Ominis and you had become masters of deception. To everyone at Hogwarts, it seemed like you were always at each other's throats, exchanging sharp words and bickering like rivals. But in reality, you were together, hiding your relationship from prying eyes. The reason for the farce was simple: Sebastian.

Sebastian had made it clear that he disapproved of your relationship. He believed that you two were bad for each other, and although his intentions were always to protect you, he had gone too far. So, you both decided to pretend that you were nothing more than enemies in front of him.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments when you wanted to smile at Ominis, or say something sweet, but you kept your distance, just as the act required. You exchanged sharp comments, pretending not to get along, while secretly knowing the truth between you.

One afternoon, you were sitting by the Black Lake, having a “heated” argument, just like always. Ominis looked irritated, arms crossed, his words biting, but trying to hold back a smile. The tension between you was palpable, but not the bad kind. No, it was the kind that meant you were both playing a part, fooling everyone, especially Sebastian.

After Sebastian walked away, satisfied with the show, you were left alone with Ominis. He let out a quiet sigh, his calm expression returning.

— “Do you really think he buys it?” Ominis murmured, his tone sarcastic but soft. “I can’t believe how well we’re doing this, though it makes me feel... strange.”

He leaned in slightly closer, his warmth unmistakable despite the act.

— “This is exhausting, isn’t it?” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “Pretending like we don’t care... when, in reality, it’s quite the opposite.”

The joke hung in the air, but also a truth neither of you could share just yet. No more words were needed. You both knew that what truly mattered between you wasn’t about appearances.