Word Count: 332
She has always been a good girl, the perfect daughter. Andromeda cannot remember a time where she didn't put her family first, where she didn't sacrifice her own wants and desires so that the Black family's reputation remained intact.
Now, however, she wants to leave it all behind. There is something about Ted that makes her realize that some things are more important.
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens them again, the engagement ring is still in her boyfriend's nervously trembling hand. This is her chance. Shouldn't she put herself first for once? Shouldn't she stop trying to please everyone else around her and focus on her own happiness?
Her fingers brush over her violet blouse, and she swallows. It should be easy. It's just one word with one syllable, and she should be able to say it without hesitation.
"I'm not supposed to marry for love," she tells him, her voice barely audible.
"Doesn't love sound so much more fun than marrying for duty?"
He's right. Of course he's right. Once, Andromeda had dreamt of choosing who she loved. Her parents told her that things have to be this way, and Andromeda, ever the faithful daughter, the good and dutiful one, didn't want to disappoint them.
What's changed? What has given her the courage to turn her back on everything she has ever known? What has made her parents' approval suddenly so meaningless?
Edward Paul Tonks. A plain name for a Muggleborn. Nothing grand or exciting. Nothing like what Andromeda is meant to want.
But she does want him. She wants him so much that it causes a physical pain in her chest. Even when she is near him, it isn't enough and she is left wanting more.
And now the engagement ring rests against her finger. All she has to do is say yes.
So she does, and for once in her life, she doesn't care if her parents will hate her for it.