Oh, God, I love this! Pot-smoking, trust-fund-baby Arabella, an Order hanger-on at whose London flat was open to guests. Awkward, self-absorbed Sirius, who's afraid he's going to break her heart. What an amazing couple, having such silly, fun sex. And what wonderful lines! I especially loved these two, both of which showed a lot of insight into the way Arabella's world works:
So she'd been very careful to say that if they couldn't spare the time, she'd be delighted to visit and show him around herself. Needless to say that was as good as threatening to tell the entire village that their family had produced a squib. She'd made the message even clearer by writing with a muggle pen instead of a quill. It was a cruel thing to do, but needs must.
She didn't mind. She liked her cats and she liked her men. That she didn't really own the arrogant things was part of their appeal. So she didn't worry when Sirius began to look restless. She'd have him out of here soon, and some other creature would come drifting through before she got lonely again.
Oh, and I have to mention one of Sirius', too.:
With just the beginnings of a plan he began to feel cocky again. He was at his best improvising and making it up as he went along. Preparations were for Ravenclaws. Plans were for Hufflepuffs. And really detailed plans were for Slytherins. He was a Gryffindor and wild swoops of chance were his element.
So true. Thanks so much for this fic, mystery author! Can't wait to find out who you are (and request more Arabella fic). M.