She is still beautiful, still perfect. Her eyes are still the same gray he loves looking into. Her hair is still the light brown of younger years, her face clear and unlined, her body just as slim as before she had their daughter.
For the millionth time, Theodore "Ted" Tonks wonders how he was so lucky, what he did to deserve Andromeda Elladora Black Tonks. He loves and hates the fact she gave up her family for him. He hates the pain in her eyes when she hears about Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, Sirius Black, or Regulus Black. He loves her, plain and simple. He hates the fact that he puts her in danger. Leaving her is the hardest thing he ever does.
The pain in her eyes, sparkling and full of tears. Begging him to stay, she's a pureblood and she can keep him safe, if he could just please stay.
He hates that he can't, that Voldemort would hurt her and their daughter and her husband.
She tells him Bellatrix would kill him if she sees him, so stay, please and she can keep him safe. Bellatrix would not, could not kill her.
He tells her Bellatrix could and will, that she tried to kill their daughter and will die trying to. If Bellatrix can kill her, why wouldn't she kill Andromeda?
She tells him she can handle Bellatrix, she grew up with her and only Narcissa and their parents knew Bellatrix better.
He reminds her what could happen if the Ministry found out.
She tells him she can handle the Ministry, she is able, she was taught how to, she will fight and win.
He tells her he loves her, kisses her once last time, and walks out the door.
She tells him she loves him and please stay, she's begging and she never begs.
He tells her he is protecting them, that Dora would be in even more danger if he stays.
She cries.
He walks back in and wipes the tears away with his fingers, telling her not to worry, he'll be fine.
She takes out her wand, about to do an Unforgivable, but can't. She's unable to make him unhappy. She knows he would be.
He takes a lock of her hair, runs it through his fingers, and cuts it, putting it in his pocket and seals the opening. He's still surprised it feels like silk every time he feels it.
He leaves and there's nothing she can do about it.