m&mwp.

For Geek Pride on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.


Gideon did not belong in places like Knockturn Alley. He had hoped that stepping into the White Wyvern would calm his nerves. How, after all, could he possibly feel like an outsider in a pub? But after stammering over his drink order and spilling half of it on his way to the table in the corner, Gideon knew he had been very wrong. He most certainly did not belong.

"Never should have come here," he muttered.

Regulus looked over at him, the edges of his mouth tugged into an amused smile. "No. You shouldn't have."

"But I did." His hands, damn it, were still shaking. "What did you have for me, Regulus?"

"That's hardly the way to talk to an old friend."

"Is that what you are?"

All of a sudden, the nervousness that had plagued Gideon on his walk there was overcome by exhaustion. He had come for the promised information, not for play-by-play of a silly school tryst.

"You're still the same," Regulus commented, the warmth in his voice disappearing. "All work and no play. Can't even spare a moment to reminisce with a friend."

"It's just been a long time," Gideon responded. "The world's changed a lot since school. We've changed a lot since school."

It was a lie. They'd always been this way, staring at each from two different sides. It was only now that they'd learnt to keep their distance. As for the world...the world kept turning around them just the way it always had.

"Caradoc Dearborn is dead," Regulus said finally. Ignoring the widening of Gideon's eyes, he continued, "Your little Order needs to stop looking for him or more people or die. And Gideon, the people they'll send after you like to play with their toys."

"You're wrong. He's only been missing a week," Gideon said quickly, desperate not to believe it. "There's still a chance. He might not be—"

"He is."

Gideon's mouth went dry. "Then I have to find his body. His mother..."

"Gideon..." Regulus' voice had softened. "There's not much left of him. I'm sorry. But really, you have to stop looking. Please."

"I don't think I can."

"You'll die. They know you're looking. Gideon, they'll kill you."

Gideon stood. His drink tipped over the glass' lip as his hips bumped against the table.

"Goodbye Regulus."

"Gideon."

But Gideon's voice was firm. "Goodbye."