Us, Thoughtlessly | Ominis Gaunt (Hogwarts Legacy)

Us, Thoughtlessly

"Are you two still seeing other people?"Ominis asked while reaching over the table for another loaf of bread.

The Great Hall. Ominis and I had shared breakfast every morning since the start of our sixth year, and this one we sat side by side, basking in the tall windows' warm glow. A much needed comfort, ever since our mutual relationship with Sebastian deteriorated over time. Platonic for Ominis and, for me, a rather heated and disastrous romantic affair.

By the beginning of our seventh, I had grown out of riding pants and opted for finer skirts. Dyed my hair and stayed on a regimen of Sacharissa's beauty creams. Ominis stood as tall as Professor Sharp, with hair shining in a much lighter ash blonde, leaving him as dashing as... well, I suppose I do not have a good comparison. Not anymore.

"It is the best path," I retorted. "If we tried to get back together, we'd likely be screaming at each other by first class." I was already mad thinking about Sebastian, stabbing a fork into my omelette. A bit unnecessary, sure. But I had sorely wished Ominis would stop mentioning him, most especially this early in the morn.

"The two of you drive me mad," Ominis agitatedly said. "Don't think I cannot tell. Every time you meet in the same room, you both give pause. I can sense the tension between the two of you-especially during Potions. Merlin knows Sharp is bored of you two already."

I sighed into my glass. "It's not something I can deny. Sure, I love him. And maybe some part of him still loves me back. But it's of what once was. Back when he knew better, and I knew nothing at all."

I took a bite out of my apple. Not sure why they call it a Red Delicious when it's simply tart. I threw it to the side of my plate.

"And that is our mistake to bear," I stated as clear as possible.

When it came to most things, especially Sebastian, I felt Ominis was the only person in the world I could share my hopes and troubles with. Mostly anything, really. He was more than a shoulder to cry on, but a person who gave great advice and strength. Occasional scoldings of course, but more than any other, his company felt like home.

That said, it still boggled me why he kept bringing up the conversation. I needed to move on, and yet Ominis kept prodding on whether I still had feelings for the guy. I mean I did, and perhaps still do. But a love lost is not always a loss. In this case, it was a lesson.

"So," he expectedly continued, "you'll continue making more mistakes? Even though-now-you know better?" Ominis' face contorted into concern, with his arm shifting over the table to face me better. Ah, I always feel bad when he makes such a sad puppy face.

"Hey, don't have such an expression. This is healthy. For us both," I calmly explained. "Sebastian and I grew too close, too fast. We're not good for each other, and it's only longing for a past that doesn't exist that we... yearn for each other."

"Gross," he chuckled. I nudged his leg hard with mine in response.

"Fine. Continue this dalliance or six of yours for the rest of term. Who do you have your sights set on now?" Ominis asked as he gathered another bunch of grapes from the table.

Whether it was out of agitation in light of Sebastian's behavior or wanting to make him jealous, or maybe a bit of both, I had started dating around the houses. Quite infamously, in fact. Nothing more than a few weeks, and absolutely no repeats. But I will admit: being intimate without feelings was... comfortable. For a time. But, not so much anymore.

"No one, actually. I am not looking for someone," I said plainly.

"Oh? That is a new development." Ominis had a rather puzzled expression on his face, as if still processing my decision in his mind.