He did not sleep that night, instead losing hours flying aimlessly until he felt like his body could not handle anymore strain. And when it felt as if he could not lift his hands from near his torso, he chose walking instead.

If came as no surprise to him when he finally realized where he was. On some unconscious level he still worked, he still functioned despite it not being to his liking. He blinked rapidly, turning to look around, searching to see if there was anyone close by, yet he was all alone.

A single shadow, inside a small courtroom, in front of an empty billboard. The Ministry had yet to make something of the old Auror training camp, the silence making it even more eerie than before. Fragments of his memories tried to surface, Talbott desperately trying to push them back down. But at the same time, he knew he was punishing himself for going through with it.

He promised her and he failed "I go where you go. That's my promise to you." He wanted to, so so much to be with her, however he also knew the timing for them was not the right one. He would have to become stronger, better, rid the world of all the nefarious powers threatening it.

Running a hand through his hair, he realized he was shaking. Everything inside his core was breaking apart under the weight of his emotions, the loudest circling his ripe mind being fear. He knew he needed to be alone in order to become an Auror. There was no scenario in which his enemies would spare someone he cared for.

And then the most hidden part of him came out to torment his already fragile composure. As if his subconscious held her voice, berating him, telling him she would have been by his side for whatever the world would throw at them. Like she had been when he had night terrors, when Jasper's men tried to end his life, when he was uncertain of her feelings and intentions. She was there, always by his side, saving him countless times, over and over again.

How could he tell her their apartment was no longer her home? She brought life to it, not him. She was the one enchanting him with a bright smile. And now he had only their memories to show for, to keep him company for what would come.

For he felt it in the air, how everything was far too heavy, toxic even. Evil was brewing and he had no leads to putting an end to it.

Entering what once used to be the library at the camp, his steps took him to the small table under the window where they poured themselves over different papers and books, devising the perfect plan in case of an attack. However, just as real life is, all those strategies proved to be worthless, lost somewhere at the back of their heads when danger stared them in the eye.

She would always sacrifice herself and he would do the same.

It was the only sane thought that kept him grounded as he buried his face in the palm of his shaky hands. She worked better alone and so did he, without having one another as a distraction.

But it did little to silence the burning pain growing inside his chest.

Talbott Winger cried two times for Talia and on both of those counts, he knew he had lost her. His body trembled with each sob that escaped him, every bright memory that he relieved inside his mind.

He did the same thing as her, pushed her away in order to deal with everything, yet that knowledge held no power in front of an aching heart.

He made his way back well after sun rise, eyes red and mind in shambles. The scent of her citrus perfume lingered inside the apartment, the ghost of her still alive inside those walls. Entering the bedroom, he wanted nothing more than to collapse, as he was, fully clothed and just close his eyes and rest.

But when his eyes landed on the silver pin left behind, adrenaline shot through his veins as he ran back outside, strong majestic wings taking flight. The last of his force was spent guiding him to the London train station, eyes frantically searching for the time and for two familiar faces. However the train was already in motion, already having left the station, well on it's way towards Bill and Talia's next destination.

Two weeks after, both him and Tonks received their Auror badges. They both did good, the Crane case earning them the desired role faster than normal. He held his head up with pride, not gesturing at all. You could not tell what he was thinking, what he was feeling.

He was an Auror, a soldier and he knew what his mission was.

Serve and protect.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

However for the ones that knew, the silver Phoenix pin never left his side, carefully placed and secured on the left inside of his coat, always close to his heart.

A/N:While this chapter is shorter than normal, I still wanted to include it and also say a few words. As a fanfiction writer I usually keep quiet, but I wanted to thank you for reading and supporting me. I always say that if I xab touch at least one person with what I write, then my mission is complete.

With this chapter I end arc two of the story, but there is still so much to come. If you want to stay tuned for more updates, fanart or rants about how the thrid arc is going you can join me on Tumblr, user name is WhatWouldValeryDo :)

Hope to see you all soon.