The way he looks at us like you CANNOT tell me a romance option wasn't in program. Also one of the developers a month ago, when asked via text if Sebastian has a crush on MC, answered only with this "👀" emoji.
Summary: Ominis Gaunt has never known affection. He has never known how it felt to love---to be loved. She came and changed all of it.
Or, Ominis gets love because by god does he deserve it.
Warnings: Mentions/Implications of child abuse
God, I loved writing this. Thank you so much for the request, anon!
When Ominis Gaunt fell in love, he fell slowly.
It was all the little things she did—the little things that made up who she was. Her kindness. Her patience. Her touch.
Before meeting her, touch meant nothing but pain. It was kicking and screaming as his mother dragged him along by his arm, harsh shoves from uncaring hands toppling to the ground, a cruel hand curled over his own, taking any control he might have and forcing a curse out of him.
He’d been avoiding it ever since. Even Sebastian and Anne knew his aversion, careful not to grab him or brush against him.
But somehow, she made his walls come tumbling down.
-
Perhaps he started to fall that first time she saved him a seat at breakfast.
It was one of the first breakfasts of their sixth year—the Great Hall was bustling, students running back and forth to catch up with friends and share adventures from over the summer. That was exactly what Sebastian was doing; he could hear his friend’s loud laugh as he spoke to someone at the Hufflepuff table. He’d expected her to be doing the same, her popularity as the Hero of Hogwarts was unmatched. Surely everyone would want to know what she’d been up to.
He’d just settled on the idea of grabbing an apple off the table and leaning against the wall well out of harm’s way when a voice called out to him. Her voice.
“Ominis! Ominis, right here, I’ve saved a seat for you!”
His mouth fell open—just slightly. “You… you saved a seat…?”
“Yes, now get over here before Sebastian barrels past and steals it, I wouldn’t put it past him,” she said, smile obvious in her voice.
And so he obliged.
He settled down on the bench, all thoughts of retreating to some far corner vanishing as she began to rattle on about her summer. In turn, he answered all her questions about his own time, best he could with the way his head was spinning. Of everyone in the school, she had saved a spot for him. She allowed him to take all her time, steal away every morsel of her attention. There was a lightness that came with that thought. A warm feeling he couldn’t quite name—not yet.
But now that he’d felt it, he knew he’d starve for it.
-
The next step into his descent was the first time she placed her hand on his arm.
Herbology was always a bit chaotic—not nearly as much as Potions, no thanks to a certain Gryffindor—but chaotic nonetheless. Professor Garlick had laid out all the necessary tools and supplies on each table, and after her brief explanation on how to prune and shape the plants in front of them, she set them loose.
Sebastian stood to Ominis’s right, grabbing some small cutters and starting on his plant quickly.
“Sebastian, you’re making a mess of it already. She said to start from the top and go down, didn’t you hear a word she just said?” a voice said from his left.
Ominis chuckled. “Since when has Sebastian ever been one to listen to anything?” He reached forward, grabbing his own cutters. He heard his friend grumble under his breath. “Don’t pout, you know I’m right.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not offended by it,” Sebastian said.
“You’re offended by everything, Seb,” she said.
“What is this? Attack Sebastian Sallow Day?”
“No, but I’d be an avid celebrator if there was such a thing.”
As Sebastian continued mumbling complaints, he felt it—her hand, just barely resting on his arm. “Sorry,” she said softly, leaning forward and across the table. “I’m just grabbing the fertilizer.” And then her touch was gone.
It was nothing. Just a simple indication that she was there, making sure a blind man didn’t accidentally stab her with a sharp object. And yet it felt… different, somehow. His skin was tingling as he tried to resume his work with the plant. It was only later he realized that, unlike so many times others had made a similar motion, he hadn’t flinched or pulled away.
In spite of himself, he sort of wished she would do it again.
-
He came to a realization the first time she explained a Quidditch match to him.
The realization was thus—she was even more kind than anyone he’d ever met. It was her very first match, and she had been elated to attend after Professor Black had announced the continuation of the sport at the beginning of the year. Normally, Ominis wouldn’t care too much about it. He rarely went to matches in previous years, only being dragged along by Sebastian when Slytherin was up in the running to take the cup. Crowds weren’t his thing. And trying to understand anything that was going on based solely off the oohing and ahhing of a crowd gave him a headache. But this year, Sebastian was making his debut as Slytherin’s Keeper, and that paired with her excitement to see the match was enough to draw him out to the stands.
They sat next to each other, nestled into the crowd of Slytherins eagerly anticipating the game. He could only imagine how high up they were—there had been plenty of stairs to indicate it was nothing insignificant. The breeze that high up was cooler, and Ominis was grateful for it, allowing himself to focus on it instead of the people pressing in all around him.
But when the match started, his focus shifted entirely to the soft voice next to him.
In the past, he had always found the commentary on the match entirely unhelpful, and even more uninteresting. He could never get a picture of what was going on—the announcer would always press opinions on players and use the names of the different plays, which was ridiculous because Ominis had no clue what any of the plays meant.
She, on the other hand, explained it all wonderfully.
She wasn’t perfect—not even close, stumbling over words and gasping at times when an action surprised her. But for the first time, Ominis could follow. He found himself cheering, breath catching as he heard the whoosh of a broom overhead. The tone and expression in her voice was so lively, so dedicated, he wanted to take part in it.
“Weasley’s flying fast toward the goals,” she commented. “Blimey, he should be Seeker with that speed. Imelda’s flown into his path, he’s going to crash—No, he dodged her, straight over her head—he’s throwing the Quaffle, come on Seb—YES!”
He let out a cry of celebration as his friend beside him whooped and hollered, cheering loudly for Sebastian. It wasn’t long until they won the match, and the crowd of Slytherins roared like a raging sea. He followed her out of the stands and into the common room, where a party was already commencing. Sebastian managed to break away from his adoring fans. The Hero of Hogwarts leapt up and nearly pushed him over in a wild embrace. Sebastian laughed.
“You were wonderful out there!” she said, pulling away.
Ominis could hear the grin in his friend’s voice. “I couldn’t let your first match be a disappointment, now could I?” His feet shifted, turning to Ominis. “And really, Ominis, thank you for coming. I know Quidditch isn’t your favorite.”
“If I’m honest, I rather enjoyed myself,” he said. He nodded his head toward her beside him. “This one has a knack for explaining the game. She told me enough that I can sincerely say, well played.”
“Then seems like you’ll have to go to all of the matches together,” Sebastian said.
Ominis frowned. “Well, I wouldn’t want to impose on—”
“No, I like that idea,” she said. His heart beat a bit faster. “I want you to be able to enjoy it just as much as the rest of us, Ominis.”
He couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the night. When Sebastian asked about it, he blamed it on having too much Butterbeer.
-
When he let her lead him by his arm that very first time, he knew he trusted her.
He’d known for a while—but now, through his actions, he had admitted it to her. To himself.
Winter had set in. The two of them left the Three Broomsticks, bundled up and ready for the cold. He reached for his wand, pausing when he heard her speak up beside him.
“Your hand is going to freeze holding it out like that all the way to the castle. I can lead you, if you’d like.”
He pondered it for a moment—only a moment—and then he gave in.
“If you think it’ll keep me from getting frostbite.”
He sucked in a breath as her arm looped around his. How had she done it so gently? After a second, when he’d begun to breathe properly, he nodded. “Off we go, then.”
It was strange, how he had surrendered so easily. When he had first gotten his wand, the world finally felt livable. He no longer had to shuffle around, arms outstretched, waiting for his brothers to jump out at him. He could fend for himself. Prove his independence. There was no longer a need to rely on anyone.
Why did he rely so effortlessly on her?
The truth came to him with a sudden thought as she took him through the streets, navigating expertly through the throng of students returning to the castle. He trusted her. She had always looked out for him. Cared when he felt no one else did. She made efforts to be around him, to involve him, even when he tried to push away. Ominis Gaunt did not trust easily. But she had proved herself worthy of that sentiment in every turn.
The slight tug of her arm in his jolted him back to that moment. “We’re at the stairs,” she said quietly. “There’s six of them.”
He’d trust her with his life.
They seemed to walk closer and closer together as the castle drew nearer. It was the cold, he told himself. Just the instinctual craving for warmth drawing their sides together. Simple as that.
But they still walked arm in arm through the halls of Hogwarts, leaving the excuse of the chill and snow far behind them.
-
The first time she held his hand, he finally felt alive.
Their sixth years had come to a close and the Hogwarts Express was waiting to take them home. They’d spend the last few months in what he considered bliss. They stopped looking for excuses to take each other's arms at some point—just letting it happen. Strolls on the castle ground. Between classes. Anywhere and everywhere they went together. Sebastian teased them a bit at the action, but Ominis claimed it was just easier than using his wand. He didn’t have to concentrate on a spell while walking about. It was true—but really, it hadn’t been inconvenient the five years before that, had it?
But now his dear friend gave a low sigh beside him. “This crowd is awful,” she said, glowering at the students around them. “I don’t know how we’re going to make it on the train in time.”
“I’m sure we’ll be—”
He stopped mid sentence, feeling her fingers interlock with his.
“I think I see a path, come on now.”
She nearly tipped him over as she pulled him along. He managed to remember how to walk just in time to catch himself, allowing her to lead him through the hustle and bustle around them. How did this feel so entirely different than being led by her arm? How could he only focus on how soft the skin of her knuckles felt under his thumb? How could he feel like he was dreaming, but never felt more aware in the same moment?
They stopped in front of the train, doors open before them. She didn’t let go. Neither did he. But the train let out a whistle, and the sound brought him back in an instant. Their hands dropped, and the loss of the intimate feeling of her fingers between his knocked the air out him like the perfect Depulso.
“We made it,” she said softly.
“Barely.”
She laughed. He might as well have been a fish for how much he was struggling to breathe. “I’ll see you soon,” she said, voice softening.
“I wish I could say the same,” he said, smirking. He felt her hit his arm, stifling a laugh.
“You’re awful.”
“You’re the one who laughed.”
“Goodbye, Ominis,” she said, still chuckling. After a moment, she spoke again, a little quieter. “I’ll write you.”
His stomach flipped. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Then she was gone, taking part of him with her.
-
He knew he was in love the moment he got her first letter.
What was it some fool had once said? Absence makes the heart grow fonder? What a load of dung.
Absence made the heart ache so much it nearly killed him. And it had only been a day.
He knew it was from her the moment the lingering scent of her perfume hit him. He smiled. She kept her word—he had never doubted she would. He was just relieved she had done so so soon.
Quickly, he pulled out his wand and transfigured the words on the parchment, running his fingers over them. He paused where she had written his name. Every letter filled him with warmth as he poured over the short letter.
Dear Ominis,
I realize we only saw each other yesterday, but I wanted to assure you it wasn’t an empty promise when I said I would write you.
I really don’t have too much to share—my mother was more than pleased to see me, of course. Wailed when I came home as if I’d come back from the dead. She’s still not used to me being away for so long. I’ve just begun unpacking, and honestly, it just makes me wish I was back at Hogwarts with you and Sebastian.
How are you? I do hope you’re alright. I worry about you going home, you know. I can’t help it. I’ll be inviting both you and Sebastian to my home as soon as I’m settled in—please do survive until then.
Yours,
He closed his eyes as he felt her name beneath his fingertips. She was worried about him. She’d be inviting him. The warmth and elation he felt was so unlike the cold halls that surrounded him. He could survive—he’d do it for her.
How she could make him feel happiness—hope—in a house so tainted with pain was beyond him. He never would he have thought he could have a moment of something good there, a memory worth keeping after he abandoned the place.
Finally, he had a name for that warmth, the one that overtook him every time she crossed his thoughts. Love. Deep, profound, and lasting. It was more than he could have imagined, overwhelming and pure. How could he have lived to this point without it?
He read the letter once more before pulling out his quill and beginning to write.
-
The first time he thought she might feel the same coincided with the first time she laid her head on his shoulder.
She had kept yet another of her promises. It was only a couple of weeks before he was off to her house, finally free from the suffocating marble halls of the manor. His escape lasted only for ten days, but it gave him what he needed to keep going.
Though being with her was definitely what fueled him the most.
Laughing with her and Sebastian made the stress of being around his parents melt off of him much faster than he would have imagined. Their ten days had been full of exploring the woods around her house, of playing Gobstones, of laying in fields and telling old stories.
Ten days of her hand brushing his as they sat together. Ten days of catching his breath when she spoke. Ten days of falling harder than he ever thought possible.
Because now that he knew what it was he was feeling, it was there in everything she did. He was drowning in it, and he’d stay under with a smile on his face.
Sebastian bid them farewell on that final evening. Ominis would be gone back home in the morning—he tried desperately to push that thought away, focusing instead on spending every moment with her he could. They’d wandered to the overgrown park not far from her home, coming to rest on a bench hidden away in the trees. Crickets sang around them, and Ominis basked in the cool summer night by her side.
“Are you going to be ok when you go back?” Her voice was hardly more than a whisper.
He gave a small smile, one he hoped was reassuring. “I’ve lived this long. Two more months will be nothing.”
She sighed. “It won’t be a full two months. I’ll make sure of it. If you can’t come here again, we’ll go to Sebastian’s.”
“You worry about me too much.”
“I think I worry just enough,” she stated simply.
Her words made his chest time. How could he ever begin to explain what they meant to him? She cared for him. It was enough to shatter him if he let it. He couldn’t say what he wanted to—not yet. He’d find a way, someday. But he told her what he could by reaching for her hand, locking their fingers together. And when she leaned into his side, head coming to rest on his shoulder, maybe, maybe, that was her way of saying she understood.
His stiff body slowly relaxed against hers, and he thought about nothing but the slow draws of her breath, the way her hair tickled against his jaw, the love he felt for the angel of the girl sitting pressed against him.
-
The first time she held him he fell apart.
Their little trio had stayed up late in celebration of their last school year, playing Exploding Snap well into the night. The Undercroft echoed their joyous sounds as the hours passed by, until Sebastian pulled himself away, saying he wanted to pay a visit to the Restricted Section for old time’s sake. It wasn’t long until she and Ominis were saying their goodnights to each other.
It had been a perfect last first day, exactly what he’d needed after spending so much time at the manor. He’d left for what he was determined to be the last time. There was no better way to celebrate.
He could think of no better way of ending it than saying goodnight to the girl he loved.
“Goodnight,” he said softly, a small smile on his lips.
“God, I missed you,” she breathed. “Goodnight, Ominis.”
But before he could open the door, her arms wrapped around his chest.
The result was immediate. His heart raced, and his throat grew tight. He couldn’t breath—how could he, with her holding him so tightly? Her head was against his chest, and for a split second he was afraid she might pull away when she heard the pound of it. It was that moment of fear that brought his arms around her, holding her to him like he had nothing left.
It felt like dying when she pulled away from him. She sucked in a breath. “Ominis, are you alright?”
“What… what do you—”
“You’re crying.”
She was right. He felt the tears, now, traitorously running down his face. He quickly brought up the sleeve of his robe to wipe them away.
“Is it something I did? I’m so sorry, I didn’t—”
“No,” he said quickly. “No, you’ve done nothing wrong.” He took a shuddering breath. “I just… You’re the first person who’s ever…”
Ever what? There were a million ways he could finish that sentence, and all would be true. The first who had ever held me. The first who has ever cared so deeply. The first to touch him with nothing but kindness. She was the first person to break down his walls, to give him life, to let him love and be loved.
Somehow, she seemed to understand his silence. She took him into her arms once more, and he let himself come crashing down. Sobs worked their way through—both sadness and joy mingled together in an utter mess of emotion. How could he have gone his whole life without this? Without feeling safe, without outstretched arms to run to? But he had found it. A person he could call his home, who would hold him when he fell apart. He was grateful. So grateful.
They never went back up to their dorms that night.
-
He was determined today would be the first time he kissed her.
Since that night in the Undercroft, every touch between them felt natural. Part of their beings. He came to her effortlessly, letting his arms pull her to him. His hand felt foreign when it wasn’t in hers. But yet, he had yet to confess the depths of his feelings for her.
He knew exactly why—she was patient. They’d started this whole thing nearly two years ago now. She’d always gone at his pace, waiting for him to be ready for each new step. They didn’t need to say the words. It was obvious to both of them. But Merlin, he wanted to.
She needed to know just how much she meant to him. The joy she brought into his life without even trying. It had been a long time coming, but now, he was ready.
He’d taken her out to Hogsmeade. It was the perfect spring day—cool breeze carrying the scent of Butterbeer clear out of the Three Broomsticks. The sun was just beginning to set, and they were on course to return to the castle when he stopped her.
“Could I take you somewhere?” he said softly.
“Of course,” she said, a little perplexed. He smiled, taking out his wand to guide the both of them, other hand still in hers. He led them down a path, then turned sharply into the woods. The trail he followed was light barely there, mostly grown over by foliage. But he heard the sound of the creek and knew he was close.
The trees gave way into a small opening, the melody of water trickling just beyond it. He smiled.
“It’s lovely,” she said.
“Good. I hoped it would be.” His wand returned to his pocket, and he took both her hands, facing her.
It was her turn for her breath to catch. It was only fair after all the times he’d done so because of her. Did he look as lovesick as he felt?
“You are everything to me, do you know that?” he said softly. His hand reached up, following the curve of her neck up to her jaw, where it came to rest. “Everything.”
“Ominis…”
The way she breathed his name sent shivers through him. And her breath on his lips—Merlin, how had he waited so long?
“I love you.”
He didn’t give her a chance to respond—he’d let her say it soon enough. But he needed to prove himself to her, show her just what he meant when he said everything. His lips came crashing down against hers, and at that moment he decided every second not spent kissing her was a second wasted. Like everything about her, she was gentle. She was warm. She was soft. Like everything about her, he couldn’t get enough. He thought he’d give her a chaste kiss, but he was only a man, and a starving one at that.
He only pulled away when his lungs felt like they would burst, and his chest heaved under her resting hand.
“I love you,” she said, voice hoarse. “God, I love you.”
He decided that night would be the second time he kissed her, too.
Summary: Ominis finds himself dealing with a lot of complicated feelings, especially when he realizes he has a crush on the new fifth year.
A/n: Thank you everyone who read part 1! I was not expecting so much support/interest. Thank you @minichrismd for the help! This part is written from the reader’s/MC’s perspective and is fluffier with a happy ending. Enjoy! ☺️ tags: @rascal-20 @stuck-on-writing
*not my picture
Your head tilted to the side as you watched Ominis march off into the dark corridor. You considered chasing after him, but with the way he’s been avoiding you lately, you worried that your presence would only upset him further.
Ominis has never been what anyone would consider open, especially not with you, he seemed to keep all his feelings and thoughts bottled up. Very rarely he’d share what was going on in his head when the two of you would talk.
He always was the one to ask questions, constantly curious about you, but oblivious that you were just as curious about him.
You had hoped becoming closer friends with Sebastian would also bring you closer to Ominis. The way Sebastian talked about their friendship, their secrets, their bond, the more you wanted to become part of that world, their world.
When Sebastian spoke tonight of their time in The Undercroft, you imagined yourself experiencing something similar with them, even if it was just simply sneaking away to practice spells or play Gobstones.
With a long sigh, you slowly walked towards the common room.
The school year had just begun and already things were getting rather complicated, not that you were expecting anything to be easy after learning that you can see ancient magic, but boy troubles should’ve been the least of your worries.
Over the next few days, you focused on school work and completing the first task presented by Professor Rakham.
Ominis had continued to keep his distance, taking a different seat in every class. You weren’t sure how he seemed to know exactly where you were, even when you were as silent as a mouse.
One morning, you received an owl from Professor Weasley asking you to meet with her for an assignment. As you paced around in the hall, you thought about what she had in her letter.
You froze, wide eyed, when a grand door with an intricate design materialized out of nowhere.
“What’s this?” You mused.
“Already found it, I see,” Professor Weasley smiled as she joined you. “This is the room of requirement. Seldom few seem to find it.”
Another secret room, you thought to yourself as you wandered through the vast and cluttered space. Hogwarts truly was full of surprises it seemed.
Professor Weasley shared her story about how she and a house elf named Deeks discovered the room while she was in school. She had decided to share it with you, so you could use it as a place to study and catch up with your class work.
She advised you to close your eyes and that the room would become exactly what you needed.
When you opened your eyes, you gasped. The room that formed around you was incredible, the high ceilings, the beautiful details and designs, it was all absolutely stunning. It was literally something out of your very dreams.
Standing in the center, you slowly turned taking in all the details. Already you were feeling giddy about spending hours here honing your skills.
You paused as one of the paintings caught your attention. Your face began to burn as you spotted a familiar face amongst the random paintings and portraits. Hanging in the middle of the wall was a portrait of Ominis, his head resting on his hand. From the expression on his face, it seemed as though he was in deep thought.
You quickly glanced at Professor Weasley, who fortunately hadn’t noticed the portrait and instead was busy chatting Deeks.
“Why are you here?” You whispered to yourself. It was puzzling that there would be a painting of him, while the rest were of random wizards and witches.
Moving closer to it, you studied Ominis’s face. The image had captured every little freckle and beauty mark of his. You almost felt like you could reach out and touch him. He closed his eyes and a small serene smile formed on his face that made your heart flutter, but under your fingertips all you felt was canvas.
You missed him.
Perhaps that’s why, being near him again was one of the things you were longing for the most, this was likely the room’s way of making that happen.
As Professor Weasley approached you to start your lessons on Transfiguration, the Ominis in the painting wisely slipped away, saving you from any sort of embarrassment.
“Ready to begin,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
…
The following day, you found a seat in the back row behind Ominis who was all the way in the front. You stared ahead, watching him. A couple of weeks ago he would’ve saved the seat next to him. It bothered you more than you cared to admit.
“You should count your lucky stars, he's blind,” Sebastian muttered, taking the vacant seat next to you.
You gave him an irritated look, before returning your attention to Ominis.
“Honestly, it’s pathetic watching you pine for him,” he explained. “The whole school is going to know about it before he does.”
You groaned, shrinking in your seat, were you really that obvious?
“Go talk to him,” Seb urged.
“We haven’t talked since that night outside at the Undercroft,” you whispered as Professor Weasley slowly walked past you and Sebastian. “I think he’s still mad at me.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, “His bark is worse than his bite, trust me. Underneath it all, he’s quite forgiving.”
You sighed, hoping Sebastian was right about that. You continued to stare at the back of Ominis’s head, trying to figure out how to mend things with him.
Suddenly, Seb started chuckling, his body shaking slightly beside you as he tried to contain himself.
“What’s gotten into you now?” You pressed.
“Just occurred to me that you probably wouldn’t mind if he did bite you,” He teased.
“Ugh,” you scoffed disgustedly, giving him a playful shove with your elbow. You must have pushed him harder than you meant to because he lost his balance and fell backwards out of his seat.
“Mr. Sallow,” Professor Weasley reprimanded. “Having trouble staying in your seat again?”
A few students giggled as Sebastian stood up and dusted himself off. “Sorry, Professor.”
Your heart skipped a beat as Ominis turned in his seat slightly, wondering what was going on in the back of the classroom with Sebastian. You really were pathetic, you thought to yourself.
Back in the Room of Requirement, you tended to your Mallowsweet plant as you worried about your predicament with Ominis.
Sebastian was right about a few things this afternoon, one being your attraction to Ominis and the other being that you needed to talk to him. However, that was easier said than done. You weren’t even sure right now if he’d be willing to hear you out.
You glanced over your shoulder at his portrait, the Ominis in the painting was resting his head on his folded arms, taking a nap. His hair was adorably disheveled as he slept. You wished you could brush back the strands hanging in his face.
You had to do something, you didn’t want things to continue down this trajectory, but the only way to fix any of this mess was to do something, anything.
Your best bet would be asking Sebastian for help. He’d be the one who could convince Ominis to at least meet with you. You’d figure out the rest.
…
You played with the sleeves of your robe as you waited for Ominis in the Transfiguration Courtyard.
A cool autumn breeze rustled the leaves of the trees as it passed. Several other students were out enjoying the mild weather, sitting around the fountain reading books and chatting.
You had stayed up all night imagining how this could go. You thought about what you would say, what he would say. You hoped for the best, but expected the worst, heartbreak.
You took in a deep breath as you saw Ominis. As usual he was hard to read, his expression remained blank as he headed towards you.
“Hello Ominis,” you said.
He hesitated with his response as a wave of vanilla carried by the wind greeted him too.
“Y/n,” he finally replied, his lips pressing together in a tight line.
“Thanks for meeting with me.”
“Sebastian was quite persistent on your behalf,” he muttered. “So what did you want to talk about?” He asked, getting straight to the point.
“I-“ you frowned, looking from side to side, there were too many people here. “I-I wanted to show you something.”
Ominis lifted a brow and gave you a questioning look. “Alright,” he agreed reluctantly. “Lead the way.”
You led him towards the direction of the Astronomy Tower. The walk was quiet, filled with tension, you still didn’t quite understand why he was being so cold to you.
Ominis furrowed his brow, wondering why you brought him to the middle of some random hall. “Why are we stopping here?”
Being blind meant that he had mesmerized Hogwarts’ entire floor plan, it took time, lots of time, but it was necessary.
“Just give it a moment,” you explained.
He perked up when he heard the wall beginning to shift and change. Reaching out, he felt wood instead of cold stone, his fingers tracing over the grain and patterns that had magically appeared down towards the handles.
Pushing the doors open, you followed Ominis inside. By the echo of yours and his footsteps, he could tell the space was large with a high ceiling.
“What is this place?” He asked, carefully moving about the room.
“The Room of Requirement,” you shared. “Not quite as secret as the Undercroft, but still relatively unknown to most.”
He nodded, taking it all in, he paused in front of your potions station, it smelled of leech juice. “Brewing Maxima potion?”
“Yes,” you replied. “I’ve been using this space to catch up on class work.”
As Ominis continued his self guided tour, you tried to work up the nerve to tell him. It seemed so much easier when you thought of this plan yesterday, but the words just wouldn’t come out.
“So,” Ominis started, turning towards you. “What was it that you wanted to talk about?”
“I- um-“ you sighed, frustrated. You want to lose this chance, but you were just sputtering like an idiot.
“Well what is-“
But before Ominis could finish his sentence, you pressed your lips to his. Your hands gripped the front of his robes and pulled him closer.
The kiss took Ominis by complete surprise. He didn’t exactly kiss back, but he didn’t stop you either. He was in such shock that his poor mind struggled to accept the fact that you were actually kissing him.
The kiss only lasted for a few seconds, before you slowly parted. Shyly, you looked at him. The expression on Ominis’s face was priceless, his eyes were wide, cheeks tinted pink, and his jaw was hanging open.
You rubbed the back of your neck, “Sorry, that’s not exactly what I had planned to do, but I was worried I’d lose my nerve.”
Ominis blinked, still processing the last few seconds. “What?”
“I like you,” you finally admitted. “A lot, and it’s been driving me crazy that you’re not-“
“You like me?” He repeated.
“I do,” you confirmed in a small voice.
Clearing his throat, Ominis smoothed out his robes and licked his lips nervously, “I like you too.”
He hated how childish and simple the words sounded, originally when he had planned to confess, he had a more eloquent speech prepared, but at least he finally confessed. And he couldn’t even begin to describe the relief he felt knowing you liked him too.
Cautiously, he reached out, fingers extended as he tried to find your face. He swallowed thickly, as the pad of his index finger brushed over your lips.
His touch was so light that it made you shiver. His hand traveled lower, palm resting on your neck. Ominis closed his eyes and tilted his head.
As he leaned forward, you met him the rest of the way. This kiss was slower, more tender. His lips were so soft and plush as they moved against yours.
“I’m sorry for avoiding you,” he murmured, with his eyes still closed. “I was… I was jealous of how close you and Sebastian were becoming.”
Ominis buried his nose in your hair and inhaled deeply, drowning in the scent of vanilla. “I just want to be close to you.”
The next afternoon, you and Ominis walked into the Great Hall hand in hand. All morning the two of you had been attached at the hip. You had explained to Ominis that you both had to make up for lost time and he was happy to oblige.
“Ah, there’s the happy couple,” Sebastian greeted as you and Ominis sat across from him. “I believe I deserve some thanks for this,” his gaze drifted over to Ominis. “One of you is terribly stubborn.”
“More stubborn than you?” Ominis questioned. His hand remained clasped with yours during lunch. Both of you idly conversed with Sebastian and each other while you ate.
“Want to meet in The Undercroft after classes?” You asked, leaning close and whispering in his ear. Ominis smiled sweetly as he felt your breath tickling his ear.
“Of course,” he replied and then kissed your cheek.
“Ugh,” Sebastian scrunched his face in disgust and pushed his plate away with part of an unfinished sandwich, “Think I liked it better when the two of you weren’t talking.”
You kicked him under the table. “Maybe we should stop talking to you, then,” you joked.
“Go ahead,” he retorted. “Might spare me from having to hear and see all this lovey dovey nonsense.”
You laughed, “Didn’t know you were so easily offended, Sallow.”
Ominis shook his head, “he’s a real prude, no better than any of the professors.”
“Hey,” Sebastian shouted.
“Come on,” Ominis started, rising from his seat and offering you his hand again. “I’ll walk with you to your next class.”
Summary: Ominis finds himself dealing with a lot of complicated feelings, especially when he realizes he has a crush on the new fifth year.
A/n: This started out as a cute fluffy idea but turns a little angsty. I’m thinking about writing a second part.
*not my picture
Vanilla, Ominis noted to himself about the new fifth year student. She smelled like vanilla. He wasn’t sure if it was her shampoo, perfume, or lotion, but every time she shifted or moved in her seat next to him the sweet smell of vanilla floated in the air.
Professor Ronen asked a question while Ominis was lost in thought, but y/n’s hand shot up in the air, answering the professor’s question with a soft and delicate voice.
“Excellent,” the Charms professor applauded before diving further into his lecture.
During class, Ominis made several other observations about y/n, other than her enticing scent, she was bright, eager to learn, and quick with occasional witty comments that she’d whisper to him or the student sitting at her other side.
“And that concludes our lesson,” Professor Ronen announced.
Ominis furrowed his brow, class had seemed to go by in a blur. Had he really been so fixated on the new girl that he hadn’t hardly heard a single thing Professor Ronen had said.
“See you next charms class,” y/n said to him as she rose from her seat.
“Yeah,” Ominis replied, still slightly dazed. “Goodbye.”
Even as she left the classroom, the sweet scent of vanilla lingered near him. Without much hurry, he gathered his things and took out his wand leaving with the rest of the stragglers to his next class.
Over the past several weeks, he had become better acquainted with y/n. He began to recognize her by other little details than just the way she smelled, like by the rhythm of her walking or the sound of her quietly humming to herself as she explored the castle.
When the opportunity would present itself, he sought out reasons to chat with her, even for simple things like discussing homework and how she was adjusting to Hogwarts.
He eventually learned more about her and her life, although he had remained reserved about sharing about himself. He’d rather listen to her talk anyways, than drudge up any unpleasantness.
It didn’t take long before Ominis began to associate anything made with vanilla with y/n. He’d be in Honey Dukes or in the great hall and smell something similar and a small smile would form on his face without fail.
He hadn’t really noticed himself until Sebastian had pointed it out at Hogsmeade. Fortunately, Sebastian hadn’t made the full connection, but seemed utterly bewildered over Ominis smiling over cakes.
At first, Ominis didn’t really think much of it, so what if he smiled everytime he smelled vanilla or that he’d feel a little flutter in his gut when he she’d walk into the room. She was his new friend, that was it… He denied to himself that it was anything else.
It wasn’t until one day in potions when he was faced with tangible evidence. He could hear all the girls giggling and buzzing with excitement as Professor Sharpe wrote on the chalkboard.
Sebastian groaned, “What a waste of time.”
“What is it?” Ominis quietly asked him.
“Apparently, we’re learning about-“
“Amortentia,” Professor Sharpe stated flatly, obviously not excited about the day’s lesson either. “A powerful love potion, and while we will not be brewing any in class, it is important to learn about its features and effects, if only to not become a recipient of its effects.”
Professor Sharpe moved to a potion station at the front of the class and asked all the students to gather around. “Amortentia induces the recipient to become infatuated or even obsessed, which could lead to some rather dangerous outcomes.”
The potions professor lifted the lid of the cauldron, “Amortentia smells differently to each person, particularly things that each individual is attracted to.”
Ominis stumbled forward a bit as the other students closed in closer to the cauldron. Standing almost in front of it now, all he could smell was vanilla, it was overwhelming to all his other senses, almost as if he was floating in a sea of it. Ominis bit his bottom lip tightly, his teeth digging into his skin as he realized why.
Finally, Professor Sharpe replaced the lid and Ominis felt like he could breathe again. His shoulders slumped as he stood there.
“You alright?” Sebastian pressed. “Look like you might throw up.
“I-I’m fine,” Ominis said, rubbing his face. “Think I’m just tired.”
Once class was dismissed, Ominis fled to the Slytherin common room. He flopped onto his bed, burying his face in his pillow. How was he supposed to act around y/n now?
As the evening approached, Ominis remained in bed, afraid to go downstairs to the great hall, in case he’d run into y/n.
Dread filled him at the thought. He was suddenly self conscious about everything, what if said the wrong thing, or worse, what if y/n figured out how he felt and rejected him?
Eventually, he fell asleep still dressed in his uniform. It wasn’t a restful sleep, he woke in the morning cranky and irritable. He still had no solution for his crush problem other than avoiding y/n as much as possible.
He was the last one to leave the common room, he was hoping most people by now were done with breakfast, so he could at least eat in peace.
As expected, he wasn’t greeted by the usual noise and chatter, just a few students finishing their meals before heading for class. Sitting alone at the far end of the Slytherin table, Ominis served himself toast and a glass of pumpkin juice.
He stilled midbite as he heard footsteps approach.
“Relax,” Sebastian yawned, sitting next to Ominis. “It’s just me.”
“You slept in rather late,” Ominis commented, swallowing. “What were you up to last night?” He raised a brow, waiting for his friend’s reply.
“Nothing,” Sebastian shrugged.
Ominis frowned at Sebastian, they had been friends long enough for him to know that it was not nothing.
“I was just exploring the Restricted Section,” he admitted.
“Again? Are you trying to get expelled?”
“I’m not going to get expelled,” Sebastian sighed, playing with his food.
They parted ways after breakfast, heading to their respective morning classes. Being a few minutes late served Ominis well, he slipped in quietly and took an empty seat in the back row.
Typically, he sat near the front with y/n right beside him, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to act normally around her. Still, even sitting far from her, his stomach still flipped every time she spoke up to answer a question or giggle with whoever she was next to her.
He always assumed people were exaggerating when they spoke of infatuation and love. But this ache in his chest was practically indescribable. He yearned to be near her while simultaneously feeling nauseous at the thought of being close to her.
How does anyone handle feelings like these with any poise?
He recalled all the times he chuckled at the misery of others. Listening to other poor souls stumbling over their words or saying foolish things or behaving awkwardly simply because they were in the presence of someone they liked.
Now he was just another one of those bumbling idiots, but worse, he was too scared to even talk to her anymore. He felt like a coward.
When class ended, he tried to leave first. As he walked through the threshold, he could hear y/n calling after him and rushing towards him.
On one hand, he loved hearing her call his name, but he was also struck with anxiety, his palms already beginning sweating as he tried to walk faster.
“Hey,” she said, having caught up to him. “Are you alright?”
Ominis could hear the concern in her voice, he felt like he could melt on the spot, especially as she tugged on the sleeve of his robe to get him to stop and talk to her.
“I’m fine,” he answered sharper than he had meant to.
“Are you sure?” She pressed. “Sebastian said you weren’t feeling well yesterday and I didn’t see you this morning at breakfast.”
Ominis lowered his brow, “When did you and Sebastian talk?”
“Last night,” she answered in a small voice, while his voice rose.
“When, last night?”
“I really shouldn’t say more,” y/n replied softly. “I just.. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
His jaw clenched tightly, how had it escaped his attention how close you and Sebastian had become, and why did it bother him so much?
He wasn’t stupid, this meant you and Sebastian had been in the Restricted Section, together, for some reason unknown to him.
Ominis sighed, his body relaxing a bit, “I’m fine y/n, really I am. I appreciate your concern.”
“I’ll see you later?” She asked.
Ominis nodded.
A couple of days passed, uneventfully for Ominis and the other students. Y/n seemed quite busy as of late, which was both a blessing and a curse. It was easier to avoid her if she wasn’t around, but it felt like ages since he had last spoken to her.
It was late at night and Ominis found himself unable to sleep. Thoughts of y/n and his troubles plagued him as he explored the quiet and empty halls of Hogwarts.
Despite his worries, he figured it would be best to get everything out in the open and go ahead and tell her how he felt. He simply needed to find the right time and place. And just like that the right place came to mind, The Undercroft.
It would provide the privacy that he desperately needed in order to make his confession. Even with Hogwarts being as vast as it is, there weren’t many places one could find absolute privacy, always a student or ghost coming in and out at all hours of the day. But in the Undercroft, they could be alone.
Without thinking, he started walking towards the hidden entrance. It had been some time since he had last gone down there.
His mind was already envisioning what he’d like to do or what he could do. The Undercroft wasn’t exactly the coziest place, but there were a few things he could do to make it more comfortable: more lights, maybe a few chairs or a blanket. He could even plan a little picnic or something.
He groaned to himself, “That might be a little too much.”
As Ominis approached the secret passage, he heard the distinct sounds of the gears twisting and passage opening as someone came out.
“Hello Sebastian,” He greeted, but quickly realized his mistake. “Wait.”
The familiar sweet scent of vanilla hung in the air giving y/n away. “Y/n?” He questioned, listening closely.
“Hello Ominis, I-“
“Did Sebastian bring you here?” He snapped, unable to disguise his anger or hurt.
“I won’t say a word about The Undercroft to anyone, I swear,” she pleaded.
“That’s not- That’s not the issue,” he murmured defeatedly. “Everything is ruined.”
He had wanted to be the one to show her, it was his secret afterall. And he feared that y/n and Sebastian were becoming something more than just friends.
Why else would Sebastian share such an important secret with her? Or help her sneak into the library?
He didn’t want to have to compete with oldest and dearest friend, and even if he did, he already felt like he had lost the battle. Ominis hated having all these conflicting emotions, especially the jealousy that he was currently overwhelmed by.
It didn’t seem fair. In a blink of an eye, Sebastian had seemingly won y/n over, even if both of him and her didn’t see it like that, yet, but to Ominis it was inevitable that they’d fall for each other.
“Ominis,” y/n spoke gently. “What’s ruined?”
“Don’t worry about it,” he shook his head.
Without saying another word, Ominis retreated alone back to the common room.
Request: " Hiiii, I freaking love the way you write!! I was hoping to request a fic or drabble with F MC x Ominis. Something where Ominis gets startled in class and accidentally grabs onto MC thigh (who enjoys it but they have not established this yet). I’d love to see flustered Ominis! - Anon "
Pairing: Ominis Gaunt x F!reader (house not specified)
Warnings: Fluff, shy and flustered Omi moments.
Word Count: 1.5k
“ Well done, Mr. Gaunt, another exceptional concoction.”
Professor Sharp’s monotone voice rang through the young witch’s ear, eyes locked and focused on cutting the right amount of Dittany Leaves to be able to at least come close to a similar compliment herself.
She didn’t know why, but ever since she was moved to Omini’s potion station to prevent Sebastian from distracting the poor Gaunt boy, she found that it was actually quite hard for her to focus suddenly. She would always find herself caught in conversation with the Slytherin, mindlessly steering and losing count of just how much she had to swish the pot before the liquid would become a disgusting sticky green liquid. Omini’s potion of course, coming out perfectly regardless of how much they both chatted up a storm. It didn’t even matter if she asked for his help, the sound of how close and personal his voice was would send her mind in a haze. This always ended up causing her to grab the wrong ingredient and ruin the potion regardless.
But, not today. No, today she will go back to being an exceptional student in potions class and show Professor Sharp that she wasn’t turning into Garreth Weasley ver. 2.
Knife chopping patiently and thoroughly, a bead of sweat ran down the side of her face, eyes squinting at the plant before her as she ensured the last and final chop was done flawlessly. With a final cut down across the cutting board, the Dittany Leaves (or what they used to resemble at least) were ready to be placed on their rightful place in the boiling pot.
“Need any assistance, perchance?”
Feeling her body go stiff as a gargoyle, y/n froze her hands mid air, a handful of the chopped plant just inches away from being dropped in the cauldron. Not trusting herself to look at Ominis right this second, feeling his body heat way too close to her own (Merlin, she really wants to turn to him), she simply muttered a quick “No, thank you.” before opening up her hands and allowing the leaves to drop in. Instantly the potion turned into its rightful light green shade, sparks of the similar color shooting just right above the concoction.
“I did it!”
“Well done.” Ominis praised, a soft dimpled smile adorning his handsome features.
Laughing softly at her own accomplishment, y/n set her cauldron to the side to get it properly examined by the professor who was still walking around to determine what grade path each student was currently headed towards.
“What can I say, I learned from-”
BOOM! CRASH!
The disturbance was less than unexpected, however the severity of it was what was most unwelcome. The boom had shook the entire classroom, perhaps the castle itself even. What caused the crash was because of its intensity, it had only shook the whole room but caused every glass vile and window to just burst from the sudden pressure. Students were knocked off their feet and some even managed to spill their own cauldron’s to the ground.
“WEASLEY!”
Professor Sharp shouted, sounding angrier than he ever was at the troubling Gryffindor experimentalist. Everyone had their eyes glued on the ginger boy who was now as red as his hair, a hand rubbing the back of his neck as Sharp stood over him. However, not everyone had their eyes on the red head.
No, y/n’s certainly weren’t on him. She didn’t witness how Sharp chewed him out for being so irresponsible, she didn’t see how every student was either glaring at him or picking themselves up from where they landed.
No, her (e/c) eyes were locked in on Omini’s hand gripping tightly onto her inner thigh, fingernails leaving small indents onto her skin as the Slytherin boy tried to regain his composure. She had been one of the students knocked off their feet, unbeknown that Ominis tripped over the force of her feet suddenly against his knees. It caused him to land on her legs, face close to falling stone first had he not caught himself with his hands before he could. Of course, unaware that what he actually caught was a handful of y/n’s tender flesh.
“What… What in Merlin's name just happened?”
“Garreth happened…”
Ominis was about to throw an insult towards the mention of the Gryffindor before his eyebrows furrowed, his forehead creased with worry lines as he gave what he felt under his hand a tight squeeze. An abrupt whimper left the young witch’s lips, her hand flying to shut her mouth as her eyes widened- but not as wide as Omini’s gray hazy ones which became the size of dinner plates at the realization. Yanking his hand away from the soft flesh as if it had practically burnt him, y/n witnessed how his pale features became a fiery red, almost competing with Weasley's own red locks.
“I…I… oh goodness, y/n I do s..sincerely apologize- I didn't..”
Coming quick to what was happening, y/n quickly scurried to her knees, ignoring the slight rubble and glass that pressed against her knee pads. “No, no Ominis- it’s okay.”
“Of course it isn’t! I practically just manhandled you-”
“Shhhhh… shut up, no, you didn’t!”
y/n whispered yell, Omini’s outburst had caused a few heads to turn their way which really only added more embarrassment onto the situation.
With a deep rumble, Sharp dismissed the class early, stating that Garreth will have to be left behind to deal with the mess he had created. Having that said, every last remaining student had grabbed their belongings and made their way out of the classroom, each and everyone having something to say about the boy.
y/n took this opportunity to get off her ass and grab both hers and Omini’s things, hand quickly dragging the stupefied Slytherin out of the potions class and down the corridor stairs where the both won’t be overheard.
“Okay, well first off-”
“No need, I am enough of a man to admit when I have committed a serious offense. “ Ominis placed his hands behind his back, his back straightening as he did so,” You’re allowed to slap me if it pleases you for what I have done.”
…. What…
“You’re not serious-”
“Oh, deadly, I’m afraid. I shouldn’t have been so careless to lay an improper touch towards a lady, especially someone I hold dear to me.”
Bottom lip caught between her teeth, y/n gently chewed on her lip as she watched just how serious the blonde was being right now. The red glow his cheeks were emanating still did not dissipate, not even his ragged breaths have eased even after they had long since stopped in their steps.
She couldn’t hit him. And not just because it's common sense to not slap a blind person, but because she wasn’t even mad at him for it. Did it catch her off guard? Yes! Did she hate it though? Merlin’s beard, of course not. How could she hate a single touch the Gaunt boy laid on her when she practically could have his warmth pressed against her everyday. Just the sound of his voice sent her heart spiraling out of control, she was lucky to even finish the potion to start with.
No, she wasn’t going to hit him. There was no reason to.
Instead of having him feel the impact of the slap he felt he very much deserved, Ominis felt a gentle welcoming graze against his burning cheeks. The cool comparison to his hot skin had him melt for a second, mind blanking out at just what it was he was supposedly waiting for.
Y/n’s thumb ran soft circles against his cheek, fingertips caressing the beauty marks that kissed his face. A place she wouldn’t mind one day kissing for herself. For now, however, she settled for this. A moment alone with her beloved Slytherin, a moment that not even a bit of liquid luck could possibly recreate for she felt her own courage coming forth as she ran her hands from her cheek to wrap around his neck.
Pulling him into fond embrace, the witch rested her chin on his stiff shoulders holding him close to her as she allowed him a couple of moments to regain his composure.
Ominis was at a loss for words. Not just because of how soothingly she was treating him but because he was currently being tenderly held in her embrace. He sincerely hoped she couldn’t hear his heart beating out of his ribcage, not sure just how much hotter under the collar he could possibly get if she did.
Sensing his shoulders relax and slump down a bit, a slender arm slowly but surely made its way around her midsection, pressing her further into him as he locked his arms around her.
Perhaps this alternative to a slap wasn’t so bad, he thought to himself as both students remained still, not yet ready to let the other go. Not even when a slightly annoyed brunette Slytherin made his way towards the two.
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