Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. No money is made from this.

Chapter 12 - Rules & Consequences

Harry sighed standing in front of Ted's room. What a coward he was. It was just a talk to his 15-year old godson, not rocket science. He needed to get this over with before the children came back and so he finally knocked at the door. Entering he saw Teddy studying at his desk and he gave a smile at the sight, which seemed to reassure the boy. Taking a second chair he placed it next to him and sat down placing an A4 paper on the table. He pushed it over to Teddy who gave him a questioning look.

"What is this?"

Eyeing the parchment Teddy read out the headline.

"Rules...Harry, what's the meaning of this?"

Harry let out another sigh.

"Teddy, I need to apologise to you."

The teenager opposite him starred suspiciously, which was understandable, yet Harry continued. That would explain soon enough.

"I'm sorry that I've let you down. It should have never come as far as it has. You shouldn't have to resit exams now. I should have taken care of things a lot earlier and we probably wouldn't be here."

"Ehm, don't you think that is kinda my fault? I mean you came and talked to me regularly and I just kept messing up."

"Well I'm not saying you're free of blame and we will be talking about that in a moment. However I failed to provide you with clear rules and consequences to guide you. So I'm changing this now, for you, because I care about you. Let's go over them, shall we?"

Teddy still eyed him warily, but took the paper and started reading out loud.

1. Be safe. Don't put yourself or others in danger.

Well, that was not really a rule. Who would willingly put himself in danger? But he understood why it had to be a number one on any set of rules Harry would ever issue.

2. No skipping of classes or homework. Work to the best of your abilities.

He nodded knowing Harry expected that and he really shouldn't skive any more if he wanted to finish his education. Looking back he couldn't really remember what had made him do it in the first place. He was just so frustrated all the time. Pushing the thought away he continued.

3. Control your temper. There is never a reason to let anger rule your actions.

Teddy winced, this would be hard. The recent events were the undeniable proof.

4. Be honest and polite. Lying will only earn you distrust. Disrespect will get you nowhere and only leads to people not respecting you in return.

A little blush appeared on Ted's face. He had been guilty of both offences during the last year, if not the last weeks.

5. No fighting. No violence.

Unnecessary really, he had never raised a wand in anger or attacked someone.

"Harry I'm not violent." Teddy pouted.

"Ted, those are guidelines for you. I'm glad if you won't need some of them, but they are there nonetheless. Besides did you not throw something at me in anger just yesterday?"

Embarrassed he lowered his eyes and then quickly continued reading.

6. No drinking or smoking until you're of age. No drugs.

7. Trust the adults around you to make the right decisions and obey them.

Teddy rolled his eyes. Clearly that was meant in relation to his latest unallowed trip. In hindsight it had been stupid, but he never seemed to be any wiser for the next time. "So much for nearly making Ravenclaw." He thought bitterly before reading the last rule.

8. Be yourself and trust your heart. It will lead you in the right direction.

Teddy smiled. It was just like his godfather to end with something mushy like that.

"So,..." Harry started, "you're fine with those?"

Teddy nodded, what Harry had written down was fair and understandable. If he was honest to himself, those rules had always existed. It was just that now they were fixed in writing rather than being implied and somehow he felt that made them all the easier to remember, easier to follow.

"A verbal answer if you will!" Harry demanded in a gentle voice.

Snapping back from his thoughts he replied:

"Yes...yes I understand. I..., they're fine."

Not that he really believed Harry would be open for an argument about those basic rules.

"I'll take the liberty to add to that list should I believe it necessary."

Again Teddy nodded and then remembering the reprimand only moments ago murmured a "Yes".

"Right."

Harry let out a small cough before continuing.

"I also said breaking any of those rules will have direct consequences. Do you understand?"

Again a nod. "Yeah I do."

"Good, because I want you to know that should I hear about any more skiving of classes, disrespect to teachers or failing grades I'm going to withdraw my permission for Hogsmeade immediately. And I'm not above pulling you off the Quidditch team either should I see reason to believe you need the time for extra studying."

At those words a little shock did appear on Teddy's face and Harry was glad to finally see a reaction from him. Maybe he was getting through eventually. He didn't like threatening his godson, but then again he was merely explaining the consequences he fully intended on carrying out should Ted's behaviour not improve.

There was an awkward silence between the two of them and while Teddy's eyes were rooted to the table to avoid Harry's gaze, a glimpse of hope erupted in him. His godfather had yet to address yesterday's events and maybe, just maybe he would turn a blind eye. Deep down though he knew that the talk of rules and consequences meant that it was highly unlikely Harry wouldn't address last night's behaviour. In fact Harry had caught his attention just now with a gentle touch on his shoulder.

"Look at me please."

His voice was friendly, accompanied with a reassuring smile.

"We still have to talk about yesterday. We'll do so calmly and I'm not angry Teddy. I was worried, yes, but no one of us, not me or Ginny or the Weasleys love you any less because you make mistakes occasionally. It's part of growing up."

Suddenly the teenager flung himself at his adoptive father blubbering.

"I'm sorry Harry. I didn't think. I'm sorry bothering you."

Embracing the teen in a hug, Harry spoke soothing words.

"Schh, you're no bother Teddy. It's all good, you're safe."

Taking a deep breath Teddy settled back in his own chair and quickly composed himself. At least he hadn't started crying.

...

Harry watched the blue-haired boy warily as he gently rubbed his back. Where had this outburst of emotion come from? Teddy really didn't make it easy to punish him. He thought back to Draco's words.

You do to him what people did to you. Pity – it will only hurt him more.

When Teddy settled back on his chair, Harry placed the A4 paper between them once more.

"I was hoping we could go over exactly which rules you broke yesterday sparing me the lecture, because I trust you actually know full well the wrong in your actions. So go on." He tipped his finger on the parchment.

Teddy glanced at the writing. Don't put yourself in danger. He winced, certainly guilty of that.

Why did he have to be so quick eating his own words? He thought pointing at the first rule.

"It was dangerous flying to London and I put myself at risk by drinking."

Harry acknowledged his answer and added:

"It was indeed, as was leaving without telling anyone where you went. Had something happened to you, we wouldn't even have known where to start looking for you."

The teenager bowed his head. "I'm sorry", was all he could choke out.

"I hope you actually learn from this, so you're grounded for the next two weeks."

Grounded – the word sunk in and a weird mix of shame and relief came over Teddy. He had been pushing and expecting this for so long now, but the fact that his lenient godfather actually punished him was still a strange concept. However he didn't have time to brood on the emotion as Harry continued speaking.

"Concentrate on your exams and when they're finished you can help Ginny or Nana Molly around the house and in the garden. I'm sure the Gnomes at the Burrow are waiting for you."

Ted grimaced, degnoming the garden was Nana Molly's favourite punishment and he didn't mind that much. Two more weeks of grounding sucked, but at least he'd get out of the house. However he had a feeling this wouldn't be the only consequence as he glanced back at the rules.

"Temper" he cringed "I lost my temper when you tried to talk to me."

Harry motioned him to go on.

"Well I probably broke four, five, six and seven as well by shouting at you, throwing that toy, drinking underage and directly disobeying you by leaving at all."

Then he added mumbling. "I'm sorry."

"I'm glad you apologise, I'm proud you can acknowledge your mistakes and I'm not disciplining you to be cruel or because I enjoy it, but because I want you to learn from this. Our actions always have consequences, Ted."

Although Teddy realised the words, taking them all in, he didn't show any reaction. There was too much anxiety to hold in over what his godfather would do to him.

Seeing that he would just have to go on, Harry spoke up again.

"As I told you yesterday, I locked that broom for your sake, but you're also banned from flying until school resumes."

Teddy flinched. He loved flying, it was second nature to him and he loved playing even if it was only with all the Weasley cousins. Banning him for the complete remainder of the holidays was a bit excessive, but his godfather hadn't finished yet.

"I also want you to write a well researched essay about the influence and danger of alcohol until the end of your grounding."

Teddy nodded, homework during break wasn't something he was thrilled about and he wasn't keen on any more alcohol anyway. Yet it didn't seem wise to question his godfather on this.

Harry contemplated his next words. It was a bit unusual, but he really couldn't excuse Teddy's anger outburst once more and this felt like a suitable discipline.

"Right that leaves the little outburst you had last night. I told you, you wouldn't like the consequences of another tantrum like that."

Teddy blushed remembering Harry's words after the dinner incident. He wished he would be able to actually control his emotions and not constantly feel overruled by anger or mood swings out of a sudden.

Harry continued, regaining Teddy's attention.

"Since you decided to throw a tantrum like a 5-year old, I think an early bed-time is in order for today and tomorrow."

Ted's eyes widened and he stammered out a "What?".

"Early bed-time Ted, 30 minutes after James in fact."

Ted's subdued attitude had vanquished and was replaced with sheer irritation. He was no sodding 5-year old, who would be put to bed early if he was naughty.

"You're kidding, right? You can't mean that Harry. Seriously..."

"No Ted, I'm absolutely serious. Maybe it helps keeping your temper in check in the future."

Teddy was positively enraged now.

"You can't do that."

Harry mustered his godson, who was showing clear tendencies of being on the verge of another outburst. Calmly but with a dangerous edge in his voice he warned:

"Calm down Teddy. My decision is final and your whining won't change that."

Teddy held Harry's stare and answered back.

"I'm not whining and I'm not going to be put to bed less than an hour after an eight year old."

"Well if you don't cease this argument now, I could always change it to James bedtime instead."

Again there was shock on the teenager's face.

"What? No!"

A small smile started forming on Harry's face.

"I thought you might agree with me."

But that wasn't Teddy's intention whatsoever.

"No, I don't agree at all. I'm no child Harry. You can't do that..." Teddy yelled.

Harry had enough. They'd been here too often. If he kept this discussion going, his godson would only snap eventually. With a sort of inner mantra of He's testing his boundaries. He pushes to get my reaction. Harry listened to Ted's rant, but then abruptly interrupted him.

"Okay that's it. I warned you to control your temper and speak to me civilly and without shouting. You'll be joining Jamie's bed-time for the weekend. You sure whine like an eight year old. Continue now and I enforce the early bed time for the next week too."

Teddy's mouth snapped shut, opening again gasping for air like a fish for water. He still thought Harry was being unfair, but obviously there was no arguing with him now. Ted didn't want to test his godfather's threat, which was accompanied with a sternness on his face that he rarely put on within his family life.

Harry watched the blue-haired boy satisfied.

"Glad you see it my way. We'll have lunch when Jamie, Al and Lily are back."

Harry had only gotten up from the chair and fixed the parchment on the wall above the desk with a flick of his wand, when happy chattering erupted downstairs and a little voice came from the stairs.

"Daddy, daddy."

Harry leaned in the door frame and small arms quickly wrapped around his legs.

"Daddy I missed you."

Harry picked her up, throwing her in the air she giggled.

"I missed you too princess. Let's go downstairs and find your brothers for some lunch. Teddy are you coming too?"

Heading downstairs he greeted his sons and Hermione. Sending the boys to get cleaned up for lunch, he turned to her.

"Thanks again. I hope they behaved."

"Of course Harry. Although the sight of five sleeping angels last night had something satisfying. I'm on my way then. Bye Harry, bye Lily."

She waved her goodbye and stepped in the fireplace once more.

The floo roared as the still shocked teenager arrived downstairs.

"Teddy could you help me with some sandwiches? Lily go wash your hands please."

Teddy scuffled to the kitchen, while Lily skipped happily off to the bathroom and Harry called behind her.

"Don't forget the soap please."

"YES DADDY" she shouted back to him from the other room.

Parenthood was a strange thing. One moment you'd deal with a rebellious teenager, the next minute you'd worry about general hygiene standards. He and Ron sometimes joked that being a parent meant more unpredictable situations than being an auror.

Ten minutes later the five of them were settled around the kitchen table with soup and sandwiches.

Taking a large bite James turned to his father.

"Dad, can I go flying after lunch?"

"Please don't talk with your mouth full Jamie and no, not straight after lunch. Maybe later."

Swallowing the last bite James spoke up again.

"So you wanna play exploding snap Al?"

"Your brother won't play anything if he hasn't finished his lunch."

Albus looked at his father pouting and whining.

"But dad, I'm full."

"Not a chance Al. You at least finish the bowl and one sandwich. The healers already complained you're too skinny."

Throwing him an evil look Albus picked the spoon up once more.

Lily had happily munched on her cheese sandwich so far, only leaving the crust she now arranged on the plate.

"I wanna play too Jamie."

James scowled: "You always mess up or cry if you loose Lils."

"Not true" she yelled back, her eyebrows cringing in fury.

Harry smiled, Lily's temper was already apparent at her young age and the little red-head was stubborn like her mother. Well his genes probably didn't help much.

"What do you say Lily, I play with you or read you a story." Harry offered.

Lily's eyes softened again and she happily exclaimed: "Yay, see Jamie dad plays with me." sticking out her tongue.

"Hey, hey come on finish the rest of the sandwich please." her father reprimanded.

James who had already eaten up shuffled in his chair.

"Can I get up please?"

"You wait until everyone's finished please. We're eating together."

Again his 8-year old wasn't happy. He had too much energy to sit down for longer than five minutes. Harry would have excused him, after all he was just a child. Ginny however insisted that James needed to learn some patience, not to forget manners. To swerve from her rules just because she wasn't here was not wise with his fiery wife.

"But daddy, Al takes ages. We'll sit here till dinner." James cried out desperately.

Harry had to bottle up a laugh to muster a stern face.

"You can leave when Teddy and Lily are finished and your dishes are placed in the sink."

Teddy had eaten his lunch in silence, but the family meal had cheered his mood up. It wasn't possible to be sour with his siblings around. Especially Lily had him wrapped around the finger. James adored him as his older brother and demanded his attention, someone he could fly with and do 'bigger brother stuff' as James told Al regularly. But he was also close to the middle child. Albus was much quieter than his siblings and Teddy could relate to that. He too enjoyed some quiet activities from time to time. This family moment reminded him how lucky he really was. Sure he would never have real parents and it would always hurt, but his godfather and Ginny and in extension all of the Weasleys were the best second family one could hope for. He hadn't spent much time with them this summer. He was either studying or pouting in his room or they were at the Burrow with all the family. Apparently James had noticed too.

"Teddy, you play with me later? You're not playing with us at all anymore."

Ted sighed.

"I'm sorry Jamie, I can't. I have stuff to do for school. I'll tell you what, tonight I'll read the three of you a story before bed-time."

Lily nodded enthusiastically and James agreed too. "Yeah, okay."

Just then a thought struck Teddy. Harry had said he would be on the same bed-time as James. Embarrassing really and he prayed his godfather wouldn't humiliate him further by announcing his punishment to the three younger children. A quick glance at Harry diffused his worry, since he smiled at him and gave a small approving nod.

Finishing his own sandwich, Teddy then helped Lily clearing off her plate and her hands and face for that matter, before returning to the desk in his room.

Downstairs Harry still sat next to Albus urging him to eat.

"Come on Al, a couple more bites please."

"Daddy, I'm full. I can't." He whimpered.

Taking the now cold soup bowl Harry sighed.

"Just the sandwich then Al, but please finish that."

Absently he vanquished the left-over soup. Teddy hadn't been pouting at the table and his offer to James was his first attempt to connect with them this summer. In difference to his usual behaviour he had been shutting himself in his room an awful lot this year. Harry just hoped this was a step in the right direction and not just a short term change.