He ignored the countless eyes that were focused on him, turning his green orbs to the hat singing on the stool as he attempted to mimic his parents. His father didn't like going out much, but his mum had always worn a composed face, a slight smile on her face whenever she was at a party, and it was her face Teddy recalled.

He was equal parts excited and terrified, worried he might be the first ever sent home unsorted and chiding himself as he knew that had never happened.

Teddy clapped absentmindedly, eyes catching those of the Headmistress as the names began.

He clapped for each student, cataloguing those with ties to former Death Eaters and the ones he knew were either muggleborn or related to an Order member.

"Potter-Black, Edward," he heard, and Teddy hid his grimace with a deep breath, feet carrying him to the stool as low whispers broke out.

"That's him," he heard someone say, "Harry Potter's son."

"Bloody hell, looks just like his Da."

"Ten galleons he ends up a Gryffindor."

His vision was blocked, a strip of fabric covering his eyes as he heard soft chortling in his head.

"Potter-Black, hmm? Quite the curious surprise there," the hat rumbled, voice hoarse. "Difficult, quite difficult. Just like your fathers you are."

"My fathers?" Teddy asked quizzically.

"Hmmm," the hat said, muttering to himself. "They were difficult to sort as well, though Lupin was the easier one."

"Oh."

"Oh indeed," the hat agreed, before he barked out a sudden laugh. "Intelligent, you'd do well in Ravenclaw. What's this? Dragons? Quite resourceful and ambitious; Salazar would fight a duel to have you in his house. A parselmouth as well? You could do well in Slytherin."

Teddy kept quiet, letting the hat work itself into a decision as he ignored the mutter regarding preferences. His birth parent's had been a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff, his papa a Gryffindor and his grandmamma a Slytherin. Teddy didn't care which house he ended up in, so long as he had one.

"Not Hufflepuff, no. You're loyal, definitely loyal to those siblings of yours, hard-working too. But not much for trusting others, not after what you saw your father go through. Perhaps Gryffindor?

Certainly a bold child, teaching dragons to speak. I see courage in you, young one, and a stout heart."

He resisted the urge to swing his legs, worried at how long it had gone on for.

"You've lived quite the interesting life, I must say. Curious, so very curious as to how the world works, how magic works."

The hat laughed, slightly delighted as he came to a decision. "You could have gone to either house, child, even if Salazar would be disappointed. But you are far too curious for your own good, and RAVENCLAW will serve you well."

Teddy stepped off the stool as Professor Flitwick took the hat, a pleasant smile on his face as he tipped his head to the table just to their left, his tie and emblem changing to match the Ravenclaw colours.


Dear Mum and Dad, Egg and Rhae,

I'm a Ravenclaw! I guess Rhae wins that bet.

Hogwarts is great! There's a small library in the Ravenclaw common room, nothing like the one we have at home, but swear one of the books was written by Rowena Ravenclaw herself.

We start classes tomorrow. I'll send another letter soon. I miss you all.

Love,

Teddy


Dear Mum and Dad,

Classes are going well. Flying class was a breeze, and Professor Flitwick is bouncing at the thought of quidditch trials next year. The Hogwarts library is massive; I can't believe how many books they have! The older Ravenclaws say we can get passes to the restricted section as early as third year.

I'm doing fine. I haven't had to morph to avoid people but there might have been a small accident with a slug and an upper year.

Love,

Teddy


Dear Egg and Rhae,

Haven't found the Chamber of Secrets yet, but if Papa let's anything slip let me know. I'm pretty sure it's underground somewhere, but I can't wander around the dungeons just yet.

I met Hagrid! Broke my tooth on a rock cake so be careful with it Egg. That spell worked on the first go Rhae. I wish we had pictures so you could see it, but slug bogies are totally disgusting.

I've gotta run to Potions. I'll send a letter soon.

Love,

Teddy


There were few times Teddy was quickly reminded that he was the son of the Man-Who-Conquered.

He'd not taken his dad's titles seriously, knowing him only as Papa, the man who made silly faces to entertain him, who took him flying, let him stay up late reading and taught him most of what he knew alongside his siblings.

For the students at Hogwarts, Harry Potter was a larger-than-life figure that they either viewed with awe or disdain.

He ducked behind a suit of armour, seeing the spell crash harmlessly against the wall.

"Oi, mutt. Don't worry. We won't take too long," a voice taunted.

His jaw tightened at the words, eyes narrowed as he saw the two boys looming over him.

Therin Rowle, he thought, recognizing the blond from the few times he accompanied his father on business. The other boy was unknown to him but his eager participation pointed to the son of a lesser Death Eater. Or a sympathizer.

Teddy straightened, spine stiff as he refused to cower in front of them. "Can I help you?"

"Just wondering how they let you into Hogwarts," Rowle said, wand in hand as he glanced at Teddy with cruel blue eyes.

"Sullying Hogwarts and the Black line with the blood of dirt and a mutt, as well as traitor blood," the other boy sneered.

"You know," Teddy drawled, doing his best impersonation of Aunt Narcissa when she was unimpressed, his wand dropping into his hand. "I know you've got shit for brains, Rowle, but I didn't think you were stupid enough to attack the son of a Wizengamot lord out in the open."

Anger flashed in Rowle's eyes as he spat, "You filthy mudbl—"

"What's going on here?"

Teddy flicked his eyes over Rowle's shoulder, seeing the Head Boy standing there with his wand in hand and a steely look in his hazel eyes.

Joseph Brown's cousin had been in his dad's year, a fellow Gryffindor who had been attacked by Fenrir Greyback during the war. Despite being a Slytherin pureblood, Brown barely tolerated half of his housemates.

He especially disliked Rowle, Teddy knew from the whispers, and the way he looked at the other boy only confirmed it.

"We were just catching up," the unknown boy said.

"Is that so, Dallard?" he sneered. "I'm sure the two of you are fairly close with Heir Potter-Black."

Dallard had a light scowl on his face, though Teddy saw uncertainty flash in his blue eyes as he glanced at Rowle.

"We'll see you around, Heir Potter-Black," Rowle said with a sardonic bow.

Joseph Brown waited until they left, mouth thin as he glanced at Teddy. "Have they bothered you often?" he asked, walking down the corridor next to Teddy as he made to escort him upstairs.

"I'm fine," Teddy said. "This was the first chat we had."

Joseph frowned. "Let me know if they try anything. Some people forget this isn't the Carrow's Hogwarts."

"Sure," Teddy said, silently promising it wouldn't come to that. They forgot they were Slytherins, and Teddy was a parselmouth with a cloak and a map.


Edward Remus Regulus Potter-Black,

I know your Professors have no way to prove it was you but I am well aware of just what your father has given you.

Good on you for standing up for yourself, though worms are a bit disgusting kiddo. I'm sure he'll think twice after waking up to a box of that.

At least try to stay out of trouble for the rest of term (but I'll understand if you must do something). It's not easy refusing to be called names but I'm glad you've avoided putting him in the hospital wing.

Don't forget you're a metamorphmagus!

We will be discussing this in detail when you return for the holidays.

Love,

Mum and Dad


Dear Mum and Dad,

To be fair, I didn't ask for it to happen. He insulted the family, and honour demanded I answer the insult. I promise I won't go looking for trouble.

Also, congratulations! I can't believe you're finally getting married but I'm happy, and I know Egg and Rhae are happy as well. Does this mean I get to come home early for Yule? Professor McGonagall sends her love. I'm pretty sure I saw tears in her eyes.

I miss you all.

Love,

Teddy


Dear Teddy,

That was wicked! Phineas swears nobody knows it was you.

Mum says you're grounded, but we heard them talking. You're fine. Ignotus said he wanted us to read a book of bonds in the library. I'm sending you the bit we found. Can we do it?

Say yes!

Love,

Egg and Rhae


Dear Egg and Rhae,

I'd ask for a picture of Auriga and Iacomus, but I'm pretty sure Dad said we're not allowed. Have they grown? How tall are they now?

I'm practising new words to teach them, even if they're learning really fast.

Classes are great; DADA is my favourite so far, but Potions is a close second, even if half the ingredients look odd. I sent a small bit of colour-changing potion. Let me know if it works on them!

I read the paper. It could work, but we have to find the ingredients without letting them know.

Love,

Teddy


Dear Teddy,

The potion didn't work. Iacomus was upset that we gave it to him. He's not happy with Egg right now.

Auriga's as tall as the house! Iacomus is a bit taller, but they don't fit inside anymore. They mostly sleep near the lake, where Dad charmed the rocks warm.

We're happy you're coming home. That way you can tell us everything that happened. Ignotus said there's a small store in the lab at home. Or we can ask the Black portraits. They'll help.

Love,

Egg and Rhae


Dear Mum and Dad, Egg and Rhae,

Being back is different for second year, but I'm glad I don't have to wait for a prefect to lead us upstairs.

Professor Flitwick gave us packages for our extra classes next year, and he expects a meeting with us to talk about each of them. There's so many to choose from, but I promise I'll stick to two, three at the most. Quidditch trials are next week. I forgot to pack my broom! Can you send it please?

I'll send a letter soon. I miss you all.

Love,

Teddy


Dear Teddy,

I'm happy you're close to finding out where the Chamber is! I hope you figure it out before I get there.

At least before I get there. What's it like being on the Quidditch team?

Mum's been sick for the last week so you might want to send her a letter. She says she's fine but she looks sad, and Dad doesn't look too happy either.

We went riding the other day. It was fantastic. You have to draw it when you can!

Bloody amazing! I can't wait to show you when you get back.

Don't tell Mum and Dad or we'll all be grounded. We found the last ingredient! Aunt Cassie's portrait told us where it was.

Did you know the Black's have augury skulls in their labs?

We miss you.

Love,

Egg and Rhae


Dear Teddy,

I'm fine, sweetling. There was no need to worry you over nothing. It was a slight stomach bug, nothing to be concerned over.

How are your classes going? Has Professor Flitwick said anything over your course choices? Do be careful when you play Quidditch. I'm sure the last thing you want is a visit to the hospital wing for something avoidable.

We're all well, beyond the usual scrapes Aegon and Rhaenys find themselves in. I'm sure they've mentioned it in their letters to you.

I'll see you in a few weeks time.

Love,

Mum


He knocked lightly on the door, waiting until he heard Professor Flitwick call for him to enter.

His Head of House's office was filled with scrolls and books, each tucked neatly into the shelves that lined his walls. Most were books on Charms; papers he had written or former students sent him. There was the smaller collection on DADA, and a slightly larger one on Runes and Arithmancy.

An upper year had told Teddy they could borrow the books once they reached their NEWT years, and he was itching to have a look at them.

"Mr Potter-Black. Please, have a seat," Professor Flitwick said, rolling the parchment he had been scribbling on.

Teddy fell into the chair in front of the desk, his bag lying on the floor against his leg as he waited.

"Now, then. As you are now in your second term, this is when I typically discuss course options with you. You've done very well in all of your classes, top of the year for DADA and Charms, so I can't see myself having any issue with your extracurriculars. Have you thought on what you would like to take?"

"Ancient Studies for sure," Teddy told him, remembering the many nights he had spent holed up in the library at Potter Hall, reading through the books his ancestors had left behind, or listening to the stories the portraits told them or the ones his mother had of Westeros.

"A small class, that one. Do you understand what it entails?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"It's…sort of like history," Teddy frowned, shaking his head. "No, not really. It's more like ancient history, but with a focus on ancient magic."

"Yes and no," Professor Flitwick smiled. "Ancient Studies is the study of the ancient magical world – exploring the different ways we have practiced magic throughout civilizations, the different advancements we have made, and a focus on certain systems of magic. Students who take it are encouraged to take Ancient Runes as well, as you'll be working with it."

"Oh," he said. "Runes was my second choice but…"

Flitwick's dark eyes stared encouragingly at him, and Teddy said, "I wanted to take Arithmancy as well."

"Hmm. Typically, students take Arithmancy with Runes, so it is expected. Three courses might be more work than you expect, especially considering your position on the quidditch team. Do you have any idea what it is you wish to do?"

"Not really," Teddy admitted. "Dad mentioned we have career counselling in fifth year."

"We do," Flitwick agreed, "but I find that it's best to prepare students for these things when they pick their electives. A number have found they have to take certain classes later on because they chose on a whim."

"I'm not sure yet, but I know I want to take those three," Teddy said firmly. "I can handle the load."

"As it stands, there are a number of options with the classes you have chosen," Flitwick told him. "Take some time to think it over. You have until the end of the year to register for classes, though we do accept last minute changes no later than the first week back."

"Thanks, Professor," Teddy said with a small grin.


Teddy frowned as the train pulled away from the station.

He'd said his goodbyes to everyone at home, and his father had dropped him off at the station alone.

He was attempting to draw his siblings in the sketchbook they had gifted him for his birthday, his name etched into the leather and spelled to keep wandering hands away so he could freely draw the dragons and their riders, but his mind kept wandering to his parents.

Things were infinitely better than they had been during the Yule hols, the underlying tension not so obvious that he knew they were putting on a front. But there had still been something there; something left unsaid that left an uneasy feeling in his stomach.

For as long as his parents had known each other, he could count on one hand the number of times he had seen them argue, and even then they usually resolved it by the end of the day.

That something was so obviously wrong was clear from the fact that they hadn't made up quickly. That they hadn't cleared the air months later raised all sorts of alarms in his head.

He sighed, leaning against the window as the door to his compartment opened and his roommate walked in.

Eric Williams was a half-blood war child with a wicked sharp tongue, something that usually got him in trouble whenever someone mentioned his family.

"How was the hols, Teddy?" he asked, falling into the seat across from him, a worn book in hand.

"Busy," he answered; green eyes flicking to Eric's bright blue ones before returning to his drawing. "Yours?"

"Loud," Eric huffed. "My parents decided to spend it as a family, and spent more time arguing over stuffing. Parents," he shrugged.

Parents, Teddy thought, listening as his friend recounted the yearly argument his parents seemed to hold, fervently hoping that whatever happened between his own was resolved soon.


He walked underneath the cloak, footsteps muffled as he weaved around the snogging pair of prefects in the corner, tiptoeing down the steps to the second floor.

Tomorrow was a Hogsmeade visit, and Teddy was determined to find the Chamber before he went back for a second trip to the little village.

Papa had told him a few stories of the Room of Requirement - something he was distressed to realize was no longer a well-kept secret, the whole of Hogwarts hearing of the hideout for Dumbledore's Army - and Teddy needed a place to safely go through his many spells and projects. That Rhaenys would be coming to Hogwarts next year was extra motivation, knowing his sister would badger him into finding it.

He heard the soft yowl of a cat, Mrs. Norris's nose sniffing at the air, and Teddy cursed under his breath before he shifted on his feet, ducking into the bathroom behind him. The cat followed, scratching at the door before Mr. Filch nudged it open.

"Come, my sweet," he said. "Where are these blasted children?"

Mrs. Norris stalked forward, and Teddy held his breath, slowly stepping backward until he felt himself press against the tap.

"What do you want?" a high-pitched voice screeched. It was the ghost of a young girl, eyes obscured behind large glasses.

Moaning Myrtle, he thought, having heard of her from the girls in his year.

Filch's lip curled in disdain as he stared at the ghost, her eyes narrowed as her ponytail swung about her shoulders, dislike evident in her face.

"Not seen any brats, have you?" he asked gruffly.

"Not in my bathroom. Take your cat and leave," she sneered.

Filch sneered back at her, turning to leave the room as he grumbled about disrespectful ghosts.

Myrtle blew a raspberry at him before she flew into the toilet, screaming as the water sloshed out and flooded the area.

Filch cursed, growling as he ran to get his supplies, and Teddy grabbed onto the tap, lifting himself on to the sink to avoid the water.

It was as he was shifting that he felt it, hands curled against an odd groove in the handle.

A grin split his face, staring at the carving of a snake on the tap of the girl's bathroom as he saw a few more like it.

Bingo, he thought.

There wouldn't be time tonight, but he knew enough now to come back and explore another day.

He would have to do something nice for Mrs. Norris. Maybe get her catnip, or a new toy.


"Oi, Teddy," Egg grinned as he swooped low overhead; the snow melting the slightest bit from the heat Iacomus gave off. "What are you smiling about?"

Mum and Dad are as happy as they were after the wedding, he thought, not willing to tell Egg that. His brother was always grinning, and though Teddy knew he was a smart kid, he didn't want him cottoning on to the fact that something had been wrong in the first place.

"Rhae eating all of your dessert after she beats you," Teddy told him, laughing as their sister darted past, Auriga hissing in joy as Egg shouted and tried to catch up.

Teddy had offered to babysit while his parents went out for their anniversary, and that had turned into this game of aerial tag they had going on, Auriga and Iacomus sweeping low to hover close to him as he tried to read through his Ancient Studies assignment.

"Little speaker," Auriga hissed, the black dragon coming to land in front of him. Despite the cool winter weather, Teddy and his siblings wore light coats when near the dragons, their bodies radiating heat.

"Is it time for you to go hunting?" Teddy asked, eyes glancing at the sky. They had been outside for a few hours now, the three of them coming out just after they ate lunch.

Auriga leaned forward, her snout close to Teddy as he received the dragon equivalent of a fond peck. He placed his hand on her nose, fingers tingling from the warmth as Rhae dropped off to stand next to him.

He felt the soft bump of her snout against his chest before Auriga pulled back a few steps, Iacomus taking the lead as they flew further into the grounds.

"Last one to the house gives up dessert!" Egg hollered, cackling as he sprinted away from them.

"Oh, you wish Egg," Rhae shouted, legs carrying her away as she chased after him.

Teddy ran to catch up, laughing as he stretched his legs and saw the faces they made when he passed them.

He shortened his stride too soon, turning to tease them when he found himself at the bottom of the pile, their limbs tangled as they fell to the ground in front of the doors.

"Guess we all keep our desserts," Teddy said, poking Rhae when he heard her snort before they dissolved into a fit of giggles.

It's nice to be home, he thought.

"Did you figure it out?" Rhae asked. "Mum and Dad aren't home to stop us."

"Easter hols," he told her. "They'll probably go out another time, and we can do it then. I'll work on the potion at school."


Dear Teddy,

Thanks for the chocolate! I'm pretty sure Mum took most of the first batch, but Dad just keeps laughing when we bring it up.

I think they know you snuck out to Honeydukes. Sorry!

Egg's a bad lookout. We'll have to keep that in mind.

I'm not that bad. Did you make the potion?

Love,

Egg and Rhae


They were sitting in the solarium, the three of them in a small circle as Teddy finished adding the potion to the chalice.

"Ready?" Egg asked, shifting in excitement as he held the ritual knife.

"We're ready," Rhae said, a sharp exhale leaving her as they realized what they were about to do.

They would probably be grounded a few weeks for doing this while Mum and Dad were visiting Aunt Narcissa, maybe more depending on how their parents took the news. Teddy was hoping the pregnancy would help them accept it easily.

Teddy reached for the knife, nicking his finger and dropping a bit of blood in the potion. He saw the slight glow as his blood touched the potion, nodding in satisfaction as he handed the knife to Rhaenys. She did the same, handing it over to Egg to complete it.

There were three smaller cups, and Teddy poured the potion into them before he handed it to his siblings.

"Bottoms up," he muttered, grimacing slightly at the taste. There was a slight tingle of magic making the hair on his arm stand up, and Teddy grinned at the thought that it worked.

"Did you feel that?" Egg asked as he rubbed his arm.

"Let's go check," Rhae said, scrambling to her feet as they made their way to the tapestry room.

The blue wall that held the names of every Potter had changed after the wedding to show the name Elia Martell stitched in silvery-grey next to their father, two solid lines connecting them. Where once Teddy's name was listed below Harry's, a single thread holding them together, it had changed to mimic another unfinished thread, the magic beginning to show the new addition to the family as it dropped down from the lines connecting their parents.

He grinned openly at what was between his name and that of their as yet unborn sibling; there, in same silvery-grey thread were the names Rhaenys and Aegon, all of them connected to their parents.

"I didn't think it would do that," Rhae muttered, staring at the lines that had formed.

"All magic is formed by intent," Papa's voice said dryly. "And you three very clearly intended to be one family."

They froze, not knowing when they had returned home and cringing at the possible reaction to what they had done.

Teddy turned slowly, seeing his father standing there with a quirked brow. Their mum was there too, passing Harry as she came to peer at the tapestry.

"I can explain," they said at the same time, the three of them exchanging looks as they waited to see what would happen.

"That you made a blood adoption potion?"

"Well, yes," Teddy admitted. There was a slight glint in his father's eyes, and seeing the small, amused smile his mum wore, Teddy turned accusing eyes at his dad. "You knew."

"You were looking for restricted ingredients in our inventory," Papa grinned. "And this is a potion that is regulated. Just had to make sure it wouldn't hurt you three."

"You didn't stop us," Rhae said, a confused look on her face. "Why didn't you stop us?"

"Did you want us to?" Papa asked.

He turned back to the tapestry, seeing their mum standing with a hand on the swell of her belly, dark eyes tracing the stitching that defined their family relations.

"Does that mean we aren't in trouble for this?" Egg asked, and Teddy stifled a groan even as their parents laughed.