Love in Motion: SeverusPetunia
Decorating the Christmas Tree: Petunia
Word Count 338
She finds him outside the chapel. An almost smile tugs at her lips. "Couldn't bring yourself to go in either?"
Severus does not return Petunia's good humor. "I wasn't invited," he admits.
Petunia tilts her head to the side, unable to process what he's said. He and Lily had been inseparable once. Part of her had always assumed they would end up together in the end. She wonders what happened between them that Severus hadn't even been invited. Perhaps she should have paid more attention to Lily, and she might have learned.
"That's her loss," Petunia says gently, reaching out and caressing her cheek with her fingertips.
Truthfully, she's always found him attractive. He had been her sister's best friend, though, and that had meant she couldn't even look at him. Now, it seems that Lily has abandoned him.
Severus catches her by the wrist, lips curling into a frown. He brushes his thumb over the ring Vernon had given her. "It is most improper for an engaged woman to flirt with anyone but her intended." Though he clearly tries to put as much steel as possible into the words, his voice quivers. Maybe he isn't as noble as he acts; maybe he isn't immune to desire.
"Maybe I want to do more than flirt," she says. "Maybe I want more than what my boring Muggle fiancé has to offer."
She leans in, her lips on inches from his. It would be the easiest thing to steal a kiss. She closes her eyes, lips pursing.
Severus moves away, shaking his head. "Excuse me," he says quickly, hurrying off and disappearing with a pop.
…
When Petunia returns home, Vernon is waiting for her. She smiles and laughs at all his jokes; she knows how to play her part perfectly.
But in the moments where Vernon drones on and her mind begins to drift, she finds herself thinking of Severus. His conversations would have filled with magic.
Her smile feels forced and stiff, but she wears it and pretends.