Chapter 1
- Reunited -
The birth of Teddy's half-brother spread like wild fire around the cottage. Bill and Fleur had even gone as far as to prepare a special dinner to celebrate, and when Teddy wasn't laughing with the others, or huddled by the fireplace with Arkie, he was staring at the photo of his family. The first bit of good news he'd received in weeks. Actual proof that his family was still alive and safe.
After scanning the picture closely, Teddy had figured out where it'd been taken. Tonk's parents home.
They looked so happy, his heart longed to join them. Thoughts ran laps around his mind. Extravagant, stupid thoughts... but extremely tempting. "Hey, stranger." He felt hands on his shoulders that ran down to his chest comfortingly. He felt goosebumps before looking up at the chestnut girl looking down at the picture in his hand. "They look so happy. Glad your father returned to Tonks."
"Me too." He sighed peacefully. But Arkie could sense another emotion buried deep in his chest, which she had begun to trace slow shapes on. "Everything all right? You're worried, I can tell." She added when he tried to shrug her question off. "They're safe, Teddy. They'll all be fine. With your dad, the amazing dueler- not as amazing as you though-" Teddy showed hints of a smile, "and your mum, the Auror. The two are forces to be reckoned with. They'll be waiting for you when all of this is over."
Teddy's head hung low as he responded in a mumble. "And when will that be? It's been months, almost a year now. I don't want to miss out on all those moments I never got to have in the orphanage... you understand, right?"
"Of course I do." She leaned forward, raising his chin with her finger so their eyes met. "I understand how important this is to you." He turned his body, curled his arm round her waist so she could lean on him gently. Outside, distance waves crashed on the dark shore. Stars sparkly like diamonds, reflecting off Arkie's kind eyes.
"I want to go back to them." Teddy's voice broke the silence. "I want to be with my family... And I know it's selfish to leave now-"
"Teddy," Arkie straightened, putting her hand on his. Her touch was like electricity, powerful and inspiring. "You. Are not. Selfish. I've never met a more generous guy. Guess that's why I fell in love with you."
Nothing could hold back the expression on Teddy's handsome face. "I love you, Ms. Arkie Edwards."
"And I you, Mr. Tesdon Lupin."
"So... you support my decision? I don't want you to feel like I'm abandoning you-"
"I'm coming with you." She cut in, making Teddy's heart skip a beat from the strong look in her eye. "Teddy, in times like these I'm not letting you out of my sight." She pushed a finger to his chest. "And you're not abandoning anyone. You're going to protect your family."
"I don't deserve someone as understanding as you."
She reached up and ruffled in his uneven hair cut, which had grown out again. "Well, what can I say? I'm a catch."
"Now you're sure you're okay with this?" Teddy asked for the hundredth time the next morning, picking up his bag, full of all his belongings. Arkie was right beside him, using a mirror in the hallway to tie her short locks up into a messy bun.
"We'll be fine, go be with your family." Ron grinned, though sadness clouded his eyes. He was going to miss the lanky half-Werewolf. They'd be without their best spellcaster, besides Hermione. But he knew better than anyone the pull to be with family, and that they were important. But he knew he'd miss Teddy's ability to keep the group together through thick and thin.
"Thanks again guys. Good luck on your 'quest'." He smiled reassuringly. The others had told them about their plans to steal the Horcrux which was supposedly hidden away in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. Tugging on Harry's sleeve, he pulled him close enough to whisper. "Hey, with the goblin, Griphook... just be careful, they're tricksters."
"We will." Harry nodded, glancing at the impatient goblin in the kitchen. "Good luck."
"You too. We'll make sure to listen to the radio, just in case. If you ever need us, give us a call." Teddy took Arkie's hand, standing just outside the doorway. After a round of hugs and goodbye's, the two walked away from the Shell Cottage, up towards the Dobby's hill. Teddy glanced at the small headstone, but smiled. "Let's go." He whispered, holding Arkie's hand gently.
Crack!
"Quick, inside." Teddy whispered, pushing Arkie through the doorway into the Tonk's family home. Just like they'd had to do so with Grimmauld Place so many months ago, the two had, had to apparate exactly in front of the door and then race inside to avoid being caught by Snatchers. As soon as the door close, figures appeared at the end of the dark, unlit hall, pointing their wands. "Stop right there! Hands up!"
Both of them did as they were told and Teddy's bag dropped to the ground. He didn't recognise the voice which belonged to woman, though he instantly knew who the second voice belonged to. "Don't move!"
"Dad, it's okay. It's just us." Teddy said, stepping out of the shadows, his hands still in the air. Remus didn't move, but looked him up and down, eyes skeptical. "It's me Dad, truly."
"Prove it." The witch beside his father demanded.
"My Patronus is a bear." It was funny. He'd been rehearsing facts no one else would know in his head with ages now, yet the sight of his father alive was so overwhelming that he couldn't think straight. "Teddy has used his Patronus enough times for everyone to know what shape it takes." Remus replied.
Suddenly, all the facts returned to Teddy's head and he began to ramble on. "We went to the World Quidditch with Harry and the Weasley's, we had a home in Hogsmeade, we spent full moons together in the Shrieking Shack, I like referring to myself as a quarter-breed- a name created by my friend, Freddie, my favourite desert is custard eclair's, Boggarts turn into chains whenever I see them, Umbridge made me scar my hand with 'half-breed'. Maybe that's."
Neither of them lowered their wands. 'Wow, they're really sussing me out.'
"You came to me in Grimmauld Place, wanting to leave Tonks and Timothy. But I convinced you to go back, and I'm so glad you did." Teddy glanced at Arkie, his hands had slowly lowered back to his sides. "You gave me dating advice. Without it I don't think I would've asked Arkie to the Yule Ball. You helped me master the Patronus charm. You worked multiple jobs at Hogsmeade so that you would have enough money to take care of me. I used to visit you every time I visited Hogsmeade."
Remus' wand finally pointed downwards. "Teddy?"
"Hey, Dad."
Remus sped walked forward and Teddy did the same. The two met halfway down the hall, embracing each other so passionately, Teddy thought he'd die from lack of air. "What are you doing here? The others-"
"They're safe, well... you know, as safe as you can be right now. I'm here to be with my family."
"So, anyone going to introduce me?" Teddy looked over his father's shoulder at the witch standing at the end of the hall.
"Oh, yes. Teddy, Arkie, this is Andromeda Tonks. Dora's mother."
Andromeda smiled kindly at Teddy, trotting up to him and looking him up and down. "So, this is my grandson-in-law. You are a strapping young man, like your father I guess."
"Nice to meet you." Teddy said, his voice bright and kind.
"Tonks is through there." She gestured to the door. "You're in luck, Timothy just woke up." Teddy didn't need to be told twice. Picking up his bag, he followed his father into the living room, Arkie walking two steps behind him. By the fireplace, Tonks was sitting by herself, staring down at the warm bundle in her arms. "Wotcher, Tonks." Teddy said and she looked up, eyes wide with surprise.
"Teddy!" In her arms, Teddy caught sight of his little baby brother. He was small, with Tonk's tan skin tone, his father's green eyes that the three of them now shared and bright blue hair. Timothy giggled when he saw Teddy, almost as if he already knew who he was. Maybe it was because he looked so much like his father.
"Do you want to hold him?" Tonks asked, standing up and holding the newborn towards him. Teddy dropped his bag again and held his arms out. Timothy was as light as air, his skin was soft like peaches and Teddy felt butterflies in his stomach when the two came in contact. "Hey, Tim." He whispered in a playful tone, using a finger to tickle the baby's soft neck. "I'm Teddy."
Timothy giggled loudly and Teddy didn't even care that all eyes were on him. "This is Arkie." He turned around and Arkie stepped forward.
"Hello, Timothy." She played with his tiny foot, that was even smaller than he palm.
This was such a precious scene to write, and I'm tearing up right now.
Finally, Teddy and his parents are reunited.
Don't ask me whether or not Teddy & Timothy's parents die (of if Teddy dies), cause I don't know. I'm kinda making this up as I go.