Bewitched | Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 3

It had been a couple of days after meeting Ominis again. I hadn't received an owl from him and I was convinced that he wasn't going to send one. Why would he? When speaking with me probably reminded him of the past.

I was in the middle of sorting out different permits whenever an owl flew into my office and dropped a letter on my desk. I reached for the top drawer to get a treat and handed it to the bird before it flew off. My office had an open window where owls came and went to drop permit applications and letters for me. I kept treats in my drawer for the little owls.

I looked at the letter sealed with a green wax and the Gaunt's family crest. I carefully opened it, my heart beating fast. Making friends always made me nervous, but I guess Ominis wasn't really a new friend. Reconnecting with him was just extremely nerve wracking.

Ominis had always been intimidating. He and Sebastian had contrasting personalities. Sebastian was very inviting and friendly with everyone while Ominis' friendship felt like it needed to be earned. He always had a good judge of character. I was convinced that he'd be able to see through my lies and unveil every thought in my head.

Rosie,

Shall we meet again in Feldcroft?

Ominis Gaunt

I smiled at the letter and wrote a response stating the time and day I was available.

-

When I reached Feldcroft, I saw that Ominis had already cleaned Solomon's grave and placed a fresh bouquet of flowers. I placed the one I brought next to it. I'm sure Solomon wouldn't be opposed to having two.

I looked around and spotted him chatting with a neighbor about our age. He was sporting an expensive suit, and he was laughing at what the woman was saying. I made a mental note to ask him about his job later. The woman leaned closer and placed her hand on his arm. He'd always been popular with women.

Unsure of whether to interrupt their conversation or just wait, I decided to do the latter. When the neighbor noticed me, she waved and notified Ominis that I had arrived. Ominis turned his wand to my direction and smiled. He bid farewell to the woman and headed my way.

"There you are." He greeted.

"Have you waited long?" I asked, as turned around when he reached me so we can walk in the same direction.

"No, just a couple of minutes. Miss Bell was telling me that you've been visiting Feldcroft for a while and you've never missed a week."

I tried to think of how that conversation could illicit laughter.

"I try not to. It's become a routine."  I smiled. "Thank you for taking time out of your day to meet with me." I said, as the wind blew across my face, the front pieces of my hair became undone and I tucked it in behind my ears.

"It's always nice to catch up with an old friend." He smiled.

"How have you been Ominis? Has the past few years been kind to you?" I asked, turning to look at his face.

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. His past seemed to flash behind his eyes.

"I've been good." He lied.

"I see..." I didn't want to press further than what he was willing to share. "What is it that you do? You're always so well dressed. I feel severely under dressed for the occasion."