"All my life, albeit not that long or significant compared to others, I have begged for one thing and one thing only. To be spared. From the pain inflicted by Constantine Crane, which I cannot even call father, from the pain of having to survive his vial acts, from heartbreak.
Everything in my life revolved around one thing, be it in physical form or just a phrase leaving my lips, my heart was the very core of everything I was. And yet I feel as if I could do without it."
Long dark lashes cast small shadows on her face as Talia's eyes trailed on the words scribbled on paper. Biting down on her lower lip, she released the tender flesh, stretching her hands, a small pop from her left shoulder resounding in her ear.
Leaning back in her chair, she closed her eyes, enjoying the warm sun caressing her pale skin, a soft smile pursing her lips as she just relaxed. Summer was in bloom in Romania, the weather far kinder than England. There were less rainy days, warmer, especially once she left the mountains and headed to a any village that was not as high up.
Now she was sitting at a small terrace, enjoying a drink, before heading back to various locations in order to pick up supplies for the sanctuary. She started enjoying taking trips alone, despite the men, especially Felix, wishing to accompany and help her. Yet she always smiled, shaking her head, adding that if she could handle dragons, she most definitely could handle carrying a few bags to the trunk of her car.
The trips started getting longer, her disappearing for days on end, Talia taking time to visit placed she used to know, reminding her of past days, but also new cities and sites, taking everything in as she enjoyed the solitude.
After all, she needed to try and find herself, rebuild after everything said and done. Slowly, after missing two weeks of sending letters she decided she is better off without them. It always took a lot out of her and lately she felt as if she was trying to come up with something to say, just to she would not pour her heart out. It did not mean her feelings for Talbott changed, she just pushed them back, forced herself to not be tempted, tried to fill her time with anything and everything.
And gradually she found the need to maintain the same distance with everyone.
Felix tried several times to get her to let him back in her life, however she refused, shutting off completely without wishing to offer an explanation. She did notice how whenever she was near, he tried to catch her eye, tried to sit closer to her, but once she made her mind up, he never stood a chance. Felix had better chances of moving the mountains they were staying in, than make Talia's will bend.
It was not due to malintent on her side, however she did decide to keep everyone at arms' length until she alone figured what she needed to do and how to handle the latest chapter in her life.
Deciding that she had enough sun for one day without any protection, she packed her things, payed for the drink and headed to her car in order to pick up everything. The ride back was slow, as she drove around at a relatively low speed, the cassette in the radio playing a foreign tune, all bands from Romania.
She was not in a hurry anymore, one could say she was even calm on a certain level. No one waited for her, not really, no one expected her to be back at a certain hour or on a set day. She was just one soul, travelling through the mountains, without a goal in sight.
The sun was almost setting by the time she made it back to the Sanctuary, majority of the men being around a fire, talking and sharing a drink "Well, well, the wandering daughter returns." One of the them rose his bottle, offering Talia a big smile as she slammed the car door shut.
Flipping her hair over her shoulder, some of it still went in her face as she walked closer, snatching the bottle from his hand and taking a swing "I needed fresh clothes."
"And we needed our supplies." Turning around she saw Felix walking over "Thought I recognized the sound of that infernal device of yours." Offering him a smirk, she pointed to the paper under his arm, Felix extending it to her.
As soon as Talia cast her eyes on the front page, her face went pale as she read the lines on the escape of Sirius Black from Azkaban. She skimmed through it, on the details, how he escaped, if he had help, if others managed to escape with him, hands shaking slightly as she turned the pages.
She wrecked her brain, trying to see if she held any information on the Black family, anything related to her parents, yet she could not come up with a single thing on her own. However she knew the story, of what he was convicted of, Snape made her read and memorize information on all families and their ties, who was in Azkaban and what for, just in case. In case she needed to run and stay away from certain people or families.
However in a sense, most of them were connected, tied together with an invisible string, their fates woven close to one another on the large tapestry of destiny.
"Talia, are you alright?" lifting her gaze, Felix noted how large her eyes appeared, pupils shrunken, teeth worrying her lip as she continued to search within her mind. Pulling her further away from the men as to not be heard, he just asked bluntly "Are you related to the Black family?"
Talia shook her head, another thought invading it. Aurors would surely be going after him and if he was indeed as dangerous as the papers depicted, that coupled with Snape's stories from their school years, she could only imagine Talbott having to go up against him "I need…I have to go."
"What? You just got here." Taking the paper that was pushed practically against his chest, he barely had time to take Talia by the hand and turn her around "Talia, if I can help."
"You can't. I'll be back in a few days, I just need to make sure he is alright." Slowly Felix let her go, a sigh leaving his lips.
"Let me come with you at least." Her eyes flickered to the short sleeves he was sporting, pale skin drawing her attention to his inner forearms before looking back into his eyes.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, the action was a short lived, her barely touching him before retreating "I can't, this is not something you need to involve yourself with." Turning fast on her heals, she jumped back in her car, trunk still opened as the last bag was being taken out.
Honking to clear the men away from the vehicle and not hurt anyone, she saw one of them slamming the trunk shut, before the set the car in reverse and back away from everyone, turning in a clear spot, before leaving everyone in a large trail of dust as she sped on the mountain road.
The lights on the old car barely made a dent through the now thick darkness setting over as night came in full force. She cursed as she tried not to steer in a ditch for she did not know if she could Apparate that far into the village and where the safest place to do so was.
It was filled to the brim with muggles, simple people that knew not of the existence of magic. They lived off their crops and animals, without a care about the dangers that lurked in the shadows, ready to snatch them up.
Squinting her eyes, she turned up the volume, hating the sound of gravel under the tires. It irked her already agitate form, thin fingers tapping the steering wheel as she impatiently navigated through the narrow roads at the highest speed her car allowed.
She regretted at that very moment not allowing Felix to ride with her. He knew where to go, where it was safe and where it was not, however it was too late to back the car and return. His figure was the one she focused on as she left the sanctuary in a hurry. She could only imagine what was going through his head. She was certain she appeared as a mad woman, storming out like that, but what else could she do?
By the time she made it to the village and got out of the car, the post office was closed, two large iron doors held together by a thick chain mocking her agitated state. It was not a good plan, she thought as she searched the glove compartment for some cigarettes she bought one day on a whim. Lighting one up, she took a long drag mind working on a plan, one that would not take a week of waiting for a silly letter to be delivered. One that would not involve Talbott countering her with silence.
One that would work.
Sitting back in the car, she caught her eyes in the mirrors, dark pools or anger and fright staring back at her in the darkness. Pulling out the map, she took some time to finish smoking and coming up with a proper route. It would take her around six to seven hours to travel where she wanted, that if she did not stop to rest, only get gas and drive.
Tossing the map on the passenger seat, she headed to the nearest gas station, filled up the tank, bought a water bottle and then headed on the road. She hated how the car did not have the capacity to storm down at a higher speed, at one point even contemplating robbing some Muggles, but then again that would ensure more trouble than necessary.
She needed to keep a low profile, ensure not many noticed her, especially due to the location she had mapped out in her mind. While in her sixth year, Talia attended a small Muggle high-school while also being in a small magic practitioner circle, juggling both of them during her stay in Romania.
It opened up new doors for her, dabbled in certain types of magic not many were privileged to, however it also ensured she made a few enemies down the road and she was heading towards one. They just did not like each other, it happened from the very moment they set their eyes upon each other. He participated in the Wizarding War, the dark mark etched onto his skin, displayed proudly as if it was a badge of honor, despite the fact that he ran to Romania to hide and was running an illegal business.
But at the end of the day, he was the one who would have what she was looking for, anything for the right price.
And she was willing to spend it all if it meant it provided her with a faster method of communication. She most definitely was not willing to let time slip through her hands.
Yet she was still being stubborn.
As she sat in the car, surveying the area, she knew well enough she could have taken a port key in order to return to England. She could have sat in front of Talbott at that very moment, yet the idea did not sit well in her head. There was something that shifted so much and until she knew exactly how she was feeling, she would not meet him. Not until all her emotions were properly grounded.
She small street looked as she remembered, old buildings, each with a different unique architecture, all blended together, history whispering through their walls. No lights shinned through the windows, everything silent as the inhabitants lay dormant. Getting out of the car, she stretched, a yawn being suppressed behind an open hand as she walked over to the building with the number 126.
Letting out a sigh, she knocked a couple of time, a dog from another nearby building barking as it felt something stir in the early morning hours. Tapping her foot, she chanted "Alohomora", the door clicking three times for all the locks it held. Pushing the large door a tad, she was met with three chains holding it in place, Talia melting them, the door creaking open.
Stepping inside the small yard, she kept her eyes out for any attack, however all she was met with was a lazy cat on one of the window sills that didn't even bother to look in her direction.
"Maximilien wake up you good for nothing toad." Her voice echoed, bouncing off the moldy walls, the sounds of pots and pans drawing her attention towards a certain door. Leaning against a metal post, Talia waited, her eyes turning to dangerous slits as a door swung open, a wand emerging first, before the person in question stepped outside in the yard.
"Talia?" he rubbed his eyes, yet did not lower his wand, Talia sitting there as if nothing was actually threatening her "Well, I never expected to see your sour face ever again."
Scoffing, she rolled her eyes "Believe me, the feeling is mutual, but unfortunately you have something that can help me."
Glancing past her, he groaned seeing the front door wide open, chains melted "You could have knocked you know."
"Oh I did." Pushing herself away from the pole, she dusted off her blouse "Now, let's talk business before you fall back asleep. I need to speak to someone in England. You have a fireplace illegally connected to the Floo network." She stated as a matter of fact.
Waving the wand in the air to emphasize a point, he closed the front door, eyes never leaving her form "I'm not a port key office. Plus, I don't have enough powder to send you there." Pointing the wand back at her, he glared "Plus" he took a few steps towards her "last time you were here, you stole something of mine."
"Oh please" Talia rolled her eyes, her finger touching the tip of the wand "Liquid Luck can be brewed if you know how to do it. You surely didn't miss it. Now" she pushed on his want slightly "I need to talk to someone, not travel. Name your price."
"1000 galleons, how about that you wench?" Taking out a cigarette, she was him tense. They have gotten in a few fights in the past, one time Talia breaking his nose and an ancient vase in the process "For all the troubles." He tried to maintain an air of superiority.
Lighting up the cigarette, her eyes did as well, causing him to take a few steps back "Look here, that is a rip off even by your standards. I think you should let me use and be thankful I didn't tell the Ministry back home where you are and what you're doing." Her eyes flickered at the mark still present on his arm, Maximilien smirking "Also let's not forget you gave me some bad ingredients, I could have exploded my head off, not just the cauldron. So I think we can call it even."
"Even?" he spat at her, wand shaking in fury as he levelled her head, aiming "You have some nerve coming here and threatening me. By the time you take out your wand, I will have you eating the dirt under my boots."
She continued to watch him, unimpressed, unmoved as he spewed countless threats her way. She smoked calmly, nodding her head absentmindedly at his words, ash flicking to the ground "Are you done?" cocking a brow she lifted her cigarette "I have one more drag. If by the time this bud hits the ground I don't have what I want, I will take it, get it?" pressing the cigarette between her lips, she inhaled, smoke rising in the air as she exhaled slowly "Your call really."
He wavered slightly, eyes watching the cigarette bud fall from between her fingers, small sparks lighting up as it hit the ground. She knew he wanted to attack the moment she released it, his mouth chanting away, tip of his wand lighting up. She dodged it, not even casting a protective spell, but unleashing the fire residing within her.
It took him off guard, Talia's fire, the cat jumping off the window sill and hissing while trying to run as far away from them as possible.
Maximilien did not realize when and how everything happened, not fully, not even as he stood flat on his back, wand snatched from his grip, Talia on top, her nails digging into his dark mark, skin puncturing as she was drawing blood "Now that I have your full attention, let's try this again." Pressing her free hand down his throat, she spoke calmly, eyes returning to turquoise cold pools "You have something that I need and I am willing to give you a little something for your troubles." Her palm started emanating heat as Talia lowered herself a bit more "Don't make me give you a mark you will forever remember."
"Alright, alright!" he felt her nails still digging into his dark mark "I will let you use it since we known each other for some time. A gesture of good will." He blinked a few times as Talia removed her hands, slapping his cheek a couple of times before she whispered "good toad".
She followed him through a series of rooms and narrow corridors, a sight so desolate it made her skin crawl. Items stacked upon various old shelves, a house that appeared uninhabited at first glance. How most of the items were even useful at that point was a mystery to her "Here." He spoke upon opening a door, leading her inside the room that contained the fire place "Now if I can have my wand back so I can start a fire." A single glare was spared his way, Maximilien lifting his hands up in defense "Or not, I'm sure you are more than capable."
As he rummaged through some dust filled cupboards, Talia approached the fire place, igniting the firewood already present inside of it "Why did you join Voldermort?"
Something fell against the floor, him retrieving the item, pushing it back inside "Is this your idea of small talk?" Shrugging her shoulders, she cast her eyes back to the fireplace without another word, him watching her carefully, mouth opening, before deciding against entertaining her question "A couple of minutes at best, that's all you get."
She just nodded as he extended the bag with Floo powder, eyes flickering to the door which was enough indication, him leaving her alone as she chanted different spells, ensuring the conversation was not over heard. Picking up some of the powder, she recited the name which she wished to contact, the connection soon establishing.
"Good morning. Hope it's not too early." Dumbledore shook his head lightly, lifting the freshly brewed coffee cup "I don't have a lot of time, so tell me, how dangerous is Sirius Black? Do I have to run, to come back?" she had to control her voice as to not tremble when addressing the last part of the question.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, a soft smile playing on his lips "Some things are better seen with your own eyes, I cannot tell you how to view him. Words can only do so much Talia. But remember you will always have a home here, and England is cold without her fire to warm her."
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Talia leaned a bit closer to the flames "I need for you to please send a message for me."
Later that day, a simple note reached the Ministry, one that searched before landing on Talbott's desk as he was looking over witness statements and drafting a report. His brows furrowed as he read it, blinking rapidly as if he could not believe what he was reading, his mind needing to go over it once more in order to ensure he was not dreaming.
"Remember the date on Valentine's day? I need you to head over to the bar today at seven in the afternoon. Go to the barman called Vic, he will tell you what to do from there. Talia."
It was not her handwriting, yet the note spoke of a place others did not know of. They did not talk about the date with anyone else, that was clear. Then why was the note not in her handwriting? The next scene that played inside his head was that something did actually happen. That maybe, just maybe Tonks was right and she was in trouble.
Perhaps someone found out she was there, maybe someone caught her, kept her hostage. Maybe the Death Eaters were spreading farther than what they could possibly know, or maybe they were followers of Constantine Crane, wishing for a chance at a long life or immortality.
When Moody walked into the office, he noticed Talbott getting up suddenly, muttering a hasty "I need to head out." Before glancing at the clock, noting the hour. Placing the note inside his pocket, he passed Moody without another word, trepidations inside in his head skyrocketing as he tried to refrain himself from running towards the elevator.
He spent an hour just surveying the bar from outside once he reached the location, taking note of everyone going in and out, just in case it was a trap and someone was using her name in order to get to him. However nothing appeared out of the ordinary, apart from him glaring daggers at the establishment.
But the questions still piled on top of one another inside his head. Had she returned and was trying to catch him off guard with a cryptic message? Was she actually inside, watching him from a dark corner make an absolute fool of himself?
By the time he actually walked inside, his nerves were worn so thin, he was pale, hands slightly shaking as he was ready to take out his wand at any given moment, wide eyes searching the bartenders as people walked outside in order to chat or smoke. Taking note of the name tags, he slowly approached the bar, Vic smiling "What can I get you?"
Swallowing thickly, he mumbled "Talia sent me a message."
A single nod was all that the bartender provided before urging for Talbott to follow him, leading him through the same doors Talia did on Valentine's day, eventually inviting him inside a small office "Take a seat, she will call soon. Just pick up the receiver when the phone rings." Vic pointed at the phone, Talbott watching him as if he had lost his mind entirely.
Once the door to the office shut, he circled the room, hands working on loosening the tie around his neck, jacket being disposed of on the chair as he felt it was too much for his body to handle. His attention was far too spread on every sound happening beyond the closed door, that he actually jumped when the telephone rang.
Reaching out to the receiver after running a hand through his hair, he picked it up, placing it to his ear, holding in the air inside his lungs "As per normal phone etiquette you are supposed to say hello when you pick up." She teased softly, ear trying to pick up on anything that might give him away.
Talbott opened his mouth, exhaling slowly, as he pressed a hand to his chest, entire body collapsing in the chair "Talia." He barely whispered her name, feeling as if it would choke him alive and steal away all his composure "Where are you?"
He heard her giggle on the other side of the line "Don't threat, I won't pop up from behind you or something like that. To be fair I half expected you not to show up." Seeing how he did not jump at the opportunity to speak, she dared to continue "But I'm happy you did."
Squeezing his eyes shut, he inhaled once more before speaking "Why did you want to talk?"
Once more her voice tickled his ear, him refusing to open his eyes just to find himself all alone inside that office "I saw Sirius Black escaped, wanted to make sure you're alright, not the one going after him."
He shook his head before realizing there was no other way of her knowing what he was doing, unless he actually muttered something "No, I'm not, they are sending more experienced Aurors." He paused a fraction before continuing "There's no need to worry, so…don't."
"Mmm, I see." He heard her sighing before she went completely quiet, Talbott opening his eyes, mentally cursing himself.
"Don't do this. Don't fear for me, I just need you to stay there, stay hidden inside those mountains, stay safe."
"Listen here you" her tone was suddenly harsh and to the point "I did, I did everything you asked like a good little girl, but I have had it. How much more of this do you possibly think I can take? I am growing restless, impatient." Trying to calm her nerves, she paused, Talbott hearing her puff air out of her lungs "You can't keep me contained forever, that's a fact. If you really wanted to keep me there, then maybe you should have played your part better."
"That's not why I didn't write Talia." Rubbing his forehead with his free hand, he contemplating giving her more to go on, anything really if it ensured she would stay at the Sanctuary and not go looking for trouble "Please Talia." His voice sounded weak, barely above a few decibels at best "Please just be careful."
"Do you even miss me?" she quickly countered, ignoring his previous statements.
"Don't ask me that." He shuddered at the sudden question received.
"Why? Because you're afraid to tell me the truth?" silence settled once more between them, Talbott trying to discern any sounds that might betray her location "Or are you expecting me to snap and call everything off because you don't have the guts to do it yourself?" once more he kept silent, Talia clicking her tongue "Look, I didn't call to hurt you, I called because I am worried. Because you work yourself to the bone and don't make time for yourself. Don't be alone, it's not healthy."
"I'll be careful, you know it's not a safe job, but I'll try." He sat back in the chair, eyes travelling to the ceiling "As for being alone, well…you know me. I work better alone."
"You certainly like to lie lately don't you?" her voice softened slightly, it sounded as if she was giving up on trying to convince him of anything anymore "What more can I say or do if you continue to shut me out like this?" he could think of a few things, however they were all on the selfish side.
"I'll try but it's not safe, I have made a few enemies already." He heard her let out a shuddered breath "I'd rather you hate my silence than risk exposing you and putting your life in more danger than it already is."
"Just so you know" she sniffed her nose before speaking "distance doesn't make the heart grow fonder. Danger has and will always be a part of me, I thought you knew that by now. You sent me to Romania because you can't handle yourself if something happens to me. But don't worry, I won't set foot where I'm not wanted."
"Talia, it's not like that." He knew she was just pushing his buttons on purpose just to get him to react, but on that one off chance that was actually what she was feeling he did not wish to risk it "You know it's not like that."
She practically hissed at the phone, not being able to stand the sound of her name uttered from his mouth "Enough." She commanded "You Winger have made your choice. Now it's time I make mine. It was good to hear your voice."
Panic churned his stomach, constricting it to the point where he could of sworn he was in pain "Yeah, it was, I missed it." He caught how her breath hitched before she closed the conversation, leaving him alone inside the empty office. Yet a large part of him, larger than he wished to admit could not let her go.
With the last words uttered, a shy admittance, Talbott guaranteed she would also not be able to let go of him.
As he left the bar, he felt his head spin. And yet he could not shake off the feeling that Talia was actually dwelling on the thought of coming back to England. And louder than that was the thought that if he reached out, even just a little, she would understand his intentions and reach out the rest of the distance on her own, just to reach him.
But this was not on her.
Not anymore.