#cbprompt

He was awakened by an unrelenting fist hammering on hisdoor. He scowled into the darkness and then grumbled, “See who it is Tolmi.” He sat up swinging his legs off the bed,fumbling for his slippers. Then he just sat there in the dark, half dozing ashe waited for his house elf to report.

“Master Evan?”The door swept open slowly and the light from the hall haloed around the littlehouse elf’s silhouette, making him somehow smaller and yet larger at the sametime.

“What is it Tolmi?”He asked sharply, rubbing a hand across his face in an attempt to wake himselfa little more.

“An auror Master.”

Evan scowled but he didn’t question the elf further, justslid his feet into his slippers and grabbed his robe. He cinched it as he movedto the door, his thoughts already downstairs with his unexpected guest as hetried to figure out why an aurorwould be on his doorstep before the crack of dawn.

The sight of Alastor Moody in his living room was at oncewelcome and heart stopping, though he did a good job of masking his unease bymoving to stoke the fire. “What can I dofor you Mr. Moody?”

“Gonna need you tohave a seat Mr. Rosier.” The head auror said stiffly.

By the time Alastor Moody walked out his front door, Evan’sentire existence had changed. He stared down at the bundle resting uneasily inher basket on his couch still not certain he’d caught up with the conversation.

“I’m afraid I’ve bad news Mr. Rosier.” He sat gingerly on thecouch as if afraid the slightest movement would awaken her.  “The McKinnon’s were hit by death eatersthis evening.” The buzz like the obnoxious whining of a fly filled hisears. “We found the babe hidden. Seems the Death Eaters didn’t know abouther.”

“Marlene?” Had his voice really trembled?

“This little one is the only survivor. I’m told she is yours. By law Ihave to bring her here, but Ms. McKinnon has friends that have already offeredto—”

“She’s mine.” No hesitancy. No questions. It didn’t matter thathe’d never wanted children—that he had nothing to offer a child.

“If you’re sure…” Thereluctance had been obvious and Evan understood it. He was a bachelor with nochildren and no family (his father hardly counted). He agreed to sign thenecessary paperwork later that day, but he let Tolmi escort the auror out, foronce oblivious when his obsession left.

Meanwhile the babe slept on, unaware of just how much changeshe heralded. Evan didn’t pretend it was love. He didn’t love anything. He hadn’teven loved Marlene—at least he’d never recognized it as such. Obsessed?Desired? Enjoyed? Sure all descriptors that applied and yet he’d never beenwilling to risk everything for her. If he had, she’d have been alive just then.Instead all he had was an infant he’d barely met and a strange hollowness inthe pit of his stomach that had nothing to do with hunger.

“Tolmi?”

“Yes Master Evan?”Tolmi stood nearby, ears perked and lantern eyes fixed on the bundle.

“Set up a crib in myroom. We’ll figure everything else out tomorrow.”

Ten Years Later

In the beginning, he resented her. She was unexpectedresponsibility and a burden he’d never wanted. Nights that would have once beenspent in a bizarre sort of blood haze were derailed because he had few friends(and really only two he was comfortable leaving his child with) so getting ababysitter wasn’t exactly practical or likely. So like it or not, her needs supersededeverything.

A constant reminder of the woman he liked to pretend hadmeant nothing to him, their daughter was everything bright and sunny. Acomplete mystery to him, Evan was often at a loss (and grateful for his houseelf). He never treated her like a child. He hadn’t the patience or time forsuch nonsense, which meant that by two Arianne would sit beside him in hispotion lab naming ingredients (and enduring his patient corrections when she gotthe pronunciation wrong) while he worked on various potions and by four she wasdemanding he let her help.

She never cared much for her grandfather (for which he wasgrateful) and he was fairly certain Walden could do no wrong in her eyes. Shewould spend two hours packing her overnight bag for trips to see Aunt Narcissaeven though he never let her stay anywhere longer than a night.

They were two peas in a pod, and to his surprise—he was happy.

“Da?” She was tenwhen reality came calling. He supposed he should have expected it, she was theperfect combination of them both, and neither of them had ever been content tojust ‘exist’. They had to know things, and their daughter possessed the same avaricefor knowledge.

“What is it poppet?”He asked absently, flipping the page in his book and then pausing to glance upat her. She’d settled herself in front of the fire with her easel and paints,and she’d even taken the time to lay out a sheet for possible paint splattersand drops. Somehow she’d managed to get a smudge of purple on the bridge of hernose, and a dollop of red glistened on her cheek. Her golden curls were ahaphazard mess on her head, but Evan had learned long ago that was because itwas just them. When she went out, there was nothing about her that wasn’t outof place—as if she’d learned to contain the nature he struggled with. At homeshe was comfortable with mess and chaos. It was her safe space. In public shewas as much him as she was Marlene because she could smile and could carry aconversation with that same glibness her mother had possessed or she could be ‘savage’as Walden called it.

“What happened to mymother?”

He stilled, the air seeming to vanish from the room. Evenknowing he should have expected it, he hadn’t, and as such, he had no preparedresponse for her. His daughter had a healthy appreciation for privacy and hadlearned when not to ask questions. Clearly she had decided that she’d put thisone aside for long enough.

“And don’t tell meshe ‘went to a better place’ like Tolmi did.” She said fiercely, making itobvious she’d already tried this question elsewhere and the answer had clearlynot been satisfactory.

He closed the book and sat forward bracing his elbows on hisknees as he tried to decide how best to approach the topic. As if sensing hewas doing this, she leveled a green-eyed frown that was somehow all Marleneeven though they were his eyes and said, “Da.”

Evan held his hands up and nodded. “Alright, I s’pose you’re old enough.” He said, surprised by hisown reluctance. “Your mother…” Hecleared his throat, ignoring the strange tightness that seized his throat. “You were born at the end of a war and yourmother was every bit as fierce as you are. What do you think she did whenpeople she cared about were in trouble?”

Arianne lowered her paintbrush and turned to eyeball herfather. “Why weren’t you with her?”She asked with the pointed bluntness only a child could get away with.

Evan pursed his lips and then blew out a soft breath. “That is—”

“So help me Da, ifyou don’t tell me I’m gonna splatter you with paint, see if I don’t!”

Just like her mother.

A sad smile slashed across his face and he looked down, notquite able to meet her gaze. “Ourrelationship…well it wasn’t like Aunt Narcissa’s and Uncle Lucius. We werestill…figuring things out.” He shifted, more uncomfortable than he could recallfeeling in ages. “And your mother wasn’texactly the type to go running to anyonefor help. If she’d asked…” he raked a hand back through his hair,struggling for the right answer because lying had never been an option. Not tohis daughter.

“Da?” He wassurprised to feel a small hand on his shoulder and he glanced up to find hersettling gingerly on the couch beside him, smock gone and paintbrush abandoned.“It’s okay.” she told him. Sotrusting and full of confidence in him.

For the first time in his life, Evan knew regret for the rolehe’d played. He pursed his lips and then said roughly, “We were on two different sides of the war poppet. When you go off toHogwarts I’m sure you’ll hear all about it, and someday I’ll tell you more. Fornow, just know that no matter how different we were, and no matter what peopletold us—we didn’t care, and I’m glad because if we’d listened, you wouldn’t behere and I would have lost her completely.” It was the closest he’d everget to admitting how much her loss had impacted him.

Arianne regarded him intently, her vivacious little featuresunmoving before she slid forward and wrapped a spindling arm around his neck. “I love you Da, and I think I know why mumdid too.”

Theirs was never a conventional relationship. No commitmentsor vows had ever been exchanged. Not even promises. It was as though they’deach recognized the limitations that the other faced and were content to justgo with the flow. He often wondered if she struggled with the boundaries theway that he did. Knowing that she might be with anyone else was more difficultthan he would ever be able to express, not because of some maudlin nonsenselike love though. More because she was hisand he didn’t like the idea of sharing. Still, they played it careful and he’dlearned to appreciate what they had.

Or they had. Something was up though. He’d caught herwatching him and the look had been contemplative and thoughtful—in a way thatmade his senses tingle with dread. What was she thinking? The question turnedin his mind over and over and he found himself watching her even closer. That’swhen he noticed the pattern. She looked pale and yet somehow still glowed. Shespent inordinate amounts of time in the restroom and he’d swear she’d startedto dress frumpy, which made no sense.Not on Marlene.

It also became increasingly clear that whatever was goingon, she wasn’t going to just volunteer information. It never occurred to himthat the reason for such reticence was the status of their relationship and thelack of commitment. After about two weeks of bland smiles and distant hellos,Evan had enough and he cornered her on the way out. “Hey, a moment please?” He caught her arm, drawing her around toface him and ignoring the look that Mrs. White threw at him.

Marlene sighed at him and shook off his arm. “What do you want Evan?”

He scowled. “Justtrying to figure out what’s going on. Why are you mad at me?” He asked, histone full of genuine confusion (for once).

She rolled her eyes and adjusted her purse all but tappingher foot with impatience. “I’m not. Noteverything is about you Mr. Rosier.”

He scowled. “What theactual fuck Marlene?” When she reached for the door, he stopped her eventhough he knew it was bound to just make her more angry. “No. After all that shit you gave me for avoiding you and now that’s precisely what you’re doing to me.”

“Correction. I seeyou just fine, I’m just not interested in spending time with you. Your bruisedlittle ego will just have to deal.” She glared pointedly at his arm andthen the door that he was holding shut.

Evan ignored her, choosing instead to crowd her space. “A month ago we’re teenagers in the fuckingjanitor’s closet and now you’re giving me the cold shoulder. Don’t I at leastget to know what I did wrong, because I know it wasn’t that.”

She snorted inelegantly. “Or so you think. If you’re looking to have me praise your tiny snake Evan, you’re in fordisappointment. I’ve got bigger issues to worry about.”

His eyes widened in surprise at the blatant insult (and liethough he refused to rise to the bait). “Andwhat issues would that happen to be? Because it’s certainly not your style. Ithink Mrs. White looked less frumpy today Marlene, so what is it?”

She turned more toward him, viridian eyes blazing. “Ofcourse I did the spell, and don’t worry, mine never fail.” She mocked furiously. “Well you know what? If failed. Do not pass Go. Do not collect200 fucking dollars.”

Evan frowned, his mind drawing a literal blank at not onlythe muggle reference, but what she was referring to in general. “What in Merlin’s short curlies are youfucking talking about woman?” Hedemanded, clearly exasperated.

“For such a brilliantman you can be extremely dense sometimes Evan. I’m pregnant, as in with child, as in FAILED.” Sheyelled this last part, and it was clear from the way her chest was heaving thathe’d officially pushed too hard and too far. Not that Evan took note of thatbecause he was still grappling with the notion that she was pregnant.

He shook his head. “Idid the spell Marlene. I did it twice I swear.”

“Yeah well it didn’twork. Now get the hell outta’ my way.” She adjusted her purse again, hergrip white knuckled and determined. She was not going to cry damnit.

Evan raked his free hand back through his hair and thenfocused on her, struggling with what to do and how to respond. “What are you going to do?”

“Right, because it’sonly my fucking problem.” She yanked on the door.

Evan cursed softly and pressed more firmly, catching her armand turning her around. “I didn’t meanthat, I just… You’ve clearly been processing for a few weeks. Don’t I at leatsget a few moments?” He demanded gruffly.

“Take as long as youwant, just get out of my way.”

He moved more fully in front of the door and ducked down tocatch her gaze. “I want to help Marlene.Please, just… think about it. If you decide that you want my help, come over orsend an owl inviting me over, okay?” Because he needed to think and figurethis out. It never occurred to him to question whether or not the child washis. If she said it was, then he believed her. Did he want a child? No, neverhad and never would, but he had his own code, and family fell at the very top.Like it or not, that child would be half his and if she kept it, he would be apart of its life. Merlin what a thought! “Please?”

She glared a moment longer and then nodded. “Fine. I’ll think about it. Now let mepass.”

He hesitated a moment longer and then nodded and stepped outof the way. “Alright.” He felt likehe should hug her or something—that’s what people did in this situation right?They comforted. He’d just never been the one to offer such a thing. He lickedhis lips and then stepped out of her way. She said nothing else, just stompedfrom his office. Only after she was gone did he move to sit back at his desk,mainly just needing a place to sit so he could process. A child. A fuckingchild. He knew Marlene though. She’d keep it, and whether she liked it or not,he was about to become a permanent fixture in her life.

Three Months and Counting...

It began in little ways. An itchy nose. Bizarre moments ofsensitivity.

Then came the day when he couldn’t button his pants.

Evan stared at himself in the mirror, consternation obviousin his handsome face before he slowly turned to consider himself from the side.“What the fuck?” He smoothed a handover his strangely extended abdomen. He hadn’t changed his diet and he’d neverbeen overly fond of sweets so there was absolutely no reason for him to beputting on weight.

Scowling, he extended the band of his pants and then draggedon his robe before stalking down the stairs to his potion room. There had to besomething going on and he was going to figure it out.

Two Hours, Four Potions, and A Technicolor Yawn Later

“Pregnant?”He said the word aloud with clear incredulity. “That’s not even fucking possible.” He added as he turned to glare at Tolmi who’dappeared with a glint of concern in his wide yellow eyes. “Is it?”

Tolmi blinked owlishly at his master clearly uncertain ofhow to answer such a question. He waffled from foot to foot and then edged alittle closer and lifted his hands to try a little of his own magic. Momentslater his ears were drooping and he was backing away from his mater. “Tolmi not know how but Master is definitely pregnant.”

Evan stared at his house elf and then looked down at hismiddle. Igor was going to flip. It was one thing for them to defy tradition andconventional dictates to enjoy one another. It was quite another for a child tobe involved. “Well fuck.”

In a rare moment of true agitation, he raked a hand backthrough his dark locks, then he shook his head, grabbed his wand and marchedfrom his office. There was only one thing to do. He had to tell Igor…and getsome books.

Six Months and Counting…

He was ginormous. Evan had never considered himself a vainperson, but as he stared at his reflection he was forced to admit that he wasmore than a little proud of his physique. Or at least, he had been. Now he wasswelling up like a balloon, nothing fit, and he hadn’t seen his feet in morethan two months. It was terrible. How did people handle being fat? He turned tothe side to eye his swollen middle and his nose crinkled. Whatever Igor hadliked about him before, Evan was certain it no longer mattered.

He picked up the sweat pants he’d been forced to startwearing and had to resist the desire to cry. He couldn’t even look dignifiedanymore. He was just a fat, reject that looked more like a poor muggle than awizard of any repute.

“Evan?”

He glanced up at the knock and then quickly yanked on thepants. “Almost done.” He called outhastily.

“I’mcoming in.” Igor announced just before the doorunlocked itself and the Bulgarian marched in. He took one look at the man insweatpants and knew exactly why his lover had been in the bathroom for so long.“You look…good.” He offeredawkwardly.

Evan made a face, but he’d learned that there was no pointarguing with Igor on this particular topic. The man could be obnoxiouslystubborn when he wanted to be. “I gottago or I’ll be late for work.” He could feel his lover’s gaze and he touchedhis middle uncertainly. As far as he was concerned, this entire mess could notbe over soon enough.

Eight Months and STILL Counting

“Crucio.” The man hanging from the chainsscreamed and Evan closed his eyes in pure bliss. This was what his life hadbeen missing. He understood the need to play things safe, but honestly, he’d always played things safe. Not tomention how much more relaxed he felt already, which the healers (who’d beenperplexed but enjoyed the novel concept) had assured him was very important foran expecting…father.

Blood splattered his clothes andface with the next spell and he smiled, reveling in the moment. For the firsttime he allowed himself to think about the things he’d be able to share withhis son. He’d vowed never to be like his own father and in truth, had intendedto make sure the Rosier line died with him. So much for plans.

Another contraction gripped his gutand he hissed softly at the unexpected pain. What was this? He glanced down at his extended middle with a scowl.Was he hurt in some way? He rubbed a blood stained hand over the roundedsurface, though he didn’t recoil when he felt the babe push against his hand ashe had the first time. It was still bizarre, but he was at least prepared forit now.

Another cramp seized him and he knewhe had to go. Playtime, it seemed, was over. He eyed his victim, but he couldn’tafford to leave him behind much a he might like to come back and finish the manlater. Making a face, he lifted his wand and incinerated the man alive. Thescreams were a small token reward for his early sacrifice. Once that was done,he gave his wand another flick and was standing in hi front foyer momentslater, a hoarse shout on his own lips as the cramping increased in intensity.

Tolmi appeared, took one look at hismater and then vanished. He reappeared moments later with a surprised Igor, butEvan paid him no mind. He just held onto his middle and prayed for the entirenightmare to end.

Igor was yelling at him inBulgarian, pausing to snap spells at him in an effort to clean him up. When theBulgarian was satisfied that his appearance wouldn’t land them in Azkaban (atleast that’s what Evan assumed the man was lecturing him about since he couldn’treally pay attention thanks to the pain) he was being bustled back out the doorand they were disapparating to St. Mungos because it was finally time.

Twenty-Eight Hours Later

He was a father…or a mother? Whichwas it? Did it matter? He stared at the thick mop of whispy curls that adornedtheir son’s head and then promptly shook his head when the nurse tried to handhim over. “No… no I’ll break him.” Hesaid immediately. He wasn’t a gentle man after all. Precise. Ruthless.Dangerous yes. Gentle? No. He pointed to Igor. “Let him...”

Igor smiled at him and moved to settle on the edge ofthe bed. “You really should be gettingup now don’t you think?”

Evan blinked at the man inconfusion. “What?”

“Master’s alarm has gone off twice now.”Tolmi repeated patiently.

Evan sat up in bed with a suddeninhalation of air. He stared at his house elf and was horrified to realize thathe missed the dream.

“Master?”

He couldn’t be reading this. He couldn’t. There was no way this was happening. The diary fell from his hands, and he shook his head, pushing the heels of his hands into his eye sockets. Alecto..

“Thane?”

“Alecto...” He stood up, looking at her. “I... I’m sorry. I didn’t... I didn’t mean to, it was just there, and... Fuck, Alecto, he...”

“No. Shut up.” She said, pale. “He... I... Nothing happened. Nothing.” He moved forward, taking her hands, but she pulled away, and slapped him. “You had no right!”

He flinched, and then looked back at her. “Alecto...”

“Get out.” She said. “Out.”

“Alright. I will. I’m going to go. And I’m going to kill him.” He turned away, and headed for the door, only for Alecto to grab his shirt, and yank him back, pushing him against the wall next to the door. 

“You will do no such thing, Thane. You have no-”

“I’m not gonna let him keep doing this.” He said.

“This is none of your business!”

“I’m making it my business.” He said, and took her wrists, gently pushing her away, and moving towards the door. She grabbed him again, but with none of the force of before, and he stopped again, looking back at her.

“He’ll kill you.” She looked up at him, tears in her eyes, and he sighed, moving back to her, and gently cupping her cheek. 

“Hey.” He shook his head, smiling gently, his thumb stroking over her cheekbone. “Hey, I’m not that easy to kill. People have tried. And your Dad? He’s not gonna be the last.” He grinned, and she shook her head. 

“You can’t. Thane, you can’t.”

“Alecto.” His other hand moved, so he cupped her face. “Listen to me. Your Dad is not gonna kill me. I’m gonna kill him. But you know what?” He moved in a little closer, and she bit her lip, staring at him, her eyes filled with tears. 

Alice watched the four boys walk away,confidence making their swaggering struts even bouncier and slowly folded herarms over her chest before she glanced over at Lily. “I don’t know about you, but I think its time to teach them a lesson.”

“I think you just gave meaning to the wordfutility.”

Shebit her lip. “No, I think we could doit. I’m not sure it will actually sink in, but it will at least hit home for afew seconds and that’s good enough for me.”

“What are you proposing then?” The red head asked, turning toward her.

“I think we should prank the pranksters.” Reading the obvious ‘how’ in her friend’seyes, Alice smiled. “The same way we’dbeat them at chess—by being one step ahead of them.”

“Yeah but the only way we could manage thatis if we knew what they were doing, which we do-” Lily stopped, green eyes widening as shestared at the slip of paper Alice had pulled out of her pocket.

“I’ve been working on my pick pocketingskill.” At herfriend’s look, she shrugged. “Worked forSherlock Holmes. Why not me? I’m going to be an auror some day and it may justcome in handy.” She lowered thepaper and grinned. “So, are you in?”

“As if I was ever going to pass up the chanceto  mess with that toerag.” Lilygrinned. “Count me in.”

"Cmon! You said you'd teach me to dance!"

"I'm not in the mood, pup."

"Oh, what's upset the Princess today? Did Daddy not get you the pony you wanted?"

She shot him a look, and the smile faded. "Oh, shit, it's true, isn't it?"

"I... don't want to discuss it."

"Yeah, fair enough." He sat next to her, looking out over the village as the sun set, the lights glowing warm in the cool air. They sat in companionable silence for a while, Thane carving into a piece of wood. "Y'know, Fen's the only dad I've ever known. There's a saying that... Uh... You can pick your friends, but not your family or something. Well it-"

"I said I don't wish to discuss it."

"You aren't! You're sitting there and listening and I'm making a beautiful and moving speech, so shut up."

"Excuse me?"

"Oh shit, sorry, uh, prithee, milady, would it please thee to shut up?" She laughed, and he grinned. "Anyway, I reckon it's bullshit. Blood doesn't mean anything. I know you're with those purebloods, all Muggle-hating and stuff, but speaking from experience, pure blood, or impure, it all spills just as easy. Just cus some dickhead happens to share your blood don't mean he has any kinda claim over you."

"He does have claim-"

"And what's he gonna do? If you decide to tell him to bugger off, what could he actually do? Evan could protect you, we could protect you."

She smiled, faintly. "Very gallant of you, Thane. But it's too late for me."

"It's never too late, Princess. You've got most of your life ahead of you. Are you gonna live it the way your dad wants you to, or the way you want you to?"

They held each other's gaze, for a moment, and then he smiled, springing to his feet, landing silently like a cat, and held his hand out. "Now, dance with me."

“Ms. MacDonald? We checked with Mrs. Augusta, an’ she said you were welcome ta’ visit him.” The nurse offered her a faint smile. “He don’ get many visitors beyond ‘er.” She said, waving a hand as she turned to lead the way down the corridor, easily weaving through the various staff members that were staggered along the way. “Did ya’ know ‘im well?”

“You could say that.”

The girl nodded, her blue eyes friendly as she lifted her ID to gain access to a new ward. She was quiet the rest of the way and when the reached the door to the commons she paused, glancing back at the woman. “Ya’ understand ‘e’s not the same, aye?”

Mary bit her lip, wide brown eyes flashing to the girl before flitting back to the window where she could see people milling about. “Yes. I know.”

The nurse hesitated a moment longer and then said, “My name’s Bonnie if’n ya need ana’one. He’s usually pretty docile, but if’n ya start ta’ have problems, just step back. Someone will be in ta’ help I promise.” 

Mary hesitated in the doorway, but when it looked like Bonnie might close it with her still outside she finally blew out a soft breath and slipped in, her gaze flitting around the room as she looked for his familiar form, finding him at last near a large window with bars over it.

He gave no indication that he was aware of her presence as she slid into the table beside him, just stared blindly out at the line of trees behind the hospital. “Pretty.” He murmured, lifting a hand to pet the window. The chair squeaked along the tile and he jerked, hazel gold eyes flashing to the form that had settled opposite the seat he stood beside. He tilted his head, watching her. Was he suppose to know her?

“Would you like to play?”

He watched her move the round pieces onto the board that always occupied his table. Wordlessly he bent down to pick up a piece of torn paper someone had dropped earlier. He put it on the board and then looked back out the window.

“Frank?”

He dug a hand into his hair, twining his fingers into the long, snarled golden brown locks. “No. No Frank. Not here.” He shifted back, looking at her as a wild grin curved his chapped lips. Lurching forward he sat down in the chair beside hers instead of the one opposite and picked up one of the black circles. Then he picked up a red one and held each over his eyes. “See nothing. Know nothing.” He dropped the red checker and smacked his hand against his temple. “Nothing nothing nothing nothing.”

“Shhh…its okay. You don’t have to know.”

He scrabbled out of the chair, slamming to the floor in his haste to get away from the fleeting caress of her fingertips. “NONONONO!!” He twisted, slamming his head to the floor seemingly determined to brain himself.

“No…Frank. Merlin, I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have come.”

Footsteps scrambled across the room, but in an instant he’d calmed and before she could fully rise from the chair, he’d crawled back to her, picking up the circles he’d knocked off the table. “Sorry. Frank sorry.” He pressed them into her hand, his eyes unfocused as they slid over her face. It felt familiar, like the woman with the silver-grey hair and eyes so like his own, but he couldn’t find the memory. It was gone. There was nothing. He curled his hand back into his hair, tugging fiercely.

“Its gone. Gone gone gone gone. Took it. She took it. The woman with the black hair. Pushed her wicked little stick deep into my brain and swirled it around. More and more. She ate my memories.” He looked back up at her, his eyes wild. “I hate her. Are you here for her? Have you come to take everything else?” He shook his head throwing himself away from her. “I won’t let you.” He curled around the last little black circle. “Its mine. You can’t have it. Go away.” When she didn’t move, he shoved to his feet and moved close. “GO! Tell her she can’t have it! I won’t give it to you. Its mine!” He upended the table, chest heaving as he shouted at her, one hand thumping determinedly at his head. “She won’t get it. She ate my memories but she can’t have what’s left. No no no…”

“Frank, I’m gonna need ya’ ta’ calm down jus’ a bit me boyo.” Bonnie soothed from where she’d halted just behind the lanky figure. It had taken almost a year before he’d trusted her, and there were still days when he shouted at her in much the same way.

“She wants to eat my brain. I won’t let her. Its mine.” Frank insisted, his hand held up, brandishing the checker as though it were a wand.

“No Frank, she’s just here to visit you. She’s a good guy. Remember, we talked about that. I’m your gate keeper. I won’t let anyone in here that could hurt you.”

Frank shifted, hazel-gold eyes flickering back to the woman frozen by the table, but she was a stranger. She’d just try to manipulate him. He knew it. She wanted to destroy him. “You’re helping her!” He accused Bonnie, the fury making his voice hoarse. “She’s bad! You…you’re bad.” He hissed venomously, shaking his checker at her threateningly. “I’ll fight you!” He vowed.

Bonnie sighed softly, and when Frank veered back toward Mary, she surged forward, a syringe at the ready. She caught him easily as he sank back against her, his look of betrayal tugging at her heart. “Shhh…it’ll be alright.”

“No.” Frank’s voice shifted into a whimper. “Don’t make me sleep. Please. I’ll be good.”

“It’s alright Frank. No dreams lad, I promise.” She glanced over her shoulder at the attendant who moved forward hesitantly.

“Please. She’ll burn.” He whispered, unaware that his eyes flashed back to the tear-stained face of the woman he’d just been railing at. “She always burns.”

“Shhh…no dreams lad.” She soothed a hand along his forehead, his slurred pleas finally drifting off entirely. At last she leaned back, letting the attendants take him away and then she glanced at Mary sympathetically. “He still doesn’t remember his mother on most visits. It takes time. There are days when he won’t even let me near him. For the most part though, he’s happy…I think.” She pushed back to her feet and held out a hand. “Come on, I’ll lead you out.” Bonnie was quiet as she led the woman out, and when the reached the doors, she squeezed the limp hand still resting in hers. “Not ta’ worry lass. I’ll take good care of ‘im.”

Mary licked her lips, but she couldn’t seem to find her voice, so instead she just nodded, releasing the woman’s hand. She glanced down the hall, but she knew she wouldn’t be back. She’d hoped, but now she knew better. Her Frank was gone and all that was left was a shadow of the man he’d been…if that.

(OOC: I couldn’t bring myself to write this current, so I did an AU lol)

It was snowing outside. Snow always made him think of Snowy. She’d loved that dog. They both had. He smiled faintly and ducked his head into her soft white curls. Sixty-five years. Who would have thought they’d make it so far with the war? In the beginning it had just been about survival, but after Voldemort? Everything had changed. He’d never imagined he could be so happy.

He glanced over at the dresser where the moonlight danced over the assortment of photos. Two children, a boy and a girl—both of them headstrong and bright. Being parents hadn’t been easy, but they’d never encountered a battle they couldn’t work through, and there’d been so much laughter. It hadn’t all been sunshine and roses of course. When Voldemort had returned, so did the nightmares. She’d been there though, through every single one of them. Their daughter had sacrificed her life in the second war. Loosing her was harder on Mary than it was on him, but just as she’d been there for him, he was there for her. They grieved together, and when their son married, he named his first daughter after his lost sister.

In a way, life had given her back to them.

Eventually they moved to the country. Mary decided to focus on writing her memoirs, and he’d enjoyed reading all of them. No one will ever believe this is all true you know. She’d just laughed, and they’d both acknowledged that in so many ways, their life had been a far grander adventure than any dime store novel.

She shivered, her body curling into a cough and he drew her closer.

“Won’ be long now.” She rasped.

He’d wanted to get her the best care possible. He’d tried to talk her into the hospital, but she’d resisted. I don’t want to die in some strange sterile room. I want to be home. With you. He closed his eyes, breathing in her scent, smiling faintly when he caught the hint of marshmallows. “I love you.” He whispered huskily.

She turned her head to look at him, her beautiful brown eyes bright even in the darkness of their bedroom. “I don’t have any regrets Frank.” She promised softly, the lines on her face pulling into a soft smile.

He studied her countenance. It didn’t seem to matter how much time had changed it, everything that he’d always loved about it was still there…still just as beautiful as it had been in the beginning from the dimples in her cheeks to the way her eyes danced. “Me either.” He ducked his head to press a tender kiss to her lips. Then he tucked her back into his arms and closed his eyes, his entire being attuned to the hesitant rattle of her lungs, but he didn’t sleep.

It was almost an hour later, well after she’d snuggled into his body and relaxed when death finally came for her. It was just a soft sigh of air, and then she was still. No pain or agony. Death was gentle with her, and for that Frank was grateful. He didn’t let her go, just held her tight, his face pressed into those beloved white curls. He told himself to get out of bed. He had things to do, preparations to make—but they were already done. This wasn’t a surprise after all. He didn’t move though. Just held her close, and at long last, drifted to sleep. When he found death waiting, he just smiled.

I knew you wouldn’t make me live without her.