This was a delight. :) So arcane, and somehow very fitting to them both. I really enjoyed the perspective of what we would consider a high-functioning autistic (or perhaps an Asperger) individual within the confines of the wizarding world. Beautifully delineated.
This is a much more sympathetic (yet still recognisable) view of Walburga and it was interesting to consider how she might have been as a young woman, but even more interesting is how you made us view her bigotry via Cuthbert's eyes -- he may not fully understand her, but her black and white view of things is very in tune with her black and white symmetry which he finds so pleasing and comforting.
I did love their unconventional friendship and so Orion's violence was shocking, as much to find her dutiful acceptance of mistreatment. Poor Walburga. Heartbreaking, indeed, I think for them both. Poor Cuthbert, also, who thanks to his limitations never considers if things might not have been different if he were able and knew how to act and extricate her from this horrendous situation. :(
Still, Walburga, at least, had her children and family to bring her some measure of happiness for awhile. Cuthbert's promise to her brought a chill as I knew what it portended. The kindest thing she did for Cuthbert, imo, was to bring him to Hogwarts. He might have died friendless and neglected, otherwise. Though he does not call them thus or perhaps even recognise them as such, Albus and Filius were/are his friends, as well.
This story was beautifully done; well-researched, fantastic extrapolation and a fascinating look at the Wizarding world from a perspective I don't believe I've ever seen used before. It was deeply engrossing and I thank you so much for a wonderful read! :)