Melody had retired to her room early this evening. The loud whispers and pointed stares were unavoidable at her luncheon, but she needn't share another meal with her parents after their obvious lack of indiscretion. It was shameful enough that she had failed spectacularly at securing herself a husband - that her intended match was one merely of convenience. She hadn't expected to have the room quiet as she moved through it, nor had she appreciated her friends' polite smiles. Now, more than ever, Melody wished for nothing but a new life.

The transfiguration text was doing little to distract her racing mind. How was she to focus on her animagus studies at a time like this? Her wedding announcement was to be made next week! And following it a schedule full of wedding preparations. Melody dropped the worn book to her lap with a heavy sigh. She could already feel the infinite pin pricks from the seamstress and Penny's tugging at her curls. The wedding was still nearly two months away, and she was already dreading every minute of it.

The knock at her window startled her into dropping her book to the floor with a heavy thud. Rising from her bed, Melody hesitantly drew the curtain back only to see Ben...? Was he flying? What was he sittiny on? Merlin! What was he doing here? She shoved her window open as quickly and quietly as she could, but it still gave a groan as the hinges extended. "Ben! What - why are you doing here?" She whisper shouted at him.

Their night in the shack flashed through her mind, along with his promises. Truthfully, Melody hadn't put much thought into them, for what could he possibly think of that she hadn't already. Unless...no. He couldn't be here for that! Melody leaned on the windowsill as she awaited his explanation for risking everything to visit her tonight.

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