(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

It's quiet, for once, as the early evening sun slants through the curtains. Bernard and Sunny are outside, taking advantage of the warmth to read companionably on the porch.

Nymphadora has her work spread out on the dining room table, and Anthony's fast asleep in his playpen in the corner.

Comments

[clumsy_auror]

Nymphadora looks closely at Door over the rim of her mug, but not too closely. She doesn't want Door to think she's being judged; 'Dora heard things from Tom, of course, but Door is still her friend, too.

"Wanna tell me about it?"

[iopenthings]

"I was- I think I was trying to be someone I'm not. I'm not my father. I can't fill his shoes, but I can stand in my own. That was the basis of everything. I was insecure and frightened. When Tom brought Sunny in, all I could think was this was one more responsibility on my shoulders. When he told me he was going to help destroy that Academy, I knew- I knew he wouldn't come back. I knew it as well as I knew the sun would rise. Then he did come back, and it was me who nearly died. That week I still don't like to think about."

She glances away. "I was jealous, too. Tom chose to come here more, and he became better friends with you than I'd been. It just became easier to stay in the House, and keep to myself."

[clumsy_auror]

"I think..." 'Dora pauses, and takes a long breath. "I think you haven't had the easiest life, and you put a lot of pressure on yourself for a long time to, as you say, be someone you're not. It's easily done." A wry smile. "I've been guilty of it a time or two, I'm sure. But all that's water under the bridge, and I'm glad to see you here."

[iopenthings]

"I'm glad to be here. Tom is wonderful - I love him more than I ever thought I could love someone, but he's not the best person to discuss girl things with. Although he has been very good about providing ice cream at the very best of moments."

[clumsy_auror]

That prompts a laugh from 'Dora. "Isn't he, though? Once when I had a misunderstanding with Bernard, he made a really game attempt at comfort, and then we ate our weight in ice cream."

[iopenthings]

Door laughs, as well. "He told me about that. I thought it was adorable. He really is surprising sometimes."

Her smile turns wistful. "We're thinking about thinking about maybe next year trying for a baby of our own."

[clumsy_auror]

Nymphadora raises her eyebrows, but smiles. "Really? Blimey, wouldn't that be something. Think you'd be ready for that?"

As if on cue, there's a quiet sort of "Ah!" from Anthony's playpen, and Nymphadora walks over to lift him out, pressing a soft kiss to the baby's cheek. The witch cradles the still-sleepy baby close, and settles herself back on the couch beside Door.

[iopenthings]

She reaches out to softly touch Anthony's cheek. "That's why we're only in the thinking about thinking about it stage. I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready, but I don't run off screaming in panic at the thought anymore."

[clumsy_auror]

Anthony gurgles softly, and his tiny mouth briefly curls into a smile, crinkling his eyes at the corners like Bernard's. "I know I'd never have deliberately had a family so soon, but... sometimes things can't be helped. And I wouldn't trade either Anthony or Sunny for anything, now. They're..." She shakes her head, unable to verbalise it. "They're amazing."

[iopenthings]

She pats his little hand, slipping a finger in between his. Anthony grips it, and Door smiles.

"In the Underside families tend to start pretty early, as you're never sure how much time you've got. That being said, I never imagined at nineteen that I'd be the mother figure for an eleven-year-old wizard and a seven-year-old Herald-to-be, but yeah, it's amazing. Tiring, but amazing.

[clumsy_auror]

"Hm." 'Dora smiles down at her son as he yawns widely and leans his head against her chest. "How've things been in the Underside lately? Quiet?"

[iopenthings]

She snorts. "The Underside is anything but quiet. However, it is more manageable now. People listen to me. They listen to us. When they don't, Tom manages to maneuver them against one another till they do what we wanted in the first place. I'm taking notes - he's frighteningly good at that."

She hugs herself. "Since last summer, I think we've showed them that we're a force to be reckned with. I've heard talk of Velvets slinking back into the corners of the Underside, but I doubt they'll be a problem now." Her eyes go hard, the colors dulling. "If they are a problem, we'll deal with them again."

[clumsy_auror]

"'Course you will." 'Dora's voice is quiet, but serious. "And if you need help, you come to me straight away, yeah?"

[iopenthings]

She reaches out for Dora's hand, covering it where it lies against Anthony's back. "I shall, 'Dora. Although you've rather got your hands full yourself. Why don't we make this a reciprocal deal?"

[clumsy_auror]

And the witch squeezes Door's hand. "Deal. I'll take all the help I can get, out there."

[iopenthings]

"I know. Tom's terribly worried. I'm sorry things are so bad right now."

[clumsy_auror]

Her grateful smile fades. "Yeah, well. Me too. But it is what it is. The war can't last forever."

Well. It could.

But Nymphadora won't let it.

[iopenthings]

"No, it can't," Door says, quietly.

She sips her tea. Feuds, clashes, violence, murder... She's grown up surrounded by such things in the Underside. This fact doesn't make it easier.

"I was wondering if perhaps we might all have a picnic sometime soon, out by the lake. The children get along so well, and it would be- it would be lovely to spend some time altogether. Tom considers you his family, and I do as well, even if I've not been around much. If you aren't busy, that is."

[clumsy_auror]

And at that, she smiles. "That'd be lovely, really. And when aren't we all busy? We'll make the time."

[iopenthings]

"We shall. I'll make certain of it. Would I be in the way if I stayed a bit longer? Just to, well, to hang out? Catch up on gossip?"

[clumsy_auror]

'Dora cuffs Door's arm lightly. "Don't be stupid, you're not in the way. C'mon, you can come along for the wonderful spectacle that is nappy-changing."

Chattering merrily, the two women walk down the hall to Anthony's room, the baby snug in Nymphadora's arms.