Her Single Rose (Remus Lupin)

Fifty-Seven

"Remember to wear this, it will keep you thin and show off the curves. Evan will be sure to compliment and we will surly be able to set up the arranged marriage." Walburga spoke quietly and the family of four stood at platform 9 3/4.

Aries felt stiff in the corset her mother had made her wear, it was tight and so hard to breathe. The bruises along her arms hadn't ceased but her black eye had decreased in size.

When Aries had gotten back to her home the week before, Regulus had asked her where she had been. He had been annoyed that since she was his dancing partner, he had to dance with other girls.

This had resulted in an argument that had resolved itself by throwing pillows at each other and acting like they were two. In the end, both Regulus and Aries had been sporting a hurt limb, but shrugged off the argument.

"I'm sure I'll look thin, mother. Though I doubt a corset will define my curves, seeing how defined they already are." Aries retorted smartly, this remark was responded by a grasp of the chin and a tilt of the head.

The fast jerk and hard grasp making Aries sure that her mother wanted to do much more than just a grab. Aries was thanking her lucky stars that she was in public.

"Don't act smart, Aries. We both know how easy it was to hurt you last time, make sure there won't be a next, I won't be so forgiving." Walburga threatened.

Aries gulped nervously, completely tensed under her mother's grip. She didn't dare flinch when her mothers breath hit her face. Aries didn't move, nor blink. The fear in her eyes said all anyone needed to know.

Walburga let go of her daughters chin and sent off her two children onto the train, once the two stepped on and out of sight of their parents, Regulus visibly relaxed.

The corset was so tight that Aries was beginning to lose her breath, the intake of air she had wasn't enough. "Regulus, I need it off." Aries breathed as she held onto her brother for support.

Regulus didn't know exactly what to do, "I-I-.. I don't know how to take it off?!" He explained nervously.

"Then get Marlene!" Aries breathed through clenched teeth.

Regulus ran down the corridors in search of any of Aries friends, anyone that could help. While he did so, Aries staggered into a vacant compartment, trying her best to keep her breath.

She pulled off her shirt and stabilized herself with a hand on the top cushion of the seats. Aries tried to reach the ties in the center of her back but failed, the ties being too short for her to grab. Her mother was too smart for Aries own good.

Her breath was becoming shorter and shorter as Marlene suddenly barged in, Regulus and Sirius in tow.

"Get...Mar...get it-"

"I'm getting it off." Marlene said as she quickly started attempting untying the knot Walburga had tied. "I need scissors, a wand. Sirius!" Marlene yelled, Sirius quickly started going for his wand but couldn't find it.

Regulus gave Marlene his wand and she quickly used it to cut the lace that bound the top knot.

"Mar..." Aries was barely getting enough breath as her arm wavered as the stabilizer. Sirius and Regulus quickly came to her aid, shutting the door behind them as Marlene quickly untied the lace on the back of the corset.

"She's going limp." Regulus started to panic as Marlene growled, tugging at the lace of the corset.

"Break it." Sirius said before coming to Aries back and helping Marlene, Regulus kept Aries up as Sirius broke the back open.