Utterly Hopeless: An Ominis Gaunt Love Story

Chapter Fifteen: Common Room Antics

(Threa)

Ominis led us out of the great hall all the way to our common room as the enchanted doors slithered up allowing us admittance. You could hear the students yelling from the hall, boisterous and rowdy ready to ring in the new year. With his lead we entered the grand chamber making our way straight to the chairs near the windows as some first years could be seen looking around the room in awe.

"What a lovely sorting ceremony," Ominis quipped loudly making a show of himself garnering the attention of the room. "Best in ages!"

"Are you really doing this again," Armand Malfoy beamed jumping into the seat across Ominis, his icy blonde hair falling in front of his eyes. "Truly spectacular," he nearly yelled meeting his demeanor. Other students already in on the ruse rolled their eyes, some laughing as they continued to catch up attempting to ignore the plot before them.

"I must say I cannot wait fo- Oh, Threa dear, did you see that," Ominis nearly yelled grabbing hold of me as he pointed at the window. I smiled at the grinning man nodding trying my hardest not to double over at his silliness

"Why, yes I did," I fought off a laugh following his finger seeing it more pointed at the wall as I discreetly nudged it towards the window seeing him beaming wider.

"What was that Gaunt," Armand asked as Ominis dropped his hand.

"Mermaids," he mused as some first years walked closer looking at the windows in amazement. "It is quite rare to see them actually take a moment to stop and look in, but they can be spotted from time to time."

"There are mermaids in the Black Lake," one little girl asked taking a timid step towards the window, turning her head towards me.

"There are," Ominis finished as Nerida Roberts abandoned her conversation with Imelda to join her at the window.

"I know it sounds unbelievable but it's true. I've seen them!"

"You have!"

"Not out these windows, but while watching the lake. They are majestic creatures. I plan to act as a Ministry Liaison to the Merpeople after graduation," she beamed as Armand groaned.

"Roberts, that isn't even a department for the ministry... They can't be talked to."

"I've been in correspondence with them, been learning their language!"

"You've been learning gibberish!"

"Don't mind Malfoy," she smiled sweetly at the child. "They are out there, and between us. I really think this is the year I'll meet one in person. I may have to get in the lake to do so but it will be well worth it in the end!"

"If you are that desperate to have someone blubber up and get you wet, all you need is ask," I couldn't help but scoff at the line as he turned towards me. "That applies to every of age woman in the room."

"Armand," Ominis snapped.

"Applies to you too dear," he flirted towards Ominis as the Gaunt shot him a deadly glare making Malfoy howl in laughter. "It's just a joke," his eyes met mine again eyeing me up and down. "Unless you all want to play a bit later."

"I suggest you find exploits elsewhere, friend," Ominis warned voice steady and firm.

"Right," Malfoy stood stopping next to me. "Do come find me if you change your mind. Promise to give you a good turn," he left before I could shoot back as the first year looked up at me confused.

"Turn?"

"Look I think I saw her again," I pointed towards the window moving from Ominis next to the thirteen-year-old distracting her as she followed my fingers, Nerida frowning my way.