A/N: I have decided I will never predict when I will update, because I have a habit of always getting it wrong. Sorry, anyway, for taking so long. Fortunately for me now, practically no one is reading this yet so I don't have anyone too angry. Hope you enjoy. Criticism is welcome, unless you are cruel about it, and reviews are always welcome!
A couple of months passed as the family lived blissfully even in their solitude. Teddy was growing up before their eyes and already he had gained six pounds. He had finally settled upon the decision to make his hair a bright turquoise. Teddy was laying on the frayed rug in the living room kicking his legs and flailing his arms around, clasping his favorite blue rattle. His eyes were bugging out with excitement and he smiled a toothless grin beneath his slobbery binky. Andromeda hummed contentedly as she stirred the boiling veggie soup that's aroma enticed Remus' sniffing nose. He sat at the dining room table reading the inadequate Daily Prophet which preached nothing but nonsense concerning Voldemort sightings in various supermarkets and rants about Harry Potter being Lord Voldemort's apprentice. Remus shook his head in wonder at people's ignorance. Tonks sat on the arm chair reading a book called, "What to Expect of your Young Witch or Wizard." Occasionally she peered over the top of her book to gaze admirably at her gurgling son. Andromeda set the table and brought out the veggie soup, rolls, and pumpkin juice. She pulled the high chair next to the table.
"It's time to eat!" Remus licked his lips and put away the atrocious newspaper. Tonks picked up Teddy and set him in his high chair. Andromeda pinned on his bib. "You two start eating, I'll feed him."
"Thanks mom." Tonks mumbled with her mouth full of a buttery roll. Remus ladled the soup into his bowl until it nearly overflowed. He proceeded to fill his mouth bountifully.
"Well, I can see you two are hungry." Andromeda said. Tonks stared at her wide eyed with her cheeks full like a chipmunk and Remus had soup dribbled down his chin. The couple snorted and attempted to swallow their food before they burst out into laughter. Tonks coughed and laughed because some food went down the wrong pipe. Remus was almost purple in the face from laughter. Andromeda chuckled uncertainly trying to figure out what was so funny. Teddy's eyes were wide staring at his obnoxious parents. He giggled and smiled toothless. Finally, Tonks and Remus' breathing slowed down and they sighed from the easing of the laugh attack.
"Wow." Tonks said shaking her head.
"I'm not entirely sure what that was all about." Remus said.
"I'm equally miffed." Andromeda chuckled.
"Wow, it's been a while since I've laughed like that," said Tonks. Remus took her hand and squeezed it and they all resumed eating at a normal pace. Andromeda attempted to feed peas to Teddy, but every time the spoon was close to his face they would disappear. Then she fed him some pumpkin and he ate it with a grin. The family finished their meal and Andromeda cleared it all up with her wand.
The family molded back into their original spots. Andromeda cleaning in the kitchen, Remus at the dining table huffing at the paper, and Tonks and little Teddy in the living room.
The next morning little Teddy woke up at about 5:30 and Tonks fed him some milk. She placed Teddy on the floor when he was done and she continued reading her book. Andromeda came into view, putting a bun in her hair.
"So, you hungry for anything in particular, Tonks? You seem to be the food expert." Andromeda smiled. Tonks rolled her eyes. Andromeda shrugged and charmed a skillet to make scrambled eggs. Remus meandered out soon after and sat at the table eagerly.
"I'm hungry. Has the Prophet come in yet?"
"Not yet." Andromeda set the table for breakfast. "We are running short on supplies here. Will you go grocery shopping with me Tonks?"
"Yeah, I will watch Teddy." Remus agreed.
"Can't I take him with me? He's probably okay to go out and about now."
"I will feel much better if he stayed here." Tonks agreed and after breakfast she went with her mother to stock up on groceries. Remus, meanwhile, had a splendid time with his young son. He took him outside for a while and let his curiousness unleash. Teddy enjoyed looking at the flowers and marveled at the bugs all around. He eventually became fussy, so Lupin set him down for a nap while he arranged a bouquet of flowers for Tonks.
Tonks and Andromeda finally arrived home at about 2 P.M, very heavily laden. They were set with food for about three months. That night they all had a hearty dinner of beef roast, mashed potatoes, and apple cobbler. They seemed to do the same things day after day. They could barely leave the house and there wasn't much to do in the house but read or listen to the radio, which was full of the same propaganda day in and day out. Tonks was reading her book and Andromeda took an early slumber. Lupin was holding Teddy and reading him a bed time story.
In a split moment, a blue, ethereal figure appeared before Lupin in the form of a lynx. Kingsley's voice boomed from it saying,
"The students are taking action. Hogwarts needs help." The lynx faded into nothing and the bright blue outline burned in Lupin's eyes. But even more burning was his heart that was troubled, yet empowered by this message. Tonks walked into the room solemnly.
"I heard it too." Lupin graciously handed Teddy over to his mother.
"I have to go."
"You didn't have to tell me that. I know you must go, and I have to as well."
"No, you will stay here with Teddy and your mother. I don't want to hear any arguments. I'm going, you're staying and that is that." Lupin stared at Tonks and she stared back with a defiant glare. Before she could reply he swept away and out the door without a sound or a glance back.