The Light in My Darkness ||Ominis Gaunt X OC||

Chapter 8

Charlotte looked around the bright village in awe. It reminded her of Hogsmeade with the haphazardly shaped buildings, floating lanterns, and owls flying from here to there. The atmosphere was warm and inviting.

She had read about the hidden town in books back at Hogwarts. It's like most magical towns, drawing muggles away with various enchantments. However, unlike most towns, it's said that once every hundred years, they let down the wards, and muggles can come and go freely for the day.

She can't believe they're actually here. It's said to be quite a romantic getaway for wizarding couples.

She steals a glance over to Ominis. His gaze is already on her, calculating her reaction.

She takes his hand in hers and squeezes gently.

A hint of a smile graces his lips as he squeezes her back, and Charlotte believes it's one of the most handsome looks she's seen.

Watching the buildings pass, Charlotte catches sight of a quaint little tea shop, a few boutiques and tailors, as well as a theatre.

She's excited to explore the village and wonders if Ominis has anything planned.

The carriage stops in front of an inn and Mr. Crauford starts to unload their luggage onto a bench where a house elf comes and apparates them away. Charlotte presumes they are taking the bags to where they'll be staying.

Her new husband climbs down first before extendinging his hand to help Charlotte. She holds onto him as she steps on to the cobbled street, hooking her arm into his elbow.

“Thank you, Mr. Crauford.” Ominis tips his head at the burly wizard. Reaching into his waist pocket, he offers a handful of gold galleons to the man.

“Why, thank ya kindly. ‘S no trouble t'all,” he pockets the coins and dips his cap to the couple. “'Njoy yer stay in Brigadoon.”

The older gentleman waves goodbye as he leads the horses away.

“All right, birdie. Let's get inside, yeah?” Ominis pats the arm on his elbow.

Charlotte follows Ominis into the warm inn.

“Ahh, y’all must be the Gaunts, aye?” The innkeeper greets them from behind the bar.

“Yes, sir. Are you the owner?” Ominis nods his head.

“Aye, that'll be me.” The tall man held out his hand for Ominis. “Mr. Crauford at yer service.”

“Crauford? Are you related to the other Mr. Crauford?” Ominis asked the question they were both thinking.

“Aye, that swankies ma husban’. Ya can call me Angus. He's Clyde.” The man's eyes light up at the mention of his other half. They did look made for each other.

Where Clyde is brawny and gruff, like a bear, Angus is tall and built like a leopard. Lean muscles fill out his cuffed shirt. He has reddish blonde cropped hair where Clyde has a long beard with salt and pepper hair.

“I’m Ominis and this is my wife Charlotte,” Ominis gestures to her.

Charlotte can't help the giddy thrill that rushes through her when Ominis introduces her as his wife. The word feels heavy with meaning, new and precious. For so long, she had been only Charlotte Fawley, bound by expectations and duty. But now, she was something more, a part of him, and the way he said it, with a warmth she hadn’t expected, made her heart swell. She felt her cheeks warm, unable to stop the small smile tugging at her lips.

“Pleasure ta meet cha both. Comin’ I'll show ya to yer room,” Angus steps around the bar and leads them up the staircase off to the side.

Charlotte keeps her hand on Ominis, guiding him up the stairs. There's a landing they pass with more tables that overlooks the lower floor. The next floor up is a long hallway with multiple doors to guest rooms, she presumes.