#int. andromeda tonks

[regulusx]

         with a sigh regulus resigned himself to make the most out of his mandatory attendance to the fair, 'it will be good for the department if we are seen at the event' his boss had said, regulus was just relieved he had not been ordered to volunteer at one of the booths too. this he could manage, a fake smile since he had done since childhood, and pretended interest, he had literally being trained for it.

         had he not been so lost in his thoughts he would've seen the approaching incident, granted, andromeda had barely bumped into him, but now he was left with no idea of how to react.

         ❝it's alright, no harm done❞ regulus tried to sound nonchalant, he could not exactly use the same grateful and delighted tone as he did in his secret visits to his cousin, ❝everything okay?❞

Andromeda found that the events that the Ministry promoted were not exactly 100% reliable, there was a certain sense of distraction, pan et circus, if you will, and that left a sour taste in her mouth.

That being said, once Dora found out about the fair there was no way of not attending.

Dora was next to her mother, a treat in her hand, before some booth got her attention, and the child was running to it, Andromeda not far behind, "Dora, wait a minute!" she tried to get her daughter's attention and soon she was bumping to someone accidentally. "So sorry, my daughter..." she pointed and then turned back to try and catch Dora.

[braveclementine]

Chapter 27

Warnings: None. However, future chapters will contain sexual content so readers that are under the age of 18 may have to skip those chapters (Please keep note of the warnings).

Copyright: I do not own any Wizarding World characters that J.K. Rowling wrote. I do however own Elizabeth Kane (main character) and Trang Nyguen (best friend). There should be no use of these two names without my permission. I also do not condone any copying of this.

𝕬𝖓 𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖗𝖊 𝖕𝖑𝖔𝖙 of land had been cleared by the Ministry of Magic (ie Kingsley) for the burial of the Fallen Fifty. Yes, even though I had saved Dad, Tonks, Severus, and Lavenders' lives, it seemed fate found a way to replace those four lives with those of the Slytherins who had fought alongside us. 

The cemetery was beautiful, hidden just outside of the city, where the sunlight barely managed to filter through the dense canopy of trees. It was unlike any other I had ever seen, as if nature had been given free rein to create a masterpiece of her own. The air was heavy with the scent of countless flowers that seemed to bloom in defiance of the season, their vibrant colours painting the landscape in hues of red, green, yellow, and blue.

 The grass was lush and green, dotted with fresh tombstones of marble that would tell the stories of the brave men and women who had fought in battle. Birdsong filled the air, competing with the soft rustling of leaves as they danced in the gentle breeze.

There were wooden chairs that had been set up in front of the podium where the small man who had spoke at Dumbledore's funeral would be speaking. They were filling up as I stood on the small stage that Lee and I had set up beforehand, overlooking the crowd. 

The Weasleys were the ones I laid eyes upon first, their heads of red hair bright in the sun. When George looked up at us, I swept my eyes over the rest of the crowd, unable to look him in the face. 

Severus was in the very back with Dad, Tonks, Trang, and Andromeda. They were sitting with Remus, Minerva, Elijah Kingsley, and Teddy so that if they started to cry, they would be able to run with them so they didn't disturb the funeral. 

More chairs were added as more people showed up. There was, of course, the survivors of the Battle of Hogwarts, but also family members and friends who hadn't been there. My heart clenched when I saw Dennis Creevy sitting with a tall father who resembled Colin greatly. Both of them were crying silently, but proudly. 

I should've saved Colin too. Somehow. 

"Are you ready?" Lee asked me quietly. 

I turned slightly to look at him. We had been practicing this for the past week to make sure it was perfect for today. I had known Lee enjoyed singing and even had some band friends whose names were Luke, Ryan, and Aaron. Together we had formed our own sort of band, at least for now. 

They thought I had created the entire song, which I had taken out of my memories and put in a pensive to see if they could recreate it. They had been very successful and the song was perfect the last couple of days we had practiced. 

It wasn't, of course, my own. Rather a song that I had used to listen to when I had been int he other world. One I had listened to because it was a 'fan' song for the Wizarding World. One to portray how much the death of the characters meant to them, even though they 'weren't real'. Regardless, I would now take this song from Dr. Gates' world, and bring it alive in mine. 

I fidgeted with my dress slightly, tugging it lower slightly so that it was at knee length instead of above. "Yeah, I think so anyways. It's just. . . I think my main problem will be trying not to cry." 

Lee nodded, looking out at the crowd as the funeral director stepped up onto the platform. "That will be hardest part." 

We sat down in our chairs on the stage, but I couldn't listen to a single word the man said. All I could do was look at all the faces, shining and red with tears, and think about all of the ways I could have saved their loved ones. . . if I hadn't been so selfish to save my own. 

I could've told others, could've told everyone. Or I could've passed liquid luck out to everyone. I should have come up with a better plan. 

But I had been so scared to change the future by an inch, so scared it would prevent me from saving my family. 

I wondered if it was worth it. 

Lee gently touched my hand, making me realize that the band was setting up. I got to my feet slowly, approaching the microphone. I would be singing nearly the entire song though Lee would be helping with the chorus and the other three would join in for vocalizing. 

The coffins were brand new with a design that was modern and sleek. Its lines were clean and uncluttered, its curves soft and inviting. It was made from a sustainable blend of oak wood and metal, a testament to the changing times. A small bronze plaque on the coffin's lids bore the name of the deceased, along with the years of their birth and death.

On a nearby table next to the stage, there was a small surprise that I had set up. I just hoped I was able to sing and concentrate on the magic at the same way. 

I took a deep breath and started to sing. 

 "I'm tired and thin Haven't slept since the war I'm a mess of wounded skin Like a wine sack that's been torn

In the sacred space Behind the lids of my eyes Mad-Eye darkly holds my gaze And I can still see Frederick's laughing face." 

At this point, I let my wand point to the table, letting the two lanterns float up into the slowly darkening sky. I had asked to do this near nighttime so that they would show up better. The lanterns lit up, showing the pictures that accompanied them. . . Uncle Moody who was looking at everyone, and Fred who was laughing. 

After that, the lanterns kept coming, even as I continued to sing. Colin and Professor Vector and Professor Burbage and the Fallen Fifty. 

"It's not enough,  To say that time Can mend my wings That one day I'll fly"

Lee sang along with me as the photos continued to float up and coffins were lowered down into the soft ground. If anyone had stopped crying, they were sobbing now, seeing the faces of their loved ones. 

"And it's not enough  This acheless scar Some wounds are still burning Let me live as one earning his life" 

Lee: And we all fall down And we all fall down 

Me: Behind the lids of my eyes I can still see Frederick's laughing face

Lee: Far away

Me: And I can still see Fredericks' laughing face. 

Now I sang the line and Lee sang the echo. 

It's not enough (not enough)  To say that time (say that time)

Something surprising was happening. . . the crowd was joining in with Lee. I felt my heart soar, especially as the lanterns were now portraying different faces: The faces of Dumbledore and Sirius and Cedric and the faces of the people who had died to Voldemort before he had really taken control. 

Can mend my wings (mend my wings) That one day I'll fly (one day I'll fly) It's not enough (not enough) This acheless scar (acheless scar) Some wounds are still burning (wounds are still burning) Let me live as one earning his life (earning his life)

Lee: Darkest nights turn into dawns Golden lights are chords for songs of love Something death cannot erase

The rest of the song was instrumental as the last four photos showed up: Lily and James Potter, and Frank and Alice Longbottom, a tribute to both of our sets of parents for giving up their different sacrifices so that their children could end the Dark Lord they had so valiantly fought against. 

Lee sang the very last part, which was just a very simple: Far away~

The lanterns went out , the pictures dissolving into golden dust. The coffins finished settling into their already made holes, wands waving gently through the air to cover them with freshly dug up dirt. The headstones glowed brightly in the moonlight and slowly the people moved to visit the graves. 

I sighed, turning away from the crowd. Lee was still staring out at the crowd, but he looked down at me now. "Luna is right you know." 

"Oh?" I asked softly. 

Lee nodded, pulling me into a hug, "We're going to see them again someday." 

"Yes." I whispered, thinking of the stone that Harry had dropped in the forest. They were still out there, still existed, and I would see them all in death. "Yes we will." 

⬅️➡️

[tdtnks]

date: january 30th, 1983 location: the tonks home @andyinthestars​

“When’s mum going to get home?” Dora whinged, looking up at him with big, brown eyes. Today her hair was short, curly, and a bright blue. Ted’s lips twitched with amusement. It wasn’t the first time she’d asked that in the past hour – nor the second, the third, or the fourth. “What time does mum usually get home?” he asked, quickly receiving his child’s answer. “And what time does the clock say it is?” Dora squinted at the analog clock on the wall, carefully reading at the answer and looking to him for confirmation. This time, he smiled. “Right. So, she should be home any minute now.” Hopefully. Andromeda’s work could be demanding. After all, that’s how she’d ended up called in on a Sunday that was her birthday. But Ted knew she wouldn’t let the Ministry keep her late just because it demanded it. He was betting on him being home by dinner.

Dora asked if she wait by the door to greet her mother, so he sent her on her way with a pat on the head. A quiet sight slipped past his lips. It was tired more than anything else. He loved his child more than the world and he’d never change a thing about her, but her energy and excitement were inexplicable. She definitely hadn’t gotten them from him. Unlike older brothers, who delighted in using spare moments to muck around in the yard or set up pranks throughout the house, Ted had spent his glued to his piano. Maybe it came from Andy though. Maybe that’s what Andy would’ve been like had she not grown up in the family she did. When her eyes twinkled with mischief, it was exactly like looking into Dora’s, and he knew when he showed her the cake Dora picked out today, she’d have a similar reaction to her child’s.

Speaking of… The clicks of the locks and Dora’s excited shout snapped him from his thoughts. Andromeda was home. Stepping away from the counter, Ted walked past decorations Dora had insisted on putting up earlier that day. He’d used the unfortunate opportunity of her extra shift to prepare, taking Dora out to buy supplies for dinner, a cake, and decorations. They’d even gotten her an extra present, something Dora saw in a shop window as they were strolling down Diagon Alley.

“Hi, honey,” he said, coming to a stop a few paces from them. Dora had her arms thrown around her mother’s neck in a tight hug. “Happy birthday.”

[rodolphos]

private starter for @andyinthestars​

It was unsurprising that an ancient book on death magic was not an easy text to come by. Despite having put in a request with Borgin & Burke’s to keep an eye out for it, along with a few others antique dealers he know of, the days ticked by without a sign that the book he was looking for would ever become available for purchase. Fortunately or unfortunately – your pick – the exact text he was looking for was available for viewing by appointment at the Oxford Magic Library. A few sweet words and a few sweeter galleons got him an appointment without question as to his intentions.

The Oxford library was not a place he regularly frequented. Usually, any texts he wanted, he could get his hands on for perusal in his private study. Since it was not the case this time, Rodolphus chose to show up early. A floo was connected directly to the library, meaning he didn’t have to see any muggles let alone talk to them. A relief. He arrived early and a witch at the front desk informed him that the director would come to get him when it was time; in the meanwhile, he was welcome to examine the rest of their public collection.

It was unclear even to himself if he was examining the collection or looking for a quiet aisle. It was probably not the former, as magical dinner recipes held about as much interest to him as the latest Celestina Warbeck album. If it was the latter, than he was out of luck. His eyes were narrowed at the spine of a book entitled How to Prepare and Cook a Dragon’s Flesh when he heard footsteps come to a stop near him. Blue eyes darted to the witch, an immediate but unnamed familiarity dawning on him.

“Have we met before?” he asked. Quiet, to respect the atmosphere of the library.

[rjluqin]

closed starter for @andyinthestars​

There was a warmth when he entered the Tonks’ home -- one that softened his aches and made it easier to breathe. It wasn’t a physical warmth that spurred him to remove his cardigan, but one that made him feel at home. He breathed in deeply, savoring the scents, before toeing off his shoes and following Andromeda into the kitchen. Although it had taken some needling, both of them had known he’d ended up when she extended the invitation for tea to them. 

In the kitchen, he leaned against the counter and glanced around the room as she put on the kettle. Spotting drawings and toys that belonged to Dora, a small smile tugged at his lips. “Is she out with Ted?” he asked, nodding to one of the drawings as his eyes flicked to Andromeda. Sometimes when she invited him round, her husband and child were there as well, but he’d heard nothing that would suggested they were here -- and he would have by now. Remus shoved his hands in his pockets. “Thanks for having me over, by the way.”

[talinovs]

closed starter for @an-dromeda-tonks​

Lurking around the corner of a hospital, the sky above dark like ink and the street dimly illuminated by flicking electric lamps, Alyosha almost seemed like he was taking notes from muggle horror movies. But as much as it may have seemed that way, he wasn’t. He was waiting and the person he was waiting on wasn’t expecting him but... He held no ill-intentions. At least, he didn’t consider them as such. Watching one patient, visitor, or employee leave after the next, the minutes ticked by until -- finally. Unaware, the one he was waiting on took a left out the door, heading in the direction he was standing. As she passed the corner of St. Mungo’s, he grabbed arm and pulled her into the alley beside the hospital. “Look, look -- I mean you no harm. I've just got something to ask of you.”

[choosehero-archive]

‘ are you trying to give me a heart attack? ’ (andromeda to ted??)

❝ but it’s your birthday!  birthday’s are for surprises! ❞   he sits on the bed, practically pinning her legs beneath his, and holds out the cake he made.  dora crawls around the bedspread, laughing gleefully and excitedly, energized by the early-morning uproar and fun with her parents.   ❝ didn’t use the noise-makers though, did i?  oughta be glad i showed that sort o’ mercy on ya, ‘dromeda! ❞ 

@lumiena   //   hurt prompts  ;  not accepting . 

[morsmordreevents]

She arrives dripping in gold and leaving stardust in her wake. The name had been whispered over the years, only growing in volume as the Lady herself reentered London Society. Of, course, there was only one way to properly introduce herself to the royals of society and establish her throne equal to those perched in Olympus and it came in the form of a masquerade ball. 

Each envelope sealed with a crimson kiss, they were sent out clasped to the leg of a white dove. Everyone from the Blacks to the the Lestranges to the Prewetts to the Potters found the bird perched on their windowsill, beckoning them to a night of pure indulgence.

Each invite is accompanied with a challenge: your mask must represent a pig, monkey, mouse, goat or bird. Choose wisely — your self-identifying animal kinship will shape your entire night. Each animal represents a personality trait; the Pig represents those seeking fame, the Monkey: power, the Bird: love, Goat: wealth, and finally, the Mouse is for those seeking respect. Be honest and accurate in the animal you choose, deceit will only further you from your true goal. 

Dresses spun of the finest silk and suits hand-stitched with golden thread are prepared for the ball. Masks waxed and painted, as ornate and spectacular as expected of society darlings. It’s a night to be shrouded in true mystery, identities concealed and a glamorized version of self walking in the shoes of every individual in attendance. 

Waiters glide through the estate with white silk gloves, balancing hors hors d’oeurves and champagne on glittering silver trays. The string quartet and the crystalline clink of glasses echo through through the high-ceilinged halls and red-carpeted chambers of the extravagant Zabini estate. As the night falls, words slur, morals slip, and even the most stoic of individuals find their cheeks colouring, laughs rising into the air like so many empty promises and shallow flirtations. Khadijah Zabini spared no expense when it came to throwing a party in the midst of a bloody war.

The papers labelled this to be the social event for the year— how little of that they really knew.

OVERVIEW: Welcome to Morsmordre’s first official event! This is something more on the light-hearted side before we really get things rolling. While it is implied that it’s more of the society figures that are invited to this, most “non-society” characters have connections that would get them int this party regardless. With the horror that overtook the Ministry Christmas party, all factions are weary and all members from all allegiances are instructed to stay on guard; this is unchartered territory and with Khadijah’s assumed neutrality, this is anyone’s game.

TIMELINE: The masquerade ball occurs on JANUARY 25TH, 1979 so any timestamp must be between 8:00PM that day to 2:00AM that morning. This is just part one of the actual event so keep your eyes peeled in the next week for the mid-event plot drop. 👀

TASK: Show off your character’s outfit for the masquerade. Of course there will ideally be an air of mystery surrounding your character during the event but they can show off as much or as little of their identity as they wish. Use the tag #morsmordretalk and #morsmordremasquerade for your creations and feel free to post them in the Discord channel as well! 

THREAD PAIRINGS: From those who liked the pairing call in the Discord. Keep in mind that identities will be concealed and it should be plotted out if identities are known to other individuals. 

After a hushed, albeit tense, conversation with her husband, GABRIELLE DELACOUR takes a moment for herself in the garden. ALECTO CARROW, who witnessed the conversation from afar, follows GABRIELLE outside to taunt the other woman and shake things up a little.

RISHA FAWLEY has a bit too much to drink (or drank a bit too much of the wrong beverage) and is found teetering on one of the balconies upstairs. ELEANORA AVERY finds them and has to choose between helping them or having a bit of fun at RISHA’S expense. 

NARCISSA MALFOY has always had a knack for spotting things out of place and that’s exactly what they deemed FRANK LONGBOTTOM to be: a sheep in wolf’s clothing. He doesn’t quite have the high-brow society antics down so he just can’t be a society darling. Looking to stir up a bit of trouble, NARCISSA calls FRANK out on this, accusing him of showing up uninvited and here to cause trouble. 

CLEMENT DELACOUR takes it upon himself to investigate the mysterious newcomer, poking his head in places it shouldn’t be. It’s all going well until he bumps into BELLATRIX BLACK, who happens to be doing the exact same thing.

ANDROMEDA TONKS stumbles upon SIRIUS BLACK outside on the edge of the pool. Trying her best to not startle him, ANDROMEDA calls out to them to announce their presence. However, SIRIUS BLACK startles and slips, injuring himself in the fall. ANDROMEDA rushes over to attempt to help. OPHELIA GREENGRASS stumbles upon this scene of blood and accuses ANDROMEDA of attacking SIRIUS BLACK; thus a fight ensues.

[littlerose13writes]

The First Five Years: 2000

31st December, 2000

“Do you think I’ll need more than one swimsuit?” Ginny called out to her boyfriend who was in the kitchen, making coffee and softly humming to himself. He didn’t immediately respond and Ginny stared dejectedly at the half full trunk sat atop her bed, a swimsuit in each hand, her red hair pulled into a gradually unravelling top knot.

Ginny hated packing. It was almost her least favourite thing to do, topped only by unpacking.

As she knelt on their bed, her socked feet almost causing her to slide off the small space not occupied by the trunk, her back was to the doorway but she heard Harry’s footsteps enter the room behind her. She dropped both the swimsuits down on the bed.

“How about no swimsuit?” his low voice sounded in her ear as he snaked an arm around her from behind, placing a cup of hot coffee into her hand and giving her hip a squeeze. He was shirtless, his firm, Auror-trained torso pressing into her back, only the thin fabric of Ginny’s tshirt between their skin to skin contact.

“Oi! No time.” Ginny accepted the coffee gratefully, gesturing to her mess of a half-packed trunk, as Harry pressed a fleeting kiss to her cheek.

“S'always time.” Harry murmured into her neck, pressing more kisses down as he went. His hair was loose, falling over his shoulder and tickling Ginny’s collarbone as he moved, his arm now joined by the other, holding her body against his. Ginny knew that Harry knew she couldn’t resist him when he did that.

Ginny leant forward, coffee cup first, and Harry loosened his grip for a second to let her reach the bedside table and place the scalding hot coffee down. As she moved back towards him, this time facing her boyfriend’s smouldering eyes, he encircled his arms around her again. She was still kneeling on the bed and Harry was standing, making their usual height difference much less noticeable. It made their kiss slightly awkward for the first few seconds, both of them adjusting to the difference in height, and Ginny was forcibly reminded of the first time she had ever kissed Harry in the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Harry, I really need to pack.” Ginny groaned, forcing herself to pull away. “We leave tomorrow.”

“Details.” Harry said in an off-handed way.

“Y'know, if you help me, it could be done well before Andromeda arrives.” She gave him a suggestive smirk and Harry’s eyes brightened as he eventually pulled his arms from her.

“Ok so you need these?” he grabbed the two abandoned swimsuits and, without waiting for Ginny to respond, threw them into the trunk before pacing across to their open, shared wardrobe and grabbing an item of clothing on a hanger without looking at it. “How about this?”

He made to throw the item into the trunk in the same way he had the swimsuits but was stopped by Ginny, who had clambered off the bed and took hold of his forearms, shaking with laughter.

“Harry, that’s yours.” She gestured to the garment, specifically the small logo on the top right corner and the words Auror Training Academy. Harry glanced at it, noticing for the first time what he’d picked up, and grinned down at her.

“Well, I suppose I won’t be needing this anymore. You can have it.” He started to fold the tshirt up carefully.

“You’re still an Auror in training when we’re away.” Ginny said as she crossed to the wardrobe too and retrieved a pile of socks.

“Yes, but Robards isn’t going to know if I’m in uniform when I’m completing my assignments is he?” Harry teased her, starting to straighten out some of the messy pile already in the trunk.

Ginny added the socks to the pile Harry was folding and lightly touched his arm. “I so can’t wait to get my revenge on you for all of those times you distracted me from revising for my O.W.Ls.”

“Gin, you got Os and Es in everything.” Harry sighed.

“Precisely. Imagine how well I could have done without your bad influence.” She lightly smacked him as he snorted with laughter at her comment. “Will you go and get my training kit from the laundry please?”

Harry left the room as Ginny took over, turning the mess into something resembling a packed suitcase, periodically sipping coffee. Harry’s packed trunk stood leant against the wall where he’d finished it the night before. Bloody Aurors and their need to be so prepared.

“Is this all of it?” Harry’s voice sounded a bit muffled as he re-entered the room, his wand levitating a pile of Harpies kit in front of him. He trained his wand on the pile to gracefully lower it into the trunk and Ginny saw that it was all four sets of her training kit, lovingly folded neatly with the Holyhead Harpies logo at the top of each.

“I bloody love you.” She pulled him to her and Harry looked very pleased with himself as he accepted the kiss Ginny planted on his cheek.

The packing took considerably less time with both of them and was considerably more enjoyable when Ginny found herself rewarded with kisses after each addition to the case. When it was finally filled, Harry waved his wand to move the case from the bed to stand against the wall beside his own and pulled Ginny down onto the now empty bed next to him.

Harry checked his watch and grinned at her. “Do we have time?”

Ginny wriggled closer to him and placed a hand on his warm chest, the other playing with his long, dark hair. “S'always time.”

Their small London flat was the only one in the muggle building to have a fireplace and that was because they’d needed to install one when they moved in to travel to work everyday. It had been a requirement when they had been looking for a place together but they soon realised it was going to be harder than they’d thought to find somewhere to live which they both loved and which had a fireplace. Arthur Weasley had helped fast track their paperwork to install a magical fireplace in a muggle flat and so far, only one nosy, muggle neighbour had commented on the sound of roaring flames but no chimney.

The fireplace in question gently glowed green, an indication that someone was about to floo in, and sure enough, the green flames grew tall as Harry skidded into the open plan living room in delight, Ginny not far behind him.

Andromeda Tonks busied herself first with brushing the soot from the small boy in her arms who was squirming to be put down immediately. She sighed and gave in, lowering him to the ground and straightening up to brush her own soot covered shoulders.

“Hawwy!” the little boy cried as he hurtled into Harry’s waiting arms with a shriek of delight. Harry lifted him up with ease and swung him onto his hip, where the little boy nuzzled into Harry’s neck, his hair shifting to match Harry’s dark strands.

“When did you get to be such a big boy, Ted?” Harry asked him in mock surprise and Teddy giggled.

“I two!” he said proudly, holding up two fingers to show Harry.

“Tea, Andromeda?” Ginny asked as she took the older lady’s coat and siphoned off the rest of the soot with her wand.

“Yes please, dear. Here, I’ll help.” She followed Ginny to the kitchen counter and fetched mugs.

“How have you been?” Harry approached behind them, Teddy still sat on his hip and happily playing with his loose hair.

“Oh fine, fine.” Andromeda replied, placing tea bags into each mug. She passed them to Ginny to fill with hot water. “Are you both excited?”

Ginny shared a look with Harry and they both grinned at each other. Ginny finished making the tea and carried the mugs over to the table, gesturing for Andromeda to sit down. Harry joined her, Teddy sat on his lap.

“Where first?” Andromeda asked, sipping her tea.

“California.” Ginny replied with a grin. “First month is mainly training for me, the American season starts later than here, but the first match is early February. Harpies v Monterey Marmots.”

“You’ll flatten them.” Harry said proudly. “I’ve been offered training time with the American ministry Aurors too.” Harry explained.

“How lovely! Now, are you both absolutely sure about tonight? It’s not too late to say no, I can cancel. Molly will understand. It is New Year’s Eve and I’m sure you young people have a better offer.” Andromeda spoke as Ginny handed Teddy a biscuit and sat beside her boyfriend. Teddy gave her a gleeful look and stuffed the biscuit into the side of his mouth, sucking on it happily.

“No, no! You go and enjoy yourself, it’s no trouble at all.” Ginny told her quickly.

“Besides, we’ll miss this little scamp when we’re away. It’ll be nice to have a quiet new year for once.” Harry said, tickling Teddy under the chin. “He won’t forget us will he? A year is a long time when you’re only two.” Harry asked, suddenly worried.

“It won’t be a year! We’ll see him on his birthday and then again in May and probably August and definitely November.” Ginny corrected quickly, sharing in Harry’s worries.

“And we’ve got the mirrors too.” Andromeda reminded them. “I don’t think Teddy will let me forget about those. He points at the cupboard where he knows I keep it and shouts ‘Hawwy Ginny!’ until I take it out.”

Harry laughed as Teddy stood up on his knees, allowing Harry to hold both his hands and bounce him up and down. The little boy’s dark hair shifted to a glossy red and he reached for Ginny with both arms (still attached to Harry’s hands). Ginny obliged and took Teddy from Harry’s lap onto her own. Harry used the opportunity to tie his hair back and out of Teddy’s reach.

“I’ve put everything he needs in the bag but if you need me I can come right back. He’s had his dinner but he needs a bath before bed.” Andromeda had finished her tea and was checking her watch.

“We’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Harry said soothingly as he stood to collect her coat and see her out. Ginny followed, carrying Teddy. “Have a great time!”

“Bye Teddy, see you tomorrow.” Andromeda gave him a kiss and stepped into the fireplace.

“Bye Gwandma!” Teddy responded cheerfully, waving his chubby hand at her retreating figure. The green flames engulfed her and she span away.

“Gwandma gone home, Teddy stay wiv Hawwy Ginny.” Teddy summarised into the silence, nodding in a matter of fact way at Ginny, his hair still Weasley red. “Teddy play now?” he asked, squirming to be put down.

The clock on the mantelpiece struck 7 o'clock as Harry retrieved Teddy’s toy chest from the corner of the room and Ginny put the toddler down and sank onto the sofa. He waddled over to select a toy and was soon gripped with a hippogriff in each hand, making them fly so haphazardly that they collided with each other several times.

Watching Harry play with his Godson made Ginny’s heart burst with admiration for him. There was no doubt in her mind that Harry would make a perfect father one day. She squashed this thought quickly and left the room, calling to Harry that she was going to run Teddy’s bath.

He appeared a few minutes later, the sound of the running water almost drowning out Teddy’s delighted squeals. Teddy loved being given a bath which was a constant source of annoyance to Bill, whose daughter Victoire screamed the place down every time.

Harry undressed Teddy and placed him in the bath tub where the little boy happily splashed around, his hair now a shade of white-blonde. He dutifully allowed Ginny to wash his hair and gasped joyfully when Harry made rainbow bubbles appear from the end of his wand, reaching out to grab as many as possible.

“Do you reckon all babies are this easy to babysit?” Ginny asked as Harry lifted Teddy out of the bath tub and wrapped him snugly in a towel.

“Hmm, ask Bill.” Harry replied as he carried Teddy to the spare bedroom where Ginny had laid his pyjamas out. She dressed Teddy and sat down on the bed while Harry tidied the bathroom (Teddy’s splashes had become rather enthusiastic). She watched him roll around giggling, chasing the moving snitch pattern on the bedspread Harry had insisted on buying for his Godson.

Harry appeared in the doorway and gave her a knowing look; Ginny quickly tried to rearrange her features.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Harry said quietly, as he joined her on the bed and they both watched Teddy play silently for a few minutes.

“Only a bit.” Ginny admitted, accepting the arm he placed around her and resting her head on his shoulder.

“I am too.” He replied, leaning his head atop hers.

“It’s not as if there’s anything to be upset about.” Ginny reasoned aloud, with herself more than anything. “We can’t miss what we didn’t have.”

“We can miss what we thought we had.” Harry responded gently and Ginny knew he was thinking about how they’d felt for a whole month; scared, overwhelmed, completely and utterly unprepared but also filled with joy and love. It had been a difficult bereavement to come to terms with all of those feelings, only to discover Ginny’s pregnancy symptoms had been nothing more than a side effect of her new potion.

“But this way we can do it properly.” Ginny said, repeating the conversation they had already had countless times. She found it comforting to say the words again and she knew Harry did too.

“When we’re both really ready.” Harry responded, like it was a script.

“And you’ve qualified as an Auror.”

“And you’ve won the league.”

“And I’ve learnt to cook something other than toast.”

It helped, repeating these affirmations. It was a reminder for the couple that they would experience that feeling one day, and it would be real. The sheer terror she had initially experienced hadn’t gone away but it was made so much better with Harry’s words and actions of support. They hadn’t planned it and wouldn’t have chosen to do it so soon, but something about his reassurance made her sure they could have done it.

“One day.” Harry smiled and cuddled Teddy into the both of them. Ginny was so full of love in that moment she thought she might cry.

<<< Read 1999

>>> Read 2001

[poeticamente-elygioia]

https://pensieriscrittielygioia.altervista.org/andromeda/

[tdtnks]

private event starter for @andyinthestars​

There had been a kernel of fear since the announcement of the masquerade – after all, how well had other gatherings of similar scope? Not well. But it was all anyone could talk about, and there was a part of Ted that had been excited for it – giddy to dress up, to finally have a night for himself and Andromeda without Dora. Of course, he loved his child, but they’d been parents since shortly after Hogwarts. Dates for the two of them were rare.

He had stepped away from her briefly to get themselves drinks. Thanking the bartender, he turned to find her in the crowd, spotting her nearly instantly. She was a sight to behold – a beauty that could inspire art. Had inspired art, if you counted some of his compositions. Dressed in a flowing gown that faded from grey and blue into a creamy white, a delicate mask rested on the bridge of her nose. It took all of Ted’s willpower not to stop and gawk at her.

Carrying their drinks across the ballroom, his lips curved upwards as she spotted him. “For you, my lady,” he said teasingly, offering her the drink. “Have I told you how ravishing you are?” He had – multiple times already – but he had to again.