The crocodile tears continued to fall even as the young woman scooped him up; of course it helped that Seamus was a sucker to be held (thanks to his parents spoiling him rotten when it came to that, but Fig had the hardest time resisting his puppy dog eyes), and he instantly pressed his head against her. He snuggled into the woman as he sniffled, his fingers gripping the fabric as he stared straight ahead.

Gus was happy that whoever Seamus had run into was taking it in stride. (But then again it helped that there were other wee babes running too before they were collected for bed.) He laughed quietly as he went to rub the back of his neck. “Oh no. Please don’t apologize. I was entertaining him and probably shouldn’t have had him chasing something.” His eyes were drawn to the patronus still watching them from the branches of the tree, and while he thought about immediately dismissing it he didn’t want Seamus to blubber because he took it away.
Gus held his arms out for him. “Come here, Seamus.”
The toddler shook his head and burrowed his head into her. He seemed quite content. “No. Stay here.”

Gus grimaced as he flicked his gaze toward her and offered her a strained smile. “Sorry, this may take a moment.”

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