Chapter 20 – Holiday Trouble
With the start of the holiday, the family atmosphere relaxed immensely and now, on day four, the events before their departure to Teignmouth lay well in the past. Teddy had had no trouble at all finishing the instructed repetitions before their holiday had started and thinking back about it now, he was convinced that his godfather had never meant it as punishment, but rather a way for him to relieve some guilt, which as Teddy had to admit had worked.
The evening of their arrival had also brought another unexpected action that had helped the family back to normal. When the Potter children were in bed, Ginny had taken Teddy aside and apologized to him for her outburst two days prior. Having calmed down from the birthday madness and after another talk with Harry, Ginny had admitted that she had been a bit harsh with both boys and now tried to make amends. Fortunately for her, the teenager was quick to forgive and the air had been cleared there and then.
The newly restored family peace even stopped Teddy's whining about how boring this holiday would be. In fact he had happily built sandcastles with the younger children for the last two days and today he had met some other teenagers, who had promptly invited him to hang out. Glad for the change Teddy had hurriedly asked for permission that his godparents readily gave and then he quickly took off with them. He had been gone for a good part of the day, only reappearing at dinnertime, where he had downed his meal and then excused himself for the rest of the night to meet his newfound friends.
While content that his godson enjoyed the holiday, Harry had hoped for more family time and it was only Ginny's quick intervening that stopped him from asking Teddy to stay at home for the evening, which could only have ended in another shouting match. Instead Teddy was sitting on the moonlit beach around a bonfire with a bunch of teenagers. It had started out as a fun night with guitar music around the fire and lots of chatting and laughter. For a bit Teddy had been the centre of attention as several girls were fawning over his blue hair saying how cool his parents must be to allow him to dye it. The mention of his parents had tainted his mood and Teddy didn't want to tell them the truth. It was something too personal for this situation and unfortunately things only went downhill from there. Several guys had brought along beer and vodka, which now made the round among the group. Having no desire to break his promise to Harry, Teddy passed every time he was offered the bottle and soon he was the only sober person left.
Quite frankly the sight that unfolded itself in front of Teddy disgusted him. Several girls were randomly throwing themselves at the equally drunk boys, while others passed out nearby. One particular girl kept coming up to him being clingier with every beer she had. Right now she was blubbering something about how cute his eyes were, while leaning onto him for support. Appalled by the smell of her breath, Teddy pushed her off and staggered back. That moment some guy behind him gave a loud cheer and then suddenly lost control of his body, collapsing into Teddy's arms with his bottle of beer spilling all over Teddy's hoodie.
"For crying out loud!" Teddy cursed dropping the other boy non-too-gently to the sandy ground and then turned to leave.
He had enough. The company of his newfound friends was no fun anymore and neither was running around in wet, stinking clothes.
Walking the short distance to their holiday apartment he heard the clock strike eleven. Realising that at least he'd be home well in time for the midnight curfew Ginny had argued for him, he sighed relieved. A bit lost in thought and still brooding over the disastrous end of the night, Teddy stumbled into the living area of their temporary home, where his godparents were quietly chatting with a glass of wine in their hands. Upon hearing noise their heads turned and Harry greeted the teenager cheerfully.
"Hi, you're early. Did you have a good night?"
Nodding, Teddy stepped closer positioning himself behind the couch.
"Yeah, it was alright. I'm tired though, I think I'm just going to head to bed." He said with a certain exhaustion in his voice and maybe therefore missed his godfather's changing expression.
Frowning he said: "You smell funny." Taking another sniff, his expression hardened.
"You smell of alcohol. Did you drink again?"
"What? No, I mean there was vodka and beer, but ..."
"After everything that we've been through? I thought you had learnt something." Harry interrupted in a calm but clearly disappointed voice.
The tone hurt, Teddy had to admit, but there was no reason for him to feel guilty. He hadn't done anything wrong and so he quickly protested: "But I didn't drink..."
"Don't lie to me. You smell like a liqueur cabinet. How do you explain that then?" Harry questioned rising to his feet and stepping behind the couch to stand opposite his godson. Hurt had glanced over the teenager's eyes, however they quickly changed to rage as they turned into piercing amber.
In a low angry voice Teddy answered: "I'm not lying. If you'd just let me explain, the other kids brought the alcohol. They drank, not me, and I stink because some idiot spilled his drink."
As if to contemplate the words for a moment, Harry silently nodded and then ordered calmly:
"Breathe on me please."
A quizzical look appeared on Teddy's face first, but then he understood and stubbornly shook his head.
"Why?"
"Just do as I say please." Harry instructed non-too-patient, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I didn't drink." Teddy said once more, knowing that his stubbornness complicated everything. He couldn't help it though. He hadn't touched the alcohol and instead had honoured his promise to Harry, so why should he play the guilty suspect? However his refusal only irritated his godfather further and Harry took a step closer as to stand directly in front of him.
"I don't believe I gave you the option Ted. If you didn't drink than humour me and just get this over with."
Teddy hesitated, Harry's expression was unyielding and part of him just wanted to give in and bent to his godfather's wish. After all he wasn't drunk. There was nothing to be gained by refusing him. The other half however made him suppress the urge to comply simply to prove a point. Harry could just trust him, like he always said he did. Then again, he had already called him a liar in the past minutes.
A stern order from the man across him ended the inner battle: "Now please Ted."
With a final glare Teddy gave in. "Fine then, here!"
Teddy took a step closer breathed theatrically at the taller man and then stepped back again crossing his arms over his chest.
"Satisfied?"
With the look of a painful realisation on his face Harry's shoulders slumped and he tiredly leaned against the back of the couch.
"I'm sorry Ted, I ..."
"Don't. Just don't. I'm tired. I think I'm just going to go to bed." Teddy interrupted in an even and unfazed tone and then abruptly left the room wishing Ginny a good night.
When the door felt shut, Harry sighed miserably burying his head in his hands. Looking up again he met Ginny's sympathetic gaze.
"There was no alcohol then, I take it?"
"No, none at all. His jumper reeked of beer though ... I shouldn't have made assumptions Gin. I know he isn't prone to lying."
"And with everything that has happened, it's hardly a crime to doubt him. Look I'm sure it will have blown over by tomorrow, but Harry what you told me goes for you as well. Among everything that has happened we shouldn't forget that he's a good kid and he's just that, a 15-year old child."
"A 15-year-old shouldn't be out till midnight with a bunch of drunks." Harry grunted.
"Maybe not, but said 15-year-old also honoured his promise and didn't drink besides the peer pressure. Isn't that something to be proud of?"
"I am proud of him."
"Well it may be good to tell him that instead of trying to put him in cotton wool." She replied taking their empty glasses and dumping them into the sink before leaving her husband alone to sulk as she retired to bed.
The next morning Teddy slept through the noise James had made getting up and when he finally woke, the sun was shining bright through his window. Squeezing his eyes to protect them from the light, he sat up and the first thing his eyes fell on was last night's discarded hoodie. Instantly his mood fell. He was angry at his godfather for accusing him blindly, not to forget that the evening had been a disaster even before he had arrived home. Scowling he made his way to the living area and was surprised to find it empty of children or Harry. Instead Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table a cup of coffee and a magazine next to her.
"Good morning. Did you have a nice sleep?" she said warmly and with a gesture towards the table continued: "Take a seat. I'll make you some breakfast."
A little overwhelmed by her cheerfulness, Teddy settled at the table watching Ginny placing toast, jam and cereal in front of him.
"Tea or coffee?" she asked holding up the leftover brew from her cup. Teddy was startled at first, but nearly immediately realised it was some sort of bribe. While not expressively forbidden, there was an unwritten rule that coffee was something for adults, not kids. Teddy appreciated the gesture, but was determined not to be bought this easily.
"Tea, please."
With a nod Ginny turned to the kettle waiting in silence for the water to boil, and only retuning back to her seat at the table as she placed the steaming cup in front of him.
"So where are the others?" Teddy asked casually, nibbling on his toast.
"Harry took them into town after breakfast. I had to threaten him into leaving though. He was dead set on staying to talk to you. Apologise."
A flush appeared on Teddy's face as he took in her words and he then slightly turned his head so as to not look at her.
"I on the other hand thought it may be better if I talked to you first." She continued refocusing the teenager's attention to her.
"It doesn't matter." He muttered.
"I think it does. And it bothers you." Ginny gently replied and then waited for him to speak, but Teddy remained silent.
"You didn't make it any easier by just refusing Harry." She noted, addressing the obvious elephant in the room, but again a silent shrug was Teddy's only response.
"Listen, I know your godfather was a bit out of order last night, but Teddy please think how it looked to us. You come home reeking of alcohol and flat out refusing to give any proof against the obvious accusations."
"You could have just taken my word for it!"
Resigned Ginny nodded: "We could have, but Teddy..."
"With everything that has happened, you just assume I'm lying." Teddy interrupted dryly, causing his godmother to wince.
"Teddy, Harry feels terrible about accusing you of lying. We know that's not like you at all. I'm sorry as well. I should have intervened last night."
"It's alright. I know he didn't really mean it." Teddy said nonchalantly, and then paused for a second lost in thought before continuing.
"It's just, I wasn't in a good mood last night. The evening went rubbish, then this guy dumped his beer on me and back here Harry started jumping at me. I was just too much." He smiled at her apologetic and Ginny's expression visibly softened.
"We're not angry. I just wanted to talk to you, because I'm not sure your godfather could have dealt with another of your tantrums."
"I don't throw tantrums." The teenager huffed annoyed, however suddenly his face changed to a worried expression.
"He's okay, isn't he?"
Quickly Ginny nodded. There was no need for the boy to know that her husband had hardly slept at all, beating himself up about his actions and his godson's reaction. She was determined to make sure that Teddy would accept his apology without trouble, because she wasn't certain how Harry would handle his rejection or another confrontation. Last night had opened a particular nasty old wound for her burdened husband.
"He's fine Teddy. I just want you to understand how truly sorry he is and that this is not the right time to be stubborn with him." Ginny tried to explain hesitantly.
"You're being weird Ginny, why is this so impor... Oh." Teddy had halted in the middle of the word and frowned.
"This is about his past, isn't it? Something to do with the war, I know that look in your eyes."
Slowly Ginny nodded: "You remember that we told you that at first people didn't want believe Voldemort was back. Harry of course knew the truth and quickly people were turning on him, calling him a liar and saying he was only looking for the attention."
Teddy's face showed disgust and he sneered at the last sentence.
"Harry? Seeking attention? He's probably the person who hates attention most."
A sad smile appeared on Ginny's face and ignoring his remark she continued:
"Your godfather has always made the point to tell you that the truth is better than any lie, and we're aware that none of you children are prone to lying. Harry thinks by accusing you of lying he therefore did the same thing as those people did to him all those years ago."
"But that's ridiculous. He's nothing like those people." Teddy protested vehemently.
"People are not always reasonable Teddy. I'm not telling you this to guilt-trip you. I just need you to understand..."
"I do Ginny, really I do. I did hold a bit of a grudge earlier this morning, but honestly I'm happy to just forget last night." Teddy finished for her and Ginny beamed at him fondly and standing up ruffled through his hair despite his protesting hands.
"We're so proud of you. For how you handled last night and how you've grown to be such a kind and caring young man. I know the last year wasn't easy for us, but we're more than willing to leave this behind us. And I think so are you."
Silently Teddy nodded, a lump forming in his throat.
"Thanks Ginny."
"You're welcome sweetie." She gently replied pulling him into a warm hug that for the first time in a long while he happily reciprocated clutching her back.
...
It was past lunch by the time Harry returned with Jamie, Al and Lily. The excursion to a beach nearby had taken his mind of things for a while, but now back home the worry of how to resolve things with his godson was at the forefront of his mind. He therefore left Ginny with the task to put Lily down for a nap and watch two hyper boys, while he turned to Teddy, who was reading on the couch.
"Join me on the balcony for a moment Teddy?"
"Sure." The teenager answered leaping to his feet and following his godfather outside.
If Harry had anticipated an attitude from Teddy, he couldn't have been more wrong. Instead the 15-year-old seemed positively relaxed as he squeezed past Harry holding the balcony door open. As it flicked shut he sighed and turned to address the teenager.
"I don't even know where to begin Ted. I'm sorry for accusing you, sorry for calling you a liar..."
He closed his eyes for a second and let out a breath. "I lost my temper with you and it was completely uncalled for. But Teddy, I didn't mean it, not one bit. You have to believe me that the last thing I ever wanted to think is that I believe you a liar or don't trust you. I understand if you're angry with, I probably deserve it..."
"It's fine Harry." Teddy interrupted and it took a moment for Harry to realise what had been said.
"Really I'm sorry and...what? Are you sure? I mean, I..."
"Yeah, don't worry about it. I should have just explained to you calmly what had happened and the whole thing would never have blown out of proportion. Let's just forget about it. Please?"
A puzzled look on his face, Harry nodded. "Sure, I'm more than happy to, but are you really okay?"
"Yes Harry, I promise I'm fine." Teddy shot back not without a certain degree of attitude and instantly biting his tongue for it. His godfather however only laughed relieved by the somewhat typical teenage behaviour.
"It's alright buddy." He assured warmly putting one arm around the teenager's shoulder. Studying him fondly Harry continued: "I'm proud of you, you know that, right?"
"Proud of what? Me flying off the handle because you simply asked me to give you prove I didn't drink?" Teddy teased and a second later found himself in a playful head lock as Harry roughly messed through his hair.
"No you rascal. That was probably not one of your brighter moments, but as I said I believe I'm at least partially to blame for the outcome of last night."
His voice had tripped back into guilt, a sudden contrast to the playful atmosphere just moments ago and a certain awkward silence ensued. Teddy wanted to reassure his godfather that it really wasn't a big deal, but he knew his words would fall on numb ears. He had told him that he didn't blame him, didn't hold a grudge and that was all he could do for Harry, who as Teddy had learnt long ago, had demons in the past that he needed to work through in his own time. At this point there was nothing more the teenager could do to rid his surrogate father from his own guilt and blame.
Just as the silence dared to become too much Harry cleared his throat and with a glance to his watch murmured: "Should be here by now."
"Huh?" Teddy questioned, the words not making sense to him in the least, but Harry was quick to speak up again.
"You know I really appreciate you making the effort during this holiday, spending time with the Smallies, building sandcastles and breaking up water fights..."
"I enjoy spending time with them." Teddy interrupted a little annoyed his godfather let it sound like it was a chore.
"That's great Ted, and as I said, I love seeing you all happy together, but I know you weren't overly excited about this holiday to begin with and after all you deserve a bit of a holiday as well. So, I thought I bring you a surprise." Harry said sliding the balcony door open.
...
5 minutes earlier...
Ginny had just managed to put a scowling Lily into pyjamas as the living room suddenly irrupted in chaos over a loud umph and the boy that had landed in front of their couch. Albus squeaked out a scared "mama" running over to Ginny, who now had a curious four-year-old on her hip as well a frightened boy clutching to her legs. Her oldest, however, took one good look at the intruder and then sneered at his brother.
"You're such a baby. It's only Alex, stop wetting yourself."
"James!" Ginny warned while gently prying Albus off her legs.
"Mummy, he just fell out of the sky like an angel." Lily exclaimed in delight and James rolling his eyes looked about ready to let loose another comment only to be beaten to it by the teenager sprawled on the floor.
Alex, who had indeed landed rather unceremoniously, now pushed himself up into a sitting position.
"Actually I came by Portkey." He said and tossed a beaten down football that had fallen out of his hands upon arrival, over to James.
"Hi Mrs. Potter. Thanks for inviting me." He greeted Ginny, slowly rising to his feet.
"Hi Alex, you're more than welcome. Teddy's just outside at the moment. He'll be in shortly."
"Mummy, that isn't a porkee. It's a football." The girl on her hip interrupted with all seriousness a four-year-old could muster.
"Portkey, Sweetie not porkee. And you're right, now it's only a football, but when Alex used it, it was magicked to bring him here."
Lily glanced between her mother and the suspicious football that James was lazily tossing up and down in his hands. Her lip came slightly forward, lost in deep thought she was obviously pondering the situation. After a second though her eyes lit up and she wriggled until Ginny was letting her down to the floor.
"Can we play mummy?"
Just then the balcony door opened delaying any possible response from Ginny as Harry and Teddy stepped inside.
"I thought I'd bring you a surprise." The words echoed in the room as a huge grin appeared on Teddy's face and he stormed over to his best friend greeting him with a spontaneous hug.
"Alex, what are you doing here? I thought you were on holiday with your parents."
"Yeah, I am. But your godfather called to invite me for a day. To my surprise my parents agreed and here I am." Alex grinned and just then they both remembered the others in the room and quickly let go of each other.
"Hi Mr. Potter. Thank you for inviting me. Spain's great, but it's a bit lonely with just my parents."
"I'm glad you came." Harry replied and turning to Teddy offered: "I thought you two could head down to the beach, show Alex the pier... the Portkey back isn't before dinner, so you've plenty of time."
"Cool, thanks Harry." Teddy answered enthusiastically feeling the urge to give the man a hug, but quickly deciding against it at the thought of his best mate. Instead he was grabbing Alex's arm and leading him over to the door.
"Teddy, do you have money?" Ginny worried.
"Yes, sure."
"Muggle money?" Harry questioned.
Sheepishly Teddy glanced into his pocket and then shook his head. He had a total of two Pounds left, which was not even enough for ice cream.
"Here." Harry offered "That should do for today, but share with Alex please."
Not sure whether he should blush or scowl at the remark, Teddy chose to simply ignore it and tucking the offered 20 Pounds he quickly said: "Thanks Harry, we'll be down at the pier if you need us. Bye."
And before any more embarrassing remarks could be made, they had dashed out the door and down the stairs.
Three hours later the two teens had exhausted themselves with endless games at the pier and were now enjoying the evening sun at the beach promenade, feet dangling in the air and ice cream in their hands. Overall Teddy mused, for a day that had started out like his, this was a pretty amazing afternoon. Unfortunately it would come to an end all too soon.
"You know it's pretty cool of your godfather to arrange for me to come here. I mean international Portkey and all. It's a lot of work just for an afternoon of fun."
Teddy chuckled and replied with a twinkle in his eyes: "You're entirely too perspective for your own good. Do you mean to say there is more behind this visit?"
Alex shot him a look as to say You tell me.
Sighing his best friend complied: "He's having a guilt trip. We had a row last night."
"Elaborate."
"He thought I drank again, I didn't though and he accused me of lying. It pretty much turned downhill from there, especially once he realised I wasn't drunk."
"You seem pretty unfazed about it. After last time we've talked, I'd be expecting you to sulk in a corner about now."
"Very funny. I was a bit angry."
Alex raised a questioning eyebrow to which Teddy amended: "Right, I was pissed off ... last night. However Ginny talked to me this morning. She had sent him out and she had that look in her eyes. Anyway whatever I would have felt, one look at Harry's face and any misplaced anger would have been void regardless."
"What do you mean?"
Starring intensely at his dangling feet Teddy said quietly: "It's that look, you know, when he's not the super-cool Auror or loving family guy anymore. He's right back there, in the war or maybe even before. I never really know. They hide much more than they tell me. You can't be angry then, you just can't. There's so much pain in their eyes."
"I'm sorry Teddy, I shouldn't have asked." Alex said cautiously putting an arm around Teddy's back.
"It's alright. I should be used to it. But yeah, that's why he probably decided he needed to make up for something, which of course is nonsense. Not that I don't love having you here, I just hope he'll forgive himself now, cause I did even before you came."
Brushing off the moment of sadness, Teddy jumped off the wall, where they had been sitting and motioned for Alex to follow.
"Come on, we've enough money for a last round of fish & chips before you'll need to get back."
"Argh, you better hope I'm not throwing up. Those international portkeys spin like crazy." Alex said landing next to Teddy. Both of them were quickly engaging in a talk about the upcoming Quidditch season, heavy thoughts long forgotten.
AN: A big thank you goes to PenMagic for beta-reading. Opinions, reviews and the like are very welcome as always. In fact I strongly encourage them and ask you to PLEASE REVIEW. I can see that people read this story, yet reviews are few and far between. I'd like to see that changed.
DUE TO UNIVERSITY WORKLOAD THIS STORY IS ON HOLD UNTILL FURTHER NOTICE! (have assignments from now to January and just can't sit down to write this, sorry)