The Season was thankfully drawing to a close. With less than two weeks until the New Year, Melody had given up all hope of a different outcome. The wedding would be announced in less than a month's time,and the preparations were already well underway. Everything was going according to her father's plan; all Melody had to do was suffer through it.

Ben's visit was well timed. The exhausted debutante had retired to the family library for the rest of the afternoon, and as such she was readily available for her friend. Their time together at Hogwarts seemed like such a distant memory now. Was it truly only two years ago that they roamed through the halls of their school? Merlin, Melody desperately missed those days.

"Ben!" She exclaimed as she walked into the parlor. "I've missed you. How are you faring?" Hopefully, the other young witch would be able to stay for a decent visit. Melody hadn't the slightest clue what it was to operate a shop - much as she wished she were able to. Perhaps then Ben - her forbidden love, not her dear friend - would be willing to marry her.

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