Healing Hands

It would have been too much to hope that the uneasy peace they had managed to form would have carried through until the end of the war but Ted had at least hoped that it would have held for longer than it did. He found himself still occupying the middle ground, struggling to pick a side when he found both groups to be lacking and the only thing that he was truly sure of at that point was that he was against the Death Eaters and those in power. But even a common enemy wasn’t enough to keep the two groups together with Aversio seemingly unable to stop themselves from resorting to violence and The Order unwilling to let such actions slide. As it was the healer was feeling more on the violent side of things, itching to take action rather than sit back and watch it all unfold.

He wasn’t usually a man who sought solitude but with Andromeda still being held and no word on how she is or what could be happening to her, Ted thought his mood a little too dark to be around anyone else. The only thing that had managed to bring a smile to his lips in the last few days was Nymphadora and she was also the only thing stopping him from storming into the Ministry and demanding that they release his wife. She needed her parents and in the absence of her mother Ted was making damn sure that she was as happy as she could be even if there had been difficult questions about Andromeda’s whereabouts he hadn’t quite managed to tackle. It would have been wrong for him to keep her separate from everyone else in the castle for too long so after some time entertaining her in the room that they had claimed as theirs, he decided that it was about time to head into one of the main rooms.

As they walked the little girl seemed to be content to shift her hair colour, pulling a slight smile from him before stress and worry inevitably seeping back into his form. Blue eyes shifted from his daughter to the owner of approaching footsteps, raising a brow but still trying to look somewhat approachable despite how he was feeling - things were tense enough as they were without him adding to awkwardness. With a conscious effort Ted slackened some of the tension that had taken over his jaw and dropped his shoulders slightly, it didn’t make him feel any better but perhaps it made him seem that little bit less hostile. He can’t quite bring himself to smile at anyone else but his daughter, not when he has no idea what is happening to his wife, but he does at least succeed in channelling some of his usual concern even if his words are sparse. “You okay?”

“Spite isn’t something I really act on, it doesn’t give the best results. I’d rather rise above it and be the better person - get the victory that way.”

“I do my best not to when I’ve got a family to think about. I’m not saying that I’m not still guilty of being a bit reactionary but generally it’s for a good reason and I tend to stand by my actions rather than regret them.”

The atmosphere inside of the castle seemed to be shifting. All of the tension, while still palpable, was dissipating even if only slightly. People were starting to gain hope again. Marlene didn’t know if she believed much in that; she had seen too much. Enduring months of torture was enough to start the descent into pessimism, but having been part of Aversio came with its own difficulties. Since getting out of the organization, she had begun to feel lighter, but only slightly. The alliance between her former alignment and the Order left Marlene feeling more on edge than she wanted to. It felt shaky at best, and dangerous on all counts. Aversio had gone from rebels and action to terrorism, and while kidnapping Orion Black had by all counts been justified in her eyes, too much had happened otherwise. They hadn’t fought for Dorcas, or her. And as far as she knew, they were doing nothing for Amelia. She stood by her choice.

But still, there was hope. It was brief flickers of light in an otherwise desolate area, but it existed. Death Eaters were taking over the Ministry, but the alliance between the Order and Aversio was effective. She couldn’t shake the belief that it would end in flames, but for now it could be a good thing. For now if nothing else, their common enemy was the supporters of Voldemort and they weren’t shooting curses at each other. Marlene was reluctant, and knowing the people of Aversio wasn’t something that helped ease her concerns. Because as much as she loved Dirk and Xen, the Tonks clan and Florence, there were those who were violent. There were those like Sirius who toed the line, just as she did, but were seeming to sway in the opposite direction. And then there those like Aurora, who she had cared for…who had seemed to do a complete flip of their morals. That made her more reluctant to trust the seemingly steady alliance. 

Still, the castle was full now, in ways that it hadn’t been. With more people came more presence, making the Order’s safe house feel more like Hogwarts than an abandoned wasteland. It was nowhere near as magical and full of light, but the number of people somehow made it less depressing. Insomnia still remained a plague, Marlene pacing the hallowed corridors and glancing around, mind swirling both with the many voices now invading her thoughts and anxiety doing the rest. But being awake seemed easier. If nothing else it was better than the nightmares, even if long nights were progressively easing up on a drunken stupor. That was the hardest part, and it left Marlene shaking but it was something she had to do. It was while wandering that she heard the familiar voice, hazel eyes flickering up at the sound. “I’d love to.” A small smile accompanied the words, few steps taking her closer to him. “I could honestly use the company. Where we heading?”

It had all seemed so much easier years ago and despite him being resolved to find some way to fix it all and get them back on track for the future that he wanted for them all, there was a part of Ted that couldn’t help but long for the simplicity of those playground days or even those when he roamed the corridors of Hogwarts. It was straightforward back then, his moral compass seemingly always guiding him correctly when it was all so black and white. He saw something that he disagreed with and he acted regardless of the consequences. Staying silent in the face of prejudice or bullying had never been an option and even though he knew that there was a risk of a fight every time he spoke up, the healer had never once hesitated to get involved even if the resolution to it ended up in violence. Back then it had been a case of doing what needed to be done to stand up for what he believed in regardless of what followed.

Those days seemed long behind him now when he had a daughter and wife to think about. It wasn’t just a case of him being the only one putting something on the line when his life had a direct impact on theirs. It made him more cautious and perhaps even more critical of his own actions when all he had ever wanted was to make his daughter proud. It was what was making him second guess his involvement in Aversio when initially he had been unable to see it as anything but the right path to take. Except for all he had never shied away from getting his hands a little dirty or bloodying his knuckles if needed, Ted couldn’t help but think about what kind of example it would set for Nymphadora if she grew up believing that real change could only come about through blood and violence. All he truly knew was that they all had to start doing better if they wanted a better future and he was no longer convinced that Aversio was the group that would allow him to do that.

He was still unsure that The Order presented him to the solution to all his problems or even answers to all his questions. Their methods were more in line with the way that he was currently feeling but at the same time he had yet to reconcile himself with the knowledge that more often than not they could be slow to act. In short, he was torn and while it was something he had spoken about with others, he knew that Marlene was in the position most similar to his. With a bit of luck their catch up would leave them both feeling clearer headed by the end of it.  “No where too far. Just far enough to get us some air and some peace.” Ted set off walking, staying quiet until they were out the castle doors and only then did he ask after the redhead, figuring if her thoughts were anywhere near as crowded as his were she could use someone to get it off her chest to. “How have you been, Marlene?”

Parties were always something that was meant for celebration. A typical joyous evening filled with laughter and dancing, something that was usually Pandora’s favorite activity. The blonde loved anything that meant being surrounded by people she loved and cared about, but this one felt weird. Like something wasn’t quite right with the crowd. That came with the territory she supposed when one was in the middle of war. No one quite felt like celebrating when there was strategies to be discussed, and a never ending list of worries to fret about. It wouldn’t stop her from at least trying to enjoy the party though if for no other reason than to make it easier for those around her.

The war took a lot out of everyone, but it felt especially taxing to Pandora. All the death and darkness that surrounded them was too much to deal with. It was a necessity though. The death eaters couldn’t just go around killing her friends purely over something as stupid as blood status. It wasn’t even that she was truly worried about herself even though she knew with her own blood that she would be a target. It was almost as if the witch never truly felt any concern towards her own well being, just the people that she cared about. Hearing an all too familiar voice she turned around wearing a bright smile as her gaze settled on to Ted. “Teddy!” Her voice was elated at seeing her friend again no matter the circumstances. Without a second thought she threw her arms around him in a tight hug fully believing in showing everyone around her as much affection while she could.

There was no question where Pandora’s allegiance lay, if she was going to be involved in the war then she was going to go all in there was no point to her to try and play nice, but she didn’t blame others for questioning if Aversio was the right fit for them. Especially for people like Ted and Frank who genuinely were torn between being the leader and good guy, and where was the line drawn in doing what they viewed as right? No matter what either of them did though they’d constantly have the love of the blonde following them because they had become a part of the make shift family that she had created. “I’m always enjoying myself when I get to wear a pretty dress and spend an evening with the people I care about. What about you? Where’s that sweet little girl of yours?”

After being placed in Hufflepuff Ted had become well acquainted with just how many kind and warm people that there were in the wizarding world. The whole experience had been more than he could have ever hoped for and fulfilled the wish he’d had in his younger years to have siblings. He’d always tried his best to match everyone else’s affection and readiness to embrace anyone who came their way and the healer hoped that for the most part he had been successful. It was an environment that had fostered close bonds and he’d have been lying if he said that there weren’t some members that he viewed more as family than friends - in fact he was easily guilty of filling in the role of big brother on occasion when he was never shy in lending a helping hand, listening year or even defending them.

Pandora was someone that he couldn’t help be protective over and he knew it wasn’t just because of the few years in age difference between the. He didn’t doubt her to be more than capable of looking after herself and she was undoubtedly talented too but it was her sweetness that he wanted to preserve. It seemed a step far for the war to dim her bright smile or cause her any sadness when it had already taken too much from all of them. Logically he knew that it was her decision and he would never try to take that from her but there’s still resentment felt at the fact that she - or anyone else he cares about - even has to make that choice when he would much rather they were all living in peace without prejudice or bigotry.

The hug that she envelops him in without hesitation is returned easily when there’s a fondness held for the blonde. Pulling away, he takes a moment to try to see how much everything has affected her even if she still managed to find something to be happy and upbeat about. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s nice to be able to enjoy some time all together, especially when everyone has scrubbed up so nicely - you included.” He smiles before looking around the room, trying to spot either his wife or his daughter but wasn’t too phased when his gaze didn’t land on either when he felt as though they were safe. “No doubt causing trouble somewhere, she just can’t seem to help it. I have no idea where she gets it from.” Ted tries for a look of innocence but soon enough a grin is tugging at the corner of his mouth making it clear he knows exactly where she gets her mischievous streak from. “But I’m sure she’ll pop out when she sees me talking to you, she’s always asking about you.”

Aurora’s eyes glanced down slightly at the flute of champagne at her elbow and instantly turned her nose up at it. She was becoming much better at this Pureblood lifestyle she’d been thrown into. Judging people and turning her nose up at things. Part of her had always been a little like that, a little high strung, critical and disapproving, so it wasn’t a far stretch to the actions of the Pureblooded - she just hated herself for it now. 

That wasn’t why she rejected the champagne though. Firstly, she was still sticking to the no drinking rule she’d given herself when she’d taken on the double identity. Secondly, she didn’t know the person offering her the champagne and there was always the chance that there was something more in there than champagne. And thirdly, she was trying to pay attention and look for any clues that people from the Order and Aversio were here, under cover. She had to be on the top of her game that evening in case anything went wrong. She found Walden for a moment in the crowd just so she knew where to go for a quick getaway. 

“Oh? Do I look like I need a drink? What a wonderful way to compliment a woman all dressed up for a special occasion.” She mused, her arms crossing in a very unlady-like manor across her stomach. How she detested the men in the pureblood world sometimes. “Best not actually compliment me though. I wouldn’t want it and he wouldn’t like it,” she nodded in the direction of her fiance, “and your face is too nice for it to be beaten up.”

If he was truly a stranger to the gathering and had no knowledge of Aurora from before her apparent change of heart, Ted was sure that he would have been convinced that she was was much one of them as one of the two remaining Black sisters. It wasn’t as though the woman had always been carefree and easy going, nor that he thought that there was anything wrong with the way she chose to act, but there was an undeniable shift in the way that she seemed to be able to pull off the haughtiness and self importance that they all seemed to wear so well.

Half of him was uncertain about whether or not he was right to think that there was more to her sudden engagement than met the eyes or whether he’d be proven wrong and Aurora had simply chosen what she thought to be the safest and easiest choice at the time. He had more faith in her than to think that she could set aside her passion for Aversio’s cause so easily and decided that he would choose to think better of her rather than worse. After all, it hardly mattered which side she was on or what she thought of him when he had someone else’s face as the perfect shield.

“I can assure you that if I were complimenting you that there would be no doubt of my intention to flatter.” In truth he really only had eyes for his wife and couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had the need to compliment anyone else on their looks. “However, he does not look like a man I would like to get on the wrong side of so for now I will keep my face in tact.” He couldn’t help but emphasise the ‘for now’ when he was well aware that by the same time tomorrow it would be his own features that looked back at him from a mirror.

Time had taught Charity very well that family was something completely different than being related and thank god for that, otherwise she would have lost all her family. This way however, after the initial time spent entirely pushing away the people she loved, she had realized that there were still so many left she considered family. The list grew longer the more she thought about it and over time she was sure they would only become even more. This was what they were all fighting for and fighting together got them even closer.

However over the last couple of weeks her time had mostly been taken up on her mission to make peace between Aversio and The Order, to offer members of Aversio who weren’t sure about their affiliation the opportunity to join The Order, to be welcomed there with open arms. It had been going rather well, Aversio after all was still shaken up by their own doings in the Ministry attack. It was a good feeling, after all they were all on the same side in the end and if they could only manage to be at peace and maybe combine their forces they could work so much more efficiently. All of this had meant that Charity had completely thrown herself into that mission, once more missing out on spending time with her friends.

Right now she was sitting in the Order castle, she wouldn’t stay for long but Alastor had taken her so nobody had been asking too many questions about her being here. After her chat with Alastor she had wandered into the library, a place that had pretty much magically attracted her. Having found a book that interested her she had sat down, just for a couple of minutes. She couldn’t risk being seen by too many people after all. When a voice ripped her out of her studies of the book on her lap she looked up and smiled as she saw Ted looking down at her. Suddenly she felt how much she had missed talking to him. 

Taking the cup he was giving her a soft smile appeared on her face as she watched him sitting down across from her. “That’s very considerate.” She replied, taking a sip before thinking about how exactly to answer his question. “Oh, I’ve been doing okay. You know busy with the plans and all but it’s better than having nothing to do for sure. Keeps the mind busy.” Nodding a little she looked him in the eye, let her gaze travel over his features looking for signs of exhaustion. However he looked relatively well, better than she did probably. “Tell me about you and your family. I hope everybody is doing well? It can’t be easy to raise a kid during all this… craziness.”

A soft smile is easily brought to his features again when the girl across from him had always been so kind and polite along with it. He had always made a point in giving everyone he came across a chance when so many had refused to give him one but some people were easier to be around than others and Charity was undoubtedly one of them when he enjoyed her company so much. “That’s good to hear.” The words are sincere when he hates to think of anyone having a bad time of it, even if it would be understandable for them to, least of all someone like her who in his mind was nothing but good. War didn’t discriminate though and he knew it would take its toll on all of them whether he wanted it to or not.

In the back of his mind Ted couldn’t help but wonder just how honest the brunette was being with him, not because she would lie out of malice or to purposely mislead him, but rather because he knew that Charity was someone who didn’t like to worry others. But he doesn’t challenge her on it, at least not this time when he hopes that she knows that she could never be a burden to him, and instead just nods with what she’s saying when it’s almost identical to what he’d been feeling for the past month. “I know the feeling, sitting around doesn’t do anyone any favours really.” 

Given their situation Ted was pleasantly surprised at how well his daughter seemed to be adjusting to it all, still with a smile on her face and a penchant for trouble that kept her busy and entertained in a big castle. “We’re all doing pretty well. Dora is loving it here and I think it makes it easier for us to keep things fun for her without having to try to force it - means we’ve got a lot of built in babysitters as well.” With a grin he can’t help but chuckle slightly as he does his best to inject a bit of lightness and humour into the conversation.

The party that they had decided to put on seemed to be a success judging by the way that everyone was mingling. Though some seemed to still be erring on the side of caution and keeping their distance, the vast majority seemed to have been more than willing to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the festivities. He’d been doing his best to speak to as many people as possible feeling as though he was well placed to bridge any gaps that were left or soothe any worries when he himself was hovering between the two factions as he tried to work out which one would be better to bring about the future that he wanted for them all.

Blue eyes landed on a familiar face and Ted didn’t hesitate to make his way over to the blonde. “It’s good to see you.” Smiling at her he could only hope that the recent months had been kind to her when she was one of the people that to him felt almost too soft to be caught up in a war. They all deserved better than to have to fight for basic rights or to be facing off against people that they had considered friends or those that should be their family, but it was people with souls like Pandora that he never liked to see pulled into all of the darker, more violent side of things. She had just as much right to fight as he did and he’d never try to persuade her otherwise but it did leave him hoping for a swift end to it all.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” It seemed too soon to start asking her what she thought of it all when it would never be an easy conversation with everyone seemingly splintered in their opinions over what was for the best and what would only make things worse. There would be time for that discussion a little later but for now Ted was content to make the most of the party that had been put on for them all  

Narcissa had not felt like herself in weeks, months if she was being honest. It had never been about loss and destruction, but ever since Christmas -a night she had tried to erase from her memory- it seemed like their agenda had changed. She had been so happy at first, finally someone was willing to step up and do something, but it had seemed that it was more than that. The organizations traced back years, and her family had been a part of it from the start. It was however not until last year, that they had finally made themselves public. Which had only brought upon the white knights of The Order, and those savages of Aversio. Narcissa had believed that hexing first was the right way to go. But then the Ministry had fallen. And then St. Mungo’s. Was there nothing sacred anymore? What kind of future were they fighting for then?

Then the announcement happened, and Narcissa’s faith in their cause was being restored. She was relieved to have Rodolphus in charge of the Ministry, he shared Narcissa’s ideals, the future was in good hands. And with the efforts and fundraisers and galas, Narcissa was beginning to feel more and more like herself, her old self. But if she was to be truly honest… well she had not felt like herself in years. Not since her sister Andromeda left, since she left her behind. But if there was one thing the children of the House of Black were good at, it was lying, or in Narcissa’s case, hiding the truth. She had build herself a wall of ice, it would keep her safe, it had kept her safe. And she also played into the pureblood lady stereotype. That kept her enemies from paying attention to her. 

But this, this is what she had been born into, what she had been raised for. Galas and balls were amongst the few things that still brought true joy to Narcissa, this one specially so, because it was a reminder that they had not lost their way, that a better future was still possible. It was with excitement that Narcissa accepted the invitation, and with pride that she congratulated Natalie upon arrival. Narcissa remembered the first gala she ever planned, it was a true milestone in every pureblood lady’s life. She was busy taking everything in, making mental notes to compliment Natalie later, when she caught a peculiar face out of the corner of her eye. It was peculiar in the sense that Narcissa could not figure out who the man -handsome, proper, elegant- was. She decided to approach him, and was pleasantly surprise by his words. ❝Natalie Dupont❞ Narcissa said politely pointing towards Natalie’s way, ❝and you definitely should congratulate her, she did an amazing job. Are you enjoying yourself Mr…?❞ she asked with a perfectly mastered smile.  

When he’d been growing up he’d always longed for a bigger family. He loved his parents dearly and his childhood had been incredibly happy but with the both of them being only children like he was and his grandparents all unfortunately leaving them before he was ten, it had was always just the three of them really. With his entrance at Hogwarts however and his time in Hufflepuff he’d been able to experience what it was like to be part of a larger group of people who all supported one another. They had been completely inclusive, not one of them every turning their nose up at him because of where he came from and perhaps in some naivety he had allowed himself to believe that that was the way it would always be. But the most important thing that it had taught him was that family came in all shapes and sizes and to the people who truly cared, nothing would keep them away.

Perhaps that’s why it had once wounded him so deeply and so personally that his wife’s family had struck him off as unworthy before they’d even met him. They’d blamed him for corrupting their daughter, tainting their line, and his only crime was that he hadn’t been born one of them. While initially it had smarted that they hadn’t even wanted to get to know the man who loved and wanted to be with Andromeda, Ted had quickly taught himself to move past it the same way he did his best to bury any resentment towards those who had dismissed him at school. It was possibly true that he bore something of a chip on his shoulder but there were enough goodhearted Purebloods in his life that for the most part he just about managed not to tar them all with the same brush as they had with him and all others who weren’t born into generations of magic.

For all he might have grown almost ambivalent to their treatment of him when he knew that he could fight his own corner if it came down to it and that he did everything he could to make sure his wife and daughter led the best life possible, any resentment he held towards the Blacks was purely on part of the women in his life. Ted just couldn’t fathom that his daughter had to be denied her grandparents and aunts and uncles simply because her mother’s heart had lead her to a man that they hadn’t approved. When he looked at Dora all he saw was a young girl full of love and endless energy, constantly moving with a knack of making friends. If anything he mostly sorry for them that they’d never be able to know her properly. All the emotions that he was feeling were kept under control and unshown on his features, after all he wasn’t supposed to know this woman. “I’ll be sure to make Miss Dupont my very next conversation to do just that. Such deeds need to be praised.” He did mean it, even if he wished it had never been necessary in the first place. “Lowell, Theodore Lowell.” It comes across practised, exactly how he’d recited to himself dozens of times before he’d arrived. “And whose acquaintance do I have the pleasure of making? You must forgive me, I’m still familiarising myself.” 

Being around people he knew and yet have their gaze skate over him as if he were a stranger wasn’t something he was unused to after years of those Purebloods who disagreed with his marriage to Andromeda looking right through him as if he was nothing. Except today their eyes held more curiosity than distaste or disdain and it was strangely freeing to know that for once they were the ones being subjected to his judgement and not the other way around. While the part of him that more closely resembled his mother’s way told him not to be too harsh, Ted felt some bitterness creeping in at how easily they all seemed to glide around the room despite the fact that some among them were most likely culpable of what they were having to raise money for.

Looking around for any face that he either didn’t recognise or he didn’t deem as someone who would get under his skin, the Healer walked calmly through the crowds. Head held high, shoulders back and chin held just slightly in the air enough to make it look as though he’d been looking down on everyone his whole life. He doubted he’d ever manage to embody entitlement the same way that they all seemed to but he still felt as though he was doing a good enough job to not raise any suspicions. In fact, it seemed to be working a little too well judging by some of the approving looks being sent his way.

With a polite smile, Ted manoeuvres around a woman who seems intent on starting a conversation with him, excuses made that he’s looking for someone. As luck would have it, his gaze then lands on a familiar face that he makes his way towards without any hesitation. He might have been unsure about Aurora’s new fiance and where her allegiance lay but he saw no problem in interacting with her when it got him out of a worse situation. Plucking two flutes of champagne off a nearby tray, he extends one out as he approaches the brunette. “You look like you could use another one of these.”