Pure Inheritance ~ Ominis Gaunt

Part 3

- It's about this generation's Keeper. Cadet MC.

Ominis swallowed the drink in one gulp and pushed it down with all the strength he could muster. He needed a little magical euphoria to drown the panic and anxiety that took over him, at the thought that someone from the Ministry saw him in MC's apartment last week.

- Oh? – Was Gaunt's patriarch's only answer.

- I know you are interested in the girl, and as her trainer, I thought I should keep you informed – the Clerk finally grabbed a shot glass with shaky hands-. After all, you have taken good care of her.

The eldest laughed with no humour.

- You flatter me, Mr. Diels. All I did was point out that such a... valuable witch should not be placed in danger's way.

Corvinus put down his cup next to him and crossed his fingers under his chin.

- Yes. Yes – he dried the sweat one more time-. It took a bit of deliberation, but finally, the Prime Minister agreed – this time he spoke to Ominis-. She is not talented enough to ever become an Auror or an enforcement in Azkaban, but as a clerk, we can see her having a bright future.

Ominis was picturing MC twisting the clerk's neck as punishment for the slander.

- I see –nodded politely-. People should be more aware of their limitations, and she should be thankful to my father, for keeping her wellbeing in mind.

- Certainly. Certainly.

A crunching sound told him the liaison was devouring the refreshment from the tea table.

- Mr. Diels – his father's voice had the stress of a hungry snake-, you did mention you had news about her, and that it pertained to Ominis. Please, do not keep me guessing.

- Oh, yes! – He put down the plate of biscuits- Apologies! In fact, she was present at the Ministry of Magic's annual gathering. And, this is the most surprising news, she recognized young Master Ominis as a friend from Hogwarts.

Corvinus had to swallow a sneer of dissatisfaction.

- That is no news to me – he gestured away, and the elves left with a flourish-. I was aware that she and Ominis shared classes during their stay in Hogwarts. Nothing of consequence.

- Allow me to disagree- the voice of the clerk became smaller-. This girl doesn't like to be approached by strangers. It's one of the flaws I have been trying to get rid of. Truth be told, the only person she ever talks to is the Potion Master of the Auror's Department, Garreth Weasley.

- Meaning? – Ominis decided to join in.

- Uh, the fact that she sought you out openly during the ball, means she must have some hidden agenda of her own. She is not the sort to engage with anyone and that was most irregular.

Corvinus looked at Ominis sideways, trying to gauge his reaction. He was as impassable as usual.

- Ominis – the boy squared his shoulder-, what is the nature of your relationship with that girl?

Ominis raked his brain trying to remember everything about his interactions with MC. That they had a clandestine friendship was only known by Sebastian and Anne. No one else was privy to their conversations, and they made it a point to ignore each other during classes.

But his father was hooked on the idea that he could reel her in and disappointing him would be a step back on Ominis' plans.

- We exchanged greetings a couple of times, but she seemed to be partial to Sebastian Sallow – he took a sip to swallow the lie-. I believe they were rather close. Never did we engage in conversation though.

- Mm, just the same – Corvinus was not going to let this opportunity go-, we have been looking for an opportunity to get to know her. That little mud blood needs to be schooled in our society and needs to be guided.

Mr Diels tried to make himself as small as possible. He did what he had to, to make sure funds kept coming into his department; but hearing Mr. Gaunt speak of his protegee in that manner was worrying.

- I have a suggestion – Ominis wanted to rip his tongue out -. My engagement announcement is a couple of weeks away. An official invitation could fall on Mr Diels's desk, and since cadet MC is your trainee, you could bring her as your plus one. We will even show her generosity, by sending a carriage to pick her up.  

Byberg nodded his head.

- Capital idea – the boy was as much of a snake as his father, but Byberg didn't have a choice-. I can make that happen.

- I agree – Corvinus leaned on his chair like a well-fed cat-. A marvellous idea indeed, my son.

- I am glad you approve. However, I shall invite Sebastian Sallow as well – Ominis wanted to set himself on fire-. Perhaps that will set her at ease.