you look like you’re about to destroy everything.”

“I—I think that’s enough lesson for today.” Ominis stuttered while Evelyn kept giggling while staring at his flushed face. He put his wand back in his inner suit pocket and turned his body towards the edge, a scowl on his face. “Stop looking at me and look above instead.” He ordered huffily while putting his hands on the railing, his head above it, and his eyes closed. His feet were still dangling on the edge.

Evelyn giggled more before she shifted her attention upward and gasped. The clear sky allowed her to see the stars at their brightest. They were sparkling, like diamonds spread throughout the sky. Evelyn couldn’t take her eyes away from them. It was very beautiful that she was touched to tears.

“It’s beautiful…” She said, her breath taken away.

“I hoped it would be.” He said with a smile.

What Ominis said made her suddenly remember. He couldn’t even see such beauty in the first place. So why did he bring her here?

“Why did you bring me here?” Evelyn expressed what was on her mind.

“I thought you would like it.” He answered with what Evelyn heard as a sincere voice. “I personally love being here. I love the fresh smell from the nearby forest, the shooting breeze that comes through, and the peaceful silence it provides.”, he added, still with his eyes closed. “In other words…I like how I could be completely alone here. Especially in winters like now, with no scampering students, boisterous portraits, or nosy poltergeists around me.”

“Are you going to assassinate me now?” Evelyn acted casually. Ominis opened his eyes and sat up instantly. His head almost hit the railing in the process.

“Merlin, no!” He exclaimed in such surprise. “Why do you think like that?”

Evelyn laughed at the boy's annoyance. “I’m sorry,” she tried to explain between her laughs, “I’m joking. I can’t pass up the chance to mess you up again. You walked right into it yourself when you told me that we’re completely alone here!”

“Well, I am not amused.” Ominis said seriously. “I am a Gaunt. I have the knowledge to assassinate someone if I need to.”

Evelyn’s laugh completely ceased when she heard him.

“Got you.” Ominis said casually and burst into laughter.

Evelyn couldn't bring herself to join him. Her mood changed drastically. All she could think of was that she did have the knowledge to assassinate someone. And she actually did do it. Her nightmares were enough to prove her sins. The rotting hands that grabbed and pulled her down to—

“Evelyn,” Ominis said softly to the silent girl, his laughter all gone. “I was joking. I’m sorry if it was out of line,” He said in regret.

Getting no response from the girl, Ominis continued, “I would never hurt you,” his voice becoming more determined, “but I will hurt whoever hurts you.”

“Why?” Evelyn asked in a broken voice.

It took a while before Ominis answered her, “Because you’re my friend.” His voice strained, “And it hurts me to see you in pain.”

Evelyn took a shaky breath and whispered, “even if it’s myself?”

“I beg your pardon?” Ominis said as he tilted his head towards her more.

“The one who hurts me,” Evelyn explained with her gaze down to her lap, her voice constrained. “Will you hurt them…Even if it’s myself?”

Ominis backed up in confusion, “I-I don’t follow you.”

“I had a nightmare,” Evelyn sighed. “It’s…well…it’s about something I did.”

“Is that why you were wandering in the hallway earlier?”

Evelyn gulped, “Yes. I had nightmares for a while now. I don’t even remember the last time I got a good night's sleep.”

“Do you…” Ominis hesitated. “Want to talk about it?”

“I should, shouldn’t I?” Evelyn looked up to him. “Talk about it with someone else?”

“Only if you wanted to,” Ominis tenderly said. “But I can say for certain that it feels better when you get it out,” he continued, as if he had experienced it himself. “Especially if you already have someone willing to listen.”

Evelyn was shocked at Ominis’s offer. She felt herself unworthy of such kindness. She looked down in regret, “I’m afraid it might change your perception of me.”

Ominis completely turned his body towards Evelyn. He moved the jar with the Bluebell Flame aside and placed his left hand in its place.

“It won’t.” He said. It made Evelyn’s heart ache to hear his misguided belief in her.

"Ominis, I am far worse than Sebastian," she said, her voice choking with anguish.

“What could be worse than murdering your own uncle?” He asked in disbelief.

“He only did it once.” Evelyn whispered.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I—” Evelyn looked at him with teary eyes, her voice trembling, “I killed, many, Ominis. So many that I’ve lost count.”

“How?” Ominis asked in a low voice.

“It doesn’t matter how!” Evelyn burst into rage, tears falling from her eyes as she confessed to him. “I still took their lives,” she seethed, loathing herself. “I may not have used the unforgivable curses, but I still inflicted the final blow on them. I slashed their chests open. I froze, burned, threw, and even blew them apart!”

Evelyn’s body shook as she struggled to fight back her tears while continuing. "I turned them into ashes," she laughed bitterly, "I made their bodies disintegrate, leaving nothing to be buried."

“Who, Evelyn?” Ominis asked, still in a low voice.

“Those who appeared in my nightmares. Poachers, bandits, goblins…You name it, and I’ve most likely killed it,” she raised her trembling hands from her lap, disgust in her voice, “with my own hands.”

Evelyn clenched her fist and gazed up, trying to contain the tears she didn’t deserve to shed. But the once-beautiful glittering stars now seemed to mock her, so she looked away. From the stars, from the warmth, from him.

Evelyn knew it would end like this. He probably wanted to go away as soon as he heard her confession. The silence that came after it was enough to be an answer. His view of her was forever changed. He must have despised her. He must have hated her for what she'd done. He most likely didn’t want to become her friend anymore. Who would have wanted to become friends with a murderer like her in the first place?

“I understand that—” A sob from her own throat stopped her. “That you don’t—”

Evelyn stopped when she suddenly felt a hand on her right arm. She turned to follow when it softly tugged at her arm. She looked up and immediately regretted it. Seeing Ominis full of anguish made her heart fall even farther. His brows furrowed as he clutched her other arm with his other hand. His breath trembled. She could see it in his pale eyes. How much he was pained…and how he knew how it hurt.

“You had to, Eve,” he said. “I understand.” And Evelyn’s dam broke.

“I don’t!” She sobbed. “I don’t have to, Ominis. I could hold back my attacks. I could use the non-fatal spells instead of lethal ones. I could have called the authorities instead of facing them on my own. I had a Choice!” She shouted angrily in tears. “And I didn’t even consider it.”

“You were defe—“

She whirled her head, her voice stern. “Stop,” she breathed heavily, “I don’t need any justification for any actions I’ve taken. I did it all. On my own,” she hung her head in shame, “nothing can change the fact that I’m a murderer.”

Saying it out loud made Evelyn more aware of what she had done and what was about to happen. She’s a criminal. A murderer. She would be sent to Azkaban after this. He would send her there himself. Her life will end here. Evelyn couldn’t hold it and cried her heart out.

“You did your best, Eve,” Ominis said gently while rubbing her arms soothingly.

“They come every night,” Evelyn sobbed. “They all come every single night. Reminding me of what I’ve done. Pulling me down with their rotting hands, surrounding me, telling me how I could’ve done something else, how ruthless I was when I killed them with my bare hands, and how my magic was a destruction to the world.” She wiped her tears. “Well, maybe it is my punishment. Maybe I’m not even supposed to be al—“

“NO!” Ominis shouted out of the blue. His grip on her arms tightened. Evelyn could see the tears pooling in his eyes. His voice broke, “You’re supposed to.”

“I—“

“You’re fighting for your life, for Merlin’s sake! You did what you had to do to survive!” Evelyn could hear desperation in his voice. “Don’t consider those kinds of thoughts, Eve. You’re meant to be here. You’re meant to be alive.”

“But they—“ Evelyn stopped abruptly when she felt his grip on her arms tighten once more.

“They’re gone.” Ominis said desperately. “They’re all gone. They can’t do anything to you. They have nothing on you.” His grip was still hard on her arm as he pleaded, “please, Eve...”

“I made them gone, Ominis. I made them all gone,” Evelyn sobbed, “I cannot be redeemed.”

Ominis removed his hands from her arms. “Then I can’t as well,” he said stubbornly. “You probably heard it from Sebastian, how I used to torment muggles in my youth,” he said with his voice strained. “You probably assumed I only tortured, what? Maybe one, or two?” He spoke inconsiderately. “No. I tortured more than my fingers could count. Numerous of them screamed and writhed in agony because of me. Some of them even didn’t survive and went insane.”

“You’re basically a child!” Evelyn exclaimed. “You had no choice.”

With a serious voice Ominis stated, “I had a choice, Eve. I could’ve said no.”

“And let yourself be tortured?” Evelyn asked indignantly.

A clear affirmation sounded from Ominis. “Yes.”

“That is not—“

Ominis put his left palm out towards Evelyn, making her stop. “That is a choice, Eve,” He stated sternly. “A choice that I didn’t even consider.”

“But it was different.” Evelyn said stubbornly.

“How?”

“They tortured you!” She exclaimed desperately. “You were a child!”

“We are children,” Ominis said in a practical manner. “We haven't even passed the seventeenth year of our lives. And they already gave us so much to bear,” He continued, crestfallen.

Evelyn didn’t respond. She couldn’t. She just sat there with both of her fists on her lap, clenching tightly. Her eyes stared indignantly at him. How could he?! It was different. What he did could be redeemed. He didn’t have a choice, not like h—

"You had a choice, Eve." Ominis said softly. “Yet, you did what you thought was best to do to survive. Just like I was."

“I—”

“Every one of us has messed up too.” Ominis interrupted before she could utter even one word. “We all made mistakes in our life.” His hands hold her clenched ones. “And every one, every single one of us,” he said, opening her clenching fists gently and holding them gently, “has the chance to repent.”

“That’s why I didn’t turn Sebastian in.” He continued. “And I know that’s why you tried to convince me not to in the first place.” His head tilted towards her, “you see his chance to redeem himself.” His voice was low as he pleaded, “Why can’t you see it for yourself?”

“It's too late for me.” Evelyn whispered, her vision blurred with tears.

“It’s never too late.” Ominis rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand. “Who you are is not what you did, Evelyn Rose. At least not to me.”

“You’re still an Innocent.” He whispered to her as she cried her heart out on his shoulder.

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pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

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A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: Why do You Have to be so Mean? (2/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining

Chapter: 2/16 Title: Why do You Have to be so Mean? Word Count: 4,537

Last Chapters: AO3 (All Chapters): AO3 Tumblr: Chapter 1

Last Chapter Preview:

“Enchanted to finally meet you, Mr. Gaunt.” Evelyn said with a smile.

“Enchanted to meet you too as well, Ms. Rose.” Ominis responded. Comforting silence accompanied them as they smiled at each other. Until Ominis cheekily continued, “Although, I must remind you again to not. Tell. Anyone. About the secret place you so stumble upon yourself.”

Evelyn laughed. She hoped that this interaction was the very first page, not where her story with him line ends.

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

You could also read this on AO3.

Enjoy!

2. Why do You Have to be so Mean?

Late Autumn 1890

It was freezing. Evelyn started to move in the direction of the staircase that led down from the upper astronomy viewing deck while still feeling the chill of the late-autumn air in her already trembling body. Since the shivering became greater with each stride she made, her steps are a little shaky. She hated the cold so much.

“Merlin, I never thought Professor Shah would actually make us observe the stars in this weather.” She complained to herself while trying to get more warmth by rubbing her hands.

“Yeah, she tends to do it.” A voice came from nowhere.

“Ah!” Shocked, Evelyn accidentally bumped into the girl beside her. “Sorry.” She apologised to the Slytherin girl, who was clearly annoyed that her stargazing was interrupted.

“But, isn’t it fun? You could see the stars clearer in winter,” The boy who surprised her continued.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, “Yes, it is a bit fun. Until the cold seeps in and hypothermia kicks in.” She then shied away from the girl she bumped into earlier, who was still giving her the killing glare even though she had already apologised. She sighed, “Or die because of someone’s death glare.”

Evelyn continued her way down in search of warmth. She needed something warm to drink or eat. Maybe the dinner hadn’t finished yet in the great hall. Oh how she wanted the—

“Sorry for that.”

Evelyn’s steps halted when she heard the boy talking again. She almost forgot about him. She sighed again and hugged herself before finally turning to see the boy who had surprised her. At least he has a friendly face. Evelyn knew him. From potions, if she remembered correctly.

“Hello again! I can't believe we haven't met again. I'm Amit. Amit Thakkar? We met in potion class.”

Evelyn nodded. She was right. “No need to be sorry.”

“I like Astronomy better since there’s less explosions,” he joked, probably to lessen the mood.

She smiled at the joke and hugged herself tighter due to another chilling wind passing through her. Her voice was low, “Well, I prefer potion with its explosions over freezing to death, thank you very much.” Amit laughed, and Evelyn continued, “Nice to meet you again, Amit.”

“I couldn’t help it. I love astronomy.” He smiled, curiosity in his voice, “Anyway, did I hear Professor Shah say that you don’t have your own telescope?” Sheepishly, he continued, “I... have a spare one you could borrow for the rest of the term.”

Evelyn was shocked by the boy once again. Her eyes went wide and both of her eyebrows shot up. Giving his old telescope? Isn’t it too much?

But with the Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment being out of reach in Diagon Alley and her economic situation entering a period of obligatory frugality, Evelyn eventually decided to accept Amit’s overly kind offer. However, she decided to ask Amit again for his willingness to give her his old telescope. “That’s very kind of you, Amit. Are you sure you won’t need it?”

“I’m certain. It’s my old one.” Amit spoke confidently. He began to talk animatedly. “I finally got my hands on the new Celestia Contemplor. You’ve heard of it. I assume? I mean, of course you have. It’s only the pinnacle of all personal stargazing implements.” He smiled with so much pride and then cleared his throat, “But my old model’s not too shabby either. Goblin-cut glass, first-rate optical enchantments... Hate to think such a fine instrument is just collecting dust.”

With her brain thinking only about how to get warm, Evelyn had a hard time listening to Amit fully. But thankfully, she still got the gist of it. Amit was giving her probably the best telescope in the world—well, second best after his. “Well I—um, I—thank you, Amit.” She said sincerely.

Amit shook his head, “Think nothing of it. Anyway, the telescope’s in the storage room right underneath us. You can’t miss it.”

Evelyn nodded. Storage room, below. A telescope that probably looks brand new.

Amit nodded as well and nervously continued, “I have some, uh, reading to finish on the lower deck. Come find me there afterwards—and bring the telescope. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

Evelyn felt there’s something he hadn’t said yet, but she ignored her doubts as she saw the boy leave her behind. Even if there’s a catch to the telescope, it wouldn't be as hard as the keeper's trials, would it? She then walked to the opposite side of Amit's direction, where the stairs to the storage room were. Still hugging herself, Evelyn stepped down the stairs and found Amit’s telescope lying neatly on the desk beside the last step.

Astonished, Evelyn took the practically shining telescope, checking in from one end to the other, asking herself, “This was his old telescope? It’s practically brand new!” She grinned, “Called it.” She then tucked the telescope in her pocket and began her way back up.

“Now where is the snake constellation?” Evelyn heard a boy grumble as she took her third step up. She had a hunch about who was speaking. What was his name again? The one who was helping her in her first herbology class? Ah, yes, Prewett. Leander Prewett.

“Do you mean Serpens?” Another boy spoke. Now that’s a voice Evelyn definitely knew. She couldn’t be wrong to recognise the one who got her into trouble in her first class of potions. The red-headed ‘my aunt is the deputy headmistress and I am her pain in the arse’ Garreth Weasley.

With frustration in his voice, Leander answered, "I don't even know, Garreth."

“Hurry Leander. M-My brain is beginning to shut down because of the cold. Professor Shah’s just about as cold and distant as the bloody stars she wants us to chart.”

Evelyn giggled at Garreth’s comment. Well, she herself was also beginning to shut down. It was nice to know that she wasn't the only one who thought the professor was cruel. Even though Garret’s remark about the stars being cold was completely wr—

“Well if she assigned us to find a snake in Hogwarts, we would’ve probably been in our dorm room by now. It’s obvious where the snakes at Hogwarts are.”

Leander's fuss made Evelyn stop her thoughts. She obviously didn’t like his accusation, but decided it was none of her concern. She began her way up to the upper astronomy deck, taking the steps with a shiver.

“I-If it is a joke, I can’t laugh a-at it right now. M-my mind is fr-freezing.” Evelyn heard Garreth's frustration between his shivers.

“Well, you do know there is a house at Hogwarts that has a snake symbol on its crest? The house of cunning snakes and soon-to-be dark wizard hangout.” Evelyn's steps halted just as she arrived at the upper deck. Her eyebrows raised as she heard what the taller Gryffindor had said.

Leander then focused himself again on his telescope, probably still searching for the serpent in the sky. Before continuing with a tone full of accusations, “Even the direct descendant of probably the father of the dark arts is there. Surely the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. His ‘depression’ in being a Slytherin is obviously a farce. He’s probably practising the dark arts in secret and Merlin knows what he’s done with all the secrets he knows, being Salazar Slytherin’s descendant. I’ve even heard rumours that he even found a secret chamber that contains a dangerous beast that only submits to pure blood who understands snakes.” Leander stopped stargazing and chuckled at the other redhead beside him, “He might be planning something ominous. Get it?”

Garreth stayed silent at his friend’s joke, probably not expecting all the things that came out of Leander’s mouth.

Leander shivered and complained, “Ugh, maybe he could find this damned serpent constellation sooner than us…” He snickered, “But, then again, how could he?” And then swayed one of his hands in front of his eyes.

“Did the cold get into your b—”

“Why do you have to be so MEAN?!” Evelyn’s shout could be heard throughout the observation deck. Everything became silent. Even the wind stopped breezing.

Garreth, who was cut before he could give Leander a piece of mind himself, slowly stepped away, seeing how the new fifth year student was angry. He saw how Evelyn stormed towards the Gryffindors and shouted at Leander. Still shivering but reluctant to go as he wanted to see how Leander would end, Garreth stood approximately five steps away from them. He had been the recipient of Evelyn’s wrath before—the first potion class accident—and he didn’t want to be in that position. Ever. Again.

Startled, Leander stammered as he answered, “W-what?!”

"You heard me," Evelyn said, still in a high voice. Why you have to be so mean?”

“Mean?” Confusion could be heard in Leander’s voice.

In a matter-of-fact tone, Evelyn answered, "Yes. You’re mean. You pointed out and made fun of other people's flaws.” Anger then made her tone go up, “It is not a flaw in the first place!”

“I did—”

Evelyn was furious, saying, “How dare you?! Mock others behind their backs, ridiculing who you found different, and giving Merlin knows what gestures, while knowing that he, can’t, see it!” Evelyn then poked Leander’s shoulder in every word, “How, dare, you!”

Stunned and awkwardly stepped back with every poke he got, Leander responded in panic, “I—”

Full-on rage Evelyn ignored him, “You dare to call him something he is not. You dare to accuse him of something he certainly didn’t and won’t do. And you dare to spread rumours about him, when you don’t even know who he is! Do you even talk to him? Have you ever tried to have a conversation with him?!”

“Ominis and—”

“Don’t you dare say his name.” Evelyn cut off the boy's attempt to explain. She then continued sceptically, “Did you really see he was faking his depression? Did you really see him practising the dark arts? Hmmm?” Seeing Leander's face becoming red, her scepticism quickly turned into sneering, “Or did you just hear it from Merlin knows where since your ear is soooo big, it must catch all the gossip. Even from the merpeople of the black lake!”

Satisfaction came to Evelyn when she heard Garreth chuckle and saw Leander’s face beginning to redden even more. But it was not enough. “And about the secret chamber, maybe you’re the one who found it? You can certainly listen to all the whispers in this school. Even if it’s nonsense.”

Leander’s face was as red or even redder than a tomato. Desperately, he said, “I didn’t me—”

“Stop with your excuses.” Evelyn cut the poor boy again. Stern in her voice made it more prominent, “The more you talk, the more I know how lonely and pathetic you are. You called and picked on a man you thought was weaker than you. Never realise it was yourself who was weak.”

Evelyn paused. She held her head high in pride, “Ominis will be one of the greatest wizards of the century.” And then she narrowed her eyes to Leander, “And all you're ever going to be, is mean.” Her gaze contained so much repulsion that it made Leander cower. “Mean, old, man, who is alone in life, drunk all the time, and could only grumble to his own pathetic self.”

“I—”

“I’m not done yet.” Another cut from Evelyn. Solemnly, she warned, “If you still have even an ounce of conscience in yourself, you listen here and listen to me well, Leander Prewett. Stop with all your nonsense thinking about Ominis and Merlin knows, anybody else you got a whiff of rumours about. Purge yourself of this pathetic way of living. If you really want to insult them, at least do it in front of their face. Not behind them like a coward.”

With his face already more scarlet than his own ginger hair, Leander just stood there after hearing what the new fifth year had said. Five steps aside, Garreth was doing all he could to suppress his laugh. Which was failing as he snorted two times in a row. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, scared to ruin the solemn mood. This was better than Garreth ever imagined. The cold he felt clearly paid off. It was the best astronomy class session ever.

Evelyn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Calmly, well, as calm as she could be, she continued, “So, Leander Prewett.” Her eyes looked straight into the embarrassed ginger’s eyes. “Why do you have to be so mean?”

“I….have no excuses.” In defeat and guilt, Leander sighed, “I am sorry.”

Content with his answer, Evelyn finally calmed down completely. She spoke softly, “Tell it to the one you insulted.”

Still rooted to his spot, Leander said meekly, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.”

Evelyn nodded and walked away, continuing her way to the lower deck. Not realising the other ginger followed her to the lower deck until he finally spoke jokingly, “I'm glad that I wasn't the one making you angry this time.”

Evelyn shrugged. “Well, I never thought he’s such a mean.”

“Leander sometimes doesn't think about what he’s saying.” Garreth said matter-of-factly. He then quickened his pace so he could face Evelyn as he spoke. Two steps ahead of her, looking straight at her, he teased, “But, he might not be in the near future. After what I dare call ‘a magnificent to watch scolding’ you gave him.”

Evelyn stopped when she’s at the same step as the ginger. Her eyebrows raised, she questioned the boy seriously, “I see that you want some scolding as well?”

His body rigid, Garreth replied, “No ma’am.” He continued seriously, “Sorry ma’am.”

Evelyn broke out in laughter after seeing Garreth’s antics. Garetth laughed with her as well, and they started to descend more. The laughter ceased at the bottom of the stairs. Seeing Garreth’s smile, she suddenly remembered what he said earlier. “Actually, stars are very hot.” Evelyn said.

“What?”

“The stars.” Evelyn gestured at the sky and said, “When you’re complaining and making fun of our professor? You said that she’s as cold as the stars.”

“Uhh….” Confused, Garreth scratched his head as he tried to comprehend what Evelyn just said.

“It was actually hot. Like the sun. The star of our solar system?”

“Ooookay…?” Still confused, Garreth decided to change the topic, “Anyway! This is not how I wanted to spend my evening. But thanks to you, it was quite entertaining.”

Evelyn smiled and bowed like an actress after her performance. “You’re welcome.”

Garreth smiled and put his hands in his pocket. Playfully, he asked, “So...if someone said mean things about me in front of you as well, would you come to defend me too?”

“Well—”

“Or is it just Ominis?”

Evelyn felt blood rush to her cheeks as soon as she heard what Garreth had said. She really didn’t find the answer to Garreth’s question. Of course she would stand up for her ginger friend as well, but to that extent? To the point where she also insulted the preparator?

“No comment.” She muttered, turned away immediately, and took rapid steps away from the ginger. She didn’t care where she was going. She just wanted to get away from Garreth and avoid further shame as soon as possible.

Garreth smirked and began to run to catch up with the running new fifth year, “Hey, Eve! Wait for me!”

Evelyn was walking down to the great hall after finally escaping Garreth when a playful voice came out of nowhere.

“Soooo…you think Ominis will be one of the greatest wizards of the century?” Sebastian caught Evelyn off guard. She stopped walking, making the brunette bump into her.

“Oof!” Sebastian distanced himself a bit from Evelyn, rubbing his impacted chest. “Are you that surprised that I know everything?” He said with a smirk.

Evelyn rolled her eyes and turned to him, Oh, please.” With her hands crossed in front of her chest, she continued, “Do tell me where you get that nonsense.”

“Leander suddenly apologised to Ominis when Ominis and I passed him a couple minutes ago. He is still listening to Leander as we speak. It was so awkward that I had to step away.” He shivered. “Look! My hair stands up when I remember it.” Sebastian gave Evelyn a clear view of his arm, its hair, indeed, was standing up. "I believed it might shower frogs soon," he said, trembling. But then the tremble stopped and a grin began to appear on Sebastian’s face, growing wider as the seconds went by, “Until I bumped into Weasley and finally knew that you’re actually the cause.”

Evelyn swore to herself that if she could, she would rip the grin off Sebastian’s face. But she couldn’t, so she turned and began to walk away with annoyance from the grinning brunette, quickening her pace as she went, wanting to get away as soon as possible.

Sadly, two steps Evelyn took were basically just one step for Sebastian, who has longer legs than her. Evelyn's attempt to get away failed quickly, as he caught up to her with just two strides. He continued to tease the poor girl, “I saw what you did to Weasley in the previous potion class. So I know how scary you are when you’re mad.” With disappointment, he said, ”Though I’m sad that I didn't get to witness you in action this time.”

Evelyn stopped, making the brunette surprised and halted late, just a few paces in front of her. “Continue to bother me,” she said, giving him a death glare, “and you will be the next one.”

Continuing her steps, Evelyn threw her head in a different direction as she walked past him. However, her threat wasn't perceived as one by Sebastian, who then chuckled and continued his steps until he took his previous spot on her left, and continued his teasing, “Cooome ooon, you’re practically a hero!”

Sebastian placed his hand on Evelyn's left shoulder, bringing them both to a halt. He turned Evelyn around to face him. With a straight face and in all seriousness in the world, he said, “Protecting and defending someone,” his eyes looking straight at hers, “when they didn’t even know they needed it.” His voice became more emotional, “You made me proud.” Then he annoyingly feigned to be touched and cried out of one eye. His hand wiped the imaginary tears.

Irritated, Evelyn shoved his hand off her shoulder and exclaimed, “I just did what a good. Human. Being would do!” She pouted, “Don’t taunt me about it!”

Sebastian laughed at her reaction. “I am sorry, but this is simply too good. I mean, you even made Leander tell Ominis what he did and apologise for it!” He exclaimed. Sebastian laughed more, making Evelyn sulk even more than before. “He never did it before!” He added.

Evelyn could only cross her arm, waiting for his annoying laugh to cease and for him to continue. Sebastian took a deep breath. "Okay, okay. I’m good. I won’t laugh again. I promise.” He proceeded to put his hand on Evelyn’s shoulder, “You really are a Hero.” He grinned and added, “At least to me. Thank you for the much needed laugh.”

For the second time today, Evelyn wished she could punch Sebastian as hard as she could. But, lucky for him, she took the high road and a deep breath. “Just stop bothering me, please.” She pleaded tiredly.

Another jesting voice came out of the blue, “Yeah Sebastian, quit harassing our saviour."

Evelyn groaned when she realised who it was from the softer tone the voice had. There’s only one person she knew who has that soft yet firm, sumptuous yet humble voice. You know, the one for whom she stood up so valiantly before? Yeah, that one. The one and only, Ominis Gaunt.

“Ugh, you’re just as awful as he is.” Evelyn grumbled as she turned towards the blonde on her right.

“I am only giving back what I received.” He joked with a smile making its way to his face.

“Ah, here he is, the damsel in distress who was rescued by our valiant hero.” Sebastian teased.

Ominis rolled his eyes. “Well, I never listen to the rumours since I don’t care about what people think about me in the first place. People already judge me with whatever prejudice they have when they hear my last name.” With sarcasm practically dripping from his voice, he chuckled, “I wouldn’t stand a chance of changing the spotless reputation of Gaunt that has been built hundreds of years ago. A gleaming reputation, which I should thank for helping me gain numerous acquaintances throughout my youth.”

Evelyn's heart wrenched when she heard it. It must be difficult to be judged solely on the basis of your name. People might be avoiding him unintentionally since Gaunt's name had long been associated with cruelty and the dark arts. Ominis, on the other hand, was not like that. He might be rough at first…she wouldn’t lie about it. But she found that he was a good person. With him assisting her with the schoolwork—begrudgingly, Evelyn noted, since he always scolded her first before showing her the correct way—and navigating the halls of Hogwarts whenever he found her as lost as a blind kitten—again, Evelyn perceived he did it reluctantly because he always complained about it for the entire journey to her destination—for the past few months since their first full conversation in front of the Undercroft entrance, Evelyn believed he must be a very good friend. Not to mention how much he cared for Sebastian. Evelyn could only hope she would have the honour to have him as one in the future.

Trying to clear the air from the bleakness he created himself, Ominis cleared his throat. He stepped closer to Evelyn and moved his body towards her before saying softly with a smile, “But, it is nice to know that someone has my back.”

Evelyn felt her stomach flip once again. She didn’t know why, but the combination of his soft voice, his genuine smile, and his body gesture that made her sure he was talking to her and her only made Evelyn feel... warm. Even though he didn’t really see straight into her eyes. And Evelyn thanked Merlin he didn’t. She couldn't bear the thought of him seeing her in her flushed state.

“Hey, I've got your back too!” Sebastian, who was in the middle, joined the conversation and ruined the moment.

Ominis chuckled and took a step back, giving space to Sebastian. Evelyn felt sadness as she saw the distance between her and Ominis grow wider. He then responded to the brunette sarcastically, “Well, I am glad that someone else has my back. Someone whose solution is not necessarily a duel.”

“I can’t help it when someone practically begs for a battle with the best duelist in the school.” Sebastian boasted.

“Are you?” Evelyn said, frowning.

“Our last duel in the defence against the dark arts class was a fluke.” Sebastian replied smugly to the frowning girl. “Your victory was pure coincidence.”

Infuriated, Evelyn turned towards Sebastian and answered with her voice raised, “Oh, really?”

“Meet me at the clock tower entrance in the afternoon, and we’ll see who’s the best,” Sebastian smirked.

Evelyn attempted to rise to his challenge, but she thought it was an empty one and changed her mind. She shrugged and turned away from the brunette. “You simply cannot accept losing.”

Smirking, Sebastian taunted her, “And you’re too afraid to show that your last triumph was not. Blind. Luck.”

THAT struck a nerve. Evelyn took a step towards Sebastian and said menacingly, “Oh, it’s on.”

“Yeah?” Sebastian teased.

“Yeah!”

Ominis shook his head while he put his hands between the bickering pair and broke them up, “Sometimes I wonder how I could be friends with you both.”

Evelyn’s anger vanished as she realised what Ominis had stated. “I’m your friend?” She said, surprised.

“Thank you, Evelyn.” He spoke tenderly.

And once again, ladies and gentlemen, Evelyn Rose felt her stomach churn. Her breath was taken away. Standing so close that her nose almost touched his, all she could focus on was his eyes…blue like the misty sea... Wake up, you moron!

Evelyn shook her head in an attempt to clear her head. She lowered her gaze and looked back up at him from under her lashes. Smiling shyly, she answered, “You’re welcome, Omi.”

Ominis smiled and something flipped again in Evelyn's stomach. Upset with all these new sensations, she concluded that there had to be something wrong with her. She decided to go to the hospital wing to check it out after this.

“Ooohh, a new nickname for Ominis.” Sebastian excitedly barged in and yet again ruined the moment. He continued animatedly over Ominis’s shoulder, looking delighted to both of his friends finally becoming friends, “Could I call you Omi too? Ominis is too long for me—I will call you Omi too from now on.”

“Don’t.” Ominis spoke sharply.

“Omiii,” Sebastian teased while shaking Ominis’s shoulder.

“Stop, or I will throw you into the black lake.” Ominis threatened. His wand pointed directly at Sebastian’s face without him turning his body.

Evelyn giggled at both of her friends. She was brimming with happiness as she saw them continue to squabble. She was glad that Ominis had finally accepted her as a friend. Hey, maybe she could finally ask about his wand! It was the purpose of her chase for him in the first place. It wasn't so much that she wanted to become friends with him only as to inquire about that. But it was more to...that’s the first thing she found intriguing about him.

“Excuse me,” A voice came out of the blue and stopped Evelyn’s thoughts. It was Nerida Roberts, the Slytherin girl who attended the same astronomy class as Evelyn. “Amit told me to notify you that he’s still waiting at the lower observation deck of the astronomy tower.”

“Eve? Are you okay?” Ominis asked Evelyn worriedly after hearing her sudden intake of breath.

“Merlin, I forgot!” She exclaimed, didn’t even realise the nickname she got, and ran as fast as she could back to the astronomy tower. Leaving two confused Slytherin boys and one Slytherin girl behind.

A boy in a Ravenclaw robe was seen standing on the lower deck of the astronomy tower. His breath made a misty cloud as he paced back and forth in hope of gaining warmth in the cold.

“Where is she?”

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pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

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A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy

Hi!

I'm currently writing a fanfiction. I was going to make this a one shot after hearing Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album. But the dormant writer inside me suddenly woke up and now I plan to make this a full fledged 16 chapters fanfic :D

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining; Slow Burn

Summary: Long graduated and in the cusp of young adulthood, Evelyn Rose, the "Hero of Hogwarts" finds an even harder trial to conquer than defeating evil goblin and protecting unknown dangerous ancient magic, when she sees certain Salazar Slytherin's descendant who she fallen for standing at the altar with someone else. Little did she know, a legacy she gained from Hogwarts will manifest itself even in conditions that make it nearly impossible to exist, and help her.

UPDATE: I won't posts whole chapters in tumblr after chapter 7 and will insert an AO3 link instead since the chapters after that would be longer and I don't think it would be comfortable reading it on tumblr. Sorry:(

Chapters: 16 (ongoing, currently on 11/16)

AO3 (All Chapters): AO3

Tumblr: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7

Notes:

You could change Evelyn's name into your character's if you'd like.

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself.

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

Thank you and happy reading!

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pmwritesandpoems · 10 months

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A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy: Enchanted to Meet You (1/16)

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Main Title: A Timeless Hogwarts Legacy Pairing: Ominis Gaunt/Original Female Character Tags: Romance; Hurt/Comfort; Angst; Fluff; Friendship; Mutual Pining Chapters: 16

Notes: I posted this on my AO3. But decided to post this here as well.

This work is fully inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) AND is my first fanfic for...ever?

Chapter: 1/16 Title: Enchanted to Meet You Word Count: 5,952

Reminder:

I won't mention the main character house, you could choose her house yourself

You could change my original character name with yours, I’ll try my best to not mention her skin, hair, and eye colour so you could match it with your own.

You could also read this on AO3.

I tried my best to write this despite the fact that English is not my first language. I hope you’ll still understand and even have fun reading this!

p.s. please don't hesitate to comment if you'd like!

1. Enchanted to Meet You

Present Time, Spring 1895

Evelyn Rose had no intention of coming in the first place. She dreads the day she received the letter and even tried to burn it as soon as she saw his handwriting on the envelope. But alas, here she is. The cold white marble and green carpet greet her footsteps as she enters the foyer of the grand mansion with her head down.

“You could at least elevate your chin so that everyone may admire your beauty.”

Evelyn startles as she hears someone talking beside her all of a sudden. She turns and sees a brown-haired gentleman to her left, who is smiling warmly with the same freckles and bright brown eyes she has known for more than four years. Her shock quickly turns into happiness.

“Sebastian!” She exclaims and smiles at the brunette. “Long time no see, old friend.”

Oh, how she misses him. It has been a long time since they met in person, with all her duties as the liaison officer for the goblin office in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and his duties as the matron apprentice at St. Mungo’s, they find it hard to even just send owls to each other. Several letters that they had exchanged in the past three years since their graduation are not enough to compensate for her longing for her brother through friendship. It’s also been years since she visited Feldcroft. So, Evelyn follows her whim and hugs him tight, not minding the social etiquette.

“Oof,” Sebastian huffs as he feels Evelyn’s sudden hug, to which he replies happily. With his arm wrapping her like a cocoon, Sebastian says to her hair, “I miss you too, Eve.” Evelyn felt how much he misses him too through their hug.

After a while, Sebastian begins to move his arms away. “I should let you go now, since people are staring,” he explains.

“They’re probably searching for the rings on our hands with that spectacle.” Evelyn chuckles and reluctantly lets Sebastian go. “Sorry for that,” She says sheepishly, tucking a rogue strand of her hair in.

“No need to be sorry. And they won’t find it since it’s not us who are getting married today.” Sebastian chuckles and teases, “And also, if I my memory doesn't fail me, I have not and have no plans to bind myself to someone till the last of my breath in the near future.”

Evelyn’s heart stops for a second after she hears Sebastian. To be reminded again of where and for what she came here today is rather painful. She takes a deep breath and answers sadly, “Yes, it’s not us.”

“Hey, don’t be so glum.” She feels Sebastian’s hand on her shoulder. He tries to cheer her up. “At least it’s not a bad venue, huh?”

Evelyn sighs and tries to smile as brightly as she can. She looks up and finally appreciates the foyer in its full glory. In awe, she asks, “I thought... Didn’t Ominis say that his family fortune was depleted rather quickly?”

Sebastian shrugs. “Maybe his engagement brings new fortunes to the empty treasury?”

“Well, it’s certainly beautiful.” Evelyn’s eyes scan the foyer with astonishment. It is grand, very grand that Evelyn feels she has been transported to royalty’s castle. The rich sure live in a very different way. The enormous sparkling chandelier above nearly makes her forget the pain. But it all comes back as her gaze moves down and lands on an enormous door. It is made from wood and carved with beautiful snakes and ivy patterns with a familiar family crest in its center.

Evelyn and Ominis were standing on the shore of the black lake. They stood in silence, the gentle ripples of water brushing over their shoes.

Evelyn broke the silence after she saw Ominis holding something between his right thumb and forefinger. “Such a shiny ring you got there, Ominis.” She said softly.

Ominis’s lips curled in disdain. “More like a bloody ring.”

Evelyn didn’t miss the resentment in Ominis’s voice, but she decided to continue, “Is that yours?”

Ominis sighed, his voice becoming strained in sorrow. “It’s my late aunt’s.”

“Oh…”

Ominis probably felt how intense her gaze was since he gave her a clearer view of the ring by moving it to his open left hand. Evelyn smiled and began to try to note all the details of the ring. Silently thanking Ominis’s sensitivity. It was clearly made of gold and had no jewel stones. But it could still be considered a beautiful ring, even in its simplicity. It has an engraving of a crest, which is a shield of scales with two snakes facing each other in its center and what Evelyn assumed to be thorny ivy tendrils on both its sides.

With her curiosity overcoming her guilt, Evelyn finally asked, “Is that your family crest?”

Ominis’s thumb touched the snakes on the ring. “Yes, it is.”

“Most likely just the old ones.” Ominis shrugged. “Old rich ones.”

“Oh…”

Ominis chuckled at Evelyn’s disappointment. To lighten up the mood, he then jokingly said, “Archaic, pretentious, racist, stick-in-the-mud ones.”

Evelyn giggled. “And your family is one of them?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Mine is one of the oldest ones.”

Evelyn turned herself completely towards the boy. She traced the engraving of the ring on his left open palm between them. “If you don’t mind me asking, what does it mean?”

“It represents everything I despise in myself.” Ominis said bitterly. He closed his palm, blocking Evelyn’s view of the ring. “Unquenched thirst for power and blood purity maniac.”

“Ominis, I—”

“I would be one of them if Aunt Noctua didn’t come to visit every summer.” He spoke again, his voice heavy with loss and despair.

“I'm sorry,” Evelyn said, trying to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes.

Ominis sighed. “Don't be,” He said softly. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

"I made you recall something bad about her," Evelyn sniffed. "When today is meant to be the day you honour her memory," her voice cracked as the tears began to pour.

Evelyn couldn’t help herself. She hugged the boy with all her heart, wishing that her sympathy and condolences were conveyed through the physical touch. She buried her face in his chest, and cried.

“It is stunning. But not my style." Sebastian’s remark about the grandiose room pulls Evelyn back to the present.

She blinks to make the tears in her eyes dissipate. With a tight throat, she smiles at the brunette beside her and responds, “I see.”

“And I see that you’ve found the entrance to the greenhouse,” he continues, giving a knowing look to the glistening tears in her eyes. With an understanding smile, he gives his elbow to her, “May I have the honour to escort the most beautiful lady on this occasion?”

Evelyn begins to smile in earnest and links her hand through his elbow, “You may. But don’t let the bride hear what you just said.”

With hushed giggles and laughs, she and Sebastian walk hand in hand to the massive door. Evelyn looks in awe as she sees it open on its own with no more than a low creak. It’s been almost five years since she first learned about magic, but it still amazes her every time.

“Was afraid I’d have to open that all on my own. Can’t embarrass myself in front of the lady now, can I?” Sebastian makes a playful remark, brightening up the atmosphere.

Evelyn responds with another joke as they walk through the door frame, “What? You don’t have the strength?”

The sudden sweet smell of flowers and the warmth of the sun that she feels make her pause, bringing her and Sebastian to a stop. The plants surrounding her and the clear sky that is visible through the glass walls and roof make it feel more like she’s outside and less stuffy than before. She immediately relaxes. With her voice lighter, she continues with a smirk, “I could do that on my own.”

“Oh, I believe that.” Sebastian says. “You did stop the goblin rebellion all by yourself. O'great ancient magic wielder, I never question thy might.” He continues with an exaggerated tone.

Sebastian’s response brings laughter to Evelyn. “Good. You should.”

Still hand in hand, they continue to walk down the aisle. Anyone who sees them probably believes they are the ones who are going to marry. Sebastian, as the jester he is, realises that and decides to crack another joke at it, which successfully makes Evelyn laugh once more. They step halts when they’re on the third row from the front.

“Well, this is your seat, O'great ancient magic wielder.” Sebastian exaggerates his tone playfully, unlinks his elbow from Evelyn’s, and bows low.

Evelyn smiles at her friend's antics. “Couldn’t we sit together?”

“I am sorry firecracker, the groom told me in advance that his family had arranged the seat. I got the second row on the left,” Sebastian says, pointing to another bench that is very far away from where they are now.

Disappointment, followed by despair, immediately fills Evelyn’s chest. She will be alone, with Merlin-knows-who beside her, without any support, while watching the love of her life bind himself for eternity with someone else.

The forlorn she feels can probably be seen clearly on her face, since Sebastian quickly touches her shoulder and says in a soft tone, “Hey, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Don’t be so glum.” He rubs her shoulder, “We could waste ourselves away in sadness later at night, while also depleting the Gaunt’s liquor stash. I bet they have the best firewhiskey with their newly acquired fortune.” With his eyes looking straight into Evelyn's, he smiles, “Let's just try to be happy for him this afternoon.”

Evelyn shakes her head. “Yes, yes. You’re right.” She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. As she opens her eyes again, she notices that the greenhouse is still practically empty. An idea comes to her mind. “There’s almost no one here but us and the house elves. Maybe you could just sit beside me. We might just say that this is the arranged seat.”

“Eve…” Sebastian chastises her.

Evelyn grabs Sebastian's right hand and holds it tight with both of her own. Desperately, she begs, “Please, I don’t know if I could make it through alone.”

"Fine," Sebastian says, seeing Evelyn's begging gaze. “I am already knee-deep in trouble, might as well dive in.” He then takes a seat on the bench, leaving a spot at the end for Evelyn.

She smiles gratefully at the brunette and takes the empty seat beside him. They are currently seated on the third-row bench on the right side, with Evelyn seated right next to the aisle.

After feeling comfortable enough, Evelyn shifts her sight to the front. Her view of the arch is as clear as crystal. She notices how beautiful the arch of white flowers is, especially with the decorations beside and behind it, which make it appear like something out of a fairytale. It’s so beautiful that it becomes nauseating when she remembers that it will be the place, where the love of her life makes a lifetime vow with someone else, in a few minutes from now. And she will be watching it.

“I’m about to throw up.”

“Please don’t,” Sebastian rolls his eyes. “I didn’t bring any bags with me.”

“I could just puke at you.”

“And ruin this crisp suit I ironed for three hours?” Sebastian says in offence.

In disbelief, Evelyn says, “You ironed your suit for three hours?”

“It’s a meticulous process,” Sebastian huffs, justifying his collar and blowing off imaginary dust on his shoulder. “And the result did not disappoint. You can be honest. I look handsome.” He boasts.

Now it’s Evelyn’s turn to roll her eyes. Ignoring the flaunting brunette beside her, Evelyn focuses on trying to contain her nausea. She closes her eyes and counts to eighteen.

One…

“I used to count to eighteen,” Evelyn said to the boy who was sitting on her right. They were both sitting on the edge of the upper astronomy tower, just behind the railing with their feet dangling.

“Why?”

Still closing her eyes, she answered the boy, “Well, my birthday is on the eighteenth of November, my house number is eighteen, and the legal age is eighteen. I guess I just like eighteen.”

Silence came until the boy spoke timidly, “My birthday is on the eighteenth too. The eighteenth of January.”

Opening her eyes in shock, Evelyn turned her head to the right all of a sudden, accidentally whipping the poor boy’s face with her hair, “Hey, it is today!”

She then grimaced when she saw the boy rubbing his cheeks, “Oh Merlin, I’m so sorry!” Her right hand cupped his left cheek, trying to soothe the pain she caused. With her focus only on the handsome face in front of her, Evelyn didn’t even realise she kept her hands on his cheek longer than she should. A soft smile bloomed in her face as she gazed at his face—a smile that, sadly, he would never see.

“Happy birthday, Ominis.” She continued to rub his left cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t congratulate you sooner.”

She felt him smile and heard his shy voice in response, “Thank you. And It’s okay. There aren’t many who know anyway.”

Then, realisation came to Evelyn like a graphorn. She quickly dropped her hand from his cheek and put it above her lap, her head down with shame at her own behaviour—which she actually didn’t regret a bit. “I really am sorry.” She apologised again for being late to congratulate him and also, for her last behaviour. Thank Merlin he couldn’t see her right now. Her cheek was probably as red as a tomato. “You’ve been my friend for more than half a year, and I never asked. Sebastian has most likely prepared your present from a month ago and ready to hand it to you at breakfast later.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have known, since I am currently distancing myself from him right now. As you know, I’m still trying to process all the feelings from…”

“I would like that. If it doesn’t bother you.” Ominis answered timidly. Evelyn couldn’t help but smile as she saw his hopeful face.

“It doesn’t. I’d be happy too,” She said. Silence came again between them until Evelyn groaned, “Ugh, but I still don’t have any presents for you right now!”

“It really is okay, Eve,” Ominis said gently without any hint of disappointment.

“Wh-what?” Evelyn stuttered as she still felt his hand holding hers even after she sat. His rather rough but warm hands enveloped hers. Her face couldn’t be more red.

“Let me use your technique to calm down.”

After hearing his request, Evelyn's gaze moved to his face, just to see a bright smile adorn it. That caused her mind to become blank. “Huh?”

Ominis chuckled. “Would you mind if I used your count to eighteen technique whenever I needed to calm myself down? As my birthday gift?”

“W-Why?” Evelyn asked in confusion. She really didn’t have a single idea why he preferred such a gift.

“I just like eighteen.” He shrugged and then rubbed his thumb on her hand, “Like you.”

Evelyn's brain refused to work as she felt his soothing touch, “Uh...huh?”

“O…kay?”

Evelyn laughed out loud, and he quickly joined. Swaying her dangling feet back and forth, she felt her heart full as the wind breezed through her hair softly, her hand still holding his.

Seventeen…

Eighteen.

A pretty annoying complaint from her left side makes Evelyn open her eyes. It turns out the source is an old lady, whose seat—from what Evelyn can gather from her seemingly never-ending complaints—should have been the one Sebastian is currently occupying. The old lady continues to show frustration as Sebastian tries to explain how he got the different instructions when he entered the greenhouse—which obviously is a lie—and insists on sitting beside Evelyn.

“I am sorry madam, but I just got the instruction to sit here. I can’t move freely since I’m afraid it would insult the host.” Sebastian says politely.

Out of the blue, the old lady opens her folding fan with such force. Evelyn’s eyes widen in surprise. She never thought a fan could be so threatening. The old lady can probably cut through anything by doing that. Shuddering, Evelyn tries as best as she can to avoid the fan and tries to protect herself with her purse.

“Well, I was instructed to sit here as well!” The old lady says, fanning herself in annoyance. “Who are you, young man? And who told you to sit here?!”

Still in a polite tone, Sebastian answers, “I was supposed to sit beside Phineas Nigellus Black.” He then pulls a long face, “But the butler suddenly told me that my seat had been moved here.”

“Phineas?”

He nods, “Yes, madam. The butler said he’s sorry for the inconvenience and asked me to relay that the reason for the absurd last-minute change is because Profes-uh, I mean, Mr. Black himself, asked to sit beside you.”

Smooth Sebastian, smooth.

“Phineas Nigellus Black asked to be seated beside me?” The old lady responds in a surprised tone.

“Yes, madam.”

“Hmph. Finally. He should have done this since the beginning.” The old lady then huffs and closes her fan. “Well, then. Farewell, young man.”

If Evelyn could, she would applaud Sebastian’s successful trick as hard as she could. She puts her purse back on her lap as the old lady begins to walk away. She then sees the old lady take her ‘designated’ place and open her fan with such force once again. Evelyn flinches at the sound.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Evelyn turns and asks the scoundrel beside her, “Seriously, Professor Black? Our Headmaster Black?”

“Yes, I noticed the Black family crest brooch on her sash.” Sebastian points to the old woman again. “It is pure luck that I was supposed to sit beside Professor Black in the first place and she wanted to sit beside him.”

Evelyn smirks, “Pure luck indeed.”

In offence, Sebastian exclaims, “Hey! My quick thinking saved you from hearing her complaints and nonsense for the whole event.” He narrows his eyes at Evelyn, “You should be grateful.”

Evelyn decides to tease him more, “Yeah, and I saved you from sitting awkwardly beside our beloved headmaster for at least one hour.”

“I guess we’re even then.” Sebastian shrugs and smiles.

The steps and murmurs of people who start to come into the greenhouse and sit in their own places distract Evelyn from continuing her teasing. She realises that the Gaunt really invites many ‘important’ families, as she sees the ladies and gentlemen wearing sashes and their house crest pins proudly with their bejewelled gowns and suits that are probably worth more than what Evelyn makes for a year. She then sees her simple dark gown.

Refusing to feel the creeping insecurity, Evelyn decides not to think about it and continues to tease Sebastian. She whispers as everyone begins to quiet down, “You should research how you can have so much luck in your life. With everything that’s already happened, you could be the embodiment of liquid luck.” She gasps exaggeratingly, “Or... Did you have an endless stash of it?” And continues, “Well, well, well, Mr. Sallow. Why didn’t you tell—”

She stops all of sudden when she hears the soft clinks of the piano. She turns her head to the enormous door behind her, which opens slowly.

Sebastian also turns and then comments proudly, “Here comes the groom.”

Evelyn’s mind goes blank as she sees him standing under the door frame. He seems ethereal, standing alone with the lights surrounding him like a halo. No words could fathom how stunning he is. His black suit frames his tall, lean body, and accentuates his broad shoulders perfectly. His neatly styled blond hair draws attention to his cheekbones, allowing his constellation of beauty marks to show through. Making him even more beautiful than before.

And his eyes—those pale blue eyes that Evelyn desperately wants to forget—still make her feel butterflies when she sees them. It is definitely safe to say that Ominis is still as attractive as he was when they first interacted. Or even more.

She gulps and whispers, “Here he comes…”

Autumn 1890

Evelyn gulped and whispered, “Here he comes…” This was certainly not how she imagined her first conversation with the Slytherin boy to be.

“You’re the new fifth year. Did you just come from the Undercroft?! How did you get in there?!”

Evelyn flinched at his high tone. It took a while before Evelyn could answer him. “That…room’s called, ‘the Undercroft?’ Ah…Well…I was exploring and suddenly found myself in a strange passageway—”

“Don’t lie to me. No one ‘stumbles’ upon that room. Sebastian told you, didn’t he?”

Evelyn sighed. So much for lying.

Ominis’s voice got sharper than it was before, “You breathe a word about this place to anyone, and not even your precious Professor Fig will be able to help you.”

Evelyn’s eyebrow shot up when she heard the threat. Is the room that secret?

“My father is friends with the Headmaster.” He boasted. “I’m not afraid to exploit that connection if, I, need to.”

Evelyn took a deep breath and answered honestly, with the hope that she didn’t break his and Sebastian’s friendship or her own chance to be his friend over this incident. “Trust me, Ominis. I won’t say a word. And Sebastian is a good friend. You shouldn’t immediately assume the worst of him.”

High in offence, Ominis responded, “I don’t need you to tell me about my oldest friend! Thank you very much.”

Evelyn panicked, “Ominis, I just meant—”

“I know what you meant.” Ominis cut her off with a sharp tone. “Sebastian gets himself in enough trouble. He doesn’t need your help.” With that, Ominis walked away to the Undercroft entrance and murmured, “Sebastian is going to get an earful about this.”

Evelyn snorted all of sudden, hearing his plan to scold the brunette Slytherin was too much.

Ominis steps halted and turned his body towards her again, “Excuse me?!”

Hearing his insulted tone stopped Evelyn’s giggle for a moment. “It’s just—it’s funny.” She giggled a bit again. “I imagined how you would scold him, probably all afternoon, like a doting mother to her son.”

Ominis looked dumbstruck at the giggling girl before him.

Evelyn then took a deep breath to calm herself, “I’m sorry, it’s just too funny.”

“Well, I am not amused,” Ominis said while crossing his hands in front of him.

“I never thought you were the doting mother of the relationship. It is funny,” Evelyn smiled softly. Even in anger, Evelyn still found the boy fascinating. “But also endearing.”

The silence from flabbergasted Slytherin made her continue, “Which is another reason as to why I wanted to introduce myself to you since I first saw you at Charms.”

“You—“

“Yeah, but I never got to since Professor Ronen called me out of the blue when I tried to join your conversation with Sebastian about using accio on human beings.” Evelyn shrugged, “He gave me a lecture about how I am a special case as I started at Hogwarts as a fifth-year student and even promised to help me catch up with the rest of the class by giving me a ton of assignments! Can you believe that?” She ended with disbelief.

Evelyn didn’t give Ominis the opportunity to respond and continued to rant, “I am already having a hard time processing the ‘magic exists and you just don't know it cause you’re apparently a muggle’ shocking revelation! And don’t forget about the an—” Evelyn stopped herself as she realised she was beginning to spill all her secrets to him. To the boy who was threatening her just a minute ago.

“About the what?”

“Uh…I said too much.” Trying to move the conversation to another topic, she continued, “Anyway, I think you are right. We couldn’t use the summoning charm on human beings and since we would be doing it to their clothes instead.”

Ominis lifted his chin up, “Hmph. Of course I’m right.”

“And I also tried to introduce myself to you at the Defence Against the Dark Arts class. But, Professor Hecat also called me before I could catch up with you. You were gone when I finished talking with her. And don’t get me started on Herbology. Professor Garlick talked about how I should enjoy herbology as much as she did since I have a plant name as my last name, just like her.” Evelyn shuddered before continuing.

“Well, it is a fun class, but I am a bit bothered by the carnivorous plants such as the chomping cabbage. I prefer my vegetables to be as still and normal as possible. Well, normal in a muggle way.” She chuckled. “Professor Garlick talked and talked and talked and by the time she finished, I was the only one in class, besides her of course. And…the plants.

At potions, you looked so disappointed with your wiggenweld potion that I tried to cheer you up. But, again, someone beat me. Sebastian started to pull you out before I finally had the courage to do it. And I didn’t see you at flying class. Well, it was disappointing, but I guess that cannot be helped because of your…” Evelyn trailed off as her gaze moved to Omini’s eyes.

“Of my…what?”

She cleared her throat and said, “Your lifetime challenge.”

One of Ominis’s eyebrow perked up. “Well, that's a new perspective on my blindness.”

Evelyn felt panic creep up. She was afraid that she had insulted him again. Her fear proved to be false when Ominis continued, “Although, I tried flying once. Since it was a mandatory class for first years.” He shrugged. “It was not too hard, I managed to lift off and land successfully on my first try.”

Astonished, Evelyn could only say, “Wow...”

Ominis chuckled and sarcastically said, “Yeah, ‘wow’ indeed.” He continued, “But I found that it was not my what I want to pursue. So, I didn’t attend the class anymore in my second year and beyond.”

Evelyn's brows furrowed, “I didn’t mean that I don’t believe you. It’s just…It’s a shame I couldn’t see you show off your skill on a broom.”

“Maybe you could,” Ominis shrugged. “If we do, become acquaintances. As I see that you desperately wanted us to become one, even though I cannot fathom a single reason why.”

Evelyn felt her blood creeping up to her cheek, “Y-yeah, it would be nice. To be acquainted with you.”

Ominis just smiled at her in response. And by merlin’s sake she felt her stomach flip all the sudden. She was only curious about his wand in the first place. There’s no indication that her relationship with him would be a stomach flipping and heart fluttering event! No, this is probably just a fluke.

But Evelyn’s eyes couldn’t go away from his smiling face. She couldn’t help admiring how his hair was so neat that it made him look like royalty. How she realised that he has a lot of beauty marks, especially on his left cheek. And how his eyes…his pale blue eyes that was like the misty morning on the beach.

“Let's start over,” Ominis said, waking Evelyn from her reverie. He then straightened his posture and formally asked, “Ms. Evelyn Rose, is it?”

Evelyn smiled and in a rush of courage, decided to tease him for his formality. With a pompous tone, she answered, “Yes. I am Evelyn Rose, the new fifth year student who made quite an entrance and became the talk of the school ever since.”

“Tone down your inflated ego a bit, Ms. Rose,” Ominis said with a chuckle. He then bowed his head a little, “Ominis Gaunt.”

“Enchanted to finally meet you, Mr. Gaunt.” Evelyn said with a smile.

Evelyn laughed. She hoped that this interaction was the very first page, not where her story with him line ends.

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