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

Chapter 15 - Results

With the exams over Harry had hoped the tension in the house would ease, but while Teddy had visibly relaxed since he had finished the exams two days ago, Harry still felt like he was walking on eggshells around his godson. And such an eggshell moment was just presenting itself at the breakfast table. The children had already run off and Ginny was getting dressed for the office, so Teddy and Harry were alone and the later impatiently glanced from the clock to the eating boy opposite him. Teddy was meant to be at the Burrow this morning and Harry had no patience for his stalling.

"We need to leave in a moment, Ted. Ginny will be going to work shortly." Harry offered in an attempt to hurry the teenager, but Teddy didn't acknowledge his words in any way, instead taking another small bite of toast.

"Teddy?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah?" the teenager answered in a bored tone.

"I need to floo you over to the Burrow." He repeated.

The teenager murmured something into his tea that sounded very much like a growled Typical.

"What's that?" Harry asked in a tone that should have been a warning to Teddy, but he instead rolled his eyes accompanied with a sneer that was becoming a staple in the silent treatment he had been giving his godfather since their last argument. So far the man had ignored his behaviour for the most part, yet Teddy was aware that he was dangerously close to pushing his godfather one step too far.

"Watch the attitude. You can be angry with me all you want, but keep your cheek at bay."

Teddy bit his tongue, because the remark that was on his lips surely didn't fall under his godfather's definition of keeping the cheek at bay and maybe just once he could hold his temper and get what he wanted by reasoning with Harry calmly.

"You don't need to floo me. I'll go over by myself in a moment." he offered, however his godfather shook his head.

"The floo is secured. You can't go on your own. Besides I'll just floo over and be back in a sec. What's the problem?"

It took all of Teddy's willpower to not tell his godfather that in fact he was the problem. However he couldn't help the whining in his words as he replied:

"Whenever you floo me I either land on the floor or am covered in floo powder, or both in most cases. And you let me floo on my own before, so you just have to remove the spell from the fireplace for a moment."

"Are you telling me you're better at using the floo without me?" Harry asked half-startled, half-amused.

"Yes." Was the pointed response he got from the boy across the table, who had just finished his breakfast. Harry contemplated the idea for a moment and said: "I guess it will be easier if you just floo over there yourself. But I'm coming by tonight to collect you. I have to talk to Nana Molly."

Teddy only shrugged, but inwardly he counted this as a victory. He quickly cleared the table and happily made his way to the floo. However as he stepped in the fireplace his good mood somewhat vanquished. After all, he was going to the Burrow as part of his grounding and while he didn't mind degnoming the garden, it was a lot more fun than most of Ginny's chores, Nana Molly's scolding was not something he looked forward too. Fortunately the Weasley matriarch didn't even mention the escapade that had brought him there and instead offered a second breakfast before leading him into the garden.

Molly Weasley had gotten softer with each arrival of a new grandchild, with a special soft spot for the orphaned boy who was now in her backgarden. She was pretty sure that there had been enough scolding from her daughter and son-in-law, so she happily played the role of the spoiling grandmother. It was around lunchtime that she called Teddy back inside and a morning of fresh air and some exercise had clearly brightened his mood. Teddy entered the kitchen with his hair untamed and a rosy blush on his cheeks. As he looked around the room, he noticed George sitting at the table and slipped into the chair opposite him, gratefully taking a glass of lemonade from his adoptive uncle.

"Hello Ted, I didn't expect you here for lunch. Taking a break from the Potter's?" the red-head laughed, but his question made Teddy squirm a bit as he wasn't sure how far the news of his unallowed flying had travelled.

So sheepishly he mumbled into his glass: "Something like that."

From the oven Molly Weasley turned to the other two occupants in the room and placing a plate of sandwiches on the table she said: "Actually Teddy was helping me around the garden, the gnomes were spreading all over the place."

George's face split into a grin, while Teddy tried to hide the blush that was yet again appearing on his face.

"Degnoming, huh? What did you do to annoy my baby sister enough to send you here?" George mocked, but suddenly a shadow appeared in Teddy's eyes and he replied in a cold voice.

"Not Ginny, Harry."

Although noticing the change in attitude George pressed: "And what did you do to anger your dear godfather enough to make him dole out such punishment? Stepped on Lily's favourite doll?"

A small smile tucked on Teddy's lips as he shook his head. It was well-known that Harry was a bit overprotective of his daughter and it was no secret either that he had inherited his mother's clumsiness.

"I flew to London to meet friends without permission." He mumbled while pointedly starring at the pile of sandwiches in front of him.

George let out a whistle earning him a disapproving stare from his mother, yet unfazed by this he took a bite of his sandwich and said:

"Can't blame him for going a bit mental at that kid. That was dangerous."

And although Teddy had known this since the infamous night, for the first time he also verbally agreed.

"Yes, yes it was. I'm sorry nana."

He looked at the Weasley matriarch apologetic, but she only handed him a bowl of soup and replied warmly: "It's alright dear. Go on finish that soup, you're way too skinny. You kids should eat more."

Happy to comply with that request Teddy digged in and engaged in a conversation about George's newest products. Both men did not notice the floo roar or hear Mrs. Weasley greet her oldest son Bill, who now settled next to them at the table.

"Hi George, Teddy." He greeted them before addressing Molly once more as she was filling an empty bowl with soup.

"Mom, really I'm not eating. Fleur will have lunch ready when I come home."

"Nonsense, at least have some." His mother insisted and with a sigh Bill gave in, knowing full well that his request would land better on a happy woman.

"Fleur and I, we were just wondering if you and dad would babysit on Friday? Victoire would probably be fine on her own, but I just feel better if they are with someone."

"Of course we will. Just drop them off here before you leave." Molly answered.

With his concern out of the way, Bill turned to his soup and to the other occupants at the table.

"So Teddy, what brings you here? Fleeing from Jamie, Al and Lils? You know Victoire will probably hate me for insisting on a babysitter for her and Dom, so why don't you come by Saturday. She's always in a better mood when you're around. She misses you." Bill said happily, but Teddy hesitantly shook his head.

"I can't."

"Oh, alright. Sure if you have other plans, maybe another ..." but Bill didn't get to finish his sentence as Teddy interrupted him urgently.

"No, that's not it. It's just that I'm ... you know ... Harry grounded me." He blurred out stifling his own embarrassment. He definitely didn't want Victoire to think that he didn't want to see her. She would give him hell as soon as they would see each other again or latest once they were back at Hogwarts.

Understanding dawned on Bill and he gave the teenager an encouraging look.

"Well you just visit as soon as you can then."

In difference to George, he had been aware of Teddy's sneaking out and so it didn't take much to add one and one in order to figure out why the teenager was currently at the Burrow while grounded. Fortunately for Teddy, Bill quickly changed the topic and Teddy managed to finish his lunch without further embarrassment.

His afternoon was spent with some more gardening before Arthur took him to the shed to help with some muggle repairs. And that was where he still was by the time Harry came by in the evening to pick him up. Harry was greeted by Molly Weasley, who was currently preparing dinner. After he had accepted the cup of tea she immediately had offered, he addressed the issue that was pondering in his head.

"How was he today? Did he behave?"

Taking the seat opposite him with a cup of her own she smiled at him warmly. Decades as a mother had made her a pretty good people reader and something was obviously on her son-in-law's mind and since Teddy seemed a bit off as well, she strongly suspected godfather and godson had had a bit of an head-to-head.

"He was fine, like always Harry. He was a huge help in the garden and is out in the shed with Arthur now."

Harry visibly relaxed, yet some of his weariness remained in his voice.

"No attitude then?"

As his mother-in-law shook her head he let out a sigh and said: "So it really is just me then."

Not exactly sure what to make of these words Molly asked: "What do you mean just you?"

"He's giving me the cold shoulder. Barely speaks to me two words and if he has to talk to me the attitude that goes with it is quite aggravating."

Molly raised her eyebrows at him and for a moment the father of three feared she would start scolding him. Although what for he wasn't quite sure.

"How long has this been going on?"

"We had an argument last Sunday, has been like this ever since." Harry responded.

"And it's only you he treats that way?" she questioned once more, now keen to get behind the problem.

Harry nodded: "Yes, he's normal with Gin and the kids and you guys obviously. Better actually than most of the summer."

"I don't want to intrude, but would you mind telling me what your argument was about?" the Weasley matriarch asked. Harry shook his head, he didn't mind at all, maybe the mother of seven would have a better insight on the problematic.

"He thinks I treat him like a child. We had some issues lately apart from his sneaking out. Mainly his temper and I punished him with an early-bedtime. Apparently that was the tip of the iceberg for him. While he accepted it after some debate, we then had another argument about his cramming for the exams and I send him to bed instead of letting him study. He has been giving me the silent treatment ever since."

Even after going over it again Harry still saw no resolve to the situation. Although he maybe shouldn't have prohibited his godson from studying, their argument had been about the bedtime and as far as Harry was concerned the boy deserved that consequence for his tantrums.

"So any parenting advice?"

He tried to read in the face of the ageing women, but despite the wrinkles that the years had added, he could still only see the warmth in her eyes. Maybe even more so today, as she no longer needed to be a stern mother and instead flourished in the role of the spoiling grandmother.

So while she fondly smiled at him, understanding in her expression, she said: "You may not like to hear this, but there is not much you can do. It won't be the last time that you two disagree on what he can and can't do. Let him brood for a while, it will blow over."

As the younger man opposite her opened his mouth to speak with a sceptical look on his face, she continued: "If it truly bothers you than try to talk to him. If I should guess, I'd say he's not happy about the current situation either, but is too stubborn to admit it."

At that Harry grunted something that Molly could make out as Too much like his parents in that.

With a laugh she added: "Or one could say too much like you."

...

Meanwhile in the shed Arthur and Teddy were having a very similar conversation. Teddy had just fixed the tyre on a bike that was supposed to be Hugo's birthday present for September and the greying man that was the only grandfather figure he knew proudly clapped him on the shoulder.

"Good job. You've been a great help today. We should probably call it a day and head back inside. Harry should be here shortly to collect you."

While the teenager beamed happily at the praise, the last sentence quickly made his face fall again and he slipped back into as much teenage moodiness as he dared with the Weasley grandparents, which was considerably less than at home.

Although his own children often believed him oblivious to their moods and emotions, Arthur was just as good a people reader as his wife. Yet he also believed that sometimes silence was worthier than talking. However this time he decided against it and so as he leaned on the work bench next to Teddy, he asked:

"Is there something on your mind Teddy? You seem a bit preoccupied. You know nana and I are always here if you feel you need to talk someone other than Harry or Ginny."

Chewing on his lower lip while intensely starring at his shoes, Teddy shook his head without a sound. Inwardly Arthur sighed, adolescence had never been his favourite age, but he was a patient man and so in a second attempt he stated:" You are angry with him for sending you here."

Immediately the boy's head shot up and his eyes met Arthur's.

"No, I'm not angry about that." He replied in a matter-of-fact tone before shrugging.

"It's much better than most stuff Ginny thinks of."

Arthur had to suppress a smile at that. His youngest was much more like her mother than most believed and if Teddy had worried her with his latest escapade, which he most definitely had, then she would certainly make sure to make her displeasure known.

"So did you have a row with Harry recently?" He asked.

Again Teddy shook his head and just as Arthur wanted to return to silence Teddy started speaking.

"Not a row, just ... Harry treats me like a toddler, it's not fair."

Now that got Arthur's attention, he seemed to finally be getting an answer. "What do you mean?"

"Well I do understand I'm not an adult yet, but he doesn't get that I'm not five anymore either. Since ... you know, since I went to London he watches my every move. He didn't even want to let me floo here by myself. He controls when I study and when not, he even sends me to bed with James. I'm not eight. I shouldn't have to go to bed at 9 o'clock."

As Teddy's rant stopped, Arthur's forehead lay in wrinkles.

"Harry sends you to bed at nine?" It wasn't his style to interfere with his children's parenting, but if this was true, he would have to talk to his son-in-law. Teddy was right, a 9 o'clock bedtime was inappropriate for a 15-year old. However as he contemplated this thought, he saw the boy's expression change into apologetic as he added: "Well, it was only one weekend, but still I'm too old for an early bedtime." Teddy pouted.

"It seems to me it was a pretty effective punishment if you disliked it this much. Just don't do it again and bedtime won't be an issue." Arthur chuckled, but then he positioned himself in front of his oldest grand-child and said:

"Of course you're right in one Teddy, you're getting older and that means Harry will have to learn that you need some freedom. Yet with that comes responsibility and from what I know you have lacked a bit in responsible decisions at school and home lately. Harry and Ginny care very much for you, if they feel you won't make those decisions, they will do it for you whether you like it or not."

Following his words Arthur saw the embarrassment as well as a slightly contrite expression on the boy's face and quickly he added:" I didn't plan lecturing you for what you did Ted. I think that has been sufficiently done and I believe it won't happen again, but you have to understand that while you're forgiven, the forgetting will take a bit longer and trust is something easier shattered than built."

Slowly Teddy nodded, but remained mute as he contemplated the said words. Only after a moment of silence did he speak up a stubborn streak in his voice.

"How can I prove to him though that he can trust me, if he watches my every move anyway?"

"He did let you come here on your own against his original judgement, did he not?" Arthur asked.

"Well yeah, but only after I argued him into it."

With a sense of finality about it Arthur answered: "So you see, you can talk to him and work out a compromise together. Just try to see his perspective as well Teddy."

Being lead back into the house by his adoptive grandfather, Teddy recalled his current resentment for his godfather, who was about to pick him up like a pre-schooler. Maybe grandpa Arthur was right, but for now he had no desire to apologise to Harry, neither could he bring up the courage to get over his own pride and simply return to normal.

Inside the two of them were met by the sight of Harry and Molly drinking tea at the kitchen table and after Harry had greeted his father-in-law, he turned to speak to Teddy.

"You're ready to go? Ginny made Spaghetti for dinner, your favourite." He said in a cheery voice, but Teddy just grabbed the jacket he had brought this morning and warmly said goodbye to the older Weasleys before moving to stand beside Harry. The later looked at his in-laws with slightly raised eyebrows and an expression that meant to say See what I mean, that's how it is always with us at the moment.

Saying his own goodbyes Harry grabbed Teddy's hand and apparated the two of them home. He was aware that forced side-along apparition was no pleasant feeling, but he was tired of asking questions he wouldn't get an answer to anyway, tired of playing games. Annoyance had been rising in him all week about Teddy's behaviour, but another confrontation would most likely just worsen the situation. So instead, as soon as they arrived home, Harry retreated to his study to cool down before the next round he would be facing at the dinner table.

Stumbling for a moment from the unsteady landing Teddy soon followed Harry's footsteps upstairs and slammed the door of his own room behind him. As he heard the sound echoing through the house, Teddy cringed slightly. Yes, he was still a bit mad at Harry, but if he was honest with himself, he was very careful not to push his godfather too far and give him ammunition for a new argument, neither did he want to face Ginny's wrath. Standing completely still for a moment Teddy listened for approaching footsteps, but none came.

Meanwhile Harry was in his study going through the mail and when he heard the door slamming shut, he had half a mind to go there and set Teddy straight, which was really saying something, because it was usually Ginny whose temper would boil over and Harry calming her and getting James & Co out of a too harsh punishment. This time though he was reaching the end of his patience. However as he studied the outside of the last letter his hope rose for a peaceful end to this charade.

Dinner was pretty much a déjà vu of every night of the last week. On a first glance everything seemed normal. James was joking with Teddy, Al fussed over his food with Ginny encouraging him to eat and Lily was happily talking about everything she had done that day, not caring if someone actually listened or not. Yet, if one looked closer there was something odd about this perfect family scene. While the atmosphere was cheerful with the two oldest boys being especially bubbly, the blue-haired teenager seemed adamant not to even look at the father of the family. And if the conversation involved Harry by the force of another family member he pointedly fell silent or quickly changed the topic. This led to family meals being spotted with awkward moments and tonight was no different. Thinking back to Molly's words Harry sighed. She had advised to simply let Teddy brood for a while and that he would get over it eventually. The problem with that was that Harry was not sure how much longer he would have the patience to wait for things to work out for themselves. He had always been more of a pro-active person.

As their meal came to an end, he turned to his godson.

"I'd like to talk to you in the study for a moment after dinner."

A look of confusion, but also some weariness appeared on Teddy's face before he answered dully:

"It's my turn to do the dishes."

"After that then?" Harry asked in a half-statement, but his question was only answered with silence.

"Teddy?" Harry said irritated.

"Yeah?"

"After the dishes in my study then?" Harry repeated agitated.

"Yeah sure, whatever." The teenager replied with a shrug before the room fell into awkward silence once more. Fortunately Lily had no problem providing the rest of the dinner entertainment with stories of her latest doll tea party.

...

Drying the dishes Teddy was stalling. He wondered if he had pushed Harry over the edge, but nothing had been different then during the last week and they hadn't had a row. Of course his godfather could have decided that he wouldn't ignore his rudeness anymore and maybe, Teddy wondered, he himself even somehow looked forward to a confrontation. He seemed too far down the road to back out by himself and then he was too stubborn to apologise on his own accord. Perhaps a confrontation with Harry would give him the chance to go back to normal.

Nevertheless somewhere in the back of his head, he couldn't help but dread the possibility of punishment. He had been breaking one of Harry's rules after all and his godfather had reminded him of his attitude countless times in the past week. Yet he had ignored him every time. So with this idea lingering on his mind Teddy took a good 20 minutes to finish the dishes before trekking upstairs.

With a knock on the door he entered the study, where Harry apparently was replying to some letters, but as soon as he heard him coming in, he stood from his desk chair and grabbing an envelope he moved to stand in front the desk leaning onto it for support, while he waited as Teddy closed the door and stood before him. Only then did Harry speak.

"This came today." He held out the letter for Teddy to take and then continued:

"I thought you might like to open it in private."

"The results." Teddy whispered, carefully turning the sealed envelope over in his hands as if it might explode or poison him.

Well the contents could easily be dangerous. He thought darkly.

It took another minute of Teddy eyeing the letter wearily before he suddenly ripped it open and hurriedly studied the content.

Unconsciously Harry leaned slightly forward, curious about his godson's results, yet he couldn't see. However it was only a second later that the huge grin that had appeared on Teddy's face gave away the letter's content anyway and the teenager blurred ecstatic: "I passed, passed all of them."

Relief overcame Harry, he had been optimistic, yet one could never be sure and the last thing he had wanted to do was finding a new school for Teddy. Curiosity getting the better of him, he snatched the letter from Teddy, who seemed in some sort of happy shock anyway. Not without some pride he read the results.

Defence against the Dark Arts EE

Ancient Runes EE

History of Magic A

Potions EE –

"Congratulations, I knew you could do it and with good results too. I see all the work paid off."

Still filled with the joy of the happy news Teddy nodded and cheerfully responded: "Yeah, and see EE+ and even EE minus for Potions. I hardly ever get better than Acceptable in the practical."

Just then Teddy realised who he was currently talking to and his face fell back into a cold mask as he silently took back the letter Harry held out to him.

Not oblivious to the sudden change the man sighed audibly and said:

"Is this how it is going to be from now on? You'll ignore me unless it unconsciously slips your mind?"

Teddy only shrugged and turned his head starring out of the window. Grabbing hold of his desk with his annoyance rising, words escaped Harry's mouth that most likely would not be helping.

"Okay, fine you want to hate me for sending you to bed early? I think you're blowing it a bit out of proportion Ted, but go ahead it sure proves how mature you are."

At first Teddy was dumbstruck by his godfather's outburst, yet as he saw Harry breathe heavily, still clutching to the desk, he wondered if he shouldn't be thankful. At least the issue was now in the open and the ball in his corner. After all his godfather had lost his temper, something he continuously lectured about, and here he had the chance to remain calm and prove a point.

Meanwhile Harry waited for the blow to come as he levelled his breathing, but to his surprise Teddy was composed as he spoke.

"It's not just that though. You constantly watch my every move recently. And yes, I get it, flying to London and drinking was pretty dumb. But will you ever give me the chance to prove that to you? Because as it stands you treat me like you expect me to screw up continuously. If this is how things are going to be, you might as well take my Hogsmeade permission right now. Since you don't trust me enough to floo to the Burrow on my own or do my chores without an hourly reminder, you probably presume I screw up in Hogsmeade too."

Teddy had remained calm during his speech, yet some resentment floated in his voice. For the first time in a while though Harry understood it for what it was – disappointment. Disappointment for the fact that he didn't seem to be trusted. The black-haired man winced slightly. It was obvious that he had yet to find the right mix between boundaries and liberty with teenage Teddy.

Just why could they not stay young and inncocent? He mused before he cleared his throat and motioned for Teddy to sit while taking the other seat in a corner of the room.

"I will do no such thing as punishing you for something that you haven't done yet. Nulla poena sine lege praevia."

"Huh?" Teddy asked confused by the last words.

"No punishment before crime, it's Latin and a major principle of the muggle legal system."

"Ahh..." Teddy responded relatively uninterested and so Harry continued.

"I'm standing by my word though, so you better keep the studying up and the cheek down when you return to Hogwarts."

Although relieved by the first sentence, Teddy scowled a little – not another lecture. This did not go amiss by Harry, who continued:

"Same goes for your punishment, I think we both know you deserved it and believe it childish or not, but if it helps you control your temper it is good enough for me."

"It's so babyish though Harry." Teddy whined and Harry chuckled.

"You reign in that temper of yours and you won't have to worry about early bedtimes." He echoed Arthur's earlier words. Pulling a face Teddy still nodded reluctantly. Thinking that his godfather had conveniently not yet addressed the fact that he kept watch on him 24/7, he opened his mouth to speak but Harry beat him to it.

"On the other hand, you have a point about what you said too." Here he hesitated and shifted uncomfortably in his seat thinking about the phrasing of his following words.

"I do not mean to watch your every move as you say. I know you're getting more independent by the day and yes that is a concept I need get used to. However with your situation at school and then the sneaking out ... put yourself in my shoes Teddy. I just want you to be safe and happy."

As he finished Harry leaned forward resting his arms on his knees and searching Teddy's eyes for an answer. He needn't though as the teenager quickly voiced his thoughts.

"And I do ... understand I mean, but it's just that I want to prove to you that you can trust me to be responsible, but how can I if you don't give me the chance to."

It was Harry's turn to nod and then both sat in silence for what seemed like a long while.

"So, we're back to normal? No more cold shoulder?" Harry asked leaning back in his chair. He had not planned for this confrontation to happen, but now he was glad it had.

"You'll try to give me a bit more space right?" Teddy asked suspicious as his godfather had never said so in so many words.

With a nod Harry confirmed: "With your grounding over on Sunday we wipe the slate clean.

Teddy happily beamed at him.

"Thanks Harry."

As they rose Harry clapped Teddy proudly on the shoulder.

"Congrats on the exams again, I'm proud of you. Now what do you think you do first once you're officially ungrounded?"

Contemplating this for a moment a grin appeared on the boy's face.

"Visit Alex!" he said and then ran off to show his results to the rest of the family.