Bewitched | Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 6

"I'm not sure what a wealthy person would like? He can afford almost everything." I grunted, holding my head on both hands.

"What about a watch?" Oran suggested. He was standing in front of my desk. I could only make out the top of his head, before he stood on his tippy toe and gripped the edge of my desk.

"No, he's only ever worn one watch. I think it was given to him by our friend, Anne. He's never removed it since." I explained.

"A cauldron? Oran remembers Ms. Rose said that Mr. Gaunt is an alchemist."

I shook my head. "That's right. But no, I don't think that's the right one."

"What about a piece of clothing? Oran loves when Ms. Rose gives Oran jumpers." A smile was plastered on his face. The idea of giving Ominis a piece of clothing in a similar fashion to giving a house elf clothing to free them made me giggle.

"No, I have never seen Ominis in anything but a suit."

"A handmaid jumper by Ms. Rose is something that Mr. Gaunt can't buy anywhere."

I thought about his suggestion for a moment. I laughed at the idea of Ominis wearing a handmade sweater not made from the most exclusive materials wealth could buy. Since the Gaunts take pride in their appearance, it would also be an excellent gag gift.

I smiled at Oran. "You're a genius."

The house elf blushed and smiled in response.

I looked over the invitation that was sent to me by owl. I had exactly a week to knit Ominis a jumper. It would be a much easier feat if I use magic, but when I left Hogwarts, I tried to lessen my use of magic unless it was necessary. So, for the next days that followed, I knitted wherever I went.

-

When I arrived at the soiree, which was located at the Gaunt's manor, I was an hour late. I hastily finished the jumper on the same day, just an hour before. A few strands of the yarn were sticking out on some places, however I doubt Ominis would mind as I figured he would not wear it anyway.

I wore a dress I had picked up from Stitches and Draught. It was a light blue dress with a corset top and bell shaped skirt. Hopefully, it was enough to not make me stand out. I don't normally concern myself with the opinions of the wealthy class, however this specific soiree was making me nervous.

As I walked in, I scanned the room to see that everyone was too preoccupied to watch me enter. I held the gift box close to chest, waiting for an opportunity to hand it to Ominis.

Ominis was standing in the middle of the room with a disgruntled look on his face. He was surrounded by two women, an older one who resembled him, and a younger one who looked at him in eagerness.

I quietly made my way towards the wall, avoiding the waves of people who were dancing. Fortunately, these group of wealthy witches and wizards did not pay attention to anyone they deem unworthy. I managed to blend in the background unscathed. I figured that I would just reach Ominis when he becomes unoccupied.

A few minutes go by as I watched the older woman bring a plethora of young women to introduce Ominis to. It didn't go unnoticed by the attendees of the soiree, as I overheard a few of them gossip between themselves. Fortunately, once again, I was invisible to this crowd.

"She's only doing this because the Gaunts are doomed." A woman in front of me whispered.

"So I've heard. When Matthias died, Marvolo had to become the man of the household. But as you know, that fool is unfit to support the family." The woman next to her nodded.

The first woman spread out her fan to cover her mouth. "Ominis wants nothing to do with them. But he's their only hope. Their fortune is running out," she whispered.