tonks-ted

[tonks-ted]

The Cruciatus aside, this was starting to resemble the type of chaotic skirmish that bordered on absurd. Two grown men rolling around on a garden floor wasn't exactly dignified, but then again, nothing was dignified these days. Fucking war.

Just as Ted managed to catch his breath and send another disabling charm towards the Death Eater, swiftly followed by a disarming curse, the foundation behind him exploded. It caused an almighty gash in the ground, into which he tumbled, yet again falling while bemoaning this entire encounter. And if that wasn't enough, the water barrell also got caught in the carnage, toppling and filling the hole with liquid. Ted got rid of it, siphoning the water out and launching it towards Nick like a muggle water hose against rioters. It was a significant force. If his other spells hadn't hit their target, this one would.

Getting out of the damn hole would take too long. So he scrambled up to the edge and piled some debris, using it like a ledge in a rather wet trench.

"Stop fucking fighting!" he muttered through gritted teeth. He sent more more curses, becoming more inventive, but still - none aimed to kill or significantly injure. Somewhere around, an alarm sounded, someone else having the balls to call assistance instead of hiding away.

He needed to get out of here before Tonks’ idiot partner arrived. Nick had no doubt he could handle Tonks, but fuck all knew who had gotten dragged along with him. The villagers were locking themselves in their homes but even an idiot couldn’t ignore a flare.

With his free hand he exploded the foundation behind Tonks, hoping the other man would now stay busy getting himself out of that mess while Nick could focus on fucking him up one more time and then leaving.

He’d been halfway through sawing his way through the binds when the next curse trapped him on the ground. What an annoying little shitwad. Nick grit his teeth and fought against the spell. It would take time to break this, a minute or two if he really concentrated. Good thing these noble types weren’t the sort to fight dirty. By the time Tonks’ partner arrived Nick could be free and clear.

[tonks-ted]

Wow, Beck really was sloshed. Ted popped a few nuts into his mouth, watching the way the other wizard's eyes didn't totally focus. It was funny to think he could've been a healer, too. They could have been sitting here as colleagues instead of two people who sort of knew each other. But that possibility was long gone. Ted had chosen his path and that was that. It was too late to retrain and switch careers, and he didn't have the time or mental capacity to bemoan his stubbornness. The reality was, if he hadn't been so desperate to prove himself as a muggleborn, and to show he was worthy of Andromeda Black, he wouldn't have aimed as high as he had. Becoming an Auror hadn't been a noble choice. It was neither here nor there, anymore. All he thought about now was the war and his family.

"I wanted to unwind before heading home," he replied honestly. "Drinking alone at my desk didn't have the same appeal as this mucky old bar." Not that he especially judged the place. It had its roguish charm, even if it was smack bang in the middle of Knockturn Alley. "How about you?"

Beck stiffened when he heard a voice next to him, glancing to the side to see Ted Tonks. He didn't have many opinions about Tonks, but he did hear how others felt about him. There was also the additional layer of Andromeda Black and that was a conversation he didn't lift to touch. He had once told another healer that had his parents not met their own fates, Beck would've considered leaving the society himself. Now, he got to enjoy the lifestyle of the society while not considering himself intimately part of the traditions. What he did know of Ted Tonks was that this didn't seem the right environment and Beck's interest caught on the food between them. When did that get there? He was officially losing it. Beck dragged his blurred gaze to look at Tonks. "Feels like it's just getting started. What are you doing here?"

[tonks-ted]

Arthur's excitement was contagious. It brightened Ted's expression, lifting his usually serious expression into one that was open and keen. He loved Arthur, truly. His interest in muggles was wonderful and Ted wished it was more commonplace - particularly among purebloods. It'd be foolish to hope for their worlds to mix more, but Ted saw the tragedy in the fact that they were separate. So many muggle woes could be fixed by simple charms. But the Statute of Secrecy was there for a valid reason. Ted respected it. If he'd have been drinking, he'd have spluttered at the idea of a flying car.

"Uh-" he started, stumped for a second before continuing valiantly. "Does it work? Shame you're a wizard, Arthur. That kind of invention would make you millions in the muggle world."

Clapping Arthur on the back as he assured he'd be careful, Ted nodded and they headed towards the ice cream van, where he bought several typical muggle treats and offloaded a good number onto Arthur and the rest onto his daughter. Almost forgetting himself and making the tupperware hover so he could unwrap his Cornetto, he pulled his hand back from where it'd been reaching for his wand and on they went, now stepping along roads filled with houses and neat front gardens.

Arthur blinked, feeling the color rush to his cheeks and then ebb away just as quickly. He wasn’t used to being caught off guard especially not by a simple question about cars. He shifted on his feet, glancing briefly at Ted before meeting his eyes with a sheepish smile. “Ah, well, I’m hardly the expert you make me out to be, Ted,” he said, voice warm but edged with nervous excitement. “I do have a fair bit of curiosity about Muggle contraptions, as you know. Actually, I’ve been quietly working on something rather unusual and, well, secret.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in a conspiratorial manner, though his grin betrayed his eagerness. “It’s a flying car, really still very much in the experimental stages, mind you. Mixing magic with petrol is a bit like trying to balance a dragon on a broomstick thrilling but dangerous. Petrol alone is volatile enough, but when combined with spells and enchantments, it requires constant care and attention.” He paused, glancing toward the ice cream van and the children gathered nearby. “I’ll be careful with it, I promise. Don’t want the Burrow going up in flames because of my tinkering.” He laughed softly, then looked back to Ted with a hopeful smile. “But that can wait. Shall we head over before the ice cream’s all gone?”

[tonks-ted]

The White Wyvern wasn't exactly an ideal venue, but it was one of the few bars open so late. Ted had stopped for a quick drink before heading home. Andromeda wouldn't mind, and he preferred to spend a little time alone to clear his head from the day's challenges. A coping mechanism, if you will, albeit not the most healthy. Still, one beer wouldn't hurt with all the exercise he did - or so he told himself. If he developed a beer gut before he was forty, he'd only have himself to blame and he'd probably laugh about it, too.

It was as he perched onto a bar stool, tankard in hand, that he noticed Andromeda's colleague looking worse for wear. He didn't know Beck particularly well, but he'd always been polite enough. Ted's default tendency was to treat purebloods with suspicion. Beck had just about managed to climb out of that category. Sipping his beer, he considered ignoring him in favour of a quiet life. But Andromeda would probably have something to say about it if anything happened to Beck, and he'd been here, ignoring it. So he sighed and relocated, taking the seat beside Beck as he glared at the water offered by a barmaid. The poor witch looked like she wanted to disappear. Ted waved her away, ordering chips at the same time.

"Evening, Beck." Sliding his beer aside, he pulled a bowl of bar snacks between them and picked out a few nuts, nudging it towards the other wizard once done. His plan: to get him talking and eating. "Long night?"

where: the white wyvern status: open to all!

In all honesty, Beck didn't know what time it was and how much he had already spent that night. He didn't know where he was; if he were in London a few streets down from his place or a night club in Paris. He also didn't remember if he had work in the morning of if he was off. It had been too long since he had let himself numb himself to feel nothing at all. Beck knew from a healer's perspective just how much it took on averagae to tip a person towards drinking enough they forget most of those things. Or just from his point of view from school and traveling after. Which was probably the last time Beck let himself succome to this method of relaxing. What he did know was that this was well deserved. The days had begun to blur together for weeks now, just tied together in an endless sting. Beck thought he had been drinking since the Selwyn wedding, but he knew it had been earlier than that. He knew where to find the pinpoint, but he ignored the reason; the name. His face darkened with confusion as he stared down at the drink that was brought to him with some offense. "What the fuck is that? I said another, not water."

[tonks-ted]

Ted's heart broke for Sybill. But with every glance that made him feel sad, her words only made him angry - not with her, with every shitty pureblood who dared think they were better than others. They weren't any better. They were the worst. Ted had a quick temper. It was difficult to ignite, but once lit it was explosive. He'd thought he'd got the worst out on Carrow & co. but as he sat there on the moving staircase, he could feel a familiar stirring in his chest. He took a few breaths, not wanting to upset her more by being grumpy.

Still, he couldn't help but blurt incredulously, "Good in him?" Ted shook his head firmly, turning to face Sybill properly. It wasn't very comfortable. He was also trying to stop his school bag from slipping off the edge of the stairs. That would be catastrophic for anyone below. He had several very large textbooks stored inside and a mini cauldron. "People like that don't want to be helped. Not by people like us. They're a lost cause, Sybill. Don't waste your time on him, you can do better. You deserve better. As for what I suggest, well-" He stood up carefully, helping her to her feet and scanning her teary eyes at the same time. He'd hated the way she'd kept her eyes lowered. Sybill was full of life. She was sweet and brilliant, and a good friend. It wasn't right, the way people treated her. "-Let's start by getting off these stairs. I stashed some muggle chocolates in the common room. Want to share them?"

Sybill had a tolerance for people who belittled her, but her skin had thickened to comments. Yes, she knew she wasn't everyone's cup of tea and that's why she was her own hot coffee. It was varied, though. Sometimes she wasn't afraid of some comments, going over her head. Other times, she was afraid of her own shadow and referred to her as an inside cat too afraid to step out of the door. Her heart had chosen Amycus Carrow, and it didn't only feel like he had shut the door on her, but she also got dizzy from a circle of other people laughing at her. Soon, they were all so blurred in her vision that they became one laughing face. Sybill dropped her head into her hands and sniffled, only raising when she heard Ted.

"Of course, they would like snakes, but coconuts would be unexpected, you see. And inconvenient." It was probably the worst solution she had at the momen,t but she clung to it out of desperation. If she thought about what happened longer than she should, she would lose herself. "Maybe there is good in hi,m and he doesn't know it. I could help him," she sniffled. "And-and they can all kick rocks. Or eat them. Or whatever it is, I don't care." Sybill didn't even look up, only shrugged. "Moving. Just another dumb decision I've made. Add it to the list. So, what do you suggest?"

[tonks-ted]

Anthony's words were familiar. Ted had no idea who the other wizard was seeing, but talking about differences was all he needed to trigger thoughts of what he had with Andromeda. They were a couple who should never have got together - according to high society, anyway. He smiled, knowing that differences didn't matter if two people both had the same goals and affection for each other. "Sounds like you've found a good one. Don't let her go. Not many can turn differences into strengths, you know?"

Snorting at the ongoing wrinkle banter, Ted said nothing, merely mulling over how amusing it'd be if he did start cracking on with the potions. He wasn't that kind of man, fully intending to age naturally into a silver fox at some point before the age of 50. Anthony had a kind outlook - perhaps even naïve. Ted didn't want to bring the conversation down, but the reality was that outside factors did matter. No matter how much they were blocked out, how much they were overcome, how infrequently they reared to be an active problem - they were always there, like shadows waiting to be revealed once a lantern was lit. What was important was being close to the light and unafraid of what lurked unseen in those shadows' depths.

"You're coming with the compliments today." Chuckling lightly, he arched an eyebrow. "I'm exhausted doing it, so... not sure what that says about me." He laughed more openly, looking up as the Quidditch coach blew a whistle and the children flew down onto the ground. Dora didn't waste any time, already beginning to scurry across the pitch towards him. "Here comes trouble." He stood up and waved, then clapped Anthony on the shoulder as he said goodbye.

End.

"I think so," Anthony nodded in agreement in regards to the two peas in a pod reference, it felt like it was more of a muggle saying, but Anthony had definitely heard it in passing before. Ted's advice was welcomed, prior to Mira, Anthony had always believed he wasn't the relationship type. It was party why he allowed Tiberius to host a speed-dating event in his name, dating back then was merely for a bit fun. Now it felt different, like a whole new realm of opportunities were ahead of him, ones that he had never thought of before. "So far, it works. Even our differences seem to be more of a balancing act, rather than completely diverting us off kilter."

"Ah, I wouldn't worry about wrinkles. You've still got it, Tonks." Anthony reassured with a laugh, "You've still got a bit of time before you have to start looking for the heavy-duty wrinkle potions." His tone jovial, it was obvious that Ted Tonks was a good looking man. While Anthony's gaze was fixed to the Quidditch Pitch, Anthony listened intently to the other's mans words. A reassurance washing over him that Ted and Andromeda had worked it out through difficulties. Sure, Anthony and Mira hadn't stumbled across any blockades just yet, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen. Anthony would have been naive to believe that the Selwyns would be happy for Mira to date him, but perhaps he shouldn't paint them with the same brush. Mira was in the Order after all.

"At the end of the day, outside factors don't really matter. But they can rear their ugly heads when the want to." Anthony acknowledged with a nod. "Even with daily life, it's hard to balance it all...but the war, and everything that comes with it. You guys have overcame some serious tribulations, and to still have each other throughout it? Well, that's a testament to you both." His tone genuine. "And while raising a daughter, and doing a good job at it. Merlin, Ted, i'm exhausted even thinking about it."

[tonks-ted]

It was a fair enough question. Ted nodded, placing his briefcase onto the counter and pulling out a sheet of parchment with the official order inscribed upon it. It was signed with a Ministry stamp and detailed the nature and purpose of the visit.

"Here you go," he said as he handed it to her, glancing up with a more open smile. It was not overtly friendly, merely professional and reassuring. Ted may have hated these places, but that didn't mean he'd be a dick to the people who worked in them. Besides, this witch seemed cordial enough. "It would be better for Cobb or Webb to come here personally, so I can explain the process. Perhaps you could fetch one of them? I'd have given advance notice, but these things need to be unexpected, you understand."

Wanting to proceed, he looked curiously at the object between them, then over her shoulder at the shelves and the items they contained. He decided he'd come back to them.

"Perhaps we could start with the records, Miss... Nott, is it?" He supposed it was. He'd researched the staff beforehand.

Pandora gently placed her hand over the object she’d been working on, the flickering magic around it dimming into nothing beneath her touch. She’d unraveled just enough of its spellwork to make it harmless, the way one might quietly untie a knot rather than cut it through.

“Good morning, sir,” she said, voice light and even, as if they were discussing the weather rather than stolen goods. As he spoke, her brow furrowed slightly. “That’s rather unfortunate,” she added with quiet sincerity, though there was a hint of curiosity behind her tone.

Her gaze drifted briefly toward his badge before returning to him. “Would you happen to have any paperwork I need to pass along to Cobb or Webb before you begin? I’d rather not stir up trouble with them by doing things out of order.” There was no edge to her words, just that gentle, dreamy calm of someone trying to understand the proper rhythm of a situation she hadn’t expected. “There’s a process for this sort of thing… isn’t there?”

[tonks-ted]

THEO JAMES for Vogue Greece

[tonks-ted]

Ted smiled more reassuringly, noting Wendy's discomfort. He'd known her long enough to spot it and understood completely. He hated it down here, too. It felt bleak and unnecessarily mournful. Ted had heard rumours that Dementors guarded those awaiting trial for the worst crimes. He didn't know if that was true, but given the feeling down here, he wouldn't have been surprised.

"I have no idea," he laughed as they continued to step along the stone corridor, passing a few other Ministry workers as they went. "Why did we put all the Slytherin kids in a dungeon at school? Maybe they'd have been less mean if they'd had more light." Not that he knew what it was like in there. It could have been luxurious, for all he knew. Andromeda had never seemed to mind it, anyway. "I suppose the magical world has a flair for the flamboyant. It tends to be all or nothing, doesn't it?"

Wendy followed Ted off the elevator, taking a deep breath as soon as she could. The dungeons were cold and she found herself drawing her robes a little tighter to herself to keep out the chill.

"Yeah," she said, offering him a smile. "I'd love that." She took another deep breath, more to stead herself this time. Going into the courtrooms was never a fun experience for her, no matter how many times she'd done it.

"I hope it won't take too long," she said with a shudder. "I don't understand the magical fascination with aesthetics. What's wrong with having a courtroom above ground? Why do we need to do things in the literal dungeons?"

[tonks-ted]

Well, that hadn't been what he'd expected. Arthur was eccentric, but even this was excessive. Ted's brow creased, his eyes following his friend's as they stared around. He'd seen many suspicious characters in his time. Arthur was starting to resemble one, but a large part of Ted wondered if he was joking. Ted could've believed it. Arthur always did enjoy light-heartedness. But there was nothing false in the way the colour drained from his face then reappeared a moment later.

"Well, I have a muggle driving license," he said calmly, mostly to buy time after that peculiar reaction. "So I can drive us around if you like. I just thought it might be fun to go for a spin while you're here, but it sounds like you're already quite the car connoisseur. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." Adding a little jest to the conversation, he returned the secret motion and laughed as Dora copied him. "Our secret. You'll be careful with a car at the Burrow, won't you? Petrol is volatile, especially when magic is around. What are you working on exactly?"

The path rounded a bend, starting to meander towards the first of many houses. Muggle children were playing football at the edge of the field, an ice cream van parked up close-by, music chiming through the air while other children gathered around. With absolutely unsurprising predictability, Nymphadora hurtled ahead, making an extremely swift beeline for the ice cream.

"Looks like we're getting ice cream to go with our peach cobbler, Arthur. Not as good as Fortescue's, but Dora never complains."

Arthur hung on Ted’s words with a duality that held his interest but his mind had already started contemplating things that he had mentioned, he was brought back to earth when Ted mentioned the car his eyes got a bit dark, and he pressed close to Ted speaking in a barely audible whisper. “What do you know about cars, have you driven one, who told you to ask about them?”  His eyes darted back and forth as if aurors were waiting to descend in the wings. He straightened himself clearing his throat and giving distance. “Well technically I have driven a car, and worked on one, though most things are purely theoretical.  Letter of the law and all that.”  He nudged Ted’s arm a bit of the conviviality and color bleeding back into his face when he realized he was being a bit paranoid given the company and circumstances. “I should know I wrote them, but you can never be too careful.” Arthur tapped the side of his nose making the secret motion to Ted, and Dora as well.  Discretion was a lesson never learned too early, and he figured she would like any hand sign having to do with noses. “I’ll have to have you by the burrow sometime so you don’t think I’ve gone completely around the bend, but yes, I have a bit of an interest in cars, never raced them though, it’s vexing to get petrol being hardly solvent in our own currency, but maintenance drives are important to keep things peak.”  He nodded to himself with the confidence of someone who had thumbed through too many owner’s manuals.

[tonks-ted]

Fuck. Since Nick fell, Ted's stunning spell cut right past and hit a window instead, causing the glass to break and explode inwards. Even as he tried to move on, intending to get closer to repeat the spell, he found a moment to sincerely hope that no one was inside - and that no one was hurt. Too many were wounded by this godforsaken war. It wasn't right for civilians and innocent bystanders to get caught in the crossfire.

Casting the spell again, while Nick wriggled around like a worm on a hook, it hit the ground where Nick's shoulder had been before he reached for his knife. Ted cursed his bad luck. But he'd have done better to curse Nick. Just hearing the sound of that first syllable, he knew what was coming and was moving before the flash of red could reach him completely. But his reactions were slower, hindered by weakness. He cast a block too late, attempting to step aside too hastily. He fell, stumbling on a neatly gravelled path that wove between some ornamental garden gnomes, and the curse hit him on the leg.

It was nowhere near as bad as the first one, but his screams still echoed wildly, and he tried resolutely to keep his mind focussed until eventually he managed to wrench himself free and crawl aside. Leaning over, he hurled more curses towards Nick; something to trap him into place, and a flare hurtling up into the sky to summon his partner. Merlin knew it wasn't needed. They were already making an almighty ruckus without it.

Nick's grin had gone feral, reveling in the way Tonks hadn't quite fully recovered from the curse. If he could land some good hits in here, Bellatrix would undoubtedly be proud of him. There were few things Nick cherished more than her positive attention.

Dodging the pots took a bit of work, but he had been on the Quidditch team once upon a time. He knew how to dodge flying objects. What he hadn't managed to pay attention to however, were the ropes twisting themselves around his feet and legs. Nick tumbled to the ground with a snarl, trying to kick his way out of the bindings. Getting out of these would take a fucking minute he could just tell. At least Tonks was finally growing a goddamn backbone.

"Motherfucker." He muttered, using one hand to fish for the knife in his pocket while the other kept his wand pointed at Tonks. Spells weren't going to be nearly as effective with his focus split like this but that didn't mean he couldn't cast them. "Crucio!'

[tonks-ted]

Those words still made his chest constrict. Even as she looked at him with tears that stoked his sorrow and his frustration, he felt as though his breath caught. Ted would never tire of Andromeda's love. He would never stop marvelling at how she'd chosen him, from all the other wizards who'd surely wanted her. His expression softened, opening warmly as though to mirror her words. She'd never know how much he adored her, either. He was besotted.

Following into the room, he stood a moment in the doorway, scrutinising what he could see before deciding where to begin. He'd say nothing further to criticise their efforts, but this truly felt like a loose end. He doubted they'd find anything when others had already been before, but he had to try. He began with the desk, not pulling out drawers, but with a magical examination, casting spell after spell at the wood to search for anything hidden. Then in a completely contradictory gesture, he bent down to look underneath it, just in case the boy had stuck something there in the muggle fashion. It wouldn't have surprised him. Everyone came with spells. What better way to throw them off than with no magic at all.

Andromeda spoke as he was getting up from the floor. He looked at her across the neatly made bed, a frown developing as he placed a hand to the mattress and pushed himself up. Standing there, he didn't stop the confusion from marring his features.

"No, you didn't tell me." He wanted to know why not, but he didn't dare to ask because his response would have been that they could have helped him. He didn't want to give her that guilt. "Did you tell the Aurors, though?" God, he hoped so. This was something they'd need. Perhaps they could have traced this boy, or looked into who had known. "Are you saying he was a Death Eater? I'd hoped he was too young, that maybe he wasn't wrapped up in it."

Andromeda it seemed would always be a hopeless fool when it came to her family. She wished she could say that she wouldn't let it happen again, that she would cut them off and accept that it was never going to change. But she couldn't, because she knew that if any of her family were to come to her she wouldn't be able to turn them away. There was only one who she'd lost hope she would ever fix things with and that was Bellatrix. After all she'd done she knew they were far past there being any sort of reconciliation. Others might call her an optimistic fool, but she couldn't help herself. After all, Narcissa had been to see her and she had felt hope from that.

She squeezed his hands as he took them, garnering strength from him and his touch. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes as she looked up at him and she shook her head, trying to blink them back. "I love you Ted, more than you could ever know." He was her strength, her world was him and Nymphadora. She didn't regret the choices she'd made, she would do it all over again without hesitation.

She nodded as he let go of her hand, turning to look around the room, considering where to even start. She moved back into the room and went to the dresser to begin to rummage through it. Quiet for a moment before she spoke again. "He came to see me before he disappeared you know..." She said softly, turning to look at him. "Regulus. I don't know if I ever told you." Just one of many secrets she'd kept. "He was questioning his place, he was scared. He told me he was seeing a muggle boy." Her lips quirked a little, even as tears formed once more. "My hope is that he ran away, found happiness. But I don't think that's the case.."

[tonks-ted]

Ted couldn't be bothered to respond to that nonsense. He didn't even raise an eyebrow. Parkinson Sr had been a piece of work and it seemed that his son was just as annoying - maybe more, God help him. Smiling vaguely, mostly just to piss off the younger man with his nonchalance, he obliged and pressed on. "We've received reports of unscrupulous landlords taking gold from their tenants and filtering it through illicit businesses - and vice versa, illicit businesses investing in property as a means to conceal their earnings. Any of that sound familiar?"

"Oh, so you speak for the entire Ministry now? Get a promotion, Tonks?" he said with no desire of satisfaction. Malcolm knew what Ted Tonks was: a brownnoser who had the heart to rat people out to make himself look better. Everyone knew that his father was tied down to embezzlement gossip, but no one had done anything until Tonks helped in an investigation. Malcolm didn't remember a lot from that year besides knowing every investigator from that day. "Is that so? What kind of inquires are you talking about? Like you said, I don't have a lot of time. I'd rather you not drag out whatever this is."

[tonks-ted]

Ted knew better than most how it felt to be tormented. Starting Hogwarts had been a sharp learning curve, in more ways than merely magic. He'd always been bright and popular as a child. But here, he was at the bottom of the food chain and predators like Carrow were far too willing to take a bite. Sybill didn't deserve to be taunted. No one did. Teenagers were mean. The slightest difference, the slightest weakness, they could jump on it like wolves. Sybill was certainly different. Ted didn't mind. It only made her more interesting. If everyone followed the crowd, it'd be really boring, wouldn't it?

"Well, it was a bit hard to miss," he said honestly, giving her shoulder a light squeeze, his arm still hooked around it. In the next breath, he laughed lightly, relieved to see some of her spark in her next words. "Coconuts? Snakes might be better, seeing as they love them so much. Let them get a taste of poison for once." Sitting next to her, he dropped his bag onto the next step and shook his head. "No, you're not a fool. You have a big heart and you see the best in people. There's nothing wrong with that. But you're too good for him. I hope you see that now. Is it me or is this staircase moving really slowly?"

Sybill could hear their laughter as soon as she turned her back on them. She knew it was a risk to even think that she could like someone like Amycus Carrow, but she didn't think it would end like that. But she saw it. There had been a vision she had been following, but maybe it was blind delusions now. She remembered the way Avery, Rosier, and whoever else was there mock her feelings. Already she was mumbling a curse underneath her breath, one that would make them regret what they did to her.

Everyone assumed who she was before they talked to her and she hated that sometimes she fueld those judgments. She was an easy target, but she didn't dare give them the satisfaction. Not anymore. Sybill heard Ted close behind on her heels, her fellow Ravenclaw friend. What was he doing? She finally turned to face him once they were out of the wing of the castle where the last pieces of her were, enough distance away. It was bad enough that she experienced rejection so roughly like that, but to have her friends and other students witness it didn't hit her until now.

"You saw that?" she asked Ted softly, shaking her head. "I will be fine...they're all idiots. And they'll regret it. I should transfigure their pillows into coconuts or curse them into going a day not using the letter 'S.'" Even the thought of revenge couldn't leave her now and she sighed as she lowered herself down to the steps. "I was such a fool for thinking he would...feel anything back, aren't I?"

[tonks-ted]

"What are you two whispering about?" Ted asked, though he'd heard every word and found it all hilarious - especially Dora's immediately evident dedication to keeping an eye on Arthur. Ted could have laughed. She'd be watching him like a hawk, now. He'd be hard-pressed to even eat too much peach cobbler.

"No magical help in the garden. It'd be a bit too risky. But you can use spells in the house. Everyone there knows about magic so it won't break the Statute of Secrecy. But not you, Dora - you're too young. No magic until after school." With another pointed yet gentle look at his daughter as she grumbled and kicked at the dirt, almost tripping herself up, they continued walking. The long grass waved around them, the electrical wires buzzing overhead. "I've definitely seen him spraying something or other all over the roses, but I'll be honest, Arthur, I don't know much about gardening. He's read all my old herbology books though, and he loves the plants in Dogweed and Deathcap. I should take him to Noltie's one day, too. What do you think, Dora? Do I go on about your mum all the time, too?" Laughing as she shook her head, he moved onto a path between some trees. "There's nothing wrong with a wandering mind, Arthur. But now, we're going to wander this way along this path. Ever been in a car before?"

Arthur nodded though looked a bit non plussed, he shared a surreptitious look with Dora. “Your dad sure knows how to ruin our fun doesn’t he, but that just means he’s a good dad, doesn’t it?   Well I’ll keep an eye on you if you help him keep an eye on me.   Alright I’m nothing if not accommodating, besides my interests are vast not just limited to gadgets.  I assume he doesn’t have any magical help with these plants?”  Arthur put his hands on his hips making a face at Ted the old fashioned way before giving a chuckle. “Does he fertilize, or spray anything to keep away the bugs, seems like they would be a terror without the right things to keep them away, though he probably doesn’t have to deal with magical creatures if he doesn’t have any magical plants.  Have you told him much about magical plants?  Did you know there is one called the moly, beautiful thing and useful as well for stopping enchantments.  Though not as useful or beautiful as my Molly of course.”  Arthur smiled.  “I’m sure your dad goes on about your mom all the time too, at least he’d better, you see it’s the nature of husbands and fathers to dote on their wives and children, it’s why I’m not offended that your father is treating me much as a child.   I find children have the most inquisitive minds, no question is too small or too fanciful to escape their notice, and it’s that nature of wonder that is often lost as one grows older, wondering is an exercise of the mind keeps your synapses strong and flexible.  Although people who misunderstand might say your mind wanders, but it’s fun to flit from thing to thing I think.”

[tonks-ted]

If anything, there was a entertained spark in Ted's carefully passive eyes. As much as he longed for peace and wished for society to simply get along without all of its bullshit, he wasn't an idiot - he knew the bigotry would never disappear. So his tolerance and trust towards purebloods was minimal at best, and mildly antagonistic at worse. He wouldn't deny it was satisfying to get a rise out of them with his mere presence. He was over being upset about it. Now, he just found it ridiculous.

"The Ministry doesn't want to rent your building," he replied flatly, only vaguely wondering if that had been sarcasm or a genuine question. Addressing the comment about time, he proceeded with the type of accommodating deference that sometimes worked with these people - sometimes. Somehow, he doubted it would here. He and Alice had only recently turned over his fiancée's family shop, after all. Unfortunately, this really was just a chat. He was far from being able to drag Malcolm in for questioning. "I understand your time is important. I won't waste it for longer than necessary. It's just that you're well-placed to help us with our enquiries."

Malcolm was careful in overseeing the development of a new building, a residential building that needed a couple more days to fix. The house elves were going much slower than he anticipated and he would step in himself and knew he could do it much better. This assignment and headache was what drew him away from Serra's side, now when she needed him the most. It was almost a joke and Malcolm was about to call it a day and opened his mouth to bark an order at the house elves when he heard a knock. The building was barely a building meaning there shouldn't be any guests yet. "Fucking unbelievable," he mumbled to himself. "That post better be up when I get back." It was the last few words he threw over his shoulder before he descended the stairs and stepped towards the front door. He opened it and greeted the auror with a less-than-unpleasant smile. Tonks. Probably the most unqualified auror they had. "This is hardly the right time," he answered hollowly, not making an effort to step aside to let Tonks in. "Are you an interested renter?"

[tonks-ted]

Starter for Sybill Trelawney @its-sybill Where: Hogwarts, heading towards the Ravenclaw Common Room When: 1966/1967

"Sybill, wait!"

Brushing aside a few younger students, Ted hurried after Sybill's retreating figure. She'd had a run-in with some Slytherins. Something about a crush on Carrow, which the whole sorry lot of them found hilarious. Bloody bullies. He didn't know what he found worse; the fact they'd made her cry, or the fact they'd sat and laughed about it. Either way got his temper flaring. It'd been pointless and cruel.

Hurrying through the corridor, he pushed his school bag higher on his shoulder and jumped onto a staircase just as it started to move. He didn't mind the jolting, even though he almost tumbled - not for the first time wondering (hoping) if there was some kind of charm to stop students from actually falling to their deaths on these contraptions. It'd forced her to stop rushing around, so for now he was pleased and paced up the steps more casually to join her. He stopped beside her and looked at her kindly.

"Are you alright?" Obviously not, idiot. Observing her tears, he frowned and placed an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry. They'll find someone else to tease tomorrow. That's what they're like."