Despite the light rain, Lavender was glad to be outside; she had needed to get out of her apartment. She had no particular destination in mind as she clicked down the sidewalk in her stilettos. There weren't very many cars driving past this late at night, not on this street, at any rate, and the busy city of London almost felt calm.
Lavender preferred the city streets to her empty apartment because she never felt alone, even in the relative desertedness of night. It was strange, how after all this time of living by herself she still feared the lonely hours of night.
Oh, little girl, you must be so lonely, here all alone in your cell. We'll make sure you aren't lonely.
Lavender shivered and pulled some damp strands of hair from her eyes. The drizzle was slowly seeping through her thin jacket, and her fingers were beginning to ache from the occasional cold gust of wind. She glanced around. Soon she would have to go inside somewhere. A pub, perhaps, she thought. Preferably a muggle one. There was always a pub open, no matter how late.
We told you we'd come back. You didn't think we would just leave you here, did you? A pretty girl like yourself? No, of course we came back.
Stifling a yawn, she watched a couple walk down the street ahead of her. Of course, it would make more sense to go home and sleep, but the last thing she wanted to do was sleep. Glancing sideways, she noticed a car slowing down. When it was even with her, the driver rolled down the passenger side window and leaned toward her.
"Hey, you look like you could use some company," the man told Lavender silkily. "Do you want to come back to my place? It's warm; you could spend the night. I'd get you a nice hot meal, and I'm sure we could entertain ourselves until morning."
Don't pretend you don't like the attention. We know you like all the attention. Isn't that right?
Lavender gave her best painted smile and nodded. She didn't bother to say anything as she got into the car; introductions could wait until later. The man was older, a business man, perhaps. Lavender sighed and looked out the window. She had been desperate to be with someone. And now she would not be alone tonight.
