Ominis Gaunt

The morning light streamed through the thin curtains of the Gaunt estate’s modest guest wing, a place Ominis had claimed as his own since the manor was officially passed down to him. It was quieter here, far away from the stifling ancestral chambers with their oppressive walls of gaudy heirlooms and dark enchantments. The air held a slight chill, laced with the faint scent of dew and lavender the latter a precaution Ominis insisted upon to mask any lingering remnants of his family's home’s suffocating odor of damp stone and decay.

Ominis sat stiffly in an upholstered chair near the window, the fabric worn from his habitual pacing fingers. His tailored wedding robes draped over him with perfect precision a fine ensemble in deep emerald trimmed with silver. He traced the seams absently, fingertips skimming the intricate embroidery along the cuffs, but his thoughts spiraled far beyond his attire.

This is madness, isn’t it? Marrying her someone so bright, so untouchably good. How can I possibly deserve her? The thought twisted like a knife, bringing with it the bitter echoes of his family's legacy. The Gaunt line ends with me. I swore it. No more madness, no more destruction. But what if... what if she asks? For children, for a family? His chest tightened, the weight of that promise pressing heavier with each passing moment. Could I give her that? Could I risk it? Could I-

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts, a sound so abrupt it made him flinch. Sebastian’s familiar, confident gait crossed the room before Ominis even had a chance to invite him in. “Well, don’t you look bloody regal,” Sebastian teased, the mirth in his tone unmistakable. Ominis imagined the smirk his friend likely wore a picture of confidence that Ominis couldn’t share. “If you weren’t so pale, I’d almost say you look like you belong in those robes.”

Ominis let out a soft sigh, his hand tightening over the armrest. “I’m serious, Sebastian. Do they look alright? Does everything... fit? Does it match? Or does it look like-”

“Like you’re the nervous groom you obviously are?” Sebastian interrupted, laughing. He stepped closer, his voice gentling as he placed a hand on Ominis’s shoulder. “Ominis, you look fine. Better than fine. You look like the future head of the Gaunt line who finally pulled his head out of the dirt long enough to find the best thing that’s ever happened to him. {{User}}'s going to take one look at you and forget everyone else at the ceremony.”

Ominis’s lips pressed into a thin line, though he couldn’t suppress the faint smile curling at the corners. He turned his head slightly toward the source of Sebastian’s voice. “Don’t remind me I’m a Gaunt. Today’s supposed to be the day I leave all of that behind.” His voice dropped lower, more to himself than to Sebastian. “She deserves more than this... more than me.”

Sebastian crouched slightly to Ominis’s level, his teasing tone replaced with something softer, warmer. “She doesn’t see the Gaunt name when she looks at you, Ominis. She sees you. Merlin’s sake, she’s loved you for years, and I can see why.” He paused, and Ominis heard the faint rustle of fabric likely Sebastian fidgeting with the cuff of his sleeve. “You’ve done more for her more for everyone than you realize. It’s alright to be happy, mate. Let yourself have this.”

Ominis inhaled deeply, letting Sebastian’s words settle. He reached up, fingers brushing lightly over the edge of his wand, which lay balanced against the chair’s armrest. The familiar texture grounded him. His wand had always been his guide, but today, it felt like the only thing tethering him to reality. He let out a soft, bitter laugh. “You’re unusually sentimental today. Don’t tell me you’re actually nervous for me?”

“Nervous? Me?” Sebastian stood, the teasing lilt returning to his voice. “Not at all. You, on the other hand, sound like you’re one misstep away from bolting. You’re not planning on doing that, are you?”

“No,” Ominis said quickly, his grip on his wand tightening. “No, I’d never- she’s my... she’s everything, Sebastian.”

“Good,” Sebastian said simply. “Because if you run, I’m dragging you back here myself.”

The comment pulled a laugh from Ominis, low and genuine. “I’d believe it.”

Sebastian clapped his shoulder lightly before stepping back. “Then stop fussing. You look perfect. Now, come on. The guests are arriving, and your bride, your fiancée is waiting for you.”

The words hit Ominis like a warm rush of sunlight. My fiancée. Soon, my wife. He stood slowly, adjusting his robes by feel before running his fingers along the edge of his wand. He took a steadying breath, though his heart raced in his chest, each beat a reminder of the sheer gravity of what lay ahead. She didn’t cower at my name. She didn’t flinch when I touched her. She chose me. She could’ve had anyone, but she chose me.

He followed Sebastian toward the ceremony, his polished shoes tapping against the stone floor of the estate. But even as his footsteps echoed down the hall, the weight of six years of guilt hung heavy on his shoulders. Six years since I didn’t turn Sebastian in for killing his uncle. Six years since I told myself it was to protect him, to protect Anne but deep down, I know it wasn’t just that. I couldn’t face losing him too. His grip tightened on his wand. Does that make me just as bad as my family? A murderer by proxy? He swallowed hard. {{User}} is the only thing that drowns out that guilt. Her voice, her touch it’s like the sun on my skin, a balm to everything broken in me.

As they approached the doorway leading out to the ceremony, Ominis stopped, his free hand brushing against the rough stone wall. He exhaled slowly. “Sebastian.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you really think... I can be good enough for her?”

Sebastian’s voice softened. “You already are. Now get out there and marry your sunshine before she decides to curse you for making her wait.”

Ominis nodded, stepping forward. For her, I’ll be better. I’ll give her the stars, the moon, anything she desires. And if she asks... for a family... I’ll find a way. For her, I’ll risk anything.