Swallow your pride

Exchange

Sebastian's PoV

It was two weeks before the end of the holidays when an inspection from the Ministry visited their home.
When Sebastian heard the urgent knock on door on next day, he knew immediately that something was wrong. He exchanged a look with Ominis, who sat quietly on the couch, a hint of concern in his features.
Sebastian approached the door and flung it open, finding Lord Gaunt standing there, his face stern and imposing. Marvolo stood behind him, his expression unreadable.

"Sebastian, every time I come, you are here. Aren't you here... often?" Lord Gaunt asked in lieu of a greeting. Marvolo raised an eyebrow at his father's remark. Marvolo's gaze lingered on Sebastian for a moment. Marvolo spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Yes, Sebastian is a frequent guest here. But I can't help but wonder why that is?"he asked, walking past Sebastian into the house. Sebastian followed Marvolo with his eyes, a mixture of annoyance and unease at the young Gaunt's presence here. He held the door open for Lord Gaunt, his gaze flickering towards Ominis, who had tensed up at the unexpected visitors.
"Yes," Sebastian replied, choosing his words carefully. "I happen to be a friend of Ominis, so I visit often. Is there a problem?"

Marvolo smirked a little at Sebastian's explanation, his expression cool and calculating. Lord Gaunt entered the home, his gaze sweeping the room with a critical eye. It was clear that neither father nor son were here for a social call. "A friend, you say," Marvolo mused, his voice laced with mild insinuation. "A friend that visits often, I gather?"
Sebastian's unease only grew as Marvolo continued to press the issue about his frequent presence in their home. He could feel the younger Gaunt's suspicion and the undercurrent of insinuation in his questions, making him uncomfortable. He knew Marvolo wasn't here to simply chat.

"Where's Yarra?" Marvolo asked. "I need to discuss something with her." Sebastian's stomach twisted at the mention of Yarra. He shot a sidelong glance at Ominis, a silent exchange of concern passing between them. The tension in the room was palpable. Sebastian's voice was measured as he replied. "She's in our quarters. What business do you have with her?"

Marvolo's eyes narrowed slightly at Sebastian's response. " Our?"
Sebastian mentally cursed under his breath. He hadn't meant to let that slip out. He glanced at Ominis again, who had remained eerily calm, his face a mask of unreadability. Marvolo smirked slightly, glancing between Sebastian and Ominis, his eyes flickering with curiosity and suspicion.

The tension was interrupted by Yarra, who entered the room, carrying both Isadora and Aurelius in her arms, she immediately sensed the tension in the air. She paused for a moment, taking in the scene before her, her eyes going from Sebastian to Ominis to Marvolo and Lord Gaunt.
"Lord Gaunt, Marvolo, what a surprise," Yarra said politely, her voice betraying only a slight hint of unease. "To what do we owe this unexpected visit?" Marvolo turned his attention to Yarra.
"We need to talk, Yarra," Marvolo said, his tone brisk. "In private."

Sebastian's spine stiffened as Marvolo requested a private conversation with Yarra. He didn't like the sound of that at all. He glanced at Ominis, the other man's face inscrutable, hiding any reaction he might have had. Sebastian stepped forward, positioning himself a little protectively near Yarra, his hands clenching into fists by his sides. "Whatever it is you want to say to her, you can say it in front of the rest of us," he stated firmly.

Marvolo's eyes flickered to Sebastian's protective stance, his expression betraying a flicker of irritation. He opened his mouth to say something, but Lord Gaunt stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Marvolo," he said in a voice that was both commanding and firm.
Marvolo closed his mouth reluctantly, his jaw clenching as he shot Sebastian a sidelong glare.
Lord Gaunt then turned his attention to Yarra. "We've come to discuss a matter of some importance," he said, his tone serious. "A message came from the Ministry. The court has decided that your house arrest sentence will be reduced, for good behavior," announced Lord Gaunt.