Chapter Text
Blacks had a habit of falling into love very passionately. That passion meant obsession was due on its way, but even love didn't need to cause obsession. Orion Black always had a keen interest in Eileen Prince, from where he first met her on the train, to their current moment in life.
That interest stayed with him.
Eileen was a simple low born pureblood, with a terrible scandalous family history that would follow her. A gambling debt that took every rich they earned, ensuring that they could never have a peaceful life, but instead one of constant work. Her grandfather started it, and her father carried that bitterness with him.
She unfortunately didn't have enough going for her, having a pair of doll-like orbs that looked like giant pupils, and long black hair that wasn't cared for very well. She had crooked teeth she hid with a frown, and an unappealing stare to speak for her lost thoughts. She was almost equal footing to Riddle (now Gaunt), and Warren. Faking her death had crossed her mind more times than she could count, but where she could run was another problem to await.
Eileen knew it was cruel to pull on the heart strings of those she had no interest in, but in days like these, what other choice did she have? Orion's infatuation was obvious even to her, though she couldn't understand why. His constant need to strike a conversation, to work with her during studies, and find excuses to study with her. He would sit next to her, or across from her in the great hall every chance he got.
He was able to list many duelling facts at the top of his head under 5 minutes, and memorised every magical law for his upcoming career in the ministry. Once Orion set his sights on something there was no changing his mind. There was only one flaw she could find within him. Orion, despite his intelligence and many achievements, had trouble with letters and numeracy.
Eileen wondered if she was the only one who had caught on to it, and it was only thanks to their many study sessions together that she found out. He didn't like reading, and even more hated reading to people. Perhaps it had been her patience with him that attracted him to her. Perhaps her ability to wait had been a quality he preferred.
Orion was many things, and his inner circle knew that very much. Problem was, Eileen only knew what Orion presented to her. His sweetness could be a full blown lie, and if she didn't play her card correctly she could live a life of misery. However, there was just something about Orion's eagerness that tugged at her.
Orion came from a great family, one that especially prided themselves on living well. Orion himself was full of potential, and his peers respected him most. When people could see your spark they wanted to break you, she had been a fly on a wall to know this. Jealousy, rage and the list went on. Men loved drama as much as women spectated.
Therefore, a life with Orion meant two things. She would be well looked after, and she would have to look over her shoulder. Eileen wasn't sure if that was the heat she could handle.
A life without Orion?
"Please, think about it, Eileen." Orion pleaded.
His face was one of fear, being that it was the first time he proposed to her. Fear of rejection didn't dissuade his hope, however. He had shown up to her small home, the Prince mansion sold off decades ago. He had shown up, uncaring of the greedy eyes that Prince senior gave him. He was holding her cold hands.
Orion made his eyes widen for more effect, "I'll always wait for you." he said, holding her hand tighter, but not too tight.
How could Eileen say no to that?