Coming Home
Ginny is pacing restlessly from past half hour in the Borrow kitchen. Molly is cooking a variety of dishes since the time Ron left with Kreacher and none's disturbing her. Twins Angie and Fleur are sitting around the table with Vic on it playing with her Uncles. Audrey is talking to Percy over floo asking him the latest news.
'It's almost five. Do you think the plan Hermione suggested will buy them time' Fleur asked Twins.
'It has to. Wallace said he doesn't want any of our family at the scene to make it look like Harry chose against our wishes' Fred told her.
'If you ask me that's a load of crap' George is interrupted by Ginny. She shouted 'HARRY' and ran out of the house before any of them asked what happened.
All of them rushed behind her into the back garden and stopped after she stopped a few meters away. 'What's it Gin...' Fred stopped talking when they heard a pop and saw Harry walking towards them carrying someone. Ginny ran towards him and hugged them both.
'I am sorry Teddybear' Ginny said pulling back when she heard a muffled cry. Teddy who was clinging onto Harry's neck tightly till now looked at Ginny and went into her arms clasping his small hands around her neck. She started crying embracing him and Harry slowly guided them inside.
All the others came running towards them and Molly pulled Harry into a bear hug followed by Fleur. He greeted Angie and Audrey and motioned all of them inside holding Ginny around her shoulders. Once inside Ginny sat Teddy on the table and started caressing and fondling him checking for any injuries. Teddy stiffened at her touch and seemed to wince when she touched his shoulders and back. Not satisfied she removed his clothes and all of them were shocked to see the marks on his shoulders and back.
'Mama Teddy's red' Vic said pointing Teddy's back. Fleur turned Victorie's face away and said 'Vic, come on. Let's go check on little Molly' Fleur lifted her and went out of the room. Ginny shouted 'Audrey' and got response immediately 'I called Poppy. She will be here in five minutes'.
Molly came forward pushing Harry sideways and tried to have a proper look at Teddy but he frightened and moved towards Ginny quickly. Ginny snapped 'not now Mum' and held Teddy closely in her arms so carefully.
Molly was shocked by the tone Ginny took but recovering quickly she said 'his hands Ginny they are bruised'.
Harry who was standing closely to Ginny placed his hands on her shoulders from behind and said 'let Mum look him Gin. She won't hurt him'.
Ginny turned back looked at Harry and said 'I am not leaving him'. Harry shocked by her response moved close to her and placed hands around her and Teddy. 'I won't leave him either Gin. I will never ask you to' Harry told her slowly and she leaned back into his embrace holding Teddy closely.
A few minutes later they were all alerted by when someone stepped out of fireplace. Harry instinctively drew his wand and stood shielding Ginny and Teddy. Audrey moved to the fire place and greeted Madam Pomfrey 'hi Poppy, thank you for coming quickly'.
'Of course I will come when needed. Did something happen to the elf, I told Wallace to let him rest' Madam Pomfrey asked Audrey.
'It's not Kreacher Poppy. We want you to check on Teddy' Audrey told her. Hearing his name called, Teddy stiffened and held Ginny closely.
'Oh Mr Potter, I should have guessed after seeing you here. Where is young Lupin?' she asked them. Harry moved sideways to other side of Teddy and placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder. All the others moved away giving access to Madam Pomfrey.
'Hi Teddy, how are you today' she asked the kid kindly but he buried his head into Ginny's neck and held her tightly. Madam Pomfrey wanted to say something but stopped after looking at Ginny.
'Teddybear, baby will you let Poppy check you once' Ginny asked slowly in his ear not releasing him. He nodded 'NO' not lifting his head from her shoulder and Ginny looked at Harry giving him a questioning look.
'Gin, let's move to living room. We can sit freely with Teddy and Madam Pomfrey can check him there' Harry told her moving behind her and looking at Teddy for acceptance. Teddy looked at Harry fearfully and again buried his head into Ginny's shoulder. Harry couldn't believe it. He didn't want his godson to be frightened of him. It's not just tying Teddy to a chair they have abused him.
Harry gently put a hand on his head and ruffled his hair. 'I won't let anything happen to you kiddo. You believe Harry right' Harry asked Teddy while Ginny turned her head to look at him. Teddy slowly lifted his head and looked at Harry few seconds and started crying.
'Oh! Baby what has they done to you. No one will harm you now. You are home' Ginny said hugging him closely. Harry hugged them both again.
'Mr Potter, let me check young Lupin. Its better if we don't delay it' Madam Pomfrey told Harry. Harry guided Ginny and Teddy into the living room and sat them on the couch. Ginny held Teddy in her lap and Harry sat beside her. Madam Pomfrey knelt before them and started diagnosing Teddy. After few minutes she made Teddy drink couple of potions with the help of Ginny.
'I have mended his injuries on back and shoulders. This' pointed at his wrists and said 'will take couple of days. I will give salve for that'. She took one purple paste and gave to Molly.
'Give him these for next three days and I order complete rest' she added giving the potions and instructing Molly about them. Someone came through fire place and Harry immediately alerted and drew his wand. Twins went to check and came in with San.
'All taken care of' he told looking at Harry who nodded his response.
'I gave a sleeping potion to Molly. You can give him that after dinner' Madam Pomfrey told Ginny. Ginny stood and handed Teddy to Harry who stood with her. She then hugged Madam Pomfrey saying 'Thanks Poppy. You are the best'.
'You are welcome Ginny. You can contact me any time. I will come to check him in a couple of days again' Poppy told her and took leave from all of them. Harry and Audrey thanked her and she flooed back to Hogwarts. San had a word with her in private before she left.
'What are we saying to the Ministry' Fred asked Harry when he came to living room. Harry who didn't think about that only stared at him.
'We have to inform them at least' George said trying to convince Harry.
'Why don't you make a floo call to Percy' Ginny asked them. When they looked at her not accepting the option 'I don't want any one questioning Teddy' she declared hugging him closely and looked at Harry.
'I don't think floo call will stop them from coming over. I have to go and inform the Minister' he continued without giving any chance for others to interrupt 'that's the best way and I promise Gin no one will come to question Teddy'.
'I will go home with Teddy if anyone comes' She told him. Harry kissed Teddy and her bye and flooed to Arthur's office following San.
Harry and San flooed to an empty office and quickly walked to conference hall. Opening the door they noticed Heads addressing the Aurors and DMLE team. Bill, Hermione, Padma and few others are also in the room.
'Harry Did you find Teddy?' Ron asked them eagerly.
'Teddy's Safe at home' Harry told him. Their family, friends, Wallace and Robards sighed in relief and others made a loud cheer. Weasleys Neville and Padma moved to them and Hermione hugged them both followed by Padma.
Wallace asked 'So Care to explain about your adventure Potter'.
'I will Mr Wallace but to let you know it's not an adventure it's a rescue'. Harry answered him stepping into the room.
'Is it Dorset Potter' Robards asked him.
'Yes sir. It's in Dorset. San can give you the directions better' Harry answered him understanding his question.
'Harry Arthur and Kingsley went to address the Press at Atrium' Hermione blurted suddenly.
'Potter Hunt you both come and explain us what happened and how you found him. Longbottom inform the Minister' Robards ordered them.
'Sir, San can explain you everything. I think I should go to Minister' Harry told Robards.
'That's a nice thought Potter. I will accompany you. Robards prepare the report and round up that Dorset location' Wallace agreed with Harry and instructed Robards.
Harry and Wallace left the room and Neville asked 'who made that show in the entrance of that house' Neville asked San.
'Who do you think Nev' San asked smirking.
'I bet it's you Ron here thought otherwise' Neville told him.
'You win mate. The entrance is my work' San told him.
'Hunt you can gloat heroics later. Now come here and give us details' Robards barked. They all moved to sit around the table.
San explained them how Kreacher gave them the lead about Hedgehope and how they found about Dorset. He carefully omitted the parts about their other forms and Robards who knew about his other form didn't press further. He then told them there are nearly twenty wizards bound in Dorset and their apparent leader is left with a severed hand.
'Weasley Longbottom, take squad-2 and wrap the work there. Peasegood call of all the others who are on duty' Robards gave orders and they followed.
'What, I have done my job mate' San told Ron smiling when Ron stopped at the door looking for him to join them giving him a note with the approximate location.
'You will need the services of a curse breaker there' San added and Robards asked Bill and his team for help who accepted and left along with Ron and Neville. San moved towards Padma who is profusely thanking the others for their help.
HGHGHGHGHHGHG
Kingsley and Arthur are sitting on a dais and the Ministry communicator started speaking when Harry and Wallace reached the atrium. They quickly went to Percy and Harry told him Teddy is safe at the Burrow. Percy immediately notified Hermione who is preparing and rehearsing the muggle actor on how to make a vow and conduct on stage in the nearby room. She is immediately relieved hugged Percy and ran out of the room to meet Harry. He came to update the Minister who just started speaking.
'I called you all to address about the unrest caused by a news regarding Mr Potter...' Percy came from behind stopping his speech and updated him about the latest events quietly. Kingsley sighed in relief smiled. He looked behind to see Harry standing there beside Hermione and nodding at him in confirmation. Arthur also looked at Harry and rushed to him. Harry conveyed the message Teddy's safe and the Weasley patriarch embraced him with relief.
All the reporters watched the whole scene and started shouting their questions 'is Potter's godson really kidnapped' 'Is Mr Potter taking the vow' 'did the ministry detain the Potters' 'Is Mrs Tonks dead' 'Do you think the death eaters are behind this' 'Are you sacrificing the kid for the sake of Mr potter'
Hearing this question and seeing that they are not listening to Kingsley's answers Harry moved onto the dais and stood beside him. Lifting his hand he silenced the reporters and addressed them.
'I cannot disclose any detail as the case is with DMLE and officially I am on leave. I will only say this 'my godson's home in the care of my wife' Harry told them clearly.
'Is it true he is Kidnapped?' 'Who kidnapped him' 'Are you in America for vacation' 'Do you love him' 'Is Mr Lupin abused at home?'
He motioned them to calm down and answered 'I cannot give you any details about kidnap. The case is open with DMLE and you can contact them. I will say this 'yes he's kidnapped. He was rescued and now safe at home'
'Do you think the death eaters are behind this' 'did you catch the kidnappers?' 'Is it true you are making him a ward of the Ministry?' Harry fumed at this question and glared at the reporter. His magic lost control and a golden aura formed around him. All the occupants of the room felt the effects and looked in awe.
'Rita Skeeter. I should have expected' Harry said through gritted teeth. He composed himself smiled and said 'If we keep all the busybodies in a room you occupy first row'. He became serious and continued 'I am warning you. Next time you make up stories about me or my family you will rue that day'.
'You are threatening a reporter Mr Potter. We can file a complaint against you' another reporter warned him.
Harry raised his eyebrows and replied 'You can. I won't stop you'.
'Are you implying you are above law Mr Potter' asked another reporter.
Kingsley sensing the situation tried to pacify the situation said 'Mr Potter implied nothing like that. We are drifting apart from topic' looking at them and Harry. Harry nodded and looked at the reporters.
'You haven't answered the question Mr Potter' another reporter from Daily Prophet asked him.
'What question' Harry asked him.
'You haven't answered Ms Skeeter' the reporter explained.
'No' Harry replied coldly.
'So it's true you don't love him. Is he abused at home' he probed.
'HOW DARE YOU' roared Harry and for the second time his magic lost control and this time all the reporters who are standing forced back onto their seats and the others on the dais moved away. Arthur and Hermione tried to come towards Harry but were forced back.
'Ok. This is not to prove anything but only to put the issue to rest and let the public know the truth' Harry told them and took his wand into his hand.
'I Harry James Potter do swear that my godson Edward Remus Lupin is neither abused nor unloved by me and my wife'. A white light emitted from his wand and enveloped him. He put his wand back and said 'I hope you all are satisfied and the kidnapper's question is also answered'.
No one said anything. Most of them sat staring at him and the others are noting what he said. Harry continued 'I expect you all to not harass my godson with questions when you see him. Whoever wants a revenge against me, I am warning you don't you dare think about my family'. Harry nodded looking at Kingsley and disappeared from there.
Arthur and Hermione immediately left the Atrium. Kingsley and Wallace answered few more questions and concluded the meeting.
HGHGHGHGHHGHG
Harry Popped into the living room of the Burrow and saw Ginny sitting in a couch by the fireplace holding Teddy in her lap sideways with his head resting under her chin and his legs stretched in the couch. He moved to them and tried to lift Teddy's legs to sit close to them. Teddy winced and tried to move away from her lap but Ginny held him close. Opening his eyes he saw Harry lifting his legs and relaxed slightly. Harry settled close to Ginny smoothed Teddy's hair and kissed his fore head. Teddy closed his eyes again moving closer to Ginny who started rubbing his back soothingly.
Harry put a hand over Ginny's shoulder and she rested her head on his shoulder. Harry started rubbing teddy's sole slowly making the boy relax more. When Teddy's more relaxed, Harry kissed Ginny's head and relaxed resting his head on Ginny's. Fred, George, Angelina and Audrey were also there in the room but the Potter's are oblivious to their presence. Molly came into the room announcing dinner is ready and George said they will wait for the others to come home.
'Ginny, he needs to eat something and take potion later' Audrey said loudly bringing her to the present.
'Give him a bath with warm water dear. It will ease his body and aids him sleep better' Molly told her daughter. Harry looked between them both and carefully took Teddy in his lap. Ginny stood up, stretched herself and lifted Teddy. The child locked his arms around her and she moved to the stairs followed by Harry.
Molly told George to floo call the others and ask them to return home quickly. She also added to call Hermione. George complied and she turned to Audrey and asked them to stay for the night which the girl accepted.
Ginny took Teddy to her room upstairs and started removing his clothes. Harry went to the attached bathroom started filling warm water. She asked the child if he can walk in there and he nodded reluctantly. Taking his hand she took him inside the bathroom and saw Harry checking the water. Looking at then Harry smiled and lifted the boy inside. Ginny started slowly rubbing his shoulders and back and washed his hair.
Harry went out and came in a few minutes later to find her playing with foam making bubbles and Teddy smiling. He is relieved to see him smile again. It will take few weeks for him to recover from traumatic experience completely but it's a start.
Looking at him Ginny whispered something and they both blew some bubbles at him and he dodged some slowly and moved forward to take some foam and respond back. Few minutes later Ginny washed him completely with water and lifted him out of the tub. Harry took the towel carefully dried him and took him to the bedroom.
Ginny sent Harry to shower and helped the boy into his pyjamas Molly brought for him. She lifted him and went to the living room where the family is waiting. Bill and Hermione arrived and they are waiting for the remaining three. Looking at the descending pair Hermione moved towards them quickly. Teddy winced looking at her and held onto Ginny tightly burying his head into her neck.
Ginny stopped the other girl lifting a hand and calmed Teddy saying its Hermione and no need to fear. Hermione is shocked to see that and stepped back hesitantly.
'He is frightened and refused even Mum near him' Fred whispered to her coming close and Ginny's look said meant the same. She nodded and went back to her chair.
Ginny moved to the table and waited holding Teddy looking at Bill. Her brother enlarged a chair for her and she sat in there taking Teddy in her lap. Molly placed the soup and she started feeding him. He looked around slowly and when Ginny explained him they are all family and asked him to have some soup he agreed.
Harry came down looking tired and refreshed and sat beside them enlarging another chair. He took Teddy from her and she fed him some solid food later which he ate only a few bites. Arthur and Percy came in next and greeted everyone. Audrey stopped Percy from going to Teddy while Arthur moved slowly and stood near them.
'Hi Teddy, its good you are home. Have you eaten anything' Arthur asked the child slightly bending looking directly at him.
Teddy snuggled close to Harry at first but looked at the older man for a minute and said 'Soup' very slowly.
'Ah hot soup, nice and you already had a bath. A good night's sleep and you can play with Victorie in the morning. Do you want to play with her?' Arthur asked him with a smile.
'He looked at Harry then Ginny and Arthur a couple of times and said 'yes'. They all smiled and Arthur asked 'Did you give him the potion dear' looking at Ginny.
'No Dad, he just ate and we will in five minutes' Ginny replied. Arthur patted her head and went back to Molly. They spoke for a minute and the Weasley matriarch said 'Ron will take some time dears. Let's start dinner, Teddy looks sleepy'.
They all sat around the table while Fleur and Angie brought food. Molly served the Potters first and Ginny wolfed down what is put in front of them. The rest of the family started eating normally and Twins started a conversation with Bill and Percy. Percy told Harry Robards asked him to give a message that his leave is in effect and he is requested not to be seen outside.
Harry thanked him and said they are staying home for the coming week and play with Teddy ruffling his Godson's hair. Ginny saw his eyes closing and asked her mother to fetch the potion. She fed the potion to Teddy and stood up. Taking him from Harry she excused herself and went to her room. Harry made sure they are out of earshot and asked Arthur 'Who is interrogating the men caught'.
'Kingsley tasked Proudfoot and a team of four. Ron's in that and they are starting tomorrow.' Arthur told him.
Harry got up looked around the table and said 'I... we want to thank you all for what you have done. I couldn't imagine losing him after all this' emotionally. His eyes are teary but he refused to let them fall. Molly came and hugged him 'oh Harry' followed by Hermione and other ladies.
'You don't have to thank us son. We consider him our first grandchild as you both consider him son. Family always sticks together and we are not same when we lose any of us' Arthur said looking at him directly from his seat.
'He may be your godson but Remus and Tonks are also our friends Harry. Teddy is family' Bill added. Harry nodded looked at them both and went upstairs.
Coming to Ginny's room he saw her sitting with her back to the headboard and Teddy lying with his head in her lap. He came and joined them on the bed taking his legs in his lap and slowly rubbing his feet and legs. Few minutes later Teddy fell to sleep, Ginny turned him onto the pillow and left to have a much needed bath.
Coming after shower and dressing for the night, she saw Harry lying beside the sleeping Teddy waiting for her. He looked tired and drained by the day's events. She came to his side kissed him good night and saying love you and moved to lie down on the other side of Teddy. She kissed her sleeping godson on the fore head and smoother his hair, did the same with his husband and closed her eyes putting an arm protectively around the child.
