A/N - Hi everyone! This chapter is a little bit shorter than they have been lately, but I wanted to end it where I did. Thank you so much for continuing to read and review. Enjoy!

Chapter 76

Expose

21 May 2000

Hermione was surprised to see Ginny when she walked into the Burrow that afternoon. She should have still been in Wales for practice.

"Hello, Hermione," Molly said. Ginny turned around with a grin.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked as she hugged her friend.

"Couldn't miss Ron's celebration, could I?" Ginny asked. "Besides, the match isn't until next weekend, so Gwenog gave the team the day off. I heard about the werewolf proposal. Congratulations."

"Thanks," Hermione said with a wide smile. "I was a bit surprised to be honest. But having Caroline and Remus speak really helped."

"Harry said you'd found a place for the sanctuary," Ginny said.

"Yes," Hermione replied and proceeded to describe it to Ginny. "There's a crew working on the house already and the security team that will work during the full moon has started training. Declan has started notifying those that are registered about the sanctuary. Now we just have to find a brewer."

"No one's interested?" Ginny asked.

"No one that won't charge a ridiculous fee. Gwendolyn is thinking maybe someone who's retired might want to take it on since it's only one week a month. She's checking into it."

"What about Andromeda?" Ginny asked. "She already makes the potion for Remus and Will."

"This has the potential to be a much bigger job though," Hermione said. "We have no idea how many people will want to utilize the sanctuary, Declan's only just started notifying those on the registry. I don't know if Andromeda would want to take that on and I don't want her to feel obligated because of our relationship." Ginny nodded in understanding. Hermione moved into the kitchen and began chopping carrots at Molly's direction.

"I had a letter from Luna," Ginny said a few minutes later.

"How is she doing?" Hermione asked.

"She's coming home."

"Oh, when?"

"In a few weeks, she wasn't sure exactly, but she said she'd let me know when her plans were set," Ginny said.

"It will be so good to see her. I can't believe it's been a year."

"I was thinking we should have a party when she gets back," Ginny said. "We haven't gotten everyone together since our New Year's Eve party." She smirked at Hermione.

"Don't remind of that night," Hermione said with a groan. Ginny laughed. They both heard the Floo and Teddy's exclamation of 'Ha-wy!' a few seconds later.

"Turned out all right in the end, didn't it?" Ginny asked. Hermione smiled when she heard Remus' voice from the other room.

"Yes, it did."

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, it has been far too long since you've been here," Molly scolded as Kingsley walked past the Apparition wards and into the garden. She had elected to have dinner outside, as it was such a pleasant evening. Remus felt Andromeda stiffen next to him. She had been quiet that afternoon before they'd Flooed over to the Burrow. In fact, at one point, Remus was sure that she wasn't going to come.

"I'm sorry, Molly," Kingsley said with a chuckle, putting a hand on Molly's arm and kissing her cheek. "It's that pesky job of mine. Keeps me quite busy." Remus could see Kingsley's eyes cut to Andromeda. "But I found myself with a free evening and I have missed your cooking."

"Well, we're happy to have you," Molly said. She excused herself and went back into the house. Kingsley turned and began to make his way towards them.

"Are you all right?" Remus asked, still sensing the tension in Andromeda.

"Fine," she said, but Remus could hear the tightness in her voice.

"Remus," Kingsley said, shaking Remus' hand.

"Hello, Kingsley," Remus replied. Kingsley turned to Andromeda. He paused for a moment as their eyes locked.

"Andromeda," he said, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. "It's lovely to see you again."

"You as well," Andromeda replied. Remus felt her relax and he glanced between the two of them in confusion.

"I have something I need to speak to Arthur about, but I will talk with you later?" Andromeda nodded and Kingsley let go of her hand with a smile, walking over to Arthur. Remus stared at Andromeda for a few moments before he glanced around the garden to make sure Teddy was still being entertained by Hermione and Ginny. He took Andromeda's arm and led her further away from everyone.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've been tense since this afternoon, then Kingsley arrives, acts like the two of you haven't seen one another since the memorial and suddenly you're as relaxed as you are at any other dinner." She sighed.

"When Kingsley suggested he might attend this evening, I was happy about it. Only the more I thought about it today, the more nervous I became."

"Because no one knows about you two yet?" Remus asked. When she looked away, he knew he had guessed correctly. "Why don't you want anyone to know?"

"I do not know," she said with another sigh.

"These are our friends, Andromeda, our family. If they can accept Hermione and me, I really don't think anyone is going to have a problem with you and Kingsley."

"It's not that," she said. She stared at the ground and Remus watched her trying to put her concerns into words. "It makes it all…real, I suppose." She shook her head before Remus could say anything. "That is not exactly what I mean."

"I understand," he said. She looked up at him. "Now, it's just the two of you, really. Sure, Hermione and I know, but it's been private up to now."

"I know that the Weasleys will respect our privacy. But-" she trailed off.

"Now more people will know," Remus finished. She sighed and nodded.

"That makes me sound ridiculous."

"It doesn't," he said. "I know exactly how you feel."

"Yes, I suppose you do." She smiled faintly.

"Well, I'm not sure how you accomplished it, but Kingsley seems to have gotten the memo." Andromeda looked over at the man, who was laughing at something Arthur said.

"Yes, that was rather astute of him, wasn't it?" She smiled softly. Remus wanted to grin, but he managed to keep it off his face. She didn't even realize how smitten she was.

"Rather," Remus agreed. Suddenly, Teddy came barreling into his legs. Remus looked up and smiled at Hermione who was following his son.

"Daddy, me fwy?" Teddy asked.

"Harry and Ginny offered to take him for a ride before dinner," Hermione explained.

"A short one," Remus said. "It's almost time to eat."

"Kay," Teddy squirmed to be set down and Teddy raced back to Ginny who laughed as she picked him up. Hermione stepped up next to Remus who put an arm around her. Andromeda smiled at the two of them and then excused herself to see if Molly needed any help in the house.

"Everything all right?" Hermione asked. "Andromeda seemed a bit...off earlier.

"She's unsure if she wants anyone to know about her and Kingsley just yet."

"I was a bit surprised when he showed up," Hermione said. "He hasn't been to a dinner since last summer."

"I'm just glad Molly seemed to attribute his sporadic attendance to being busy as Minister," Remus said.

"I understand how Andromeda feels," Hermione said, leaning into him. He smiled down at her.

"So do I," he replied. "But I can't see anyone here having issue with the two of them."

"Of course, they wouldn't," Hermione said. "I imagine Andromeda's a bit worried about the press finding out."

"Well, yes, but who's going to tell them? No one here would do that."

"No," Hermione agreed. "But you know that the more people that know a secret, the higher the chance something will slip out."

"I suppose," Remus said. He saw Kingsley glance around the garden, obviously looking for Andromeda. "Kingsley seemed to figure out Andromeda's fears rather quickly. Just by looking at her, in fact." Hermione smiled.

"It's obvious he's quite smitten with her."

"I'm sure Andromeda would deny it, but I'm positive the feeling is mutual." A few moments later, Andromeda walked out of the house. Her eyes instantly searched out and found Kingsley, who smiled at her.

"I'd say you were right about that," Hermione said, still smiling. Remus watched as Andromeda pointedly ignored Kingsley to ask the Weasley boys to set up the tables and then come inside to bring out the food.

"If she keeps trying so hard, she's going to give it away herself," Remus said. Hermione nodded in agreement. He turned towards her.

"Have I told you lately how glad I am that we don't have to hide things anymore?" She grinned and put her arms around his neck.

"Not lately."

"How rude of me," he said, leaning down and kissing her softly. As much as he wanted to, he didn't linger, given where they were.

"I'm going to see if Molly needs help," Hermione said when they separated. Remus nodded and she squeezed his hand as she left. Remus cast his Patronus and sent it off to the meadow to let Harry and Ginny know to bring Teddy back.

Andromeda stood at the kitchen sink, looking out the window. They had finished eating and everything had been cleaned up. People were still talking in the garden. She had come inside to get away from everything for a few moments. She felt jumpy in her own skin and knew that it was Kingsley's presence that was causing it. It wasn't that she did not want him here, in fact that exact opposite was true. That was one of the reasons she had come inside.

"Andromeda?" a deep voice said and she turned around to see the man who was so thoroughly occupying her thoughts step into the kitchen, look of concern on his face.

"Kingsley," she said, eyes darting to the door. She had met Bill on her way into the house, but he had been going back to the garden. She did not think anyone else was inside.

"Are you all right?" he asked, taking a few steps towards her.

"I am fine," she assured him, but he must not have been convinced as he kept walking until he was standing right in front of her.

"You don't look it," he said.

"You do know how to flatter a girl," she quipped. He chuckled and then took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

"I hope that my presence isn't what's been causing you distress."

"Not in the way you mean," she said. He cocked his head in question. "I find myself enjoying it a little too much." Kingsley looked surprised and, she thought, a bit pleased. But she could tell that he was still confused.

"I'm not sure that I understand."

"I am not sure that I do, either," Andromeda laughed. She let go of his hand and leaned back against the countertop. His proximity was affecting her more than she wanted to admit.

"I told you before that I'm in no hurry," Kingsley said. "We'll take things at whatever pace you like." She smiled.

"And I am very grateful for that." She stared at him for a few minutes and then found herself pushing away from the counter, stepping towards him once again. Kingsley's hand reached out and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. She felt herself shiver. As she looked up into his eyes, his hand moved to the back of her neck, thumb moving back and forth just behind her ear. She stared at him as he lowered his head and then stopped, waiting for her to decide. Closing the remaining distance between them, her lips met his. One of her arms wrapped around his back, the other rested on his shoulder as he kissed her. His free hand encircled her waist and Andromeda stepped even closer to him. The hand on the back of her neck moved into her hair just as she heard a quiet gasp behind them.

Andromeda immediately stepped back and she could feel her face heat. Kingsley turned slightly and Andromeda looked past his shoulder to see Fleur standing at the back door holding Victoire.

"Pardon," she said. "But ze baby is hungry."

"It's all right," Kingsley said. Fleur moved toward the living room but stopped before she reached it and turned back to them.

"I saw nozing," she said with a smirk, then disappeared into the other room. Andromeda could hear her murmuring to the baby in French.

Kingsley turned to face Andromeda. She was sure that he wanted to laugh but was waiting to see what her reaction would be first. In truth, she wasn't sure what to think. She was a bit mortified at being caught, but she also found herself trusting that Fleur wouldn't say anything to anyone. In all reality, they were lucky it was just Fleur who had walked in on them. With as many people as were here, the kitchen was not the best place to kiss the man she was trying to hide from everyone.

She looked up at Kingsley again and gave him a wry smile. He chuckled, taking her hand once more.

"We should probably get back outside," he said.

"Probably," she agreed. His thumb began to rub circles on the back of her hand.

"I checked my schedule," he said. "Are you free on Wednesday?"

"Yes."

"I would still like to cook you that dinner. Seven?" She smiled.

"Seven." He squeezed her hand, then leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering. He smiled when he pulled back, then let go of her hand and walked back outside.

Andromeda blew out a breath once he'd gone, turning and bracing her hands against the sink. She knew she was falling for him and falling quickly. And she was not sure just what to think about that.

Most everyone had gone home. Ginny had to get back to Wales and Remus and Andromeda had taken Teddy home to put him to bed. Hermione, Harry and Ron were still sitting in the back garden. Hermione was leaning against the trunk of a tree and Harry and Ron were sprawled on the ground beside her, staring up at the stars.

"Going to be strange going to work tomorrow without you, mate," Harry said.

"For me too," Ron said. "I mean, even though I've been working in the shop here and there, it'll still be weird, you know?"

"You still have to come and have lunch with us once in a while," Hermione said.

"Course I will," Ron replied. He rolled to his side and propped himself up on one elbow. "I'm not disappearing you know."

"We know, don't we, Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said, but he sounded a bit down. She nudged him with her foot. Harry sat up with a sigh, resting his elbows on his knees. "Sorry, Ron, you know I'm happy for you."

"S'alright," Ron said. "I am going to miss it. Well, not all of it. Won't miss Williamson."

"Or the paperwork," Harry replied with a grin.

"Definitely not." They both laughed.

"I am going to miss working with you though, Harry."

"Me too," Harry said, reaching over Hermione and squeezing Ron's shoulder. Hermione felt herself getting a bit teary.

"We better stop, Hermione's going to cry," Ron said with a chuckle.

"I am not," she protested, smacking his arm with the back of her hand.

"Sure, you're not," Harry said grinning. Hermione huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I hate both of you." Both men laughed.

"Aw, but Hermione, we love you," Harry said, throwing an arm around her shoulders.

"Yeah, 'Mione," Ron agreed, sitting up and repeated Harry's action.

"Don't call me 'Mione," she said with a scowl. Both Harry and Ron tightened their arms around her. She saw Ron glance at Harry from the corner of her eye. Harry nodded and they both leaned in and gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek.

"You two are ridiculous," she said, shoving them away from her, but she couldn't help the smile that played about her lips.

"But you love us," Harry said.

"Merlin only knows why," she said with an eye roll. Harry looked at Ron with a grin and soon they were all laughing. Harry put an arm around her and she leaned into his side. Ron sat up and moved closer to her, their shoulders touching. She put a hand over his where it rested on the ground beside her. Sighing in contentment, she rested her head against Harry's shoulder as the three of them sat in silence, staring up at the sky.

24 May 2000

"Hello, love," Remus said as Hermione stepped out of the fireplace. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest with a sigh. "Bad day?"

"Just disappointing," she said.

"Arabella didn't have anything for you?"

"No," Hermione said with another sigh. "It wasn't as if I was really expecting her to, but-"

"You hoped she would," Remus finished. She nodded. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back.

"Where's Teddy?" she asked.

"Upstairs with Andromeda. He wanted a story from her before she leaves." Hermione looked up at him.

"Is he still upset about that?" she asked.

"A bit," Remus admitted. "Having Kingsley at the Weasley dinner helped. The more Teddy sees him, the more used to him he'll get."

"Is Andromeda all right?" Remus sighed.

"She feels guilty even though I've told her she has no reason to."

"She's still going though, isn't she?

"Yes, although she did briefly consider cancelling." There was movement upstairs and Andromeda and Teddy came down the stairs a few moments later. Hermione smiled when Teddy ran into the room.

"Hey, you," she said picking him up and hugging him. "I missed you."

"I miss you!" Teddy said. Hermione laughed. She didn't think Teddy really knew what that meant.

"Hello, Hermione," Andromeda said. Hermione greeted the other woman. Andromeda turned to Remus. "I am going to change." Remus nodded and Andromeda went back upstairs.

"My-nee, you pay wif me?" Teddy asked.

"Of course, I'll play with you. After supper, all right?"

"Nanna eat wif me," Teddy said.

"I think your nanna is going to eat with Kingsley tonight."

"No, Nanna eat wif me!" Teddy insisted.

"Not tonight, son," Remus said. Teddy pouted.

"You don't always eat with your nanna," Hermione said. "Remember when you ate supper with Harry? That was fun, right?" Teddy nodded with a smile. "Well, tonight you get to eat supper with me and your daddy." Hermione tickled him and Teddy giggled. "Tomorrow you can eat with your nanna again, okay?"

"Kay," Teddy said. He squirmed and Hermione set him down, watching him run over to his toys. Remus put his arms around her again.

"Thank you," he said. She shrugged.

"Andromeda deserves a life too." Remus smiled and leaned down and kissed her.

"I'll go check on supper." Hermione watched him go, then turned her attention to Teddy.

Kingsley was waiting for her when Andromeda arrived. He held out a hand and helped her step out of the fireplace. She looked around his flat. Definitely masculine, but it was neat and tastefully decorated. Not that she had expected anything else.

"Hello," he said in greeting, kissing her cheek.

"Hello," she returned. The stood there smiling at one another for a few moments.

"Would you like something to drink? Wine?"

"Wine would be lovely, thank you," Andromeda said. Kingsley walked over to a side table and picked up the bottle of red wine, pouring them each a glass. Although she had been looking forward to tonight, now that she was here, she found herself a bit nervous. Not to mention still a bit guilty about Teddy. Although, he had given her a kiss before she left and told her she would eat with him 'morrow', so perhaps he had gotten over his disappointment at her leaving.

"Something wrong?" Kingsley asked as he ushered her towards the couch.

"No, just, Teddy has been a bit out of sorts with me leaving before supper," she said. "I think he is so used to me being there all the time that he gets upset when I am not."

"Does the same thing when Remus goes out with Hermione, I suppose," Kingsley said.

"No, actually," Andromeda admitted.

"Ah, so he just doesn't like me then," Kingsley said and Andromeda realized how what she said must have sounded.

"No, that is not, I should not have, I," she trailed off, mortified. Kingsley chuckled and grasped her free hand.

"Andromeda, I was only teasing," he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. She blushed.

"Hermione has been around for as long as Teddy can remember," Andromeda said. "Even before she and Remus were dating." Kingsley nodded.

"Teddy doesn't know me," he said. "It's completely understandable. Perhaps the two of us should take him somewhere together. Is there a park near your house?"

"Oh, you do not have to do that," Andromeda said, although she was secretly pleased.

"I want to," he said. "I'd like to get to know your grandson better, as well. This Saturday?"

"All right," she said with a smile. He squeezed her fingers. "How was your week?"

"Mostly exasperating," Kingsley said with a sigh.

"Oh?" she said taking another sip of her wine.

"Nothing of consequence, just many small annoyances that had to be handled." He chuckled. "Seems to be a large portion of my job, actually." She chuckled.

"I can imagine." Kingsley glanced at his watch.

"I need to check on a few things. Would you like to see the kitchen?"

"I would love to," she said. He helped her from the couch and held her hand as he led her into the kitchen. She perched on a stool drawn up to the counter as he checked on the pot bubbling on the cooker.

He summoned the bottle of wine from the living room and refilled both their glasses. They chatted as he finished up with dinner. The thoughts she'd had at the Burrow swirled around her mind. The more time they spent together, the more Andromeda knew that she was feeling something for him. Something more than just friendship. Realizing Kingsley had asked her a question, she shook herself from her thoughts.

"I think we're ready to eat," he said a short while later. She was a bit confused when he led her into the dining room without the food. But moments later, a House Elf walked into the room, setting the food onto the table.

"Is Master needing anything else?"

"No, Jinx, thank you," Kingsley replied. The elf bowed to both of them and then left the room.

Andromeda had to hold back a moan when she took the first bite of her dinner, it was so good.

"Kingsley, this is wonderful."

"Thank you," he said, clearly pleased with her praise. Their conversation flowed throughout dinner and Andromeda managed to keep her thoughts on the conversation instead of her anxiety about her feelings. When they had finished dessert, she sat back in her chair with a smile and picked up her glass of wine.

"You are an amazing cook."

"Thank you," he said again. "I do enjoy it. And I've had plenty of years to practice."

"Why is that?" she asked, then realized she was being rather intrusive. "I'm sorry, I do not mean to pry."

"It's all right," Kingsley said. He took a sip of his wine. "There was someone, a long time ago. Things just…didn't work out."

"I'm sorry," Andromeda said again, feeling horrible for bringing it up.

"Don't be," he said, with a faint smile. "As I said, it was a long time ago. Afterward, I threw myself into my work and never really made much time for dating. They were a few relationships over the years, but none that were ever very serious." He shrugged, then looked at her. "Perhaps that might change someday." While she didn't say anything, Andromeda couldn't stop the small smile that played at her lips. She knew that Kingsley saw it, as he returned it seconds later.

"Shall we?" he said, rising from his chair and holding out a hand to her.

"All right," she said, taking his hand and standing from her own chair. Kingsley pulled her closer to him, keeping her hand clasped in his and resting it against his chest. He leaned in and kissed her. Though the kiss didn't last long, she was breathless when he pulled back. Smiling once again, he squeezed her hand and kissed her fingertips before leading her back into the living room.

26 May 2000

"How does the first of July sound?" Hermione asked. They were sitting on the couch in her living room.

"It sounds like the start of a new month," Remus said. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"For our trip to Australia," she said. Remus chuckled.

"I knew what you meant," he said, leaning down and kissing her.

"If we come home the sixth, that's still over a week until the moon." Remus smiled.

"Sounds perfect." She looked at him, biting her lip. "What's the matter?"

"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked. "It's all right if you don't."

"Don't you want me to come?" he asked.

"Of course, I do. But you only met my parents that one time and it didn't go exactly how I wanted it to and I don't want you to be uncomfortable or-" he cut her off by putting his fingers on her lips.

"Have your parents given you some indication that they don't want me there?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"No!" Hermione insisted. "My mum asks me about it almost every time I talk to her, actually."

"Then what's the problem, love?" He brushed her hair back behind her ear.

"I don't know, I," she trailed off and sighed, looking away from him. The problem was that she wasn't sure if taking this trip meant something different to her than it did to him. Yes, she'd already introduced him to her parents, but this was a holiday together. With Teddy. It felt important, as if they were making a statement about their relationship. She had no idea if Remus felt the same way about it. How could he? It had only been a little over two months.

Remus reached out and put his fingers under her chin. He turned her to face him again, looking worried.

"Talk to me, Hermione."

"I'm being silly," she said, shaking her head.

"It isn't silly if it's got you this anxious." She looked up at him, studying his face.

"It's just, we're going on holiday together," she said as she looked away. "To see my parents." Remus stared at her for a few moments.

"I hope it's the first trip of many," he said. Hermione looked back at him, but she couldn't see anything but sincerity in his eyes. She smiled and surged forward to kiss him. Remus pulled her closer and she straddled his lap. It had been more than a week since they'd had an evening alone together and Hermione immediately attacked the buttons on his shirt. She only broke the kiss long enough to pull her jumper over her head. Remus' hands immediately went to her breasts as she leaned forward to kiss him again.

It wasn't long before they had shed the rest of their clothes and Remus was laying her back on the couch, covering her body with his. When he thrust into her, she sighed in contentment. Despite their earlier frenzy to get each other undressed, Remus slowed his movements and she smiled up at him before he kissed her again. They moved slowly together, hands roaming, neither in a hurry.

"I love you," he said as she tightened around him, pulling him over the edge with her.

"Mm, I love you too," she said lazily afterward. He kissed her before he turned them to their sides, entangling their legs. Summoning his wand, he cast a fire in the grate to keep them warm as they drowsed on the couch.

"You're staying?" Hermione asked sleepily, her head pillowed on his chest.

"Of course, I am, love." She kissed his chest and closed her eyes, wrapping an arm more firmly around his waist.

27 May 2000

"Nanna," Teddy called from the living room. She walked in from the kitchen to find her grandson surrounded by nearly all his toys. His little brow was furrowed as he looked through the pile of dragons in front of him.

"Yes, darling?" she said.

"Dragon, hidin'. No find it." Teddy began to dig through his toy box again.

"All your dragons are right here, Teddy," she said, moving to crouch beside him.

"No, hidin'," Teddy insisted. Andromeda quickly counted the dragons on the floor and realized there was indeed one missing. Which one it was, she couldn't say.

"I'm sure we can find it," she said. She stood to look in the box of toys, but there were only a few blocks remaining in it. She looked behind the toy box and did a quick scan of the room, but there was no other dragon lying anywhere.

"Maybe it's under the couch or one of the chairs." Teddy quickly jumped up and ran to the couch, squatting down and peering under it.

"Dark, Nanna," he whined.

"Here," she said, kneeling next to him. "Lumos." She stuck her lit wand under the couch.

"No under dere," Teddy said. He ran to one of the chairs and Andromeda followed with her wand. After searching under the rest of the furniture and not finding anything, she stood.

"Perhaps it is in your room," she suggested. Teddy ran out of the living room and Andromeda followed him up the stairs. They searched his room, finding nothing. Andromeda contemplated doing a summoning spell, but that would only cause the rest of his dragons to come flying at them as well. She glanced at the clock on Remus' bedside table as they ventured into his room to look. Remus had stayed at Hermione's the night before and the two of them were going to Ginny's Quidditch match today. Kingsley was due to arrive any minute.

She looked down and chuckled as Teddy had nearly completely disappeared under the bed.

"Did you find it?" she asked.

"No," he said his voice muffled. He scooted himself out from the bed. "No under dere." He looked up at her, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Oh, darling, it's all right," she said, hurriedly scooping him up. "We'll find it." Teddy sniffled and Andromeda heard the chime of the Floo. She left Remus' room and quickly made her way downstairs.

"Who dat?" Teddy asked as Andromeda waved her wand to lower the wards on the fireplace.

"Remember I told you that Kingsley is coming over?"

"No, Nanna eats wif me!" Teddy wailed, beginning to cry in earnest.

"Shh, of course I am going to eat with you," she said as Kingsley stepped out of the Floo. Teddy buried his face in her neck. Kingsley looked at her in concern. Andromeda shook her head, trying to soothe her crying grandson.

When Teddy's cries had finally faded away, Andromeda looked down at him.

"Remember that I told you we were going to the park this morning?" she asked. Teddy perked up at that, raising his head to look at her. Andromeda took the handkerchief Kingsley offered her and wiped a few stray tears from Teddy's face. "Kingsley is here to go to the park with us. Won't that be fun?" Teddy turned his head to see Kingsley standing in front of the fireplace.

"Hello, Teddy," Kingsley said, giving the boy a smile. Teddy put his head back on Andromeda's shoulder as he stared at the man.

"Are you ready to go to the park?" Andromeda asked. Teddy shook his head. "Why not?"

"Dragon hidin'," Teddy said, sniffling again.

"Why don't you take one of your other dragons?" she suggested.

"No," Teddy said.

"Teddy, we've looked everywhere," she said a bit exasperated.

"No," Teddy said. "Want boo one." Andromeda looked at Kingsley apologetically, but he simply smiled at her.

"Teddy," he said. Teddy's eyes darted towards him. "Did you know that I'm very good at finding things? It used to be my job." Andromeda looked at him skeptically.

"What?" Kingsley said. "Dark wizards, toy dragons, what's the difference really?" Andromeda chuckled. Kingsley turned back to Teddy. "May I help you?" Teddy nodded tentatively.

"All right, what does your dragon look like?"

"Boo," Teddy said.

"It's blue?" Teddy nodded. Kingsley picked up one of the dragons on the floor. "Does it look like this?" Teddy shook his head, then squirmed in his grandmother's arms. She set him on the floor and he began to dig through the pile of dragons. Kingsley looked at Andromeda.

"Did you summon it?" he asked her quietly. She gave him a look.

"Do you see how many toy dragons are in this house?"

"Fair point," he said. "But I think I can help with that." Andromeda gave him a questioning look, but Teddy stood up from the pile of dragons before Kingsley could answer.

"Dis!" Teddy said, holding up a red dragon.

"It looks like this, but it's blue?" Teddy nodded. Kingsley studied the dragon, then squatted down in front of Teddy. "I think I can find it, but I need your help, all right?" Teddy nodded again. "I want you to hold out your hand like this." Kingsley held out his hand, palm up. Teddy imitated him. "Very good. Now, I want you to say, 'fly to me, dragon'."

"Fwy me, dragon," Teddy said.

"Excellent," Kingsley said. "Now, when I tell you, I want you to say that again, very loud. Can you do that?" Teddy nodded enthusiastically. Andromeda watched, wondering just what on earth Kingsley was up to. He turned to the pile of dragons on the floor, then muttered a spell. They glowed for a moment.

"Are you ready?" Kingsley asked Teddy. The boy nodded again. "All right, go ahead."

"Fwy me, dragon!" Teddy shouted. At the same time, Kingsley flicked his wand, casting a silent 'accio'. A few seconds went by and then the small blue dragon flew into the room. Another flick from Kingsley's wand and it sailed gently into Teddy's hand. Teddy's eyes lit up and he looked up at Andromeda.

"Nanna, Nanna, dragon fwy me!"

"I see that," Andromeda said. "Can you thank Kingsley for his help?" Teddy looked up at the man, then ran towards him, wrapping his arms around Kingsley's legs.

"Tank you." Kingsley leaned down and patted Teddy's back.

"You're very welcome, Teddy." Teddy looked up at him with a grin, before turning to his grandmother.

"Go park, Nanna?"

"We can," she said fondly. "Go find your shoes." Teddy raced out of the room.

"That was rather impressive," she said, taking a few steps towards Kingsley.

"Just a modified shield spell on the other dragons," he said, turning and cancelling said spell. "We used it when I was an Auror, for similar purposes."

"Finding toy dragons?" she questioned, laughter in her voice. He chuckled.

"Something like that." She stepped closer still.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome. I can teach it to you if you like."

"Maybe later," she said, then leaned in and kissed him.

Teddy raced around the park, from the swings to the slide to the seesaw, Andromeda and Kingsley following dutifully behind. Any misgivings Teddy had had towards Kingsley were completely banished by the events at the house with his missing dragon. It was Kingsley Teddy wanted to push him on the swings, Kingsley he wanted to watch him on the slide and the climber. When Teddy had finally had his fill of the park, they began to walk back to the house. Kingsley took Andromeda's hand as they followed the little boy down the pavement.

"I think I should be jealous," Andromeda said teasingly. "Teddy could not have cared less that I was even there."

"What can I say? I'm irresistible."

"Humble too, I see." Kingsley chuckled. They paused as Teddy squatted to examine something in the grass. Likely some kind of bug or maybe a worm.

"Are you saying that you don't find me irresistible?" Kingsley said, glint in his eye.

"I think it will take more than summoning a toy dragon to convince me."

"Is that a challenge?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Take it however you like," she said. Kingsley glanced at Teddy to be sure he was still occupied, then kissed her rather thoroughly. Andromeda was nearly breathless when he pulled away.

"Nanna, bug go way!" Teddy said. Andromeda shook her head to clear it and looked down at her grandson.

"Oh, well, we should get home. It's almost time for lunch." Teddy jumped up.

"Me up?" Teddy asked, reaching his arms up to Andromeda.

"How about a ride on my shoulders?" Kingsley asked.

"Yes!" Teddy shouted. Kingsley laughed and picked up the little boy, settling him on his shoulders. He looked over at Andromeda and smirked. She rolled her eyes and put an arm through his, walking back towards the house.

28 May 2000

Remus carried Teddy's breakfast to the table as Andromeda unlocked the window for the owl bringing the Daily Prophet.

"Here you go," Remus said, setting the plate in front of his son. He picked up the pitcher of milk and poured some into Teddy's cup before snapping on the lid and handing it to him.

"Tank you," Teddy said, grabbing a piece of fruit and shoving it in his mouth.

"Use your fork," Remus admonished, picking up the small fork and giving it to him. Teddy stabbed another piece of fruit and grinned at his father before putting it in his mouth. Remus chuckled.

He sat down at the table and pulled the teapot towards him. Andromeda walked in with her bowl of porridge, the Prophet tucked under her arm. She set the paper down next to her as Remus poured her a cup of tea, stirring a bit of milk into it. She picked up the cup with one hand, the other unrolling the paper. Remus took a bite of his breakfast just as Andromeda's teacup went clattering to the table, spilling its contents. He looked at her in surprise, but she made no move to clean up the spreading tea.

"Nanna pill," Teddy said as Remus drew his wand to clean up the liquid before it could fall into her lap and burn her. Andromeda's knuckles were white where she gripped the paper, her mouth open in shock.

"Andromeda?" he questioned, heart beginning to pound at her reaction. Her hand began to shake and the paper lowered far enough that Remus could read the headline.

Minister for Magic in Secret Tryst with Andromeda Tonks!