The Secrets I Keep (Ominis Gaunt X Fem MC)

To New Beginnings (Book 2 6th year The Secrets I Keep)

After Aria's graduation we made it back home. So much had happened. I was mentally exhausted. I passed all my OWLS with flying colors and won Hufflepuff the house cup. But none of that mattered to me. I could care less. I made it up o my room an threw myself on my bed. I just wanted to lie down. I kept thinking if I made the right choice to let Sebastian go, and not turn him in to the ministry. Part of me still felt responsible. I did let him know that Rockwood was the one who cursed Anne. He gave me his condolences for the loss of Professor Fig, and that was it, I haven't heard from him since. I would pass him in the halls, but he'd turn the other way. During class he hardly spoke to me, and would bolt out as soon as class was over. I wouldn't even catch him in the Undercroft. It made me wonder if he really did just use me. If our friendship was a lie the whole time. Then there was Ominis. He comforted me the whole way. I felt horrible that he was going back to the Gaunt Manor for summer break. Garreth even offered him his bed, but he refused. He didn't even want to come to Aria's small party. We promised to write to each other to make sure we are ok. Sebastian did speak to Ominis, however Ominis kept him at arms reach for now. Suddenly I felt a huge weight on top of me. "P what are you doing moping around, it's summer we can do whatever we want." Garreth said crushing me under him. I laughed. Arthur leaned against the door frame and sighed "well considering you almost failed two classes I suggest you use your time wisely ad crack open a book. It's for your own good Garreth" Arthur smirked. "He is just acting Cocky since he is going to be a seventh year" Garreth scoffed. He sat on my bed with his head up looking as though Arthur offended him. We laughed as Arthur walked in and sat on the floor next to my bed. "Room for one more" Aria said quietly. We all turned to look at her. "Of course" I scotted closer to Garreth to make room. "I am definitely going to miss this" Aria said while playing with Arthur's hair. "You act like you can't visit"Arthur stated. Aria was going to be moving away to London in one month. She had found a small apartment. Aria had gotten a job at the Ministry, and so had Elias. I wasn't surprised, Aria was extremely smart and talented. She had he whole life a head of her. I was so happy for her. She found love, she found her future. I was going to be sad when she leaves since I'll be all alone in this room. I'll miss our late midnight conversations, and her comforting me when I would get my nightmares.

The next morning we were all helping around the house. Aria and I hung the washed clothes to dry, while Garreth and Arthur worked on the garden. I glanced at Aria with a mischievous smile and grabbed the bucket of water. She covered her mouth holding in her laugh knowing what I was going to do. As I walked closer to Garreth I asked him if he needed water to cool off. He smiled at me and nodded his head. The moment he turned around I spilled the bucket of water over his head. "What in Merlin's name Penelope, I thought you were going to bring me a glass of water" he yelled. He grabbed his water pale and I ran for it. "I'm going to catch you, come back here". Everyone started laughing. I felt Arthur pick me up and hang me over his shoulder. "I got her Garreth" he laughed. "Put me down Artie please" I begged as I tried to wiggle out of his arms. When Garreth got close, Arthur ran and laughed. I sighed in relief I thought he was going to turn me in to Garreth. Then he stopped "remember that time you hexed me, and I was tripping on my laces all day". "I don't think I recall that event" I tried to play dumb. Next thing I knew Garreth had poured the water onto me and Arthur. As Arthur placed me down he ran after Garreth. Aria had also joined in on the fun wetting both the boys. "Well that's one way to cool off" mom said."now come inside and get changed before you all catch a cold".
Once we were all changed we stated getting ready for dinner. Garreth and I were setting the table when we heard a knock on the door. "I'll get it" I walked over to the door and opened it. "Hello Penelope are your brothers around" Elias smiled. "Yes, they are. Come on in". "Actually I wanted to know if I can have a private conversation with them outside". I turned to call Garreth and Arthur when I noticed Aria make a face at Elias. "I told you, you don't have to do this" Aria whispered. "If we are going to do this we have to do it right" Elias smiled. As Garreth and Arthur walked out the door I turned to Aria and gave her a huge smirk knowing exactly what he meant. She blushed and walked back into the kitchen. I ran to the window and pretended to read as I stole glances at the boys. I saw Arthur with his hands on his hips, while Garreth jumped in the air, and hugged Elias. When I saw them walk back to the house I jumped up and walked to the kitchen. "Elias is joining us for dinner tonight Penelope. Please set another plate for him on the table." Arthur smiled. I saw Garreth and we smiled and nodded to eachother. Me and Garreth had grown closer since we were in the same year. We would know what the other was saying without speaking a word.
As we finished our dinner Elias coughed and went down on one knee next to Aria. Mother gasped and covered her mouth looking at the both of them. "Aria Joyce Weasley since the moment we met in Hogwarts you have brought so much joy in my life. You are the reason I want to wake up every morning. Every time I look at you I get lost in those beautiful green eyes. I know you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?" Aria leaned down and kissed Elias as he slipped the ring on her finger. We all cheered and they both blushed and smiled. Mom gave them both a big hug with tears of joy streaming down her face.