Episkey My Heart

Letters

Ted was a nervous wreck.

Today he was meeting his potential daughter and he didn't know what to dl with himself. Should he wear a suit? Should he brings presents? Should he get a new haircut? Should he-

"My love, you'll be fine. She's going to love you, alright?" Andy voice cut through his panicked thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah. It's just... I never thought we would have another after Dora." He said slumping on his seat at the kitchen and dropping his head on his hand. "What if I don't know how to do this anymore, Dromeda? What if she doesn't love me and would rather to have another dad? I mean with Dora ir was different, we are all she ever knew, but-"

"Ted, I swear to you it's going to be fine." Andromeda said but upon seeing the unconvinced eyes peeking up at her, she made her way around the kitchen table and slipped her arms around his neck. "Yesterday I took that girl to a magical community and we watched a Quidditch practice of a professional team. After asking a handful questions about the game, she became more much interest in learning about you and Nymphadora than watching the practice. That's how I know everything is going to work out."

"Okay. Yeah, okay." He nodded determined. "Let's do this."

                                       ✯ ✯ ✯

They arrived with a pop of apparition at the entrance alley to Appleby, close to the orphanage. It only took the couple a few short seconds to get their bearings after the sharp tug of apparition and then they were on their way.

The walk to the orphanage was silent, each adult lost in their thoughts and expectations for the following meeting.

Arriving, they only had to knock on the door once before it was flung open to the sight of a bright eyed redhead.

"Andy!" The child exclaimed, repeating the action from the previous day and hugging the woman.

"Hello, Aster. It's lovely to see you again. Did you have a nice night?" She asked.

"It was okay." She mumbled shyly once she registered the presence of a tall man with broad shoulders behind her.

"This is my husband, Ted. I told you about him remember?" Andromeda prompted gently, but before the girl could respond or turn to greet the men the Matron's voice rang out, coming from the top of the stairs.

"Aster Potter, what did I say about opening the door?" Joanna demanded as her made her way down the stairs.

"But, ma'am, it's Andy!" The girl pointed out loudly.

"Oh. You came back." The matron said with poorly concealed shock.

"I said I would." Andy said in a clipped tone. It was no wonder Aster was that insecure about her return if this is how the Matron received prospective parents. "This is my husband Ted Tonks."

"Hi!" Ted said, moving forward to shake the woman's hand, but not before he shot the little girl a smile.

"Hello." Joanna said, taking the offered hand. "Come in, come in. Snack time just ended so the kitchen is unoccupied."

They were ushered to the kitchen by the short woman, all the while she rambled about one thing or another. Not that the three mages were paying attention, much more interested in studying one another while they walked.