Arabella continues staring into her cup, sloshing the steaming liquid around. "The price of dragon liver oil has gone up," she sighs. "It's what I use to keep my dears healthy, you know. But, now, I can't afford it."
Mundungus shifts his gaze to the many large felines prancing about the kitchen. Plenty of people breed them, but Arabella has always had the finest, with their lean bodies and sleek coats.
His eyes return to the silently fretting woman, his heart breaking. He's always fancied her, ever since they were kids. When her Hogwarts letter hadn't arrived,he had been her shoulder to cry on. He's never been able to see her like this, so torn up.
Downing the dregs of his tea, the man climbs to his feet. He doesn't have the gold to help her, but it doesn't matter. He'll do whatever it takes. "'Scuse me, Figgy. I've got somewhere to be."
OoOoO
It's nearly a week before Mundungus returns, his pockets rattling as glass vials knock together within. "Oi!" he calls, grinning proudly as he steps into the kitchen.
Arabella looks up with a tired frown. "Really, Dung. You might have warned me you were coming," she scolds, pulling her bathrobe closed to hide her pajamas.
The man gives her a crooked smile and a shrug, swaggering over to the table. Reaching into his pockets, he pulls out the glass containers filled with the glossy green liquid. "Should last you a month or so, yeah?"
The Squib stares in disbelief, blinking rapidly. Seeming to come to her senses, she rushes forward, examining the vials. "How?"
"Artie Hornsby owed me a favor," he answers, waving a dismissive hand.
He can't tell her the truth. The stealing and trading, the handling of illegal goods. The whole process had scared him. With his inexperience against him, Mundungus had nearly gotten caught twice. But, for Arabella, he had gladly risked it.
She smiles, her arms wrapping around him. "Thank you," she whispers.
"Don't mention it, Figgy," he chuckles. "It was my pleasure."
