The Blood within our veins (Ominis Gaunt)

Chapter Twenty Three

Gianna saw red. The jolly musings of the Three Broomsticks Christmas display starkly contrasted the wave of anger that sept in the moment Gianna realized what Ominis had said. Sebastian had not only told Ominis about the Scriptorium but had lied and convinced him that she was on board with it knowing his position on the dark arts. They had agreed not to bring it up to him because of this, but it seemed as though Sebastian had opted to ignore this. It was partially her fault though for not listening to him bring it up or denying her approval for it. If only her head wasn't spinning from all the advances Ominis had made on their trip. She imagined she'd be thinking better if it wasn't because of that.

Even with all of that she still felt oddly protective of Ominis, and their outing was cut short after that. Gianna couldn't imagine sitting there in pleasantries with Ominis without confronting Sebastian for bringing it up. She offered an apology to Ominis and claimed she had scrolls to do but not before Ominis insisted on walking her back to the dorm ;by floo this time.

"I had a nice time." Gianna said with her hands in her pockets. A cold wind tickled her nose and her shoulders shook.

"I did too." Ominis beamed offering a slight smile. It was quiet again and the only noise between them that could be heard was the crushing of half melted snow as they walked.

"We should do it again sometime. " Gianna offered curling her hands in her pockets to warm them; Ominis's coat still hung around her shoulders to warm her.

"Maybe." Ominis retorted. "I can think of a billion other places though that might be more exciting though. There's a little wizarding town southwest of Hogwarts that we should try next. It's next to a lake and it's really peaceful when the creatures come out of hibernation in the Spring." Ominis said with a matter of fact attitude that Gianna knew was meant to be informative.

"Really? I didn't know you were an animal person Ominis." Gianna questioned him. The blonde boy wrinkled his nose at her comment and shook his head.

"Hardly. Care of Magical Creatures is one of my least favorite subjects." He frowned.

"Besides History of Magic?" Gianna laughed and Ominis echoed her.

"Yes. Besides History of Magic." He resounded. "But- It's peaceful because of the sounds and feeling of spring. There's nothing better than reading in that spot and listening to birds sing and the sounds of the breeze on the lake." Ominis looked off thoughtfully.

"You're quite sappy aren't you Ominis? Not really living up to your reputation as the cold dark and evil prince of Slytherin." Gianna teased nudging the boys arm.

Ominis's smile returned and stopped in his tracks. Gianna stopped beside him and the boys featured softened. "I suppose so. I guess you just bring that out of me." Ominis joked. He took Gianna's hand by gliding his touch down her arm before lacing his fingers into hers. Gianna felt her throat run dry.

"You know you're still wearing my jacket. " He teased and Gianna's mouth opened agape. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize it. Here." She made a motion to swing it off of her shoulders. "No. Keep it. I'll feel better knowing you had something that keeps you warm." He smiled.

He placed a hand on her cheek and stroked the apples of her cheeks with his thumb. His blush harshened and he seemed unable to look in her direction.

"Ominis?" Came Gianna's voice. The situation became difficult to deny the lingering tension between them. He leaned forward and his lips parted inches before hers. Gianna froze and unlike the time at the Black Lake this time she knew they both wanted the same thing.

He was so close Gianna could feel the warmth of his cheeks on her own. "Gianna?" Ominis questioned. She parted her lips to respond when he continued. "May I?" The boy breathed unsteadily. His thumb rubbed at her cheek and Gianna couldn't bring herself to answer except for nodding her head.