Penelope Shingleton

Her words made his entire body tense for a moment. Was he really the best option for her? Because he was sure Penelope’s life would have been easier if he hadn’t butted in with his romantic ideas and his reckless kisses. Suddenly he felt extremely selfish. He adored spending time with her. The girl made him feel wonderful. However, he had nothing to lose by being with her; but she did. She was defying her entire family, the traditions her parents lived for. She was doing it for him and holding onto her wasn’t the noblest thing to do. “You’re too kind.” He chuckled. “I’m not that special.  I mean, people say I’m a keeper and I can’t really deny that, but I’m not that big of a deal.” He laughed at his own joke, his eyes never leaving hers. 

She felt his body tensing and for a moment she frighteningly wondered whether she had said those things out loud. Surely she had not. Perhaps it was because his body was in too much pain, she figured. "Probably not," she replied jokingly. "But I'll keep you anyway."

Fabian smiled. It was nice to have someone saying the things Penelope was telling him right then. A couple of girls had liked him before, but none of them with such sweetness. He felt completely unworthy of it. “I’m so glad you feel that way.” He said, moving forward and resting his forehead against hers in an affectionate gesture. “I still want to be the best I can be for you, you know? And that includes treating you like you deserve… even if you don’t mind. I do.” He finally stated. He would never forgive himself if he made her feel less than wonderful. 

Penelope felt her cheeks heating up once again; even though basically every word that escaped Fabian's lips was worthy of coming straight from a poem or novel, she still couldn't get used to it. From the first moment she had laid eyes on him she believed to have seen something familiar in his eyes, a glint of hope and now those eyes were only inches away from hers as he rested his forehead against her own. "You're already  more than I ever hoped for." And probably ever will, she thought sourly. The happier Fabian made her feel, the gloomier her future with Bartemius became. Perhaps that was why she had started to hate him so intensely. Not only did she feel like he had robbed her of her future, he had also become a constant burden in her presence. 

To put it simply, I just want you to hush. 

Oh.. okay..

The circumstances also count. We’re in the hospital wing, it’s rather bizarre. You deserve much better than that. 

"Like I said before.." Penelope paused for a brief moment. "I know it sounds.. stupid, but.. I don't care as long as I am with you." Penelope would have never imagined that she would ever be saying something as soppy as that. She had always considered herself to be a realist; both feet firmly on the ground, however lately she'd been feeling like she was walking, no, hovering around with her head inside a cloud.  "When I am with you I am barely aware of my surroundings," Penelope bluntly admitted. 

Don’t worry. I would never intend something like that to happen. I mean, not here, under this circumstances. 

(Glares back to check if Poppy is still lurking in the door opening, continues as soon as it is confirmed she's not) It's not so much the circumstances, as well as the fact that you need rest so your body can heal properly. 

No one is going to be obedient in marriage, tell him to get a pet or something. I don’t know if it will make it any better, but if there’s a chance it could make things better then you should try it.

Alright then. So we both have a mission. You will find a way to apologize to Lucinda, while I will stand up for myself with Barty. 

And what...? (Suddenly her eyes widen and she colors up) Oh.. I see. 

I... I'm sorry.. I mean.. I'm confused now.. you don't want me to apologize?

As much as I would love to take that moron off of your hands, I don’t think me marrying him is an option. If I could I would, not that he would be very pleased with the situation. I think you should let him know that you’re not about to be bossed around and threatened for the rest of your life, not like he could get any worse from the sounds of it.

How unfortunate. From the way he behaved I'd say he does not really care for who he will marry as long as the person will be obedient. Perhaps you're right... I should tell him exactly what I think about him!

Worried? Why would she be worried? 

I hate this guy. No, no it’s alright. I’m glad you told me. You shouldn’t have to be afraid of him. He’s your fiancee, that’s not how he should be treating you, even if it is an arranged marriage. There has to be something wrong with him. Is there anything I can do?

Unless you are willing to marry him instead, I am afraid there is not much you can do. But thank you so much for your offer anyway. I know... I always knew that my parents were planning on marrying me off, however I never imagined that I would have to spend the rest of my days with someone I absolutely despise.. 

Great! That's settled then. I wouldn't like spending the night on my own in a nearly deserted hospital wing either. 

Do you really have to leave?

Well... perhaps.. I could.. stay here the night? If you'd like..? I am sure Madam Pomfrey wouldn't mind if I were to take the empty hospital bed next to you..?