𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 / 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐃 ,

Realizing her mistake as she always did a moment too late, she offered him a bite from her container as she grabbed one from his. “Guess you need to invite a certain someone over for dinner,” Amelia retorted, shameless, hardly breaking focus from the food. Pausing her movements, her lips twitched into a frown. As much as it had been her own breed of stubbornness that had kept her from reaching out to the two people she valued most in her life, it had been just as much the sheer weight of her workload too.”Sorry about that.” With a sigh, she finally lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. “Words can’t even describe how busy the MDLE has been recently.” The words were offered both as an explanation for her silence and as an answer to his question. “Really, you guys need to come up with a quicker cure for concussions. Between all the chaos I missed and my own stupid decisions because I couldn’t think straight, I’m not sure I’ll ever feel caught up.” As was so often the case around him, words just seemed to tumble from her lips - it was half of why she always seemed to pick fights, but hopefully, a little stressed rambling was safe enough territory.

edgar.

“   I’d hate to add another thing to your plate right now.   ”   Breaking the trend of discussing her abstractedly,   he speaks genuinely for a moment.   He takes a bite of the food they’d just traded,   humming in approval before glancing at his food with slightly less interest.   “   Always regret not ordering the same thing.   ”   He chews intently as she speaks,   having truly been interested in her reply when he asked.   The explanation is shorter than expected,   but then it conveyed the message well enough.   “   I can only imagine.   I don’t envy your position in the slightest.   ”   A chuckle at her suggestion,   brow quirking in interest as she mentions stupid decisions having been made.   “   Oh I’ll get right on that.   I’m sure the interests of our healers would be best devoted to the speedy recovery of concussions rather than the cure for dragon pox or spattergroit.   ”   He shakes his head good-naturedly,   “   not to rub salt in the wound,   but being unable to think straight is why we suggest bed rest.   ”   And then a peppering of brotherly encouragement,   a reminder that she might need.   “   You’re doing the best you can.   ”

Alice couldn’t stop fidgeting. She was switching which leg crossed the other, or smoothing her hair, or peeling back the paper on the coffee cup. Sitting still wasn’t something she was normally good at, but now? Given everything? It was nearly impossible, even given the rare moment of peace between two friends. As comforting as his words were, especially coming from him, she still found them difficult to believe. “How can you be sure?” Her voice was quiet, hesitant. It was better to have him far away where this horrible, ugly war couldn’t touch him and yet…she wondered if anyone could protect him better than she and Frank could. “I trust my Uncle Manny but…what if something happens to him over there? Or to us here?” There were a million things that could go wrong, and there always would be. No amount of kind sentiments from Edgar could calm her raging mind. “What if Neville doesn’t have anything left to come home to at the end of all this?”

“Supervised visits? No, no. Frank and I are taking that little munchkin whenever we please, and we’ll send them home with a bag full of treats. There’s nothing you can do to stop us.” It was so increidble, Edgar and Greta becoming parents. Finally. She was excited for them, excited to see their happiness grow. “Oh come on. You and I both know our husband well enough to know that my bet is fair.” She hummed and tapped her chin, eyes narrowing just a bit. “That depends on what name you suggested. I trust her judgement - if you proposed some ridiculous name, I’m sorry but I’ll have to support her.”

edgar.

“   Because he has two parents who are willing to the hard thing to make sure that he is.   ”   But could he really be sure of anything?   No.   The Potters were proof of that.    Shifting on the bench,   Edgar turns to look at her,   meeting her gaze.   If he couldn’t be sure of anything,   he would at least try his damndest to make his words came true.   “   We won’t let that happen.   Frank,   me,   Greta,   we are all here.   You aren’t alone.  ”   He wished he could include the Order in that,   but it seemed that even that support system was failing.   There was a traitor in the ranks,   it’s what landed the Longbottoms in this position in the first place.   He brushed aside the uneasy thought,   placing a hand on her shoulder as he continued.  “   It must be impossible what you’re feeling   -   I can only imagine   -   but if you want to make sure Neville has something to come back to,   your attention has to be here now.   It’s okay to ask for help,   ”   a pause,   brief,   “   and you did.   You have to make peace with that.   He’s far away from this mess.   And when it’s cleaned up,   he’ll come back.   Safe.   I know it.  ”

Alice heaved out a breath, one she hadn’t realized she was holding. She wondered if Greta had passed on the news, or if Frank gotten to Edgar first. Either way, she figured her revalation wouldn’t come as a shock and would, in some sense, be an easier topic on conversation that it was with others. She trusted Edgar - she always had. Their families were close…she could handle a few moments telling him the current status of his godson. “Well, Neville is…away. And that’s just…impossible. I miss him every single day, every single minute, but we couldn’t let anything happen to him.” She hesistated, swallowing back the emotion that was always on the edge of spilling over these days. At least she and Frank were lucky enough to still have their child, alive. Lily and James would be missing Harry for the rest of their lives - Neville would return one day.

“Well, you can expect Aunt Alice and Uncle Frank to spoil your little miracle. They’ll have an ego the size of Gilderoy Lockhart’s by the time we’re done with them.” Her smile was wide, proud - if there was ever a couple deserving of a child, it was Edgar and Greta. It was such incredible news, that it almost outshined all the darkness clouding around them. “Have you told Frank yet? I’ll bet you five galleons that he’ll cry.” She was teasing, although only a little. She teared up at the announcement, so she wouldn’t be all that surprised if her other half did as well.

edgar.

“   He’ll be safe.   ”   His words are reassurance for both of them.   Harry was bad enough   -   but he didn’t know him like he knew his godson.   While he felt for the Potters,   Edgar wasn’t sure he wanted to imagine how things would have been if it was Neville in Harry’s place.   That might have been selfish,   but it was the truth.   Absorbing her words in silent understanding,   he nods.   “   You’re strong,   you and Frank both.   You’re a good team,   good parents.   ”   In case she needed a reminder.   “   Neville couldn’t be better taken care of.   I mean it.   ”   It was a difficult choice.   The right one,   from his perspective,   but an impossible one.   The Longbottoms were some of the strongest people he knew,   and it went without saying that he thought the world of them both.

“   Supervised visits might be in order,   ”   he can’t help but laugh at her words,   still regarding the situation with a sense suspended disbelief.   He still struggles to think of this as real,   to think that soon he’ll have a child of his own.   A living breathing child to raise.   “   That’s hardly a fair bet.   ”   He hadn’t told Frank,   mostly because he hadn’t seen Frank for some time.   But he hadn’t wanted to get in the way.  Heaving a sigh,   he chuckles a bit.   “   Greta’s already revoked my naming privileges.   Think you can help on that front?   ”

It was so easy to be around Edgar, comfortable in a way Amelia always forgot until they were back on good terms. “Hey, always gotta make sure.” Removing her arm for a moment, she elbowed him lightly in the side before returning it. Amelia nodded, satisfied with the answer, and leaned into the squeeze just enough that he knew she’d done it, but she could still deny it if he mentioned it. “On it,” she said, flicking her wand towards her kitchen with a quickly muttered accio. Chopsticks procured, she offered a set to him and settled in with her container. Opening it up, she glanced over at him. “You pass the test.” Because she really was that hungry, she brought a bite to her lips, savoring the taste. “So then. How’s everything? Calmer, I assume? I feel like I haven’t seen Greta in ages.”

edgar.

“   Thank Merlin.   ”   He mirrors her movements,   grabbing ahold of his order,   though he holds out the container in offering to her first.   “   A bit too quiet without a certain someone reminding me that I’m wrong all the time,   ”   a pointed look for emphasis,   he retracts the food and digs in with the utensils.   Popping a piece of chicken into his mouth,   Edgar nods in approval.   “   Thought it was about time that was remedied.   ”    He wastes no time taking another bite,   realizing just how long it had been since his last meal as well   (   breakfast with Greta,   if you wondering.   )   

“   I’ll tell G you said so.   She’ll be glad to hear you survived the concussion,   considering things have been radio silent since.   ”   A pause as he reaches for a second container,   opening it and leaving it on the table for them both to pick at.   “   How’re things with you?   ”   Taking care of yourself?

Alice’s giggling didn’t cease - she enjoyed being around Edgar for this very reason, he was able to make her laugh without even trying. “Vows, hm? Do those come before or after the ones he took with me?” She rubbed her chin in false thought, as if she were seriously pondering the inquiry. “Don’t you worry, I know him down a chocolate frog every few days. I haven’t heard any complaints from him yet, although that might be because of the silencing charm I have on him…”

small little time jump yeah!

Catching up with Edgar was so refreshing - they talked about simple things for a while, easy things. But of course the question was coming and it was only a matter of time before one of them brought it up - Edgar beat her to the punch. “Is that a trick question?” She said with a sarcastic smirk tugging her lips, but the sentiment didn’t meet her eyes. She huffed out a breath. “Yeah, I spoke with her earlier in the week. Congrats by the way,” this time her grin was genuine as she bumped her shoulder against his.

edgar.

Although it felt nice to be transported out of the war for a moment,   it was always looming just around the corner.   A news-stand employee would herald the latest Death Eater sighting,   a new person would turn up missing,   or be found dead.   It was in everything they did.   So it was natural for it to bleed into conversation.   “   A loaded one,   maybe.   But not a trick.   ”   He acknowledges that there’s no real use in asking something like that,   but it’s all that he really can do,   isn’t it?   His next words are genuine.   He does care after all.   “   But I wouldn’t mind an honest answer.   I've got time.   ”   

“   News does travel.   ”   They’d planned to keep it quiet per mutual agreement,   though he couldn’t have expected Greta to keep it from Alice.   He returns to gesture,   bumping her shoulder good-naturedly.   If he was going to ask her hard questions,   he should have expected her to do the same to him.   “   Yeah,   well.   Guess we took our time on that front.   ”

–––– in conversation with @wizardgreat ; st mungo’s, fifth floor.

they had swung round the hospital for susan’s check-up –– routine and boring and such a relief for every reason in the world right now –– so angelina had decided to pop in and check on edgar really quickly too ; a little voice in her head telling her she really, really had to. and if that voice sounded suspiciously like gregory’s, well. he was a nag even in death and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. “ so then i told ragnok that it was my desk, and do you know what he did? he just took my chair. ” angelina laughed, shooting a glance at where he daughter was playing. the curse breaker had commandeered a whole table in the middle of the tea room, so she took a sip of her tea and turned to her brother in law. “ what about you –– how’s everything been? ”

edgar.

“   Sounds like Ragnok and Eldrid would get along fine,   ”   he chuckles at the conclusion of her story,   of which he had been hanging onto every word.   Speaking with her should be hard,   all things considered.   Edgar can’t see her without picturing Gregory right beside her,   can’t hear Susan’s laughter without recognizing her father’s echoing after it.   But speaking with Angelina feels like old times   -   and that isn’t a bad thing.   Not to mention little Susan is always a welcome surprise,   if only a reminder that ‘little’ isn’t quite the word for her anymore.   “   You know Greta and I,   we keep quiet.   Or try to at least.   ”   A light grin.   He’s not all that eager to discuss the recent events of his life in any great length,   so his words trail off there.   Eyes land on his niece across the room,   fondness evident on his face.   “   She doesn’t stop growing,   does she?   ”   

As much as she knew that she’d never have to apologise to her husband for anything, she hadn’t been able to help it. She was so used to being the caretaker that she’d never taken to being the patient with ease. Never liked to be the source of worry for anyone she loved. Maybe that was why she’d felt the way she had, a simple case of paying more attention to everyone else but herself. “Sorry.” Word slipped from her lips as a smile tugged at the edge of them, playfulness both to lighten the mood after a stressful moment and to prove she was feeling much more like herself. “It was bound to slip out at some point. Disappointed? No.” Head shook slightly, light laughter bubbling up. “I think she’ll be thrilled.” 

With a slight turn of her head she moved to prss a kiss against the palm that had been resting on her cheek. There’s a firmness in her gaze but a softness in her voice when she reassures him once more. “I’m fine, really.” She would have argued further but his gaze dropping makes her pause, only for his next words to leave her speechless and fumbling for a reply. “What? No, I -” Head shook, disbelief being the first emotion that she had felt. But then it sank in a little more, logic finding its way along with it. He wouldn’t lie to her and there was no reason she couldn’t be.

There’s hopefulness in her tone, almost wistful, coupled with undeniable nervousness. “We’re having a baby?”

edgar.

“   You just can't help it,   can you?   ”   he chides teasingly,   though the overture of his tone is affectionate.   Frankly it just makes him happy to hear that laughter,   to know that she’s still capable of it even now.   “   Been rooting for your downfall all along do you think?   S’pose with you out of the game,   she’ll have no more competition.   ”   And as she plants a kiss to his hand,   his face softens.   He wishes moments like these weren’t so...   fleeting,   these days.   But that was the nature of their circumstance.   The look on her face tells him everything he needs to know and more   -   she hadn’t the slightest idea.   She would have told him if she did,   right?   The words that follow only further confirm it,   and he watches intently as her expression changes from disbelief to a preliminary understanding.   Acceptance.   Hope?

We’re having a baby?   Though he already knows,   it’s as if he needs her to speak it for it to be true.   And as the idea sinks to the pit of his stomach,   his heart seems to jump in his chest.   “   I think,   ”   a pause,   a nod.   “   I think we are,   yes.   ”   And the words tumble out in something that could be considered a chuckle   -   all of the emotions that had been cooped up are released into that breathy huff of air.   “   A baby.   ”   Ordinarily now might be the time that he would hold her in his arms,   kiss her,   tell her how happy he was.   Instead,   he remains still,   shell-shocked at the implications of the discovery.

Amelia had never been big on physical touch; no, only a select few were allowed near her and she made sure they knew it. Still, she froze for a second at Edgar’s embrace, but the tension dropped quickly and she begrudgingly leaned into him. It felt like ages since the last time he’d hugged her, since the last time she’d hugged anyone other than, oh, right, her ex, in a moment of weakness she’d really rather forget. And so with a heavy sigh she wrapped an arm around his waist in return; if nothing else, at least this felt normal. “I hope you’re right - for your sake.” There was warning in her tone, but it was all for show; no matter what he’d brought her, she was hungry enough to down it all. “Plates, or straight from the containers?”

edgar.

“   Now who’s forgetting tradition?   ”   Arm still slung over her shoulders,   Edgar doesn’t skip a beat.   He can’t help but grin.   Any ill-feelings that their conversation at Mungo’s left lingering are all but washed away in this moment,   as he knew they would be.   He speaks with a certain incredulity,   a man who is simultaneously surprised and appalled at the question being asked by his own blood.   “   Straight from the containers.   We aren’t bloody heathens.   ”   When they reach the end of the hall,   Edgar allows them to part ways,   doing so with a final squeeze.   As he begins withdrawing the containers from the bag from his new spot on the sofa,   he casts a glance at her.   “   Chopsticks?   ”

“Maybe,” he answers, his thoughts going to his own persuasion skills that had failed them weeks before.  Still, he manages to laugh at Edgar. “And lose my favorite mediwitch? Wouldn’t want just anyone to patch me up.” Frank sits down in the chair, finding that he’s already exhausted before the day has had a chance to begin.  He listens to his friend - tries to let the words settle in, to really hear them - as his eyes watch the steam rise from his cup.  “I know,” he finally says after a few moments, reassuring himself more than anything.  As an Auror, he knew that it made the most sense for his son’s safety.  Alice and Frank are targets enough as it is, and would likely only grow.  Their son doesn’t need to pay the price for that.  Still, as a father, the idea of sending his son to a different country felt wrong.  He was his father - he should be safest with him.  “Just doesn’t always feel that way.”  He admits, taking a drink of his coffee, before looking at Edgar from across the table.  “Still, sorry that Alice and I haven’t been around that much. We’ll have to all get together. I know she misses Greta.” 

edgar.

“   It’s not as if I’d forget all my training.   Though the days of wearing that little outfit might be over.   ”   Mustering a chuckle at the absurdity of the whole bit,   he can’t help but notice the reservation in his friend’s demeanor.   Not that he blames him.   It’s exhausting to keep up with the trivial daily tasks,   maintain the brave face.   Even   (   and especially   )   for Edgar.   Mind wanders to his godson   -   the bubbly little lad,   always giggling.   He thinks about the joy that he brings to everyone around them,   how easily he could have been taken,   and his heart aches.   “   I can only hope I’d be strong enough to do the same one day.   Really.   ”   And he knows in that instant that one day,   sooner rather than later,   that decision could very well be his to make.   “   Nothing to apologize for.   ”   He leans back in his chair,   coffee still relatively untouched,   idly cracking the knuckles on one hand.   “   They weren’t meant to be apart for long intervals,   those two.   ”

It’s hard enough to carve time out for friends,   but he manages every so often.   It’s necessary after all   -   time to decompress,   to wallow in shared misery.   If he didn’t have these moments,   he’d likely go crazy.   So when the opportunities arise,   Edgar tries his damndest to be present   -   he really does.   But he doesn’t remember it always being this hard.   Shaken back out of his thoughts as the barmaid refills his glass,   he mutters a thanks before holding it up as if in toast to the man seated next to him.   “   To whiskey.   And good company.   ”

It was nice to be out of the Ministry, at least for a while. Of course, she was meant to be out here on auror business, catching criminals and finding clues and the like, but a coffee break couldn’t hurt. The warmth of the drink mixed with the pleasant spring breeze was refreshing; she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the almost peaceful moment. Until Edgar’s voice boomed through that peace and it all came crashing down - it wasn’t an unwelcome interruption, though. “Hm, maybe he’s just avoiding you?” She teased, both of them knowing that her statement wasn’t true in the slightest. “In fact, just last night he said to me, I never want to see that prick Edgar ever again.” Alice had deepened her voice for the impression, but couldn’t contain her giggles at the utter impossibility of it. “Fine, fine. I’ll release Frank from the basement if you buy me another cup.”

edgar.

“   Avoiding me?   Not Frank.   We took vows,   you see.   ”   He rolls his eyes playfully at her next words,   and a lopsided smile tugs at the corner of his mouth at the poor imitation.   As her words dissolve into giggles,   he clutches at his heart as if Alice has truly pained him.   “   Sometimes it's like I can still hear his voice...   ”   He ceases the act at her agreement,   gesturing towards the stand in further invitation and allowing her to lead the way.   “   Hope he’s been fed at least.   ”

---

Sitting beside her on the first empty bench the pair came across,   he takes the pause in their conversation as an opportunity to sip on his coffee.   It isn’t long though before they've made it through all the small talk and teasing that is their usual M.O.   And in turn,   it isn't long before he finds himself casting her a sideways glance.   He can't help but look at her now and think back to the last Order meeting,   to the way she clutched at Neville like she'd never let him go.   “   How are you holding up?   ”   It’s a question that could be interpreted as light conversation,   if she so chose.   But they both knew it wasn’t that.   Not really.   “   Spoke with Greta?   ” 

where: outside of some coffee shop? creative when: early morning before work who: @wizardgreat​ why: what’s better than this, guys bein dudes

It’s too quiet in his house now. Neville isn’t there with his morning giggles ( or cries, depending on his sleep ) or his flailing hands spilling food all over their kitchen floor. Frank even misses his cranky screams, his little tantrums where he’d kick his feet and his face would turn bright red. It is, of course, only temporary. And he can’t spend much time missing his son without thinking about Lily and James, who can’t even hope that Harry will return. So, at every available moment, Frank has been pouring himself into his work. He arrives early, works through his lunch, and leaves long after most of his coworkers. It’s quite all-consuming; he hadn’t even realized how long it had been since he’d seen his mates, until Alice mentioned she had spoken with Edgar. His wife didn’t always need to encourage him to see his friends - but it was that, and finally swallowing his pride that caused him to finally send the owl. He knew he was a failure - but having to explain that to someone else? Not an intriguing subject matter, even for an old Gryffindor. “I’m only released for an hour, tops, Bones.” He winks, holding out Edgar’s coffee that he had already purchased for them as he approached. The least he could do for him meeting so early. “Think that’ll be enough to hold you over?”

edgar.

He’s not the best at reaching out these days.   Hell,   seeing Alice was happenstance in itself.   But he had meant to check in sooner   -   and then he and Greta learned some news of their own,   and he found himself altogether wrapped up in their little world again.   It felt selfish to be preoccupied that way.   Mixed up in his own surprise,   joy...   fear about what was to come while his best friend just had to send his own child away.   When a child had just been murdered.   Needless to say he’s glad when the owl comes,   and even more so when he realizes he can make it to the meeting with some time before his shift starts.   “   Knew I had some persuasion skills in me yet.   ”   It’s with a chuckle that he reaches out for the coffee,   taking a sip before speaking again.   “   Hell,   maybe I should’ve been an Auror myself.   Reckon it’s too late for a change in career path?   ”   Gesturing for his friend to take a seat,   Edgar studies the top of his cup for a moment,   wondering where to begin.   But as the silence settles,   his weak attempt at a joke only moments prior settling too,   he knows he has to say something.   Might as well be the truth.   “   You did the right thing you know.   ”