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[clumsy_auror]

*The door opens, and Tom walks in, Bernard leaning heavily against him. Nymphadora follows close behind, Sunny in her arms.*

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[clumsy_auror]

*She smiles against his lips, nosing his cheek a little

Her grin fades after a moment.*

'M glad Faith came when she did.

Not sure what I'd have done to him otherwise.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

I know. So am I.

(I'd do it all over again)

You shouldn't have his death on your conscience. He's not worth it.

[clumsy_auror]

No, he's not. I know he's not.

But if either of you had been really hurt...

I don't care. I'd have done it.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He cups her cheek.*

I know.

I wouldn't have stopped you.

But I would have had to punish you.

[clumsy_auror]

I know.

*She drops her head back onto his chest.*

Can we stop talking about this now?

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*His brow furrows, and he pulls her closer.*

I'm sorry.

[clumsy_auror]

*Her shoulders droop.*

'S okay. I'm sorry too.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He just holds her for a moment, biting his lip and staring into space.*

You know, I won't be upset if you get upset. Please don't wait till I'm asleep. I want to be here for you.

*He half-smiles wryly*

Then again, if you don't feel upset at all, it's all moot.

[clumsy_auror]

*A quiet harrumph.*

'Course I'm upset. He fucking attacked you.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He laughs*

I know he did.

*After a moment, he sobers, unnerved.*

I think he rifled by everything. Didn't really pause, but. I don't think there's much he missed.

[clumsy_auror]

He may have touched it all.

*She kisses his cheek softly.*

But he didn't take it.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

No.

*He shifts and doesn't meet her eyes.*

Ever since I read about the Dementor's Kiss, I-- And now, seeing Barty's reaction--

It's a horrible thing to do to someone. Even Barty.

[clumsy_auror]

*Silence, for a moment.*



I know. I hate it.

And yet I practically taunted him with it, just now.

*She looks a little ill.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

I know. I heard.

*His thumb strokes across her cheek.*

It's because you love us. And you were angry and scared.

[clumsy_auror]

*Nymphadora falls silent, and buries her face in his shoulder.





After a few moments, her shoulders start to shake.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*Bernard doesn't shush her or say anything comforting.

He just holds her as tight as he can for as long as she needs him to.*

[clumsy_auror]

*She doesn't really make any noise.

Her back hitches now and again, and she doesn't look up.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*After a while, he turns his head to kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear.*

I love you.

[clumsy_auror]

've you too.

*She takes a deep, ragged breath.*

Sorry. I feel stupid, now.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Why?

[clumsy_auror]

'Cause it happened to you and now you're the one comforting me.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

...But I'm all right, and you're not. How is that wrong?

[clumsy_auror]

It's all kinds of wrong because it happened to you and because I'm an Auror and this sort of thing is where I'm supposed to be okay, and I haven't been lately. Not by a long shot.

*There's a slightly hysterical tinge to her voice.*

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

*He pulls back to look her in the eyes.*

Yes, it happened to me, and no, you haven't been all right lately, but that's because all these things are happening to families like us, and it's never been this close to home before.

[clumsy_auror]

*She hiccups a little and carries on as though he hasn't spoken.*

And I'm selfish because I won't give you and Sunny up because I need you even though I know you'd both be safer without me--