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Millicent Bulstrode wasn't known for subtlety. When she found something she wanted, she pursued it until it was hers. It didn't matter if she was chasing a grade, an object, or someone who would return her affections. She made the perusing with the same enthusiasm each and every time.
It was that determination and drive that brought Adrain Pucey into her life. He wasn't known for being very forthcoming with his feelings, wants, or desires, and he had caught her eye during Charms first year. Now in their fifth year, Millicent couldn't imagine her life without him.
The evening air was crisp against her skin as the young couple took their nightly walk around the courtyard late one evening. A peaceful silence had fallen between them, just like normal. Millicent took care of Adrian's needs without him needing to ask, and Adrian took care of the things she pointed out as necessary.
There was a small bench a few meters away from them. Normally, they would end their evening stroll cuddled up on the bench, watching the stars until the prefects came around, warning everyone that curfew was near. It took Milliencet a few moments to realize that Adrian was no longer walking beside her.
She glanced back at him over her shoulder and furrowed her brow. "Is everything okay?"
Adrian didn't respond to her, focusing his attention on the bench just a few meters away. It appeared as though he was lost in thought, so Millicent moved towards him, reaching out to touch his shoulder.
"Adrian?" She asked, furrowing her brow as she studied his face. "Are you okay?
He shook his head, focusing his attention on her as he pulled his shoulder away from her. The smile had long since faded from his face, and when his eyes met hers, Millicent felt a shiver run down her spine. She shook her head, pushing the doubts away from her mind.
"I can't do this anymore," Adrian finally spat out, scrubbing his hands over his face as he let out a sigh. "It's all too much. You're smothering me."
Millicent stumbled back, clutching her hand to her chest as her mind processed what he had just said. "Where is this coming from?"
"It's been a long time coming," Adrian quipped, shaking his head. "I need to get out of here, and I just need to be by myself."
"Can't we just sit down and talk this out?" Millicent pleaded, motioning to the bench. "Please, Adrian. Just sit down and talk with me."
Adrian's lips drew into a firm line as he shook his head. "Not this time, Millie," he replied, pulling his jacket tight around his waist. He turned away from her and began making his way back to the castle, keeping his head down. The less attention he drew to himself, the better.
Millicent sat down slowly on the bench, feeling as though her heart had been ripped out and was walking away from her. Tears started rolling slowly down her cheek as she watched the love of her life walk away without looking back, wondering where it had all gone wrong.