Teddy Bear

With everything that had been going on lately, Ted needed some space. He was tired. Right now, he just needed to focus on something that wasn’t Amelia or Andromeda. He was tempted to go find Lottie, but even that wasn't safe for him right now after his conversation with Amelia. Really, he just need some alone time, some time to relax and distract from all the thoughts spinning in his mind.

For Ted, the best way to relax was to listen to music. There was nothing yet that The Kinks hadn't managed to get him through. Trying to find himself some form of privacy he wandered over the lake, sitting himself down under the shelter of a tree. He switched on the portable record player he brought with him and fingered through the book in his hand to find where he'd last left off. It wasn't long until he felt a little more chilled. "Lo, lo, lo lo lola" Ted sang as he tapped his leg in time to the beat, not realising until he heard the crunch of leaves that he was no longer alone. "Shit" he laughed looking up at the younger boy " ‘ow much o’ that did yu ‘ear, bet a looked a right plonker"

She appreciated him trying to comfort her out of her spiral of self-doubt, but the feeling was accompanied with one of shame at the fact that he didn’t truly know what she had to blame herself for. “Thanks, Edward. You’re a real one,” she said with a small smile, hoping her attempt at a muggle turn of phrase would at least amuse him. 

But the sinking feeling that invaded her chest was as sudden as it was unwelcome. She stopped in her tracks, looking down in embarrassment, and pain – even though she’d been the one who’d obviously caused the pain in this scenario. “I see,” was all she could come up with, not daring to make eye contact or even catch a glimpse of the look on his face. Her brain was oddly empty, in that moment. She had no idea what to do, or what to say, or how to make it better. Wasn’t she the one who’d just gone on about facing the consequences of her actions, all the while trying to hide said actions from her best friend for fear of the consequences they’d bring about? What a hypocrite she was.

“Well – he’s not that bad. He hangs around with the wrong crowd, and that in itself should have been enough to keep me at bay, I know. I don’t know if it makes it better or worse, but yeah – he’s really not as bad as his friends. He wasn’t nasty with me, and it wasn’t like it was planned or anything – it just happened, and well – I guess I did let it happen, but then again, I was drunk – then again, not an excuse, I, hm – I don’t know what to tell you,” she said still looking everywhere but at her best friend’s face. “Of course I care, and obviously I wasn’t thinking – what are you even trying to say? Do you know me at all?” she was getting more and more agitated, but she didn’t know if it was because of the disappointment in his voice or because of her own shame. 

Amelia rolled her eyes – “do you think you could go a single day without bringing up Andromeda Black, Edward? Especially in the middle of a conversation about your girlfriend, please?” she said coldly. “He doesn’t wish you dead, and what do you mean by people like him, Ted? You mean Slytherins? Sacred Twenty-Eight? Purists? Because I know someone else who fits that description, but somehow that exception is allowed. Does it only work for pretty girls, or is it because you’re the only one with good judgement?” she asked, finally looking up and her voice rising. She was being unfair, and ugly, and mean. She knew it. But she also knew he was being hypocritical, and the only way out now was for the both of them to put their feelings out there. She knew she had something to apologize for, but she also knew she wouldn’t be able to go back to normal until she addressed the unfair double standards he put her through. 

“There’s nothing going on,” she said in a small voice. “It was the first time, and seeing how much of a disappointment I seem to be to you, I understand it’ll be the last time.” She looked down at her shoes, kicking a stray pebble. “Not that you care, but it was nice for once, to feel like someone wanted me. And he apologized after. And yes, I’m okay, thanks for asking. He’s different than his brother, or the rest of his crew for that matter.” With a heavy sigh, she finished, “I’ve been keeping this from you for about 16 hours, if that’s truly what matters most to you.” @teddybeartonks​

Ted emotions were all confused. He could see that Amelia was struggling with this and he’d never wanted to make her feel guilty. He wondered if this is what he sounded like to her when he defended Andromeda. It was still different though, Rodolphus was literally out there being nasty to muggleborns, where as she wasn’t. Do you even know me at all? Her words cut him. Of course he did. He knew she’d never purposely do anything to hurt him. Things between them had become too complicated this year. He just wanted it to go back to before, how it was last year, when there wasn’t a massive point of disagreement constantly between them both. But he also wasn’t willing to give up his friendship with Andromeda to achieve it. Maybe that made him selfish, he wasn’t sure. 

“Eugh” Ted started, he didn’t know how to word anything of this. He didn’t want to be mean, but he still wanted to be honest with her “I just, a think there’s a difference between not stoppin’ somethin’ an’ actively partaking in it, i’ve ‘eard ‘im more than once refer t’ muggleborns as scum- maybe he’s not all bad, maybe yur right, I don’t know- a just- oh I don’t know Mila- i’m not trying to make yu feel guilty- yur one o’ my favourite people in the world, yu know this, but it just- it was a shock”

Ted was more taken back by her next words. Maybe she was right. He’d spent so many of their last conversations defending Andromeda, but still she was friends with blood purists too. Maybe he was being as much of a hypocrite as she was. “Why’d yu always say it like that?” Ted asked, a frustrated frown on his face. She’d made him feel instantly guilty. She was the only person that knew about the crush he had, still had? He wasn’t even sure anymore. Is that why her comment hit so hard. He didn’t want to think about it, Lottie was perfect, and wasn’t she everything he’d wished for over the past few years. That was enough right?  “I don’t know Mila, I don’t know- maybe they are the same- I don’t know- I just a want yu t’ trust me, and me t’ trust you- an’ I don’t want t’ fight about this, I don’t ever like fighting with yu- but a just...a just wished you’d let me do what I need t’ do an’ own my own mistakes if it came to that- I know yur just trying t’ look out for me but..”

Ted felt ever more guilty after her next words. What had he done. He didn’t want to be the reason she was upset. “Mila yur not a disappointment to me” he said, placing his hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze “don’t ever think that, don’t ever say that- I guess if it was somethin’ that ‘appened in the moment then I understand ‘ow you couldn’t tell me- an’ ‘onestly that is was hurt the most- I just, i saw it an’d I guess I jumped t’ conclusions- but a still don’t think he’s a good guy- I mean d’yu want t’ see ‘im again? I can try be okay with that- I don’t know if a can promise-but if it’s something yu want then I won’t stop you”

“An’ in regards t’ wanting t’ feel wanted” he continued. “don’t be so silly, yur smart an’ beautiful an’ caring an’ stubborn an’ you’re going t’ find someone amazing- I just think you deserve more than what he has t’ offer”

@milabones​

Lottie was still in complete awe, her head buried into his chest as she tried to blink away the tears that threatened to fall down her soft pale cheeks. Finger tips curling lightly into his shirt as he held her close. No one had ever done anything like this for her before, not even close. Her family were too busy trying to uphold appearances set by their grandmother to really give fully into sentiments and expressed affection like this. It was out of the bounds of anything she’d experienced before. Far beyond anything anyone had done to show their care for her. Before, she’d put it down to simply down to being gestures like this weren’t reserved for girls like her. Or they were only fabricated in stories and were far from the reality. Yet here was Edward Tonks, adorned in shining lights, twinkling eyes and a smile that warmed Lottie’s whole heart. Warm, caring, sweet, with a heart so full of gold that sometimes Lottie worried by touching him with her greyed heart she’d some how dim it. A part of her knew she didn’t deserve something like this, so many years of people diminishing her had told her otherwise. Yet here he was proving them all wrong. Maybe in his eyes she was different. She didn’t have to pretend to be this perfect imagine of what her family wished her to be, she didn’t have to hide or pretend she was anything but who she was. She’d never had to with any of her friends at Hogwarts, but this was different. The fact that he would do something like this and just everything he was, meant more to Lottie than she would ever be able to describe. “Sorry I um-” Lottie murmured quickly with a small shake of her head as her fingers moved to brush the tear stain off her cheek. “Thank you.. Teddy you didn’t have to do any of this. Wait- more?” The blonde spoke with a light quirk of an eye brow, truly blow away and her expression showed it. “You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet..” She spoke softly, a warm smile pulling onto her features, pausing as she looked up at him before adding quietly: “..You really are something else.”

Following him gladly, she laid down by his side curling up to him with her head rested on his shoulder as he looped an arm around her. "You made food aswell? So.. You can dance, cook, don’t tell me you are a secret singer too.“ Lottie teased gently as she turned on her side to face him, smile only widening at his next words. "Maybe I’ll just have to object in protest-” She teased with a small scrunch of her nose before pressing her lips against his. A hand moving to rest on his chest lightly as they kissed. Despite the just over a month they’d been spending together, Lottie didn’t think she’d ever fully get used to him like this. Still every kiss made a warmth glow in her chest and a light pink cast on her cheeks. Any sparkle she had in her eyes was just for him. If anything, to Lottie it was all him just reflecting in them.

When their lips parted, they barely did; which almost felt perfect to Lottie. She didn’t want to be anywhere else but close by his side. Her eyes brow quirked with curiosity as he said there was one more thing, but really she hadn’t expected him to ask that. Of course she was delighted, she didn’t think her smile could have gotten any wider but it did. With the little dimple forming at her cheeks and as her eyes flickered over his features; wanting to remember every second of this moment. When she could really and finally call him hers. "I’ll just have to think about that one-“ Lottie spoke quietly, eyes flickering away briefly, as if really she had to think about an answer. It had always been him, there was never a question about it. A soft giggle falling off her lips, the blonde nodded as she spoke: "Of course, yes. You didn’t even have to ask.” Lottie spoke before closing the little distance between them to press her lips back to his. She’d been his for longer than she’d say, but he’d held her heart long enough that she knew it to be true. A part of her had always been his. There had never been anyone like Edward Tonks in Charlotte Shaw’s eyes. Any one else had never fully settled in her heart like he had done so easily.

Breaking the kiss all be it a little reluctantly, just for a breathe, a twinkle flickering in her eyes as she admired his beautiful features cast in the soft light of fairy lights around them and illuminated by the moon. Leaning over she brushed a soft kiss over his cheek where the stars glimmered, her forehead resting lightly against his temple as her fingers tips traced absent circles on his chest. “How did I get so lucky to have you..” Lottie whispered softly her eyes flickering up to look into his. @teddybeartonks​

“Well a think a  promised yu something special didn’t a” he replied with a soft smile “couldn’t break tha’ promise could a” He still couldn’t get over how much she seemed to love it. Glad that he’d made her so happy. He’d never made anyone cry with happiness before. It was an unusual but great feeling. He still didn’t think he’d done anything that special though. He was just ordinary Ted Tonks. He was doing anything that anyone else couldn’t also do. Not that he wasn’t thankful that she thought so highly of him, he just wasn’t didn’t believe he was as wonderful as she thought he was. 

“No don’t worry a can’t sing” he laughed at her compliment. She really was giving him too much credit. He wasn’t that special. He was just like anyone else. “Uh huh..really” his voice breathy as she leaned over to kiss him. He tangled his hand in her hair, enjoying the moment. He still wasn’t sure he’d ever be used to it. He’d thought about it enough times, looking over at her at parties, just enough alcohol in him to consider kissing her, but of course, he always chickened out. Now, he could stay here all night, laid under the stars with her wrapped tight in his arms. Lottie was the type of person you could still with in silence and still feel totally comfortable with. 

Ted panicked for a second as she looked away. Had he misread this, did she not want a relationship. Not that it would stop whatever was happening between them now, if this is all he could have then he would still be happy. After all these years, it was better than not having her at all. He rolled his eyes at her “You almost ‘ad me there” he said as he shook his head “that was totally not fair.” He was going to add that he was going to have to get her back for it, but she distracted him with another kiss. Literally taking his breath away.

How did I get so lucky to have you? “Lottie” he shook his head “stop, yu deserve the best an’ that’s all i’m trying t’ do, trying t’ be the best for yu- the best boyfriend” his heart was beating faster than usual as it reacted to her touch. “This is as magical for me as it is for you” he advised, delicately running his hand over her cheek before kissing her once more. It was more passionate than the last ones, heavier. Enough that when he finally moved back, he was out of breathe. Not that he was complaining. Kissing her was quickly becoming his new favourtie activity.

“I should stop distracting yu” he flashed her a cheeky grin, having no intention of leaving that as the last kiss for the night. He had however brought her here for a picnic and he hadn’t even opened the picnic basket yet. He reached over and reached for it, shuffling back so that it fit comfortably between them. “Now I do ‘ave to admit, I didn’t do all of this by mysen- I did ‘ave some ‘elp- I think i’m okay at baking but if yu don’t like somethin’, don’t worry, I won’t mind”

“I think a remember some things yu told me that yu like” he continued “so ‘opefully i’m as good of a listener as I think I am.” He took out a plate and placed one of each of the snacks on to it, handing it gently to her, before pouring her a glass of the lemonade and placing that next to her. He picked out a few things for himself, although really all the snacks had been made with Lottie in mind. “What do yu think- is it okay?” he looked up at her nervously.

@ohdearlottie​ 

“Oh come on. Who said I was here for gossip.” She shrugged. “Maybe I just wanted to have a morning conversation with your beautiful face?” She smiled sweetly although it was almost sickly. “I just think you two look cute together despite what everyone would think about you two.” She took another bite of the scone and started searching for strawberry jam whilst she spoke. “Besides, last I heard, she’s head over heels for you anyway.” That wasn’t true, she hadn’t heard that, but what Ted didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. 

I just wanted to know if you were exclusive yet. You know, so that if I do hear anything, I won’t accidentally wreck a budding romance.” || @teddybeartonks​ 

“Hmm an’ maybe pigs can fly” Ted shot back. The conversation wasn’t as bad as he expected. For Rita, this was light. He relaxed a little, although his guard was definitely still up. Rita was never to be trust, as innocent as she might try to act. 

“Despite wha’ everyone would think?” Ted replied, a slight irritation to his tone “I feel like a don’t need to ask what yu mean by tha’-maybe everyone just needs t’ focus on their own lives”

“If yu must know, no she’s not ma girlfriend, yet, but hopefully tha’ will change soon” If he just answered maybe she would just leave him in peace.

“What d’yu mean by tha’?” Ted asked, confused He didn’t like her tone. 

@fearlessjourno​

Amelia threw a self-depreciating shrug his way as they kept walking along the corridors. “I think I’ll just stick to the hangover. Only fair to face the consequences of your actions, isn’t it? Might make me think twice about my spirits consumption next time.” For some reason, she felt like something was off with Ted today, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. She thought it might have been something regarding Lottie, trouble in paradise maybe. But his enthusiastic answer quickly dispelled that possibility, yet the uncomfortable feeling remained. 

Ted and Amelia were like siblings; they were close, and told each other everything (well, mostly). They knew how to read the other like an open book having had so many years of practice by now. But because of both of their personalities, and the odd combination that they made when mixed together, they weren’t usually the prying type with one another. They trusted and respected each other, and from experience he’d rarely try force things out of her if she didn’t seem interested in sharing them – especially since she always ended up coming around and telling him everything anyway. So his insistence at asking about her evening gave her the almost bizarre sensation that they were having two conversations at once – one obvious, the other unsaid. 

She bit her lip, starting to feel more and more uncomfortable repeatedly avoiding his questions. “I mean, I’d say getting drunk while on duty is about as interesting as it gets for me, wouldn’t you agree?” She truly didn’t want to lie, especially not to him. And she’d thought she was fine with owning up to what she’d done – in due time. But now, facing her best friend, the guy who she would die and fight for, it seemed torturous to have to tell him that she’d been fooling around with someone who hated who he was and didn’t think he deserved the same respect the rest of the castle did. She felt foolish, and stupid, and ashamed, that even for one second her drunken brain had thought that a quick snog was worth more than the respect Ted deserved. She fell silent, because she truly didn’t know how she could last another minute without shamefully admitting a truth she knew would hurt him. For the first time since that moment in the corridor, she realized how unworthy a friend she’d been. 

Breathing more easily as the conversation turned back towards his relationship and a girl who actually deserved him, she threw him a conspiratorial smile, remembering the girls she’d scared off in the past. “Not my fault they didn’t have what it takes to be worthy of Edward Tonks,” she shot back cheekily. “But I have a feeling Lottie and I will get on like a house on fire. I might even make her my new best friend, and you’ll be the one left running from us,” she said with a laugh. @teddybeartonks​

“Mila you’re allowed to get drunk” Ted said softly, as annoyed as he was at her actions. He still wanted her to have fun and enjoy herself. He just preferred that the fun didn’t include ignorant pure-blood purists. “It’s not a crime t’ enjoy yursen, every once in a while- don’t punish yursen for letting yur hair down.” Not that he wanted her to be punished for kissing Rodolphus either, he just wanted to understand and if this was going to be a thing. That’s the thing he couldn’t cope with. There was no way he could be civil with him. It would be too much, too difficult. 

He ran his hand through his hair. Why couldn’t she just make this easy for him. Why did she keep having to pretend nothing happened. He really did want to bring it up and have to confront her about it. Despite how annoyed he was right now, he didn’t want to argue with her. She was forcing his hand though. He just couldn’t pretend he didn’t see it.  He didn’t even know where to begin. How did he even word this. He did want to upset her, she’d been his best friend for so long, and she’d never betrayed him before. He sighed as he resigned to the task ahead of him. “Look” he started, his tone turning serious “I didn’t want t’ do it like this- but I saw yu, I saw yu with ‘im, with Rodolphus.”

“I don’t understand Amelia, out o’ all the people, ‘im?” Ted continued “someone who essentially wishes me an’ people like me dead on a daily basis, I don’t understand,  did yu not think, did yu not care?”

“Because last time a checked” Ted was getting more emotional now, he had meant to be more controlled, but he was hurt “yu cared enough t’ tell me ‘ow Andromeda was the worst person in the world, but yet, Rodolphus is okay, even though he’s the one actively spouting hatred every day.”

“I mean ‘ow long has it been going on Amelia?” Ted asked “ ‘ow long ‘ave yu been keeping this from me?” Ted sighed again. This isn’t how he wanted this to go. 

@milabones​

“Well two people in particular at the moment.” Andromeda replied, reaching into her bag for her packet of cigarettes. Producing them, she looked at Ted apologetically. “Do you mind?” She asked, pulling one out of the packet and looking for her wand. “Horrible habbit I picked up from Sirius, I used to be an every now and then at a party person but when I’m stressed out I start looking for them I’ve noticed.” Sticking the cigarette in her mouth, she lit the end of it with her wand, inhaled it and exhaled the smoke in a flurry of grey which was easily visable in the cold night air. “One of which is your best friend if you were interested and the other is a close friend of mine.” She took another drag of her cigarette before continuing. “I shouldn’t need to elobrate if you’ve read The Gazette, Rita packaged that all up very nicely and that was even before Amelia pounced on me.” 

It probably wasn’t fair of her to bring that up to Ted, but Andromeda was still irritated from the day she’d had and she was yet to even face Rodolphus about the whole thing. “Yeah me too.” Het tone had softened as she looked at his boyish expression, looking up toward the sky with a childlike wonder. “That’s rather beautiful Ted, I couldn’t agree with you more actually. Makes you realise how small and insignificant were are in the grand scheme of things doesn’t it?” And how small and insignificant a lot of people’s views were as well, Andromeda thought to herself. 

“Oh it’s a Muggle book actually on gender politics in the Muggle world- Lily Evans lent it to me. I’ve been quite interested in how things differ in the Muggle world to this one, but there are some similarities I have noticed as well actually, even though we supposedly have gender equality. It’s very interesting.” She finished, turning a page of her book and smoothing it down as she finished speaking. “I don’t tend to flash about Muggle books round my family, Sirius wouldn’t care but I think Bellatrix and Narcissa would throw me off the top of the tower if they found out.” Locking eyes with Ted, she smiled softly. “If you could keep it as our little secret I’d be most greatful. I don’t think they’re ready to hear that my reading has expanded quite yet.” 

@teddybeartonks·

“No, go for it” Ted wasn’t a smoker himself, but it wasn’t something that bothered him, besides Andromeda had every right to do whatever she wanted. He wondered what she was stressed out about, but decided it was probably not his place to be nosy. She would tell him if she wanted to. He sat quietly as he watched her light the cigarette, waiting for her to finish her sentence. “Yes, that was...interestin’. Although didn’t ‘ave to wait for ‘gazette,  ‘ad the unfortunate luck o’ seeing it first ‘and.” Ted felt a little bad about slagging Amelia off behind her back, but then Amelia knew his opinion on the situation. He wasn’t saying anything, he hadn’t already told her. A look of confusion spread across his face as he replayed Andromeda’s words in his mind “wait, why are you avoidin’ Amelia- did you just say she pounced on yu?” Ted was going to kill her next time he saw her. What right did she have. It was so unnecessary. He understood her reasons but he wished that she’d trust his judgement. 

“Yes, it does” Ted replied to her. Thankfully she didn’t think he was barking mad. Just because her name was inspired by astronomy didn’t necessarily mean she had to show any interest in it. He was glad she did though. The more he talked to her, and the more he discovered about her, the more he realised this friendship was worth all the hassle. She was unlike anyone else he knew. It was almost refreshing. “I know that should be a scary feelin’, but t’ me it’s the opposite.” He glanced over at her briefly. “That’s not t’ say tha’ I don’t want t’ make my own mark in this world, I do want t’ do somethin’ that means somethin’- but i dunno it’s like the night sky frees me from the pressure o’f things- I dunno tha’ probably doesn’t make any sense.” Ted didn’t why he was so honest with her, it was the strangest thing given everything, but he had such a strong feeling that she wouldn’t judge him.

Ted couldn’t hide his shock when she explained she was reading a muggle book. She really was full of surprises. If only he could get Amelia to see this side of her. His judgement had been right. He knew it had. He knew she wasn’t like the rest. “Tha’ sounds really interesting” he told her. He wasn’t sure it was his place as a man to comment too much on it. He would be speaking from a place of privilege, and knew that he could never truly understand. His parents had raised him to respect woman, and he tried to be a good man, to be supportive but not to overbearing but he knew he wasn’t perfect. “Yes, I think there’s a lot o’ similarities, it’s slightly worse in the muggle world though, I feel like this world is a little more progressive in terms o’ gender equality- I ‘ear some o’ the guys outside ‘pub next door t’ my parent’s restaurant an’ the way they speak- it’s - well i’m sure yu know”

“Don’t worry” Ted replied, offering her a reassuring smile “yur secrets safe with me.” And it was. Even though he desperately wanted to prove to Amelia that his instincts had been right, he knew what could happen if this got out. He wasn’t sure at this moment in time if he could trust Amelia to keep it quiet, she’d always been strong willed and he wasn’t prepared to risk Andromeda being collateral damage. He looked over at her and couldn’t help but smile at her once more. 

@gentlehxrt​

Amelia Bones was not the kind of witch who would let anyone tell her what to do or how to live her life. She always welcomed the counsel of her friends and family, always listened, even to criticism. But once she’d looked in the mirror and decided on a course of action, there were very little outside forces that could change her mind or convince her that she was in the wrong. She spent so much time doubting herself, doubting her actions, her intentions, making sure her conscience was clear – she wouldn’t let anyone but herself wiggle themselves in her brain when she knew she was doing the right thing. That’s how they got you : making you doubt yourself. 

Admittedly, the whole Rodolphus affair had been unexpected and therefore had not had time to pass the conscience test. But there was nothing much she could do about that now. It had been nice if brief, and he’d even apologized after (for what she wasn’t sure, but was in no hurry to find out). If she was to ever do it again, then she’d think twice about it. But it was not on her agenda at the moment, and so her step was light and her morning guilt free. 

That didn’t mean she wanted anyone to know about it, or at least not yet. Especially not Ted. This fact told her that maybe she didn’t have as clear a conscience as she liked to believe, but she stopped that train of thought quickly. “Yeah, fair. I have too much of a headache to deal with crowds today.” She smiled. “Yeah – I guess I am. Probably simply because I haven’t drunk in so long, since I really wasn’t that bad last night” she added with a reassuring smile. It wasn’t a lie. She hadn’t been that bad. 

Lottie talk felt like more comfortable territory – “that’s so lovely to hear. I was thinking of going to Puddifoot’s with her actually. Thought it’d be nice to get to know each other a bit more? She’s so lovely from what I hear, I’m sure we’ll be fast friends.” @teddybeartonks​

The fact that Amelia had said she wasn’t that drunk didn’t help anything. Everyone made mistakes when they were drunk, himself included. He just didn’t understand any of it. She was as outspoken as he was when it came to blood purists. So how did she get to that moment. Ted was aware enough to recognise that Rodolphus was a nice looking guy, but he thought Amelia was somebody who would see past that. No matter how he tried to excuse it for her, it just seemed like betrayal. 

It was even worse that she was being so hypocritical. She had been particularly harsh when she’d caught him staring at Andromeda. So for her to now go and kiss someone who loudly shouted about his hate for muggleborns was annoyingly ironic.  At least Andromeda wasn’t like the rest. Yes, he’d only know her for a few weeks, but she hadn’t even blinked when he told her he was muggleborn. The whole thing seemed like double standards, and only added to his annoyance.

“You should get one o’ those potions- ‘eard they ‘elp with ‘angovers” Ted replied, trying to still help his friend. She wasn’t giving him anything though, he would probably need to direct the conversation to get the answer that he wanted “get up t’ anythin’ interestin; at the party?” he asked her. If she didn’t own up to it then, he didn’t know what to do next. He just needed to talk about it, so he could understand and then they could move past it. 

Talking about Lottie was easier. He was glad that Amelia seemed to approved, not that she wouldn’t. There wasn’t anything to dislike about Lottie. “I ‘ope you two ‘ave fun” he replied. “Please behave though, i’ve ‘ad more than one girl come t’ me after you met up with them” he was mostly teasing, but it was true that Amelia had sometimes scared people a little by being protective of him. Ted appreciated it, he knew she had his back and it was all meant well. “ ‘onestly you ‘ave nothing t’ worry about with Lottie”

@milabones​

A date with Edward Tonks. Lottie might just have to pinch herself to deem it true. It felt surreal, as if it were a dream that she had fabricated in her mind in a hope of wishing it could some how make it a reality. Yet here she was fussing over her appearance as she got ready to meet him. It would have been different if it were just another random date with a stranger that she felt obliged to go on. Make small talk and smile and act how she knew she should. But this wasn’t just another date. It wasn’t just another person. It was Teddy. 

Edward Tonks had always held a very special place in Lottie’s heart. Truly as much as she tried to deny it or even let her self fully believe it, he’d held a piece of it unknowingly for years. Because to Lottie, that boy she’d met her first day on the train to Hogwarts, really was unlike any other. They weren’t just another pair of blue eyes, a kind smile and warm heart. They were his blue eyes. Eyes so beautiful she swore she could see the ocean in them, so deep as if they were filled with a fountain of wonder and marvelous things. Here she was, lucky enough that she was the one that got to hold and cherish them by being so close to him. Lottie always spoke about Ted like he put the stars in the sky, because really; there was never anyone quite like him. 

By the time she’d left her dorm and common room, she’d gotten a few bright encouraging smiles from her room mates, even a whistle from the friend in the common room which was encouraging, even if a little embracing. She’d tried, really; because she wanted to look good for him. It had felt like years in the making, after so long all Lottie wanted was just a night alone together with him. It didn’t matter what they did, it would be special regardless because she got to spent it with him. She’d braided two small sections of her soft blonde hair back and decorated them with soft delicate white, green and blue flowers. With soft mint green heels, white tights to keep her warm under her soft lace and satin dress that almost held a pearl iridescence under the moonlight. Cropped cream jumper adored with embroidered flowers and of course the forget me not necklace he’d bought her for her birthday. 

Her wand giving a enough light to find her way down the path to meet him. As it normally did though, when her eyes caught sight of him any nerves she had disappeared with the glimpse of his smile. It always had the ability to ease her no matter what. Arms wrapping around him gladly, her shoulders relaxed instantly as her features softened just by being close to him. “What surprise have you got up your sleeve this time Tonks?” Lottie hummed softly a bright smile on her features as she peered up at him before pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. Pausing only to put her wand back by her thigh where she normally kept it.

Fingers lacing with his, she gave his hand a soft squeeze gently before she finally averted her eyes away from him and to the scene before her. It had Lottie stopping dead in her tracks as her eyes took in the setting. It was beautiful. And Lottie was left completely speechless. “I-“ The lights practically sparkled in the darkness, with the picnic set up it felt like worlds away from the castle. If her heart wasn’t full of warmth before, it felt like it would almost burst now. Butterflies filling her chest as she tried to take in the scene. But really, how could she ever comprehend something as perfect as this. “Teddy I-“ shaking her head lightly, her hand moved to cover her mouth in shock. He’d really out done himself, one thought radiating in her mind; how on earth had to managed to get so lucky? It was silly she knew and she tried to blink away the tears that edged her eyes from shock and pure happiness. Never in a million years would she have ever imagined this. “It’s-” Shaking her head in disbelief. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t will them to stop. With tear slipping from her green eyes down her cheek Charlotte spoke: “Sorry I um-“ Her delicate fingers moving up to brush it away as she turned to face him. “No ones ever done anything like this for me before.” She muttered quietly with a small shake of her head in wonderment up at him. He really was like no other. “You are just-“ The blonde spoke, a warm affectionate smile pulling gently onto her features. Her free hand that wasn’t laced with his moving to brush over his cheek gently as she added gently: “Full of surprises.” @teddybeartonks​

At first Ted was caught off guard when she started crying. Wondering if he’d done something wrong. A clear look of concern etched on his face until he saw her smile and realised they were happy tears. He didn’t quite know what to do about her reaction. He really hadn’t done that much. It was only a little picnic, he’d thought of all the other things he could’ve done if he’d had more time and saved up some money. It bothered him that she’d said nobody had done anything like this for her before. It was ridiculous. All it had taken was a little bit of planning and effort. He still couldn’t believe that nobody else in this castle saw how wonderful she was. It was insane. It made him want to do things like this for her more often. Make up for all the time she’d gone without people treating her like the princess she was. 

“Hey” he finally spoke softly “c’mere”. He brought her in for a tight hug, resting his head on top of hers. He was glad that she liked it so much. Any worries he’d had about that had now vanished. Only excitement was left. Even though he’d basically already been acting like she was his girlfriend, he hadn’t actually asked her yet. He had wanted to wait til this date, to do it properly. She deserved that. He didn’t want to wait til the ending either. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could wait. He kissed her head softly before finally releasing her. “There’s a little bit more, if yur ready.” He hoped that he’d remembered her favourite foods correctly, if he’d done it right and his baking hadn’t been terrible, that would be another good surprise for her.

He led her properly over to the blanket, laying down and getting comfy before wrapping one of his arms around her as soon as she was settled.”I made some snacks for wheneva yur hungry” he advised her, moving his free hand to trace patterns on her arm. “I’m just going t’ keep you ‘ere for a while first though” he teased, pulling her in closer to him and kissing her. He could stay like this forever, she radiated warmth.  She almost glowed with it. He’d come to feel very comfortable being this close to her. All the weirdness he’d worried about when they went from friends to more, didn’t seem to exist. There was no awkwardness. They had just smoothly transitioned in to their own bubble of joy.

“I mean there’s one other thing too” he continued, playing with a piece of her golden hair. He was still half nervous to ask it. They’d been acting like a couple, but that didn’t guarantee she only wanted him exclusively. He tried not to shy away from eye contact “I know that we’ve already been hangin’ out a lot, but I was just wonderin’, if you would like t’ properly be my girlfriend?” He wasn’t going to mention that he’d already been calling her that. Sometimes with being the romantic that he was, he could get ahead of himself. He just never been one for casual dating. He was always all in. It had caused him to get his heart broken a few times, but he still wouldn’t change it even if he could. 

@ohdearlottie​

James frowned to himself – he hadn’t expected to be bribed with licorice, so he really couldn’t be blamed for his rash reaction. “Now, now, Tonks,” he said through the sweet he’d already put in his mouth. “I don’t think you should do that. They’re really rather bad for you health, candies – here, let me help you out,” he added before picking a second one and eating it in one mouthful. 

He shrugged at the books he’d hurried to close. “Oh, nothing really – just preparing for the demise of Slytherin this weekend. It’s all going to be rather phenomenal, if I do say so myself.” Once his Charms books where neatly stacked together away from Ted’s view, he turned towards the older boy. “And how have you been pal? You’ll be cheering on for Gryffindor this weekend, yeah?” @teddybeartonks​

Ted chuckled. “Glad t’ know yur so concerned for my health mate” he was unfazed by James taking a second sweet. He’d brought them over purposely to share. Due to being in different houses and years, he didn’t get to talk to James as often as he’d like.  He was a little too mischievous sometimes, but Ted respected James, he had a good heart and he always meant well.

Ah quidditch, that made sense. He was captain so naturally he would be researching strategy. Amos was already kick their butts, and it wasn’t even their match this weekend. “O’ course,  beside the logical reasons for supportin’ Gryffindor an’ cheering on Slytherin’s downfall,  Lottie told me she’ll be playing so”

@potterstagger​

Rita strut down the hall, a wicked but pleasant smile on her face. She cradled her beloved writing journal in her arms as a few additional textbooks floated behind her like a balloon on a string. She entered the great hall and scanned the crowd, firstly for anyone who normally didn’t sit next to each other, because that meant a story, and secondly for any of the multiple people she wanted to speak to today. Last night’s party had been eventful, but not eventful enough and she was sure there was more dirty laundry to be hung up, she just had to find it. Her eyes finally landed on a Teddy and she made a beeline towards him. 

“Edward. You look as broody as ever.” She greeted with a smile as she sat next to the boy, placing her books on the table. “You sure can. How is dear Lottie?” She reached over and grabbed a scone from the centre of the table and began to butter it. “You guys have been pret-ty close lately. Are you two ‘mutually’ exclusive?” 

Broody? Ted rolled his eyes. Like he’d ever spoken to this girl enough for her to know him. He just needed to get this over with as quickly as possible. Hopefully she would get bored and leave him alone.  He shifted slightly as she mentioned Lottie, weary of where she would be going with it. Knowing what a good few people in the castle would have to say about their relationship. 

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business” His tone wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t pleasant either. He had better things to worry about the Rita’s stupid gossip column. It was an impossible thing to ignore at Hogwarts. He didn’t read it himself, but everyone would be chatting about it, so it was hard not to be made aware of things. “Besides, I don’t see what’s gossip worthy about a new relationship.” Of course, that was a lie, but it was easier to pretend he didn’t see any issues. 

@fearlessjourno​

Ted thanked Molly as he left the kitchen with a basket full of food. He’d known for a few days he wanted to take Lottie on an evening picnic date and he’d wanted to make as much of the food as he could himself. Whilst he knew he could cut corners and use music, he thought it meant more to make it by hand. He’d dragged Molly in to help, knowing that she’d always been amazing at cooking. He had still done most of it by himself, she’d just been there to calm him down and direct him when he was getting flustered and to tell him when he was totally messing up a recipe. 

After grabbing a second basket he’d already prepared from his dorm, he walked out to the edge of the lake. Laying both the baskets that he was carrying down on the floor. He’d used an extension charm on one of them, one by one he used accio to bringing everything he needed out of it.  He started by laying out a couple of blankets he’d brought, next he set out the cushions and folded the spare blankets in a neat pile on the side. It was a late autumn evening and he certainly didn’t want Lottie to catch a chill. Next he set a little bunch of forget-me-nots in a vase in front on the blankets. He’d asked his parents to send across a few bunches of fairy lights, he draped these around the blankets and charmed some more to hang from the tree above him.

He set the food basket down nicely on one of the blankets and sat down. She should be here soon. He hoped that she liked it all. He’d make her a buffet full of different fruit based dishes. There were mini apple pies, strawberry sundae bites, caramel apple s’mores, strawberry shortcake bites and then a range of different fresh fruits to dip in to a chocolate fondue. He hoped that this lived up to his promise. Times like this were the only times that he felt lesser for not having a lot of money. He wished he was able to give her something extravagant, but he hope that the amount of thought and effort that had gone in to the picnic would help to make up for it. 

He’d put a little extra in to his outfit too, even though Ted wasn’t exactly massively in to style. He was wearing black jeans, and a simple light blue shirt, not fully buttoned up despite the cold air. To keep his warm he’d brought his leather jacket that he usually saved for special occasions. This definitely counted as a special occasion. He ran his hand through his hair nervously waiting for her to arrive. It was only a few minutes later that he spotted her walking towards him. He walked over to meet her, immediately enveloping her a in a hug.

“Wow” he said as he looked at her. She looked beautiful, she always did, but especially tonight. “You look..wow” the boyish grin on his face only growing wider. “I hope you like you like it” He said softly as he took hold of her hand, leading her towards the the area he’d set up.