Finally a new chapter! Inspiration for this story has been a bit fleeting lately, I am afraid. We are finally starting the take steps in Temus and Tonks' relationship and we have some (hopefully) sweet family moments. Enjoy!

I don't own Harry Potter.


"What about this?" Remus called, holding up a book for Tonks to se, "It is the next one in a series I saw him reading."

"Mum already got him the box set," Dora sighed, "I really should have kept some specific items on the wish list for us."

Remus and Tonks were searching Diagon Alley for Teddy's birthday presents. They had decided to give him their gifts together, so that one of them would not be in the awkward position of giving the "better" present. This was, Tonks mused, an unusual show of harmony for a couple whose divorce had been finalized mere hours before. Since they had to get together and take the day off for the hearing, they had somehow decided to make the day of it. They had gone out for lunch after their hearing was over and went to Diagon Alley to do some shopping. She wasn't even sure which of them had suggested it, or when. Lunch had started off with two waters, two sandwiches and awkward, stilted small talk that avoided in and all mention of where they had just left. Gradually, their time together drifted to easy conversation, two beers, and a shared chocolate cauldron. Tonks was reminded of the time they spent together as friends, before romance complicated their relationship. The times when they would have a nightcap after their shared assignments, and he was her favorite person to vent her frustrations to. It gave her hope that they could raise Teddy as friends.

However, their current task in joint parenting was not going all too well. "You were an eleven year old boy once, Remus!" Tonks cried in exasperation, "What you you have liked?"

"I don't remember! That was nearly forty years ago!"

They had found a few small gifts, but needed something special. Eleven was, after all, a very important age in a young wizard's life. They were passing the animal emporium when Remus grabbed Dora's sleeve. "I think I may have an idea."

Teddy couldn't help his excitement as his birthday was fast approaching. He sort of got his wish-he was going to celebrate turning eleven with both his parents. He knew he couldn't force them together, so he was trying to be satisfied with what he had, but that was hard to do when you are ten-almost-eleven-years old. At least his parents seemed to be friends.

His birthday party was just family, but the size of the Potter and Weasley families combined meant that the burrow was the only place they could get together. Basically, his party was Sunday lunch with cake, presents, and a few extra guests. As Sunday lunch was Teddy's favorite event of the week, he quite liked it. Grandma Molly had outdone herself with a massive cake made to look like a Quidditch pitch, complete with chocolate players that zoomed around in circuits, occasionally passing off a confectionary Quaffle. Teddy could not hold back his smile, his eyes glued on the candy Quidditch match.

"That is a very impressive bit of magic, Molly," he heard Aunt Hermione compliment. Teddy knew this was high praise for her, but Grandma Molly waved it off.

"Just a little charm," she said, "I will show you later."

Later, there were gifts. Teddy had never seen so many parcels for one person-especially not himself. "Eleven is a special birthday," his mum laughed when he said that aloud, "I don't think we'll be able to match this every year!"

Grandma Molly had knitted him a jumper with a giant "T" on the front, done up in purple and gold. "They are great to have because it gets very cold in the castle at winter," Uncle Harry told him, smiling at Molly, "And your Grandma Molly makes the best." Grandpa Arthur gave him a wireless that he adapted from a muggle radio, so that it picked up both wizarding and muggle stations. Since Teddy grew up with both, he was glad to be able to bring it to Hogwarts.

Grandma Andromeda gave him the set of novels he had been waiting for. Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry gave him tickets to the upcoming English Quidditch league finals. The rest of the family took turns handing over their gifts until the only one who had not given their gifts were his mom and dad. There were several from them: An assortment of sweets from Honeyduke's, a new game of exploding snap, and some books. When the last present was opened, his mom looked excited and said, "There's one more. I think you will like it, but it is a big responsibility."

"You mother and I think you are ready, but you need to think so too," his dad said seriously, but with a merry twinkle in his eye.

"Teddy knew what he wanted his gift to be, but did not want to jump to conclusions in case he was wrong. His mum and dad walked to the tool shed and returned with a large box. Teddy lifted the lid and the sides dropped down to reveal a small tawny owl. His face broke into a wide grin at the sight. It had wide amber eyes, and a feather pattern that gave the appearance of eyebrows poised in expectation. It hooted at the sight of his new owner, and picked at the door of its cage with his beak and talons.
"I have always wanted an owl! Is it a boy or girl?"
"He's a boy and he still needs a name. Do you think you can come up with one?"

Teddy studied his new owl and the owl studied him in return. He was not an especially regal bird, but Teddy could see in his eyes that he was clever and mischievous.

"Puck," he decided, "After a Midsummer Night's Dream. I read it with Aunt Hermione."

Aunt Hermione smiled at this. "I think it is a lovely name!"

He carefully opened the cage and allowed Puck to step onto his arm. The owl then side stepped his way onto Teddy's shoulder and began nibbling his ear and the collar of his shirt.

"How did you know I wanted one?"

"Well, you sure draw a lot of owls for someone who doesn't want one," Remus laughed.

"Now you can write home to your old Mum everyday," Tonks smiled teasingly.

"Sure..." Teddy said, not wanting to hurt her feelings but also not wanting to look like a homesick baby at Hogwarts.

To his surprise, his mum started laughing, "My sweet kid! I was your age too, once! I will be happy with two letters a week, but I think you may be surprised by how often the other first years write home. At least your dad will be there."

Teddy momentarily forgot that he was really too old for hugs, and gave both his parents a nice big bear hug. He wasn't even at all embarrassed, either.


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