For Around the World in 31 Days (Uganda: Ursula Black)

Everyone knows that the Blacks are one of the oldest wizarding families. Ursula should be flattered that her father has chosen a Black for suitor. After all, it could be so much worse. She could find herself betrothed to a Crabbe.

And yet Ursula is hesitant. Maybe she's still young enough to believe in better things. Maybe she's still naive enough to hope for true love.

"You will dance with him tonight at the ball," her father tells her.

Ursula draws her lips into a thin line. Arguing is pointless. Her protests would only fall on deaf, apathetic ears.

She forces herself to smile her brightest smile. "Yes, Father."

…

"Miss Flint?"

Ursula turns when she feels a soft tap on her shoulder. She wants to scowl at the unexpected inconvenience, but that's not an option. She's meeting her future husband tonight. She has to be the perfect, meek Pureblood girl she's been raised to be.

With a soft smile, she turns, and her cheeks immediately flood with heat. The boy who stands before her is maybe eighteen, three years older than she is. His dark eyes glimmer in the candlelight as he observes her.

"Ursula," she corrects quietly, tugging her chestnut curls nervously. "Please, call me Ursula."

"Phineas," he says, taking her hand in his and pressing a quick kiss to her knuckles.

Ursula shivers. Phineas Black, her suitor.

She's always imagined suitors as much older men with wrinkled skin and pockets heavy with gold. She never could have imagined that one could be so young, so handsome.

"May I have this dance?" Phineas asks, his thumb grazing her knuckles.

Ursula can only stare. The only small mercy is that her jaw hasn't dropped. After several moments, she manages to nod. "You can have all the dances you'd like," she whispers.

He leads her through the crowd and onto the floor. One hand rests lightly at her waist as he begins to guide her in a waltz. "I believe this means I will be able to dance with you for the rest of my life."

"I'm looking forward to it."

And she's amazed to realize she means it.