Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Potions Assignment #3 - write about bitter revelations

Hogwarts House Challenges: Quidditch Pitch - He just sat there drinking his coffee.

Word Count: 754

Disclaimer: Nope. Never Have. Never Will.


Bitter Coffee


If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me.

Remus J. Lupin feels that phrase completely describes the situation he is in this very moment. He closes his eyes and imagines himself falling off into another alternative universe. Maybe one with silly magic and wand waving. Anything, really, that is better than this harsh reality he lives.

"Ah, dear, bring me my tea," his lover commands. Lucius Malfoy still has that overconfidence he had when they were school boys and if anything, he's gotten even snobbier. Even so, Remus obeys. "When will this blasted place finally get the tea I requested correctly? I specifically asked for another sugar cube."

Remus quickly reassures Lucius that he'll get him a new glass, a better brew. He grabs the teacup and leaves the suffocating room. He can't stand being another second in there with Lucius. He once loved Lucius with all of his soul and heart, but now, it's more out of obligation that he stays with him. How can he leave? Not when Lucius has provided him almost everything he has.

Back then Remus was young and foolish and he actually thought Lucius loved him. Now, however, he knows Lucius doesn't love him and probably never did. He just wanted to rebel against his family while keeping a little pet on the side. He noticed that throughout the years, Lucius has never been serious with him. He feels like a kept woman.

"Oh, sorry!"

Remus laughs as a rather handsome man with strong cheekbones and black, long hair and a lean figure spills the sugar all over the counter. He sees the sugar falling on the floor and the man hastily tries to clean it up. "It's okay. I don't need that much sugar."

The man grins, pointing at the coffee in his hand. "I need so much sugar in my coffee to even function. I'm Sirius Black, by the way."

"Remus Lupin," he hums, placing one sugar cube in the tea. "I prefer chilled drinks."

Sirius raises his brow, looking at the tea in his hand suspiciously. "But you have tea in your hands. That's not exactly cold, is it?"

The tea burns him. It's a silent reminder that Lucius, his lover, is waiting for it. But somehow the words don't want to come out. "It's for my . . . sick friend."

Sirius grimaces and nods. "Yeah, my best friend is in for some exams for broken arms, and I have to hand feed him." He winks, gesturing to another cup on the counter that is a pure energy drink. "I make him drink this and it's a riot."

Remus smiles and it feel likes it's been awhile since he has. "Must be fun."

The man's barking laughter fills the room and he smirks. "Of course it is."

His laugh is contagious. "I have to go."

"That's a shame, but hopefully, we'll see each other again."

Remus finds himself hoping the same as he walks back to the room. He glances back and smile softly at Sirius who isn't looking at him; He just sat there drinking his coffee, oblivious and untouchable. The doctor is in there and he quietly places the cup on the side.

"About time!" Lucius hisses, reaching for the cup. "You took forever. Make it snappy next time."

Remus nods and the doctor shoots him a pity glance.

"Ah, can I speak with you outside?" the doctor asks, walking outside.

Remus nods, leaving Lucius complaining about his supposed cold tea. One they're outside, he sighs. "What's wrong?"

"Lucius doesn't have much time left. I suggest saying your goodbyes soon." The doctor pats Remus on the shoulder awkwardly, "It's about a week until he passes away. I know it's going to be hard, but keep on fighting. You'll miss him, but he'll always be in your heart."

The doctor walks away and Remus stays silent. He comes to the realization that he will not miss Lucius. He doesn't feel the urge to cry and mourn for him. And it's then that Remus reacts.

How had this relationship become so toxic that he can't shed a tear for the man who once was his world?

Lucius was a mistake. It's only then that Remus sobs for his youth and love wasted. But he can't leave Lucius alone because he was his first love. However, it's time for him to finally let go all of that he once felt for Lucius. He can't say he never tried for him.

Because he has.

To the bitter end.