Assignment 4, Muggle History task 4: Write about something that happens every night.

Additional prompts at the bottom

Word Count: 614


Phineas knows that he shouldn't do this. Bob is Iola's husband, a Muggle; falling into his arms is so wrong.

But he can't help himself.

He doesn't mean for it to happen. A growing curiosity shifts, bordering on an obsession. When Iola leaves one night, Phineas appears at the door.

Her Muggle is handsome enough with his golden eyes and auburn hair. The way he looks at Phineas makes him wonder if the feeling is mutual.

"Phineas Nigellus Black," he says.

"Bob Hitchens." He looks Phineas up and down, folding his toned arms over his chest. "Iola isn't here."

"I'm not here for her."

He doesn't know exactly how it happens, but it keeps happening, and he can't seem to stop himself. Night after night, he and Bob sneak out and lay together.

It isn't fair. Why does Iola have a lover so dear? Why can't he have that?

But he does have it. It doesn't matter that he's forced to keep it a secret. Even if it's only for a few hours at night, Bob is still his, and neither Iola nor Ursula know.

"Do you really love me?" Phineas asks.

It's such a stupid question, and he already knows the answer. Why else would Bob return night after night, without fail and risk his marriage? This isn't just simple affection and infatuation; only love can make someone want to sacrifice everything like this.

"Go to sleep, Phineas," Bob groans, rough fingers brushing clumsily through Phineas' dark hair and snagging on tangles.

"You didn't answer my question."

Bob rolls onto his side, lips twitching into a soft smile. "Yes, I love you," he says. "Now, for the last time, go to sleep!"

Phineas grumbles but shrugs, curling against his lover. "I love you too," he whispers.

"Where do you go at night?" Ursula asks when Phineas has one foot out the door.

He hates that she's caught him, but he isn't surprised. This has been going on every night for two months. Usually, he comes back before sunrise, but there are some nights where he and Bob pretend that nothing is wrong and everything is perfect. Of course Ursula would figure it out.

"What's her name?"

He doesn't answer, opting to let a tense silence hang between them. For several moments, his wife doesn't speak either. Finally, she exhales, shaking her head.

"Did our vows mean nothing to you, Phineas?" Her blue eyes narrow, and Phineas suddenly feels very small. "I never thought you would prove to be a liar."

"Ursula…"

"End it," she snaps, turning on her heel and storming off, her blonde curls bouncing with each angry step she takes. "End it, or I will ruin you."

Phineas hears the door slam. He waits several moments, his heart shattering within his chest.

He doesn't want to say goodbye, but his wife's threat still echoes in his mind.

I will ruin you.

Ursula could manage it so easily too.

Bob meets him in their usual place, and Phineas feels weak. Why does Bob have to look so fucking perfect? It breaks his heart a little more.

"We can't keep doing this," Phineas says.

Bob smirks at him, like it's some amusing game. If only it could still be something so simple.

When Phineas' expression doesn't change, Bob's smile fades. "What happened?"

Phineas starts to answer, but the words stick in his throat and come out more sob than sentence. It's a pitiful, strangled sound, and all he can do is climb to his feet and flee.

Bob deserves a proper goodbye, but Phineas can't bring himself to give him one.

Merlin, when did be become so pathetic?


Character Appreciation: witch/wizard having a relationship with a Muggle

Disney: "Now, for the last time, go to sleep!"

Dark Lady's Lair: secret

Book Club, Enzo: "Do you really love me?", affection, jealous

Showtime, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again: goodbye

Amber's Attic: "Perhaps our fatal flaw is that we attempt to make forever out of people who are meant to be temporary."-Rudy Francisco

Lyric Alley: You are going silent, the silent treatment

Sophie's Shelf: PhineasBob

Emy's Emporium:broken promise

Film Festival: a breakup