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Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count - 446

Always Welcome

"I'm just going to the market," Andromeda said, smiling at Harry. "So I shouldn't be too long."

Harry nodded. "Take your time, we'll be fine."

Teddy gurgled happily, as Harry stowed his broomstick in the umbrella stand. It was where he always put it, much to Andromeda's amusement.

The poor boy still didn't like Apparition, despite being forced to do it daily for his work as an Auror.

"I know you will," she confirmed, nodding her head. "Just keep an eye on him when he crawls around. He'd been particularly courageous about trying the stairs lately."

Laughing, Harry nodded. "Noted. Have fun at the market, Andy."

Andromeda checked her appearance in the mirror one last time, and then left the house. It wasn't the first time she'd left Teddy with Harry, of course, he was the little boy's godfather, but she still got nervous every time.

It was instinct, she knew, and she brushed it away as best she could. Harry was great with Teddy, had been since the first time he'd arrived at Andromeda's place, all awkward and nervous, and really still only a boy, despite everything he'd been through.

Now, a year later, and Harry had found his footing with both himself, and with Teddy, and it was a pleasure for Andromeda to watch.

For now though, she had shopping to focus on.

…

Andromeda found an almost silent house when she got back from the market. It was enough to send the tiniest jolt of fear through her when she realised that all she could hear was softly playing music, and it was with butterflies in her stomach that she entered the living room after dropping her bags in the kitchen.

What she found was enough to chase away the fear and leave a pleasant warmth inside of her.

Harry lay on the sofa with his eyes closed, and Teddy sprawled on his chest, fast asleep. When she took a step into the living room, she saw Harry tense slightly and open his eyes, relaxing when he saw that it was Andromeda.

"He wore you out?" she asked softly so as to not wake the sleeping child.

Harry nodded and smiled. "I don't know how you do it."

"Practice," she admitted. "You're going to stay for dinner?"

"If you're sure you have enough?" Harry replied, always polite and thoughtful.

Andromeda reached out and stroked his hair off his face. "You're always welcome here, Harry, you know that."

And he was. Andromeda returned to the kitchen with a smile on her face.

She'd lost a lot in the last few years, but she'd also gained a lot.

She could only be grateful for that.

Written for:

North - Wreath, S2. Snowmen: Broomstick

East - Winter Cocktail: 19. Spiced Mulled Wine - Courageous

South - Stocking: 19. Pens: Mirror

365. 332. Market