"Dromeda..."
She smiled softly. She felt him staring at her back which wasn't covered by the sheets.
Ted's fingers were rubbing her bare shoulder.
Her eyes were still closed, but she nodded silently.
"I saw the scars." he stated, his voice a bit tense.
She stiffened. She woke up and started picking her clothes.
"Dromeda... You..."
"No."
She began to put her clothes on.
"I can't let them kill you and just watch. What will it be next time ? An Avada Kedavra ?"
She didn't answer. He sighted.
"I know that..."
"You don't." she snapped.
There was a few seconds of silence.
"Sorry. But you really don't know. I... I love them. If I was more obedient, my parents will be nicer, I'm sure. They not that horrible, you know."
"Rubbish. It isn't who you are. You're not a puppy following stupid orders. You're not only a Black, you're Andromeda. The brave, cool and independant one. If they can't accept that, you can't blame yourself for it."
"But what if I am not enough..." she said, with hesitation.
"Pureblood ? If it's what you want, you can go." Ted blurted.
"It's not..." the young woman started.
"It is. Andromeda, listen. I like you. A lot. And it's the understatement of the year. If you don't do anything, I'll speak with the Headmaster. You have scars on your back. And maybe that I'm only a little filthy mudblood..."
"Don't call you that !" she cried, shaking.
"That's what I am for your family. Maybe I'm that, sincerely. But at least I never let anybody hurt you that way again. Even if you didn't want to speak with me after that, I just can't regret to try to protect you as much as I can."
He was so sincere. Stupid Hufflepuffs.
"Stop it." she mumbled weakly, tears falling down her cheeks.
"It's our last year at Hogwarts. You'll be an adult tomorrow. I'm already one. We have less than three months before graduating. I know they're your family but they aren't good for you."
She was ready but she didn't move a finger.
"If I found a job allowing me to rent a small flat, promise to move in with me. Please." he pleaded, playing with her dark locks.
She wasn't able to look at him.
"I'll... Think of that." she murmured, standing up to leave.
He took her wrist and kissed it softly.
"I love you." he said, looking her straight in the eyes.
She turned away, hiding her reddening cheeks, her heart pounding strongly in her chest.
"I love you too, Ted" she whispered before closing the door quickly, like afraid to say it outloud.