Sooty Sessions
Ominis POV
I came down the steps of the faculty tower with a calmer mind. My breathing had leveled off and my heart had ceased its racing. Everything felt warm, gentle almost. Truly, it was a hard feeling to describe. There was always a heady euphoric state that overcame me after taking a draught of peace.
If it could be compared to anything though, it would be the sensation of being on the back of a broom. Floaty, yet tethered. Safety. Reassurance. I was long used to the nightmares and refused to let it sour my mood. After all, Nurse Blainey was right, I was resilient and needed to focus on the present. Although my family was vile, the only thing we shared was a last name. I would never be as bad as them. This self-loathing wouldn’t be forever, I had others on which I could rely. It was just a matter of being able to process it all in a productive manner.
A smile lit up the corners of my mouth at the thought of having someone on my side. I knew that no matter what happened I had someone who would stand by me. Through the darkness of last year and even into the future, there was one person who had never broken my trust. Someone who had started out as a nuisance but had quickly earned my respect and trust. She was like the sunlight breaking through a rain storm, drying all my heartache.
As I made my way through the hallways towards the dungeons, the usual chatter filled the air. Couples flirting, others discussing troubles in their classes or making plans to meet up at Hogsmeade. I tuned in and out of the conversations, making comments inwardly, and tucking some of the more scandalous revelations away for later use. It could have been the after effects of the potion but it sounded as if someone had been following behind me since I had left the faculty tower… just out of shot of my ability to tell who it was.
I swiftly turned down the last corridor and heard a couple of 2nd years deep in conversation by the dragon statue. They hushed as soon as I came into view.
“That’s the one I was telling you about!” A small voice whispered.
“Really, you’re sure? But they look nothing alike.” The other chittered.
“Oh, I’m sure. Look at the eyes, didn’t she mention that?” The small voiced one retorted.
Normally, I didn’t indulge in idle gossip, however one of my many hobbies was messing with the younger students. After the days earlier events I felt a little mischief was due, and who better than gossip mongers. I stopped walking as I passed in front of them. I could feel the girls clam up and tense.
“Mhm, I may be blind, but my hearing is quite good.” My voice belayed nothing but honey.
I could feel the girls gasp in horror. Genuine surprise to be caught out on their supposed private conversation. There was rustling and the faint smell of sweat beginning to prickle the skin. The small voiced one stuttered out an attempt at an apology.
“We meant no offense, Sir.” I could feel her staring though her words spoke contrition.
“Did you not? Tell me, what are your names?” I leaned in closer keeping the slight smile on my face, as the girls no doubt battled with whether they should provide a name. However, the fact that I was an upperclassmen coupled with their impropriety seemed to win out. There was a hushed whisper between the two before the more brash of the two spoke.
“I am Edalyn Greengrass, and this is my friend Kaliope Fauns. We are both second years in Ravenclaw house. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
It sounded as if they had made to curtsy and I struggled to hold back a laugh at the notion.
“Greengrass? I am familiar with your family, as I have no doubt you are with mine?” I ignored her formality.
“Yes, I am….”
“Then, I don’t think your father would approve of the gossip Edalyn Greengrass. Especially when it has to do with his business partners’ son. Where ever are your manners?” I gave them both one of my most charming smiles and canted my head to the side. Edalyn began to frantically apologize, stating that she didn’t mean any disrespect, she was simply curious as to what her roommate’s brother looked like as she had never had the privilege to make my acquaintance yet.
I scoffed at the notion. We had met prior to this, though I would doubt she would remember, having been in diapers at the time, still cutting her milk teeth. Not that I had remembered it much either having been on such a short leash around guests of any station, lest I embarrass the family with my inconvenient affliction.
“Hmm, well you now have the privilege. Do I stand up to the legend?” I strained extra emphasis on the offending word, hoping my intonation got the message across. I didn’t wait for the children to respond. Instead, continuing my sojourn to my dorm room, I began checking off a mental list of all the items I would need to pack for this adventure with Lessie.
Descending the stairs of the dungeon the temperature dropped a few degrees and I could feel the hairs on my arms rise, despite the many layers. I wondered if I should pack an extra cardigan in case my housemate forgot. She was never good at remembering things like that. Approaching the door of the Slytherin common room I could hear the twin snakes being to slither as I whispered the passcode.
“Asssssssspiration”
I came down the spiral and was met with the familiar smell of pine and peppermint. I inhaled deeply, glad to be home. Half way across the room, the clack of a pair of shoes making their way into the common room sped up as I turned in the direction of the boys’ dormitories. The noise stopped behind me and I turned.
“Excuse me, Sir. Are you Ominis Gaunt?”
I turned around, brows quirked up at the formal title.
“Yes? I am he.”
“Ah, I was asked to give you this note.” I could tell the person was waiting for me to reach out for it. I outstretched my arm, palm up turned. They must have been an underclassman, since it seemed they had not yet noticed that I couldn’t see where their hand was to take the note. I didn’t recognize the voice either. There was an awkward stretch of time before they placed the parchment into my hand and scurried away. I tucked it into my trouser pocket with the vial Nurse Blainey had given me and continued towards my destination.
I closed the door behind me and let my wand send out a pulse. The room was empty except for my sooty owl, Noct. He had been a gift from my aunt, and as a result had been named in honor of her. She laughed at the name at first, but it had stuck. It seemed that my roommates were still milling about elsewhere in the castle. All the better for me to pack in peace and then make my way to the great hall for an early dinner.
“Do you think I would need more than one pair of shoes?” I asked my pet.
There was a soft clacking of his beak, and I nodded my head in agreement. Shrugging my robe off, I hung it on the coat rack near the door, striding towards my area of the room. My hands found the knot of my tie and began to loosen it, popping the top two buttons in the process. With my neck exposed a bit, it felt like I was able to breathe easier.
“You’re probably right. It would be wise to pack light.” Another clacking resounded and I reached into the drawer by my bed pulling a couple of treats out and letting Noct eat them from my hand. With the owl placated for the moment, I took out my wand and motioned for the armoire to open.
“I think 3 shirts, just in case, 2 pairs of trousers, socks for each day, some shorts….” I turned back towards Noct expectantly, “You don’t suppose a waistcoat would be necessary out in the country side?” The bird ignored me and had moved on to preening his feathers.
“No, no probably not then,”
Another flick of my wand and I had a couple options lined up on my bed. I felt the collars of the shirts for the small lines of embroidery that let me know which would match with the corresponding trousers. I had learned from an early age that the feel of fabric could be deceiving and was thankfully blessed with a kindhearted seamstress who had taken it upon herself to make sure I would never become a fashion faux pas. Little kindness like these often helped reaffirm the goodness of others. It was a driving force.
I stood there contemplating each ensemble. I was struck with the notion that the vast majority of my clothing was unsuitable for outdoor pursuits. Letting out a frustrated groan I sent the clothing back, having the magic pull out more options. Usually, I would be done by now and have everything sorted. Unfortunately, though, the thought of spending the weekend alone with my best friend was causing my brain to overthink. Not just my best friend, but one whom happened to belong to the fairer sex.
Not a girl. Just a friend. You are just F-R-I-E-N-D-S!
Running a hand through my hair, I let out a sigh. I shouldn’t care this much about something so simple as wardrobe options. I doubt she was putting this much thought into it. I turned back to Noct for some reassurance.
“I am overthinking this aren’t I?”
I could hear him shift around on his perch. Debating whether or not to add to the conversation. He let out a small hoot, followed by a firm shake of his wings. A resounding yes. I let out a deep sigh and flopped on the bed, rumpling the finely pressed clothing. It was times like these that I had a slight ache for my old roommate. If he were here, I would know exactly what to do. I would be able to get more critical feedback than the few hoots and whistles that Noct could provide. I brushed away the thoughts as they formed. The vial stabbing into my upper thigh became increasingly uncomfortable in my pocket, helping to redirect my subconscious.
“Almost forgot about this.”
My hand reached into my pocket pulling out the vial as well as the parchment. I had forgotten about the note. Setting the vial next to me, I took my wand and tapped the parchment whispering the spell to transfigure the ink into braille.
“Erigo”
My hands traced over the small dots. The confusion I had felt moments before washed away and I could feel a genuine smile light up my face. It was a short note, and quite to the point. I re-read it a couple more times, making sure that it said what I thought it said. As infrequently as I received these little requests, I could never find it in my heart to turn them down, especially one as odd as this. A new surge of energy overcame me, and I sat back up and quickly checked the tags on the now crumpled outfits. A casual set of day wear with matching ‘dark’ vest, and two loose sleeved shirts. I tapped the outfits, unwrinkling the fabric and neatly folding them.
“Well, Noct it appears we’ll just have to hope for the best with these ensembles, won’t we?”
The bird trilled as I waved my wand sending the matching sets into my traveling bag. I left it on the edge of my bed, and I sorted through the toiletries, taking extra care to add the sachet of juniper and sage to keep everything smelling fresh. With everything safely sorted and packed up tight, I took one more turn about the room making sure everything was tidy. I placed the vial and letter I had received earlier in the top drawer next to my bed and enchanted the lock. My roommates weren’t bad people so to speak; however, we didn’t have the history of friendship I had had previously with Sebastian. It was hard to trust those who were so new to my life.
The great hall was bustling with activity as my wand led me to the opposite side of the room, towards the Ravenclaw table. I could hear the hushed whispers as I approached, choosing as always to ignore them. Most were speculative, but the few I did hear from the upperclassmen were down right unkind. I gave a little huff, holding my head higher.
Nothing but jealous gits!
As I neared the end of the table, closest to the podium I could hear the chattering of the second-year students and the annoying simpering of Duncan Hobhouse. The fact that he would entertain the idea of sitting with the underclassmen instead of his own peers was less than appealing. I had never liked the worm, and this was just further proof that my gut reactions were correct. I made my way closer, and the conversation died down.
“What brings a snake into our nest?” Hobhouse chortled.
“I could ask the same thing. I thought this was a table for eagles, not a den of Puffskiens.” I replied with a bit of an edge in my voice. I could hear Duncan grind his teeth at his nickname, contemplating how to respond.
“Shouldn’t you be bothering your own housemates?” Choosing to drop the pretense of pleasantries, the group of 2nd years chittered between themselves. It seemed as if I was a welcome presence, at least to them. There was a nervous tension at the table and Hobhouse seemed to be the crux of it.
“And shouldn’t you be sitting with the rest of the 6th years instead of practicing egg predadation?”
At that he stood up affronted.
“What are you implying Gaunt?!”
“I am not implying anything. I am simply stating facts. I would encourage you to practice better decorum so as not to influence the children. They have just started their studies here and can be very impressionable at this age.” I put emphasis into my meaning as I waved my hand at the gaggle of 12-year-olds at the table. “It would be a shame should they learn anything untoward.”
At that comment he made a show of getting up, making a racket as he walked to the other side of the hall. There was a collective sigh from the children as he departed. A small hand reached out and took hold of my pinky, cradling it in a firm yet delicate embrace.
“W-w-would you c-care t-to join us?” The voice was timid, fragile like the wings of a hummingbird. I could hear the shuffle as the younger students slid down the bench to make room for me. Sitting down with no resistance I turned towards the voice, my eyes softening as did my tone.
“Thank you for the invitation. How has my little starling been getting on?”
The use of the pet name caused the girl to blanche in embarrassment. While I couldn’t see it, I knew her face would be quite red at this point. The others resumed their prior conversations, but I could tell they were listening in just the same. It wasn’t every day that a Slytherin came to dine at their table, let alone an upperclassman with as notorious of a name as I possessed, though I would suppose they should be used to that name by now, having one counted among their own ranks.
“I-I-I am b-better n-now that you’re h-here.” This was the first time we had spoken in person since the start of the school year, and while I was surprised at being summoned, I was happy to be acknowledged in a positive light by someone in my family.
“I think we’re all better for you having made Hobhouse leave,” The voice of Edalyn Greengrass chimed in from across the table. A resounding mumble of agreeance could be heard from the rest of the Ravenclaws assembled. As the voices slowed, she continued.
“I know she won’t mention it, but he has been being very forward with your sister. Even cornered her in the courtyard the other day.”
“E-Edalyn!” My sister stuttered once more. It was an infliction she had had since she was younger. One that made her a target not just at Hogwarts but also within our home. She had barely even started talking until she was around 3 and by then had already been lumped in the same category as me…. Useless, defective, unworthy of the family name. Not to mention she was the first Gaunt in the past two centuries to get sorted into a house other than Slytherin. I did my best to protect her when she would allow me, but it seemed I would need to be more proactive.
“He WHAT?!” Raising my voice slightly, maintaining my composure but inwardly seething.
Puffskien Dunkein you better not let me catch you alone!
“I-I-It w-wasn’t a b-big deal.” I could tell she was trying to stay calm, but it seemed the topic made her uncomfortable. “H-h-he was j-j-ust o-offering t-t-t-to t-t-tutor me.”
“Oh, it was a big deal! If it hadn’t been for that Slytherin boy coming to her rescue I don’t know what would have happened. It was all so romantic, like a knight in shining armor. He nearly threw Hobhouse off the balcony!”
If I had been able to see, I would have borne holes into the top of my little sister’s head.
“Astraea Hyderia Gaunt, why in Merlin’s beard didn’t you send for me sooner? I would have had this matter settled!” I knew why she didn’t, it was the same reason I refused help most times. She didn’t want to seem weak. To have a blind boy fight her battles, regardless of if we were kin or not would have made her a laughing stock. Nonetheless it made my blood boil, I had only even wanted to protect her from ridicule. So much so that I would stay in the shadows until she felt the need to reach for the comfort I could provide.
“T-the matter i-i-s s-s-settled. Can w-we p-please just e-eat?”
I could hear her settle food onto her plate. I reached out and took the goblet in front of my place setting, bringing it to my lips.
“It is not settled. Not by a long shot, however you seem unwilling to speak on it at present,” I let the pumpkin juice slide down my throat. It was full of all my favorite mulling spices; however, the conversation made it seem sour. “Unlike others I do abide by consent.” I put the goblet back on the table and began to swing my legs over the bench to leave, assuming my duty had been fulfilled.
“W-will you s-s-sit with u-s u-until the dinner s-service is o-over?”
Her hand once more reached out for mine. She must have really been shaken to acknowledge me so openly. The mix between fury at whatever transgressed between her, and that worm and the soft affection had me at a loss for words. I righted myself and refilled the goblet. Tapping my wand to the side it pinged as I conjured something a bit stronger than the pumpkin juice served.
Edalyn broke into tales of how the past month had been, settling in with Astraea adding a word or two in on occasion. Overall, it was a nice break from the silent treatment I received most of the time at my own table. The children were quick to pepper me with questions about what they could expect for the upcoming term. Many were excited by the fact that they had gotten to choose their own electives, but the topic often switched to what it was like to walk about Hogsmeade without a chaperone.
For Ravenclaws, they seemed to be a nice bunch. I could breathe a bit easier knowing that my little starling had a group of friends to rely on. That and the fact that after tonight, Hobhouse wouldn’t dare to approach my sister ever again, let alone anyone below our year. I wasn’t a violent man, but when honor was involved, there were some lines that could be crossed. Lessie still hadn’t come to find me, so I assumed that I had a bit of time to spare. Enough time to do what needed to be done.
“Miss Greengrass, may I ask you a question?”
The girls stopped chattering and there was a burst of laughter. I raised my eyebrows in confusion, concerned that I might have spilt something on myself during the course of the meal.
What was so funny?
“Y-you sound l-l-like f-father.”
My scowl deepened at the comparison. The ball of fury knotted in my stomach began to blaze anew. Like father? Ha, that was the biggest laugh. The soft voiced girl broke up what would have turned into a not so nice remark.
“You may call me Edalyn. There is no need to be so proper, especially since…. How did you put it earlier?” She stopped and paused a moment, building the anticipation. “Ah yes, that we are business partners?”
“I never said we were business partners. Our fathers’ conduct business together.”
“Same thing really.” I could practically feel her smirk. She was trying to have a laugh. I brushed it away having no need to play the funny little game the child thought she was trying to make. There were more serious endeavors to worry about.
“Regardless, Edalyn, are you on good terms with you uncle?”
She took a drink from her cup, setting it back down. “What an odd question, of course I am. I spend most weekends with him and Auntie Ursula. In fact, I am supposed to leave with Uncle Phineas after dinner. Why do you ask?”
This will be easier than I thought.
I reached out, taking Astraea’s hand back into my own and gave it a tight squeeze.
“I was hoping that you might be able to bring a friend with you. It would be nice for her to get out of the castle.”
Astraea gave my hand a squeeze back and I could feel the gratitude radiating off her. With what I had planned it would be best for her to be in a safe environment free from any accusations or repercussions.
“Oh, that’s a brilliant idea!” She turned back towards my sister.
Both girls buzzed in agreement, before getting up and making a beeline for the head table. After a brief interaction they came running back. Their excitement at the prospect of a sleepover outside of the castle was discussed in detail as they hurriedly finished their plates. With the arrival of dessert, they turned back to other topics as I sat back smiling into my cup.
You’ve messed with the wrong family Hobhouse.