The Cruelty of Fate | Ominis Gaunt Love Story

Chapter Thirteen

"What about Christmas? What have you been doing?"

Tessa blinked, puzzled at the irritation in his voice. "I-At Christmas? Worked of course. Everyone's celebrating and tips are generous that day. Last year, I made enough in tips to buy ten robes if I wanted to."

"Were they all drunken men?" He mused.

She nodded, "Mostly, yes."

He rolled his eyes, "They would be fools not to be enchanted by you."

What?

Hogsmeade

Ominis looked away from her again, but that was fine because she was blushing too. It was if he himself was startled the words flowed from his mouth so easily.

Tessa decided to save him this one time, changing the subject. "What do you and the Sallows normally do for Christmas? You said you go to Feldcroft, right?"

The ghost of a grateful smile fell on his face before he spoke, "The whole town is close with each other. Everyone makes different sorts of food, different punches, and treats. It's all displayed on a grand table in the center of town. It doesn't matter if you're too poor to contribute, it's a time where everyone comes together and enjoys the company. The Sallows do exchange gifts and while thankful, it's not a main event."

"Everyone eating food, spending time together?" Her tone turned wistful, "I bet they decorate the town with lights, don't they?"

Ominis nodded, "From what I could sense. When I was younger, I got caught in a bunch of lights. They were strung together with tiny bulbs smaller than my palm and a metallic string. The lamplights must have been bright and sparkling from how much heat was generated. "

He was so descriptive, but Tessa understood why. He saw not with his eyes, but with all his other senses. He was so receptive-more so than people who were able to see. "That sounds amazing. I wish I could see it."

"Me too." He grinned.

Tessa peered over at him, "You joke, but doesn't it bother you that you're blind sometimes?"

Ominis didn't hesitate. "It used to. I was different from the other wizards. My siblings thought it funny before I was able to use magic to watch me get lost easily. I struggled a lot and thought that I was defined by my condition. It's no secret that the Gaunts prioritize blood status above everything." His lips pressed together firmly with anger and disgust. "Every pureblood is related to another because they refuse to continue the family line with anyone that may have a Muggle-born or half blood in their own line. Because of this, there's persistent in-breeding over the generations, and I firmly believe that caused my medical condition. I was disgusted with myself for a long time. I still am."

She grabbed his arm, stopping him in the middle of the path. "Ominis-you can't-you can't believe that." Tessa said defensively, "None of us-"

He stopped her, pulling her hand off his arm. "You won't change my mind about this." They continued walking with Tessa trying not to feel like she failed in the conversation. Said the wrong thing. "I decided a long time ago that the Gaunt line while it may continue with my siblings, will not continue with me."

She swallowed, her throat constricting, and Tessa didn't say anything. What did that mean? He never saw a life for himself that involved finding someone he cared about, marrying her, and having children? Why...Why did that bother her so much? Why did she care? That question was becoming more and more common.