A/N: Welcome back, dear readers! Thanks for coming back! I am really excited about this sequel because without the Hogwarts backdrop the characters have a lot more freedom to move around in different settings. Hopefully you're excited to see where Ted and Andromeda are going to end up!
Soundtrack: "Sleep on the Floor" by The Lumineers and "I'm With You" by Vance Joy.
.
.
.
"Dromeda, baby," Ted said, trying to keep his voice even and calm so Andromeda would not get too nervous. "You're, uh, you're flying kind of LOW!" He pulled his legs up as water splashed over them.
"Sorry!" She said apologetically as she leaned forward.
"Back! Back!" Ted pulled back on her. "Pull up!" He was tempted to grab the broomstick and pull it up for her, but his other arm could not do much other than lay curled by his chest and if he fell, she would surely come tumbling after him.
Andromeda leaned back into Ted's chest and pulled up on the handle of the broom, lifting them higher into the sky.
"Okay, straighten out," Ted grimaced and adjusted his good arm around her, holding her tightly. Slowly his grimace turned into a grin.
Andromeda had run away with him. She had chosen him. And they were finally, truly, together. Nothing holding them back, nothing holding them-
"Andromeda!" Ted shouted as he slid back on the broom, only holding on due to his years of Quidditch training.
Andromeda yelped as the broom darted upwards. "How do I stop?!" She shouted.
Ted leaned back, hoping his weight would help to brake their ascent. They slowed, but still climbed higher into the air.
"Okay, okay," Ted panted. "Just lean forward... easy!" He guided her. "Yeah, just like that, okay see how we evened out? Remember that, please."
Andromeda nodded, taking a large breath.
"Okay, you're doing great," Ted said, hoping the encouragement would make her feel more comfortable whether it was true or not.
"Right." Andromeda said, "Great."
They had been flying for almost two hours Ted assumed, by the movement of the sun in the sky. They had passed a few towns and villages, but Ted was hoping they could find a decent sized city. It was easy to lose yourself in a city with his hustle and bustle. And right now they needed to lay low.
"Why don't we take a break, huh?" Ted said, trying to hide the pain in his voice. His arm was shooting stabbing pain into him along with a deep ache that was growing quickly. And if Andromeda's flying didn't improve soon, he might need both hands. "See that patch of trees up here? Go ahead and start slowing DOWN!" Ted shouted as Andromeda dropped them almost into a nosedive down to the cluster of trees he had pointed out.
Once they were close to the ground, Ted removed his arm from around her and gripped the handle of the broom between her legs, guiding them down to the ground. He grunted as they landed, the shock sending another wave of pain through him.
Andromeda hopped off the broom quickly. Ted had to stop himself from laughing at her appearance. She was wearing his dress shirt from the night before, tucked into a pair of his old jeans with a belt tied in a knot around her waist, trying to keep it all together. Her hair was falling out of what had once been beautiful braids piled on top of her head, but was now a tangled mess and windswept with wild waves.
He could only imagine what he looked like himself, cradling a broken, bruised arm to his chest. His face throbbed with pain and he could still taste the tang of blood from his open lip. He was used to forgetting socks, but now he was shoeless as well. Ted dropped his bag onto the soft grass next to his broom.
What a pair they made.
Andromeda got her footing, walking around for a moment as if testing the ground under her feet to make sure it was real. She lifted her honey eyes up to him and Ted shook his head, still having a hard time believing she was really here, with him.
"You should sit," She said and grabbed his good arm, leading him to the base of a tree where she helped him to the ground. "Teddy…" Andromeda cooed and brushed her fingers lightly over his bruised face.
Ted reached up and took her hand in his, placing it on his chest, against his heart.
"I'm okay," He said softly.
"But… your face, your arm..." Andromeda's face pulled tight in concern.
"As long as you're with me, I'll be okay."
Andromeda's eyes softened. "Let me help," She said and pulled her wand out of her back pocket.
"Uh," Ted eyed it, "Do you know what you're doing?"
Andromeda shot him a dark look. "Well… A bit," She admitted, "But it's not you can get much worse off."
"Fair enough," Ted shifted and pushed himself up against the tree. "So arm or face first?"
Andromeda eyed him. "Let me try your face, if that goes well I'll work on the arm."
"If?" Ted asked incredulously.
"Hold still," Andromeda raised her wand.
"Wait, what do you mean if?"
She focused her eyes on his lip and flicked her wand.
Ted had been healed several times by Madame Pomfrey. Her healing always had a warm, almost pleasant sensation, but Andromeda's was like someone was holding his face into a fire.
"Merlin's balls!" Ted swore. Gingerly, he touched his lip. It was still swollen and tender, but the cut was closed. "You did it!" Ted gasped.
"What, you thought Slytherins could only curse people?" Andromeda asked snidely.
"Well you did a good job of that too," Ted smiled up at her and his lip stayed in one piece this time.
Andromeda smirked. "Here, let me try your cheek,"
Ted turned his face to the side and closed his eyes as the searing sensation scorched against his cheek. He gritted his teeth against it, but as it faded, he felt the pain fade with it as well. His cheek was still a little tender, but the wound from Lucius' ring was healed as well.
"Okay, time to try the arm," Ted tried to stretch it out, but hissed in pain and curled it back to him. It was turning an ugly shade of purple and swollen beyond its normal size.
"Okay this one might be trickier," Andromeda narrowed her eyes and pointed her wand at his arm.
Ted clenched his jaw and screwed up his eyes. His bone was melting. There was no other explanation for the deep, burning, agony he felt. He groaned painfully as it spread up the length of his arm, welding him back together. Finally it began to fade and Ted breathed out, gasping and panting.
Andromeda had a bead of sweat running down the side of her face and wiped it with the back of her hand, pushing a few loose waves back from her face.
"How does it feel?" She asked, running her fingers over the faded bruise on his skin.
Ted stretched it out and bent it a few times. "A little sore, but I think I'll make it."
"Will you still be able to play?" Andromeda asked quickly. "Quidditch, I mean. Will you still be able to play Quidditch?"
Ted gazed at her for a moment then laughed loudly.
"What?" She asked, sitting back. "What's so funny?"
"It's just," Ted ran his hand over his face, "After everything that happened and you're worried that I won't be able to play Quidditch."
Andromeda stuck out her bottom lip, pouting that Ted was laughing at her.
"Come here," He said, holding out his arms, both of them now, and Andromeda curled up against his chest. Ted kissed the top of her head. "Thank you," Ted whispered into her messy hair. "You have no idea what this means to me."
Andromeda settled in, wrapping her arm around his strong chest. "Well I don't think either of us could have taken much more of my flying," She admitted.
"Not that," Ted said in a low voice.
Andromeda pulled back and looked up at him.
"Thank you for coming with me, for choosing me." Ted bushed a lock of hair back from her face. "For marrying me. I know what that means for you. I know what you've lost."
Andromeda placed a gentle kiss on his swollen lip, making sure not to press too hard and cause him pain. "I don't feel like I lost," She said in a small voice.
Ted's heart was going to burst through his chest and fall into her lap any second now. He held her tightly as waves of emotion rolled through him.
"How are you this perfect?" He whispered into her hair.
"Only to you," She answered. "To everyone else I'm kind of terrible."
Ted laughed. "That's okay, because it's just us now."
Andromeda's eyes shone as she looked up at him for a long moment before saying, "So what's our plan then?"
"I want to get you a ring," Ted said and took her hand in his.
"I meant as far as where we are going to go, what we are going to do," She said, but couldn't help but smile.
"I know," Ted said gently. His skin brushed against the black pearl ring still sitting on her finger and almost dropped her hand in surprise.
She gasped. She had completely forgotten that Lucius had put it back on her hand.
Andromeda quickly pulled it off her finger and held it in front of her.
"Throw it." Ted said in a low voice. "Throw it away. I don't ever want to see that thing again."
Andromeda stared at it for a moment. Slowly she closed her hand around it and stuck it in the pocket of the jeans she was wearing.
"What are you doing?" Ted asked, angry and confused.
"We might need it," She said in a small voice.
"That thing tells him exactly where you are," Ted said darkly as Andromeda sat up.
"He can't see anything as long as I keep it in my pocket or wrapped up," She tried to explain.
"Andromeda," Ted said slowly, "Throw it out."
"It's an expensive pearl," She said plainly. "It's worth a lot of gold and we can use everything we can get right now. Ted, it's enough for a house."
"I'm not living our life with Lucius' gold," Ted clenched his jaw.
Andromeda raised her chin. They had argued enough times for him to know the expression on her face meant he wasn't getting her to budge.
"Dromeda," Ted sighed. "I don't like keeping that thing around." He took her empty hand in his again. He knew Andromeda was pragmatic and calculating, but he couldn't help feeling something dark churn inside him at the thought of the ring still being with her.
"Call it restitution," She said, offering him a small smile.
He didn't want to argue with her so he chewed on his lip and nodded. They could revisit this at a later time. There were more important things to deal with now.
"Okay, we should get moving again," Ted said and got to his feet, helping Andromeda up. "I might not be able to catch a Quaffle, but at least I can still fly."
"Thank goodness," She breathed a sigh of relief.
Ted placed the bag around her shoulders. "Think you can hang onto me?"
Andromeda's full lips curved up in a bright smile. "I'm never letting go of you."
.
.
.
They made much better time with Ted flying than Andromeda and soon he spotted a decent sized town in the distance. They landed on the outskirts and Ted tucked his broom under his arm, hoping it wouldn't attract too much attention. It was then that he realized that no matter what he did, they were going to attract attention.
They ducked into a convenience store and headed to the bathroom where Ted washed off the dried blood on his face but couldn't do much more for the half healed bruises there. He hadn't packed an extra pair of shoes so he just slipped on some socks and hoped for the best.
Andromeda however looked more out of place than he had ever seen her. She stood in front of the mirror for a long while, pulling what was left of the braids out of her hair before running her fingers through it and pulling it back in a ponytail. She was sporting a bruise on her cheek as well from Lucius and Ted blinked as it suddenly disappeared from her face.
Andromeda turned towards him, her wand out again. "Hold still," She said as she waved her wand in front of his face and then down his arm and the bruises disappeared as if they had never been there.
"How…" Ted asked before remembering she was used to hiding marks on her.
Andromeda gave him a sad smile. "Narcissa taught me that," She said in a small voice. He watched as her face took on a blank expression for a moment and knew she was swallowing her sadness at the removal of her sister from her life.
"We need to get you some new clothes," Ted said, trying to lighten the mood as he handed her a pair of socks as well.
Andromeda looked down at herself, "You know this is the first time I've ever worn pants," She said.
Ted laughed, "What? Are you serious?" Then he realized that he had actually never seen her in pants before. She always wore skirts or dresses.
"Father always said it was inappropriate for a lady to wear pants," She pulled at the loose jeans before looking up at Ted again. "I think there are going to be a lot of new things in my life now."
"Hey!" Someone knocked on the door of the bathroom, "You can be in there together!" The attendant said.
Ted shoved a few things back in the bag and closed it back, slinging it over his shoulder. "All right, we're almost done."
"Dude, I get it," The attendant said. "Free love and all that, but if you're fucking back there my boss is going to fire me."
Andromeda covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
Ted rolled his eyes as he grabbed her hand and opened the door.
The attendant was a young guy with short brown hair, chewing loudly on a piece of gum.
"You're job's safe, mate," Ted said grumpily as he pulled Andromeda out behind him. The attendant turned and watched as the strange pair made their way out of the store.
"Yo, where's your shoes?"
.
.
.
They walked quickly down the sidewalk. Ted was trying to keep his broom tucked under his arm and out of sight as best he could with his other arm around Andromeda's waist.
She jumped as a truck flew past them, honking its horn loudly.
"It's okay," Ted said gently. It was strange seeing her here in the Muggle world. Ted knew this world well, but Andromeda had only ventured into a few times and then it had only been to get to Diagon Alley or King's Cross Station. She was skittish; eyes wide and wild as she took in the busy street around them.
They stopped in front of a small shop with mannequins in the window dressed in various outfits of daywear. "I can come in with you, if you want," Ted offered.
"No, it's okay. I won't be long," Andromeda said, glancing in the window.
Ted was nervous letting her go in by herself. He didn't want to let her out of his sight. After almost loosing her so many times he was starting to develop a complex about it. Thinking anytime she wasn't right beside him he had somehow lost her again. He knew this was faulty thinking, but it had happened so many times...
Still, he hesitated. If she went in there and something happened… She didn't know this world. She didn't know anything about Muggles really.
"Yeah but… It's a Muggle shop, you know?" He said in a low voice
"Ted," Andromeda said his name, bringing his attention back to the present. "I might not know much about Muggles, but I know how to shop," She said with a playful smile.
Ted pulled his wallet out and grabbed a few Muggle bills from it. She plucked one from his hands and started for the door before turning and pulling a second one from his hands.
"Do you even know how to use this kind of money?" He asked.
"They have numbers on them," Andromeda shot back. "I can count."
Ted gave a small laugh. "Okay, okay," He tucked his wallet back in his back pocket. "I am going to see if I can find us a place for the night." He looked up. The sun was starting to set by this point and he knew they needed to get off the streets. They were still too far north and too close to Hogwarts for his liking.
Andromeda disappeared into the shop with a wink.
Ted stopped in a small café and picked up some sandwiches and bottles of water for them and asked if the girl behind the counter knew of any motels close by.
He didn't have to walk long before he came to an old building with rickety stairs. The paint was peeling on the door to the office as Ted pushed it open and was greeted with the smell of mildew. He walked up to the desk and tapped the bell before thumbing through the cash in his wallet. There wasn't much, but it was enough for a few nights until he could figure something else out.
He put a deposit down on the room and tucked the key into his pocket and headed back out, making his way back to the shop where Andromeda was. He wasn't pleased that all he could offer her was cold sandwiches and a cheap motel room for their first real night together, but there wasn't much he could do about it now.
As he neared the shop the door opened and Andromeda came out wearing… Holy Helga. Ted was used to seeing her in her uniform and sometimes a casual dress or shirt and skirt on weekends, but he had never seen her look like this. She had on short denim shorts that showed off her thighs and a tied up top that exposed her midriff.
Ted stopped walking.
Several other men on the street did as well.
Andromeda smiled brightly at him and walked up to him, her hips swaying as she threw her arms and bags around his neck and kissing him boldly.
She sighed and sat back on her heels.
Ted could hardly believe the transformation.
"Do you like it?" Andromeda asked, spinning around for him.
Ted's eyes were wide and he could not stop staring at her.
"Like it?" He asked, having trouble breathing. "You're…" Ted trailed off. There were not words for her anymore. She was beyond language.
"I got you something too," She said as she rummaged in a bag and pulled out a box, opening it and handed him a pair of trainers. Ted eagerly slipped them on, almost falling over as he did so. Andromeda reached out and placed her hands on his side to help steady him. His skin tingled through his shirt at her touch and warmed his blood as it rushed downwards.
"Do they fit?" She asked.
Ted barely nodded and his expression tightened on his face.
"What? What's wrong?" Andromeda asked, moving a little closer to him, keeping her hands on him. The tingles intensified following his blood to his groin.
Ted swallowed, hard. "It's… uhm," He cleared his throat and took the bags from her, holding them in front of him. "We just need to go, that's all," He managed.
Andromeda looked at him questioningly.
Ted leaned down and wrapped his arm around her, his hand shaking as it touched her bare skin at her waist. "Did something happen?" She asked, her eyes going wide.
He pressed the bags tightly in front of him. "Something is definitely happening," He muttered as he guided her down the street.
Andromeda glanced at him and then the bags he was holding in front of him and began to blush furiously.
"Oh," She said in a small voice, realizing why Ted was suddenly so uncomfortable.
He glanced down at her then his brows pulled together and his eyes darkened with desire. "Come on, it isn't far now," He said, then leaning down and whispering in her ear, "It's a lovely outfit, but it's coming off the second I get you inside."
.
.
.
Andromeda walked out of the shower, toweling off her long hair as Ted repacked his bag the following morning.
"So, where to now?" She asked, running her fingers through her hair, trying to get it to behave.
"London," Ted said. "Diagon Alley."
"Is that a good idea?" Andromeda asked warily.
"You're not going." Ted said and closed his bag.
"Excuse me?" Andromeda blinked, discarding the towel.
Ted crossed the room and stopped in front of her, placing his hands on her upper arms. "I'm going to get the rest of my gold out of my vault. I still have what I made last summer in there. It's too dangerous for you to go." He added at her expression. "Andromeda-"
"So the fact that I'm the one who took out Rabastan, Crabbe, and Goyle means nothing? Ted, you don't have to-"
"I know," He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I know you can take care of yourself. It's just… He's going to be looking for you. And if… if something happened and we got unlucky and he took you…" Ted took a breath, trying to calm himself.
Andromeda understood where he was coming from even if she didn't agree with his conclusion.
"So you're just going to stash me away somewhere while you're out?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Something like that," Ted grinned.
"What does that mean?" Andromeda asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
Ted dropped his arms to his sides before reaching up and scratching the back of his neck. "Well, I thought you might like to meet your future in-laws."
.
.
.
"Ted," Andromeda pulled on his hand as he began to cross the street.
"Don't worry," He said with a smile, "They're going to love you."
Andromeda pulled at her clothes. She had only gotten the outfit she has worn out and the one she was wearing now at the shop. Although she was glad she wasn't wearing those tiny shorts, she was still nervous that she was meeting Ted's parents in just a simple black dress. Years of Pureblood culture told her that she was severely underdressed despite Ted's assurances that she like wonderful in anything she wore.
Andromeda took a shaky step as they approached the front door. She held onto his large hand with both of hers as he reached up and knocked. Andromeda's heart beat loudly in her chest. The only thing that kept her from bolting was the wide smile on Ted's face and the excitement in his eyes.
He had told her long ago he wanted her to meet his parents, Eddie and Harriet. It had seemed like a daydream then, but here they were. Andromeda bit her lip then stopped. She wanted to look presentable for them so she shook her hair back and tried to hold her head up high as the door opened.
"Ted!" Eddie had the same broad shoulders and strong build as Ted, but his hair was a rich brown instead of sandy blonde.
Ted and his Father embraced, patting each other heavily on the back. Eddie released his son with a large, familiar grin on his face and looked curiously at Andromeda.
She did her best not to fidget. Her Mother had always told her to stop rolling her feet or playing with her hands.
"And who do we have here?" He asked in a warm voice.
"Dad," Ted said, excitement clear in his voice, "This is Andromeda."
Eddie turned to Ted in surprise. "This is Andromeda?"
Andromeda felt ice shoot down her spine. Ted had told his parents about her? What had he said?
"Well," Eddie said exhaling and ran his hand over his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Andromeda."
Andromeda gave a small curtsey and Ted snorted. Eddie's eyes went wide and Andromeda felt embarrassment burn in her cheeks.
"Come on in," Eddie said, smiling and stepping aside, motioning into the house.
Ted glanced at Andromeda with a wide grin and squeezed her hand before leading her inside.
"Ted? Is that you?" A woman's voice called from the back and quickly she appeared in the hallway.
"Mum!" Ted shouted and took a few quick steps towards her, hugging her tightly.
Andromeda stood as still as a statue, trying to breathe. Breathing was good. Breathing was essential.
"Mum," Ted wrapped his arm around Harriet's shoulders as he turned and walked her towards Andromeda. "This is Andromeda Black."
Harriet's mouth opened in surprise as she looked from Ted to Andromeda. Her hair was a shade lighter than Ted's but he had her exact warm, brown eyes.
She wiped her hands on a flowery apron around her waist and leaned over to Ted. "Andromeda?" Harriet said, as if she was confused. Then she whispered in close to him, "Ted, I thought you said she was engaged, that's why you were leaving-"
"Mum!" Ted said firmly, his eyes widening as he shook his head sharply.
Harriet shook her head and waved him off, walking up to Andromeda.
"Oh, honey," She said, squeezing Andromeda's hand tightly, "Ted's told me so much about you, but he didn't say you were coming to visit!" She threw Ted a harsh look, but her face softened as she turned back to Andromeda. "It's so good to meet you. Here, please, come and sit. I'm sorry the house is such a mess, I didn't know we would be having company."
Harriet pulled Andromeda around the back of the couch and moved a jumper off it motioning for her to sit down.
"Mum," Ted said as Harriet began to gather a set of mugs into her arms, straightening the remotes on the coffee table, and fluffing a throw pillow on the other end of the couch. "Mum, stop fussing," Ted said.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming! I could have cleaned up!" Harriet shook her head. "Eddie, take those shoes upstairs," She ordered, pointing to an old pair of garden shoes at the foot of the stairs.
"Please," Andromeda finally spoke, "Please don't go to any expense for me."
Harriet paused, her arms full, and looked down kindly at Andromeda. "Would you like some tea?" She asked gently.
"No, no I'm fine," Andromeda said, not wanting to be a bother.
"Oh, tea sounds lovely," Eddie said and took a seat in a chair to her left.
"Mum, can you put that stuff down?" Ted asked, trying to grab a mug that was threatening to fall from her arms.
"What? Oh, yes! Let me just… yes," She hurried away into the kitchen.
Ted sighed and sat down next to Andromeda, sinking comfortably back into the couch. It was then that she realized she was sitting up, perfectly straight. 'Mother would be proud,' Andromeda thought to herself for a moment before trying to push the thought of her Mother and what she would actually say if she knew where Andromeda was right now.
She hoped she didn't look as nervous as she felt. She had never actually been in a Muggle house before. There was a Television set with a grey screen across the room and lots of pictures on the walls of Eddie and Harriet, along with several of Ted throughout the years.
"So Andromeda," Eddie leaned forward. Andromeda's head spun in his direction. "Is that Italian?" He asked.
"Dad," Ted said reproachfully.
"What? It's an interesting name. Don't think I've ever met an Andromeda before," Eddie smiled and Andromeda found herself smiling back.
"It's Greek, originally," She answered.
"Is that where your family's from?" Eddie asked, making conversation.
"No, we're from Kent." Andromeda answered.
"Too bad, I've got a great joke about a Greek chap and-"
"Dad, no." Ted said seriously.
"What? She might like it!" Eddie said. "Be nice to have someone around with a proper sense of humor for a change!"
"It would," Harriet said as she walked back in, carrying a tray with four mugs on it. "Lord knows I've put up with your corny jokes long enough."
"You love my jokes!" Eddie said, outraged as Harriet rolled her eyes and she and Ted shared a knowing look.
Harriet placed a mug in front of Ted and Andromeda before handing one to Eddie and taking a seat in the chair on the side of the couch next to Ted.
She took a long sip of her tea before saying, "So Andromeda, tell us about Graduation! We weren't able to get off work and Ted said not to bother coming anyways because he was thinking of skipping it but- What?" She asked, seeing Ted and Andromeda's expressions change. "What did I say?"
"Mum," Ted said carefully and set his mug on the table in front of him. "That's, uh, sort of why we're here..."
Andromeda watched the steam rise from her tea on the table for a moment before looking up at Ted. He reached out his hand and took hers in it.
"So you remember how I told you there are all magical families, right?" Ted said, looking between his parents. "And sometimes those families don't like people who come from Muggle parents, people like me," He added.
"I don't see why not," Harriet said, shaking her head. "What's the difference at the end of the day, eh? You can all still turn a… toadstool into a turnip."
Andromeda's heart was racing. What would they think of her once they found out about what sort of background she came from? Would they not want their son with someone who was putting him in danger? Would they think she wasn't worthy of someone like Ted because she had been raised by Purists?
"Well," Ted said, choosing his words carefully. "Andromeda comes from one of those families." He turned towards her, his eyes rich and warm, like chocolate. She tried to find comfort in them. "But she's… She's gone against their wishes. To be with me," Ted said. "We, uh, didn't exactly make it to Graduation. We had to leave."
Andromeda felt adrenaline pump in her veins.
"Leave?" Eddie asked, clearly confused.
"We had to," Ted said, turning to his Father. "Her family, those people," Ted ran his hand through his hair. "They wouldn't ever let her be with someone like me, a Muggleborn. They think wizards like me are…" Ted struggled.
"Inferior," Andromeda offered the most polite word she could think of.
"Thank you, yes," Ted said. "So… We had to... run away."
Harriet's brows pulled together.
Andromeda knew it was hard for Ted to talk about this. His parents didn't know the hatred that he had dealt with over the years or the horror they had just endured two days ago. They didn't know that there was a group of Purists out there, right now, hunting them.
"You're family has no idea where you are?" Harriet asked, shocked.
Andromeda paused for a moment. "I think, they have an idea… of who I'm with," She said in a small voice.
Ted laughed and the sound sent sparks off inside of her. She glanced between Harriet and Eddie. They looked confused, but not upset with her. Maybe she had been wrong about their reactions?
"Yeah, they, uh… They don't really like me," Ted gave a nervous laugh.
"Sounds like a rotten lot," Eddie said in a deep voice, "To judge someone on their background, something they can't control."
"They are," Andromeda said in a clear voice, causing all their eyes to turn on her. "Rotten to the core."
Ted smiled sadly at her. "So that's why we're here. Andromeda left everything behind, just to be with me."
Andromeda did her best not to blush. Ted was so open with his parents, told them everything. That kind of relationship was something Andromeda had never had with her Mother and Father. They had been her family, but they had never been like… this.
"Honey," Harriet cooed, her warm eyes soft on Andromeda. Andromeda felt a surge of something in them she had never felt from her own Mother- sympathy. "Well, you can stay as long as you need to."
Andromeda opened her mouth to thank her, but the words died in her throat. She had never felt acceptance like this. It was a completely foreign sensation to be able to rely on someone's goodwill and to believe it. It was clear that Eddie and Harriet wanted the best for them. She had been wrong, so wrong about them. They weren't judging her at all. In fact, they seemed glad she was here, with Ted.
"We're only staying for the night," Ted said.
"What? But you just got here!" Eddie argued.
"Dad, these people…" Ted sighed. "They'll come for her. For me," His voice was strained. "But we're going to put up wards around the house, you'll be safe, I promise, but we can't stay here," Ted finished.
Eddie's eyes darkened. "No one is going to run my son out of his own home. This is a Tonks house and every Tonks has a place here." Eddie said firmly. "And Kentonian Greeks too," He added.
Andromeda giggled, unable to stop the light feeling that was rising in her, which made Eddie's face light up brightly.
"Oh no," Harriet sighed. "There's no stopping him now," She rubbed her hand on her forehead.
"Thank you, sir, really," Andromeda said, smiling at Eddie. "But Ted is right, we can't stay here. I couldn't bear it if anything happened because of me," She said before she could stop herself.
Ted gripped her hand tighter.
"Sir?" Eddie exhaled. "So polite," He said, eyebrows raised. "I don't think Ted's called me Sir since he was seven."
"Dad," Ted warned. "Andromeda's family is very strict. Think…" Ted blew a breath out. "Think aristocracy. Old aristocracy."
Eddie straightened up in his chair before extending a twirling hand, "Milady," He said in an affected accent.
Andromeda laughed again, her shoulders shaking.
.
.
.
Andromeda sat with Eddie, listening to his stories about work, life, and friends as Ted helped his Mum carry the mugs back into the kitchen.
"You told me she was pretty, but you didn't say she looked like that," Harriet whispered as they made their way into the small kitchen.
Ted placed the mugs in the sink and leaned back against the counter. "Yeah, she's…" A lopsided grin began to form on his face. Harriet patted his hand, smiling warmly. "She's not like anyone I've ever met," Ted said.
Andromeda laughed loudly in the other room and Ted felt his heart swell at the sound.
"Are you sure? Because she seems to share a sense of humor with your Dad," Harriet rolled her eyes.
Ted sighed wistfully, sitting down at the small kitchen table. "I didn't say it before because I didn't want Dad getting upset, but Mum," Harriet sat down at the table with a plate of biscuits, nibbling on the corner of one. "Andromeda is what is called a Pureblood. And Purebloods only marry Purebloods. They why they're called-"
"Purebloods. Don't have to be a witch to figure that one out," Harriet teased.
"Well… You know I told you she was engaged," Ted said carefully.
"Yes in your last letter you said you were going away because-"
"Right," Ted cut in, not wanting to relive when he thought he had lost her. "It was an arranged marriage. He was… He was terrible to her, Mum, terrible." Ted's tone told her everything he couldn't say. "We barely got away," He finished in a whisper.
"Ted…" Harriet said softly, her eyes concerned.
"We just need to lay low for a while," Ted explained. "Because he's looking for her. And I can't lose her," Ted swallowed and looked at the door. "I can't."
Harriet let out a low breath. "You've been telling me about this girl for years. I thought it was cute at first, you know, my boy's first crush. But then you kept talking about her. And I started to think, maybe, maybe there was something more to this. When you came home for Christmas, you were… I'd never seen you that happy. And it did me good to see you like that. Then," Harriet looked down. "Well, you know, you two… broke up or whatever happened. You never told me what really happened-"
"Mum," Ted stopped her.
"I know," She waved her hand. "I'm your Mum, you don't want to tell me about your love life-"
"Mum!"
"But looking at you now," Harriet said softly. "You're in love with her. And not some silly teenage love either, trust me I know the difference. This is real love."
Ted nodded. "I'd do anything for her. I can't let them take her back to that… I would barely call it a life." He looked towards the door again.
"And that girl?" Harriet pointed at the door, "She's in love with you too. I can see it on her face. I can see it in her eyes."
Ted felt a surge of emotion rise in him.
"So run." Harriet said seriously. "Don't think about anything else. Don't worry about your Dad and I, we'll be alright. You take her, and you run. Don't let anything stop you."
.
.
.
"Who wants pizza?" Harriet asked loudly as she and Ted walked back into the living room.
Andromeda turned on the couch as Ted sat down beside her, wrapping his arm around her and smiling.
"Pizza sounds great," Ted said, stretching out.
Andromeda liked seeing Ted here, comfortable and at ease. It was nice to see him relax.
"No anchovies," Eddie wrinkled his nose. "Unless you like anchovies, Andromeda? Do you?" He asked.
Andromeda's head turned in his direction and she opened her mouth to answer then realized she didn't know.
Harriet picked the phone up off the wall, "What sort of pizza do you like, honey?"
Andromeda's head turned in her direction, eyes wide. "I… I don't know," She said softly. "I've never had pizza."
Ted blinked his eyes wide in surprise. "Never? Not even…" He stopped himself. Of course she had never had pizza. He could hardly imagine Cygnus Black ordering take away.
His parents seemed to be thinking similar thoughts before Eddie reached forward and patted her arm gently. "Well, you're in for a treat. Zoni's does a great sausage one."
Andromeda smiled easier and breathed out a deep breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.
.
.
.
"Are you sure?" Ted asked.
"Yes," Andromeda said. "I'm sure."
"Mum, Dad," Ted said as Eddie placed the pizza on the table and Harriet passed out the plates. "There's something we need to tell you," Ted took Andromeda's hand. They fit together perfectly.
Eddie and Harriet watched them expectantly.
"So," Ted breathed out. "I know it might seem a little quick but," He looked down at Andromeda who took a deep breath. "We're getting married."
Eddie blinked.
Harriet sat down the last plate slowly, keeping her eyes on them.
Eddie turned to his wife, "Did we not already know that?" He asked softly.
Andromeda's heart thundered in her chest.
"They said they were together earlier," Harriet whispered back, "I think we just assumed…"
"You… You knew?" Ted asked, his brows pulling together.
"Well," Harriet shrugged. "It was kind of obvious. With the way you were talking and the way you looked at each other…"
Andromeda let out a short breath.
"I mean, were we supposed to think you two were just dating?" Eddie asked, smiling.
"Well… I…" Ted stammered.
"Is… Is this okay?" Andromeda asked softly. "Am I okay?"
Ted turned sharply towards her and realized for the first time her nerves were not just because she was meeting his parents, but because she was worried they wouldn't approve of her.
"Dromeda," Ted said softly, taking her other hand in his, eyes searching hers.
"See? That's what I'm talking about. It's like a bloody romance movie!" Eddie waved his hand. "What? It's not like they did a good job keeping it a secret!" He said as Harriet elbowed him.
"Andromeda," Harriet called to her. Andromeda quickly turned in her direction. "You make Ted happier than I have ever seen him… And I've seen him in the tub with that little blue boat he used to have. Eddie, you remember the boat?"
"Oh yeah, he used to spend hours in there with it. Few times I thought he drowned,"
"Dad!" Ted shouted.
"What we're trying to say is," Harriet cut in, "We couldn't be happier for the two of you. Yes, you're young, but your love is not. It's been there for a while," She smiled warmly and Andromeda felt more at home than she ever had at Black Mansion.
.
.
.
"Please, let me help," Andromeda jumped up as Harriet began to collect the dishes from the table.
"Honey, no, you're a guest," Harriet said, taking Andromeda's plate.
"Please, it's the least I can do," She said.
Harriet smiled. "Grab those cups," She nodded and Andromeda smiled as she gathered the cups from around the table and followed Harriet into the kitchen.
"I wanted to say thank you," Andromeda said as she set the cups in the sink.
"For the pizza? Like I would let you starve?" Harriet laughed.
"For… everything," Andromeda said in a small voice.
Harriet glanced at her as she turned the water on in the sink.
"Ted is a great man," Andromeda said, her honey eyes locking onto Harriet's earthy brown ones. "I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't met him. You raised a wonderful son." She didn't think she could ever express how thankful she was for Ted, but she had to try.
"He loves you very much," Harriet said.
"I know," Andromeda felt a lump form in her throat. "I don't know why or how, but…"
"They really did a number on you, didn't they?" Harriet said in a soft voice, her eyes warm as they held Andromeda's. "Your family, your… the other one," Andromeda felt her chest tighten. "They made you think you were no good. They made you think you were bad. That what you felt, who you were, was wrong." The lump was getting larger. Andromeda had never felt this before, this warm affection and unconditional acceptance from a Mother. "But, honey," Harriet touched her cheek lightly. "You're not any of those things."
Andromeda felt the warm, wet tears as they slipped out and ran down her cheek.
Harriet's arms were around her, holding her. And slowly Andromeda held her back. She had hugged her Mother many times in her life, but they were always stiff and formal. The most affection she remembered getting from Druella was the night she had been sold to Lucius. This was like nothing Andromeda had ever felt before.
"Oh, honey, it's okay," Harriet rubbed her back.
Andromeda pulled back and wiped her eyes. "I thought choosing Ted meant I was loosing my family," She said tearfully. "I didn't think that I would be getting a whole new one."
.
.
.
"Come upstairs with me," Ted whispered in Andromeda's ear and slid his hand around hers as she made her way down the hallway.
She glanced into the living room where Eddie and Harriet were sitting on the couch together, watching some sort of game show on the television with bright colors that lit up the room in different colors every few seconds.
"Ted, shouldn't we…"
"They won't miss us," He grinned and pulled her towards the stairs.
Andromeda shot one last look into the living room as Eddie yelled, "I knew it! I knew he was going to say that!" before stifling a laugh as Ted pulled her up the stairs.
It was quieter up here. There were three doors, all open. One led to a bedroom with a floral bedspread, one led to a tiny bathroom that could barely hold the shower, toilet, and sink crammed into it, and one led to a small room, barely bigger than a closet. Andromeda didn't get much time to look around before Ted pulled her into the smallest room and shut the door quietly behind them.
He grinned mischievously at her before taking her face in his hands and kissing her fully on the lips. Andromeda melted into his hands like warm honey, letting herself hang on him and relishing the feel of his lips on hers.
"I can't believe you're here," Ted breathed out, "In my bedroom."
"I've been in your bedroom plenty of times," Andromeda said.
"Not like this," He said, his voice husky. "This one is mine."
Andromeda felt him walking her backwards and her legs hit the side of his bed.
"That Andromeda Black, the Slytherin Pureblood, is in my bedroom, in my Muggle house," Ted's voice was low, "In my arms," He dipped her backwards until she fell on his bed, Ted landing on top of her, "In my bed,"
Andromeda laughed quietly, running her hands through his hair, pushing it back out of his face.
"God, I can't wait to marry you," He breathed out as he gazed down at her with chocolate eyes.
Andromeda's cheeks hurt from smiling so much. She had smiled more today than she had… Well, maybe ever.
"Me too," She said, her eyes shining. "I love your parents, and I am not just saying that. I… I'm honestly blown away by them. I never knew family could be like… like that."
Ted sighed happily. "I'm sorry that you had to…" He glanced away for a moment. "Do you think they'll ever come around?"
Andromeda breathed out, closing her eyes for a moment. She ran her nose along Ted's. "You're my family now," She said softly.
.
.
.
A/N: Okay so how sweet was this chapter? Anyways, I wanted to open on a good one so hopefully you enjoyed it. Thank you everyone for all the reviews, favorites, and follows after Sweat the Battle. I will do my best not to let you down with the sequel. Oh my gosh, it was amazing to see that kind of support and love for it.
Please please please review this one. I really want to keep writing this and the reviews help so much and help more people find it! It means so much to me to hear back from you, dear readers!