Written for Amber (Cheeky Slytherin Lass) for the Lots of Love Competition

Written for the Greek Mythology Competition (Ares - write about either of the Wizarding Wars)

Last Goodbye

Andromeda passed the bag to Ted, but to do so was painful.

He accepted it with the same pain, knowing that by taking it, he was essentially signing his death sentence.

"Say goodbye to Nymphadora for me," he said.

Tears rolled down his wife's cheeks as she nodded. A noise, something of anguish, escaped from her and she threw herself into her husband's arms.

"Don't worry," he soothed, rubbing his hands up and down her back, "we'll see each other again; I'm sure of it."

It was an empty promise – one that was only said for comfort. They both knew that.

They stood together in the living room, arms around each other in what could potentially be their last embrace. After everything they'd been through, it was hard to imagine saying goodbye to one another, even if it were just for a while.

Fighting and betrayal of family; love and devotion to one another. It couldn't end like this – it just couldn't.

"Be safe," she whispered, looking up at him with round, red-rimmed eyes. "Be safe, my love." She stood on tip-toe to kiss his cheek and he laughed. Even at such an age neither of them were exempt from a little romance every once in a while.

Ted slowly moved to the door of their home. He looked around, taking in every crease and every floorboard he'd grown to love over the years. His eyes fell on the stain Nymphadora had created when just three, and he smiled. She had looked up at them both so innocently, neither had had the heart to Scourgify her so-called artwork.

He turned back to his wife. "I'll come back," he promised. "I live for you and our daughter." He gave her one last kiss.

Andromeda nodded. "And I wait for you," she whispered.

Ted threw the pack across his shoulder. He dared not look back as he walked away, for if he did he'd want nothing more than to turn back.

Andromeda watched as he reached the Apparition point, anguish on his face, and then vanished altogether. Fighting back tears, she closed the door, not daring to think about what might happen to him out there.

…

Ted's last thought was of them. His loving wife and beautiful daughter.

For months he'd hidden from the Death Eaters, fought them when he could; but it was too late now. There was too many of them and he was sick of fighting.

He saw them coming and at least had time to send a Patronus. Would it make it to her, or did it end when he ended?

It was worth a try, at least. One final goodbye.

They were upon him now, wands drawn and shouting.

"Who are you?"

"Blood status?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Being here makes you look guilty."

He clutched his own wand, but he knew it was no use. If he even muttered a spell they would be upon him in a heartbeat.

So, instead, he drew himself tall, kept his wand in his pocket, and said, "My name is Ted Tonks. I am a Muggleborn. I have no family."

His last thoughts were of Andromeda and Nymphadora, and they were the visions he planned to take to his grave.

I hope you liked it. Reviews are always welcome, of course!