Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
They had been graduated for months at this point and yet Ominis had not once mentioned leaving. He had gone home for about a week at one point in the early fall, but quickly returned with a look of something Genevieve couldn’t quite decipher posted on his face and an air of defeat about him. The man had taken up living in her spare room, becoming something of a boarder along with several added bonuses. He would cook, he would clean, he would help water the plants, and he would do all of these things while working a low on the totem pole office job at the ministry. There was always a possibility of him working somewhere with a higher pay threshold due to his name, but Ominis would retort the same way every time.
“The less stressed I am, the more time I’ll have to be a better partner.” They were privileged to live a simple life right now, especially so soon after graduation. Aside from that, he wanted to move up in his own time not due to his last name but rather due to his work ethic.
It was nearing winter, Ominis was resting in a chair by the fireplace while Genevieve made dinner. Things were wonderfully boring at times like these, they were content in boring for a while. There would be time for excitement in the years to come, for now they could enjoy tranquility.
“I’m about to put dinner on the table, dear.” Genevieve alerted calmly, turning her head to watch his rise from his seat and set plates and utensils onto the table. He would move close to her to help Genevieve grab the food and move it onto the table, they would brush past each other just barely touching as it was inappropriate to do much more than that. The situation they were in itself would have her mother red in the face if she were a more prudish woman, she couldn’t imagine what Ominis’ parents thought given his status as a Gaunt heir.
“It smells wonderful, Genny.” Ominis smiled, setting a pot cozied up upon the oaken surface that was their table. Their table, this place had become their home. Suddenly however, there was a knock on the table that disturbed their peace. Ominis furrowed his brow, feeling his bubble burst from the sudden interruption. His face turned into her general direction, causing her to raise her shoulders as if he could see the confusion. “I’ll get the door.” And so he did, reaching into the pocket sewn into his trousers specifically for his wand with one hand and for the brass handle with the other.
“Am I interrupting?” Near immediately, Ominis scoffed and took a step forward to embrace the body attached to the voice. Sebastian of course, Genevieve resigned herself to placing another table setting for their guest. The two men parted ways, and Sebastian moved into the house toward Genevieve who turned to greet him the same with a hug. “Genny,” He paused, pulling back to seize her up. “Beautiful as always. I like that dress, it suits you.”
“Now, now. Moving in on my territory, Sallow?” Ominis jested, shutting the door and turning the lock which always made Genevieve feel safe knowing that he would.
“One would think just the opposite, dear.” Genevieve retorted, fanning at Ominis when he returned to her side. “Welcome, my friend. What a pleasant surprise you are. Please, join us for dinner and we’ll talk.”
Sebastian had been out of the country for some time, he came back only to finally speak with Anne who seemed reciprocal of his sincerest apology and the knowledge that he no longer practiced magic at all. Sebastian hadn’t even brought his wand, Sebastian hadn’t even a wand to bring anymore. He would stay for Christmas, then plan from there depending on Anne. They had all grown so much in a few short years, and they had all forgiven the utmost.
After finishing up, Sebastian helped Ominis clean up while Genevieve got some bedding together for Sebastian to sleep.
“I hope you don’t mind the rug, I’ll make it as comfortable as possible.” Genevieve called, and Sebastian snapped up his head before elbowing Ominis.
“You have a spare bedroom, do you not? I’m not complaining about the floor, but I am confused.”
“That’s… Well.” Ominis cleared his throat. “Genny, he could take my bed. I’ll take the floor.”
“Your bed?” Sebastian seemed near incredulous at the idea, then it dawned on him. “You don’t sleep together?”
Genevieve’s cheeks turned bright red at the suggestion. They didn’t sleep together, Ominis was almost always a perfect gentleman. Everyone else had been respectful of their private life, not a single person had questioned their sleeping arrangements in the past. They weren’t married, and people could read between the lines however they wanted to sure, but no one other than Sebastian had the gall to ask. If it weren’t Sebastian, Genevieve would say that it was overstepping.
Sebastian did wind up taking Ominis’ bed, and Genevieve stayed up late to fluff his blankets and pillows. She wasn’t certain, peering up to look at him as he stood tall beside the sink in the kitchen, but she was halfway hoping they would talk about it.
“Quite an assumption Sebastian made, right?” Genevieve spoke, her tone hushed as to not make too much noise and disturb Sebastian from his slumber. The man had traveled from such a long way after all.
Ominis hummed, not seeming too bashful, nor nervous about the previous conversation topic. Instead, he pushed himself from the counter and moved to kneel beside where Genevieve was crouched.
“I think it’s a safe assumption.” Genevieve turned the covers back, watching the man settle on top of the palette and kick off his shoes. “I’ve done well to prove my intentions, darling. I wouldn’t have a go at ruining your reputation and making a liar out of you.” There’s that smile, the one that Genevieve was certain of, that made her fall for him back in year five.
“You…” Genevieve started, almost offended at the insinuation that Ominis had ruined her good reputation she had built up over the years as a well known hero and a do-gooder. She threw the covers over the top of his head forcing him downward into a lying position, gaining laughter from the man as she attempted to smother him somehow. “You’re lucky I love you!”
Oh. She stopped, quickly pulling back as he pushed the covers off himself and sat back up. They stopped for a beat, then he moved suddenly, reaching for her hand and raising it to his lips.
“I love you.” He spoke with such clarity, still keeping a distance between them but with the palm of her hand pressed against his soft lips. After a few moments, Genevieve softened and he pulled her hand down to hold. “One day, we’ll get married. After that, we’ll have all the time in the world to do adult things like share a room and all that entails.”