Hogwarts: 365 Prompts
Prompt - brother

HPFC: Favorite Character Bootcamp
Character - Teddy, Prompt - Invite

X

Brother

"Teddy, you want to come play with us?" Albus invited, Lily hoping behind him in childish excitement.

Teddy sighed. "No, go away."

Albus pouted but reluctantly left, Lily trailing after him.

Harry peeked into the room. "That wasn't very nice."

"I don't want to pay a baby game," Teddy said, crossing his arms over his chest, a surly expression on his face.

Harry furrowed his brow. Teddy wasn't one to be so sad or angry; he had always been a happy-go-lucky child. Something was wrong. Harry stepped fully into the room. "What's wrong, Teddy Bear?"

Teddy finally averted his gaze from his lap to look at his godfather. "You haven't called me that in a long time."

"It felt like a 'Teddy Bear' kind of moment. You want to talk about what's bothering you?"

"Not really," Teddy muttered.

"You might feel better."

Teddy sighed. "Are you going to annoy me until I talk?"

Harry arched an eyebrow. "I'm thinking about it."

"Sometimes, it gets lonely at home. I love Grandma, but I'm always by myself. It makes me wish I had a brother or sister."

Harry smiled. "I grew up with a cousin, but we never got along. It wasn't until I meant Ron and his family that I saw what a real family was like, and I wish I had a brother too. But you know what? Ron became my brother, and Hermione became my sister. Siblings don't have to share blood. They can exist because you choose each other."

Teddy played with his pants.

"You had a younger boy and girl ask you to play with them. And I'm sure James would have wanted you to play with him if he was here and not currently at a friend's house. In my mind, you have two brothers and one sister."

"That doesn't help me when I'm home."

"Whenever you're feel lonely, you are always welcome here. We'll never say no to you visiting."

Teddy finally allowed himself to smile. "Thanks, Harry."

"Now why don't you go find Albus and Lily. See what they're playing. Join in. Have fun."

Teddy nodded and slid of the bed, racing out of the room.

Harry shook his head at how easy Teddy's mood changed. Problem solved.

X

(word count: 374)