For the Ministry Christmas Party on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
For all those unfortunate women in loveless marriages, Angelica highly recommends having children. After the birth of little Philip Schuyler Church, Angelica barely has the strength to argue with John any more. She also doesn't have the time to write to Alexander, which in turn greatly improves John's mood.
And slowly but surely, the two begin to fall into something that Angelica might describe as contentment. If pushed, she might even say she has come to care for John. But only if pushed. But Angelica has no time to focus on the newfound potential in her marriage. Her time is solely taken up by her child.
Philip, who has recently learnt to walk, needs eyes on him at all times. It's a lesson that Angelica hasn't quite learnt yet. And although it's barely midday, Philip already has her running after him. This morning, Philip is fascinated by the many drawers and chests around the house. In particular, he enjoys swinging doors open, pulling open drawers open, and depositing the contents on the floor.
"Oh, Philip…" Angelica scurries towards him and scoops him up in her arms. "You're a bit of a naughty boy, you know?"
John peels himself away from their youngest, Kitty, still napping in her cot, and rushes to Angelica's aid. As Angelica coos over the young boy and pops him in a seat, John drops to his knees and begins to tidy up the mess. But as John collects the envelopes from the floor, his face turns to ash.
"Ah. Saving these, were you?"
"Mm?" Angelica glances over his shoulder and flushes when she recognises Alexander's scrawl on the paper. "Of course not. Why on earth would I do that?"
"Who knows?" When he shuts the drawer, the sound echoes through the room. "God knows your affection for that man knows no bounds. The man who, need I remind you, is married to your sister."
"They're just letters," Angelica says softly. "Letters from a long time ago."
"Letters you decided to keep."
His tone makes her eyes well with tears. But if Angelica sees the reaction as proof of her fondness for John, he only sees it as proof of her guilt. Alexander was the first fight they ever had. And despite being oceans away, it seems that he continues to haunt them.
"We have a life together," John continues. "Children! And haven't I always provided for you? Haven't I always obliged you? Given you all you've ever asked for?"
"John…" she trails off. "Please."
For most people, she's never short for words. But when it comes to John, she finds herself at a loss. She gets the feeling that no matter what she says, John won't be impressed.
"I have some work to do," John says sharply. "I'll see you and the children for tea."
And as he turns away, Angelica finds herself longing to say something. To say anything that might make him stay and grace her with a smile. But he's gone before she can summon the words, and she's left, the toddler cradled in her arms, feeling utterly helpless.