Aug 2: Watch Your Back: Prewetts, Edgar Bones & Voldykins

[Fabian Prewett]

Friday, 2 August 1974

“Come on, one more drink guys. It’s not everyday we have our last day at the office,” Fabian said with a grin to his brothers. Monday morning would be the start of their new career - working for the Order of the Phoenix. The chance to truly do some good in the world, without being held back the the corruption at the Ministry of Magic. It was what they had been wanting to do when they left school, it had been the whole reason for joining the Auror program in the first place.

Sliding off his stool, he flung his arm around the shoulders of Gideon and Edgar, laughing happily as they headed toward the door the the pub. Edgar had a new fiancée to get home to, and the last thing he needed was the spunky muggle girl getting on his case. The fact she had forgiven them all for keeping this secret (and for erasing her best friends memory) was huge. But as he looked up, Fabian stopped in his tracks.

Bellatrix Lestrange.

There were not many good reasons for the pureblood witch to be in a muggle pub, but she hadn’t seen them. He exchanged a look with his friends, before heading towards the side door. If they could get in the alley, they could send a message to Dumbledore. Just as a precaution, at least. The warm night air felt good, and he turned to look at his friends as he tried to collect himself. This was what they had just signed up for, was it not?

[Edgar Bones]

Ed exchanged a look and a laugh with Gideon as the bloke’s twin started pushing, but hopped off of his barstool anyway. "One more drink? The last time you encouraged that, we got our arses tatted. Not that I can expect you to remember," he teased, still laughing as he and Gid were suddenly half-supporting their third as they stumbled towards the door like newborn thestrals. Ed wasn’t protesting this night out, not really; today was their final day working for the Ministry of Magic, and that was something to celebrate. The place was rotting from within, and the faster they got out, the faster they could remedy that and the rest of the world. They’d be back with their old headmaster, trusted for actual missions, making real change…all with his fiancée’s backing.

Because yes, finally, he and Phoebe were engaged. He’d asked at her birthday a week back, and while he hadn’t doubted she would agree - she’d forgiven him for keeping mum about magic for their whole lives, and so Edgar figured they were in this together already - but in those moments leading up to the actual proposal...he’d felt the importance of the moment, the weight of it, the wonder of it, fully hit him. They’d been partners forever, but this engagement signified that they’d remain partners forever. They could truly become their own family now, with kids surely on their way once Pheebs was done with school. Life was good, and would only become better with the Order. And so when Ed felt his friend tense beside him, bringing the lot of them to a staggering halt, he thought that the bloke was about to hurl. He surely looked sick enough, when Ed turned his eyes that way. But in following his friend’s look…

Merlin’s beard, Bellatrix, of all the pubs?

Their old schoolmate had no place here, and for their own safety - and that of the muggles around them - Ed felt it was time to clear out. Fabian took his feet and led them towards a side door; as he followed, Ed slid his wand from his pocket into his hand, keeping it close to his leg. Hopefully the inebriated muggles hadn’t noticed, but in any case it was only a few moments later until the Aurors were out in the summer air. Trying to clear his mind of fuzz, Ed took a few deep breaths and looked towards the lamplit street to find the way...blocked.

"Hello, gentlemen."

An icy chill slid down Ed’s spine at the address, and he didn’t need to look to his mates to confirm that they recognized the figure as clearly as he did. Wand held defensively in hand, Ed stood tall and wished away the last rounds of drinks as he turned to face their enemy. The man himself, the one they had all sworn to fight, to defeat. The man responsible for so many deaths, so much hate and perversion, the man standing in the way of his and Phoebe’s peaceful existence. All at once, Edgar wanted to throw curses, spit a lecture, and...throw up a shield. Because he had to make it home tonight. He didn’t have a death wish. Much too much to live for. He’d been warned that love would make him weak, that it would cripple his thoughts and limit his effectiveness in this line of work. But he had something true to fight for. He had reasons to get home. "Bit far from the underworld, aren’t we?" he said with an ease he didn’t feel. "What brings you topside tonight? I can't imagine you're here for a chat."

[Lord Voldemort]

“Hello, gentlemen.”

As one of the men looked his way, that was his cue to address them. And oh - what a wonderful night this was. Bellatrix had done her job well, as she usually did. Her and her husband were some of his finest recruits, willing to serve him at a moments notice without questioning. At least, that was usually the case.

My Lord, what could you possibly want with those blood traitors? Bones isn’t even a pureblood.

It was so typical of the woman to be the questioning one, wasn’t it? He hadn’t given her an answer as his business with the three men was his own, and she had - in the end - done what she had promised. The three of the away from the prying eyes of muggles, into a position where they would be forced to come face to face with him. While he could still catch snippets of irritation from the raven haired death eater who had taken up a position outside the side door to the pub, she had done as she was asked.

He chuckled as Edgar spoke up for the three of them, the boy’s wand raised in front of him. “Bella,” he called quietly, a hand motioning for her to come to him. “You are dismissed.” She opened her mouth to protest, but a look her way and nothing was said. It was with a sharp crack that she disappeared from the alley, and he cleared his throat as he looked at the three.

“The underworld is such a muggle concept, isn’t it? Found in almost all different civilizations throughout history. Perhaps my favorite depiction would be the one presented by the Greeks,” he stated calmly, slowly pulling his wand from his robes. “But muggles know so little of what a soul really is, don’t you think? Wandering around day in and day out, so unaware of the truth of our world. It’s...comical.”

Smirking down the alley, he took a step closer - not surprised when one of the Prewetts raised his wand higher. “I find it peculiar that three freshly trained Aurors have chosen to leave the Ministry. Such a difficult program to get into, it’s intriguing that the three of you would give that up. Particularly you, Edgar - given the recent news in the Prophet. Tell me about your soon to be wife - I know so little about the Adkins family.”

[Deleted]

How the f*ck had they managed to get themselves into this kind of situation?

The redhead could only wonder as they stood face to face with the man monster that was responsible for so much destruction and suffering? The man that was the sole reason why they’d had to live constantly in danger for most of their lives? Who the hell did he think he is? And who was he to decide everyone’s fate, simply because of his own deranged and twisted agenda.

Screw this…snake face can go f*ck himself for all he cared…

And yet, all the bravery and bravado in the world didn’t seem to be enough in that moment - that very moment one came face to face with evil…pure evil. As tough as he had considered himself to be in the past, Gideon Prewett was afraid, no scratch that, he was terrified…for him and for his friends and family. There was simply this perverse sort of darkness surrounding the creature before him, and it took everything he had not to let his survival instincts kick in and start running. You never turn your back on a predator and run…

“Oh you know how it is…you work hard for something then realize it’s not as great as you make it out to be…” relying on sheer stubbornness and sass to center himself at this point. But at the mention of his sister-in-law, Gideon could feel the hair at the nape of his neck stand on end. Anger, fear, revulsion, and maybe some other unnamed emotions mashed in their somewhere because Merlin knew that Gideon wanted to protect them all. They were his family, and family was everything. And as impulsive as he may seem at times, Gideon knew that the three of them likely wouldn’t make it home alive should they get in a fight tonight. He wasn’t so delusional and in over his head enough to think that he could take on Lord Voldemort alone, even if he did have two extra wands on his side.

“ Why don’t you go f*ck yourself?....then again I think that’s likely the case....can’t see how any girl would be into shagging a snakeface…” raising his wand a bit higher in preparation to fight and hopefully save three asses tonight, asses that were tattooed and signed by each other.

Real romantic right?

[Fabian Prewett]

“Hey, I remember those tattoos. I’m fond of them,” he said with a laugh, the night in question not one full of his best ideas. But those tattoos did have a special place in his heart - and on his arse. They would be a conversation piece, a good memory to keep as they went into the real thick of the war. A much better memory than any that included Bellatrix Lestrange, and her appearance had them out the side door and onto the street where, as it turned out, the danger was even higher. It wasn’t every day that the self proclaimed Dark Lord was on their streets, greeting them as if they were old friends. Can the three of us take him? Even as Edgar spoke up, voice calmer than Fabian felt he could have managed in this state. Pay attention to everything. Every second that passed was important, it was knowledge they would need for the future.

And yet...he had to hide his confusion as the Dark Lord dismissed Bellatrix. We can’t defeat him. We can’t even risk it. There was too much they had to live for to die here in the streets, and Phoebe would kill them all if anything happened to Edgar. Fabian focused his eyes on the man, trying to calm his nerves as the Dark Lord spoke of muggle underworlds and drew his wand. It was when the man took a step toward him that he raised his wand higher, clenching it tightly as Gideon spoke up. They had suspected that the Death Eaters had eyes and ears within the Ministry, but surely this was a confirmation. It wasn’t as if the paper had published an article about them leaving.

But...it had recently contained an engagement announcement for Edgar and Phoebe, and he felt his stomach churn as Voldemort brought the girl up. “Gid…” he cautioned, not liking the smirk that had spread across the man’s pale face at his brothers words. While there was a part of him that was quite pleased with his brothers remark, the bigger part was uncomfortable with just how close the Dark Lord was getting to them. “Look, Tom, what do you want?”

[Edgar Bones]

For Bellatrix Lestrange to be dismissed so simply, without even a word of protest from the usually volatile woman, was more than eerie. It was one thing to know that she was in service to Voldemort, as they’d assumed for quite some time now; it was another thing entirely to see her so clearly under the man’s thumb. Despite their differences, Ed could admit that Bellatrix was one of the strongest women he’d met. Hard-hearted and hard-headed, but strong. And so for even her to have nothing to say at an abrupt dismissal…who else do you have in your pocket, Tom? Edgar itched to chase after the Death Eater, but didn’t take his eyes from her leader as the man took his words and twisted them into a dolorous monologue. He felt his brethren tense alongside him as the man stepped closer, and while he could understand the head of the dark forces being interested in their change of plans, when he dared to bring up Phoebe, Ed felt a panic rise in his heart like nothing he’d felt before.

He’d known that their marriage would make them targets, and had ensured that she understood before getting down on one knee. But for Tom Riddle to speak of her, and not knowing where he’d sent Bellatrix just moments ago…Just stay calm. You have to get home. Now. Gid and Fabian spoke up to cover up his shock, his fear, and Ed was grateful to the pair of them. Phoebe was a sister to them both, and while he kept his focus on their enemy, he knew they had to be affected too. And while he needed to apparate home, Ed knew better than to leave at this moment. It would be too easy for Riddle to track them when he was still there, and the last thing he wanted to do was to bring him to their doorstep...

Get it out of him. And get home.

"I’m tickled, really, that we are so intriguing to you," Ed said, his attempt at humor overtly strained as his nerves for Phoebe remained at an all-time high, "but we don’t owe you any explanations. We’ve got places to be. Get to it."

[Lord Voldemort]

Oh, but it was so fun to watch them squirm, the three men before him all ready with their wands. Ready to protect themselves if needed, and yet so foolishly letting themselves be unprotected. They were scared - as they should be - and yet still holding themselves together. Soldiers, ready to fight even if it meant certain death. All but one of them ignored his question, not that he cared much for the answer. He knew well enough to know that Dumbledore was somehow involved, the old man foolishly trying to stop the inevitable. It was likely that the three men standing before him, thoughts rushing, had decided to join up in whatever idiotic plan Dumbledore had.

And they were so amusing, one of the twins throwing an insult at him. Voldemort couldn’t help but smirk at it, especially as the other Prewett attempted to gain his attention at the use of his name. But the most fascinating in this moment was Edgar, the panic coming off the boy in waves that Voldemort couldn’t help but enjoy. So young, so foolish, and so weak. “You shouldn’t worry, I have no intention of acting against any of you tonight. I’m sure...Phoebe, was it? I’m sure she’s just fine. My interest only lies with the three of you.” He stopped in his approach, twisting his wand slowly as his eyes scanned them. “You know, I would have thought Occlumency would have been part of your training…”

His eyes stopped on Fabian, the boy who had started to mutter under his breath. “You can call for help if you like, but I’ll be gone before the spell even leaves your wand. And-” he paused to look back to Edgar, “-who knows where I might go?” His point seemed to get across, as Prewett stopped what he was doing to shoot an apologetic glance to his friend. “I know that Dumbledore has, presumably, promised you many things. Safety, or perhaps even victory. Promises he can’t keep, really. If the old man could stop me, he would have done it by now.”

He paused to laugh, not surprised when the three didn’t join in with him. “It’s a pointless battle, gentlemen. There is no stopping the inevitable. And why would you want to, with a bloodline as pure as yours,” he smirked again, eyes traveling between the twins. “I’m even willing to overlook your father’s choice to marry a muggle, Edgar. Love is such a...tricky thing.” Love was a waste of time, a concept he’d never understand. Love made you weak, and weakness were things that could be exploited. “I’ll make it simple. Join me, and no harm shall come to any of you, or any of those that you love.”

[Fabian Prewett]

They needed to get out of here, that much Fabian knew. It had only been two years ago that Arthur had been approached by the man in front of him, and been offered a position within the ranks of the Death Eaters. Fabian had been furious when he had found out, and scared to death for his family. Because what would Voldemort do, when he was refused? Would he harm Molly, would he harm the kids? They’d put every protection they could around the Burrow, they’d reported it to Ministry. But nothing had ever come of it, as far as Fabian knew. Voldemort hadn’t approached Arthur again, and Fabian had never thought they would be in this situation. It never even crossed his mind that the three of them would become targets of the Dark Lord like this. But he should have known better, he simply should have.

Get word to Dumbledore, and do it quickly.

            Happy memories, but nothing that Voldemort could use.

Fabian started to cast his patronus, doing his best to use a happy memory that couldn’t be used against him. Nothing about Kyra, nothing about Phoebe. But before he could get very far, the man in front of them was calling him out, issuing a threat that made him pause. Would Voldemort go after Phoebe? Fabian didn’t doubt it, and so he stopped his spell, sending an apologetic look to Edgar. They would have to report this after, assuming they made it out of this alive. And he had to assume that they would make it alive, because this couldn’t be how it ended. There were three of them against one man, but this one man was powerful, and Fabian couldn’t say for sure that the three of them would win in a fight.

Finally, it seemed the Voldemort was getting to the point of why they were here - and the reason why didn’t surprise Fabian. It was the same reason he had approached Arthur, he wanted them to join him. Like that will ever happen. Clearing his throat, he kept his wand raised towards the man in front of them, exchanging a look with his brothers, “Thanks for the offer Tom, but we’ll pass. I’d rather be on the right side of history.”

[Edgar Bones]

How dare you speak her name. Get out of my head!

This was supposed to be a happy day and a celebratory night. They were leaving the rotting Ministry behind them, moving forward into the Order with purpose and trust and fidelity. The three of them were sticking together, a team even stronger now than when they'd been in school. They were supposed to be unstoppable. But now? Standing with his brothers in this darkened alley, swaying on his feet, Tom f*cking Riddle invading his mind and mocking them?

Get out!

But Edgar knew it was futile. For they had been taught Occlumency, Legilimency to a lesser extent, and emotion was the key to each. Well - lack of emotion. And in this moment, Ed was enraged. Terrified as he thought of his girl alone at home. Too fuzzy from the drink. It was the perfect combination to allow the leader of the dark forces in, and he was bloody pissed at himself for allowing this to happen. We should've Apparated out as soon as we saw Lestrange. And while Riddle said that the three of them, and Phoebe, were in the clear for tonight...Why should we trust you? The way that the man stared at them, cold and unfeeling, curious and in control - Edgar hadn't come across anyone with that power. Even though they were three and he was one, it was evident to all who was in control of the situation, and it frustrated him all the more. Because they couldn't just leave. Who are you to threaten us like this? We're all just men, at the end of it all.

Shifting in his periphery drew his attention to Fabian, and unfortunately Riddle had caught on as well. His jaw clenched as Riddle proved he wasn't a man of his word, already contradicting the promise of safety he'd extended to them. Ed gave a swift shake of his head as Fabs gave him a look. Nothing to be done. Is what it is. Nonetheless, he doubted that any of them loosened their grips on their wands. If the night did escalate, they weren't going down without a fight. But again, it seemed like all Riddle wanted to do was hear his own voice. And, admittedly, the acoustics of the alleyway were suited for such speeches of intimidation. For laughs of madness. For offers of protection.

And if they had been weaker - That's not fair. "Desperate." - Ed could see how the speech could work. If they were not who they were, if they had not thought about the risks before joining Albus's team, if they had seen the Dark Mark above their houses before. He gave a tight nod to Fabian's look, echoing his wand movement and sentiment. "We're not with you, Tom. Never will be. But we'll see you again, before this is done."

[Lord Voldemort]

Edgar was practically begging him to stop reading his thoughts, but it was oh so tempting when they were right there on the surface for him to look into. The twins were the same, barely trying to conceal their thoughts. He could see the panic in their eyes, could hear it in their voices. And he enjoyed it greatly. There was something so satisfying about causing fear in people, especially right before he saw the light leave their eyes. But that was not his goal tonight. He needed more followers, if he were to truly win this war. Of course, there were ways of making sure the boys in front of him did his bidding, but Dumbledore would be keeping a close eye on these three - that much Voldemort was sure of. They would need to be persuaded, and perhaps letting them work for the losing side for a while would have them come crawling to him.

He focused attention to Edgar, whose thoughts were simply get out, and he didn’t stop the smirk that spread across his face once more. It was truly a pity that they hadn’t practiced Occulmancy, it was something they would need to improve on where they to join him. And then he turned his attention to Fabian, catching his thoughts regarding his brother-in-law Arthur. And that caused him to laugh, because Arthur Weasley was already doing his bidding in the Ministry, even if he didn’t know it. Fabian and Gideon were declining his offer, which he had seen coming, and then Edgar was following the twins. “You’re quite right Edgar, you will see me again. Maybe sooner than you think.” With a loud crack, Voldemort spun in place and was gone, leaving the men alone in the alley to ponder where he had gone to. 

[Fabian Prewett]

Refusing the Dark Lord was a dangerous thing to do. Arthur had refused, and so far no harm had come to their family. But they’d put extra wards up, they’d kept their eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. It seemed that the Dark Lord was trying desperately to gain followers, and not doing anything to those who refused. Was his following that weak, was he so desperate to turn those to his side that he approached three former Aurors? Fabian didn’t have enough time to question it, not when he needed to be alert to everything that was happening. He couldn’t imagine how Edgar was feeling, with his fiance’s name having been in Voldemort’s mouth. Fabian’s girlfriend hadn’t been mentioned by name, but Fabian couldn’t help but wonder if Voldemort knew about her as well. They’d only been dating a couple of months, but she wasn’t safe. Not if Voldemort was going to approach them on the street like this. And Fabian didn’t know of a way to keep her safe, and that scared him. More than being approached by this man.

Ready to fight, adrenaline pumping, Fabian was ready for the fight. Because he would never go down without a fight, and neither would his brothers. But the fight didn’t come. Instead, Voldemort was gone. Fabian didn’t lower his wand, worried that it wasn’t over. It seemed unreal, what had just happened. Gideon cleared his throat, and Fabian looked to him, eyes wide in panic. Where had Voldemort just gone?

“Both of you go, I’ll tell Dumbledore.”

Fabian didn’t hesitate to listen to his brothers words, giving Edgar a nod before he turned on the spot, knowing what had to be done.