As you sit on your bed, Luna and Amit float around the room, carefully packing up your Hogwarts life even after your fit of tears that led you to collapse onto the bed and give up. The once vibrant space feels oddly muted now, like the calm before a storm.
Amit's wand folds your robes as a slight frown rests on his face. "It's such a shame. You were an excellent student."
"And a good friend," Luna adds as her wand carries your books into your trunk.
"Thanks, guys," you try to force a smile, but even that seems impossible right now. The room is heavy with sorrow, and the weight of your impending departure settles on your shoulders.
"You don't have to go," Luna says softly, her dreamy eyes clouded with sadness. "We'll miss you terribly."
Amit nods in agreement, his usually cheerful demeanor subdued. "Yeah, it won't be the same without you here."
You manage a small smile, appreciating their genuine concern. "I know, but it's out of my hands. Headmaster Black made that perfectly clear."
The mention of the headmaster brings a momentary silence, a collective sigh of frustration for the circumstance. Luna approaches you, offering a pair of odd-looking glasses as a memento. "Take these," she smiles sadly. "They'll remind you of all the Nargles and Wrackspurts we've encountered together."
You chuckle through the bittersweet emotions, accepting the gift.
"Thank you, Luna," you whisper, giving her a gentle hug.
"What will we do without you?" Amit sighs as you look around the room. Memories begin to flood back- late-night study sessions, laughter echoing through the halls, and the warmth of the friendships you had made at Hogwarts.
When you snap back to the present, Amit hands you a small vial filled with a silvery substance. "Liquid Luck," he tells you, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "For those times when you need a bit of extra magic in the muggle world."
Touched by both of their thoughtful gestures, you feel a lump forming in your throat. "Thank you, both of you. You made my time here worth it," you say as the first tear rolls down your cheek.
Once the last item is packed, Luna and Amit join you on the bed. "We're going to miss you so much," Luna murmurs, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace.
"Promise you'll owl us, yeah?" Amit joins, completing the group hug. "Let us know how things are in the muggle world."
"I promise," you whisper, your voice betraying the emotion you try to suppress. "And I'll never forget you both."
As you linger in their heartfelt embrace, time seems to slow. The reality of the situation sinks in and you know this will likely be the last day you'll see them.
***
The courtyard is bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun as your friends gather for one last farewell. Luna, Amit, Garreth, Poppy, Sebastian, and Ominis stand in front of you with the same sad look on their faces.
"I really wish you didn't have to go," Luna keeps sobbing, though her voice is barely audible over the gentle breeze.
Ami offers a heartfelt smile. "Remember to write, and don't forget us in the Muggle world!"
Garreth then playfully nudges you. "If you ever miss all the chaos, just give us a call. We'll come and rescue you!"
"He's right," Poppy nods before embracing you with her Hufflepuff warmth. "You know we're here for you, no matter what."
"Yeah but while you're gone, make sure all the muggles know they've got a witch living in their midst," Sebastian winks. "Give 'em a taste of what's good with your potions skills."
You can't help but laugh as they continue to shower you with their affection and well wishes. The pain of leaving them behind lingers, but the love and support they offer is overwhelming.
Ominis, his expression unreadable, lingers nearby. As the farewells echo around you, he steps forward and gently takes your hand. Silently, he pulls you away from the group and towards the edge of the courtyard.
"I can't believe you're really leaving," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
"Me neither," you admit.
"It's not fair," he says, his tone laced with anger. "I wish there was something I could do."
"It's alright, Ominis," you smile softly. "I'll be okay."
He sighs, his eyes full of sadness. "No, it's not okay. I can't lose you."
"I'm sorry," you reply.
"Me too," he replies as he leans in, planting a soft kiss on your lips. The moment is fleeting, but the depth of the feeling lingers, sending shivers down your spine.
He pulls away, his expression full of longing.
"Goodbye, Y/N," he murmurs. "Be careful out there."
"I will," you nod.
As you reluctantly pull away, Professor Weasley approaches you. "Time to go, Y/N. Have you got your things?"
"Yes," you nod as you reach down to grab your trunk.
With a final glance at your friends, you grab onto Professor Weasley's arm and the two of you disapparate, leaving the grounds of Hogwarts for the last time. The transition is swift, leaving behind the enchanted halls for the ordinary streets of your hometown.
As you enter your home, Ominis' kiss lingers in the back of your mind like an ache. The memories of Hogwarts weigh heavy in your heart, a bittersweet reminder of the time spent away from the mundane muggle world.
***
Two months have passed since you said goodbye to Hogwarts, and tonight, the loneliness is particularly unbearable. Sitting at your kitchen table, you pen a letter to Sebastian, the paper beneath your pen carrying the weight of your longing.
"Dear Sebastian,
I hope this owl finds you well. I've been trying to reach Luna and Ominis through letters, but it seems my messages are lost in transit. It leaves me wondering what happens to my letters once they reach Hogwarts. Are they intercepted or is there some kind of mishap preventing their delivery? How is everyone at Hogwarts? I miss you all more than words can express.
I had almost forgotten how different the muggle world is, and, I must admit, lonelier without all of you. James has stopped by every once in a while with Professor Weasley to check up on me, but it's not the same. I've gone out to the spots I used to visit before my time in Hogwarts, attempted to replicate potions, and tried to keep myself occupied, but it's been a struggle.
I hope this letter finds you well.
Sincerely,
Y/N"
After you fold your letter, your owl takes flight. With a sigh, you stand up and turn your attention to the flickering glow of the television. Familiar scenes play out on the screen, but your thoughts are elsewhere, lingering on the unanswered letters and the world you left behind.
An hour later, the sound of wings against the windowpane interrupts your thoughts. As you open the window, hope flickers within you that this time, your message might be delivered.
However, the disappointment deepens as you find the feathered messenger once again empty-clawed, its mission unfulfilled.
"Why is it," you mutter as you extend your hand to your owl, feeling the softness of its feathers beneath your fingertips, "that only James' letters return to me?"
YOU ARE READING
{SERPENTS AND ROSES} Ominis Gaunt x Fem!Reader
Fanfiction-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...