clumsy_auror | (no subject)

(no subject)

Distractions are a positive thing.

Books are somewhat helpful, but her attention keeps wandering; the television or music are even less effective. Doing something with her hands is a definite improvement, so Nymphadora's sitting on the couch with a scrap of fabric, a spool of thread, a needle, and her wand in her hand. She's practicing the sewing spells Molly taught her.

As a concession to Bernard's nerves, there's a blanket tucked around her legs, and a cup of tea on the table in front of her.

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'Dora laughs, and then gently squeezes Kathleen's hand again. "You two're brilliant. You know that, right?"

The blush deepens, and Kathleen pulls her hand away, embarrassed. "I'm sure I know no such thing. We're just regular."

A somewhat shy shake of her head. "You're not. You and Dude, and my parents -- I know how lucky Bernard and I are to both have parents whose marriages are good. Better than good. Marriages I hope I have, someday."

"Well," Kathleen begins. "Well, it's easy to have a good marriage with Dude. Like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It just all fits."

"Does it?"

Nymphadora bites her thumbnail contemplatively.

"'Cause I think Bernard and I fit -- better than I ever imagined anyone could, really -- but there are still bits we're working on. You know?"

"If there weren't bits to work on, it'd get pretty boring," Kathleen reasons. "What bits do you think need work right now?"

Frankly, "I'm shite at telling him how I feel."

"Well, that's a given, if you compare yourself to him. He's like an erupting volcano. All you have to do is try and dodge the lava."

"Yeah, I know." She pushes her hand through her tousled hair and sighs. "He's... a lot to live up to, sometimes."

Kathleen sighs, wincing despite herself.

"Hope you realize that for him it's not about either of you living up."

"I know it isn't, not really. But it's hard all the same."

A nod, and another sip of tea.

"I know. He's a very demanding person. Took up all my energy up till he left for school."

Ducking her head, Nymphadora picks a little at the edge of her blanket.

"I dunno what's worse -- disappointing him, or watching him be disappointed in himself." Dryly, "Not that the latter happens terribly often."

"Uh. No. He's too busy burning the house down to notice that he only meant to burn up some dried grass."

"Yeah," she laughs ruefully. "And I love him for it. Just hard, sometimes."

"I can always knock him over the head for you," she offers gamely.

A wry grin. "Now that I'm pretty good at."

"Didn't figure you weren't." She finishes her tea, and stares at the dregs. "Reckin I ought to be heading on home. Dinnertime's on the way."

"Okay," 'Dora replies, letting out a deep breath. Then, softly, "Thanks, Kathleen."

"Anytime." She starts to say something else, but then stands and walks to the kitchen, putting her mug in the sink. Walking back out, she leans over the back of the couch to kiss 'Dora's cheek. "I'll come back in a few days."

Reaching one hand behind her, 'Dora half-hugs her mother-in-law. "I'd like that. Tell Dude I said hi."

"Okay. I'll let him in on all the news." Another quick smile, and she's out the door and down the hallway towards home.

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