On Loan, Bonus Chapter, 12.b

The Pains of our Children

I tapped the right sequence against the barrel and waited but a second for it to shift aside. Glancing over my shoulder I ducked down and out of the Hufflepuff common room.

The main room was cozy, low earthy walls and plants everywhere. Enchanted sunlight streamed through windows, giving the whole area a cozy warm glow. Books and snacks were readily available, if you knew were to look. Somewhere there was soft singing filling the air, by the soft tune and the students passed out on the couches it was probably Heathers lavender again. She was a seventh year doing studies on how the different plans sing. Of course controlling them was a different story, and lavenders lullaby tended to send anyone who heard it into an easy sleep.

I stifled a yawn as I scurried through the halls to the potions classroom. A couple of turns here and there, coupled with eye rubs, and ran straight into a small, young girl.

"Careful, Teddy." She giggled. Gosh her voice was charming. "Watch where you're going."

"Sorry, Viccy, that darn lavender is singing again in the Common Room."

She smiled warmly at me as we straightened ourselves back up. "I wish I could hear it. Hufflepuff Common Room sounds so fun."

"Apparently fun isn't fast enough to stay awake." I looked her up and down. "You don't have any classes today, why are you down here?"

She shrugged. "Acquainting myself with the castle. I wouldn't mind if you joined me."

"I just got in from Herbology, I have Potions next." I complained.

She raised an eyebrow. "So, is that why your hair is bright red right now?"

I sighed. "Noooo."

She waited for me to explain, did she not know?

"You haven't heard the rumors yet?" I asked.

Viccy shook her head no in a quick and quiet gesture, her blonde hair bouncing.

"Uncle Harry and Ron are here, working."

Her eyes lit up at the mention of the names. She must not have caught on to the "working" part yet.

"I haven't seen Uncle Ronald in some time, and Harry even longer." She chirped gleefully. "Where are they?"

"Dunno, don't care."

"Teddy, why not? Harry's your Godfather!"

I rolled my eyes. "Viccy…. Imagine if your parents were here, how would you feel?"

She leaned back and thought a moment. "Well, Dad would probably be running around looking for trouble, Mum…." she shuddered. "Mum would be pestering me nonstop over everything."

"Exactly."

Viccy and I might not be related, but we did grow up almost like cousins, Harry Potter helping my grandmother raise me in my parents stead. I didn't tell her the other part of the rumor, that the man who turned my father into a werewolf, the man who cast the scars on her fathers face, was likely to return to Hogwarts.

I might not have known my father, but maybe if I could get to Fenrir Greyback before Harry did then I could help his spirit rest a little easier.

It was at least wishful thinking. I didn't know the first thing about being brave or courageous, or even fighting. Uncle Harry taught me a few things to defend myself, but also told me to never go looking for a fight unless you have to.

While I wanted to, my better judgment told me not to.

"Teddy?" Viccy caught my attention. "You're sulking again, and your hair is turning black."

I shook my head, willing my hair back to the blue I enjoyed. "Sorry, just tired, I don't get the day to rest like you do."

She watched me for a moment, not believing me. "I have potions tomorrow, can you show me to the classroom?"

"Of course." I said, nodding.

Together we walked off towards the potions classroom, my mood getting a little lighter as we went.