Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all underlying rights to it belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros.
1.
Of Tears and Biscuits
Teddy Lupin is six years old when his Grandmother dies. He tries his best to not cry, because big boys don't cry, and Teddy is a big boy.
It's not a complete shock; she had been sick for the last few months and he knew this day would come, but it still hurts.
Uncle Harry stayed with him throughout the last week, but he reluctantly left his side that morning to make arrangements for the funeral, and so his Aunt Hermione keeps him company. Teddy likes Aunt Hermione. She's warm and always happy to see him and has a really good reading voice. He enjoys when she's staying the night with them because it means great bedtime stories.
Grandma's stories were about wizards and witches from long ago or were about his Mum. He especially likes the tales of her growing up and Teddy cherishes them so much. But he wouldn't be able to hear them again. And that makes him want to cry even more.
Aunt Hermione pulls him onto her lap and wraps her hands around Teddy and he hugs her as tight as he can. And in the safety of her embrace, a few tears stubbornly make their escape. And that sets of the waterworks.
He's crying now, because it hurts, and he hates it, and he hates that he won't see his Grandma again and that he won't be able to hug her or eat her cooking. He misses her so much. His Aunt just holds him tighter and rubs her hands on his back and whispers soothing words of comfort.
"I don't like crying" he finally says, voice rough once the sobbing has finished. "Big boys don't cry."
His aunt pauses before answering. "Everybody cries, Teddy. Even big boys. You never have to feel ashamed of crying. It's what makes us human."
"But I still don't like it. It makes me all sleepy and tired. And my throat hurts." His Aunt leans back and softly tilts his head so that their eyes meet.
"Let's get you a glass of water then, hmm? Drinking water helps. I promise", she says wiping the tears from his eyes with her thumb. He nods.
She gets up and Teddy misses her warmth, but she picks him up and rests him on her hip. He wraps his arms around her neck and lowers his neck on her shoulder as they make their way to the kitchen. She gives him the water which he slowly drinks and once he's empties the glass, she hands him a cookie and grabs one for herself. They then sit on the kitchen floor, munching on the treat together.
They sit in silence for a while, Teddy basking in the safety and comfort of her presence.
"Will Uncle Harry be back soon?" he asks the older woman. He feels his godfather's absence and burrows further into his Aunt's side.
She glances at the clock in the kitchen and puts her arms around him again. "He should be back soon", she says. "Arranging a funeral always takes time and it's never an easy process. And Harry will want the best for your Grandma. She more than deserves it"
"I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye. And I don't know what to do, Aunt Hermione.", he whispers softly, without really meeting her eyes.
She kisses his head and rubs his side as he leans into her.
"You won't be alone, Teddy. Uncle Harry and I will be right beside you. People will say things like, 'I'm sorry for your loss,' or 'My condolences.' Those are polite and kind things to say to the family at a funeral. We can say, 'Thank you,' or 'Thanks for coming.' You can stay near me and hold my hand if you want. Would you like that?"
He nods. He'd very much like it. He doesn't want to be alone. He tells her as much.
"Oh, Teddy. You won't be alone. Harry and I are going to be there for you."
"Promise?" he asks in a small voice. He knows that they are the only family Teddy has left. And he'd be heartbroken if he lost his godparents. He hates even thinking of it.
"Promise" comes the reply, not from Aunt Hermione, but a deeper voice belonging to-
"Harry!", Aunt Hermione exclaims, and Teddy's godfather joins the pair in their embrace. Teddy finds comfort in Uncle Harry's strong arms and all three shift around on the kitchen floor, cuddling each other.
"I'm here, Ted. I swear that I will be there for you. Now and for a long time in the future"
And for the first time in two days, Teddy feels the ache in chest lessen and drifts off into sleep, safely ensconced in between his godparents.