Who is Julian Albert?

Disclaimer: Not my sandbox

Note: This is a tag to The Flash episode 3x5 Monster, after Barry asked Julian Albert for a drink.

Julian sat across the table from Barry Allen, the young well liked, pain in his ass. Julian was rolling his Scotch glass between his hands, and looked anywhere but at the other CSI.

Why did I agree to get a drink with him, he asked himself.

Because you almost killed a kid, because you're lonely, because who else wants to spend time with you, he responded.

"So your parents are big-wigs back over in the UK?"

He looked up at Barry's question.

"Um, not anymore. My father used to work for the Ministry, but he chose the wrong side in an attempted coup."

Barry nodded his head, in the way someone does when they don't know what to say but want to be understanding.

"They've been pretty reclusive ever since. Keep wanting me to come back though, and try to make the Family great again." He gave a little self depreciating laugh, "I think I'm happy to let the name die."

"It can't be that bad."

"You have no idea Allen. Mine was not a good family, I made some pretty bad choices as a youth, and a lot of good people got hurt. When the dust settled, I was pretty much told that I had to join the military or do jail time."

Barry looked sceptical. "You? Now you're pulling my leg."

"I assure you, it's true. Ironically, I joined the Royal Military Police's Special Investigation Branch, best thing I ever did."

"Do you mind me asking, why didn't you stay in?"

"Become career Military? Thought about it, but my parents wouldn't give up on having me coming home as their dutiful son. In the end England was too small, and here I am."

"Here you are."

Julian knocked back the Scotch, and grimaced at how much he had shared.

"Just remember, you asked me to come."

Barry held his hands up, as if saying 'sorry, my bad.'

Julian threw some money on the table and stood up.

"Well, either way, it's getting late. So Allen, will I see you on time tomorrow?"

"I'm not, AWAYS late."

Julian raised an eyebrow, and Barry has the decency to look slightly embarrassed.

"Sure Julian, on time."

Julian nodded to Barry, then made his way outside and into a cab. In the safety of the cab, lost in old memories, he rolled up his sleeve to look at the faded tattoo on his forearm. He always kept it hidden if he could, it was a bleak reminder of the worst choice he ever made. For a moment he allowed himself to remember who he really was, then shut his eyes tight to the pain.

"I'm Julian Albert now." He whispered to himself. "Draco Malfoy doesn't exist anyone."

Perhaps one day he would believe it.