Chapter 1: Balderich Andrews
Everyone knew that Lord Balderich Andrews was ill, the whole wizarding world knew the reason why the current Duke of Gryffinsmore was in St. Mungos a disease that no one thought magicals could get. Stomach cancer. But everyone who also knew that the current Lord Andrews was ill also thought that it would be his wife Francis that would pass away first, since she was battling Lewy body dementia and had been for the past 21 years. His favorite grandchild, Archie had just graduated from Hogwarts with high honors and was teaching at the London Academy of Magic, so it was doubtful he would make it to spend the remaining time he had left with him.
Just then, one of the mediwitches walked in and smiled. "You have a visitor, Lord Andrews." She said before stepping out of the way to reveal his family, his son Fred and his wife Gemini who'd visited him on a daily basis and the one who he was hoping to see, his grandson Archie. "Archie, my boy I honestly thought you'd not be able to get away from the London Academy of Magic to come and visit." Balderich said sitting up with some help from his daughter-in-law. "I warned Headmistress McKinnon that I'd most likely be called away for personal family business and she understood." Archie said. "Besides, I couldn't go without saying goodbye to you, granddad." Archie said
Balderich smiled always happy to see his grandchildren. His eldest grandchild, Elizabeth (Bonnie to her friends), wasn't an Andrews by blood but was by adoption and he thought she was as much an Andrews as she was if she was blood related. Bonnie hadn't left his side since he was admitted to St Mungo's. But who he was really wishing was here was his wife and companion for the past 47 years Francis, but she was fighting her own battle with Lewy body dementia. It saddened Balderich to see his wife suffer so, but she was in the capable hands of her caregiver Matthew. A sigh left his lips.
Fred looked up having heard his father sigh. "Dad are you okay?" He asked. Balderich nodded. "Yes son, I'm fine. I just wish your mother was here." He said. "Me to, Dad." Fred said walking and sitting next to his daughter in the corner to give Archie some private time with his grandfather. Gemini, figuring out that Balderich had some last words to impart to her son, put up a privacy shield so that their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"Archie, I want you to know that you have made me very proud to be your grandfather I am so glad I got to see you graduate from Hogwarts with high honors and secure yourself an apprentice master to study the subjects you wish to obtain masteries in. Kadijah Clayton is a fierce battle mage and will teach you well. She's been a good friend to the family and a great personal ally to me. Learn from her and remember the motto of our family. Friendship and Family are Life's Greatest Treasures. You will find that living by that motto will help you go far in your life." Balderich said before pulling Archie into a hug. He nodded to Gemini to take down the shield. Gemini did so and Balderich beckoned her over, with Fred putting the shield back up.
"Gemini, I couldn't have chosen a better wife for Fred even if I tried. Your devotion and love for my son remind me of Francis and I before she got sick. Take care of him and treasure him I know you will continue to make me proud, and I know that you'll be a wonderful Duchess of Gryffinsmore." Balderich said pulling his daughter-in-law into a hug. Fred took down the shield again and Gemini walked over to stand by Archie. Balderich then looked at his son, who walked over. Archie was the one to put the shield up this time.
"My son, you are part of the legacy I'm leaving behind and I am very proud of you. You have chosen a fine wife and have a beautiful and talented son, who make me and this family proud. Yes, I will agree at times I was a hard ass, but those moments turned you into the man I see standing before me now. You will do the title of Duke of Gryffinsmore proud, and I know that Her Majesty will be pleased by your successes. Take care of your mother, while she most likely won't remember me dying, I know that in her moments of lucidity she'll grieve me properly. " Balderich said tears running down his face at this point wishing that it wasn't him in the hospital bed. With those last words said, Archie took down the shield, and Balderich Frederick Andrews closed his eyes for the last time and died peacefully.
The Duke of Gryffinsmore was dead.