Pure Inheritance ~ Ominis Gaunt

Part 3

- There will be an official appearance at Hogwarts in two months. It's to announce the Triwizard Tournament and this time, my family will be bestowing the Goblet of Fire to the winner. They will be there... I will be there, and I would love it if... ahem... um... It would be a great experience for you...

- I will be there- automatic response.

He stopped holding his breath.

- You will?

- Yes. I don't need an excuse to go to Hogwarts since I must check on the Repositorium periodically- smiled-. I'll be there.

Ominis nodded once before letting himself out.

*#*#*#*#

The clatter of porcelain and tableware around him was deafening. He was currently sitting on the left side of the table, with his sister Neftis on his right side and Marvolo right in front of him. His father -Corvinus Gaunt-was sitting at the head of the table, and his mother -Nefari Gaunt- was on the other end of it.

- Is there anything of note to report? – That was his father's voice.

Because of the lack of feeling or intonation, Ominis could only guess he wanted to know about the Ministry of Magic's annual gathering. If he was mistaken and his father was not addressing him, his entire day would turn unsavoury. The same could be said if he ignored him by accident.

- No father – he put the silverware down and padded his lower lip with a cloth napkin-. It was most inconsequential.

- Did Serafina enjoy herself? – He was trying to gather if he had impressed her or neglected her.

Ominis kept himself from sighing in relief.

- She uttered no complaint.

And that was it.

At least that is what he thought.

- Ominis, we are expecting a guest. Someone from the Ministry – his voice was elegantly condescending and laced with mockery-. I understand he wishes to congratulate you on your engagement.

No answer was expected, so he only nodded once and continued with his meal.

- Should we attend as well? - Was Neftis' input, referring to Marvolo and herself.

Ominis braced himself for the worst.

- Did I say I needed you there?

Neftis' body tensed next to Ominis, but he knew better than to offer comfort. It was every man and woman for himself/herself kind of household.

- No father- she tried to appear strong and unbothered.

- Then you got your answer.

Ominis waited and waited.

Then waited some more. Surely blood would spill soon enough.

But nothing happened.

Nobody was screaming in pain; the table was not shaking with his father's sudden rage, Marvolo was not snickering with pleasure.

His father was unusually tame today. The notion was strange and unnerving. 

*#*#*#

The younger member of the Gaunt's household was standing next to the chimney, the flames creating grotesque shadows around his figure while still giving him an aura of warmth and assurance. He was deep in thought while waiting for his father's arrival.

He was about to take a sit when his father finally entered the library next to a loud bureaucrat. He squared his shoulder as a reflex and turned his body just enough to welcome his father's guest.