Word count: 375
It doesn't take long to find Demelza. It's late and the Three Broomsticks is nearly empty, but Demelza looks so stunning in her golden dress. Her dark eyes light up when she sees Padma.
"Rosmerta!" Demelza calls out, grinning as she jumps to her feet. "A bottle of champagne, please. Tonight is special."
And it is. It feels like an eternity has passed since she's last seen her girlfriend. Still, she can't help but laugh, dark eyes rolling. A true Gryffindor, Demelza has to be so bold in her celebration, while Padma wouldn't mind a quieter affair.
"It's hardly that grand," Padma tells her.
Demelza just smirks and takes Padma by the hand. "Oh, sure. It's just every dad that your girlfriend, one of the brightest witches alive, is taken on a top-secret research expedition. Nothing to see here. Let's move along."
Padma wraps an arm around Demelza, pulling her closer. If only they weren't in public. She can think of a million things she would like to do right now, but it is hardly appropriate. They will be able to make up for lost time soon enough.
"I missed you," Padma says, her voice a soft whisper. "I don't think you understand how badly I missed you."
Demelza steals a quick, chaste kiss that makes Padma blush. Padma has always been so much more reserved. Maybe it's one reason she and Demelza work so well; they balance each other out so naturally.
Rosmerta brings them a bottle of champagne, and Demelza quickly pays for it. Padma raises her brows. It looks expensive, but she knows not to mention it to Demelza. Her girlfriend has always embraced a treat yourself mentality when it comes to special occasions.
"How has the season been?" Padma asks as Demelza pours champagne into a flute for her. "Have the Falcons made you their captain yet?"
Demelza gives her a look. "Not now, darling. You know I don't like mixing business with pleasure."
Padma snorts, but she doesn't push it. She will be home for half a month. There's plenty of time to talk about everything, nothing, and all the things in between. For now, she has no problem just enjoying Demelza's presence again.
"To us," Demelza says.
"To us."