"So, how does it feel to be a married man?"
Abraxas didn't bother to turn and bow. He was too tired. "It doesn't feel any different, my Lord. Not yet."
Tom stood beside him, leaning against the balcony with a grace people would have killed for. They were silent, watching couples roam the garden arm-in-arm.
"Do you remember the first time we stood here?"
Abraxas smiled sadly. "I remember my present better."
Tom started to speak, closing his mouth suddenly. They were silent for a few moments more, as Tom gathered his courage. "I'm leaving tomorrow. Today, technically, I think."
Abraxas looked at him for a long moment, before nodding and looking back at the garden. "Where are you going?"
"I can't tell you that." Tom shook his head slightly, sighing quietly when a tear slowly rolled down Abraxas' cheek.
"Why?"
Tom sighed again, resting his head on his hands for a second. "Because you deserve a chance to be happy." Abraxas made a noise as if to interrupt, but Tom lifted a hand. "Let me finish. Your wife deserves a husband who isn't sneaking off to someone else. You deserve an opportunity to see if you can love her."
More tears joined the first, but Abraxas didn't bother to wipe them away. "Does this mean you won't-"
"I'll be back. In a few years. Please don't try to contact me until then." Tom moved his hand closer to Abraxas, the closest he dared to go in public.
After another moment he stood back, grasping Abraxas' shoulder to turn. "Goodbye, 'Brax. Never forget."
"I couldn't." They shook hands quickly, Tom hurrying back to the Floo so he could leave. Abraxas watched people again, seeing not them but himself a mere two years younger walking with the only man he'd ever loved.
"Abraxas?" A soft French accent came from the patio doors behind him and dragged him into the present.
"Yes, Thérèse?" He turned to face his wife, not used to calling her that even in his head.
"Did I see Monsieur Riddle leave?" She gestured behind her as she stepped to beside him.
He smiled at her, offering his arm so they could walk. "Yes, he's leaving tomorrow on a trip. He passed his congratulations."
Thérèse smiled up at him. "Darling, you know he is welcome at any time?" She squeezed his arm slightly. "Any time, Abraxas."