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POV Ominis
All these events, were they just a dream ? Or was all of it real ? Where was I ? When was I ? That’s when I opened my eyes, yet still in the dark. My head was spiraling in confusion. Was it all just a bad dream ? I searched for Valerian with my hands and felt her delicate soft skin. I could now breathe again, she was there with me in the bed, so she was real.
« Ominis, is everything ok ? » she asked still half asleep. I must have woken her.
I wrapped her in my arms, feeling her back against my chest and kissed her cheek.
« Just a bad dream, I think » I replied still feeling a bit confused.
« Another one ? What was this one about ? » she inquired compassionately with her soft angelic voice.
« I was thinking about our lives, and Sebastian’s » I explained dingy.
« No wonder, tomorrow, or today I should say is a day we’ve been waiting for eagerly » she declared lovingly.
That’s right. Thanks to Valerian, I now knew when we were.
My thoughts were interrupted by a mellow voice giggling.
« I think we have a visitor » whispered Valerian playfully to me.
I heard more giggling.
« I wonder who it could be ? » I added cheery.
I almost fell out of bed when I felt small hands push me for some space.
« Daddy, mummy ! Wake up ! Father Christmas came !!! » said the first younger voice all excited.
« Don’t be ridiculous ! Father Christmas doesn’t even exist ugh ! » said the second female voice.
« Yes it does. Daddy said so ! » replied the younger voice pouting.
« Enough both of you. Haley, don’t tease your sister. Let her believe and dream like you once did » reprimanded Valerian to our daughters.
« Yes mum » replied Haley detached.
I loved hearing all the female voices in this house. Valerian gave me everything I was hoping for in life, a family. And that’s one of the many reasons I loved her so much.
« Can we open the presents pleeeaaaaase ? » begged our younger daughter Gabrielle. She was only five, so of course she was over the moon as it was Christmas day.
Valerian laughed and got up.
« Fine, let’s go and open your presents » mused Valerian enthousiastically.
« Yeah !!! » shouted Gabrielle cheefully.
« What about my present ? » I joked.
« You’re a grown up, you don’t get any presents » taunted Haley making fun of me.
« Well thank you ... » I answered pretending to be sad.
Valerian leaned on the bed next to me as she whispered seductively in my ear : « You’ll get your present later ... »
After all these years, her voice was still enough to turn me on.
I pulled her on to me and landed a sweet kiss on her lips.
« Bah ! Disgusting ! Can’t you wait until we’ve left the room ? » complained Haley.
« I’m never kissing a boy, ever ! » declared our youngest daughter.
Valerian and I couldn’t help but laugh. How I wish that could be true. But one day she’ll grow up and I’ll find her kissing boys behind our backs ! I wasn’t looking foward to such a day.
« Come on my love, get out of bed. Our daughters are eager to open their presents » said Valerian tenderly as she pulled me our of bed.
« Fine. Let’s open the gifts then » I retorted gently.
I grabbed my wand and we all went to the living room by the Christmas tree. Haley and Gabrielle were jumping up and down animated as ever.
I had no clue what time it was. If the girls woke up in the middle of the night I would have no idea. But I heard our rooster crow in the garden so I knew it was morning.
The girls unwrapped their gifts so quickly, almost like savages and once they were all opened then Gabrielle thanked Father Christmas for her presents.
Valerian insisted the girls got dressed and helped Gabrielle while I cooked breakfast, yes I could now cook thanks to Valerian’s lessons. And while I did, I heard the door bell ring.
« I’ll get it » I shouted.
I walked through the house to the main door and opened it. I wasn’t expecting to see him there, not so early anyway !
« Hi » told this amiliar voice.
POV Sebastian
It felt weird ringing my own door bell, but I hadn’t been home in years, so I guess it wasn’t really my house anymore.
Ominis hadn’t changed at all. He was still nice-looking with his dark blond fair and well-built size.
« Sebastian ! » called Ominis as he embraced me.
We hugged for quite a while, then I let him in before we would both freeze to death.
« I didn’t expect to see you so early ! I mean, I knew they were letting you out today and I had planned on coming to get you myself. What a nice surprise ! » he revealed jovially.
« Yeah, but I asked if they could let me out first thing as I wanted to surprise you guys » I explained.
The truth was I couldn’t wait to go home and see my family again.
« Well, I’m glad you did ! Come on in ! Sit by the fire and get warm » he suggested warmly.
I looked around the house. They had made so many changes. It seemed … bigger.
« You’ve made quite a few changes I see » he admitted.
« Sorry. I hope you don’t mind, but we needed more space, so I cast the extension spell, like the Historian, do you remember ? » he recalled as he entered the kitchen to put the kettle on.
« That I do. It looks nice. I mean, if we’re all going to live here, we definitely need more space » I comented playfully.
While I was in prison, we all agreed when I would come out, we would all live together.
Ominis came back to the living room, sitting next to me on the sofa.
« It’s nice to be home » I declared with a big smile.
« I can only imagine. Valerian will be thrilled to see you again. It’s been a while since you last saw her » he observed.
Visitors weren’t tolerated at Azkaban, only aurors could come in and out. Fortunately Ominis became an auror and therefore would visit me as often as he could during the years. But in time, he couldn’t come as often. Valerian accompagnied him at first a few times, then she got pregnant with her first daughter and they both decided it wouldn’t be wise for her to go to Azkaban. Then she was too busy looking after Haley, and then a few years later she had Gabrielle so she hadn’t seen me in a while.
But she never forgot to write me letters Ominis would deliver on her behalf, giving updates on her life. And then Ominis had more responsabilities as a husband, father and at work. After I was incarcerated, he finished his studies and became an Auror working directly for the minister, so he immediately had more responsabilities than the average beginner aurors. He refused to have a patner, this spot was reserved for me when I would come out of prison he told me. The minister had been very generous towards the both of us. He couldn’t prevent me from going to Azkaban after my trial of course, but he lightened the sentence to fifteen years instead of twenty five years. And it was also thanks to Ominis’ testimony alleaging hI had a arduous life … And I helped save the day back then with the faceless monster and all. And for all these reasons, the sentece was reduced. And now, here I was.
« It has been a while yes. Though I understand why. I can’t wait to meet your daughters. Are they more like you or Valerian ? I hope they inherited more of her genes » I joked.
We both laughed.
« Haley is quite stubborn and is in her pre-adolencance stage. She’s got quite the charater you’ll see » he confessed grating.
« Hence the name » I added with a smirk.
I always appreciated they named their first daughter after the woman who gave her life to save Valerian.
« To honnour her sacrifice, yes. Our daughers are there thanks to her. She has been an insipation to us » he recalled.
« So she’s not an easy-going daughter then ? » I teased.
« Nope ! Definitely not ! » he replied honnestly.
« What about Gabrielle ? I’m guessing Valerian came up with her name as it’s French » I demanded .
« She’s the opposite. I love them both but sometimes they drive us mad » he aknowledged playfully.
« Sebastian ? » I head Valerian say behind me.
She rushed to me and embraced me dearly. Ominis seemed pleased to see us finally reunited.
« I’ve missed you » she said sympathetically.
« Me too » I answered jovially.
She then let go of me.
She looked as beautiful as ever. The years were kind to her. She still had her gorgeous long light blong hair.
« Welcome home » she stated friendly.
« Thanks. I’m so happy to be here with you guys » I confessed proudly.
« Daddy, who is this ? » demanded a little girl.
We all layed our eyes on them.
« Come girls. This in Uncle Sebastian we told you about. Come and say hello » noted Valerian vibrantly.
Both of the girls approched shyly.
The youngest looked really cute with big green eyes, her freckles and her light long blong hair in two braids.
The older daughter looked more serious. She also had long blond hair and bright green eyes with frekles. Both of them looked a lot like their mother mostly.
« Hello girls. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m your uncle Sebastian » I said presenting myself. I savoured this moment. I finally ot to meet my nieces and was grateful I got a chance to meet them before they got too old.
« You dond’t look like daddy » expressed the youngest daughter Gabrielle.
« That’s because he’s not his real brother Gabrielle » replied Haley as if it were obvious.
« Family isn’t only about blood, friends are the family we choose for ourselves. It’s also about what’s in our heart my darling. Sebastian is my family in my heart, just like your mother » explained Ominis lovingly to his kids.
« Because your blood family are the villains » continued Haley.
« Something like that. You’ll both understand when you’re older » he summerized.
« So I heard it was Christmas, and so I have presents for you both » I announced like the good uncle I was trying to be. Lure them with presents and they’ll think you’re nice.
« Really ? Awesome ! » yelled Gabrielle overjoyed jumping up and down again.
« Migh migh, more presents ? Aren’t you lucky girls » commented Valerian.
I gave them their presents to unwrap. I gave Gabrielle a painting set. I remembered Ominis telling me about Gabrielle’s artistic talents. And I gave new books to Haley as she loved reading.
They both thanked me before storming off to their bedrooms to play with their new presents slamming the door behing them.
« Sorry, they’re just over excited today » appologised Valerian.
« That’s fine. I’m glad to see them so happy » I thought genuinely.
« Have you had breakfast yet ? » I demanded.
« No. I couldn’t eat another one for Azkaban’s meals » I said frankly.
« Then you’re in luck I’ve just prepared breakfast » he avowed proudly.
« You ? So Valerian was able to teach you something after all » I jested.
We all laughed before entenring the kitchen. Valerian and Sebastian sat on a chair as he served breakfast on the table.
« So Sebastian, what are your plans now that you’re a free man ? » asked Valerian.
« Actually the Minister has offered me a place as an auror » I replied.
« What ? Really ? But you haven’t finished your studies » exclaimed Valerian astonished.
« He revealed he was impressed by my strength and my decisions concidering all the temptations and despite my mikstakes. He said I should start my life wtih a clean slate. And he thought I could be useful when dark magic is concerned as I have come across so many useful books and research during my quest for Anne’s cure. So I think I’ll acept his offer » I professed .
« That’s great news ! So you’ll finally become the Sebminis team ! » responded Valerian elevated.
« It is great news. I’m glad for you. Your spot by my side awaits » he added entousiastic too.
I was looking foward to work with Ominis and make our dream come true. It just didn’t happen as expected.
« I’ve been meaning to appologise to you both, for not telling you about my plan to confess my sins in the middle of your parent’s trial. I know we’ve already discussed this, but going to Azkaban was the best decision I’ve made for myself. I have payed for my crimes and I have learnt how to live with my shame. This is something I truly needed to do in order to start living for the first time since my parents died. Now I feel free. I had forgotten what is was like » I orated.
« I’m sure your uncle would have appreciated your gesture and seen it as a mature decision » commented Ominis empathetic.
« I believe so too. And I also want to appologize for missing your wedding. It broke my heart not being able to be by your side on the best day of your life » I admitted regretful.
« We know » Valerian and I confessed as one.
All I knew is that they got married in this house and only a few guests were invited such as Valerian’s parents, Mrs Weasley, Cassandra and Edmund and the Minister. I was ashamed to miss their wedding, Ominis must have felt quite out-numbered.
I remembered after I was taken away during his parents’ trial, he was truly upset and furious with me.
After we had spoken briefly after Smy trial, we had a big argument, or should I say he lost it. After his wedding, he held a grunge against me for a while, not visiting me in prison. I knew he needed time to process all of it. But as usual, he always forgave him. Valerian helped him see things for what they truly were and not though anger and resentment. Thank god she was there or Ominis might have needed a few more years before he would forgive me.
« You’re here now. And from this day on, we can be a family, like we were meant to be » opined Ominis.
« Are you sure you want me in your family ? Want me to live here with you guys ? » I enunciated.
I didn’t mean to come between their perfect family.
« Families ar like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one » notified Ominis.
He always knew what to say to soothe the mind and heart.
« Of course we do. We’ve spent enough time appart. I’ve prepared your old room and later I’ll make your favourite dish. Enjoy your freedom and do whatever it’d please today » indicated Valerian.
« Thanks. I’m glad you’ll take me in as I suck at living alone » I confessed.
« You’d starve not knowing how to cook » he joked.
« We should dig in before it gets cold. Girls ! Come and have your breakfast ! » she shouted.
A few minutes later, she girls stormed in and fought for who would sit next to their dad.
Ominis clearly enjoyed being the center of their world. They were definitely daddy’s little girls. To stop them from fighting any further, their decided Ominis would sit between them.
« Daddy, look, I’ve made a painting ! » declared Gabrielle as she exposed her painting under his nose.
« My darling, you know I can’t see. Describe the painting to me, what colours did you use ? » he asked as Gabrielle sat on his knees.
Hearing Ominis say these words made me feel sorrowful. He never actually saw his daughters, neither of them would.
« I used blue and pink » she answered sounding like a grown up.
« Your two favourite colours. And what did you draw ? » he demanded.
« That’s me and you at the windmill collecting our Christmas tree. Mummy is holding Haley’s hand because she was whining again » she started explaining as I head Haley complain and the others giggle. « Then there’s uncle Sebastian in the plane travelling around the world » she continued.
What was she going on about ? I remembered Sebastian told me before I would be released that they told the girls I was travelling the world and they didn’t mention the prison part.
« What’s a plane ? » I inquired clueless.
« What do you mean what’s a plane ? It’s what muggles use to travel from one place to another ! » uttered Gabrielle transparent.
« My appologies Gabrielle. I’m a wizard, so I don’t know much about muggles » I justified with a smile.
« Clearly » replied Gabrielle cheeky.
« My dear where are your manners ? » exclaimed Valerian chocked by her sassiness.
« What ? I’m just stating the obvious » she continued.
I couldn’t help but laugh. I head also Ominis laugh. We both knew who she reminded us of : Anne.
« And who’s that in the background ? » I asked.
« That’s Aunti Anne in the background watching over us like daddy said she does » observed Gabrielle.
There was a short silence, all of us reminicing my sister. I was glad she was remembered by the new generation.
« We water the flowers everyday on her tomb » annouced proudly Gabrielle.
« That’s a very king gesture Gabrielle. I thank you for taking care of my sister while I was … away » I replied with a pleasing voice. « I think it’s great way to remember her by »
My sister would have loved to meet her nieces too. I know it. I’ll have to make due for the both of us.
Everyone helped themselves to the pastries Ominis had made.
« What was she like aunti Anne ? » demanded Haley.
« She was fearless, loyal, authentic and charistmatic. She wasn’t afraid to share whatever was on her mind and had quite the temper. I see her in the both of you » I disclosed lovably.
« You’ve know daddy a long time, haven’t you ? What was he like when he was younger ? » asked Haley.
« Merlin girls ! please no ! » begged Ominis knowing the worst stories would come out of my mouth.
« Oh yes, I also want to hear them » added Valerian with a big smile.
« I could tell you the most incredible stories about your dad. But to answer your question, he was the most loyal and kindest friend I’ve ever had. He always had my back. And with Anne, we were an unseperable trio. Your dad was also very shy back in the day » teased Sebastian.
« So how did you court mummy then daddy if you were so shy ? » asked Haley innocently.
Ominis’ cheeks turned red as Valerian and I chuckled.
« With great difficulty I guess. Fortunately your mother was very understanding and helped me with my anxieties, after she would strike me down each time with her alluring voice and her graceful touch » he confessed dreamy falling in love with her all over again.
« I immediately fell in love with your dad. He was so sweet and compassionate, and also very different from the other boys. That’s what I liked about him » she asserted splendidly.
« And I was always the third wheel between those two » I joked. By the way the girls looked at me I realized they didn’t understand sarcasm.
While Valerian and I dismissed my decleration, Gabrielle got down her chair and approched me.
« I have a secret to tell you » she said to our amusement.
« Me ? ok. I’m listening » I said comically.
She whispered her secret into my ear and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
« What did she tell you ? » asked Valerian.
Ominis was smiling so he clearly heard his daughter.
« She said you two kissed all the time and it was disgusting » I remarked humorously.
« I see » smirked Valerian feeling slightly embarassed.
I could immediately tell what Ominis was thinking : he thought it could have been worse, she could have said something like she head noises coming out of thei bedroom all the time. So he probably felt thankful she didn’t.
« So, Haley, how old are you now ? » I asked trying to get to know the girls a bit more.
« I’m nine » replied Haley monotone.
« Wow, you’re a grown girl now. And what school are you going to next year ? » I demanded hoping she’d go to Hogwarts.
« Hogwarts, like daddy ! » she said more enthousiastically.
« Awesome ! Did you know I also went to Hogwarts ? » I added.
« Yes, with aunti Anne and daddy. Did you and daddy often get in trouble ? » continued Haley.
I almost spit out my tea as I laughed. Ominis just felt embarassed.
« I never got into trouble thank you very much » he declared.
« Well, you’re in trouble only if you get caught ! » I professed.
Ominis just rolled his eyes. I guess he let me get a chance to be the cool uncle.
« You both were in Slytherin, isn’t that right ? » asked Haley.
« Right you are » answered Sebastian.
« Daddy says we are descendants of Salazar Slytherin. But what if the hat decides I shouldn’t go into Slytherin house dad ? » asked Haley worried.
« Then any other house would be lucky yo have you my darling. A house only is a way of sorting you out accoring to your potential, nothing more. So if you end up in Gryffindor, that means the hat will consider you a brave girl and so on. You shouldn’t think of the ones that came before you, but of what you will become tomorrow and what you want to accomplish » he explained affectionately.
« Daddy’s right, no matter what house you end up in, we’ll still love you the same and be proud of you » added Valerian graciously.
Ominis was a great dad, nothing like his own parents. He was able to break the cycle of hatred and got the family he deserved. I couldn’t be prouder of him.
« You’re lucky to have two parents that love you » commented Sebastian.
« I know » she simply replied.
« What about you young miss ? How old are you ? » I said to Gabrielle.
« I’m five » she answered showing four fingers to our delight.
« Merlin ! Wow that’s amazing ! » I exclaimed elated.
I could hear her giggle.
« What about you Valerian ? Will you be going back to work ? » I asked .
And by work I meant working for the ministry. Valerian had stopped working when she found out she was pregnant with their first child and since then I knew she wished to stay at home to raise their kids. Ominis was very supportive of her as always.
« No. I don’t want to miss out on my girls growing up » she admitted.
« Fair enough » I declared.
« Have you ever found Marvolo ? I didn’t see him … along my travels » I queried.
« No. He might even be dead for all we know » retorted Ominis emotionless.
His life was much better without him anyway.
We all finished our beakfast and then Gabrielle asked me to play with her in the bedroom. She told me all about her life and her toys.
I saw Ominis check up on us them a bit later as I shared the so-called placed I visited to the girls, or should I say didn’t visit. I had to make some of this stuff up as I didn’t travel much. But it was for the best, for now anyway.
I enjoyed spending time with my nieces as they told me all about their lives. It gave me a sense of belonging.
After a few hours I went to the living room hoping to spend some time with Ominis and Valerian. Before I entered the room I caught them snogging. I guess some things never change.
« I see you two are still madly in love » I commented as I sat on the armchair opposite them.
Ominis had to stopp kissing Valerien to answer me.
« Always » he declared with a smile.
Valrian took his hand and stroke it with her thumb.
« You have been blessed with enchanting daughters » I said amicably.
« Thanks. I’m very proud of our family. And now, we are complete with your return » admitted Ominis.
« Thank you, for sticking up for me and for waiting for me all those years. I’m so glad to be back » I confesed.
« We’re just happy to see you home, where you belong. Why don’t you come with me to the ministy in a few days ? If you feel like it. I could help you get started » he proposed.
« That would be nice » I answered. « By the way, what did you do with the ring ? »
« I placed it where no one can find it. That’s all there is to know » he explained.
I thought it would aslo be for the best I was kept in the dark. I had no desire to know where the ring was anyway.
« Good » I simply replied.
« How are you feeling Sebastian ? » asked Valerian looking concerned.
« I’m fine, you don’t need to fret » I answered.
« Really ? » she insisted.
« Yes. Being locked up alone gave me plenty of time to think and deal with myself and all my emotions. So I promisse you I’m ok » I reasured her.
« Ok. I’m so glad you’re here. You look well and happier than ever » alleaged Valerian.
« I am. This is what I needed to do to start living and accepting myself » I vowed.
« Well then, we should toast to the start of your new life » said Ominis as he got up and poured us drinks.
We each grabbed a glass as we toasted to my freedom and to the start of a new life as a family.
