Cynthia and Astoria were out for a long walk around a lake, it was a warm summer day, around 20 degrees, fairly typical for a British summer day apart from the fact that the sun was shining and the sky was nearly cloudless and blue.
They walked slowly around the lake, talking as they went about a variety of different things. Stopping occasionally to admire the beautiful surroundings they had found themselves in. Astoria especially was grateful to be able to be outside as she wasn't always well enough to take long summer walks.
"Can we sit down?" Astoria asked, starting to feel slightly lightheaded.
"Of course we can. There's a bench just there." Cynthia responded. "Are you okay?" She asked worried about her friend.
"I'm fine. Just a little lightheaded but I'll be fine after sitting for a while." She answered, not wanting Cynthia to worry about her as Draco was already worried enough about her.
"Okay." Cynthia responded as they sat down on the bench and continued to talk. "Have you told Scorpius yet?" She asked. Knowing her and Draco weren't sure when to and were struggling with how to tell Scorpius that his mother was dying.
"No. But I think he knows." Astoria answered sadly. "We need to tell him really."
"You do. It won't be as bad as you think." She reassured.
"I just don't want to upset him."
"If he does know already he's probably upset and confused and angry at not being told."
"I guess so. We'll tell him tonight." She decided, although feeling slightly apprehensive.
"Good. It will be okay." She reassured.
"Thankyou." Astoria answered.
"What for?"
"Always giving the best advice and pushing me to do the right thing." She replied.
"That's okay."
"Can you look after Scorpius once I'm gone?" Astoria asked pausing. "I know he has his father but he needs a mother figure too."
"I'd be honoured to." Cynthia answered.
"Thankyou. I know I can trust you to keep him safe and guide him." She told Cynthia.
"Wow. That really means a lot." Cynthia responded, not realising she was trusted by Astoria that much.
"That's okay. I'm feeling ready to start walking again now. If you are?"
"Yes. I'm ready." Cynthia agreed, as they got up and finished their walk around the lake, continuing to talk as they went.