Teddy/James

Prompt: Trouble

Trouble

December 18, 2021

"Teddy!"

He woke with a start, rubbing his eyes groggily as Victoire stirred beside him. The clock on the bedside table told him it was three in the morning. Teddy groaned. Why in Merlin's name was he here at this frightful hour? He mumbled something to Victoire about staying in bed, as he stretched his long limbs and stumbled down to the front door.

"Teddy, open up, dammit!"

"M'comin'," he grumbled as he opened the door. There, standing before him, was James. His brown eyes were wide in panic and his messy hair dishevelled. The left side of his face was heavily bruised and his robes were torn.

"James?" Teddy blinked a few times, taking in his appearance. "What happened to you?"

James swallowed and threw a cautious glance behind him. "I'm in trouble, Ted," he whispered softly. "Big trouble."

Teddy quickly ushered him inside and offered him a seat on the couch. James took it and wrung his hands together, flicking his eyes around the room.

"What kind of trouble?" Teddy asked as he pulled up a chair next to his almost-brother. The teenager swallowed and cast his gaze to the floor.

"You have to promise not to tell Dad. You have to swear."

Teddy nodded and urged him to continue.

"I owe some... bad people... a lot of money..."

"James..." Teddy began, his brow furrowing in concern. "What did you do?"

With a heavy sigh, James met Teddy's eyes. "I was playing cards in Knockturn Alley, with a whole bunch of blokes. The last few times, it was just good fun. I'm pretty good at it, actually. But then..." he paused to clear his throat. "Tonight, I lost... big. Teddy, I don't think I can get the money."

His voice shook with fear and his hands were trembling against his knees. Teddy hated seeing him look so vulnerable.

"Did they do that to you?" he pointed to James' bruised cheek.

James nodded, ashamed. "I told them straight up that I didn't have that kind of money. That didn't sit too well with them. I Disapparated before they could do any real damage. But Ted, I can't go home. Dad'll kill me." The panic was clear in his voice.

Teddy sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he contemplated the situation. "You can stay here tonight, alright," he told him. "I'll make up some story to tell Harry and Vic'll heal your face. And we'll sort out the money issue. Vic and I have some savings for a new apartment, so hopefully that will be enough. Just go upstairs and get cleaned up, okay?"

James nodded seriously and went to go upstairs to the bathroom.

"And James?" He looked back over his shoulder. "Don't ever get messed up in that stuff again. You could get killed."

"Don't worry," he muttered darkly as he retreated up the stairs. "I won't."

A/N: This is a bit darker than the others. I picture James as a kid who likes to take risks, but to the extreme. He often gets himself in bad situations, and goes to Teddy for help. Teddy, who is an awesome big brother figure, helps him stay out of trouble.

Ages: James (17), Teddy (23)

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