The Writer and the Death Eater | Rabastan Lestrange

Chapter Three

 The day soon came when Gustav would be leaving for the World Cup season. 

 "It's only once every four years," he said to Tommy as he packed his suitcase, even though Tommy already knew that. "I know I can get a little overexcited, but it is very exciting, you know." 

 "So you've said," Tommy replied. "I'm glad you still have the job. I know you must have some tough competition for a chaser position." 

 "Oh, yes, but not everyone is as fierce in competition as I am, Tommy. I have shown time and time again that I am worthy of the team. They won't be kicking me out just yet. You should have seen Alice in training. Anyone can see that she grew up being tutored by me." 

 Gustav snapped his suitcase shut. "Well, there we go. You'll see us off, won't you?" 

 "I do every time," said Tommy. "This time isn't any different. I suppose I'll miss you while you're gone." 

 Gustav scoffed. "That's what you're saying now. I bet you'll be happy while I'm away. You'll have the whole place to yourself, and you'll have all the peace and quiet you want. Until I get back, that is." 

 "I'm not going to instantly start groaning when you burst back through the door after the season's over, Gustav."

 "All right, if you say so. While I'm gone, I hope you'll remember to go to Mom and Magnus' Sundays for dinner." 

 "I'm the one that always has to remind you," Tommy retorted. "And I always remember Sunday dinners at Mom and Magnus', so you don't have to worry about me." He paused when he heard someone knocking at the door. "Oh, I'll get it." 

 It was Alice Johansson, Gustav's younger sister and Tommy's sort-of stepsister. She was the seeker for the Nordic Team, and would be traveling with Gustav. 

 "Tommy." She put down her bag and wrapped her arms around him. "I already bye to Mom and Dad, and I was able to convince them to stay home when I told them you'd be here to see us off. You know you're going to have some pretty dull Sunday dinners without me and Gustav around, right?" 

 "Exactly." Gustav came lugging his suitcase behind him. "We are truly the spirit of the party, aren't we, Alice? But Mom knows she doesn't have to worry about us, right?" 

 "That doesn't even matter," Alice answered. "She'll worry about us, anyway, and I bet every time Tommy goes over to visit, they're going to ask him how we are and if he's heard from us. Don't they, Tommy?" 

 Tommy shrugged. "Well, I think they did last time." 

 "Well, it isn't like we're not going to keep in touch," Gustav snapped. "Come on, everyone, outside." 

 The three siblings left the building and went into an alleyway just down the street.

 "Oddly enough, a safe spot for apparating," Gustav remarked. "There isn't even anyone around. Well, Tommy, I hope you're going to come to our home games this season." 

 "Of course I am," said Tommy. "I always go, don't I? I'll see you both soon." 

 Gustav and Alice both gave him smiles. Then Gustav held out his wand, waved it, and he, Alice and their luggage were gone. 

 Satisfied with having seen them off, Tommy exited the alleyway-and bumped right into Rabastan Lestrange. 

 "Oh. I'm very sorry," Rabastan said. 

 "No, it's all right. I suppose I came out of there a little fast." Tommy glanced back at the alley. "I do not usually spend time in alleyways." 

 Rabastan nodded. "I didn't think of you as the sort who would. I did notice you walking down the street with friends. I know you said you lived in the building across from the cafe,  but I wouldn't have known where to find you." 

 "Oh. Well, that was my brother and sister. I was just seeing them off. They both play for the Nordic Team in the World Cup. Gustav's a chaser, and Alice is the Seeker." 

 "Ah, yes. The World Cup is starting soon, isn't it? I never had a particular interest in quidditch, so I haven't kept track of such things." Rabastan paused. "Tommy, since I have seen where you live, would you mind if I visited you sometime while I'm in Stockholm?" 

 Tommy was actually taken aback. He didn't normally have visitors at all, and he wasn't used to having people who weren't family members in his apartment. 

 "Oh. Well, I suppose so. It'll be quiet, what with Gustav gone. It's the third floor, first door on the left. Easy to find. Um, I suppose I should be getting back in, anyway." 

 "It was nice seeing you," Rabastan called as Tommy walked back up the sidewalk. 

 Tommy didn't respond, since he wasn't sure how. Oh, why couldn't he be better at socializing?