Preston Zabini

“No. I just walked over here for no reason,” he deadpanned, giving his younger brother a look, before rolling his eyes. “I mean, good tactic, I guess. The being silent for ten minutes was a little creepy.” Phoenix tilted his head to the side, eyebrow raised amused. “Could’ve just walked off.”

Preston shrugged. “I don’t think she even noticed my absence in the conversation.” If he had a heart he might laugh. “I tried that before and she followed me.”

Wynn sucked in a breath, turned away from him now and using that to gain composure. “I know I asked you. I’ve had a lot going on.” She replied, finally turning around and forcing a smile. “No! I mean, no. No I need it, thanks. I’m running low and the burn ward has been on something lately with how many potions they’re using. Gotta keep up with orders, can’t do it if I’m out of ingredients.” She pointed to the table in front of the couch, biting the inside of her cheek. “You can set it down. I’m doing inventory tomorrow, so…”

Preston hummed in acknowledgement as she said there was a lot going on. “Yeah, such a shame the healers are properly treating burns.” He walked to set the vial on the table gently. “The shops should be open in the morning, but if you lack proper planning again feel free to reach out.”

.

Alastor leaned back in his seat, “I just meant that my co-workers won’t be looking in my direction for a while, so I can finally have a bit of fun for once.”

“Hm.” Preston raised his chin slightly in acknowledgement. “That’s always good to hear, it’s stifling when you’ve got the Ministry sniffing around like hungry dogs.”

.

“I’ve had four cups of coffee and I’m running on three hours of sleep, I don’t even know what I’m saying,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “Just–nevermind, forget it,” Scorpius said, shaking his head. “So, what can I help you with, Zabini?”

Preston raised his eyebrows, feeling a bit of secondhand embarrassment for the other man. “I’ve got someone who got hit by an insect hex. His wife said she waited to bring him in because they usually wear off in time, but it’s been four days and his limbs are starting to turn into bug legs. I just need the antidote.”

Aethelwyne rolled over in bed, trying to remember if she was expecting company. It wasn’t just anyone who’d come right to her door so she must’ve been. She pushed herself up and opened the door to Preston, who’s comment immediately pulled her guard up. “No. I was trying to remember who I was expecting.” She mumbled, pushing the door open and walking back inside. “Feel free to put it anywhere. I know you’re… busy.”

Preston stepped inside the door, comfortably walking over to the living room. He ran his hand along the top of her couch as he walked to a table. “I can see you weren’t expecting company.” Preston turned his head in her direction, noting the slight mess of Wynn’s hair and comfortable looking clothes. “It just surprises me you forgot as you were the one who asked me.” He took the vial out of his pocket, holding it up to show her. “Did you need this or should I go home?”

“Hey, I was looking for you,” he said as he came over, putting himself between the other and the person who’d been talking to them. After a moment, they left, and he looked at the other with a smirk, dropping the act. “I could tell they were bothering you. It looked like you needed an out.”

“Was it really that obvious?” Preston asked drily. He had devised a plan to get away, but the intrusion had kept babbling on. Way to get a message. “I figured she’d get the hint by the mere fact I hadn’t said a word in the last 10 minutes.”