POV ADA MARROW
"Of course I'd find you in the Library." I glanced up seeing Septimus Malfoy standing beside the table I had decidedly occupied for my morning to focus on my school work. As always he was dressed properly in uniform, his icy hair teased back so it stayed out of his face and piercing blue eyes stared me down.
"Did you need something Septimus?" I settled my quill down, and watched him.
"Are you free for afternoon tea at Steeply and Sons? I'd like to have a little chat, -alone-."
"If it's about the party invitation, I'm not interested…"
"It is only a small portion of why I wish to speak with you." His hands settled into his pockets, "It's more to do with our families; which is why I wish to speak with you alone about it."
I watched him, interested now, "My mother says that our families do not intermingle."
"They don't partially in thanks to my Father and I'd rather not talk of such sensitive topics in the Library. Steeply and Sons has a private tea room that I've reserved for the Evening. It's purely up to you if you wish to join me or not, but either way I will be waiting there for you at one."
I tapped my fingers along my book, "Well you've got my interest Cousin, I'll meet you at the tea house then. I'll try to be there promptly but I make no promises."
He looked pleased, brows raising while his eyes made no notion of change. Though I could see the slightest up turn of his lips.
"That's all I can ask of you Cousin. I shall see you then." He turned on the ball of his feet and left me, watching him vanish down the winding staircase out of sight of my table. I wonder what he wished to talk about that it needed to be so private but again Mother said the Malfoy's kept family related business hush, hush. My eyes slid over to the clock, it was thirty minutes to noon. I suppose I could leave a bit early, take a small walk to Hogsmeade over taking the Floo.
I needed to purchase some potion recipes and if Honeydukes is in fact selling those sours again I want to stock up, I also need to get some Lovage Seeds from the Magic Neep. It's settled, I'll go to Hogsmeade once I drop my items off in my dorm.
I hadn't expected this private tea room to be hidden behind a wall, nor had I expected to see Septimus sipping at a cup, reading over the assigned reading Professor Nightingale had assigned us. I settled my items by the door on an empty side table. Septimus hadn't once looked at me when I entered to focus on his note taking and the enjoyment of tasting whatever tea he had chosen for the both of us.
Only when the owner of the tea shop shut the door did Septimus look up to me, settling his tea cup down and standing in a swift motion.
"You're early."
"I got all my errands done so I figured I'd check if you were here or not." I slipped my gloves off, stuffing them into my coat pocket; then hung the coat up.
"Well I'm surprised but not disappointed, you do seem like the type that despises being late." He pulled out the chair opposite of his, a cup settled upside down on its plate.
"How gentlemanly of you." I smiled at him and sat down and he carefully made sure I was seated close to the table.
"I was raised right, the fact you got your coat off yourself would have had my Mother in tears. Where had she gone so wrong raising such a delinquent boy that doesn't even take a ladies coat." I couldn't help but snort at his quip.
"She's also feint seeing a Witch of your status snort. So un lady-like." The sarcasm was thick as he bookmarked his text and closed it, "How do you like your tea?" He offered, leaning over the table to settle the cup up right.
"Oh, I can pour and prepare it myself."
"How do you like your tea?" He repeated, pouring the hot brew into the fine delicate cup.
"Fine, splash of cream and five cubes of sugar."
"Of course you'd enjoy it sweet. Here I had hoped we could bond over a bitter cup." He poured the cream into the cup, lightening the tea and making it milky. Then started dropping individual cubes into the cup.
"I wasn't aware you were interested in bonding with me."
"I am interested in potentially fixing a divide between our houses. You are the only child of my Aunt now and I am merely the seventh son of my Father."
My face twisted up, "I swear Septimus, if you're suggesting marriage I'm going to leave."
"No, no, absolutely not." He looked horrified by my words, "Malfoy's do not inbreed and you're far too infatuated with Gaunt to even consider marrying anyone else but him." He settled back down in his seat, bringing his tea cup to his lips to sip at the dark drink, "I merely wish to have a familial relationship with you, not just one of convenience or to put on a show but a true relationship."
I stirred my tea, watching him more curiously than ever, "Alright… I'm listening."
"Auntie Asterope, your Mother… Is a lovely woman; she values the love of family over all else more likely because of how she was treated in the past. My Father and Grandparents despised her, she is I quote, 'A stain on the House of Malfoy. A testament to my Grandfathers infidelity and only useful to gain connections with other pureblood families.'" My lips pursed, hearing the words come from his mouth. If he wasn't recounting what had been said to him about my Mother I would consider it a slight towards her.
"And?" I questioned, sipping my tea now.
"I wish to change that…" He went silent looking down at his cup then sighed, "Aunt Asterope is probably the closest female figure in my life that I can relate to as a Mother, an actual mother that cared at least…"
"So you wish to close the division between our two houses."
"Yes." He pulled that familiar letter from his vest pocket and settled it on the table, "It's the reason I invited you to this party, because you will need to be aware of a certain lifestyle and show you wish to partake in it. All of this was written in the letter…"
"I would have no qualms in going to the party Septimus if it was under the impression of having a friendship with you but I don't wish to attend unless I have someone I'm wholly familiar with escorting me."
"Leander is attending."
"I'm aware and as much as I consider him my friend I do not enjoy the fact he makes excuses for all of you."
"Excuses?"
"I find it distasteful how you treat Muggle Borns."
"I don't treat them any which way, I don't give my attention to those who are not worth my time." He stated so matter factly, settling the cup down on its platter. His movements moved in a way similar to Ominis but much more refined, forced perfection.
"If not Leander then who would you like to escort you? Unfortunately Weasley and Onai have declined the invitations so you won't be able to attend with them."
"What about Ominis?"
"Gaunt?"
"Is there another?" I questioned, "You had just stated that I'm in fact infatuated with him and he is the only other Pure Blood that I'm well acquainted with."
"No there isn't, you can bring Gaunt. I'll just deal with Lestrange's tantrum; he's absolutely set on seducing you." Septimus rolled his eyes, "I told him it wasn't worth his time to even try. He is simply not your type."
"I have a type?" I questioned thinking between how both Ominis and Sebastian act, neither were similar at all besides their perchance for mischief.
"Yes you're particularly drawn to those that are emotionally damaged." I raised a brow at his words and he gave me a look that screamed 'you didn't notice?' I didn't know what to say, "Ominis Gaunt, disappointment of his family, tortured by his own blood and outcast… Sebastian Sallow; lost his parents, lost his uncle who verbally abused him and lost his sister… Poppy Sweeting, raised by poachers ran away when she was old enough and holds such a massive complex that she feels the need to defend any magical beast in her path, let's also not skate around the fact the loss of your Brother has absolutely shattered her."
"How do you- Wait what you mean she's shattered?" My eyes widened had Septimus seen something I had not?
"It's no fault of your own that you didn't see it. She hides her emotions very well but not well enough." He sipped his tea again, watching me carefully.
"Aren't you observant…"
"I am a Malfoy…" he shrugged, "We're bred for this sort of thing."
"Then tell me Septimus what does it mean to be a Malfoy?" I saw his eyes glint a bit.
"As Family I feel you should be rightfully informed. Malfoy's are Cunning and Master Manipulators, we arrived into Britain assisting William the Conqueror and our house had flourished since. Expanding influence from royalty to now the very halls of the Ministry. My father even now is ensuring the very best is done for the sake of wizard kind." He looked so proud, "By having every son work at high standing positions in every Ministry department we can better the Wizarding World."
"So… You don't have an interest working in Muggle relations?" My question took him by surprise. I had genuinely surprised him, that the cool mask was gone now replaced with shock then quickly the mask was back up.
"I plan to be a Healer." I attempted to settle him back in, hoping he wouldn't close off, "I'm taking Nurse Blainey's Healing Course.
"That… That is a very fulfilling job. I'm delighted that you get to do what you want… It's expected that I will take a Ministry job… I mean why wouldn't I take a Ministry job? All my Brothers and Sisters have taken such positions or married politicians. Even my Father is an off the cuff advisor to the Minister of Magic."
"Septimus… Why not just do what you want to do? It's your life after Hogwarts."
He was silent, eyes a bit wide and I realize that perhaps he wasn't as well trained in hiding his emotions in such a private setting. His posture was ridged, looking just a bit smaller now.
"To… To carry the name of Malfoy, to better the family…"
"But like you told me you're the Seventh Son. It's not your responsibility to carry the name or to better the family… It's your older brothers…" His lips pressed to a thin line, eyes narrowing down to his cup as his hands gripped the delicate thing.
"To carry the name means to accept the expectations of the family… To go against the grain of what's expected is harsh and unforgiving. So much could happen if I refused…" The proper nature he displayed was gone as his elbow rested on the table, hand cupping his forehead as he stared into the cup of tea.
"Like?"
"I could be disowned… Kicked out of the Manor, lose my life line…"
"If you could choose… What would you want to do?" I questioned him, I didn't judge his sudden openness. If he wished to be my friend then I would be his.
"I… I don't know… I truly don't know."
"What do you enjoy?"
"Herbology… I enjoy Herbology."
"There's your answer, you can open your own Herbology shop or work for a Master Herbologist or even teach it."
"My family would never support that."
"If your Family doesn't support your decision to break from the mold, then they're really not your family." Something clicked in his eyes and I saw the most unexpected thing: Septimus laughing. Softly, but he was still laughing. I smiled at him, keeping the tea cup rim pressed to my lips.
"I… I hope one day a Malfoy Heir will break free from the mold set my generations before us but unfortunately Ada that will not be me…" He straightened out again, abandoning his drink.
"Septimus… Sometimes to break free of what people expect from you is to just have a bit of courage."
"I'm Slytherin."
"Even those in Slytherin have courage."
"We Slytherin value self preservation." I snorted, rolling my eyes at such absurdity.
"I know plenty of Slytherin who don't hold that value. You should do what you want to do and not what your father wants you to do."
The rest of our time in the tea room was silent and contemplative. We no longer spoke, just enjoyed the silence of each other's company and I could see the gears turning in his head as he mulled over my words.
POV OMINIS GAUNT
"We'll look at you!" Sebastian bellowed out, he had returned from his stint with Professor Hecat. Having wanted to inquire about a teaching role and how to go about that, "What are you dressing up for? Oh wait, you're going on that date with Ada tonight aren't you!?"
"Yes I am, I'm hopeful I can talk with her about our arrangement." I adjusted my tie again, then pulled it off, discarding it onto the floor. We can't even go to Hogsmeade for this, it was mid week so I figured we could have a walk around the Castle grounds and chat.
"Ominis mate, I would suggest bringing that up another time. You should have some fun with her, really. It may put a damper on the mood." He chuckled then began helping me fix myself up, unbuttoning the first few buttons of my shirt.
"Did you want your hair styled or loose?"
"I'd like it styled but Sebastian I can do it myself."
"Please just let me do this for you." His voice sounded a bit pleading.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothings wrong, now where's your brush?"
"You're having those nightmares again aren't you?"
"I've never stopped having those Nightmares…" He admitted, then felt him work the brush through my hair, "Just enjoy yourself."
The brush pulled away the. Heard a canister open, his hands rubbing together then fingers running through my hair rubbing along my scalp.
"There! Now you look like a Prince." He chuckled, "So when are you meeting your Princess?"
"What does that make you then?" I buttoned up my school vest.
"I thought we established I'm a Beast?"
"No you're not a Beast, not anymore. A beast would want to steal the Princess from the Prince… You're…" My hands smoothed out the vest, "A Knight."
"A Knight?! Well I'm honored to serve your Majesty then!" He chortled, a scoff sounded out from Parkinson's side of the room.
"I thought I'd get better gossip about you Three but you're both so fucking boring it's killing me." I hadn't realized he was in the room, Sebastian must have noticed hence his choice words. Not giving too much information.
"Well perhaps you'll finally learn to mind your business!" Sebastian snapped, "Ignore him Ominis, now when are you meeting Ada?"
"At six outside the dungeons."
"It's about that time then, have some fun won't you?"
"Trust me I will. Hope you choke in your sleep Parkinson!" I announced my annoyance towards the man.
"And I hope that if I do die I can bury myself in Marrows lovely tits-"
"For fucks sake can't you keep your crass mouth shut for once?" Sebastian practically urged me from the room and once the door was shut behind me I could hear the muffled arguing between the two.
'I'm not going to lie she has a wonderful pair-'
'You're lucky I have some self control to not strangle you!' Merlin should I leave, Sebastian may actually murder the twit. No, no he can just say it was self defense. I walked away being careful down the stairs to exit the common room. Then again I don't think anyone would believe that.
"Ominis!" Ada snapped me from my inner thoughts, quickly distracting me from the two fighting in our shared quarters.
"Hello Love." I couldn't help the smile, as I felt her hand take mine, "Ready for our walk?"
"Of course!" I could feel her hand squeeze mine and her other lightly pull me closer so my arms pressed against something soft.
"Perhaps a walk outside?" I suggested, "Somewhere private?" She uttered to me, it made my heart skip.
"Do you have a suggestion Love?"
"Well we could hide out in one of the Castle walls rooms… It'll be dusty but…" I shall die a happy man, I shall die fulfilled and in the embrace of an Angel and die happy.
"Are you okay Ominis?"
"Huh? Oh! Yes! Yes I'm fantastic." The words came sputtering out from my lips and I shut my mouth so quickly to keep from acting like a fool. Merlin, how can she fluster me so damn easily? It was an absurd question, I was madly in love with the Witch pressed against my arm. Her very presence made my heart sputter and her voice made my head spin.
"If you're not feeling it we can just walk around." She murmured to me, kissing my cheek. Right now the goal for tonight was to ease her into the idea of being with both of us and I doubt she'd want to have any fun once I settled that news on her. I licked my now suddenly dry lips, this was harder than i thought it would be.
I never had issues with admitting I was in the wrong and I didn't have issues with admitting I had been a prick flush up against her lovely… Focus please. I didn't have issues admitting it but I feared for her reaction. I had given her plenty of grief over her choosing between the two of us.
I could hear a door open and felt the sudden breeze of the cool night air over my face. I enjoyed the coolness that washed over my face and neck. It somehow calms me, allowing me to think clearly.
"I… I actually need to speak with you about something important." That one sentence sliced through the silence between us and she shifted uncomfortably pulling slightly away from me. I could feel her gaze on my face, feel how her hand tightened.
"Is… Is everything fine?" I had not meant to make her sound so panicked, shit. Nervousness was gone and I pulled her back to me, keeping her close.
"Everything is fine Ada." I whispered softly to her.
"Am I not doing enough?" She asked quickly.
"No… No sweetheart, I'm not leaving you. I promise, like I told you, the only way you're getting rid of me is by beating me off with a stick." I kept us walking away from the entrance trusting her to lead us somewhere private.
"Then why do you sound so nervous?"
"Is there a seat nearby?" I asked her, "I want you sitting while we have this talk."
"Y-Yes…" She walked us just a bit more then settled us down on a stone bench, I kept a firm hold on her hands as we sat. Letting what my first words would be, to start this off, roll around in my head.
"You remember when Sebastian and I confronted you in the Undercroft? How much of a dimwit I was… How I told you, you had to choose between the two of us?"
I was met with silence, nerve wracking ear ringing silence from her. She was silent for so long that I felt my heart stutter. I squeezed her hands then she managed to murmur.
"Yes… I remember." She sounded so quiet, yet her voice spoke louder than her words. This wasn't something she wanted to talk about.
"I… I don't want you to choose between the two of us… I was jealous, angry and I thrust that upon you when you admitted that you loved us both. I was being incredibly selfish."
"But wouldn't that make me selfish? To have both of you to myself, when you both have to share me…" Her words were shaky and unsure.
"If it would mean that we could be with you for the rest of our days and I'm speaking for Sebastian as well. We would be elated if you would have us both." I started to lift her hands to my mouth to kiss her knuckles but her hands were suddenly jerked from mine.
"I… I need to think this all over." She sounded on the verge of tears.
"Ada? Are you alright?"
"I thought… I thought things were going back to normal. I don't want either of you to start fighting again-"
"We're not going to fight over you Sweetheart!-" Her presence was gone from my side, that lingering warmth gone.
"I need to go, I'm sorry."
"Wait!" I could hear her heels clicking hard against the stone path, I stood up quickly "Ada! Wait!" She was gone, she left me alone slack jawed and in complete and utter shock. Shit…
"Shit. Shit!" My hands rubbed over my face, had I ruined it?
POV SEBASTIAN SALLOW
"What happened to having fun?!" I stared at Ominis, "I told you to not talk about it and just have a fun night with her."
"I know." He hissed out, "I thought it was a good time she was in a good mood!" He stood there in the dungeons having just arrived back, he was only gone for twenty minutes! I had to drag him out of our dorm so Parkinson would overhear our conversation but if I knew that little toad he was probably listening in right now.
"Well obviously not! What did she say?"
"She… She didn't want us to start fighting again." His head bowed down, his jaw clenching hands balling into fists, "I messed everything up."
"Don't say that…"
"I did. It's all my fault." I reached and gripped his shoulders.
"She needed to think things over, so let her think it over. Don't start spiraling; it'll be fine."
"I hope you're right." He murmured, his shoulders slumping into my grasp, "I feel fucking pathetic…"
"You're not. Now come on, let's sleep it off and hope Parkinson doesn't start asking questions." I needed to talk with Ada, not tonight but definitely tomorrow.