Word Count: 595
Dorcas is beautiful like this. Her mess jet-black curls fall in her face, and her bright eyes twinkle as she smiles. Sometimes it feels like there aren't enough things to make them smile anymore. The war seems to take and take, and sometimes Marlene isn't sure if it's worth holding on.
But then there are moments like this, moments with her girlfriend, and everything just feels so normal. In this moment, nothing can harm them. There is nothing wrong with sitting on the porch, laughing and smiling and carving pumpkins like this is just a regular October night.
Maybe, deep down, Marlene knows it isn't that simple. Still, she pretends to be the glass half-full type like Dorcas because she wants to have hope again.
"Another splash," Dorcas says, setting her carving knife aside and lifting the bottle of rum. Before Marlene can protest, she pours a little more into her already spiked pumpkin juice. "Go on. How does it taste?"
Marlene takes a sip, sputtering and choking on the heavy taste of alcohol. "Merlin, Dorcas! I think you just killed my liver."
Dorcas rolls her eyes and takes the glass, sipping it. "Oh, you're right. That is foul!"
Marlene gives her that look, shaking her head. She's used to moments like this. Dorcas has always been so wild and strange. Sometimes, Marlene thought the other girl could have easily given James Potter and his gang a run for their money.
"Told you so."
"Hush, you." Dorcas takes the glass and pours it out before summoning the pumpkin juice.
Marlene laughs softly and resumes carving her pumpkin. The wind picks up, and she shivers, adjusting her scarf to cover the last few hints of exposed skin on her neck.
She wonders if things would be different if not for the war, if she and Dorcas would have ever crossed paths at all. Sure, they had gone to Hogwarts together, but they had been separated by two years; besides, Dorcas was a Slytherin, where Marlene was a Ravenclaw. They never had a similar circle, and all Marlene could do was watch and admire from afar.
And then came the war and the Order, and with that came missions that left the two alone. Now, here they are. Marlene wouldn't change it for the world.
"Okay. Taste it now."
Marlene is hesitant. All of Dorcas' attempts have been less than brilliant. Still, Dorcas smiles that irresistible smile, and Marlene knows she cannot say no. Grudgingly, she accepts the glass, sipping it. She takes a deeper drink, nodding as she swallows.
"Perfect," she says, passing it over.
Dorcas grins proudly, a soft pink blush creeping into her olive cheeks. "What can I say? I was inspired by you."
As they pass the drink between them and carve their pumpkins, Marlene can't stop smiling. Maybe it isn't the easiest time to fall in love. They're losing friends and family left and right, and everyone knows that tomorrow is never promised. Still, Marlene is happy; she can't remember ever feeling this way before, and she doesn't want to lose it.
They place the enchanted into their jack-o-lanterns, a soft yellow light flickering within. As they admire their work, Marlene leans against Dorcas' shoulder, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
She knows they'll figure it out. It isn't always going to be easy, and they'll always have to deal with fear and worry. But Dorcas is hers. This love is real. Nothing will ever change that.
And that is all Marlene needs in order to know that everything will work out.
