Arranged {Ominis Gaunt x Sebastian Sallow x MC}

{Prologue}

"Ominis Gaunt."

The minister shouted his name towards to the jury. Addressing and announcing his presence; Their was a dramatic pause before he continued.

"Pure-blood and direct familial descendant of Salazar Slytherin." He proceeded.

"How do you plead to the cold-blooded murder of ex-Auror, guardian of Sebastian and Anne Sallow, death by the outlawed killing curse, Solomon Sallow." The minister finished declaring confidently, his voice echoed throughout the dark court-room.

"Guilty." Ominis declared quietly, a snicker really, if you will; Yet his tone carrying a confident edge.

A smirk coaxed over his face, flushing against his pale complexion; He was utterly terrified yet completely exhilarated at the same time.

His voice penetrated the stone-cold atmosphere of the ministry as dementors lingered above him, the swish of their black makeshift cloaks could be heard loudly through the forcefield which contained them.

Auror's, wizards and witches of all professions and trades surrounded Ominis, eagerly watching in the pews of the court, waiting eagerly to see how this trial would proceed; Especially now that a guilty plea had been obtained from the alleged murderer.
Ominis Gaunt.

Ominis's heart raced as it filled with dread. The seriousness and consequence of what he was about to do overcame him, making him sweat slightly and fiddle with his own fingertips.

The fifteen year olds eyes locked unknowingly with his best friend; Sebastian Sallow who sat in the pews today amongst the other wizards of stature.

All that Ominis could see was black, but his heart fluttered within his chest sensing his strong connection with his best friend since early childhood whom was a mere metre away. The friend who he would sacrifice everything and anything for.

Ominis's mind raced with all of their loving memories that they shared throughout their young lives especially the ones riddled with Sebastians twin sister Anne. The girl he loved.

The joy that Sebastian had brought him for the last 13 years of his life fluttered before his eyes as the courts judgement was in its decision making phase, he though of how he'd hid from his family as best as he could on holidays or weekends, not wanting their morales bestowed upon him and how instead he'd blanketed himself in the Sallows love.
His families adoration for dark magic, the torture of others and the pure blood status determining one's worth. He would not stand for it.
The undercroft, the games of gobstones, the adventures, the warmth, is what circled Ominis's mind to get him through today, reminding him of what exactly he was doing this for.

He held every single memory close to his heart and that's how he knew he'd make it through whatever his fate was going to be.

Which would be decided shortly.

Sebastian was front and centre in the stands, watching in horror as his friends life hung in the balance of the court, and all for his sake nonetheless.

Was he to go to Azkaban to be tortured for the next few years of his life, or be executed right here in the next few minutes?

Sebastian's hand cupped his mouth as an attempt to restrain himself from speaking out and defending his best friends honour, he was a mere second away from telling Ominis to forget about the whole thing and to let him confess for his own crime.

However,
Regardless of the outcome Ominis would receive today, it would've been not even a portion of what Sebastian would have endured. A poor orphan from Feldcroft, abandoned, alone, no family left. The court would have had a field day.

Ominis had convinced Sebastian to allow for him to be the one to take the fall for Soloman's death in the catacombs that one fateful day, knowing that his familial connections in the ministry would provide him with a lesser sentence whereas Sebastian's sentence would not be as kind.

Ominis' hands gripped at the podium as they remained bound before him, the cool goblin metal cuffs nipping at his wrists sent chills down his spine as he awaited his fate.

A wand was being held to his throat by a counsel member to ensure his submissiveness in court as he awaited his sentencing. Ominis gulped as the firmness of the point pressing into his neck, a sensation he was not at all used too.

Whispers and chatter erupted from the counsel members as the gavel was banged by the Minister.

"Ominis Gaunt, after deliberations with my jury, given your blood status, age and powerful family whom remain charitable supporters of this court, you will be sentenced to Azkaban for 5 years for this crime, as it is your first offence. We will consider any exemplary behaviour for an early release."

The gavel banged, the decision had been made.

The plan worked.  Only 5 years? This crime would have normally been punishable by death.

Sebastian would have no doubt received life in Azkaban or worse.

The wand was released from the flesh of Ominis's neck as he was pulled down from the podium, his feet hitting the cool tiles. A blood blister was present on his neck from the pressure of the wand's point.

"Case dismissed. Next." Was called behind him.

Sebastian leant over the stands to pull his best friend into a hug. "Ominis I will never forget this sacrifice. I am in your bloody debt forever friend." He whispered. "Be safe in there....please."

Ominis's eyes remained fixated to the floor. "Better you than I." He whispered softly. "But careful Sebastian, you do know that I will collect that debt." Ominis whispered with a coy chuckle , as he was whisked away by a guard. "I love you, friend."

Ominis could feel the eyes of his best friend burning in his back, he didn't know if he'd ever see him again following today.

Sebastian burst into tears, with no one to comfort him but himself.

He was truely alone now.