Author's Note: Argh, I suck. It's undeniable. Sorry for the wait. Thank you to Fallen Down and Harry's Lost Twin for reviewing the last chapter - due to the long wait you (yes, all one of you reading this ^_~) get two chapters for the price of one. It's a bargain deal, really.
Anyway.
European Blend
Balanced blend of Assam, Ceylon, Earl Grey and Jasmine teas. Strong and aromatic.
"It's not really her fault, you know," Mercy said, stirring her tea absently.
Ron raised his eyebrows. "Oh?" he commented mildly, pausing as he spooned sugar into his cup. "That's an unusual thing to say."
She shrugged. "They haven't been happy for years. Not really. They were never really suited for one another." She glanced up at him, gauging his reaction. "I guess I'd leave too."
Ron frowned. "Harry's always treated your mother - "
"Oh, yeah! God, what do you think? Dad's great to Mum," she snapped defensively. "It's just..."
"Just?"
"Dad needs - he needs us to be all happy families all the time, you know? He wants Mum home at five, he wants me to be perfect daughter, he wants - " she broke off, shrugging. "It doesn't work like that, that's all. People don't live like that."
"Well, you know what your dad's childhood was like." Carefully said. It mightn't be the time.
"I know." Her voice was small and barely audible and she didn't meet his eyes. "Viktor's not so bad."
Her spoon clinking against the china filled the silence, until he stilled her hand gently.