Chapter 19

- The Duelling Duo -

"So, Teddy." Mr Edwards said, cutting into his serving of fish. "Do you have any other family other than your father?" Teddy wasn't much of a fish fan, but he didn't complain as he quietly ate. He looked up though at Mr Edwards question.

"Oh, no. It's just been Dad and I, I don't know much more about my family. My mother died when I was born."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, you can't really miss someone you don't know." He said, cutting into his hot potato. Arkie sat awkwardly at the head of the table, hr eyes glued to her plate.

"What was your mother's name?" Mr Edwards asked and Teddy didn't shy away from the question. He popped a piece of potato in his mouth and swallowed it.

"Her name was Carla Helson."

Mrs Edwards cocked her head thoughtfully. "Hm, I wonder if she was related to Mr and Mrs Helson just down the road, in number 12?" Teddy looked up curiously from his dinner plate. "They've lived here for a while. Had a daughter too, named Carla, but she died... how long ago would you say darling?"

"About sixteen years ago." Mr Edwards mumbled, his mouth full.

Teddy's thumb rubbed up and down the handle of his fork absent mindfully. "How'd she die?" He asked, interested.

"Cancer. At least that's what they say, they're quite a... how would you describe them, Colin?"

"Cut off." He replied again.

"Yes, quite a cut off sort of family." She sighed. "It's strange, she used to be their pride a joy, but now they barely mention her. Guess that's what happens when you lose a child. Do you suppose you could be related, Teddy?"

Teddy shook his head. "No, it must just be a coincidence. My dad told me my grandparents were dead before I was even born."

Mrs Edwards shrugged slightly, returning to her meal. Mr Edwards stared up at Teddy, puttign down his knife and fork. "So, what are your interests, Teddy?"

"Um... well I'm quite good at spells."

"He's part of the Ravenclaw duelling club, Dad." Arkie said from the other side of the table. Mr Edward's eyes didn't move from Teddy, who was making sure to keep his posture straight and manners in order. Teddy put down his cutlery as he swallowed his bit of fish.

"And what's that like?" Mr Edwards leaned forward in his seat.

"Hard and rough, but great fun. I've only had a few three trainings so far, but it's going to be hardcore once I get back to school. The inter school competition's coming up."

The glow in Mr Edwards eyes showed Teddy that he'd sparked his interest. "Really? You know I'm actually quite a duelling fan myself."

"Quite." Mrs Edwards laughed. "You should see our room, full of posters and merchandise and other useless junk."

"Don't listen to her," Mr Edwards whispered with a grin. "She doesn't know what she's talking about. I used to duel back when I was in school too you know?"

"Really? Did you go to Hogwarts?"

"Grace and I were both Gryffindor's."

Teddy was also now leaning forward in his seat, his arms resting on the table for support. "Did you ever think of doing it professionally?"

"Oh, yes. I still dream of it from time to time. Are you considering it?"

"Oh, yeah defiantly."

"Well, you follow that dream. I'm telling ya, it'll be worth it. Who's your favourite team?"

Teddy thought deeply, his posture relaxing. "Defiantly the Violet Vixens."

"Oh, yes! Did you see their game last week?"

"No, but I defiantly read it in the papers! I can't believe they let Daren off with a warning, he's always playing dirty." Teddy grumbled.

"Finally! Someone who gets it!" Mr Edward's looked at his wife, who rolled her eyes, then beamed back at Teddy. "Where'd you dig this guy up, Arkie?"

"Oh, we've known each other a long time. We lived in the same orphanage." Teddy explained.

Arkie looked between the two silently, looking confused. "Um... sorry, just a quick question. Who are the Violet Vixens?" Both boys looked at her, their mouths open in shock. "What?" She said defensively.

Mrs Edwards sighed from the end of the table. "Here we go again."

"Who are the Violet Vixens!?" They shouted together, causing Arkie to cover her ears.

"You're joking!" Teddy gasped turning to Mr Edwards. "Tell me she's joking?"

"I don't think she is." Mr Edwards returned the gasp. "Allow us to enlighten you."

Arkie sat the end of the table, still looking between the two. Her expression was amused. Mrs Edwards, put her head in her hands muttering loudly. "Oh for Pete's sake!"

Two longs hours later Teddy was standing in the doorway to the Edward's house. "Thank you for dinner."

"Are you sure you can't stay?" Mr Edward's offered. "There's a spare room upstairs."

"No, I should probably go. The Weasley's are expecting me, they set up a portkey and everything for me. They'd be worried if I didn't show."

"Alright then," Mrs Edwards chirped. "It was good meeting you."

"You too, Merry Christmas."

The two adults wished him a Merry Christmas and walked off inside. Arkie followed Teddy out into the cold, icy streets. "I think they liked me." Teddy said as Arkie walked beside him, her arms wrapped around his and her head resting on his shoulder.

He looked down the street, spotting a dark, empty looking mansion with the number twelves written on their mailbox. "I'm so glad they do." She looked up at him and Teddy snapped out of his thoughts. "Are you absolutely sure you can't stay?"

"No, I have to go." He replied sadly. "But I'll see you after the holidays. Merry Christmas, Arkie." He bent down, kissing her gently on the lips.

"Merry Christmas, Teddy."