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skampi835 · 10 months

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Crucio - 02 - Normal (Noctua)

Welcome to a Mini-Series of a dysfunctional Family... Starring: Noctua Gaunt (Aunt), Ominis (6 years), Wylan (9 years), Ophelia Gaunt (Mother)

Summary: Noctua comes to a sudden visit. She get’s in a fight with Ophelia which Ominis overhear. Then she decides to open the world for him, when she’s about to tech him how to read. (3,2k Words)

Part 01 - Useless Part 03 - Blind

»What is that supposed to be?« The chubby boy pouted, pushing out his lower lip as he critically examined the leather cover of the book in his hands. The slender young woman, who had crouched down next to her nephew, ensuring that her long underskirt neatly covered her knees, smiled unnaturally stiff. The anticipation of seeing his enthusiastic sparkle had vanished from Noctua's face as Wylan let his grass-green eyes wander over the letters of the edition of ›Practical Household Spells - Suitable for Children‹.

His reaction to her gift was disappointing but not surprising.

»It's a book, Wylan,« Noctua explained nonetheless with a friendly tone.

»I can see that. Don't you have another gift for me, Aunt Noctua?« Wylan asked, his grass-green eyes widening with expectation as he looked hopefully up at her. The young woman tried not to sigh. Instead, she forced herself to smile kindly and firmly explained, »No, I'm sorry, Wylan. I brought you this book.«

Wylan made a pouting grimace. His lips pursed together, just like his little eyes in his chubby face. »What do we say, sweetheart?« the tall, bony woman standing behind her son in the parlour asked, her hands crossed in front of her expansive dark green dress. She looked as if she were about to attend a festive ball.

»Thank you, Aunt Noctua,« Wylan muttered softly, still pouting.

Again, it was disappointing but not surprising.

Noctua smiled stiffly as she straightened up again, smoothing out her outer gown diligently. The boy ran through the dark parlor of the estate with the book in his hands and disappeared from her sight as he passed through an archway. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Noctua's steel-blue eyes, which she shared with her brother, wandered through the high parlour, scrutinizing the matriarch of the family who only gave her a distant, stern look. »What brings me the honour of your unannounced visit, Noctua?« the slender woman, with those same grass-green eyes as her eldest son, asked. Her long, golden blond hair was intricately braided into an elaborate hairstyle and fell neatly over her shoulders.

Noctua was no more surprised by her cool welcome than by Wylan's lack of joy over her gift. The matriarch embodied the spirit, priorities, and ideals of the Gaunt family, despite being a mere in-law. »I simply wanted to visit my nephews and niece, Ophelia,« Noctua explained in a friendly tone. »Is my brother, by any chance, also at home?«

»Asterioth is at work,« Ophelia pursed her bloodless lips. »Not everyone leads as adventurous a life as you, Noctua.« The unmistakable dislike in her sister-in-law's words no longer affected the young woman. That's why Noctua found it much easier to continue smiling and decided to ignore the hostility.

»Too bad,« she replied calmly and still emphasized friendliness, »and where are Ominis and Boadicea?«

»Boadicea is sleeping,« the matriarch responded coldly. However, since she didn't want to elaborate further, Noctua patiently asked again, »And Ominis?«

»Somewhere in the house.«

Noctua furrowed her forehead in question, and one eyebrow slowly rose above her forehead. »You're his mother, Ophelia. You should know where your six-year-old son is.« The prominent collarbone of the slender woman lifted thoughtfully, as did her bony shoulders, when Ophelia took a deep breath, seemingly at the end of her patience. She coolly replied, »Nookey is looking after him.«

It was becoming increasingly difficult for Noctua to resist rolling her eyes, and she secretly wondered how she managed to maintain her composure. »Alright then. Thank you, Ophelia,« she said, sounding far too friendly for her own taste. »I'll ask your house-elf where Ominis is. I also brought a book for him.«

Ophelia wrinkled her nose and sighed with effort, apparently seeing no reason to maintain even a semblance of patience. »He's blind, Noctua.«

»Yes, and?« the young woman asked, completely baffled. What prompted Ophelia to remind her of that? Did she think Noctua had forgotten this fact?

Admittedly, Noctua Gaunt did not exactly embody the values for which generations of her family were known. Instead of getting married as soon as possible to provide fertile ground for numerous heirs, she had chosen to pursue training as a Curse Breaker. Training she received at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, among creatures that her family didn't even consider magical creatures.

Undoubtedly, Noctua's consistent rejection of advances from pompous and pure-blood suitors was the very reason why her sister-in-law treated her with such disdain. A woman of her standing and bloodline should not go out to work. Noctua always faced resistance within her family when it came to her desire to take care of herself because she had been raised completely differently. But that was by no means a reason to attribute her lack of judgment.

»He can't read,« Ophelia explained in a monotonous and gradually irritated voice. Noctua raised her eyebrows in surprise and scrutinized the matriarch of the estate. »He's six years old. Why can't he read yet?«

Ophelia regarded her with a sober look, as if she were completely dense. »Do I really have to repeat myself, Noctua?«

»Don't you have a wand, Ophelia?« Noctua asked impatiently, her eyebrows furrowing doubtfully, forming an unsightly crease of anger on her forehead. The repressed annoyance at this impudent behaviour broke through her feigned friendly facade. »Ominis has already awakened his magic. Are you not capable of teaching him something?«

The matriarch narrowed her grass-green eyes to small slits, dangerously glaring at Noctua. »I have to take care of Wylan and Boadicea!« Ophelia hissed coldly, but Noctua countered, »I would think that Wylan could occupy himself for three hours if you hadn't spoiled him so much. You should treat them equally, Ophelia.«

»But they're not equal!« Ophelia snapped impatiently. Her pale cheeks reddened with suppressed anger as she stared at Noctua indignantly, as if she had stepped on her toes. »Except for Wylan, none of my children is healthy, Noctua! Ominis is blind, and Boadicea is small, weak, and constantly ill! I thought she would die in the first six months!«

»That shouldn't really surprise you as you marry your own cousin!« Noctua coldly retorted, continuing, »Considering that connection, it's a wonder that you managed to have somewhat normal children!«

Whining children's cries from the adjacent room rose and sounded like a small siren. Ophelia took a controlled deep breath and gave Noctua a sinister look. »Congratulations, sister-in-law,« she sneered spitefully, »You've awakened the ›somewhat normal‹ child. I'm sure you're kind enough to excuse me.«

Noctua huffed and tried to regain her composure as Ophelia turned her back dismissively and strolled leisurely through the polished salon. She disappeared into one of the many adjoining rooms, leaving the young woman alone in the dark entrance hall, which, despite its considerable size, felt cramped and unwelcoming to her. Noctua never understood how one could conjure up cheerful thoughts in such a gloomy manor.

Not exactly ladylike, she snorted impatiently and called out, »Nookey?«

Not two seconds later, the estate's house-elf appeared before her with a loud pop as he apparated in front of her. The large tennis ball-sized eyes were deeply set in the house-elf's eye sockets, and the tattered, dirty garment he wore had been patched so many times that it was a wonder one could still recognize any fabric. He bowed deeply to her, his long nose touching the polished dark marble floor. »Good day, Miss Gaunt! Nookey is honored to serve the youngest sister of his master in this splendid, picturesque, magnificent—«

»Quiet,« Noctua interrupted him with growing impatience, still sporting the unsightly crease of anger between her furrowed eyebrows. »Where is Ominis?« she asked the pitiable creature.

The frail figure still didn't look up at Noctua but remained in a deep bow with its nose on the marble floor. Nookey answered without delay in his high-pitched voice, »The young Mr. Gaunt is on the third step of the staircase leading to the salon, Miss.«

Noctua's features froze as she understood his words with growing horror. Hastily, she rushed past the house-elf to the foot of the marble staircase, not even needing five full steps. She was dismayed to find her nephew sitting on the third step, just as the house-elf had announced. Innocently, he let his hand slide off the railing, as if he hadn't been about to stand up.

Ominis forced a smile, feeling caught, as his milky steel-blue eyes, without finding a precise focal point, stared past Noctua. An uncomfortable silence settled between them, during which Noctua believed she could hear her young nephew swallow softly. »I-I'm sorry, Aunt Noctua.«

Noctua's heart sank as she stared silently at her nephew. Her little, dear, blind nephew, who was not responsible for his fate. Who had nothing else on his mind but to apologize to her first. Her heart ached. »Ominis, what—?«

»I didn't mean to eavesdrop, honestly,« Ominis timidly and quietly interrupted, »But I also didn't want to disturb you. I'm sorry, Aunt Noctua.« The little boy lowered his ash-blond head. Noctua's horror gradually transformed into guilt. She sighed softly and knelt on the step in front of her nephew, while Ominis nervously clenched his small hands, expecting punishment.

Gently, the young woman asked, »Is it okay if I hug you, Ominis?«

Ominis grew even more nervous as he began to grip his small hands even tighter. Hesitantly, he mumbled softly, »Okay.«

With care, Noctua placed her hands on the frail shoulders of her little nephew, noticing how he subtly flinched under her touch. Slowly, she leaned down towards him and hugged Ominis firmly. Affectionately, Noctua stroked his narrow back and felt Ominis tentatively lean towards her as well. »You have no reason to apologize, Ominis,« she soothed him with a gentle, melodious voice. »I'm sorry for what I said. Please forget what you heard.«

The little boy quietly rested his forehead against the cushion of her clothing shoulder as Noctua gently patted the back of his head. Ominis was still so young, of course he couldn't understand everything she had thrown at Ophelia. Unfortunately, her niece and nephews were the ones suffering the consequences of this union born out of the honoring of pure-blood status and the production of heirs. She shouldn't have been so offensive, and she felt so sorry that Ominis had heard it.

»I missed you, Ominis,« Noctua said softly, gradually loosening the tight embrace. However, her hands still rested comfortingly on his shoulders, and she caressed his pale cheek. »The marble staircase must be terribly uncomfortable, right?«

Ominis blinked and innocently tilted his head from side to side. »It's cold,« he answered softly and so innocently that the corners of Noctua's mouth twitched upward. She asked, »Cold is not good either. Would you like to show me your room? I haven't seen you in so long, surely many things have changed, haven't they?«

Her nephew hesitated and tightly pressed his small hands together again. »May I see you too, Aunt Noctua?«

The young woman raised her eyebrows briefly in surprise, but then she smiled warmly as she truly understood his words and his request. »Of course, Ominis.«

The boy lifted his head with delight, but of course, his misty steel-blue eyes couldn't perceive her. He raised his hands and clumsily felt under her neck. Noctua let out a chuckle, but before Ominis could retract his hands, she gently grabbed hold of them. »It's better,« she explained warmly, »if you start from the outside, Ominis. Begin with the shoulders.«

Noctua guided his hands to her shoulders and placed them there. Her nephew furrowed his brow in concern, but she continued affirmatively, »It can be confusing if you start directly at the neck. That's why you work your way up from there. Then you can feel my face.«

Her hands slid away from his, and a little more boldly, her nephew explored his way up to her neck. The touches of his soft hands were very cautious and gentle as his thumbs traced along her slender chin and brushed over her lips and high cheekbones, where a mole was more distinctly encircled. Noctua closed her eyes as his tiny fingers outlined her nose, traveled up to her forehead, and down again to her eyebrows and eyelids.

Gently, Ominis's hands glided down the edge of her hairline to her ears, feeling the round hoops and her dark brown hair, braided in a loose but presentable side braid that fell over her shoulder.

Ominis withdrew his hands from Noctua, and she straightened up a bit. »Could you see me well?« she asked.

»Yes,« Ominis replied, smiling carefreely. »Your hair has gotten longer, Aunt Noctua.«

The young woman chuckled softly. »That's right, Ominis. You're such an observant boy.« She placed her relatively large, delicate hand on his small one. »Let's go to your room now, Ominis. I would like to give you something.«

»Yes,« her little nephew said, holding onto her hand tightly to stand up. Noctua also rose from the cold marble stairs on which she had knelt, her legs almost numb. With her other hand on the staircase railing, Ominis found his way up the countless steps. Noctua patiently let her nephew guide her while he cautiously felt along the panelled wall. As if he knew that an expensive-looking vase adorned the upcoming dresser, he carefully passed by it and turned into a long corridor, adorned with an elaborately ornate carpet.

In his bedroom, Noctua sat on a very small wooden chair at a wooden table that was much too small for her, but just the right size for Ominis. She placed a book in front of him. Absentmindedly, he turned his head to the side. »That's a book,« Noctua explained in a calm voice.

Ominis ran his small hands over the smooth surface of the table, searching, and found the square object. He felt the embossed pattern on the leather cover, the seams on the spine, and the cool, angular metal edges. »Be careful, Ominis. The edges are made of metal, they could be sharp.«

»And the other, Aunt Noctua?« Ominis asked. His face was turned upwards, and his large steel-blue eyes squinted slightly as he carefully felt the object to assess its shape and size. »That's leather,« Noctua patiently explained, adding, »You can open it by flipping the leather cover to the left side.«

Ominis worked his way to the left side of the cover, feeling it and unfolding it. A delighted smile formed on his lips as he continued exploring the book and carefully turned the first page away from the others. »That's paper, right, Aunt Noctua?«

»Yes, that's right, Ominis.« Noctua shifted somewhat awkwardly on her uncomfortable chair, scooting closer to him. The young woman sat completely hunched on the much too small piece of furniture, and her dress was surely completely wrinkled, but she didn't mind. Noctua leaned down to her little nephew. »On the pages of a book, letters are written with ink,« she explained, and Ominis recoiled his hands from the book as if he had burned himself. His head jerked aimlessly in her direction, but his cloudy eyes looked past her. »Did I ruin it, Aunt Noctua?« he asked, dismayed.

Surprised, she raised her eyebrows at her little nephew's fear. »No, Ominis. Ink dries over time. The written words in this book have surely been dried with powder some time ago.«

The little boy breathed a sigh of relief. Uncomfortably, he recounted, »I once knocked over Father's inkwell while he was writing, and he was very angry with me.«

Noctua rolled her eyes, unsure whether she allowed herself this expression because her nephew was blind or because she was annoyed with her older brother. With a teasing tone, she replied, »The same thing happened to me once, Ominis. I believe your father was studying Ancient Runes when he was supposed to be watching over me.«

Ominis furrowed his small forehead, as if he couldn't imagine anyone else being as clumsy as he was. Noctua gently redirected his thoughts by continuing to speak, »The book is a gift from me to you, Ominis. It's Merlin's book.«

Ominis listened attentively, but as she spoke, his smile grew sadder. »Father said that Merlin was a fool for serving a Muggle,« he said softly, as if afraid the walls might have ears. Noctua rolled her eyes again, while Ominis asked hopefully, »Will you read to me from the book, Aunt Noctua?«

The young woman studied her nephew, who stared expectantly in her general direction, and she smiled. Ominis was truly a sweet boy, and that thought warmed Noctua's heart. »No, Ominis,« she said, placing her wand made of cherry wood in his small hand.

At first, her nephew furrowed his brow at the new object in his hand, but his eyes widened as he recognized what it was. »I will teach you how to read,« Noctua added with a friendly smile in her voice.

Leaning over Ominis's small chair back, she gently closed her slender fingers around his small hand holding the wand. Noctua almost laughed at his almost reverent expression. »It's only a borrowed wand, Ominis, because you're still too young for your own. But it's also important for you to learn how to read. I believe it can give you another impression of the world around you.«

Her nephew audibly swallowed, overwhelmed by the responsibility she had placed in his hands. At the same time, he also seemed eager to learn something new. »Is it difficult?« Ominis asked cautiously.

Noctua raised one corner of her mouth. »It will be very challenging,« his aunt explained, which made his head sink, »but it will also be worth it, Ominis. Honestly, I'm not sure yet how we should start. However, I promise you that I will try everything to teach you. It will be much easier for you later with your own wand. Until then,« Noctua gently squeezed his small hand, »you'll learn with my wand.«

Ominis remained calm while her hand gently held his. Nervously, his head bobbed in her direction, surely causing the loose strands of her braided hair to tickle his nose. »Will you come to visit me more often?« he asked softly and optimistically.

Noctua smiled sadly as his question pricked at her heart. Due to the conflict with her family regarding her education, she had avoided visiting her brother and his children regularly, and she regretted this omission more and more.

Especially Ominis was such a sweet boy, and she truly liked her nephew. Perhaps it was because he, though shy, wanted to learn more about Merlin, despite the disapproving words about the most famous wizard of all time in this household. Smiling, she said, »Yes. I will visit you regularly from now on to learn with you, Ominis. I promise.«

Naturally, no miracle happened on the first day of their joint lesson. The young woman had to find an effective method first, one that would allow her nephew to hear written words that he couldn't feel.

Noctua refused to read from the book she had given him, which frustrated Ominis. »It will work on my next visit, Ominis. I'm sure of it,« Noctua encouraged her little nephew kindly before bidding him farewell.

Ominis was especially excited when she announced her next visit for the following weekend through an owl.

#ominis #gaunt #ominis gaunt #ominis hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy #fanfiction #lovely family #noctua gaunt #ophelia gaunt #wylan gaunt #hurt/comfort

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skampi835 · 10 months

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Crucio - 01 - Useless (Wylan)

Welcome to a Mini-Series of a dysfunctional Family... Starring: Ominis (4 years), Wylan (7 years), Marvolo (13 years)

Summary: Marvolo has to babysit his younger brothers, but has no intention on stopping then fighting. When he does, Ominis questions him about a squib and Marvolo sees an opputunity to frighten his babybrother mostly to death. (1,1k Words)

Part 02 - Normal Part 03 - Blind

»Sit up straight, Ominis!« the cheeky little brat scolded his younger brother, as the three brothers sat at the mighty oak table on the corner bench covered in green velvet. The addressed child, only four years old, wobbled his head aimlessly in the direction of his older brother next to him. However, his childlike large eyes captured nothing as the milky steel-blue eyes stared into emptiness.

Uncertainly, Ominis crumpled the worn plush Graphorn between his small hands, which was as big as his head.

»Marvolo, say something, too!« the troublemaker turned to his older brother, who just groaned dismissively. Even though Marvolo was the only one resting his head lazily in his hand, half leaning over the table, his younger brother didn't dare to reprimand him. The eldest brother secretly wondered what he had done to deserve looking after these two.

His dark eyes wandered listlessly through the lavishly furnished living room that spoke of money and elegance. Dark, beautifully carved wooden surfaces of massive chests of drawers and cabinets covered the smooth stone walls, while shades of green in the form of knotted carpets and curtains set accents.

Marvolo boredly and impatiently examined the golden pendulum of the grandfather clock on the opposite wall. Adorned with dark wood and gaudy stucco, it was framed by glass, swinging agonizingly slowly from one side to the other, producing a constant ›tick-tock‹ sound.

As his younger brothers quarrelled again, Marvolo felt as if time was mocking him. Why couldn't the summer holidays be over already?

If only Father was here...

»What can you do, anyway?« Wylan grumbled at his younger brother again, escalating his feigned rage. »You're probably a Squib, Cloud-eye. Utterly useless!«

Ominis flinched and squeezed the mini-Graphorn a little tighter. »B-but...«

»But, but...« Wylan continued to lament and forcefully nudged his youngest brother in the shoulder. Startled by the sudden and rough contact, the little boy tipped to the side. Startled, he flailed his hands, but the dull ›thud‹ as he hit his head against the wall made the eldest brother sigh softly. »I'll tell Mother this, Wylan!«

Wylan huffed with superiority, »As if Mother would believe you. You're blind, Cloud-eye! You can't even see who pushed you. Maybe you just stupidly ran into a wall?«

Wylan's head jerked forward unexpectedly as the oldest of the three brothers gave him a rough headbutt. »Hey! What was that for, Marvolo?« the little troublemaker complained, rubbing the back of his head, further tousling his dark blond hair.

Marvolo gave Wylan a bored look from his dark eyes and raised an eyebrow in doubt. »He may not be able to see, but he can feel it. Besides, I could watch it very well. So, keep quiet.«

Wylan made a grimace. For a seven-year-old, he was a real nuisance. Not least because his magical ability had shown itself just before the summer holidays, making him even more unbearable than before. »Mother believes you even less, Marvolo. You're not even her son!«

Marvolo leaned threateningly and furrowed his eyebrows at Wylan. He didn't need a wand to put his younger brother in his place, who just didn't understand when it was better to keep his mouth shut. At thirteen years old, Marvolo already possessed an impressive charisma. He mastered the art of charm and could easily manipulate both professors and his classmates.

But Wylan had already tested his patience more than once.

»Through Ophelia's veins does not flow the blood of Salazar Slytherin, but through Father's - and I am Father's firstborn,« Marvolo snarled dangerously. »Do you really want to find out whom he believes more? A son who constantly screams and whines, or a son who is capable of rational thinking?«

Wylan hissed softly and stubbornly avoided Marvolo's gaze. Marvolo snorted and leaned back, thinking he had finally silenced him.

»You're stupid, Marvolo!« Wylan complained, but Marvolo promptly hissed in response, »And you're a little pest!«

»Hmph!« Wylan slid off the corner bench and crawled under the table, emerging on the other side. He stood up and stomped away in anger.

Marvolo sighed irritably and weighed in his mind whether he should endure Ophelia's wrath for losing sight of Wylan or continue to let his nerves be strained by that spoiled brat.

With a clear conscience, he chose the former.

Marvolo leaned back into the green velvet cushion of the massive corner bench and began tapping one foot on the floor. He stubbornly stared at the pendulum of the ostentatious grandfather clock again.

»M-Marvolo?« Ominis asked softly without facing him. Marvolo closed his eyes in annoyance and asked irritably, »What?«

His younger brother fell silent. Marvolo should be glad about it, but the weight of an unspoken question was almost worse than a dumb question being asked. »Speak, Ominis.«

Ominis squeezed the plush Graphorn even tighter. »What did Wylan mean when he said you're not Mother's son?« Ominis whispered softly.

Marvolo sighed irritably. For some inexplicable reason, the ticking of the pendulum seemed to grow louder as Marvolo remained silent. Eventually, Ominis asked, »Are you still there, Marvolo?«

»Yes,« Marvolo replied monotonously, pursing his lips. Why did he have to assume the role of this raven mother? »After my mother died, Father married Ophelia. That's why I'm not her son. End of story,« he half-heartedly mocked.

Ominis tilted his head and furrowed his brow. »What does ›died‹ mean?«

Marvolo cast a skeptical glance at his youngest brother. But what did he expect? Ominis was only four years old. Of course, he didn't know yet. From whom should he have learned it? From his stepmother? As if she would utter a single word about Father's first wife.

With an exasperated expression, Marvolo leaned back on the bench. »I'll explain what it means next year, alright?« He glanced at the small, ash-blond boy, who nodded silently.

»What's more important is that we share the same father. Through him, we have the blood of Salazar Slytherin and are his heirs. Nothing else matters. Just this fact makes you more valuable than a hundred ordinary witches or wizards, even if you're blind. Be proud of who you are.«

The little boy beside him squeezed the plush toy even tighter. »W-What if Wylan is right and I really am a Squib?« he asked softly.

»Heh, never in a million years,« Marvolo grinned mockingly. »Salazar Slytherin was the most powerful wizard of his time.«

»And what if I am?«

Marvolo scrutinized Ominis with a furrowed brow. The little boy sat rigidly on the corner bench, rocking his short legs while holding the stuffed animal tightly against himself.

»Then you are utterly useless,« Marvolo's voice sounded dark through the silence of the living room, only disturbed by the constant ›tick-tock‹ of the grandfather clock. Ominis froze.

Marvolo huffed, and his lips curled into a smug smile. »I guess,« he began in a whisper, »I'll tell you what ›died‹ means after all. Because that's what will happen to you if you really happen to be a Squib.«

The following night, the magical talent that lay dormant in the youngest of the Gaunt brothers revealed itself.

#omins #gaunt #ominis gaunt #hogwarts legacy #ominis hogwarts legacy #marvolo gaunt #wylan gaunt #lovely family #squib #light angst

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