Author's Note: Hi! This is my very first time publishing any sort of fanfiction, and I'm really excited about it. This story follows one of my favorite next gen characters, Teddy, growing up as the fun-loving, mischief making teen I picture him as. Please, please, PLEASE feel free to review and tell me what you love or hate about this first chapter. I will try to update weekly. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, I really hope you enjoy!

Warning: This story may or may not contain mentions of corporal punishment in later chapters.

Chapter 1

I, Teddy Remus Lupin-Potter, consider myself to be a pretty lucky bloke. I mean, if you forget about the fact I was orphaned before I could even sit up, and left grandmother-less by the ripe old age of eighteen months, I think I have it really good. My parents, Harry and Ginny Potter, formally adopted me a bit before both my third birthday and their own wedding, which essentially gave me about the coolest family in the world. Seriously, who can say they are the son of the vanquisher of the Dark Lord and former Holyhead Harpie player? Not to mention my other parents, Remus and Nymphadora. It sucks I don't get the privilege of knowing them, but my family makes sure I get to hear loads of stories about them. And I still have my mum's trademark color-changing hair. Makes entertaining my small army of cousins quite fun. Lately, I've been keeping it green to annoy my little brother Jamie ("C'mon, Ted, you're betraying Gryffindor!"), but it's subject to change at just about any time.

Right now, though? Not feeling so lucky. I stared at the flyer my friend, Ollie Humberstone, had sent me, along with his accompanying letter. It was advertising a concert in Muggle London tomorrow for a group called "Hearthead", about the coolest band of all time. They sang punk rock, wore all black, and had tongue piercings. Tongue piercings! Undeniably cool. However, Ms. Ginerva Weasley certainly did not approve of their music, and had tried about a thousand times to forbid me from listening to "that brain-rotting garbage". My dad always stopped her- something about how forbidding something made it more intriguing? I dunno. But one thing was for sure. Neither of my parents would approve of what Ollie was trying to get me and my friends, Victoire, Max, and Piper, to do. Buying tickets to go see Hearthead in dangerous *gasp* Muggle London by ourselves wasn't really something my overprotective parents would go for.

I sighed. I hadn't seen my best friend, Victoire, in forever (aka six whole days). And she would love this! Right at the thought of her, I felt another owl swoop in my open window over my head. Vic's fuzzy owl, Curly. Of course. I quickly untied it and read the short note.

We are going to the concert, Ted! No arguments. 😊

Vic

Well, that just about settled it. I had to somehow convince my parents to let me go, if that meant pleasing Victoire.

I knocked on the door of my dad's study where I knew he'd be finishing off paperwork for the Auror Office. Really, it was quite a difficult decision, choosing between asking my mum versus dad for permission to go to the concert. Most of the time, Dad was the stricter parent, and I could count on Mum for a more forgiving approach. This, though? My mum would say no before the words "Hearthead" could leave my mouth. Dad would at least give me a chance.

"Come in, Teddy," Dad answered. I pushed open the door and sat down on the big cushioned chair kept in the corner. I quickly assessed the situation. My dad was leaning back in his chair with minimal papers in front of Merlin. The man was probably in a good mood.

"Dad, I gotta ask you something. And before you say no, can you promise to at least think about it? Pretty please?"

He raised an eyebrow at my request. "Please don't tell me you blew up the neighbor's shed again." I stifled a frown at the memory. That particular incident did not end well for me.

"Nope. That was definitely a one-time thing."

Dad set down his quill and looked carefully at me. "Alright, then. What is it, son?"

I took a deep breath and did my best to carefully word the question. "Ollie invited me to go to a Hearthead concert with my friend's tomorrow night. Please, dad? I really wanna go!"

He leaned back in his chair, considering. "Where is this concert?"

"Muggle London." Yikes. I dropped the bomb.

"You and your friends want to go to Muggle London by yourselves?" He furrowed his brows and crossed his arms. "To see those strange Muggle blokes dressed in leather and metal?"

One would think that Head Auror Harry Potter himself would be a bit more brave with his eldest and let me live life a little. Unlucky for me, he was too concerned with the bad witches and wizards of the world to allow any real fun. "Yes, dad. We would have our wands and be so careful. It would be cool to see my all-time favorite band in person," I argued.

Dad leaned forward to put his elbows on the desk and looked at me hard. "I understand that, Teddy. But think about what you're asking me, here. Five underage teenagers at a random concert in downtown London with who knows who? Doesn't quite sound like the recipe for success, if you ask me."

This was maddening. I was sixteen after all, not six! "But we would be careful," I huffed, leaning to the back of the chair for dramatic effect.

"I know you'd be careful, son. But it doesn't change what I do for a living and the kind of things I've seen. There are still bad witches and wizards and even Muggles everywhere. I'm not sure I'm ready to watch my son dive headfirst into it all," said Dad pointedly. I sighed, feeling defeated. I doubted any of my other friends were having such a hard time obtaining permission, and we were all in the same year at school. Well, with the exception of Vic, who was one below and going into her fifth, but that was beside the point.

This was not going in the direction I was hoping it would. It wasn't as if any former major Death Eaters were out walking around anymore! "Before you say no, can you at least consider my point of view a little longer? I wanna go more than anything." I hit him with the puppy eyes, though they quit working around the time Lily was born.

He grinned and returned to his papers, signing one with plenty of flourish. "Yes, Teddy, I'll think about it some more. But no promises. I need to get your mum's opinion, anyway, or she may decide to hex me into oblivion for deciding without her. Something I'd rather avoid."

I groaned dramatically. "Dad, my whole point in coming to you was avoiding Mum and her anti-Hearthead campaign!"

He laughed and stood up from the desk, ruffling my lime green hair. "I like your strategy. You know your mother, though. Gin would have my head if I made a decision like this without her."

Dumb parents. I loved them about a million times over, but they would be the death of my social life.

It was the day of the Hearthead concert. A bright, sunny Saturday morning and us Potter's were having a delicious breakfast, courtesy of my mum's expert cooking skills. Dad was flipping through the Daily Prophet as he sipped his tea, while mum bustled through the kitchen flipping my favorite blueberry pancakes. I, however, was doing my best not to strangle my little brother James, who was ten and going through an especially annoying phase of hyperactivity.

"Jamie, stop blowing bubbles in your milk! It's spilling into my eggs!" I elbowed him in the ribs. Just a little brotherly warning, right?

"Mum! Teddy's being mean again!"

"Teddy-"

"I'm not being mean."

"Yes you are!"

I shoved a forkful of eggs in my mouth and rolled my eyes. "Mean would be sawing your broom in half. Which I'm highly considering since you won't stop blowing those damn bubbles!"

8-year-old Albus's jaw dropped. My baby sister Lily gasped from her seat. Oops. "Teddy, that's a naughty word!"

Jeesh, the dramatics with these people were insane.

Alright, I'll admit it. I was in a bit of a bad mood since Ollie, Max, and Piper had all owled me their success in getting permission from their parents last night. That made everyone Hearthead-ready but Vic and I.

I caught a dangerous look from Dad across the table and suddenly found myself blushing. "You would think someone waiting for permission to do something that required a lot of responsibility would think to watch his mouth and reign in his temper."

Suddenly, my mum was very interested in our conversation and poked her head up from the chaos in the kitchen. "Hmm? What does Teddy want to do?"

I gave a pleadingly apologetic look to my dad. There was a very good chance my mum would shoot down absolutely anything that remotely had to do with Hearthead. It was awfully hypocritical, considering I've found posters in her old room at the Burrow supporting the Weird Sisters. But then again, parents were often hypocritical.

Dad explained the situation to Mum. And really, I need to give the man more credit sometimes. Even though he was obviously skeptical yesterday, he seemed to be trying to paint my case in a good light. You know, I thought, maybe I was being overly doubtful! Maybe my parents would see that I was responsible and a reasonable young man. Maybe they would give me a chance.

"That sounds wicked!" announced Jamie at the finish of Dad's explanation. "I wanna see Hearthead, too, Mum!"

"Me too!"

"Me three!"

Mum shot my dad a look as the little ones chimed their thoughts, folding her arms in a very Ginny-like fashion. "None of you will be going to that concert."

The little ones groaned in harmony and went back to bickering over who would get the last pancake. I, however, was outraged. "What?!"

My parents shared yet another infuriating look between each other. It was like their own secret language of parental communication. How was I supposed to know what they were thinking?

Mum sighed as she began magicking the griddle and spoons and forks to dance into the sink. "Teddy, love, I'm sorry. I know how much you like Hearthead, but downtown London is not the place to be so young." My siblings began clearing their plates and ran upstairs to carry on with whatever game they were currently into. That left me to deal with my parents.

"You just don't like their music. For no reason, I might add." I crossed my arms.

"That's not the case-"

"No, I know it is. You both just don't trust me with anything!"

Dad folded the Prophet. "Ted, we trust you plenty, but your mother is right. London is dangerous, plain and simple."

Yet again, I found myself rolling my eyes. "Oh, you're one to talk about dangerous. Don't you fight dark wizards for a living?" I asked, wishing my brain would connect to my mouth and stop it from being so cheeky.

Before my dad, who was looking progressively frustrated, could respond, my mum set down her wand and slid into the chair next to me. "We have good reason not to allow you into London by yourself, Teddy."

"I wouldn't be by myself, though. I'd be with my friends! Are you both too thick to understand?"

Dad cleared his throat, his voice coming out in a low rumble. "Teddy, I suggest you lose the attitude right about now, before you're not able to go anywhere at all. If you cannot speak civilly, we can certainly have this discussion later."

I blanched and rose up from my chair, his words sparking more defiance in me. "This is ridiculous, and you know it! There's no good reason for me not to go! I'm plenty responsible, yet you won't trust me!"

"Well, I'm certainly not seeing much proof of this responsibility right now, young man."

"Probably because this is just about the stupidest shite I've ever heard!" I shouted before I could stop myself.

At those words, my dad stood up abruptly, mirroring me. He kept the same low volume as before. "That is quite enough, Edward Remus. I've heard way too much of this disrespectful attitude. You do not talk to your mother or I like that- I don't particularly care how old or mature you feel you are. You know better." He crossed his arms. "Go to your room. Now."

Bloody hell. All the indignation at the unfairness of it all suddenly drained my body at the disappointed look on my father's face. It left me feeling like a ginormous dolt. I managed to murmur a "Yes, sir," before pushing in my chair and making my way to my room.

Perhaps I would've considered arguing back at the sentence to my room if the resentment I earlier felt was still coursing through my veins. But my dad was definitely correct about one point. I didn't speak to my parents like that. I had too much respect for them after all they'd done for me to backtalk in such a way. It's really not as if they'd tolerate it, anyway. The only time I ever remember truly disrespecting my mother was when I was twelve, and was quickly dissuaded from ever repeating that idea after a very unpleasant conversation with my father. Sure, I had a streak for getting into a solid amount of mischief. Between late night escapades in Hogwarts halls and a handful of incidents with girls in broom closets, one could say I was notorious for getting into trouble. How could I not? I had two little brothers who I had to show the reins, not to mention my little princess Lily. Both my father and grandfather were Marauders, for crying out loud. It was just inevitable. A reputation for trouble was definitely an understatement- playing the ringleader in pranks was just so thrilling. Disrespectful, though? It wasn't really my style. My mum says it's because I have a good heart and want to treat others kindly. Personally, I think it's because although my parents say there's no harm in a few "good-natured practical jokes", they don't see a reason to ever be rude. I reckon I don't disagree. Maybe that's why I regretted how I handled things so strongly.

I trudged up the stairs to my bedroom and flopped onto the bed. It had been quite awhile since I'd been sent up to my room like this. If I ever found myself in major trouble nowadays, I was much more likely to be sent to my father's study, where he would decide what punishment to dish out. It was quite worrisome when that happened, it meant I was definitely in for it. It always did. When I was younger and took a trip to the study, there was a fair chance my dad would turn me over his knee. It was reserved for only the worst of crimes. A few years ago, I found myself in major trouble, and upgraded to a spanking with a worn leather slipper. I absolutely hated the bloody thing, so it only made an appearance a very small handful of times. Now? My dad was damn creative with punishments, especially when he's had my mum's input. So getting sent to my room was slightly embarrassing. Childish things like that were more Lily's department, mainly for throwing a tantrum after ceasing to get her way. Which I suppose technically happened here, but it's not as though I meant to lose my temper. I guess my want to go to the Hearthead concert so bloody bad overtook me.

I had to have been laying in my boring room for hours at this point. It was entirely preposterous- a boy needed his freedom! I was absentmindedly fiddling with a stray piece of thread on my Gryffindor pillow and staring at the ceiling when Curly charged into the window over my head. Finally, something exciting. I felt a surge of excitement wash over me when I realized who it was from - it was Vic's owl. After all, she was my best friend. It had been that way from the day she was born. I quickly tore into the letter.

Dearest Teddy,

Daddy and Maman are being ridiculous. They said no to Hearthead! I'm their little girl, I'm too young, blah blah blah. I'm sick of it. They treat me like a glass box! Fifteen is plenty old enough to go to a little concert. So I'm determined to go without my silly parents' approval. Somehow. Any chance you can pick me up on your broom outside my bedroom window at 9:30? You know I'm a terrible flyer, and the concert doesn't start until late, anyway. I'll have to be careful, but I think I can get away with it. Sneaking me out will be just like our Hogwarts adventures, I promise!

Your best friend,

Vic

I quickly folded her letter and got fresh parchment and a quill out to respond, blowing a shallow breath through my nose. What was I supposed to do? Victoire was sneaking out and enlisting me for help, probably sure her "cool" Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny had said yes. I scoffed at the thought. If only. The letter felt heavy in my hands the more I thumbed over it. How could I not go to the concert after receiving an owl like this? I had two options: allow everyone to think I'm permitted to party at the concert and have the time of my life, or look like the world's biggest mummy's boy by staying home because my parents said no. Really, the choice was very obvious. It's not like it would be difficult to get out of here. I had more than my fair share of experience from sneaking around at Hogwarts.

It was decided. I was going to go see Hearthead if it was the last thing I did. And I was going to do it- with Victoire and my friends by my side, nonetheless. Grinning widely at the idea of tonight, I scribbled a response to Victoire letting her know yes, in fact, the Great Teddy would be there to save the day. I couldn't wait to see her. Long, white blonde hair cascading down her back as long legs carried her out the window, excited to finally see me and take a ride on my broomstick-

A knock on my door quickly wrenched me from my thoughts. I scrambled to tuck away Vic's letter before unannounced eyes could glance over it. "Er, come in!"

My dad pushed open the door, walking in and decidedly turning my desk chair to face where I was sitting on the bed. Here we go, I thought. It was time for one of Harry Potter's famous discussions. I looked up to my father expectantly, as he stuffed his hands into his work robes. "I came up here because I wanted to have a conversation about what went on downstairs this morning." I winced at the thought. The guilt pooling in my stomach after mouthing off to my parents had yet to vacate.

"Right. Dad, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. I feel awful."

Dad gave me a purposeful look. "You're right. You shouldn't have said those things. I'm not fond of arguing with you, although it's understandable we may come to disagree from time to time, but I certainly don't appreciate that kind of cheek." The floor was suddenly very interesting. He scooted the chair closer to my bed and tilted my chin up to meet his eyes.

"I know you don't, and I felt terrible afterwards. I just felt so angry when you and mum said I couldn't go! Ollie, Max, and Piper all owled me telling they could last night, so I was already in a horrid mood when I woke up since they were lucky enough to already have permission."

Dad hummed his understanding. "Does that explain the unnecessary outburst at Jamie?"

I gave him a small grin. "Maybe?"

He laughed in return. "I think your brother enjoys trying to get on your nerves. Makes a game out of it."

I flopped on my bed. "He shouldn't be so upset when I retaliate. I could magic him upside down and hang him from the oak tree by the lake if I really wanted to."

"Hey, that's a good one! I expect you to use that threat the next time you want to throttle Jamie," chuckled Dad, giving me a poke on the ribs.

I sat up rigidly straight and saluted. "Yes, sir!"

Dad smiled and joined me on the bed, laying a comforting arm around my shoulders. He was still so much bigger than me, much to my dismay. It made me feel like a child. "In all seriousness, Ted, I don't want to witness any more of that behavior. My least favorite part about being you kids' father is having to be firm, but I will if I know it will show you how to be the best people you can one day. Understand?"

I nodded my understanding and leaned into my dad's strong arms. I would never in a million years admit it, but I loved moments like these. I don't remember my other dad, Remus, despite all the stories my family tells me, but I wish I did incredibly much. Harry, though? Despite my status as an orphan, he and my mum stepped up and chose to love me, to take care of me, to show me right from wrong even when it was difficult and I probably didn't deserve it. I hated disappointing them like this, because I'm too appreciative of everything they've done.

"And Teddy? I really am sorry we can't allow you to see that band tonight. I know you love them, but your mother and I both would feel much more comfortable waiting until you were a bit older to go on your own."

"I get it, Dad. I do. Even if I hate it," I shrugged. He squeezed my shoulder.

"Though Ted, I really want you to know that many of the things you said earlier were not true."

That caught my attention. "Huh?"

He continued, "Your mum and I happen to think a lot of you, despite the times I get 3 owls in one week from Minerva during the school year." He winked at me. "I really do believe you are quite responsible for your age, are very trustworthy, and a good role model for your little siblings. Not to mention the cousins. They look up to you a lot. And I'm glad they do. Your mother and I are very proud of the man you're becoming."

It was difficult to hide the blush creeping onto my cheeks. I'm pretty sure my hair turned red, too. "Really?" I wasn't aware they thought so highly of me. Sure, they praised me bunches and told me how loved I was all the time, but my parents hadn't ever laid it out how proud they were so simply.

Dad smiled and placed a rough kiss on my head as he stood up. "Really. We love you lots, Teddy."

I tried to hide my wide smile. "Thanks, Dad. I love you too." I paused. "Which, if you really think about it, is saying a lot, considering you left me to rot in my dumb room all day." I nudged him playfully.

He shot me a questioning look. "Ted, it's barely noon."

"Huh? How? You're dressed in your work robes, you've been gone all day!"

Dad laughed a low chuckle. "It's Saturday, son. I had a short meeting this morning with Kingsley, but am now free to deal with my crazy family for the rest of the day."

"Ohh..."

"Don't worry, Ted. I won't forget how effectively this punishment worked on you, in case it's necessary for the future."

"Wait no, Dad! That's not what I meant!" I glared at him, trying to conceal my grin.

But he left my room with a laugh and ruffle of my hair, softly shutting the door on his way out. Unfortunately, that left me with a guilty feeling in my stomach and Victoire's crumpled letter I stuffed under my pillow.

Which begged the question- after everything my dad said about how impressed and proud he was, how in Dumbledore's name was I supposed to sneak out? Apparently, my parents thought an incredible amount of me! How could I just betray their trust without a second thought?

Shut up, Teddy, you're being stupid.

No I'm not!

You've snuck out at Hogwarts dozens of times. It's just a change in scenery.

Well this is different-

Oh really, how?

I dunno? It's my parents, not dumb professors.

You're just a wuss.

Ugh. Maybe I was being a baby. This wasn't anything new. If I wanted to show Victoire I was an impressive bloke, as a friend of course, I would need to man up and do this. Whatever happened, I would need to stuff my stupid conscious aside and see Hearthead.

Really, the solution to not disappointing my parents was quite simple-just don't get caught.

The preparations were actually very easy once I had an idea planned out. My main objective was getting through my bedroom window stealthily and flying into the nigh unscathed. That part of the plan wouldn't be a challenge, considering I inherited my dad's skill on a broom. As much as you can inherit a trait from an adoptive parent, anyway. My broom was tucked away under my bed, concealed by a massive amount of other Quidditch necessities.

The next part of my plan was increasingly tricky. I needed to head out at 9:15 if I wanted to successfully reach Shell Cottage at the confirmed time of 9:30. However, my parents didn't expect me to go to bed until around 11:00 during the summer, so retiring for the night early was a bit suspicious. It would require some acting skills. Thus:

"Mummyy," I clambered down the stairs, clutching my stomach for dramatic effect. Calling her Mummy was a tad bit manipulative on my part, but I knew it would work like a charm.

I was right. Mum immediately hopped up from her spot on the couch, curled up in a fluffy, magically warm blanket watching Muggle TV, and rushed over to me. "Teddy, baby, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick? Is it your head? Your stomach? Your throat?" she asked frantically, laying her hand on my forehead. She frowned. "You don't have a fever."

"It's my tummyy," I whined, embracing my inner-Lily, who just happened to race out of the bathroom then, hair wet from a bath.

"What's wrong, Bubba?" she asked adorably, big blue eyes full of concern.

"Teddy isn't feeling well," answered Mum, running her fingers through her daughter's hair. She turned back to me. "I want you up in your bed, now, love. You need your rest if you are sick. I'll bring you up some potion."

I frowned. "But it's only 8:30, Mum!" This needed to be believable, and real-life Teddy would definitely protest at such an early bed time.

"Are you arguing with me, Ted?" She gave me a severe look while filing through the potion cabinet.

"No, ma'am!" That part wasn't acting. Fearing the wrath of Ginny Potter was always very real.

"Then to bed with you."

Bed was precisely where I was now. My mother brought me a potion for my stomach, which I knew from Professor Zabini's class wouldn't negatively affect someone who was actually well. Genius, wasn't I? I had been feigning sleep for 45 minutes, when I was really excitedly waiting for the clock to strike 9:15. Mum had already stopped in to check on me once, so I knew she wouldn't bother coming in again. I had also locked the door that connected to the bathroom of my little brothers' shared room- they were a disaster waiting to happen.

At a few minutes till departure time, I quietly scrambled into my closet to get into my Muggle clothes. They were undeniably cool. A distressed Hearthead shirt, ripped black jeans, and a leather jacket. I even managed to rub some black stuff I found in my mum's bathroom onto my eyes. She would go completely mental if she saw me right now, especially at the makeup. At least I looked like I could be a part of Hearthead!

I stared hard at my appearance, shifting my hair from neon orange to lavender to dark blue. After searching all of my favorites, I settled on a bright turquoise. I knew Victoire would like it. I winked at myself to test it out. Yup- this was perfect. I rocked this hardcore Muggle look.

The clock over my dresser finally struck 9:15. It was go-time. The adrenaline rush from the thrill of doing something I knew was wrong overtook me as I flicked off the bathroom lights and creeped over to my bed, quickly stuffing pillows under the sheets in what I hoped was a humanlike form. Staring at the faux-Teddy critically, I knew it would have to do. It was a believable enough back up plan, and I really need to leave.

I quietly unlatched the window and inhaled deeply. Time to go see Victoire- and Hearthead, of course. For some reason, more nerves than I usually associated with doing something wrong were prickling over my skin. Whatever. Shrugging off all anxiety, I grabbed my Thunderbolt, and crawled through the open window.

I landed on the willow tree that sat outside my room. Beaming brightly, I mounted my broomstick and flew off into the night.

Author's Note: Well? What do you think? I appreciate any reviews so, so much! Personally, I really enjoyed writing Harry in this-a lot of people think he wouldn't be the kind of father to handle much of the discipline, but I like to think he could step up! I guess I was kind of playing off the head canon I have going in my head where James survived and raised Harry, so that Harry had a father figure growing up. Maybe that influenced how I wrote Harry a bit, lol. Feel free to leave any suggestions- or even any ideas for the plot. Who knows, I may consider them :) Thanks for so much for reading!