The Darkest Enchantment

CHAPTER 11: Learning More Than Spells In Hogwarts

Ominis' POV

He couldn't believe he was doing this. Long past curfew, under the concealment of a disillusionment charm, he was sneaking into the library. He technically could come here during the day, but he preferred the solitude of the late hours for this particular type of research.

Especially since the librarian had a habit of following him around and offering help. The mere thought of trying to ask her for assistance in finding a book like the one he was looking for now made him flush with embarrassment.

It was frustrating how little he knew about such an important aspect of life. Didn't most people have a partner at some point? Didn't almost everyone desire a deeper, romantic connection? Why was it treated as such a taboo topic?

During these moments, he missed Sebastian the most. They used to share everything – their theories, their tentative explorations into relationships. Sebastian was far more skilled at flirting and he had been the one to experience his first kiss. Ominis, on the other hand, was too shy and unsure of how to approach the people he liked. But with Sebastian's guidance, he mustered the courage to ask out a girl he had feelings for back in their 4th year. Although it didn't lead to much more than a one kiss. Sebastian had teased him that maybe he was a bad kisser. Ominis' annoyance reached a peak and in an impulsive moment, he challenged Sebastian to kiss him to either prove his kissing skills or to simply shut up. To his surprise, Sebastian chose the former option.

He couldn't help but suspect that Sebastian had orchestrated the teasing on purpose, hoping for that exact outcome. However, it remained a singular moment between them and they never spoke about it again.

Ominis and y/n didn't discuss much about relationships or intimacy when they were yet just friends. Ominis felt increasingly uncomfortable whenever y/n would try to share spicy details of her own experiences. After a few attempts of politely declining to listen about her other love interests, she labelled him as prude, which he found unfair.

Now that they were dating he felt the weight of his inexperience. He had limited knowledge beyond kissing, while y/n was a confident and experienced young woman. He wanted to fulfil her desires and give her the pleasure she deserved, but he lacked knowledge of the female body and sexual satisfaction. So, what was he doing now? He, of course, turned to books for answers. He couldn't help but feel a bit pathetic, but he genuinely didn't know who else he could ask.

Using the guidance of his wand, he would have an idea of general topics inside of any book his hand would touch. It took him a while but finally he found a section he needed. It was tucked in one of the further aisles of the library. Good, less chance that someone would discover what he was doing here.

The first book he picked up wasn't exactly what he was looking for, but he still spent an hour reading through it. It delved into female physiology, explaining the monthly cycle, the physical and emotional changes women experience and the reasons behind them. It also covered potions and herbs that could help alleviate the pain that commonly apparently often accompanied that time of the month.

The book even mentioned charms and spells that could be used with undergarments to absorb menstrual blood discreetly. Ominis was fascinated and bewildered at the same time.

Why had they never learned anything about this? Ominis knew that women experienced monthly bleeding and that it was somehow connected to their ability to have children, but he had no idea about the specifics. He had never known how long it lasted or what else women had to deal with during that time. It sounded like a lot to go through every month.

He couldn't help but wonder why y/n had never mentioned it. Did she assume he knew? Perhaps she didn't feel comfortable talking about it? Ominis found himself wondering how she would react if he brought up the topic and asked her.