Swallow your pride

Hogwarts Express

Yarra Pov

Ominis came home for Yarra. He was waiting for her with a suitcase in the lobby. Her mother debated with him as Yarra came down the stairs with her suitcase. Ominis excused himself and went to help her. Together they went down the stairs to her mother.
"Ominis, it was a pleasure to meet you . Please go ahead. I would like to say goodbye to my daughter." Ominis nodded politely, "Of course, Mrs. Yaxley," he said, his tone measured yet polite. " I'll wait outside." Yarra watched the Ominis walk away. When he was far enough away, her mother spoke: "Um, too bad he's blind. But after all, he's Gaunt. And he's handsome, too."
"Mother!" Yarra yelled at her. "Obviously the boy is interested in you, why else would he come for you?" she asked.
"Because he is a good friend!" Yarra replied irritably.
Her mother looked as if she had eaten a lemon. "You don't need a friend, you need a husband! A rich husband! Remember that, Yarra. Behave yourself at school!" She reached up and gave Yarra a kiss on the forehead. Yarra didn't say anything, she just walked out of the house. She grabbed Ominis by arm and led him away. It was boiling inside her. "I hate her," she said quietly between her teeth.
Ominis could sense the intensity of her emotions as she spoke, the irritation and anger emanating from her like a crackling fire. He walked quietly beside her, offering a firm but reassuring presence for her to lean on. Finally, he spoke softly, his voice kind yet firm, "It's understandable to feel such frustration...but remember, you're your own person, Yarra. You don't have to let your mother's expectations dictate who you are."

Yarra rested her head on his shoulder and asked him, "How do you handle your family's dictatorship? How do you stand up to them?"
Ominis reached up and gently patted Yarra's hair as she rested her head on his shoulder. He sighed softly before answering her question.
"It's not easy, especially being blind. My family has always expected me to follow their path, and it takes a lot of willpower to resist their pressure and stay true to myself."
He paused for a moment, considering how else to explain it. "I guess I've learned to rely on my own strength and my own convictions. I don't let their opinions determine my choices. It's not a easy, but it's necessary."
Yarra sighed, "I'm probably not as strong as you." Ominis shook his head gently and tightened his grip on her shoulder.
"That's not true, Yarra," he said softly but firmly. "You have inner strength you may not even realize yourself yet. It's not about being perfect or always knowing the right decision. It's about being true to yourself and being willing to stand up for what you believe in."
He smiled at her gently. "You're more courageous than you think. And I will always be by your side to support you when you need it."

Yarra hugged him tightly and buried her head in his chest. "Thank you Ominis. You are the best." Ominis hugged her back just as tightly, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace. He gently stroked her hair as she buried her head in his chest, his touch a quiet comfort. He chuckled softly and replied, his voice warm and affectionate. "It's what friends are for, Yarra. And I am glad to be here for you."

***************

When they arrived at the station, the express was already there. Ominis helped Yarra board and took the suitcases onto the train. Yarra scanned the compartments, but it seemed that they were all already full. The blinds were closed on the last compartment, so it was not possible to see if it was occupied.
"Do you think anyone is there?" Yarra asked.
Ominis paused for a moment, carefully extending his sense of hearing, using it to try and pick up any sounds from within the compartment. He focused intently, the slightest sound echoing in his mind through his wand. After a few seconds, he shook his head and spoke quietly to Yarra. "I can't hear any movement or voices. It's possible no one is in there."

Yarra carefully opened the door and peeked inside, "clean." She stomped into the compartment, Ominis right behind her. He closed the door and was about to put their suitcases upstairs in the storage area. Yarra approached him, "Wait, I'll help you, those suitcases are heavy." Together they lifted the suitcase and pushed it into the narrow space. At that moment, the train moved and Yarra lost her balance, grabbing onto Ominis who also lost his balance. Ominis was thrown into the seat, Yarra, who had caught him around the shoulders, was now sitting on his lap.
At that moment, the door to the compartment opened, in which Sebastian was standing in shock. He leaned against the compartment door and feigned a nonchalant attitude as he spoke. "Well, isn't this cozy?"