Pairing: Alastor Moody/Ambrosius Flume
Year 1 – Ravenclaw – Astronomy
Magical, Joyful, Orange
Word Count: 455
Been So Long
Honeydew eyes glistened in the fading light. A hint of orange-tinged hair moved into the back of the shop, and returned with a smiling face moments later. Slender hands passed over three Sickles as change to the young boy who had just purchased a bag of Chocolate Frogs. That said boy left with a joyful glint in his eyes, the last of the Hogwarts students to head back to the castle. The shop was now empty – apart from its owner, Ambrosius Flume, and another with a wooden leg and a magical eye.
"Evening, Alastor," Ambrosius said in a deep, meaningful voice. "What can I do for you?"
Despite the wrinkles that came with old age, and the callused hands, the owner of Honeydukes was still as handsome as he had been in his Hogwarts days.
The man called Alastor approached the front counter of the sweet shop, his wooden leg creaking as he walked.
"It's been years, Ambrosius," Alastor said calmly.
"Yet, you don't look at all different. Still missing a leg, I see?"
"Still rotting children's teeth, I see?"
Ambrosius chuckled. "Are you here for a reason, Alastor?"
"To see you, of course."
The sweet shop owner's smile faltered. "Alastor…."
"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist; I know you have a wife." Yet… he couldn't help admiring the handsome features of his old friend, remembering the time he had confessed his true feelings. But… he'd been turned down just as quickly as the words had spilled from his mouth.
It had taken him months to recover.
"I heard you were back… back from a year of being kept in your own trunk."
Alastor's lip curled. "Yes… rather unpleasant."
A magical glint appeared in Ambrosius' eyes, and he chuckled again. "My wife would love to have you for dinner," he said. "It's been so long."
"No, no, I must go. I have business with Dumbledore to attend to." That was true, of course, but the other truth was he still couldn't bear the thought of Ambrosius being with another.
"Very well. But make sure to come round another time, Alastor. There is much you need to tell me."
Alastor nodded. "Of course. Well… farewell, Ambrosius."
The older man nodded, smiling. "Farewell, Alastor."
Their eyes met, and for a moment – just a moment – Alastor hoped he'd reach out his hand. But, of course, one's feelings could not change.
With his wooden leg clunking against the shop's floorboards, Alastor departed the shop. It was growing dark now, and without a backward glance to the man he'd loved since he was seventeen, he made his way back along the path, ready to face the many questions from Albus Dumbledore.
Unfortunately, he had better places to be.
So, I'm messing around with pairings haha. This whole collection will be for Uni's Hogwarts School challenge. Basically I have to complete a year in a month. Sorry if some of the pairings get weird. I'm... um... having fun.
Your reviews would be much appreciated anyway!
