The Gaunt Legacy - Prequel

POV Ominis

Sebastian just left us there in the living room with Valerian. I could feel my heart flutter and my forehead dripping. How was I to start the conversation with her ?
« Shall we then ? » she said despairing.
I took her hand and when I did, my heart stopped beating for a second. I had missed her touch, her soft skin, her delightful hands.
I shook my head to focus and apparated us in Felcroft. We were now in the living room.
She let go of my hand immediately quite roughly, pulling it away. She was mad with me. I did ignore her for the past few days. And she must feel confused as to why.

« Shall we sit down ? » I demanded politely, dreading the next part.
So she sat on the couch without saying a word. I followed her action, keeping a distance between us so she would feel more at ease.
There was an awkward silence between us. I had to say something but I was feeling so uneasy.
« I … am not sure where to start » I stuttered.
She didn’t reply. Her silence was only making me more nervous. I was playing with my fingers to calm my nerves.
« I guess I should tell you more about my family first » I began.
I paused, thinking she might say something, but she didn’t.

« My mother was in charge of our education, my brother and I. As you know, her behaviour was completely different between the two of us. She never intended to have a blind son. I remember, one night when I was 5, I overheard my parents talking about my birth. My mother cried when she had heard the news of my blindness. She cried because she was afraid of what other people might think or say, how it would make her look, how it would tarnish the Gaunt reputation. She wanted to give me up. But she didn’t and I still don’t know why. Since that day, I thought maybe it was because deep down she loved me in her own way. But time proved me otherwise, until the day I finally understood that no matter what I did, she will never love me the way she loved my brother. What ever I would do to please her, to make her love me, would never be enough »
She was listening carefully. But I didn’t know how she was feeling. I only grew more worried.

« My father is the head of the family and of the Gaunt dynasty. He is a very dangerous man. He has the power to detect your weakness and manipulate you with it. He could blackmail people with his eyes shut. That makes him extremely dangerous and valuable to the ministry, and that’s why people fear him, including myself. If one defies him, one must suffer the concequences. When I first got my wand when I was 7 years old, he thought it was time to teach me magic. He started with a simple spell, incendio. I had trouble mastering it, I was still young. He said I was a pathetic brainless child. He was displeased with my progress. So he dragged me by the arm, apparated us to a catacomb. He threw me inside and closed the door. He said I could only come out when I would have found the dark scroll. What he didn’t tell me is that this tomb was full on inferis »
I could hear her panting in horror.
« I was so terrified that I had found a hidding spot in one of the crypts. I could hear their strange groan and smell their ash fragnance. I was paralized with fear. I remember I burst into tears. I hid all night long. But if I were to get out of there, I needed to obtain that scroll. Fortunately I could see their red shadows thanks to my wand. So I gathered my courage and crawled around the place until I found it. Of course after this I mastered the spell incendio. When I came back to the door, I called for my father. He asked me if I had the scroll and I confirmed I did. He then opened the door. I rushed out feeling relieved to be out of this nightmare. He didn’t even ask if I was hurt, nor how I felt. He demanded the scroll immediately. I put it into his hands, thinking that he would be proud of me. But he remained silent and apparated us home. After that, I had nightmares every single night for years, fearing that I would have to go back into that tomb »
I could feel a tear running down my cheek. That memory truelly traumatised me. I was never quite the same after it.

« Oh Ominis, I’m so verry sorry » she said with her irresistable sorowful voice.
That’s one of the reasons I don’t like talking about my past. I don’t want people to pitty me. Though in her case, I knew it wasn’t pitty. It was compassion.

« But it still wasn’t enough for him. When I had learnt a few basic spells, he wanted to teach me dark magic. I remember very vividly that day. At breakfast, Mother and Father said that today was a special day. They were going to teach us the crutio curse, a highly ranked curse. And to do so, we would be going on a trip. I didn’t know what that spell was, so I was exited to learn more powerful magic, thinking that maybe Father finally aknowledged my potential and this was my chance to make him proud.
We went to a small village not far from London, and as we were strolling, my father cast the petrifying spell on 3 muggle boys. He said they would be perfect subjects to study on. I was begining to worry. Marvolo was as exited as ever. He then explained to us what the curse did, and how to cast it. He then cast it himself on one of the boys. And the boy roared in pain as he first fell on his knees. He then threw himself on the floor agonizing. He was twiching from one side to another. I remember vividly his screams, venting in terror, as his roar turned into a wail. He was begging my father to stop. He just smiled , enjoying this horrifying display.
He then stopped to ask Marvolo to cast crutio on the second boy. He waisted no time casting it, laughing as the boy cried out in pain. I was a fearful sound. He was covering his stomach with his hands desperately trying anything to make the pain stop. I was petrified. I just stood here, and listened, horrified. I didn’t know what to do. Then Father wanted me to cast the spell on the third boy. I replied that I didn’t want to. He then threatened to take me back to the inferis if I didn’t. So I took out my wand as I quivered in fear, I pointed it towards the muggle boy, but I couldn’t do it. I threw my wand on the floor, refusing to cast the curse. My father was in a rage. He said I was a worthless coward shaming our family’s heritage. He then cast the crutio spell on me as punishment. The pain was so intense, so all-sonsuming that all notion of time and space were gone. White-hot knives were piercing every inch of my skin. I implored him to stop, but he kept on going. The shockwaves through my body were so intense I thought I was going to die. And I screamed more loudly than I’d ever screamed in my life. So I begged my father once more to stop. He told me my pain would end only if I were to cast the spell on the third muggle boy. »
My voice was now high pitched and trembling as I sniffed.

« I couldn’t bare the pain any longer. So … I … said I would … torture the boy. My father stopped as I was lying on the floor, motionless. I could barely stand after this. My body was trembling, my head was dizee. Nonetheless I grabbed my wand as tears streamed down my face, and pointed it once more at the boy. It took me a few seconds, but I then cast the spell on him. And he howled in agony. And I knew exactly what that pain felt like, and it didn’t stop me from inflicting this very same pain to another who was now suffereing in my place. I was overwhelmed by emotion, so much I thought I would be sick. I remember Marvolo laughing as if what we were doing was perfectly acceptable.
Since that day, I promissed myself I would never use dark magic again. I never forgave myself for what I did to this boy. I should have been stronger, and stood my ground against Father. But now, I have to live with my shame. And when you told me you had been tortured by these men with the same curse, I hated myself even more. I didn’t want to tell you Valerian, because I was afraid you would see me as a monster, that it would change your feelings towards me. I’m sorry Valerian » I cried devastated.
I felt deep shame and guilt, as well as regret.

« Ominis, you are NOT a monster, trust me, I’ve met monsters, and you’re far from it. I have been through that unberable pain too, the only thing you wish for at that moment is to make it stop whatever the cost. And I understand why you had to make that choice, to torture the boy. To make it stop. And that doesn’t make you a bad person Ominis. » she said with a sorrowful determined tone.
I was feeling overwhelmed by so many different emotions, slelf-disgust being one of them as well as relief for having finally admitted my past sins to her, relief that she didn’t think of me as a monster.
« Tell me, if I were to strike you, which would you be angry at ? The hand that struck you or the heart that commanded it ? » she demanded softly.
I was startled by her question. It took me a second to think about my answer.
« The heart I guess » I replied as I wiped my tears.
« Exactly, the hand has no choice but to do as it is told. Its is the heart that carries the burden. You are the hand, your father is the heart. Besides, everyone knows that the true source of pain in neither the hand or the heart … It’s the mouth. Is it not ? So your father is the one responsible for the shame you are feeling, a shame that shouldn’t be yours to bare Ominis» she expressed.

I’m not sure how I could put into words what I felt at that very moment. It’s like I finally heard what I needed to hear. My family was responsible for most of my misery and I let them. I let them shame me, torture me, destroy me, make me believe I was a worthless and a disgraceful son. Anne was right. I had to step back from my family. And Sebastian was also right. I had to fight fire with fire. Because no matter what I do or say, they will just keep coming at me, and they would go after the people I love to do so. It was time to put an end to this, once and for all.
« Ominis, you know, we are all prisoners of our past, but we can also be the architects of our own future. The choice is yours and yours only » she added more softly than ever.
I didn’t think I could fall more in love with her, but I just did.
« Valerian, you are truely, the most radiant, inspiering, altruistic, kid-hearted person I’ve ever met. And I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you these past few days. Because you don’t deserve that. You deserve only the best, and I am not sure … I’m … the best man for you. » I said truthfully.
« I think that’s up to me to decide » she retorted.
« You’re right. Then there is one more thing you must know Valerian. Do you remember when I told you my father was the blackmailing expert ? »
« Yes » she replied attentively.
« Well, he and my brother are currently blackmailing me into … » I paused, saying the words were like a sword through my heart.
I could feel my chest tighten, my heart pounding, my anxiety escalating.
« … into marriage » I blurted, apprehensivly.
« Marriage ? With who ? » she demanded alarmed.
« Well … With a ... » I was about to insult Destiny, but I shouldn’t in front of a lady.
« With Lady Destiny Malfoy. As you may know, the Malfoys are the second most powerful family in the wizarding world » I said bitterly.
« Are you telling me you’re going to marry … her ? » she said in distress.
I could hear fear in her voice, fear that I would abandon her for another woman.
« Over a dead gargoyle’s body. I’m never marrying her ! I despise her ! The only person I’m ever going to marry is you ! » And then I realised what I had just said. The words just came out of my mouth. But these words also came from my heart and I couldn’t just ignore them. I knew in my heart I spoke the truth.
«  I mean … when … the time’s right ... of course » I faltered.
« Ominis, do you really mean it ? » she pled.
I knew she was the perfect woman, that I would never love again the way I love her.
« I do mean it Valerian. I love you. And I don’t want to continue this journey without you. You’re the closest to heaven I’ll ever be » I confessed lovingly.
« Ominis » she cried. « I don’t think you realise how much I love you too »

I could see her shadow advancing towards me, her hands landing on my neck, wand in her right hand, then they were rapidly going up my jaws clutching them. She then swiftly leaned foward, her lips brushing against mine. It had been days since I felt her touch, inhaled her intoxicating ginger sent, kissed her delicate lips. And in all these days, she was all I could think about. Being appart was just unbearable. And the fustration of being appart had only escalated every hour of every day. And now, I was in desperation. I had been longing for her for what seemed like forever, and the desire was now ravening. I couldn’t hold back my thirst for her. I threw my wand Merlin knows where, I brought up my hands to her upper and lower back, pulling her as she climbed over me, making sure our lips wouldn’t seperate. My lust for her itensified every second as I deepened our kiss, panting heavily. I grabbed her waist with both my hands as my forarms crossed behind her delicate back, digging my fingertips in them as I pulled her as close as I possibly could, allowing me to feel her abdomen against mine, to feel her breasts against my chest. And the pleasure of it was delectation. We both sighed in pleasure, feeling the urge for more. But before I would ask her for more, I needed to make sure she knew what my intentions were and what she was getting herself into. So I reluctently stopped our passionate kiss, our noses still connected.

« Valerian … I … must … tell you more … before we continue » I said out of breath and still in a daze.
« What ... is it ? » she replied breathing heavily.
« I can’t … refuse the marriage proposal just yet ... » I started gently.
« What ? Why ? You said you wouldn’t marry her ? » she bellowed.
« And I won’t, I swear. But there’s something you ought to know. I told you my family was blackmailing me on two scores. The first one was you. My brother threatened to tell you about … what I did to the muggles, so you would despise me » I revealed.
« Well he was wong there. I just made me love you more for being honnest with me » she affirmed.
I rested my forhead against hers smiling, caressing her waist as I closed my eyes to embrace the love I felt for her.
« But that’s not all » I added, leaning back my head slighty.
« It’s about Sebastian. I can’t tell you the specifics. But, something happend 3 years ago, when we were in our 5th year at Hogwarts, something bad. Really bad. And it involved Anne too. And I have no idea how Marvolo knew, but he found out what happened. And he is now threatening to report Sebastian if I don’t marry Destiny » I confessed.
« How bad ? » she demanded worried.
« The kind of bad that would send him to Azkaban. But they were mitigating and aggravating circumstances » I wheeled.
« I’m sure there were, don’t worry. I’m not juging. If he’s still your friend, that means he is worthy of it, of you » she declared genuinely.
And once again, she astonished me with her compassion and kindness.
« Merlin knows I love you » I muttered.
She smiled.
« I hope you understand that I can’t let this happen. I must protect him, until I find a way out of this mess. » I explained.
Even after I break from my family, they could still report him, so we need leverage.
« I understand perfectly. And I support your decision Ominis. So long as you don’t marry that … Lady whatever » she mocked.
I chuckled.
« Jealous are we ? » I taunted.
« Don’t you start » she replied trying to sound serious, but adorably failing.
« So, what are you going to do if you’re not going to marry HER, and protect Sebastian all at once? » she demanded.
« Sebastian and I have a plan. Don’t you worry » I reassured her.
« I do worry. Tell me about it please. I want to help » she pleaded.
« I don’t know, Valerian, I’m trying to protect you from my dangerous family » I said truthfully.
« I don’t need protecting. I can look after myself. And if you think I’m gonna just let you handle things while I just watch you , then you’re wrong. I’m going to fight for you Ominis, I’m going to fight for what is MINE » she exclaimed ferouciously.
At her words, I felt my body shiver. I wanted to be hers, and only hers, like I wanted her to be mine, mine forever.
I had to resist the urge to kiss her again. There was more to be discussed. So I gave a sweet kiss on her cheek ever so slowly, and I then stroke it gently .
« I’ll tell you about our plan then » I started.

I told her about the conversation between Father and Marvolo. That they intended to throw me in Destiny’s arms to forge an alliance. I spoke of the the order they mentioned as well as the prophecy.
I told her about our plan to find my ancestor’s locket to convince Bing to give us information about their next meeting, that we intended to attend somehow.
And to finish, I explained Sebastian’s idea of blackmailing my family for my freedom.
« I see. Well, I would like to accompagny you and Sebastian to meet this person » she said bossing me around.
As I smiled, I brushed my hand that was once on her cheek to her thigh, caressing it gently with my thumb.
« I can’t refuse you anything » I replied with a smirk.
She laughed.
« Valerian, if you want to embark on this journey with me, I must be sure you understand the risks and what’s at stake. Like I said, at some point, I will officially be engaged to Destiny in order to buy us some time. It will be everywhere in the papers. That means everyone will know. And I don’t want you to feel like an outcast. People will stare, juge you, try to manipulate you, will try to hurt you to get to me because they’ll realise what you mean to me. Know that I’ll do anything in my power to protect you, even if I know you can fend for yourself. » I expalined smiling at her.
« I know. I understand. But I’m afraid you are stuck with me for as long as you shall want me by your side » she affirmed.
« Can it be forever then ? » I teased.
Though I actually wanted her to stay forever by my side.
« You might one day realise that you prefer Lady … whatever» she taunted.
« Impossible Valerian, and the reason is simple. I love you. Seeing you, or in our case, hearing you fills me with hapiness. Even if I’m having a bad day, your love always lifts my mood and makes me feel better. And when we are appart, I feel there’s a void in my heart. You are willing to share my burden and help me in my difficulties I’m facing, therefore accepting unaceptable conditions just for me. You always think of my well-being before yours. And for all those reasons, I love you madly » I declared lovingly.

At my words, I heard her wand land on the floor and I could feel her hands grab my neck tightly, she leaned in her forhead so that it would touch mine, probably to center our faces, and she smashed her lips against mine. I could feel she had been craving for them as she immediately deepened the kiss, leaving me no choice but to follow the movement of her lips. She was now leading the dance. The thought of her being in control, being on top of me, bossing me around filled me with such a burning desire I wailed. I grabbed her by the hips to bring her closer to me. I was already short of breath as we kissed mercilessly but I refused to let her go. I could feel her enthousiasm and it exited me like never before. I was eager for more, I needed more. I had been desperately agonizing for days longing for her as I could hear her bewitching angelic voice, as I could smell her blissfull ginger fragnance but not being able to touch her. But now that she was there, I had every intention of relishing her. And a simple kiss won’t suffice anymore, not after days being appart. My hunger for her was making me so fustrated.
So I reluctantly broke our kiss and were now both panting heavily.
« Oh Ominis, your words are delectable » she whispered.
I don’t know how I would keep it together. She was so exquisite.
« Valerian, I want to see you » I moaned as I sensually kissed her chin, working my way down to her neck. As my right hand was holding her on the side of her neck, the other around her waist.
She let out a sigh of pleasure. I could feel goosebumps running down her entire body.
« What … would you like … to see ? » she said barely able to speak as she was in euphoria from my lips on her neck.
I stopped my kisses so I would face her.
« I want to see … your front, if you would allow me to » I demanded panting in anticipation.
She didn’t reply right away, so I thought she would refuse. After all, it’s not very gentleman to ask such things. But we were entering a more modern world now after all.
« You may » she replied gently.
« Are you sure you’re ok with this ? » I checked.
« I am. You go first » she ordered.
I could feel my heart fluttring in my chest. I heard a vague description of what breasts looked like from a 7th year boy in the slytherin common room. He was bragging about how he convinced a girl to let him touch them. But it was hard to picture it in my mind.
So I was curious to find out.
I rested my hands on her shoulders so I would know where to start, moving them down her arms to her wrists gently. I then moved back up her arms now changing direction to her bust, bringing my hands down on each part of it slowly. My hands were now so close to her breasts. But I was savouring them for last. I continued down her waist and her hips, allowing me to imagin her alluring hour glass shape body. And I could feel my heart pounding and my blood buzzing to the picture in my mind.
I could feel she was wearing a long skirt and a long sleeve top. I moved my hands to her lower back, grabbing her top and pulling it slowly upwards, caressing my hand on her back as I was moving up trying to imagin it in my mind. My body was warming up to the touch of her delicate soft skin. She then raised her arms so I could pull over her top more easily, until it reached the end of her wrist and threw it on one end of the couch. Her bust was now bare. I could feel my breathing intensify as I swallowed hard in anticipation.
I gently landed my hands on both sides of her hips, sliding them up to her waist which was so thin I could almost touch my fingertips on each ends of my hands. Her curves were graceful and divine. Both my hands were now on her abdomen as I caressed her navel with my thumbs. I could hear her panting. Was she nervous ?
« Are you ok ? » I asked worried.
« … Yes. It’s just, no one ever touched me so intimitly before. But I’m glad you’re the one doing it » she declared humbly.
« Tell me if you want me to stop. I want you to feel comfortable with this » I added.
« N-No, it’s alright. I want you to do this Ominis » she sated.
I kissed her tenderly so that she would relax and feel safe.
« Will you allow me to go up ? » I demanded one last time.
« Yes » she answered sounding more confident.

I brought my hands up slowly from her abdomen to the bottom her her breasts, widening my fingers as I slid up in order to hold them in their entierty. It was like grabbing two melons, but they were softer, more tender. So that’s what breasts looked like. But they were hers and that made them even more enchanting. I wanted to know more, to explore this area and find out if there was any way to pleasure her there. I knew how much she relished me kissing her neck. So maybe she’ll enjoy it on her breasts.
Fortunately, her bust was the same height as my head.
I lowered my hands aound her waist, pulling her gently to me. I then kissed the tip of her left breast as she whined in pleasure. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted her to cry my name and beg me fore more.
I then parted my lips, allowing my tongue to swirl around her nipples. To this movement, she slip out a loud gasp. Her back arched and her hips were now collided with my abdomen. This position was ideal to press her further into me so I could suck the tip of her breasts, and that was enough for her to cry out my name. And when she did, I felt my arousal awakening. The tension was escalating. Her cries urged me to consummate her. And I found myself devouring her breasts in ecstasy. She then grabbed my neck, pulling me deeper into her breasts as her head leaned back in elation. Her lust only exited me more. And I felt that familiar hardness pulsing between my legs. It was urging for attention, but not mine, hers. This situation was becoming menacing. So I stopped my movements, letting go of her breasts, both panting severely.
« Ominis … » she cried  Her plea was begging me to continue. But if I did, I knew I won’t be able to stop myself.
« Your turn » I whispered teasing her.
I heard a sigh of slight disapointment. She would have wanted me to continue.
She then brought her hands down from my neck along my shoulders , down my chest to my abdomen. I hadn’t even caught my breath yet that I was panting once more in anticipation. I was impatient for her to see me, to feel her delicate hands on my chest.
She grabbed my t-shirt and pulled it off me swiftly. I was now topless. She brushed her devine hands on my shoulders, moving slowly to my upper arm, her fingter tips pressing against my muscles to feel them. She moved down my lower arm to my wrists. I was just looking in her direction, trying to imagin her face as she was discovering my body. I could picture her taking an immense pleasure in doing so.
« Ominis, your arms are so … muscular » she murmured. The tone in her voice let indicate she was lustful. Her words sent a shiver through my entire body. And I knew she felt it.
Her hands then moved to my torso. She was using her fingertips to draw on the lines of my chest. I could feel my body now scorching as I gulped to her sensual touch.
She then brought her hands down to my abdomen, feeling every muscle with her hands as she pressed them to feel every inch. I was now feeling overwhelmed by desire. My arousal only growing avid. My panting was intensifying.
« Valerian » I cried. « Your touch is … sublime » I whimpered.
To my words, she lunged foward. She started kissing me on my neck going up.
I could feel her breasts against my chest. And that was enough to fuel my arousal. I eagerly embraced her waist, grabbing her tight and followed my instinct as I thrust into her. We both escaped a loud wine. My body trembled to the bliss of it and she stopped her kisses to the pleasure of my movement. I had to do it again. I needed to. My pulsating arousal was raging unmercifully leaving me in agonizing torment. So I trust into her again pulling her down more forcefully so our intimate parts would collide through the fabric of our clothes. I couldn’t contain my wines, and neither could she. We were both rousing in fervent desire. I could feel her head lean back in ecstacy which allowed me to kiss her hard on her neck.
« Ominis ... » she cried in despair as she tightened her grip around my neck. Hearing her moans set me into a hasty urgency to push myself into her more roughly. Her whimpers were delectable. I could feel she was yearning for me as her movements syncronised with mine. I knew with every impulse I would lose my self-control any second. Our breathing intensified. She drove her arms around my neck and positioned her head by the side of mine as if to send a message that she needed me to continue. I was now stripped from any remaining self-conrol. I grabbed her more tightly, one arm still on her hip, the other on her upper back and I plunged into her more rapidly and more harshly. I could feel her breasts moving against my chest as our bodies were moving up and down. I was now enraptured. Nothing could stop my urge for her. My devotion to her was absolute. Her groans were intensifying, getting louder with each thrust. I wanted to pleasure her, to push her over the edge. I was eager for her to feel the delights of a climax. I was avid to hear her cries. So I was now ferociously prodding into her. I could feel my throbbing arousal close to a release. The tension was escalating quickly. But I won’t be satisfied before she would have reached her rapture. I could feel her body tense.
« Ominis … it feels … so ... » she cried breathless. She was in such euphory that she couldn’t finish her sentence. Her clentch aound my neck was tightening, her back was arching as her body was trembling.
« Ominis ... » she urged in a whimper. I could feel she was about to break. So I grabbed her shoulder to plunge into her more forcefully than ever. Her breathing was now loud and rapid, struggling for breath. Her whimpers were enticing pushing me perilously close to my surrender. I just had to hold on a little more as I could feel she was about to explode.
She then let out an exquisite last moan, her nails digging into my neck. And the ecstasy of her wail was enough to feel that familiar warmth trying to find it’s way out as my body quivered and I erupted, squeezing her tight, my head falling into the corner of her neck eyes closed cherishing the intense pleasure. Because that climax was far more intense than the ones I previously had. Exploding thinking about her is one thing, but actually finishing while she was pressing against my member was entierly different.
We were both out of breath, panting heavily. She removed her head and her arms and was now hugging me, her head burried in my neck. I put my arms around her and rested my head on top of hers shifting it slightly to be comfortable.
« I love you » I whispered to her as I smiled.
« I love you too Ominis » she replied happier than ever.