When Will I See You Again

“Rem, I’m going to go now, before the others wake up.”

“Ok love, if you’re sure…I could walk you back if you like?”

“No, don’t be silly! I’m perfectly fine seeing myself out.”

“Right, yeah, of course…here take my jumper, might be a bit chilly out there.”

“Thank you Rem.”

“No, thank you Mary. Last night was…yeah…it was good.”

“See you later.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.”

Gareth peeked from under his duvet to see his brother kiss the girl goodbye at the door, he turned back and padded over to the transfigured bed, rubbing his face in his hands.

“Bore da, Ray.” He smirked. Remus jumped, still holding his head. “Do you need a pepper up? Or did you get enough of one last night…” he sat up, taking great satisfaction in watching his little brother blush. Remus walked over and perched on the end of his bed.

“I feel fucking dreadful, I do. What did Den put in that bloody punch? Drain cleaner?” Remus groaned, he collapsed back into the bed. Gareth summoned over a glass of water and two vials of  potion.

“Here, drink this.” One vial of the blue liquid hovered over Remus’ head. “You’ll feel better in no time after that. So, how did it go with Mary then?”

Remus sat up and gulped the potion, he made a face and quickly reached for the glass of water to wash it down. “Not bad, well, we didn’t do everything, just y’know…some things. But it was nice…To be honest, I don’t really see what all the fuss is about. You know, with the others making a big deal over it all. I found it a bit awkward actually, truth be told.”

Gareth huffed a laugh, “Well, I mean, it’s meant to be awkward. You have to fumble about a bit to know what you’re doing of.”

“Hmmm, I thought she was going to pull it off a one point…” Remus looked at his brother, wincing at the memory.

Gareth laughed harder, almost choking on the mouthful of water he had just drunk. “Jesus Christ, that’s a new one! A bit too enthusiastic, was she?”

“A bit?! There were moments I was genuinely in fear for my wand.” Remus sighed, he looked over to Gilderoy’s bed and pointed at the closed curtains. “He made up with Fabian then?”

Gareth looked over, he hadn’t even noticed Gil’s curtains were pulled across. “Yeah must have, he wouldn’t bring anyone else back up here.” He sat up straighter and spoke up a bit louder, “Hopefully he sorts himself out this time, I don’t suppose he will get any more chances after this.”

Remus raised his eyebrow at his brother, “Not if he keeps acting like a prick! He’s lucky Gilly’s let him back this time.”

The two boys got ready and made their way down to the great hall for breakfast, both piling their plates with sausages, bacon and fried eggs once they got there. “I don’t suppose any of the others will be up yet. I saw Sir go off with Cissa last night… we all must’ve had the same idea.” Remus pondered, looking around the half empty hall. “You didn’t see anyone you liked then Gar?”

“Oh no, I’m going with Daisy, aren’t I?” Gareth took bite out of a slice of toast, it was his favourite cure to a hangover. Stacks of warm toast with melted butter, bites of pure bliss, he was sure his Amortentia would smell of it.

“Still going strong? You’re really serious about her then?” Said Remus, grinning at his big brother.

“She’s perfect Ray, I think I’ll marry her. She’s got an apprenticeship down the hairdressers, it’s only three days a week, mind. Anyway, she won’t need to worry once I’m at the ministry with Da’, will she?” Gareth stuffed another slice of toast, following it with a large gulp of his sugary tea.

“S’pose not Gar, you definitely going to go work for Dad then?”

“Of course I am, what else would I do?”

“I don’t think I will work for Dad. I’m not sure what I could do, if I’m honest…”

“Don’t worry too much about it now Ray, just focus on getting some decent OWL’s this year.”

“And my child…”

“Goes without saying really.” Gareth teased. “You’re a cracking dad y’now, I mean, you really care for her like. I think you were born to be one.” 

Gareth knew his little brother too well. He couldn’t pretend to know what it was like, becoming a werewolf at five years old, transforming every moon, living in constant fear of yourself. He could see the glint in his brother’s eyes, the clench of his jaw, the self loathing. Gareth always felt protective over his sibling, he would always be at his side after every transformation, hold his hand through each injury the wolf inflicted on him. But, from the same place of brotherly love, he wasn’t going to let Remus fuck this up with his niece. His father had told him to stop winding his brother up on the subject, but Gareth wouldn’t give up that easily. 

“What will be, will be Ray. Don’t get too in your head about it all, just focus on the here and now.”

Remus poured himself a coffee, chewing on his bottom lip. “Gar? Do you think I should tell her?”

“Yes, you should. No good will come of it, if you don’t say anything while you have her here. The Fates, God, Merlin…Someone’s given you a chance. Tell her and regret nothing.”

The boys finished their food and Remus declared he was going to back to his dormitory to ‘pass out in the comfort of my own bed’. Gareth collected some pastries and toast to take back up to Gil. He rushed up to his room, opening the door to the smell of cigarettes and the radio playing. 

Gilderoy’s drapes were still closed.

Gareth laid the food on his bedside cabinet and climbed back into bed. He summoned over the latest edition of Welsh Rugby magazine, that his uncle had sent him. He lit himself a cigarette, as he read the latest fixtures for the Australian Rugby Union tour, They were playing Wales the first day of Christmas break. Thank you Lord, you really have outdone yourself there. Just make sure we win, yeah? Gareth smiled to himself.

The radio was turned up louder and Dusty Springfield filled the room.

I don't know what it is that makes me love you so

I only know I never want to let you go

'Cause you started something, oh, can't you see?

That ever since we met you've had a hold on me

It happens to be true, I only want to be with you

Gareth laid his cigarette in the ashtray and leapt up, storming over to Gilderoy’s bed, he whipped the curtains open.

“What the bloody hell-” Gareth snapped his mouth shut, as he registered who was in the bed with their arm around his friend. “Oh Gil, you’ve got to be joking now!”

“Get off Gaz, don’t you get all high and mighty on me-”

“You’s taking the piss, you’s takin’ the fucking piss!” Gareth fumed, pointing at the two boys in bed.

“You do realise I am here Gary.” Sirius smirked, taking a drag from his cigarette.

“I am very fucking aware, as it goes! He’s engaged! You’re engaged! To a female…” Gar spluttered, Gilly took the cigarette from Sirius’ lips, and placed it between his own.

“Why do you assume that he’s here like that! Why cannae two men lay in bed together? Honestly Gareth, I never-” Gilly started, untangling himself from Sirius’ embrace.

“I’m a queer Gary.” Sirius interrupted, pulling Gil back down into the bed. “I like wizards, and last night confirmed that I have no desire for witches- and before you say anything, it wasn’t just because she was my cousin. I tried it on with Anita as well, and it didn’t work.”

“What do you mean it didn’t work?” Asked Gareth. He perched on the end of his friend’s bed, still not sure if he was truly awake, or stuck in some bizarre nightmare.

“It didn’t work, neither had any effect on me. I just told Cissa I drank too much and that I should make my way back to my dorm…”

“Aye, but he came up here instead. We had a wee nightcap, he telt me what happened and I set him up with Anita.” Gil added, summoning over the treats Gareth brought up earlier.

“Oh get off! You’re telling me Anita just went with you? What, and she didn’t get it up either?” Gareth felt his head spin, What the fuck did I drink last night? This is not happening, I’m not here! This is not happening…

“Gary, I hate to break it to you, but you are here and this is really happening.” Sirius drawled, “And she didn’t get it up, it was a soft as a flobberworm!”

Gilderoy spat a mouthful of pastry across the bed.

“No, I can’t be doing with this. You’re both having me on…I’m going back to bed.” Gareth stumbled across the room.

The morning drifted by, Gareth finally found himself waking up to the soft hum from the radio and feeling much less like an herd of elephants had trampled over his head. He turned to his side, snuggling deeper in to his duvet. He had to admit, when Gilderoy wasn’t screeching along, his taste in music was at least better than his choice of men. Among the soppy breakup songs there was the occasional tune that became a favourite. Currently that favourite was Dolly Parton, Gareth smiled into his pillow at her gentle voice.

Love is like a butterfly as soft and gentle as a sigh

The multicoloured moods of love are like its satin wings

Love makes your heart feel strange inside it flutters like soft wings in flight

Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.

I feel it when you're with me, it happens when you kiss me

That rare and gentle feeling that I feel inside

There was rustling from Gilderoy’s bed, the bed frame gently creaking and a small sigh coming from his friend. Gareth stretched his legs and turned further into his pillow, grimacing at the dream he had about his friend earlier that morning.

Your touch is soft and gentle, your kiss is warm and tender

Whenever I am with you I think of butterflies

Gareth could hear a low moan come from the bed.

“Gil, if you keep making those noises, then I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

Gareth felt a chill run through him…that voice.

“Ach you big flirt. Go on Mr Black, what will you do to me?”

There was a sharp squeak from the bed frame, a burst of giggles and the sound of wet kisses.

Gareth threw himself from his bed.

“Get up! The pair of you, get up. Now.” He snapped, summoning a pair of trainers over and clothes for his roommate.

“What the fuck is your problem, Gaz?” Gil cried, his t-shirt smacking him square in the face.

“We’re going flying, you’re coming as well Sirius. Some fresh air will do us all some good.”

The three lads trudged down the the quidditch pitch, Gilderoy staring daggers at his friend the whole way. Gareth collected their brooms, shoving them into the other boys hands and quickly kicked off from the ground. Gil shot off after him, Sirius was a bit more reluctant, not entirely trusting why his best friend’s brother had dragged them out.

“You keep looking at me like that, your face will stay that way.” Gareth smirked across the pitch.

“You’re a cunt Gareth.” Gil spat back.

“I’m trying to help you. What do you think sitting in bed, kissing wizards that are spoken for, is going to do for you?” He hovered in the air, keeping his distance from the two other lads.

“And what’s it to you? Think you can get on everyone’s back, is that it? You’ve been smothering Ray this year, the boy’s terrified. He’s got a lot going on in his head you know, I can see it-” Gil started, his face turning red and shoulders tensing.

“Don’t you dare bring my brother into-” Gareth shouted back.

“It’s the truth! Talking to him is like walking on fucking eggshells, these days. Now you’re telling me who I can and can’t have in my bed?!”

“He’s spoken for.” Gareth pleaded, looking at Sirius who was dangling his legs from his broom, staring down at the ground. “He’s spoken for, and so are you Gil. I might hate him, but you love Fabian. I can’t see you hurt yourself over all this, and same goes for your Sir. My brother would bloody murder me, if he knew I let his best mate get himself into trouble.” Sirius pulled a small smile at that.

After a few laps around the pitch, Gilderoy collected a quaffle to throw around, he and Sirius aiming for the goal and Gareth effortlessly swooping between the posts to bat the ball away.

“So Sirius, you’re err, sure about the whole- y’know-” Gareth bumbled, not quite finding the right words.

“Preferring wizards thing? I’m very sure. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate a beautiful witch when I see one, and I love Cissa. I’m just not…in love with her? Last night sealed the deal I think. I saw Pete and Jem, and James and Lily, they made it look like maybe I could do it. Got a few drinks down fo courage, but I just, I couldn’t go through with it.” Sirius made his way over Gareth, stopping next to him. 

“Well, you must make it work out with her some way there. You’ve got your lad, haven’t you?” 

Sirius hummed, looking out ahead.

“There’s someone else, isn’t there?” Gareth smiled, as he watched Sirius’ cool mask falter for a second.

“Didn’t know you are a legilimens as well now, Gary?” Sirius muttered, jaw tensing.

Gareth huffed a laugh, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He offered one to the boy, and lit his own.

“What’s he like?” Gareth asked, taking a drag from the stick.

“He’s taken.” Sirius took a drag himself, a pained expression taking over his face. “And even if he wasn’t, he would never be interested in me.” He took another puff from his cigarette, and his faced relaxed. He turned to Gareth and gave him a bright look, “Anyway, like you said, I’ve got my boy. So it must all work out.”

“Does Ray know?”

“Of course he doesn’t. No one knows, other than you and Gil. So I would appreciate it if you kept this to yourself.” Sirius flicked the embers down to the pitch below.

“My lips are sealed. I won’t tell a soul, wizards promise.” Gareth gave a light smile, he pulled his wand from his pocket and discreetly aimed it for Gilderoy across the pitch.

The end of his broom sloped down, like it had a weight hanging from it, and a loud shriek came from Gil who was desperately clinging on.

“Sirius how could you?” Gareth loudly gasped, “Picking on poor old Gil, look! He’s screaming like a bloody banshee.” He grinned as he watched a scowl take over Sirius’s face, he zoomed over to help his friend. He grabbed Gil, slowly leading his friend down to the pitch. Remus must’ve spotted them and walked over with a bemused look.

“What’s going on here?” He asked, reaching out to take Gilly’s hand.

“Your fucking mate over there jinxed my bloody broom!” Gilderoy screeched as his feet finally touched ground.

Gareth gave his brother a wink and nodded his head up to where Sirius was floating above.

“And you’re sure about that, are you? Because bewitching brooms isn’t really his style.” Remus shot an accusatory glare to his brother.

“Of course he’s sure, what are you suggesting Ray? That I coul-” Gareth’s feet touched the pitch and instantly his legs wobbled and collapsed beneath him.

“You see, that-” Remus pointed to his brother, who’s legs were in a puddle on the floor. “Is more like Sir.”