I Dare You: Andromeda Tonks, setting something on fire

Love in Motion: RabastanAndromeda

Word Count: 446

My Dearest, Andromeda,

I saw you last night at my parents' ball. You looked quite exquisite in green. It really brings out your eyes.

I never noticed how beautiful you are until that moment. School starts back soon. Would you accompany me to Hogsmeade one weekend?

Yours,

Rabastan

My Dearest, Andromeda,

Rodolphus keeps laughing at me. He says I'm a lovesick fool. Maybe he's right. I know we haven't been together, but I love you. I never thought I could love someone. In our families, love isn't really a reality, is it?

I love you. And I'm not afraid to say it.

Yours,

Rabastan

My Dearest, Andromeda,

I'm scared. I hate admitting that. I'm not a Gryffindor, but fuck! I want to be brave.

This war… Rodolphus has already joined the Dark Lord. Our parents are so proud, and they keep looking at me like I'm supposed to follow in his footsteps.

The scariest part is that I want to. I want to make them proud. I want to do something with my life.

Yours,

Rabastan

My Dearest, Andromeda,

I'm sorry. You won't even talk to me now. Please just talk to me.

I did what I had to do.

Yours,

Rabastan.

My Dearest, Andromeda,

I love you. I thought that would be enough. Why can't you see that this is the right thing? The war is getting worse, and I'm on the winning side. Join me so I can keep you safe.

Yours,

Rabastan

My Dearest, Andromeda,

How many times do I have to apologize?

Yours,

Rabastan

My Dearest, Andromeda,

Talk to me. I need you to talk to me. I love you. Please.

Yours,

Rabastan

Andi,

I get it. Fine. I wish you well.

But don't forget I gave you a chance. I love you, and I wanted to keep you safe. You've made your decision, and I hope you'll be able to live with the consequences.

Yours, Rabastan

Andromeda feels a pressure in the back of her eyes as she tosses the final letter into the fireplace, watching the flames consume it and turn it to ash.

She still loves Rabastan; nothing will ever change that. She tried to reach out, tried to save him, but he doesn't want to be saved.

Wiping the tears away, she steps back, but she can still feel the heat of the fire. It feels like a betrayal, throwing the letters into the fire, but she feels stronger for it. She has a life now, and she cannot let her feelings for a boy who will never come back to her get in the way.

She curses the war. It really has taken everything away from her.