Written for Sam (HP Slash Luv) for the Monthly One-Shot Exchange (Teddy, diminish, angst)

Written for the Ultimate Writer Challenge (write a story about a character you dislike)


Shattered

There was a knock at the door, startling Teddy from his book. It had been quite fascinating; The Properties of Boomslang for Healing.

Curious as to who could be calling this late at night, Teddy rose timidly to his feet. Not much happened in this quiet part of the city, but particularly not in this flat block. The Muggles that surrounded him were usually quiet folk, most retired and enjoying travelling the world.

It was unusual for him to receive a visitor - especially via the door.

"Who is it?" he called, glancing at the clock on the wall. Eleven.

"It's me."

Teddy froze, his hand resting on the doorknob. He knew that voice all too well. Far too well for his liking.

Sucking in a deep breath, he swung the door open and stared into brown eyes. They were puffy and swollen from crying.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"A chance to explain -"

"I don't want your explanation." Teddy went to close the doors with trembling hands, but was stopped.

"Please. Just one chance. If you still don't want anything to do with me then I'll go away and you'll never see me again. Just one chance."

"You had your chance when you were with me," Teddy spat. "That was your one chance."

"A second chance. To explain."

"No. I don't accept second chances!" Teddy pushed the door closed but it was forced open again. This time they entered. "You're not welcome here."

"Too bad. I need a chance to explain."

Realising anything apart from sheer force was going to get rid of the last person he wanted to see right now, Teddy dropped his hold on the door. "You have five minutes."

"What you saw -"

"You mean you with another guy?"

"It's not what you think."

Anger surged in Teddy. His fists clenched, resisting the urge to throw them out again. "That's what they all say."

"I'm being serious, Teddy. He came onto me. I… was caught off guard. Yeah, okay, I was flirting, but who doesn't?"

"Who doesn't?" Teddy cried. "Someone in a committed relationship! That's who doesn't!" He was seething. Three weeks ago he'd been the happiest man alive. Now, he was angry and empty. He'd been in love with someone who had completely broken him.

"Teddy!" they sobbed. "I'm sorry. I… I made a mistake. I love you. Take me back. Please."

"No."

"Teddy -"

"I said no. I never want to see you again." He forced the intruder out the door and slammed it shut, locking it with multiple spells to make sure they couldn't get back in.

Furious that his previous good day had been ruined, he chucked his book across the floor. It landed with a thud, knocking off a picture he'd almost forgotten about. The frame shattered, glass spreading all over the freshly-cleaned carpet.

Why did they have to show up now? Why today of all days? Although his feelings hadn't diminished in three short weeks, he'd certainly tried his best to forget all about what had happened. The two of them standing there, locked in an embrace… his hands trembled at just the thought.

This cannot be happening.

He glared at the shattered frame on the floor, wanting nothing more to trample on the second person in the picture. That had been his life in that picture, his heart and soul. And just like the frame, those had also been shattered.


I debated with the pairing, so decided to leave it open for interpretation haha. So I hope you liked this! I was actually really stumped on what to write, but this is what came out. I'm fairly happy with it. I hope you are too!