A new friend from the family
7 August 2011
Edward "Teddy" Lupin was lounging on his godfather's couch, his legs stretched out across the coffee table. He knew Ginny would probably get mad, but he didn't care at the moment. He groaned and rested his head on the armrest while lazily watching James annoy his little brother, Albus.
"James, stop annoying the poor boy..." Teddy sighed. James huffed and crossed his arms, turning away. Albus glanced shyly at Teddy before running off. Teddy watched Albus disappear and sighed again. "James, come here, will you?"
James, still sulking, slowly walked over and sat next to Teddy. Teddy wrapped his arm around James's shoulder and closed his eyes. James couldn't help but smile.
"You are clingy today," James remarked.
"Shut up, Potter," Teddy replied with a huff. James giggled and let Teddy hold him. Soon enough, Teddy fell asleep.
He stirred awake to the familiar scent of his godfather. Where James had been sitting, Harry was now positioned, with Teddy's head resting on his lap. Teddy opened his eyes and looked up at Harry, who was gently stroking his brown hair. Teddy noticed the pained expression on Harry's face and sighed, allowing his brown hair to shift to a shade of blue. Harry's hand paused.
"Why did you do that?" Harry asked.
"I'm not my father, you know," Teddy replied, meeting Harry's gaze. Harry furrowed his brows and pulled his hand back.
"I know... But what is going on with you?"
Teddy stood up from the couch, feeling a sting in his heart. "I'm sorry... I just... don’t feel well."
Harry's frown transformed into a sympathetic look. "I see..."
Teddy offered an apologetic smile, then began to pack his bag. He had been staying here for two or three weeks—he couldn't quite remember. He missed his grandmother, Andromeda, and it seemed like a good excuse to leave. Just as he reached for his bag, Ginny walked in, holding Lily in her arms.
"Leaving, love?" she asked. Teddy glanced at her and nodded.
"Yep... I’ve caused you guys a lot of work, and I miss my grandmother."
Ginny smiled. "You didn’t cause any trouble, dear. Stay a little longer. We were about to head to The Burrow for dinner."
His eyes lit up. "The Burrow?"
Ginny laughed and nodded. "Everyone will be there."
Teddy remained silent for a moment before asking, "Everyone?"
Ginny nodded again. Teddy thought for a while. "Okay, sure... I can come, I guess."
Harry, still on the couch, laughed. "I think he loves the Weasleys more than us, M'love."
Ginny shook her head. "No, I think he loves a Weasley more than us, don’t you, Ted?"
Teddy's hair turned a deep shade of red, her face matching the colour soon enough. "G-Ginny..." he muttered, looking away.
Both Harry and Ginny burst out laughing. Harry got up and patted Teddy's back. "Falling for a Weasley? Welcome to the club."
Teddy groaned and pushed Harry’s hand away. "I don't know what you're talking about... You weirdo..."
Harry chuckled. "Sure... Whatever you say, Teddy."
Teddy groaned loudly. "It's Ted!"
Harry smirked. "Mhm... Teddy, it is."
☆☆☆☆☆☆
Later, the five Potters and Teddy arrived at The Burrow, enveloped by the warm and cheerful atmosphere radiating from Molly. “Hello, my dears! Come in, come in! Oh, I see you brought Teddy!” she exclaimed with a beaming smile, wrapping him in a heartfelt hug. “Welcome, love!”
Teddy returned her smile, eagerly scanning the cozy space, his eyes flickering around in search of someone special. Molly was too busy bustling about to notice, but George definitely did. “What are you looking for?” he teased with a playful grin. Teddy jumped slightly, caught off guard, and turned to him with a hint of embarrassment. “What? Me? Nothing… I’m just hungry,” he replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
George chuckled, enjoying the playful exchange. As everyone settled into their seats, Teddy slid next to James, who was already digging into his dinner with impressive enthusiasm, food flying everywhere. “James... Slow down, will you?” Teddy urged, amusement bubbling in his voice. James paused, wiped his mouth, and shot Teddy a mock glare, but laughter sparkled in his eyes. The room was alive with joy— the kind that only family gatherings could generate. Teddy felt a wave of happiness wash over him; he adored being part of this lively clan. He cherished his grandmother, but moments like these were simply unmatched.
As he looked around, he noticed the long table set for 24, but with 25 plates gleaming in the light. Teddy's heart sank for a moment until he caught sight of Arthur, who gently took one plate away, his expression soft but heavy. Teddy felt a twinge in his heart but quickly looked away. His gaze landed on someone who made his heart race—Victoire Weasley. His eyes lit up with excitement; finally, this year, someone he knew would be at Hogwarts! He flashed her a bright smile, but when she didn’t return it, his joy faltered ever so slightly. "Vic? Are you okay?" Teddy asked, concern creeping into his voice. Victoire just shrugged. He sighed and looked at Bill, who appeared as sad as Victoire. Bill caught his gaze and sighed. "Vic is going to Beauxbatons."
Teddy stood up, his hands hitting the table loudly. "WHAT!?" Everyone's eyes snapped to him as he yelled. His hair turned bright red, and he quickly sat back down. "Sorry..." he muttered. Meanwhile, Ginny and Harry were trying to stifle their laughter. Teddy then looked back at Bill and cleared his throat. "Why is she going to Bia- Bei- Baex-?"
Fleur corrected him with her thick French accent. "Beauxbatons." Teddy groaned. "Whatever that is... She belongs at Hogwarts!" Bill sighed. "Fleur wants her to go to Beauxbatons." Teddy frowned. "Who cares what she bloody wants!?" Molly spoke up. "Language, Teddy." He huffed again. "Sorry..." He turned to Bill. "She will come to Hogwarts with me. End of discussion."
Bill raised his brows, amused. "You don't get to decide that—" Fleur cut him off, wiping a small tear from her eyes. "She can go tu Ogwarts." Bill and Teddy stared at each other. Victoire happily got up and hugged Teddy. "Thank you, thank you!" Teddy blinked a few times, feeling his heart race. He let out a shaky breath and patted her back awkwardly. When Victoire pulled back, his hair had turned bright red.
When they sat back down he felt Harry's eyes on him. He mouthed "Welcome to the club" that made Teddy roll his eyes as his hair turned back to its original colour, blue.