*Auror Office, Ministry of Magic*

London

August 30, 2021

"Congratulations, Auror Lupin. I have mentored you for the past three years and I am proud to say you are one of my best students out of the dozens I've mentored," Aries Hemming said shaking Teddy Lupin's hand after showing Teddy to his cubicle.

Teddy Lupin, the young Metamorphmagus, grinned from ear to ear causing his hair to involuntarily change from mousy brown to mustard yellow. Finally after three years of practical and theoretical training, he was a full-fledged Auror. "Thank you sir, I know for a fact I've been trained by one of the best. Head Auror Urquart assigned me and excellent mentor," Teddy said grinning stupidly as he called his one of godfather's trusted friend and colleague by her title name.

The middle-age Auror snorted, "Head Auror Urquart? I think it's enough with the formalities Ted. We all know you'll be calling her 'Selene' before the day is out. I would have said having your godfather as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement must've helped you pass the exams and training, but I can honestly say that you've earned your title and your rank," Aries Hemming said tapping Teddy's badge.

Edward Remus Lupin

Auror

Ministry of Magic

Teddy looked down at his badge with pride. He had finally achieved his ultimate dream. He'd passed the Auror training course and was now an Auror. He hoped his mother would be proud. It had not been easy to become an Auror. In Hogwarts his Head of House, Potions Master Oakden Gudgeon, an old friend of Teddy's mum and Charlie Weasley and former Auror, had taken Teddy under his wing in his third year, teaching him many things that were beyond the Ordinary Wizarding Level. Not a single thirteen year old should be able to brew the Polyjuice Potion or the Blood-Replenishing Potion. He'd been taught by Oaken Gudgeon to produce a corporeal Patronus which took the form of a Ragdoll Cat unlike his mother's Patronus, and even his father's according to Harry.

When he informed Oakden Gudgeon and Headmistress McGonagall of his ambition to become an Auror during his Career Counseling, they'd each beamed with pride. He'd taken all the classes required to become an Auror at Hogwarts plus some extra classes such as Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, and Arithmancy, all which he excelled

immensely in. In his Seventh and final year at Hogwarts, he'd taken N.E.W.T.s for Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Care Of Magical Creatures, all of which he'd obliterated the test scores. Teddy's N.E.W.T.s scores had been framed by his grandmother and hung on her mantle where she could easily beam with pride when she walked past it.

The Auror courses consisted of Concealment and Disguise, Stealth and Tracking, Spell Mastery, Potions Competence, and Dueling Tactics. Being a Metamorphmagus made Concealment and Disguise, a shoe-in for Teddy. Teddy had aced Potions Competence, due to Oakden Gudgeon taking him under his wing throughout his years at Hogwarts. With the help of Aunt Hermione, Teddy had been able to master many spells, which to the average wizard were extremely difficult. Aunt Hermione, who had become Minister for Magic in recent years, had taught him all she could when they both had time to spare. Due to him being the godson of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Savior of the Wizarding World, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, former Head Auror, Harry Potter, Teddy had mastered Dueling and Dueling Tactics without so much as a sweat. Stealth and Tracking had been one of Teddy's specialties; he'd created charms and spells that silenced the ruffling of his shirts, the squeaks of his boots, and any other things that may have given away his position caused by his clothes or anything on his person at the time.

"Now, let's go find out who your partner will be," Aries said winking at Teddy.

"Do you think I'll be partnered with Cedric, Alfred, or Megan sir?" Teddy asked earnestly.

Cedric Macmillan had been best friends with Teddy from the moment Harry had brought him over to Seamus and Susan's house for a play date when they were mere months old, and that friendship held throughout Hogwarts and through their Auror Training. The two went through the ups' and downs' at Hogwarts together. It had been on the Hogwarts Express that they went from a duo to a trio, inducting Alfred Cattermole into their plans to leave their mark on Hogwarts History. The trio desperately wished to be sorted into Hufflepuff just as their parents had been, it was one of their many wishes that came true. Then fellow Hufflepuff, Megan Pinkstone, was also inducted into the group, making her the fourth member of the group. All four Hufflepuffs' shared the ambition to become Aurors' which was known throughout the Hogwarts student body and staff. An ambition each of them achieved.

The middle aged Auror smiled, "We'll see Teddy."

*Assignment Room* Auror Headquarters Ministry of Magic

"Wotcher!" Teddy exclaimed as soon as he saw his three best friends.

Three newly christened Aurors' grinned from their seats, "Wotcher yourself mate," Cedric said swing an arm around Teddy's shoulder as he sat down next to Cedric at the round table. "What are the chances of you being my partner?"

Megan chuckled, "About as slim as are the chances of Alfred and I being partners," Megan said as she grasped Alfred's hand firmly in hers.

"You never know love, we could be partners. For god's sake, the Head Auror is Teddy's old babysitter," Alfred said smiling stupidly at Megan.

"True, although, I for one won't be holding my breath on that one Al," Megan said kissing Alfred on the cheek.

Teddy imitated a vomiting sound, much to Cedric's amusement and the couples chagrin. Alfred and Megan had dated from third year onward; the couple rarely fought and complimented each other immensely. The couple announced their engagement in the beginning of their last year of their training at the Auror Academy. The wedding plans were underway due to the hard work of Molly Weasley, Andromeda Tonks, Susan Bones, Aubrey Pinkstone and Mary Cattermole. The wedding was due to be held March next year.

"Honestly, must you lot of buffoons always be either snogging or sniggering at the pair of idiots snogging?" said a young man with sandy blonde hair that swept over his violet eyes.

Teddy stopped sniggering immediately and looked at Eon Thurkell with a smirk. Eon Thurkell was also a newly christened Auror. Eon Thurkell wasn't as strong as the other eight new Aurors'; he was perhaps the most incompetent of the eight. Although with the help of Belladona Pepper, also a new Auror, he had passed all the tests and obstacle courses with her help. Although he was somewhat daft and idiotic, he was an amazing friend to Teddy and his friends.

"Hey Eon, where's Belladona?" Cedric asked as Eon patted his back before sitting on Cedric's right.

"Probably prolonging coming here so she doesn't witness the saliva swap between Pinkstone and Cattermole," Eon said grinning impishly.

"Oh, shut it Eon," Alfred said leaping up out of his chair and immediately putting Eon in a headlock.

KNOCK KNOCK.

Teddy, Cedric, Alfred, Megan and Eon quieted down quickly, "I'm not interrupting anything am I?" asked a young woman with long, shiny, dark brown hair, which was styled to compliment

her caramel brown eyes, that came down to the small of her back. Teddy smiled as Belladona Pepper smirked at her five fellow, newly christened Aurors.

Belladona Pepper was in Gryffindor in Teddy's year at Hogwarts. She'd been near the top of her class, and had been tutored by Minerva McGonagall to become an Animagus. She was a Master Duelist, although her proficiency in Potions was somewhat lacking when compared to Teddy. She'd been absolute best friends with Eon Thurkell, also a former Gryffindor. "I hope one of you lot ends up paired with me," Belladona said striding into the room closely followed by Alicia Nettles and Uther Fletwock.

"I hope you're my partner," Eon said shoving Alfred off his back.

"Why because none of us will carry you as much as she has?" Alicia Nettles said smugly causing Uther Fletwock to grin.

Teddy and the others had absolutely loathed Alicia Nettle and Uther Fletwock. They'd been cocky, big-headed and arrogant while at the Auror Academy. They'd purposely pointed out everyone's flaws but their own. They'd enjoy humiliating Eon when he'd gotten a bad mark on an exam. It was the smug pair's actions that had caused the other six Aurors' to ostracize the pair.

"Shut it Nettles," Belladona said clearly annoyed.

"Still protecting him, Pepper!" Alicia Nettles said practically spatting out Belladona's last name.

"How about the whole lot of you shut it? Bickering like bloody school children," Serena Stojanick said stomping her high heeled boots on the floor, scowling

"Sorry Madam Stojanick," they chorused.

The Second Auror in Command grunted, "First thing's first, don't call me Madam. I am not that old. Second, stop antagonizing your comrades in arms Nettles. Third, I'm just here to assign you lot partners," Stojanick said pulling out a small piece of parchment.

Teddy looked at Cedric anxiously. They had desperately hoped they'd be each other's partners. What's more perfect than having your best friend as your partner? But they both knew in their heart of hearts, that the chances of them being partners were slim to none. But one could hope for the best.

"Nettles is with Fletwock, Pepper is with Thurkell, you four are dismissed," Stojanick said nodding to the four new Aurors.

Teddy grinned gleefully, "Ced, we might be partners!" Teddy practically shouted.

"I can guarantee you two most certainly won't be paired together," Harry said entering the Assignment room grinning at his godson and honorary nephew. "The two of you would cause more problems than you'd be solving," Harry added as he sat at the round table, placing his feet up on the table relaxing his hands behind his head.

Alfred and Megan sniggered at Harry's comment, as it had caused Teddy and Cedric to turn crimson red. "I haven't the faintest idea what you two engaged love birds are laughing at, that comment applies to you both also, although I highly doubt Teddy and Cedric would be shagging like I have caught you two doing in here," Harry said grinning at his godson's best friends.

"That's a sackable offense," Serena seethed.

Harry turned his attention away from the new Aurors and to Serena, "Madam Stojanick, I think I can handle it from here," Harry said flatly causing her immediately exit the room.

It was now Teddy and Cedric's turn to laugh uncontrollably at both Harry getting rid of Stojanick and his comment pertaining to Alfred and Megan. "Thanks Mr. Potter, as if we needed another reminding of that little incident," Alfred said smirking to hide his embarrassment.

"No problem son. Now, Teddy and Alfred will be partners and Megan and Cedric will be also," Harry said smiling.

The four friends looked at one another smiling so wide it was as if they'd been jinxed that way. Each of them had managed to have a best friend as their partner. Teddy and Alfred had highfived while Cedric and Megan had pounded their fists together. "No fair, Teddy got a good looking partner while I'm stuck with a brute," Megan Pinkstone pouted jokingly as she grabbed Alfred and Cedric dragging them from the Assignment Room, leaving Harry and Teddy alone in the room.

Teddy grinned stupidly, "Can't believe it Harry. I'm finally an Auror," Teddy said swaying from left to right as he stood facing his godfather.

"Who you telling mate? Seems only yesterday I was changing your nappy, and entertaining you with Moonpie the stuffed Hippogriff. I am very, very proud of you Ted. So is the family. I'm sure your mum and dad would be too. Especially your mum, god knows that woman was brilliant Auror," Harry said jumping from his chair and wrapping Teddy in a bone crushing hug.

Teddy smiled once more as he hugged his godfather, "Can't wait for my first assignment," Teddy said in Harry's ear.

The elder man laughed as he pulled away from his godson, "Whoa Teddy. One thing at a time. You've got a lifetime for assignments just revel in graduating from the Academy and becoming a full-fledged Auror," Harry said patting Teddy on the back.

"Alright. Now I do believe there's a party waiting for me, am I correct?" Teddy said slyly.

"Yes, but act surprised. Or you'll be skinned alive by your Gran and Victoire," Harry said laughing.

*Potter Manor*

Middle of the Forest Of Dean

Gloucestershire, England

Later That Evening

The party was in full swing. Molly, Andromeda, and Victoire had thrown a party in honor of Teddy, Cedric, Alfred, and Megan becoming Aurors' and to celebrate the large group of children returning to Hogwarts. Teddy walked from person to person thanking them immensely for attending. Teddy winked at Victoire as she sat with his gran and Grandmum Molly, each sipping Butterbeer while watching the party commence. Draco stood in the corner conversing with Hermione and Ginny as Albus, Scorpius, and Rose listened close by, hoping their parents wouldn't embarrass them. Harry stood at the table with Justin Finch-Fletchly, the Warden of Azkaban, laughing as Ron covered his plate with food his mother, sister, and sister-in-laws' prepared for the party. Cedric stood with his mother, Susan Finnigan and step-father Seamus, as they spoke excitedly with Neville and Hannah Longbottom.

"Congratulations Teddy," Kingsley said smiling as he walked into the dining room with his daughter Emmeline and wife Hestia following closely on his heel.

"Thank you. Thank you for coming," Teddy said shaking Kinglsey's hand. Hestia and Emmeline hugged Teddy before walking away in order for more friends to congratulate Teddy.

After thanking everyone once more Teddy sought out one person and one person only. Victoire. He hadn't had a moment alone with her since he'd gotten to Potter Manor for the party. He made his way through the party, dodging Lily and James who both demanded his attention with merely saying 'I'll find you lot later'. He'd finally made it to Victoire, who still sat with Andromeda and Grandmum Weasley.

"Hey love, wanna take a walk?" Teddy said grasping Victoire's hand.

"Yeah, let's go," Victoire smiled, "Excuse me," she added to her grandmother and Andromeda.

They made their way to the backyard of Potter Manor, which was surprisingly small when compared to the size of Potter Manor, with relative ease. Teddy mentally smacked himself for not coming to have a moment alone with Victoire earlier. She'd gone through all this trouble

and he'd only spoken to her now, three hours after the party had started. They walked under the gazebo that had taken up the space in the backyard hand in hand.

"Sorry it took me so long to get a moment alone with you Vic," Teddy said hugging Victoire.

Victoire giggled, "Nonsense Ted. It's a big party. Merlin's pants we're sending almost everyone back to Hogwarts for a new year. And you, Cedric, Alfred and Megan are finally Aurors'. I'm actually surprised we've managed to get a moment alone," Victoire said kissing Teddy's cheek.

"You're amazing Vic. Honestly, you've thrown an amazing party," Teddy said grinning.

Victoire tossed her hair, "Stating the obvious are we?" Victoire said teasingly.

Teddy kissed Victoire once more, "Let's get back inside before they've noticed we've gone missing and send out a bloody search party," Teddy said as he pulled away.

Upon reentering the throng of the party, they'd been bombarded with question. Rose had asked if Teddy had proposed. Scorpius had scowled and asked why Teddy hadn't proposed earning him a slap to the back of the head from Albus, who in turn was swatted on the arm from his mother. Harry had asked where he'd gone to. A question Teddy merely replied with, "I just wanted a moment with Vic. I hadn't gotten a moment with her the whole party," Teddy said smiling at his godfather.

"Ah ok, ok. We'll hope you made it last because you know Dominique, Rose, Scorpius and Ginny will ask why you didn't propose," Harry said grinning.

A wisp of blue clouds soared through the window and landed on the table atop of the food speaking in the voice of Aries Hemming.

"Emergency has arisen. Need all Aurors' to the office for briefing immediately."

Unfortunately Dennis Creevey, Teddy, Cedric, Megan, and Alfred had to all bid farewell to their friends, family members, and loved ones before Apparating to the Ministry.

*Assignment Room*

Auror Headquarters

Ministry of Magic

London

Teddy preferred to stand while he waited anxiously for Selene Urquart, Serena Stojanick, Verdna Prothero, and Aries Hemming to enter the Assignment Room and debrief them on the situation that had called him away from his family and friends. Better get used to this, Teddy thought to himself. Teddy let his mind wander on the possibilities of the situation. Hopefully there's not some extremely powerful Dark Wizard on the rise, Teddy said to himself.

The doors flew open, banging against the wall as Harry strode in looking furious, closely followed by a livid Selene. Teddy had rarely seen Harry upset. Harry had only gotten furious with Teddy twice in his years at Hogwarts, but that was it and even then he didn't look as furious as he did now. "Ok team, we've got us two crime scenes on our hands. The Friesz family has been murdered, their house ransacked and all their wands snapped in half. Roland and Tammy Friesz were bound and gagged while their children were mutilated. That's the first crime scene. The second is Cornelius Fudge's house, he's been found bound to a chair and mutilated beyond belief as was his wife, Charlotte and his nephew Rufus," Selene Urquart announced looking grim.

Stojanick, as second Auror in Command took over, "Now, we've assigned four Aurors' to each case. Cedric Macmillan, Megan Pinkstone, Verdna Prothero, and Sung Hoeksema are assigned to the Fudge case," Serena said looking to Megan, Cedric and two senior Aurors'.

"Ted Lupin, Alfred Cattermole, Aries Hemming, and Julius Jackson will take the Friesz case," Urquart said looking at Harry Potter's godson, the man she once babysat as a child, with a look that clearly said, find the bastards.

"Meeting adjourned," Stojanick called out.

Harry exited the room with Selene but not before looking Teddy in the eye and nodding encouragingly. All the Aurors' filed out the room until only Teddy, Cedric, Megan, and Alfred remained. No words needed to be said they each hugged each other, for they were taught you never know when you may or may not return from a scene of the crime. Teddy hugged Cedric then Megan before walking out with Cedric leaving Alfred and Megan to have their moment alone. "Good luck mate," Teddy said patting Cedric's shoulder.

"Be safe Ted. I'd hate to kill someone after I've just gotten my badge," Cedric said smiling halfheartedly as he walked away making his way to find Prothero and Hoeksema.

Alfred walked out of the Assignment Room after Megan, who nodded at Teddy before rushing off to find Cedric, "You ready mate?" Alfred asked nervously.

"Let's do this," Teddy said thrusting out his chin.