Not long after the man in the painting walked away their was a faint knock on the Headmistresses door. Riley heard Minerva take a deep breath before calling out "Enter."
Riley looked over to her father, who watched her. He set his jaw out and nodded to Riley.
Whatever it was. She could do this.
"Calling for me so soon after we last spoke Minerva." Riley didn't recognise the voice but she could tell the woman had a playful grin on her face without having to look at her.
Minerva gave a small smile. "Yes well young Riley here decided she needed to return sooner rather than later." Minerva looked over to Riley with-Riley couldn't believe her eyes- Minerva smirked at her. She would be sure to tell winky this later.
Riley stood and turned to face the woman.
Both women were rooted in their place unable to move. Andromeda's face went slack and Riley's heart felt like it was about to rip it's way out of her chest. Time stood still as both women were stuck in their own thoughts.
Riley felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. It seemed to snap both women out of their trance.
"Riley?" Andromeda questioned.
Riley nodded, still unable to speak.
Andromeda looked at Minerva to which Minerva nodded.
"She's.. you're.. how?" Andromeda stumbled over her words. Her next few words were barely a whisper. "Bella never had children."
Severus cleared his throat.
"We can discuss that later." He looked pointedly at Andromeda.
Andromeda was not stupid, she heard the plea in his words. He did not wish to speak of it in front of the girl. She nodded.
She walked towards Riley. Upon seeing her advance Riley jumped. Andromeda's heart clenched. Everything fell into place in that moment. Why Minerva warned her. Why Teddy's best friend had never visited. Why Riley look absolutely terrified to be there.
"You are scared of me." Andromeda said to Riley.
Riley's eyes bulged. "No. No I- that's not." Riley couldn't figure out how exactly to explain.
Andromeda could see the struggle in the young witches eyes.
She stormed over to Riley and brought her into a hug. Riley was tense all over. Not allowing her guard to drop.
"You were afraid I would not love you." Andromeda whispered to Riley.
Andromeda squeezed a little tighter.
"Yes" Riley barely managed to croak out.