In The Middle Of The Night

Delicate Doll

Ominis' return had been silent; she hadn't realised he had collapsed into the bed next to her until screams woke her, but they wasn't her screams. His face twisted in agony, tears streamed down his face and his body thrashed. For once she was calming him, her fingers brushed his pulse. Rushing to grab a cool cloth, she brushed his fringe away; his eyes opening in fear
"Eva..."
"I'm here Ominis" her voice broke him into sobs, she had never seen him so broken, so hurt. He never cried so openly, in the time she knew him she'd heard his voice falter once, yet in front of her was a broken man.
"You didn't have to move me away, he's hit me with it before, you know he has"
"I couldn't hear you scream Eva; you're too delicate, too fragile. It would have killed what was left of my heart to hear you cry like an injured doe snared in a trap. I've become quite attached to you this last month" her heart stopped and restarted, she had to agree that she had become attached to him in a sense too
"It would have been better than watching you like that. I wanted to hurt him like he hurt you. If it wasn't for Professor Weasley I think I would have"
"I suppose, I'll have to give Poppy my thanks. Headmaster Black told me she had held me down, I can't imagine that's easy for a girl of her height"
"She can handle a lot larger than you, she's mastered riding hippogriffs and taming dragons. I'm sure Ominis Gaunt of 6ft 2 is tiny to her" he seemed to have calmed, climbing back in next to him, Eva traced images on the arc of his neck. Lulling him back to sleep.

It had been awkward at breakfast; Eva had watched Ominis strut to Poppy, bowing smartly as he gave thanks for her intervention and how grateful he was and in her debt for it, she had stumbled over her words of it being no problem. Eva swore he could make anyone he wanted fumble with his charming grin and well thought words. The hall adorned with cherubs floating, giggling innocently. Even the ghosts exchanging their gifts to those they desired. Candles changed to baby pinks, the ceiling was light blue with fluffy white clouds swirling around. Chatters of who would get the most flowers or anonymous poems.
"Wow, he seems a lot better than before. I've never seen anyone recover that fast" Poppy didn't know how he had spent his childhood having it cast on him for simply messing up, for refusing to conform to his families ways of purity and harming others. She didn't want Poppy to pity Ominis
"I think he's just very resilient, even if he's in pain he won't show it" Poppy nodded in agreement, she so desperately wanted to tell her of what he said in the night, she wanted Poppy to agree it had meaning behind it, that there was something more to his words. But he had chosen to sit closer than the day before, even though he feigned not to be listening she knew he was overhearing it all
"Of course, are you excited? I'm not one for romance but even I get a little excited when they deliver flowers to the classrooms. I think it's just so sweet to watch people's faces light up" even now her face was overjoyed
"Not really, don't get me wrong I love romance and people confessing their feelings for it" pausing she knew Ominis could hear her, she had to think her next words carefully "but I'm more for actions than flowers. I'd rather they just say it as is than anonymous poems and flowers. But it is nice to see people light up at being thought of" Eva made a mental note to send Poppy some chrysanthemums, not only was they her favourite but she knew they symbolised friendship so she'd know they came from her. She pondered whether to send some to Ominis, would she be out of line to do so? Fidgeting with her ring at the thought.

Eva had opted not to send some to Ominis but ensured Poppy would get flowers during herbology; she knew it was right when the chubby cherub flew in singing Poppy's name
"Poppy, gentle tamer of animals, dearest to my heart. Your friend sends you flowers, to appreciate all that you are!" Professor Garlick knew they had been Eva, along with Poppy. She nodded at her choice of flower.
"Yet there is more for Poppy, soft of heart and strong of mind. Ominis Gaunt sends his gratitude, with bunches of tulips and note that the kneazles you spotted are safe in sanctuary under your name. Visit when you wish" wings sounding like a hummingbird it disappeared in a pop
"Th-thank you Ominis. I'd say we're even on debt now" briefly embracing him
"I would say so too Poppy. If you'll excuse me, I think my plant needs tending to"
Poppy's mouth dropped at Eva
"I hope he's got you something, or he may find a mandrake at his door!" Oh Poppy, ever caring
"Honestly Poppy I don't mind if I get nothing. We're not a thing really, it's just an arrangement" Poppy could spot Ominis' face briefly flash a frown her direction
"Don't say that Eva. I think deep down he cares. I think you should get him something small. Think it over, he does have feelings under that cold exterior" she was right, damn it Poppy.