Teddy looked at his godfather, a little amused, bracing himself for the verdict.

"It works", Harry said crisply but with a hint of smile and pride in his eyes.

Teddy Lupin was in his second year as a trainee for the Auror department. It was something Harry had resisted at first, knowing the dangers of fighting the dark forces first hand. He didn't wish any of his children would join him, but as it was Teddy was his mother's son after all. Harry gave in and accepted it at some point though he always kept a close eye on Teddy. Though new trainees were still not given any vigorous missions or anything.. it was mostly wand practice and writing reports and fitness training. Ginny laughed at Harry's overprotectiveness, she reminded Harry that Teddy was a pretty talented young man just like his father and he would be fine. He would make them proud, which ofcourse Harry couldn't deny.

Ginny had always been the laid back parent when it came to things like this, while Harry was a ball of anxiety when it came to his children doing dangerous stuff. And there was no escaping it as even James had announced he was going to pursue professional quidditch after his final year at Hogwarts, and that was an unforgiving sport. He would be following Ginny's footsteps. That left Albus and Lily. Lily was in her second year at Hogwarts. To everyone's initial surprise she was sorted in Hufflepuff, which won Albus ten galleons. Oh yes, he had made a bet with Jamie and Jamie had been sure she would be in Gryffindor just like the rest of Potters and Weasleys and Teddy. Lily fit perfectly in her house though, and all her cousins loved her the same nevertheless. At mealtimes she would sit with the others at Gryffindor table, not wanting to be left out. Hugo was in the same year as her so they had classes together and they practically became best friends soon. When they were younger, Lily used to play more with Rose. Hugo would get jealous as they were always huddled in a corner whispering and discussing 'girl stuff' according to Hugo. Rosie was still protective of Lily even at hogwarts, which sort of annoyed her as she considered herself as a big girl now who could take care of herself.

Albus was left all alone at home with all his siblings and cousins either at Hogwarts, or in Teddy's and Victorie's case, at work. When he was small he had never shown any sign of magical ability until much later than James had. Harry and Ginny were worried, not because they thought being non magic would somehow taint their son's life but because he wouldn't be able to experience the joy of magic and Hogwarts (which was practically home for Harry). Their suspicions were confirmed when they took him to St. Mungo's and got him checked by a healer. The way young Albus reacted to it made his parents fall in love with him all over again. He said and I quote, "Well this is amazing! I get to be a part of the magical world and muggle world at the same time. This opens so many learning opportunities for me having the knowledge to integrate the principles of both worlds". He was like Hermione in that way, as Ron had joked once. No, Al wasn't as thrilled about this as he sounded. He was crushed. Having grown up listening to stories of their Hogwarts days.. of his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins.. and now knowing he would never be able to experience that, never even be able to see the castle in real life (James promised he would send photos and he did, which just made Al even more lustful towards the place). But no, he hadn't lied about what he said, he genuinely was excited about his prospects. It was a bittersweet deal. And anyway, who wouldn't love to go to school knowing there existed a whole world full of magic which none of your classmates knew about, it would make you feel like a mysterious spy or something.

Back to present...

It was Christmas eve. Harry was just wrapping up his speech at the Auror office. Harry being Harry was a friendly, approachable but could-be-very-angry-if-something-wrong-was-happening, sort of boss. Most of the senior Aurors respected and admired him and the juniors were kinda scared of him. Teddy pretended he wasn't related to him at work (not in a cold way, just professional way), he wanted to be known for his own skill and ability and Harry fully supported that. Despite, few Aurors and the media liked to murmur about nepotism and so. Harry and Teddy ignored it.

Lily and James were back home for christmas holidays. James was at his best friend Jerry's house. She was the only one who could beat him at quidditch. Everyone, except James himself, knew he had a thing for Jerry, and Lily thought Jamerry sounded really cute.

She and Albus were watching TV at the Potter household aka, Dreamsville (little Teddy had suggested the name when he was only four). They liked to watch sub-standard shows and then b*tch about it.

"You know I would feel bad for him if he just for once remembered his other son", Al remarked, slurring a little. Lily furrowed her brows for a second at the slur but shook it off.

"I know right! it's like he doesn't even try to be vague about his favoritism"

"Who do you think is mom and dad's favorite?"

"ME", they both said at the same time and then started bickering about it trying to justify their answers.

"Oh we all know dad adores you Lilkins, his only daughter", he said with an eye roll and continued with a tone of superiority, "but I am the most obedient, I never get in trouble". Even as he said that Lily saw a hint of guilt in his eyes, as if he was hiding something, as if he was lying.

"Whatever you say, goody-two-shoes"

Al threw a pillow at Lily and she threw it right back knocking down his spectacles.

"We have no favorites". They turned around to see their mother with hands on her hips and an amused expression on her face. In that moment she looked very much like Molly.

"Yeah you just hate us all"

"I can neither confirm nor deny that"

They both pretended to be very hurt and then burst out laughing (Al was laughing particularly loud and maddeningly)

"Okay I am gonna go to the burrow and help your grandma with the cooking. Your dad and Ted will be home soon. You lot don't be late for dinner"

Albus feeling a little tipsy from the whiskey he had drank earlier, declared he was feeling sleepy and dropped out right on the couch. Ofcourse no one knew about the whiskey part. In his defence it wasn't his idea, but you couldn't say he was peer pressured either. He wanted it whole heartedly even while he felt guilty as he knew mum and dad would be disappointed if they found out, and scared as he was underage. He wasn't just curious but also in dire need of a break from his emotions regarding a certain someone. His friend Jake from school, (well not really friend per se, they didn't know each other much, but they talked occasionally) told him his parents were going out on christmas and he might be able to sneak some alcohol from his house and offered Albus if he would like to join in. So Al was at Jake's house all afternoon, drinking. He was confused initially why Jake would wanna involve him in this, afterall Al was known as the studious guy in his class, a rule follower if you might. But after their little drink party it became clear Jake was just using him to get close to Al's friend Nica. Albus just felt more depressed but didn't show it, neither did he reveal anything about Nica which ultimately led to an argument and Al left (or stomped out).

James stumbled out of the fireplace covered in dirt and smelling like a sock and went straight for the kitchen. "Hey Lils. What's up with him?", he asked with a little concern pointing at Al who was passed out.

"He said he was sleepy. James for god's sake clean yourself up before you touch food!"

"I'm hungry", he said in his defence, shamelessly, with a mouthful of sandwich

Lily made a disgusted face. "So how's Jerry?", she asked teasingly, joining him at the dinner table.

"Alright", he shrugged. Lily could swear his lips were twitching, fighting to hold back a grin

"Shame she can't come for dinner at the Burrow"

Jamie's face fell showing clearly how much of a shame it was

"Grandma will-"

whoosh- Two more figures appeared at the fireplace. Lily ran to greet them. Harry picked her up easily and spun her around once, making her squeal in delight. Teddy tried to ruffle her hair but she ducked out of the way saying she wasn't a kid anymore. "Okay mi lady", he said laughing.

Harry's smile faltered as he spotted Albus, "Is he okay?"

"Lil said he was just sleepy", James came to the sofa with a glass of pumpkin juice in one hand, having eaten his fill.

Teddy grabbed the glass from James and took a sip. Next moment he choked as Al gave out a loud scream.

"What the-"

Harry was immediately on his knees by the sofa, trying to wake up a thrashing Albus. "Hey hey it's okay, it's just a dream. Al. Wake up"

Albus opened his eyes, squinting in the light and looked at his father's worried green eyes. He lowered his eyes and sighed, feeling miserable. It had been the same dream that had been haunting him since past week. And now his head was exploding, or atleast it felt like it. He half wanted it to explode to get away from the pain.

"Is it time to go?", he murmured avoiding everyone's stares.

Harry smelled it as he spoke, the stench of whiskey. His face turned from confused to concerned to angry.

"Albus, is that alcohol!?"

Al's eyes went wide and an unmistakable expression of someone who had just been caught glimpsed his face for a millisecond before he made an innocent face, "What are you talking about dad? I think we should be leaving for the burrow now.."

He got up to leave and wobbled dangerously. Harry caught him and gently pushed him back on the sofa.

"Oh hell, you are drunk!", James said with amusement. Teddy looked reproachful and concerned while Lily watched with her mouth open. Ted was about ask but Harry beat him to the same question, "How much did you drink?"

Albus feeling trapped from all sides, held his head in his palm, "I dunno.. six-seven shots"

"What!?", echoed Harry and Teddy at the same time.

"Albus Severus Potter, how many times have I warned you against alcohol? For god's sake, I really didn't expect this from you. You are underage! And even if you were of age, alcohol is bad for your body and you know it! Where did you even get it?"

Hearing the disappointment in his father's voice made him feel even worse than the anger. "A classmate.. he had it at his home.. parents were out", he mumbled half-heartedly.

Harry ran a hand through his hair and looked very panicky. "James bring a glass of water"

"Are you feeling okay?", Teddy asked holding his hand.

"I'll be fine"

"What on earth made you do this!? Did that classmate of yours talk you into this? Al we had the talk.. about peer pressure and all.. I thought you understood", Harry's anger was flaring again.

Al drank the water in one big gulp, still feeling dazed and nauseous. He couldn't bring himself to say anything except "I'm sorry". Harry closed his eyes for a brief second while taking a deep breath trying to calm down and figure out what to do next. He was losing his mind in worry.

Albus gave a heave, with one hand to his mouth and other clutching his stomach. He made a run for the bathroom, Harry right behind him gesturing the others that he would handle it. James and Teddy exchanged a worried look, listening hard. Ted told Lily to floo to the burrow and tell the others they would be late.

Al barely reached the toilet and hurled out what looked like the entire contents of his stomach. Harry leaned beside him and rubbed his back in circles murmuring comforting words. After puking three times, Al slid to the floor and couldn't hold it in any longer. All the emotions he had been feeling since a long time flooded to the surface. He was shaking as tears spilled down his cheeks. His breathing was ragged. He started having a full blown panic attack.

Harry was terrified and on the verge of tears himself. He wrapped his arms tightly around his son and started patting his back and head gently, as his shirt was dampened by the unrelenting flow of tears. He could feel Albus' heart thudding madly.

"Hey shhhh.. it's okay. I got you. I got you Albie. Everything's gonna be fine I promise. I am not even mad anymore. I love you so so much"

Each sob hurt Harry like an arrow to his chest. He was worried sick not knowing what was bothering his son so much. Having dealt with panic attacks himself for a couple of years after the war, he knew what to do.

"Al, breathe with me okay? Can you do that?"

Al gave a weak nod. After a few long breaths, Harry asked him some simple questions trying to divert Al's mind. As he answered them slowly he started to calm down. With his head still on Harry's chest he said "I'm sorry" again.

"Shh it's okay. Albus what's wrong? You can tell me anything you know that? I am here", he gave a little kiss on his head.

Al broke away from the hug and looked Harry in the eyes. His cheeks were raw and red from crying.

"I am worthless. Useless. Waste of space, waste of oxygen, waste of food. Why do you even keep me?", his voice croacked with pain.

Harry felt shaken to his very core. He grabbed Al's shoulder and shook him roughly, looking him right in the eye, "Hey! Never.. never say that again.. never think that again. I love you and-"

Before Harry could finish Al burst out, "But why? You know when I asked out Lizzy.. the look on her face.. disgusted. She was disgusted by me. She changed her homeroom, she wouldn't even speak to me after that. I am fat and disgusting that's what I am". Al had always been plump since birth.

Tears rolled down Harry's face listening to his son destroying himself. He would never swear in front of any of his kids but the occasion called it, "Hell with fuckin' Lizzy! Albus listen to me-", he was very desperate to get these words through Al, "It doesn't matter to me, any of us, what your body shape is. Never let people like Lizzy decide your worth, you are so precious to me, to your mom, you can't even imagine". Harry was almost pleading for him to understand.

Al took a sharp breath and said in a small voice, "But I am nothing like you all, even the papers agree. Jamie, Lily, Teddy..they must think I am boring. Sometimes I can't explain to myself why they would even wanna bother with me.. who wants to listen to boring muggle stuff. I feel like every second they spend talking to me, they would rather be talking about quidditch or something"

Harry held Albus' hands and said earnestly, "Albie they all love you more than you can imagine. They bother with you because they care about you. They listen to you because you are amazing-", as Al proceeded to argue he cut him off, "No, you are! I know you can't see that yourself. But everyone else can. And being like us doesn't mean you have to have magic.. you are strong, caring and smart just like your siblings. James has always been the trouble maker like your grandpa James. Lily is passionate and intense just like your mum. Teddy is a mixture of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor traits which he gets from his parents. And you.. you are like me. You do what you feel is the right thing, you give your all in what you believe". On a second thought he said, "Well you are also like aunt Hermione.. smart-ass", he said with a teary grin.

Albus couldn't help but smile a little.

"Al the papers at some point of time also said I was a power-seeking teenager with plans of taking over the ministry.. so I would suggest you not to take them seriously", he said with a teasing tone.

Albus felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his chest. He couldn't have asked for a better dad.. a better family. He realised how lucky he was. He let in their love for the first time by opening the doors which had been bolted shut by self-hatred for years. He couldn't undo all the bullying he had done to himself overnight, but he felt this was the beginning.. and it was gonna be okay now.

He flung his arms around Harry and told him how much he loved him.

"I love you too Albie. I would give my life over million times for you, I would sell all my organ for you.. I could go on and on. Just promise to never hide anything from me. I am ALWAYS here"

"I promise", he said with both his hands up in mock surrender.

"And no alcohol"

"No alcohol"

Harry noticed Al's eyes were drooping. He helped him up and practically carried him upstairs to his room. He came down and told the others he would stay with Albus here and that they should head to the burrow. After much protest from his kids, and much reassurance from his part that Al would be okay and they shouldn't miss christmas dinner or grandma would be furious, they left.

"Does your stomach hurt?", Harry asked reading Al's mind.

"A bit". He went and got ibuprofen from the medicine cabinet and handed it to Albus.

Harry sat all night on Al's bed, stroking his hair and checking his temperature. He woke up once to puke.. but he was fine. He would always remember this christmas.. bittersweet, but mostly sweet.