Months, then a year, came and went. Andromeda never thought twice about choosing Ted Tonks. He was caring to everyone, he treated her like a princess, and that was that. She’d told her family about him once the two became serious, but she’d left out the one important detail of his parentage. When they asked about Ted’s bloodline, she said that he was a pure-blood. Andromeda planned on getting away with the lie for a bit, delaying the Black family’s punishment for however long this secret could continue.
Her face lit up when Ted knocked on her door one December afternoon. She unlocked it to let in her handsome boyfriend.
Ted beamed back at her and said, –How’s my Dromeda doing on this fine day?â€
–She’s spectacular, especially now that you’re here,†Andromeda replied, blushing. Ted had always been the only guy who could make her go red in the face, just by using those adorable greetings.
He kissed her on the cheek. –Ready to go?â€
She nodded, grabbing her coat from the closet. –You still haven’t told me where we’re going, Ted Tonks!†she joked in a serious voice, slipping her hand into his.
Ted chuckled. –Now, now, I can’t tell you that, or it wouldn’t be a surprise…†He led her outdoors, where they stood in front of a random flower pot. Andromeda knew right away that this wasn’t randomly placed.
–We’re taking a Portkey,†Ted confirmed, –and you’ll ask no questions until we get there.â€
She put a hand to her mouth, mocking indignation. –Well, look who turned all bossy! What have you done to my boyfriend?â€
He kept silent, grinning as he brought their hands to the Portkey. Andromeda felt nauseous while they spun to their destination. Portkey was her least favorite way of traveling, but she wasn’t going to complain to Ted. The trip would end in seconds, anyways, so she could deal with a moment of discomfort.
She found herself overlooking the ocean, standing on a beautiful white cliff that was covered in grass. In her wildest dreams, she never imagined that she would get to see this view. True, she could’ve Apparated there in an instant, but her job ensured that she was constantly busy. It barely gave her time to think, save for during the holidays, which were coming to a close.
–We’re on the cliffs of Dover!†she told Ted excitedly. –I’ve always wanted to come here.†A knot suddenly grew inside her when she realized what was about to happen.
–I remembered you telling me that at least once before,†Ted said, squeezing her hand, –and I always wanted to be the one to take you there. More than one year ago, you made a choice, Andromeda Mira Black. For the life of me, I still don’t know why you did it. You chose me, despite your family tradition of being with pure-bloods. Not to mention the fact that I’m a total klutz, and I’m pretty shy-â€
Andromeda never liked when Ted put himself down, so she interrupted by playing with his hair. –Really, Ted, stop that negative talk,†she insisted. –You’re wonderful just the way you are.â€
He lifted her chin. –I love to hear you say that. Nothing compares to the love you’ve shown me, putting yourself in danger along the way. It’s a shame that I’ve only got one thing to repay you with… Now, close your eyes.â€
She did as she was told, feeling him move away from her.
–Okay,†Ted announced, –you can open them.†With his wand, he had written four heart-stopping words in mid-air, glowing red. She glanced downwards to see him kneeling in front of her with a ring in his hand.
He asked, –Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?â€
For most young women being proposed to, this wouldn’t take much consideration. Andromeda didn’t have that luxury. There was more at stake here: her family. For twenty years, they had taken care of her when she was ill, celebrated holidays and birthdays with her, comforted her when she was sad. Regardless of their dark magic, they were still family. Betraying them would mean the ultimate heartbreak. But their hatred of Muggles and Muggle-borns sickened her to no end. She had two choices: go with some ancient rule that she didn’t believe in, or marry the man that she loved. When she thought of it that way, her answer was simple.
Knowing the consequences, knowing that her life would change drastically, she enthusiastically said, –Yes.â€
Ted stood and picked her up like she was the lightest weight in the world. He placed the ring on her finger; then she seized his face and pressed her lips on his.
After she let go, he brought her back to the ground. –And now for the hard part,†Ted pronounced with a grimace. –You’ve got to give the news to your Mum, Dad, and sisters…â€
–Tell me about it. This won’t be fun,†Andromeda sullenly replied.
He assured her, –Well, no matter what, we’ll get through it together.â€
Andromeda went home and prepared for what would probably be the worst day of her life. She was sure of one thing, though: Ted Tonks could soften the blow.
There's so many things we're not;
But with what we have,
I promise you that
We're marching on.â€
Carrying Her Weight
Ted sat in his living room, waiting for Andromeda. Today, his fiancé was telling her family about their engagement. Then she would drop the bomb: Their lovely, pure-blood daughter was marrying a Muggle-born! It seemed foolish to expect a miracle. Her parents would never accept him, and he didn’t think they would forgive Andromeda for saying yes. But was it so bad to still hope for the best? He’d told her to come over afterwards and tell him their reaction, whatever it would be. Ted kept looking out his window to watch for her arrival. Before long, she Apparated there, standing motionless in the snow. Something was unquestionably wrong. He put on his coat and went outside to meet her. Andromeda’s face was blank, and it was plain that she’d been weeping.
–They disowned me, Ted. I’m not allowed to see them anymore. No owls, no visits. Nothing.â€
He opened his arms, and she walked into them. He didn’t try to speak yet, holding her tightly. Ever since she’d told him about the Black family prejudice against his –kindâ€, Ted knew he wouldn’t like them. To make her as miserable and fragile as she appeared now? That was outright despicable.
–I’m so tired of everyone judging you before they even get to know you,†Andromeda cried into his shoulder. –First Rupert, then my own family! They were just awful talking about you. You don’t deserve it.â€
–Neither do you,†Ted argued quietly.
She pulled away to grin meekly at him. –Thank you, sweetheart. I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t know you were worth it.â€
Even in the worst of times, Ted’s future wife was one strong, caring person. –I think I just fell more in love with you,†he said.
Andromeda put her arms back around Ted, clinging to him. He knew it wasn’t only out of love, but because he was the only family she had now. Ted couldn’t fathom how she was still standing. After all, most people don’t lose their entire family at once… especially not while their relatives are still alive.
–Do you want to spend the night here?†he offered. –I figured you didn’t want to be alone after what happened today.â€
She nodded gratefully, and he led her to his front door.
–It’s much warmer inside. You’ll have to sleep in the living room, but the sofa is comfortable.â€
Ted took Andromeda to his sofa. She collapsed onto it, trembling.
–Please stay with me,†she begged in her weakest voice.
What else was Ted going to do but console his fiancé? He grabbed a blanket and lied down next to her. Ted draped them both with the blanket, protectively crossing his arms over Andromeda’s shoulders. This is how it will be when we’re married, he thought. I’ll get to comfort her every day, whenever she needs it . It relieved him to see her calm down. Occasionally, she woke up and started to shake again, letting out a few sobs. He just held her closer. –It’s okay. I’m here. I’ll always be here.â€
But you’re no burden, I assure.â€