Jaded (Rewritten)

Chapter Nine: Heartbreak Warfare

Potter Mansion – London, England – 7:05 P.M

"Did you like your chicken, munchkin?" Harry asked, watching his daughter with a grin.

Candice nodded enthusiastically, her face a charming mess of sauce as she continued munching with focused determination.

Astoria wiped a stray drop of curry from her lip and turned toward her husband. "Where did you buy this, love? It's incredible!"

Harry took a sip of his water, leaning back. "It's a new place in Kensington Gardens. Apparently, it's the best Indian food in London right now."

Astoria's eyes widened, and she playfully narrowed them at him. "You've been to Muggle London? Without me? Why wasn't I invited to this scouting mission?"

Harry chuckled, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "I'll take you there next weekend, I promise. We can make a day of it."

"You better! You know I love it there," Astoria replied brightly.

Harry smiled at her endearingly. "It still amazes me, every time you tell me that you love the Muggle side of the city."

Astoria rolled her eyes. "Why? Because I'm a pureblood?"

"Purbud!" Candice repeated happily, waving a piece of Naan like a flag.

Harry laughed and leaned over to pinch his daughter's chubby cheek. "It's not that, love. It's just... refreshing. Seeing you mingle with Muggles so effortlessly."

Astoria's expression softened into something deeply sincere. "I love seeing your Muggle heritage, Harry. It makes me feel like I know every part of you."

Harry felt a surge of warmth in his chest. He leaned forward and planted a chaste, tender kiss on her lips. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Astoria replied.

Crack

The romantic atmosphere evaporated instantly. Fifi appeared and curtseyed low. "Fifi is here, Master and Mistress, because you have a visitor," she squeaked.

Astoria threw Harry a knowing, heavy look. She turned to the elf. "Is it Ronald Weasley, Fifi?"

"Yes, Mistress. Mr. Weasley is at the foyer."

Harry's face hardened, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a cold, sharp flint. His lip curled into a sneer he usually reserved for Dark Wizards.

Astoria noticed the shift and stood up quickly. She turned to her daughter and knelt by her high chair. "Are you finished, love? Do you want to go play with Mr. Duck?"

Candice discarded her fork with a clatter and squealed, nodding vigorously. "Dak!"

Astoria scooped her up into her arms. "Say goodnight to Daddy first, munchkin."

Harry stood and walked over, smoothing Candice's hair. "Daddy will be up in a few minutes, I just need to talk with someone. Then I'll read your favorite story, okay?"

"Stowy!" Candice cheered.

Harry kissed the top of her head before looking at Astoria.

"Be gentle, love," Astoria whispered, her eyes pleading for him to keep his temper—mostly for the house's sake. She turned and headed for the stairs.

Harry watched them disappear before turning his focus back to Fifi. "You said he's in the foyer?"

"Yes, Master. Does Master want Fifi to take Mr. Weasley to the living room?"