• flares • Barty Crouch Jr •

Chapter 31

It was the night before my intended wedding to George Weasley. I sat on the porch steps of the burrow feeling empty, I remembered feeling a similar way after finding out about my engagement to Barty but even that was so different. Though I may not have wanted to marry Barty at first I had always trusted him, it was like I knew he would always protect me.

But I could never feel that way about a Weasley, they hated everything about me. George had always been nice to me but I'd never been too bothered about loving someone nice.

I rose from the steps and walked inside

"I need to go for a walk" I announced to living room

Molly Weasley raises her eyebrows at me

"So you can wander off on the eve of your wedding? I think not"

"I'll go with her" George said standing up

I looked him up and down

"Fine" molly said

"Maybe it'll give you two some time to bond before tomorrow" she added

**

George and I wandered down to a small lake surrounded by woods it was quiet only the sounds of nature filling my ears.

I sat down by the water, I wanted to cry, but god was I so sick of crying. Thought it didn't stop a tear falling from my eyes.

I turned to George

"Do you think you could leave, I won't run off, I just need to be alone"

George looked at me, I could see the sympathy in his eyes. He nodded and began walking away

I exhaled

The thought of running had crossed my mind, but where would I go. I was miles from anywhere familiar, I didn't know where my family or Barty were. I could feel my will to escape becoming weaker, there was not much fight left in me. these past few months had left me mentally exhausted, I had tried to be strong through all of it, tried to believe that someone would come for me but I was less certain of that as each day passed.

I looked down at the ring Barty had given me, how could I replace it, I couldn't, he was in my heart.

I rose from my spot by the lake, preparing myself to return. I saw some beautiful red flowers by the other side of the lake it wouldn't hurt to take my time. Once I reached them I picked one bringing it up to my nose to smell the sweet scent.

I looked up across the lake twirling the rose in between my fingers, I smiled as it danced in my mind, as I watched it move I saw an outline in the distance. I trudged back towards the burrow assuming the figure belonged to George Weasley but as i got closer I realised the figure was much more rugged and when my eyes came into focus i could hardly believe them even when Barty strode down the hill and engulfed me in his arms.

"You found me" I said quietly as we broke apart

"Took me long enough" Barty replied with a disappointed tone in his voice

I gave him a small smile before pulling him in for a short kiss

"I forgive you" I whispered against his lips

His dark eyes pierced into mine as he passionately put his lips to mine

We broke apart as a voice came from behind us

"Get away from her before I kill you Crouch"