The Keeper's Legacy | Ominis Gaunt | Sebastian Sallow

CHAPTER THIRTY - DADA class

I found myself standing in the courtyard, facing the ivy-clad gate of the Astronomy wing. Ominis had been nowhere to be seen yesterday, causing him to miss our double potions class. I hoped he would at least grace us with his presence for today's Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.

A tap on my shoulder took me by surprise. I turned around, my eyes gleaming with anticipation, only to meet Poppy's petite figure. My enthusiasm dimmed ever so slightly, perhaps betrayed by the flicker of disappointment that flitted across my face. She observed me curiously, "I see you weren't expecting me."

I mustered a hesitant smile. "Though I must say, it's always a pleasure to see you."

"Of course, of course," she responded, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "So, will we keep staring at that door or make our way to class?"

Sighing, I fell into step beside her as we made our way into the castle. It was then that I brought up the topic lingering on my mind. "I noticed you conversing deeply with Amit at the party."

"Oh, well, I didn't think you would notice, especially while you were embracing Gaunt's arm," she retorted, casting a sidelong glance my way.

"You know Ominis and Sebastian are dear friends of mine.."

Poppy was piercing through my defenses. "Dear friends, yes... I couldn't help but notice. While partying with them is one thing, you've been inseparable from those Slytherin boys lately! Sallow, I can tolerate, but Gaunt? By Merlin's beard, his lineage is tainted with dark wizards!"

I faltered. How wrong Poppy was. If anyone should have been shielding me, it ought to have been from Sebastian's influence or perhaps from the shadows that lurked within my own being.

"Ominis has no affiliation with dark magic!" I burst out, my voice trembling with frustration.

Poppy flinched at the intensity of my outburst, her expression softening. "I'll believe it if you say so," she offered in a soothing tone, averting her eyes for a brief moment.

As we rounded the bend of the staircase, the path to the Undercroft lay just a few steps to the left, concealed behind the distinctive presence of the grandfather clock. Wondered if he was there.

"I apologise... It just pains me to witness others judging him solely based on his family," I confided with her. "I believe you understand how that feels," I emphasised my point, reminding Poppy of her own experience. After all, her parents were poachers, a fact she had cautiously disclosed to me last year. And I, too, would never pass judgment on someone based on their family alone.

Recognition flickered within Poppy's warm brown eyes as she adjusted her yellow-striped tie, silently acknowledging our shared experiences.

Still inquisitive about their conversation with Amit, I pressed further. "So, what were you two discussing?"

"Oh well, you know..." Poppy began, "He was quite enthusiastic about your star chart. Amit tried persuading me to accompany him on a visit to the centaurs. He even promised to immortalise our adventures together in his upcoming book." A soft giggle escaped her lips, tinged amusement.

"What a gallant offer."

A faint blush adorned Poppy's cheeks as she confessed, "I think he's very cute."

"Poppy, I don't recall ever hearing you use that adjective to describe an actual person," I remarked, if my memory serves me well, as the last time she had used it was in reference to a Kneazle.

She waved her hand dismissively. "Well, I haven't exactly been eager to go into the Forbidden Forest since the detention. But I've been longing to have another conversation with Dorran for quite some time now. I wonder how the snidgets are doing. What do you think?"