“I have more family?” Harry whispers to himself as his eyes fill with tears.
—-
“It is nice to meet more of our family Mr Potter.”
He breaks.
—
Harry Potter: the Boy-Who-Lived, the Man-Who-Survives, the Savior of the Wizarding World, the only one left. What more could he ask for? He, the man who hated being alone, the man who felt isolated and pressured his whole childhood, the man who willingly walked to his death, the man who lost it all for everyone.
“DAD” Well, almost lost it all.
“Coming!” Harry yells as he slowly pulls himself out of his chair.
Harry James Potter. The injured war vet turned into a father. The war against Voldemort did not go how they expected... Well, it did but not how they wanted. They won, but at a massive cost for our favourite boy.
—
Opening the door to his sons’ bedroom, Harry smiled.
“Morning Teddy Bear.” He said into the early morning air.
“Hi dad. Can I get up?”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Walking towards the bed, the old male nodded.
“Of course you can little bug. I still do not get why you ask. You are old enough to get up yourself. Would you like me to help you get dressed or do you want to do it yourself today?”
“Myself!” Teddy yelled, excitedly.
“Sounds good little man. Now, go get some clothes then.” Harry sits down on the end of the bed. Knowing that any minute now, despite wanting to be independent Teddy would need help to get ready. And just like he thought…
“Dad?” A meek voice called out from where the head was stuck inside the bright jumper.
“I am here cub.” Harry says and he helps take the jumper back off to help Teddy put it on correctly. “I will always be here for you.”
Without Teddy, Harry does not know where he would be. Once he had been released from the hospital, those first few weeks, when he realised he was finally alone, after the battle of Hogwarts, but before he got an owl from St. Mungo’s about Andy, were the worst of Harry’s life. Despite everything, that battle was what broke him, and despite the fact he is still not himself again, despite the fact he still drinks too much occasionally, still struggles with his thoughts and memories. He does not want Teddy to go through this. Teddy already lost his parents, and his grandparents in front of him. He never wants to be in that situation again where he struggled to stay alive. Teddy is his world, he needs him, they need each other. That saves him and therefore, Teddy saves him from taking the plunge.
“Time for breakfast!” Harry excitedly says, shaking his head of the depressing thoughts. “What would you like today? Porridge, pancakes, cereal, toast?”
“Chocolate?” Teddy questions.
Shaking his head, Harry replies: “You know the rules Teddy…”
“No chocolate for breakfast.” They said together.
“That’s right Teddy Bear, so what do you want?”
“Waffles?”
“Sure. Let’s brush our teeth and then we can head down. Kreacher?”
A loud pop fills the hallway as the old House Elf pops into the room. Bowing his head slightly, Kreacher greets his master.
“Harry called for Kreacher?” He says before having to steady himself as Teddy jumps towards him for a hug.
“Hi!” Teddy greets his uncle.
Wrapping his bony arms around the toddler Kreacher smiled. “Good morning little Teddy. How are you today?”
“Good, can I have waffles?”
Laughing slightly Harry speaks next. “The little tyke has beaten me to it, but as he said, may we please have some waffles for breakfast Kreacher? I am happy to help cook them if you want the morning off?”
“You know The Rules Harry. Do not keep trying to go back on your word.” Kreacher glares.
“Sir yes sir!” The saviour replied before picking Teddy up. “We will see you downstairs then?”
“Of course. Go clean up. You stink.” He popped away after saying.
“Stinky, stinky, stinky.” Teddy giggled to himself.
Harry laughed as he carried the toddle down the hallway into the bathroom. If you would have told him 2 years ago that he would be living in a house in the country with a House Elf and a baby, he would never have believed you. But now, he would never give up his mad family.
—
A short while later, Kreacher hears the slow thump, thump, of his master and the giggling laugh of his little master as the duo come down the stairs.
Putting the plate of waffles onto the table, the house elf grumbled to himself.
“Silly masters, being so happy in the morning. Does no one understand the need for coffee. Silly master, he will be in pain.”
“Thank you Kreacher, are you joining us this morning?” Harry questions, trying to stop the grumpy elf from spiralling into all day grumbles.
“Yes.” He responds as he pours himself a big cup of coffee.
Smiling, the duo sits down too, and Teddy immediately digs into a waffle with a happy smile.
At the end of breakfast, Harry stops Kreacher from leaving. Taking a deep breath, he brings up an uncomfortable topic they needed to discuss.
“Kreacher, do not be mad, but I need to go to Grimmauld place.”
Instantly, the decorations in the room start to shake.
“NO!” The elf yells. He will not allow master to go there, that dark place is in the past. No master can go there. He cannot. Not allowed. Not safe. No protection. NO.
“Kreacher!” Harry yells, instantly coming round the table and wrapping the older male in a hug. “Breathe, please. In. Out. Please. I need you to listen.”
Kreacher copied Harrys’ breathing and after a few minutes he calmed down. Seeing how upset the two were, Teddy ran away during the screaming and when he calmed down, he came back carrying his comfort teddy. Handing the shaggy wolf to Kreacher he whispered to them.
“Feel better soon Uncle Kree.”
“That is very sweet Teddy, do you want to go watch some Bluey for a few moments whilst we have an adult talk?”
“Okay daddy.” Teddy whispered before moving away slowly.
Holding onto Kreacher, Harry stayed kneeled on the floor. Just trying to get the house elf to breathe. Once he was breathing a little easier, despite the tight grip on both Harry’s shirt and the wolf’s fur, Harry decided to see if he was ready to speak.
“Kreacher, are you okay? Do you want me to explain now?”
“Please.” He choked out.
Nodding Harry moved away slightly so he could see his friend's face. “Kreacher, would you like to move to the settee, do you want me to hold you? Is there any way I can help before I explain?”
Pausing, he actually thought about it, to see what would help him.
“Sette, hold me and nothing else.” Was his reply. Therefore, the duo moved over to the separate sofa in the kitchen, so they would not disturb Teddy. Taking Kreacher’s hand, Harry took a deep breath himself, knowing this would be a hard conversation.
“I am sorry I have to do this. I need to though. I had a dream last night. Don’t look at me like that. I know. But I did, and it was different to normal. It felt like I was seeing something in the future.”
“Doesn’t this remind you of something?” Kreacher growled out.
“Yes, it does. However, I also know how this felt. I promise you; this did not feel the same as the visions I used to get.”
The two look at each other for a second, before the old elf nods for Harry to continue.
“Okay, so in this dream, I was there. I was in the house, there was so much dust. It looked like I would expect it to look now. In the dream, I went straight upstairs, after disarming the traps, do not worry. Once upstairs, I went to the master bedroom.”
“What?” Kreacher interrupts.
“I know, weird right? It is why I feel I have to.”
“Continue explaining. I need to think more before talking.”
Harry nodded, and squeezed the hand he was holding, before he continued.
“So, I walked into the room, and went straight to the desk. I opened one of the draws and inside was a set of letters. I opened the letters, saw one word and then woke up. With the burning need to read more. I need to find out what those letters said. Please understand that.”
Narrowing his eyes, Kreacher asked his first question. “What word did you see?”
“Family.” Harry whispered.
Closing his eyes, Kreacher nodded. “Go. I will look after Teddy.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Yes. Go before I change my mind.”
Standing up, Harry left. He knew he had to do this.
As he watched him go, Kreacher took a few deep breaths, before hopping off the settee and going to see Teddy. He needed to check on him and he also wanted a hug. On the way, he also used magic to grab Teddy’s other comfort toys, the other characters that he knew meant more to Harry than he let on as well.
Opening the living room door, he sees Teddy sitting on his toy chair, transfixed to the screen where Bluey was playing.
—
Whilst Kreacher was walking to the living room, Harry was apparating straight to Grimmauld Place.
Before tapping the ground so the new fidelius charm would show the house. Harry made sure to take the ring off his necklace and place it on his finger. After the war, when Harry went to Gringotts to apologise about the Dragon incident, he was marched and badgered into taking his lordship rings. He was technically Lord Potter-Black now, due to being off age, his parents being dead, and his godfather being dead. However, he never referenced this, and he also had a proxy to do all the work in court for him. Being the saviour, he does get some lee-way.
Once the ring is on, he goes through the motions, reliving the dream as he explained it to Kreacher in real time. He calls the house up, walks in, turns off the defences, heads towards the stairs, goes up them, walks forward until he is at the master bedroom, goes inside, heads to the desk, opens the drawer, pulls out the letters. That is when Harry pauses. He has to decide now, if he walks out the house and opens the letters with Kreacher, or if he opens them here, alone, like he wants too.
Sighing, Harry knows he will be told off if he stays longer than he has too, so going against the memory, he puts the letters into his pocket and leaves the room, and the whole house, behind him.
As he walks down the street, he turns back around, hoping he could go back in time and have Snuffles running across the street to follow him, instead all he sees is the gap between houses 11 and 13. All alone, as always.
Shaking his head, Harry turns on the spot, knowing he needs to leave and go home. And he was right, as soon as he pops back into his living room, Teddy is running towards him for a hug. Never alone.
—
“So?” Kreacher questioned later when Teddy had been put down for a nap.
Pulling the letters out, Harry places them in between the two of them on the dining room table.
“Everything went exactly as the dream, apart from me opening these. I thought you would prefer me to bring them back here so we can open them together.”
“You were right. Thank you.”
“You know you and Teddy mean everything to me, I would never want to jeopardise that.”
“And you never will Master Harry.”
Smiling softly, Harry reaches forward and takes hold of the top letter. Sitting back in the chair, he inhales slowly. Before letting it out in time with cracking the seal on the envelope. Pulling out the paper inside, He begins to read.
Dear Orion,
I know you told me never to speak to you again, and I apologise for doing so. We understand your hesitation for this. I promise we do, if Walby ever finds these, I know how badly it will go. However, me and Marcus have exciting news.
Remember the lead we had in America?
Well, we have been researching, and speaking with some people whose names I am unable to disclose at the moment. I believe the lead is correct. We have more family.
We have decided to go check it out. However, as we were packing to move, Tiffany started to get sick. Guess what we found? My darling is pregnant.
I am so overjoyed. I never thought this would happen. With me being a squib, you understand my hesitation. However, it just makes this move to America seem all the more promising. Tiffany is from the tribe that there are supposedly more Blacks at. Her parents even know them! She did too before she moved away for education. I am so excited. I feel like this is a new step and our family will be growing in multiple ways!
I know this is not the most formal letter, but we have more family Ori. We never have to be alone. We can keep you safe.
I am moving to America in a week. If you have the chance, please come and see me. Even if it is when I am there. Come. We are moving to a place called Forks.
I love you,
Your cousin, Marius.
“We have a family.” Harry whispers as his eyes fill with tears.
“There are more Blacks?” Kreacher croaks out.
“It seems like it. Are you okay Kreacher?”
The House Elf nods rapidly, his ears flopping around his head. “Yes master, are you okay?”
Looking across at the magical baby monitor that is on the side of the table, Harry shakes his head.
“No. In all honesty. No, I am not.”
“Let’s go take a nap Harry. We deserve it.”
Pushing himself to his feet. Harry agrees before slowly walking away to his room.
Thump, thump, thump.
—
A scream wakes the duo back up. Harry grabs his wand and hops into Teddy’s room, eyes scanning for danger as Kreacher appears on the bed taking the smaller child into his arms. Just as he is about to pop away to safety, Teddy calls out.
“Bad dweam.” and the two instantly come out of their fight mentality to calm the crying toddler.
Closing his eyes, Harry hops over to the duo and sits down beside them.
“It is okay, we are here, no bad monsters will harm you little one.”
“But they harm you.” He cries back.
Looking at Kreacher, Harry brings up a gentle idea. “Maybe it is time we leave?”
Snapping his eyes to the green ones across the bed from him, Kreacher freezes for a second before a cry from in between them breaks their eye contact again. Turning to the young toddler, they begin to help him.
—
That evening, Harry is cornered by Kreacher.
“Talk.” He demands, knowing that the human will instantly know what he wants to know about.
“It is just an idea. I have thought about it a few times. This place, this country, it is bad for me, and it is not somewhere I really want to raise Teddy. However, the letters today, we have more family out there. We could be safe. Could raise him with cousins. Could… would… I just… It could be what we need.” Harry stammers.
“Will there be a place for all of us?” Kreacher questions, a little worriedly.
“Of course! None of us will be left out. I will make sure of it.”
Pausing for a moment to think about it, Kreacher then agrees. “Okay, let us do it. You need a change; Teddy will have friends. It is worth leaving the ancestry.”
“Thank you Kreacher, I will do all the planning. Aim to move at the weekend?”
Kreacher nodded. “That is fine with me. It is not something I want to deal with. I will try to pack.”
“Okay, I am going to go house hunting. I love you Kreacher.”
“Do not get sappy with me master. It is unbecoming.”
Laughing Harry apologised before walking into the living room and pulling out his laptop. He spent the next two hours searching online, hoping to find the perfect place. When suddenly he found it. Near the centre, 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, big kitchen and big garden. It seemed perfect, especially the bay window.
Calling for Kreacher, Harry showed him the place and asked what he thought. After looking through all the pictures, the elf nodded. Smiling, Harry phoned the number, and was able to buy the house there and then. It was perfect! For once, it was as if magic was working in his favour, and the duo could not be happier.
Once Harry had finished the call, and told the good news, Kreacher sent him to bed, however. It was late, and a lot had happened in 24 hours. If Kreacher needed some rest, he knew Harry most certainly did.
—
The next few days were a whirlwind of preparation, packing and discussions. The trio managed to pack their house up and transfer it all in international travel. They managed to move all their money across Gringotts banks, the adults explained everything to the toddler, basically they got everything sorted and by the weekend, they were ready. Time to embark on their next journey.
Knowing Harry’s celebrity status, and how famous Teddy was too, Kreacher offered to go get the portkey so that they would be safe and be in and out of England quicker. So, whilst he went to collect the international portkey, Harry gave Teddy some breakfast and made sure the last few items they wanted to take, like the comfort teddies of the toddler, or the toothbrushes of them both, were packed so that they would not have to come back. Nothing important was being left. As soon as Kreacher arrived back, they were off.
—
Kreacher, knowing that he could not be seen, put Harry’s invisibility cloak on as they left the magical international point into the muggle world. He was repulsed. The air was disgusting, there were people everywhere, and there were so many ways he could see magic helping! However, he knew he could not say or do anything, so he just held onto Harry’s coat and followed behind the wizard as he carried his bags and Teddy over to the taxi’s hoping one of them would be willing to drive to Forks. Luckily, one way, so the trio got into the back of the car and relaxed for the first time in years. They were free of the British Isles. They were free.
Harry, realising what this meant. Burst into tears. He spent the next quarter of an hour trying to calm down whilst the taxi driver started on the journey with Teddy fast asleep behind him. They were free.
–
Finally arriving at the house, the trio walked in, and immediately went to bed. Time difference was a bitch.
–
Over the next few days, the three of them slowly settled in. Harry brought himself a car, Kreacher sorted Teddy in the nursery. Teddy decorated his bedroom, Kreacher decorated the house. Harry went shopping, they basically did all the things they needed to do, but they all felt so relieved, even Teddy. They all knew something about this place was different, they knew, at last, that they could be themselves.
Once they were all set up, and the house felt like a home, Harry decided to take Teddy for a walk around, maybe to see if there was a park or something for him to do. They did not want to go straight to the Blacks, and they hoped they could be here for a while, so they needed to know what the place was like.
As the father and son duo arrived back, a police car pulled up next door. Swooping down, Harry picks Teddy up, just on the safe side.
“Hi, you must be the new neighbours, sorry I never introduced myself sooner. Police life takes over real life sometimes. The name’s Charlie. If ya need anything, just knock. Has my daughter introduced herself yet? Oh sorry, rambling here.”
Giggling slightly, Harry introduces himself too. “We are yes, I am Harry, and this is Teddy, from Britain if you cannot tell. You have a daughter?”
“HI!” Teddy screamed into his dad’s ear.
“Hi young man, it is nice to meet you and your dad. Yeah, her name is Bella. Sorry, she has a new boyfriend and has become a little obsessed. I will make sure she says hi eventually.”
“Don’t worry about it. My brother is like that too. You’ll probably never see him truthfully; he is not a fan of new people.” Harry says, to explain why Charlie may hear him speaking to Kreacher, but would not see him.
Charlie nods, he knows the feeling.
“Well, I best let you get in, it was lovely to meet ya both. And again, ya need anything, just knock.”
“Okay, nice meeting you too Charlie, say bye bye Teddy.”
“Bye bye Teddy.” The toddler repeats.
Laughing, the two adults walk into their respective homes. Shutting the front door, Harry leans back against it.
“Merlin’s beard was he hot.” He mumbled to himself before putting Teddy on the floor and helping him get out of his coat and shoes. Hanging the coat up, he pulls his own coat off and steps out of his shoes as Teddy runs off calling for “Uncle Kree!”
Smiling, Harry felt at peace.
—
Over the next few weeks, time passed relatively slowly, they all got used to the time difference, they all got used to new schedules and they all began to enjoy their time. However, Harry wanted, no needed, more. He needed a job.
Despite trying every shop in Forks, nowhere seemed to be hiring, and he really did not want to have to travel to Seattle every day. He needed help.
So, the next time he saw Charlie’s police car on his drive, Harry decided to knock like the older male had told him he could.
“Harry, Hi! What can I do for you today? Come in, come in.” Charlie said as he opened the door. “Excuse the mess, I did not expect anyone to come around today.”
“It is quite okay; I am sorry for interrupting you on your day off. Hopefully I won’t take too much of your time.”
“Oh, do not worry Harry. I told you, if you ever need anything to ask. What is mine is yours and all that.”
Harry had to swallow to hold back all the dirty thoughts that filled his mind at that. Sue him, he is a young male who is looking at basically his dream older male.
“I, thank you. I just had two questions however.”
“Of course, would you like any tea or anything? Sit, sit.” Charlie responded.
“I am okay. Thank you.” Harry says as he sat down, “I basically just wanted to know firstly, if you know of any open job positions nearby. I have tried most shops and unfortunately, they are all fully staffed.”
“Yeah, that does tend to happen around here. Would you mind what the job is?”
“Of course not, I just need a job and do not really want to travel to Seattle if I can help it.”
“With your little boy, I can fully understand that. There is a job opening at the station though, if you are interested? It is only secretary work, filing cabinets and stuff like that.”
“That is amazing!” Harry excitedly replied. “I will come and apply tomorrow.”
“Well,” Charlie said, awkwardly rubbing his neck and showing off his muscular arms, “I could always just give you the job now if you want?”
“Oh, I could never ask you to do that. I would still feel the need to prove myself.”
Looking out the window towards the other house, Charlie smiles. “Based on how much you care for your kid, and doing it all alone, I can tell you are a hard worker. Plus, you are kind. In a quiet place like this, that is all I need to know.”
Bashfully, Harry agrees. “Thank you so much Charlie, I will not let you down. I promise.”
“I know you won't. You said you had a second question too?”
“I do, however before I start, I feel I need to let you know something, especially as it is a police station I am working at. I have PTSD and a fake leg.”
“Oh gosh. Do not worry about either, if you ever need to leave or anything or ever have an appointment or something do not worry. I fully understand and being the head sheriff, as long as I understand, which I do, all is good. Are you situated with a doctor here yet?”
Nodding, Harry said: “Yeah, I have had a few meetings with Doctor Carlise to make him aware already. He seems nice enough.”
“He is a good doctor.”
“He really is.”
“Okay, ready for the next question?”
Nodding, Harry began with a shortened version of their story. “I found some information showing that I had more family out here that I did not know about. Because it was us three left only, I thought we could try something new, come out here, and try to find them. However, despite the evidence pointing to Forks, I have yet to find anyone with my family's surname. As I assume, being the sheriff and very friendly, you know most people, I am wondering if you know of any Blacks in the area?”
“Black? Well yes, I do. Billy Black is actually my best friend. Would you like me to take you to see him at the weekend?”
“You would do that for me? Oh, thank you so much Charlie. I do not know how to ever repay you for this kindness.”
Laughing Charlie dismissed him. “You don’t gotta repay me, I am just being nice.”
“If you are sure. Thank you so much Charlie. I will see you tomorrow then? I do not want to impede on your day off any more than I already have.”
“Does Teddy like parks?” Charlie interrupts, desperately wanting to spend more time with the handsome male in front of him. Charlie knew he found Harry attractive, and wanted to spend more time with him. However, knowing the difficulties of looking after a toddler, especially on your own, he would not try anything. Not unless Harry came to him first.
“He does.” Harry replies, cautiously.
“Would you like to go to the park with me? Teddy can play and you can get some time talking with an adult. I mean, one that is not also family but instead a friend? Your uncle can come too? If he wants to, of course.”
“That would be lovely Charlie, thank you for the invitation. I do not mean to be rude, however, I can promise you Uncle K would not like to come. Knowing him, he is watching English football right now and trying not to wake Teddy.” He says with a little chuckle.
“I know the feeling; I am the same with American football. That sounds lovely. Meet you out front shortly?”
Harry nodded before standing up and following Charlie slowly back towards the front door. “I will see you in just a moment.” He says, before walking out and heading back to his home.
—
Arriving at the park, Charlie and Harry sit down together whilst Teddy runs off to play. Scared, Harry leaves the bag with Charlie and runs after him. After a little while, and especially after he sees another kid start playing with Teddy, Harry relaxes back a bit and heads back to the older male.
“I am sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologise for Harry. I fully understand. Teddy is young, you are in a new place and even without both of them, parks can be dangerous. I was the same with Bella. I am just glad you trust me and Forks people enough to even come over here. I promise, all is fine.”
“Thank you, I think he is okay, he has a friend looking after him and he is a very social boy. I know he will be fine. He is just all I have left, and I do not want to lose him.”
“Here, swap seats with me.” Charlie says as he stands.
Confused, Harry does what he is asked and instantly feels a wave of fondness for the other male. He swapped seats with him so he could keep an eye on Teddy better.
“You are so kind to me Charlie, thank you.”
Charlie just laughs, knowing most would not say something like that because it is part of his job. Being the head of the police force, he feels like he needs to look after and protect the little guy, as the saying goes.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, and once Harry is definitely feeling more reassured, the duo strikes up a conversation.
Before they know it, their stomachs start rumbling and Teddy crawls into Harry’s lap saying he is tired. The trio have a great time together in the park, but they knew this was the sign to go home as they did not have any food and if Teddy was tired as well, he would need to go down for a nap.
“Wow, time really flies when you are having fun huh?” Harry jokes. Hoping that Charlie had fun too. Although it was only a few hours, Harry had really had a good time.
“Yeah, it does.” Charlie replies, smiling softly at the sweet scene in front of him. Helping to pack away all the things they brought, Charlie picks the bag onto his shoulder to help out the younger male. He really did just have a brilliant day off. The trio walk back together, with Harry trying to keep Teddy awake knowing he still hasn’t had lunch yet despite the little boy wanting to nap early because of all the excitement he had at the park.
“Thank you again Charlie. I guess I will see you tomorrow?”
“Of course, have a good afternoon, Harry.” Charlie replies as they split along their respective drives when they get home.
“Bye.” Harry whispers.
—
Later on in the day, when Teddy is still blissfully asleep in his own dreamland, Harry calls Kreacher, he has just had such a good idea and needs the house elf’s help to accomplish the task.
“Master calls?”
Glaring at the master comment, Harry explains his plan to Kreacher. Instantly, a wicked smile covers the elf’s face. Silly master does not realise his feelings. Oh well. He can keep being oblivious and Kreacher will do as the master says.
“Of course, Harry. I can do that. Do you have an idea of what to do first?”
“Maybe... What do you think about this?”
—
Ring.
Charlie jumps, the door, again? Wow, he is becoming popular.
However, when he opens it, there is no one there. Confused, he looks around the door and front garden hoping to see someone, when, as he looks down, he notices a vase of flowers.
Looking around again, still seeing no one, he shrugs and brings the pretty bouquet into his house.
Behind their car, Harry and Kreacher high five. Phase one, complete.
—
The next day, Harry goes through his first day of work, only having one difficulty in which his fake leg started beeping in a meeting. But he had just left it in one position for too long and after straightening it out and bending it again a few times all was good.
He could not believe it. He still had a job in law enforcement. Despite not being able to be an auror, despite knowing actual police work would not be for him, he was still doing something that made him feel closer to his dad and Sirius. He was over the moon. He loved the job, and it was all down to his hot neighbour. He could not wait to be able to send his next gift to anonymously say thank you.
–
Two days later, the time presented itself. An emergency had been called, and Charlie sent Harry home. Without them there, there was not much he could do unfortunately as he still had not learnt where everything went.
So, as he was packing his stuff up for the day, the idea came to him.
“Kreacher.” He called, and a second later, the elf was in front of him. Teddy was still at nursery so they both knew he was safe and therefore, it is why Harry knew this was the perfect day for the next phase. Kreacher wanted something to do.
“Is it time?”
Harry nodded and Kreacher clapped his hands together like an evil genius. In reality, he was too because he knew more than Harry did about why Harry was doing this. He was so oblivious, sometimes it was not even funny… Okay, yes it was.
—
The next day, when everyone arrived at the station, Harry saw Charlie find stage 2, and he smiled to himself. It was working!
“What is this boss?” One of the younger workers teased. “A love letter. Dear Charlie…”
“Oy! Give that back!” Charlie said as he went to snatch it back. Laughing, the worker kept dodging the Chief.
“Gotta catch me first!”
Eventually, when the whole station was laughing at the duo, including Harry - it was quite funny seeing the two run in circles around tables. Charlie finally managed to get the letter back. Walking away, he started to blush bright red.
A secret admirer huh? That was certainly new.
–
A week later, when Teddy was at school, Charlie and Harry decided to go out for lunch together. It had been a quiet day, the station was all under control, and Harry really was craving a good cup of tea for a change.
However, despite the day being lovely, despite the idea being so kind, it all went wrong on the walk to the shops. A car backfired. Instantly, Harry was struggling. His mind jumped back to the war; memories were flashing through his mind. He collapsed to the floor. Terrified, Charlie was screaming his name. Not knowing this was causing him more pain. More terror.
To Harry, he was back in front of Voldemort. Bleeding out from his leg as he crumbled down. The protego he had cast failed. His family instantly being hit with green spells, them all falling. Slowly. So slowly. The protection failed. Harry was going to lose.
Voldemort walked towards him. He stood on the stump of his leg. Pushing. The pressure was too much. Harry’s magic exploded out of him to protect him. The magic Voldemort knew not, was not love, was not his mum’s protection. It was Harry’s sense of survival. His sense of never giving satisfaction for his injuries to the Dursley’s, his fight response to Snape’s anger and hatred, his strength in himself that no matter how many times he has wanted to give up - he would always fight for his friends to live.
When Harry came too next. He was in the hospital. He had won. But the Weasleys, Hermione, Lavender, Luna, Neville, Draco, even Professor McGonagall, all lost. His spell falling, Dumbledore being wrong in what saved him all those years ago. It was all wrong.
And when Harry heard the backfire of a car, right beside where he was walking and smiling on the street. He remembered all of this. He did not remember Teddy, did not remember America, did not even remember his name. He just remembered the pain. The spells flying around him. The sound of his family's bodies hitting the floor.
The pain…
The memories...
The sounds…
He was lost.
Charlie, panicking as he could not get Harry to react to him, called Carlisle, After the Italy stint, Carlisle gave him his number, said if there was ever anything, to call. This young man, this was everything to Carlise, so he called.
–
The next day, after Harry had been admitted home, he went round to Charlies’ home. Both having been told by Kreacher that he had Teddy, and knowing that he deserved an explanation, despite how hard it would be.
Harry picked his son up, and asked if Charlie would be willing to join him that evening. They needed to talk. Charlie agreed. So, after going home, spending time with his little family of three, having dinner, and putting his son to bed; Harry waited, wearing his well-worn Weasley Christmas jumper, and holding the two stuffed teddy dogs that belonged to his son. The two that were replications of Sirius and Remus. Trying to gain strength for what he knew was coming through his family gone before him. He did not want to lose his friend. He couldn’t. It would break him. Harry sat on the sofa, his knee bouncing. He kept trying to breathe, but every time he glanced at the clock, his breathing kept getting quicker and quicker.
Hearing a knock at the door, Harry jumped up, startled. Glancing to the door, he took in a deep breath and tried to get himself to relax. Forcing himself to move, he slowly came towards to front door. Opening the door, Harry invited him in, offered drinks and food. Trying to be the perfect host before the big discussion needed to happen. Sitting down in the living room a short time later with their drinks. They both stared at each other, waiting, before Harry broke the silence.
“Let me talk, let me explain, and then you can speak. Please.” Harry asked. After getting an agreeing nod, he began.
“I was born into a war…” He obviously changed things slightly. He could not admit about magic just yet, and could not explain his school years therefore, however, he told Charlie as much of the truth as he could. He told him about the Dursleys, told him about the war and how he was stuck in the middle. Told him about him losing his leg. He even explained about Remus and why he is now Teddy’s dad. Everything came out. Once he started, he could not stop, and honestly, he was glad about it.
Once he finished, he looked up at Charlie, and saw the older male in tears. Opening his arms, Charlie asked if he could hold Harry for a moment. He didn’t expect a yes, but getting it was the best thing he had ever had. Knowing, despite everything, despite the short time they had known each other, that Harry trusted him, meant the world to Charlie.
That is how they stayed for a while, Harry lying in Charlie’s arms. Charlie whispering sweet nothings and praise to the younger male. It was just what they needed. Bringing each other comfort and bringing them both closer in the process.
“Harry, I need you to understand, you are so brave. Even without knowing all this, I would never have held anything from yesterday against you. I would not have even brought it up if you told me not too. However, I want to thank you for sharing this with me. For talking with me. For letting me listen. You are an amazing, strong, brave, powerful young man who is an amazing dad and a brilliant friend.”
“You do not mean this Charlie.”
“By God I do. You, Harry James Potter-Black, are a beautiful enigma.”
Blushing, Harry buries his face in Charlies’ chest. The two stay together, whispering conversations until the wee small hours when Teddy awake crying for Harry and Charlie took that as his queue to leave.
–
The following day, early in the morning, Charlie knocked on Harry’s door. Opening the door, Harry did not have a top on, and the duo instantly started blushing.
“Oh. I'm sorry.”
“Sorry Charlie.”
“I can’t…”
“Ignore please…”
“Where do I look?”
“Let me just…”
The two kept trying to talk, speaking over each other, getting more and more embarrassed as Charlie did not know where to look and Harry realised he liked Charlie looking at him.
Taking a breath, Charlie looks straight at Harry and asks to be allowed to speak first. Biting his lip, which caused yet another set of thoughts to race through Charlie’s head, Harry agreed.
“Thank you. I just came round because I realised I still do not have your number and wanted to let you know I will be going to see Billy at 10 on the dot if you still want to join me?”
“Oh, oh yes. Please. I would love that. We will be ready.”
“Okay, good, great, see you at 10 then.” Charlie replies before forcing himself to turn and walk back to his own place.
Shutting the front door, Harry curses to himself. Opening the door without a shirt, his scars and trauma all on show, what the fuck was he thinking.
However, what the green-eyed male did not know is, whilst he was cursing himself for a supposed mistake, Charlie had gone back to his house and was fighting a reaction he thought would be inappropriate given he did not even know if Harry liked him like he did.
Idiots, the pair of them.
–
Trying to speed things along, the next morning, as Charlie opened his front door, he noticed another gift.
A black teddy with bright green eyes, wearing a new fishing hat and sat next to a pack of his favourite beer. On top of the beer was another note - From your admirer.
Yet again, Charlie could not see anyone. However, unbeknownst to him, that was because this time the gift was delivered using house elf magic.
—
At 9.55, Harry and Teddy walk outside to wait at the front of the drive. Harry was too excited to wait any longer. They are going to meet more of their family. At last. Hopefully, this would be a good experience, and they would not hate the two of them for things outside of their control. Harry had heard about Marius and how he had been banished for being a squib. He just did not want Teddy to deal with anger.
“Harry. You are early.” Charlie greeted, as usual, with a smile.
“Yeah, sorry. I am just excited.”
“I understand that. It must be a lot, finding out about family, moving to meet them. You have been incredibly brave.”
Harry smiles tightly at the older male at his complement. He did not feel brave. But then again, he never has.
“These your bags?” Charlie questioned pointing at the few by the small family's front door.
“Yeah, do you want me to help?” Harry starts to question as Charlie goes and picks two of them up to load into the back of his car.
“Not at all, you could put Teddy into the car if you would like though? That may speed things up. It has been a while since I have dealt with a car seat.” Jokes Charlie as he puts the first two bags into the trunk.
Harry smiles and goes to do just that. He could not believe how lucky he has been to have moved in next door to such a kind, and handsome, man.
After the back was loaded, and whilst Harry was fighting with a resisting Teddy, Charlie went to go switch the van on, hoping the engine running would soothe the little boy. But when he opened the door, he noticed a CD on his car seat. Confused, he puts it into the player, and Teenage Dream begins to play.
“You think I'm pretty without any makeup on” fills the car as Charlie rushes to try to turn the music off. He felt so embarrassed. Why did it have to be this song? Eventually, he managed to get it to stop, and that is when he heard giggling from the back, Teddy finally in his seat and Harry standing over the toddler, the two of them staring at the sheriff and laughing.
“Gee, I am glad my embarrassment amuses you.”
“I would never have taken you for a Katy Perry fan, that is all.” Harry replies, before humming a part of the song making Charlie groan.
“God, this is so embarrassing. It must be Bella’s CD.”
“Oh. Of course, Bella’s. Obviously.” Harry continues giggling as he gets into the front seat.
Charlie continues protesting as they pull out of the drive. Just as Harry continues to rib at the older male. Harry knew this was Kreacher messing around, but it was still fun seeing how embarrassed the usually unflappable chief was.
A few moments later, when there is a lull, Harry asks, “So, how long will it take to get to where Billy lives?”
“Not too long. The Blacks live in La Push, the Quileute reserve near the beach. I would say about half an hour or so.”
“That makes sense. What should I expect? Can you tell me anything?”
“Duh.” Charlie responds. “I am surprised it has taken you this long to ask if I am being honest.”
“Well sorry, I was trying to be polite.” Harry pouts.
“Don’t be like that, pretty. Tis’ just because Billy and Jacob asked as soon as I told them about you.”
Harry freezes at that. Both at the pretty comment and about the fact his family has asked about him. Seeing the pause, Charlie tries reassuring him before returning the favour and telling the younger man about his family. Before they knew it, the conversation had taken them to the reserve.
They had made it.
Pulling up at Billy’s house, the three in the car could see, who Harry could only assume was Billy and Jacob Black, and Embry Call standing on the steps. Waiting for them. The time was here. There was no hiding now.
It was time to face the family.
–
“Hello, my name is Harry James Potter-Black, this is Edward Remus Black-Lupin, called Teddy, and we are your family.” Harry greets the trip in front of him, with a lot more confidence than he actually feels.
“It is nice to meet more of our family Mr Potter.”
He breaks.
-
"Wait. Embry is family too?" Jacob questioned.
"Yes, we are all family according to the records I have studied."
Taking the hand of the boy who was silently crying, Billy speaks. "Welcome Embry. I am sorry it has taken us so long to see our connection, but we see it now."
"We see it now." Jacob whispers.
After all the conversations, Jacob whispered to himself. "In 12 hours, I have gained four new family members. My family has grown. YES!" He says, as he pumps his fist up slightly in celebration.
–
Getting back into the car later that evening, after a full conversation, knowing that he had also just shocked the three of them. Their reaction to Embry showing Harry they did not know they were cousin’s either. Harry could not wipe the smile from his face.
“That was amazing!” He said excitedly, before reaching over the middle console and dragging Charlie into a hug. Smacking a kiss of his cheek Harry thanked him profusely. Laughing Charlie replies:
“I am just happy you are happy.”
Pushing his shoulder, Harry tells him to just drive before waving at his family. His family. He has a family who like him who are older than 2! And, they excepted them both.
–
The next few days, the duo dance around each other. At one point, Embry had to leave, and Harry could have sworn he saw him shift into a wolf. But he didn’t want to ask about it. He did not know if Charlie knew. He would not risk Teddy and his son's secret being shared.
Charlie, on the other hand, felt incredibly awkward. He was hiding a secret for his family from someone he was considering becoming his family. What made it worse, was the secret was almost revealed, and Charlie did not know if Harry had seen. He did not want to ask Harry about it, in case he had not seen anything. But he did not know.
It caused quite a lot of confusion as the two danced around each other until, in a quite surprising fashion, Teddy fixed everything.
–
Harry had invited Charlie around his house for dinner. He knew Bella was out with the Cullen’s for the evening, again. So, in an act of appreciation, Harry thought he would cook. Everything had been going well, the meals were ready, they were all on time. Things were going great. However, it all changed when Charlie let himself in. Once the door was closed, Teddy ran over to greet him. And in the process, his metamophogus abilities came out, changing his looks so he looked a perfect mix between Harry and Charlie.
Not knowing something had changed, Charlie swung the toddler up into his arms. When suddenly.
“Erm, Harry.” He nervously called out. Looking from the kitchen, Harry replied: “Yes Charlie.” And that was when he saw Teddy.
“Oh fuck.” He called out, and Teddy, being the mischievous kid he was, copied him.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Teddy chants, happily.
“You have magic too?” Charlie questioned.
“Wait too? You know?”
"Fuck." Teddy continues to chant.
“Wait, you know?”
“We both know?”
“We know, we know?
“Hold up, I am getting confused. Do you know what I know?”
“I don't think so, do you know what I know?”
“Possibly not. Explanations after dinner?”
“Agreed."
"Fuck."
Turning to face his son, Harry stops him. "Teddy, that is enough. This is a daddy word okay? Good. Dinner time now."
Dinner could not be finished soon enough for these two. After dinner, when everything had been put away and Teddy was quietly playing to himself. The two looked at one other and decided to try again.
“I will go first then you?”
“Agreed.”
–
The next day, Harry grabs Kreacher, he wants to thank Charlie anonymously again. He had helped him; he had agreed with him. And they were both in the know about everything. There were no more secrets. Kreacher nods and enacts phase 5. The chocolates.
–
Walking into the office the next day, (thump, thump, thump. He goes on his leg.) Harry overhears Charlie explaining to his friend about the gifts from a secret admirer he has been getting. Stopping to not make a sound, he casts a listening spell and a silence spell on himself. He overhears how good it makes him feel, how he wishes he knew who it was so Charlie could thank them... Properly. And Harry… Well Harry realised he is jealous. Of himself. He is the one who Charlie should be talking about like that. He is the one who Charlie should want to have sex with. He wants to be with Charlie.
“Oh god. I want to be with Charlie.” Harry whispers to himself, before turning on his heel and walking out of the station to head back home and bitch to Kreacher.
Why does he always get the shitty luck?
-
Walking into his home a short while later, he yelled for Kreacher.
"You are meant to be at work." The elf grumpily states as he pops into the living room next to Harry.
"I like Charlie. Kreacher, I like Charlie."
"You have figured it out then."
"You knew!" Harry screeched.
Smirking, Kreacher tells a joke to get Harry to realise what he already knew.
"Harry. Did you know the scarecrow won an award?"
"What?"
"He won because he was outstanding in his field, unlike some folks I know!"
"Hey!" Harry replied, indignant.
"Well, what do you expect. You were being stupid."
"What do I do?" Harry whines.
"We plan."
–
A short while later, after they had schemed and come up with a plan, Harry takes the present that meant the most, the book that Charlie had mentioned wanting to read to him in passing at the park outing nearly a month ago…
Sneaking into his office was not hard, placing it on Charlie’s desk was not hard, taking out the card and placing it on top of the book was not hard. So why was it hard…
“Harry? What are you doing?”
Charlie saw him do it all of course.
“Charlie, I... nothing… I… bye,” Harry says, grabbing the book and trying to walk slowly away.
“Harry. Stop.” Charlie commanded before slowly taking the book and cards from his arms. “It was you all along?”
Gulping Harry nodded.
Looking into the green eyes, looking terrified at him, Charlie smiled ever so slightly.
“I am going to kiss you, okay?”
As he moved closer, Harry’s eyes slipped closed, and the two of them connected.
This. This feeling. This was magic. This is what it is all about. This was what they had been waiting for, together.
–
A year later, on Valentine's Day, Harry awaits his date outside the station. Holding a bouquet of magical roses. For some reason, he was scared. They did not do anything to mark this day last year as they had only just gotten together. But this year, Harry wanted to make Charlie feel as special as he made him. Billy had Teddy for the night, Kreacher had needed to go back to England so he was not home. Harry was prepared.
Seeing his boyfriend come out, in his tight, tight, work clothes, Harry swallowed nervously. “Uh, hi Charlie.”
“Hey Harry.” Charlie says, embarrassedly scratching the back of his neck, a habit he has yet to break when the younger male flustered him after a year together. “So um, what's with the roses? I thought we agreed on no presents this year?”
“Oh, they're, uh, magical roses. They change colours depending on the mood of the person holding them. Thought it might be a nice touch. And yes, we said we wouldn’t, but I love you so…”
Charlie chuckles, “Why are we being so awkward? Well, it is good I got you something too isn’t it.”
“God, I don’t know. Please fix it.” Harry pouts.
Charlie, thinking this would break the tension, pulls out a box of chocolates, but as he extends his arm, one of his badges catches the edge of the box, sending chocolates flying everywhere.
Pulling a face, Charlie stills. "Well, I had got you a present. Now it is more like confetti than anything else."
Laughing, the two bend to pick the chocolates up off the floor.
“Well, that is one way to make things normal again. Thank you, and you know for me, the thought is what matters.”
Harry says, before grabbing Charlie’s lapels and pulling the older male in for a kiss.
As he pulls away, Harry repeats the thought he has had at least once a month for the last twelve months:
"Charlie, the past is my danger. The past has been my challenges. The past has been my destruction. But you, Teddy, and the family I have gained with everyone here: this is my gift. You have given me the prize. You have given me everything. I have passed through the rocks, walked through the ruins, faced the resolution and now, we are in the roses. Rocks, ruins, resolution and roses. My Darling."
Swollowing, Charlie was speechless. Grabbing Harry by the neck, he draws him back in for another kiss. Trying to push all his love, all his care, all his adoration into the kiss. Charlie is not a person for sappy words, but he truly did love Harry. He needed to let him know.
Breaking the kiss, Charlie whispers in the small gap they created: "I love you Harry, together and always."
--
"I love you, Charlie Potter-BLack-Swan." He whispers years later as they relax in bed on their honeymoon.
"I love you, Harry James Potter-Black-Swan. My radiant rose."
"I still cannot believe that this all started, due to magic. You are my only."
"Magic? Harry don't lie. This all started because you were jealous of yourself being my secret admirer."
"Noooo." Harry whined.
Smiling, Charlie rolled over, kissing his husband's forehead.
"Of course not pretty. Of course not."
--
And on their tomb stone, years down the line. Teddy has written at the bottom of their shared grave.
"Through the rocks, walked through the ruins, faced the resolution and into the roses.
Rocks and Roses.
Ruins and Resolution.
Together and always."