Hamilton Mania, being fired: Minister (hardship)

Showtime, My Shot: bragging

Sophie's Shelf, vault 53: stress

Lo's Lowdown: "Love has no middle term: it either saves or it destroys."

Insane House Challenge: pumpkin juice

Ferris Wheel: Gilderoy Lockhart

Kissing Booth: GilderoyKingsley

580 words


Gilderoy's smile is bright when he sees Kingsley, but there is no recognition in his blue eyes. "Are you here for my autograph?" he asks. "I'm quite famous, you know." His smile falters slightly. "I'm not sure why…"

"I brought you some pumpkin juice," Kingsley says, setting the cup in front of the other man.

Gilderoy's grin returns, and he claps his hands together happily. "You are a fan!" he exclaims. "Not surprising. I am pretty amazing."

"Yeah. You are."

It's hard seeing him like this. Even if bits and pieces of the old Gilderoy are coming through, it isn't the same. This isn't the man he loves.

By now, as Minister, Kingsley is used to being able to fix things and solve problems. But how can he fix this? He has pooled all possible resources into St. Mungo's, hoping they can find a way to reverse spell damage. It's possible that this is one hardship he will not be able to overcome.

Gilderoy peers up at him, smiling that dreamy smile, and it makes Kingsley's heart break.

"We'll get you back," he says, climbing to his feet. "I promise."

It kills him to turn his back on Gilderoy and walk away, but he knows there is nothing left to do.

"Send half of my salary to St. Mungo's from here on out," he tells his secretary.

Her eyes flash with curiosity, but she doesn't ask. "Yes, Minister."

"I can single handedly defeat even the most skilled duelists!" Gilderoy boasts, sipping the pumpkin juice Kingsley has brought him. "Easily!"

But he doesn't speak with the confidence he once had. There's a detached tone to his voice, and he doesn't really look at Kingsley. The few times they make eye contact, Gilderoy looks puzzled, like he can't quite place the man sitting before him.

"Quite amazing, you know."

Kingsley smiles softly. "Yes," he says sadly. "You are."

Some days, loving Gilderoy feels like more stress than reward. Kingsley is being torn apart, and it hurts so much to hold on.

But he can't bring himself to let go. Even if this love destroys him, he will do everything he can to save Gilderoy.

Word of his donations to the hospital spread. They call him a philanthropist as they emphasize that it's gold from his own pocket.

If only they knew how selfish he truly is.

"Did I tell you about the yeti?" Gilderoy asks, scribbling happily away, drawing little smiley faces on his parchment. "There's a book about it! I'm quite impressive."

Kingsley pretends his heart is still intact. "You are."

He doesn't tell Gilderoy that he knows the truth, that his deceit is well known now. This is such a small, painful glimpse of the man he loves, and he will not ruin it.

"We're doing everything we can, Minister," the Head of the Healers informs him proudly. "I think we've really made some progress."

But Kingsley has heard this so many times before, and he can barely even bring himself to believe anymore. Still, he smiles his approval and offers his encouragement.

Gilderoy's bright eyes meet Kingsley's, and there's something close to recognition there. "Kingsley," he says quietly.

Kingsley rushes forward, embracing his lover and kissing him. "I love you," he whispers.

This isn't the first good day they've had, but Kingsley still clings to it. It doesn't matter that hope is painful; he will continue believing until Gilderoy is his again.