When Your Parents Tell You Bedtime Stories

21

The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and the soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden itself.

Labels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people.

~ Martina Navratilova

Rigel couldn't sleep, again. Fifth night in a row. It'd been three weeks since Persephone had returned, safe and sound, with a tight lip as to what happened. He finally decided it was time to face his fears. After all, he was a Slytherin, was he not? In the morning, Rigel would send Persephone a note telling her to meet someone in the Astronomy tower. It was time for the truth.

*****

"Aludra, just tell me," Persephone persisted looking at her giddy best friend. "Who is he?"

"I never said anything about a guy," Aludra said, pouting.

"I know these things. Who is it? It's not Rigel, is it?"

"No, of course not," Aludra said, disgusted.

"Then who is it?"

"The only reason I'm telling you this is because it's you and because of your parents."

"Wait a minute," Persephone said, regaining her senses. "It's a Gryffindor?"

Aludra nodded. "I knew you'd figure it out...."

"Aludra, are you mad?! A Gryffindor? It's insane! You can't like a Gryffindor, it's not allowed."

"But, Persephone...."

"I can't believe you would turn your back on your house!" Persephone stormed over to her bed and closed the bed hangings harshly, shutting out her best friend. She didn't care about her 'parent's situation.' This was different. This was now and rules applied. Like not falling for a Gryffindor. Persephone closed her eyes and fell asleep to the same face she did every night, tasting her own sin without realizing it.

*****

Persephone pulled her cloak tighter around her and stepped out of the portrait hole, looking at the map her dad's Auror partner, Harry Potter, had given to her, saying she needed it much more then him. Filch was in his office, and it didn't look as if he planned on patrolling the halls anytime soon. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a small slip of paper.

Astronomy Tower, midnight.

It wasn't a trap, she knew that. Someone wanted something with her, and, as a Slytherin, curiosity got the best of her and she headed out towards the other side of the caste.

******

Mirach couldn't sleep. He hadn't been able to in a long time. As he went to step out of the portrait hole, he immediately knew he shouldn't. Look at what happened last time. But he was tired of staring at the same roaring fire all night long. He wanted a good look at the stars to help ease his thoughts.

******

Rigel headed out shortly before a quarter 'til. He knew Persephone had gotten the note, though she hadn't shown it to anyone. Rigel wasn't the romantic type. He definitely wasn't the type to harbor feelings, but as much as he fought it, he couldn't help but feel something for Persephone. And, at least she was a Slytherin.

Rigel took up the stone steps quietly, keeping a close toned ear out for Filch or Mrs. Norris, though that cat really should be dead by now. For the first time in his life, Rigel was nervous and his cool collective was gone. He couldn't remember ever having these feelings before. Not like this.

Rigel heard a voice behind the heavy door at the top of the stairs. Immediately he recognized it. He swung the door open, and for the first and only time in his life, Rigel's heart broke.