A/N: Just a little microfic for the IWSC writing school. And while it's not officially related to any of my other works, in my head, this belongs in the "That's Life Together" Universe.


School: Beauxbatons
Year: 4
Topics: Conciseness and Commas
WC: 243


Fathers

"Hey, Ted. Can I come in?"

Teddy nodded, but he didn't look up. He couldn't turn his attention from the miracle in his arms. Harry approached from behind and looked over Teddy's shoulder.

"She has your eyes."

Teddy's throat clenched. "Yeah. And Mum's." Isabella's little mouth opened into a wide yawn, making his breath hitch.

"So how's it feel, Dad? She's beautiful."

"And so freaking small." He picked up Isa's tiny fingers and planted a soft kiss. "Harry, what if I can't do this? I don't know how to be a dad."

Harry chuckled. "No one does. You just do your best every day and always keep in mind what's best for her. Love her, love Victoire, and the rest will work itself out."

Teddy turned to his godfather. Harry, with his wild, salt and pepper hair and vibrant green eyes, looked at Teddy like Teddy looked at Isa. It was humbling. "Do you want to hold her?"

Harry's face brightened. "Merlin, yes." He gently took her into his arms.

"Isabella, meet your grandad," Teddy murmured.

Harry sucked in a breath. "Grandad?"

"Or grandpa? Surely you don't want to be Grandfather."

"Grandad is perfect. Teddy, I—" Harry's eyes glistened, and he shook his head. He leaned in to smell the baby's head and smiled. "Thank you."

Teddy watched the only father he'd ever known coo at the baby, finally confident that he could be a father. After all, he had an amazing model.


Finis


A/N For Grammar Scoring:
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses: Harry's eyes glistened, and he shook his head.

Use a comma after a dependent clause that begins a sentence, except when there's no word to link the two clauses: Isabella's little mouth opened into a wide yawn, making his breath hitch.

Properly punctuated appositive: Harry, with his wild, salt and pepper hair and vibrant green eyes, looked at Teddy like Teddy looked at Isa.