I had the worst christmas and an even worst New Year. Remus hadn't talked to me since he had left me except for when he came to pick up Teddy. It was now march and I took 2 months off work to get myself together. I felt a horrible pain in my heart as I sat in my mother kitchen back at her home. I decided I was still going to go back to Hogwarts, I couldn't sit around the house being sad forever. I was really annoyed at how Remus dealt with our situation. I didn't feel like I could be completely at fault with what I had done and in the end when i chose him, he chose to leave me. It wasn't my fault that I tried to find love again, I thought it was what he would have wanted if he had been dead. Which i thought he was. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be alone. I went to the drugstore this morning to purchase a muggle pregnancy test. It was true, I was preganant and the child was Severus's. I hadn't decided what I was going to do yet, should i tell him or should I relieve him of stress and just raise my baby how I wanted with Teddy as a big brother? A knock came to my door and it was Hermione and Luna.
"Wotcher Hermione, Luna!" I said answering the door, the girls came in.
"How are you doing?" Luna asked sweetly.
"I'm okay" I said truthfully.
"Have you talked to Remus?" Hermione took of her cloak and sat down in a kitchen chair.
"No, I haven't." I frowned.
"I..I spoke to him." Hermione reached out and touched my hand.
"Have you?" i became interested.
"Yeah." Hermione shook her head. "I'm sorry for interfering in deaths tidy work."
"Don't blame yourself Hermione, what did he say?" Hermione and Luna looked at each other.
"Uhh. It isn't too important." Hermione broke eye contact and looked nervous.
"Trust me Tonks, You don't need him." Luna smiled meakly.
"Spit it out lady!" I demanded to Hermione.
"Last I heard he sold your home and moved to France, he is also dating someone." Hermione's words stung.
"Who?" I asked as calm as possible.
"Her name is Emilie. She's a muggle. Pretty girl she is but not as pretty as you of course." Hermione said sheepishly.
"Describe her to me?" I closed my eyes and let the girls speak.
"She's 27, blonde, she is an animal enthusiast. She's a horse trainer and she also knows Remus is a warewolf. They are planning on getting engaged."
"She sounds lovely!" I snarled.
"I heard horse enthusiasts are crazy, I bet she's not all he said she is." Luna tried to make me feel better.
"Does she have kids?" I asked.
"Well... that's the thing... Emilie is pregnant with his child." Hermione frowned.
"Oh, okay. I understand." I rolled my eyes and then changed the subject.
"Are you excited to see Teddy when he wakes up from his nap?" I aksed them smiling.
"Am I ever!" Luna smiled her beautiful smile.
"I can't believe he's walking Tonks, thats great for being 10 months old!" Hermione smiled.
"I can't thank you ladies enough for taking him for the day. He will be so excited to play with his aunties." I smiled.
"No problem at all! Ron has to work today anyways." Hermione smiled at the thought of her man.
"And Neville is teaching so I only see him weekends." Luna was proud of her new addition. They started dating at the end of January.
"Perfect. I'll go get Teddy now, he should be done napping." I stood.
I went up the stairs of my mothers home and into Teddy's room. I picked up the small child who had awakened. He was getting so big. I was going into Scotland with my mother today to start looking for flats for myself and Teddy. I was done hoping that Remus would come back to me. I needed a space just for me and my little family. I decided to look in Hogsmeade. It wasn't my first choice but it is close enough to Hogwarts that I can set up a floo connection and arrive home every night after teaching. I had asked Minerva's permission and she was okay with it. I would have to get a babysitter and although id like to use my mother I didn't want to leave Teddy again. Not after he has gotten so used to having mummy around. I walked down the stairs and placed one squirming Teddy with green hair on the floor. He wobbled on the spot for a few seconds then started walking with his arms out towards Luna. She picked him up and praised him. Hermione kept feeling her own stomache. She was only a month pregant but she was so excited. Her wedding was next month. It wasn't supposed to be until june but after getting pregant they decided to push it ahead so Hermione would still fit into the dress she bought. That moment my mother walked through the door carrying a few shopping bags.
"Dora, i bought the cutest little outfit for Teddy today." She set down her bags and pulled out a sweet little robe designed for a baby. It was orange and had a hood.
"Oh my! Isn't that the cutest little robe!" I smiled "Thanks, grandma." I said winking. My mother hated the name.
"I bought you someting too." She then lifted a beautiful mauve robe for me.
"Mom, wow this is beautiful." I felt the silky material.
"I was hoping maybe it will be good luck when looking for homes today." She smiled sweetly at me then kissed Teddy's head.
"Hello girls, how are you?" My mother noticed Hermione and Luna.
"Hello Mrs. Tonks. We are great. Happy to spend the day with little Teddy." Hermione smiled.
"Perfect! Dora, put your robe on so we can get going." Andromeda demanded,
I slipped the robe over my head and felt beautiful, it was by far the prettiest robe I owned. the silk was just thin enough that you could see my slight bump on my stomach. I was now 4 months pregnant. I still got sick quite a bit but I finally knew the things that triggered it and if i avoided it id be fine. I smiled at the girls kissed Teddy and left with my mother. We apparated into the town of hogsmeade and started looking through homes. The first one we looked at was just outside Hogsmeade and was too big for my liking. It had 4 bedrooms and was 2 stories. It was a traditional wizarding home but I wasn't a fan, besides it was way over my price range. The second house we looked in was right in Hogsmeade but it didn't have a floo network so that out of the options. The third house we looked at was an apartment above the store 'Dervish And Banges' that repairs broken magical items. It was a good size for me and had 2 bedrooms. The apartment was cozy and had a large fireplace with exposed brick walls. I totally loved the place and I thought Teddy would like it as well.
"How much are the owners asking?" I asked the realitor. A younger goblin.
"This one will be 245,000 galleons." He said looking me up and down. I looked at my mother for her opinion.
"I think its a beautiful little space, do you think it is big enough for you, Teddy and the baby?" Andromeda rubbed her chi as she looked around.
"Yes i think it will do, I'll take it." I said to the Goblin who used his wand to summon ownership papers.
"Please sign here, here, here, here, and here. Initial here, here and here." The goblin pointed to several places in the print.
"Congradulations Sweety." Andromeda kissed my cheek while i read and signed the papers.
"Well Ms. Tonks, you are now the owner of this home. All payments can be made to Gringotts." He smirked and disapeared.
I smiled with joy. I was the official owner of a beautiful new home in Hogsmeade. My mother and I decided to decorate right away. We decided to use Magic to paint Teddy and the baby's room a nice light blue. We bought a big boy bed for Teddy that he could use once he outgrows his crib, by then the baby would be born and could use Teddy's old crib. The wood on the twin bed was the same dark brown that matched Teddys crib. We put pictures of Hippogriffs on his walls and moving pictures of Myself holding him the day he was born and also a picture of me, Andromeda and Teddy playing in the snow. The room was coming together nicely. I painted my room a cream colour and decorated the walls with pictures of red, pink and yellow roses. On my nightstand I placed a small picture frame with Teddy in a baby swing, swinging back and fourth with a huge smile like a metranome. I also had an assortment of candles and a wardrobe that held all my robes and cloaks. I left the kitchen simple and only included thing we needed such as a highchair and table with 3 chairs. I purposely only bought 3. The living room had brick walls all around. The windows had long navy curtains that had been tied at the sides to let in light. The couch was small and also navy blue. We placed a light brown coffee table in the center of the floor and my mom bought me a lovely painting of Hogwarts very own womping willow that I placed above the fire place. The tree would even move in its frame. It was stunning. I also had plenty of photos of my family on the walls throughout the home. I loved my new little set up and I was so excited to show it to Teddy. I would be starting back at Hogwarts Monday so that gave us the weekend to find a babysitter as well as move all our belongings over.
Chapter 10
It was Monday morning and I was getting ready to leave for work. Angelica, a 56 year old witch had agreed to nanny Teddy. She had kids of her own who were all grown up and moved out so she was starting to feel like an empty nester. She was a lovely woman and reminded me so much of my own mother. I was excited to hear about Teddy's first day with the woman when I arrived home. I finished eating my breakfast, kissed Teddy goodbye then threw some black powder into the fire causing green fames to glow inside. "Hogwarts." I said clearly. Two minutes later i stumbled out of the fire in the great hall and walked towards the staircase to get to the 2nd floor where I would teach my DADA class. That was when i saw him. He was leaving the dining hall and didn't look well. He laid his eyes on me and we both froze. After about 20 seconds of my heart jumping out of my chest, He turned and walked towards the dungeons. I didn't realize how much I had longed for the man. No i couldn't think this way. I have come so far. I practically ran to my class and started writing my lesson on the black board.
My classes went by quickly and before I knew it, it was lunch break. I walked slowly into the dining hall being sure to take my time. I found my usual seat next to Severus, my old lover and sat down without grace. It was the most uncomfotable first day. None of the staff talked amongst eachother but everyone had known about Remus and I, oh yeah! and Severus. I munched on my food slowly feeling totally awkward. I looked over at the Griffondor table and Ginny sent me an apologetic look. I returned it with a smile and continued to eat. Ginny was young but I should have listened to her that night I gave Severus his ring back. If I had just admitted that I was in love with Severus in the first place I wouldnt be alone. It's okay though, I had Teddy. Pretty soon my tummy would be showing even more and questions would be asked. I decided that I would keep this baby's father a secret and that the father himself, Severus, would know and that it was his desision on what he wanted to do. I finished my lunch quickly and right away returned to my class avoiding the man I had broken. I really was clumsy, even when it came to peoples feelings apparently. I taught two more classes than quickly went down to the enterance hall where I floo'd home.
"Teddy!" I smiled holding my arms open when I landed in my living room. The small boy walked wobbly on his feet into my arms. His hair was magenta and he was wearing the orange robe my mother had bought him.
"How did it go today Angelica?" I asked the greying witch.
"He was such a sweety! He happily sat in the stroller as we walked around Hogsmeade. We found a sand pit across town that he had fun digging in. It was great until he tried to eat it." The woman adored my boy. I laughed at her comment.
"Little Teddy tries to put everything in his mouth." I picked up and squeezed my baby boy.
"You really are a lucky lady Nymphadora, he's a smart little guy." I smiled at this.
"Thanks Angie, see you tomorrow." The Witch smiled and exited through my floo.
"Well Teddy what do you say we give you a can of your babyfood while mommy makes herself some pasta?" I looked down at the little boy playing with one of his stuffed dragons on the floor.
I picked up teddy and put him in his high chair, together we ate our meals. Although he smushed most of his food in his colourful hair, eating with my son beats eating dinner in that Dining hall any day. After we finished I washed the dishes and gave Teddy a bath. After he was all cleaned up he had tired himself all out. I put him in a cute pair of yellow sleepers and tucked him in his crib, he didn't even cry anymore when I put him to bed. Once i was alone, I had a bath and curled up on the couch with parchment and a quill.
Dear Mom,
Ted and I are settling in well to our new home. teddy seems to like his new nanny. Her name is Angelica and she is a very kind, older woman. She has a husband named Neill. He works at the Repair shop below my apartment so its nice for her to be close to him while watching Teddy. My first day at Hogwarts was what I expected it to be. Awkward. I feel like the worst human when I'm around Severus. The thing i hate the most is that he doesn't even hate me. It stings a lot. I wish I could be closer to you but I think having a place in Hogsmeade was by far the best decision i have had in a while. Teddy just went to bed and he was all tuckered out from a long play. I'm pretty tired also. Please send an owl soon!
I love you Momma. xoxo, Tonks.
I left my letter on the coffee table, i would take it to hogwarts tomorrow and find an owl to borrow that I would use to send it. I sat up and decided to go to bed. I walked into my room, pulled back the sheets and fell asleep.
The past week was by far the toughest. I didn't feel very welcome in the Castle that used to be my safe place. I had really hurt Severus and it shows. It was Friday night and Remus was coming over to take Teddy for the weekend. We had made a custody agreement that Remus could take Teddy on weekends. Surprisingly enough he was good with that. I didn't know how I felt about meeting Remus's new girl friend but that wasn't an option for me. I packed Teddy's diaper bag and put some muggle baby clothes in a backpack for Remus to take. Once I made sure Teddy had everything he needed for the weekend I fed him dinner in his high chair.
"Well , daddy is coming to take you for the weekend, what do you think?" I put a spoonful of mushy vergitables on a spoon and fed them to the boy.
"I don't know what I am going to do without you." I wiped some food off the boys chin.
Once Teddy was finished eating his dinner I picked him up out of his chair and grabbed all his bags. I threw floo powder into the fire place and said, "Diagon Alley." Very clearly. With in seconds I was in Ollivanders floo. I stepped out, gave the man a polite nod and walked in to the streets. I then walked with Teddy weighing me down into the 'Leaky Caldron.' Sitting at a small table in the back of the bar was Remus, snuggled up on his arm was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She was shorter than me but had beautiful, shoulder legnth, wavy, blonde hair. Her face looked porcealin like something you might see on a doll and her eyes were grey like the sky. Before they noticed me the beautiful girl was laughing at something the older man had said. She kissed his cheek sweetly and my heart felt like it fell through to my stomach. I approached the table with my blue haired baby and the couple looked over.
"Oh my, this must be Teddy!" The beautiful woman smiled showing the whitest, straightest teeth I have ever seen.
"It is." I forced myself to smile, it looked more like I was in pain..which I was.
"Nymphadora, this is my fiance Emilie." The woman reached over the table and stretched out her snow white hand that wore a beautiful heirloom.
"Good to meet you." I said awkwardly stretching my arm out dropping Teddy's bags.
"Oh dear, let me help you." Emilie slid out of the booth and started picking up my bags. Not only was she beautiful, she was very kind.
"Nymphadora has always been the clumsy sort." Remus smirked.
"Don't call me Nymphadora." My hair changed to a bright red. Remus glared holding his arms out for Teddy.
"We better let you get on with your night..Tonks." Remus took my boy from my arms and gave him a cuddle. I handed the bags to Emilie who wanted to help,
"I packed Teddy all the food he will need for the weekend. You need to be sure to change him every hour if you can, his diaper rash gets pretty bad if left too long." I was worried about leaving my son.
"We got it." He said tickling our little boy.
"Okay.. well then..I will see you on Sunday evening then." I said feeling a wave of saddness burden me.
"Sure, Take care Dora." Remus looked at me with pitty.
"It was good to meet you." Emilie gave me a sheepish grin then walked away with my ex-husband and son.
"I love you Teddy!" I whispered looking at the young boys blue eyes staring at me over his fathers shoulder. Then they left.
I left the bar and walked around Diagon Alley for a bit before I completely broke down clutching my unborn child. I didn't want to share Teddy and to make it even worst I had to share him with a man who rejected me. I hoped Severus would never find out that this child was his. I wanted to do right by this one. Learn from the misstakes I made with Teddy.
I took the floo back home and flopped down on the couch. Pecking at my window was Pyrill, I opened the window and let in the big bird. I pulled the letter from its beak and then took a second look at him. That's what I need, an owl! I wondered why I hadn't thought of it earlier. Once Teddy goes to school he could use the owl to pass letters back and forth or even once he learns to read, all his friends would recieve letters. It was a splended idea. Tomorrow I would buy an owl. I pet Pyrill then gave him a treat before he flew into the night. I unfloded the creased letter and began to read.
Dear Dora,
I am pleased to hear you are settled in your new home. I really miss you and little Teddy. I know it is a long way from now but I would love to have you come stay with me during the summer vacation. It could be fun! Just think once that baby is ready to come out you are not going to want to be alone. Molly also has been coming over often, you wouldn't want to miss out on her baked goods. Love you my little button, tell Ted that grandma loves him too.
XOXO- Mom I smiled at my letter and fell asleep curled up on the couch, Tomorrow was going to be a good day.
I woke up bright and early and threw on a purple cloak. I knew I had to be at Hogwarts later this evening for tutoring my students who weren't quite getting the material so I had to be quick. I ran to my floo right as stores were beginning to open and flew some powder into the fireplace "Diagon Alley." I spoke clearly. I chose to go to Diagon Alley knowing that my students would be walking the streets of Hogsmeade on a weekend. I ended up in Broomstix, the beautiful broom shop. I greeted other shoppers and made my way down the street to 'Eeylops Owl Emporium.' Once inside I was amazed. I have never owned my own owl so this experience was going to be another remarkable first. I looked through the cages and cages of owls until i layed my eyes on this beautiful Brown Owl. Its eyes were a wonderful hazel colour and it had something so gentle about it. I decided that Id buy her. I took the cage up to the front counter to pay for my new owl. I also bought some owl nuts.
"Is this the one you's like?" A greying wizard asked me.
"Yes, she's the one." I said smiling up at him.
"She's a little small, are you sure you wan't this one?" He looked over the bird.
"I definetly want her." I grew impatient.
"That will be 10 galleons." He said. I handed him the money.
"What do you call her?" I asked the old man. He narrowed his eyes at the little bird.
"Marnie, her eyes are the same colour as my wife." He giggled to himself.
"Thanks sir." I smiled at the bird, "Well Marnie, shall we take you home?" I loved my new owl. Teddy would be thrilled.
_
Chapter 11
It was a hot August morning and I couldn't seem to get away from the heat. Teddy was almost 15 months and had said his first words. He was becoming bigger and way more eneretic. His very first word at 13 months was Mama, which made me so happy. His second word was 'wand' which had made me laugh. He was a smart boy and I got to spend all my time with him now that Hogwarts was out for summer break. I tried to waddle after him but the child inside me was just about ready to break free so I had been staying with my mother back in London. Marnie came through the window flapping her wings and perched on top of Andromeda's book case next to Pyrill.
"Mama, Maree, Maree!" Teddy pointed at the brown owl.
"Yes Teddy, it's Marnie, should we read the letter she brought us?" I pulled the small boy up on my lap and adjusted him around my big tummy while my mother brought me the letter.
"It's from Molly." She stated.
"How'd you know?" I asked her unsealing the parchment.
"I know her hand. We have become great friends." She smiled to herself. I read the letter.
"Molly has invited us all to dinner tonight at the burrow." I looked up at my mother.
"That's lovely of her, are you feeling up to it?" My mother knew I didn't like visiting, I didn't want anyone to relay the message back to Severus that I was heavily pregant with his child.
"Yeah, i think that sounds lovely." I smiled down at Teddy who was beaming.
"Mama, sitter!" Teddy smiled touching my belly.
"No Teddy you can join us, you don't need a babysitter." I kissed the boys hair.
"No. Mama! Sitter." Teddy then started rubbing my buldging stomache.
"Sister? You think the baby is a girl Teddy?" I looked down at my belly. "I don't know, i think it might be a little boy, just like you."
"No! Sitter." Teddy then leaned in so his ear was right on my tummy.
"I guess we will see when she decides to join the world." I lowered Teddy off my lap and went to the kitchen to grab parchement so i could write Molly a quick response.
We went to the muggle park with Teddy and he played on the baby swings then we had to wash up for dinner that night at Mollys. I had a long warm bath that felt great. The baby was kicking a lot and it became really uncomfortable. I had troubles getting out of the bath then i threw on the only robe that fit me still. A big black one that Severus had left in my quarters. I felt very weird wearing it but it had been my go-to so i didn't need to buy new clothes. When I was pregnant with Teddy I wasn't nearly this big. Most of my robes i could still slip on. I walked down my mothers stairs and arrived in her living room. She was with Teddy feeding Pyrill and Marnie nuts. Andromeda picked up Teddy and threw powder in the fire. "The burrow" She said and was off. I wasn't far behind her.
We arrived in Molly's home minutes later and were welcomed by warm hugs. Hermione hugged me first bumping her baby bump against mine. Although hers was quite a bit smaller she was still obviously pregant. She then backed up and held Ron, her new husband's, around the waist. I then was greeted by Luna and Harry who were also holding the hands of there lovers. I started to feel like there was a pattern here. I was the only single guest at this party apart from my mother. I guess we were each others date. Teddy ran up to Luna and embraced her in a huge hug. He had always been very fond of the blond girl. Next he was reaching for Harry who had been his god-father. Harry snuggled the toddler then passed him around. Molly grabbed my arm and gently lead me to a chair where I could comfortably sit with my very heavy baby. I watched as everyone caught up with eachother. All the kids who had defeated the dark lord together had all become very sucessful and happy. I was especially happy for Harry, I knew he was going to propose to Ginny sometime. The amount of love he had for the girl was admirable. Suddenly my stomache really began to hurt. The baby was thrashing quite a lot. I could feel the magic growing inside of me. I got up and brought myself into Molly's washroom. I was in so much agony. It was never like this with Teddy. Suddenly I felt myself become wet between my legs. This baby was coming now. I sat on the cool tile floors and began screaming in pure agony.
"Dora! Did you fall?" Neville was the first to my side.
"The. Baby. Is. Coming." I huffed.
"Oh dear, oh dear! Molly, Andromeda! Come quick." Neville ran away from me.
"Neville, don't leave me." I ached deep in my womb.
"Dora, what is it?" My mother bent next to me.
"Baby." I yelled between contractions.
"Ginny fill up the tub, only half way with warm water. Not too hot. Harry grab some towels. Ron, go get Hermione. Luna, watch Teddy." Molly started ordering everyone.
"Her..hermione?" I breathed fast.
"She's going to deliver this baby. She's been working at , she is your best hope." Molly held my hand.
"Now?" My eyes grew wide. " .No. Molly, not now!" I cried.
"It's going to have to be now." My mother said soothingly. "The babys coming."
"Neville, you will have to help us get her into the tub." Molly turned to the boy hwo looked like he was about to pass out.
"I..I can't" He backed away. Ron and Hermione pushed him forward.
"Try delivering the child Neville, putting Dora in the tub is the easy part." Hermione scolded him.
Neville tucked his hands under me and lifted me gently lacing me in the warm water of the tub. I was still wearing my robe and knickers but didn't want to expose myself with everyone around. My mother understood.
"Hermione, Luna, Molly and I will stay. Everyone else out." She demanded. Everyone gladly shuffled out of the washroom and closed the door.
"Okay Dora, you have to push. This baby is coming fast." Hermione was measuring my stomache. I huffed.
"Its okay sweet heart. You can do this!" My mother ran her fingers through my hair.
"No momma, I can't. i'm alone. I can't do this." I cried and screamed al at once.
"You have support Nymphadora, we will never leave you handing." Molly held my leg that was hanging over the side of the tub.
"Everything just happened so fast." I cried, "This baby, happened so fast."
"Dora, you need to push now! I can see the head." Hermione screeched. I pushed.
"Her head is out Dora, she's beautiful!" Molly said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"She?" I said softly with the child still half in me.
"There is no mistaking she's a girl, so pretty." Molly hovered over Hermione who pulled my child from inside me. Molly took the baby and washed it off while i delivered my placenta.
Once my baby was washed Molly brought her over wrapped in a little white towel. She was still crying and it was music to my ears. Once she was in my arms she immediatly stopped crying. She had the most feminine little face with thick jet black hair. I felt so proud of myself for creating such a pretty little girl. I kissed my baby and then looked up at my mother and friends who were holding eachother and watching my first contact with my little girl.
"Do you have a name in mind?" My mother asked wiping a tear from her smiling face.
"Clara." I whispered not taking my eyes of my girl.
"Clara, welcome to the world." Hermione said kissing my cheek.
The ladies got the bathroom cleaned up and I got dressed and Luna and Neville helped me to the couch. It was quite late so everyone had already eaten. I didn't feel hungry. My mom walked to me holding Clara and placed the sleeping baby on my lap. Teddy who was up way past his bed time ran to my side to get a look. He looked at her then up at me with a huge smile on his face. Right then and there I knew I was the luckiest woman alive. I passed Clara around to everyone and chatted some more. I felt exhausted. Molly had set up a bed for me upstairs because I shouldn't floo until tomorrow. She also pulled out Ginny's old bassonette that I placed Clara into. Teddy curled up next to me in bed and I held him close as we fell asleep.
In the morning I woke up to the smell of scrambled eggs. I was sore but I rolled out of bed, picked up Clara and started to breast feed. Once done I decended the stairs and found little teddy eating eggs on Molly's lap.
"Sleep well?" Molly asked.
"Yes, thank you so much Molly. Really I can't thank you enough." I walked over and kissed the womans cheek, then my sons.
"I meant what I said Dora, I'll always be here when you need me." She picked up her tea cup and took a sip.
"Is my mother still here?" I asked looking around. Andromeda was generally an early riser.
"She went home to set up for Clara." SHe relied.
"Okay, once your done breakfast Teddy we should bring Clara to grandma's." I said to the boy who had a mouth full of breakfast.
"Mhmm." He nodded.
Teddy finished eating and I said my good-byes to Molly and her family. I was so greatful for everything she had done for me. I recieved several hugs and I passed Clara around once more. I then threw powder into the floo and stepped inside waving good-bye to my friends. I held Clara and Teddy close. I wasn't alone.
_
Chapter 12 10 years later...
I walked Teddy to The Hogsmede station holding Clara close. Tons of kids were getting off the Hogwarts express and Teddy would need to join them to take the boats over to the castle. Teddy was a wonderful kid, he was smart and had the sweetest personality. I was very proud of myself for raising a lovely human being. His hair was bright orange and I couldn't be happier. Next to me stood Remus, his wife Emilie and daughter Katarina who would be going to beaubatons next year close to by were they lived. Remus waved at Teddy with a huge smile on his face, then turned to look at me, we made eye contact and he shined a bright smile at me. I was so glad he was happy and we were on speaking terms. Behind me I heard small sniffles coming from my precious little girl. I kneeled down and pulled her close. Clara was absolutely gorgeous. She was a beautiful girl and loving little sister. She had thick long black hair and the biggest, bluest eyes I have ever seen. She looked like a little fairy.
"What's wrong princess?" I hugged my small daughter.
"I don't want Teddy to leave." She burried her face into my shoulder.
"Its alright Clara, Teddy will send us lots of letters. Marnie will make sure of it." I wiped the girls tears from her face.
"Clara your always welcome to come play with Rosie and Hugo." Hermione came up behind us. Clara looked up at her friends.
"Hi Rosie, hi hugo." She sniffled.
"Hi Clara, would you like to come with us to the park? We are meeting James, Lily and Albus." Hugo smiled up at the 10 year old.
"Is that alright mom?" Clara's blue eyes melted my heart.
"Yeah sure sweety. Hermione and Ron will look after you. Mommy has to work." I kissed my little girls head and smiled at Hermione.
"Thank-you so much for taking her." I hugged the woman.
"Never a problem. My kids love her." Hermione watched as Rose and Clara ran through the crowd holding hands.
I was wearing my teaching robes. I was the first professor to break the curse of the Defense Against The Dark Arts. I had been teaching 10 long years and this was my last and final year. I have been offered a wonderful position by the aurors that is opening up and I was the first person on their minds to ask. I wouldn't ever turn down the job. I started heading towards the boats when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around to look into the face of Remus Lupin. He took me by surprise when he hugged me.
"I am so proud of our son right now. Thank-you for doing such a great job raising him." Remus smiled.
"Oh, well..your welcome." I said shocked.
"Katarina has been talking about wanting to go to school with her half-brother...We may enroll her to go to Hogwarts." Remus looked down at the sweet blonde girl.
"I wanted her to be close to home but she has been relentless." Emilie piped in. I was wondering where they were getting to.
"Kat had mentioned that she would like to know some of the other girls. Do you think we could possibly arrange a playdate with her and Clara?" Remus asked sheepishly.
"Yeah I think Clara would love that." I smiled knowing that I no longer had any feelings for Remus at all. Our past was now behind us.
"Great we will send you an owl." Remus said taking the blonde girls hand. "Come on Kitty Kat, lets go." The family left.
I hopped on my broom and flew toward Hogwarts, I flew over top of where the boats sailed. I could see all the muggle born children gasping with delight. I found Teddy's orange hair and he waved up at me. I matched my hair to his and blew him a kiss. Once I landed at Hogwarts I found my seat at the teachers table and waited patiently for the sorting.
"Teddy is starting today, isn't he." Minerva asked me winking.
"He is, I'm so nervous for him." I scrunched up my nose.
"Which one is he?" Professor Binns asked.
"You'll know him when you see him." I smiled. Everyone was always amazed by Teddy's Metamorphmagus ability.
"How is your daughter doing?" This question came from Severus. It left my heart feeling like ice and all colour drained from my face. This was the first we spoke in the past 8 years. I still very much loved the man.
"She's wonderful." I said looking into his deep black eyes.
"I saw her for the first time today, at the station." Severus said. I thought I was going to throw up.
"Oh, yeah?" I tried to act casual.
"She looks like you." He said then completely turned away. I exhaled quickly not knowing I had been holding my breath. She very much didn't look like me in many ways. She looked more like Andromeda with Snapes hair.
"Oh look! there he is!" Professor Flitwhick pointed at my little boy being led into the dining hall by Hagrid. His hair was now a pale blue and he was talking to a pretty first year old girl. Her name was Victoire Weasley, daughter of Fleur and Bill. Although Teddy had only met Victoire and Dominique twice the children really seemed to get along. Victoire looked so much like her mother, Her long blonde veela hair was folded delicatly into a bun on the top of her head and she wore a pink and grey fashion scarf around her long neck.
Everyone hushed when Minerva stood to start the sorting. I watched as Teddy grew more and more nervous as the sorting was almost at him name. I was very nervous for him. Out of all the houses Teddy would be best fit for Hufflepuff or Griffindor. I started biting on my bottom lip as Minerva called, "Lupin, Edward." Teddy walked forward looking up at me with the colour drained from his face, I gave him an encouraging nod and he turned back around and sat upon the stool. Minerva lowered the hat on to my sons head and it began to assess him.
"Hmm, Teddy..You are an intelligent boy. Very kinda and loyal. Much like your mother you are. You are a Hufflepuff!" The hat howled.
I almost jumped out of my seat with pride as I cheered my boy on. He had a huge smile on his face as he ran to the hufflepuff table to join his fellow Badgers. The sorting went on and Victoire got sorted into Ravenclaw. Although she was the only person Teddy had known he didn't seem too torn. I enjoyed my meal with the staff watching the buzzing of the great hall but I knew I had to go back home. I gave a little wave to Teddy who was happily eating his pudding and left the dining hall. Once I was in the enterance hall I went to the fire place and took the floo back home. I wobbled out of the fire place in my home and almost flopped my clumsy self on the floor. Hermione, Hugo were sitting on the couch and Clara and rose were sitting on the floor finishing there math. The girls were homeschooled together by Hermione who taught them the basics to prepare for there years at Hogwart.
"How was my little devil today?" I asked the woman with a sleepy boy resting against her side.
"She was great, very smart she is." Hermione smied down at her little red headed girl and my Raven haired girl.
"I'm glad to hear that." I said putting on a pot of tea.
"Mommy, what house did Teddy get sorted to?" Clara looked up from her work.
"Teddy is a Hufflepuff, just like I was." I said.
"Good for him! What about Victoire?" Hermione chimed.
"She is a Ravenclaw." I handed Hermione a cup of tea and then brought out a tray for the girls with tea and biscuits on it.
"I knew she would be, i'm glad Bill convinced Fleur to let her go to Hogwarts, she was original enrolled at Beaubatons." Hermione took a sip of her tea.
"How did he get past that one?" I asked snorting at the memory of the obnoxious Villa girl.
"I'm not entirely positive, Ron think he must have used imperio." Hermione joked.
"Has anyone ever used that curse on you mom?" Rose asked her mother.
"No, Rosie and I pray nobody ever does. Some very bad lady used Crucio on me. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." Hermione's eyes grew dark with the memory. Hermione was very young for having two kids but she definetly had to grow up very fast.
"What about the green light?" Clara asked. My chest began to tighten as I remembered the day Remus died. My world turned upside down.
"Clara dear, that is Avada Kedavra. The killing curse, you will learn more about that at Hogwarts." I bent down to brush the hair from my daughters eyes.
"Mom sometimes I have nightmeres about the green light." Clara spoke softly. This scared me.
"Yeah? What about?" I sat on the floor next to her.
"Sometimes I dream that I'm calling for my daddy and that I'm hiding inside a chest. Then I see a greenlight through the crack of the chest. That's all." SHe said snuggling into my side.
"Clara, you don't know your daddy." I spoke softly into her hair.
"I know that mom, its only a dream." She said smiling up at me. I glance at Hermione and her expression is worrisome.
"Well Rosie, Hugo. We must get going." Hermione stood up lifting her sleeping boy.
"Thank-you for babysitting." I said to the bushy haired girl.
"Never a problem, you really do need to move closer to London." She said herding her children to the floo.
"I'll see you tomorrow at tutoring Clara." Rosie waved to my girl before flooing home.
I sat on the couch trying to decide how to bring up the conversation with Clara, I had never actually discussed her father with her. She asked when she was 4 why Teddy always saw his daddy weekends and she never did but it wasn't quite the same thing explaining it to a 4 year old who would forget about it once she got distracted by something more interesting.
"Hey Clara?" I decided we needed to talk about it.
"Yeah mum?" I sat on the couch and the small girl who had just went to change into her night gown jumped over the back of the couch and snuggled next to me.
"Have you though much about your father?" I asked her.
"No, not really, unless i'm having those dreams." She yawned.
"Did you maybe..want to meet your father, or know who he is?" I put my arm around my girl holding her close.
"No. I don't want to know him. If he loved me, he'd be in my life. Like Remus, He loves Teddy even though you aren't married to him anymore." Clara didn't know that her father was actually unaware of her existance but I was okay with her answer. "That reminds me, Remus actually asked me today if you'd like to have a play date with his daughter Katarina? She's going to Hogwarts next year too."
"Yeah, that sounds fun. I have met her a few times when Emilie and Remus come to get Teddy." The girl smiled. We always met up with Remus and Emilie in Diagon Alley because non-magical people weren't allowed in Hogsmeade. I didn't want to make Emilie feel unwelcome by asking Remus to pick up Teddy from my home alone.
"That's right!" I sat up and grabbed a quill and parchment off of the coffee table and handed it to Clara.
"What is this for?" She looked confused.
"Why don't you write Katarina a letter arranging a day to play." I smirked at the young girls excited expression.
"Okay! Can I write one to Teddy too?" She leaned over the coffee table and began scribbling her letter.
"I think that would be a wonderful idea. Marnie can send it to him by breakfast." I started to clear away the old tea cups and finish with my evening chores. Once I was finished, Clara had already finished both of her letters.
"All done love?" Clara was curled up on the couch.
"Yes." Her eyes were heavy. I picked her up and carried her into her and Teddy's room. They had bunkbeds but because Teddy was now at Hogwarts the room seemed so bare with the empty lower bunk and the missing trunk. Teddy had left most of his drawings and toys behind and Clara had lined them all up neatly. I lifted her up and placed her in the top bunk where she wiggled until she found a comfy spot and fell asleep.
I took a moment to reflect as I slid into my own bed. Thing had changed so much and they didn't show signs of slowing. There are no garantee's in life, you have to find a way to be resourceful and make things work to the best of your ability. Ever year seemed to have spit something at me but it was my two beautiful children; Teddy and Clara, who kept my head held high through the worst. I loved my children so much and I loved there fathers. Although I had a rough go of things in the start my children were both concieved with love and care. I loved my family and I loved my life. One day I hoped to meet a man that would fill in the gap my heart had left but it wasn't necessary for my survival. I felt like I had made a good decision to focus that past ten years on raising my kids and I didn't do it alone. I was so thankful for Hermione who I developed a great friendship with. Luna and Neville who will not let me forget the day I gave birth to Clara in Mollys bathroom. Molly who supports me so much and always knew what I needed, even before i knew. And of course, my mother. I was so greatful that Andromeda didn't follow the trend of her sisters and led me to a life were i could make friends with the greatest of people, pureblood or not. I felt so warm as I lay in bed thinking about all the right I have done in my life. Finally I drift soundly to sleep.
Thanks for reading, I hope everyone enjoyed. Im in the middle of writing the following story. It's in the P.O.V. Of both Clara and Severus. It's called "Photograph."