Ominous future

Wedding

Elisse walked down the aisle in a beautiful wedding dress. Her father led her proudly. In the front, behind the altar, stood the Minister of Magic himself, who was going to perform the ceremony. A hidden demonstration of the power of the Gaunts, who also have the Ministry under their control.

Ominis stood sideways in front of the altar. Elisse hadn't seen him just for two weeks, but it seemed to her that he had matured. He was beautiful, she couldn't take her eyes off him.

Ominis stood stiffly beside Marvolo and his father, his expression stoic despite the torment inside him. Even though he couldn't see her, he knew that she looked beautiful in her wedding dress.

He could sense her gaze upon him, and his heart thumped in his chest. He forced himself to remain impassive, even though all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and hold her tight.

Elisse received a kiss on the cheek from her father and he handed her hand to Ominis.

Ominis took Elisse's hand gently, feeling the softness of her skin against his. He glanced at her for a moment, his expression stoic, his thoughts a maelstrom of emotions.

As they stood side by side in front of the altar, the Minister of Magic began to speak.

"Dear guests, today we have gathered here to unite two bodies and souls into one."

The Minister continued, his voice booming throughout the room. "Before these witnesses, Ominis Gaunt and Elisse shall take the oath of marriage. Before we begin, does anyone have any objections?"

Elisse looked at Marvolo with fear, but he just returned a smile and a wink and remained silent. Elisse breathed a sigh of relief, she was afraid that the scorned Marvolo would cause trouble. She was thankful she was wrong. She returned his brief smile and then refocused on the minister's words as he continued the ceremony.

The Minister then turned to Ominis.
"Do you, Ominis Gaunt, take Elisse Malfoy to be your rightful and lawful wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

Ominis felt nervous and happiness at the same time. He squeezed Elisse's hands more tightly and declared: "I do"

The Minister then turned to Elisse. "And do you, Elisse Malfoy, take Ominis Gaunt to be your rightful and lawful husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto him so long as you both shall live?"

Elisse felt butterflies in her stomach, smiled and answered, "I do."

The Minister smiled and said, "I now declare you husband and wife. Ominis, you may kiss the bride."

As their lips met in a tender kiss, a wave of emotions washed over Ominis. He felt a flicker of happiness and warmth, mixed with the deep-rooted guilt and despair he had been carrying.

Pulling away, they were interrupted by loud applause and cheers from the guests, bringing them both back to reality.

The minister went around the altar and congratulated them first, followed by parents and relatives. Marvolo hugged Ominis tightly and wished him luck. It warmed Elissa's heart. She wished Ominis this brotherly love that he had been missing in his life.
Marvolo patted his brother on the shoulder and moved to Elissa. Ominis was already being congratulated by another guest when Marvolo hugged Elisse. He pulled her close to him and seductively whispered in her ear: "Welcome to the family, love," and planted a kiss on her cheek. He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes.
Elisse's smile froze on her face, but she quickly recovered when another guest approached her. She forced a smile to mask the feeling of horror that came over her.