Utterly Hopeless: An Ominis Gaunt Love Story

Chapter Fourteen: Welcome Back to Hogwarts

(Threa)

"Welcome back students," Professor Weasley beamed from the podium. "And welcome to another Illustrious year of learning! What an eventful day we all had, so grateful no one was seriously harmed in the attack at the Station this morning. We are graced to have such powerful and courageous students willing to step up and fend off such heinous perpetrators. I am happy to announce the Ministry is working ever diligently and vowing to bring those responsible to justice!" Sirius snorted further up the Slytherin table as she shot him a death stare.

"Now, I hope your summers were the picture of rest and relaxation as you prepared to take on this new season of academia. As I and your other teachers are quite eager to jump into classes, we have some new students to sort," the room erupted into cheers as I fought back a yawn. Despite sleeping the entire ride, I awoke surprisingly more tired than when I got on.

"I know many of you have memorized this speech by now, but that does not negate its importance or influence me of reminding you all. These are new students. Take a moment and think back on your first few days walking these halls, how overwhelming it all seemed. How often you had gotten lost! They will be feeling all that and more and will need guidance from their peers if they are going to thrive this school year. Give them grace, help them to their classes and above all else, be their friend.... I know you are all capable and expect to hear great things of your involvement in their lives. Let us give our new friends a big and hearty Hogwarts welcome," she yelled as the great hall's doors opened and a crowd of first years made their way down the aisle led by Professor Garlick.

To think just last year, I was walking the same path being pushed forward by Fig. Professor Black was the least pleased with how late we were. The whispers that followed my every step down the aisle that night, to be looked on by a group of strangers. It felt so daunting. I wonder if any of them feel the same.

Headmaster Black stood in front of the staff, face piqued. The man's annoyance only seemed to grow as he looked on disgusted at the new student body. Huffing as they took their time to the front of the hall tapping his foot impatiently waiting for Professor Weasley to announce the first name.

"Phineas Nigellus Black," Professor Figs voice spat through my mind as I cringed slightly looking at the perturbed Headmaster. Never in my life have I ever met a man that was utterly useless as Black, it is beyond me how he even got the title.

Man had nothing but haughty stubbornness in him. Refused to even come aid us in the repository. Had the gall to insult Fig as I was still clutched to his lifeless form sobbing. Took Professor Sharp and Hecate holding me back from raining lightning down on the bastard. There was a lot you could say about Fig, and Black said A Lot, but he was an excellent judge of character.

My throat began to feel scratchy as I took a large breath in. Calm yourself. This is not the time or place. Something large wrapped around my hand encompassing it in a comforting warmth as I relaxed into its touch looking down to see Omnis's hand in mine.

"Thank you," I whispered. He hummed softly, tightening his hold, I met his glazed over stare before looking back out at the first years as the Ravenclaws cheered for their new student. They had a kind face and were shorter than the other first years as they beamed taking their seat looking relieved.

So, this is what it would have looked like if we weren't late last year. Damned dragon. I looked to where Professor Figs old seat was, surprised to see an eerily familiar looking man sitting in it next to Professor Sharp.

"Who's that next to Sharp," I whispered to Imelda who was looking longingly up the table at Sirius. "Melda," I whispered again kicking her across the table gently jolting her out of her trance.