Note: this is an AU! Also in Walburga's POV

This wasn't supposed to happen. I was supposed to don the most extravagant gown, walk down the most divine aisle, and marry the man that I was arranged to marry.

The finest fabrics touched my skin; the brightest jewels completed the look. I was the most beautiful bride the Wizarding World would ever see.

I was not supposed to be shot with the killing curse before I could say 'I do'.

I would never know what the culprit, the officious bastard that they were, because I had already fallen to the ground.

It had to be a family grudge. It was the only explanation for someone to take my life away on the day I would be joined to my husband.

I supposed Orion is technically a widow now. It was not fair, not right in the slightest; but there was nothing I could do about it now. '

Though the thought of haunting my killer was certainly tempting.

I couldn't do it, even if I was thrown the opportunity. I was raised to turn my nose at such juvenile tendencies, and I shall continue to do so, even in spirit.

They wouldn't deserve to be in my spectral presence anyway.

At least I was not alone. He held me with cold caress. A face I was taught to despise, hate, and fear brought me comfort than I could have imagined.

I didn't fear him. I feared not knowing, what he might do and where he might take me after my thoughts silenced themselves. He caused no pain, beyond what life provided. He was not greedy, he was not rude, or rough. He merely carried me; the way Orion would have done had we crossed the threshold.

He put my burning soul to a cool rest, where I laid benumbed of the greed, rudeness, and hatred of the living world.

My biggest regret, despite knowing I am not supposed to regret a thing, was that I've left Orion to deal with the aftermath.

May he find the miscreant that caused this and send them to hell.

A/N: Written for HSWW (Challenges and Assignments)

Assignment #4 Care of Magical Creatures Task 2 - write about an unspeakable crime

Cooking Cocktail - Champagne - [character] Walburga Black

Character Appreciation - Pureblood

Showtime: 4. (action) Murder

Count Your Buttons: (word) kill

Lyric Alley: But we'll take what comes, take what comes

Restriction of the Month: (word) officious

Scavenger Hunt: write about a member of the Black Family

Lent Challenge: Only character we don't see in the films

365 Prompts Challenge: 138. First Line - This wasn't supposed to happen

Insane House Challenge: Title - Undeniable

Word Count: 346