Title :Always There
Genre : Family
Characters : Teddy Lupin, James Sirius Potter
Summary : For A Drabble A Day Keeps The Doctor Away Challenge. James didn't seem convinced. He stared at Teddy, lips trembled and looked sad. "I hate Al. Why don't I look like Dad? Everyone would like me like they love Albus."
Disclaimer : Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling. I am making no profit.
.-.-.
Teddy turned his head and looked down. He saw James gingerly hold the end of Teddy's robes. The older boy put down his book and reached out to James, who obediently sat closer to him.
"Hey, what's up Jamie?" Teddy asked the five years old boy.
James didn't answer. His small face, usually wore mischievous expressions most of the time, was troubled.
"What's with that miserable face?" Teddy inquired. He ruffled James' nest-like hair. When the younger boy looked up, he gave him his smile.
"Mum and Dad won't play with me anymore," James answered sulkily.
Teddy instantly understood.
"That's because of Albus!" James blurted out hotly. "Everyone says he's funny and adorable. He makes Mum and Dad not love me again."
Albus was almost three. He was indeed very adorable. Everyone cooed and pampered him senseless. Teddy had never thought that James would ever be jealous. The boy always found ways to create havoc and mischief. He seemed content with himself. But Teddy forgot James was just a kid. He mentally smacked himself remembering it.
"Al doesn't steal your parents, Jamie," Teddy appeased him. He patted James's head. "They still love you enormously."
James didn't seem convinced. He stared at Teddy, lips trembled and looked sad. "I hate Al."
"Oh no you don't."
"Why don't I look like Dad? Everyone would like me like they love Al."
The quiet question slapped Teddy hard. He hugged the small boy, who hugged him in return. "You look perfect just the way you are," he assured James.
"Really? I look okay?"
"Absolutely."
"But Mum and Dad don't play with me anymore," James sniffed.
Teddy sensed tears were going to come. He hastily said, "I always play with you."
James was quiet. "You always."
Teddy grinned. "See?"
James grinned back. His eyes were clear. He started to be cheerful.
"When Albus is older, you two can play together," Teddy spoke.
"I won't."
"You will, trust me."
Teddy remembered it well now, how he had reacted when James was born. Like James did to Albus, Teddy had thought baby James stole the spotlight and didn't like it a bit. But it had grown okay. Teddy grew wiser and liked James eventually.
"How about coming down to the kitchen? I'll make you hot cocoa," Teddy promptly offered. He got out of his chair and walked out of his room. James quickly followed him.
"Yey!"
.-.-.
TBC