(no subject)

[clumsy_auror]

The past two days have been a blur. Nymphadora feels like she's hardly slept, hardly seen her family, hardly even eaten more than a few bites at a time. So when Bernard had somewhat firmly suggested that they eat lunch together in the park, she quietly agreed.

Anything normal would be good. As would, she thinks vaguely, getting out of the Ministry for a bit. It's like a perpetual wake.

So many lost.

The witch shucks off her work robe, leaving it in her cubicle -- it wouldn't do to frighten the Muggles, after all -- and grabs her lunch sack before heading out to the atrium to meet Bernard.

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[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

They'd been careful, before, not to draw too much attention to
themselves. To their relationship. Because the whole world knows that
Nymphadora married a muggle. But the last few days, he's decided
he doesn't give a fuck what people think. They're at risk no matter
what, and he's going to hold his wife's hand if he feels like it.

So, when she shows up at lunchtime, he doesn't hesitate to not only
twine his fingers with hers, but kiss her firmly, almost defiantly.
The wizard working security watches them very closely.

"Hi."

[clumsy_auror]

"Hi," she replies softly, darting a quick glance at the people around them, and then leaning close to kiss him again.

Hands still clasped, they make their way to the lift at the far end of the atrium, and wait for it to bring them up to the street.

"How was your morning?"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"Okay," he murmurs. "Not as productive as I'd like. A-- One fellow's... lagging."

[clumsy_auror]

"Yeah?" 'Dora bites her lip, squinting as the bright June sunshine bursts into the telephone box. "Think he's gonna be ready?"

It's a warm day, but there's a pleasant breeze. It ruffles her pale blue hair as they set off down the sidewalk.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He's quiet for a moment, as they walk, and smiles as the smells of the city wash over him.

"Yep. Gotta be."

[clumsy_auror]

The park is only a couple of blocks away, and they find an empty bench near a playground. Children run to and fro, playing on the swings and in the sandbox, as their mothers and nannies gossip nearby.

"Well. At least he's got the best teacher for the job, yeah?"

Nymphadora gives him a small smile as she unwraps her sandwich.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He smiles back and slips an arm around her shoulders, nibbling on a slice of apple and making sure she not only unwraps the sandwich, but eats it.

"How's it going in your division, sweetheart?"

[clumsy_auror]

"'Bout the same."

She takes a small bite, chewing thoroughly, thinking.

"Everyone's nervous. He could attack any day." A breath. "Just hope it's after they find that last horcrux."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

His thumb begins to stroke the side of her neck, tangling in the hair at her nape. "Do you guys need anything from us right away? Because we're working on some new things, but I'd like a few days to make sure everything's kosher."

[clumsy_auror]

"Well, we'll need everything as soon as it's ready, but don't rush.
Wouldn't do to make mistakes with something like bombs, would it."

With a sigh, 'Dora leans back against his arm, the hand holding her
half-eaten sandwich falling into her lap.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

And Bernard leans his head against hers, abandoning his apples. "And how are you?"

[clumsy_auror]

She laughs a little, but there's no humour in it.

"Not so good."

Her voice falls to nearly a whisper.

"Keep thinking about Mum and Dad. What could've happened. And then I feel bad because I didn't lose my family, when so many other people did, but I keep dwelling on my near-miss just the same."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I know," he replies quietly. "I think everyone feels that way. Those that didn't lose anyone, I mean."

Then, "...They know they can stay with us if they have to, right? Your parents, I mean."

[clumsy_auror]

"Yeah?" She looks up, finally, and smiles faintly. "It'd make me feel better, but I wonder if Mum'd go. The old Black stubborn streak is a mile wide, in her. Won't conscience being put out of her own house, that sort of thing."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

A wry grin. "And I don't blame her. Take the issue up with your dad instead."

[clumsy_auror]

"Yeah. Okay, I will."

She laughs, suddenly.

"We'd be overrun, if they did come, between all the parents and kids and animals. But that's not such a bad thing, I reckon. Good distraction."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I'd like to see your mum and Hiss in a showdown over the armchair," Bernard laughs, pulling his own sandwich out and taking a bite. "...Golly. See? I should be making your lunch all the time."

[clumsy_auror]

She quirks an eyebrow, still smiling. "How d'you figure?"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

As if it is perfectly obvious, "...Because I make the best food ever?"

[clumsy_auror]

Gravely, "Oh. Right, of course. Silly me."

Her eyes narrow, and 'Dora hands him a napkin before pointing surreptitiously to the corner of her own mouth.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard rolls his eyes and shoots her a saucy grin (literally), before dabbing at the spicy mayo from his sandwich. "Admit it. You find me dashingly attractive when I have condiments on my face."

[clumsy_auror]

"I do."

She pecks him on the cheek before going back to her chicken salad sandwich, falling silent once more, her eyes half glazing over as she looks out over the park before them.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He falls silent as well, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.


"...You know, as much as this sucks, it's nice to sit with you right now."

[clumsy_auror]

She stiffens, suddenly, her eyes sharpening and following a dark figure coming towards them from the far side of the park. Hardly breathing, Nymphadora watches him until he turns off and disappears down the street. Then she relaxes a bit, looking tired, and picks idly at her grapes.

"It is, isn't it."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

He pales, losing his appetite and looking out over the park with a tight smile.

"Ten years from now it'll be the same for you, out here. Won't it."