Suffering Part 4: New Blood

Malfoy Manor Meeting 2.2

“I know you very well, darling,” Alastair replied. Y/N took a seat on Alastair's small sofa that was near the fire. “I’ll make you a cup of tea,” he announced from the kitchenette. “It’s not necessary. I shouldn’t have come here to be honest. I will pay dearly for this,” she admitted. 

“You sold the cottage?” Alastair questioned. “You know I cannot give you information on where I am now,” Y/N sighed. “I was just surprised, that’s all,” he replied as he sat in a chair near the sofa. 

“Do you think somewhere, in some time, there is a version of me who is happy? Completely utterly happy?” she asked Alastair curiously. “I wish it could be this you, right now, right here, love,” he admitted. 

Y/N shook her head in agreement, “I wish that for both of us. Do you know who you are? I still haven’t figured myself out. I know you aren’t my cat anymore but I’ll still ask you the hard questions. You were always a terrific listener. A little gentleman if you will,” Y/N replied. 

Alastair shook his head side to side, “I haven’t got a fucking clue, love,” he replied with a little smirk. 

“Do you think it will just come to us one day and we will recognize ourselves? Maybe one day a single event will trigger it. I’m nothing if not complicated,” Y/N replied as she slumped back against the sofa.  

“I could listen to you talk for hours about the most unusual topics. You talked to me as if I really could answer you. I feel as if I know you so well, as uncomfortable as that may be for you,” Alastair admitted.

 “I hate how many ugly things you had to witness. The ugliest of times,” Y/N whispered as she attempted to clear her throat.

 “Love, I witnessed beauty as well. I got to witness you come back to life and start living for the first time. I saw a beautiful mother giving birth to her twin daughters in her husband's arms. I won’t lie, a piece of me had hoped you would pick me. Alas, I knew in my heart it was never going to be me. The only thing I wish is that we could remain friends. I know you wish that as well,” Alastair admitted. 

“My husband would never allow it until he had your word that you were trustworthy and not trying to court me in some way. Even then, I’m not sure. We were both really hurt about what happened and the things you had witnessed. They were very private moments,” Y/N informed him.

 “You have my word, as well as Severus. I just wish for us to be friends. I miss hearing you ramble about your love of invertebrate sea creatures and which you wish you could transform into,” Alastair teased. 

Y/N looked at him suspiciously, “And the answer is?” she questioned him. “The giant reddish brown ones,” the man replied with a smirk. That pleased Y/N to no end. 

“You were paying attention, at least partly. Giant Pacific Octopus. The man always said you wouldn't understand me,” she chuckled. “Would you like to hear my answer now that I can finally reply?” Alastair asked curiously. 

“Absolutely,” she replied with a chuckle. “The giant squid. They are very elusive creatures, just like myself,” Alastair replied. 

 Y/N shook her head in agreement, “Honestly. I could’ve guessed that, fascinating creatures. I would love to do some ocean freediving to see an octopus myself. You know what, you have inspired me. I should do that. You’ve just convinced me,” she chuckled.

 “Does anyone amuse you half as much as you amuse yourself?” the man asked curiously. Y/N let out a ghastly laugh, covering her face with her hands. “Roasted and toasted,” she replied. 

Alastair just smiled at her, “I’ve missed your smile so much. You really remind me of my sister. I really appreciate what you did for her at school. She told me you checked on her often to make sure she was ok and had everything she needed. I want to thank you for that,” he confessed.

Y/N replied with a simple, “Of course,” and a smile. “As much as I would love to continue our conversation about ocean invertebrates, I’m sure your husband is wondering where you are. If he allows, I would love for you to come see me sometime. I would ask to see the girls but I know you aren’t comfortable with that yet,” Alastair replied softly. 

“You will know if you see me again by how well the conversation went, I suppose. It was good to see you, Alastair or Alfiie. I know it’s so odd, I still feel like you are a cat,” she admitted. “It was a joy to have been yours, love,” he replied softly. “Thank you, I’ll take that compliment,” she replied before she walked towards the front door. 

“Good luck,” Alastair whispered as he held the door for her. She smiled back at him and apparated herself to their living room. Severus and Lucius were sitting on their sofa, each holding a fussy baby. 

“Fuck,” she groaned as she arrived.