Written for Heroes Hunt (write about someone who chooses their morals over their loved ones) and Ultimate Patronus Quest (hummingbird: Write about someone going in the wrong direction)
Andromeda takes a deep breath to steady herself. She's always known that they were destined to say goodbye, but she never could have imagined it would be so soon. But she has little choice. Rabastan follows Rodolphus, Rodolphus follows Bellatrix, and Bellatrix is leading them both down a dangerous path.
She's pleaded with him time and time again to turn back. She's told him that there are people who can protect him. But Rabastan has remained steadfast, and there is only one thing left for her to do. She will not compromise her morals, not even for the man that she loves.
"Andi," he says, smiling at her as he approaches.
She falls into his arms. She can't help it. For so long, his touch has been the only sure and steady thing in this world. But not anymore, she reminds herself. She pulls away, biting her lip.
His smile falls at her expression. "Andi, what is it?" he asks, reaching for her but hesitating.
"We can't do this anymore," she whispers, her voice threatening to break.
"Do what? Us?" he laughs. "What are we supposed to do? I love you, and you love me."
Andromeda feels herself start to give in. It should be easy to just turn a blind eye, look the other way for the sake of love. But she knows that it isn't an option. She loves him, but he's chosen his path, and she's chosen hers.
She takes his hand, squeezing it gently. "I don't like where you're going," she admits. "You know this already. We've discussed it, and you've made it clear that you intend to join the Death Eaters, and nothing I say can make you change your mind."
Rabastan shrugs. He offers her a crooked smile that almost makes her change his mind. His smile says that it doesn't matter, that their love is enough to overcome a difference in opinion. "I never asked you to join," he protests. "It isn't a big deal. People can live happy lives with their differences."
"And you don't think it will kill me knowing that you're out there, killing and torturing people for your cause, a cause that I don't believe in?" she asks. "I can't do this, Rabastan. I've tried, but this isn't the life for me. I love you. I really do. But I cannot support you in this. I have the draw the line."
He nods and backs away, his lips twisted into a deep frown. "So, what? Are we saying goodbye?" he asks, and she can tell that he's trying to hide the hollowness in his voice.
Andromeda presses her lips into a thin line, nodding.
"I'm never going to stop loving you," he whispers. "I hope you realize that."
"I do," she confirms. "And I feel the same about you."
She wants to say more. Goodbyes are supposed to be meaningful and offer closure. But Andromeda feels her heart breaking every second that she stays. She turns quickly and hurries off into the night, wiping her eyes and praying that she's done the right thing.