Authors note: Another beginning of a story. Only that for this one I really got plans. I will not tell you when this takes place, but you will not find any spoilers (I hope) for any of the existing books, the scene you will soon find out about. Okay, so my disclaimer is that I do not own any characters, except for Henry (isnt he a masterpiece?).
„Minnie, darling!" I detest Henrys voice, that demanding, arrogant tone he uses each time he demonstrates that I am a puppet on his strings. "Yes, Henry?" my voice betrayse my true feelings of hate and loathing towards him.
"I got a new client for you. He specifically asked for the pleasure of your company! So, get ready, my sweetie, he is waiting in room number six for you." He grins that perverted, sickening, twisted sort of smile, he likes to use with his "pets". "Oh and better be careful with this one, he looks a bit frail."
Simply terrific! Must be one of these rich, old men, who still try to get some sexual pleasure, even though nature has given up. Well, at least better than the young "gentlemen", who actually want to believe that you are in love with them, that you like what they do. That you enjoy their clumsy excuses for kisses and their eager hands on your body. I shiver with detest!
I quickly slip into my tight, dark red "work dress", apply make-up to hide my true face – red rouge, equally red lipstick, black eyeliner and mascara. I ask myself who the woman might be, that stares back from the mirror, with huge brown eyes. I will never get used to my blonde, short hair, I wish it were back to shoulder-length and bushy brown, the way Hermione Granger always detested it, but Minnie Dark secretly desires to have it again.
"Wonderful, my dear" Henry grins sickeningly and twitches my cheek. The sudden urge to slap him right into his puffy, red face, hits me again. But I have learned to withstand that urge.
I take a deep breath. In a second I will have to be the lusty vamp girl. I hate it. I sigh and open the door dramatically, all part of the show, then I elegantly hang my black scarf onto the chair.
"A pleasure of meeting you, Mr…?" I purr. I am getting far too good at this. "John Loredon". No, it can not be. Not after five years of hoping, of waiting and praying, of not wanting to believe that all others, that they all have gone. So long, way too long! I recognize that silent, hoarse voice, but I hesitate in fear of being wrong.
The man who faintly smiles at me, is even thinner than I remember him. His baggy brown trousers are too big and barely held in place by a belt that looks remarkably like a rope tied together. The beige t-shirt is patchy and I wont even talk about the shoes. Only a few remaining strands of light-brown are found in the grey hair. The pair of sad golden eyes regards me out of the ashen face with the long scars. He looks like an old man, though I know he is barely 45.
Five years! Five years since Hermione Granger, brightest witch of her age, has become Minnie Dark, the leading lady at "Henrys fantastic girls" club. And five years since Remus Lupin seems to have turned into John Loredon.
A part inside me wants to scream in anger, to shout and possibly slap him, but I know it is not his fault. I fear I might loose my control and cry, five years since I have seen someone from "my" world, whose services are not only for the Dark Lord.
"Who else?" I wisper. The question I have so long been burning to ask, finally escapes my lips. He is that spark of hope I have been looking for so long.
But I know we can not speak freely. Never will again. Eager ears are everywhere, just waiting for a slip of his or my tongue. No names. That is the rule. Having to talk in codes so noone will understand, except for us. How have we come this far?
"My two best friends?" I know the question is useless. After all I have seen both of them die.
He looks downward "No, Im sorry."
"How many?" My voice is barely more than a whisper. "Few."
"Why didnt you come sooner?" "We tried. Believe me" he seems desperate to make me have faith in his words. And I do. "We have spent most of our time searching. But the few who survived" his voice cracks "they have gone into hiding." Who can blame them? I have too!
"Tell me something" desperation for news of the people I knew. "About your life." He sighs. I sit down on the bed next to him.
"Someone who once taught you and I live together in a small appartement. He has to stay at home, no matter how much he objects to it, and I try to earn money." He gestures to his patched clothing "withouth much luck – part-time librarian, but I fear that someone who can only carry a maximum of 10 books is not much good." He grows silent. "And you?"
I try to laugh. With my hands I indicate towards my outfit, the red curtains, the bed we sit on. "Life is wonderful." When have I become so bitter? "Im sorry." He seems to be sorry quite often. "Its not your fault."
A knock on the door almost makes me jump. "Darling, five minutes left." Never have I wanted to disobey Henry more than now.
"You did not come here for the…services, did you?" Having asked the question I feel quite stupid. He looks shocked, almost offended and draws back. "Not that I thought it was your only reason, but…" I try to justify myself. After all, what is the reason men go into a bordell for?
"I am gay, Minnie." I am not surprised about the fact, but rather astonished that he has just told me something so personal. I discover that I truly know nothing about this man I have fought with against Voldemort.
I think of Sirius Black. "I am sorry about his death." "Five years is a long time." But I hear how much he misses him, its all in his silent voice.
"Minnie, next client." Again Henry. More persistant this time.
Remus stands up, I can not help but notice how slowly he does this. The full moon has only been three days ago, but I know there are way more reasons. "Will you come back?" I know that when he leaves I will be on my own again, an outsider, a witch in a house of muggle prostitutes. Again he gives me that sad, defeated smile, a smile that is much more painful than any tear could ever be. "If you want me as a regular client." And I watch him limp out the door.
