The Matthews
POV Ominis
The next day, I found Valerian at breakfast. I gave her sweet kiss to greet her, she was telling me about her day yesterday.
Then we both agreed to go to the ministry of magic. We used flew powder to get there. I kept a low profile not wanting to see neither my father or my brother. Then we asked the front desk for Miss Parkes. Fortunately, she hadn’t left yet.
We told her about yesterday’s events and every detail of what we heard, smelt, and what Sebastian saw.
« That is in deed extremely concerning. And you’re sure your father and brother were amongst that order ? » said the auror.
« Absolutely » I affirmed.
« And probably Corvus Lestrange too » added Valerian.
« I wouldn’t be surprised » retorted Miss Parkes.
« Anyone else you could think of ? » demanded the auror.
« Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Black family were involved. They are pure bloods » I stated.
The auror remained silent. She was probably worried about the extent of our revelation.That would make a lot of muggleborns to protect.
« I’ll take it from here. If ever you hear about anything else, please come to me. Even the slightest insignificant detail could be useful » she said worried.
« Of course » I replied.
« Will you do everything you can to help my kind ? » asked Valerian troubled.
« I will. You have my word. But as future aurors, you should know that death is inevitable at that point » replied the auror.
« I know. Thank you for believing us and for trying » said Valerian grateful.
« In the mean time, focus on your studies. We could use aurors like you » she declared as she stood up.
« We shall do our best » I replied.
We shook hands, then were on our way out her office.
We apparated back to school. We each went back to our room, grabbed our cases and met in the living room. I had asked Sebastian to come back for Nathara and take her with him, so she wouldn’t be alone.
« Ready to meet my parents ? » she asked.
«… yes » I replied nervously feeling my heart pound.
She chuckled.
« Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine » she reassured.
I took in a deep beath, held her hand and we apparated wherever her home was.
« Where are we ? » I asked.
« In the sun lounge of my home » she replied gently.
I guess we couldn’t apparate on her doorstep as we were in the muggle world.
I could feel my heart beat faster and louder. I was so nervous I thought I would pass out.
« Wait ... how do you see if you can’t use magic ? » I asked.
« Don’t worry, you can keep your wand out. I keep mine out anyway, it’s just I don’t use it for anything else » she explained.
« Ok » I said reassured.
She gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek.
« Darling, is that you ? » I heard a woman’s voice say. It must be Mrs Matthews.
« Yes, mama it’s me ! » Valerian shouted.
I could feel my chest tighten. I had to relax as I didn’t want to start another panic attack.
Her mother’s shadow was blue like most people. I could see her widening her arms as she approched Valerian for a hug. And Valerian embraced her letting go of my hand. It was sweet. I was lucky if I even got a hello from my parents.
They then parted. And she turned to me.
« Oh yes ! I can see why you like him Valerian » she said ecstatic.
She chuckled and I smiled. Her enthusiasm calmed be down a little.
« Mama, this is Ominis, Ominis this is my mother » she introduced.
« It’s lovely to meet you Mrs Matthews » I said genuinely as I bowed slightly to her.
« Well it’s certainly lovely to meet you ! We have been looking foward to this » she said joyfully.
« … Have you ? How kind » I replied surprised.
I’m not sure M.Matthews felt the same way.
« Where’s da ? » demanded Valerian.
« He’s buying his newspaper like every morning. He’ll be there soon. Now, sit down, I’ll make some tea » said her mother.
« Thank you » I replied as she went into the kitchen.
Valerian and I sat down on the sofa. I could feel the room was bright and warm.
She took my hand and stroke it.
« See ? My mother loves you already » she murmured.
« I’m glad, I’ll say that. But I guess your father’s the one to impress. » I admited.
« True. But I know he’ll love you in the end » she affirmed.
« How can you be so sure ? » I questioned honnestly.
« Because I do of course » she said confident.
She was a true treasure, my sunlight. And I couldn’t help but to kiss her to her loving words. Of course it was meant to be a sweet kiss, which turned into a passionate one. We were like two teenagers that couldn’t behave themselves. But it couldn’t be helped.
I heard someone clear their throat. Her mother. Great. Valerian told me they were old fashioned. So I’m guessing a lovely girl shouldn’t even be in the same room with an unmarried man without a chaperone.
I immediately lunged back, my face turning red.
« I know you two are … earger for one and other, but I should warn you M.Gaunt, my husband isn’t as … comprehensive » she warned.
« Mama, really ? » said Valerian exasperated.
« What ? Best he be warned. Fortunately, I’m not your father. So I won’t tell» she told Valerian joking.
I smiled. Her mother was kind and seemed to be more … relaxed about me courting her daughter.
« I’m back ! » shouted a man’s voice. Probably M.Matthews.
« They’re re here Robert ! We’re in the sunlounge » shouted her mother.
We could hear him come through.
« Ahh there she is, my darling girl » he said enthousiastically.
« Hi da » she replied as she stood up and embraced him dearly.
I also stood up, ready to meet him.
When he let her go, he turned to me. That’s when my heart almost stopped.
« So, you must be the one courting my daughter » he said with a complete different tone of voice. It was now grave and serious.
« … » I panicked and didn’t know what to say.
« Da, be nice. This is Ominis Gaunt, Ominis this is my father » she introduced again.
I tried to force my brain to remember the time I spent this morning rehearsing my introduction before breakfast in case I lost my mind, which I feel I was about to.
« Thank you for having me M.Matthews, it’s nice to meet you » I said uneasy.
His shadow was looking in my direction, but I had do clue what he was feeling. Probably mistrust.
His silence made me feel more uneasy.
« Let’s sit » he suggested politely.
So we all sat. M.Matthews was sitting on an armchair and Mrs.Matthews was sitting on another one.
« So, Valerian told us you were also blind » stated M.Matthews.
« Yes, I am » I replied.
« She said you were born blind, is that correct ? » added Mrs.Matthews.
« Yes » I just answered.
« Oh, that must have been difficult for you and your parents » said her mother empathetic.
I didn’t answer. I was hoping to avoid talking about my awful family. But deep down I knew talking about them would be inevitable at some point.
« I see you keep your wand out, just like Valerian does. Is it to see ? » demanded her father.
« It is » I answered.
« So, you grew up in the magic world, didn’t you ? » asked Mrs.Matthews.
I just smiled to agree.
« Was it a shock, when you discovered your daughter was a witch ? » I demanded politely.
« It was more than a shock. We thought it was a prank when we got the letter. But then the headmistress of Beauxbaton academy came in person, and made her point » declared her father.
« And you were not … keen ? » I tried to ask affably.
« Our daughter is what she is, we know she’s … different from us. But we love her for everything she is » he said harshly.
I was afraid I had offended him.
« I’m sure you do. Family should be the place where you can be your most complete self. Where you’re accepted and appreciated, seen and valued, even in moments of disagreement » I confessed.
Something I never got despite my best efforts.
« That was beautifully said » told her mother impressed.
« Ominis has a way with words. He is very eloquant » explained Valerian warmly.
« I’m sure he is. So you sweet talk your way through people ? » he challenged.
« No. I just believe that words are more powerful than violence. Wouldn’t you agree M.Matthews ? » I said a bit sassy.
He didn’t say anything for a short while.
« I do » he replied convinced.
« So, tell us more about you » said her mother trying to change the subject.
« Oh ... euh … well ... » I didn’t really know what to say.
« As you can imagin, Ominis wants to become an auror, you know, the magical police » explained Valerian.
Thank god she helped me. She probably knew I was in need of it.
« And he’s charming, clever, altruistic, attentive, loving and so much more » she declared affectionately.
She was adorable. How I wish her parents knew how much I loved her.
I took her hand in mine, but it didn’t last long. Her father cleared his throat, subtly warning me to get my hands off his daughter. So I let go of her hand, not wanting to create trouble.
She chuckled.
« How nice ! » said her mother trying to make things less akward.
« What do your parents do ? » asked Mrs. Matthews.
Here we go.
« My father works for the ministry of magic, he’s the minister’s right hand. And my mother doesn’t work anymore as she supervised our education I guess » I said telling as little as I could.
« That’s quite impressive. I guess he was a lot at work. So your mother raised you. Do you have any siblings ? » she questioned.
« An older brother » I replied slightly bitterful. I couldn’t tell them he is probably the one who’s responsible for Valerian’s curse.
I was trying to sound neutral, but when it came to my family, that was a lot to ask.
« Are you two close ? » she demanded.
What could I say ? Should I say the truth or just lie ?
« No. Not at all » I chose to say. « He’s a lot older than I am »
« I see. A big gap in age » she concluded.
Let’s go with that.
« So what do you do M. and Mrs Matthews ? » I said trying to change the subject.
« Oh, well obviously I stay at home » declared Mrs.Matthews.
« And I am a teacher » said her father proudly.
Wow, they were old fashioned if her mother stayed at home despite Valerian not living here anymore.
« I always liked my teachers, I have a great respect for that profession » I admited.
I think I sounded like I wanted to impress him. But that was not it. I genuinely liked my teachers.
« So, I guess you’re a good student then ? » challenged her father ?
« I believe I am. I studied at Hogwarts » I started.
There was a silence. Of course they didn’t know what Hogwarts was.
« Hogwarts is the best school in the entire world for wizards and witches » explained Valerian.
« And I got a scolarship to enter Naunington school » I added this time trying to impress him.
« Only students with good grades get a scholarship » said her father thruthfully.
« Really ? I didn’t know you had a scholarship » said Valerian unknowingly.
Not that it mattered, my parents wouldn’t let me use the money, they paid for the entire fee themselves.
« Well, that’s most impressive » said her mother cordialy.
« Valerian’s the cleverest person I’ve ever met. The way she can analyse a situation and turn it to her advantage is amazing. For a blind person, she sees better than most people. That’s one of the many reasons she is so … marvelous » I said fondly.
I was going to say why she is so enchanting but I thought her father wouldn’t appreciate that word.
« It’s nice to hear someone recognise her talent » said her mother.
« What else do you see in my daughter ? » asked boldly her father.
« Da ! » exclaimed Valerian.
I smiled.
« I could tell you a great many things about her Sir. How exquisite she is, how strong and independant she is, how brave and admirable she is. But one of the things I love most about her is how she is so empowering and inspirational. Everytime I’m with her, she inspires me to be the best version of myself. With her, everything becomes possible. » I confessed lovingly, looking at her light green shadow.
« Oh what lovely words ! » said her mother emotional.
Her father didn’t say anything. Probably not impressed.
« Isn’t he charming ? » Said Valerian in a transe.
I knew my words would go straight to her heart.
« You know how to seduce women and have it your way I see » said her father brutally.
Merlin he could be harsh.
« Actually, I don’t. Valerian is the first woman I have ever fallen in love with. You know, as a blind person, life has … it’s limits. People look at you differently, we are a burden for most of them. But finding someone that understands you, that sees you for who you really are, and loves you just the way you are that’s once in a lifetime. And when you find this person, you never let go of her, you fight for her. I believe a soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what. And she is my soulmate » I declared.
Maybe I got a bit carried away. But they might aswell know how I feel about her now, as I would ask her father for his daughter’s hand one day.
I could see Valerian’s shadow agitated. I knew she wanted to kiss me, but couldn’t.
How I wish we could.
« Well, that’s quite … the testimonial. This is … so … lovely » said her mother on the brink of tears.
I couldn’t tell what her father was feeling, probably loathing me for seducing his daughter.
But I think her mother wanted our union to happen.
« Very eloquant in deed » said M.Matthews annoyed.
We all took a sip of our tea during this awkward silence.
Suddenly, I heard a loud ringing that startled me. It made me jump as I looked around panicked searching from where the noise came from. I had never heard anything like it.
« Ominis, it’s ok. It’s just the telephone » told Valerian as she came closer to me to calm me down, landing a hand on my shoulder.
« The … what ? » I asked in a panic now facing her.
I could see her mother’s shadow get up and walking to the sound.
« A telephone. Its … an object that muggles use to talk to eachother. It’s ok. » she explained gently.
« Well you scare easily » said her father imprudently.
« Da ! That’s not kind. He has never been to our world and knows nothing about people like us. Wizards don’t have the telephone » she said vexed.
« And I thought they were ahead of our time » he nagged.
« Da ! Please, stop » shouted Valerian upset.
I was still calming myself from the fright of that awful machine. Valerian was rubbing her hand gently against my shoulder trying to soothe me.
Her mother then came back ino the sunlounge and sat down.
« Is everything alright ? » asked her mother.
« Ominis was just startled by the telephone, that’s all » explained Valerian.
« Oh, don’t you have telephones in the magical world ? » asked her mother genuinely.
« No, we don’t. And he has never been to our world. So a lot of things will be new to him » Valerian replied insistingly.
« I see. Is it also your first time interacting with people without magic ? » she demanded kindly.
« Yes » I replied now relaxed a bit.
« But Valerian is … well I guess she is half-magical. Don’t wizards interact with non magical beings ? » she questioned.
« Well, not … full wizards » I said trying to avoid the word pure blood.
« And are there many ? » her mother inquired.
« Yes » I replied calmly.
« And I’m guessing you are a full wizard. Why don’t you interact with non magical people ? » she demanded.
I paused for a moment, to find the correct words.
« Because as a … full wizard, we were brought up to believe that muggles, that is non magical people, are dangerous. We fear you. There’s a reason we stay hidden from the muggle world. And to be honnest, many wizards even hate muggles. » I explained.
« And what about you ? Do you hate us ? » demanded her father.
« I’ve only encountered muggles once before I met you. So it’s hard to say really. I was brought up to believe that muggles are worthless and pollute our bloodline. My parents hate muggles and muggleborns even more. But I never understood why I should hate them, there’s a reason they were gifted with magic. And when I met Valerian, I knew I could never hate them » I said with an in love tone.
« So, your parents hate our daughter because she is half … muggle ? » demanded her mother astonishely.
I nodded.
« But I’m not my parents. I’m not like any person in my family. And I’ll never be. I do not share their views of the world and beliefs » I insisted.
« Well, you came despite what you were taught, despite your fears of muggles and the muggle world and all that for me. I think that’s a beautiful proof of your love for me » declared Valerian warmly.
I smiled at her, looking in her direction. I just wanted to thow myself at her and kiss her. But I had to stay focused.
« Why do you fear us ? You’re the ones who are dangerous » lectured her father.
« Some of us are, yes. But only a minority. All we want is to live peacefully and the only way to achieve that is by conceilling ourselves from muggles. And I believe the same goes for muggles. Some are dangerous, some are probably kind and generous. Unfortunately, people tend to base their facts one one good or bad experience. But in the end, we’re all humans. That’s what we have in common » I narrated.
Everyone paused to reflect on my words.
« Maybe you’re right. We had a bad experience with magic when our daughter was tortured and blinded by one of your kind. It’s hard to forget. But maybe not everyone is like these … monsters » admited her mother.
« Ominis is most certainly not like that » stated Valerian strongly.
« I’m sure he’s not. Well I hope after your stay, you won’t fear people like us anymore » said her mother tenderly.
I smiled not sure what to say. Her mother was thoughtfull. I could tell who Valerian inherited her good heart from.
« Right. Why don’t I show you around the house Ominis, so you can find your way around » said Valerian abruptly.
« Good idea. Then we can have lunch » said her mother cheerfuly.
« Ok » just replied Valerian.
« Shall we ? » she said sweetly.
I stood up, grabbed my case and took hers from her hand not letting her carry anything heavy, and followed her lead.
« Oh, one more thing M.Gaunt, keep your hands off my daughter » commanded her father.
I could feel my cheeks burning.
« Da ! Please ! You’re embarassing me ! » reprimanded Valerian.
« So long as he keeps his hands to himself » warned M.Matthews.
She let out a sigh of exasperation.
« Let’s go Ominis » she asserted.
I’d better not mess with her father.
Valerian took my hand and showed me around the house. On the ground floor was the entrance, then on the right the lounge and the sunlounge, to the left the dining room and the kitchen. The stairs were by the entrance, and on the upper floor, there were 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. The room to the left was her parent’s, the middle one was Valerian’s and the one to the right was the guest bedoom, where I would be sleeping. Then around the corner of the guest bedroom was the bathroom. She said it was for her and the guests as her parents had their own.
I entered her room to put down her case on her bed and put mine on the floor for a moment.
She then closed the door leaving it slightly opened and she trew herself at me, arms around my neck and kissed me. I embraced her immediately returning her kissher eagerly and was now desperate, consuming. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep this up before my arousal would grow needy. So I pulled back, still holding her tight.
« Longing for me are we ? » I teased chuckling.
She was smiling.
« What can I say, your words always affect me deeply » she admited trying to catch her breath.
« So, I think I made a fool of myself with that strange ringing sound » I said embarassed.
« Of course not. My mother adores you. And I think you’ve also impressed my father with your powerful choice of words » she said admiringly.
« Really ? I got the feeling he hated me » I stated the obvious.
« When he doesn’t answer, it’s a good sign » she said sincerely.
« So … I’m your soulmate am I ? » she taunted me.
I chuckled.
« You know you are. I love you » I said fondly.
« Well, just so you know that you are mine too, truely » she murmured to my ear seductively.
I could help but gasp. She was making it very difficult for me to hold back. I just wanted to carry her on her bed, take her top off and kiss her lips, her breasts, caress her soft skin. But I couldn’t, I had to clear my mind quickly, her father would not like me exploring his daughter’s body under his roof.
« Are you ok ? » she asked.
«… yes. It’s just, it’s hard for me to contain my … love for you » I revealed.
She was now stroking my hair.
« I know » she replied sweetly.
« Valerian , could we find a moment in the next few days to spend some time alone ? » I demanded.
« Aren’t we alone just now ? » she teased.
« You know what I mean, just you and me, far from your parents » I said theatrically. I thought it would be an opportunity to tell her about the unbreakable vow and propose to her.
« Migh, migh, what an indecent proposal » she said laughing.
I chuckled.
« I’ll show you what indecent is » I teased back, kissing her down her neck, pressing my lips harder with each kiss.
She sighed in pleasure and cried my name.
How I loved her cries. I could smell her dazzling ginger sent. It was sending me into a euphoria. I raised one hand to her neck, grabbing it tight, so I could deepen my kisses. Her breathing was now louder.
Suddenly I head a knock on the door.
« May I come in ? » I heard. It was her mother. We let go of eachother immediately taking a few steps back. Valerian was quickly arranging her hair.
« Yes, come in » she said.
Her mother entered her bedroom leaving the door open.
« It’s time for lunch » she told joyfully.
« We’ll be right there » she replied with a voice that suggested we were up to no good.
Her mother chuckled, then went downstairs leaving the door wide open.
« That was close » she whispered to me.
She was standing in front of me looking at the door.
I stepped behind her, embracing her waist, pulling her to me so her back was now against my chest. I could feel she was wearing a shirt with a long skirt. Then I started kissing her again down her neck. Her head immediately fell to the side to allow me more access.
Her hands were gripping my arms tightly as she sighed in pleasure with every kiss I gave her.
« Ominis … not… now » she tried saying between her moans.
« I’ll stop if you tell me when we can go on a date » I ordered gently.
I was now moving back up her ear, her moans becoming louder.
« Fine … how’s … tomorrow afternoon ? » she whispered breathing rapidely.
« Ok, tomorrow it is » I replied.
I stopped kissing her neck and raised my right hand to her beautiful face, pulling it gently so she would face mine, and I kissed her passionately. I loved provoking her. I would make it as hard for her as it is for me to resist her.
We then broke our kiss.
« We should go down » she whispered.
« You win for now » I murmured to her ear smiling.
She chuckled.
« Come on, let’s go before my father comes up » she teased taking my hand and pulling me towards the door.
She let go of my hand before we entered the dining room. It was probably be wiser.
Before Valerian sat, I pulled her chair like a good gentleman would. She thanked me using her seductive voice teasing me. I smiled to her though she couldn’t see it.
I then sat opposite her next to her mother. It smelt amazing.
« I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made a lot to eat » declared Mrs.Matthews.
« I’m always hungry » I said starving.
« Then dig in » she said merrily.
« Ladies first » I sai trying to impress the ladies with my good manners.
Valerian and her mother helped themselves, then her father and I did. Then I put my wand down to eat, grabbing my knife and fork. Her mother had made roast potatoes with lamb.
« Thank you for the food Mrs.Matthews, it’s delicious » I said gratefully after a few bites.
« I’m glad you like it. I tought Valerian how to cook too. So she can prepare you nice dishes for when you come home from work one day » she insinuated, trying to push me to a marriage proposal with her daughter.
I could feel my cheeks flush.
I heard Valerian sigh in desperation.
But I was surprised to her words. She clearly didn’t realise that Valerian would be working in a near future, and that I had to learn how to cook because I wouldn’t let her do all the work.
Maybe muggle wives stayed at home. But it seemed unfair to me.
« Ma ! » exclaimed Valerian embarassed.
« What ? I care about my daughter’s well being and future. Like all mothers do. I’m sure M.Gaunt’s mother does the same, isn’t that right ? » she asked looking at me, I think.
I paused for a moment. I knew my family would just keep coming up in conversations, so maybe I should just tell them the truth once and for all.
« Well-being ? No. Future ? Only if it’s in their interest » I said frankly. How else would you say it ?
There wasn’t a sound. Everyone was quiet.
« I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things awkward, but you might aswell know what my family is like. I always believed honnesty was the best policy. » I confessed.
« Know that we appreciate it . So you don’t get on with your family ? » asked her mother astouned.
« … It’s … hard to be loved by people that despise you » I admited saddly. But it wasn’t because I felt the need for my family’s love, it was admitting it to a family that clearly loved one and other.
« I’m sure that’s not true. Every parent loves their children, even if they can be … strict » said Mrs.Matthews.
« Mrs.Matthews, how would you descibe your love for your child ? » I asked genuinely.
« Well, I would say it’s an unconditional love, you would do anything for them. Loving them is like breathing, it’s a necessity. My life wouldn’t be the same without my precious daughter » she said genuinely.
« It must be a nice feeling. As a parent and as a child. You see, I had hoped for many years that my parents would one day say they loved me, or at least say they were proud of me. But that hope made me weak and has crushed my heart many times over.You say your life wouldn’t be the same without your daughter ? Well my parent’s lives wouldn’t change a bit if I were to die. Tell me M. and Mrs.Matthews, would you strike your daughter ? Would you tell her she’s a pathetic useless child ? Would you tell to her face you had wished she had never been born ? Would you force her to do things she never wanted to do ? » I asked coldly looking down at my plate.
I could feel my body tense. The anger was there, deep down, the bitterness towards my family was real.
There was an akward silence.
« Ma, da, not everyone was lucky enough to have parents like you. Ominis’ parents have been very cruel to him over the years. Fortunately, he has found a family in his friends, Sebastian and Anne. How long have you known Sebastian for ? » she said warmly trying to help me change the subject.
To the mention of Anne’s name, my chest tightened. I missed her. And I suddenly realised where I was, in Valerian’s home and how thrilled Anne would have been, of how far Valerian and I had come. The tought made me smile. Valerian always knew how to calm me. She was extrordinary.
« I have known him for 8 years. We went to Hogwarts together » I said now calming down.
« And one day, Sebastian and Ominis will team up as aurors » she continued.
« So are you best friends ? » asked her mother compassionately.
« We are. We have been through a lot together » I reminisced.
« Well, I’m glad you found a family in people that are more worthy of you » said kindly her mother.
« I’m sorry, you have been a wonderful hostess and I have ruined lunch by making things awkward » I appologized.
« You didn’t ruin anything Ominis » said Valerian lovingly.
« Of course not. I for one appreciate your honnesty, and I’m sorry you were … raised in that manner » said her mother compassionate.
« You know, if you were to propose to my daughter, you would gain a new family, in us of course, then one day one of your own » insinuated Mrs.Matthews merrily.
« Mama ! Stop pressuring him ! » insisted Valerian.
I laughed.
But she was right. I never thought about having a family of my own. Probably because I was traumatised by mine. But if we had children with Valerian, I would never treat them the way I was treated.
Her father wasn’t laughing though. He didn’t say a word.
« I’m sorry you had to live in that way M.Gaunt. Your honnesty is in deed appreciated. But tell me, would you let my daughter be mistreated by them like they did with you ? » asked her father surprisingly considerate.
« Never. I have already told Valerian that she is never to go near them » I said determined.
« And how will you manage that ? Surely you can’t keep them away for ever. They will surely visit you and my daughter for instance » inquired her father.
« With all due respect, I don’t think you quite understand Sir. They want me out of their lives. I’m a disgrace and a shame to our family because I am blind, because I am not like them, and now because I’m in love with a muggleborn. And I have every intention of casting them out of my life for good and they’d be more than happy to. It’s for the best, believe me. Besides, I already have a family in my best friend. He has and will always be there for me » I said sure of myself.
« I know having no family doesn’t seem appeiling. But Valerian doesn’t need parents-in-law if she has you. You’re all that she needs. And I understand why. » I said affectionately.
« Actually, there’s one more thing I need besides my parents, and that’s you » said Valerian passionately.
I smiled at her cuteness.
« You two are so adorable » said her mother enthousiastically.
« My dear wife and daughter, you shouldn’t be talking like that » affirmed M.Matthews.
« We know da » said Valerian exaperated..
I could imagine her rolling her eyes.
When we had finished lunch, Mrs.Matthews suggested we go for a stoll nearby.
We all agreed.
We were now gathered in the entrance, clothing ourselves for the outdoors, it was the end of October, so it was chilly.
« Wait, Valerian, we can’t go walking around with our wands out. We’re in the muggle world » I had just realised.
« No indeed. But don’t worry, I’ve got a technique » she assured.
She opened a draw and took out something.
« Now, roll up your sleeve and give me your right arm. Then hold tightly your wand underneath it » she instructed.
I did as she told. I could feel cloth tighten around my arm. I see. The cloth was holding my wand against my arm so it would remain hidden.
« You’re so clever » I expressed rolling down my sleeves.
« Of course she is, she’s my daughter » said her father proudly.
Valerian and I chuckled.
I could see her mother’s shadow attaching her daughter’s wand to her arm.
We then put our coats on and went out for a stoll.
Her parents were walking behind us mostly. I’m sure her dad wanted to keep me in check and make sure I wouldn’t touch his daughter.
« I wish I could hold your hand » I murmured to her.
« So would I » she replied desperately.
Everything looked almost the same in this world. Children were playing, people were walking. I bet people didn’t dress the same though. And I guess you couldn’t see anyone flying.
Valerian and I just talked along the way.
« I’m sorry you had to talk about your family at lunch. I know you would have rather avoided this chat » she said comprehensively.
« I hope I didn’t scare them with my horrid past » I admited.
« You didn’t. It’s fine Ominis. You are most impressive in fact. My father still hasn’t kicked you out, so that’s a good sign » she said frankly.
I looked at her shadow, shocked, my eyes widening.
« I’m just kidding » she joked.
We both laughed.
« So I’m not doing too bad ? » I teased.
« If you listen to my mother’s insinuations, I think you doing pretty well » she chuckled.
« Yes, I believe so. She seems keen for a proposal. What about you ? » I taunted her. But I also wished to know her answer as I would make my proposal in a near future.
« May I remind you that you will be otherwise engaged very soon » she teased.
« It’s only a fake temporary engagment. You know that it’s meaningless. » I affirmed strongly.
« I know » she replied a bit doleful.
Of course for her, it must still be hard to see the man she loves engaged to another woman. That’s why I wanted to propose to her. So she knows I will marry her and no one else. Ever.
« I think your father is praying for me to leave without asking for your hand in marriage » I confided.
She looked in my direction. But I couldn’t tell what she was thinking.
« Are you planing on asking him for his permision to marry me ? » she asked both surprised and hopeful.
« Who knows ... » I teased.
« I’m looking foward to our date tomorrow » I hinted her.
« Is that so ? My father would probably pass out if he knew I would go with you alone » she said playfully.
« You don’t think he’d let us go ? » I demanded anxiously.
« Don’t worry, I’ll take care of that » she just replied.
« You’re quite the plotter aren’t you ? » I teased.
« Maybe if I had gone to Howgarts too, I would have ended up with you in Slyherin house. I’m sure you would have seduced me all the same » she said joking.
« You would have been the most beautiful slytherin in history. And yes, I would have seduced you all the same » I said adoringly.
She chuckled.
« What would you like to do on our date ? » she demanded.
« I’m not sure. I’ve never been on a date to be honnest. Besides, we’re in the muggle world, what do they do on dates ? » I asked her.
She was now thinking.
« We could go for a picnic, just you and me, there’s a meadow not far from here » she told.
« That sounds perfect » I whispered to her ear.
I knew she was smiling.
Later, we went back to her house. Her father wouldn’t allow us to spend some time alone. He said we needed a chaperone. Valerian suggested that we helped her mother prepare dinner. I agreed to help, maybe I could learn a thing or two.
« A man in the kitchen, how unusual » said her mother joking.
« I hope you don’t mind Mrs.Matthews, no one ever taught me how to cook, and I think it’s a useful skill in life » I said genuinely.
« Of course not. It’s a changing world after all » she retorted.
She asked me to peel carrots. I didn’t even know how to do that. Valerian laughed and came to my rescue. She came by my side, getting as close as she possibly could, she grabbed my hands showing me the movement on a carrot. As she did, she stoke my hands with her thumb. We didn’t get many opportunities to be close since we had arrived here. I then stopped what we were doing to take her hands in mine caressing them. She then looked in my direction, head up. I looked down in here’s. I leaned in gently and was so close to her lips.
« Valerian, why don’t you help me with the meat ? » interrupted her mother.
She chuckled and then returned to her mother.
I was getting a bit fustrated. I could touch her, kiss her. This was hard. It’s like smelling a delicious home made cake that you weren’t allowed to eat. Unfair.
When we had finished cooking, we all had dinner together. Her father told me about his job. Her mother talked about the rest of their family. Valerian had 2 sets of grandparents, and an aunt and uncle who were married.
When we had finished I helped clear the table and do the washing up with the ladies while M.Matthews was reading his paper.
Then we all gathered in the living room. Her father read us a passage of a book. I thought that was so nice. The only things Sebastian read to me were our lessons. It reminded me of the times where my aunt would read me books as a child. I loved it.
I listened carefully to his words. And when it was over, I thanked him telling him I didn’t get opportunities to hear stories anymore.
We then went up stairs to go to bed. Everyone said goodnight. I approched Valerian between my room and hers.
« Can I at least kiss your hand good night ? » I begged.
« I’m sure my father would allow that. After all, a gentleman must always kiss a lady’s hand before leaving » she teased.
I took her hand in mine, raising it to my lips as I landed a sweet kiss onto it, taking my time to enjoy it.
« Good night » I said lovingly.
« Good night » she replied affectionately.
Then she went into her room. I had noticed before going into mine that her father had left the door of his bedroom open. Probably to make sure I wouldn’t sneak into Valerian’s room during the night.
I sighed to that thought. If only I could sleep with Valerian.
I couldn’t fall asleep I was so nervous about our date tomorrow. I was hoping she would say yes to my marriage proposal and to the unbreakable vow. I hope she wouldn’t hate me for asking that of her.
I closed my eyes and tried desperately to fall asleep.