A bit of aside about Teddy
Saturday, December 16th, 2000
"Harry? Can we talk about Teddy for a minute?" Andromeda was crossing her legs, her hands clasped on top, which was about all the sign of anxiety she could give after being raised a Black.
"Of course....I haven't seen him in a while. Is something wrong?" Harry sat his magazine to the side with a concerned expression for his godson.
"He's....He's fine." She seemed unconvinced. "It's just, something he's been doing recently...."
"What's that?"
"He's been, not always just sometimes, making himself look like a girl. And sometimes he'll refer to himself with masculine terms, but other times feminine. And, irregardless of what kind of day it is, he's been asking me consistently for dresses and stuff."
"Hmm." He thought for a moment. "It's possible that he's trans or nonbinary in some way. Or he could just be experimenting or getting the words mixed up. I really wouldn't worry too much at this age. Just give it time, educate yourself and him, and then let him tell you what he is or wants."
Andromeda nodded. "It's hard because the family I grew up in really didn't allow anything of the sort. And with Nym-Tonks, well it was the seventies. I tried my best, but...."
"I get it. The Dursley's weren't any better. I mostly just have to remind myself that what they did was horrible, and that I'm giving my kid a better life."
"I just wish Remus and Tonks were here. Don't get me wrong, I love Teddy, and would never mind raising him. But, even if they couldn't, I wish they were at least alive."
"I feel the same, about a lot of people."
"....So, the dress thing....What do you think I should do? I mean, I have an idea, but I'm unsure."
"What's your idea?"
"He still has one Christmas present I haven't bought yet and I was thinking it could be a dress. Then, if he's still interested by then, I can get him more over the summer. He's growing so much he'll need more clothes anyway."
"That sounds like the perfect plan. And you can always get more between now and summer if you think it necessary. For example, his birthday."
"That's true....Okay, yeah....Thanks Harry," Andromeda seemed relieved, and even uncrossed her legs, though kept her hands in the same state.
"Anything for you and Teddy." Harry insisted. "Speaking of which: when can I see him again?"
"Well, you'll see us at Christmas. Otherwise, I don't really mind when. It's just you've had a young baby for a while, so...."
"I get it. I probably wouldn't have come much more even if you did invite me....Maybe we can set something up a week or so after Christmas?"
"Sounds great to me. Teddy will be so excited to see both of you."
"And you won't?" Harry teased.
"Oh, absolutely not. I love Sage, but you....I could live without."
"Don't worry, Andi. I feel the same. I only go near you for Teddy."
"Well, we are both part of the Black family. I guess we either have to hate each other or fall in love."
"I would rather not." Harry laughed.
"Which is why I'm kidnapping your child so I can have them without you."
"Sounds fair."