Nova's Universe

Chapter 2 (1998)

Nova

"Mum, I don't know how to thank you for staying," I said, setting down two mugs. "You shouldn't have to."

Mum smiled sadly. "Nonsense. You both lost so much. You need time." She tiptoed past the sofa where Aoede slept peacefully.

"Yeah," I mumbled, taking a seat.

"How are you doing, Nova? Please, not the 'fine' answer. Aoede's asleep, no excuses."

Tears gathered in my eyes. "Honestly, I don't know how to handle it. Tonks... funerals in our twenties? And Charlie... so down. Sleeps all day, barely eats. And Aoede..." I gestured towards her. "It's not fair. She deserves love, attention. I know she misses Charlie... I try to smile and hug her, but it's not enough. Mum, I just..."

Mum pulled me into a hug as the tears spilt over. "Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. It's normal. Aoede's too young to notice, trust me. You've been amazing with her."

"Really?" I sniffled.

"Absolutely. You'll have time to love her the way she deserves. I'm proud of you, you're strong for her, laughing, playing."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "She's the only thing that makes me smile anymore."

"Give it time, sweetheart. You'll heal." Mum stroked my hair gently.

"I know," I mumbled, wiping my face. "It's just... seeing Tonks like that... and Teddy losing his parents. And then the fear... the fear of the same happening to Aoede..." My voice cracked.

Mum held me close. "Nymphadora was your friend, Nova. It hurts, of course it does."

"The worst part," I whispered, "it wasn't this bad when Dad died. I feel so guilty." The words tumbled out, a secret I hadn't meant to share. Shame burned in my throat.

Mum stroked my hair. "You were fourteen, Nova. Grief hits differently at that age. You said yourself, looking back, you'd react differently. And until now, at twenty-five, you hadn't lost anyone else close. You see things differently now. You cried your eyes out, then went to check on Harry, even while you were hurting. When Dad died, you were so lost you barely remember getting to the Burrow."

"I guess," I mumbled. "Harry and I aren't close, but I felt like I had to... tell him things would be okay."

"That's you, Nova," Mum said softly. "Just like your father, putting others first, even in pain."

I took a shaky breath. "I have to be strong for Aoede, for Charlie. It hurt losing Tonks. But Charlie lost a brother. I feel so helpless." Tears came back, my gaze drifting towards the stairs.

"Remember how grateful you were to Charlie when your dad passed away?" Mum asked gently. "You'll be there for him, just like he was for you. You two are so alike. You'll find a way to comfort him."

"I'll figure something out," I promised, my voice muffled.

Mum squeezed my hand. "While you do, I'm here for both of you. And for cuddles with that gorgeous granddaughter of mine."

I sniffled a laugh. "Thank you, Mum." She pulled me into a hug.

"Nonsense about thanks. Now I'm retired, it's time I made up for all those years I wasn't around." Her smile held a hint of regret, but mostly love.

"We love having you," I assured her. "Plenty of space, stay as long as you like."

A moment of silence passed. "Charlie still having nightmares?" she whispered.

"Yeah," I sighed. "Wakes up at least once a night. Fred or Tonks." My voice trembled with worry.

Since the battle, Charlie was haunted by dreams of them dying, dreams where he couldn't save them. Even if he wouldn't admit it, I knew he felt guilty. Maybe not about Tonks, but definitely Fred. The weight of it all sat heavily on him.