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Super awesome thanks to the reviews, I highly appreciate it. The 400-plus hits also improve my mood. So, um, tis the season for more reviews, please…

Now for something completely different, to quote Monty Python.

Disclaimer: Last time I checked I am an American, sarcastic, and fun-sized. Nice try, but I know that I'm not JK Rowling.

Title: Red String

Word Count:1K

Summary: They're tied together no matter what lifetime they're in. A series of vignettes

Second World War: Confidante

Jimmy recognised the dark-haired man sitting alone at a table. He had his face buried in his hands, a mop of dark hair that fell in unruly strands hid any signs facial expressions. Jimmy tilted his own head to the side, wondering how he knew the morose figure. No one else in the pub seemed to notice the bloke. He studied the other man's profile and decided to walk over. The redhead stretched his sore arms out from Quidditch practice, wincing at the pops he heard, and stepped closer to the table.

"You okay?" Jimmy asked. The man raised his head from his curled hands and Jimmy was struck behind how green the man's eyes were.

He had a thin, angular face with thin lips and long eyelashes. He slumped back in his seat, scowling. "Just bloody perfect," he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Never been better."

Something about that struck a cord in the back of Jimmy's mind. He took pity on the other man, and sat in the seat across from him. "Want to compare about what happened the past week?"

The dark-haired man let out a sardonic laugh. "I believe you may lose.
Jimmy smiled at that. "I like a good challenge."

The man seemed amused. "I'm Hayden Porter, and my week has been hell."

"Jimmy Wesley, and I can guarantee mines was worst." The two shared looks and Hayden had the hint of a grin on his face. Then Jimmy suddenly remembered where he knew him. "You're the Slytherin in the year above me!" Vague memories of him in the corners of the Duelling Club came back.

Hayden winced and his head lowered. He picked at a torn napkin near his empty plate, and then raised his head to speak dryly. "Aren't you Rhonda's baby brother? Sorry, but the hair gave it away."

Jimmy closed his mouth into a tight line. He hated being associated like that. This was going to be a prickly conversation. "Yeah."

"Damn good she is as an Auror," Hayden continued. "How is she?"

"Getting married to the Ravenclaw that she's been arguing with since First Year."

"Ah," Hayden's eyes fluttered. "Those arguments could clear a room."

Jimmy laughed, recalling a past event during their years at Hogwarts that involved attacking birds and a jealousy attempt. "Too right there."

It was an awkward silence next. Both men looked away, nervous at what to say next. Jimmy tucked a leg under his chin and tapped his fingers on the lower part of his leg. Hayden turned slightly in his seat, his head cupped by his pale hand. Both were waiting for the other to break the silence. They exchanged glances and Jimmy silently dared him with the raise of a red eyebrow.

"It's been a particularly rough week," Hayden said. He ran his hand over his face, sighing. "Job, romance, everything, the bombings in general haven't been much of a help."

Jimmy nodded in agreement. He had problems in all of that recently as well. Mostly in the 'Everything' category. The subcategory was family in that matter. "Say no more. But can I tell you what I do in times like this?"

"Blow something up?"

"No, but a good answer." He signalled a waitress to stop by them and ordered what he usually ate in times of emotional distress. "Chocolate. Lots of it. Do you like Easter Eggs, Porter?"

"I like anything that has chocolate in it." Hayden raked a hand through his hair, smiling slightly. His posture became more relaxed and he reclined in his chair.

"I'm starting to like you more by the second," Jimmy said. "Would you like to complain over that instead?"

"Yes. I would love that."

That's what they did. They shared all sorts of stories over slowly melting chocolate and colourful icing. Jimmy felt at ease with the other man, now starting to enjoy his company very much. The redhead was able to speak in detail about his problems, but it took some prodding to Hayden to open up more. It was nice being able to relate and to talk to someone about his problems. Jimmy found that they were both in the same boat: Recently single, immense stress with work, and worries about their families.

Hayden was dealing with a father who lost his memory due to the Cruciatus Curse by one of Grindlewald's men. Hayden had gone to visit him earlier that week, and was accused by his own father that accused him of being an imposter. At work, like Rhonda as of late, the new Auror Department head was proving to be a sadistic nightmare. A current run-in with his old dorm-mates went terrible sour, and his first serious relationship in a while went downhill. It was a lengthy story, but Jimmy made sure to pay attention to each word.

"Wow," Jimmy said when they were done comparing notes. He rubbed his eyes as he thought of what to say next besides the obvious. "You certainly have it worst off than I do."

Hayden looked very tired and gave a small nod. "Tell me something I don't know?"

Jimmy studied the last fragment of his chocolate. He turned it over in his hands, trying to figure out what he would do if he was in that situation. "Two of my older sisters have this saying, that you can do anything if you have enough nerve. My advice is to spend time with you dad and reestablish the relationship that you used to have. Tell that Umbridge bitch who's boss. And you are better off without that girl to begin with."

Hayden went very quiet and slunk his head into his crossed arms. "Thanks," he muttered in a weak voice. "I really needed to hear that."

The waitress came to give them their bill. Both reached for it, going "Let me" and "No, let me". Jimmy's fingers curled around Hayden's hand and felt a curious jolt as they made contact. Jimmy withdrew first, feeling his face going red. Hayden played with the scrap of parchment. "I can pay."

"But I recommended it in the first place."

"And you helped me. At least let me return the favour."

"Want to split it?" Jimmy reached for his wallet and started counting some money out. His ears were turning red as he realised that if he hadn't offered to split, then he couldn't pay for the dessert at all. Chocolate was too bloody expensive these days. That would have been an embarrassing situation. Once paid they stood by the door, unsure of what to do.

"I usually come by here for a drink in the evenings," Hayden looked shyly at him. "Do you want to meet up again?"