Chapter Text
“Edward Lyall Tonks-Lupin-Potter! Get up your monkey butt down here, we’re gonna miss the bus!”
A tuft of blue hair peeks around the landing’s banister, followed by a dubiously amused expression.
“…Alright yeah, you have too many names for that to not sound silly.” I acknowledge.
Teddy giggles as he finally drags his dinosaur themed muggle backpack downstairs. Standing a few steps from the bottom, closer to eye level than if he fully descend the stairs.
“My butt is not a monkey’s dad.” The seven year old wisely informs me.
I nod like I’ve just received knowledge I hadn’t previously comprehended. “Ah, truly? My mistake, they look so similar, it’s easily confused.” I smile.
Teddy giggles again. I reach to take his bag from him, slinging it over my shoulder. My other hand carries a soft dufflebag, packed with our shrunken belongings and spelled light enough to carry.
“Muggle hair, remember?” I point out.
Teddy’s nose scrunches as he focuses on making his hair a dark brown, like my own. It’s the look he usually adopts while interacting with people that don’t know about his metamorphagus ability. Although he likes to shift though a rainbow of colours while at home and safe.
That done, I ruffle his hair as he hops down the final steps.
“Come on bud, we’ve still got to portkey to the station before we can relax on the bus. I know it’s early, but you can nap once we get driving okay?” I remind the young boy as he follows me towards the entryway.
Said boy sighs dramatically “I know dad. You’ve only explained it a thousand times. Time is on a different track in America, so it’ll be later there.” He repeats my own words to me.
I simply smile at him, grabbing the wooden spoon shaped portkey from where I left it on the side table. It’s one that only works once at a certain time, so we just have to hold it and wait.
“Now, hold tight to my hands, and whatever you do, don’t let go. Got that?” I check.
Teddy’s smaller hands reach up to hold firmly under mine against the wooden object. My other hand holds tight onto our bags.
I quickly cast a wandless tempus “Any second now bud, so hold on. Close your eyes, don’t bite your tongue, and bend your knees okay?” I remind.
I watch to make sure the kid follows the instructions, before following those steps myself. It’s only a couple more seconds before I feel that familiar uncomfortable tug to my navel. Followed by that whooshing and falling sensation, like being tossed around in a hurricane.
Before I know it, I’m opening my eyes to the bright American sun.
Bending down to make sure Teddy is okay, I say “You can open your eyes now, we’re here.” I inform, followed by asking “You alright bud? Want a nausea reducer?” I guess based on the pale complexion on his face.
I receive a grunt that could be interpreted as affirmative, so I reach into my jacket pocket to grab the one I put there for this very purpose just in case. Popping out the stopper, I hand it to him, helping him tip it back.
I rub his back gently “You did very well, you didn’t even fall over! You would have laughed if you’d seen how bad I was after my first time using a portkey.” I tell him in an effort to distract from the nausea.
Looking slightly less peaky, Teddy raises his head to look at me. “You fell over?” He asks.
I smile “I did. And, I was fourteen, you’re only seven, and already a great portkey-er. I’m sure you’ll get even better next time.” I assure.
My reward is a smile, sickness forgotten. Finally looking up, Teddy notices where we are. “This isn’t a bus station dad, this is a forest.” He informs me.
I nod as I stuff the empty potion vial and used portkey into my pocket. “You’re right, the station is just a couple minutes that way, we couldn’t portkey right to it, because the muggles would notice.” I explain as we start off in said direction.
“Ah, that makes sense, good thinking dad.” Is his response.
I smile fondly down at him as his walks at my side, pausing as he climbs over a fallen log.
Before long, we reach the road, and follow it along to the station. A few people are getting off the bus, but none seem to be waiting to get on.
Taking Teddy’s hand in mine, I walk up to the bus, peering in at the driver. “Hello, this is the bus to Pelican Town, right?” I check.
The woman smiles at me and beckons us on with a hand “Sure is. I’m Pam, I drive the only bus out and into town. And that must make you the new inhabitants of the old farm huh? Potter was it?” The woman-Pam asks.
Internally wondering how she knows my name, I nod. She must spot my confusion as she adds “It’s a small town, not much for secrets. You’ll soon find out.” She laughs.
I feel a tug at my trouser leg and look down, amber eyes look up at me. “You alright bud?” I ask gently.
“Can I sit down dad? My legs are tired from jumping the logs.” He asks quietly.
I smile gently “Sure bud, choose a good seat for us.” I encourage. Watching as he bounds off to the back of the bus, where the seat is a long bench.
Looking back to Pam, I find she is just returning from looking at Teddy also. “You have a son? Now that isn’t something that the town gossip picked up.” She notes.
I smile, but I can feel that it’s short. It’s hard not to expect the worst when people talk about Teddy. Even though this woman surely has no clue that my the kid is a werewolf. Nor that it means poor Teddy is the recipient of too much attention because of it, the fact not helped by his being my ward.
The unfavourable attention the two of us receive is a large part of why we’re leaving.
But now isn’t a good time to think over my disappointments with the wizarding world.
So I try to infuse some genuine emotion into my smile, but I sense that I fail in that as I reply “Yeah, that’s Edward, but he prefers Teddy. Hes a good kid.” I add, and wince as I feel like I’m trying to convince this lady of it by saying so. I’m so used to having to defend him.
She doesn’t seem to notice my internal qwabbles, just smiles crookedly again, yellowing teeth winking at me. “I’m sure. Now lad, hand me your ticket and take a seat. It’s about four hours drive, so I hope you’ve packed snacks.” She says.
I smile briefly as I hand her our tickets. Quickly walking down the aisle between the seats, joining Teddy on the back bench.
I feel the bus start to move and place a careful hand on Teddy’s shoulder as he lurches with the movement. Uncaring about the possibility of falling out of his seat, Teddy glues his eyes to the window, watching as the trees flicker and pass by.
Four hours, two long naps, and a bag of carrots sticks later- we’ve arrived.
Getting off of the bus, Teddy bounces on the spot as he takes in the area. I adjust the bags in my hand as I watch Pam locking up the bus.
Turning to us she says, “The mayor should be here to meet you any time now, so hang around if you want a hand finding the farm.” She advises “I’m headed to the Saloon and bar, it’s that way, you’ll probably want to get dinner there, before you get a chance to get some groceries tomorrow eh?” She guesses.
I nod gently, my free hand rests on Teddy’s shoulder. “Thank you for the advice, and the drive.” I say. She nods and turns to walk away.
“You up for that bud? Unpack a bit then get dinner?” I ask, looking down at his still bouncing energy.
“Yeah! Do you think they have spaghetti?” He asks exuberantly.
I smile gently “I reckon there’s a good chance they do.” I answer.
My head snaps up as I hear someone approaching, looking up I see a red headed woman followed by a man with a green shirt and flatcap.
“Young Mr Potter I take it?!” The older man greets loudly.
Teddy stops bouncing and looks up at the two strangers.
“Yes, thats me.” I confirm. Fighting the urge to shift on my feet as I stand under the scrutiny of the moustached man.
“Ah! Splendid. I am the Mayor of this town, Mayor Lewis.” His moustache twitches as he smiles.
“Oh, and of course, this is the wonderful Robin. She is the local carpenter and handywoman, if you need anything doing to your new farm, she’s the lady to ask.” He adds.
I nod as the woman smiles at me, then at Teddy. “Pleased to meet you both. And Lewis is right, just give me a call if you need help. Who knows what the wood is like in that rickety old house.” She says.
Mayor Lewis huffs good naturedly “Oh it’s not so bad, she’s just saying that so you’ll give her more business.” He chuckles, in a way that reminds me of a certain old man I used to know.
“Enough dawdling old man, they probably want to put their bags down.” Robin reminds Mayor Lewis.
The man nods “Of course, of course. Right this way, follow me.” He turns and walks down the path to the right.
A wooden building quickly coming into view, followed by tall grass and taller trees.
I hear Teddy gasp beside me “Dad, dad, is that it!?” He asks, bouncing into his step.
Mayor Lewis obviously hears his excited question, as he responds “Quite right young man, that is. Go check it out hm? Your young legs must tire slowing down for us old folk.” He suggests.
Teddy looks to me for permission, receiving it in my nod, before speeding off up the dirt driveway towards the house.
I cannot halt my fond smile as I watch him run into the grass, weaving in and out.
Robin looks over at me knowingly. “He seems a good kid, how old is he?” She asks.
“He’ll be eight come April. And he is- a good kid. He’s the greatest.” My smile is a pathetic thing.
Robin just laughs warmly “I get it, my own is near the end of his teens. I miss when he was eight, he certainly wanted to spend more time around me then.” She gazes off wistfully a moment, before shaking her head and snapping back. “Oh and my step daughter is lovely, she’s sixteen now.” She adds. “But they’re a bit old to play with your son hm? There are two children his sort of age in town, I’m sure they’ll be over the moon to meet Teddy.” She informs.
I smile gently “Thats great, thank you. I’ll be sure to introduce him.” I thank.
She opens her mouth to reply something, but a yell of “Hurry up dad!!” Stops her.
Smiling, I look over to where Teddy is hanging from the house’s porch banister.
We’re nearly there anyway, but obviously not fast enough. So picking up the pace, Mayor Lewis hands Teddy up the key.
“Here, would you do the honours? Keep good care of that there key, it’s yours and your dad’s to look after now.” He says.
Teddy grins “Yes sir, I will!” He promises. I watch over him as he fiddles to put the key in the lock, after the aid to his concentration that sticking his tongue out affords, he finally manages it.
The door squeaks as it opens, and dust catches in the line of sun now falling in through the door.
Gently stepping inside, Teddy looks around, turning in a circle. He moves to try the two doors in the room.
Mayor Lewis claps me on the back “Then I think we’ll leave you to settle a bit. If you need help setting yourself up with a phone, Robin sells them at her shop.”
“I’ll give you a discount your first time at the shop!” She offers with a grin.
I smile at them both “Thank you, I’ll probably be taking you up on that offer, but in a few days. Will I see you both in town later? Teddy and I were planning on going to the saloon for some supper.” I ask
Mayor Lewis’s moustache warbles “I’m sure you will. But we’ll be off now. Goodbye.” He says, Robin waves over her shoulder.
Turning back to the house, I step in and close the door behind myself.
Following the noise into one of the rooms, I find Teddy inspecting a large old crowfooted tub.
“No shower huh bud? I wonder if Robin could set us up with one.” I ponder.
“Can you make the rooms bigger dad?” Teddy asks.
“I can, but before I cast any magic on the house, I need to set the wards up. Otherwise we might get the townsfolk asking us questions we can’t answer. This is a muggle town, so we have to keep the magic within the wards unless there’s an emergency.”
Teddy nods seriously “I know dad, I’ll be good.”
I smile and reach over to ruffle his hair “You’re always good.” I say “Continue looking around, I’ll set the wards up. Yell if you need me.” I say before moving back out of the house.
Checking down the drive, I’m sure that Robin and Lewis are out of sight, so I get out my wand and start muttering a series of spells. Slowly working my way around the house, I place runes into the wood and around. After making sure that owls from the usual allowed few are able to find the house, I work on some wards spanning a larger area around the house, covering the farm land and large pond, as I foresee that Teddy will want to play freely around the large landscape.
That done, I head back into the house. “Wards are done Teds!” I call out to wherever the boy has got to.
A head pops out from the ceiling beams with a bright smile.
Laughing slightly, I reach up to help him down “How’d you get up there?” Unsheepsh grinning is my only response “Anyway, stay still while I expand the rooms alright? And some cleaning charms wouldn’t go amiss either.” I add thoughtfully. Teddy clings to my leg while I charm the mass amounts of dust out of the air.
Starting in the main room, I expand each wall a few feet, nothing too noticeable, this room is already as big as we’d need it. I cast cleaning charms, and the wooden floors shine up at me.
Doing the same for the bathroom and bedroom, I expand the bedroom the most, as there’s the least chance that someone else would enter it and see how it’s much too large for the size of the exterior.
“Dad, there’s only one bed.” Teddy points out what I’d already noticed myself.
“Yes, I see. Well, we can manage sharing for tonight can’t we? And tomorrow we’ll go to Robin’s shop and see if she can help us get anything we need hm?” I suggest.
Teddy nods “Okay. Can I start getting stuff out of the bags now?” He asks.
I nod, and so 20 minutes later, Teddy has worked himself tired running around putting books and toys onto shelves. I put a spot for potions in the kitchen, stocking an expanded cabinet with the wolvesbane I always brew ahead.
There’s still a few furniture items shrunk in the bag, but the stuff we need for tonight is unpacked, we’ll worry about the rest after dinner and a good nights sleep.
Dragging his feet, Teddy follows me out of the house and down the drive. “Want a piggyback Teds?” I offer the worn out child.
“Yes please. Today is loooonng.” He complains.
I laugh softly as I slot the boy against my back, hands holding his legs against my hips, his hands hold onto my shoulders.
“It has been long. But you’ve done really well. We’ll go straight to bed after dinner hm?” I suggest.
I feel a sleepy nod against my back.
Continuing along the path, the trees open up to reveal a town square, houses, and maybe shops, on the other side. The dirt moves into cobblestones under foot.
Gently moving Teddy from my back, I hold one arm under his bum to keep him secure against me, the poor pup is totally asleep. This position frees up my other hand. I keep the sleeping boy close as I stand in the middle of the square.
Looking around I ponder at which way to go to find the Saloon. Conveniently, I spot a man with long auburn hair approaching from downhill.
Walking over, I stop him to ask “Excuse me, could you point out where I can find the Saloon?”
The man looks me over appraisingly “Ah, I see you must be the new farmer we've all been expecting... and whose arrival has sparked many a conversation!” The man says.
I smile shortly “I suppose.” Is all I reply.
“Ah but I’m heading that way myself, simply follow me, I’ll show you.” Without another word, he starts walking away.
I swiftly follow, and we approach a warm looking building, light floods out the door when the red headed man opens it for us.
I smile briefly in thanks and hold Teddy close as I step into the establishment.
“I bring the new farmer! And- he has a child!” The red headed man exclaims to the room. And yep, I don’t like him anymore.
It feels comical how everyone stops what they’re doing and turns to look at us.
I shift on my feet, my hands holding Teddy close protectively. “Um, nice to meet you all. My name is Harry Potter, and this is Edward, but he prefers Teddy.” I mange to say.
People start talking, and directing questions at me. I feel Teddy shift in my arms at all the noise. His head peeks up from where it was smushed against my chest. “Dad? Are we here now? I fell asleep?” He mumbles.
“Yes I… it’s loud in here huh? Give me a moment.” I say quietly to him, before looking up to everyone still peering at us.
Before I get the chance to ask for quiet myself, a warm looking woman steps up beside me and says “Give him some space, he can hardly talk to all of you at once! The boys are probably hungry, at least let them sit down before you descend upon them like vultures.” She scoffs and shepherds Teddy and I over to where she was sat at a table, glaring at anyone who looks like they may oppose her.
I set Teddy down in a chair beside me, the helpful woman to my other side, where she already has a drink and sandwich before her on the table.
“Thank you, neither of us are much fond of crowds.” I feel truly grateful for her help.
She smiles at me “Oh it’s no trouble, they really should have known better. It’s a small town, your arrival is exciting for most of us.” She shrugs gently. “Oh, but I haven’t introduced myself have I? My name is Marnie. I own the other farm in the valley, it’s just down from your acreage. My niece is about your boy’s age, we’ll have to introduce them, she and the other young boy in town would love a new friend.” She says.
I smile gently, Teddy sits up in his chair “I want to meet them! Dad can I?” He turns to me.
“Course you can, but not today, perhaps tomorrow- once we’ve got the house all set up hm?” I offer
Teddy nods reasonably. “Can we eat now? I still want spaghetti.” He reminds me.
I nod, standing from the table “One moment then, stay here with Mrs Marnie, alright?” I say, glancing at Marnie, she nods with a smile “I’ll watch him, go on.” She encourages.
I cross the room, and rest my hands on the bar counter. The young girl opposite smiles at me, her bright blue hair shines in the bars lighting. “Hello Harry. My name is Emily. What can I get you and little Teddy?” She asks. There’s a dreamy quality to her gaze, that fondly reminds me of Luna.
Smiling gently, I ask “Can I get a child’s portion of spaghetti? And a pizza for me?” I ask, glancing at the menu taped to the bar counter. “Oh, and two glasses of water please.” I add.
Emily smiles brightly “Of course, I’ll bring them over once they’re done.” She tells me. So I turn and head back to the table, smiling at Pam as the rather inebriated looking woman greets me.
As I sit down at the table, I hear the end of Teddy’s sentence “…but we’ve never been able to before.”
I look over to him “What’re you talking about bud?” I ask
Teddy smiles “I was just saying how we’ve always wanted a dog! But we couldn’t have one with Grandma Andy, she didn’t like them.” He catches me up.
“I’ll keep an eye out hm? The next stray I come across is yours, if you want it.” Marnie glances at me. I smile and nod, so she promises to Teddy. Accepting the seal of a pinky promise the seven year old requires on such a vow.
The conversation continues through after we get our meals, Marnie patiently answering all of Teddy’s questions about what animals she keeps on her farm, and further questioning to the both of us on what animals we could get for our own farm.
By the end of the meal, Teddy is practically falling asleep in his remaining spaghetti, so I shift him to my chest again. “You can fall asleep bud, I’ll carry you back.” I allow the child. I don’t receive more than a grunt in reply, the boy already slipping into dreamland.
Standing from the table, I pay for our meals, then get introduced to more people. There’s a group of teenagers playing pool down the other end of the bar, but they stay doing their own thing. Robin introduces me to her husband Demetrius. I meet a man named Clint who owns the local blacksmiths. There’s Harvey, the doctor, who inquires about Teddy being up with his jabs, which I assure are up to date. The exuberant red headed man from earlier introduces himself as Elliott, and his fellow redhead a woman named Leah.
When Marnie tells me, currently stuck talking to Mayor Lewis telling me how long he’s been mayor for, that she is leaving- I manage to wiggle my way out with her.
Outside, the light is getting dark and dusky, it probably won’t be long until it’s too dark to see in. I take a deep breath. Marnie gently pats me on the back. “Get home safe the two of you. It was nice to meet you, and remember- I’m just down the road if you need anything at all.” She offers kindly.
I smile wearily “Thank you, seriously.” I say, feeling my exhaustion weighing me down.
The walk home is quiet, the night is still, just the occasional rustle alluding to something in the bushes.
Setting the snoozing boy down on the bed, after taking off his shoes and jacket, I leave him to sleep.
Heading back to the kitchen, I get myself a cup of water. With a sigh, I reach into my pocket, and get out the letter that started this whole insane decision.
The cracked purple wax seal looks up at me. My thumb absents brushes over the yellowing paper.
This is the letter that flipped my whole world. Finding out that my grandfather was a squib, who came from America… I can’t believe he never told my mother. This letter was him doing so I guess, it’s addressed to her. He left the farm to her, after she learned she was a witch. But, my mother died before he gave her the letter, and passed himself shortly after.
I never would have found the letter, if Dudley didn’t ask for my help going through the stuff in the attic above our childhood home of 4 Privet Drive. Turns out Petunia had a bunch of stuff still up there of her parent’s. Petunia herself never knew of her father’s heritage, and I certainly have no inclination to inform her. The knowledge would just distress her, although from what Dudley has told me, that seems to be her constant state since Vernon’s final heart attack. It was wise of Dudley to put her into a home, regardless of Petunia’s wishes.
I held onto the letter for years, knowing I couldn’t leave Teddy and Andy. Regardless of how the idea of leaving everything behind, and living unknown in a farm in the armpit of west America.
Even after Andromeda passed, leaving me the sole carer of a three year old, feeling way over my head. I didn’t leave, the aid of my friends and the Weasleys was too helpful in those early years.
But as my position amongst the wizard population became more and more reverent and intense, hardly able to leave the house without being forced into conversation with some stranger, who seems to believe they’re owed the every detail of my life and history. I grew more and more convinced that leaving would be good for the two of us.
When, somehow, it got out that Teddy was a werewolf- and the resulting backlash, my decision was made.
It took a week to pack and say goodbye, settle our papers both muggle and wizard. And then we were off. And now we’re here.
I gaze across our kitchen and living room. Sparsely decorated, but already a better place for raising a child than Grimmuald was.
Tipping out the rest of my cup, I set it aside to deal with in the morning. Tucking the letter back in my pocket, I make my way back to the bedroom. Taking off my jacket, shoes and trousers, I set them on the back of the chair, beside Teddy’s.
Laying down beside the sleeping boy, I let the gentle rhythm of his exhales lull me to sleep.