The Darkest Enchantment

CHAPTER 5: Inferno

Ominis' POV

Ominis stood there, stunned and hurt, his heart pounding in his chest, face growing redder with each passing second. His hands were clenched into fists, and he couldn't help but shake slightly. This was not how he had imagined it would go. All his instincts had told him that y/n felt something for him too, but now he questioned everything. They were friends, close friends, and even if she didn't feel the same way, he had hoped for some understanding, some response, anything.

"Fucking friends!" he muttered angrily to himself, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions inside him. She had listened to his heartfelt confession and then ran away without a single word, without offering any answer or explanation. How could he have been so wrong about this?

Anger, hurt, and disappointment mingled together, creating a storm within him. He knew he needed time to process everything, to gather his thoughts, and perhaps, eventually, find a way to mend their friendship, regardless of how his feelings were reciprocated. But right now, the sting of rejection was too raw.

Y/n's POV

It was the day of their presentation, and Ominis was conspicuously absent.

Y/n returned to the dormitory in the early hours of the morning, having spent a significant portion of the night in the forest with Poppy Sweeting. The threat of poachers in the Hogwarts area had diminished, but it was still important to check from time to time. Y/n couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing that Ominis was likely waiting for her with breakfast. However, she had managed to sleep through the entire morning, completely oblivious to the world around her.

Even Imelda, who usually had a knack for waking y/n with her grumpy commentary about the cancelled Quidditch tournament or the latest school gossip, had failed to rouse her from slumber.

Y/n's restlessness grew as the minutes ticked by, and the start of the lesson drew nearer. Ominis was typically punctual and dependable, so his absence had raised her concern. Finally, he entered the room, taking his seat beside her without uttering a single word. His expression was one of indifference, with a slight frown etched on his face.

Professor Binns' incorporeal form glided into the room in his usual ethereal manner, passing through the solid wall. His voice resonated with an otherworldly echo as he called upon y/n and Ominis for their presentation.

As they stood up to present, y/n couldn't resist the urge to try and capture Ominis' attention. She reached out, attempting to grab his arm in a subtle gesture of connection and support. However, he swiftly removed her hand and lightly shook his head.

They both walked towards the blackboard, taking their positions. Ominis had memorised his part, while y/n clutched a couple of notes in her hand for reference. As Ominis began to speak, his voice lacked its usual warmth and enthusiasm. It was as if life had been drained from his words.

Once Ominis finished his lengthy monologue, he gestured towards y/n, signalling for her to continue, but she was too stunned by his uncharacteristic behaviour, causing her to miss her cue. She stood there, staring blankly, unable to find her words in the moment. An awkward silence filled the room, and just when it seemed like the situation couldn't get any more uncomfortable, Ominis stepped in to save them. With a sigh, he smoothly picked up where y/n had faltered.

After the lesson, Ominis hastily packed his things, moving faster than y/n would have believed possible. Determined to catch up with him, y/n grabbed only her wand and hurried after him through the corridors. "Ominis!" she called out, finally catching up to him. He tried to ignore her and walk past, but she stood in front of him, placing her hand gently on his chest, but he took a few steps back, avoiding her touch. That simple gesture hurt her deeply.