In the midst of spring, after the start of the second semester, the Hogwarts grounds are decorated with an array of colorful blossoms, creating the most beautiful scene as you step out of Professor Garlick's greenhouse with Sebastian. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the bright colors of tulips and daffodils paint the landscape.
"It's so beautiful," Sebastian sighs as the two of you stand side by side.
"I know," you reply. "It's nice to see the school come back to life. Though I will admit I did enjoy when everyone was gone."
Sebastian laughs. "I'm sure you did. With all that alone time with Ominis, it's a wonder the two of you ever left his dorm room again."
You chuckle and shake your head at his comment.
"But I'm happy for the two of you. You seem happy."
"I am," you admit to him. "Happier than I've been in a long time."
"I can see that," he says, nodding. "You seem a lot less angry now."
"Angry? When was I ever angry?" you scoff. "Are you referring to when you asked me to a wand duel knowing full well I was a muggle? Or when you and Nott made jokes about me being a blood traitor? Or maybe the time you put snow down the back of my shirt."
Sebastian chuckles at the last example, his blue eyes sparkling in amusement. "That last one was Weasley's idea and you know it! But seriously, Y/N, I've never seen you this content. And honestly, it's kind of refreshing."
You shrug, a small smile playing on your lips. "Maybe it's just that I'm starting to feel more comfortable with the people around me. And the other way around, too, I think."
Just then, Ominis approaches you both and your eyes light up. "Ominis!" you gasp, suddenly remembering something. "Hey, there was something I wanted to show you. I can't believe I almost forgot!"
"What? Really?" Sebastian chimes in. "Are you just saying that so I'll leave?"
"No," you reply. "I did almost forget about it. I'm sorry, Sebastian, I didn't mean to come off rude. I promise we can talk more later. Ominis, are you free right now?"
"Sure, Y/N," he answers. "Why, what's up?"
"It's a surprise!" you smile, tugging on his arm.
"Oh, no," Sebastian rolls his eyes. "Good luck," he then adds before nudging Ominis in the arm. "But don't have too much fun."
"Shut up," Ominis sighs, nudging Sebastian back.
"Bye!" you call out as you drag him away, waving goodbye to Sebastian.
"Where are we going?" Ominis questions, trying to keep up with your pace. But you don't give him any hints as you lead him to the back of the school.
"Just a sec," you sing as you rustle around a nearby bush, leaving Ominis visibly confused. "Ta-da!" you announce, pulling out a bike.
"What is it?" he asks as he approaches you and places his hands on the object.
"A bike!" you announce proudly. "I asked Luna to get one for me during break. Now we can finally go somewhere together."
"It's...a bike," Ominis mutters.
"Yep!"
"How does it work without magic?"
"It's pretty much the same thing. You pedal the wheels with your feet. And then you steer with the handles," you explain, gesturing towards the different parts of the bike despite his inability to see them. "Simple, right?"
"Ah," he nods, his brows slightly furrowed.
"I just thought that since you gave me a ride on your broom it'd only be fair to offer the same courtesy. So, here, hop on," you offer, and place the bike's kickstand down before sitting on it yourself.
Ominis reluctantly gets on the bike behind you and so you begin the ride through the Hogwarts grounds. The wind whistles past, carrying the scent of blooming flowers, and you breathe it in deeply.
"Isn't this amazing, Ominis? It's like flying, but on the ground," you grin.
Ominis nods in agreement as he holds on tightly to your waist, keeping close. You feel his warm breath on the nape of your neck, causing goosebumps to rise along your skin.
"Are we going fast enough?" you ask him.
"Yeah," he nods.
However, as you venture further, the sky begins to darken, and raindrops start to fall. Yet, you both continue to ride.
"It's raining. Are we going to be okay?" he questions you as raindrops begin to hit your face.
"Don't worry, a little rain never hurt anyone. Besides, it's all part of the fun," you smile.
Despite Ominis' initial worrying, he finds himself enjoying the unconventional method of travel. He laughs and holds you tighter as the two of you make your way through the storm.
Soon, the rain falls faster, and thunder begins to boom overhead. You pull the bike over at a nearby hamlet and find shelter under the cover of a small, abandoned hut.
"Okay, you win," Ominis smiles softly as you pull him inside the dry room. "That was... unexpectedly fun. I never thought I'd enjoy a bike ride in the rain."
"Muggle things aren't so bad," you laugh. "Besides, I don't think I've ever been over here before."
Ominis sighs. "I guess we'll have to use my wand to help us find the way back."
"Sorry about that," you chuckle softly. "Do you think it'll stop soon?"
"Doubt it," he shakes his head. "We might just have to go for it."
"Okay," you agree. Together, you get back on the bike and pedal through the rain-soaked grounds, sharing a mixture of laughter and exhileration.
Upon returning to the castle, you're drenched but still smiling. Ominis guides the bike back into the bush where you had been keeping it. However, your laughter calls the attention of Professor Weasley who catches sight of you both.
"What on earth happened to you two? Out in this rain? Explain yourselves!" she gasps.
You gulp, momentarily at a loss for words. Ominis, quick on his feet, steps in.
"I apologize Professor," he begins. "Y/N here was helping me with a bit of disorientation after losing my wand and we got caught in the rain. I appreciate her help but I can assure you it won't happen again."
Professor Weasley eyes you both, seemingly satisfied with his explaination. "Well," she clears her throat. "Get yourselves dred up and be more cautious of the weather next time."
"We will, Professor," you bow slightly before taking Ominis by the hand and walking past her. "Shit, that was close."
"You're lucky I was with you, Y/N. Otherwise she would have had your ass," Ominis smirks.
"Aw come on," you chuckle. "Professor Weasley likes me... I think."
Ominis shrugs. "You'd be surprised how quickly the professors can change their opinions of students."
"Well, thanks anyway," you say, glancing up at him. "That was..."
"Very memorable," he finishes for you. "Thank you, Y/N. It really was an experience. Though I think I'll stick to flying from now on."
"Suit yourself," you smile, though a part of you hopes this will be the start of many bike rides in the future.
YOU ARE READING
{SERPENTS AND ROSES} Ominis Gaunt x Fem!Reader
Fanfic-Ominis Gaunt x Fem!Reader -Y/N, a muggle born girl, navigates the complexities of integrating into the wizarding world where she doesn't quite belong. As a 7th year and a human without magic, she must learn to adjust and prove her worth, but also...