The Serpent Trio

Part 10- Weekend at Hogwarts (ii)

Cressida POV

Our walk to Hogsmeade was a quiet one. We walked hand in hand fingers intertwined providing a modicum of warmth and solace. I pulled my scarf around my jagged cut hair, at least now I did not look like I had been attacked. Thanks to Ominis that is. The wind was turning colder, a sign of Autumn coming to fruition. Despite what had happened this morning I was feeling more positive about today, it had certainly taken a turn, one I had certainly not expected. I glanced at Ominis and noticed he didn't have his wand out at all, he was trusting me to guide him and keep him safe as we walked.

"I may be blind but I can still sense when someone is staring at me." He turned his head towards me and raised an eyebrow.
"I was just taking note of the fact you do not have your wand out." I smiled as I replied to him.
"I don't need it, I have you." He smiled back at me and squeezed my hand as he said this.
"Come on now, let's get you to Madam Snelling's Tress emporium, she'll fix your hair right up." We walked the remainder of the way making no sound, just taking in the noises of the valley and all that dwelled in it as we went. We reached the boarder of Hogsmeade and Ominis pulled his wand out.

"Come on, my turn to lead you elsewhere." He tugged me forward into the small, but bustling, hamlet village. He certainly knew where he was headed and swiftly made his way through the swarms of people. We arrived at the emporium and he let my hand drop, I felt ice drop into my stomach as he did so, suddenly the safety and security I had felt the whole way here disappeared. "We're here, you go on in and I'll meet you once you're done."

"You're not coming in with me?" I could hear the fear creeping into my voice threatening to pull at the tone. 

"No, you'll be safe here. I know Madam Snelling, she won't allow anyone to harm you." He placed a hand on my shoulder and leant down, pecking me softly on the lips. My heart immediately jumped and my face flushed.

"Ominis!" I scolded, irked by he brashness. He leant down again and whispered in my ear. 

"I want everyone to know I will protect you. If anyone threatens or hurts you then they hurt me and that won't put them in good standing with other wizards." He moved his hand down to the small of my back and placed his other hand on my cheek, moving his head in to allow his lips to graze the top of mine. I felt my breath catch as my heart hammered. "Go on, tell her I've sent you in." Ominis spoke normally, standing back up straight leaving my face flushed. His hand grabbed mine and placed something in it, I looked down to find he had placed a signet ring into the palm of my hand. "Just in case she asks for proof." He smiled at me before turning and raising his wand once more, I watched as he headed off and out of sight. I took a deep breath before turning and heading into the emporium. 

Ominis POV

I made my way through the busy town circle and found myself at Gladrags Wizardwear, I pushed the door open hearing the usual tinkle of the bell. I used my wand to guide me to the various mannequins unsure of how I was going to complete the task I had set out on. 

"Oh! Ominis, what a surprise to see you here!" I recognised instantly the chirpy voice of Poppy Sweeting. 

"Poppy, I am glad to have run into you, I could use your help." I smiled hoping that Sebastian had been correct about her crush on me during second year. 

"Of course, what brings you out of the castle?" she asked me, her voice full of energy and goodness. I reached out to guide her by the elbow and quietly told her my plan, she agreed to help me and I was finished up quicker than I thought I would be. I took a trip into Honeydukes with her and bought her some treats as a thank you for helping me. By this point I decided that Cress should be finished, I parted ways with Poppy and made my way back to Madam Snelling's Emporium.