It began, as all arranged marriages did, with a serious discussion. "You are of age now, Dorea," Father told me.
"The Potter's are a very wealthy family," Mother assured a spot on the wall over my shoulder. "You'll be taken care of."
I met Charlus two weeks later. He kissed my hand and we made small talk on the back porch, while our parents watched covertly from the sitting room window.
After several failed attempts at conversation, Charlus sat upon the porch railing and ran a hand through his already messy hair. "Merlin, I wish they would just stop watching us."
I smiled, my first real one all day. "Dreadfully nosy, aren't they?"
"Indeed. We've already signed the contract. I can't imagine what they are waiting for."
"For us to fall in love, I'm sure." I kept my face straight, and pushed down the blush that threatened to stain my cheeks.
"What? Already?" He gaped at the window accusingly. "We've only just met!"
Charlus sounded so offended I burst out laughing. "You know, I don't think I will hate you."
He smiled. "No. Me either."
Written for Card Number Two in the Tien Len Competition, and Much Ado About Nothing in the Inspiration by Shakespeare Challenge.