Before the Storm- Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt Love Triangle

Chapter 2: Don't Kiss and Tell (SPICY)

Poppy had been the starter for most of the conversation all evening, for that I was grateful. I was incredibly nervous to talk to Ominis, more so than I had ever been and I believe he felt the same way. Poppy shared our summer adventures, inserting an occasional joke backed by her famous obnoxious facial expressions. Ominis may not have been able to see her face, but he laughed from the bottom of his belly. He was happy, to be honest I think it was safe to say he enjoyed this. Each of us sat comfortably by the fireplace. Ominis sat in a soft, velvet green chair, Poppy sat on the floor with her legs crossed, bundled with a blanket draped over her. I remained on the leather loveseat, facing Poppy and Ominis, the best of company.

"How do you know if someone is a pureblood?" Poppy raises her eyebrow. "Oh, don't worry, they'll make sure they tell you!"

Ominis scoffs. "What do you call a Hufflepuff with one brain cell? Gifted". He flipped his hair out of his eyes. He had a smug grin on his face as he and Poppy had been going back and forth at each other with jokes. Some of them were cruel, but they were both handing it right back at each other.

"Oh, Merlin's beard. I didn't realize how much of a comedian you were, Ominis Gaunt." I taunt, smiling ear to ear. Poppy had cheered me on. "Two Hufflepuffs against a single Slytherin? I think we may indeed have a chance after all !" I muse.

"That's a whole two brain cells for you, good sir!" Poppy crossed her arms.

"Well, Violet is a little different from the other Hufflepuffs. She has a touch a Slytherin in my opinion," Ominis says confidently.

"Oh please!" Poppy scuffs. "You are just jealous that MY house has her. You are stuck with crazy Sebastian," Poppy laughs and slowly realizes what she just said to Ominis. His smile slowly fades and he cowards back in his seat. Poppy looks at me and I give her a look saying nice one but I got sad hearing his name. We sat in silence until the house elf came storming in with silver cups filled with a drink.

"Forgive me for the intrusion, master!" the house elf kept his lower, shuffling his feet towards us.

"No need to apologize, Rodkey. You never have to apologize" Ominis said, standing up and straightening his shirt. "Violet, Poppy, this is my house elf, Rodkey.".

"Poppy, the brave and caring Hufflepuff who strikes fear in poachers' hearts? I've heard about you, miss." Rodkey smiles, shaking Poppy's hand graciously.

"You-you've heard about me?" Poppy says shocked. A smile shining through her shocked impression".

"Oh yes. And you, Violet. I have heard many great things about you..." Rodkey shook my hand, offering a warm smile. Did he want to say more? He sheepishly looked at Ominis, afraid he may have overstepped his boundaries about a sensitive topic. Rodkey wore a tattered, brown burlap sack as clothing. Scars adorning his frail body. I felt sorry for him.

"Rodkey has been in my service since I was three years old. The loyalist of friends." Ominis sighed. Rubbing his temples.

"And no matter how many socks you give me, you will never lose me" Rodkey snapped. A slight chuckle being released. Ominis cared for the elf, who was so pure and sweet. I wonder how the other house elves were treated by the other Gaunts. Rodkey had snapped his finger and a tray of assorted breads, cheese and fruit appeared on a silver platter. "Friends are special, enjoy your time together, I am at your service if you require anything of me". With another snap of a finger, Rodkey was gone.

"Look at the size of these grapes!" Poppy exclaimed, savoring the sweetness. "What's in the cup?" She asked.

"Elf-made wine. It's strong but delicious! Have you ever had it?" Ominis took a large gulp. Letting out a sigh of content.