Ted Tonks

Edward 'Ted' Tonks 30, Ravenclaw, Auror Neutral Writing at LumosFM RPG.

[tonks-ted]

BASICS

Name: Edward 'Ted' Tonks Age & Birthday: 30, September 3rd 1950 (started Hogwarts in 1962) Gender & Pronouns: cis-male & he/him Sexuality: heterosexual Occupation: Auror (healing specialism) Blood Status: muggleborn House: Ravenclaw Affiliation: neutral Family: Andromeda Tonks (wife, née Black), Nymphadora Tonks (daughter, aged 7, DOB January 3rd 1973) Connections: here

MAGICAL

Boggart: Andromeda and Nymphadora being tortured. Patronus: beaver. Amortenia: his wife's perfume, lavender, chamomile, bergamot. OWLs: Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration. NEWTs: Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, Transfiguration. Wand: TBD

PERSONALITY

+ kind, strong willed, hard working, talented, resilient. - intolerant, hot headed, resentful, secretive.

APPEARANCE

Height: 6' 0" Eyes: brown Hair: brown Build: mesomorphic

BACKGROUND

The only son in a family of daughters, Ted grew up in a warm and loving household. The Tonks family were based in the Midlands, neither rich nor poor, but comfortable. There was nothing unusual about his life - until the day he received his Hogwarts letter and all the mysterious happenings were suddenly explained. Years had been spent wondering how he never managed to get dirty when all his siblings ended up covered in mud, or how he took only a few minutes to learn how to swim (in reality, his magic simply preventing him from drowning), or - perhaps - that one time when he tripped and fell down the stairs, yet somehow ended up sliding down the banister instead. It had all become clear. His parents, ever pragmatic, initially treated this revelation with cautious scepticism. But it soon became a source of pride and excitement. They were open-minded and upon discovering more about the magical world, which had thus far been hidden from them, they absorbed every new detail with a thirst to rival any Ravenclaw's desire for knowledge.

Ravenclaw was precisely where Ted was sorted. It quickly became his second home and he made many friends, becoming popular and skilled with his magic. In his first months at Hogwarts, he viewed his new life with rose-tinted glasses. Everything was special and thrilling, challenging in ways that he never dreamed. So it was with devastating realisation that he discovered some did not welcome him. He grew to learn that his background - his muggle heritage - made him a target for hate and persecution. It was a shock to his system, and one from which he never fully recovered. He'd always been one to stand up for others, yet now it seemed that not many were willing to stand in his corner. In this world - which had once been so shiny and stunning - he was an unwanted minority. For this reason, he developed a distrust and suspicion that had not previously been part of his personality. Relationships took longer to foster, and he approached them with caution instead of open-heartedness. He became particularly resentful towards purebloods and their traditions, though he tried not to be too prejudiced, knowing that not all of them were as intolerant as others. It was simply a hard barrier to overcome and he still struggles with it today.

As he entered his sixth year, one pureblood moved beyond his barriers. In Andromeda Black, he saw someone as careful and closed as himself, though she put on a good show at being just as harsh as Bellatrix and just as cold as Narcissa. He would never be able to pinpoint what had given her away, but something did, and the moment he saw it, he knew he couldn't ignore it. There was a fear in her. It drew him in and he wouldn't leave her to suffer it alone. So he befriended her, and by the end of their seventh year, they were secret sweethearts, trying to navigate the prospect of their lives together outside of school.

He never once thought it would be easy. Watching Andromeda's sacrifice is the hardest thing he has ever done. Knowing the part he played in it, he'd once tried to leave her in order to spare her from that pain. But it was no good and they quickly ended up together again, unable to be apart. From that point, he swore never to abandon her again, only to protect her and support her choice - because it was her choice to make in the end, not his, no matter his presence in her life. So they married and turned their backs on their troubles together.

Though his true inclination was to train as a Healer alongside Andromeda, he chose to become an Auror instead, determined to do the most difficult job in order to prove himself as a muggleborn. It's a decision that he somewhat regrets, though it's now too late to change his path, especially during a war - and it's a war in which he wants no part. His allegiance is to the law alone. He will uphold it regardless of the regime in power, and is unwilling to politicise his work. For this reason, he's refused invitations to join the Order. His driving force is his family and their safety. Allying to the Order would place a target on his back, even larger than the one that already screams 'muggleborn' louder than a howler in a silent room.

With a specialism in healing, his strength is medical support to his colleagues during battles and investigations. But he is adept at most things he tries, and keeps up with healing developments in his rare spare time, despite never fully committing himself to that profession. A true Ravenclaw, he values thought and ingenuity, care and creativity.

[tonks-ted]

The first time, ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes, And the moon and the stars, Were the gifts you gave, To the dark, and the endless sky.

@tonksxandromeda

[arthurxweasleyx]

Arthur shook hands and made promises to visit the garden once he’d been properly shown off. He smiled at the shared sweet tooth; it felt more familiar to be surrounded by family and children even if they weren’t his own. The sense of bonding, the small delights over something as simple as ice cream, made him hopeful, how could anyone see it and think of anything other than sharing in it?

As coats were set aside and the chatter swelled, Arthur found himself caught by the gleam of the light fixtures overhead, wondering if they ran on batteries or the larger current Ted had once tried to explain. He almost forgot to sit until one of Ted’s sisters laughed and drew him to the table with a welcoming pat on the shoulder. “We’ve heard you’ve a brood of your own,” she said, pouring him a glass of something cool and fizzing.

“Oh yes, yes indeed,” Arthur replied eagerly, warming at the invitation. “Six, well, five and a half if you count the baby, but he’ll be clamoring about before long. I daresay they’d love it here. So many clever contraptions, and such a happy house!” He raised the glass, peering curiously at the bubbles as if they might give away their secret. “Remarkable! Do you make this yourselves, or is it, ah, what’s the word? Store-bought?”

The children giggled at his turn of phrase, and Arthur’s ears went red, but his grin only widened. He leaned in, as though confiding a grand secret: “I do think Ted’s right about a man cave. Can you imagine? A whole room for nothing but tinkering. I’d hardly ever come out.” His chuckle was boyish, self-deprecating, but the glint in his eye made it clear he was already halfway planning it.

[tonks-ted]

It was bittersweet, being here with his muggle family. Ted loved them all so much, it hurt. They had always kept in touch and had welcomed Andromeda with warmth and admiration, seeing how devoted they were to each other. But there was always this sense of loss, despite how much he'd gained. The two worlds were different. They were separate. He felt now, more than ever, the painful longing to unify them - somehow. He was no fool, he knew why the Statue of Secrecy existed. Yet these days, the opposition to even the smallest presence of muggles, was too, too strong.

At least Arthur understood. Filling his own glass, he smiled at the other wizard fondly and kissed his sister on the cheek. A few of the children scarpered, the sound of them pleading with Dora to change her appearance drifting through the open door that led to the garden.

"Oh, we buy everything," she told Arthur, turning the bottle around to show him the label, which listed all the ingredients, the place of origin and a great big bar code. Ted fully expected questions about that, either now or later. "No brewing skills here, I'm afraid!"

"What's a man cave?" the child replied, honestly curious. She didn't care completely, though. In the next breath, she added eagerly- "And can you show us a trick?"

"Seems like you know something muggle that the kids don't, Arthur." Laughing brightly, Ted handed the girl his own wand and let her wave it around uselessly. Seemingly disappointed, she gave it back.

[tonksxandromeda]

A fond smile rose to Andromeda's lips as he reminded her that she liked his determination. Her mind recalling that same determination during their school days when she'd initially kept him at bay and he'd persisted in charming her. "You have many endearing qualities...but I do believe I have your stubborn determination to thank for this life." She melted into him as he kissed her cheek, his expression mirrored in her own. A brief moment of happiness, bottled and tucked away in her memory for those days that were darker than others. She let herself get carried away by the celebration, by the pure joy on Dora's face as they played games and ate treats with no care in the world.

As feared, it was an evening too good to be true, doomed to be spoiled from the beginning. One moment she'd been laughing as she watched Dora and Ted play a ring toss game, the next she'd felt the familiar burning in the pocket of her robe. Andromeda slid a hand into her pocket and sucked in a sharp breath when her fingers wrapped around the coin, the heat a sharp bite against her fingers. Smile gone, she turned to survey their surroundings. Futile when she had no idea where the enemy was coming from, what the threat was. Nor did she see Rabastan among the crowd.

She whirled to Ted, concerned etched on his features as he looked at her. "We have to go..." Even as he opened his mouth to ask a question she shook her head, sliding her hand into his and reaching for Dora. "Please, let's just go now." He could ask questions later, in fact she knew he would. But it didn't matter, their safety came before anything else and she would not risk this.

She didn't release the breath she had been holding until they were safe within the confines of their own home. She could feel Ted's eyes on her even as she comforted an upset Nymphadora and ushered her to bed with promises of more fun to be had in the morning. She knelt beside Dora's bed, telling her a story and running gentle fingers through her hair as she watched her drift off to sleep.

[tonks-ted]

They left abruptly, landing in their home with a crack that split the silence but did not break the tension. Ted had followed his wife's lead, seeing the panic in her widened eyes. He had questions, but they could wait. Getting home seemed to be important, so he wanted to do just that, though he watched Andromeda uncertainly for the whole time. Dora was upset, he was on-edge, his wife was shaken. It was an end he hadn't seen coming and he loathed it. Little did he know it was about to get worse.

Standing in the doorway to their daughter's room, he leant a shoulder against the frame and waited patiently for her to fall asleep. There was something ominous about the whole scenario. Andromeda had been terrified, yet that wasn't as alarming as the fact that she continued to keep silent. He'd respect her wish to stay quiet, but he wanted to be trusted, and in his exhausted state he felt almost bitter, as though her lack of explanation somehow indicated a failure in himself. It was illogical and unnecessary, but there it was.

When she finally left and closed Dora's door, he smiled and took her hands in his. This time, there was no gentle pleasure in the expression; only wary disquiet. "What's wrong?" he asked, searching her eyes with his own. "Tell me." It wasn't a command, but a plea. They'd been through so much, he knew when she was withholding something important. He was done with secrecy. They'd had too much of that between them lately. He wanted them to share their worries, though if she really insisted on saying nothing, he'd accept it.

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm's face remained stoic as he leaned against the doorway, clearly not inviting Tonks into the establishment. He was looking into the same face that helped arrest his father, and while his father deserved it, he didn't trust Ted Tonks as much as he could throw him. Which he really wanted to do. His lip only twitched when Tonks listed out exactly what Malcolm was doing to make his new lounge. "No, not familiar," he said in a light and thoughtful tone. "Who are these landlords? Perhaps they have something against me and are taking legal action. I trust you will find whoever is really doing that, but I'll cut your chase here short. I am not the person you are looking for, but let me know in what ways I can help." Malcolm was quick to try and close the door on Tonks, hoping that the problem would walk away.

[tonks-ted]

Ted watched him carefully, skilled eyes observing for tell-tale signs and hinted guilt. Malcolm poised a steadfast figure, but his words gave away masses - until he tried to close the door, then his actions joined the culpable picture, too. Ted had been certain of his case before. Now, he was merely satisfied to have rattled him. He didn't care about the repercussions, doubting the other wizard would go to ground and take better measures to hide his efforts. Frankly, he didn't think he had the brains for it, and he had more than enough arrogance to assume himself untouchable. He pushed the door, holding it ajar. "I never said this was about you, Parkinson. What an interesting assumption. I only said you might be able to assist, so thank you for agreeing to do just that." He paused, as though waiting for something obvious. Then he continued. "Let's discuss this inside."

[beckavery]

"I don't know, both seem kind of sad to me," Beck answered too bluntly, but couldnt' speak for himself. It also wasn't like him to drink heavily alone at a bar, but it was barely normal for him to go to a bar by himself anyway. Drinking was reserved for company or at least in the privacy of his place where a soft bed was waiting for him. "I'm sure it's about as strange of a time to be at the Ministry as much as it is to be at St. Mungo's." It was a shared misery that many people at work shared right now and he was happy to touch his days off when he could, but now he wondered if he was savoring them as much as he should. "Me? Also wanted to unwind before heading home."

[tonks-ted]

"Yeah, maybe you're right." He probably was. But God did Ted need a drink after work some nights, and he wasn't going to have one at home where his wife and daughter could see his weakness. Better in a bar with the rest of the night stragglers. "Strange... That's one word for it." For a moment, bitterness cut through his tone. Unusual, unprecedented, unnatural. Truth be told, he was tired of the buzzwords, and looking at Beck he wondered whether the war had taken its toll to have him sitting here so drunk. He wasn't going to pry, but he'd resolved not to leave him to his fate. So he nudged the bowl of snacks closer to the other wizard, then cleared some space when the waitress brought over a plate of chips. "Help yourself. It's all a bit shit these days really, isn't it? Where's the salt?" Scanning the table, he reached for it along with the vinegar.

[beckavery]

END.

[shilon-avatars]

#78 request by anon

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[hcalingherbs]

It had become all too easy for the witch to carry herself with grace, to remain polite no matter the person she was facing at any given moment. At the end of the day, things ran so much smoother that way and there was plenty of time and space to voice her concerns elsewhere. The bag was held open. "Did you want to try one? You had that curious look on your face." Emmeline very much had to hold back a laugh. "Almost a bit hesitant. Go on, I'm not going to curse you. I take away curses, remember? Ruin the day of curse creator or those that place them."

Emmeline's eyes moved to observe the child next to him, smiling politely. It was easy not to broadcast hatred towards a child. Who was she to blame a child for the terrible choices made by people who should know better. "Look at that. She's grown so much." Another chuckle. "And by the looks of it someone with a very special gift, hm? Metamorphmagus, is she?" That was all she had to say on the matter. It was nicer to remain in the shadows, even if those shadows were a mask in broad daylight, a smile in plain sight.

"It's nice getting out of the ministry. Mind you, there is far too much work piling up in there at any given day." Some of which she only liked due to her respect for the arts themselves. - @tonks-ted

[tonks-ted]

Ted believed in second chances and in people changing their ways. But he also knew that some leopards didn't change their spots. So he continued to keep Emmeline at arm's length, despite having a polite working relationship. He had no need to be anything but courteous. However, her tease about the cursing had him arching an eyebrow and chuckling shortly. He was uncertain whether she was joking innocently, or whether it was some kind of jibe hearkening back to their younger days. This may very well have been her intention. Well, he wouldn't rise to it.

"Oh, I'm not afraid of a curse or two." Breaking a smile, he reached down to take Dora's hand tightly in his own. "I'm just not a fan of lavender. So thank you, but no thank you. I will remain hesitant for my tastebuds' own good."

Right on cue, his daughter's hair continued to flicker. She was normally more in control of her abilities, but it seemed the fayre was overstimulating. The young witch was quite literally wearing her heart on her sleeve for all to see.

"That's right," he confirmed, by now unnecessarily. Still, pride and warmth heated his tone. Others may criticise Nymphadora's existence, but he didn't care. He would only ever show her love, determined to compensate for the negativity she'd experience from elsewhere. The thought of it stung. He wanted a better world for her, but that dream was becoming more ghostly by the day. "Metamorphmagus, and a very bright one, at that. Keeps me on my toes, perhaps almost as much as the Ministry. We're certainly taking advantage of your department more and more, aren't we? Those curses are getting dangerously inventive." Perhaps even recklessly creative.

[arthurxweasleyx]

Arthur’s eyes lit up at Ted’s encouragement, though he gave a sheepish shrug. “Oh, I’d love to, you know. If I had half the time, I’d turn the shed into a proper workshop. Molly would have kittens if I did, mind you. She says we need more room for prams and bassinets, not bits of wiring and broken plugs.” His voice warmed with fondness at the mention of her, though there was the familiar wistfulness there too. “Still, one day, perhaps. There’s so much muggles have worked out without magic. I feel I’ve only scratched the surface.”

He chuckled as Ted called out to Dora, glancing at the girl with genuine delight as her hair shifted hues. “Remarkable, isn’t it? Tonks has it in her blood, of course, but still, it never fails to amaze me. We should all be so lucky to wear our delight so openly.”

The cyclist’s bell startled him a beat late; Arthur blinked, then smiled apologetically at the retreating figure before falling into step beside Ted. “Your parents look wonderful,” he said warmly, offering a little wave in return. “Molly will forgive me. eventually. After all, how often do we get a day like this?”

[tonks-ted]

Ted had no doubt that Arthur was about to have an absolute field day in his parents' house. The man was muggle mad. Ted wouldn't have it any other way. "You know what muggles call sheds where men tinker around too much?" Glancing sideways, his features became wickedly humorous. "Man caves." He paused, then laughed brusquely. "I think you need a man cave, Arthur. Maybe you could extend the shed like you've done to that excellent house of yours. Give it a few extra rooms for cribs and children's things, and a large space for a wizard with a brilliant hobby."

He knew he probably shouldn't be encouraging Arthur so eagerly, but he couldn't help it. Maybe it was excitement by proxy. It was so rare to devote oneself to an interest these days. God knew he'd barely been able to do anything but work and sleep. He hoped Arthur was more fortunate with his free time, but how he did it between work and the kids, Ted would never know. His own - singular - daughter was challenging enough. As she span around and poked out a blue tongue, he rolled his eyes and snorted as her hair faded back its usual mousy brown.

"I hope she stays so delighted," he confided, now his turn to become wistful. "We've kept the war from her as much as we can. That reminds me-" They crossed the road, the cyclist now long gone and the street quiet and serene. "- my family knows there's trouble, but I haven't told them everything. I don't want to worry them. They just know there's an uprising of sorts and it's keeping me busy at work."

And with that, they reached the front garden where his parents stood waiting. Introductions were made, then they went inside where a couple of Ted's sisters and their children greeted them warmly. Those excess ice creams were gone in a flash.

[tonksxandromeda]

Andromeda was enjoying herself, still there was a part of herself that felt almost guilty for enjoying even a moment of peace and fun with her family. With everything going on in the world it seemed almost out of place, this little bubble of happiness. To watch others laughing and playing games, children running around with sweet sticky treats in their hands. How she wished she could be oblivious to what was waiting, threatening to destroy the peace in the blink of a second. She tried to set it aside, even if it was one evening. Dora deserved this, a happy carefree childhood unaware of those that wished to destroy it. Their family deserved this peace, no matter how temporary.

A delighted laugh fell from her lips as her eyes met his, Merlin how she loved the man. She wanted to memorize every second of this, that roguish smile that would forever make her melt. No matter the state of the world, she woke every morning grateful for the life she had. "No? I would give examples but I believe we'd be here all night while I prove my point." She teased.

She wrinkled her nose as he offered some of the floss leaning away as if afraid to be anywhere near it. "Oh no, that grass is all yours." She laughed, though her eyes were tracing that smile, her own eyes softening. "I only hope your kisses don't taste like lawn clippings later." Dora made a sound of disgust at the mention of kisses and Andromeda laughed, ruffling her daughters hair. "Right, what do you say Dora? Shall we take your father on in a game? Reckon we can beat him?" She winked at Ted even as Dora bounced in excitement at the idea.

[tonks-ted]

It really did feel too good to be true. In a way, it was. This night wasn't real. All this happiness almost felt fake, knowing what else brewed behind the scenes, more potent than poison on a deadly weapon. But everyone was so willing to push that aside and believe in the best. Was it foolishness or was it hope? Ted no longer knew. He wished he did. If only the lines were not quite so blurred. He'd once thought his morals to be stalwart and clear. Now, everything was tainted with grey, all colours fading into the same miserable fear. Perhaps that was why he clung to the letter of the law. Facts were facts. The law left no room for subjectivity.

For tonight, he just wanted to be normal. Just Ted and Dromeda, living the life they'd always dreamed. God only knew how things might have looked if the war hadn't started. He'd have loved to give Dora a brother or sister, but not now, not when things were so uncertain. It wouldn't be fair. Andromeda made it easy to relax though, despite his ever-present anxiety. Her laughter worked like a calming draught, fixing his attention to her and only her. Right now, everything else could be damned.

"Alright," he conceded to her tease, as though it cost him a great effort. "You win. I suppose I can be very stubborn But don't pretend you dislike it. I know for a fact that determination is one of my most endearing qualities."

Laughing as she moved backwards predictably, he tightened his grip around her fingers and bent down to place a kiss on her cheek, chaste and firm. He smiled as he pulled back, the jest having faded into something more muted - gratitude, perhaps, for this time they had together, and sadness for the fact it was so rare. It was a moment of open emotion, raw and honest. Then he laughed, the moment gone as Dora tugged them both to the nearest entertainment stall.

The rest of the evening continued much the same, driven by their daughter's antics and desires, both of them wanting to give her a night she could remember for good reasons.

[nick-mulciber]

This motherfucker. This absolute dipshit. Nick hoped Tonks drowned in a shallow pool in this stupid garden. Now not only was Nick fighting rope, he was soaking wet and probably a little bruised. What the actual hell was wrong with this man? Andromeda had such shitty taste in men.

He could hear the bells clanging and ignored them, focusing on the spell and the binds around him. Once he got those off, he could probably get one more good curse in before fleeing. It took several moments before he was free and Nick felt distinctly like an undignified wet cat escaping a bath tub.

Standing back up at long last, Nick pointed his wand back at Tonks as his chest heaved. "Alarte Ascendare!"

[tonks-ted]

The trouble was, no amount of skill or training could prevent a finely aimed curse from striking. Ted would rue his slow reaction later. He'd berate himself for working while so utterly exhausted, and for having split up with his partner to get things done more quickly. Turned out, it'd been a short cut not worth taking.

Crouching behind the ledge, he jolted up to hurl another hex towards Nick. And at that same precise moment, Nick's curse hit and Ted knew he was screwed. He felt it like an almighty gush of air, hurling itself somewhere deep within his chest and launching him up as though caught in a deadly turbulence. Casting a counter-spell was out of the question. He felt as though every part of him was in grave danger, as though if he even moved by a fraction something could adjust within this magic and make it ten times worse. Sometimes, doing nothing was the best defence a wizard could use. So that's what he did, attempting to ride out the worst in the hope he'd be alive by the time he hit the ground.

He flew up like a feather in a whirlwind. Then he crashed down, motionless and broken.

[siriusbpadfoot]

Sirius stood, arms crossed, as he looked at his motorcycle. He had driven it over, having no need to fly for such a short distance and enjoying the extra time to clear his head. The bike was something he had been working on for years and he suspected he would never stop working on it, always adding little bits to make it better. Right now for example, he was thinking it could do with a paint job.

"Hey." He turned to Ted with a grin as he clapped his back, nodding in greeting. He raised an eyebrow lightly at the other man's offer a fondness surging up inside him. "Thanks, Ted, I'll take a look after dinner." Ted had been one of the few new additions to the family that Sirius was very happy to welcome. While his generosity was evident in the motorbike parts he had brought for Sirius, it was his love for Andromeda and Nymphadora that made him like him so much. Andy and himself had grown up in homes that were so devoid of love, and watching Ted and Andy build something different was refreshing.

He took a drink off the table, holding it out to cheers with Ted. "How's things? Busy?"

[tonks-ted]

It was nice, having family in the magical world. If Ted could have prevented the carnage that came with him marrying Andromeda, he would have done. He'd tried. Leaving her had seemed like the best thing to do at one point, to spare her from all the anguish. But it had been impossible for them to stay away from each other. Quitting the Blacks hadn't been easy for Sirius, either. But bloody hell was Ted glad he'd done it. Sirius would always have a home and a family, here.

He picked up a drink and clinked the glass against Sirius's before taking a deep gulp. For a witch who'd barely entered a kitchen all her childhood, Andromeda made a mean fresh lemonade. The smell of food cooking also trickled through the warm afternoon air, setting his tastebuds alight and reminding him very much that he was rather hungry. So he reached for the snacks, selecting a handful of cauldron shaped cheese bites, before offering the bowl to Sirius.

"Always," he smiled ruefully, before tossing the snacks into his mouth. He'd avoid the elephant in the room until Sirius wanted to talk about it - if he did. Ted hated it, but he'd drawn a line under Regulus. The boy was nowhere, a war casualty with not a trace to lead back to him. He hadn't given up hope, but he was pragmatic and had to focus his attention elsewhere than clutching straws. "And you? You know, my parents always banned me from riding motorbikes. 'Too dangerous', they said. Little did they know I was flying around on broomsticks, instead." Not that they'd have bothered to attempt restricting him by then. They'd accepted magic and all it's ridiculousness. But Ted found the memory hilarious.

[beckavery]

"I don't know, both seem kind of sad to me," Beck answered too bluntly, but couldnt' speak for himself. It also wasn't like him to drink heavily alone at a bar, but it was barely normal for him to go to a bar by himself anyway. Drinking was reserved for company or at least in the privacy of his place where a soft bed was waiting for him. "I'm sure it's about as strange of a time to be at the Ministry as much as it is to be at St. Mungo's." It was a shared misery that many people at work shared right now and he was happy to touch his days off when he could, but now he wondered if he was savoring them as much as he should. "Me? Also wanted to unwind before heading home."

[tonks-ted]

"Yeah, maybe you're right." He probably was. But God did Ted need a drink after work some nights, and he wasn't going to have one at home where his wife and daughter could see his weakness. Better in a bar with the rest of the night stragglers. "Strange... That's one word for it." For a moment, bitterness cut through his tone. Unusual, unprecedented, unnatural. Truth be told, he was tired of the buzzwords, and looking at Beck he wondered whether the war had taken its toll to have him sitting here so drunk. He wasn't going to pry, but he'd resolved not to leave him to his fate. So he nudged the bowl of snacks closer to the other wizard, then cleared some space when the waitress brought over a plate of chips. "Help yourself. It's all a bit shit these days really, isn't it? Where's the salt?" Scanning the table, he reached for it along with the vinegar.

[alicealongbottom]

Having a new baby meant sleepless nights and waking up every three hours to feed him, but while it was exhausting and stressful, she would not change this time with Neville for anything. Whenever he looked up at her with his big brown eyes she fell in love all over again. She was trying to focus on him, on their little bubble, before she started worrying about everything else again.

"You can never be too careful." Alice hoped the war was history by the time Neville was Dora's age. She knew she would have to go out again soon and fight, the death eaters didn't take a break just because she did, but the thought of leaving Neville alone stressed her immensely. "Last week Frank said it was cats, so we'll see how long the frog phase lasts." She chuckled.

[tonks-ted]

In some ways, Ted envied Frank and Alice. The first weeks and months were incredibly precious. They'd fly by in the blink of an eye, with so many first moments to enjoy. Everything Neville saw and experienced would be fresh and new. He loved raising Dora no matter her age, but nothing really compared to the baby stage, even if it meant getting up at all hours and dealing with diapers and all that other good stuff.

Upon hearing the word 'cat', Ted scrunched his nose and shook his head seriously. "Nope. That's too ordinary. I refuse to believe it. Neville likes frogs and I will absolutely buy him as many Chocolate Frogs as he wants, once he's old enough to eat them." Offering her the sweets again, he studied her more closely. Warmth coloured his eyes. He cared for her, genuinely. "And are you alright? It's not easy with a little one, let alone in the middle of a war."

[arthurxweasleyx]

Arthur thought about how and if such a thing would be possible without magic, then wondered why besides the red tape that he himself had a hand in. “I don’t know. I find that the blend of things is what makes them interesting, having to see how they interact.  Though it would be another venture trying to make sure that such tinkerings were replicable.  Charm interaction can be a tricky thing at the best of times, then you mix in mechanical systems and combustibles it’s important not to have anything that can spark the wrong kind of reaction.  Harder still when all of the work is mainly theoretical.  So in answer. I don’t know if it all works as powering it on to do more than observe would be technically wrong, another shame in the invention of it all, a waste some would say, but I find that the pursuit is half the fun.” He smiled as he opened one of the treats. Thinking after a moment.

“These are for everyone aren’t they?  So we should only eat the one, besides which it’s usually best not to fill up on treats before dinner, I find it sometimes upsets the cook.”  He chuckled as if he had been on the wrong end of a wooden spoon a time or two.

[tonks-ted]

Arthur had a brilliant mind. Part of Ted thought it a shame he was stuck in the Muggle Artefacts office instead of becoming an inventor. His work was important and it was wonderful that he pioneered the department, but still - the things he came up with. Half the time it was astonishing. Surely there'd be some value to the magical world if he could devote more time to his 'tinkerings'. But going solo didn't pay well. Arthur's family was growing. Ted understood.

"It's absolutely fascinating, Arthur. I really think you should do more with your inventions. But that's easier said than done, isn't it? Not easy to turn a hobby into a career." Making a hefty start on his Cornetto, Ted enjoyed the sweet chill and kept his eyes on Dora as she led the way to her grandparents' house. Even from this distance, he saw the tips of her hair start to turn blue, reacting to the bubble-gum flavoured treat she'd just started to demolish. "Dora!" he called out, gesturing pointedly as she turned around. "Your hair. Don't forget to be normal." Whatever that was.

Crossing the road, they were narrowly missed by a passing cyclist who rang their bell in vigorous objection. Ted snorted then pointed to a house not far away, where his parents stood waving.

"There are my parents. You sound like you've earned Molly's wrath for spoiling your appetite. Don't worry about that - Mum and Dad will probably have a treat or two themselves."

[alicealongbottom]

Alice smiled back at Ted when she spotted her friend, happy to see him here. It seemed that happy occasions were few and far in between so they needed to celebrate the good times even more. All three of them were happy and healthy, out of the hospital, that was something worth celebrating in her mind. "We are. He's been wide awake, taking everything in." Her heart warmed each time she heard a little giggle come out his mouth. Taking a treat she thanked him. "He saw some hand knit stuffed animals and wanted to get Neville a stuffed frog. He's convinced that's his favorite animal. Don't ask me why." She shook her head fondly, motioning to a stall not too far away. "How are they? I feel like I have not seen the three of you in way too long."

[tonks-ted]

Ted was relieved that Frank was out of hospital, to say the least. He'd had a particularly nasty run-in with that Death Eater. They were becoming more violent and more brazen. Attacking an Auror in broad daylight would've been unheard of a year ago. Now, things were escalating faster than he wanted to consider. Just when he thought he'd seen the worst, something else happened to make him realise his fears were nowhere near as bad as they should be. He was exhausted and so was Andromeda. But he hardly needed to explain that to Alice.

"Oh, you know. Same old. Just trudging through. After what happened at New Year's Eve, we've got Dora on a tight leash. She's not getting out of our sight." Glancing at Frank by the stuffed toys, he popped a Pepper Imp into his mouth and relished the burning sensation that soon translated to a puff of smoke from his nose and ears. The sweets weren't for everyone, but Neville seemed distracted. "So, frog themed toys from now on. Got it."

[hcalingherbs]

open to all (1/3) end of summer fayre

The last few days had been spent in Venice, enjoying a break from city life with the intent of returning for the summer fayre. Celebrating the end of summer when someone like her preferred fall above all else did seem like a good occasion. That, and a desire to uphold the way she was viewed by the world around her. Those that knew, knew. As for the others, she'd gladly walking through the shadows with a smile on her face.

A glance around, the food stalls looked amazing, the sweets inviting and the drinks enticing more than she cared to put into words. The witch chuckled at the thought of what chaos all of this could bring. She herself was holding some lavender and strawberry treats, curious as to how they would taste. While turning around she bumped into the person behind her, stumbling back with an audible sound. The festival was rather packed. Perfect or annoying - however one wanted to see things. "Apologies. It's overly crowded." And she hadn't cared to check behind her. "I recommend giving those strawberry pops a chance. Or the cherry pops."

[tonks-ted]

Ted would've chosen the word 'perfect'. What was the point in a celebration if no one turned up? Absolutely nothing. So better the Fayre was buzzing, even though it set his nerves on edge. It wasn't that he was afraid. He simply knew better than to relax completely. He'd trained for war, yet nothing could really prepare anyone for its horrors. It was much simpler in the muggle world. At least they only had to worry about weapons and basic coercion. No Imperius, no constantly changing curses. Lucky sods.

So he approached the evening as positively as he could, enjoying the time with his family while remaining alert. Just as he turned and bent to hand Nymphadora a stuffed dragon he'd won from a 'test your strength' stall, his shoulder collided with Emmeline's chest, awkwardly and undesirably, and so he straightened up abruptly.

"Sorry... and don't worry about it, no harm done." Finally placing the toy into his daughter's hand, she squeezed it and was delighted when it breathed a jet of warm-but-harmless fire directly into her face. Her hair turned redder than a Weasley's in a sunset. Laughing, he ruffled it then cast his eyes over to the sweet stand. "Had my fair share of cherry pops, already. Those lavenders look interesting, though." Not that he was phishing to try. Quite the opposite. Though he knew Emmeline Vance from the Ministry, since Aurors and Curse-Breakers sometimes collaborated, he remained cautious in her company. Roots ran deep. His Hogwarts days were long ago but not forgotten; he recalled her friends and their opinions.