Disclaimer: I own none of these characters and am in no way making any profit from this work of fiction.
Rating: PG
Characters: Harry Potter, Teddy Lupin, Ron Weasley, George Weasley, mentions of Fred Weasley
Pairings: None
Note: So hello, all. Long time, no see. I was cleaning, and I found this written longhand in a notebook of mine. Even though it's been almost four years since I was in the Potter fandom, I thought I'd share it. I have totally moved on, and will not be writing any more. Thanks to everyone who has read and enjoyed. Just to be clear…
THIS IS THE END OF THE TEDDY CHRONICLES. THERE WILL BE NO MORE INSTALLMENTS AFTER THIS.
This one takes place when Teddy is a baby, but after Harry's gotten over his mental breakdowns and stuff. Eight months after the battle of Hogwarts. (Also, I apologize for my younger self's terrible attempt at British-isms.) It's a little more about Harry than Teddy. Enjoy!
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Brothers II
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George inwardly groaned as there was a knock at the door. "Peaceful Thursday night, is that too much to ask anymore?" he grumbled as he got up and stalked toward the doorway of the flat. The scowl disappeared from his face as he opened the door to reveal and old friend with a baby on his hip. "Harry! Come in, mate."
"Thanks, George." He bounced Teddy slightly on his hip as he walked into the room.
"Ron, get out here, you lazy sod!"
"Up yours," came a groggy voice.
"Long week," George explained. "It's been swamped every day. Word of mouth, you know."
"I hear you, mate." Harry sat on the offered sofa and passed Teddy over to George. "And I think—I know Fred would be proud of how well you and Ron have done."
"Yeah." He smiled sadly and cuddled the currently green-haired baby.
Harry tried to return the smile, but Fred's death still knifed at him eight months later. No matter how much time passed, it still felt like it was his fault, and he was baffled at how the Weasleys could forgive him that.
"What's your problem, George? Can't a man sleep around here?" Ron stumbled from his room, looking distinctly grumpy, but his face lit up when he saw his best friend sitting on the couch. "Harry!"
Suddenly no longer tired, Ron sat on the couch next to Harry and dropped an arm around his friend's shoulders, giving him a brief one-armed hug. "How are you?"
"Alright. You?" Harry grinned at his oldest friend, who never failed to make him feel better.
"Busy. But I reckon George has told you all about it."
"He has. It sounds really excellent. I'm braving Diagon tomorrow, and thought I'd stop in."
"Really? You're coming to Diagon Alley?"
That was a surprise, as Harry had avoided the magical world as a whole since the battle of Hogwarts. He lived at Grimmauld Place and picked up what he needed in Muggle London. On the rare occasion he needed something magical, Ron or Hermione (usually Ron) would deliver it.
"Well geez, mate, I thought I was in Diagon Alley, being here and all."
"Shut up, you silly git. You know what I mean. But anyway, come around half noon. I go on lunch then, so we can grab some food."
Even as Harry was about to wholeheartedly approve the plan, George overrode them. "Take the afternoon off, Ron. I'll call Lee and see if he can come in. You've earned it, and I can't let my number one benefactor go alone on his first public appearance in ages. Seriously, Harry, the reporters will eat you alive."
"Not a chance while I'm around. You can count on me."
Harry bumped his shoulder against Ron's, then accepted his squirming godson back from George. "I know we can, Ron. There's no one I trust more."
Ron was glad to have the distraction of Teddy trying to crawl into his lap so he didn't have to talk. Harry's trust had never been easily earned, and was even more sparingly given now that he was a parent. Having it… well, it meant a lot.
Meanwhile, Harry was watching Teddy wiggle in Ron's arms, then settle in for a nap. "You're one of his favorite people, you know. He doesn't do that with everyone."
"Well, there's no accounting for taste," George quipped.
"Oh, shove it. Teddy, it's mutual. I think you're awesome."
That was a relief to hear, since Harry trusted Ron with the baby more than anyone except Andromeda. And for some reason, the exchange reminded him of the first time he'd ever met Ron. He's wished for three wizard brothers. Over the years, he'd gotten his wish. And even though Fred wasn't there anymore, Harry was grateful for the two brothers he still had.
The End