Chapter 12 – Unexpected News
The first few weeks of September were the hardest. The distance between Teddy and Victoire was unbearable for both of them, but with determined attitudes they put everything into their work – Victoire, her school studies, and Teddy, his Auror training.
Not a day passed when Victoire didn't cross Teddy's mind, but Kingsley had him on such a tight schedule that it became less frequent. Auror training was exceptionally difficult, as Teddy quickly learnt. Not only did it require exceptional physical skill and bravery, but also cunning wisdom and quick thinking. Quite often he would return home with an agonising headache and muscle fatigue from all the work he was forced to do.
It was rather clear that Teddy had not inherited his parents skills, but he 'showed promise' according to Kingsley, and he made up for it in his determination to succeed.
Victoire had kept her promise, and Teddy had been receiving owls practically every day since term had started. Each new letter brought a huge smile to his face. Seeing her neat, French-styled handwriting written delicately on a clean piece of parchment, made him feel like a small part of her was back at home with him. He treasured her letters dearly, keeping them in a box by his bed. He, of course, wrote back to her, telling her all about his Auror training and how much he missed her.
But, after approximately a month since Victoire had been whisked off to Hogwarts, Teddy received the most terrifying letter he had ever gotten. As soon as it had arrived it had puzzled him intensely, for it had the same formal writing, on the same neat envelope that was sent out by Hogwarts, containing important news directly from the school.
He flipped it over curiously, his heart thumping beneath his shirt. It was sealed at the back with the official, blood-red seal of Hogwarts. He tore it open shakily, and unfolded the letter slowly.
Taking a deep breath, Teddy began to read.
Dear Mr Teddy Lupin,
It is with genuine, official business that I should contact you so early into the new school year. I express my greatest regrets when I must tell you that your presence is required at Hogwarts immediately. I apologise deeply for the suddenness of this request, but this matter is one of upmost urgency. The business on which I summon you concerns Miss Victoire Weasley, whom I am led to believe you share a close, personal relationship with. Neither her, nor yourself are in any danger, but a meeting must be held between the three of us as soon as possible, and your attendance is compulsory.
A Ministry official will be sent to your house this Saturday at approximately ten o' clock in the morning. You will be escorted to Hogwarts where further information will be given.
Accommodation, along with suitable nourishment, will be provided. If you are unable to travel at the time or date mentioned above, please write back as soon as you have read this letter. If not, then please do not respond, and simply be prepared for the Ministry official to arrive at your house at the arranged time and date. You will not require anything to be brought with you unless you see it absolutely necessary.
I once again apologise for this sudden demand at such short notice, and the lack of information revealed to you at the current moment. I look forward to seeing you this Saturday.
Yours Sincerely,
Professor M. Bobbin (Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry)
Teddy reread the letter again, frozen with shock. What could possibly have happened that meant he needed to go to Hogwarts immediately? Both his mind and heart were racing wildly. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed another owl that had obviously just flown in. In its beak it carried a pretty pink envelope – the kind that Victoire always used. He ripped it open without really thinking, and read it quickly.
Dearest Teddy
Professor Bobbin said she's going to send you a letter, and I don't know if you have received it yet or not, but please believe me when I say that everything is fine. Well, not 'fine' exactly, but nothing to worry about too much for the moment. I'm sorry I can't explain anything to you now, but this isn't the kind of news I can tell you in a letter. You'll understand when we're face to face, together again. Forgive me, my love, and I can't wait to see you again!
Missing you always,
Your Victoire
xxx
Now Teddy was really starting to freak out. What could have possibly happened? And what did Victoire mean when she said everything wasn't 'fine' exactly?
The days leading up to Saturday were a living nightmare, and when Friday night came around, Teddy couldn't sleep at all.
At precisely ten o' clock, the Ministry official arrived, startling his grandmother, who, he realised, he had forgotten to tell anything about the two letters. The man was a dull looking bloke, in a smart black cloak – very business-like. Teddy didn't feel reassured in the slightest.
After the irritated wizard had finished explaining what was going on to Teddy's grandmother, he and Teddy left for Hogwarts. Due to the protection placed on Hogwarts, the pair used Floo Powder to travel to Hogsmeade Village. From there, they walked directly to Hogwarts, following the path that had linked the two places for centuries.
As the giant castle loomed into view, a warm sensation bubbled up inside Teddy. He really did feel like he was coming home. His whole life had revolved around Hogwarts, and for a whole year he had been forced to live without it.
But now he was back, and adrenaline gripped his stomach as fond memories flooded his mind. But then it was over abruptly, and he was shaken with fear as they approached the large wooden doors that marked the main entrance into the school. The awful realisation of why he was really here throbbed in his mind. Something wasn't right, and whatever it was, he needed to know soon or he would surely explode with anxiety. What was going on with Victoire?
The doors creaked open and Teddy was greeted by a concerned looking witch. It was Professor Bobbin, the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Kindly, she led him inside, thanking the Ministry official for his effort. He promptly left, in search for a lavatory, and Teddy was glad to be left alone with his former headmistress.
"Good Morning, Teddy, I hope you are well. It's been a while since I last saw you," she said calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary was occurring.
"Please, Professor, just tell me what's going on," Teddy pleaded. Bobbin began walking down the corridor, motioning for Teddy to walk beside her. He did so, at a brisk pace.
"Very well, Mr Lupin. I'm sorry for the distress my letter must have caused you, but this is a very delicate matter, and one we have never been faced with before."
Teddy felt a lump in his throat. "Please," he asked simply.
She nodded sincerely as they continued down the corridor. As they turned the corner, Teddy noticed someone in the distance. His heart skipped a beat.
At the same time, the person noticed him and, without thinking, began sprinting down the corridor, her hair flying in all directions.
"I think it would be best if Miss Weasley explained," Professor Bobbin told him calmly. "When you are ready, I will be waiting to discuss the matter with you in my office." And with that she turned on her heel and strode down the same corridor they had just walked.
Teddy didn't have time to react, because before he knew it, Victoire was in his arms and he was embracing her tightly. It had only been about a month since they had last seen each other, but that time had seemed like an eternity to the both of them.
"I'm so happy to see you!" she breathed.
Teddy held her tighter. "Me too," he whispered affectionately, "but Victoire, please, please, just tell me what this is all about. What's going on?"
Victoire broke away from him, taking a nervous step backwards so they could see each other clearly. Her breathing was extremely shaky, and she looked petrified, which only made Teddy feel more frightened of whatever she was about to tell him. She gulped as they stood in an unbearably tense silence.
Teddy waited patiently, certain it wasn't possible for his heart could to thump any louder. Finally Victoire spoke, in a small voice that seemed to echo around the walls of the corridor hauntingly.
"Teddy, I'm pregnant..."