(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

There's a scratching on the front door.

Brow furrowed, Nymphadora opens it and raises an eyebrow at the owl waiting beyond. The bird alights on the witch's shoulder, and she walks into the kitchen to fetch a dish of water and a few treats.

As the owl settles for a rest on the perch in the corner, 'Dora unties the letter and reads it.

"Bernard?"

Comments

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

From the study, "...Yeah?"

[clumsy_auror]

"C'mere. There's a letter from Arithon and Tom," she calls back, sighing and pulling a glass out of the cupboard.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

A pause.

"Augh."

He shuffles into the kitchen.

"I was gonna bring it up tonight."

[clumsy_auror]

She hands him the letter, and pours herself a glass of juice before letting the owl back out the front door.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He doesn't need to read it, but he does. Taking a deep breath, he leans against the counter, rubbing his eyes with one hand.

"Fuck."

[clumsy_auror]

"Yep," she replies quietly, walking back into the kitchen and leaning next to him, sipping her juice.

"Didn't know it was gonna be that bad."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I didn't either, till I saw Liam go for Arithon's throat. He'd gone batshit."

Another deep breath.

"I guess the question I have to ask isn't so much if as when."

[clumsy_auror]

"...When what?"

A raised eyebrow.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

His head comes up finally, in confusion, and he blinks a few times.

As if it's the most obvious thing in the world, "When you'll be going."

[clumsy_auror]

'Dora blinks right back.

"I thought we talked about this. About Todd."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"This isn't the same thing."

[clumsy_auror]

"Don't give me that look," she replies steadily. "Tell me why you think it's so different, then."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"B-because--" He struggles to find the right words. "Because this isn't the possibility of something bad maybe happening, that we can guard against. This is what could be an all-out war on our fucking front porch!"

[clumsy_auror]

"No, I know, it's just--" A long sigh. "It's not in my nature to run from something like this, Bernard. You know that. The kids of course, I'll send them to the House, but..."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Conflicted, "But he's so little, and Sunny's been so scared lately--"

[clumsy_auror]

"I know. I do know."

She looks away.

"But I don't wanna leave you here on your own for it, either. That's hardly fair."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He grins, suddenly.

"But what a great opportunity for me to write you steamy love letters."

[clumsy_auror]

That surprises a laugh out of her, and she bumps her forehead against his shoulder.

"This would be where the growing-up happens, wouldn't it."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He nods, the grin fading.

"It's not just us, anymore. Like you said."

[clumsy_auror]

And finally, after another few moments, she nods, slipping her arms around his waist.

"Okay."

A deep breath.

"Who else should go to the House?"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"...Any Bound kids at all. Anyone who doesn't feel confident defending him or herself when this all rises to a head."

[clumsy_auror]

'Dora nods.

"I can organise it. Should we post a notice, or... I mean, is that a danger, being so open about it?"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"Let's... keep it quiet, if we can. Just get the word out, I think." He passes a hand over his eyes. "This fucking sucks."

[clumsy_auror]

"...Yeah. It pretty much does."

Her hand comes up to rest at the side of his neck.

"We'll be okay."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He nods, then shivers.

"We'd better be."