In The Shadow of Our Choices

Chapter 116: In the Clear

Previously:

The Unbreakable Vow was broken! We'll also recall that Ominis received, for his birthday, an offer from Sebastian to legally add him to the Sallow family and change his last name. Ominis had to turn it down at the time because of the Vow. Also previously, Andrew received a letter from his father saying he wanted to speak with Elizabeth about the Rookwood gang. And don't forget - quite a while ago - Andrew learned the truth about Sebastian's uncle, as well as what happened with Elizabeth being captured by the Rookwood gang. While he lied to his father about what happened with Solomon, he told the truth about Elizabeth being captured and tortured.

Ominis Sallow

The hard part wasn't signing off on the forms. The hard part wasn't heading to the Ministry to file the paperwork. The hard part wasn't even writing out his new name for the first time. No, that was all easy - it left him feeling light as air. The hard part was when he returned to Hogwarts from these errands and sat next to Grace at the lunch table.

"Good morning," Ominis said, finding his mouth rather dry. "How was Muggle Studies?"

Thursday mornings were double Muggle Studies or double Care of Magical creatures for the seventh years who took them.

"Oh it was brilliant," Grace said, her voice positively lighting up. "Leander gave an excellent presentation about dinosaurs."

Ominis had never heard that word before in his life, but he had more pressing issues weighing on his mind.

"That sounds... fascinating? But, listen - do you have a minute to talk? About the wedding."

"Of course. What did you want to talk about?"

He heard a clink as she set down her silverware.

"Not here," Ominis said, "Somewhere more private." When she hesitated, he added, "We can just step out into the hall, if that works for you?"

"Certainly."

Ominis stood, waiting for her to gather her bag before he led the way. The hum of the lunchtime crowd dimmed as they stepped into the cool air of the entrance hall. He raised his wand, finding a quiet corner, out of the path of students trickling past. Turning towards her, he dug the documents out of his bag. The parchment was crisp and new, and Ominis took a deep breath before extending them for her to take. He heard the rustle as she scanned the contents.

"What is this?"

"I'm officially free of the Gaunts," Ominis said, fighting an involuntary smile at the words. "As of this morning, I am a Sallow."

Grace sucked in a sharp breath, but when she spoke, he could hear the grin in her voice.

"That's incredible! I can't believe you did it!"

He let out a small, relieved laugh.

"Neither can I, to be honest."

Grace threw her arms around him, squeezing him in a tight embrace.

"I'm so proud of you."

Ominis stiffened for a moment, shocked at the display of affection, but then relaxed into it.

"Thank you."

He meant it. She was the first person he'd told, besides Sebastian and Anne, who had gone with him to the Ministry. As she pulled back, he could hear the warmth still in her voice.

"So, how does it feel?"

"Freeing," Ominis said honestly. "Like I can finally breathe."

"Good. You deserve that."