The Hunt | Regulus Black

Mr Piano Man

- Flashback -
— Theodora Maddox —
- February 1977 -

It's a bitterly cold morning in February, the snow softly falls onto the ground, creating a thin layer of gentleness. I'm sat on the wide windowsill ledge, leaning against the wall.

This has become one of my favourite spots, the window ledge in the corridor beside the music room. Here, I can hear the faint sound of a piano playing. The music fills the halls, weaving its way through the corridor and echoing off the cold stone walls. It's probably why these corridors are avoided by both teachers and students alike.

Each note carries a sense of melancholy and depth, as if the pianist is pouring their soul into the keys. It's like a moment of pure enchantment, where the power of music sweeps you away into a world of intellectual curiosity and emotional introspection.

These empty corridors with beautifully soft music has become a safe space, the only place I don't have to lie to anyone.

The feelings of guilt and hopelessness constantly well up inside of me, the unavoidable pain I'm going to bring up those I care deeply about is tearing me up inside.

My mystery piano man is the only thing that's currently bringing me peace, I am endlessly waiting to come back to this spot to read my book and listen to the delicate sounds of the piano.

He's my saviour.

"Thea?" James smiles as he walks up to me, "I've been looking for you everywhere".

I look up at him and smile, my eyes concealing the truth.

"Come on, we're going to be late to potions" James chuckles.

"Coming" I quickly pack up my stuff and start to walk with James.

"Woah, where do you think you're going?" James stops placing his hands on his hips.

I turn and raise an eyebrow.

He runs at me picking up and spinning me around, "I haven't seen you all morning, do I not get a single kiss?"

Laughing I place a soft kiss on his lips, "Happy Mr Potter?"

"Very" He teases

———

The school day goes rather quickly when you pretend you're not carrying around a secret that you know will shatter your current life.

I decide to hop into the shower to 'wash away my sins' as my father would often joke to my mother, stepping out wrapped in a towel I walk back from my en suite to my dorm and see James stood there.

"Did you get a tattoo?" James excitedly exclaims spotting the mark on my forearm.

Reality hits me like a sack of bricks.

"I... urm" I stammer as I step back as James approaches me.

James' face falls when he joyfully grabs my arm.

I'd give anything to rewind this moment and bring my clothes into the shower with me, for 2 months I managed to avoid James seeing my mark,.. Wearing long sleeves and casting enchantments...

His face is overcome with disgust.

"James I'm sorry" I manage to say, shaking as I see him instantly fall out of love with me.

"How long" He says, his tone as cold as ice.

My eyes latch onto the floor... "Two months" I shyly reply.

James' hands rest on the back of his head as he thinks over the past months.

"I'm sorry... I didn't want to" I plead as tears begin to fall down my cheeks.

"Sure" He scoffs, "Was I just a pawn for you? A game?"

"No James I promise" I approach and reach out for him, internally praying that he'll help me.

He's almost disgusted that I'd approach him, his coldness fills up the room and the uncomfortable frost of reality begins to consume me.

"Please" I manage to tearfully force out.

"You're disgusting" He says before slamming the door behind him.

I simply just drop.

It's like watching your carefully constructed world crumble in slow motion. It's the unraveling of knowledge, the crumbling of foundations, and the exploration of the chaos that follows. It's a raw and introspective journey through the ruins of what once was.

Losing James, is like losing my last part of sanity. My last opportunity at being safe, being normal, being me...

I've lost all hope.

———

I feel utterly alone, I wonder down the cold stone corridors, watching people's eyes cling to me, judging.

Now, my life as I knew and love it is over. The whispers follow me down my path, like a permanent dark cloud of guilt and shame.

Stepping into class, all eyes snap to me. I spot Lily Evans and James seated next to each other, his are the only eyes avoiding me.

I crumble at the sight of him.

The judgement engulfs me, I turn and leave. My feet acting faster than my mind, I practically run through the corridors, finding my solace.

My mystery piano man, the only peace I can find.

An escape from my mind, from the judgement of others and from my future.

Like a hidden sanctuary within the depths of my soul. As the notes cascade through the air, they weave a tapestry of solace and serenity. It's as if the music holds the power to quiet the chaos of the world, allowing me to escape into a realm of tranquility and reflection. It's a beautiful and cathartic experience that brings a sense of calm and restoration.

And yet I'm alone, to face the reality of my broken and hopeless life.

No one but me and mr piano man.