Only Death Will Have Me

Muffliato

The lobby of the hotel was neat and fancy, Neil and Aaron were waiting for Stuart on the sofas. Neil expected Aaron to make questions, he didn't, but he would. They offered them water or a drink, they refused, and Stuart showed up, he hadn't changed much since Neil saw him last, he looked like his mom in some ways, Neil felt grief and desolation at once. They went up to his room.

"Who is this?" Stuart asked in the elevator. It was Christmas Eve, he was wearing a suit and his hair was shining with gel, Neil could smell the champagne in his breath.

"Aaron Minyard, he is from school, I'm staying at his home for Christmas." Neil explained, Aaron nodded in greeting.

"He is… like you?" Stuart had never really understood the wizard world, his sister married right after boarding school with a wizard, and then ran away. If Neil survived he'd take Stuart to a nice stroll in the Diagon Alley.

"Yes, same school as mom." Neil answered and they got in the room.

It had a living room and sliding double doors to the bedroom, Neil noticed all the food on the table, wine and champagne, only one glass, he was alone. Aaron was quiet, he'd always been, but it was bothering Neil. Stuart opened the door of the bedroom, Neil entered.

"Give us a minute," Stuart told Aaron, his voice was kind, but firm. "You can have anything on the table, but don't answer the interphone."

He closed the door of the bedroom and turned to Neil, who was looking outside, he had no idea where Saint Mungo's was located, although it shouldn't be hard to find out, he still couldn't imagine Andrew there. Neil conjured muffliato and sat on a chair near the window.

"Father killed my mom last year, I stayed hidden in Germany for… five months I think, with werewolves," Stuart pulled a face when Neil said that, but he sat to listen. "He cursed her, but it was an invisible wound, I only noticed when it was too late."

"I went for a part of the money once I left the werewolves. It was hidden so it took some time, then started coming here. It was tiring and I couldn't find a reason to keep going anymore, but I did, every day telling myself it was for her sake. It was difficult, and when I finally arrived there they told me the war was over, father was in jail, and that I didn't have to hide anymore, but a week ago Lola showed up. She knew I was there, and Andrew… Aaron's brother offered me protection, so I didn't run, I accepted it 'cause… I had nowhere else to go anymore.

"I need help, because tonight he was attacked, and it was my father's doing, I don't know how, he was supposed to be locked in Azkaban, with guards and magic, but he somehow found a way to hurt Andrew, and I can't let it happen, ever again."

Stuart stayed silent for what felt like an eternity, he had wide eyes, brows furrowed in worry, his lips a thin line. Neil felt his skin tight, his lips dry and desperation creeping in.

"How can I help?"

"Track her down, and tell me where, I'll take care of her myself." Neil had ran all his life, he was still uncertain he could do it, but he had to try.

"For you to end up in jail? To cuddle with your father?" Stuart rose from the bed. "No."

Well, at least he believed Neil could do it.

"Uncle…"

"No, Nathaniel, it's out of question," He interrupted. "Your mother gave her whole life for you, sacrificed everything for you to be safe, I know I can't protect you from magic, but I won't let you get yourself killed like that."

"What else can I do? Hogwarts is safe, but what if they come for them again?" Neil exasperated. 

"They won't, you'll talk to the magic police or whatever."