My wounds aren't serious, like I've thought, and I'm in my own bed by three o' clock in the morning. I sleep all day, and when I finally can't stand the taste of my own mouth anymore do I get out of bed and take a very long bath.

I don't have any food in my house so I venture out at night and eat street food. I make myself blend in with the Muggles, and no one looks at me strange while I wander. I wander until I have to meet the Devil. I am a half hour early, but he is already here at the bar. Why would he want to get a head start instead of waiting for me?

He's dressed just like Muggle, and it makes me question myself, just how much he is possibly doing this? Maybe he has a hobby.

He wears a long coat, and his hair is pulled back with a soft band.

Is he trying to find a lady tonight? Or is he hiding out in plain sight?

No one will recognize me here, and I think the same for him. I take off my hat and fluff my crazy hair. My face screams head cold with my red nose and blotchy, brown bags under my eyes- but that cannot be fixed so why even bother trying?

I'm not dressed as well as he is: I'm wearing jeans with rips in the knees, and unfortunately in the crotch. My sweater is long so it hides how damaged my pants are, and I wear a neck scarf of plum. I'm more ready to go home and go to bed until the holidays are over.

While the place is filled no one sits on either side of him.

I don't know why I feel so anxious all of a sudden. It doesn't matter anyways. I walk over and sit to his left. His eyes go to me, and then back to his drink which he finishes setting the glass down on the bar with a thump.

"Starting without me?" I question. I set my hat aside and rest my elbows down.

The bartender comes over. He orders another drink.

"And you?" he questions. His eyes linger on the brown circles under my eyes.

"Whatever he's drinking, and a shot of vodka, doesn't matter what kind."

"Okay.." He wraps his knuckles on the bar and sets to work. He sets the shot in front of me as well as a glass in which he fills. He fills his as well.

I salute him with the shot and drink it down with one gulp.

Christmas music starts up as the lights dim down. Twinkle lights of Christmas shine everywhere.

Just great.

"So," I say above the burn that warms my middle, "who are you hiding from? I'm not too far into my drinks to be asking rude questions, but here we are." I even give a tiny shrug with my shoulders.

"The more prominent question is how many people are you hiding from?" he drawls out the last word as if he already has the upper hand. He knows he does, but that's not the point, until he adds in, "I can show my face anywhere I go."

"Guess you're right. You know how much of a 'stir-up' I can be." I sip the whisky in front of me. It's very strong so I know my next sip will be a chug.

In fact, I chug some of it before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why aren't you surprised with my outward appearance? You were not phased in the least bit. Tell me why?"

He drinks. He puts his glass down. He doesn't answer for a while, and I'm going to question him again when he says, "it should be obvious. Your family has a strong resemblance. You look just like your mother."

"Thank you." I weakly clink my glass to his. "Glad you appreciate my appearance."

"I did not say that."

"I'll take it as a compliment anyways."

He mockingly salutes me with his glass before drinking some.

Someone in the back starts belting along with the music. They do not know the words, and they are too drunk to even know the words coming out of their mouth. They are giving me a headache.

I down the rest of my drink and refrain from gagging. It burns down my throat and floods my middle.

"Do you have any plans for the immediate future, or can you spare some more time? The noise level in this place is too much for my head."

"Of course," he drawls, "we still haven't even gotten to the point yet."

"Great!" I call the bartender over to us. "Can I have two shots, whatever festive ones you have."

He pours out two and I slide one in front of him. "Cheers?"

He looks down at it before taking it. We clink and drink. I like this side. I don't know if it's real or happening in my twisted head, but I guess I can enjoy it anyways.

I take out some money from my pocket but he halts me. "I have this." He puts it down and we leave just as "Blue Christmas" starts to play.

Great. As if I don't feel lonely enough.

But the alcohol is kicking in, and I feel lighter in the cold, brisk air. I can see my breath float up to the sky. I put my hat back on, and stuff my hair under it.

"Shall we walk?" I question, "I know my way around here."

He nods. He fastens a loose scarf much tighter around his neck.

I leave mine hanging loosely. Its an infinity scarf so I know it will not fall off.

"I don't have a course of action actually. Wander around with me and look at the sites?"

He nods. We walk down the blustery streets. Some people are scattered about, but everywhere is quiet.

"So Professor?" I question, with the drinks making me braver, "what do you want to ask of me? I know you have friends in 'darker places,' so what have they told you?"

"The shadow casted on me may be in fact shadowing you to the naked eye, but you do own your own shadow. It's not quite as clear, is it?"

"The only shadow I have comes out when the sun shines."

"That so?"

"Believe it. I know where my loyalties lie, do you?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps they lay at the bottom of the Garland River.

I smirk. I stuff my hands into my sleeves and cross my arms as we walk. I really need a new pair of gloves- ones that do not tear or hole-up very easily. Maybe I can ask Father Christmas, but if I'm to believe I'm as dark as he says then for certainty I must be on the naughty list.

"Unfortunately, there is nothing at the bottom of the river; not even my loyalties."

"I want it then. I can put it to good use."

"Hm? When you say it like that I can shape it to mean good or evil. I'll give it to you anyways. I have no use for it

. Since it is Christmas time I'll tell myself that you are using it for good. Fair?"

"Fair enough." He agrees. "What do you want in return."

I wave off his comment. "I don't want anything. It's a gift. Let's circle around the park and you can walk me home. Tough neighborhood."

"I bet."

He does walk me home, but I invite him in. He leaves in the morning.

Thanks for reading!