Chapter two

The air felt weighty and damp, but smelled of sunlight and warm foliage. My feet left imprints in the thick-stemmed grass as I wove between bushes, and trees, and thickets, and the occasional puddle. Thank goodness for water-repelling charms. They kept my feet and trousers dry even after hiking a kilometer into the woods.

The tranquil ambiance of the forest enveloped me, punctuated by the soothing symphony of nature—the melodious chirping of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the rhythmic hum of insects. Yet, amidst this serene backdrop, the peace was shattered by a familiar sound—the clumsy stumble of Tonks, the love of my life, for the sixth time that morning.

"Bollocks!" Tonks said loud enough to send birds fleeing from their nests, crying their displeasure. "Bloody nature! Harry, I like surprises, but you know I'm a city girl!"

I chuckled, stopping and turning, my unbuttoned, loose-fitting, quilted hunter's jacket flaring.

Tonks picked herself up, wiping stray bits of forest floor off her tight jeans and red leather jacket. Her hair cycled through colors, quick changes that denoted her displeasure before her eyes met mine, and it settled on bubble gum pink, one of my favorites. And a sure sign she wasn't that irritated.

"It'll be worth it, love, promise," I reassured her, flashing a grin. "Besides, we've had six months of urban dates. It's time to explore!"

Tonks grumbled, brushing dirt off her knees. "Exploring's fine. But this forest is trying to kill me."

"Are you sure it's the forest?" I couldn't resist teasing her, even though it was an old joke—one that never failed to elicit a playful huff from Tonks.

"A husband's sacred duty includes agreeing with his wife, Harry. I say 'The forest is tripping me'. The answer should be automatic—yes, dear. Similar, yet distinct, from questions like 'I'm prettier than all your female co-workers, right?' and 'Would you still love me if I got fat?'"

I chuckled at Tonks' playful jab, shaking my head in amusement. "Ah, yes, the sacred duty of agreement. Of course, my dear," I said in a mock-serious tone. "You're the prettiest of them all, and I'd love you no matter what. However, I'd always insist on being on top."

Tonks' eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint appearing. "A caveat, beloved husband?" She prowled toward me. It almost looked dangerous, it almost looked sexy, it ended up looking hilarious as she tripped over her bootlaces, squawking. She stumbled forward and landed in my waiting arms. I laughed, happy, loud, and bright.

"Shut up, Harry."

I could feel Tonks' pout, but her arms returned my embrace all the same.

"Yes, dear. Now come on, we're almost there."

I guided Tonks along, keeping her hand clasped firmly in mine. We walked slowly, taking our time to enjoy the spring weather while talking about nothing at all.

It's special, being alone together. An oxymoron for certain. Just my wife and I, enjoying a beautiful day without a single care.

It happened in a flash, between footsteps, a tingle caressing my magic, causing goosebumps to ripple across my entire body.

"Whoa," Tonks said, shivering. "Those are some serious wards." She turned to me, but her eyes darted about. "You expected that, right?"

I squeezed her hand. "Yeah, don't worry, we're safe as houses."

"Such a strange metaphor, safe as houses," A voice, light and airy, said. Its owner stepped out from behind a tree. "Houses can be quite dangerous after all. Rolf and I once found a mimic so powerful it could copy a house and ate everyone who stepped into it."

Well…ok.

"Luna!" Tonks cheered, racing toward her, evidently deciding to ignore her story. I should do the same. I didn't need more reason to be paranoid.

Luna's giggles sounded like tinkling bells and she returned Tonks' hug with vigor. "Tonks! You're swarming with Triptumblers. Rolf and I searched and searched, but could never find one."

"What are Triptumblers?" Tonks asked, used to Luna's antics but always willing to encourage them.

"Oh, nothing too dangerous," Luna swooped down and snatched at the air around Tonks' feet. "Here, have a look."

I blinked, a silent signal echoed by Tonks like a synchronized dance of bafflement.

Luna's world was a kaleidoscope of the unseen, where her words painted vivid pictures of fantastical beings that danced on the fringes of reality. Creatures she spoke of lived in the spaces between breaths. Their existence is as ephemeral as whispers in the wind, yet as captivating as dreams woven from stardust. That said, ninety-nine percent of the time the creatures she mentioned couldn't be seen, touched, heard, or felt — they didn't exist.

Hence Tonks' surprised yelp as Luna thrust something into her face, falling onto her rump. I hurried over, equal parts concerned and curious.

"The bloody hell is that?" Tonks sputtered, picking herself up using my offered hand.

"A Triptumbler, of course. You should work on listening better, Tonks. Communication is critical to a successful marriage, and I hate to see you and Harry divorce."

I decided to once again ignore Luna's Luna-ness and instead opted to squint at her hand, still thrust out. "Well, isn't that interesting?"

The creature in Luna's hand resembled a miniature acrobat, its lithe frame adorned with elongated limbs that seemed to bend and twist with uncanny flexibility. It had sleek, mottled skin that seemed to shift with the light, making it difficult to make out details, even staring right at it.

"Isn't it though?" Luna said, beginning to play with the critter. "They're rare, and usually solitary, making them almost impossible to find. It's strange there's such a crowd around Tonks. I've never heard of so many Triptumbers gathering in one place."

"I knew it! I knew this forest was out to get me!" Tonks said, letting loose her victorious crow with arms raised.

I sighed, accepting Tonks would gloat about this for decades.

Alas, Tonks' victory dance halted with her tripping once again. "Dammit!"

"I wonder if Triptumblers are naturally attracted to clumsy people? I would explain why I could never find one." Luna said a look of intense concentration affixed on her face. She kind of looked like a golden retriever puppy, with her tousled blonde hair and fluffy sweater.

Tonks loosed a heavy sigh, and said, "Great. Can you catch the remaining critters? Getting kinda tired of falling."

"Oh, I can't do that."

"... Why?"

"Well, they already ran off, of course. As soon as I captured this little fellow."

At that point, I couldn't help myself. I laughed like I heard the funniest thing in the world until tears streamed down my cheeks and my abs burned with the effort.

"... don't know why I agreed to marry him…" I heard Tonks say to Luna, over the noise of my levity.

"Because he's Harry, of course," Luna said.

I pulled myself together and threw an arm over Luna's shoulders, wiping my cheeks clean. "Thanks, Luna."

Tonks folded her arms and harrumphed with all the dramatic zeal of a toddler denied their dessert. "Since you're ganging up on me, why are you here, Luna? It's obviously not a coincidence."

Luna's silver eyes lit up with innocent joy before she said, "Well, Harry asked me to give you a tour and I've been so excited to show off Rolf and my hard work." She began bouncing on her toes. "You'll be our first guests."

Tonks melted like an ice cube in the Sahara. Something Luna recognized and took advantage of, grabbing Tonks by the hand. "Come on."

Luna and Tonks led the way, and I felt content following behind. They chatted, with Tonks trying to convince Luna to tell her about our destination. I'd already coached Luna though. The mystery must be maintained, and I knew Tonks would find it worthwhile.

Before long, I saw it, a clearing of thick green grass and wildflowers perfuming the air. It smelled sweet, crisp, and earthy all at once.

We walked into the clearing and beheld an old gnarled tree with a base three times wider than a troll's shoulders, pitted with knobs and knots. It reminded me of an old soldier, prime long past, but refusing to lie down and surrender. However, even-aged and stooped, growing within the center of the clearing, it almost felt like the forest respected this old tree.

"It's a yew tree," Luna said as they approached. "A millennia old. Ancient, and watchful, it's guarded these woods and the beings who dwell here."

The tree groaned, and for a moment, it seemed to lean into Luna's gentle touch. I could feel it, the magic woven into every fiber of this old tree's existence.

"A druidic tree," I said before looking at Luna for confirmation. She nodded.

Tonks hissed in surprised awe. "I thought they'd all been harvested centuries ago."

Indeed. Once, long ago, magical beings worshiped the Earth. They danced and sang and prayed and sacrificed and created great effigies of nature. Druidic trees were the pinnacle of these alters. Made so after centuries of absorbing magic until they pulsed with power and they became magical themselves.

The Whomping Willow was but a caricature of a Druidic tree. A shadow puppet compared to this behemoth.

"Nym," I said, calling the name only I'm allowed to say. She turned, and I stared, drinking in her visage, before moving to stand with her. Luna faded back, and I clasped my wife's hand.

I moved with surety, Tonks never resisting, and rested our hands against the rough bark, feeling the magic pulse and writhing. She gasped a soft, almost silent sound. The trees' magic intertwined with ours, merging through our bodies, greeting us, welcoming and kind.

"Amazing…" Tonks said in a breathy whisper. "Amazing."

We remained, savoring the moment endlessly, until Luna interrupted, dispelling an enchantment devoid of magic. "You're both swarming with Culiptians," She said. "It's beautiful, but be careful, otherwise they'll muddle your thoughts."

I exchanged an amused glance with Tonks. "Sorry, Luna," I said. "Didn't mean to ignore you."

She nodded graciously and walked around the tree, waving us to follow. "The tree is splendid, but there's more."

"What?" Tonks asked, voice and eyebrows high. Understandable, something like a druidic tree isn't easy to top, but I am nothing if not a skilled date planner.

"Here." Luna pointed to a natural hollow within the tree trunk. "Harry, lead the way."

I didn't object. I'd been waiting forever to visit this place. Feeling far younger than I am, I released Tonks and grinned boyishly. "See you there, love."

"What?"

I disregarded any words, leaping headlong into the hollow. Magic enveloped me, and I sensed the world shifting, transforming into a vibrant array of colors dancing behind closed lids.

As the kaleidoscope faded, a more potent presence took its place, bathing my face in its life-affirming glow. I shielded my eyes, blinking until they adapted to the brilliance.

Soon, a new world appeared.

Blue skies stretched endlessly, now revealed as the trees vanished, their dense canopies no longer concealing the expanse above. On a craggy ledge, I surveyed the undulating hills, babbling streams, and glimmering lakes below—a scene plucked from the pages of a fairy tale, yet tinged with an aura of the unnatural.

Shaking off the reverie, I moved aside, anticipating Tonks and Luna. Their presence was announced by a shimmering distortion, casting them as ethereal specters before solidifying with a shiver of wind.

Perfect. I smiled wide as Tonks starred in slack jaw wonderment, taken completely off guard by this magnificent space. I can't help but feel proud, the emotion swelling beneath my breast, potent and effervescent — like fine champagne.

"Welcome," Luna exclaimed, skipping forward. "To Scamander Creature Reserve!"

As if on cue, a thunderous wingbeat reverberated overhead and a colossal bird descended, hovering behind Luna's back. Its intelligent blue eyes surveyed us, its golden feathers shimmering in the sunlight. I recognized the creature immediately. "A thunderbird! Luna, you never mentioned finding one."

"Bloody hell!" Tonks sputtered, her hair cycling through pastel colors faster than I'd ever seen. "Holy, bloody buggering hell!"

"Tonks!" Luna said, waving a chiding finger. "Not in front of Jameson. He's still a baby." Tonks flushed, her hair finally settling on a soft lavender hue.

I chuckled, the tension easing as I admired the tranquil scene around us. The thunderbird continued to hover, its majestic presence filling the air with a sense of reverence.

"It's incredible, Luna," I said, turning to her with admiration. "How did you find such a magnificent creature?"

Luna beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It wasn't easy, but I stumbled upon it in Canada. It took a liking to me, and I could find his parents, so I brought him here."

I nodded in amazement, impressed by Luna's resourcefulness and compassion. "You've truly outdone yourself this time, Luna."

As if on cue, the thunderbird let out a low, melodic cry, its wings beating softly against the air. It seemed to sense our admiration, its gaze meeting each of ours with a sense of understanding that transcended language.

"He likes you," Luna said, gesturing that we should come closer.

We approached Luna and the thunderbird cautiously, marveling at the creature's immense size and beauty. I extended a hand tentatively, gaze locked with those of the majestic bird. To my pleasure, the thunderbird lowered its head, allowing me to stroke its feathers gently.

Tonks reached out next, her fingers grazing the soft plumage of the thunderbird's wing. The creature let out a contented rumble, nuzzling against her hand affectionately.

"He's so gentle," Tonks marveled, her eyes shining with excitement.

Luna smiled proudly, her bond with the thunderbird clear in every gesture and expression. "He's a special creature, one that deserves our care and respect." I nodded, agreeing without hesitation before Luna continued. "Now…who wants a ride?"

Air whipped against my face, tousling my hair and sending strands dancing in the wind. Despite the rush of air and the blur of motion, I couldn't suppress a grin as Tonks threw her arms into the air, her laughter echoing around us.

"Woo-hoo!" Tonks exclaimed, her voice carried away by the wind as Jameson performed daring acrobatics in the sky. The sensation of flight was exhilarating, the world below a patchwork of vibrant colors and shifting landscapes.

As Jameson soared higher, we saw a myriad of magical creatures. A family of unicorns grazed peacefully in a sunlit clearing, their coats gleaming in the dappled light. Tonks gasped in delight at the sight.

Further along our journey, we spotted a group of Thestrals galloping gracefully through a wooded glen. Their powerful hooves thundered against the forest floor before taking flight and drifting through the air beside us, their eyes filled with curiosity.

But perhaps the most breathtaking sight of all was the ancient griffin that soared majestically in the distance, its feathers and hide glowing in the sunlight. As we watched in awe, the griffin let out a deafening roar, its wings beating against the air with a thunderous force that sent shivers down my spine.

With each encounter, I felt a deep sense of connection to the magical world around us. It was a reminder of the beauty and wonder that existed beyond the confines of our everyday lives, a glimpse into a realm of endless possibility and untold adventure.

As Jameson continued to carry us through the sky, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this extraordinary experience and the opportunity to share it with the woman I loved. Together, we soared through the clouds, our hearts filled with joy and wonder, as we embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Alas, all journeys must end, and Jameson banked hard, beginning his flight back toward the rocky spire where Luna waited. Tonks leaned back against my chest, hand reaching back to tangle in my hair, pulling me close. "How long?" She asked.

I didn't need her to expand. "A few months. I wanted to surprise you when Luna told me about creating this place. Rolf's grandfather, Newt, built something similar — smaller but similar."

"You succeeded. I'm surprised and dazzled. Have you ever seen anything so amazing?"

I thought about it. "That time you dressed up as a naughty nun." She slapped my thigh.

"Pervert."

"Yeah, but I'm your pervert."

"Damn straight."

A few more heavy flaps and Jameson alighted on the outcrop where Luna stood waiting, looking pleased. "Well?" She asked as we dismounted.

"Brilliant!" Tonks and I said as one. In every shape and form, riding a thunderbird would remain an unforgettable experience.

"Wonderful." Luna walked to Tonks, hugging her tight, before wrapping her arms around me.

"Thank you, Luna," I said, feeling her hand slip into my pocket, depositing something small and tubular.

"Remember your promise?"

I smirked, quid pro quo. Well, perhaps not. Distilling our relationship would be an affront to Luna's kindness. "Expect my owl tomorrow."

Tonks and I shared a few more parting words and waved to Jameson before stepping through the portal and disappearing from Scamander Creature Reserve.

I sighed in pleasure, kicking off my boot and wiggling my toes. Tonks leaned against me, mimicking my actions with less grace. Despite the brilliance of the day, coming home felt like uncovering a treasure with its polished wood floors and cozy clutter marking our shared life.

"Love?"

I blinked and realized I'd become totally lost in thought, unaware of everything outside my inner monologue. "Sorry, love, what?"

Tonks said nothing; instead, she pulled me down to share a sweet, loving kiss. I closed my eyes and savored the moment. We'd shared countless kisses in our time together, but this one felt distinct—more encompassing and special. An eternity seemed to pass before our lips parted, yet neither of us pulled away.

"This day... a wonderful day," She whispered, voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for making it possible." They say genuine joy comes from seeing those you love happy. I allowed her gratitude to wash over me, filling every fiber of my being and sending my heart soaring.

"It's not over yet," I said, pulling back. "Wait for me in the kitchen?"

"You're setting quite the high bar, aren't you?" Tonks said with a playful grin, her tone laced with hints of admiration and mischief.

I mirrored her grin. "Always. Now go or you'll never get your gift," I teased, giving her a playful swat on the rear, which earned me another impish grin in return.

"Alright, alright, you've earned your fun," Tonks said with a chuckle before walking away.

I hurried to my study, pulling a heavy book from its place on mahogany shelves. The leather cover dyed a royal purple, gleamed under the soft glow of lamplight. Though blank for now, it wouldn't stay that way much longer. Months had been devoted to enchanting this tome—layering charms, inscribing runes, and soaking its pages in specialty potions.

From my pocket, I withdrew the vial Luna had slipped me before we parted ways. Made of glass, its contents glowed a soft, pure white, swirling hypnotically. Holding the vial before me with one hand, I drew my wand with the other. With a simple wave, the swirling whiteness floated up and drifted like smoke into the purple leather book.

Next, I pressed my wand against my temple, concentrating deeply as I summoned forth more white smoke. I observed it intently, watching it flutter before gently pressing it into the pages of the book.

Brimming with excitement, I practically danced down the stairs and into the kitchen, feeling like a child on Christmas morning.

Tonks sat, leg bouncing, showing her impatience. I flopped down, our shoulders touching.

"Here." I pushed the book into her hands, an excited flush blooming across my face.

She laughed. It sounded surprised and uncertain. "What's this suppose—?"

Words failed her when she opened the book and looked at the colorful pages within.

On the page, a perfect magical illustration of Tonks, the druidic tree behind her, gazed out. I beamed. The image looked clearer than any photograph.

"Harry..." Tonks said, eyes welling as she flipped through the pages, each filled with a memory.

"We started going on these dates because we fell into a rut. Because I forgot the importance of keeping our romance alive," I said, tapping the window like pages of a book. "I made this, so neither of us will forget again."

Tonks traced her fingers across Luna's memory, observing both of us standing before the thunderbird. "It's perfect."

I nodded. "Every date from now on, we'll store our memories here. Then when we're old, grey, and fat, we'll look back and remember these times."

She choked out a laugh. "I'm never going grey or getting fat."

"Fine, then you'll look back and remember how handsome I was."

Her laugh sounded purer this time. "Much better, love." She leaned against me, still turning pages. "I'm going to have to plan one helluva date soon, aren't I?"

I kissed her temple.

"Damn straight."

Another little fun chapter without a plot or purpose. Something to relax and enjoy without the pursuit of goals or expectations.