The Angel of Small Heath

1918

Aurora (20yrs old)  Tommy (28yrs)

***

"They say the war is easing Pol" Aurora whispered, clutching her tea tightly. She wanted to believe it, but she didn't know if her heart could take it if it wasn't true. 

"I know...I prayed for their return today" Pol replied, her heart aching for her family to return in one piece.

It was a quiet day in the Shelby residence, a day for god. Pol had just returned from her morning mass leaving Aurora to mind the youngest Shelby brother. They spent the morning in the open fields with Aurora holding Finn tightly as they flew above the trees. His laugh and giggles echoed in the air as she sped over the tallest branches. Spending time with Finn or her younger brother always lifted a weight off her chest. 

Finn loved Aurora like a mother, she made sure to time out of her day to play with him, to ensure he got the attention a growing boy needed. It was the little things she did that made him feel her love. Teaching him to read and write, fly on a broom, sing him a song goodnight, or cook French pastries together.

"How is he? Tommy? what did he say in his last letter?" Pol asked curiously, resting her hands on top of Aurora's.

"H-he, he's underground, a tunneler. He said it's the worst job to be given" Aurora divulged her voice breaking slightly. "He asked if I could find a charm for him to be able to see in the dark... Tommy never liked the dark or small spaces Pol. He's meant to be out in the open fields, like a horse" Aurora rambled finally letting her inner thoughts free.

"Ssh-ssh" Pol whispered pulling the weeping girl into her arms. "When he comes home, you'll go to your field and sleep under the stars. Just you and him like you did before the war" Pol reassured, the usually stoic woman's eyes filled with tears. But she kept them at bay, she had to remain strong.

"I- I've been planning Pol for when he comes home...My father has given me two house-elves to help me run my shop and keep everything in order when I have to leave my potions unattended" she rambled once again, her nerves getting the best of her. Pol smiled faintly, it was an adorable trait that many would find irritating if it was anyone else, but not Aurora.

"Anyway, I've been spending time building us a house. It's in our field, near the forest and lake, so the horses can run free and graze. I thought it would be the perfect place for him to settle his mind after coming home. Many men that have returned aren't themselves. They break down, seeing the nurses as threats, Pol" Aurora whispered, worried about her reaction. The house was not far and the houses were connected by the floo network. 

Aurora played with her fingers childishly waiting for a response.

"Pol? Was it a bad idea?"

"No, I think he would love that very much!" She sniffled, thinking of how the war had destroyed so many lives. She wondered if she would recognize her nephews and if they would recognize their family. "You'll have to show me tomorrow, I want to see it" 

"Do you really! Oh Pol you'll love it! It looks small on the outside but with magic... it's huge. There are spare rooms for the family to stay in, or if Tommy wants to have a family. We talked about it before he left, but I don't know how he will feel when he returns".

"Don't be silly, Tommy would go to the ends of the earth for you. I believe he would want an army with you. I'm surprised you hadn't fallen pregnant with the way you two carried on. Shagging like rabbits, you were" Pol joked, lighting up a fresh cigarette.

"Pol!" Aurora gasped in shock, before bursting out laughing. Clutching her stomach she let loose a beautiful melody. "W-we, well I used a protection charm. I wasn't even out of school yet! There's plenty of time for kids in the future" Aurora grinned, wiping the tears that had escaped in her laughing fit.