13 October 1997
"Edward, c'mere," Hagrid said. "I have a surprise fer you tonight."
Teddy swallowed hard. He had come to learn that for Hagrid, surprises could be anything from dangerous baby creatures to inedible rock cakes. It's not that he disliked detention with Hagrid, but the tasks he helped Hagrid with were never easy or clean, despite his own love of magical creatures.
"What's tonight, Hagrid?" Teddy asked timidly.
"Unicorns," Hagrid said cheerfully, and Teddy let out a relieved sigh.
"Ginny's comin' too – there she is!"
Teddy watched as Ginny Potter – no, Ginny Weasley - made her way down the slope to Hagrid's hut to join them for detention.
"Hey, Hagrid," she said coolly, eyeing Teddy warily. "I've got detention with you tonight."
"Yeh do – Professor Carrow sent yeh?"
"She did. Apparently "Muggleborn" isn't the proper term she'd like us to use in class."
Teddy bit back the slight trepidation he felt upon seeing Ginny's furious expression. He remembered suddenly that he had done nothing wrong, unlike the time he'd taken baby James with him to Diagon Alley without telling anyone. He'd gotten an earful from Ginny, Harry, and Gran that day, all for getting the then-eight-month-old ice cream.
"You'll be here wi' Edward," Hagrid said jovially. "We're gettin' unicorn hair tonight."
"Hi Au—err, Ginny," Teddy said brightly, forgetting she wasn't his aunt quite yet.
"Snape," she said curtly. Teddy's face fell. He didn't know why he kept hoping that someone would remember him, because it was a ludicrous thought. No one would remember a child that hadn't been born yet!
"Unicorns'll like yeh both," Hagrid said, as he led them into the Forbidden Forest. "Do yeh know why, Edward?"
"Unicorns prefer younger children and witches," Teddy replied proudly. "I read all about them in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Newt Scamander is brilliant! My mum had a unicorn-shaped clock that I got to use."
Ginny was eyeing him suspiciously, but Teddy didn't care. He did genuinely love magical creatures, even if caring for the most dangerous ones was tiring.
"Yeh'll like our herd," Hagrid assured. "See 'em yet?"
Teddy squinted and saw the brilliant white and silver frames of the unicorns. He had yet to see any up close before and his excitement was growing.
"Approach slowly, Edward," Hagrid warned. "Ginny, c'mere first."
Ginny carefully walked towards a few unicorns. They were startled at first to see her but her gentle approach worked and she was able to pet one right away.
Hagrid grunted in Teddy's direction and he began padding slowly towards a unicorn. It stepped back, and Teddy froze.
"I won't hurt you," Teddy said softly. "Can I pet you, too? Like my au—friend Ginny?"
Ginny shot him a dirty glare, presumably for the audacity of calling her his friend, but Teddy brushed it aside. One day, he thought, they'd know the truth.
The unicorn trotted towards him and he lifted his arm, opening his palm to it. With a few more steps, the unicorn burrowed its muzzle into his palm.
"Wicked," Teddy murmured. He began petting the unicorn and grinned widely back at Hagrid and Ginny.
"Ginny, cut a few hairs off their tails," Hagrid directed, giving her a small knife. "Edward'll pet 'em while yeh cut. Professor Flitwick's tryin' ter make wands on account of Ollivander going missing. I'll be choppin' wood."
"Okay," Teddy agreed.
Ginny's face soured but she took the knife in her hand and wandered to Teddy, who continued petting his new unicorn friend.
"Snape. You make sure the unicorn stays still while I cut. I dunno how many hairs Hagrid or Flitwick need, so I'll be taking a tuft from each, from their tails."
"They won't like that," Teddy said abruptly. "A few hairs only or they'll be upset. It should be done from their manes, too, and you should ask first."
Ginny narrowed her eyes at him and ignored his warning. As soon as she put her hands on the unicorn's tail, it neighed in fright and almost stomped Teddy to the ground.
"I'm okay, I'm okay!" Teddy said loudly. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," Ginny grunted, as she got up from the ground. "Should've listened to you. Potions Master's kid would've known unicorn hair for potions. You do it."
"It's not why I know it," Teddy replied, now smiling as Ginny handed him the knife. "It's in Newt Scamander's book and another one I read on wandlore. I had a lot of time to read books before term began when I started living with Profe—father."
Ginny furrowed her brow at him. "You only started living with Sna—your father in the summer?"
"Can we get a couple hairs first before I tell you?" Teddy said anxiously. "I don't want to disappoint Hagrid and Professor Flitwick."
Ginny moved aside and petted the unicorn while Teddy spoke to it.
"Can I take a couple of your hairs, please?" Teddy asked, while stroking its mane. It appeared calm enough, so Teddy cut a few fine hairs from its mane with ease.
"Thank you, mister unicorn," Teddy said gently, patting it affectionately. He turned to Ginny, whose gaze had turned from hostile to curious.
"Let's go, Ginny!" He went to the next unicorn, repeating the process with it while Ginny watched in silence.
"You said you'd talk about your father," Ginny said evenly. "Though I understand if you don't want me to pry."
"No, it's all right. Err…my mum died when I was a baby and my Gran took care of me till father became Headmaster. I didn't know who he was till now."
"You didn't know who your father was? Don't you have his surname?"
"I knew his name but I didn't know him. I met him in August," Teddy lied. Close enough, he thought. He had known Severus Snape's name but had never met the man, as he'd died the same day his parents had.
"You were raised by your Gran?"
"I miss her a lot." He snipped a few more hairs from a unicorn and gave them to Ginny. They had a small bundle of hairs but Hagrid hadn't told them to stop just yet.
"What was she like?" Ginny asked. "Your Gran?"
Teddy smiled softly, thinking of Andromeda Tonks.
"She's the best. She makes the best chocolate biscuits, just like my mum loved. My da—granddad," he corrected, thinking of his true father, Remus, "My granddad had the best recipe for cinnamon rolls. Mum had a lot of them when she was pregnant with me so Gran thinks it's why I like them so much. I never met my da-granddad so whenever I smell cinnamon I think that must be what he smelled like."
"Gran was sad for a long time when my mum died," Teddy continued sadly. "Sometimes she said I looked just like her." He recalled the time he saw a photograph of his pink-haired, gap-toothed mother, Nymphadora, when she had been about five years old. Teddy had recently lost a tooth and morphed to look like his mum to show Gran. She had wept for a long time before he understood why she was so sad.
"Gran said I was the best thing my mum ever made. Even though my mum isn't around anymore she said she has me, and I remind her a lot of mum," Teddy said, wiping a tear from his eye. He missed his Gran more than anyone else in the world; he would've given anything to get a hug from her.
"You sound like you're a lot more like your mum than your, err, dad," Ginny said awkwardly. Teddy understood; he could barely stand calling Snape "father." His one and only Dad was Remus John Lupin.
"Yeah. I wish I could've met her, but it's okay. I had Gran."
Ginny looked conflicted as Teddy continued petting a unicorn. They had collected hairs from almost all of them, and he felt confident it would be enough for Professor Flitwick.
"Do you know Neville Longbottom?" Ginny said, after a long silence. Teddy tampered his enthusiasm; of course he knew Neville! The brilliant, brave, Gryffindor Herbologist, Neville Longbottom!
"I think so," Teddy replied steadily, avoiding Ginny's gaze.
"You and Neville might have a lot in common. Would you like to meet him?"
"Yeah! Do you think he'd be my friend? I don't have many 'cause of my father but Hannah and Susan are always nice to me. I like them."
"I'll find a way for you to meet Neville—"
Ginny's suggestion was cut off as Hagrid came bounding in with an armful of chopped wood.
"All ready? Almost time fer curfew!"
"We got a lot!" Teddy said happily. "Do you think Professor Flitwick would let me help?"
"Yeh'd have ter ask 'im, but I don' see why not."
"I'll talk to him tomorrow. Wands are fascinating."
He held his wand in his hand, thinking that in several months' time, Harry would come into the Forbidden Forest to die – sort of? – and win back the Elder Wand from Voldemort. All the stories of the Deathly Hallows, especially the Elder Wand, had intrigued Teddy ever since Harry said he'd stowed the wand away where it belonged, wherever that was.
"You're an interesting kid, Snape," Ginny said curiously.
"Please call me T-Edward."
"Tedward?"
"Sorry, old habit. It's Edward."
"Edward it is. You're an interesting kid. You might like Luna."
"Lovegood?" Teddy asked, bouncing from one foot to the other.
"Have you heard of everyone?"
Teddy had the good sense to shake his head and change the subject to Quidditch. Ginny seemed to accept the change and the two walked back to the castle, animatedly discussing the state of professional Quidditch in 1997.
…..
16 October 1997
Teddy entered the Dark Arts classroom to find several seventh years waiting for the first years. To his surprise and delight, Neville Longbottom was among them. Ginny had promised to introduce Teddy to Neville that week but mentioned that it would take time to coordinate the meeting, as Teddy's "surname" of Snape made him suspicious among the Gryffindors.
Teddy was hoping he would meet Neville that day and walked toward him, until Professor Amycus Carrow stopped all the first years in their tracks.
"If you've earned detention in the last month, step over there," barked Carrow. Teddy and two other first years moved to the other side of the classroom, where Carrow had pointed for them to go. He gave Teddy a peculiar look but shrugged and moved back to face the others.
"Today's is a practical lesson for our failing seventh years," Carrow said, smiling wickedly in the first years' direction. He turned around and called "Longbottom!"
Neville's face fell instantly as he moved from his seat to the front of the classroom. Teddy stood a few feet away from the other first years with detention. Aoife Doyle, who he hadn't spoken to since their boat ride across the lake, stood next to another Ravenclaw boy Teddy now knew was called Miles Brocklehurst.
"Mr. Longbottom is failing his Dark Arts lessons," Carrow announced. "He will make up his work by practicing his lessons."
"No."
Teddy's eyes grew wide as he realized Neville had just directly disobeyed Carrow, whose face had twisted into an ugly smile.
"Yes," Carrow hissed. "You're to practice the Cruciatus Curse on these first years, all of who have earned it!"
Aoife and Miles trembled from where they stood while Teddy's jaw dropped. He had heard terrible things happened in the Dark Arts lessons in the middle of the Second Wizarding War, but he hardly expected the Cruciatus Curse as a form of punishment.
"Snape, you're out," Carrow grunted.
Aoife, Miles, and all the other first years glared at Teddy.
"It's okay," Teddy said timidly. "I'll go first." He walked a few paces forward until he was a few yards from Neville. "Err, you can try it."
"No," Neville said loudly. "I will not."
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your refusal, Longbottom," Carrow jeered. Teddy's gaze was fixed on Neville's.
"It's okay, Neville. I can take it," Teddy said, slightly shaking. "I can do this."
"No."
"It's 'cause he's Snape's kid!" a Slytherin girl called Nora yelled. "Longbottom won't touch Snape's kid!"
"It's because it's wrong," Neville said, standing tall and confident.
"You – Brocklehurst." Carrow grabbed Miles by his robe and dragged him to replace Teddy. "Cruciatus Curse, now, Longbottom."
"No."
"20 points from Gryffindor!" Carrow roared.
"You can take all of them for all I care," Neville said smoothly. "I'm not hurting anyone."
"Cruc—"
"No!" Teddy shouted. "Don't hurt him!" The class turned to stare at Teddy, who'd paled instantly.
"And why shouldn't I, Snape?" Carrow demanded. He brought his face down inches from Teddy's. The man reeked of firewhisky and his yellowed, crooked teeth stuck out at odd angles, adding to Teddy's fear.
"He…err…" Teddy glanced back at Neville, who was staring at him, astonished. "He's brave?"
"Bravery…foolish child."
"Amycus." Professor Snape was now at the threshold of the door. Carrow stepped away from a terrified Teddy. He stepped back, cowering against a desk. He was not ready for whatever cruelty Snape had in store for Teddy's latest blunder.
"I require your assistance in disciplining a group of third years," Snape said silkily. He didn't look anywhere in Teddy's direction. "The rest of you are dismissed."
Teddy breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed his rucksack, eager to leave the Dark Arts classroom at last. He was halfway down the corridor when he realized someone was calling him.
"Snape!"
"Oi, Snape!"
"LITTLE SNAPE!"
Teddy came to his senses and turned around to find Neville towering over him.
"Call me Edward, please," Teddy said nervously. "Not Snape."
"Edward, it's nice to meet you. I'm Neville." Neville stuck his hand out for Teddy to shake. "You've got a lot of nerve."
"You're brave. No wonder you're a Gryffindor," Teddy said, awed. "Thank you for not casting the Cruciatus Curse on me."
"I meant what I said. It's wrong, no matter whose kid you are."
"Your parents were Aurors, weren't they?" Teddy asked shyly, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, they were. I already know what your dad—"
"—I call him father," Teddy corrected. "Professor Snape. I call him father."
"Right. I know what your father does, but what did your mum do? Ginny mentioned you grew up with your Gran. So did I."
Teddy wanted to hug Neville on the spot for his kindness. He hadn't realized how nice it was to be hugged or hug others until he'd gone months without any form of human contact.
"Oh, sorry, you asked me about my mum," Teddy said. He furrowed his brow to remember his supposed backstory. His "aunt," Snape's potions colleague, hadn't provided a career for her deceased sister.
"It's all right if you don't remember, Edward. I had a hard time remembering everything when I was a first year," Neville said kindly. "Would you like me to walk you to your next class? Most of my classmates are off to Potions, but I've got a free period."
"Please," Teddy said gratefully. "Thank you, Neville."
"No problem, Edward," Neville smiled. "Everyone needs a little help now and then."
…..
5 November 1997
"Happy birthday, mum," Teddy said softly to himself.
He sat at the edge of the lake, alone, his teeth chattering from the chill that had settled over the castle. Whether it was from the weather or the Dementors, Teddy didn't want to know.
He held a single cupcake in his hand, baked for him by Dobby. He requested the treat to honor what was his mother's 25thbirthday. Every year, on Bonfire Night, he and his Gran would make a cake and visit Nymphadora's grave. They would leave a slice for her, as well as rainbow of flowers, and sit while they ate their own slices to celebrate.
Gran always made mum's favorite – an almond cake with chocolate filling and rainbow sprinkles. Dobby had outdone himself and given Teddy a huge almond cupcake with chocolate frosting and bright, multicolored sprinkles. The sight of it in his hand made him shed a tear. The last time he'd been to his mother's grave, he had been in the year 2008. His mother would have been 36 that year.
Instead, his mother was very much alive. She was now 25 years old and likely celebrating with her own almond cake. He liked to imagine what his parents were doing at that moment.
His father, Remus, would be with her by now. He had left for a few days' time when the Ministry had fallen and tried to join Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry had sent Remus on his way. Gran said the first few weeks after his father's return were hard. His mum and dad worked hard to make their marriage and home happy for each other, and for Teddy.
Gran said that it only took a little time for Remus to admit to himself that his new little family had been the greatest source of happiness in his life, including his years as a Marauder. Gran loved to tell Teddy how in love his dad had been with his mum, and how tragic it had been they'd had so little time together.
Teddy imagined his mum and dad at Gran's kitchen table, laughing, having cake, and maybe thinking of the baby they would have in the springtime. His mum would suggest silly names like hers as a joke. His dad would agree with anything, because he never thought he'd have a child. Gran would interrupt and tell them to at least try thinking of a good name, even if mum was joking.
They'd settle on Teddy, after…Granddad!
"Granddad is still alive!" Teddy gasped aloud. "He's on the run!"
Teddy stuffed the single cupcake in his mouth, not bothering to worry with the frosting that was possibly all over his face. Snape be damned, he was going to write his grandfather and spare his life before it was too late.
…..
6 November 1997
Dear Granddad,
You don't know me and I reckon you're confused by my letter but let me explain. I'm Edward Remus Lupin. I am your grandson. I had an accident with a Time-Turner in 2009 (a BIG accident) and I'm stuck at Hogwarts as a first year. I'm a Hufflepuff and a Metamorphmagus, just like mum!
I wrote to Gran but she can't help me. Maybe she doesn't believe me. Professor Snape is the Headmaster and he knows who I am but we changed my name to Edward Snape for my safety.
Mum and dad (Nymphadora and Remus, but you and dad called her Dora) named me after you. I think you're on the run because they're registering Muggleborns. I don't remember who you found but I know you were with someone called Dean Thomas. He was a classmate of my godfather Harry. He's a very kind wizard who never knew his dad and his art is so good. He drew a picture of you when you were on the run. Gran and I framed it and put it in our house.
I don't know how to tell you this but when you were on the run in my time you were killed by Snatchers. I don't know when or how. I am sorry. You weren't alone when you were killed but Dean survived.
In my time we win the war. Professor Snape is on our side. I know I'm not supposed to say that and I probably shouldn't be writing this letter but Granddad I have to do something. I miss Gran so much and Snape won't let me see anyone or write to anyone. He took 50 points away from Hufflepuff when he found out I sent a letter to Gran but I don't care if he takes a MILLION points away. He can put me in detention forever. I want my life back and I want to save you, mum, and dad.
I drew a picture of the house I grew up in with Gran so you know it's me and a floorplan of everything.
Love,
Your grandson,
Teddy R. Lupin
…..
7 November 1997
Teddy had to be elbowed in the side by one of his classmates during his Charms lesson that Friday morning. Professor Sprout was calling his name from the threshold of the door – he still wasn't used to being called "Mr. Snape," and she'd called on him twice in the last minute.
"Yes, Professor Sprout?" asked Teddy.
Professor Sprout looked particularly stern. "Come with me, Mr. Snape."
Teddy's classmates jeered at him; getting called out by one's Head of House was never a good sign. He slumped forward, gathered his things, and followed Sprout out of Flitwick's classroom.
"Have I done something wrong, Professor Sprout?"
"I don't know. Your father, the Headmaster, requested to see you."
Teddy whimpered. Sprout turned around and eyed him carefully. "Mr. Snape, is there something you'd like to tell me?"
"No, Professor." Teddy knew better than to tell Sprout anything. He had a nasty feeling he was going to be cruelly scolded in a few minutes' time, whenever he came to Snape's office.
"My office is always open to you, Mr. Snape," Sprout said calmly. "Your father may be the Headmaster, but I am your Head of House."
"Okay." Teddy stifled the urge to sniffle. He felt cold and clammy and his stomach felt as if it were filled with lead. At last they reached the Headmaster's office and Sprout said the password, prompting the gargoyle to move aside for them.
Sprout remained at the entrance and gestured for Teddy to go up alone.
"I – you're not coming with me?" asked Teddy, feeling helpless.
"Your father requested to see you only, Mr. Snape. You may see me later."
Teddy grimaced and took the steps up to the office slowly, until he came face to face with Severus Snape again. Snape held a piece of parchment in his hand. He looked dreadfully angry, from the way his black eyes glittered with malice to the scowl that Teddy decided was now a permanent fixture of the man's face.
"Hello, err, father?" said Teddy. "Professor Sprout said you wanted to see me?"
Snape strode to Teddy and put the parchment in front of his nose. "What is this, Edward?" he spoke, in barely more than a whisper.
"A-a letter to my grandfather, sir," said Teddy. "I thought—"
"—you did not think. I thought, by now, you would know the seriousness of what you are trying to do."
"I want to save them! I want to—"
Snape grabbed Teddy by the front of his robes. "You foolish, selfish imbecile! Your pitiful attempts to save your family will be our undoing! If you – or your family – are discovered, you have no hope of living another day!"
"I'm just trying to save them! Don't you know what it's like?" Teddy yelled. "You wanted to save Harry's mum—"
"Silence!" Snape hissed. "If I cannot control you with points or detention, you will be controlled another way." Snape flicked his wand at Teddy, and he found himself unable to speak another word. Teddy struggled against the Silencing Charm, but Snape was unrelenting.
"You are coming with me now," said Snape, "to see what the consequences of your actions could be." He led Teddy to the Floo and called "Malfoy Manor," before shoving Teddy inside the fireplace.
Teddy landed on all fours, coughing up soot, in a dim but opulent space. He was certain he was at Malfoy Manor – it looked familiar enough. His Gran, Andromeda, and his Great Aunt, Narcissa, had somewhat reconciled after the Battle of Hogwarts. Teddy had visited Malfoy Manor a few times in his childhood but found it cold and imposing.
The Floo lit up emerald green behind him and Snape shoved him up by the shoulder.
"If I cannot convince you of your idiocy," hissed Snape, "I will show you one who will."
Teddy trembled, still unable to speak, as Snape led him out of the parlor and down a corridor. The temperature was steadily dropping on their way to the other side of the manor. Snape said nothing more; Teddy heard only the sound of their soles hitting the marble floors and the echoes they made.
Snape stopped abruptly before a set of double doors. "You will stay here until you are called. If you breathe one word out of turn you will be sorry you were ever born." He stepped through the doors and disappeared.
Teddy trembled, wondering if he could run back to the parlor. He could see it all in his mind – run back, get Floo powder, call "the Tonks residence" and see his parents. His Gran, his true father, his mother…just a fireplace away! He was ready to turn on his heel when someone snatched him by the back of his robes and dragged him into a smaller parlor.
Teddy's eyes darted everywhere in the new parlor. He almost yelped when he saw a face that he'd only ever heard described.
The man had slit-like nostrils, ruby red, gleaming eyes, and pale, chalk-white skin. He was skeletally thin with long, white fingers that twirled a wand around.
This was Lord Voldemort.
"My lord," said Snape, bowing. "My son desires to meet you."
Teddy shook from head to toe – what was Snape thinking? Snape gestured for Teddy to come closer. Teddy walked just a few paces, passing by the face of his mother's future murderer, Bellatrix Lestrange. Teddy had never been so scared in his life.
"He is a weak child but willing to learn the proper ways," Snape continued. Voldemort eyed Teddy, saying nothing to the trembling, terrified Hufflepuff before him.
"You are called Edward?" Voldemort said, in an unnaturally cold, high voice. Teddy nodded, keeping his gaze steady on the floor out of fear. He almost yelped again when he saw the largest snake he'd ever seen, with a body several feet long and as thick as a man's thigh. Its tongue darted out at Teddy and he stepped back, only to run into another body.
He turned around and nearly screamed upon seeing Bellatrix brandishing a knife just inches behind his head.
"Now, now, Bella," said Voldemort. "That is no way to treat our young guest. You may enjoy yourself when our older guests arrive."
Bellatrix snarled and returned to her seat, eyeing Teddy hungrily.
The double doors opened and a small, watery-eyed man with a metal hand brought in two bound and gagged men. Teddy's eyes grew wide upon seeing the two men dragged, bloodied and battered, before Voldemort.
"Wormtail, come meet Severus's son, Edward," called Voldemort. Teddy was ready to shake with rage at Wormtail – the Potters' betrayer – but Snape held him back. Wormtail made a curt nod at Teddy, who refused to look anywhere near him.
"Your son is a good judge of character, Severus," said Voldemort. "To want to meet me, the greatest wizard of all time, and to rebuke Wormtail, a near-useless waste of space."
Wormtail whimpered and scurried off, closing the doors behind him in his haste. The two bound, gagged, bloodied men writhed against the floor and whined from where they lay.
"Bella, have your fun with one of them," Voldemort said softly. "Nagini will enjoy the other first."
Voldemort hissed and rasped at Nagini – the first time Teddy had ever heard Parseltongue, as Harry had lost the ability to speak it when the horcrux was destroyed inside of him – and Nagini slithered to where one of the bloodied men lay, thrashing against the floor.
Nagini opened her jaw wide and struck one of the men in the side. Deep crimson blood spilled from the side and onto the floor. The other man was bleeding too and crying out in agony from Bellatrix's torture.
Teddy felt faint and hot. He felt dizzy upon seeing so much blood on the floor and Voldemort's red, gleaming eyes staring upon the sight of the mangled bodies gasping for their lives. He heard static again, and his vision went black.
…..
Teddy woke in the Headmaster's office. He was lying on a small cot. Dobby brought a cool cloth to his forehead and clapped upon seeing him awake.
"Mr. Edward is well!" Dobby announced. "Take this, Mr. Edward, Dobby will take care of you!"
"Thanks, Dobby," Teddy said hoarsely. He took the small goblet of water from the elf and sat up slowly. His backside felt sore; he must've passed out and fallen on his back or bum.
"What happened?" croaked Teddy, looking around for Snape. The Headmaster sat at his desk, scratching on a parchment with his quill.
"You fell unconscious before the Dark Lord killed both of his victims," Snape replied. "Let this be a lesson to you."
"A lesson? For what?" Teddy held his head in his hands. He had a pounding headache and all he could think about were Voldemort's ruby red eyes and the bloodied, mangled bodies of his victims.
"You continue to make idiotic attempts to save the lives of your grandfather and parents. They, and everyone else you know, will meet the same sticky end as those men if you continue in the same manner."
"But my parents and granddad are already going to die!"
"As will Potter, Weasley, and Granger, if you continue meddling with time. If you would like to see your godfather alive," sneered Snape, "you will refrain from any further rescue attempts."
"But I have to do—"
"You must do nothing but stay silent. Otherwise, your Potter is as good as Nagini's next meal and the war will be lost. It will be entirely your doing if the Dark Lord kills Potter and his companions because of your idiotic, childish attempts to change time."
"It's not fair!" cried Teddy. "I just want—"
"Perhaps it has escaped your notice," hissed Snape, "but life isn't fair! Your precious Potter failed to realize this and his godfather was killed as a result of his lack of discipline! You are following in his footsteps - but unlike Potter and Black, your godfather matters to winning the war. Now get out of my sight before I return you to the Dark Lord for personal instruction."
"What?" asked Teddy, horrorstruck.
"One more mistake and you will no longer be a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will learn directly from the Dark Lord and his faithful servant, Bellatrix Lestrange," Snape said softly. "Now get out."
Teddy stood in a rush and ran out of Snape's office in tears again. He didn't think his life could've gotten any worse but the prospect of having Lord Voldemort and his mother's murderer as his tutors, should he attempt to reach out to his parents or grandparents again, was finally enough to have him give up on saving any of them.
Teddy was an orphan and there was nothing he could do to change it.
…..
14 November 1997
"You require a Sleeping Draught, Mr. Snape?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Yes, please," Teddy replied. It was the night of the full moon and he had dark circles under his eyes. He decided not to morph those away to prove how much he needed help sleeping.
In the week since meeting Voldemort, his ability to sleep had been completely destroyed. Every night, without fail, he dreamt of those gleaming, ruby-red eyes staring at him before he heard a hiss of "Avada Kedavra." In between Voldemort's hissing, he heard Bellatrix's cackling over dead bodies. One of the bodies almost always had pink hair, like his mother's.
The images were enough to keep him from talking to anyone, let alone attempting to reach out to his family. He was done with trying to save others. Professor Snape had seen to it that even his will to live had faltered; Teddy began wondering what the point of living through the war was if he couldn't have his family back.
Teddy was considering preparing to fight and die at the Battle of Hogwarts alongside his parents. Then, he concluded, the only Teddy Lupin alive after the second of May, 1998, would be his infant self – the one growing inside of his mother at the moment. Teddy the time traveler would be no more.
"Mr. Snape?" Pomfrey called, startling Teddy out of his reverie. "Are you all right? You're crying."
Teddy wiped the tears from his face and nodded. "I'm tired."
"You will stay in the infirmary tonight, Mr. Snape," Pomfrey declared. "I'd like to keep an eye on you."
"No! No, I can't!" said Teddy, panicked. When he slept, his morph wouldn't hold anymore and his true face would be revealed. He had to return to his dormitory.
"Whyever not, young man?" Pomfrey had her hands on her hips, nostrils flaring at him.
"Talk to Professor Snape," Teddy said nervously. "He can explain it."
Madam Pomfrey looked decidedly unimpressed with Teddy but swept out of the hospital wing without another word. Teddy sat on the edge of a bed and sighed deeply. He just wanted one decent night's sleep. It was already the full moon that night, which meant he was unlikely to sleep well anyway.
The infirmary doors opened and a small figure entered. Teddy recognized the figure as Yasmin Shafiq, a first year Slytherin girl sorted just before he was sorted. He had yet to hear her speak.
"Hi," said Teddy. "Madam Pomfrey will be back soon, I think."
Yasmin turned her nose up at Teddy and sat on a bed as far from him as possible. So much for trying to be friendlier, thought Teddy.
Teddy swung his legs back and forth on the bed and hummed to himself. His headache was getting worse as the moon approached so he tried distracting himself.
"Would you stop that?" said Yasmin shrilly. "Shut it!"
Teddy stopped abruptly and gaped at her. "You do talk."
"Of course I do." Yasmin crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back on Teddy. He blinked, startled, and wondered why the girl was so rude.
Madam Pomfrey came back into the infirmary and nodded at Yasmin. "I'll be right with you, Miss Shafiq."
"Mr. Snape," said Pomfrey, "I spoke with your father. You will stay here tonight but I will close the curtains around your bed for your privacy. I will see you at seven o'clock in the morning."
"Can I still put my—"
"I will place the charms your father indicated I should place," Pomfrey said briskly. "Wait here while I attend to Miss Shafiq." She brought the curtains around Teddy's bed and gave him clothes to sleep in. He was frustrated by being coddled, but he admitted to himself that he could now request a few more potions and sleep peacefully that night.
While Teddy was changing, he couldn't help but overhear the conversation between Pomfrey and Yasmin. Even though Pomfrey had placed a Muffling Charm around them, Teddy's extra sensitive hearing, especially this close to the full moon, could pick up on what they were saying.
"The usual potions, Miss Shafiq?"
"Yes, please. I hate the moon."
Teddy's ears perked up at this – was it possible his classmate was a werewolf?
"I know, dear," Pomfrey said. "But at least it's only a scratch and not a full bite. You're the second person I've seen with an injury like this."
"I hate it. It's not fair! It's so ugly!" Yasmin started crying, piquing Teddy's interest further. He wanted to comfort the girl somehow, but she was on the other side of the infirmary.
"There, there," said Pomfrey soothingly. "Would you like to stay here tonight?"
"Not with Snape there," Yasmin said harshly.
"He won't be a problem. Those curtains will stay up till morning and I've been assured he has no plans on leaving the infirmary."
"Okay. Can you put a Locking Charm on my curtains, please?"
"Of course, Miss Shafiq. I'll be right back."
Teddy's heart was hammering in his chest. He was sure that Yasmin had a scratch or injury like Bill Weasley's. He had been scratched badly by the most vicious werewolf, Fenrir Greyback, in the second war. It led to the friendship between Bill and Fleur and Teddy's parents, as Remus gave Bill many tips for getting through a full moon, even if he wasn't a true werewolf and only had wolfish tendencies.
Teddy was half-dressed by the time Pomfrey returned with his potions.
"Madam Pomfrey?" asked Teddy. "Can I have Pain Relief Potion please? I have a headache that won't go away."
"Yes, Mr. Snape. Is there anything else you need?"
"Err…a thick blanket? I get chills the night of—" Teddy stopped speaking abruptly, earning a piercing expression from Pomfrey. She raised her brows at him but returned with the potions and a blanket.
Once he was tucked underneath the cozy blanket and taken his potions, Teddy fell into a blissful, peaceful slumber.
…..
15 November 1997
Teddy woke sooner than seven o'clock. He was dressed and ready in his "Snape" morph by the time Pomfrey woke him, as he was eager to talk to Yasmin about what she said the night before. He had yet to make any real friends – the older Gryffindors still kept their distance from him, as did everyone else – and he hoped he might make one new friend that day.
Teddy heard Yasmin shifting in her bed on his way out of the infirmary and decided to wait in the corridor for her until she emerged. Several minutes went by but finally, the little Slytherin was on her way out.
"Yasmin!" Teddy called. "Hi!" She ignored him and continued walking toward the Great Hall. He tried greeting her again. "Hey! Yasmin! Can I ask you something?"
She walked resolutely ahead, prompting Teddy to run and stop her by getting in her way. He smiled at her but she glared at him, pushed him out of the way, and began walking again.
"Yasmin! Please talk to me! I want to ask you something!"
Clearly irritated, she sent several sparks his way from her wand. He dodged them and jogged toward her.
"Please, I just want to know – are you almost a werewolf?" called Teddy. She stopped dead in her tracks and whipped around with a murderous gaze.
"What did you say?"
"I, err…just thought?"
"Just thought what?" snapped Yasmin. "That I'm a bloody werewolf? That I am a monster? I am none of those things, you moron!" She sent several more sparks his way, some of which sizzled against his bare skin.
"I think I'm like you!" yelled Teddy. "A little…wolfish?"
Yasmin narrowed her eyes at him. "You don't know anything about me, Snape. If you say anything – to anyone – I'll make sure the whole school knows you're a liar." She flicked her wand at him, sending him backwards a few feet until he landed on his bum against the wall.
"But? You…" said Teddy, thinking of her words the night before. She sent more sparks from her wand, and disappeared around the corner.
Teddy slumped against the wall and sighed. Making friends was hard.