Having reached the small Hogsmeade train station has never felt as familiar and relieving as it did then for Talbott. Taking a deep breath in, that ghost of a smile spoke to Talia of freedom and well known places, especially once they entered The Three Broomsticks, heading to a more secluded table upstairs. Placing their bags near his chair, a pair of soft eyes landed on Talia who appeared to be on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Vigilant orbs kept track of who was entering the establishment, shifting constantly as if she did not want to miss a single second of events unforling, tense muscles underneath a tightly gripped shawl around her body. Fine lines on her forehead deepened as brows drew together, breath lodged in her chest as nails dug into pale skin leaving crescent moon like marks "Talia" her head snapped at him and for a moment he expected her to run her mouth, yell something out however it never came "focus on me."
"Sorry Talbott, it's just that I know I will need to face Severus sooner or later." Shaking her head, she appeared to be more mad at herself than the actual situation, something about those churning feelings that were getting the better of her did not sit well with whatever agenda she held "So what are we doing here?"
"Seeing if you can hold on to your part of the deal." Forearms rested on the table, Talbott scooting closer until his chest touched the word out wood "Although I doubt you can actually stomach it." Getting up with a smirk, she rolled her eyes, trying to relax against the sturdy chair.
Running a hand through her hair, Talia straightened, trembled breath leaving her chest. Clenched teeth hurt as she tried to bury deep inside the rising fear from within her core, eyes shifting anxiously once more as she waited for Talbott to return. His voice reached her ears as he was chatting with madam Rosmerta, Talia's eyes lowering to her bag. If she made a dash now, she could still escape, could still run and not have to face anything.
Startled eyes rose at the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs, nose wrinkling as Talbott presented her a butter beer "You've got to be kidding me." shaking his head amused, a simple flick of his wand doubled the size of the pint, Talia now glaring daggers in his direction.
"Cheers." It was one thing for him to have a sweet tooth, but to challenge her to drink something she clearly did not like was another matter entirely. Using both hands to lift the large mug, the smell alone making her stomach churn.
"I am just about to take away all the nice things I said to you." taking a sip she placed it back down sticking her tongue out, eyes growing the size of saucers seeing him take a few good gulps.
Wiping at his mouth he shrug his shoulders "In that case I guess they weren't true." She knew he was just pulling her leg at that very moment, yet it irked her in the worst possible way. Exhaling, her nostrils flared, upper lip twitching as she positioned herself better at the table. Taking another shot at it, she lifted the mug back up, putting it to her lips and just chugged, trying to take as much as possible in a gulp. Talbott sat there across the table frozen in place, mortified as he witnessed the liquid draining, mouth agape as he could not help but just stare at the display before him.
Placing the empty mug on the table, Talia flipped him off before running to the bathroom, Talbott's energetic laughter reaching her ears. Thankfully she did not hurl everything out, however the intake of water was almost as much as the amount of butter beer ingested.
Upon returning to the table, she found him still cracking up, holding onto his stomach "You're mad." Rolling her eyes, she sat back down, now a bit more relaxed and rather amused as she watched him enjoying the situation.
"Well at least I stuck to my part of the deal." pointing a finger at him she winked "We'll see how you perform in this Talbott." Diverting his gaze, he paused, mind drifting to scenarios running inside his head. He did not count on Talia to actually down an entire normal butter bear, not to mention double its size.
"Can we talk about this later? We should get going, McGonagall is expecting us." Lifting her brows she pointed to his unfinished pint "I lost my appetite." Getting up without another word, he extended the bag to her, waiting.
Seeing how he would not budge in his stubbornness, Talia threw her hands up in the air giving in "Fine, let's go." Snatching the bag from his grip, she went outside ahead mumbling something under her breath. Once he also exited the pub, he did not meet her gaze directly, instead telling her they would take a shortcut through the Forbidden forest.
Allowing her to walk ahead of him, both became lost in their own thoughts as the hike barely registered. Talia appeared to be more on alert than usual despite the fact that she attended Hogwarts for a short period "Why are you nervous about meeting Snape?" looking over her shoulder she wished that question did not leave his lips however he still pressed the matter "You graduated from Hogwarts so why is this reunion a problem?" steps came to a standstill, looking as if she wanted to hunch inside her own person, in the end biting down on her pride.
"Dumbledore facilitated everything, one week after the initial exams took place." Her eyes shifted towards the tree line, grey skies finally clearing the atmosphere revealing bright baby blue "Him and Severus have never seen eye to eye when it came down to me. Severus wants for me to never return while Dumbledore believes I belong here. Frankly I am still deciding." That last line was a hard pill to swallow for Talbott, stance changing as his arms crossed over his chest.
"Then what are we actually doing Talia?" she was used to glares being directed her way, however the way he looked at her burned differently. As his chin dipped slightly, chills traveled down her spine, cold predator gaze alerting her to a different type of danger.
"You tell me since you are the one backing away." She hissed back at him in retaliation, strong stare holding his own as they both did not blink.
Movement caught Talia's eyes somewhere in the thick brush, Talbott quickly turning. Through the tree line hollow eyes stared back at them through boney sockets, a single Thestral paying attention to their interaction "It's fine, they are harmless." He did not get to properly finish the sentence since Talia bolted through the forest not even looking back. Being faster in terms of sprinting he caught up to her quickly, hand wrapping around her wrist, bringing her to a standstill.
"Please don't ask." Something was scaring her, emotions shifting as she looked at him, eyes begging to be understood. He was certain he was doing both of them a favor by returning to Hogwarts, yet it seemed he underestimated her willingness to do so, in fact he did not even ask or consult with her on the matter.
"I shouldn't have brought you here." Sliding his hand down her wrist, he let her go "The question is what are you so afraid of?" pointing his finger to the scene she just fled, his voice rose "What was that back there Talia? It's like the closer I get to you, the more questions I have." Seeing her rake shaky hands through her hair only made him want those answers more "I can't help if you won't let me."
"You know enough, more than anyone should." The words felt hot as they left her throat drying out her voice, however that only served to fuel his insecurities, confusion swimming in his eyes. Covering her face, she breathed in deep trying to calm her nerves, staying that way for a full minute before lifting her eyes to look at him "I knew that once I made the decision to actually live how I wanted to, things wouldn't be easy. I just didn't anticipate how hard some things would be." The sigh that left her breath made something inside him shift, a part of him wishing to just hold her, the other still not fully trusting "By the time we leave Hogwarts, you will have learned who I truly am." Her voice faltered, yet she still held his gaze, strong and proud "But just like you will kiss me on your own time, I will also apply the same tactic."
"Alright." Nodding his head, he extended a hand out to her "I trust you words." She did not take his hand this time around, instead just turning to continue their walk towards the school, now Talbott taking the lead in order to maneuver them safely through the thick forest.
This was not how he envisioned their escapade to be, certainly not with Talia going through more pain than what the Auror camp brought her. There she could overcome obstacles, but at Hogwarts there were people who actually knew her and her story. Talbott was certain of that aspect, especially with how Dumbledore looked at her once they set foot in his office.
They both went ahead with a formal greeting, saving appearances and of course the headmaster did the same as he called them both closer to his desk. It was then Fawkes let out a cry, flying directly to Talia, who extended a hand out to him, not at all surprised by the bird's behavior. She pet his bright colored feathers as the phoenix nuzzled at her chest, refusing to leave her side.
"It would appear as if he missed you, it has been a long time indeed." Talbott rose his brows, following the interaction between them with great interest, recording everything to memory in order to use it at a later date. Talia however did her best to postpone any and if it could be helped all discussions as she smiled at Fawkes, planting a small kiss on his head before answering the head master.
Calm clear eyes took in the room, a complete change from the mess she had been in front of him in the forest. Schooling his expression back to his typical stoic one, Talbott stood there, taking even more notes , especially with how Talia took on a different role within her turmoil. She failed to notice, however his gaze softened a fraction once a different thought crossed his mind – what if she actually did trust him enough to let her guard down?
"True, it was back in year five, although my visit here was cut short." The information clicked instantly inside his mind, the image of Talia running past him on the night of the Celestial ball playing before his eyes as if it was happening right then and there.
"It looks like you had a change of heart though." Her lip purse clearly indicated she did not appreciate Dumbledore's choice of words, yet still faked a wide brilliant smile, despite her eyes darkening, taking on the color of the raging sea during a storm. It was obvious the head master caught on to that change as well since he directed his attention to the reason behind him accepting their small retreat.
"Mister Winger, I am glad to see you are well. Thank you for arriving on such short notice." Only one head bob was provided by Talbott as Dumbledore continued "Hogwarts is thrilled to have you two back within its walls, however I am afraid I do have a job for you." glancing at them, he called upon Fawkes, the bird eventually complying with some protest as if he was being taken away from his mother's nest at a far too young of an age. Talia however remained as impassive and cold as ever as if she was made of stone, eyes never leaving Dumbledore.
"Is it true there are Boggarts loose around the school?" Talbott's voice sounded innocent, floating through the thick heavy air created by just a small exchange of words between Talia and the head master.
"Yes, that is true however I have reason to believe someone who should not be here is roaming around Hogwarts, however with the upcoming end of the year we have been quite busy as you must know. We will need you two to investigate this matter, privately of course. Minerva should arrive shortly to escort you to your rooms and she will be the one to tell you more." As if on cue the door to the office opened, McGonagall entering.
"Mister Winger, miss Hayes." That's when Talia noticed her partner smile on his own when seeing someone so she understood she must have probably been one of the few people whom he let close to his heart. Not that she had anything against McGonagall, quite the opposite, she admired her, however she did wonder how the relationship came to be in the first place.
Talbott did not seem to be the type to actually go and ask for help, but it was a teacher's job to notice when something was bothering the students. That's why she let them both walk ahead in order to get lost in casual small talk, her just falling back a few steps, offering them a modicum of privacy, all while being on the lookout.
"Here, this will be your room mister Winger, miss Hayes, yours is the last one on the left." Talbott and Talia both looked at each other sharing a meaningful look "Is there a problem?" she patiently waited for the explanation, one Talia left for Talbott to explain making sure he noticed the smirk on her lips.
"It's just that" Talbott stopped himself trying to find the best choice of words "we sleep in the same room."
"Is that so?" McGonagall raised a hand to her mouth, stifling a smile, much to Talbott's horror. "I didn't know that you two were an item." Stepping in, Talia tried to keep a straight face.
"Auror partners share the same room, it's part of the camp policy in order to bring partners together as one unit." A small nod from Talbott translated for Talia as a "thank you", McGonagall quickly catching that.
"I see. Well I suppose if no one sees you, you may share a room, however I must add there is just one bed." Talia chuckled softly dipping her head once Talbott's eyes widened in shock "Also, perhaps it would be best if no one saw you, be discreet please." If it weren't for his caramel complexion, he would have been red as a tomato by that point, however he was lucky in that sense. It still did not help him all the way with how his gaze shifted, hand reaching to rub his neck.
"There is no need to worry, I am certain that we can sleep in separate rooms during our stay here." A small smile graced Talia's lips as she spoke ahead, saving her partner further embarrassment, however she did make a mental note to tease Talbott later on in a moment alone.
"Alright, perfect. Now shall we enter one room so I can show you around?" The three of them went ahead in Talbott's assigned room, McGonagall making sure there wasn't anything strange or out of place "Alright you two." Turning, both of them hushed as they waited for instructions "I need you both to do this privately, make sure no one sees you snooping around."
"What is actually going on here?" Talia took a step forward as McGonagall lowered her eyes for a few moments. With a soft intake of air she continued to provide them with a much desired explanation.
"We have been finding scattered objects inside class rooms which leads us to believe someone is searching for a certain item that is here at Hogwarts. What that item should be is a mystery unfortunately, that's what we need you two to find out, or find out who is roaming the halls at night."
Rising a hand to his chin, Talbott spoke "Do you think it could be an Animagus, someone using that form to move around unnoticed?" McGonagall's eyes shifted to Talia as Talbott shook his head slightly, eyes widening a fraction. The pause inserted at that very moment raised questions, yet Talia just looked around the room, at least pretending she did not notice the interaction taking place.
"It sounds like a sensible theory." Offering them a small smile she continued "Please do be careful. And if anyone asks about why you are here, you mister Winger are preparing to take on another career path as a Transfiguration teacher and you miss Hayes as a potion brewer." She did not fail to see Talia stiffen, this time her eyes shifting to Talbott for a moment before settling back at Talia.
"He knows he's my godfather." There was something in the way their former teacher took hold of the information provided, the smile offered being gentle however pain also trickled through tired eyes.
"I'm happy to hear that Talia." Something about how her eyes softened told Talbott that McGonagall might have had her hands full with getting his partner to trust people "He did promise to listen to your side of the story." All that granted her was a simple head nod, however by Talia's posture alone it was clear she did not believe a word. Not because McGonagall would lie to her, but because she actually knew Snape better than people gave her credit for. And if that was not proof enough, the Howler received, although he did send her the requested items, told her just what she needed to know: Snape still believed she was better off anywhere else but her home country.
Leaving the pair to settle in their assigned rooms, both agreed to take an hour to change and get ready before meeting in order to devise a plan for the upcoming night. Finishing ahead of the agreed time, Talia knocked on Talbott's door, the response quickly following in the form on an invitation.
As she entered, he placed a notebook under his pillow, eyes focused on her "What is that?" ignoring her mischievous gaze, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Wouldn't you like to know." However she knew well enough those were his dabbles, small poems allowing him to escape whenever all his feelings bottled up and he had no idea what to do with them. She spent nights behind the curtain of their room hearing the quill scrape against thin paper, breath slow as he concentrated, something endearing as the night lamp cast a shadow of his silhouette "Stop staring at me Talia."
Shaking her head, she snapped out of her daze "Sorry, didn't mean to. Look I'm hungry so I suggest we get some lunch, quietly. I have decided to speak with Severus tomorrow, but today I really don't want to, is that alright?"
Getting up, he approached her, stopping just before reaching her, something about her refusing to take his hand back in the forest still troubling him. And to think he did not wish to be touched by her at the beginning "If you don't want to speak to him then don't. No one is forcing you to do anything. Just like I'm not forcing you to tell me what happened." His eyes were sincere, voice soft when addressing words to her, however she looked away since she knew best what needed to done.
"How about we set up a plan for tonight and we can talk more then alright?"
It was a simple sensible plan, both deciding it was far better and faster to split up in order to cover more ground once the sun set. They would both check in on one another, agreeing on a different meeting point each hour, thus also ensuring they were aware where the other one was in case something were to happen.
After the first hour on the prowl, Talbott sat in the courtyard near the fountain, eyes set on the clock, waiting for Talia to meet him. As the one hour mark passed by a minute he told himself it was alright, that she probably ran into someone and had to take a detour, however as seconds rolled before his eyes, panic tightened his chest. Inside his head he continued a constant chant, that she was safe, that Talia knew her way around the school.
"Merlin's beard please don't tell me she's that unlucky." As another minute passed, he stepped from behind the statue, eyes scanning the empty yard "Damn it." Just when he was about to go on ahead searching for her, Talia appeared, him waving her over to his spot.
"Sorry, I almost ran into Filtch. I swear I don't know how he does it, day and night. And don't get me started on that cat." he let her continue to report how the allocated part she checked was empty, Talia speaking in hushed tones, him exhaling softly, happy she was safe "You know, I don't think this splitting up is actually a good idea. If one gets caught what do we say?"
Tilting his head slightly, he sat on the cold stone surface of the fountain, wheels in his head turning "You actually do have a point. What do you suggest?"
"We could play the pub thing like back on our first day. Sure if we get caught there will be some banter however we would get off the hook faster as a pretend couple." Sitting next to him, she tried to not be too close, giving him some space "And don't worry, there are no ulterior motives."
Giving her a side glance, Talbott gripped the edge of the fountain, deciding in his head that he needed to say something "Talia" the girl next to him tensed slightly at the harshness surrounding her name being spoken out loud. Clearing his throat, he shifted in his spot, finally turning to look at her "Why me?"
The way he looked at her became the main reason why she hesitate in providing an answer, something about that pained expression making her wish she could take a step back, however Talia never backed down, she did not know how. Instead, her eyes set on the brilliant night sky, a small smile curving her lips.
"What are you doing to me Talbott?" soft eyes somehow appeared brighter despite the dark night above them "I promised I would stop, just stop and trust. So I enrolled last minute also for the Hogwarts exams, asked Dumbledore for help, which he granted if I could take all the exams in one day with a commission from the Ministry. And I did it, I passed." Glancing his way, he looked as if he relaxed a fraction "That was when I was certain I would return. So I promised I would put my trust in someone."
His brows rose, distrust evident in how he looked at her "And what if I was I don't know someone like Karol?" Holding in laughter, Talia softly hit his arm.
"Really Talbott? I am not stupid, I wouldn't have trusted someone off the bat. I don't know, there was something in you that felt so honest, from that moment at the pub when I hugged you." there was fondness in her eyes when she recalled the moment, so much so that he felt obligated in a sense to step up and speak.
"Look Talia" he spoke while glancing at the ground but at least he was using words "I am certainly no one's first choice." He rose his hand when a soft protest left her lips, now eyes fixed on her face "Believe me I'm not, so to have a woman such as you even look my way is flattering to say the least."
"But?" she knew there was more, he also knew there was more to add.
"But I don't know what you think I could offer. I am trouble, not in the good way, in the Death Eater could find me way." His jaw clenched, raw pain draining the energy from his lungs "How could I get near someone with that looming over me?"
Resting a hand on his shoulder, she turned him to her "Don't be silly. I am also trouble, or have you forgotten the running all over the place to stay alive way?" sliding her hand to the back of his head, she ran her fingers through the hair grazing his neck, Talbott suddenly straightening as a shiver took him over, however she did not pull away that time around "If we are so broken by a destiny we didn't chose, is there a reason to suffer alone?"
"Damn it Talia." Removing her hand, he shined away from her, yet did not let her hand ago "This would be a good time."
"A good time?" she smiled as his startled stare took her in, Talbott cursing through gritted teeth his bad habit of mumbling thoughts out loud "Look" giving his hand a soft squeeze, leaning in a tad "while it's all fun and games at times, I am really not forcing you into his."
"You're not." Letting go, he sighed, forearms resting on his legs "I just don't know how to go about it very well."
Circling the courtyard with her eyes, she smiled to herself this time "If you are thinking about it too much, then you're not quite there yet."
"What are you on about?" seeing her get up, hands behind her back, she leaned forward in his face, freezing him in place while he still felt the urgency to get up and tower over her smaller frame.
"I'm saying this shouldn't be forced. If you really like me and you truly want me, it will come to you naturally. Despite you not knowing anything about it, despite your fear of getting close to someone, the feelings inside of you will and should overrule anything you know." His instincts told him to look away, to somehow manage to resort to his initial plan of getting up and the Hell out of there, save himself the embarrassment burning through his body, however when his lips parted he surprised himself with the following line.
"Teach me." as Talia placed her hands on his legs for support, Talbott backed away slightly, as much the space allowed him.
"See? Sorry but I can't open this door for you." just as she expected he looked away, her cheek brushing his as she whispered in his ear "This is something you need to do on your own." frustration at himself riddled his brain, hands still reaching to stop her from going anywhere.
"You owe me." it was obvious she did not have a clue on what he was talking about as he maneuvered her back on the stone fountain, yet still somehow managed to not let her break away from him for he knew if he allowed her to distance herself even a little, all the courage he managed to build up would leave him "For running away that night during the celestial ball."
He felt her smirk against his cheek "You can't kiss me now, what makes you think you could have done it then?" her jab was intended managing to hit his pride in the process "Or maybe you were expecting me to just steal a kiss and then run away?" his grip loosened, wide eyes meeting hers as the realization on the number of scenarios he created in his mind dawned on her.
Slowly removing his hands, he shook his head "Right." Combing a hand through his hair, his eyes lowered at the running water inside the fountain "Forget it."
"Talbott." He pulled away when she tried to touch him back, words dying on her lips for a few moments.
"Just go, it's fine." He glared the next time she mentioned his name "I said go, we're done for tonight."
"No, we're not." It hurt him, it truly did, seeing her like that, worry riddled expression making her unsure of what was actually happening.
"I am." The harshness in his eyes did not falter this time around despite knowing very well he was hurting her that very moment. It was better this way, he kept repeating inside his head, if she distanced herself, she would be safe.
"I didn't mean to hurt you with what I said." Seeing how he was closing up entirely from her she knew it was best to just leave and try on another day, there was no way she could get anything more out of him that night.
Slowly slipping away from him, Talbott made no attempt to go after her, still chanting away in his head like a silent mantra that it was all for the best. Only the heavens knew that if his lips claimed hers it would be the end of his composure. Something that simple would bound him to her, sealing his feelings, cementing them further.
"Talbott!" Jumping to his feet, his eyes circled the yard trying to discern where she had gone to. The way she called out his name was like never before, fear gutting her attempt at truly screaming for him at the top of her lungs. Listening closely, he slowly started walking across the yard, strong arms pushing the half open door to the castle.
Further down the corridor Talia was slowly backing away from a sight he had never seen in his life. Before her was not something solid carrying any shape or actual form as it continued to shift constantly, dark crimson swirls intertwining in a sinister dance. Deep from inside that thing, cries could be heard, terrifying screams that would surely haunt his sleep, hectic sobs the only testament to that creature being in a sense alive.
Stumbling backwards, Talia fell over and did not get up, fear paralyzing her. It was evident, he could see her shaking like a leaf as he passed her, wand out, ready to face whatever that thing was, use all the spells in his arsenal if he had to.
Within a blink of an eye the creature shifted, form morphing, giving away it's true nature. He knew, he was fully aware he was facing a Boggart but the same fear gripped him as well, chest tightening as a Death Eater stared back at him with a sinister grin. As the wand emerged from beneath torn up robes, eyes shifted, yet his body would not move, could not, eyes stuck on the dark mark set across white skin.
From the darkest corners Talbott possessed, memories flooded him and it was as if time paused. Drawing in a breath, heart picked up its rhythm as the Death Eater focused on Talia and he knew what would follow, the scene unraveling before his eyes. He would kill her, he would make him watch him kill her and then finally finish the job from when he was a child. They would die and it would be all his fault.
"Riddikulus!" is felt as if it came out of thin air since neither him nor Talia managed to cast it, however that was impossible. Black robes caught Talbott's eyes as loud steps alerted him to a third presence, one that picked Talia up by the arm, pulling her to her feet. Snape payed little mind to him as he continued to drag her along despite her beginning to protest.
Before he could even take a step, Snape abruptly turned "Don't Winger, I have no time tonight for pretend Aurors and partners willing to let the other one die."