Green is the Color || Ominis x OC || Hogwarts Legacy

Of Chants and Choirs

The envelope in Ominis' hands was made of thick, expensive parchment. It smelled like perfume and incense and bore the wax seal of House Gaunt on top. He almost didn't want to know what was on it: to Ominis, receiving mail from his family was the equivalent of getting a Howler in the Great Hall.

"I have never seen anyone be so unhappy to get a letter." The tension in Ominis' body dissipated as Allegra's warm, familiar presence sat next to him. He was sitting on a bench in the transfiguration courtyard, shaded by the sprawling tree in its center. "I've got so much to tell you about the things Poppy and I have been up to in the Forbidden Forest. I met a centaur--" There was a pause as Allegra took in his sullen mood. "Come now, Ominis. It's almost Christmas! What's got you so down?"

Ominis wrinkled his nose. "Christmas," he said flatly.

"Oh." Allegra settled in beside him as they fell silent. In the distance, someone called her name and Ominis felt her wave a greeting in return. "Mind if I ask?"

He held the letter out. "Read for yourself," he grumbled. Then, "...and for me, too, please."

There was a shuffling of paper as Allegra opened the letter. After a pause, she began to read.

"Son,

In light of recent events with the Sallows, your mother and I have taken to assuming that you will finally join your family for the holidays. Your mother will be most pleased to set an extra place for you at the table.

Send us your response immediately after receiving this letter.

Signed,
F. Gaunt."

Allegra let out a low whistle. "Well," she mumbled, "I can see now why you looked so glum. I've never read a more formal-sounding letter." He heard a shuffle as she folded the paper back into its envelope, hearing her mutter, "Son? That's all?"

"I haven't spent Christmas with my family in four years, Allegra. I kind of liked it that way." He accepted the letter when Allegra pressed it into his hands, tracing its corners with his thumb. "I'm not looking forward to it."

With a sigh, Ominis tapped his wand against the letter. He Transfigured it into a series of paper butterflies, listening to the sound of tiny wings rising into the air. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm not going to be good company today."

Allegra's weight sank into his as she leaned into his shoulder. "Do you have to go?" she asked, tone thoughtful.

"I suppose not. A Christmas alone at Hogwarts would be better than going home."

She hummed. "Are you open to any other options?"

Ominis paused. "I know that tone of voice," he said warily. "What are you planning?"

Excitement was practically bubbling off of Allegra as she squeezed Ominis' hands in hers.

"You can spend Christmas with me, Ominis." Her voice was small, shy. "If—if you'd like, that is."

Ominis' head went reeling. Christmas, with Allegra?

"It would be my pleasure." He blurted out his response before he stopped himself from accepting the offer. Beside him, the Gryffindor girl let out a breath of relief.

"Good. That's—that's wonderful." She gave his hand a giddy, tender squeeze. "It'll be nice to get away from it all, won't it?"

"It really would."

A day before they were meant to leave, Ominis felt lost.

After his last class (nap) of the term with professor Binns, he found himself in Hogsmeade with pockets full of his unspent allowance. He was swept along in the Christmas rush of villagers and students alike who wanted to buy presents. Ears filled with clamoring voices and nose overwhelmed with a mixture of sweet and spicy scents, Ominis could barely navigate the snowy streets on his own. As if in understanding, the pulses coming from his wand started making a sharp, high-pitched sound. He could walk freely enough after that.