Hiya, to all! This is the sequel to Beaus, Brutes, & Boondoggles-Sa16+. This is going to follow Abigail, Christelle and Charlie's daughter, and it will be written in Abigail's point of view. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Anything and Everything in the Harry Potter World belongs to JK Rowling. I'm just borrowing her characters and adding a few of my own.

And without further ado, That Isn't Funny





Growing up in a large family was always a blissful thing, from having someone there for you everywhere you turn, to the overprotective uncles (and father). It wasn’t such a bad thing when you needed help with planning a prank or war on another family member, either. But sometimes, said pranks lead to something entirely else. This prank, or dare, shall I say, led me to ask Theodore ‘Teddy’ Remus Lupin to marry me. It didn’t matter that I was seven and he was twelve, all that mattered was that I fell for Teddy that day, and I never stood back up.

“I dare you!” James prodded. Fred and Albus nodded enthusiastically with mischievous grins to match James’s swept on their faces. I stared defiantly at them, never one to back down.

“And what do I get when I win?” I demanded.

“Abigail! You can’t seriously be considering this! You could get hurt! Or worse, you could get in trouble!” Rose cried in alarm. She stared at me in worry and I could already see the tears prickling behind her eyes. So dramatic. Sigh.

“I’ll be fine, Rosie, don’t you worry,” I promised, hoping it would tide her over and not make her tell the adults. That would definitely not be good. I turned my attention back to the boys, waiting for them to answer my demand.

“What exactly is it you want?” James asked hesitantly.

“If I do it, then I…get all of your treacle tarts after dinner, for the rest of the summer!” I exclaimed with a wide grin. Well, I was seven. Besides, Grandmum made the best treacle tarts, and everyone knew it.

“Wh-what?” James spluttered while Albus and Fred swapped worried glances.

“Scared, Potter?” I grinned and he narrowed his eyes at me.

“Not a chance,” he growled as he grabbed my forearm and started marching us towards the broom shed. I glanced around nervously once, to make sure nobody was paying us mind and James noticed.

“Look who’s scared now,” he taunted as he wrenched open the door and jumped inside. There was one thing I’ve always admired about my cousin—he was always brave. The cobwebs didn’t bother him like I knew they would Hugo, and he didn’t care about getting his hands dirty from the dust and grime that was inside the old shed.

He turned to grin at me when he found the two Cleansweeps that belonged to our Uncles from when they went to Hogwarts. He handed one to me with a smirk, which I met with what I hoped was an intimidating glare. He didn’t flinch an inch.

“Whoever goes the highest wins,” Fred declared as he watched us with a mirthful twinkle in his eye. So like his father.

James smiled wickedly as he draped his leg over his broom while I took a deep breath before getting on mine. At the sound of Fred’s “GO!” we both pushed off from the ground. James went soaring straight up, and I tried to do the same, but it came out a little wobbly and jerky.

I knew, somewhere in the back of my mind, that this wasn’t our brightest idea. Even if James had been learning to fly since he was practically born, I still wasn’t even allowed to ride a broom. Mum tried to convince Dad to let me have one for my sixth birthday, but Dad refused. Something about his “little girl” and not being old enough. When I asked Mum about it, she said that Dad just didn’t like the thought of me growing up so fast and to not fight him on it. So, of course, I threw a fit at first, but neither repealed.

So, as the broom jerked around restlessly and out of control, I let out the most girly shriek known to mankind. But we will never speak of that again.

My, ahem, scream must have alerted Teddy, who had been sitting under a willow tree with Victoire, along with the shrieks of Rose. His eyes grew in alarm as he snatched up his discarded broom from the ground and flew at high speed toward me. Just as the broom jerked back violently and sent me nearly falling to my death, I saw a flash of turquoise. Teddy’s arms wrapped around my body tightly as he caught me and my arms wrapped around his neck.

He held me to his chest as he returned to the ground. James landed a few minutes later, looking extremely guilty.

As soon as I landed on my feet, Teddy took hold of my shoulders and started shaking them gently. “What were you thinking, Abi? You could have killed yourself!” he shouted at me before turning his murderous glare to my cousins.

“And you three! No doubt you’ve put her up to this! You knew she hasn’t ridden a broom before! It isn’t some prank! That could have been her life!” he yelled while pointing a finger at them. They all cowered slightly as their cheeks flushed and they stared at their shoes.

Teddy turned back to me, his face softening as he bent down to look me directly in the eyes. “Are you okay, Abi?” he whispered.

I nodded slightly, completely out of sorts as I stared into his bright teal eyes.

“Never, ever do that to me again!” he said fiercely as his hair turned a flaming red. I thought he looked kinda cute with bright red hair, though it wasn’t quite a Weasley red like mine or my cousins. I tilted my head to the side, wondering if our children would get my hair or his Metamorphmagus abilities.

“Don’t worry, Theodore, the next time I fancy a fly, I’ll let you know, and you can take me up. It’ll be good practice for when we’re married,” I told him with a bright smile.

His eyes widened as he laughed. “Is that so? I thought the guy was supposed to ask the girl?” Teddy teased.

“When have I ever gone by the rules, Mr. Abigail Weasley?” I countered and he laughed even louder.

“Touché, Mrs. Theodore Lupin, touché,” he grinned as he ruffled my hair and made his way back to the willow tree. I stared after him, smiling to myself, and barely noticing the muted giggles from my cousins. After that night, Teddy always referred to me as Mrs. Theodore Lupin, and I him with Mr. Abigail Weasley. That was, of course, until my first year of Hogwarts.


So, what do you think?

OhMyGoodness

Emily, this is too cute!
I'm loving it already!

Teddy had better not break her heart, I think I might cry...

Oh my gosh, Emily this is amazing!! It's so cute and you did a great job with the beginning. Bad James! He shouldn't have put Abi up to something like that!
Anyway, PAMS! I can't wait until your next post.
P.S. I don't know why but I was under the impression that Abigail was blonde.. It just stuck out to me when she was thinking about Teddy's red hair.
Anywho, once again, PAMS!!!

Thanks, Abi! And no promises.




Thank you!
Umm, I think in BBB, I had written her hair was strawberry blonde, so maybe that's why? I just figured that over time her hair got more red than blonde...?

Emily, oh my goodness! I love it! That is such the whole little girl crush thing =) you nailed it! And from personal experience I would presume haha
I love Teddy!!!! AAAHHHHHH!!!!! Even if Abi was only seven in this post and Teddy, twelve, I thought they were cute! But not in a weird way =)
Did I mention that I love it? Because I do!
Love you! <3
lauren

Here's the next post!

Dad smothered me with his chest again and I wheezed.

“Can’t breathe,” I choked out and he released me hesitantly. I never will get used to those Weasley hugs.

“Sorry,” he said with a sigh. He ran a hand through his graying hair, which I made fun of often, even if I was eleven. “Are you sure you want to go?” he asked hopefully, even though my answer had not changed in the past five minutes.

“Charlie,” my Mum chastised with a small chuckle. “Leave the girl alone.” Mum bent down to kiss my forehead, and I glanced around nervously, hoping no one noticed. She grinned knowingly at me as Uncle George and Aunt Angelina met up with us with Fred and Roxanne.

“I’ll see you soon, Roxy, don’t be upset,” Fred was saying as he held onto his sister. She whimpered slightly as she clung to his neck and let out a sob. He looked at me as if I’d help him out of the predicament, but I just wiggled my fingers at him and smirked. He glared right back.

“Mum!” Fred whispered and Aunt Angelina chuckled as she pried Roxanne’s arms from his neck and promised she’d see him sooner than she’d think.

“Don’t get into trouble! And do your homework and pay attention in class! And, for Merlin’s sake, do not mess with Filch or Mrs. Norris!” Aunt Angelina told him. Fred smirked, which I found funny because it matched Uncle George’s in that moment. After Aunt Angelina hugged and kissed him, she turned to my parents and started talking to them and the triplets.

“C’mere, Abi,” Uncle George whispered and I grinned because I had a funny feeling that I knew what he was about to give us. He bent down to our level and glanced around surreptitiously before handing Fred and me identical bags.

He didn’t disappoint.

“Inventory?” I questioned as I peeked in the bag.

“Dungbombs, Skiving Snackboxes, Canary Creams, Extendable Ears, Weasley’s Wildfire Whiz-bangs, Self Inking and Spell Checking Quills, and Ton-Tongue Toffees. Use them wisely, and if you run low, owl me and I’ll send more. Here’s James’s bag, too,” Uncle George said in a business like tone. I grinned as I hugged him around the neck and pecked his cheek.

“George Weasley! What did you just give my daughter?” Mum demanded as she narrowed her eyes at the three of us. Dad smirked while Aunt Angelina shook her head in defeat.

“Going away presents, of course, dear sister-in-law,” Uncle George grinned, turning to wink at me. I stifled a giggle behind my hand as I grabbed Fred’s arm and led him over to a group of redheads.

“I was wondering where you two were,” James sighed dramatically as he wrapped an arm around each of our shoulders.

“Here, this is from Dad.” Fred handed over James’s *ahem* goodie bag, and James smirked mischievously as he peeked inside.

“Brilliant. Have you seen Teddy yet?” James asked as he glanced around. My stomach did little flip flops as I bit my lip. I was excited to know that I’d see more of Teddy now that we were going to school together. How wrong I was.

Fred and I both shook our heads in the negative and we all figured we’d see him on the train. Before we could even step foot on board, however, my Dad had called me back over, along with the boys. We all heaved sighs as we joined the large group.

“You’ll be careful, won’t you, Abi?” Dad asked me quietly. I sighed a small sigh as I gave him an angelic smile.

“Daddy, I’ll be fine. Plus, Fred and James will be there. And Teddy and Victoire, too. I’ll be fine,” I told him quietly as I kissed his cheek.

“But you’re my baby girl,” he whined.

“Daddy, Caroline is your baby girl; I’m all grown up now.”

“You most certainly are not! And you never will be. You’ll always be my little princess, and please don’t try to change that,” Dad chastised. I rolled my eyes and gave him a hug.

“Don’t worry, I’ll write you,” I whispered.

“Tonight?”

“Tomorrow,” I answered patiently.

“Promise?” he asked me and I nodded.

“Pinky promise,” I whispered as I help my finger out for him and he took it with a grin.

“Stop badgering her,” Aunt Ginny demanded and my Dad raised a brow at her. I gave my Aunt a thankful smile and she winked down at me.

I kissed each of my younger siblings on the cheek before kissing my Mum one last time. And then James and Fred led me toward the train. To time with Teddy. Or, so I’d thought.

“Should someone go look for him? Maybe he can’t find us,” Fred mused as we sat in our own compartment. Alfie Jordan, Uncle Lee’s son, was also sharing our compartment. He also happened to be Fred, James, and my accomplice to our many pranks at home.

“I’ll go!” I volunteered at once, perhaps a little too cheery because Fred gave me an odd look.

“I’ll go with you,” Fred declared, looking suspicious.

We walked down the corridor of the train with wide eyes and big smiles. It seemed like it never ended, but we both knew that it did eventually. As we walked to about the middle of the train, I noticed a blur of turquoise, and I almost squealed, but I made sure to stop myself from the embarrassment.

We bounded into the compartment, not bothering to knock with large grins on our faces for our find.

“Teddy!” Fred exclaimed as he went up to the boy in question and shook his hand.

“We’ve been looking for you everywhere, Mr. A—” I started.

“Abi!” Teddy interrupted me. He gave me a small smile as he did that one-armed hug thing with me.

“Look, squirts, it’s a bit cramped for room in here. Why don’t you run along and go back to your friends?” one of Teddy’s friends said to us.

Fred narrowed his eyes as mine grew wide at the realization that he was unsubtly throwing us out. My eyes locked with Teddy, and I had this hope build inside me that he’d stick up for us. For me. He’d want me around. But he didn’t.

“Teddy?”

“I’ll come see you guys before we get to Hogwarts, Fred, Abigail,” Teddy told us with a tiny smile. Abigail. That one seven letter word broke my eleven year old heart. He hadn’t called me Abigail since I was seven, before I told him we were going to be married. He’d call me Abi the few times he had to call me by name in front of my parents or the other adults. But other than that, it was always, always Mrs. Theodore Lupin.

I smiled painfully as I excused myself, letting my face crumple as I walked back to our compartment, Fred’s arm around my shoulder as if he knew. We said nothing, but we were both thinking the same thing. Teddy was different when he was with his school friends. We didn’t like that Teddy too much. I didn’t like that Teddy too much, because that Teddy wasn’t the Teddy that saved me on that broom that day. This Teddy was different.

Teddy never did come by and visit us like he said. Victoire stopped by shortly to say hello before going back to her friends, but he never came. Fred, James, and Alfie could tell something was wrong with me, but they knew not to ask. If I had wanted to tell them, I would have. They learned that the hard way when we were eight.

The next time we saw Teddy was when we were getting Sorted. He had given me an encouraging little smile as my name had been called, and I had this fleeting hope to be put into Hufflepuff so I could be with him. But I was a Weasley. And I went to Gryffindor.

I never saw Teddy that often after that, maybe a fleeting glimpse in the corridors or at meals. And of course for the holidays when we went home. But even then, he spent more time with Victoire and less time with us. It made me realize that there was too big of an age difference between Teddy and me, and that my secret infatuation would just have to stay a secret. It was in third year that I stopped the infatuation all together.


What do you think?

aww...he broke her heart! :'( that's SOOOO sad did she truthfully ever stop liking Teddy? I really, really, really hope not!
PAMS! PAMS! PAMS!
love you!
lauren<33

Oh, no!

Poor Abi!
Teddy's just being mean now...

I'm wondering if you'll pull any twists in this, Ems


Can't wait!
I know it'll be great!

Great Emily!
Ok so they're five years apart???
It's so sad that Abi had her heart broken.. I think she's too good for him
Anyways, that was wonderful, as always.
Keep it up. PAMS

Oh Emily i like this! of course i like teddy and victoire together but i can let it slip for abi!
good job, pams!

Hey Emily. Your new ff is great. I'm really enjoying it. I Loved the way you expertly went through the chain link of time. Opening with fun and danger in the first chapter and then fun and heart break in this one was brilliant. I also loved the true to life emotion you gave us with Abi's anticipations of getting to see her heart throb, only to have him gently brush her off. I don't think he is being mean, it's just the age he is. It doesn't however, sound like he is with the best group of people to be friends with.
Great job Emily. Keep up the great work.

Like I'm actually going to tell you.
Thanks, Ren! Love you, too!

Not a clue.

Quote:

Can't wait!
I know it'll be great!

Thanks, Abi!
Thank you!
Yesh, five years.

Thank you!
Thanks, Katie
Thanks, Connie! I'm glad you like it!
Thanks! I was worried it wouldn't go over well, but I'm happy with the transitions, and there are many more transitions, just so you know.
Thanks, Connie! I don't think he's being mean either; I think it's the age, too, and not wanting to look like a dork or something in front of his friends.
Thanks, Connie!

Could you pleeeeeeaaaassssssseeeeee tell me? either that or PAMS!!!

Nope But I guess I could post, since you asked nicely and all


“Mates, guess what I just witnessed!” James said excitedly as he met Fred and me on the pavement in front of the scarlet train.

“Stop calling me your mate. I’m a girl,” I scolded him, again.

“Could have fooled me,” he smirked cheekily. I narrowed my eyes at him before I smirked too.

“Just because I’m not a prissy little princess that demands your attention every minute and is a spoiled little brat, just like a certain Thomas, does not mean I’m not a girl,” I told him fiercely.

He shrugged me off and ignored the jibe at his girlfriend of one month.

“You’re missing the point!” he said in exasperation. “I saw Teddy and Victoire,” he said and my heart skipped a little bit. I knew that though Teddy was different still when he was with his mates, I still couldn’t help my feelings for the bloke. That was, until James’s next word. “Snogging!” he finished with huge eyes. “I saw Teddy and Victoire snogging,” he repeated as if we didn’t hear him. “Anyway, I’m going to go tell my Dad!” And he was off, and my heart was crumbling.

Fred looked at me sympathetically for the longest time and I knew he really did know. He’d probably known for years now, really. Fred enveloped me in his arms and I shut my eyes tight to stop the tears.

It shouldn’t have surprised me really. Teddy and Victoire had been dancing around the prospect of getting together for ages. And I was and would always be just a cute kid to him that he saved on a broom once, and jokingly called me his Mrs. from time to time. Much less time now, to tell you the truth. I know that when I proposed that Teddy and I were too young to get married, but it didn’t stop me from thinking of our future. I truly was smitten with the Metamorphmagus.

But I made a promise to myself that day, when I was hugging Fred back tightly as if I were about to fall to pieces at his feet. I promised myself that I’d move on that day and the rest of my life. I’d move on and stop loving Theodore ‘Teddy’ Remus Lupin, because he was smitten with someone else. Though that someone else could be considered a cheater because she’s part Veela. But it’s not really about that, I guess.

It was two more years before I got the letter from my Dad, telling me that Teddy had proposed to Victoire and they were planning on a summer wedding.

I was to be a bridesmaid. Ironic, in a way, isn’t it?

Needless to say that my friend Ogden helped me get through that reception.

It was another year later, in my seventh year at Hogwarts, that Alfie Jordan finally got enough nerve to ask me out. I was skeptical at first, because we were best friends, and I didn’t want to ruin that. But in the end, I decided to go for it.

James and Fred had a hissy fit, saying that we’d break the pack apart. Alfie and I promised them that no matter what happened in our relationship, the pack came first, and it would never ruin that. The boys finally agreed, and Alfie and I hit it off really quickly.

It wasn’t long into my relationship with Alfie that whenever I thought of Teddy it was a dull ache rather than a stabbing knife. It hurt less with Alfie, and I laughed more.

I lost my virginity to Alfie, and I’m glad that it was my best friend. Alfie and I were companionable and we always had fun, but I knew that in the long run that something was missing from our relationship. I ignored it for the longest time, deciding that I’d worry about it when the time came. And it did. Two years later. I had joined the Holyhead Harpies team right out of Hogwarts, just like my Mum and Aunt Ginny.

Alfie, Fred, James, and the rest of my family came to our first game of my second season to root us on. And we won. And I went to celebrate with my family at my second favorite place in the world. The Burrow. Grandmum cooked and we had a large cookout going on, with a bonfire and fireworks.

“Abigail!” Alfie yelled to get my attention over the blaring music that Fred and James had set up.

My eyes lit up as he smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

“Come with me, I want to show you something,” he whispered in my ear as he took my hand and headed for the pond that was around the other side of the makeshift house.

Whatever it was that Alfie had wanted to show me, I never thought that it would be that. But it was, and my eyes misted over with unshed tears as I stared around us at all of the fireflies. And then I looked back at him to find him on one knee in front of me with a very nervous smile.

I’ll never forget his facial expression when that one word left my mouth.

“No,” I whispered. I took a step away from him. There was a collective gasp from behind me and I turned to see that my parents, his parents, Fred, and James had gathered for the event. I even saw Teddy behind them.

“Abi?” Alfie whispered as he stood from his position and looked at me fearfully, and I knew that he hoped he had heard wrong. But he hadn’t.

I stammered my “Sorry, I can’t,” before I ran off, deep into the woods that surrounded my grandparents’ house. I know that I could have been happy if I stayed with Alfie. Content. And I was going to say yes, but my heart and brain teamed up against me, and I knew I couldn’t go through with that three letter word. So, I said the smaller, easier, two-letter word.

Alfie yelled out for me, as did others, but I didn’t respond. I don’t recall how I lost my shoes that night, but I did. And as I ran barefoot on top of rocks, dirt, and sticks, I could only think of one thing.

The thing that was missing, that was wrong, with my relationship with Alfie was that I was still waiting on Teddy. I was still waiting for him to marry me and call me Mrs. Theodore ‘Teddy’ Lupin again.

But that wouldn’t happen. Because he had married my cousin. Because he was happy with his wife. Or so, I thought.


What do you think?

That is what has made you a wonderful writer Emily. i always thought of you as great but this poat was incredible! Honestly! The way you wrote through Abi was magical! Its possibly your best writing ever!
I really hope Alfie understands and that Teddy realisea that he is the reason for her heartbreak! I will get very mad at him if he doesnt!

That was absolutely amazing! Emily, you're doing such a great job! I feel so bad for Abi.. I too hope Teddy realizes that he's the reason for all of this. Keep up the good work! PAMS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeyn<33

Or so, I thought.

HEY!
I thought you didn't have a clue on plot twists?
That was just mean...


Anyway, I it!
I feel sorry for Alfie, though...
I bet Fred knows why she ran off!

PAMS!

Awe, thanks, Katie You're too sweet
No promises!
Thank you!
Thanks! And no promises!

HA! That was a lie, my dear. I know exactly what happens. I've already finished writing it.

Quote:

Anyway, I it!
I feel sorry for Alfie, though...
I bet Fred knows why she ran off!

PAMS!

Thanks, Abi!

it's awesom Emily! I really hope Abi gets her happy ending!
I hope the group doesn't get damaged because of this, I think Alfie is especially awesome I just feel really bad for him But i hope he finds someone that can love him back as well =)

You're lying to me now?




Seriously? You've finished writing your new story?
Wow...
Maybe I should give you more editing to do

Thanks, Ren! No promises on that happy ending
Ha, umm, you'll see?

It's a possibility...

Quote:

Seriously? You've finished writing your new story?
Wow...
Maybe I should give you more editing to do

Well, yeah, it's a really short story, expanded over quite a few years...

We finished editing though! So, what more is there to edit?

Ahhhh! I hate the unrelentless torment of not knowing and your flirtation (meant in a friendly way) with teasing us!

Hey Emily. I'm probably going to be hated by everyone here, but, I have to defend Teddy. He can't be held responsible for Abi not getting over her feelings for him. They were children when they called each other Mr. & Mrs. He thought they were just teasing each other when they called each other Mr, and Mrs. He grew up, and Abi didn't. He didn't keep anything from her. She knew from the beginning he loved Victoire. But poor Abi. I do feel sorry for her. I wish her parents had seen her problem, or maybe if Fred had told them they could've been helpful to her. At any rate Emily, you write so well, that it doesn't matter what I think about what's going on, because you take us into the story with our seat belts on, and the doors secured as you whisk us through what ever comes our way. I'll be watching for your next.

It's quite amusing and fun on my end.
Oh, I very much agree with you. They were kids, just messing around, well to an extent on Abi's part... But really, what can you do?

I wouldn't say Abi didn't grow up though... I think she has grown up, and though it may have just been a crush when it started, her feelings did grow more pronounced over the years. She's grown up and she's still smitten by him. So, yeah, she was quite upset when she found out about Teddy and Victoire. Because she did very much fall for him as she grew up. And it wasn't fair to Alfie, but he was her best friend and he cared enough about her that she thought it'd all turn out okay. But it didn't because she couldn't go through with it...
Thanks, Connie! More soon!

Alrighty, new post!

“And where are you from?” a man with curly brown hair and tanned skin asked as he joined me at my booth without asking to.

“London,” I answered with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m from Dover. We’re practically related.”

“I thought you looked familiar,” I deadpanned and he laughed loudly. I thought maybe he’d had too much to drink. And then I changed my mind when he started to blur and I thought I’d had too much to drink. But I decided I deserved a night to drink myself into oblivion, since I’d just turned down my boyfriend of three years’ marriage proposal. And then his hair transformed into a turquoise color, taking me out of my thoughts, and I gasped.

“Teddy!” I shouted in surprise and he grinned roguishly and sent me a wink. “What in Merlin’s name are you doing here?” I asked.

“Well, I thought to myself, where would Abigail Weasley go after she turns her boyfriend down when he proposes? She would probably go to her favorite pub in her favorite place in the world. Romania. And Fred told me this is where you went when your Grandma passed away, last year.” Teddy shrugged as he reached across the table and took my hand in his.

“Well aren’t you the detective. I’m sure the Auror force is lucky to have you on their team,” I whispered as I stared down into the amber liquid of my glass.

“Are you okay, Abi?” he asked quietly.

“Do I look okay?” I countered as I took a swig.

“Why did you say no, Abi?” Teddy asked, ignoring my question.

“He deserves better than me,” I whispered as I buried my face in my hands.

“How can anyone deserve better than you? You’re the best,” he smiled. I shook my head at him before downing the rest of the liquid and signaling the barman for more.

“Oh, Ted, you have no idea how wrong you are,” I whispered. “Can we please talk about something else?”

“Vic and I are filing for divorce. It didn’t work out,” he stated and my head shot up.

“What?” I demanded.

“All we do is fight. I got fed up with it and so did she. It was like we were playing house, so I asked for divorce and she agreed,” he explained as if it wasn’t a big deal. But it was. It was a very, very big deal. And just as my heart had shattered that day on the platform when James told me he’d caught Teddy and Victoire snogging, Teddy just glued the pieces back together with his news of a divorce.

“So, am I sorry or happy for you?” I asked uncertainly. He didn’t seem down by the revelation, so I wasn’t sure.

Teddy laughed and my heart spluttered at the sound. He was incredibly enticing when he laughed. It wasn’t forced or fake; it was true and beautiful.

“We can go for happy, I guess,” I grinned. “Want to go for a walk?”

“Love to,” I whispered.

“Can I ask you a question?” Teddy asked as we walked arm in arm down the dirt path that led to the dragon reserve. I was still barefooted, and Teddy did not keep the jokes about that to himself when he had noticed.

“Open book,” I murmured.

“Why Romania?” he asked with real curiosity.

I glanced up at the dark sky that twinkled with glittering stars. “Everything. The stars, the air, the dragons, the beauty, the familiarity… Shall I go on?” I asked him with a small smile.

“Hmm, the air, eh? It sort of smells like burning wood to me,” he mused and I chuckled.

“To me, too. But it’s a Heavenly smell to me. I’ve smelled it since I could breathe, basically. My Mum said that whenever I got fussy when I was little and we were here for the summer, all she’d have to do was take me outside and I’d calm down,” I revealed to him. He chuckled as he pulled his arm from mine and wrapped it around my shoulder. I shivered a little and he tightened his hold on me. I yawned as I laid my head on his chest.

“Can I ask you a question?” I whispered and he had to lean down to hear me properly.

“Open book,” he echoed and I smirked.

“Why’d you come looking for me, Ted? We haven’t really been all that close for years, or ever really.”

He sighed as he weighed his answer. “It felt like the right thing to do, I guess. And I wanted to. I was worried about you, Abi,” he answered and I could feel my face flushing in pleasure at those words.

“Thanks, I guess. I’m glad you did… This is me,” I said as we stopped in front of a small cottage. It was the family’s vacation cottage; my Dad lived there when he worked at the reserve. He and my Mum had actually moved back to Romania last year, when my Dad was offered his old job again. They live a couple of blocks down from our ‘vacation house’.

I don’t really know if we can call it that anymore. Since it’s more of home, rather than vacation now. But Dad still doesn’t have the heart to sell it. And I was grateful, because I wasn’t in the mood to run into them tonight. It was in walking distance to it and the backyard overlooked part of the reserve. At night, sometimes, you could even see the dragons breathing fire, and it’d light up the night like a firework display.

Teddy walked me to the door and then hugged me tight.

“Do you want to stay? There’s plenty of free beds,” I offered and he grinned as he opened the door for us.

That night, I became smitten with Theodore ‘Teddy’ Lupin again. We stayed in that cottage for two weeks before I finally decided to face the music and go back home. Alfie and I were able to salvage our friendship, especially once Fred and James cornered us and reminded us about the pack. It was awkward at first, of course, but we worked through it. I heard he started dating some bird from Kent now. But that’s not until later, much later.


What do you think?

Disclaimer: The quotes starting with "Where are you from?" and ending with, "We're practically related," is from the movie Burlesque.