The Darkest Enchantment

CHAPTER 19: *Seeing the Stars

Warning:   NSFW, explicit content, 18+

Y/n's POV

"Are we going to the astronomy tower? I thought we already established that I'm not a big fan of stargazing." Ominis asked, while y/n was leading him up to the staircase.

"We're not here to see the stars... well, at least not literally, my love." y/n squeezed his hand lightly and halted their walk in front of the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. "Here we are, it's a rather special place."

"Ah," Ominis exclaimed, his wand tracing the surroundings as he was turning around, a smug knowingness in his tone. "You're taking me to your room of requirement, am I right?"

Y/n couldn't help but giggle; of course, he would be familiar with the room. Ominis knew Hogwarts better than his family's house. But he couldn't possibly fathom what y/n had done with the room or what she had planned for them tonight.

Rather than responding, she simply led him inside. It was the very same room that had been her secret sanctuary for all those years. It was a haven she had shared with no one else, yet...

Deek had already been given a heads-up and was spending the day with the other house elves in the kitchen. Of course y/n hadn't told him any details, but Deek had proven to be very understanding in the past whenever y/n asked for some privacy.

"Are you secretly making potions here?" Ominis immediately noticed the smell coming from her brewing stations as soon as they entered.

"It's not a secret, Professor Weasley showed me this room when I came to Hogwarts. I've been using it to catch up with all the classes. Watch out, there are stairs coming!" She gave Ominis a warning as they climbed the steps hand in hand and soon they were standing in front of the vivarium that she loved the most.

"So, we're about to go through something like a portal." she began with a bubbling excitement "I have four different vivariums here and we're about to enter one of them. Do you trust me?"

With a brief hesitation Ominis shuffled his toes against the floorboards, but a moment later he shook his head as if to free himself from thoughts and he nodded. "I do. Lead the way."

**

The sand beneath their shoes crunched rhythmically as they walked along the stony path, each step creating a small symphony of sounds. The salty wind swirled around them, ruffling their hair, tugging at their clothes and leaving a feel of freedom in their minds.

The sea roared before them, foam adorning the edges of the waves was rolling on the beach before receding again. In the distance they could hear the screeching of seagulls flying overhead. The sun tingled on their skin, warmed their faces.

Ominis' face was lit up with childlike excitement. Y/n vividly described their surroundings, pointing out various wonders.

Soon the animals came to greet them, kneazles and a couple of diricawls. Y/n was almost jealous when her beloved kneazle, Miss Whispuss, curled up on Ominis' lap and dozed off like an ordinary kitten.

Y/n conjured up picnic blankets to make sure they're comfortable enough not sitting directly on the sand. She was pleasantly surprised to find that Deek had prepared more food than usual, as he would suspect that y/n wouldn't be alone this time. She made a mental note to bring him a little something from Hogsmead next time she went there.

As some time passed, Ominis suggested they go for a swim, to which y/n agreed, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. 

They kicked off their shoes, relishing the warmth of the sand beneath their toes.