WC: 945
It was now time to go back home for the holidays. Tim and Amber sat in their usual compartment chatting and eating. Ernie joined them with a blond girl and a dark haired boy.
"Hi Ernie," Amber greeted, the younger boy.
"Hey Amber, these are my friends Hannah Abbott and Justin Finch-Fletchley."
She smiled at them as they sat down. They stayed in their compartment for about two hours and left. Amber and Tim got off the train once they were at King's Cross. The two of them said their goodbyes and parted ways.
It was a couple days later, Amber was called down to the kitchen. It felt similar to this past summer.
"I have something to ask you, sweetie."
"What is it?"
"Your mum has been gone for two years now, I will always miss her but I'm sure she'd like me to move on."
"I'm sure she would, daddy."
Elliot nodded and said. "I wanted it to be okay with you if I started dating again?"
"I don't think I would mind, I want you to be happy too."
Elliot smiled and said. "Good, there's this woman at work. We have a flirtation going on. I want you to meet her before it goes any further."
"I'd be happy to meet her, dad."
"Alright."
Amber smiled at how happy her dad was. She was going to ask him if it would offend him if she looked for her biological parents but she'll ask him that later.
It was a couple days after Christmas now, today was the day that Amber was meeting her dad's soon-to-be girlfriend. They were having her over for dinner.
"Set the table, sweetie."
Amber nodded and set the table for three. As she finished there was a knock on the door. Her dad left the kitchen to answer the door. A few minutes, he returned with auburn haired woman.
"Amber, this is Eliza Peters."
She smiled at the woman and said. "It's nice to meet you."
"You too," she said in a slight Irish accent.
Elliot went back to the stove as the two girls sat down and began talking.
"So, how old are you?"
"I'm twelve, I'll turn thirteen in about eight months."
Eliza nodded and asked. "What's your favorite subject in school?"
Amber hesitated for a second but she didn't have the chance to reply since her dad served them dinner.
"So, you didn't answer my question before," Eliza said.
"I really like History," she said, using the first muggle subject that came to mind.
Eliza nodded and the trio continued eating. After dinner they had dessert. Eliza soon left.
"So, did you like her?" Elliot asked his daughter.
Amber nodded and said. "Yes, I do. She seems perfect for you."
Elliot smiled thankfully at his daughter.
It was now time to board the train, the duo of second years boarded the train. They ate and chatted per usual. Amber told him everything about her holidays and he did the same.
At six pm, they arrived at Hogsmeade station. They got in their usual carriage and Cormac joined them soon. The trio chatted as they rode to Hogwarts. Once in the castle they went to their respective tables.
It was a few weeks into term, Amber was writing a letter to Dora.
Dear Dora,
How have you been? I've been good. My second year is going great. I really enjoy all my classes. I found out this summer that I was adopted. I have yet to ask my dad if he would be offended if I began to look for my biological parents. But you'll always be my cousin. How is Auror training going?
Love,
Amber.
She hopped up from the desk and started walking towards the common room. She crawled out of the common room and made her way towards the Owlery. Once in the Owlery she tied it to an owl and left. It was a beautiful winter day, though she didn't really like the winter.
It was now Valentine's Day, also known as Tim's thirteenth birthday. She was at the Hufflepuff table when she received a letter from Dora.
Dear Amber,
Auror training is going okay. My mentor is Mad-Eye Moody. He was former auror himself. I don't do well in the stealth parts due to my clumsiness but I do well in the other areas.
Why wasn't I informed before now that you're adopted? You'd think my dad would tell me. You'll always be my cousin. When you do ask your dad about finding your biological parents I'll help as much as I can.
Love,
Dora.
Amber smiled at the letter. After breakfast she met up with the birthday boy again. They went out towards the Black Lake and spent most of the day there enjoying each other's company.
"I bought you a little something for your birthday," Amber said.
"You didn't need to get me anything."
Amber shrugged and handed him a signed photograph of Gwenog Jones.
"This must've of been expensive, where did you get it?"
"It was surprisingly inexpensive, I found it in a Wizarding thrift shop."
Tim hugged his best friend in thanks.
"I'm glad you like it."
"I really like it."
Amber grinned. After the stay at the lake the duo went back to the castle.
It was a week later, the duo was on their way to the Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff Quidditch match. They made their way to the Hufflepuff stands and sat down. The school year continued normally for Amber and Tim.
It was now time to board the train. The duo sat together per usual. They ate and chatted until they reached King's Cross.