Word count: 415

Pairing: Dolores/Dumbledore

Prompt: "How can you go through life pretending that you're happy?" - Saw I

Little Pink Kitten

Albus stroked his girlfriend's hair as they cuddled together in their favorite couch. Netflix, popcorn, and plenty of blankets had made this evening one to remember. But after the crickets began to chirp and the lights slowly went out down the street, Dolores had come to him with a confession.

"Albus, sometimes... sometimes I worry about you and me."

"Why, darling?" he had asked, loosening his striped bow tie to show that she could talk to him freely. (And maybe do more than talk, if the conversation went well.)

"You know I've had some bad breakups, and you have too. I know what happened between you and Minny."

"That bitch," commented Albus.

"So we've been taking it rather slow. I love you, Albus. But this relationship isn't making me happy." Umbridge looked at him with her puppy eyes, and Albus's heart melted.

"Baby doll, that's not right! How can you go through life pretending that you're happy?"

"I did it for you, of course, Albus." Umbridge sat up slowly, stretching as she did. She adjusted the pillows so that they were facing each other. It felt very formal - too formal.

"Dolores, I would do anything for you. If you want to speed things up, I want it too. I know I'm ready."

"Why didn't you say something?" exclaimed Dolores. She wrapped her stubby arms around Albus's neck and embraced him. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. Her cold, dank breath tickled his ear, and he laughed.

"I love you, my little pink kitten," he said, poking her nose playfully.

She squealed. "I know."

He frowned, pulling his hand away. "Don't you love me back?"

"Oh - yes, Alby, of course!" She smiled, and it was sickly sweet as always. "How could you ever doubt me?"

"I don't know what got into me," Albus replied, glad to have evaded a fight. Fights with Dolores were awful, especially when she threw her kitten plates at him.

Dolores stood up. "I'm going to powder my nose in the washroom."

"Go ahead, dearest."

Albus exhaled. He had done it. He had survived an evening with his darling Dolly, and there might be more to come. He couldn't imagine being with anyone but his beautiful, charming girlfriend.

A moment later, Dolores emerged from the hall, her face pinched and bright red. "DID- YOU-" she bellowed, "LEAVE THE TOILET SEAT UP?"

"Oops," said Albus.

Dolores snatched a Siamese cat plate from the drying rack and held it aloft. "Eat my whiskers!"