Blackbird

Chapter 55

 "Knock, Knock." Lorie's voice rang though the room. "Everyone decent in there?"

It took a minute for Ted to register her meaning, but when Andromeda stirred next to him, he remembered.

Technically, it was the second night they'd spent together. But their first night had been so stiff and uncomfortable, it hardly counted. Last night had been heaven of earth, and the last thing he wanted was for it to stop, but based on the way sunlight was steaming in, it was already late morning. And they had a big day ahead of them.

Grumbling, he leaned over and kissed Andromeda's neck. She sighed, and squeezed his hand. It was small gesture, but enough. Yawning, they both stumbled out of bed. When it was less obvious they had just woken up, Ted shouted, "Come on in."

Despite his assurances, Lorie still peaked her head before opening it all the way, Following behind her was Jake, looking equally apprehensive. Upon seeing Ted and Andromeda standing up off the bed, and not even touching, he visibly relaxed. Ted rolled his eyes.

Behind them was Liv, looking every bit as sour as she did yesterday. She gave Ted a pointed look, like she wanted to continue their conversation from yesterday.

"I need to freshen up," Ted mumbled, before taking off to the small bathroom. A part of him felt guilty for leaving Andromeda alone with Liv, but Lorie and Jake would be there to act as buffers. And if Liv got really out of control, he would be back in a jiffy.

It would be nice to have a few minutes alone to just think. He hadn't had that much since Andromeda had shown up two days ago.

He and Andromeda were going to be together. It was something he still couldn't wrap his brain around. They'd danced around that truth for so long, and every time he thought they'd finally gotten over their last obstacle something else would come up that would keep them apart. What if that happened now?

"What did you think of your first time in a muggle inn?" Lorie asked.

"It's... nice, I just don't understand the point of that grey box."

Lorie laughed, and began explaining the concept of the television.

Ted smiled. He'd been right about Lorie taking care of Andromeda. That was what was different this time, wasn't it? It had always been a secret, but now there was hardly anyone left to keep it a secret from. Andromeda's parents would know soon enough, even if they didn't already.

"How does it work?" Andromeda asked.

"This little box controls it." Lorie answered.

"Muggles have the strangest imaginations," Andromeda said.

"Would you like to turn it on?" Lorie asked.

There would still be painful times ahead of them. Liv wouldn't be the only one to question his decision to be with Andromeda Black, and that would be nothing compared to the onslaught she would receive for being with a muggleborn. But if they stuck together, nothing could keep them apart.

They would work out this time, they had too, because he couldn't handle the alternative.

His musings were interrupted by Andromeda's scream.

Without thinking he bolted outside. Once again he expected Bellatrix, but it was just Meda and his friends.

"I'm sorry," Jake said, "It was an accident. I didn't mean too..."

Andromeda was sitting on the bed, shaking, the remote on the floor in front of her. Jake and Lorie stood by her, looking both confused and upset by their outburst. Liv, however, just looked sick.