Swallow your pride

Wedding

Yarra woke up in the room of requirement next to Sebastian. She jumped out of bed and jerked with him. "Sebastian, wake up! Quick!" She started to get dressed quickly. "Holy shit! Headmaster Black will apparate us at Gaunt manor in fifteen minutes!" she said stressed as he woke up. Sebastian quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed. "Fifteen minutes?! Quick, we have to hurry!" He started throwing on his clothes, cursing under his breath. Yarra's heart was racing as she frantically threw on her clothes. She couldn't shake the feeling of shame and guilt that had settled over her after last night. But there was no time to dwell on it now. They had to hurry.
She cast a glance over at Sebastian as he pulled his shirt over his head. His hair was disheveled, his eyes still blurry from sleep. Despite the situation, she found herself feeling a pang of something that she couldn't quite identify. "I'm going ahead, we can't come together." she said.
Sebastian's eyes met hers as she spoke.
"All right," he said, his voice tense. "I'll meet you there."
She nodded and looked at him one last time before the door, a mix of despair, guilt and ... desire in her gaze.

After that, she quickly ran in front of the headmaster's office, where she was supposed to meet Ominis. He appeared around the corner and smiled when he saw her. "Ah, Yarra," he said, walking towards her. "You made it." Yarra forced a smile, her heart hammering in her chest. Seeing Ominis, looking so unsuspecting and cheerful, only intensified the guilt that was gnawing at her insides.
"Yes, I... I made it," she replied, her voice a bit shaky. "Just in time, I guess."

Ominis reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "You're right on time," he reassured her, his tone soft and comforting. "Are you ready?" Yarra felt a wave of guilt wash over her as Ominis took her hand. "I... yes, I'm ready," she managed to say, her voice still betraying a hint of unease. She glanced up at him, taking in his gentle smile and trusting gaze. It stung worse than any pain she had ever experienced. "Let's go." Ominis said the password to open the staircase to the director's office. Before the spiral staircase unfolded, a breathless Sebastian ran up to them.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, panting slightly from running. "I overslept." He gave Ominis a quick nod, avoiding looking at Yarra. Ominis chuckled slightly at Sebastian's tardiness. "No worries," he said, his voice a bit weary from dealing with Sebastian's antics. "You arrived just in time."
Yarra glanced at Sebastian, noticing his deliberate avoidance of her gaze. A pang of discomfort washed over her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

They went up the stairs and entered the office, the Headmaster Black was already waiting for them. "Oh Mr. Gaunt, your big day is here. Are you all ready for the apparition?" Ominis gave a small nod, a sense of excitement and nervousness evident in his features. "I'm ready, yes," he replied, his tone tinged with anticipation. "We're all prepared and ready for the apparition."
"Everybody hold hands! You Mr. Gaunt hold on tight to my shoulder." the headmaster ordered. Sebastian fell into line, standing next to Yarra. He gave her a sideways glance and held out his hand and she took it. Yarra felt the heat of Sebastian's hand around hers, and it sent a wave of sensations through her that she had no right to feel. Guilt and desire mingled in her chest, creating a dangerous concoction. She stared straight ahead, fixated on Headmaster Black rather than allowing her gaze to wander to Sebastian's face.  Each beat of her heart echoed with the weight of her secrets, the knowledge of her betrayal hanging heavy in her gut. Yet, even in the presence of such moral decay, the mere touch of Sebastian's hand sent a pulse of excitement through her body.

"Ready?" Headmaster Black asked and as they all nodded they moved with a loud snap.
Yarra's breath caught in her throat as the swirling sensation of apparition came to a abrupt stop. She took a moment to steady herself, her eyes adjusting to the view of the grand Gaunt mansion looming in front of them.  The massive building was an intimidating sight, its cold stone walls and sharply contrasting lines only adding to the imposing atmosphere. The air around them felt heavy, a testament to the history and darkness that the Gaunt bloodline was known for. 
Ominis stood beside her, reaching out to gently take her hand. "I know it's a bit unnerving, but remember, we're here together," he said reassuringly, his voice a low murmur. "This place has a lot of history and dark magic attached to it, but I won't let anything happen to you." Yarra's heart leapt at the sound of Ominis' voice. She felt the gentle touch of his hand on hers, anchoring her to the present moment. "I... I know," she replied, her voice a bit shaky.