(open) a stroll among muggles

[Amanda Hopkins]

She held her dogs leash tightly in her hand as she traveled through the park. The place was filled with Muggles of all sorts - Muggles with dogs, Muggles with strollers that held toddlers and babies (and some, even, with dogs!), Muggles watching their children, Muggles talking on their cell phones, Muggles having picnics - but she didn't mind. She doubted there were many Witches or Wizards in her presence, but one could never be so sure. It wasn't that she cared whether there was or not, anyway. One of the things she and her ex-husband had never agreed on was their opinion of Muggles. He liked to avoid them at all costs (would even occasionally complain about a certain 'smell' - of which she was convinced was in his head), and she enjoyed being around them. She felt there was much that they could learn from them. For they had learned to live their lives successfully without the use of magic, after all.

She had her wand hidden, tucked nicely in her boot. She'd be able to reach for it should the need arise, but she wasn't risking it being seen. Amanda was always on guard. Perhaps, she shouldn't have been. Perhaps it meant that she would overlook some of the better things about life. But she could not help it. She had learned one valuable lesson from her oldest brother and that was that one should never fool themselves into believing everything is perfect. Still, she tried to keep all negative thoughts in the back of her mind. The reason she had come to the park, after all, was because she needed a break from such things. She needed time out of the house for she had started to develop something like cabin fever while she'd been shut away - just her, her Persian cat, and her dog. She didn't even have to speak to other people, she merely wanted to know they existed.

Amanda sat down on the closest bench, lifting her dog onto her lap. The Papillon instantly laid down, tongue lolling to the side. Amanda stroked her fur gently, eyes watching each person as they passed her by. She couldn't stop the smile from passing her face. It was perhaps the first time she'd been out of the house since the divorce was finalized and she couldn't have picked a nicer day. Many people seemed to agree with her conclusion that the day was beautiful as she definitely was not alone in the park.

[Deleted]

Nerefon was sort of bored and wanted to take a stroll outside and to spend time studying Muggles and what they did on nice days like today. She had always been fascinated by them and thought that they should always learn more about them but when could she ever truly do that when she had so much on her hands. She had Sirius, her child that she had with Peter though she wanted him to see their son but she never could actually talk to him for she felt that Tony wouldn't like that very much. She was wearing ripped, faded blue jeans and a plain black T-shirt with a muggle group called Three day's grace on it and her old pair of black all star shoes that were worn out. Her hair was a pixie cut auburn color her eyes were her green normal color, moss colored green. Her wand was stuffed in her left pocket and her t-shirt covered it.

Nerefon had Sirius in his little carrier which she was carrying. She had taken some time off of work in order to raise her son and Tony had decided to work overtime to help her as much as he could. She appreciated what Tony did for her since this wasn't his child but he went to all lengths to help her and he had always told her that blood doesn't define a father, but what a man does to help raise a child, that defines a father. He had been pushing so much at work, trying to help and trying to get as much information from Ariel and to keep working that she worried about him since he never stopped battling for anything. He was a persistent person and always did everything till he got it right that was one reason why she loved him so much and one of the many reason she still loved him.

She remembered the first day she met him and he had almost sat on her in the office and she grinned at what he had said, though no one was in the room. 'who ordered the pretty girl cushion for me? I don't need it.' She snickered and remembered how hard he had been on her and she sighed but she knew she had impressed him the very first day they met and he had never allowed anyone else to train her but himself.

She reached the closest bench and realized that there was someone sitting there. She didn't know if she should ask to join the other woman or not but she was kind of awkward about asking things, she was always a little awkward.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Asked Nerefon politely.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda stroked her dogs head as the animal licked her hand a few times. She almost didn't hear the voice speak from above her, but after a brief moment the words registered and she glanced up in the woman's direction. She offered her a warm smile and a nod. She didn't mind the company at all, but it was still polite of her to ask. Amanda bent down to put her dog on the ground, holding the leash ever tightly in her hand. The dog didn't go far, anyway. She seldom ever did. Her ex husband and her had once joked about how her papillon was her extra foot, and his Rottweiler was his. Even after everything that had happened between the two, the memory brought a brief smile to her lips before she spoke.

"No, I don't mind," she said to the other, gesturing for her to sit. She noticed the young child and smiled at the sight of him, as well. She herself had briefly considered little ones of her own. Of course, that was before everything had happened. "Actually, I think I'd enjoy the company," she added, eyes on her dog. "How old is the little one?" she asked, turning her gaze back to Nerefon. She was sure the other had heard the question a lot, but she asked it nonetheless.

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Nerefon Smiled at the dog that was in the other woman's lap and she remembered what it was like to have a pet that was close to you and was more of a companion and close friend who was always there and was like a third person or wheel in your life. She had a pet once but it had died when she was 15 but now she would always have that something although her pet was now an owl and now she had a son to take care of for now that loneliness was not there anymore.

She knew that Tony and Sirius would always be enough for her that nothing would take that away. Sirius was blinking when she looked down at him and she couldn't help but chuckle at his blinking and amazement at the world around him and she cared more then life it's self. For him and she would give him the world if she could and make sure that he would live in a perfect, safe and happy world. She thought about it and she knew Tony would do the same for Sirius though she knew he was hurt that this was not his child but the child of Peter's

"Thank you." Nerefon said smiling and sat down and putting the carrier down in between her feet and took out Sirius who was in a brown onesie with a monkey on the front, he was wearing a brown thin brown hat, with little ears, to cover his hair which would change color unexpectedly and she didn't want muggles to question that.

"I agree with that, I don't get company very much since Sirius was born. His father is always busy at work and comes home late." Nerefon said not wanting to really talk about Sirius's biological father to much since Peter was always drunk and she wanted to help him so bad to become healthy.

"Sirius is about three weeks old. Do you wish to hold him?" Nerefon asked politely smiling.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda gave her dog a gentle sit command, smiling as the dog obeyed. It was nice to have a pet near. A companion to comfort you in your times of need. During those days, Amanda's pets were about all she had. It used to be she could turn to Lloyd for comfort, or even find some solace knowing that Marcus was around. But at that time, she was mostly alone. She was divorced and all her friends were as busy as ever - getting married, having children, finding jobs (sometimes in what her mother would have called the wrong order) and all she had was her cat and her dog.

"You're welcome," Amanda replied softly, giving Nerefon a smile in response to hers. Amanda nodded at her words. She may not have been a mother herself, but in some ways, she understood. "I've always heard that sometimes happens when you have children," she said sympathetically, "It would seem that it happens after you go through a bad divorce, too. I can't remember the last time I had someone over," Amanda's smile grew when she found out how young Sirius was. "Sure," she replied to Nerefon's question, "If you don't mind, I'd like to."

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Nerefon watched as Sirius watched the few birds in the sky and smiled when he yawned and looked up at her with that curious unknowing look. His large eyes was watching her with wonder and she gently stroked his face with her index finger and smiled at how wide his eyes became.

Nerefon wondered what was going through the other woman's mind and she wondered what really was other people's thoughts. Yes she was a telepath but she didn't like prying for it was against her own rules for a person's mind was the person's last sanctuary for everything and she didn't like invading other people's privacy. She learned that the hard way when she had went up against Abatu when he wasn't the way he was in the three broomsticks and she had to keep everything private herself now. She smiled at the woman nicely.

"It is hard but since there have been two other children born before mine and they are only a few months a part it's nice to have the kids get together. But with everything else, it's hard yes. I am sorry that your going through a bad Divorce, I bet that's hard on you. My name is Nerefon by the way. I wouldn't mind if you ever decided to come over if you wanted company." she said offering her to come over any time.

"Go ahead. He likes new people and though he tends to be shy." she said and offered Sirius to her for her to hold.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda smiled at the mention of two other children. It certainly was nice being able to grow up with someone else, a fact that Amanda knew from experience. She and her childhood best friend had grown up together, after all. Of course, they'd since grown apart but it had definitely been nice while it lasted. "It definitely is good for the kids when they have close friends around their age. I imagine it's, also, nice to have the support. After all, the other parents know what you're going through."

Amanda's face straightened at the repeat mention of her divorce. She shook her head gently replying with, "No need to apologize. A bad divorce is far better than a bad marriage. Besides, in many ways, I suppose the split up is my fault," she admitted, though she probably would not say any more on the subject than that. "It is hard on me, though. Many people blame me entirely without knowing the full story. It really does damage to your reputation, I guess. Anyway, enough about that, it's nice to meet you, Nerefon," she said, smile returning, "I'm Amanda. I'm sure I'd love to," She reached for the child when he was offered and held him gently in her lap. He really was adorable and almost - for only a brief second - made her regret not having one. "I was a shy kid myself. So, I understand."

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"It is especially when they are close to the same age sometimes I wonder though who will be doing the protecting and who would be the one that Will be the goof ball of the group. Yeah it is nice to have that kind of support." she said.

"I bet it is. Don't blame things on yourself or be to harsh on yourself of things going the way they did. Sometimes things happen for a reason even if the reasons are either good or bad sometimes they are unexplained." she said gently.

"It does hurt and it is hard on someone who can't tell their side of the story because everyone thinks that the other is telling both and not really explaining the full story which those people who don't ask for the other's side, well...they are just as stiff as oak trees. They don't know or don't realize how much damage they do when it comes to the very person who can't explain for they just won't listen. Don't blame yourself or judge yourself to harshly, There is always a reason in things like this." she whispered.

"It's nice to meet you too. I wold like it if you ever wanted to come by any time. My schedule for work is mostly open since Sirius was born and my mother in law, who is head of my department told me to come back when I was ready." she said gently.

"I believe all kids are shy for starters. I was really shy till I met my husband, well fiance, Tony who was slightly harder on me when I first started in the department." she said.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda nodded in agreement and understanding. When she saw young children all the same age playing together, she couldn't help but wonder who would end up protecting whom when they were all Hogwarts age. There always ended up being one person in the group who would see to it that everyone stayed safe, and then one who would always get into some kind of trouble. "You'll find out one day," she said with confidence, "I wouldn't rush it, though. Might be best to enjoy these years while they last," she added with a smile.

Amanda nodded as she spoke. She really wanted to believe that it wasn't entirely her fault. He had messed up a lot himself, after all. However, she could not deny that she was in the wrong, too. But would it really have saved her marriage if she had never done what she had done? "I try not to. Things really do happen for a reason. I do start to wish people would listen to my side, though. They can be so judgmental without really knowing anything."

Amanda smiled. She would definitely be taking Nerefon up on that offer. She supposed that she could use a friend or two in those difficult times. She supposed, in many ways, that everyone could use a friend or two. "As a healer for St Mungo's, mine can occasionally be unpredictable. But I can always make room every now and then," she said confidently, "I think I'd agree. I think being shy is quite common, actually. Some people just need help pulling out of it," She smiled at the child, bouncing him slightly before handing him back to his mother.

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Nerefon smiled and thought how the children would become so close and would guard each other and would become very protective over each other. She never had siblings and she never really had anyone to defend her except when she met Tony who would defend her more then anything but now she would have two sister in laws and they would defend her too.

"Your right. The best moments are when they are just starting out and continuing. Better enjoy it when there is time." she said with a grin.

"Yeah, they do happen. My Fiance and I had split for a period of time when he lost his memory after he was attacked by a lot of curses and he lost everything. I had helped him through it but we eventually couldn't because he coudln't remember us being together until he got it back." she said gently thinking.

"I know. I had that too where I wish people would listen too. I remember when I had to talk to my fiance's demon." she whispered.

"I remember going to St. Mongos. I went there after almost all of my bones were broken and most of my body was hurt because I had been close to being murdered by my fiance's demon a few years back. Yeah I know that work is unpredictable, I work in the department of Law enforcement at the Ministry and fighting and capturing the darker of us, is difficult. It is unpredictable so I know the feeling." she said.

((OOC: Sorry I am half asleep when writing this.))

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda nodded. She supposed that was exactly right. Time flew by faster than many people realized. Months quickly turned to years and years, eventually, became a lifetime. It sometimes seemed to Amanda that it all happened in the blink of an eye. "Yeah," Amanda said with a smile, "Exactly. You never know how fast these days will go by," he added, voice slightly solemn as she spoke. She hoped that, one day, she would be able to say that about her own kids.

Amanda listened to everything Nerefon told her. It sounded so stressful, and so scary for her fiance. "It's good that he did get it back. That must have been rough on you two. Especially him. I could not imagine losing my memory," she said, voice quiet but just loud enough for the other to hear. "There are a lot of people in this world that I don't think are capable of listening," Amanda replied, handing the child back to his mother, "I suppose demons would be one of them. And biased friends of ex husbands," she said with a nervous chuckle.

"I hope you were treated well during your time spent there," Amanda said, "It sounds painful. Most of the healers there are lovely people. But you have some that aren't very kind. I certainly hope you didn't run into any of them," At the mention of the Law enforcement, she glanced at the woman again, lifting her dog onto her lap. "It must be tough then," she said, "On you, I mean. I have a friend who's an auror. It's definitely taken a toll on him."

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"That is true. Kids are so precious and they start gaining their personality once they ar born and they pick up their habits from their parents and even if the other parent is actually only a step-dad." she said with a small but yet sad smile.

"It is but at first it was hard trying to help him get his memory back and remind him of everything that he once knew and after he did get his memory back he became really distant for a while. It was. It was very hard on both and we were split for a few years and it took us a while to get back together but we did it." she said taking Sirius back who yawned.

"Yes there is and you know, haters are going to hate. Many people don't always or can't listen because of their ignorance. Yes I guess a demons are one of them yes. Friends of ex husbands can be like that." she said gently.

"Of course, they were all nice. I would agree with that and many can be nice and not nice every where you go no matter what. No I usually can tell who to avoid with given certain abilities." she whispered.

"Sometimes. I just try to let all of it go when I don't want it to get to me but when it does I try my best to hide it. Really?" she asked.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda nodded in agreement, smile on her face. She couldn't argue with the logic at all. She supposed that a large part of what had made her who she had become was her parents. She supposed the same of her ex husband when she really thought about it. "They're very precious," Amanda agreed cheerfully, eyes on Sirius as she spoke the words, "They learn more from the adults they spend their young lives around than most people realize," she agreed again, "Mannerisms, traits, beliefs," she added the last thought thinking specifically of her former husband, a slight subtle frown on her face.

Amanda smiled again when Nerefon told her they'd ended up together in the end regardless. She couldn't help but think about how she wanted something like that. Perhaps not the memory loss part, but the part where everything would work out in the end. The part where no matter what, she and her partner would end up together again. "You two must really love each other," she said, not realizing she'd spoken the thought aloud, "I mean, it sounds really sweet what you two have been through and still being together in the end," she added quickly, embarrassed by the thought she'd spoken.

Amanda let out a friendly laugh at her remark about haters. Truer words had never been spoken, she supposed. "That is certainly the truth. I think, the worst part of it all, is that they do listen. To him," she said, chuckling, "Certain abilities?" she asked curiously, voice a whisper as she spoke the question. She nodded at the next question, "Really," she replied.

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Nerefon watched as Sirius did fall asleep in her arms and she smiled down. What she wouldn't give to keep him like this but also to watch him grow. She wanted to see what he would become and how he would deal with things and how he would love and take care of both Willow and Sky.

"Yes they are. I love children at all ages, even if they throw a fuss at random times. I would agree. My sister in law, Selene, her baby girl seems and is so much like her and her husband that it is amazing to watch her. She is so happy and I see Willow acts like them and wants to help Sirius and Sky so much." she said with a small smile.

"We do yes. In many ways that are the same reasons in what we fell in love with each other and many new ways. Yes I would agree and thank you. Though many times we would fight but many ways it ends up the same, our love for each other is still there. Don't be embarrassed by it, it's ok." she said.

"Well that's their problem. Prove to them, that no matter what they say, it can't tear you down even though it hurts still. Make it make you stronger." she said remembering what her uncle said to her which made her stronger.

"I am a telepath. I have had the ability to read minds since I was born. I have learned to block it when I was in school and when I met Tony. Maybe I could help your friend." she said.

[Amanda Hopkins]

Amanda grinned when Sirius began to fall asleep. They really were cutest when they slept. "I have to say that I agree," Amanda said, "Not that I know what it's like to have a child of my own. It's just me, my dog, and my cat right now," she frowned for a split second, realizing she had made herself sound like a spinster but not pointing it out, "but maybe one day. They really do take after their parents a lot. It doesn't surprise me that her baby is a lot like she and her husband."

Amanda nodded, listening attentively as Nerefon spoke. It was sweet, really. She hoped that she'd have something similar one day, but secretly doubted that she would. It was easy to become doubtful about such things after a divorce. "That's amazing," she said, "That your love is still there. And okay, I won't," she replied, "I want it to make me stronger. I'm sure that one day it will. When it does, I'll show them all," she listened as Nerefon told her that she was a telepath, suddenly curious. "That's very interesting," she said sincerely, "I've never met anyone that was. Maybe you can help him."