There Could Never be a Father Who Loved His Daughter More than I Love You

Ted pulled out his daughter’s chair before he sat down at Al’s Pancake World. “So, tell me about your Quidditch season so far. That new Keeper working out for Gryffindor?” He flipped open his menu, pretending they actually cared about the pancakes. Tonks followed his example, although they both knew exactly what would be ordered. This tradition was almost as old as Tonks was.

“Bill decided that he needed to focus on his NEWT clases, so they’ve got this second-year named Oliver Wood. I got him with a Bludger to the head in his first game, but he's a quick study and hasn't gotten knocked out since. What have you been doing?”

“Eh, same old, same old. Making Cauldrons is not a glamorous job, but I like what I do. You know that. Although business is up because some o' the international makers are making cauldrons with really thin bottoms.” The waitress arrived and took an order for potato pancakes and an order of blueberry-strawberry pancakes with whipped cream. “So, Nymphadora, tell me about this dream. Get chased by something?”

Tonks rolled her eyes at her father. “Daddy, I told you I want to go by Tonks. And no, the dream was not about being chased. It was about Charlie. I dreamed that he kissed me.” She made a face at the idea, although a very, very small part of her knew she didn't mean it. “I've never liked Charlie like that, Dad. I just don't get it.”

Ted smiled. His baby girl was growing up. “Maybe it doesn't mean anything at all. Maybe you miss him from school and your brain got confused. You've got all sorts of hormones going crazy right now; it happens at 14-almost-15. But if it does mean something, Charlie will come around. Until then, he's your best mate. You'll see him in few days; see what your tummy does.” The food arrived, and both father and daughter were quiet for a bit while they ate the pancakes in front of them. The waitress came by with a check. “Feel better, Little Firecrab?” Tonks smiled at her father's use of his oldest nickname for her.

“A lot. Just talking about it makes my tummy feel less flustered. And it isn't a school holiday until we've had our pancakes. Should we order Mum's biscuits and gravy?” Tonks slid over to her father and snuggled into a hug.

“I put the order in when the waitress came to check on us and you were still face first in your whipped cream.” She giggled. The pair arose from the table and paid the bill. As they were leaving, Ted leaned over and said, “A green ponytail with streaks of red. I like it.” He tugged it gently and they Apparated back home. Andromeda was there, waiting for her food, and they sat as a family with coffee while she ate.

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Author's Note: Al's Pancake world is a reference to Gilmore Girls, a show that I love. The title of this chapter is a lyric from Paul Simon's Father and Daughter, which I adore.