Word Count: 358
Slipping away without notice is easier than Walburga would have guessed. Her father usually likes to keep a close eye on her, even though she's seventeen and grown. When the opportunity arrives, she steps into the crowd, easily getting lost in the sea of people until she reaches Flourish and Blotts.
Her family isn't around. She wonders if anyone has noticed her absence yet. She will have to be quick.
She enters the bookstore, waving away the assistant who hurries to greet her. Her mother has already collected her books for the school year. For Walburga, there is something much more interesting hidden within the aisles.
"You're late," Druella says, lips pursing as Walburga approaches.
Walburga shrugs. "Between my father and your future husband watching me, you're lucky I made it at all."
Her lover doesn't like that. Future husband. Walburga remembers the day the engagement was officially arranged. Perhaps it isn't her brother's fault, but she has yet to forgive him for taking the only person Walburga has ever loved.
"Yeah, he's not the choice I would have gone with," Druella says, bitterness saturating her words. "He's a brute, and I would much rather have someone less… male."
Walburga nods, unsure what to say. Her own engagement has been arranged as well. There isn't a way for them, except running away together. It's tempting, but she isn't sure she can bring herself to do it. In the end, she has to be a good daughter and do what is expected of her.
"I love you," Walburga whispers.
Druella smiles at that. "I love you more."
"There you are!" Cygnus hurries forward, dark eyes narrowing in annoyance.
"I was lost," Walburga says simply. "I came here because we need books."
"Mother already got those for you." He doesn't even spare Druella a glance. He is just as reluctant to marry her as she is him. "Come along before Father gets angry."
Walburga has no choice but to follow along. Still, as she allows her brother to lead her from the shop, she smiles. Her time with Druella is always short, but she wouldn't trade it for the world.