tedxtonks-blog

[tedxtonks-blog]

"James did adore her. Now, not so much. I told you, he's being an arse." Ted said tightly, trying to keep his frustration with James to himself.

"Do you really think she'd adore you if she found out you were with me? I'm sorry, I know that sounds mean. Really though, Andromeda. If we're going to really do this you need to face the facts. You don't think she'd want someone who'd date muggleborns in her perfect pureblood family, do you? You wouldn't fit the picture anymore. I just want to realize that before it's too late." Ted said quietly, but in a firm tone of voice. He hated to say such blunt things, but to him it sounded like Andromeda was disillusioned as to what Bellatrix would and wouldn't do.

"Well, honestly the less people know the better it is for secret keeping. But for us as people, it's better we have friends on our side.  I hate secrets anyhow." Ted said offhandedly. "And it seems we weren't fooling many of our friends to start with. Might as well tell them the truth this time around."

The feeling of having Andromeda back made his body buzz with excitement and joy. He really did love this girl. Once she started kissing him, he knew. He never wanted to kiss anyone else but her. He smiled once she leaned away, his eyes still shut. Slowly he opened his eyes to look at her. He put a hand on her cheek and stroked it with his thumb. "That's good then, because I'd hate to not be dating the girl I'm in love with." He spoke without hesitation, but he still felt nervous once the words left his mouth.

Reconciliation || Ted & Andromeda

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Ted had to smirk at that. "Andromeda, darling, I don't mean to be rude but us Muggleborns have been living in fear for quite a while. Greta's used to it. She's more torn up over what's happened to us and how James is treating her. Yeah, we're both a little more cautious around your sister, but it wasn't like we were her favorite people to begin with. Just about two months, I know." Ted thought again for a moment.

"I don't think Bellatrix would care, to be honest. She'd just publicly renounce you and have nothing to do with you. I think you're underestimating her. Embarrassment or not, it wouldn't matter. Narcissa, maybe. She seems the sort to keep it quiet. But Bella? I've already been on the receiving end of her threats and she didn't seem like she would keep it a secret just to preserve her reputation. I hate to say it, Andromeda, because I know she's your sister and you care for her, but she's slipping. She hates me. She hates people like me, but especially me. No. Letting her know wouldn't work."

Ted groaned and locked his jaw, something he did when he was irritated. "Two months. I don't want to hide or for us to have a secret relationship, but I think if we can just keep it from her..." He sighed. "How about this? We tell our friends. My roommates already know, the nosy gits. Well, they knew I wasn't really dating Greta and Amos let it slip that you and I had something going for a while. So I want to tell them. If we can do that, and be open  about our relationship for the most part I'll be okay. After that there's summer holiday and then we'll be back together here. And then, if we're still together next year...then we'll talk about telling your family. How's that?"

"Properly, eh?" Ted's eyes lit up and his lips spread into a huge smile. "My dear Dromeda, will you be my girlfriend again? Despite the fact we'll be ridiculed and probably threatened and harmed if we're found out by the wrong people? Please?" 

Reconciliation || Ted & Andromeda

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Ted was in the process of trying to muddle through his thoughts about what to say when Andromeda walked through the door. She looked nervous, but then, he supposed he probably did as well. He was taken aback when she sat right next to him and stared. Speak, he urged his mind. All the words he had wanted to say froze inside him, making him look like he had went dumb.

Ted stood, hoping that it was her proximity that struck him silent. He turned away from her and squeezed his eyes shut. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and turned back to face her. "You want to get back together, right?" He paused as if waiting for an answer but then continued when she didn't speak. "So do I. But it's not as simple as that. I don't want to hide being someone's boyfriend ever again. Iwon't. This Romeo and Juliet shite is for the birds." Ted looked down and shook his head. "And then there's Greta to worry about. Your sister, and most of the school, thinks we're dating. If you and I were to just magically start going out, Greta wouldn't be safe. Not that we would either," he added as an afterthought. "Greta and I would have to 'break up' in public and it would have to be convincing. If she's up to it, then that's one area covered."

"I know your family isn't crazy about us muggleborns, but Sirius' parents let him get away being friends with his lot for years before he was banished. You've still got a year of schooling left, and I don't want you- I-" Ted groaned, not being able to come up with the right words. "Family is important, no matter how crazy they might be. Your parents, they aren't as...well, fanatic as your older sister are they? If you could convince them we were a fling or what have you... what I mean is could we fool them? Because if you had your parents believing this was just a rebellious stage, or better yet, something to just piss Bellatrix off... I dunno. I just don't want to be the person you leave your family for. I mean, what if we don't work out in the long run? Not that I'm saying we won't," he hastily added. "It's just a rather large decision and I know I'm not making much sense. I'm sorry."

Ted paced a bit trying to come up with how to say the next part and not sound like an idiot. "I-I care about you very, very much. More than I probably should. I want you to be my girlfriend again, Dromeda." Ted came back to the bed and sat down next to her and grabbed her hands. "Being without you is horrible. And I'm told I sulk in class because of it." He added with a small smile. "And I hear someone cries because of it. And I never want to make that person cry again."

Reconciliation || Ted & Andromeda

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Reconciliation || Ted & Andromeda

It was as if the universe wanted to help Ted out. After all he had been through, he supposed it should. His class got out ten minutes earlier than normal, which was a god-send, in his opinion. Andromeda would still be in class and he would be able to get down to Delwyn's cabin earlier than she would. He had his satchel packed with food, and with the little room that remained he had stuffed in the shirt Andromeda had given him for his birthday. He knew if he had to go back to his dorm to change and to the kitchens, he would arrive at the cabin too late and Andromeda would see the damage he had caused.

Thankfully now he had even more time. He nearly killed himself getting down the numerous staircases and out of the castle. Ted didn't pay any attention to the dirty looks he received when he bumped into people, and rather unlike himself, didn't bother apologizing. He was in too much of a hurry and his mind was preoccupied with making things perfect for Andromeda.

He was lucky enough not to run into anyone on his actual way to the forest though. He supposed most students were still in class, and those that weren't were not headed in the same direction as he was.

He checked his wristwatch for the time. He had to squint because it was the new fancy one Andromeda had given him. To be honest, he really preferred wearing his old roughed up watch. The leather was worn in the proper places and glass rarely ever caught a glare. He'd had it for years and it was a part of him. While this new watch was lovely, by all means it was lovely, it just wasn't him. The gold was too flashy and the band didn't fit properly. Not that he'd ever tell Andromeda; she had spent what he knew had to be a good chunk of gold on it. On him. It was the thought that counted, anyways.

By now Ted knew the path to Delwyn's cabin very intimately and after going into the forest so many times in the past months, Ted didn't hesitate at all when entering the Forbidden Forest. Expertly he dogged the dangerous plants and ducked low hanging branches as if he had been doing it his entire life. What would have taken someone else twenty to thirty minutes to get to the clearing that was now Delwyn's home, took him under ten. It was as if Delwyn knew he was coming because she was curled up right in front of the entrance.

"Hullo there, old girl. How are you today?" Ted smiled as he stroked her beak. She was the only Hippogriff he would ever dare approach and not bow too. Della playfully nipped his finger -which still smarted- and gave him a short squawk in response. She seemed genuinely thrilled to see him and nudged at him, for a treat he was sure. "In a moment, Della. Got to do so quick cleaning first and then I'll be out. And then Drom should be here as well." The magical creature squawked even louder then. Ted gave her one last pat before heading into the cabin.

To say the space was a wreck was an understatement. The memory of what had happened here the last time he had come was like a knife in his chest. It hurt to look upon the ruin he had caused, and it hurt to remember why he had done it. Ted sighed. He couldn't allow himself to focus on that. Rather, he needed to clean the space and ready himself for Andromeda's arrival. He magicked what he could, but his tidying spells never were the best. What he couldn't fix with magic, he did by hand. He made the bed by hand and replaced the few articles of clothing that he didn't burn back into the trunk at the foot of the bed. He could do nothing about the dried flowers he burned, but he could replace them with fresh flowers.

A quick trip outside garnered him an expectant look from Delwyn and the relief of seeing plenty of flowers behind the cabin. It only took a few minutes to gather a bouquet of wildflowers for Andromeda. Back inside, Ted mended the cups and dishes he smashed with a hurried reparo. None of the cups were tall enough to house the flowers, but he quickly transfigured one of them into a vase and solved that problem. The flowers fit perfectly. He arranged the vase on the table and the food he brought around it. 

Noting the time, Ted tore off his tie and undid his shirt, dropping them both to the floor. Ted tugged on the new Beatles t-shirt Andromeda had given him and smiled as he felt how nicely it fit him. It was as he was pulling the shirt over his chest that he heard her voice. Speaking to Delwyn, he assumed. His stomach knotted up in anticipation and he had to tone down the excited grin he knew was plastered on his face. He retrieved the shirt and tie from the floor and tossed them into a corner. Then, he sat down on the bed and waited.

[tedxtonks-blog]

I'm just worried and being sensible. It's a nasty habit. -looks at her to see if she's buying it and attempts a smile-

Yes, Monday. Less than two days away. Of course, where else? Don't looks so glum, 'Dromeda. -quickly looks around to see if anyone is coming and, seeing that the coast is clear h kisses her quickly and then really grins- I'll see you then.

-She looks hurt for a moment and sighs- Right. Okay I understand, Ted. I'm sorry - I know Greta's still broken up about this.

Right Monday. Fine. I guess that's fine. -She nods slowly- Della's cabin, then?

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Yes, but 'Drom, they're your blood. I know we agreed not to talk about James, but he seemed to think that I didn't understand that. But I do. I understand that this is thin ice you're walking on. P-please, Andromeda. Don't- -is cut off by Andromeda's lips on his, but immediately backs away and whispers fiercely- Are you crazy?! It's not just us who would be in for it if we were seen kissing by the wrong people! Greta's in on it too and as much, and I meanas muchas I want to be kissing you, we can't be oblivious to where we are.

-looks rattled- We need to talk before doing something like that. Just humor me, alright? This Monday after classes.

Lets. They're my family. But so are James and Lily and Remus and Dung. You're - Ted you're everything I could ever want. You want to talk in private? -Andromeda lets a small laugh out and quiets down- Ted, no. -Slowly, she leans in, not breaking eye contact and lightly places her lips on his-

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-stifles a laugh- We are talking about the same James Potter, right? But alright, let's agree to disagree about that plonker.

Yes you do. Of course you do, they're your family. Only family you've ever known. -leans in to her touch and his voice is barely legible when he speaks- I've wanted to hear that for so long. -then, as if coming to his senses he pulls back slightly- This isn't something you decide lightly. -looks troubled- I think we should talk about this somewhere private. We really need to discus what to do because we can't keep doing this. Staying apart is obviously not working. For either of us.

He’s the best at not judging. He helped Sirius when he wanted to leave and as dramatic as James might be - he’s great. I’m not going to keep arguing about James, Ted.

They won’t! I know they won’t, Ted! I don’t care either. Ted -She quietens and puts her hand on his cheek- I want you. I really want you - I need you. -She starts to tear up and brushes her thumb across his cheek-

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That's not what I was saying. Merlin! I just meant, next time, don't go to James. He's not the best when it comes to staying level headed and hearing the full story.

Oh Andromeda. -looks pained-This really isn't working, is it? -sighs- I really care about you. You know that. Or at least I hope you do. I just don't- I don't see how to make this -points from his chest to hers- work. Your family... They aren't ever going to accept you being with me. Ever.

Who else was I supposed to tell? Bellatrix? She’d murder you without hesitation, Ted. You can’t get angry because I was upset over something you said! I couldn’t keep crying over it every bloody night - I had to tell someone and James was there! It’s not my fault he misinterpreted.

You can’t just say that and not do anything about it! I don’t want you to sulk like that, Ted. I really don’t -Andromeda feels her chin starting to quiver- I don’t want us to be separated.  

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Keep things more interesting? How about seeing things one way and acting like their friend is a horrible person no matter what they have to say? Just do me a favor and not talk about us to him anymore. I won't be able to keep from hitting him again if he opens that stupid mouth of his again. It may have been stupid but it made me feel better.

Excuse me, you sit where you can see me. And I do not. You're imagining it. But if I were to sulk -not that I do- not having you in my life would be a very good reason to.

It’s no problem at all, Ted. I swear To Merlin I wasn’t. James likes to keep things more interesting than they actually are. He’s just protective. The both of you are. And stupid at times. Hitting each other - it’s really stupid, you know? I - er, yeah. You sit where I can see you in most of our classes and you’re always just sulking and looking really horrible. I really can’t stand it when you’re making that face, Teddy - Ted. I just want you happy

[tedxtonks-blog]

Alright, you win. Thank you for the completely unnecessary gifts; they're extremely lovely.

Well I suppose I should have cried and then he might've not been such an arse. He had me thinking you were cursing my bloody name the way he was acting. Wouldn't hear a word I said. It's fine; he would have acted like that even if you hadn't spoken to him and I would have hit him anyhow.

You don't have to say anything. Just enjoy the moment. I do not sulk, Andromeda. Wait- you watch me in class?

The one who obviously doesn't get it is you. It's your birthday! You get gifts for your birthday and this is your gift. -She laughs a little-

I'm serious Ted, this money is my own. From my vault. It's deserved as well, seeing as I haven't killed Bellatrix.

I told him exactly what happened, but I was crying. James is protective. I didn't mean to get anything started. And it has to do with me. You didn't punch each other for no reason. I don't want either of you to get hurt and this wasn't a reason for the two of you to fight.

Oh, Ted. I don't know what to say. I - this is horrible and great. I just really need you to be happy. I can't keep watching you sulk in class.

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You're still missing the point, Andromeda. The point is you didn't have to get me anything, or feel obligated to just because I gave you a birthday present. Especially now. Not when everything between us is so jumbled.

Only a person who comes from money would say something like that. My mum would probably have a heart attack if she saw my dad buying a watch like this. He wasn't nearly as injured as I would have liked, that git. That was between him and me, Andromeda. You've no reason to feel bad or guilty. But speaking of James... why was he under the impression I owed you an apology? I tried telling him we were handling things our own way, but the nosy prat just wouldn't let it go. Talking to him, you'd think I was a monster.

-goes quiet himself- To be honest, seeing and talking with you, hearing you say that? That's the best present I could have hoped for.

Why

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Oh, 'Dromeda. That's not how gifts work. I gave you what I gave you because I wanted to. Not so you'd give me something in return. Besides, you w-were my girlfriend then.  -a small laugh escapes him- A cake? I'll be lucky if there is any left, knowing that lot. Amos might leave me some, not not the others.

-looks at the watch- This looks really expensive, Andromeda. I don't deserve this. -speaks quietly- I don't deserve you. After what I said to you. After everything that's happened.

Why

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'Drom... -looks unsure about what to do or say- You really didn't have to get me anything. You shouldn't have.

Why

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Why

do I feel like today is just not going to be my day? Birthday or not?

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-groans- I'm sorry you got caught up in this, Lily. I completely agree with you; this is ridiculous and it's gotten way out of hand. -glares at James- Wanting me to apologize and being an arsehole are two completely different things, Potter. Good. I'm done with you as well!

James?!

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Merlin James, this doesn't have a bloody thing to do with you! Stop being such a prick. I shouldn't have to apologize to Andromeda just to get you to stop acting like an idiot. Not that I have anything else to apologize for. We said our peace to each other, and if we didn't that is between Andromeda and me. I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself! I can't help it if you want to think that I prefer not being with her and actually am secretly in love with Greta. I'm sorry Lily, but that idiot over there deserved every punch he got. And he deserves a few more. -takes a deep breath- I won't apologize for that. I won't be friends with someone who could think I'd be so cruel to the people I love.

James?!

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I upset Lily? I do believe she's crying over something you did, thank you very much! I never said anything about innocent, but you're acting like everything in the bloody world is my fault. It's not like you even care about the whole story. It was a mutual decision, Potter. Obviously she left that bit out when she came crying to you.

Don't worry, I'm leaving. If I stay here any longer, Madame Promfrey's going to have to mend his nose again. And anything else I can manage to break.

James?!