Chapter Nine:

Arthur linked his arm through Molly's and muttered the spell to open the library door so they could sneak in.

"Arthur, you are brilliant," she said, grinning.

"I know," he replied, gazing at her happily.

She stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Come on."

And they walked quietly among the bookshelves, when they heard a familiar voice.

"Andromeda," they could hear Ted saying.

Arthur forged ahead, standing silently next to a book shelf. To their shock, Ted was holding the one and only, Andromeda Black, in his arms, nuzzling her neck. Molly stared, her mouth popping open in surprise.

Andromeda turned and kissed him, and when they pulled away, her eyes pierced straight into Molly's. At first, she looked less than enthused, but slowly, she started to smile. She nudged Ted gently.

"Ted," she said, calmly. "We've gathered an audience."

Ted looked up quickly, gazing at Arthur and Molly and hastily deposited Andromeda from his arms to the floor.

"Don't be embarrassed," chuckled Molly. "We already saw the kiss and everything."

"You two - " Ted stuttered. "Already saw? Saw...us? We, uh..."

"You two are dating now, right?" Arthur demanded.

Andromeda hooked her finger under Ted's chin before he could say anything, and kissed him soundly. "Well, Arthur, if he thinks he can just kiss me randomly just because, he's got a whole other thing coming to him. Nobody controls me like that."

Ted started to grin. "Arthur, Molly, meet my girlfriend."

Molly was frowning, narrowing her eyes into a glare. "Did you think you were going to keep this a secret?" she demanded.

Andromeda didn't say anything for a long time, but her sullen expression answered for her. When she finally did answer, she murmured, "Yes, Molly. Only because, I'm not supposed to even be near a muggle, let alone fall in love with one."

And she started to pull herself up until she was standing, and Ted stood too. He opened his arms and pulled her gently into a hug, holding her and rubbing his hand against her back comfortingly.

"We won't tell anyone," said Molly softly.

She just sighed, not knowing what to say. She didn't know what to do, either; if her parents found out, she would be disinherited and disowned. And yet, when she looked into Ted's warm eyes, she found she didn't care as much.

"Are you sure you want to date me?" the question burst from her mouth so quickly that even she was surprised.

He chuckled. "Never been more sure."

"I'm going to be really difficult, and you won't be able to touch me or talk to me around other people, if Bella finds out, she'll probably kill you, and...well, I just don't know if you'll consider to find me...worth it."

Ted looked at her, raising his eyebrows. He lifted her chin slightly and kissed her, encouraging his tongue into her mouth. She kissed him back, curling her arms around his neck. She shivered a little when her tongue found his, a rush of pleasure hitting her and taking her breath away.

"Yes," he murmured, grinning mischievously. "I'd say you're worth it."

"I won't be able to talk to you at all in front of anyone," she warned.

"That's okay. They don't have to know."

Remembering what Narcissa had just told her, she added slowly, "And Bella's going to force me into another Slytherin boyfriend."

"I'll be near. I promise I'll interrupt and 'embarrass' you if I get the feeling the situation is dangerous." He gently stroked her hair. "We'll make this work."

She sighed deeply. "Okay. You're right."

Ted smiled at her encouragingly, holding her around her waist.

"Oh, no, it's started," gasped Molly melodramatically. "Arthur, they're already with the constant touching! Ah! Oh, they're going to be like Frank and Alice."

Arthur chuckled and kissed Molly's cheek. "Don't worry about it, love. Ted, are you two going to be doing anything? Because if we're interrupting, we can leave."

"Nah, I think Andromeda and I can go for a walk as is," Ted replied.

Arthur gazed at him seriously. "Ted, be aware of the Slytherins. The future Death Eaters. They'll be out at this time, probably avoiding you guys, but if they see you two...I hate to imagine the rumors that would follow."

Ted nodded, appreciative of his concern. "Okay, we'll be careful. You two...don't be...troublemakers." He winked at Molly and with his arm around Andromeda, they walked out.

"Molly," Andromeda said, smiling back at her. "Thanks."

The red haired girl smiled at her and nodded. "I'm glad you didn't give up on the silly boy. You two are very special to each other."