Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

We Broke a Promise, You & I

A flash forward to 1979.

"Your command of wandless magic is nothing short of stunning."

His words cause me to immediately stop in my tracks.

I thought I was alone -

After all;

I've grown so accustomed to being alone these days.

Especially in the afternoons.

The winter sunlight, bright and deceptively warm in appearance, pours into the ballroom through the floor to ceiling windows.

Though for the moment, hovering respectfully at the door, he remains cast in shadow as I stay bathed in the light.

"... How long have you been watching?"

A simple question, one I ask completely neutrally, my words echoing their way across the parquet floors and to him.

"Not long. I heard the noise from down the hall. Curiosity won out."

Oh?

As he continues to hold my gaze he brings his hands to rest behind his back and shifts about uncertainly, "Though I apologise. I know I shouldn't intrude upon your privacy."

Lost for words, I manage a simple shrug.

And when he doesn't move, nor do I.

Instead, we just continue to stare at one another.

The unspoken gulf between us, painfully apparent in this moment.

Finally, blinking at me he nods stiffly, "Well then. Consider me gone -"

"- No!"

The word's out my mouth before I can screen myself.

My tone desperate,

Even my hands are treacherous,

Having lifted themselves up into the air seemingly of their accord.

My entire body, every last bit of me, begging - screaming - for you to stay.

He studies me now, as if internally debating.

... I know the debate.

I know exactly what you're wrestling with.

Because I fight the same fight every single day.

Then, despite our mutual hesitancy, he steps forward.

It's a slow, cautious approach,

And upon finally reaching me, we incline our heads towards one another,

Our eyes never once straying.

I haven't been alone with you since -

Since -

I don't know, anymore.

Feels like forever.

Clearing my throat and attempting to ignore my now racing heart, I continue to hold his gaze, "Are you eating?"

"Barely. You?"

"I seem to have a decent appetite despite everything."

"Thank Merlin for small blessings, then."

"Are you sleeping?"

"No. You?"

"Far less than I ought to be."