Three Potters and a Lupin sat nervously in the kitchen of Number 12, Grimmauld Place. The kitchen was the usual place for meetings such as these, because it was the cleanest room, and besides, Potter-Weasley's were notorious for big appetites, and often needed feeding during aforementioned meetings. But, back to the problem at hand, Teddy Lupin, and James, Albus, and Lily Potter weren't just sitting there for any reason. No, they were eagerly awaiting the return of the two elder Potters, who had gone on a mission to infiltrate Voldemort's headquarters the day before.
The fifteen, eight, and seven-year-old wizards and six-year-old witch were naturally quite worried when, instead of the man and woman in their mid-thirties, the door was opened by an elderly wizard wearing a thick dark green cloak.
"James Potter, Albus Potter, or Lily Potter?" The man asked in a hoarse voice. Teddy exchanged a look with James, who nudged the teen forward.
"Yes?"
"I have a letter," here the man extracted a letter from his robe, handed it to Teddy and promptly left. Teddy looked at his siblings, and read the outside: to Teddy, James, Albus, and Lily
"Read the letter Teddy," James urged, "or at the very least tell us what it says." Lily nodded in agreement, but Albus just looked worried. "What's wrong, Al?" James asked. Albus shook his head.
"It's probably nothing. It's just this bad feeling I've had ever since Mum and Dad left. As if that was the last time we were going to see them."
"No." All three boys were shocked by the vehemence in their sister's voice. Lily was the most reserved out of any of them, preferring to stay in the background and let the boys have the spotlight, and even though she was as strong minded as her brothers, she didn't show it often. "No. Mummy and Daddy wouldn't have, I know it, they wouldn't have-they wouldn't have left us. You're wrong Albie. I know you are. You have to be. Read the letter Teddy. Read it and prove that they're still alive. Please." The desperation in her voice reminded the boys that although she often acted older, she was still only six years old. Looking around, Teddy began to read.
Teddy, James, Albus, & Lily,
We love you so much. More than you could ever know or believe. Always remember that. We love you. Now, we know that you're probably wondering why we're talking so grimly. The mission failed. Runcorn and Macnair caught us and we know that we will most likely never see you four until you yourselves die (but please keep your sister from committing suicide as she can be a little rash). Tell your Aunt Hermione that they won't get anything out from us. Your mother will Obliviate me just before they come in, and I will do the same for her. Tell her also, that I (your father) think that, while most wizards haven't a shred of any cleverness, this one thinks he's got a bit of that shred. Just a bit. And tell Uncle Ron that I'll miss him a bunch, and he was probably the wisest of us when he suggested Number 12 as Headquarters once more, but with a new Fidelius Charm with you, Teddy, as Secret Keeper. Keep that secret! Now, of course we have personal messages that we've charmed to only be legible to the person they're addressed to. Teddy, I'm assuming you will go first.
Here goes: You're amazing love. I know you've heard this before, but you are so much like your parents. You have your mother's "special" talents, and her clumsiness (you aren't getting out of that one kid. Sorry.). You have your father's "furry" personality, especially on full moons, and his quiet leadership. From both your parents you inherited a sense of humor, and endless, boundless love for those who love you in return. But you are also just you, just Teddy, our Teddy, our color-changing wolf (you're not getting out of that one either), and you are all your own.
Stay true Teddy, to yourself and to others. Keep track of your siblings, since you're all going to be split up, and keep your head up. Stay sharp, and don't trust anyone you don't already know and have questioned. On the topic of separation however, we are so sorry. Teddy, you're going to the Malfoys. We are so sorry, and I promise your parents would be as furious as we are, but they are your closest relatives. It'll be okay kid. It's only a year and a half, and then you can come home again. Legally, they can't keep you longer. Please be careful Teddy. I will be quite mad if you join us after less than two years. You hear that? You have two years before you are allowed to die. You're awesome Teddy, and we love you so much.
James, you're next. Our firstborn son, what can we say? Your father and I are so proud of you, and we wish things had turned out differently. If they had, you wouldn't have grown up in a war. We were terrified when you were born, since we didn't want a child never knowing love because of the war. You've turned out great, and you aren't even nine yet. We wish we could be there for your First Year, or when you get your first girlfriend. We are going to miss watching you grow up, and we hope that you remember us a little bit. If you end up with a redhead, blame your father.
Don't listen to your mother. Its all part of the male Potter curse: untamable hair, awful eyesight (though your brother seems to have sidestepped that one), and falling for redheads. If you don't fall for a redhead you simply aren't looking hard enough. Anyway, you're going to your godparents, George and Angelina. Tell George we'll tell Fred hi from him, and Angelina that we're sorry we're cursing her to raise three pranksters. Stay brave James. Take care of your brother when you see him, and don't let anyone tell you what to do (unless that someone is Angelina or Hermione, then you have to listen). You're our little rebel, so make sure to keep the DA going. Love you son.
Albus, it's your turn. You are your father in appearance, and people will judge you your entire life based on him. We are so sorry. Don't let anyone push you around though. You have a temper love, and there are going to be times when you have to use it. You can do anything you set your mind to, if you believe. My favorite son (don't tell James) and my little boy. You'll go as far as you want to in this world, I'm sure of it. You're better than the bullies, but most of them don't have the best home life either, so be nice. I love you Albus Severus Potter and don't let anyone tell you differently.
By this time, you may not want to read this Albus. I know you have a bunch of long years in front of you, son, and you aren't exactly excited to be known as 'Harry Potter clone', but you aren't. You are so much different from me, and not just because you don't have glasses or the scar. You're definitely shyer than I am, and you enjoy reading more too. Don't worry about being who people want you to be, be yourself and let your siblings be the scary ones. I know for a fact that your brothers would punch anyone who tried to bully you. You don't have to be the leader, but still be more than a follower. You're amazing kid, and I'm so proud to have you as my son.
Lily. Our daughter, our little girl. You're so beautiful you know, with your glossy dark red waves and eyes the color of melting chocolate. I know that you'll be quite the heartbreaker when you get into your teenage years, and I'm almost glad that you won't have to deal with an overprotective father. Almost. You're going to have a hard life, and i wish I could do something - anything - to make it easier. Before any of you were born, your father and I agreed that we would have sons until we had a daughter, but if it got to seven sons, we were stopping no matter what. You dad loves the boys, but you are the light of his life, his baby, his innocent daughter. Stay sweet, but don't be naïve. My only daughter, I love you beyond the boundaries of sky and air. You're amazing, and never forget that your father and I love you so much. Never forget it, you hear me? Don't ever forget.
My little girl, my baby. I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry. I promised you kids that you would get a better life than I got, and here your mother and I are, dying a month after our youngest turned six, before our oldest even got his letter. You are my baby, however, and I would do anything to keep you safe. You better keep those memories of your mother and I safe, you hear me? Keep those memories close. On the topic though, we should probably tell you. Lily, you aren't going to be going with any of your brothers. You aren't going to Percy or Bill, or Charlie, or even Gran. You will be living with Neville and Hannah. You remember them don't you? They have a daughter who's James' age. You're going to love them, and they already adore you. Keep that bright smile and those happy eyes. Stay my beautiful little girl, and don't you dare date until you are at least thirty. You hear me? No dating! I mean it! Don't date. I love you Lily Luna Potter, my beloved daughter.
We love you all so much, much more than you could ever imagine. Teddy, protect your brothers and sister, James, don't let anyone push you around, Albus, show the world who you are, not who you think you ought to be, Lily, don't be afraid of anything. Your mother and I love you. Don't ever forget that, any of you, and don't let anyone tell you differently.
Love,
Mum and Dad (Auntie Ginny and Uncle Harry)
Well. Here it is, finally. So, I know you're all staring at your screens in horror like 'What did she just do?!" so I want to apologize. Yes, this will be a very sad fic, so if you can't handle that, please proceed to the top lefthand corner of your screens and click the back arrow. Or, if this is on a mobile device, press the home button. Thank you for reading! Next chapter will be published by January 31.
Thanks,
Swanglade37
