Henry?

h-prescott:

It was almost instantaneous as they walked along the path, but Henry soon found himself having his hand on the small of her back, like he always used to. It felt right, like instinct. They spent so many months together, and that was how he enjoyed holding her, leading her. He didn’t like being so far away from her, and it soothed him to know that there was a small amount of touch to keep them together. It’d be a lie if he said he didn’t miss this at all. Just being with Gwen, one of his lost loves. And in that moment, he felt like it was back when they shared skies, shared classrooms, and shared the warmth of his bed. It wasn’t long before they finally reached the Leaky Cauldron, an old favorite of his own. Everything was just as it were, save for new people he hadn’t recognized. Time had slowed, and it was like there was nothing wrong. No war, no death, no pain. Just them.

“Firewhiskey, love,” he said with a nod. Like that, the barmaid made her way away from the duo, his attention turning to the surrounding area before finding Gwen again. “What I do, huh? Well. There’s a lot I can’t really say. I spend way too much of my time just pushing papers, sitting behind a desk, and training the new recruits. But I spend a lot of time in the Time Room, the Space Chamber, and in the Hall of Prophecies. Too much time, actually. I guess that says a lot about me.” With a chuckle, he looked down at his hands, his gaze sauntering over to her own while his hand slipped over her own, squeezing lightly. “What about you? How’s Quidditch? I haven’t been keeping up.”

“Time room,” she said quietly and curiously as she swept her gloves from her hands and slipped them into her back pockets. Hands fell onto the table and the drinks came quickly thereafter. With a silent thank you, she turned to face him once again. Brows knitted together as she grasped her bottled beer and took a small sip before setting it down once again. “As in time, actual time? I thought that was a myth. Wow,” she mused slightly mystified. “Even if you’re pushing papers, that sounds hell of a lot more interesting that pretty girls riding brooms.” A smile, playful and teasing, adorned her lips then as she winked playfully at him. Before she could reach to her beer to take another sip, she felt her cold fingers become wrapped in warmth. Eyes flitted down to see his hand covering hers. A light flush stained her cheeks a soft pink and she smiled even more so. “Quidditch has been… brilliant.” Swallowing, she turned her hand up and pressed her palm against his, enjoying the feel of his skin. It had been so long.

“I think people cling onto Quidditch like I do. I mean, with everything that it going on— it’s nice to have a sense of normalcy. Every match isn’t sold out like it used to be, but the stands stay packed. However, players are dropping out all the time. Especially those of muggle birth,” she said as her voice lowered somewhat. One thing she had learned, anyone could be lurking and listening. “Right now, there is good and bad when it comes to everything. However, I love it more that I ever thought possible. We’re doing alright, but I think the Bulgarians have it this year.” Voice soft, she shrugged and nodded at him. “So, what exactly can’t you tell me about your job, hmm?”

(Source: gwenog-j)

Henry?

h-prescott:

He was just lost in his thoughts. Everyone he loved dearly was lost to the cause, and it didn’t sit right with him. Alecto, Ayanna - they made their choice. And Henry was given that choice long ago, but there he was, at Gringotts with Gwen. That choice forever lingered in his mind, given to him long ago. It promised him power, as well as happiness. And it also promised him his loves. But that just wasn’t enough. He would have rather watched them slowly grow to hate him. It would have hurt less. The only thing that tore him from his thoughts was the tug of a small, fragile hand upon his arm. Gwen spoke of her missing him, and he wasn’t sure why. Henry never thought that he’d ever see the Hufflepuff again, and yet, here she was, in all her splendor. All the feelings came rushing back to the surface, and it felt like nothing had changed in the years since their graduation. “That makes me happy to hear that. I missed you. So damn much.” Nodding to her request, Henry just waited by one of the far walls, kept company by only his thoughts.

It wasn’t long before she finally did what she came to do, joining him again. Strong eyes locked with her own, a small smile coming to the surface. “That sounds… nice. I haven’t eaten there since we were still in Hogwarts.” Making sure she was still at his side, Henry exited the building, the cold air rushing in again, sending chills up his spine. 

When it seemed as though he was going to join her after all, she smiled brightly and slipped her hands into her pockets once more. Before long, they were out in the bustling alley once again with the icy wind breezing through the crowds. Gwen felt his hand on the small of her back and somehow she felt giddy and girlish. It was as if nothing had ever changed between them. As if they were back in their final year and time hadn’t passed ‘em by. It felt good and good, these days, was hard to come by. Chewing on her lip, she wove through the bodies until they were entering the small pub finally. It was draft, but far warmer than the afternoon air that grew dark with an oncoming storm. Noticing an empty table in an abandoned corner by the fireplace, Gwen took note and moved towards it at once. The silence was prominent, but neither awkward nor strange. Not long ago had it been the time where she often sought his company to deal with a broken heart. They had spent many silent nights together and it made the quiet much easier to swallow. 

Shrugging out of her sweater, she finally sat down and placed her hands on the table. “Some things never change,” she mused as she looked all around the place. Dust lined just about every surface, but it gave off that long lost feeling of home she missed. The barmaid came ‘round and she ordered herself a dark beer and some pumpkin soup. The cold she felt ran deep into her bones so she was looking for anything to warm herself up. “So,” she said as he placed his order and she walked away to turn it in, “tell me what all you do at your job.”

(Source: gwenog-j)

Henry?

h-prescott:

I guess half of that was my fault. Of course, he spoke of himself. There were times where he wished he had the courage to write her, to find her and just be with her again. But that had hurt far too much for him. He promised her that they’d be friends forever, but forever was not that long. He kept a watchful, yet distanced eye on her since they graduated. But that was it. We never stop caring, Gwen. Even if it hurts. There are times when I wish I could, but it always wins. That’s why I drown myself in work. Anything I can do to drown out those memories, no matter how much I miss them. No matter how much I missed Aya, Alecto, Scarlett. You. With his last mention, his head dropped for just a moment, but that was enough to say how much he regretted it all. 

He peered up, taking in the familiarity of their current situation. Everything was different - why did it look exactly the same? Peering into the window that showed a small reflection, flashes of memories gone by shown a much younger, happier Henry Prescott with a beautiful, smiling Gwenog Jones on his arms, teasing each other about the game that happened to be around the corner. And just like that, he can feel his heart break once again. Y-yeah. It has, hasn’t it? But I remember it all, if not a little blurred. A small chuckle passed the threshold, pantomiming a curtsy with the added effect of lifting a skirt. Why, thank you, darling.

The broken tones his voice rang with hit her softly, but she tried to not show him that she felt his sadness. It seemed a lot burdened him these days, but it was hard to not let the past do just that. Gwenog would be a liar if she said that, when she read the paper and searched for certain names such as Amycus Carrow, she didn’t feel guilty. Of course they had parted ways long ago because he had an even darker demon on his shoulder, but it didn’t mean that she didn’t have a chance to save him too. They could have saved ‘em all, but there they stood instead. Each day, however, she told herself that she was only a single person. It wasn’t her place to save ‘em all. That was what she told herself when the guilt threatened to eat her alive. “It’s okay Henry,” she said softly with a shy smile. A gloved hand reach out to him, grasping his arm in the grandeur foyer of the bank. “I missed you too. Everyday, I missed you.” With a gentle squeeze, she then dropped her hand back to her pocket and withdrew the small parcel. “Wait here,” she said softly, “this will only take a moment.”

Offering him a reassuring smile, she walked away from his side and strode over to one of the many open teller’s lines. As quickly as she could, she dropped off the last of her mother’s necklaces to be placed within the family vault. “Thank you,” she whispered as she signed her name and returned to Henry once again. “Want to stop at the Leaky Cauldron for food or somewhere else?”

(Source: gwenog-j)

Henry?

h-prescott:

Maybe. But I’ve fallen too far to the ground, and picked up a desk job. It’s not all that bad. I like what I do. Well, I’d hate to impose, but I think it’d be rude to let you go without spending at least a little more time with me. Besides, I’m actually here for food, so that all works out. Nodding slightly, he turned to her with a somewhat forced smile, walking side by side with the woman he once knew. Yeah? Those two… Huh. Quidditch wasn’t the only thing that faded from me. Alecto moved on. She had her brother to think about, who you know hated me. The whole relationship thing just wasn’t for her, y’know? We didn’t break it badly, but we didn’t leave each other friends. As for Zabini… I don’t know. We lost contact long ago. She made her choice, I made mine. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s alive. I kept tabs on her, but she doesn’t want to be found. Not by me, anyway. So yeah, that’s the story of my sad romance. Tragic.

I’d like to enjoy that, yes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you - why ruin it with something that we shouldn’t even talk about? A small, half-hearted smile replaced the forced one, his hands slipping into his pockets, taking a look down the bustling road. If I remember correctly, this is where we had our first date. And don’t hit me if I’m wrong. 

Gwenog took small strides by his side, nodding when needed and listening closely. Alecto and herself had never been close and the rumors which trailed in her wake left a bad taste on her tongue. As for Aya, Gwen would be lying if she said she didn’t miss the girl. However, he was right. All at once, she made her choice and signed her soul to the dark side. Long ago, she had thought about trying to save her and give her a place in this world, but Aya wasn’t the sort to be saved so she left it alone. At least you have stories. Since school, I’ve kept in touch with no one. It hurt too much to try. Especially for those who didn’t want me to try. I sort of stopped… caring. Though, we never really stop caring do we? Those feelings, while lost and slightly confused, never go away. Looking to him then, she warmed at the sight of his smile and found it ever so funny that it managed to still make her knees quiver. Though, nowadays it was far less noticeable in her. However, as much as we can’t forget, we have to let go and move on. It’s the only choice we have, I think, to remain sane.

At his mention of their first date, she was taken back to a time when darkness and sadness hadn’t shrouded the world. There they had been, sipping sodas and talking about Quidditch. It had been a simple day and she had worn a dress, a rare occasion. No, you’re right. This was the place. Time really has gotten away from us, hasn’t it? Softly biting onto her lip, she walked up the steps of the bank and then opened the door for him. After you, mademoiselle. 

(Source: gwenog-j)

Henry?

h-prescott:

I really was that good, huh? I guess it’s just been a while since I’ve even been on a broom. Well, I’d be lying if my attention was always on the quaffle. Perhaps I’ve missed a few easy shots while flying circles around you, Gwen. Simply, his hand slipped behind his neck to relieve him of the tension he had felt. Your parents? I’m terribly sorry, love. Really. Let’s not dwell, yeah? — Well, I’m certainly surprised. I figured Quidditch would be a great way for you to find someone. That’s how we met, wasn’t it? In a way, I suppose that’s good. Keeps you on your game. Me? No. Just me. Sad, really. Looking back at all my adventures back in the castle, you’d think I’d have been married at this point. 

I’ve been alone in all of this, and it’s not something I like, but that’s how it is. The expression he wore fell a little short. Since our tenure ended in Hogwarts, I haven’t been able to concentrate on any girls, really. 

You really were good. You could have made it somewhere, I’m sure of it. The only downfall to Quidditch is the lack of privacy or free time. The only down time I usually have is spent running errands or sleeping. Which is what I’m doing right now. Walk with me to Gringotts? After, we could grab lunch. I’m starved and I don’t want to go back to my sad little loft yet. With a shrug, she slipped her hands into the pockets of her sweater jacket. The air was cool against her skin and unless she had too, she preferred to remain bundled up tight. Yes, let’s no dwell on the bad. It doesn’t do anything for either of us. Shock flitted across her expression and she looked upon him dumbfounded. I am actually quite shocked, to be frank. So many people have married off and had babies. I thought you’d surely be one of them. Perhaps Alecto or Aya…

Before those thoughts could run too wild, she dropped that conversation and traded it for another, an offering. Well, you don’t have to be alone right now. You’ve got me and I’ve got you. Want to enjoy it?

(Source: gwenog-j)

merriemalik:

Day 03: A song that makes you happy

♫ Ships in the Night - Mat Kearney

Henry?

h-prescott:

Believe me, love. I know the feeling. Everyone I used to know, that I used to care for. It takes everything I have to remember their faces. What they sounded like, their voices. And it hurts, y’know? To see how much we’ve all lost. What I’ve lost. But maybe this sort of thing happens. Maybe that’s what Hogwarts prepared us for. Well, you still have me. That’s a promise I made to you years ago, and it still holds merit. Pretty sure I’d muck it all up, and split my skull open, but it’s the thought that counts, right? I’m fine, Jones, really. I’m just happy to know that you’re still out there. Happy to know that you’re happy. …You are happy, right? Found the Mr. Perfect you deserved?

Don’t be silly, Henry. Of all the fliers in our year, very few gave me a run for my money. Though, I always did wonder if you were chasing the quaffle or chasing me. With a slight laugh, she crossed her arms over her sweater clad chest and then sighed. I’m as happy as I can be, I guess. Lost my parents last year. That’s been the hardest bit. Wrong place at the wrong time sort of thing and they barely stood a chance. I try not to think about it. Mr. Perfect? As if he even exists. Since school, I’ve not dated. Mind you, I am surrounded by bloody birds all day long with practices and matches. As always, I remain the single girl. Seems to be a reoccurring theme, oddly enough. And you? Have you finally swept some girl right off her heels?

(Source: gwenog-j)