Nova's Universe

Chapter 2 (2002/2003)

Nova

"Alright, Luna Dora's all set. Where are those two?" I glanced up at Charlie, who was about to head upstairs to look.

"DeeDee, come on! We have a plane to catch!" Charlie boomed from the bottom of the stairs.

Moments later, Aoede came rushing down, Teddy trailing close behind. Teddy, who'd been with us since right after Christmas, looked like he was about to embark on a grand adventure.

There had been a slight change of plans. After I suggested we start trying for another baby, Charlie expressed some reservations despite us trying again. So, I talked to Harry and switched Teddy's visit from the new year to now. I figured a calm week with Teddy would help solidify my point – we were ready. Luna Dora's magic control had improved significantly, and Aoede, well, Aoede was mature beyond her years.

Ironically, these past few days had been some of the most peaceful we'd had in a while. Aoede adored having Teddy around – a refreshing change from playing with a toddler, as she put it. This mostly meant she had someone to draw on and share ideas with, even if Teddy wasn't as enthusiastic about art and preferred talking Quidditch with Charlie.

"I can't believe I'm flying on a plane!" Teddy's eyes sparkled with excitement. Charlie has accidentally revealed our surprise – we were taking a plane to England – while discussing flight details with Arthur.

"It's amazing, Teddy," Aoede chimed in, giggling as she struggled with her shoelaces. "Your tummy does this funny flip-flop when you take off."

"What about landing? Does it really hurt?" Teddy's face turned serious.

A laugh escaped my lips. "Who told you that?" I asked, catching Aoede's gaze dart away just a tad too quickly. Her shoelaces seemed to have become a very interesting subject.

"DeeDee, why would you say that?" Charlie attempted a scolding tone, but a smile betrayed his amusement. He bit his lip, trying to maintain a straight face.

"He's just so gullible," Aoede snickered, feigning innocence.

"Landings are a breeze, Teddy," I reassured him, ushering everyone out the door. "Just a little rumble, nothing to worry about."

Charlie muttered a sarcastic, "Can't wait for Luna Dora to be old enough for Aoede's new brand of entertainment," under his breath. We both knew it would be chaotic, but that was just part of the fun.

***

"Grandpa Artie!" Aoede's yell echoed through the Burrow the moment we stepped inside.

Arthur, arms outstretched, beamed with excitement. "There they are!" he boomed.

"Sorry we're late," Charlie sighed. "Plane delays."

"I'll hear all about it after dinner," Arthur winked, barely containing his eagerness.

Fleur appeared from the living room, ruffling Teddy's hair. "Teddy, 'ow'd you like the plane ride?"

"So much fun!" Teddy's eyes shone with delight.

"Perhaps Teddy can regale you with his tale, Dad," Charlie suggested after hugging his father.

Molly bustled out of the kitchen, her apron dusted with chocolate. She wrapped Charlie in a hug, then Teddy, before planting a kiss on my cheek. Reaching for Luna Dora, she stroked the sleeping girl's hair gently. "DeeDee, your Uncle George is waiting in the kitchen. I just melted chocolate for your new recipe, the one you two planned to try."

"Can I come too?" Teddy's voice piped up.

"Of course, but hurry! We have a mission," Aoede declared, grabbing Teddy's hand and dragging him, coat still on, towards the kitchen.