A/N - The conversation between Andromeda and Narcissa near the end of the chapter was inspired by a conversation with MaryRoyale, so credit for that goes to her. :) If you haven't read her stories, do so, she's amazing! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 77

Response

28 May 2000

Remus stared at the headline for a few moments, unable to believe just what he was seeing. He knew that Kingsley and Andromeda had stuck to Muggle areas so that this wouldn't happen. Glancing at Andromeda again, he could see that she was reading the article, eyes moving quickly over the story. Her mouth tightened and then she dropped the paper on the table. Remus picked it up and read through the article himself.

Minister for Magic in Secret Tryst with Andromeda Tonks!

Our Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, has been keeping a rather large secret. He has been spotted in the company of Andromeda Tonks, formerly Black, on more than one occasion. Andromeda Tonks is a widow. Her husband, Ted Tonks, was a Muggle-born that died during an altercation with Snatchers while trying to evade the Muggle-born Registration Commission during the war.

Mrs. Tonks first accompanied the Minister to a formal state dinner with the Ministers for Magic of both France and Germany, along with their wives, a few weeks ago. When questioned about his companion, Minister Shacklebolt had little to say, save that Mrs. Tonks was a friend.

According to sources, the two are much more than friends. They have been seen together in Muggle London and Mrs. Tonks was reported to be at the Minister's flat earlier this week. Yesterday, they took Mrs. Tonks' grandson, Teddy Lupin, to a local park. Teddy is the son of Mrs. Tonks' only child, the late Nymphadora Lupin, formerly Tonks, who died tragically at the Battle for Hogwarts. She was married to Remus Lupin, former professor and werewolf, who is currently dating Hermione Granger.

On the walk home from the park, the Minister and Mrs. Tonks were seen holding hands, as well as sharing a rather heated kiss, apparently oblivious to the small child they were supposed to be supervising.

It is obvious that there is more between these two than friendship. The question remains as to why the Minister is keeping the relationship a secret. What do they possibly have to hide?

When Remus finished, he sighed. Even without attaching her name, it was obvious Rita Skeeter had written it and that she had used her Animagus ability to get the information. He looked up at Andromeda. Her mouth was in a thin line and her hands were fisted, her knuckles white. Remus glanced at Teddy, but his son was happily engrossed in his breakfast and seemed not to notice his grandmother's anger.

"Andromeda," Remus said, putting a hand on her forearm. Her arm was taut with tension.

"How dare she," Andromeda said through gritted teeth.

"You're aware it was Skeeter?"

"Who else?" Andromeda nearly spat. "How dare she accuse me of not watching my grandson!" Remus was a bit taken aback. He expected that Andromeda would be angry and likely upset about her personal life being splashed all over the newspaper. But it appeared she wasn't so much worried about that as she was people thinking she was neglecting Teddy.

At the word grandson, Teddy looked up. His grin faltered slightly at the expression on his grandmother's face.

"Nanna, you has bite?" he asked tentatively, holding out his fork which had a bit of melon on it. Remus saw Andromeda force herself to relax, giving Teddy a small smile.

"No, my darling, but thank you." Teddy grinned again before shoving the fruit into his mouth. Andromeda looked at Remus. "I need some air." She rose from the table and walked out the back door.

"Nanna go?" Teddy asked.

"She'll be right back," Remus said.

"Nanna eat wif me?" the little boy asked, looking more concerned.

"Yes, Nanna will be back to eat with you in a few minutes," Remus soothed. He moved to the other side of the table to sit by his son. Teddy was staring at the back door, frown on his face. "How about a bite for me?" Teddy looked at his father for a moment before smiling and stabbing a bit of egg on his fork, offering it to Remus.

"Mm, delicious," Remus said. Teddy giggled.

"You wants mo' bite?"

"Yes, please," Remus said and Teddy gave him a piece of fruit this time. Remus smiled at the boy, glad that he was still so easily distracted.

Andromeda came back inside a few minutes later, looking much calmer. Teddy studied her as she walked around the table and sat down. She waved her wand to reheat her porridge, then gave Teddy a warm smile. He relaxed and turned back to his breakfast. Remus moved back to his usual spot at the table and poured Andromeda another cup of tea.

He continued to watch her as she spoke to Teddy and ate her breakfast. While she looked calm enough on the outside, he knew that she was anything but. It was a Black family talent, enhanced by being sorted into Slytherin. Even Sirius, as reckless as he'd been, had had it to some degree. Remus had seen it whenever Sirius had been forced to interact with a member of his family.

"I done," Teddy said a few minutes later. Remus rose and picked up his son, taking him to the sink to wash his hands and face.

"Why don't you go play for a while," Remus suggested, setting the little boy on his feet.

"You pay me, Daddy?"

"In a little while, I need to talk to your nanna first." Teddy looked back at Andromeda, then nodded to his father, running into the living room. Remus smiled after him.

"Andromeda," Remus said as he turned around. Her mask was still in place even though Teddy was no longer in the room. When he said her name, it cracked slightly and he saw her fingers tighten around her teacup.

"How did she know?" Andromeda asked. "There are very few people that know and I trust all of them implicitly." Remus sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face. He sat down in his chair.

"She's an illegal Animagus." Andromeda stared at him, her face unreadable.

"And how did you come by this knowledge?" she asked, her voice tight.

"Hermione," Remus said.

"Hermione," Andromeda repeated.

"Do you remember the articles that Skeeter published during the Triwizard Tournament?"

"Yes," Andromeda said carefully. Remus could tell she still had a tight leash on her emotions.

"Apparently, some things that she reported, especially about Hagrid and Hermione, happened in private, where there was no one around to hear. That aroused Hermione's suspicions and she eventually figured out that Skeeter must be an Animagus." A slight smirk graced Andromeda's face. Remus had felt the same way when he found out.

"Hermione caught her in the hospital wing after the third task. Skeeter had overheard all of Albus' plans for reforming the Order and she had seen Sirius transform. Not to mention what she'd already written about Harry. Hermione wasn't going to let her get away with that."

"I do not understand," Andromeda said, looking puzzled. "If Hermione caught her, why is she still around to write such rubbish?" Remus hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't trust his mother-in-law; it was the fact that she was now dating the Minister for Magic. Kingsley might have a quite different view of what Hermione had done.

"Skeeter's Animagus form is a beetle," Remus said. Andromeda's eyes widened.

"The bug in the grass," she said.

"What bug?"

"Teddy stopped to look at a bug in the grass," she said. "That was when Kingsley, when he kissed me." A faint blush stained her cheeks, but Remus didn't comment on it. "What does her form have to do with my question?"

"When I said that Hermione caught her, I meant that she caught her," Remus said. "She put her in a jar with an unbreakable charm on it." Andromeda stared at him for a moment and then began to laugh. Remus, a bit surprised at her reaction, simply looked at her.

"If I did not already love her, this would have cemented it," Andromeda said. "But Hermione obviously let Skeeter go at some point."

"Yes, about a week later," Remus said. "Hermione made Skeeter promise that she wouldn't write anything at all for a year, or Hermione would report her to the Ministry."

"Only a year?" Andromeda questioned.

"She thought that if Skeeter couldn't write for a year, she would reconsider the way that she treated people." Andromeda scoffed. "She was only fifteen."

"I am not saying anything against Hermione," Andromeda assured him. "But I went to school with Rita Skeeter, she was in my House. The woman has always been like this." Before Remus could ask about that, there was a crack outside. They both rose and looked out the window. Kingsley was walking across the garden towards the house.

"Andromeda," Remus began. "There's more." It was that he didn't want Kingsley to know, but Remus wanted Hermione to have a say in it.

"I have no plans to say anything to Kingsley until I speak to Hermione."

"Thank you," Remus said, then moved toward the door. Just because the man outside looked like Kingsley, didn't mean it was. Andromeda moved into the living room to peek at Teddy who was happily playing in his toy corner. She nodded to Remus who went to the door. At Kingsley's knock, Remus amplified his voice but didn't open the door.

"What did you help Teddy with yesterday?" Remus asked.

"I found his blue dragon," Kingsley said and Remus opened the door. His face was set in anger, but it softened as soon as he caught sight of Andromeda. Crossing the room, he moved towards her. He stopped when he reached her as if he weren't sure she would still want his attention. She smiled and put a hand on his arm. Remus could see the tension go out of his body. He hid a smile. While he had known it already, it was clear that Kingsley was more than just a bit smitten.

"I'm sorry," Kingsley said.

"It is certainly not your fault," Andromeda said.

"I don't understand how this happened," he said, rubbing a hand over his head. "We stayed in the Muggle world so this wouldn't happen." Remus glanced at Andromeda, but she had looped her arm through Kingsley's and was leading him into the living room. Remus followed.

When Teddy caught sight of them, he jumped up with a grin.

"Ting!" He said. Remus chuckled at the moniker.

"What?" Kingsley said over his shoulder. "It's not as if I expect the boy to be able to get his mouth around Mr. Shacklebolt. He's got to call me something." Teddy rummaged around through his toys until his chubby fist closed around the blue dragon that Kingsley had found for him the day before.

"You pay?" Teddy asked, running up to Kingsley. Kingsley smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Maybe later," he said. "I need to talk to your dad and your grandmother." Both Remus and Andromeda looked at Teddy. Neither wanted the little boy to overhear their conversation. Even though Teddy likely wouldn't understand most of what was going on, Remus was sure there would be a few choice things said. Besides, Teddy had just about reached his limit of being able to entertain himself. He wouldn't leave them alone if they were all in the room with him, nor was it fair to ask him to.

"I should take Teddy upstairs," Remus said. "Let you two talk about this." Remus moved towards his son when the Floo pinged. Remus stood in front of Teddy, drawing his wand as Kingsley took a similar stance in front of Andromeda. She looked at the man in exasperation before she stepped around him and lowered the wards on the fireplace. Harry's head came into view.

"Ha-wy!" Teddy shouted and tried to run towards the Floo. Remus caught him before he could.

"Andromeda, I just saw the paper, what-" Harry trailed off as he noticed Kingsley in the room. "It's true then?"

"Yes," Andromeda said.

"When did this happen?" Harry asked.

"Only a couple of weeks ago," Kingsley said. Harry stared at the Minister for a moment. Remus glanced at Andromeda in question and she nodded her head.

"Actually, Harry, would you mind taking Teddy for a little while? We've got a few things to discuss here," Remus said.

"All right," Harry replied. "I'll come through," Harry said. A few moments later, he stepped into the living room. Remus put Teddy down and he ran across the room, jumping into Harry's waiting arms.

"Hey, mate," Harry said. "Want to come over to mine for a bit?"

"Yes!" Teddy said excitedly. Harry laughed. His eyes cut back to Andromeda and Kingsley and he smiled.

"I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Harry," Andromeda said and Kingsley tipped his head in acknowledgement.

"I'll just get his bag," Remus said and moved to the stairs to summon it from Teddy's room.

"Pick out some toys, all right?" Harry said, setting Teddy down and then following Remus.

"It was Skeeter," Harry said quietly.

"Yes," Remus replied. Teddy's bag came down the stairs and landed in Remus' hand.

"Do they know?" Harry asked.

"Andromeda does."

"Remus," Harry began, but Remus shook his head.

"Andromeda is going to talk to Hermione first. I'm actually a bit surprised she isn't here yet."

"She's probably still sleeping," Harry said a bit sheepishly. "She had quite a bit more to drink after you left."

"She got home all right?" Remus asked in concern.

"Yes, I made sure." Remus nodded and handed Harry the bag.

"I appreciate you doing this, Harry."

"Not a problem," Harry said. Both men turned around and walked back toward the fireplace. Harry looked at Teddy who had an armful of toys. Every time one thing fell, he would bend over to get it, causing another two of three to follow suit.

"I think that's a bit too much," Remus said in amusement. He took a few things and handed them to Harry to put in the bag. "Be a good boy, all right?" Teddy nodded and Remus picked him up, hugging him before passing him off to Harry.

"Have fun, darling," Andromeda said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

"Bye Nanna, bye Ting, bye Daddy." They all waved as Harry stepped into the Floo and they disappeared.

When they were gone, the three adults stood in silence for a few moments before Kingsley sighed and sat down on the couch. Andromeda sat down next to him.

"It's obvious the article was written by Rita Skeeter," Kingsley said. Remus took the chair next to them, sitting forward and resting his forearms on his knees.

"Yes, the fact that she was sure to say I was a werewolf and dating Hermione made that obvious, not to mention the dig about you two not watching Teddy." Andromeda looked murderous once again. Kingsley put a hand over hers and Remus watched with interest as she calmed.

"That doesn't explain how she found out about us," Kingsley said. "Or how she knew about the park."

"I suspect that either she saw you in London herself or someone else did and told her about it," Remus said. They did need an explanation as to why Skeeter was following them in the first place.

"That's the thing though," Kingsley said. "Regardless of how she initially found out, when I'm in the Muggle world, I'm still careful. I cast charms as soon as we reached the park yesterday, as well as the other times we were in London together. There was no one under a Disillusionment charm or wearing a glamour. I suppose she could have used an Invisibility cloak, but they're so rare, I doubt she has one. Although, you can't check for Polyjuice. I wouldn't put it past Skeeter to go that route."

"Nor would I," Andromeda said. Remus said nothing. Even though he would do anything to protect Hermione, he was still uncomfortable not telling Kingsley the truth. Kingsley sat in thought.

"It is possible someone else saw us in the park and told her about it, I suppose." He turned to Andromeda. "There isn't anyone else magical living in your neighborhood is there?"

"There is always a chance, but I highly doubt it. Unless there is a Muggle-born student. But, even if that were the case, that does not explain how they knew my name. Everyone knows who you are, but I cannot imagine a Muggle-born student would know who I am."

"Well, it's obvious from the article that Skeeter already knew about the two of us, so it wouldn't matter if whoever saw us didn't know who you were." There was silence again.

"My question is how she knew Andromeda came to your flat," Remus said, trying to turn the conversation away from the park. The security around Kingsley's flat was tight. Remus suspected that he had many of the same wards as the Ministry itself. No one in Animagus form could get into the Ministry undetected. If Kingsley had the same ward, Skeeter couldn't have gotten onto his property, even as a beetle. Someone had known Andromeda was there, however.

"My Floo is monitored for security reasons," Kingsley said. "A record is made of anyone who even attempts to Floo in. If they don't have clearance, meaning they don't get through, they're investigated." Andromeda turned to look at him.

"You did not think this was something you should have informed me of?" she asked, clearly upset that her travel to his home had been recorded.

"It doesn't record who Floos in, just where they came from," Kingsley said. "And I trust my security team."

"I could have Apparated," Andromeda said, but Kingsley was already shaking his head.

"The Anti-Apparition wards extend too far. If you had Apparated, you definitely would have been seen coming in. I thought the Floo would offer the most privacy."

"Who else has access to the information?" Remus asked.

"Just the security detail," he said. "They file their reports with my office monthly, but I'm the only other person with access to those. Unless there's a breach, no one else would see them." Kingsley sighed.

"I don't want to think so, but it's possible someone one my team has been passing information." He scrubbed a hand down his face. "I need to get to the Ministry and look into this." Remus glanced at Andromeda. Neither of them wanted an innocent person accused.

"What will you do?" Andromeda asked.

"First, I'm going to see if there is anyone magical living in your neighborhood. Since Skeeter knew about two of our previous dates, I doubt that's how she found out about the park, but I might as well rule it out. Then, I'll see who was on duty on my security team the night you came to my flat."

"Don't jump to any conclusions, Kingsley," Remus said. "There may be another explanation."

"Yes, don't you remember what she was like in school?" Andromeda asked. Kingsley shook his head. "No, you likely wouldn't. She was two years older than us and in my House. She was always lurking, spying, trying to get whatever information she could to up her standing." At Kingsley's and Remus' confused looks, Andromeda continued. "She was a Pureblood, but barely. She had a Muggle-born great-great-grandmother. Definitely not Sacred Twenty-eight and there were still many in our House that considered her a Half-blood. She had no qualms about using anyone for information if it helped her."

"I'll keep that in mind, but if I have a leak on my team, I need to deal with it." He rose from the couch. Andromeda stood as well.

"I will walk you out." Kingsley made his good-byes to Remus who stayed in the living room to give them some privacy. Remus hated not telling Kingsley everything, but he would do whatever was needed to protect Hermione.

"Are you truly all right?" Kingsley asked when they had reached the back door.

"I am not overly happy about how it has all come out," Andromeda replied.

"I'll understand if you don't want to continue things between us."

"That is not what I meant," she said. "I just wanted to announce it on our own terms."

"So did I," Kingsley said with a sigh. He took her hand in his. "Andromeda, now that it's public knowledge, it might be a lot to deal with. There will be letters, press wherever you go, speculation and assumptions about the two of us. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" she said lightly. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand.

"Of course not," he said. "I just, this is going to interfere in your life and I don't want you to come to resent it, resent me for it."

"Kingsley," she said. "Even if we had made the announcement ourselves weeks or months from now, all of those things would still happen."

"Yes, but we haven't been seeing one another for very long. You could easily change your mind."

"I could change my mind," she agreed. She paused and looked up at him. "But I do not know that it would be easy." He stared at her for a few moments before he smiled, then leaned in and kissed her.

"Just for the record, it wouldn't be easy for me either. You have gotten under my skin, Andromeda Tonks." She tried not to blush and failed. He smirked and kissed her again.

"I'll be back," he said. She nodded. Giving her one last smile, he hurried to the back of the garden and Disapparated.

Hermione yawned as she walked into the kitchen, a thoroughly annoyed Crookshanks yowling at her feet. He was accompanied by the incessant tapping of the owl at the window.

"I know, I'm sorry," Hermione said again, as she poured food into her cat's bowl. "Blame Ron and Ginny." Ginny's game had lasted until well into the evening and, of course, they'd gone out to celebrate the win afterwards. Remus had left before she did, knowing that Teddy would be up early, but Hermione had let Ginny and Ron talk her into far too many more drinks. Thank Merlin for hangover potions.

She opened the window and let the owl inside, taking the Prophet and laying it on the table. She started the kettle and poured herself a glass of orange juice before sitting down with the newspaper. She opened the paper and read the headline, then promptly choked on her juice.

Minister for Magic in Secret Tryst with Andromeda Tonks!

Hermione quickly read through the article, then stared at the paper in shock for a few moments. There was no byline, but she knew exactly who had written it. Her expression hardened. She stood and flicked her wand at the kettle to stop its whistling. Not bothering to change out of her pajamas, she waved her wand to transfigure them into a pair of jeans and a jumper. She summoned a hair tie and threw her hair up into a messy ponytail as she strode to her back door. She stepped into her back garden and Disapparated.

She didn't lose a step as she landed in Remus' garden and headed for the house. Hermione was furious that Skeeter had once again hurt someone she loved, but guilt gnawed at her as well. If she had told someone about the reporter long ago, none of this would have happened.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said the moment that Remus opened the door.

"It's not your fault," Remus said as she walked inside.

"But if I'd told someone," Hermione began.

"This still may have happened," Andromeda finished. Hermione's head whipped around to stare at the older woman.

"Andromeda, I," but Andromeda help up a hand to stop her.

"Remus told me about Skeeter being an Animagus and how you discovered it." Hermione glanced at Remus. "He also told me what you did to her." Hermione bit her lip and looked at the floor. It was one thing to tell Remus about what she'd done, but she had no idea how Andromeda would react to it.

"Hermione," Andromeda said. Hermione looked up slowly. The older woman's lips twitched and Hermione could have sworn she was trying not to laugh. "I have to say; my only complaint is that you did not keep her in that jar longer." Hermione gaped at her and Andromeda laughed. "I went to school with the woman. Trust me, darling, you did everyone a service." Hermione relaxed as Remus chuckled.

"I am sorry," Hermione said.

"I do not blame you," Andromeda said. "And before you insist that this would not have happened had you turned her in, however she found out about us in the first place could have easily happened with another reporter."

"Maybe, but unless that other reporter was also an Animagus, they likely wouldn't have been able to follow you without you knowing."

"Perhaps," Andromeda said. "But I still do not blame you."

"Does Kingsley know?"

"No," Andromeda said. "I did not want to tell him without speaking to you."

"Well, we should tell him."

"Hermione," Remus said. "If he arrests her, you know she isn't going down without a fight."

"It's the right thing to do, Remus."

"And if she accuses you of keeping her in that jar?"

"I was only fifteen," Hermione said.

"You weren't fifteen when you gave her the information about Satterfield," Remus said.

"What information?" Andromeda asked. Hermione sighed.

"I was the one that gave Skeeter the tip about Satterfield drinking his lunch."

"I see," Andromeda said. She stared across the room, clearly thinking.

"She still needs to be arrested, Remus," Hermione said.

"Hermione, you know that Kingsley won't be able to keep this quiet. If she accuses you," he shook his head. She took his hand and stepped in front of him.

"It will be all right."

"What about everyone else that knows?" he asked. "Do you want Harry, Ron and Ginny to be arrested too?" Hermione bit her lip.

"Luna also knows."

"Because of the Quibbler article?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded.

"Skeeter is only aware that Harry and Luna know."

"Still," Remus said. Hermione sighed and rested her forehead against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.

"I don't want her to keep doing this to people."

"I know, love, but I don't want you in Azkaban."

"You think it would come to that?" she asked, looking up at him. "I mean, I never actually told Skeeter to use her Animagus form to spy on Satterfield."

"What did you say?"

"I told her to use her special talents," Hermione said. "That could mean anything."

"But once they find out you knew she was an Animagus, the Wizengamot could spin it however they liked."

"This is not Fudge's Wizengamot," Hermione said.

"It isn't," Remus agreed. "But that doesn't reassure me all that much, I'm afraid."

"I think we need to wait for Kingsley to return," Andromeda said. "While it is unlikely that he found anything, someone had to have told her about seeing us in London. His security team knew about it, even if they were not there. He may be right and one of them may have tipped Skeeter off." Hermione nodded. Remus kissed the top of her head.

"Where's Teddy?" Hermione asked, finally noticing that the little boy wasn't in the house.

"We sent him to Harry's," Remus said.

"I should talk to Harry," Hermione said. "He's involved in this too if I turn Skeeter in." Remus nodded.

"And I need to talk to Bill," he said, turning to Andromeda. "If Skeeter has been following you, I want to put up wards to keep her and anyone else out in their Animagus form." He swallowed visibly after he said it. Hermione squeezed his hand, knowing he was likely thinking about James and Sirius. Maybe even Peter.

"I was going to suggest it," Andromeda said.

"Will you be all right here alone?" Remus asked.

"I am not helpless," she said a bit testily.

"I know that, but the owls will likely start arriving soon."

"I will be fine."

"All right," he said. "I had better call Bill first. Hermione are you going to Floo to Harry's?"

"I might as well as long as you're opening the Floo." She turned to Andromeda.

"Do not apologize again," the older woman said.

"I won't," Hermione said with a smile. Andromeda returned it and then stepped forward, pulling the younger woman into a hug.

"Do not blame yourself." When she released her, Hermione followed Remus into the living room. He lowered the wards on the fireplace and turned to her. Hermione tried to smile at him, but she must have failed because he gathered her into his arms.

"It's going to be all right, love." She breathed in the scent of him, then looked up and kissed him. Remus smiled when they parted. "I love you."

"I love you too." Hermione said. She grabbed the Floo powder and stepped in, calling out for Grimmauld Place.

Andromeda opened the window to let in another owl. This was the third in the last twenty minutes. Another request for an interview, this time from Witch Weekly. Andromeda set the letter alight with her wand, dropping it into a bowl on the table that she had set out for that purpose.

"At least they are asking," she muttered as the last of the letter turned to ash. She picked up her tea and took a sip, grimacing when she realized it was cold. Walking to the sink, she dumped it out, looking out the window to the street.

While she was not looking forward to the publicity, what Andromeda had told Kingsley was true. It wouldn't be easy to end things between them. The thought had surprised her as soon as she had said it, but she could not deny that it was true. The only thing that gave her pause was the short amount of time it had taken for her to feel the way that she did. But she had known Kingsley for a few years and knew what kind of man he was. Perhaps it also had to do with the fact that she was older and knew what she wanted in a relationship.

Before she think on it further, there was a popping noise outside. Andromeda immediately drew her wand and walked out of the kitchen to the back window. She sighed when she saw who was approaching the house. She had actually expected her sister to arrive sooner. She must have had a lie-in this morning.

"Narcissa," Andromeda said once she had opened the door. She didn't bother to check her sister's identity. No one outside the families knew that the two had reconciled and Narcissa had not been here for a few weeks, well before Skeeter had found out about Kingsley. "I was not expecting you."

"That does not surprise me" Narcissa said, walking into the house. She dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet on the table and then looked at Andromeda, eyebrow raised. "This, however, did."

Andromeda sighed and moved further into the kitchen.

"Tea?" she said over her shoulder. Andromeda did not really want more tea, but it would keep her busy and Narcissa would likely expect it.

"You are not going to deny it?"

"Why would I?" She turned to face Narcissa.

"You are seeing the Minister for Magic," Narcissa said. It was only years of training at their mother's knee that kept the incredulity off Narcissa's face, Andromeda knew.

"I suppose so."

"And how long has this been going on?" Andromeda had told Narcissa about the state dinner, but she had stressed that it was not a date.

"A couple of weeks," Andromeda replied.

"You did not see fit to tell me?"

"I did not see fit to tell anyone," Andromeda said. Narcissa raised an eyebrow, gaze moving to the newspaper. Andromeda gave her a scathing look.

"I did not consent to that."

"But you consented to being fondled on a public street?" Narcissa said with a sniff of disdain. Of course, their upbringing absolutely forbade any kind of public displays of affection. Not that there really were any, given the number of arranged marriages in the Black family tree. Andromeda had felt the same with Ted, at first, but his easygoing nature had stripped her of most of her discomfort. She knew Kingsley would never kiss her in the middle of Diagon Alley as he did in her own neighborhood. Nor would she be comfortable with it. But living among Muggles did have its advantages. Andromeda gave her sister a self-satisfied smile.

"Oh, Cissy, you do not know what you are missing." Narcissa stared at her, shock actually registering on her face. Andromeda had to struggle to hold back a laugh. Narcissa finally huffed out a breath.

"Charming," she said, but there was no bite in her tone. Andromeda chuckled and Narcissa shook her head, amusement in her eyes. She sat down as Andromeda turned to make the tea. When she brought it to the table, Narcissa was looking at the newspaper again, tapping one perfectly manicured nail on the headline.

"Pity," Narcissa said, taking a sip of the tea Andromeda had passed her.

"What is?"

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, Pureblood, Sacred Twenty-Eight. You could not have realized this when we were still in school?" Andromeda's eyes narrowed.

"I am simply pointing out the irony," Narcissa said airily.

"Yes, I am sure you are," Andromeda said dryly, taking a sip of her own tea. Narcissa smiled, covering the action with her teacup. Andromeda couldn't even find it in her to be offended. They had not teased one another like this for some time.

"How serious is it between you and our Minister?" Andromeda nearly choked on her tea.

"It has been two weeks," she said. "We have been on three dates."

"And taken your grandson to the park," Narcissa pointed out.

"Only because Teddy has been upset that I have been missing supper with him. I wanted him to get to know Kingsley better." Narcissa smirked.

"As you say." Andromeda glared at her. She was not about to tell Narcissa about her growing feelings for Kingsley. Especially after her earlier comment. They sat in silence for a few moments.

"From the style, I am guessing that Rita Skeeter is behind this?"

"That is the consensus, yes."

"I do wonder how she found out about the two of you in the first place." Andromeda studied her sister. Narcissa's face gave nothing away, of course, but that meant nothing. She knew something, Andromeda was sure of it.

"As do we," Andromeda said. "Especially since every date we have had, save the one at Kingsley's flat, has been in the Muggle world."

"Seeing how much time she spent in school denying she had any Muggle blood at all, Skeeter spending time in Muggle London seems unlikely," Narcissa said, taking another sip of her tea.

"I would have to agree."

"Perhaps she was there for another reason."

"Perhaps." They lapsed into silence again. Andromeda had to admit, she was ready to just ask Narcissa what she knew. She had not played these Slytherin games in quite some time and while they had once been second nature to her, after the morning she had had it was a bit exhausting. But there must have been a reason that Narcissa did not just volunteer the information. And the only thing that made sense would be if there was someone else even closer to her she was trying to protect. Which meant it was either Lucius or Draco.

Andromeda wondered what either one of them could have had to do with Rita Skeeter. Andromeda did not remember any articles the woman had written during the war about Death Eaters, suspected or otherwise. In fact, she hadn't written much at all between the Triwizard tournament and Dumbledore's death. A year of that hiatus was Hermione's doing, of course, save the Quibbler article about Harry. But if Andromeda remembered correctly, Draco had been quoted in at least one of Skeeter's articles during the tournament. Curious.

"I have heard that Skeeter has special talents," Andromeda said conversationally. "I suppose she would have to, to get some of the information she has."

"I suppose she would," Narcissa agreed, sipping her tea. "I have to confess that I have heard similar rumors."

"Oh?" Andromeda said. "From whom?"

"One hears many things in my circles," Narcissa said. Andromeda was well aware that the 'circles' Narcissa spoke of were nearly non-existent since the end of the war. Lucius had turned against too many of his fellows. And those that hadn't worn the Mark, even if they believed in the message, had put as much distance as possible between them and those that had been branded. It was highly unlikely Narcissa had recently found out about Skeeter's Animagus ability.

"I imagine," Andromeda said.

"And you?" Narcissa asked.

"I have quite a few intelligent people around me," Andromeda said. Narcissa studied her for moment before she nodded.

"Just so." Andromeda smiled and sipped her tea.

"And what are these intelligent people planning on doing with their information?" Narcissa continued. Andromeda's eyes flicked to Narcissa's hands. Her knuckles were white where she grasped the handle of her cup.

"It is still under discussion," Andromeda said. The whitening of Narcissa's knuckles lessened but did not disappear. She was nervous for someone.

"Surprising given the number of Gryffindors you surround yourself with." Andromeda smirked.

"Not everyone is all or nothing, Cissy." The tension left Narcissa's hand completely.

"I had lunch with Anastasia Greengrass the other day," Narcissa said. Andromeda did not comment on the sudden change of topic.

"Oh?" Andromeda said. "I did not know the two of you were on lunch terms." Anastasia Greengrass had been a year younger than Narcissa in school. All that Andromeda remembered of her was that she was an incessant gossip. She did not recall Narcissa being particularly close to her, not to mention that the Greengrasses had been neutral during both wars.

"Draco has been courting her younger daughter, Astoria, for the last year." Narcissa's face softened as she spoke of her son. Andromeda smiled.

"How lovely, Cissy," she said, truly meaning it. Narcissa smiled into her teacup for a moment.

"Lucius, of course, is pressing for a betrothal contract, but Draco has so far refused. He has insisted that he will marry when he chooses and on his own terms."

"Good for him," Andromeda said. Narcissa raised an eyebrow. Andromeda laughed. "You cannot possibly be surprised by my reaction, Cissy."

"No, I suppose I am not."

"And your feelings on the matter?" Andromeda asked. Narcissa looked seriously at her sister.

"I would do anything to ensure my son's happiness." Andromeda met her gaze, knowing she was talking about more than just Draco's future with the Greengrass girl. Narcissa blinked and her mask fell back into place.

"Anastasia tells me that Skeeter is working on another book," Narcissa said.

"Is she?" Andromeda said, not surprised. After the popularity of Dumbledore's biography, not to mention Snape's, Andromeda could only guess who she was going after next. "And what poor soul is she planning on skewering this time?"

"Harry Potter." Andromeda stared at her sister, allowing the shock to show on her face.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I believe you heard me, Andi." Sipping at her tea, outwardly calm once again, Narcissa continued. "In fact, Skeeter contacted Draco asking if he would like to be interviewed." Andromeda's eyes narrowed. "He refused, of course. My son wishes to put his school years behind him."

"A wise choice," Andromeda said. Narcissa made a noise of agreement.

"I question whether the rest of his schoolmates would feel the same way." Andromeda sat back in her chair. No, it was likely that there were people that would be willing to talk about Harry's years at Hogwarts, even to Rita Skeeter. There was always someone with an axe to grind. Even, perhaps, someone wanting to meet in Muggle London to avoid detection.

"No, I do not expect they all would," Andromeda said. There was a pop outside and Andromeda looked up to see that Remus and Bill had arrived. They did not immediately come towards the house, Remus gesturing to Bill around the garden, obviously discussing the wards.

"I should get home," Narcissa said as she stood, obviously having seen the men's arrival. "Lucius does get cross if he has to eat alone." Andromeda rose from her chair.

"I will open the Floo." Narcissa followed her into the living room. The two women embraced briefly.

"I am happy for you, Andi," Narcissa said.

"Thank you," Andromeda replied with a smile. She watched Narcissa disappear. Their conversation had been quite informative, to say the least.