Pure Inheritance ~ Ominis Gaunt

Part 3

- I appreciate your invitation! I am honoured you could take time in your busy schedule to see me.

- Nonsense -his father was devoid of emotion but laced with forced patience-. You are always welcome. Allow me to introduce you both, officially.

He placed a hand on Ominis' shoulder in a paternal and proud manner. It made him want to run away and hurl his earliest meal.

- This is my youngest son, Ominis Gaunt – his father introduced him first to show the clerk that Ominis was higher in the hierarchy between the two. Gaunt pride before all else-. Son, this is Byberg Diels. He is a senior liaison in the Ministry of Magic and has become a close family friend.

Ominis bowed his neck as a formal greeting.

- How are you, Mr. Diels?

- Oh, you are the spitting image of your father! Nice to meet you, young Master!

Ominis tried not to think about how physically alike he was to his father but considering that both Marvolo and Neftis looked more like their mother, Corvinus would never let him forget about it.

The liaison was not openly rude, but his lack of manners surpassed Ominis' understanding, as the man took a sit before his hosts had a chance to invite him to it. Ominis felt a kinship with his father for the first time ever, as they both tried to ignore the disrespect.

They both took seats in armchairs covered with Slytherin's family crest colours.

- Oh, young Master Ominis. Your father tells me that you got engaged recently. And with Greengrass' darling, no less.

- That is correct – he smiled pleased.

- Well, congratulations! Although I was surprised that you got engaged before Marvolo.

- Oh, no – Corvinus chuckled with humour- You must not have heard, Mr Diels. Marvolo's engagement was already announced, during New Year's Eve.

Ominis could not wait to hear the liaison's reaction.

- Oh! And who is the lucky girl?

- My daughter, Neftis.

Silence.

Ominis so wanted to laugh at the silence that took place inside the library. If it was anyone else, they probably would have expected the news. But the man from the Ministry was too much of a straight arrow to understand that this is how the Gaunt's household remained "pure".

Ominis heard him clear his throat.

- Neftis! Such a beautiful lady. That is so... appropriate?

- I know it may seem unorthodox – Corvinus was unbothered. He knew the ignorance of the clerks translated into impertinence -. But they have always been fond of each other since their younger years. And keeping the bloodline comes first.

- But of course!

- Ominis' engagement still needs to be officially announced, though – Corvinus used a small bell and at the second, two house elves showed up with refreshments and celebratory drinks-. Please, help yourself.

To Ominis' surprise, the man didn't attack the food right away.

- I am sure it will be quite the event -Byberg used a handkerchief to pat away the sweat from his brow and cleared his throat to call attention upon himself-. Well, I do have some news that I wanted to share with you Corvinus and it pertains to Mr. Ominis, in a way.

Ominis schooled his expression, ready for anything. But just in case, he signaled one of the house elves to get him a shot glass of Deep Swamp wine.

- Please, do tell – Corvinus noticed Ominis' impatience to hear the news.