Friday 6 April 17:00 GMT
Phillip had quickly packed for his trip back to Boston. He was even able to finish answering most of his texts and answered most of his important voicemails. He called his team's office as well as his agent telling them that he had been delayed because a friend fell ill. He assured them that he would be back in Boston by the end of the day.
So he sat in front of the television, catching up on news from both the sporting and entertainment worlds speculating on his extended absence. He sighed. He flipped to BBC4 and paused as he watched the young woman pound her fists against his chest after finding out that he had been the one that had killed her brother. Phillip shut his eyes as he listened to the pair sing Somewhere.
He opened his eyes as the two finished their duet and was surprised to see the platinum blonde wizard watching the television as well. "When did you get in, Sir?"
"About three minutes ago," Mr. Malfoy smiled. "That was a good musical. Mrs. Malfoy had me watch it during one of our holidays early on."
Phillip nodded. Mr. Malfoy walked over to the old fireplace. The family would use it during the cold winter months. Mr. Malfoy ran his palm over the dusty mantle. He placed a small wooden box on the space he had dusted off. Phillip watched as he tapped it with his wand.
"Floo powder," Mr. Malfoy said. "I'll show you how to use some at the Leaky Cauldron. We'll have to Floo to get to the States; safer way to travel internationally."
"Floo?" Phillip asked as he pulled his one piece of luggage towards the wizard.
"The Floo network, using fireplaces to get from one place to another; another Wizarding mode of travel," Mr. Malfoy nodded. "I put in a work order with the Ministry for this fireplace. It'll take a couple of weeks but you'll be able to use it then.
"Here," the wizard said as he handed Phillip another small rectangular wooden box.
"What's this?" Phillip asked as he opened it. He gulped.
"It's your mother's wand," Mr. Malfoy.
"I want nothing to do with this," Phillip said snapping the box shut.
"Phil," Mr. Malfoy said as he placed his hand on the young man's hand. He looked into his face, "A wand is only as good as the one who wields it."
Phillip whimpered. Mr. Malfoy nodded at him as he let go of his hand. Phillip took in a breath before placing the wooden box next to the one on the mantle that Mr. Malfoy had placed earlier.
"So, shall I call a taxi then?" Phillip asked.
Mr. Malfoy snickered, "We apparate to the Cauldron."
Mr. Malfoy offered his sleeve. Phillip blew out a breath, took a firm hold of his luggage before grabbing onto Mr. Malfoy's sleeve.
o-o-o
Friday, 6 April, 12:05 EDT
Mr. Malfoy had given the young man the crash course in travel by Floo. He instructed him to say the destination as clearly as possible in order to end up in the right place, in this case the Wizarding pub, Two if by Sea in the North end of Boston.
When they stepped out of the Floo networked fireplace in the old establishment, Phillip was still a little shaky. After exiting the pub into the Muggle world, he was amazed at how he had never noticed the Wizarding establishment.
"Your eyes have begun to train themselves to notice Wizarding elements," Mr. Malfoy said. "Shall we head to your apartment?"
"Are we going to … poof?" Phillip asked.
"Apparate?" Mr. Malfoy asked, a little amused as Phillip nodded. "No. I figured we'd get you reacclimated to the Muggle way of life. Taxi?"
Phillip nodded as he hailed a cab. The pair sat quietly for the twenty-minute traffic marred ride to the apartment building where he resided, a short ten-minute walk from his work place. Mr. Malfoy accompanied Phillip up to his penthouse apartment.
Phillip plopped down on his couch as Mr. Malfoy did the same on the reclining chair. It had already been a long day for the both of them.
"So, what now?" Phillip asked.
"We order," Mr. Malfoy looked at his watch and then nodded, "lunch. Meanwhile, we'll get you familiar with the paperwork that Mr. Montague and his firm wrote up for the disposition of Mr. Schield's wealth."
"And about Drew?" Phil asked.
"I will make sure to keep you in the loop, Philip," Mr. Malfoy reassured him.
Phillip nodded as he picked up the phone to order lunch for two from the Sunset Grill and Tap. Mr. Malfoy rolled up his sleeves as he placed all the different files for Phillip to review and sign off. Phillip turned the television on to BBC America to catch the rest of the American musical.
o-o-o
Friday, 6 April, 14:55 EDT
Phillip watched as Mr. Malfoy Disapparated with a pop. He blew out a breath as he stood rooted to his spot for a moment.
His shoulders slumped as he walked into his bedroom. He dropped all of the signed papers onto his desktop. He walked towards his bed and stood in front of his night stand. He picked up the antique picture frame. He ran his forefinger over the photograph of Drew and himself after he had graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Education with a specialization in English from the University of Hawai'i. He was to leave the islands the next day to participate in pre-NBA draft workouts on the continental U.S.
Phillip smiled as he remembered their childhood friend taking the photo of himself bedecked with lei. Phillip shut his eyes as he replaced the picture frame onto the nightstand next to the lamp. He opened them as he placed his hand in his pocket. He felt his chest clench as he pulled out the small leather jewel box.
His eyes fluttered as he opened it. He gingerly pulled the 3-carat diamond set in a gold band. He ran his thumb over the inscription on the inside of the band: Friday, 30 March, Star Crossed. A tear streamed down his cheek as he replaced the ring into the box. He sighed as he shut it and placed it gently next to the frame.
He gulped as he took one last look at the photo. He needed to blow off some steam. He opened his dresser drawers, grabbing a shooting shirt, jersey shorts and sports socks. He grabbed a pair of his basketball shoes from his shoe closet before heading out the door.