Left with Myself

Bertram Aubrey. Twenty-Eight. Half-Blood. Ravenclaw Alumnus. Graduated in 1978. Singer and Former Seeker for Tutshill Tornados.

[bertrey]

where: Summer Solstice Festival  who: Bertram Aubrey and Emma Vanity ( @elvanity​ )

Today, Bertram was going on a date with Dirk and it’s a pretty big deal too. They were actually going to be out and about, not cooped up in their flat, snuggling on the couch under a warm blanket, not in a dark corner in a private room of some restaurant away from prying eyes. Bertram wanted to take Dirk to the festival himself but there was an unavoidable meeting with his manager and a producer that he couldn’t skip, not even for the festival, which resulted to Bertram arriving at the tent a little earlier than his boyfriend.

With nothing to do, Bertram decided to get himself a drink from one of the eye-catching stands littered around the area. Sipping on his juice while waiting for Dirk to arrive, Bertram was checking out everything that the festival has to offer when a familiar face came into view. Bertram sauntered towards Emma and gently bumped her shoulder as a form of greeting. “You enjoying yourself under the sun? Or did you have to be dragged outside?”

[bertrey]

Dirk Cresswell​:

Where: Summer Solstice Festival When: 21st June Who: Dirk && @bertrey

They had been to plenty of these sorts of things together before but never together. Halloween had been the closest, except that Dirk hadn’t known Bertram’s feelings at the time and ever since confessions and revelations and decisions to give it a go had occurred, they had been keeping things to themselves. Not in the sense of keeping it a secret, and that certainly wasn’t to say they hadn’t been on any dates but Dirk was a naturally private person so walking through such a busy place hand in hand with another man made him feel a little self-conscious. It very much felt like a public outing together, eyes of reporters around them and practically everybody either of them knew in attendance. It made Dirk glad that they had opted for a quiet weekend just the two of them for their birthdays and Valentine’s weekend, when it had all been so new and fresh. He was certain he wouldn’t have been ready for this any earlier. Now, however, he gave Bertram’s hand a squeeze and looked at him with a smile that said he had no doubts or reservations any longer. He wanted to be here with Bertram, nobody else. “Where do you want to go next?” he asked, though quickly followed up with his own suggestion. “I’m not sure about the whole dancing with a tree thing, but we could go and see if they’re playing any decent music there.”

It was Bertram who asked Dirk if he wanted to come with him to the Summer Solstice and he had to ask more than a dozen times if this was truly what Dirk wanted after he finally agreed. The time they spent together during his birthday was nothing short of magical and Bertram was afraid that going outside this time around would pale in comparison. But Dirk reassured him and now they’re hear, holding hands and getting their pictures taken together. And all was right as rain. Dirk didn’t even give Bertram time to answer which was absolutely fine since it would have taken him a good minute to answer something substantial anyway. And Dirk’s suggestion was excellent on its own. He squeezed Dirk’s hand right back and returned his warm smile. “Yeah. That sounds great to me. They probably got a quartet to play. And if dancing with a tree isn’t your thing, you can just dance with me?”

[bertrey]

Gideon Prewett​:

“Not growing up is a pace isn’t it? It’s just a really slow pace.” He suddenly found himself wishing he had left when Marlowe left. Then he could be at home with his boyfriend instead of having this silly argument. He waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter.”

Gideon really didn’t like this man’s attitude, but he didn’t want to lose his temper. Somehow he didn’t think that would make it any better. “Why would I tell the press? I’m not trying to spread anything,” he said. “Not like any press is knocking on my door asking me about random musicians.” He didn’t see why Bertram would tell him that if he was concerned about him telling the press. “Good for you then.”

Gideon might think that they’re having an argument, but to Bertram, he was merely expressing his thoughts to someone who doesn’t share the same viewpoint as him? Isn’t that what all discussions and conversations are in a way? “I don’t know how people can not grow up quickly with everything going on.” Bertram shook his head before stopping himself. “Well... I guess some people can afford to. Literally.” Bertram shrugged. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter.”

Bertram was starting to feel like not everything was right with the other man. For someone who’s supposedly always getting into trouble because of pranks and schemes, he sure can’t seem to take a joke. “Relax, mate. Where’s your sense of humor?” His comment about Bertram being some random musician was what did it. “You’re right. Why would they?” Bertram  shrugged it off. If Gideon never said anything, he’ll be completely okay with it.

[bertrey]

Dirk Cresswell​:

“The fact that Hogwarts never made sure we were seeing a dentist regularly did sometimes make me wonder how much education there was about that,” he commented, dryly. It was nice that these days he could say things like that to Bertram which screamed of his muggle upbringing without having to worry and it made it hard to believe that for so long he had avoided such a topic with his best friend. “They should change the name of Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile Award to the Best Use of Teeth Whitening Potions Award.”

The joke felt like it had fallen flat a little when the taste of toothpaste was pressed against his lips again in the form of a kiss. In something of a daze, Dirk let himself be pushed away from the sink as he dropped his toothbrush back into its holder, now looking at Bertram properly but there was a hint of a frown on his face as he did so. It was all so domestic but that wasn’t really the problem. Boarding school followed by these years living with Bertram meant that domesticity wasn’t such a foreign concept to Dirk. He was completely focused on what they were going to do when they left the safety of the bathroom and all too soon Bertram was done and asking to head back to bed. “Berty,” he said, voice cracking a little with the anxiety of what he felt he needed to say and the uncertainty that it might make this thing between them crumble. “I don’t— I’ve never—” He trailed off with a hand gesture as if to say you know.

Bertram rolled his eyes at Dirk’s comment but his lips remained smiling. It amused Bertram to no end whenever Dirk would let his guard down and complain about the wizarding world because the muggle world just did it so much better. Bertram himself didn’t have much contact with the muggle world despite his mother being a muggle herself. That’s why Dirk’s concerns entertain him deeply. “How else would they get their charming smile, Dirk? Not everything can just be down to natural looks, can it? Besides, how do muggles get nice teeth? How is that any different from whitening potions?”

Dirk’s voice crack prompted Bertram to stop midway. He got both of them out of the bathroom but they were still too far from the bed for Bertram’s liking. But Dirk’s hesitation no longer seemed like his usual kind wherein he simply needed a push. No, his hesitation seemed more... Pained. Worried. Bertram frowned. “What?!” Bertram sputtered when he realized what Dirk meant. “I’m not... I’m not trying to be fresh with you, Dirk. I just wanted to cuddle like I said.” He rolled his eyes as if it was obvious. “We agreed to take it slow. Part of that is not trying to sleep with you. I promise.”

[bertrey]

Gideon Prewett​:

Something about the way Bertram was speaking was rubbing Gideon the wrong way. He had no idea what experience he had with Potter and Black - Gideon knew they weren’t perfect angels - but they were his friends. He thought Bertram had a lot of nerve to say things like this in front of a near stranger. “I think everyone grows up at their own pace. Some don’t have the choice unfortunately and some never do.” He did his best to remain composed no matter how upset he seemed.

Their conversation turned sour right quick and all of a sudden Gideon was wishing for a way out. “I didn’t mean it literally,” he said. “Just a joke.”

Bertram snorted into his drink. “I’ll say.” If there’s anyone in this side of Wizarding London who was most likely never to grow up, Black would probably be on the top of the list. Even Potter managed to start his own family. “But which is it? Everyone grows up at their own pace or do some just never do. You can’t find both to be true.” Bertram found that his inner Ravenclaw was resurfacing. 

“I know.” He looked at him weirdly. “I was joking as well. You somehow missed that.” Maybe the man was just sensitive. But he found it very odd that he also sounded... defensive. “Besides, don’t tell the press this, but I’m a taken man. There’s only one set of parents that I’m looking forward to meeting.”

[bertrey]

Sirius Black​:

Sirius wanted to keep digging into Bertram, but he also wanted him to shut up. “I’m trying to show my sensitive side,” he said with a smile. “These are sensitive times, mate.” He wanted to say more than that, but he shut his mouth.

“Whatever you tell yourself,” he said in a singsong voice. “You could have told me to leave minutes ago,” he said. “But you won’t because you’re obsessed with me. You act like you’re better than me and James. You act like we disgust you, like you could never be like us, but here’s the thing: you want to be just like me.” He stood there for a moment, just taking his small monologue in. “Hope your boyfriend won’t get jealous.” He would have to talk to Mary after this, make sure she knew how he really felt about queers, as Bertram said. Maybe he’d double down and turn it into a coming out. “Don’t worry, Berty. I’m going to sleep great tonight.”

Bertram pushed out a bitter scoff from the bottom of his lungs. “That’s not meant to be a compliment, mate.” He added a tone, just in case Sirius’ delusions would have him believing that he was in fact someone worthy to be called ‘mate’. “Pretty sure you’re only sensitive about your own arse, Black.”

“Frankly, I am but a guest here. I have no right to drive off other guests. No matter how untoward or unseemly they’re being.” Besides, when has Bertram ever turned down a challenge and end up looking like an utter coward? Sirius’s words felt like poison. Because it clouds the very truth he’s clung to so that he could justify his hatred for him and Potter. “You’re a fool if you think I ever want to be anything like you.” Bertram fixed his posture. As if doing so gives him more dignity. “Just look at the both of us. How could I ever want to be like you?” Finally, Bertram stepped back. He’s had enough. It’s about time he leaves the place anyway. “Whatever. Have a shite life, Black.”

[bertrey]

Dirk Cresswell​:

Dirk just laughed and shook his head. He didn’t really drink all that often, but with nowhere to be, he saw no reason to limit it to the evening. “The sooner we start, the sooner the hangover ends. I’m not letting you go, you’ll just have to take me with you.” He wrapped his free hand around over their joint ones to stop Bertram from trying to let go of him. “Oh, yeah, so says the one who works weekends. At least my job is a nice, civilised nine-to-five,” he teased back. It did limit their time together, however, when their schedules were in such opposition, which is why it almost felt enough to celebrate them simply getting a weekend to themselves.

Heat spread through Dirk’s cheeks as he looked down at their hands. “I know you have. It’s not bad. I… liked it. It helped me realise that I wanted it, too, not just that I didn’t want to hurt you.” But he also knew it wouldn’t have been fair to leave Bertram with any uncertainty over how Dirk felt, no matter how much Bertram tried to say it didn’t matter.

Bertram laughed along with him even though he didn’t think his laughter sounded as pretty as Dirk’s. With only the two of them together, it hardly mattered. “I don’t think that’s how it works, Dirk.” Bertram calls Dirk by his name a lot whenever he was feeling affectionate. “But I’d love to see you get drunk anyway. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” With that Bertram wrapped his other hand around the one Dirk just placed over their interlocking fingers. He has no plans of letting go either. “Come on then. It’s not gonna fetch itself.” Even though it could with a flick of a wand. Bertram just thought that dragging Dirk around would be a lot more fun. The musician stuck a tongue out at his boyfriend. “Well, it’s not my fault you’re so prompt and proper all the time. You wouldn’t even entertain the thought of being late just so we could cuddle in the morning.”

He stopped and looked at Dirk blushing profusely. Bertram didn’t think it was something he should feel guilty about but it was nice to know that Dirk knew and yet, he didn’t mind all the same. He brought their hands up to his lips and kissed Dirk’s hand. “I don’t think you will hurt me, Dirk.” Bertram paused and let his sentiment simmer for a while before continuing. “But if you do. Think of all the amazing songs I’ll get to write,” he teased. “There’s gonna be a whole album dedicated to you. Each song would be about how a beautiful man stole my heart and called it his.” The musician looked up and smiled gleefully, waiting for Dirk’s reaction. “Now enough of that. Let’s get started with drinking.”

[bertrey]

Gideon Prewett​:

“I don’t think so,” Gideon said. “I think all kids are assholes a bit. I was mostly just annoying. A little too confident. Always getting into trouble. Always thinking others needed my help.” He paused. He hadn’t changed much. “Yeah, we’re friends. Didn’t know them much during school. Was too old at that point. Too involved in my own shit. But after school we started to run in the same circles. They’ve grown up a bit.”

He shook his head. “I can only do it with alcohol, I assure you.” He wasn’t sure why Bertram was so against calling him Gideon, but he just nodded. “Prewett is fine. Though if you were in a room with my family, you’d get six people turning to you at once.” It made it even more confusing with Fabian. Sometimes people didn’t even know which twin they wanted. “Suppose not.”

Bertram just looked at Gideon as if what he said was absurd. It wasn’t the description that he gave himself, rather what he said beforehand. “We were hardly kids when we left Hogwarts. Pretty sure that all that time away from our homes should have been enough to make us grow up faster.” Bertram didn’t know what he was expecting. Certainly not that the stranger he just met was friends with Potter and Black. Bertram’s face immediately turned stone cold. “I see.” 

He shrugged. For him, that condition was a non-issue. “I sometimes drink a pint before my set.” As if that was somehow equivalent to requiring inebriation to perform. “Well, I’m not meeting your family, am I?” What do they have to do with Bertram preferring to call Gideon by his last name? 

[bertrey]

Sirius Black​:

“Yeah, it is” Sirius said. Though it never felt like a personal problem. His problems with his family had always been on display. Purebloods led their lives so publicly, with everything as an appearance. “So shut the fuck up about it, eh?”

Bertram could say whatever he wanted about Sirius’s sex life. At least he had one. Sirius felt bad for the boyfriend, if he even existed. Maybe Bertram was good at putting on a face, he was a performer after all. “I get on just fine, don’t you worry about me.” Sirius was used to Bertram’s words. He was used to going back and forth like this and curbing his anger. But when he brought Mary into it, something sparked in him. “Leave her out of it,” he said through his teeth. He clenched his fist, then unclenched it. Not here. “Jealousy was never a good colour on you. But I guess it’s all you know with me.”

Bertram’s eyes squinted to form a sneer. A cold and unsettling smirk formed on his lips. “Well since you ask oh so nicely.” Frankly, Bertram didn’t care if it was a sensitive subject. If anything, it only made him want to press into it more. To push against the pressure points until cracks on Sirius’s facade started to show. “You were always such a sensitive prick. You and your mate, Potter.”

In Bertram’s eyes, his reply still reeked of condescension. He was getting tired of this game. Pretty soon, he’ll feel his hands forming into a fist, if not reaching for his wand tucked in his boot to throw a particularly cruel hex directly at Sirius’s ugly mug. “Oh, I never worried about you a bit, Black. Trust me. You’re not worth more than the shit I scrape off my shoe.” At the mention of Mary, Bertram finally felt like they were getting somewhere. “Fine. I’ll leave her out of it. But I hope you know I’m telling her what exactly it is you think of queers when I see her.” A bitter laugh escaped him. “Yeah. Sure, Black, whatever makes you sleep better at night.”

[bertrey]

Severus Snape​:

Severus wasn’t one to really be overly sociable. He was more of an observer, less likely to actively partake in events, conversations, what have you… He also functioned under the notion that he was probably socially invisible. Historically, this seemed to be the case. At school, he would be far too busy studying. At work, he was far too busy experimenting. Sure, he might go out for the occasional drink, make small talk with the few friends he had, but…over all, there wasn’t much there. That was why the voice calling his name took him completely off guard. Not to mention, the confusion over his workplace took that a step further.

“Sorry?” he started, and then realized the issue. “Ah, no… I don’t work at the apothecary. I’m at the Ministry. Right now, anyway…” He trailed off there, in a sort of way that might even imply he was hopeful for the future. “Potioneer. Though it’s been a while, I wouldn’t expect you to recall–” His eyes narrowed for a brief moment like he was finally recognizing the other fully, as though his brain just took a moment to catch up. “Aubrey… Of course. I should have seen your face sooner and known.”

“Oh.” Bertram made a mistake. That was forgivable, wasn’t it? It’s been almost a year since they last rubbed elbows or anything for that matter. Maybe even more. “Right, of course. How can I forget...” He could because they never really talked to each other. Not in any way that they’ll get to know each other at least. When Snape seemed to forgive him for forgetting, Bertram immediately jumped on it, even cutting Snape off. “Yeah, it has, hasn’t it?”

Only then did Snape seem to realize who he was. Bertram’s second realization struck him almost as hard as the first one. Snape didn’t even recognize who he was right away. Bertram forced himself to smile. “Of course, you didn’t recognize me sooner. You’re not really the kind to listen to my music, are you?” Despite his forced bravado, Bertram shifted his weight from foot to foot, unsure where this interaction would lead.

[bertrey]

Dirk Cresswell​:

He pushed the bathroom door to behind him and took a moment just to breathe. The whole thing was so overwhelming and Dirk didn’t know how to feel. Suddenly, it all felt so different to cuddling in the living room or even kissing. Something changed the whole feeling them lying in bed together, despite having stayed that way all through the night. Dirk splashed some cold water on his face to try and distract himself from his thoughts and then relieved himself. As he washed his hands, he realised he still wanted to put off going back to bed. Back to Bertram. Where he would have to face the fact that label or no label, lying in bed with someone he had been kissing recently might lead to certain expectations. Dirk reached for his toothbrush, not really thinking through the action until Bertram walked in. Dirk looked at him through the mirror, glad that having a mouth full of toothpaste was enough to stop it from being obvious that he was starting to panic. Just a little bit.

“I—” He nearly choked on the toothpaste and took a moment to spit into the sink, running the tap to let it drain away and to wash around his mouth. “That’s not—” It hadn’t even occurred to him that it might look like that — not that Dirk was worried about morning breath, but rather that brushing his teeth might imply he expected them to kiss. “Dental hygiene is important,” he mumbled in defence of himself.

Bertram laughed as Dirk got all flustered. He was still unaware of the possible thoughts running through Dirk’s head. All he could think of was how cute Dirk was and how he can’t wait for the chance to pull him back to bed. He grabbed the tube of toothpaste and squeezed some into his toothbrush’s bristles. While Dirk was looking at him through the mirror, Bertram preferred to look at him directly as he started brushing his teeth. “Oh. I know,” Bertram tried to say with his toothbrush still in his mouth so it just came out as garbled. “How else do you think I maintain my megawatt smile.” It was a joke since Bertram rarely smiles for the camera. Not even a lot in front of a crowd. Most of his smiles were reserved for Dirk alone.

Dirk had just finished washing his mouth, so naturally, Bertram used the opportunity to lean over and press his still lips that were still covered with suds against Dirk’s lips. Bertram was smiling himself silly as he pushed Dirk away from the sink with his hips before rinsing his own mouth. “Now, are you done yet?” he asked, grabbing Bertram by the wrist. “I’d like to come back to cuddling, please.”

[bertrey]

Dirk Cresswell​:

He could get lost in that feeling of trust and comfort as much as he could the taste of chocolate of Bertram’s lips or the feeling of their bodies pressed close together. It was home and it felt right and Dirk was finding it hard to believe that it had taken him so long to see that this was what he wanted. Now that he had spoken as much aloud; called Bertram his boyfriend; agreed to make this a thing, he could hardly imagine them being anything less. 

“I think so,” he agreed, lacing their fingers together, “although, you know, there wasn’t anything stopping us from day-drinking anyway. How often do we get a whole weekend to ourselves?” Dirk increased the pressure he was holding on Bertram’s hand, stopping him from getting up for the wine straight away. “I’m sure about you.” He needed Bertram to know this was what he wanted and not just something he was giving into so as not to ruin a friendship, particularly after all his hesitations. “I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out.”

Bertram thought he knew everything about Dirk. From their days in Hogwarts to moving in together, he spent every day learning more about him. Sometimes, he’d think that he already knew all there is to know. But just their first kiss was enough to prove that he was wrong. So wrong. That first kiss taught Bertram more about Dirk than the decade they spent together.

And after their second kiss, Bertram was just rediscovering Dirk all over again.

Bertram looked at him weirdly. “I didn’t know my boyfriend is an aspiring alcoholic,” he teased before bringing up their interlaced hands. “Or I uh... guess not since you don’t look like you want to let me go. And to answer that question, it’s not a lot. Since you’re always so busy all the time,” he joked. Bertram squeezed Dirk’s hand back before looking up at his boyfriend. He didn’t know where Dirk’s declaration was coming from but it wasn’t at all unwelcome. “Hey, don’t worry about it. You have nothing to be sorry for.” Bertram thought about it for a few seconds before adding, “In fact, can I tell you something? It kinda didn’t matter because I’ve treated you as my boyfriend ever since we kissed for the second time. Is that bad?”

[bertrey]

where: on the streets of Diagon Alley who: Bertram Aubrey and Severus Snape ( @snapeinsmoke )

Working almost nonstop during March left Bertram's throat worse from wear. Some days he found himself not speaking at all, leaving him with a lot of frustration, as he was unable to say the simplest things to Dirk. Hopefully, he found it amusing. Dirk tried supplying him with potions that could help but Bertram found himself needing more. And he didn't want to bother Dirk anymore. If he made any more potions, Bertram wouldn't be able to help himself from feeling that he needs to start paying Dirk and he didn't want that.

So he did any sensible person without a boyfriend who's proficient in Potions would do and visit the nearest apothecary. He was just a few blocks away when he bumped into a familiar face. Severus Snape. Having no knowledge of his job as a potioneer for the Ministry or that he's applying for a place in Hogwarts, Bertram just assumed that he came from the place where Bertram was going. "Snape!" he called out. "I didn't know you work at the apothecary."

[bertrey]

Gideon Prewett​:

Gideon didn’t know how to take the question. He said it so casually and yet it made the cinversation take a much more serious question. He also wasn’t sure how to answer. “Depends on your definition I guess,” he said. He looked at Bertram. He looked younger than he and Amos. “Not quite to the level of Black and Potter if that’s what you’re after. But I did spend a fair amount of time in detention over my years.” He hoped Bertram wouldn’t think badly of him for his answer. It seemed like a potentially sore subject. He shrugged. “Guess we do.”

“No,” he said with a laugh. “My sister and I love karaoke. I think we’d do it sober. It’s more fun drunk though. Most things are.” He took a sip of his drink to demonstrate his point. He snickered at the next words. “Just call me Gideon. Mr. Prewett sounds too formal. Like I’m a professor or something. And I think Filch would have a heart attack if I went back to Hogwarts to teach.”

Maybe Gideon wasn’t expecting him to answer. But Bertram was ready. “Well, were you an asshole? Kicked people while they’re down and all that? Made someone cry? Hang someone upside down in the air by the ankles?” He was practically describing what he thought of Black and Potter so he was a little bit surprised when Gideon mentioned their names. “You know of them then? Aren’t they younger than you?” They should be because they were Bertram’s age. And he was certain that Gideon was older than him. 

Bertram smiled when he thought that the other man contradicted himself. “So that means you can go in front of there and sing then.” He pointed at the stage. “No alcohol required.” Oh, he was one of those people who preferred being called by their first name. Even by people who were practically strangers. How American. “How about Prewett then?” Bertram himself wasn’t comfortable calling people like they were his friends. “That hardly counts as making you sound like a professor, right?”

[bertrey]

Sirius Black​:

Sirius thoroughly disliked the sound of Bertram’s laugh. If he wasn’t in public, Sirius would have trouble stopping himself from punching Bertram right in the face. He’d never resorted to physical violence with him though, and they way Aubrey reacted to things, Sirius thought he would leave it that way. “The Blacks were never my family,” he said darkly. His real family would have wanted him. He had to tell himself that. “How can I get you out of your mind when you keep bloody talking?”

He was used to being on the receiving end of hateful comments, usually from his own mother. So as much as he hated it, his guard was usually up high. He was used to throwing out insults and hurtful things without fully thinking it through. “My house is rarely empty, don’t you worry.” It was the truth, but not in the exact way Bertram meant it. His house was usually a stopping point for Order members or the Marauders. He also brought girls back fairly often. They never stayed around for long though. There was never anyone worth keeping around. He narrowed his eyes as Bertram said the words. It made it worse, really, that he was throwing them right back so casually. He shouldn’t have slipped up like that. Especially not when he was the same way. Bertram just seemed to be more at peace than Sirius was. He was jealous. He seemed comfortable. “I’m not going to say it,” he said, speaking the most quietly he had all night. Sirius gritted his teeth. He hated that Bertram was brining Mary into it. “Mary can make decisions for herself. She doesn’t need you whispering in her ear.”

Bertram saw his words land how they intended and a cruel joy blossomed within him. “Whatever you say, Black.” At the end of the day, Sirius couldn’t escape what his last name meant and Bertram wanted to remind him of it. If Dirk saw Bertram right now, he might hate what he was seeing. But he pushed that thought away. He can’t afford to feel guilty now. “Sounds like a personal problem.”

The musician barked another bitter laugh. He blew it out from a place that felt no pleasure. “From all the birds warming your bed, right? Yeah. That doesn’t sound like a fucking lonely place to be in at all.” Not like Bertram who has Dirk to always go home to. Bertram knew that he was lucky. No, he was beyond that. He was gifted and blessed with Dirk and he wanted to rub it in Sirius’ face. His words seemed to shut Sirius up. Good. Bertram just smirked at Sirius’ hesitation. “You don’t need to,” he spat. “And she doesn’t need your hateful arse pretending to be her friend when you’d sooner hate on people like her.” Bertram shook his head. “Mary can make her own decisions but you just proved to me how wrong she is by choosing you. If she could only see you now.”

[bertrey]

Sirius Black​:

“Sounds like you don’t need me then,” he said. “So not sure why you’re so bothered by me talking to you.” He knew how to get under Betram’s skin and he was thoroughly enjoying it. “Trust me, if I had known it was you I would have gotten out of here as soon as I entered.” He pressed his lips together. “But unfortunately for me, I’ve spent years trying to get your ugly mug out of my mind, so I didn’t know it was you.” He shrugged. “Guess you’re that insignificant. Couldn’t pick you out if you were the only one in here.”

Sirius had trouble backing down. He always needed to have the last word, throw the last projectile. He was always up for a challenge no matter what it was and tonight, going toe to toe with Bertram was a challenge. “Oh, don’t worry, Aubrey. You don’t have to make up a boyfriend to impress me. I told you I’m not into you.” Something about Bertram having a boyfriend - if he did - grated on him. He thought he would be just as mad if it was a girlfriend, but something about the man so casually saying boyfriend really crossed a line. “Shoulda known you were…” He trailed off before he said something he was going to regret. “Never fucking mind.”

tw homophobic slur

Bertram actually laughed at Sirius’ comment. Although, the sound that came out of his throat tasted bitter and haughty. “Of course, I don’t. I doubt anyone ever needed you, Black. Not even your family right?” It was a low blow and Bertram knew it. “Then leave then? The door’s wide open, innit?” The closest people around them were starting to form worried looks. It looks like a fight was about to happen any time now. “`Trying` seems to be the keyword there. Sounds like you can’t get me out of your mind.”

Receiving such hateful words wasn’t a new thing for Bertram. He’s heard it before he switched careers. He’s heard it before he became one of the only people of Asian descent to have a professional Quidditch career. He has heard it way back since Hogwarts when he decided that he didn’t care what other people would think if they saw him holding Mary’s hand. “It just makes you look jealous, Black. I don’t care if you don’t believe me. At the end of the day, I’m not the one going home to an empty house, aren’t I?” Sirius next words caused Bertram to see red. He stepped inside Sirius’ personal space. Bertram no longer cared if people stared and took pictures of them. He hated it when people disrespect him. But he hated it even more if people disrespected his relationship with Dirk. “I’m a what? Black? A poofter? A faggot? Come on, don’t be shy. Say it.” A few tense seconds later, Bertram backed off. “I knew I was right telling Mary that she should have never been friends with you. You and your lot.”

[bertrey]

Gideon Prewett​:

Gideon had never considered if Marlowe trusted him or not. “I think it depends on what kind of trouble you mean. I got into a ton of trouble in school. Always in and out of detention for some prank or scheme.” He looked at the other man. He didn’t think they went to school together, only knew him from Quidditch. “But I’ve mellowed out I suppose.”

He nodded. “I’ve had some awful karaoke runs, but I’d need way more than a drink in me for that one.” He didn’t want to promise karaoke though, especially not in front of a professional singer. He laughed. “Guess so. Is that actually how it goes? You seem to be doing well for yourself.” He nodded. “Prewett,” he said. “Gideon.” He always seemed to introduce himself with his last name. He felt like his reputation often proceeded him whether that was for better or for worse.  

“Ah. I see,” Bertram said as if he could already ascertain what kind of person the stranger was. “You’re one of those people, huh? Were you a prick too?” It wasn’t so much an accusation as it was a genuine question. In Hogwarts, somealways seemed to test their magical prowess by pranking others. Some were in it for fun. Theirs as well as others’. Other people found malice in their pranks. Just like Potter, Black, and the rest of his crew. “Don’t we all mellow out as we grow old?”

“Ah... Karaoke.” Bertram has become more and more conscious of their existence as he entered the industry. The concept intrigued him but he never had enough time to try it for himself. “It sounds like you weren’t entirely forced either.” Bertram shrugged. “I’m getting by.” He liked to keep it at that. Showing off his success to strangers was never something he liked to do. What would be the point of that? “Aubrey. Bertram,” he introduced himself as if they haven’t already established that the man already knew who he is. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Prewett.”