🥀 Roses and Novels | Hogwarts Legacy Fanfic | Sebastian, Ominis and Evander

🥀 - Chapter 32 -🌹

(Helena's Perspective)

The dormitory was alive with excitement. Imelda and Anne were twirling in their dresses, holding up shoes and discussing what makeup would match best. Jewelry sparkled on the beds and vanity tables, and someone had accidentally charmed a hairbrush to hum a love song.

I sat in front of my mirror, brushing my hair slowly, my thoughts elsewhere. My reflection looked uncertain. I hadn't heard anything from Ominis since he'd left for Gaunt Manor, and the silence weighed heavily. He had promised to speak to his parents. I trusted him... but still, I worried.

This morning, a letter from my mother had arrived. She'd wished me well at my first real ball, told me she hoped we'd see each other again soon, and added a line about Evan. He hadn't been doing well since we last spoke. I understood it. The connection we had was genuine, honest. We'd opened something real between us, only to shut it within the same breath. In another life, maybe.

But my heart wasn't his. It already belonged to someone else.

There was a knock on the dormitory door. I stood and opened it.

No one was there. Just a small black box tied with a white bow.

Imelda peeked over my shoulder. "What's that?"

"Someone left it at the door," I said, confused but curious.

"Oooh, is it from Garreth?" Anne asked eagerly from across the room.

I lifted the name tag.

"For my nightingale."

Imelda laughed. "Who's that supposed to be?"

I smiled as my cheeks began to warm. "It's me. It's from Ominis."

Anne leapt from her bed. "Open it! That has to be your dress!"

I pulled the ribbon, lifted the lid. Inside was a single white rose. Beneath soft satin paper was a folded white gown, and a letter on crisp parchment.

I opened it and began to read.

Letter:

Nightingale,

As you know, I have informed my parents of the circumstances. With positive results and joy, I can tell you that I have succeeded.

My parents have accepted my conditions and given me their respect.

I will tell you the details at our picnic tomorrow afternoon.

My promise to you I have not forgotten, my dear.

As you know, I am a man of tradition, honor, and romance. I searched all of Gaunt Manor for the perfect white dress.

So all may see, and all may know, that you are now mine. A member of the Gaunt family, and my date.

You, my love, deserve your own fairytale.

Sincerely,
Ominis Gaunt

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

(Ominis's Perspective)

I wore my finest black suit with a white shirt and silver cufflinks. My hair was neatly combed back, and in my coat pocket rested a single white rose. Around my neck hung the half-heart necklace I shared with Helena. My mask was black leather, fitted to my face, and I wore a silver watch around my wrist. In my pocket was a small white box.

I stood with Garreth, Amit, Leander, and a few other lads at the base of the stairs, waiting for our dates. The air buzzed with nerves and anticipation. We were talking about summer plans and possible electives for next year. I'd just handed my coat to Professor Sharp when a group of girls passed, giggling. I heard them whispering about me.