Teddie looked around as she reached the front row of the Slytherin stands. One end of the Quidditch stadium was covered in red and gold, while the other was a sea of green and silver. Just like every game, the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had taken sides, too.
Mason and Astoria stood with Teddie in the Slytherin stands, deciding to support Slytherin, as per usual, and were waving silver and green flags that trailed green and silver tendrils and smoke with each wave.
Teddie, meanwhile, had her banner, which she had spread out between herself, Blaise, and Daphne, and was holding over the side of the stands. The stadium burst into roars of cheers and applause as the two teams trudged out from their changing rooms, sometimes a boo punctured the celebration, but most often than not it was drowned out.
In the centre of the field stood Madam Hooch. At her feet was the black rectangular box that held the Bludgers, the Quaffle, and the Golden Snitch.
"Captains, shake hands," Hooch called.
From where she stood, Teddie could see Theo and Harry approach one another. They may not have been friends, but they were allies. This game, however, there was no room for an alliance. They were competing against one another, whether they liked it or not.
"Mount your booms!" Madam Hooch called. "One the whistle… three… two…" the shrill sound cut through the air, and both teams shot off into the skies.
Teddie jumped up and down, waving her banner and screaming, as Theo and Harry rose the highest out of the two teams, looped around the pitch, and then hovered in the air.
"Well, there they go, and I think we're all surprised to see the team that Potter's pit together this year. Many thought, given Ronald Weasley's patchy performance as Keeper last year, that he might be off the team, but of course, a close personal friendship with the Captain does help…"
Instinctively, Teddie gripped the stand in front of her. She knew that voice, the one that was coming from the commentator's box.
"Who would put him on the commentary?" Blaise asked.
"Should have cursed him last year when we had the chance," said Daphne.
Marlene, who was sitting behind them, frowned, and leaned forward. "Who you talking about?" she asked.
"Zacharias Smith," said Teddie. "The commentator. He's a Hufflepuff that could easily pass for a Slytherin."
"I know him," said Judy. "The only reason he is in Hufflepuff is because he was a distant relation of Helga."
"Seriously?"
Judy shrugged. "I guess it depends on what you read," she said. "But, I do agree that he could pass for a Slytherin. He's also very pompous. I understand the sentiment about wanting to curse him. If you want, I could lure him to a dark corridor."
Teddie sniggered. "As entertaining as the sounds, it plays into the whole 'don't let the other houses assume the worst about you' that Professor Snape wants us to avoid," she said.
"Oh!" Judy whined. "Why do you have to remind us of all the time?"
Teddie reached over and patted her hand.
"Oh, and here comes Slytherin's first attempt on goal, it's Urquhart streaking down the pitch and -"
The whole Slytherin stand held their breath. The opposite side of the pitch broke into cheers, as the Slytherin's booed from their seats.
"- Weasley saves it, well, he's bound to get luck sometimes, I suppose…"
The game progressed. Within half an hour, Gryffindor had managed to score sixty points, while Slytherin were still at zero.
"What the hell?!" Marlene cried. "There is no way Weasley got that good in one summer. Do you think he's cheating?"
Judy shrugged. "Gryffindors are such goody-goodies, I can't see them cheating to win a game, to be honest," she said.
"Yeah. Maybe Weasley's got a bit of luck on his side today," said Susan.
"Luck?" Blaise asked, glancing at Teddie and Daphne. "You don't think?"
Teddie shook her head, although she looked and felt uncertain. There was no way Harry would, would he? Like Judy had said, the Gryffindors, especially Harry, were goody-goodies. There was no possible way that they would stoop, to what they believed would be a Slytherin's way, to get what they wanted.
"It would make sense," said Daphne. "And there was confrontation between Granger, Potter, and Weasley this morning at breakfast, remember?"
Teddie nodded. "But, it's Harry," she said, her voice faltering. "He wouldn't… would he?"
"Maybe he did it to boost Weasley's confidence a bit?"
"But it's cheating," said Blaise. "Slughorn said himself that Feliix Felicis can't be used during sporting games. If Potter had slipped his friend something, then he's cheating himself and his team. And what happens next game, when Weasley goes back to being a shit player?"
"Felix Felicis?" Susan asked. "The Liquid Luck potion. What's that got to do with anything?"
Blaise launched into the story of explaining what had happened their first Potion lesson to Marlene, Susan, and Judy, while Teddie sought out Harry in the air above her. He was ducking and diving, trying to search for the Snitch, while also keeping an eye on, and evading Theo, all at the same time.
"Golden boy, Potter, wouldn't do that," said Judy. "But, if you think he has, maybe you should report it to Professor Snape?"
Mason shook his head. "Wouldn't work," he said. "We have no proof. It's our word against Harry's. And the House Elves would've cleaned breakfast dishes by now. All remains of the potion would be gone from the goblet."
"Plus, we wouldn't know which goblet Weasley drunk out of, anyway," said Astoria. "Everything is just speculation now. Unless, of course, Potter and Weasley admits to cheating. But why would they do that?"
"They wouldn't," said Teddie, tearing her gaze from the two Seekers. "We have to let it go. If it turns out they are cheating, then we can deal with it later. But now… I think Theo's seen the snitch."
Teddie wasn't the only one who had noticed Theo's drawn attention. Smith had seen it, too.
"I think Nott of Slytherin's seen the Snitch!" said Smith. "Yes, he's certainly seen something Potter hasn't."
Teddie held her breath as Harry shot forward, hot on Theo's tail. "COME ON, THEO!" she yelled, her voice echoing around the stands. All around her, the other Slytherin's started to cheer and call his name.
Astoria stood on the bench beneath her, shaking her flag and chanting, while Mason punched the air multiple times.
Theo and Harry were neck and neck, both hands outstretched. Each Seeker bumping the other, trying to knock him off course
A hushed silence fell over the stadium.
Then they both dropped, and Theo raced around the pitch, his hand held high in the sky as the gold wings of the Snitch fluttered helplessly between his fingers.
The Slytherin stands exploded. Feet pounded the wooden floor beneath him, their voices reaching high octaves. Daphne threw her arms around Blaise, and Teddie hugged both Mason and Astoria.
For the first time in a long time, someone had beat Harry Potter to the Snitch in an actual fair game.
The sea of green and silver were so loud that hardly anyone heard the whistle that signalled the end of the game. Theo flew towards the pitch, the rest of his team meeting him there.
"Let's go!" said Teddie, pushing her friends towards the stairs. They all hurried from the stands, down the spiral staircase, and out through the side door onto the field.
Theo broke away from his team-mates as he saw his friends racing towards him across the pitch. He smiled and caught Teddie as she jumped at him once close enough and spun her around in a hug. The pair broke apart as Blaise and Daphne descended on him, each one thumping him on the back in victory.
Sure, this was only the first game of the season, but everyone was just excited that Slytherin had managed to best Harry Potter and the Gryffindor team in a fair match. Especially since no one had been able to do so since Potter had joined the team back in first year.
"Hey, Nott."
Theo looked around as Harry approached. He pulled off his Seeker's glove and held out his hand.
"Congrats," said Harry, smiling. "You played a good game."
Teddie grinned as Theo shook Harry's hand. "Same to you, Potter," he said.
"Hey, Ted," said Harry.
"Well done, Harry," said Teddie, hugging him. "Looking forward to cheering for you in the game against Hufflepuff."
Harry smiled, nodded, and walked back to his own team-mates. "Oh, before I forget," he added, turning back. "Happy Birthday!"
Teddie beamed.
~X~
A party was thrown that night in the Slytherin common room. Despite everyone eating themselves to bursting in the Halloween feast, they each had room for second helpings of sweets and snacks as everyone retired for the after party.
Selecting a small few sweet snacks, Teddie settled into the armchair near the fire, only looking up as her friends settled down around her. Each of them supporting suspicious smiles.
"What?" Teddie asked, concern eating at her insides. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"Come with us," said Theo, holding out his hand as he stood.
"Why?"
"We want to show you something," said Blaise, also standing. He pulled on a cloak and untucked the hood.
"But it's after hours," said Teddie. "Professor Snape doesn't like us -"
"We have permission," said Daphne, showing Teddie a handwritten note from their head of house. Plus, Cruise and the other Auror's will be present.
Setting aside her plate, Teddie stood and took Theo's hand, allowing him to escort her across the Slytherin common room, through the portrait hole, and out into the dingy corridor.
Out of the shadows came Cruise.
"Miss Green," Jonathan said, bowing his head. "I believe Happy Birthday is in order."
"Thank you," said Teddie.
"Quinn and Dominic have gone to escort Mr Green and Miss Greengrass down from the Ravenclaw tower," said Cruise. "They'll meet us in the Entrance Hall."
"Why are they meeting us in the Entrance Hall?" Teddie asked. "Where are we going?"
Daphne smiled and shook her head. "It's a surprise," she said. "I know your golden rule is one present per person for your birthday, but this year, you're going to have to make an exception. Plus, this is an early birthday present for Mason, too."
"But -" Teddie broke off as they reached the Entrance Hall. Quinn and Dominic were already waiting for them along with Professor Snape, Astoria, and Mason.
"What's happening?" Mason asked, crossing the marble floor to his sister's side. "They won't tell me anything."
"I'm as much in the dark as you are," said Teddie. She turned to her Head of House. "Can you tell us what's happening?"
Professor Snape shook his head. "All I can say is that this is an old tradition that Witches and Wizards haven't celebrated in many years," he explained. "But, it is something that you will find both heart-warming, comforting, and, hopefully, healing."
Teddie and Mason shared concerned looks.
"This way," said Melanie, gesturing to the double oak doors that led to the grounds. She led them down a small path, stopping at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. A small bonfire had been set, but not lit, near the trees.
"What do you know about Halloween, Mason?" Daphne asked.
"Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain," Mason answered. "On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to Earth."
Teddie looked wildly around at Professor Snape. "Wait a minute, are you saying -?" she asked.
"I'm not saying you will be able to see them again," said Professor Snape. "Magic can't bring back the dead. But, if your magic is strong enough then you should be able to feel them."
Tears appeared in Mason's eyes, and he gripped Teddie's hand tightly. "But, how?" he asked.
"The veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest tonight," said Blaise, squeezing Mason's shoulder. "It is when the spirits of the other world walk amongst us. We can tap into the magic of old and connect with our ancestors. My grandfather did this once, when his wife died, and he was able to feel her one last time."
"A lot of people say it's bitter-sweet," said Astoria. "Mum and Dad allowed Daphne and I to do it when our grandfather passed away. It was hard letting him go, but it was nice to know that he was still there. It helped me heal."
Daphne nodded. "You remember what I said about my grandfather?" she asked Teddie.
Teddie nodded.
"The night we celebrated this tradition, I felt his presence," said Daphne. "I didn't see him, but I felt him standing right next to me. He kissed my cheek and I swear, he whispered in my ear. He told me to be strong… then he was gone."
Teddie swallowed and stared at the bonfire. It had been contained inside a metal grate, around which was a shelf. "What's the stand for?" she asked.
"To connect with your lost loved ones, you need a conduit," said Cruise. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small picture of a young girl. "This is Carrie. She was my daughter. She died of Dragon Pox at aged five." He set the image on the shelf.
Daphne stepped up to the bonfire next and set her own image on the shelf. It was of a frail, old man, and Teddie already knew that this was her grandfather.
"This is my grandmother," said Blaise, setting an image of an old woman next to Daphne's photo. "She was everything to me. When my mother was off, gallivanting with her soon-to-be new husband, I was with my grandmother. Then she died, and my grandfather couldn't take care of me on his own. I still see him, now and again, but he has a permanent residence at St Mungo's."
Theo stepped up next to the bonfire and set an image of himself and his mother on the alter. He smiled and stepped back, looking over at Teddie as she reached for his hand.
"We don't have any photos," said Mason. "They're either in our trunks or at Flint manor."
"I have this," said Snape. "I took them from your home when Dumbledore informed me that your parents were dead last year. He handed over an image of Robert and Rose Green, and two children. Robert had a three-year-old Teddie on his shoulders, while Rose was swaddling a one-year-old Mason in her arms.
The family of four looked happy.
Teddie's throat closed, and tears blurred her vision as she stared at the picture of her parents. All the feelings of anger, guilt, and resentment bubbled to the surface. She felt Mason's hand slid into her own and brushed aside the tears with the back of the hand that held the photo.
She couldn't cry. Not now. Not in front of Mason.
"Are we doing this?" Melanie asked, producing her wand.
Everyone looked at Teddie, while Teddie looked at Mason. "Do you want to do this?" she asked.
"Yes," said Mason. "Not only am I fascinated by the history of this, but if I get the chance to feel Mum and Dad again, I want to."
"Okay," said Teddie, wrapping an arm loosely around Mason's shoulders. She walked him to the bonfire and set the image of them and their parents on the alter.
The siblings stepped back, and everyone circled up around the bonfire.
"Hold hands, close your eyes, and relax," Cruise instructed. "Think of a memory - any memory - but make sure it's filled with love and joy for the person you're trying to contact. Let it fill you up, then, whisper their names to the skies."
Before she took Cruise's offered hand, Melanie pointed her wand at the bonfire. "Incendio!" she muttered. Flames broke out over the wood, causing it to crackle and blister, little flickers of ember darting off into the air.
Teddie felt Mason's hand grip hers and together, as everyone else whispered the name of the person they missed, said -
"Mum… Dad…"
Teddie felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Starting in her core, rising, and falling. It flooded her whole body, warming her from the inside out.
Then… she felt a hand on her shoulder, and a woman's voice in her ear.
"You are not to blame for what happened to us," said the voice. "No matter what anyone says. You were our daughter. We loved you. We still love you. Be safe. Be strong. Look after Mason and be kind to yourself."
Teddie's eyes snapped open just as she felt a slight pressure against her cheek. A tear rippled down from her eye, and she felt her chest shudder as her breath came in short gasps. "Mum!" she cried, staring into the face of Rose Green on the alter.
"Dad!" Mason cried, his legs buckling.
Breaking the chain, Teddie caught her brother as he hit the ground, her arms wrapping around him from behind and holding him to her chest. He was almost bent in half, but she cradled him in a firm hold.
The bonfire continued to flicker, but the magic had disappeared.
Looking up, Teddie met her friends' gazes. She offered them a small smile, and then, turning Mason around, allowed him to cry into her shoulder.
"Happy Birthday," a male voice whispered, just before the bonfire light went out.