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The List - Ominis X f!MC

A Valentine's Day 💕 Themed Hogwarts Legacy One Shot

Happy Valentines Day! I had this idea for a an old-school fanfic trope in the Hogwarts Legacy universe. A List is published of "Hogwarts Top Ten Most Eligible Bachelor's", causing uncertainty among some of the students (k mainly Sebastian 🤭). Hilarity ensues, banter, angst, love confessions, first kisses, etc. Aisling Quinn is an MC I've been workshopping, sometimes she's related to the Sallows as a cousin on their mothers side, and sometimes Sebastian supports or refutes her relationship with Ominis 🤷‍♀️

Sorry if there's errors - I hope you like it!

Read of AO3 here

Word count: 3.5k

Ominis listened to the hum of noise reverberate in the Great Hall. There was a palpable air of excitement as more students meandered in for breakfast, with the occasional gasp of surprise and delight from students who were seeing the outlandish Valentine's Day decorations for the first time.

Although the floral scent was overpowering, Ominis would never admit he was enjoying the tingling sensation each time a rose petal fell from the enchanted ceiling and gently caressed him somewhere on his person. He had put aside his wand and the Daily Prophet he had been skimming through, to instead focus on the oddly pleasant sensory experience. He heard Aisling slowly flip through the pages of his discarded newspaper as another rose petal graced the back of his head and slipped down the bare skin of his neck. Ominis, unaware of the distant flurry of robes headed their way, let out a quiet shutter as he fought to hide an involuntary smile.

"Unbelievable!" Sebastian exclaimed, slamming a piece of parchment down on to the Slytherin house table. The gust of air from the motion sent a wave of rose petals and heart-shaped confetti into the faces of both Aisling and Ominis, effectively startling the pair from their early morning reverie.

"Yes, your ability to make an entrance is rather unbelievable, Sebastian." Ominis muttered, taking an elegant sip of his earl grey tea. He made a face and reached out with his free hand to feel around the table in front of him.

"What's got your wand in a knot, Sebastian?" Aisling asked the brunette as she gently slid the bowl of sugar sat in front of her to her right. Ominis let out a contented hum when his hand grazed the bowl he had been searching for, sighing happily once he spooned a few dollops into his tea.

Sebastian let out a grunt of annoyance, swung his leg around to sit on the bench on the opposite side of the table from his friends. His hand crumpled the parchment, bringing it up to read the contents once again.

"The List, have you heard of this?" Without waiting for an answer, Sebastian shoved a pastry into his mouth before continuing, "It's rubbish, apparently the fairer sex in our year got together and made a list of Hogwarts top 10 most 'eligible bachelors', can you believe that?!" He said through a mouth full, spraying pastry crumbs across the table.

Ominis went rigid for a moment, bringing his hand up to sweep a few stray crumbs that landed on his robes. This was certainly not the sensory experience he had hoped for.

Aisling, fortunate to have dodged the spray, sighed in response, "Hmm... and you're upset because somehow your name is not on the list, Sebastian?" Sebastian let out something muffled and unintelligible in retort, sending more bits of pastry across the table.

"Ah, yes, a true conundrum, that—utterly baffling..." Ominis quipped, grimacing while feeling around his perfectly coiffed hair to remove yet another offensive crumb. "He is ever so eligible... particularly well mannered."

Sebastian rolled his eyes dramatically as he swallowed the baked good. "I'll have you know I am on the list. That's not the point though, is it? It's degrading, measuring us in order from most to least 'eligible', as if we're chattel." He said in an annoyed tone, taking a long sip of pumpkin juice.

There was a moment of pause between the three as Sebastian placed his cup back on the table. Across from his friends, Sebastian waited with bated breath. Any moment now, they would surely express their mutual outrage.

"You came in last, I take it?" Ominis smirked.

"No!" Sebastian retorted, clutching the list protectively. He had an air of unease for a moment before relenting "I placed ninth... although I might as well have been last."

Ominis chuckled, shaking his head, and Aisling furrowed her brows in an attempt to implore Sebastian to elaborate when he would not meet her gaze.

“You’re one to talk, Sebastian. You objectify girls in our year all the time! Just last week you went on and on about how you would like to ‘have a go’ with Adalaide Oaks because she was ‘right fit’. I’m afraid you’re failing to gain my sympathy.”

“That was different!” Sebastian protested.

“How?” Aisling asked.

“First of all, I didn’t know you heard me…” Aisling scoffed, Sebastian continuing “Secondly, I whispered that to Ominis in confidence.”

“And against my will.” Ominis chimed in.

“This,” Sebastian motioned to the crumpled parchment in his hand, “is published in writing, for everyone to see!” He exclaimed, crossing his arms defensively and eyes darting around the Great Hall.

Aisling had never seen Sebastian so self-conscious. He was typically quite confident, overtly so, having earned quite the philandering reputation around the school.

She looked around and noticed students were gathering around their tables in groups, snickering and eyes darting over to the three seated at the Slytherin table. She thought she heard Sebastian scoff and mutter “Weasley” under his breath, glaring back towards the Gryffindor table. It appeared he was sizing up their fellow students, perhaps silently comparing himself to the others who ranked above him on the list, or searching for those responsible for the list.

Taking advantage of his distraction, Aisling casually flicked her wand and the parchment zoomed from Sebastian's grasp ("Wha... hey, give that back!") into her outstretched hand. Sebastian groaned as Aisling quickly scanned the page.

"Do try not to stress about it, Sebastian. It's just a silly list, it doesn't mean anything." Ominis waved his hand dismissively, taking a sip of his tea.

Ominis was quickly jostled when Aisling let out an excited noise and grasped his forearm, causing him to set down his teacup.

"Ominis, you ranked number one!" Aisling squealed behind the parchment, leaning over to nudge him with her shoulder. Ominis arched his eyebrow for a moment, his interest clearly piqued.

"But it's just a silly list, right Ominis?" Sebastian scoffed good-naturedly, tucking into a bowl of porridge.

Ominis drummed his fingers on the table in contemplation.

"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to take a quick perusal, now could it?" Ominis retorted with a look feigning disinterest, picking up his wand and directing the blinking red tip towards the parchment in Aisling's hands.

Sebastian's counterparts whispered to one another as he continued to wolf down his breakfast, watching them occasionally nodding in agreement. As they got to the final name Ominis let out a choked sound. He and Aisling trying their best to hold a neutral expression; it was obvious they were both on the verge of breaking out into fits of laughter when Sebastian broke the silence.

"Go on then, I assume you both saw the oh-so-eligible soul I managed to rank above?" Aisling was first to snicker, which caused Ominis' stoic visage to break, both succumbing to fits of giggles.

Sebastian banged his fist down on the Slytherin table in half-hearted outrage, "How is it fair that Richard Jackdaw made the list? He's a ghost, for Merlin's sake!"

A number of the Slytherin students around them snickered and hid behind copies of the list, which read:

Ominis Gaunt

Garreth Weasley

Andrew Larsen

Amit Thakaar

Hector Jenkins

Eric Northcott

Arthur Plummly

Leander Prewitt

Sebastian Sallow

Richard Jackdaw

Aisling stifled a laugh and managed to choke out a retort, "Well, he's certainly handsome, Sebastian. He's also a good listener, quite the romantic I've heard." Ominis piped in next, "It's true, I believe he's the real embodiment of someone who truly fell 'head over heels' for love." Aisling clasped a hand over her mouth in an attempt to quell her giggles while Sebastian stifled a chuckle at the morbid joke.

It was a well-known fact among their group that poor Jackdaw met his untimely demise when he meandered into a cave during his Hogwarts years. He had been in search of treasure in the hopes of impressing the girl he fancied, only to find his head had been separated from the rest of his body by an unruly acromantula.

“That doesn't change the fact he's dead.” Sebastian deadpanned. “While we’re on the topic of whey-faced dobbers, how is it that I managed to rank lower than Leander Prewitt?” Sebastian grimaced, turning around to glare at the Gryffindor table.

Ominis smirked, “If nothing else, you do set a most inspiring example of poise and decorum in the face of defeat, Sebastian.” The blind Slytherin took a slow sip of his tea, ever the picture of grace and dignity, “Well, that and you’re an incorrigible rake.”

"Aye, I could say the opposite is true for you, mate.” Sebastian ribbed back with a hint of annoyance, “Being the Heir of Slytherin gets all the girls knickers in a twist, throwing themselves at you, yet ye’ never partake. Why is that?” Sebastian joked, twirling his wand between his fingers.

It was, to the uninformed observer, nothing more than a bloke having a laugh at his mates expense – a usual exchange of banter between two Slytherins. Ominis cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably as his cheeks took on a pink tinge.

“There’s nothing wrong with propriety, Sebastian. In pureblood arranged marriages, it’s often a requirement…” Aisling paled, sounding a bit breathy as she came in defence of her favourite Slytherin. Her eyes raised to meet Sebastian’s for a brief moment before she became very focused on a piece of toast now adorning her plate.

Sebastian bit back a cheeky grin, observing his counterparts with mirth. If only the other students knew the truth beneath the awkward silence now befalling the trio. Ominis and Aisling were, without question, hopelessly in love with one another – each entirely oblivious to the other’s affections.

It has been Anne who first noticed, of course. The lingering glances, the stammered replies, the flushed cheeks and fleeting touches. Before the curse had stolen her away from Hogwarts, Anne had possessed a rare and enviable talent for orchestrating opportunities; subtle, effortless moments in which Ominis and Aisling might find themselves in close proximity or, on rare occasions, completely alone. A potions partner re-assignment here, a forgotten group trip to Hogsmeade there, all executed with the lightest touch.

Sebastian, on the other hand, was more a master of chaos and discomfort. Where Anne wove delicate plots, he simply dropped the pair into situations so thoroughly awkward they had no choice but to face their feelings. He was a master duelist, only in this case his words were his wand. En garde!

“You’re right Ash. Though deep down, I think the girls of Hogwarts know they don't stand a real chance with Ominis... not unless they already share his last name." Sebastian smirked, poking fun at his best friend.

“Excuse you!” Ominis flushed deeper with mock offence. It was no secret that the Gaunt family preferred to maintain their pureblood status by marrying within intermingled magical families, including first cousins. Unfortunately, their family tree was beginning to resemble a wreath.

"Blood purity politics aside," Aisling began, "there are many reasons Ominis would be the top choice for prospective admirers."

A thrill shot through Sebastian – there it was, the perfect opening! With the precision of a skilled duelist, he effortlessly redirected the conversation onto the path he intended all along.

"Aye, go on then, enlighten us?" Sebastian grinned mischievously when Aisling's eyes snapped up to meet his, taking a seemingly innocent bite of porridge while waiting for her to answer the question.

"Well..." Aisling coughed, her eyes softening as they grazed over Ominis "he's intelligent, and kind... he has a lovely sense of humour."

Ominis nodded his head once at Aisling's direction in quiet acknowledgement of her praise, the tips of his ears not once losing their pink hue.

Sebastian thought about leaving it at that. However, seeing as it was Valentines Day... perhaps he could give them another push.

"So far you haven't exactly described qualities that couldn't be applied to me as well, Aisling. What else is it about Ominis specifically?" Sebastian needled her, pouring himself a cuppa tea with a grin so wide he might as well be the Cheshire Cat.

Aisling felt a sense of annoyance at Sebastian, his needling somehow eclipsing her nerves and triggering a sense of combative bravery “Unlike you, Ominis has a sense of tact!”

Sebastian's eyes drifted back to Ominis who sipped his tea, pinky finger extended ever so slightly. The picture of grace, dignity, and morality.

Sebastian scoffed, "That he does. Though not exactly a trait typically seen as the basis of passionate love stories for the ages, I’m afraid."

"He can speak Parseltongue." She said triumphantly.

"So? I can speak Gaelic." Sebastian retorted, as if the two things were in any way related.

“So can I,” Aisling quipped, “trust me, Gaelic is not nearly at erotic as Parsel-” Aisling’s mind caught up to her mouth too late, a look of pure terror on her face as Sebastian’s eyes lit up in glee, “-tongue.” Aisling finished lamely.

Sebastian dropped his voice and animatedly whispered across the table, "Here that, Om? Your Parseltongue is erotic. Perhaps your propriety will be properly challenged after all.” Sebastian laughed, wagging his eyebrows at Aisling suggestively.

“Sebastian…” Ominis warned from across the table. He was approaching a shade of vermillion that Sebastian never thought possible for his fair friend. Sebastian knew it was now or never, he had to go in for the final beat and would accept the consequences come what may.

"Aye, you’re right Ominis, this isn’t the time or place for such unbecoming conversation. Please accept my apologies for neglecting my chaperone responsibilities.” Sebastian gave a theatrical wave of his hand, putting on his best impression of an English gentleman as he turned to address Aisling.

“Hypothetically speaking, if a certain gentleman of my acquaintance, number one most eligible bachelor in all of Hogwarts you know! If he were to ask your permission to court him, and, theoretically speaking of course, you enthusiastically accepted. For what reasons, good lady, were you delighted to receive his attentions?” Sebastian mimed a tip of a non-existent bowler hat.

Aisling let out a reluctant chuckle and shook her head, deciding to play along with the brunette, “Well good sir, you pose an interesting query. First and foremost, he’s loyal, and honourable. He possesses a quiet, commanding strength that wizards twice his age could never hope to emulate…” Aisling caught the flash of sincerity in Sebastian’s face as his eyes flickered to Ominis, his head was inclined in her direction as he listened intently with bated breath. Her stomach felt like it leapt into her chest; it didn’t feel like a game anymore.

She took a grounding breath and turned in her seat, addressing the boy who’d been occupying her mind for far too long, “Ominis, you are the most steadfast person I have ever known. You are thoughtful with your words, albeit at times with a sharp tongue,” Ominis smirked at that, leaning slightly closer to her, “It’s true that as the heir of Slytherin, you carry a great aura of mystery and power that I’m sure many would find alluring… but I care for you because you’ve shown me that you’re everything your family is not. You are good – not for show or for gain, but it’s simply who you are. If you asked me to commit myself to you… I know I need not guard my words nor my heart.” Aisling exhaled softly, staring intently into Ominis’s blue hazy eyes.

Ominis had unknowingly leaned ever more forward towards Aisling, his eyes trained on the mouth which spoke such lovely words, his own lips slightly gaped in awe. Both had turned several shades of pink, bearing a remarkable resemblance to the Valentines cherubs floating around the Great Hall.

"You forgot to mention handsome." Sebastian teased, feeling a sad sense of triumph as the pair quickly drew apart. He didn’t want to break the spell, but he suddenly remembered something rather time sensitive.

“Speaking of witch-” Sebastian smirked at his own pun, “I have a prior engagement in Hogsmeade and really must be off.” He stood up from the table and re-adjusted his robes while his counterparts finished their tea.

“Oh! That reminds me, I meant to tell you both earlier. Rumor has it that ‘most eligible bachelor’ number two on the list, a Mr. Garreth Weasley, is intending to serenade a young lady with an obscene Valentines Day poem today.” Sebastian grinned, placing both his hands in his robe pockets and turning around to look at the Gryffindor table.

Garreth had gotten up from his table and was making his way down the hall, a piece of parchment clutched in his hand.

“Merlin, really? How tragic. Shall we wager on how many lines it takes before he rhymes 'love' with 'dove'?" Ominis chortled from his seated position, earning a slight knock against his shoulder from Aisling. Aisling looked on reluctantly, feeling a sense of pity for the poor unsuspecting girl.

“Anyway, Aisling, I may have mentioned to Garreth that you're rather partial to public displays of affection. I hope I’m not mistaken.” Sebastian grinned, shrugging his shoulders and biting his bottom lip in wicked glee.

Ominis sputtered into his teacup while Aisling paled at his side, speechless. She made eye contact with Garreth, who’s face lit up in recognition and he started making his way over to the Slytherin table.

“Wait… what?! He… oh Merlin he’s headed over here. Sebastian!” Aisling shrieked through gritted teeth.

“What? At least hear the bloke out, he worked really hard on it. I overheard him reciting it in the boys lavatory, I believe the words ‘potion’ and ‘motion’ were used.” Sebastian said, glancing back at the red-headed Gryffindor, sending him a quick wave.

Ominis rounded on his friend, “Sebastian! Are you mad? A public declaration of undying love… because those never end in disaster.” He spat sarcastically.

“Well, so long as they’re made by the right person.” Sebastian shrugged.

Garreth was wading closer, a big smile on his face. Ominis could hear Aisling hold her breath, muttering to herself at his impending approach. Fight, flight, or freeze? Fight, flight, or…

Ominis quickly regained his faculties, grasping his wand and reaching out take for Aisling’s hand. He had quickly moved so close to her on the bench that their thighs were pressed against one another, faces merely inches apart. He heard her sharp inhale of breath as she turned to look at him, shocked to find him so close.

“Do you trust me?” Ominis whispered.

“Of course.” Aisling breathed, searching his face for answers. His sightless eyes held an emotion she couldn’t quite place.

Ominis nodded resolutely, trailing his hand up her arm, past her shoulder, to cupping her cheek tenderly, his thumb swiping over her bottom lip slowly.

“Forgive me… I am in love with you, Aisling.” Ominis trembled, leaning forward to place a soft kiss to her lips.

Aisling had imagined how this would feel so many times, but nothing prepared her for the real thing. The softness of Ominis’ touch, the way his lips glided along her own, tasing the earl grey tea that clung to him… They were broken out of their passionate moment when a series of wolf whistles echoed throughout the Great Hall.

“Wow, happy Valentines Day to you two! Starting the day off right, I see. Will you two lovebirds be joining us in Hogsmeade?” Garreth grinned from across the table, standing alongside Sebastian who wore a smug grin.

Sebastian answered before the confused pair could speak, “They can’t make it, I’m afraid. Too busy trying to keep their relationship under wraps. A secret, you might say. Spending some quality time together, hidden away somewhere in the castle where no one will interrupt them.”

It was painfully obvious that Sebastian was hinting at Ominis and Aisling spending the afternoon together, just the two of them, in the Undercroft. What they didn’t expect was the surprise that awaited them in the secret space; an assortment of chocolates, mulled wine, hundreds of votive candles, and a few enchanted instruments playing soft sonatas… Sebastian spent a better part of the week arranging it just so.

“Ah, what a life of luxury the ‘number one’ eligible bachelor of Hogwarts leads.” Garreth smirked, “Though I must say, that list isn’t entirely accurate. While I appreciate you putting me in second place, Sallow, I’m not exactly a bachelor. It seems neither are you, Ominis!” He beamed.

Ominis and Aisling both blinked slowly from their seats, trying to understanding the gravity of what happened in the last few minutes.

“Well, we better get going. I’d hate to keep Anne waiting when she’s just been released from St. Mungo’s. Ready?” Garreth grinned at Sebastian, who smiled warmly and nodded. “Ready as ever to fulfill my chaperone duties.” He puffed out his chest, “But I’m not kidding, Weasley, hands where I can see them at all times, yeah?” Garreth's laugh was cut short when Sebastian sent him a serious look, to which the red head immediately nodded his understanding as the two made their way to exit the Great Hall.

Aisling and Ominis were still sat in the emptying Great Hall, completely dumbfounded as to what just happened.

“Happy Valentines Day!” Sebastian yelled over his shoulder to the pair. It’s about time he chuckled to himself. He couldn’t wait to tell Anne everything.

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