Tea Break (open)

The annoying, patronising healer always got on her nerves. Jen had taken Grace for yet another check-up and once again, they’d discovered she was absolutely fine. This hospital was just making a big deal out of nothing and wasting all her time, constantly. Oh well, it was over now so she could grab some food in London and go home. Actually, she wouldn’t get food, because she was supposed to be losing the weight she had put on from constantly eating during pregnancy. She didn’t look good fat.

Tea wouldn’t make her gain a load of weight, would it? There was no harm in stopping for a quick hot drink. The tea here was wonderful after all. Jen walked over to the counter to order herself a pot of tea. Then she took a seat at a little table and picked up Gracie to give her huggles.

Being at St. Mungo's was depressing. Camilla liked healing magic and things of that sort, but there were too many sick people here. She couldn't help but feel bad about their situation. Strolling through the halls, she reached the front desk and waved goodbye to the nice lady who had greeted her when she walked in. Camilla had taken the job at Hogwarts, so her visit to St. Mungo's was only to respectfully decline.

She grabbed the hair band on her wrist and put her hair up in a ponytail, waiting foe the cool breeze to hit her and take away the hospital smell. Camilla was on her way to getting something to eat for herself and Augustus since she had taken longer than expected and hadn't had time to cook. Walking into the first place she saw, she realized they had mainly coffees and teas.

"Hmmm." Camilla glanced at the available drinks, desserts and meals. She could do with a salad, and so would Augustus, but she was really in the mood for just a cup of coffee. Ordering a salad and some chips for her husband, Camilla ordered a cup of black coffee for herself. She waited by the counter for her order, and while waiting she saw the cutest little baby girl. She was blonde and had the most gorgeous eyes.

Camilla debated going over and talk to the mother, seeing as she didn't have many acquaintances in London. In fact, she didn't know anyone. The thought of having someone to talk to, even for five minutes, was something she wanted very much at the moment. With her order ready and in a bag, Camilla turned to walk towards the woman and her child.

"Hi, sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she is." Camilla smiled. "Is she yours?" She thought the answer would be yes, but what if she was just babysitting? It was best to make sure.

Gracie was so perfect. She had perfect eyes and a perfect little lock of light blonde hair and perfect tiny little hands and simply overall perfection. She definitely, most certainly took after her mother in the looks department. Jennifer was sure she would grow up to be just as smart and beautiful. Some babies she had come across before had been constantly wailing and sobbing, but Grace only did that when she was hungry. Most of the time, she just stared up with wide eyes that were knowing and curious at the same time.

Jen found herself lost in thoughts of Damien. She seriously didn’t know what she was to do with that man. True, he was her daughter’s father but he wasn’t fit to be. Constantly flirting with her and messing around with the baby as though she wouldn’t crack her head open if she fell, the blonde was almost certain he’d get them all in trouble at some point. As for his dodgy business, she didn’t want to be associated with him if anything weird happened with that.

Her head snapped up in slight surprise when she heard someone talking to her. Some woman. Pretty. Ish. What did she want? Did she know her? Jen’s gaze softened slightly when she complimented Grace. “Hello,” she greeted politely. “You aren’t interrupting anything.” Just quality time with her daughter. Which she supposed she had plenty of other opportunities for, so she may as well take part in this conversation civilly.

“Yes, I know,” she nodded, obviously proud. Jennifer loved Grace getting compliments. Why, she wasn’t quite sure. It wasn’t the same as receiving a compliment herself but she found it almost as pleasing. “Her name is Grace,” she added. Just because the woman might like to know. Grace was such a beautiful name, so elegant and pretty.

Was she hers? Of course she was hers! Although she may have a couple of Damien’s less ugly facial features, Jen was pretty sure she was like her ‘mini me’. “Yes,” she nodded, doing her best to keep up her light, pleasant tone. “Please, you’re welcome to sit down." Cradling Gracie in one arm, she picked up the tea pot and poured some into the little mug that they had given her. She took a sip. Indeed, this was good tea.

Camilla smiled at the baby. How many times had she dreamt about being a mother? Quite a lot. This was the wrong moment, though. And the wrong family. No, she shouldn't put it that way. Augustus was a good man, he was loyal and hardworking, but he wanted power and fame. He wanted to be known. A person like that couldn't possibly stay away from evil's path, and it was proof enough that he'd joined the Death Eaters. For a second, Camilla let herself feel bad about the situation, but seeing this girl and her child made everything better. Happiness was happiness, no matter whose it was. Putting that smile back in her face, Camilla said, "It fits her. Grace." There was no doubt the little one was stunning, and no wonder! Grace's mother was just as beautiful! Camilla wasn't sure if she was feeling a little jealous, but she still pushed that possibility down as the woman asked her to sit down.

Now fully looking at her, Camilla could tell they weren't that far apart in age. Camilla was probably a few years older than her, two or three. "Thank you." she said politely as she took her seat in front of the couple. "I'm Camilla. My husband and I just moved from Portugal, so it's taking me a while to adjust to the tea-drinking business." She nodded to the tea pot and mug. She was trying to get used to a lot of things, really. For example, the weather. She missed the beaches and warmth and cool breezes. She misses the summers filled with trips to the zoo and clear skies. London was a huge place compared to her little home in Portugal, and Hogwarts was so different from Durmstrang.

"How old is she?" Camilla turned the conversation to Grace. She was a bit shocked that this girl could be 18 or 19 and already had a child. Things like these were so shocking to her because she'd grown up thinking children came after marriage, but who was she to say this lady wasn't married? She caught herself thinking too much in too little time and immediately stopped to listen to the much needed company.