A/N: As a Passover/Easter/Ramadan treat, here's an extra chapter! Back to regularly scheduled program of Thursday posting this week, 21st April.
1 September 1997
The past month had passed in a blur for Teddy. He had stayed at Snape's little house in Spinner's End for the entirety of the month of August, with nothing to do but read Snape's old textbooks and befriend Dobby, his full-time nanny and housekeeper. Snape had collected all of Teddy's things for school in Diagon Alley without him. In fact, in the month that Teddy had arrived in 1997, he had few conversations with the moody Headmaster. The lengthiest of these conversations was on his purported background.
Snape had told him that his mother was a Romanian pureblood witch called Elena Radu. He was to have been down for Durmstrang, until Snape became Headmaster. He was then sent to Britain to continue his education at Hogwarts, as his mother was now deceased. His "aunt," Maria Radu, was the potions master with whom Snape was friendly, and had suggested her own dead sister to be Teddy's fake mother. She'd then put her own mother, Ana Radu, as Teddy's "Gran," completing the ruse to match Teddy's own background. Snape had found Teddy's Occlumency skills wanting, and so ordered Teddy to identify Andromeda with "Ana" so as to prevent further suspicion. Ana was supposed to be ill and unable to care for him any longer, leaving Teddy with the only living or healthy parent available, Professor Severus Snape.
Beyond planning for the year, Snape had done little else for Teddy but bring a collection of wands for the young wizard to try a few weeks before classes began.
Teddy had grown attached to the idea of using his father's old wand for his days at Hogwarts. He had tried his mother's, father's, and grandfather's wands when he had turned eleven, and it was his father's wand that gave him a rush of warm magic in his arm. Harry and Gran had both shed tears when Teddy's magic worked through the late Remus Lupin's wand.
Teddy wasn't certain where Snape had procured the wands, but they were all new in boxes. It was the ninth wand that worked for Teddy. The box stated that the wand was made of redwood and dragon heartstring. The wand didn't feel as nice as his father's, but it worked for Teddy just fine. He'd gotten the wand in the first week of being stuck at Spinner's End, and Dobby had been all-too-happy to help Teddy learn magic from the textbooks Snape had left behind.
It was finally the first day of September, and Teddy felt the magic of the day. He would be riding the Hogwarts Express for the first time. He was even more nervous to ride the train that day than he imagined. He had always thought he'd be seen off to Hogwarts with his Gran and Uncle Harry at his side, but now he would be arriving alone. Snape had ordered Dobby to send Teddy through the Floo to King's Cross, leaving Teddy to navigate the train by himself.
Teddy took one last glance at the little, drab room he'd occupied for the last month, and went down the rickety stairs to the room that held the fireplace.
"Mister Edward is ready! He will be an excellent wizard! So kind, like the brave Harry Potter! Dobby will miss his young mister!" Dobby began crying ugly tears out of his large, orb-like eyes.
"Dobby, I'm going to be at Hogwarts with you," Teddy said kindly. "I'm sure we'll see each other loads."
Dobby calmed down and beamed at the boy. "Dobby has made Mister Edward's trunk light for him. Mister Edward must go, so he doesn't miss the train to Hogwarts!"
"Thank you for everything, Dobby," Teddy said. "I'm glad I'll have you as a friend at school this year."
Dobby began crying fresh tears of joy over Teddy's love and kindness, before shooing him into the Floo towards King's Cross.
Teddy emerged from the fireplace with his magically-lightened school trunk, and dusted off the soot from his clothes. He'd managed to convince Dobby to make him new, brighter clothes, and the elf had happily obliged. Teddy now had several knit jumpers with matching socks and hats.
The train station was eerily empty when Teddy arrived. He looked up at the clock – only fifteen minutes until the train left. Where was everyone?
Teddy shrugged and carried his trunk onto the train, dragging it towards the first empty compartment available. Over the next fifteen minutes, more students began filling the train. Many of the faces he saw were haggard, sullen, or sad. He was shocked by how anxious all the parents looked, too. It took several minutes of deep thought for Teddy to remember that this was the year only half-blood and pureblood children were permitted, or required now, to attend Hogwarts. Not a single Muggleborn student was on the train.
The compartment door on Teddy's left opened suddenly, and three tall figures looked at him with suspicion. Teddy gasped when he saw the white-blond hair on the tallest boy.
"Just some first year," one boy said, in a low, gravelly voice.
"Get out," the stout boy said. Teddy wasn't certain, but he thought the stout boy might have been part ape.
"I was here first," Teddy countered carefully.
"Sit with the other first years," the ape-boy ordered. "Get out."
Teddy schooled his expression and did as he was told. He didn't like bullies, but he didn't like his chances against the burly boys. The white-blond boy, Draco Malfoy, looked at Teddy with some suspicion, but said nothing as he entered the compartment with the other two boys.
Teddy walked out of the compartment, wondering where to go. His mind drifted to the Gryffindors he'd grown up seeing – Ginny, Harry's wife and his godmother, Neville, Luna…where were they?
After a moment of searching, Teddy ran headfirst into another burly boy wearing Hufflepuff robes. Teddy smiled, seeing the familiar badger, and looked up to see another stout, but kind-looking boy.
"Are you lost?" the boy asked. Teddy looked up to see the boy sporting the pin indicating he was Head Boy.
"I was sitting in a compartment but three boys made me move," Teddy said nervously, pointing to the compartment. The Head Boy moved down the corridor and scowled upon seeing the boys within.
"Slytherins, of course," the Head Boy murmured.
"Can I sit with you?" Teddy ventured. "I'm new."
"First year, huh? I'm Ernie Macmillan," the boy said, holding his hand out for Teddy to shake.
"I'm Edward," Teddy introduced.
"Do you have a surname, Edward?" Ernie asked kindly.
Teddy swallowed hard before he whispered "Snape."
Ernie's expression soured instantly and he scoffed.
"Professor Snape has a child?" Ernie asked incredulously.
Teddy nodded nervously. "I lived with my Gran before now."
"Then follow me," Ernie said coldly, leading Teddy back to the compartment he was thrust out of.
Ernie opened the door roughly and peered his head in the compartment.
"What do you want, Macmillan?" the ape-boy grunted.
"This one should be sitting with you lot," Ernie said, glaring at Teddy. "He's Snape's kid," Ernie said, taking Teddy by the shoulder and shoving him into the compartment with the three Slytherin boys.
Teddy's eyes grew round and wide with fear upon being back with the two boys and Malfoy. Harry had told him that Draco wasn't a very nice boy in his teenage years, but had become kinder when he had a son. Teddy had met his cousin Draco before, but only remembered Draco as an aloof older cousin. His little son, Scorpius, was a lot more fun.
"Snape has a kid?" the other boy said, eyeing Teddy incredulously.
"I'm Edward Snape," Teddy said, shuddering with the name. "I lived with my Gran before."
"Where's she now?" the ape-boy demanded.
"Not around anymore," Teddy said softly.
"Dead?" the ape-boy grunted.
Teddy nodded, looking down at the floor. Teddy's true mother, Dora, had died just weeks after his birth. It wasn't difficult to pretend he was motherless.
"I was raised by my Gran because father was busy here," Teddy lied. "But Gran died too and now I'm here."
"Pureblood?" the other boy asked.
"Half-blood," Teddy replied nervously. "Mum was pureblood and father is a half-blood."
"Snape's a half-blood?" the ape-boy said loudly.
"He's one of the Dark Lord's favorites," Draco said quietly. "Leave it alone, Goyle."
Ah, thought Teddy. The ape-boy was Goyle.
"I'm Draco Malfoy," the white-blond wizard said, offering his hand to Teddy.
"Edward Snape," Teddy replied, shaking Draco's hand. Teddy looked at his cousin – somehow, they were related – and noticed how tired and sad he looked. The Draco he knew was much healthier and happier.
"Gregory Goyle," grunted the ape-boy.
"Vincent Crabbe," the other boy introduced himself.
"You'll be a Slytherin, then," Goyle concluded.
"I dunno," Teddy said truthfully. "Mum went to Durmstrang."
The boys then descended into a conversation about the merits of Durmstrang, and its exclusion of Muggleborn students. Teddy was thoroughly unimpressed with the talk Draco and his friends shared on the superiority of pureblood and half-bloods compared to Muggles, especially as they all freely used the term "Mudblood." Teddy hated that word, and after hearing it enough times, he excused himself angrily to find another compartment.
As Teddy emerged from the compartment, large, hooded, and robed figures stood in the compartments. Teddy's heart plunged into his stomach when he realized who they were – Death Eaters.
"Firstie, is it?" a strong-jawed man said in Teddy's direction. Teddy stammered, terrified of what he was seeing. He began trembling in fear, as two more cloaked figures appeared behind the man.
"What's your name?" demanded the strong-jawed man.
"E-Edward," Teddy stammered. "E-Edward Snape."
"Snape's bastard, is it?" came a woman's voice. Teddy trembled further in terror.
"Let's take a look at what Snape produced," the voice continued. Teddy nearly fainted when the figure emerged from behind the strong-jawed man. The woman looked so much like his Gran Andromeda, but was ugly and wicked-looking. Teddy realized he was looking at his great aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange.
Teddy shook with fear. Bellatrix had killed his own mother, and if she knew the truth about him, she wouldn't hesitate to kill him, too.
"Frightened little thing, isn't he?" another man said. "Looks like Snape."
"Dolohov, go check the other side of the train," a different voice said. Dolohov was apparently the strong-jawed man.
Teddy was both terrified and livid. Before him stood his parents' murderers, and he was powerless to say anything.
"All Slytherins on this side," Dolohov replied. "Potter wouldn't be caught dead here."
"This imp?" the new voice said.
"Snape's bastard," Bellatrix drawled. "Leave him with Draco."
"Make friends with the right sort," Bellatrix whispered in Teddy's ear, and his spine shivered with fear as he returned to the compartment from which he'd tried to escape.
Teddy sat down, frightened, and curled himself up into a ball to prevent himself from bursting into angry, terrified tears.
"What a baby," Crabbe sneered.
"Just leave him alone," Draco said. "First years are always homesick."
Teddy silently thanked Draco as he pressed his face into his knees. The nightmare he'd stumbled into wasn't over yet.
Teddy must have fallen asleep, as he was woken hours later by Draco Malfoy.
"Wake up, Snape," Draco said. "Almost there."
Teddy rubbed his eyes and looked up to see the three boys already dressed in their Slytherin robes. Teddy hastily dressed himself, confirming that his hair and eyes remained inky black. They were the only morphs he was able to hold long-term, and even then, Snape had taught him the Locking Charm, which he was to place on his four-poster drapes every night, which would prevent others from seeing him without his Snape-like hair.
Satisfied, Teddy sat back down in his new school robes and waited for the train to stop. It wasn't long before they were pulling into Hogsmeade station, and a big, burly man was waving down the first years.
Hagrid!
"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" Hagrid yelled, as a small group followed the half-giant.
Teddy looked around to see several other small, scared faces. For the first time, Teddy felt strangely calm. The others around him were nervous, too.
"No mor'n four ter a boat!" Hagrid called. Teddy followed two girls into a boat. None of the boats had more than three children, and when Hagrid was satisfied that all the first years were on the boats, they set ahead for the castle.
"What are your names?" Teddy asked tentatively to the girls in his boat.
"Aoife Doyle," replied the first girl.
"Eliza Bennett," replied the second girl. "You?"
"Err, Edward," Teddy said tentatively. He hesitated, and then added, "Snape."
"As in the Headmaster?" Aoife asked, horrorstruck.
"You're the Headmaster's son?" Eliza asked, with a similar look of terror.
"Yes," Teddy said ruefully. The girls looked at each other and then looked stonily ahead at the castle. The rest of the boat ride continued in total silence, and Teddy grew more nervous as they approached. He knew that Sorting was with a hat, and he feared how others would react when they heard his name – and his Sorting.
As they approached the rocky shore to the castle, Teddy began wondering if it was worse to be the son of a werewolf or Death Eater. Before he could finalize his thoughts, Hagrid was knocking on the door, and none other than Professor McGonagall opened the doors to admit the first years.
Professor McGonagall gave a quick speech on the four Houses of Hogwarts, and it wasn't long before she opened the doors to the Great Hall, where Teddy gaped at the enchanted ceiling. Hundreds of eyes were looking at him and the other first years. Teddy noticed that the Slytherin table was the fullest, followed by the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and lastly, Gryffindors. As Teddy expected, Harry, Hermione, and Ron weren't there. Teddy could see Neville and Ginny at the Gryffindor table, and he had to stop himself from waving and grinning at them.
McGonagall brought forward the Hat and the stool, and Teddy listened along as the Hat sang its song about the four Houses, emphasizing unity in the face of troubled times.
Finally, McGonagall began calling the names.
"Baldock, Nora," was called first, and Sorted into Slytherin with a huge applause.
"Bennett, Eliza!" was called second, and she was Sorted into Hufflepuff, with smaller fanfare.
The next students were sorted into Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.
Teddy's other boatmate, Aoife Doyle, became a Ravenclaw. The number of students dwindled, and Teddy felt himself pale. He tried looking up at the teacher's table, where Snape was seated and staring intently at the small number of first years left.
It was finally time, and McGonagall's lip curled when she called Teddy's new name.
"Snape, Edward!" Teddy began walking forward, but his hearing was filled with others' muttering.
"Snape had a kid?"
"As in, Severus Snape?"
"If he's not Sorted into Slytherin I'll run starkers through the Great Hall tomorrow morning."
Teddy went up to the stool, sat down, and McGonagall placed the Hat on his head, muffling the muttering from outside.
"Ah, you're not a Snape at all, are you, Mr. Lupin?" the Hat said.
"No one's supposed to know," Teddy thought nervously.
"Seems you've had an accident, Mr. Lupin," the Hat said, sounding amused. "Very tricky, your mind."
"How do you mean?" Teddy thought.
"You won't do well in Slytherin, although I hear that's where the others think you should go," the Hat said. "You've got decent brains, but not a right fit for Ravenclaw."
"That leaves Gryffindor or Hufflepuff," Teddy thought. "My mum—"
"Oh yes, Nymphadora, your mother. She was a hatstall, not unlike you," the Hat said. "Your father took only a few moments. He made a good Gryffindor, don't you think?"
"Yes?" Teddy thought. "I want to make them proud."
"You're very much like your mother, and you'll make her proud," the Hat decided. "Better be—"
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the Hat shouted. Teddy took the Hat off gingerly, and looked up to see hundreds of stunned faces looking back at him. McGonagall looked at Teddy curiously, and Teddy looked behind him to see Snape eyeing him carefully, but giving no other indication of his thoughts.
There was no applause for Edward Snape.
Teddy walked slowly to the Hufflepuff table and sat at the end, where the other Hufflepuffs were staring at him in disbelief. The three first year Hufflepuffs who had been Sorted before Teddy inched away from him.
The Sorting concluded with five more names, two of which were Sorted into Hufflepuff as well. Then, Snape gave a curt welcome speech, and announced the new professors, the Carrow twins, who would be teaching the now-mandatory Muggle Studies class and new Dark Arts class. The only applause for the new hires came from the Slytherin table. Gryffindors were glaring at Snape, while Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs had wary expressions on their faces.
The feast began, and Teddy began placing food on his plate. The entire castle was subdued. Teddy could hear others muttering about him and his Sorting into Hufflepuff. The other Hufflepuffs weren't talking to him. The first years were getting to know one another, but Teddy wasn't welcomed to the conversation. It was time for dessert by the time Teddy built up the courage to talk to someone.
"Um, hello," Teddy said anxiously, looking up at another Hufflepuff first year. "I'm Edward."
"I know," the boy said dismissively.
"Your name is Henry Weatherby, right?" Teddy said. "You got Sorted last."
"Yes, and I'm a pureblood," Henry replied. "No need to bother me."
"I…don't," Teddy began. He hung his head, realizing the others weren't going to listen. Teddy fought the tears forming in his eyes, and looked down at his now empty, clean plate.
"Prefects," Ernie announced, sticking out his chest, so that the badge gleamed in the candlelight. "Lead the first years to our common room. Meeting to follow."
Two fifth years stood and introduced themselves.
"I'm Opal Tintwhistle," the girl said. "Fifth year prefect."
"I'm Roger Templeton," the boy said. "Same year. We'll show you where the Hufflepuff common room is. Follow us."
Teddy and the other first years followed Opal and Roger to the basement, to a stretch of wall containing an alcove of barrels.
"This is the entrance to our common room," Opal explained. "You'll tap the barrels in these spots, to the rhythm of 'Helga Hufflepuff.' Roger and I will wait here to make sure each of you knows how to do it. If you get it wrong, you'll be soaked in vinegar."
One by one, each student practiced opening the door to the common room, until it was only Teddy left with the two prefects.
"You're Professor Snape's kid?" Opal asked, looking disdainfully at Teddy.
"Yes," Teddy said quietly. "I don't know why I was Sorted here," he added, lying. If he had been in his time, he would have gladly told anyone and everyone that his kind, brave, wonderful mother, Nymphadora, had been a Hufflepuff herself. Now, he couldn't say anything.
"Go on, then," Roger pressed. "Tap the barrels."
Teddy did as he was told and tapped his wand against the barrels. He breathed a sigh of relief when the common room opened for him, where he saw the other first years standing in the bright, cozy space. Teddy immediately felt at home in the common room, and wished badly to be able to tell his Gran Andromeda that he'd been Sorted where his mum had been Sorted.
Opal interrupted his wistful thoughts.
"Boys' dormitories are to your left, and girls' dormitories are to your right," Opal explained. "Find the door labeled 'first years.' Your belongings have already been brought to the foot of your bed. It is past curfew now, so you may not leave the common room. You are welcome to spend time in the common room until breakfast tomorrow, but you are not permitted to wander the castle. Any questions, find me or Roger."
The common room was filled with other Hufflepuff students, who kept a distance from Teddy. He hung his head as he followed the two other first year Hufflepuff boys to their dormitory.
The little dormitory was cozy and held three four poster beds. Teddy's trunk was at the foot of the bed closest to the fireplace. He was thankful for that – he always got chills close to the full moon, and having the fireplace so close would be helpful.
Teddy held in a breath and exhaled it forcefully. He was determined to make friends.
"Hi, I'm Edward," Teddy said, sticking his hand out to the other Hufflepuff boy.
"Kenny Templeton," the boy replied. "My older brother is Roger."
"It must be nice to have family here," Teddy said longingly, as the boys stared at him.
"Oh," Teddy said, smacking his forehead with his palm. "I meant in the same House. My, err, father is here, which is nice."
"So you're really Snape's kid?" Kenny asked, eyeing Teddy warily.
"I am, but I promise I'm nice," Teddy said, attempting a smile. The boys didn't return the gesture, and instead returned to their trunks, pulling out their clothes.
Teddy sighed. He missed home.
…..
3 September 1997
Teddy glanced at his neighbor's copy of The Daily Prophet. The front page was covered with the news of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's break-in at the Ministry. Teddy couldn't help but smile. If they broke into the Ministry and escaped, it meant they got the soul bit from Voldemort from the toad lady.
"What are you smiling about?" Eliza asked. "Have something against Harry Potter?"
"No, not at all," Teddy said truthfully. "Isn't it amazing how they used Polyjuice—"
"Mr. Snape," Snape's oily voice interrupted the conversation. The Hufflepuffs anywhere near Teddy cowered in fear and fell silent.
"Y-yes, father?" Teddy asked, looking up at the Headmaster.
"Might I ask what you're doing? Spreading falsehoods? Fabricating fantastic tales?" Snape's eyes betrayed his fury.
"I, err," Teddy stammered.
"Eloquence was never your gift, or your mother's," Snape added coldly. "5 points from Hufflepuff for spreading lies. Detention with me tonight at 7 o'clock." Snape turned on his heel, his black robes billowing behind him.
Teddy let the tears fall freely now. He had learned long ago that when he held in his emotions, his hair would morph unwillingly. If he let his tears fall, his hair and eyes would remain matching with Professor Snape's.
"Pathetic," a Slytherin muttered, walking past Teddy.
"You'd hardly think they were related," pug-faced Slytherin girl said. Teddy looked up through his tears to see the two Slytherin girls looking down at him with disgusted expressions.
Teddy wiped away his tears, but said nothing. He couldn't risk getting angry, or his hair would morph. He simply had to sit at his place at the Hufflepuff table and let the tears fall.
It wouldn't do him any good to fight.
Hours later, Teddy walked to the Headmaster's office. Snape was waiting for him in front of a gargoyle statue.
"Martagon," Snape muttered at the gargoyle, and it moved aside to allow Teddy entrance to the Headmaster's office. Teddy followed Snape up the stairs until they were safely within.
"What were you thinking?" Snape growled. "You risked releasing information on Harry Potter, you fool!"
"I-I'm sorry," Teddy said, feeling the lump in his throat. "I didn't mean to."
"You are forbidden from discussing anything relating to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, or Ronald Weasley," Snape said. "In fact, you are forbidden from discussing anything relating to anyone you know in your time."
Teddy began to cry in the office. He had yet to make any friends, and his only source of contact was scolding him.
"Enough of your weeping, you blubbering fool," Snape said coldly. "Your outbursts aren't doing you any favors in convincing others that you're my son."
"But I'm not your son," Teddy wailed. "I miss my Gran. Please, find a way to send me back!"
"I've been attempting to find a solution to your predicament," Snape said. Teddy stopped crying and looked up at Snape, suddenly filling with hope.
"I have no indication that your predicament will be solved any time soon," Snape added. "Until such time comes that there is a solution, you must cooperate with the timeline you have been thrust into. This includes refraining from mentioning or speaking with anyone from your future. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Teddy said, miserably. "I won't say anything more."
"Then get out of my sight," Snape hissed.
Teddy nodded and rushed to the door to leave the office. As he left, he heard an old, kindly voice say, "Isn't he quite like his father?"
Snape's reply was instant. "Yes. The better motivation to rid myself of him as soon as I'm able."
Teddy, still teary, made his way back to the Hufflepuff common room, where he'd spend the evening alone once more.
…..
16 September 1997
It was the night of the full moon, and Teddy was shivering by the fire in the Hufflepuff common room. He was grateful he wasn't a werewolf like his father, but he had inherited some of the symptoms of lycanthropy. He shivered, grew moody, and had a headache. He expected he wouldn't be able to sleep through the night, either. Usually, good company and care helped him through the full moons, but without his Gran, godfather, or cousins, Teddy felt lonelier than ever.
Teddy had never cried as much in his life as he had in the last six weeks. He had begged Snape to teach him the Locking and Silencing Charms on his drapes on his four-poster bed, so as to allow him to cry freely, alone.
The moon was rising, and Teddy felt the shivers in his body. He wondered where his own father was and how he was coping with the transformation. He wished desperately to be wherever his parents and Gran were.
Whispers caught Teddy's attention. The common room was almost empty, save for a few fifth and seventh year Hufflepuffs already invested in their O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. work. Teddy perked his ears up, picking up the conversation.
"He's just a little kid," an older girl said. Teddy recognized her as the seventh-year prefect, Hannah Abbott.
"It's not his fault he's Snape's kid," another girl replied. This one was Susan Bones, who was never found without Hannah.
"He's always crying or hiding," Hannah said. "He's just a first year. This isn't right."
"Look at him. He's by the fire and shivering. Poor little bloke," Susan lamented. "We should do something. We're better than this."
"You're right," Hannah replied. "Let's go."
Teddy was transfixed as the two older girls came walking his way and sat down on the floor with him.
"Hi," Hannah said kindly. "You're Edward, aren't you?"
Teddy nodded nervously. "You're Miss Abbott, the prefect."
"Call me Hannah, Edward," Hannah said.
Susan introduced herself. "I'm Susan. It's nice to meet you, Edward."
"It's nice to meet you too," Teddy said quietly.
"We've noticed you've kept to yourself, Edward," Hannah ventured. "Do you miss home? It's common for first years to be a little homesick."
"I miss my Gran," Teddy said, feeling the tears fall down his cheeks. "I don't know anyone here."
"What about your – dad?" Susan said, swallowing hard.
"I only met him last month," Teddy said. Both girls were shocked at Teddy's admission.
"What do you mean, Edward? You didn't know Professor Snape before?" Susan asked, her expression incredulous.
"My mum died when I was a baby and I've lived with Gran. Something happened and now I'm here," Teddy said. Snape had directed him towards lies of omission, as Teddy was too much of a "dunderhead" to lie well.
"I'm very sorry to hear that, Edward," Hannah said gently. "I'm sorry you lost your mum, and now your Gran."
"I, err, didn't lose my Gran," Teddy said awkwardly. "She's very ill and I can't see her anymore."
"Can you write to her?" Susan asked. "I'm sure your Gran would love a letter from you."
Teddy stiffened. He had been forbidden from communicating with anyone he knew, or even speaking with them. He was desperate to talk to anyone about his predicament. Six weeks of loneliness were taking their toll on him.
"I don't know if my father would allow that," Teddy replied. "He took me away."
Susan and Hannah exchanged dark looks with each other.
"Does your dad keep in touch with your Gran?" Susan asked.
"I don't know," Teddy replied. "I don't think so." Teddy wondered if Snape had communicated with anyone else regarding his family. He had assumed not – wouldn't his parents or his Gran come looking for him?
"Would you like to write a letter to her, Edward?" Susan asked. "There's a charm we can put on the letter so it can only be opened by the recipient. We can help you."
"You would do that for me?" Teddy cried. "Really?"
"It's not fair that your father won't let you write to your Gran," Hannah declared. "I'm sure she'll love to get something from you. Would you like to write the letter now?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Teddy said, standing up. "I'm getting parchment now!" Teddy ran to his dormitory and pulled out a roll of parchment, a pot of ink, and one of his quills. When he returned to the common room, Hannah and Susan were grinning widely at him.
"Thank you," Teddy said quickly. "I miss her so much."
"We're sorry everyone hasn't been very kind to you, Edward," Hannah said. "It's not fair for any of us to have treated you this way. We'll talk to the others for you."
"Thank you," Teddy said, feeling a genuine smile come across his face. "You'll keep this to yourselves, please?"
"Of course, Edward," Susan said. "We don't want you getting in any trouble with your dad."
Teddy beamed, and then hopped to a chair in front of an open study table. He unfurled the parchment and began to write.
Dear Gran Andromeda,
Hi. I'm sorry you don't know me yet. I'm your grandson, Edward Remus Lupin. I am a time traveler. I had an accident over the summer and now I'm stuck at Hogwarts. I'm a Hufflepuff! I thought you would be proud of me since mum was a Hufflepuff too.
I'm not supposed to be writing with you because it might change the future. In the future where I'm from, we win the war. I'm not supposed to stop anything. I hope this letter doesn't stop us from winning the war. I miss you so much, Gran.
You probably don't think I am who I really am. I grew up in your house. I had mum's old room. When I was very small, the room had a lot of nymphs painted in it from when she was small. She had a unicorn clock that I still have. Mum's wand was made of cedar wood and unicorn hair. Dad's wand was made of cypress wood and unicorn hair. I was going to use his wand when I started school this year. The last day I remember was Harry's 29th birthday. I drew a picture of the house and the inside so you know it's me.
You keep chocolate biscuits in the cupboard next to the garden door. You were a Slytherin, and granddad was a Ravenclaw. Dad was a Gryffindor. He was a werewolf. I'm not a werewolf. I usually get headaches at the full moon and my sense of smell and hearing is better than everyone else's.
I almost forgot the most important part. I am a Metamorphmagus like mum was. You told me her favorite hair color was pink. Mine is turquoise.
Professor Snape sort of adopted me. Here I go by Edward Severus Snape. I don't like him very much. He is mean. He's the Headmaster now. No one likes him, I think.
I think he would be very cross with me if he knew I was writing you a letter. If you reply to my letter, can you send it to someone else? Hannah Abbott is a seventh year prefect in Hufflepuff. If you send it to her she will give it to me. The Hufflepuff girls here are nice to me. They are teaching me a charm so only you can read this letter. I'm sorry it's so long. I miss you. I hope you and everyone are okay.
Love,
Your grandson,
Teddy
Teddy folded the parchment carefully and brought it to Hannah.
"This needs a name on the front, Edward," Hannah said. "What's your Gran's name?"
"I'm not supposed to say," Teddy replied anxiously. "I put in the letter that if she sends a reply it should be sent to you. Is that okay?"
"That's fine, Edward, but we can't do the charm without her name on it," Hannah explained.
"Will her first name work for now?" Teddy asked anxiously.
"We can work with that," Susan said, looking at Hannah. "Write your Gran's first name. We'll do the charm, and then you can add her last name."
Teddy scribbled "Andromeda," on the parchment, and the girls looked at the name with a curious expression, but said nothing else. Hannah did the charm, and the letter sealed itself.
"There you go, Edward," Hannah said. "Write her surname on the parchment, and you can take it to the owlery tomorrow morning."
"Thank you so much," Teddy said. He hugged Hannah and then Susan, each tightly, much to both girls' surprise. "I'm so happy I'm a Hufflepuff," Teddy added, wiping another tear from his eyes.
He took the parchment meant for his Gran and hurried back to his dormitory, eager to sleep. The next morning couldn't come fast enough.
…..
30 September 1997
It had been almost two weeks since Teddy sent the letter to his Gran, and still, he had received no response. He hoped that Hannah's charm work had been good enough that the letter hadn't been intercepted. He was beginning to grow anxious that the letter had fallen into the wrong hands. What was he thinking? He wrote his full name and his family's information in the letter. What if someone had come after them?
Teddy was comforted only in that the Hufflepuffs were starting to warm up to him. Hannah and Susan had clearly spoken with the others, as now all the Hufflepuffs would at least acknowledge Teddy when he was in the common room, or talk to him in passing at mealtimes. It was more than anyone else did for him. The Slytherins wanted nothing to do with him. He might have been Snape's "son," but he wasn't in their House. The Ravenclaws and Gryffindors – especially the Gryffindors – looked at him with such disgust that he wondered if he'd ever see kind faces from them again. It hurt the most when Ginny and Neville looked at him with hate in their eyes. They were supposed to be better than that.
Teddy was staring into the crackling fireplace, alone, when someone came to sit next to him. Teddy looked up to see Hannah, holding a piece of folded parchment.
"Edward?" Hannah said. "I have something for you. I received it this morning, but I didn't think your dad would like it if I gave you some of my mail. I think it's from your Gran."
Teddy snatched the parchment with glee from Hannah's hands and tore it open.
Dear Teddy,
It was risky for you to send a letter. Your friend's charm work held well, but you need to be more careful when sending mail in these times.
I have many questions for you, Teddy. I confess I was confused at first when you wrote to me, and not to your parents. When you wrote that you lived with me, I put the two together. My daughter and her husband – your parents – don't survive the war, do they? I suppose you shouldn't answer that, should you?
I'm afraid I don't know how to help you. Do you want to return to your time? I don't believe that's possible. You may be stuck in this time forever. Perhaps we can meet one day, when the war is over.
I wish you the very best, Teddy. I do hope we can meet some day.
Your grandmother,
Andromeda
Teddy blinked back tears. He was elated to hear from his grandmother, but she had not offered any advice or assistance. She had no means of helping him and he had no idea how to help her, either.
Feeling frustrated, Teddy ran out of the common room and towards the kitchens, where he hoped to find Dobby. Teddy tickled the pear on the portrait leading to the kitchens, and stepped inside to find the many house elves of Hogwarts busy at work.
Teddy had spent altogether too much of his free time in the kitchens with the house elves, who were delighted to wait on the young Hufflepuff. He spent most of his time asking the house elves to recount what they remembered of his parents' and godparents' Hogwarts days.
This time, Teddy ran into the kitchens and asked around for Dobby. His favorite house elf beamed upon seeing him.
"Mister Edward, sir," Dobby squeaked happily. "How is Mister Edward at Hogwarts? He is a fair and kind Hufflepuff!"
"Hi Dobby," Teddy said. "Can you tell me if it's okay to see the Headmaster? You can ask him, can't you? I need his help."
"Young Mister Edward needs his father's assistance," Dobby repeated. "Dobby will find the Headmaster!"
Dobby disappeared with a pop and returned just moments later.
"The Headmaster is waiting for Mister Edward in the Headmaster's office!" Dobby announced cheerily. "His password is monte negro, Mister Edward!"
"Thank you, Dobby," Teddy said, before he ran out of the kitchens in the direction of Snape's office, with his Gran's letter in hand. He approached the gargoyle statue and breathlessly said "monte negro." The gargoyle moved aside, and Teddy hurried up the stairs to see the Headmaster.
"Dobby said you needed me?" Snape said impatiently. Teddy hated being around Severus Snape. He wasn't very nice. When he returned to his time, he would ask Uncle Harry why in Merlin's name Albus' middle name was after this cruel, sarcastic professor.
"You're going to be cross with me," Teddy ventured. "But Gran always said it was better to be honest."
Snape stared at Teddy, unblinking.
"I wrote my Gran and she sent something back," Teddy said quickly. Snape, if possible, grew angrier than Teddy had seen before. He blinked several times as his inky black eyes shone with unbridled rage.
"Do you have any idea of how unbelievably stupid and selfish that was?" Snape hissed. "Do you realize that you put yourself, your parents, and your grandmother in danger by writing to her?"
"I hate it here!" Teddy shouted. "I don't want to be here! I just want my Gran back! What happens when you die? I'll be left with no one! I just want my Gran!" Teddy's hair had morphed to a flaming red, and it was emitting sparks.
"I don't care about saving my mum and dad anymore!" Teddy cried. "I just want my life and Gran back!"
Snape sneered as Teddy sobbed loudly in the office. He put a charm on Teddy to keep him silent until he was sniffling.
"Did anyone help you write this letter?" Snape said, after Teddy stopped sniffling and he had lifted the Silencing Charm.
"I don't want to get her in trouble," Teddy replied, thinking of Hannah and her kindness.
"50 points from Hufflepuff," Snape said silkily, as Teddy howled in pain and rage. "For disobeying me, and for refusing to tell the truth. You will change your hair back to black, and you will spend the entirety of the month of October serving nightly detention with Hagrid."
"B-b-but," Teddy stammered. "I just wanted—"
"—Get out of my sight," Snape hissed. "If I hear or see that you continue correspondence with your grandmother, your detention will be for the entirety of the term."
Teddy opened his mouth to protest, but Snape's jaw was set and resolute. Instead, Teddy morphed his hair back to black and ran out of the Headmaster's office in tears. If he ever got back home, he would be yelling at Uncle Harry for ever thinking Severus Snape was anything but a total arsehole.