Teddy Lupin and the Romulus Prophecy

Chapter 1 - A Dark Morning

Teddy Lupin woke up with a start. His breathing was shallow and his heart was racing. It was the same
nightmare that had plagued him for the last 8 years ever since his Godfather and grandmother had told him one
evening that his father had been a werewolf. Teddy wiped the sweat off his brow and got out of his bed. He put
on his night robe and crept out of his room, keeping his ears pricked all the way to check if his grandmother had
awakened. He could hear nothing but the rustling of leaves outside, the pitter patter of the water drops from the
tap downstairs and the unmistakable sound of snores coming from his grandmothers room. He smiled to
himself. His grandmother was indeed asleep. He glanced at a framed photo on the wall which had a six year old
Teddy Lupin waving back at him. Looking at this photo reminded him why he was standing outside his room so
early in the morning when he shouldve been snoring peacefully in his bed.
The nightmare! The same nightmare over and over again. A six year old boy running as fast as his tiny legs
could allow him to run while a grey blur was gaining on him. The small boy turned his head to look behind him
while trying desperately not to slow down. In that one moment his foot caught a stone and with a cry of pain and
despair, he crashed into the ground below. The grey blur was on him in an instant, slowing down just enough for
Teddy to recognize it as a giant wolf. He cried in horror as the wolf bit a chunk of the poor, helpless boys flesh
off his back and with a triumphant howl, bounded off over the fence and faded into the darkness. Teddy rushed
towards the boy who was crying silently into the grass under him. That was when he always woke up. Because
upon turning the boy around to aid him, Teddy would realize that the boy who was mutilated was none other
than his six year old self.
Teddy shook his head vigorously. It was bad enough already that he had these nightmares whenever he had a
stressful day; he did not have to relive it when he was wide awake. He crept past his grandmothers bedroom
and down the stairs. He froze as he reached the middle of the stairway. He had heard a squabbling of feet
against wood, squinting his eyes in concentration, Teddy listened intently and a moment later he smiled. It was
definitely a rat running across the kitchen floor. Teddy moved down to the kitchen and took out a bottle of
Butterbeer from the refrigerator his grandfather had bought two decades ago. He remembered his grandmother
telling him that it was a gift for her from his grandfather for the last anniversary they celebrated together. Ted
Tonks, his grandfather, the man he was named after was a muggle born wizard. A person of non-magical
parents. Everyone who had known his grandfather told him that Ted Tonks was a very kind, light hearted man
who loved his family more than anything in the world and was an extremely talented individual. Although none of
that mattered to the Death Eaters who had murdered him on account of being a muggle born.
Death Eaters! Teddy gritted his teeth together. It were the Death Eaters who had taken everything from him.
Death Eaters had killed his grandfather. Death Eaters had killed his parents for standing for what was right.
Death Eaters had killed James Potter and Sirius Black, his fathers best friends, his uncles who would probably
have been just as loving and caring as his Godfather had been. It were the death eaters who had forced his
grandmother to suffer the agony of living through the murders of her husband, daughter and son-in-law resulting
in a weak heart. Teddy closed his eyes fighting back the tears and clenched his fists tight and slightly winced as
his nails dug into his skin, keeping his anger at bay and making sure he didnt give into the urge to throw
something. He had never really cried over his parents. He never gave in to the desire to just let go. Not even
when he was a child. He always looked at crying as a sign of weakness. No matter what his godfather told him,
or his grandmother for that matter. He knew that only the weak gave in to tears.
Teddy jumped as the clock chimed six. He knew his grandmother always checked on him first thing in the
morning. Even now that he was nineteen year old. She never felt at ease without peaking into his room. He also
knew that heavy sleeper or not, she was always up, sharp at six. Teddy jumped out of the armchair and over the
couch with a grace no normal man could posses, landed on all fours and leapt straight up crossing half the
stairway in one leap and placed both his feet firmly on the banister, without making even the faintest of noises,
Ted Lupin launched himself into the air. With his long blue hair skimming the roof as he landed on the carpet
with a wolfish grace and was in front of his room in two long strides. Teddy crept in silently, threw his night robe
aside and got into his bed, with a wild grin etched all over his face and eyes twinkling with mischief. He always
felt great after his runs. They always made him feel like as if he could fly. Ted heard a faint click and knew his
grandmother was silently creeping out of her room. He could hear her muffled footsteps, the rustling of her towel
slippers over the carpet, a sound so very faint yet so very distinguished for Ted Lupin. He heard another click
and knew the door had opened. He lay there in his bed with his head turned away from the door and breathing
deeply so as to let his chest rise and fall steadily. Another click told him that the door had been shut. He sniffed
the air just to make sure she had left the room. Her scent was less prominent than it wouldve been had there
been no wall between them. He sat up and ran a hand through his long blue hair and jumped out of bed.
Ted cast a silencing charm around the bathroom so that his grandmother could not hear him taking a shower.
He cleared his mind during the shower and calmed himself down. He knew that thinking about death eaters
made him take rash decisions without thinking straight. And in his profession, that was a lethal mistake to make.
After having spent nearly an hour in the shower, lost in thought, Ted got out, changed into his best work robes
and went downstairs for breakfast.
He walked into the kitchen to find toast, eggs, sausages, orange juice and a little of last nights left over steak
waiting for him. He knew that even though he had inherited most of his fathers wolfish natures, he had not
inherited a craving for meat. His grandmother however refused to believe that and always had either a rare
steak prepared for him at dinner or some other form of meat. Teddy wished his grandmother a good morning &
kissed her on the cheek as he hugged her. He then turned towards his plate, picked the toast and sat near the
window waiting for the owl to deliver the daily prophet. He could see a tiny spec flying towards him and couldnt
be sure if that was an owl or just some random bird.
Did you sleep well dear? his grandmother asked him while looking for something in the cabinets with her back
turned to him. Ted didnt answer for sometime wondering if she knew he had been up before her. Yeah, I did.
Oh by the way mum. Im going over to Harrys house for dinner tonight. He invited me over yesterday before he
left for home. Said it would cheer Lily up. So dont wait up for me, I might get late. You know tomorrow being
Sunday, Lily will pretty much stay up past midnight and not let anyone else sleep either. I wonder why she
needs cheering up though.
He had always called Andromeda Tonks, mum. It was the first word out of his mouth and even though everyone
tried to make him call her Grandma or Gramps or Nana, he always said the same thing. Andromeda didnt mind
of course. He was a brilliant mixture of both his parents. And every time he called out to her and said mum, she
was reminded of her daughter.
Andromeda turned to face Teddy and gave him a piercing look, Firstly, I know you did not sleep well last night.
Next time vanish the Butterbeer bottle instead of dumping it in the trash before you go back upstairs to pretend
youre asleep, Andromeda explained, and Secondly, Its the first of September and James, Albus and Rose will
be leaving for Hogwarts and Lily will be extremely upset, seeing as this is the first time she wont have even one
brother to keep her company. You know how much she loves her brothers. Seeing how close she is to you and
that she regards you as her eldest brother, it would be very comforting for her to have you spend a few evenings
at the Potters Andromeda finally drew a breath and studied her grandsons reaction.
Teddy jumped out of his seat and turned to look at the calendar. Of course the Hogwarts Express left on the first
of September. He had a meeting with Fowler at ten oclock. Teddy almost kicked himself for forgetting what
date it was. He couldve taken his lunch break at half past ten and gone to meet Victoire before she left for
Hogwarts at eleven. But knowing after all, it was his first day at work and it would be very damaging to his
reputation if he took an early lunch on the very day that marked the beginning of his career.
Teddy turned around and looked at his grandmother and saw her smiling. Whats so funny? he growled.
Andromeda laughed hard at his snapping and looked at him affectionately, Just the look on your face dear.
Now why would a boy who graduated from Hogwarts two years ago get so anxious when he realizes he has
forgotten the day the Express leaves for school. Surely his Godfathers children will understand. She said
smiling knowingly.
Itsuhm Albus yeah! Well you know how close he is to me. He would like it if I were there. So you know
I thought Id see him off I mean drop in and surprise him before. Why are you looking at me like that? Stop
looking at me like that Teddy stuttered. Andromeda chuckled, Oh please Teddy! The last thing Albus would
need right now is for you to show up. You know how nervous he is about starting at Hogwarts. Throughout
summer all you, James and Fred have done is scare him into believing that hell make Slytherin.
Teddy grinned from ear to ear. It looked like his grandmother decided he really did want to go and see Albus. He
made a mental note to send Albus a box of chocolate frogs first thing tomorrow morning. But Im sure Victoire
would be more than happy to see you there Teddy dear. Andromeda added as an afterthought.
Teddys nearly choked on the bread he was eating, he took a sip of juice to help him swallow the bite and before
he could open his mouth to say anything else, Andromeda burst out laughing and then sat on the chair closest
to her. She took a deep breath and chuckled a bit, Oh goodness me! I really am old now arent I? Cant even
laugh without getting tired. Oh Teddy dear, its so obvious. Anyone with half an ounce of intelligence can tell that
Victoire and you have eyes only for each other.
Teddy mouthed like a goldfish, How did you know... wait! What? Mum, what did you mean by anyone? Who
else knows this? Do Bill & Fleur know this? Andromedas eyes twinkled as she looked at her grandsons
shocked face... his blue hair turning to mousy brown out of sheer panic, just like Doras used to. Bill doesnt
know anything about it. Like most fathers hes in a blissful ignorance thinking his daughter is happily single.
Teddy relaxed considerably and started breathing again. You nearly got me there for a second mum. I thought
Bill &.... hold on... You said Bill... you said Bill doesnt know... I had asked you about Bill and Fluer both. Mum!
Does Fleur know? Please tell me she doesnt know about Victoire and me, mum.
Andromeda got up and grasped her grandsons shoulder and looked right into his eyes, Calm down Teddy.
Fleur DOES indeed know about the two of you. But... BUT she emphasized as Teddy tried to say something,
but she does not mind at all... Fleur has known you since you were a little baby. She has no objection
whatsoever about your relationship with her daughter. As a matter of fact shes relieved its you shes seeing.
Fleur believes Victoire might just get a little carried away in some situations and she believes you are the only
boy she can trust to keep her in line, if you know what I mean.
Teddys faced turned red and all of a sudden was extremely interested in his shoe lace, Mum!!! Andromeda
chuckled, Fleur knows that you are a responsible adult and Victoires in her final year and is of age now. Pretty
soon shell be in the ministry as well. She also realizes that the both you are capable enough of making your
own decisions responsibly. Bill however is her father Teddy. And fathers do have the tendency to get a little over
protective of their daughters. I remember Ted, once scaring one of the boys Dora was dating at Hogwarts. So
much that he never even dared to so much as whisper a greeting to her. But he was a Slytherin, so Im glad that
didnt work out too.
Mum! You were a Slytherin too you know. By the way, how did he manage to do scare the boy so much that he
refused to talk to mother even at Hogwarts where dad wouldnt know? Teddy asked surprised. He had seen so
many photos of his grandfather and if there was one thing Teddy was certain of. It was that his grandfather was
no scarier than a furry little rabbit.
I dont really know dear. He always laughed when I asked him and told me not to worry about it. I always
wondered what he told the poor child. He probably told him that Jack the Ripper was his great grandfather or
something.
Jack the what? Teddy asked bewildered. Jack the Ripper. Horrible dark wizard. He made it his lifes mission
to kill as many muggle women as possible. Muggle authorities, obviously never found anyone behind the
murders. But the aurors caught up with him. I dont remember the whole story there was supposed to be a
motive and a connection between the deaths. Your grandfather was fascinated by the whole case. Growing up
as a muggle, he feared the name as a child and was later curious about who it couldve been and why the man
did what he did.
Oh-kay! Getting back to point do they all know about Victoire and me? asked Teddy, shocked that no one
had mentioned it to him. However, on the inside he was jumping up and down. Fleur approved the idea of Teddy
and Victoire being together. Fleur approved, and if Fleur approved then it wouldnt be so difficult to convince Bill
either.
Andromeda smiled and patted her grandsons cheek and turned around and went back to the cabinets to
continue her search. Mum? Teddy exclaimed quietly. Andromeda noticed the slight quiver in Teddys voice;
she turned around anxiously to look at her grandson. He walked forward and hugged her. Teddy fought hard to
hold back his tears as he held onto his grandmother, his only link to his dead mother. The woman who shouldve
been the one to help him when he had troubles figuring out his relationship with the girl he loved. The woman
who shouldve told him off for coming home later than usual or for getting detention when he was at school. But
it was his grandmother who had done those things. She accepted that she couldnt be the grandmother who
spoils her grandson with treats and gifts, but the woman who plays a vital role in building a childs character.
Teddy released his grandmother and looked into those eyes that were so much like his mothers, Thanks
mum. Andromeda patted his cheeks, with watery eyes and a warm smile. She took one look at the clock and
then said sternly, Now off you go. Or youll be late on your very first day. Honestly dear, I shouldnt have to
remind you of your responsibilities anymore. Youre a grown man now and its about time that you act like one.
Teddy laughed as she said this and rolled his eyes. Thats what you said when I was 11 and started at
Hogwarts mum. Andromeda rounded on him, Well I wouldnt have to keep repeating myself if you had started
listening to what I had said in the first place. Honestly the amount of mischief managed by you in your time at
Hogwarts, Im surprised you never got expelled. NOW GO!!!
But Teddy was already by the chimney. Dont wait up for me mum, Harry wants to celebrate tonight so Ill
probably stay over at his place or go back to the apartment. Love you. Teddy grabbed a fistful of Floo Powder
from the flower pot standing on the small table beside the chimney and threw it in the fire place. There was a
burst of Green Flames and stepped into it and exclaimed clearly, Ministry of Magic.
And with that he was gone in a flash of green flame



Chapter 2 - Edgar Fowler

Teddy stumbled out of the fireplace at the atrium in the ministry of magic. He quickly got out of the way so that
any other witch or wizard flooing in wouldnt bump into him. He closed his eyes and focused on changing his
hair color to something less inconspicuous than blue and settled on changing it to his natural brown and as he
opened his eyes he smiled. The sight of the Atrium never seized to impress him. The peacock blue ceiling was
inlaid with gleaming golden symbols that kept moving and changing like some enormous heavenly notice board.
The walls on each side were paneled in shiny dark wood and had many gilded fireplaces set into them. Every
few seconds a witch or wizard would emerge from one of the left-hand fireplaces with a soft whoosh. On the
right-hand side, short queues of wizards were forming before each fireplace, waiting to depart.
Halfway down the hall was a fountain. A group of golden statues, larger than life-size, stood in the middle of a
circular pool. Tallest of them all was a noble-looking wizard with his wand pointing straight up in the air. Grouped
around him were a beautiful witch, a centaur, a goblin, a werewolf, a Muggle and a house-elf. Glittering jets of
water were flying from the ends of the witchs and wizards wands, the point of the centaurs arrow, the tip of the
goblins hat as well as the tips of the werewolfs claws and each of the house-elfs ears, so that the tinkling hiss
of falling water was added to the pops and cracks of the Apparators and the clatter of footsteps as hundreds of
witches and wizards, most of whom were wearing glum, early-morning looks, strode towards a set of golden
gates at the far end of the hall.
The statue had been destroyed twenty one years ago in a battle between the former Hogwarts headmaster,
Albus Dumbledore and the darkest most feared wizard of all time, Tom Marvolo Riddle. However once the battle
was over it was re-created once again.
As Teddy walked past the apparating zone, a cheerful voice greeted him from behind.
Hello Teddy. Had a good morning so far?
Teddy spun around to see a very old and tall man, with balding red hair walking up to him with a grin on his
face. Teddy smiled widely as Arthur Weasley approached him and gave him a warm hug Mr. Weasley took a
step back, still grasping Teddys shoulders, to take a look at him and then smiled.
Its days like these that remind me how old I am. He chuckled.
Old? Please! You dont look a day older than twenty. Teddy winked.
Arthur Weasley laughed quietly and patted Teddy on the back, Silver tongue like that and youll be the Minister
in no time, young man.
Teddy smiled at the older mans statement and turned towards the golden gates as they began walking towards
it together. They weaved in and out of the huge crowd of Ministry workers. Arthur studied the younger mans
face which was sweating, quite pale and after noticing his continuous fidgeting, the older man realized that
Teddy was in fact, feeling extremely nervous.
You shouldnt be feeling nervous son. Youre going to do just fine, believe me, said Arthur casually. Teddy
looked at Arthur out of the corner of his eyes and just shook his head.
I didnt mean its not ok to be nervous. Its perfectly natural Arthur began as they walked past the golden
gates into a small hallway which had around twenty or more lifts, but was broken off by Teddy as he grasped the
older mans elbow and guided him towards a corner away from the large crowd of witches and wizards bustling
towards the elevators to reach their offices.
Teddy, whats wrong? Arthur asked anxiously.
Teddy shuffled in his place and looked around himself although it was quite imminent his eyes werent focusing
on anything in particular. He was struggling to find words that would voice his concerns in a subtle manner.
However after a few moments he waved his hands exasperatedly and looked Arthur straight in the eyes.
Uncle Art. Theres something I wanted to ask you. I already discussed this with Harry, but you know. Hes only
been in the Ministry for nineteen years. Ive been meaning to talk to you about this, but
Teddy, interrupted Mr. Weasley looking worried. Just say whats on your mind son.
Teddy looked at his fathers friend and took a deep breath, What if they find out about me? he blurted.
I dont really think I understand what you mean by that Teddy.
Oh cmon Uncle Art, said Teddy, exasperated. You all can act like this is normal because you all care about
me, but the rest of the world will not be so understanding if they find out that I run faster than any regular man,
that I can run even faster when on all four legs
Limbs Teddy, corrected Arthur.
It doesnt matter, exclaimed Teddy as his brown hair as his hair turned dangerously red. Uncle Art, I can hear
everything going on right now, from the man pointing out to someone that my hair changed color, to Gregs
constant mumbling complaints about how he hates his job at the Security desk. I can hear the bursting of flames
every time someone floos in, I can hear the fountain all the way from here. I can smell the bread and honey you
had this morning. It all seemed really cool when I was at Hogwarts, but its not Uncle Art, its just not cool
anymore. Im not normal and dont tell me that it doesnt matter, because it does. Everyone tells me that my
father was the best Defense against the Dark Arts teacher they ever learnt from. Then he mustve been talented
right? Then why did he not get a job in this place. Why? Ill tell you why, because everyone is prejudiced against
werewolves. So I just want to know one thing Uncle Art, and be honest with me here. Am I doing all this for
nothing? Will they chuck me out the moment they find out what I am? Because if they do, then I dont want to
even start and give myself high hopes.
Arthur looked at the younger man with concern while thinking quickly about how he was going to ease the boys
worries.
Teddy the times have changed. I understand why Harry couldnt make you see reason. Savior of the wizarding
world he may be, but he was not present before the first war started and he was too young to remember that
war itself. Around the time I was born, Werewolves werent as common as they were around your fathers time.
They were scattered and alone or in hiding with no one to look out for them, Wolfsbane potion hadnt been
discovered, people didnt have any idea on what to expect from them and were afraid of them. In such times
people turn to their leaders and do just what followers are supposed to, take their lead. The ministry itself was
afraid of werewolves and it wasnt long before that fear trickled down to the people and eventually turned to
prejudice and hate. By the time your father was victimized, werewolf hate had reached unconceivable levels and
werewolves all over Europe had begun to lash out and get back at all their tormentors. The prejudiced used
these attacked to justify their hate and the werewolves blamed the frustration from being prejudiced for their
actions. There was an air of mistrust around Europe and thats what Remus was a victim of. Arthur took a
breath at this point and studied Teddys face.
You on the other hand live in a world where people look up to leaders like Kingsley & Harry. Hermione has
worked night and day to bring about changes and introduce laws to protect werewolves while Edgar Fowler will
fire anyone at a blink of an eye if they show prejudice. Im pretty sure people will think ten times before
discriminating against you seeing as how Harry is your godfather and Hermione treats you like the baby brother
she never had.
Teddy smiled slightly, Yes! That would be very foolish of them indeed. He looked at the man who had become
his fathers closest friend in the few years before his death and realized how lucky he had been to have been
raised by such great people. Teddy smiled at the older man, Thanks Uncle Art.
You want to thank me? Then get rid of all these doubts and focus on all the good things. Instructed the older
man, Where is all this coming from anyway? enquired Arthur.
Teddy thought for a moment to tell Arthur about the nightmare hed been having but eventually decided against
it. I dont know. Just something that popped into my head after I flooed in, mustve been the nerves.
Teddy knew that, Arthur didnt believe a word of what he just said, but appreciated that the Patriarch of the
Weasley clan didnt press him for the truth. Well then, lets go. You dont want to be late on your very first day
now do you?
The two men joined the crowd that was moving towards the various lifts and entered one of the lifts which had
just descended and its golden grilles had slid open. Teddy and Arthur squeezed into the lift with others and just
as the golden grilles began to close, a wizard to Arthurs left put his hand in between it. The magical sensors
forced the closing grilles back open and the men stepped out and smiled at Arthur Weasley, Ok folks. Show a
little respect here. Weve got a war hero amongst our midst. Give him space now, step out of the lift. Come on
now dont be an arse.
Teddy noticed Arthurs ears had turned red and he started mumbling, Its perfectly alright Eric you dont have
to please, I insist. But no one paid attention to him and simply smiled at him and left the lift till there were only
the two of them left. The grilles slammed shut and the elevator started ascending upwards.
This is exactly why I stopped taking the elevator the moment they created the Department of Muggle
Relations. He grumbled.
Teddy burst out laughing at the older mans reaction, I dont know what youre complaining about. Id be glad if I
didnt have to squeeze in the lift every day. Why were you down in the Atrium anyways? I thought you could
enter your office from the streets?
I thought Id make a pit stop at the Auror office and see how you were doing, but I ran into you in the Atrium
itself.
As the elevator came to a halt, a cool female voice spoke loudly and plainly as though an invisible woman was
standing right beside them, Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including Auror Headquarters,
and Wizengamot Administration Services.
Thats me. Wish me luck Uncle Art. Teddy called over his shoulder as he half walked and half ran out with
sheer excitement and nerves.
You dont need luck. Its in your blood. Arthur called out, Level Zero please. He added as an instruction to the
lift.
Teddy kept walking through the corridor line with doors till he reached the corner. Ok! This is it Ted. Biggest
step of your life. No biggie. No reason to be nervous. I hope youre watching Mom and Dad, cause Im going to
step through the same doors you guys did to start your very own lives. Heres to full circle and all that jazz.
Teddy took a deep breath and turned the corner and pushed open the giant oak doors and he had to duck
instantly as several paper airplanes zoomed by him.
Oye! Leave the door open will ya? Those bloody memosve bangin away at the door for quite some time now,
shouted a bald man whose head sticking over a cubicle in a thick Irish accent, at Teddy. Theres a good lad.
He added as Teddy pushed the door and placed the stopper in front of it with his feet.
Teddy looked up at the sign above his head which read AUROR HEADQUARTERS and smiled to himself. He
remembered when Harry had brought him to work for his 5th birthday that the sign was fixed on a cubicle and
was lopsided. Looking around, he noticed a huge cluttered, open area divided into cubicles, which were buzzing
with talk and laughter. At the end of the hall there were glass cabins lining the wall of the hall which contained
private offices. Most were empty, while many had groups of witches and wizards having tea and coffee and
sharing a laugh, some had Aurors staring at charts and parchments. Right in the center of the cabin line was a
staircase leading to a floor above. At the bottom of these stairs on either side was a desk behind each of which
was a woman.
Teddy blinked twice and shook his head and looked at the women again. The woman who was sitting on the
right seemed to be seated in what appeared to be a bubble and was typing away vigorously on a laptop. She
was middle aged and had a stern look on her face that reminded him of Professor McGonagall. The other was a
young woman, possibly in her late twenties, dictating something to a quill.
Before Teddy could ponder over what he was seeing, a paper airplane came zooming right at him. Teddy
ducked out of its way before it could poke him in the eye but the memo just spun and poked him in the back of
the neck and kept poking him till Teddy grabbed it out of the air. OW! Hey! Okay Okay!!!
He unfolded the memo and read to himself:
To: Mr. Teddy Remus Lupin
Subject: Orientation
Mr. Lupin,
Kindly report to Mr. Edgar Fowlers office immediately.
Regards
Maggie Pritchard
Teddy looked around with a curious look on his face wondering where Edgar Fowlers office could be and he
noticed that the woman seated behind the left desk was looking at him with a curious look on her face. She
signaled him to come towards her. Teddy looked behind him to make sure she didnt signal someone else and
then decided she must be Maggie Pritchard. He moved towards the end of the hallway passing the many
cubicles. Witches and Wizards were settling in after arriving at work, many were packing up and getting ready to
leave, some were even having a nap, possibly to recuperate enough energy to power through the day after
being at work all night.
Teddy approached the desk with the dictating witch and kept glancing at the second desk with the woman in the
bubble.
I presume youre Teddy Lupin the young brunette asked.
Uhm yea Yes! Yes, I am replied Teddy, apparently still distracted by the woman in the bubble.
Youre an eloquent one arencha? she remarked with a smile. Just go up the stairs to Mr. Fowlers office. Hes
expecting you.
Teddy nodded and continued to stare at the woman in the bubble as he walked up the stairs. He soon emerged
in a very small corridor with a metal door a few feet away from him. He walked up to it and raised his hand to
knock, but the door slid open before he could land his knuckles on it.
Please come in Mr. Lupin called out a gruffy voice. Teddy stepped into the very neat office. The floor was
covered with a black carpet, the hardwood walls were covered by moving photographs, framed news clippings,
medals. In the middle of the office was a very ancient looking, very clean Tudor leather sofa facing two Tudor
Tub Chairs behind which stood a trophy cabinet. Only it didnt store any trophies, but numerous framed
photographs of what could only be wanted criminals. At the end of the office was an enormous metallic sigil of a
phoenix rising behind a triangle containing numerous symbols flanked by two snakes, the Sigil of the
Department of Magical Law Enforcement of The United Kingdom, hanging from the wall. These symbols
represented Elves, Muggles, Goblins, Vampires, Werewolves, Giants, Wizards, Love and Equality.
Under the sigil was an empty chair behind a desk, leaning against which, was a tall and lean man standing
casually with his palms resting upon the desk. He smiled at Teddy with pursed lips and intense eyes, his square
brow furrowed, yet inviting. His hard jaw had a small paradoxic beam, making it seem somewhat softer. He had
a personality that radiated comfort. Teddy had barely looked at the man and he already felt as if he could trust
him.
That that woman was sitting in a bubble! Teddy finally exclaimed out of shock.
Ah, I see youve noticed Emily, the man said with a smile. Shes a Muggle has two children, one daughter who
graduated from Hogwarts the same year you completed your first year and a son who is now in his second year.
She is, what muggles call, a psychiatrist and unbelievably skilled in the science of Human Behavior Analysis,
which believe it or not is more effective than Legilimency in many situations since Legilimency cant be
performed at great distances. All she needs is information about a persons daily routine, posture or habits and
she can predict how their minds works without even having to meet them. But we arent here to discuss her are
we? What are we here for Mr. Lupin?
Teddy realized that he had made a mess of his first impression and recovered immediately, Teddy Remus
Lupin reporting for duty SIR! Teddy said loudly as he stood in an attention position in front of Edgar Fowler, the
head of the Auror Department.
Fowler rolled his eyes exasperatedly, Tell me, Mr. Lupin. What is it about every new Auror in this generation
that they have to act like soldiers whenever they report to me for the first time? Fowler walked towards Teddy
and put forward his hand. Ever heard the line, a little respect goes a long way? as Teddy shook his hand.
Well a simple handshake will do, son. He added smiling at the young recruit.
Fowler turned around and walked towards the drawers lining the office window. Drink? he offered. Teddy
shook his head slightly, Im alright thanks.
Fowler poured himself a drink, Well I never stated there was anything wrong with you, I merely offered you a
drink, Teddy shuffled in his place nervously not knowing how to respond. You see the proper declining
response is No, thank you.
Fowler took a sip of his drink and came back to lean against the desk. He looked at Teddy for sometime without
speaking and Teddys hair started to turn black. Fowler smiled, Have a seat Mr. Lupin. Fowler nodded, any
seat Lupin, it doesnt matter. He added impatiently as Teddy stared from one sofa to the other. Teddy sat down
slowly on one of the tub chairs and looked up at the legendary Auror.
There was a reason Teddy was cracking under pressure in front of this man. Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley
may be heroes to the rest of the wizarding world, but for Teddy they were his Godfather and an elder brother-
like figure. To Teddy, Fowler was nothing short of a living legend. Tales of his unorthodox and ruthless methods
made him a cult hero at Hogwarts and Teddy was now facing the man he had heard so much about but had
never met or seen. Fowler though being one of the best Aurors of his time, was extremely camera shy and
private. No interviews, no photo shoots, no press conferences. He delegated those jobs to other Aurors whod
gladly take up the opportunity to hog the limelight and Fowler had no issues with that.
Teddy always imagined him to be like Alastor Moody, a hero of two wars, scarred, menacing, alert & vigilant.
However, Fowler was quite the opposite. He seemed warm, caring, trust worthy, probably a bit eccentric, but
definitely a pleasant person and maybe thats what was so unnerving about him. It was the subtlety of it all. The
ferocity, the ruthlessness and the power were all very unexpected of him.
Relax Ted. Pardon me. Where are my manners? May I call upon you as Teddy or Ted, Mr. Lupin? Fowler
questioned. Teddy merely nodded his agreement, not wanting to say anything that Fowler would deem
inappropriate and change his mind about letting Teddy start so early.
Well then Teddy, as I was saying, you have nothing to be nervous about. However you might want to focus
more on controlling your Metamorphmagi abilities there. Fowler stated nodding towards Teddys head, You
dont want to blow your cover in missions where you are undercover now do you? And you will blow it if your
hair starts turning every shade of a leprechauns rainbow the moment you get upset or nervous.
Sorry sir. Ill work harder sir. Teddy said determinedly.
Fowler smiled and started walking slowly, up and down the length of his office in front of Teddy, I would expect
no less of you. You are Remus son after all. He added.
Teddys looked into Fowlers eyes for the first time since entering his office and losing all his earlier inhibitions
regarding speaking openly, he spoke up, You knew my father?
For a fleeting moment Teddy thought he saw an expression of grief pass over Fowlers face but then he thought
he had imagined it. Fowler stopped prowling his office and looked out of the window, but it seemed he was
staring at nothing in particular. He turned around after a moment and looked Teddy right in the eye.
I knew Remus since he was 11. We went to Hogwarts together, different sets of friends of course. He being in
Gryffindor and me in Ravenclaw. But we became friends around our fifth year. Both of us were prefects and
were paired for prefect duties quite often. After our fifth year, both Remus and I, being the aspiring Aurors that
we were, had the same classes and so we grew closer as friends. As fate would have it we were both paired up
together at the London Training facility and we became even better friends. At this point Fowler paused for a
moment and looked back out the window.
Six months into the training people discovered he was a werewolf. Our mentor, Alastor Moody, had a zero
tolerance policy and made it clear to everyone that even the slightest hazing of Remus, for being a werewolf,
would lead in the immediate expulsion of the aggressor, from the Academy. Fowler paused slightly and turned
back to face Teddy, The next morning your father handed in his papers and quit.
WHAT? Why? I thought you said Mr. Moody stood up for him? Teddy exclaimed confused.
Fowler smiled sadly, Your father had that old Gryffindor nobility complex that so many of his and your
housemates suffer from. I still remember that moment as if it had happened yesterday. He had packed his bag,
slung it over his shoulder and was walking towards the apparition zone. I caught up to him and asked him why
he was leaving. He said that hed rather remain unemployed all his life than work with colleagues and coworkers
who were threatened into working with him. I shot back saying that he was simply a fool to think that at eighteen
years of age he had everything figured out and that after a few years of unemployment hed get frustrated and
give up on all those pointless principals and work under any conditions to survive.
Remus said hed rather be forced into such situation for the sake of survival rather than choose to be in the
situation out of fear of the path ahead. He left me standing there and kept moving towards the apparition zone
and I dont know what came over me. I guess I was desperate. The girl I loved was out there working in the
ministry during an intense war. We werent allowed contact with the outside world. I remember the only thing
that had kept all of us going was the fact we didnt get any news from the outside world in fact. Because at camp
if you received a letter from anyone other than the drill instructors? Then it meant a family member had died.
Fowler stared at the floor and his voice grew softer by the moment.
I was running on fumes. I didnt know whether the woman I loved was alive, I didnt know how my sickly mother
was doing and my best friend had been killed during the summer before my seventh year. Your father was my
only friend and now even he was leaving and I guess I didnt want anybody else to worry about. So I tried to
shame him into coming back. Called him a coward, pathetic, desperate even.
He merely turned around, smiled at me and said that he would always consider me his brother and if fate
allowed it, we would meet again after two and a half years when I graduated from the Academy. Fowler sat
quietly staring at the carpet for some time.
After a few moments, when Teddy couldnt stand the silence, he spoke up, Did you guys meet up again after
that?
Fowler shook his head, No. The world was changing. Times were different. The first war was raging and all the
trainers were pulled out to assist in the war, the trainees were given their badges before their training was
complete. Six months after Remus had left, I became an Auror. Aspiring Aurors graduating from Hogwarts at
that point didnt even get any training. They just gave an aptitude test and answered what spells, curses and
jinxes theyd use in which situation in a rapid fire interview session. The ministry needed as many hands on
deck as they could get. I got married a week after getting out of the training facility and became a father a year
later, in 1980. Remus and I were engaged in the same war and against the same enemy but were serving
different armies. When the war ended on Halloween in 1981, Remus had lost everyone. His mother had died a
few months after he had left the training facility in 1979, his brother-like friends family was destroyed in 1981,
his best friend was arrested for the murder of yet another brotherly figure and so when the war had ended,
Remus just fell off the face of the earth. The next I heard of him was in 1994 when there was the bizarre capture
and escape of Sirius Black in the Hogwarts grounds. By the time I made it to Hogwarts to see him, he had been
long gone. Four years later I read his name on the list of the Martyrs of the Second Battle. I came to his funeral
to pay my respects and say goodbye and to say I was sorry. Thats when I found out he had a son.
An eerie silence had fallen over the room. There was a glazed look in Fowlers eyes as he stared at the wall but
was not really looking at it, he seemed far away. Teddy was staring out of the window and was only now starting
to realize how difficult life had been for his father. No one had ever told him about these bits of his fathers life.
Teddy looked up, Sirius Black was arrested for murder right? Whose murder?
Fowler looked up startled, Uhm, Peter Pettigrews. He was later cleared of it posthumously. But anyways,
Fowler cleared his throat. You must be wondering why Im telling you all of this. Well a few reasons to be
honest. He got up and went back to facing Teddy while leaning against the desk. Regardless of how we parted
ways and never met up afterwards, I had great respect for Remus. He was one of the most kindhearted, loyal
and nicest person I knew. Ive been keeping an eye on you for some time now and I must say I see so much of
your father in you and I know those qualities were what wouldve made him a great Auror. He was already the
best while we were in training together and he proved his skills at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries and
at the two Battles of Hogwarts and throughout his life.
I want you, Teddy Remus Lupin, to achieve what was rightfully your fathers to achieve. What he wasnt allowed
to achieve due to bigotry and hatred. I want you to be sitting in this very office one day and giving this speech to
some other poor nervous soul on his first day. Do I make myself clear young man?
Teddy looked up to Fowler, clenched his jaw and nodded determinedly, Yes sir!
Good. Fowler picked a file from his desk and tossed it at Teddy. This is the case youll be working on. Study it,
research it, analyze it and have a report on my desk by tomorrow 4 pm and when I say have the report at my
desk, I mean only the report not excuses. Do I make myself clear? Teddy opened his mouth to reply but
Fowler cut him off, Dont answer that. Never answer that. I ask that a lot and its always rhetorical because you
will always answer yes. Do I make myself clear? Theres a good lad. The time right now is ten-forty in the
morning. Mr. Weasley requested your presence at Platform 9 by half past ten. I have made you ten minutes
late. I suggest you use the floo from my office to reach the atrium to be able to apparate from there. Youre
dismissed now Mr. Lupin and for future reference? When I say you are dismissed, I dont want to hear anything
back. No thank yous or goodbyes or question. Not a peep. Do I make myself clear? Good. Youre dismissed.
Fowler snapped his fingers and a small portion of the wall behind Teddy slid sideways to expose a fireplace.
Teddy blinked at Edgar Fowler for a moment and then realized that Ron had given him the best first day to work
gift he couldve asked for. Fowler impatiently waved his hand towards the fireplace.
Teddy turned towards the fireplace, picked a handful of floo powder and threw it in the fireplace, stepped into it,
THE ATRIUM! He whispered. With that he shot up and braced himself for the landing, for he knew hed reach
it before he knew it.
Teddy stumbled out of the fireplace in the Atrium. He focused on the mens room in the Kings cross station and
hoped that it would be empty of Muggles, closed his eyes, let loose and with a deafening crack Teddy felt a
squeezing sensation as he materialized behind a man who was washing his hands and checking himself out in
the mirror. Teddy smiled as the man yelped in fear and before the man could do anything else Teddy pulled out
his wand from under his sleeve and pointed it towards the man in a flash. Obliviate he whispered. He pocketed
the wand before the man, who now had a dazed look on his face, could recover and stepped out of mens room
and charged towards a barrier between platform 9 and 10 with a wolfish grin on his face. Hed made it.







Chapter 3
Snogging, Brew, Bubbles and Bank
Teddy kept looking out of the corner of his eyes at the various muggles nearby as he ran towards the barrier,
making sure he wasnt drawing attention. Teddy blessed the Muggle Repelling charms placed on the barrier that
drew Muggle attention away from witches and wizards when they reached the barriers and pounced right at the
barrier like an animal, went through it and landed on all fours. He pushed himself off and after gaining a lot of
pace in two four limbed strides he jumped up in the air over a family, landed on both feet ahead of them, hopped
out of an oncoming luggage trolleys path and stopped right in front of the second carriage of the Train.
He hopped inside the train and opened the door that led him into the Student Council Lounge. Teddy checked
his watch and noticed that he now had less than 15 minutes to find Victoire and say goodbye before the train left
for Hogwarts. The Lounge consisted of the first two carriages behind the engine the first of which was reserved
for Prefects and Quidditch Captains. The carriage was divided into four sections each of which was set up like
the common rooms with couches, coffee tables and sofa chairs with the colors of each of the four Hogwarts
houses. One area had Green couches and sofa chairs around a silver colored coffee table, another had blue
floor cushions surrounding a bronze Chinese tea table, the third had yellow revolving lounge chairs facing the
window with black arms and the final area where he had expected Victoire to be had a couple of red bean bags,
a red leather recliner chair along with a red contemporary love seat all surrounding a golden stylish coffee table
which formed a letter G.
Teddy let out a frustrated sigh and moved towards the door that separated the first carriage from the second
and was reserved for the Head boy and Head Girl and went right through it. His disappointment at finding that
carriage empty soon was replaced by a sense of boyish joy when he noticed the Gryffindor Common Room
styled carriage in front of him and he realized that it could only mean that this year both the Student Council
heads were from Gryffindor. He was looking at the large tapestry with the Gryffindor crest hanging between two
windows when he noticed a girl standing outside one of the windows talking to other girls her age. She had
silvery blonde hair and though Teddy could only see the side of her face, he noticed that she had a radiant smile
on her face. He pounced towards the door leading out of the carriage and hopped down from it right behind the
girl, barely able to contain his glee. The girls friends noticed his presence and before they could inform her of
his presence he spoke up, Excuse me miss? Im looking for the Head Girl. Shes about your height has
beautiful hair and has looks to die for? he finished with a grin. The girls friends, to Teddys immense relief,
decided to give the two a bit of privacy and he felt even more thankful to them for being mature enough not to
leave in a fit of giggles, something he always found extremely awkward to deal with.
Victoire Weasley turned around with the same smile that always seemed to leave Teddy lost for words, That
description was quite vague dont you think? Is there anything else that might help me narrow it down? she
challenged as she walked slowly towards the young Auror.
Well, I havent seen anyone elses smile being more effective than a stunning spell.
What does my grand Pappy always say about you? said Victoire getting close enough for Teddy to be able to
count the freckles on her nose.
Silver Tongue. He breathed before pressing his lips against hers and all thought of the nightmares, Death
Eaters, Werewolf hate, Fowler and pretty much everything was driven from his mind. Nothing seemed to exist or
matter except the slender form of the girl in his arms. Teddy felt like he could stay this way forever, he felt
WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING? demanded a very familiar voice from behind Victoire, who broke the kiss
immediately, although stayed close to Teddy with her forehead touching his, her eyes sparkling with joy and her
body shaking with the laughter she was trying hard to hold back.
Teddy wished there werent any anti-apparition wards in place over the platform so he could apparate away with
Victoire. I think its time we had a talk young man. Teddy mouthed through grinding teeth.
You are not giving him a birds and bees talk five minutes before he leaves for Hogwarts and make it a crash
course of sex talk thatll leave him scarred for life and turn him into a monk, whispered Victoire breathlessly.
Well? enquired the same voice. Teddy looked over Victoires shoulder without releasing Victoire from his
embrace and glared at the young boy, You are thirteen years old James, he said with his voice dripping with
awful coldness. Im pretty sure you know I was snogging Vicky & it was a damn good snog too. He added
cheekily.
James waved his hand impatiently, Oh please. Ive been seeing you snog everything that moves since I was in
my first year.
Teddy looked at Victoire for help but noticed she was just as clueless as he was, So whats the problem then?
James eyes flew wide and he hoped on the spot with both his arms waving in Victoires direction, ITs VICKY!!!
OUR VICKY!!! YOU ARE SNOGGING YOUR COUSIN, TEDDY.
Teddy mouthed like a goldfish for a few moments before turning to Victoire in defeat, Hey uh whoa
Uhm feel free to jump in at any time.
Victoire bit the insides of her cheek to keep herself from bursting into fits of laughter as she bent lower to get at
eye level with James, James? Sweetie? You know Teddy isnt related to us dont you? He is your Grandfathers
best friends son?
James still didnt seem convinced at all and it was now that Teddy lost all the patience he had left in him, Al
right thats enough James, scram. I came to say goodbye to her. Get outta here. Go! The trains about to leave,
go get your stuff on the train.
News about the train acted like a trigger in James, he continued to glare at the two of them as he backed away
and soon disappeared in the steam as he moved back towards his carriage to join his family.
Victoire leaned against a pillar, her shoulders shaking as she started laughing. Teddy leaned against the same
pillar looking at her with his trademark wolfish grin, So, where were we? he added as he leaned in.
Oh no Mister, Victoire snapped back. You need to tell me what youre doing here.
Teddy raised a curious eyebrow and felt rather annoyed at the question, Im the replacement for the trolley
woman, special discount for you by the way, he said with obvious sarcasm. What do you think Im doing here?
I came to see off the girl I love before she goes off to school and I cant see her for a year. Teddy added the
last bit as he noticed Victoires nostrils flare up the way they did when she was starting to get angry and it was
indeed a good idea as it seemed to have calmed her down.
Dont get me wrong Teddy. Im glad you came. Best surprise ever actually, but I dont want you taking a bunk at
work just to come see me off for Hogwarts.
Im not taking a bunk, he snapped impatiently. Ron had asked Fowler to tell me to meet up with him here at
the Platform.
Teddy wanted her to understand that he wasnt being irresponsible or reckless, something she had always
accused him of being when they were younger and wanted her to understand that he was doing everything only
after carefully analyzing his options. A voice inside Teddy laughed at him and pointed out that even today he
had been impulsive. But Victoire wasnt thinking about any of that anymore. In fact she had stopped listening the
moment Teddy had mentioned Fowler.
You met Edgar Fowler? shrieked Victoire, her voice rich with excitement. You finally met THE Edgar Fowler?
She grabbed hold of Teddys wrist and was hopping on the spot out of sheer excitement. What does he look
like? Is really every inch of his face scarred? Is he extremely rude? How was it?
Teddy gaped at her for a few moments, he had rarely seen her this excited over anything, usually she was the
calm, and more composed one of the two of them. It was fine really. I really enjoyed it. The moment Teddy
said it he realized he had made a mistake. All the excitement had drained from Vickys eyes and her grip from
his wrists relaxed as she searched Teddys face for an explanation. When it became apparent that all Teddy
had to say about his meeting was what he had crammed in two short sentences, she brought her face close to
his, so that only he could hear her.
Oh no Teddy Remus Lupin, you are not going to leave me hanging like that just before I board the train for
Hogwarts, you hear me? But most of her words were drowned in the loud whistle which signaled everyone to
get onboard the train.
Teddy held her face in his gently and planted a kiss on her forehead, You have nothing to worry about Vicky. It
went great, really. I swear it did. I was just caught off guard when he mentioned that he and my dad were in the
same year at Hogwarts, thats all. Teddy could hear the guards walking along the train and slamming the doors
shut as the train prepared to move, listen Vicky, dont you think about all of this. Its you final year, savor the
moment, savor everything and knock the prefects dead with your Head Girl speech alright? Give James a
detention for me or cancel that, go easy on him will you, and reflect me the moment the feast ends and you get
back to your dorm alright? I love you Vicky
Victoire kissed Teddy fiercely as a reply and it took all his will power to pull away from her to let her board the
train. You just make sure you are ok right now and that you are by your mirror when I summon you alright?
She kissed him one last time as she jumped over the train and the door slammed shut behind her. The train
took its first jerk as it started to gradually crawl. Teddy waved goodbye as the train gained more and more speed
and pretty soon she was lost in a puff of smoke.
Teddy jammed his hands into his pockets and let out a sigh as he turned around and started looking around the
platform for his adoptive family. This was going to be the first time the entire Potter-Weasley clan barring
Charlie, Bill & Fleur would be present at the station. Rose Weasley, Ron and Hermiones first born and Teddys
favorite of all the Potter-Weasley children after James was starting Hogwarts today and this meant that the only
parents who had till date been absent from the platform on September the 1st would now be present at the
Platform. He was just glad that Bill and Fleur had to fly off to France to see off Dominique, their younger
daughter and the only one of their three children who had decided she had wanted her mothers education at
the Beauxbatons Academy for Magic, which left Victoire in charge to make sure Louis boarded the train safely
for his second year at Hogwarts and had allowed him to talk to her in private before she left for a whole year.
He strained his ears to focus on familiar voices and heard Ginnys voice from further down the platform, Hell be
alright. He heard her say, most probably to Harry and as he walked towards the direction in which the voices
were coming from he could hear Harrys voice, I know he will.
Teddy remembered his first year and how Harry had apparated ahead of the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade
and made it up to the Great Hall just to make sure Teddy safely made the journey by the boats. He vividly
remembered Professor Longbottom and Hagrid forcing him off the grounds while Teddy moved up towards the
castle in a line with his fellow first years and how his Aunt Molly and Ginny had made sure he had stayed put at
the borrows till James had sent a letter via owl telling them he had made Gryffindor.
Teddy noticed George and Angelina speaking to Percy and was wondering where Audrey was when he noticed
Georges glittery blue enchanted robes that had a Quidditch Player zooming around Georges torso and had the
words Sapphire Flintlocks, a Quidditch club which finally made it to the first flight five years ago and was now
taking the British League by storm.
The voices were getting stronger now and he could hear Ron talking about his driving as Teddy came around
the pillar and came face to face with his most favorite people. Ron and Harry were walking a few steps ahead of
the women and were discussing cars and legal enchantments that could be done to them while Hugo was
looking up and listening intently while trying hard to keep up with his father. Hermione and Ginny were consoling
Lily who was on the verge of tears.
I dont care what enchantments you do to it, all I want is a flying car. Siriuss bike is getting old and noisy for
me. Teddy called out to get their attention. Lily and Hugos faces immediately broke into ear to ear grins as they
ran towards him together screaming his name. Hugo was the first to reach him and Teddy hoisted him over his
shoulder while Lily simply hugged him around the waist.
Hey! Hey! My two favorite people. Easy there guys and why is this lovely young lady looking so sad? Teddy
asked Lily as he set Hugo down.
Albus left for Hogwarts and didnt take me with him. She added, her grin fading away and her eyes
dangerously swimming with tears.
Hey Cmon. One day youll go to Hogwarts too and besides you dont want to go for another two years. The
best elf chef at Hogwarts has taken a vacation and wont be back till then and he makes the most amazing
feasts.
Lily squinted her eyes and placed her hands on her hips and chided Teddy, I know Elves dont take vacations,
Hermione made a tutting noise but didnt say anything to interrupt Teddys efforts to cheer the little girl up. And
dont talk to me like as if Im a child. Im not a child anymore. I am nine years old.
Teddy made a shocked face and placed his palm over his mouth, Oh my, please forgive me my lady, Hugo
started giggling. I didnt mean to offend you. So I suppose you wont be interested in a delicious chocolate ice
cream sundae with Chocolate Stars sprinkled on top of them from Fortescues Ice Cream Parlor?
I want one Teddy. Howled Hugo, who was practically jumping out of joy while Lily was still squinting at Teddy
and standing akimbo, FINE! But dont think I let you bribe me. I only said yes because you asked nicely.
Teddy laughed and looked up at his Godfather, a man with round glasses and black hair that was stuck up at
the back and a lightning shaped scar on his forehead, Shes a political one this. Who do you reckon she takes
after?
Her mother of course, Harry winked cheekily. Im quite straight forward you see.
The red haired freckled woman walked up to Lily and took her daughters hands while adding in a cold voice,
Teddy dear? Tell your Godfather to choose his words carefully if he wishes not to sleep on the couch and stop
spoiling Lily with treats.
Hey Ill spoil her any which way I want. You cant make me sleep on the couch Ginny. Besides, you all are
getting spoilt today. My treat.
Some other day Teddy, said Ron while taking out his wallet. Ive got to drop off Hermione and Hugo back
home before I join you at work, He flashed his drivers license in front of Teddys face with an extremely proud
look on his face. Got it yesterday. Hermione didnt believe I could pass a Muggle driving test. She thought Id
have to confound the examiner.
For the last time Ron I had complete faith in you. If you say that to anyone one more time then you will join
Harry on that couch.
Hugo and Lily were finding all this extremely funny as both of them had been going red in the face from laughing
from the moment Ginny had threatened Harry.
So you and Harry drive your cars to the Leaky Cauldron and park it there while Hermione, Ginny and I will side-
along apparate with the kids to the Ice Cream Parlor. The kids can have whatever they want and we all can
have some buns and tea, before we all get back to work. Teddy explained while looking from Harry to Ron.
Cmon. How long has it been since we did anything as a family?
We just had a barbeque five days ago at Burrows, Hermione pointed out. Remember? When you wanted to
throw Rose and Hugo a last Sunday before Hogwarts party and then disappeared off with Victoire to, what was
it Ginny? Find Roxannes Pygmy Puff. She added cheekily while nudging Ginny gently in the ribs.
Teddy made a noise to mock mimic Hermione and then turned to Harry, Cmon Harry. Early lunch. Please?
Timber, Ginny remarked. No way is Harry saying no now. Lets go.
Im right here you know?
Is he now? Ron winked at Ginny.
I really dont think so. Have you seen the chosen one anywhere Hermione?
Yes this is real funny. Did we just see off our children for Hogwarts or are we on the train? Harry chided his
wife and best friend.
Are we now? Ron grinned
Oh wait. I can smell treats. Must be the trolley woman. Ginny added.
Teddy was trying very hard to compose himself and not break out into fits of laughter as he saw the look on
Harrys face. In fact he wanted to join in, but he knew that Harry was the only one he could persuade to
successfully convince the others into taking an early lunch and spending some time at Diagon Alley.
Hey cmon now. The less time we spend here, the more we spend at Fortescues Teddy interrupted
We arent going to Fortescues, Teddy Hermione muttered while focused on her portable Memo Manager, a
small screen in the shape of a clipboard without a clip that always reminded him of a Muggle device Damien, his
primary school classmate, used to carry around that was called an I-Pad. Although that didnt respond to the
users thoughts as did the Lovegood Memo Manager 1.3, Special Edition. It was a gift from Ginny and
Hermiones old friend, the famously eccentric inventor, Luna Lovegood who Teddy used to be frightened of as a
child. A childhood fear that had followed him into his youth even though he wouldnt admit it to anyone else.
Mum please! Please can we go, please? Hugo pleaded his mom while Lily was now hugging her father and
pleading quietly.
Alright fine. Alright. Harry said shaking his head and glaring at Teddy, You really should stop spoiling them,
Teddy.
A little ice cream never hurt anyone Harry, Teddy snapped at Harry. And if memory serves me right. I
distinctly remember Fortescue mentioning that you were his fathers favorite customer.
Alright already. Teddy, take Hugo with you, Hermione and Ginny can take Lily. Ron and I will meet you there.
We cant leave the cars here.
The kids cheered as Teddy rubbed his hands together and lead everyone towards the barrier with Hermione
bringing up the rear, her nose buried in her Memo Manager which was now making the funny noise that it made
while magically processing the speakers in such a manner that only the user could hear its audio. They moved
past columns to make their way towards the exit, next to which were the bathrooms that were used for
apparating in and out of the station.
Teddy, Ron, Harry and Hugo were so involved in discussing Quidditch that they didnt notice a man theyd just
walked past who seemed quite lost. Ginny and Lily managed to move out of his path but Hermione, who was
barely aware of what was happening around her bumped right into him and dropped her Memo Manager with a
loud clang and slightly audible crack.
OYE! You! Watch where youre going snapped Ron as he rushed to help Hermione up. But the man seemed
oblivious to all of this and kept muttering to himself as he got up. Teddy looked up at him only to realize it was
the same man he had performed a memory charm on. Teddy knew his memory charms were weak and didnt
want to help the man remember what had happened. Needless to say Hermione could perform an excellent
memory charm, but Teddy knew hed never hear the end of it. He turned around and without letting go of Hugos
hand he walked straight towards the mens room. Hermione repaired her Memo Manager with a simple Reparo
Charm and the gang moved back into the same direction they were headed as the dazed man kept on walking
around the barrier that lead to Platform 9 .
Harry and Ron moved through the exit to make way towards the parking to reach their respective cars while
Ginny led Lily into the Ladys room. Hermione turned to Hugo, Now you are to hold Teddys hand at all times. If
Teddy happens to apparate away from where Ginny and I will apparate then I want you to stay with him no
matter what you see, understand?
Hugo nodded his head at his mothers instructions and saw her disappear after Ginny. Teddy led him inside and
they walked into the very last cubicle. Teddy looked at Hugo and smiled, Ready for Diagon Alley? Hugo
grinned in agreement and held out his hand for Teddy to take.
Teddy grabbed him by the elbow and apparated out of the stall and landed right behind Ginny and there they
were. Standing at the entrance of Diagon Alley in all its splendor. Teddy was relieved to notice that there wasnt
a lot of crowd today as most of the families had completed their shopping in the weeks preceding the departure
of the Hogwarts Express when they had come to purchase the books and equipments their children would
require for their year at Hogwarts.
Most of the shoppers were gathered around the Apothecaries, Owl Post Office and the McMillan Magical
Grocery which was owned by one of his Godfathers former classmate. They made their way past the various
shoppers with Hermione having to go through the traumatic experience of being distracted from her Memo
Manager by passing admirers who all recognized her as one of the Triumphant Trio, a name the Daily Prophet
used when reporting about Harry, Ron and Hermione, and greeted her loudly. While Ron always enjoyed
hearing the title, it always seemed to irritate Hermione to no end who felt they only named them so in order to
make up for all the horrible things theyd written about Harry throughout 1995 under the influence of the then
Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Harry on the other hand, was quite indifferent to it.
The gang made their way to Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlor and decided to find seats in the backyard
extension of the parlor which was decorated like a garden. The parlor was named after its late founder who had
been murdered by Death Eaters in 1996 and was now run by his middle aged son, who was just as loyal to
Harry as had been his father, though Teddy had heard him say a number of times that Fernus Fortescues ice
creams were no way near the standard of his fathers. A statement that always left Teddy jealous because
regardless of Harrys assessment, Fortescues ice creams were easily the best ice creams Teddy had ever had.
The children were told be patient while they waited for Harry and Ron to arrive while Teddy and Ginny got into
an animated discussion of a recent article of hers where shed been quite hard on the Chudley Cannons, while
Hermione mentioned Rons reaction to that article every now and then with her nose still buried in the Memo
Manager.
Just as the two Quidditch enthusiasts decided to stop their conversations, Harry and Ron made their way
through the shop and out into the backyard and sat next to their wives as Ron decided to join the Quidditch
debate with Harry politically providing diplomatic answers so as not to offend neither his best friend nor his wife.
To what do I owe this pleasure? came a cheerful and booming voice as a very round and balding man with
purple robes and cloak came trotting out into the backyard with a Quick Quotes Quill following him hovering over
his shoulder. Harry got up out of his seat to greet this man and shook his hand and patted his shoulder.
Howve you been Fernus? Been quite long hasnt it? He asked with a wide grin over his face.
Oh it has been sinfully long. I thought you lot wouldve shown up before the summer holidays ended. Fernus
wondered loudly as he went around the table shaking hands with everyone.
You know how it is with children these days Fernus. Too embarrassed to be seen in public with their parents.
Last summer, Albus didnt mind. But this time I guess my eldest rubbed off on him.
Same with Rose and Fred, Ron added with a tone suggesting disappointment in his voice and turned to look at
Hugo and Lily who were now having an animate discussion over who could eat the most ice cream in one bite.
Still have got these two to take out before they catch the virus. Thats something.
Fernus chuckled joyfully and his cheeks turned pink with the effort, Teddy however hasnt forgotten ol Fernie
though. Why only last week he was in here with and he didnt complete the sentence when he noticed the
look on Teddys face. But the damage had been done. There was a glint of mischief in Ginny and Rons eyes
that made Teddy doubt if they were really in their mid thirties and werent teenagers.
Oh but please continue Fernie. Could this friend of our dear little Teddys be extremely attractive, have blonde
hair and a sweet voice?
Fernus cast an apologetic look in Teddys direction and nodded his head ever slightly. However before either
Ron or Ginny could pounce on the moment and play, who can embarrass Teddy the most, Hermione looked up
from her Memo Manager and seemed as if shed just come out of a trance and addressed Teddy, How was
your meeting with Fowler? Ron said hed asked Fowler to tell you to come to the Platform only after the meeting
was over.
Hugo and Lily got busy with giving Fernus their order and Ron and Ginny couldnt tell if Hermione had changed
the topic on purpose or if she wasnt aware of what topic had been going on but neither of them felt it wise to
cross Hermione.
It was fine. Teddy shrugged.
Harry, who had been making sure Lily and Hugo didnt get too carried away with their order, jerked his head in
Teddys direction but didnt say anything until everyone had ordered their teas and coffees and Fernus had left.
Im sure it went better than that. Everyone gets nervous the first time they meet him, but he doesnt pass
judgment based on that. Harry assured Teddy.
Well it started off true to Fowlers reputation. He was nitpicking at me, correcting me every step of the way,
interrupting me even before I could answer his questions by saying exactly what I was going to say. You know
everything you and Ron had prepared me about.
So what went wrong? Ron interrupted impatiently.
Well that was the first few minutes and then we started discussing my dad. Teddy said meekly.
WHAT? Harry, Ron and Hermione exclaimed in unison.
I dont get it. Did Fowler know Professor Lupin? enquired Ginny who had never stopped calling Remus her
Professor.
They went to Hogwarts together. Teddy answered her.
That cant be true we know about everyone our dads went to Hogwarts with. Harry interjected with a thoughtful
look on his face.
Harry we only know about the Gryffindors. What house was Fowler in? observed Hermione. Harry shrugged
his shoulders and opened his mouth to answer her but Teddy answered her before he could say anything,
Ravenclaw.
He was in Ravenclaw? asked Ron with a curious look on his face.
Did he tell you differently? Teddy questioned Ron wondering if his boss had been honest with him.
No he never told us anything. That topic never came up, Teddy seemed relieved when Ron told him this. In
fact, Ron added. Its a bit odd dont you think? Fowler opening up to Teddy. Fowler opening up to anyone is
odd. He never talks about his personal life.
Harry sat down next to Teddy as Lily and Hugo began running around the yard. You know, come to think of it.
Have we ever seen him in any robes other than his work ones? He doesnt meet people at home or even near it.
No one but his secretary knows where he lives. I mean this man right here is the most isolated individual I have
ever met and he decides to open up to a person he just met?
Teddy was starting to feel fairly annoyed at how everyone was trying to analyze Fowlers motives for telling
Teddy about his father. They just seemed close thats all. Fowler seemed quite close to my dad and I guess he
thought it was only right he told me about my father. Whats wrong with that?
The group fell silent as two floating trays appeared from inside the shop, containing their ice creams and brews,
to their table and starting serving its contents on its own. Hugo and Lily got their ice creams near the swings
were they were playing in the sand.
Hermione pointed her wand at the children and muttered a spell under her breath to clean up both the childrens
hands, Now settle down and have your ice cream. Neither of you will get a second if you drop yours, Hermione
called out to the children. We didnt say there was anything wrong Teddy, Hermione added quickly turning to
face Teddy. Its just weve known him for nearly twenty years and neither of us have ever met someone so
reserved. So were just shocked he spoke about his past. You understand dont you?
Teddy just nodded slightly at Hermione but remained silent. Ginny, sensing the awkwardness, decided to switch
the topic. So how did Fowler try and make you nervous? He does it to everyone.
Teddy snorted and felt grateful to Ginny for changing the topic, I may have helped him actually. I got put off by
that Emily woman who sits in the bubble. I was mouthing like a Grindylow when I entered his office.
You mean the Venefico Contegus charm
The what? Teddy asked with a curious look on his face.
The Venefico Contegus charm. Another one of Lunas inventions you see. Hermione began to explain, What
is it with that woman and inventing things, Teddy muttered.
Hermione ignored Teddys jibe and continued explaining, Lunas mother had been a spell inventor and
discoverer. Unfortunately there had been some sort of an accident and one of her spells backfired, taking her
life in the process. When Luna graduated from Hogwarts she decided to follow in her mothers footsteps and
spent the next five years of her life travelling around the world. Only certifiable witches and wizards are
permitted to experiment with spells as they can be extremely dangerous and in order to be certifiable you need
to learn about all the major forms of magic.
Forms of magic? interjected Teddy. You mean kinds of magic dont you? Like Transfiguration, Charms and so
on.
Hermione shook her head, Those are merely the kinds of magical categories common to every form of magic.
Wand lore is only found in Europe and bits of Asia that were formerly a part of Russia. Theres Animism,
Voodoo, Yogi and Mantra magic, Shaman magic and not to mention the cleanest, most pure form of magic,
Organic magic.
Clean? Pure? We are speaking of magic arent we? Isnt magic just magic. Theres light magic and dark magic
and thats it right? Teddy wondered aloud.
Not really. Take Animism for example. One of the most impure forms of magic which cant be performed
without using parts of living creatures such as, skin, hair, nails, eyelashes, saliva and even organs. She looked
positively disgusted as she explained about animism.
Anyhow, after she got a degree, the very first spell she started working on was the Venefico Contegus Charm.
Its what her mother was working on at the time of her accident and Luna just picked up where shed left off
thanks to her extremely well organized notes and after six frustrating years, during the winter of your third year
at Hogwarts, she finally did it. Luna finally managed to invent the charm. Hermione finished with a proud smile
on her face.
Teddy was starting to see the crazy old friend of Ginnys in a whole new light after Hermiones mini-lecture, But
what does it do? Whats so special about it that she devoted so much of her life to it?
Hermione opened her mouth but Ginny interrupted her, noticing the excitement that flashed across Hermiones
face when Teddy had asked her this. Ginny knew that Hermione always wanted to be a teacher and decided to
sweep in and explain the charm to Teddy before Hermione could go on, quite possibly, for hours.
Well in simple words, it is an anti-magic bubble. No spells, charms or enchantments can pierce this bubble and
no magic can be performed within it making Lunas invention the very first and only defense against the killing
curse.
It it blocks the killing curse? Teddy asked rhetorically in a soft voice speaking to no one in particular and
switched his gaze to Harry who was looking at him with an understanding expression. Harry nodded his head
ever so slightly and Teddy cleared his throat and went back to the conversation.
So you mean to say that the Contegus Charm is an anti-magic magic? How is that even possible? How can
there be magic that destroys magic?
You cant destroy magic, Ron interjected. You simply repel it from a particular area. Think of it as a lingering
Protego charm but a thousand times more powerful.
Alright, but if it renders a wand useless inside the bubble, sorry Hermione, charm, isnt it dangerous. Imagine
the dark side to the magic. If explored Muggle hating Death Eater wannabes might even use it to render muggle
born witches and wizards magicless, if thats a word.
Harry slapped him on the back with a wide grin, Spoken like a true Auror.
It isnt a word and shut up Harry. You really shouldnt encourage his paranoia. Hermione chided Harry.
Paranoia in our profession saves lives, honey. Ron added gently.
Paranoia or not, is it possible? Teddy enquired.
Well everything is within the realm of possibility I suppose and I believe it wouldve been a genuinely serious
concern, had the charm been doable. Hermione mentioned.
Pardon me? Teddy blurted.
Well as of now despite Lunas many attempts at explaining how the charm works no one has been able to
perform it. Famous Witches and Wizards have all tried and failed at it.
What about you Harry? Teddy asked his Godfather. Im sure you could do it.
Harry barked a laugh and spoke through his laughter as his shoulders were shaking, Teddy, Ive always told
you this. Im just an ordinary wizard.
An ordinary wizard who beat the most feared dark wizard of all time. Surely you are more than just plain
ordinary. I mean he was so powerful that people were afraid of saying his name and you beat him, Harry.
I defeated him thanks in part to his own very mistakes which were made in his arrogance and ignorance and
also largely due to the brilliant strategy, planning and vision of Albus Dumbledore.
Oh dont listen to him, Ron grinned. He forgets courage.
Valor, Ginny jumped in
Loyalty, Hermione chorused.
Oh shut up, Harry snapped. The point is, Teddy, no one in the wizarding world has even sent wisps of smoke
while attempting to perform the charm. Luna has, in fact, made a fortune through this actually. Various ministry
departments, Hogwarts, Foreign ministries, Gringotts, Azkaban, St. Mungos and such kept asking her to assist
them.
Although I was glad shed married Rolf by then who convinced her to charge everyone for casting the charms.
Shed been willing to do it for free. Ginny reminded Harry.
Lunas now been working on trying to turn the charm into a ward. That way itll be invisible and can be used at
Azkaban to heighten the security, Ron added as he took a last sip of his tea. So was that all you discussed,
bubbles and your dad?
Pretty much, Teddy replied as he reached into his robes inner pocket pulling out the case file Fowler had
given him. And told me to write a report on this, he added.
Teddy realized he hadnt even given the file much thought since leaving Fowlers office and now that he looked
at it, he wondered if Fowler was playing a prank on him. The file quite simply had just one empty piece of
parchment attached within it.
Is this a joke? Teddy asked to no one in particular.
Tap the parchment with your wand and say your name clearly. Harry instructed.
Teddy looked at him curiously, shrugged his shoulders and did as he was told. He pulled his wand out from
within his sleeve and tapped the parchment gently, Teddy Lupin he announced but nothing happened.
Your full name Teddy. Harry added gently.
Teddy, who was now feeling a bit frustrated, tapped the parchment furiously, TEDDY REMUS LUPIN, he said
rather loudly. No sooner had the words escaped his mouth did ink start appearing on the parchment and letter
began to be formed on it.
Auror Teddy Remus Lupin
Clearance Level: 5
Case file: Occulto Vulgus
Dated: 1968
Teddy stared at the parchment as the letter appeared and the page started to rise up. But it wasnt just the page
that kept elevating but an entire stack of pages clipped to the file.
Occulto Vulgus dated 1968 to the present. He wants me to write a report on forty nine years worth of case
study, He said to himself. Absolutely smashing, he added sarcastically.
Oh goodness me. Look at the time, Hermione said very quickly as she hurried to gather her things. Hugo,
come on now. We have to get you to Grandmas as well and Im already running late.
Teddy didnt pay attention to whatever was happening around him now. He didnt notice Ron asking Hermione
to go straight to work and hed drop off Hugo at the Burrows neither did he notice when Ginny kissed the top of
his head and Lily pecked him on the cheek as they waved goodbye and left for the Leaky Cauldrons floo booth.
All he could think of was how on earth, was he going to finish this report in simply one night.
TEDDY!
His head jerked in the direction of the voice, it was Ron. What? What happened? he asked looking lost. Ron
rolled his eyes at Teddy, Go home Teddy.
What? Why? I got five more hours left to put in. Teddy asked shocked.
No you dont, Harry interrupted. You have got to write a report on all of that Ted. If you go to work then youll
have to go through the orientation and introductions and friendly small talk. Believe me when I say this, Fowler
doesnt like excuses. So go home and work on it alright? Well do the dinner some other night. Ill talk to Lily.
Ron bid them farewell as he walked off holding his sons hand, who kept pleading his father to take him to Uncle
Georges joke shop. With Ron gone, Harry and Teddy were now alone for the first time in a long time. Harry and
Ron had been away on a case recently and Harry hadnt had the chance to spend time with Teddy because of
it.
They made their way towards the apparition point opposite to Gringotts, which was always a very private walk
for them as the point was at the entrance to Knockturn Alley which most decent folk avoided completely.
Its okay to feel this way you know, Harry said randomly. I know I felt this way when I first heard about the
charm.
Teddy looked at his Godfather as they stopped at the apparition point. He didnt see the point in pretending he
didnt know what Harry meant. The two of them probably had the most in common with each other than they had
with any of their friends. Both orphaned in infancy, both growing up not knowing about their parents death for a
decade of their lives, both having extraordinary abilities that set them apart from the crowd, both of them being
constantly reminded of how alike they were to their late parents and how they had to live up to their parents
near legend reputation, both being the siblings they never had for each other. If anyone understood how Teddy
felt at this very moment it was Harry, his godfather, his father figure, his friend, his brother. Teddy looked at him,
waiting for him to continue.
The first time Luna ever told me about the charm repelling the Kedavra curse, all I could think of for days was
how cruel it was for it to have been invented after so many lives had been lost. How redundant it felt now that
we were living in peaceful times. But I will say to you Teddy what Albus Dumbledore told me when I was eleven
years old and was spending my first Christmas break at Hogwarts. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget
to live.
Teddy gave Harry a curt nod and they both fell silent and stared off away from each other at nothing in
particular. Teddy remembered something Fowler had told him and debated with himself as to whether he should
mention it to Harry or not.
Harry? Teddy asked and waited for Harry to make eye contact, Whatever happened to Peter Pettigrew?
A look of shock and panic flashed across Harrys face, but he recovered so quickly that Teddy wondered if hed
imagined it, Pettigrew? Whyd you ask?
No reason, Teddy replied decided against telling Harry about what Fowler had discussed with him. I was just
thinking the other day you see. Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. Prongs was your dad, Moony
was mine, Sirius was Padfoot and Pettigrew was Wormtail. Now I know what happened to our dads and Sirius
but you never told me of Wormtails fate. Whatever happened to him?
I have no idea Teddy, Harry replied not meeting him in the eye. He disappeared after the first war you see.
Everyone assumed he was dead.
But was he? Teddy asked giving Harry a piercing look.
How am I supposed to know? Harry snapped back at Teddy, who simply stared back at Harry without replying.
Teddy couldnt make up his mind whether Harry was being genuinely honest or was hiding something from him,
Did Fowler say something to you? Harry asked.
Teddy shook his head, Why would I ask you if he did? Wouldnt I be telling you? Is there something he couldve
told me that I didnt know? he asked one last time trying to give his godfather every chance to come clean, but
Harry simply shook his head.
A Gringotts goblin passed by the two of them giving Harry the iciest stare Teddy had ever seen a goblin give a
wizard. Sensing the opportunity to switch topics he let out a convincing snigger and nodded in the goblins
direction, They still havent forgiven you for breaking into Gringotts have they?
Harry laughed, No and I have a feeling they never will. Luckily they havent extended their displeasure towards
Ginny or the kids so she can go and withdraw money as and when we feel necessary. Between that and Wand
Recognition Payments, we get by without any inconveniences and Rons lucky Hermiones fought so hard for
the rights of sentient creatures, Goblins being one of them, that she is treated as any other customer.
Just be glad they didnt take money out of your vault to pay for the damages. Teddy pointed out.
Oh they did. Harry corrected him, Damn near emptied my bloody vault. Kingsley stepped in and put his foot
down. After six months of angry meetings and various threats that the Goblins would leave the bank and take
their protective magic with them. Kingsley cheekily agreed to let them do it and signed a binding contract but
transferred the entire amount plus my hundred thousand Galleon reward for special services to the nation from
the contingency funds of the bank much to the displeasure of the Goblins who couldnt threaten to quit over it as
theyd signed a binding contract stating that the matter had been settled.
HUNDRED THOUSAND GALLEONS? Teddy bellowed in shock.
Oh yes. Harry smiled, Not just to me but Ron and Hermione as well.
Harry, I was born weeks before the Gringotts break in. Couldnt you just stuff me in a backpack or something
and tell them I played my part and get me a bit of the price as well? Teddy joked.
Well you got it all anyways. Harry smiled, Well, almost all. I gave thirty thousand for the rebuilding of
Hogwarts.
What? Teddy asked in a shocked voice. How come I didnt know?
It wasnt important. Harry shrugged.
Wasnt important? Harry you gave me money your kids could have used. Teddy said feeling guilty all of a
sudden. Harry placed a hand over Teddys shoulder and leaned in, You are family Teddy. No arguing over that
and besides, it was in the memory of your parents that I did it. Now dont you are bring it up again or discuss it
with me you understand?Harry asked as he attempted to reassure Teddy.
Teddy didnt know how to respond to that so he kept silent. Harry patted his back before stepping a few steps
back. Best of luck for tomorrows report Ted and be prepared for Fowler to try and wind you up. Your first
month interactions with him will be downright miserable. Harry grinned at his godson and waved goodbye and
with a loud crack he dissolved into thin air.
Teddy stopped waving his hand and stared at the spot his godfather had been standing in just a second ago,
Oh you definitely know what happened to Wormtail, he muttered to himself. Teddy turned on the spot
concentrating on the image of his apartment and wondering why Harry would lie to him and his feet lifted off the
Diagon Alley ground and in a blink of an eye he was standing on the welcome mat of his apartment with an
entire day ahead of him for finishing the report for his new boss.





Chapter 4
Occulto Vulgus

Teddy rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn as he went over his report all over again. It had taken him until four in
the morning to complete it after hed sat down at noon the day before. Now with barely any sleep, swollen red,
bloodshot eyes and a severe case of serial yawns he revised his entire report with pride.

The previous day had been a wakeup call for him. He had never realized there couldve been anything that
wouldve captured his attention, the manner in which the case had. Even when Victoire called him on the
reflectors at night after the feast, hed made small talk politely and briefed her on everything that had happened
on his first day as quickly as possible. For once in his life he didnt want to run away from his work.

At Hogwarts, despite being a brilliant student, no subject had been able to hold his attention for long. If he was
studying Transfiguration then hed soon jump to Potions, after sometime hed be making his way down to the
Quidditch pitch. The only time he never felt the urge to keep changing activities was when he spent time with
Victoire, something he never hesitated in telling her as it only made her proud since no other girl Teddy had
been with could manage that feat.

So it came as a surprise, even to Teddy, when he realized that something as serious as a case study was
interesting enough to get him hooked to it. Then again Occulto Vulgus was no ordinary case, it was not a file
about a group of criminals who committed an act, and it wasnt a group run by a witch or a wizard looking for
personal gain. The Occulto Vulgus was an idea and that was precisely why it had proven so difficult to destroy
as ideas could never be captured, imprisoned, killed or destroyed. Teddy wondered if capturing those who were
the root of the Occult, those who made it what it was, those who strengthened it, would be enough. Theyd go to
Azkaban for sure, but what was stopping others from following in their footsteps and starting up another Occult?

He remembered those nights when hed stay over at Harrys house when he was but a little boy and would
overhear Harry telling Ginny, when they thought he wasnt listening and was busy playing or sleeping, about
dark wizards trying to follow in Voldemorts footsteps by attempting to rip their souls. Even till this day Teddy
didnt know what they were talking about when theyd said ripping souls, after spending endless hours in the
school library trying to find out. He even remembered being foolish enough to ask Professor Ares Vingtor, his
Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, if its possible to split souls, only for him to be sent to Professor
McGonagall who clutched her heart and sat down when she heard what Teddy had asked. Eventually a very
concerned Harry had been summoned who asked Teddy why he asked about soul ripping souls and when
Teddy told Harry about his adolescent eavesdropping he received a lengthy albeit a gentle lecture over how
some forms of magic were better left unstudied. But Teddy knew that the world was full of people who would try
and start up what others had failed to achieve, out of vanity and arrogance, believing that they wouldnt make
the same mistakes their predecessors made. But they would always fail and they would always end up bringing
down those who foolishly supported them along with them, but not before affecting the lives of the innocent
people around them.

Teddy swallowed the last piece of toast, placed the file next to his neatly folded new Auror robe, leaned back,
closed his eyes and relaxed his mind. He stayed this way for a few minutes, desperately trying to get rid of his
raging headache without having to take any potions. It felt as if he had just closed his eyes when there was a
loud wolfs howl echoing in his entire apartment. The alarm had gone off and he had ten minutes to make it to
work. Teddy swished his wand to turn off the alarm and put on his new black Auror robe over his black Auror
uniform that Harry had dropped by before going home last evening.

Muffliato he said calmly, in order to ensure his neighbors didnt call the muggle authority like they did a few
weeks ago when he apparated out of his flat with a loud crack that they mistook for gun fire. He spun on the
spot and the very next moment he was in the Atriums apparition zone. Teddy had started moving towards the
lifts when he noticed Harry sitting by the statue fountain and reading the Daily Prophet.

Ron not here yet? Teddy asked as he sat next to Harry and picked the sports section from the pile of
supplements folded neatly floating next to Harry.

Well Good Morning to you too and no, he hasnt reached yet. Its Saturday remember? They leave Hugo at the
Burrow, Harry muttered while glancing over the headlines. After a few moments of silence Harry looked up from
the paper to look at Teddy, Hows the report coming along?

Teddy grinned back at his Godfather, Completed it, he said with a wolfish grin.

Good, because Fowler doesnt want it by four, he wants it now. Harry replied with a smirk on his face that was
obviously meant to irritate Teddy.

Teddy groaned as he heard about the rescheduling. He didnt even try to feign surprise at Fowlers decision. He
wondered how Harry and Ron had put up with the eccentric old man for all these years. He actually felt for his
Godfather now, at least Ron had left the Auror department for two years before getting married to help George
around the shop. Hed only decided to come back and partner up with Harry again after a tip off had actually
turned out to be a trap sprung by a group of wannabe Death Eaters and Harry had ended up in St. Mungos,
unconscious and on the brink of death while Ginny was pregnant with James. He was just thinking about Ron
when a red head appeared out of thin air in the apparition zone. They heard Rons laugh before they could see
him, emerge from the crowd of apparating and disapparating witches and wizards, holding Hermiones hand as
the two of the moved towards the lifts. Hermione was the first the notice Teddy and Harry as she nudged Ron to
move towards them.

Hey you two, how long have you been sitting there? asked Hermione cheerfully.

Long enough for those blood suckers to arrive. Harry said while jerking his head in the direction of the
fireplaces, where there were two dozen or so reporters all cramming against the Press Restriction Barrier with
eager looks on their faces as they stared at Harry, Ron and Hermione like a hawk looks at a rat its about to dive
at.

I wonder what has gotten them all so excited. Teddy wondered aloud as the group started moving towards the
lifts with Harry and Ron trying their best to hide behind the crowd to make it to the lifts unseen, a feat proving
very much difficult for Ron. Youd never guess that theyd have brought about the end of Voldemorts regime,
Teddy chuckled. What about you? Dont you want to play hide and seek as well? Teddy asked her.

Hermione shook her head, Ive always been much more mature than those two, you know. I know just how to
handle the press.

Oh please impart some of your valuable knowledge unto me oh mighty and wise one. Teddy said aloud and
dramatically, but he could never get a reply from his bushy haired friend as they finally reached where the
reporters were and they bombarded her with question. So many different people were speaking that Teddy
could barely understand what was being said. He wondered if he should wait for Hermione and stand with her,
but realized he was already late for work. He began moving in the direction of the lifts when a hand grabbed his
left elbow and pulled him back roughly.

Instinct took over Teddy as his right arm pulled out his wand in a flash and pointed it in the direction of the
person whod attacked him. Calm down lad. Just wanted to ask you a few questions is all, informed pudgy man
with large glasses. He seemed completely unfazed with Teddys wand pointed at his head and Teddy wondered
how often this man mightve been threatened by witches and wizards.

You mind asking a bit politely next time? Teddy snapped at the man. But his voice was drowned as all the
reporters around him had started asking him questions and camera flashes started going off in his face. Teddy
blinked as he tried to pay attention to what was being asked before he heard Harry growl his name from behind
him.

Go to the office with Ron, Ill handle this here. Harry said looking completely annoyed.

Let the lad be arry. Surely he can answer a couple of questions now cant he? the pudgy man sneered.

You have no need to ask my Godson anything Mazen and its Mr. Potter to you. Harry snapped back. Not
wanting to test Harrys patience or giving in to his urge to hex Mazen, Teddy started moving back towards the
lifts. Mazen however had other ideas, he followed Teddy along the barrier and just as Teddy exited the Atrium,
Mazen screamed his question at him, How did you find the Ministrys treatment towards you. Is there any
prejudice on their part because you are a werewolf?

Teddy spun around to face the reporter, I am NOT a Were but before he could finish saying what he had
started there was a loud bang and Mazen fell back to the floor with yelp.

MAZEN, screamed Harry as he leapt over the barrier, wand at the ready and pointing at the pudgy reporters
throat. WHEN I ASK YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM HIM, YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND GET AWAY
FROM MY GODSON YOU HEAR ME OR ELSE SO HELP ME MERLIN ILL But whatever it was that Harry
intended to do to Mazen, Teddy didnt wait to find out. He and Ron, who had come sprinting from the lifts, pulled
Harry back.

Youve made a big mistake Potter. You never mess with the press Potter, we made you and we can break you.
Mazen sneered.

Ron pushed Harry back towards the barrier and left Teddy with the job to hold Harry back who seemed
unnaturally upset by Mazen. Teddy had to admit to himself that he was quite shocked to see his Godfather act
like this. Harry had never lost his temper in front of him and had always been calm and collected. But was that
only at home and not at work? Teddy wondered

Ron walked over to Mazen and knelt beside him. He tried to pry aside a bit of Mazens robe, who swatted away
Rons hand. Ron grabbed Mazen by the scruff of his neck and pried away the right side of the robe and read
something to himself.

Whats going on here? inquired an excited voice from the direction in which the lifts were. Teddy looked over to
see Greg jogging over huffing and puffing, beside himself with excitement. Teddy wondered how long had it
been since he actually had to exercise his security guard authority and couldnt help but smile. Teddy felt sorry
for Greg, this was probably the most excitement he ever got in his job. Even when he came to the Ministry as a
young child, he always liked the quiet, complaining, grumbling, bumbling Greg. Step away from the reporter
Weasley. Greg ordered.

Oh shut up and get back to your desk Goyle. Teddy blinked for a moment and then realized that Goyle must
be Gregs surname. What he didnt understand however was Rons rudeness. Greg always kept to himself and
never bothered anyone. Sure he complained a lot about his lackluster job and about some glory days of past,
but those were just complaints to his own self. He never asked anyone to stop and listen. Teddy seemed lost for
words; both his closest friends were acting completely out of character. Harry had lost his temper and was
shaking with rage while Ron was being extremely rude and aggressive. Teddy looked to Hermione for help, who
was just standing there with pursed lips and a stern expression on her face.

I dont care if youre a big shot Auror, Weasley. You will do as I say on my floor. Greg shot back at Ron.

YOUR FLOOR? Ron roared as he pulled out his wand and walked towards Greg, who instead of backing
down as Teddy had expected, squared his shoulders and took a step forward. It was at this point that Hermione
had had enough. She stepped in between Ron and Greg with her hands on her hips in a manner befitting any
daughter-in-law of Mrs. Weasley, You will not take out your frustration with Mazen on Goyle. She hissed at
Ron so that the reporters, who looked as if Christmas had come earlier this year for them, couldnt hear her.
Two of the most prolific aurors of the time who always maintained a disciplined decorum in public in order to set
an example for young witches and wizards were now brawling on the Ministry floor like a bunch of teenagers.
This was a dream come true for any reporter.

Rons face turned as red as his hair, but he didnt say anything. He simply walked back towards the barrier and
leapt over it. Turned around to look at Mazen, Felix Times eh, Mazen? Ill be sure to write to your boss.

Harry let out a bark of laughter and climbed over the barrier to join his best friend, Hermione however all of a
sudden had develop a keen interest in her shoes for some reason as she refused to look at her husband, best
friend or the reporter who was still on the ground. Teddy noticed Mazens eyes grow wide after Rons little threat
and he jumped off his feet. He leapt past Teddy and reached the barrier, You cant do this to me Weasley. Felix
Times is the only publication that will take me in, he screamed. Teddy walked around the barrier, grabbed hold
of Hermiones hand, who was still refusing to move out of embarrassment and pulled her towards the lifts where
Ron and Harry were headed.

I HAVE MOUTHS TO FEED WEASLEY, Mazen bellowed with rage and desperation. Harry turned around and
smirked at the reporter, What are you playing at Mazen? Everyone knows your family left you, you slimy git.

Teddy walked past a Harry he barely seemed to recognize at the moment and shoved Ron aside with his
shoulder as he walked into the lift. The regular ministry workers werent joining them in the lift as usual, however
today was different. Today they stayed away, not out of respect but because of fear. Harry and Ron walked into
the lift and instructed the lift to take them to Level two. As the grills came together and the lift began moving,
Mazens screams died away slowly.

What the bloody hell was that? Teddy barked at the other two men not knowing whether he should feel anger
or embarrassment or simply shocked at what he had just witnessed.

Ill tell you what it was, Hermione spoke up for the first time since the Atrium. It was a scene made by two
grown men who cant let go of grudges they had when they were merely boys. Ron stepped back against the
walls of the lift under Hermiones stare but Harry seemed annoyed by Hermiones remark.

A schoolboys grudge? Harry repeated, he waved his wand and the lift came to a halt. Have you forgotten
who Mazen is, Hermione? Have you forgotten what he wrote about Dumbledore and me in our fifth year? Have
you forgotten how big a death eater supporter he was during Voldemorts reign over the Ministry? How he
applauded every execution, imprisonment and slaying of muggles? How he promoted the notion that muggles
stole magic? How he kept trying to drag Dumbledores name in the mud using the Arianna incident because he
knew hed be persecuted if he openly lamented Voldemorts death? Harrys hands were shaking in anger and
Teddy wondered if he had ever spoken to Hermione in such a tone. He certainly didnt remember Harry ever
raising his voice on her.

And have you forgotten how Dumbledore handled things? Hermione shot back. He couldve ensured Skeeter
never got near Hogwarts by writing one letter to the Prophet and asking them to send someone else. He
couldve Confunded Umbridge throughout her stay at Hogwarts to bend her to his will. Did he do any of those
things? Did he cross any lines even though no one wouldve blamed him if he had done either of those things?
He didnt do any of it because he was a wise enough man to see the bigger picture and discard nuisances like
these.

And Ron! she turned upon her husband. How could you be so cruel to Goyle? You know how hard his life has
been. Since when do we Gryffindors bully others by using our positions of power. Not a very noble thing to do is
it? What kind of example do you think youre setting for Teddy?

Its alright, Teddy began but fell silent immediately under the stern look Hermione gave him and was reminded
of the former Hogwarts headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.

Im sorry. Ron mumbled not being able to look Hermione in the eyes.

Dont apologize to me. Its Goyle you were rude to. Hermione instructed.

Apologize to Goyle? Oh cmon Hermione. Ron pleaded as Harry snorted but like his Godson a few moments
ago, he fell silent as Hermione snapped her head around to look at Harry.

Yes Ronald! Apologize to Goyle before going home. Both of you. Hermione ordered.

I didnt say anything to, Harry started but he saw Hermiones right hand twitch towards the pocket, he knew
was where she kept her wand. I mean yes, youre right as usual. We will apologize. With that he waved his
wand again and they travelled in silence till the elevator reached Level Two. The grills opened up and Ron and
Harry moved out very sheepishly muttering goodbyes to Hermione and not looking her in the eye.

Teddy began to leave when Hermione grabbed him his arm, Do NOT get nervous Teddy. I know for a fact that
Fowler tries to break new recruits under pressure but do not give an inch you hear me? Do not lose your
confidence and best of luck Teddy.

Thanks Hermione, Teddy smiled at her. Im alright, really. Hermione gave him a fleeting hug and then pushed
him out of the lift and instructed the elevator to take her to Level 1. Teddy had to jog a little to catch up with the
other two. But now felt awkward after everything that had happened in the Atrium and the lift.

Shes been really nervous, you know. Ron mentioned, clearly trying to break the ice. Ever since you told her
that Fowler had asked you to write a report.

After all these years why am I not surprised? Teddy muttered under his breath. Harry chuckled.

Ron stopped right before they could enter through the doors into the headquarters and turned to Teddy, Listen
Teddy, about what happened in the Atrium. Mazen is a horrible, horrible person. We have a very long history
with him. He has a manner of getting under everyones skin.

You threatened to get him fired and by the sound of it youve had him fired before as well. Teddy snapped.

Mazen is a strong supporter of the bigoted principals of the Death Eaters. Hes always on the lookout to get
some anti-muggle article printed. However we arent tyrants, so we bid our time and wait till he bends the truth
and then we use our position to get him fired. It doesnt feel right, but Id rather take such steps than see the rise
of another Voldemort, Harry stopped for a moment to study Teddys face. As for Goyle? Well we will apologize
to him. We were adversaries at Hogwarts and his friend had tried to kill Hermione, but Hermiones right. You
cant hold schoolboy grudges forever. It only does harm to do so. Harry added the last bit looking away from the
two of them and apparently seemed lost in thought.

Ron cleared his throat and motioned Teddy to open the door. Teddy had barely stepped in when there was an
ear splitting noise that made him cry out. Half a dozen aurors stood under a banner that read Welcome to the
Headquarters Teddy R. Lupin, cheering and screaming his name. The banner was enchanted to float about in
the air and was obviously charmed so that the paint flashed different colors. Teddy couldnt help but let an ear to
ear grin split on his face and turned around to look at Harry and Ron, both of whom were smiling at him.

You guys did this? Teddy asked and the elation he felt at the moment could be sensed in his voice. Harry
slapped him on the back and walked over to join the other Aurors while Ron simply winked at Teddy and gave
him a little shove.

Teddy moved towards the small crowd of witches and wizards and felt himself turn red as he noticed they were
all looking at him and smiling. He felt very awkward as he didnt know what he was supposed to do, smile and
wave or give a short bow or a simple speech. He hoped he didnt have to give a speech. But even as all these
thought were going through his head, Harry saved him the trouble by stepping onto the chair with a bottle of
firewhisky and waved at his colleagues to attract their attention.

Five years. Five long years before someone has FINALLY made the cut to join our team. Teddy Remus Lupin,
my Godson. Let me assure you that I have pulled no strings and have used none of my sources to get you this
and you have earned it purely on talent, Harry announced proudly. He then turned back to the crowd and
added with a smile, and Im sorry Jocelyn, but you are no longer our youngest and final recruit.

Teddy noticed an attractive, dark haired girl looking at the floor out of embarrassment of being singled out.
Teddy heard her express relief at not being the youngest, but suspected she had probably barely whispered it
and that it was only his enhanced hearing that picked it up.

So without any further ado, Harry announced to the entire room. I welcome you Auror Lupin, the first wizard in
the last fifty eight years to post an Auror Training High Score since Alastor Mad Eye Moody posted his scores.
Harrys eyes shone reminiscently and he had a sad smile etched on his face while staring at the floor for a
moment and then he looked up and roared, TO TEDDY LUPIN. And with a few mighty shakes of the bottle in
his hand he uncorked the firewhisky to let out a shower of white and orange foam that sprayed out of the bottle
and landed right on top of Teddys head who was too busy staring at Jocelyn to have jumped out of the way.
Teddy yelped and jumped away but his eyes were shut tight and no matter where he leapt, Harry kept the
shower on him until it was only trickling along the bottle. Harry handed the bottle to the bald man who had
ordered Teddy to leave the door open the day before. Here you go Brian, Harry addressed him. Dont drink it
all yourself.

Harry hopped down and walked towards Teddy who was standing still, unable to move out of shock and was
shooting Harry a look that could melt cauldrons. His godfather chuckled at the sight of a wet and dripping Teddy,
pulled out his own wand from his robes, gave it a slight wave and muttered, Scourgify. Teddy immediately felt
a warm sensation go through his body and clothes were no longer sticky with firewhisky although he was still
wet however. He scowled at his godfather till he wiped the smirk off his face and muttered, Kuiv. Teddys
clothes dried up in an instant and he moved towards the gathered crowd of wizards in attire that wouldnt
embarrass him.

He shook hands with everyone with Harry introducing them one by one. Most of them were from various other
teams who had jurisdiction in areas other than London. Since it was a Saturday, hardly any Aurors were there in
the Headquarters and those that were present, were those who had cases and it was imperative for them to be
at work. Teddy particularly liked the names of most of the team and remembered what he had learnt in training
that it had been Rons idea to name them after dangerous creatures. Alpha Wolf1 was considered the most elite
team in the entire Department and only the most skilled and powerful witches and wizards ever made the cut, so
to have been included in that squad gave nothing but joy and a sense of pride to Teddy.

Most Aurors simply shook Teddys hand, muttered something about expecting great things from him and left.
Finally after shaking hands with the Deputy Commander of the Delta Griffin, Gordon Marrow, he turned to a
small group of people standing with Ron, busy drinking merrily and laughing at a joke that a man with mousy
brown hair had just made. Teddy noticed that Jocelyn was part of this group and was laughing at the mousy
haired mans joke. At first he felt a twinge of jealousy towards him and then shook his head feeling mortified as
he remembered Victoire. Feeling extremely guilty he diverted his attention to the elegantly dressed, tall, black
man with army cut hair who was studying him carefully while standing next to a short, stout, bald man who was
now talking to the mousy haired man.

Harry placed a hand on Teddys shoulder and guided him to this group and cleared his throat and they all turned
to face Teddy. The mousy haired man stepped forward cheerfully and shook hands with Teddy, Andrew Linus
is the name, hunting Dark Wizards ma game. He said with a wink and in an accent that Teddy suspected was
American. Teddy muttered a greeting and Andrew stepped back.

Jocelyn stepped up to Teddy who gave her a slight smile and stuck his hand out for her to shake, Hi. Im Lupin,
Teddy Lupin.

Jocelyn laughed and shook his hands, I think we all deduced that from your Godfathers speech, Jocelyn
Pinkstone. And please, just call me Selene.

Pinkstone? Not Teddy began but Jocelyn cut him off instantly, almost as if shed expected him to interrupt
her. Carlotta Pinkstone? Famous defiant of the Statute of Secrecy? Yes. She was my grandmother and I
wouldnt be on this team if I agreed with her. Jocelyn added with a smile.

Teddy opened his mouth to say something but was distracted by a large hand falling on his shoulder and a bald
head appearing next to him, Brian Meaghers me name boy. You ever find yourself stuck in a case, ya come to
me laddie. Im the teams Strategy planner or something.

And a brilliant wizard when he is not drunk, chimed in the man with the army cut hair in a very calm, soothing
voice that reminded him of Kingsley while he continued to study Teddy. Well, well, well! Teddy Lupin.

For some reason Teddy felt a need to make a very respectable first impression on this man, he remembered to
keep his hands firm as he shook hands with the wizard who smiled pleasantly at Teddy. Zander Yilmaz
Razmeek, I am the deputy captain of our little band of warriors.

Only because he refused to be the Captain 5 times in a row till they settled on Harry and me. Ron added with a
grin. Teddy looked between Ron and Razmeek, trying to make certain if Ron was joking but when it became
clear that he wasnt Teddy felt very confused. He wondered why anyone would turn down a promotion.

Apparently Razmeek noticed the confusion in Teddys eyes, Dont be alarmed by this news Lupin. Not all of us
crave the responsibilities and pressures that come with moving up in the world. Some of us are just quite
content to be exactly where we are and wouldnt want to change anything about it.

Yea! Yea! Yea! You love your work we get. Now let the boys have a drink before you bore us all to death,
Meagher said aloud. Teddy was shocked to hear Meagher speak to a man like Razmeek in such an indignant
tone and half expected Razmeek to hit, jinx or hex the excited man.

Razmeek however laughed slightly and clapped a hand on Meaghers shoulder, Is there no distracting you old
friend? Meagher roared a loud no with a wide grin etched on his face and started pouring Teddy a drink. Harry
made Meagher finish the drink himself and guided Teddy towards Fowlers office. Youll need a drink after this
meeting, he said with a toothy grin.

Harry, Ron and Teddy gave Maggie a nod as they moved past her and up the stairs that led to the small corridor
at the end of which was the door to Fowlers office. It swung open on its own, even before Harry had reached it
and they swept into the office to find Fowler seated in his Tudor sofa chair with his feet on a footstool Teddy
hadnt noticed earlier.

Please, have a seat. He got up from his position and tapped the footstool with his heel slightly and it slid into a
slot under his Tudor sofa. Harry and Ron sat across from each other with the coffee table between them. Teddy
moved to sit next to Harry when Fowler addressed him. "Mr. Lupin, care to explain the reason for your absence
from work yesterday?"

Teddy straightened his posture immediately and opened his mouth to reply when Ron cut him off, "I gave him
the day off to complete his report on the Occult."


Fowler tilted his head to look at Ron, "I wasn't aware that you'd changed your name Mr. Weasley."


"Since when did you start calling me Mr. Weasley?" Ron chuckled.


Fowler smiled back at him, "Since you began speaking out of turn Mr. Weasley," Fowler shot back, stressing
Ron's name for dramatic effect. Ron fell silent at Fowler's gaze and turned an incredible shade of scarlet. Fowler
turned his eyes on Teddy and arched an eyebrow questioningly.


"Ron allowed me..." Teddy began but stopped the moment Fowler made a strange guttural sound in his throat.

"Ron?" Fowler repeated after Teddy, "Ron? Is that how you address your commanding officer Mr. Lupin?"

Teddy shook his head slightly, "No sir, Captain Weasley sent me home to allow me time to complete the report."


"Report? What report? I can't recall any report." Fowler wondered with a confused look on his face.


"The report you had asked me to finish sir, Teddy replied quickly.


Fowler narrowed his eyes in mock concentration and looked back at Teddy, "Doesn't ring any bells."
Teddy squared his shoulder trying not to let Fowler know that he was getting to him and answered in a voice he
hoped sounded confident, "Sir, you had ordered me to write a report on the case of the Occulto Vulgus."

"Ah... That report. So did the time off help at all?" Fowler asked in mock concern.

Yes Sir, Teddy replied as he reached into his inner robe pocket and pulled out a file that seemed to be empty
and handed it over to Fowler who took it casually and flipped it open not trying to even so much as feign an
interest in the report.
Ah, an undetectable extension charm. Quite impressive Mr. Lupin, the two captains seated behind you are still
unable to perform it, did you know? Fowler got up from his desk, file in one hand and moved towards his drinks
tray. Drinks anyone? he offered as he began fixing himself a drink. The trio refused to politely to which Fowler
chuckled slightly.

You know, he began, Meagher happens to be the only one who happens to drink in this office with me
whenever I offer him the chance.

With all due respect, sir, Harry replied. Ive yet to see a sober Meagher and Ive known the man for nearl y two
decades.

Fowler turned to face Teddy, You make a fair point Mr. Potter. Let us drink to your brilliant ability at stating the
obvious. Fowler raised the glass in a mock toast with his eyes set on Teddy, So did you write this report all by
yourself Mr. Lupin? he asked with a glow in his eyes that made Teddy wonder where Fowler could be going
with this. He nodded his head in reply to which Fowlers smile widened.

Then if I were to ask you to summarize this for me in your own words verbally, without the aid of the file, could
you do it? Fowler questioned as he threw the file onto his desk and pulled out his wand to examine it. There
was a mad gleam in his eyes that seemed to unsettle Teddy a bit.

Absolutely sir.

Good, said Fowler simply as he pulled out his wand from his robe and snapped his fingers to reveal his hidden
fireplace. He tapped Teddys report with his wand & before Teddy could even react, the file shot straight towards
the fireplace, fell in it and burst into flames.

NO! Teddy yelled before he could stop himself, his eyes wide in horror and shock. He clinched his fists & tried
not to let his anger show on his face. That file was his only copy and he was planning on keeping his first ever
report as a souvenir.

What was that Mr. Lupin? Fowler asked, his voice dripping with amusement making Teddy want to reach out
and throttle him.

Teddy squared his shoulders & turned to Fowler to look him in the eye, arranging his features so as not to let
him have the satisfaction of seeing the hurt and anger on his face. Nothing sir, he replied in a carefully steady
voice.

So what are you waiting for Mr. Lupin? A Memo? The Occulto Vulgus, facts, now. Fowler taunted with a smirk
on his face. Teddy didnt hesitate though, that was exactly what Fowler wanted to check. He wanted to see how
Teddy would handle pressure and unprecedented turn of events.

"After the fall of Grindelwald and till the beginning of the first war, there were a number of individual witches and
wizards who'd recognized intoxicating potions as an untapped and profitable market. However after years of
setbacks after setbacks at the hands of the ministry, they'd started to become a dying breed. Strict ministry
laws..."

"BORING!" Interrupted Fowler and Teddy's hand twitched ever so slightly towards his wand. A movement
Fowler missed as he was looking up at the ceiling with his arms raised towards the heavens.

"Commissioner Fowler, I don't care about your regular hazing tactics, but Godson or not he remains a new
recruit to our team. Ron and I would like to know how much he's picked up from the case study, so I'd
appreciate the cooperation." Harry spoke slowly and clearly keeping his voice calm.

Fowler gazed at Harry for a few moments with an odd smirk on his face and then without breaking eye contact
with Harry he spoke to Teddy, "By all means Mr. Lupin, please continue."

Teddy nodded curtly, not enjoying feeling like an 11 year old and began explaining, "Around the late 1960's the
ministry started to come down hard upon these illegal potions dealers and their numbers started dwindling.
Pretty soon they'd become small time petty criminals not unlike muggle baiting pranksters of today. But around
the 1970s the first war had begun and the Ministry was completely focused on dealing with the threat posed by
Voldemort and his death eaters, leaving absolutely no room to keep an eye on petty criminals like the illegal
potion makers."

Teddy paused here for dramatic effect, "No one knows, now however, who it was that came up with the idea in
the first place or whether they really were influenced by what the muggles call the Italian Mafia Law of Omerta,
but sometime during the 1970's there ceased to be any reports of illegal potion dealings. The line of ministry
associated informants became obsolete as they didn't have any information anymore. For years it was believed
that this department had successfully stamped out this menace."

Fowler had found something extremely interesting in his fingers, for he was examining them intensely. Teddy
felt that he was now starting to get used to the old man's eccentricities, although that didn't say much about his
sanity.

"How did the Ministry come to realize that something was wrong?" Harry asked in a manner that made Teddy
feel like he was back in class at Hogwarts. "How, when they thought it was all over did they come to realize
everything was not what it seemed?"

"Yes Mr. Lupin," Fowler mused. "Please answer Professor Potter."

"It was after the first defeat of Voldemort," Teddy explained. "The ministry was getting back on its feet and
finding normalcy when there was the case of Henry Tannings, a young Hogwarts graduate who died in
mysterious circumstances. Upon performing corpse examination it was discovered he was taking extremely
lethal performance enhancing potions."

"Initially the ministry believed it was his doing, but Minister Shacklebolt who was just beginning his career back
then and was a rookie law enforcement wizard decided to look into the boy's old Hogwarts records and realized
that the lad wasn't quite the potions prodigy to even manage to brew so much as a flu curing potion."

"Over the next few years these cases started to become more and more frequent and the ministry worked day
and night to keep them from making the papers. There were never any survivors to ever tell who sold them the
potion in the first place until 1992."

"Mosley Fensworth! A muggle man, who bought a batch of stamina enhancing potions and then mixed a powder
of what muggles call uppers. In doing so he unknowingly diluted the potion and so the healers at Mungo's were
able to save him and we could use Legilimency on him before the memory charms were placed on him and we
found out Max Winslow was responsible for the sale."

"Though not a potion taker himself, he used to buy and sell these potions to pay off his Quidditch gambling
debts. He made a deal with the ministry to volunteer for the Veritaserum if he wasn't incarcerated and we found
out about Ryan Onimeo, a wizard who had a suspiciously clean record for someone who ran a shop in
Knockturn Alley."

"Now I'm curious Mr. Lupin," Fowler wondered. "Onimeo's name was not mentioned in that case file. It
mentioned only his file number. How did you find out about it?"

Teddy didn't smile back at Fowler, he was still bitter over the burning of the report. He squared his jaw and
looked at Fowler directly in the eye, "I could tell from the serial number that I had clearance. So I visited the case
room at midnight and asked that lady to let me borrow it."

To Teddys surprise, Fowler gave him a nod and acknowledged his efforts, "Very good Mr. Lupin, taking
initiative I see. I must say I'm impressed."

Teddy simply gave the man a curt nod and continued with his explanation, "Onimeo was arrested and harsh
investigation tactics were adopted to try and make him talk but he always refused. After the initial 3 month
incarceration which is necessary before the subject loses the right to not be subjected to the Veritaserum
without consent, the potion was administered."

"'I took and unbreakable vow.' Were the only words that left Onimeo's mouth before he died. Over the years it
was discovered that in order to make the illegal potion industry Ministry proof the dealers probably started an
organization, pooled their resources and made the taking of an unbreakable vow an absolute must for every
member. We found out their name a few years ago when a lowly alley potion dealer tried to give us information.
Occulto Vulgus."

Silence reigned over the room as Teddy finished his story. Fowler nodded and signalled Teddy to sit down.

"Very good Mr. Lupin, any questions?" Fowler enquired.

"Yes sir! It would've made sense for Onimeo to die if he'd divulged valuable information under the influence of
Veritaserum. How did he die when all he said was he took the vow??"

"Because the devil is in the details, Teddy," Ron spoke up. "If I make a vow with Harry, the terms being him not
telling Edgar about a certain incident and Harry let's you know instead knowing you'll tell Edgar, then his vow
won't be broken because technically he isn't the one who told Edgar. Had I specified clearly that through no
action of his own was Edgar to find out about it, then in the event you informed Edgar, Harry's vow would be
broken."

"So what are the words used to set the vow for Occult members?" Teddy wondered.

"No one knows, really." Fowler replied, "No one can tell now can they? We had a witch try and write it down on a
piece of parchment. She died before she finished writing 'Do'"

"What about Legilimency?" enquired Teddy.

"No use either," Fowler replied shaking his head. "Different application, same result."

"What you've got to understand Teddy... And this is all guess work territory even for us... Is that the Occult isn't
treated as a club or group. Its members treat it as an entity. A living entity, that much like humans needs
honesty and loyalty if it needs to trust you. Drug dealers have neither, so the vow is like a contingency plan. A
back up of sorts to protect the entity, those who follow the rules will remain protected within the entity, others will
literal burn to ashes."

"The members swear their allegiance to the occult," Ron added. "They promise their loyalty to the Occult and its
not just the core members who have to swear it. If you are even a low level back alley potions dealer, then
you've got to take the vow."

Silence reigned over the room as everyone sat quietly. Teddy stared into space taking it all in while the others
studied his reaction. Finally Teddy looked up at Harry and broke the silence, "So there is absolutely no way of
beating them then?" He asked in a grim tone.

Harry gave him a weak smile as he leaned back in his chair, "We are dark wizard catchers Teddy. Beating the
unbeatable is part of the job description."

Fowler cleared his throat slightly to draw attention to himself, "The Occult case keeps jumping Aurors. If the
case stays with you for 6 months and there is no progress it jumps to another Auror. This isn't the scenario for
every other case. But the Occult case has thus far proven to be... shall we say, unprogressive."

"I was going to be your mentor on this one," Harry mentioned. "But I'm going on a month long holiday the
moment this meeting ends so you get stuck with Ron" Harry added the last bit with a grin.

"Get stuck? Tell me Teddy, would you rather be working with the man who defeated the Dark Lord or the man
who taught him how to?"

"Does who can't do? Teach!" Harry taunted.

Fowler drummed his fingers slightly on his desk and made an irritable noise, "This meeting is officially over."

Harry and Ron stood up from their places, gave Fowler mock salutes and moved towards the door with Teddy
following in tow, "And Mr. Lupin." Fowler called.

Teddy turned around to face him and saw him holding a folder identical to the one he'd written his report in.
"You forgot something," Fowler said as he tossed the folder at Teddy, who caught it in mid-air and opened it to
find his report.

"I'm not a cruel man Teddy. Good job controlling your Metamorphmagi abilities under stress. We are done now."
Fowler said as he went back to pour himself another drink. Teddy opened his mouth to thank him but
remembered Fowler's words from the day before, nodded sharply and left.


Chapter 5
Grim Luck


Teddy clutched his stomach with tears in his eyes and roared with laughter. Watching Meagher and Andrew
take the mickey out of each other was turning into his favorite bit of time at work. As for the work itself thered
been a frustrating lack of progress so a few laughs were genuinely needed.

Still refusing to work are we boys? came a voice from over Teddys left as Jocelyn strolled into his cubicle and
found Teddy and Linus gasping for breath with Teddys snitch flying over their heads as Meagher sat on the
desk quite pleased with himself.

Refusing to work? Meagher asked feigning a hurt look. This is work. We are working very hard to raise the
spirits of young Teddy here, who has been punished with the Occult case.

Jocelyn turned to look at Teddy as she placed her handbag on the desk in her cubicle over the wall of Teddys,
Still no progress as usual?

Teddy shook his head, I dont even know where to start. Every strategy I come up with has already been
applied by Harry and Ron and hit a dead end to boot.

Linus chuckled, Harry and Ron, he said to himself. Ron and Harry, Tom and Jerry.

Meagher, Jocelyn and Teddy stared at Linus for a few moments trying to understand what hed just said when
he simply shook his head grinning, Muggle cartoons, used to be the funniest things since I was born.

"Oh-kay" said Jocelyn as she hopped onto the small area of desk left free between Meagher and Teddy. Her
legs brushed his and he felt his face heat up. He dived underneath to untie and tie his shoelaces till he could
control the coloring of his skin.

"Vicky! Vicky Weasley! Victoire Weasley! You aren't single you twit." Teddy chided himself in his mind.

"Where's your red headed mentor, Teddy?" she asked as she looked in the direction of Ron's office over
Teddy's cubicle wall.

"At Hugo's muggle school," replied Teddy with a proud grin etched over his face. "Apparently an older boy was
trying to bully him when his magic acted up. Next thing the bully knew was being stuffed inside his cramped
locker."

Linus started laughing again, "Man I wish I could've done that in my muggle school. All I could do was somehow
apparate without knowing how or what I was doing."

Teddy changed his hair to four different shades in under two seconds and looked at Linus, "Stop whining
because this is all I could do. You do not want to be standing in front of the entire math class trying to solve an
equation and ending up with your head looking like Christmas lights."

"Wait a minute," Jocelyn interrupted. "Linus is a muggleborn so I get him going to a muggle school. But why did
you and why does Ron's kid go there?"

"Because its better for you," said a deep voice from behind the cubicle. Linus, Jocelyn and Teddy all leaned
over the wall to look at Razmeek while Meagher got off the desk and decided to entertain himself by poking the
portrait of a wizard, that hung outside Teddy's cubicle, making the wizard stand on top of the desk and pull his
robes up till his knees and started doing a weird dance trying to get out of reach from Meagher who now had
started poking the wizard's feet.

Razmeek looked at the heads looking at him over the wall, Ever wondered why most muggle children do better
than wizarding children? He asked rhetorically. Its because theyve completed 4-5 levels of muggle education
& arent new to the system of homework, essays & grades. Tell me Teddy, how had you fared in your first year
at Hogwarts?

Record detentions for a first year & top of my class. Teddy answered proudly.

Now isnt that a sexy combination. Jocelyn winked & to Teddys immense relief he didnt blush but rather gave
her a wide manic toothy grin. Razmeek chose to ignore Jocelyns comment and addressed Teddy directly, How
did the muggleborns do?

As good as I did. My DADA grades were the reason Id topped. Razmeek gave Teddy a knowing smile and for
some reason Teddy knew what the next question was going to be, And the purebloods? How did they do?

They all managed to pass somehow.

I rest my case. Razmeek replied with a satisfied look.

Now wait just a minute. Just because some children struggle academically and others dont doesnt make the
former any less magical. Linus snapped.

I never said that Andrew. Im merely pointing out at how having a muggle education as a base helps
immensely.

What helps immensely? came Rons voice from behind them as they turned to face him, Dont you two have
cubicles of your own? he asked as he approached Teddys cubicle.

Mine is running low on cute Aurors. Jocelyn replied with a mischievous grin playing along her lips as she
nudged Teddy slightly in the ribs.

Before Ron could reply there was a pleading scream from behind. Teddy looked in the direction of the noise and
realized it was the wizard in the portrait screaming as Meagher hopped up and down trying to reach the wizard
in the portrait who was now perched on top of the shelf behind his desk barely out of Meaghers reach.

For the love of Merlin, Meagher, leave Crouchs portrait alone will you. Ron chided Meagher.

Thank you Mr. Weasley. The portrait called out to Ron as Meagher slumped off into his cubicle mumbling
something about Ron being a bore.

Oh shut it, Ron snapped. You wouldve stepped out of the portrait if you werent enjoying all the attention.

The wizard in the portrait made a face and stepped out of the portrait as Ron turned to face the others, Alright
Gents and lady, he added. What are we on about today?

The effect of muggle education on children and how it influences their performance at Hogwarts. Teddy
replied.

Ron waved it off, Not that old debate. I got tired of that one. Anyhow, I need to see you in my office Teddy.
Gentlemen? As you were, he added as he turned & made his way to his office.

Teddy clapped Linus on the shoulder as he left the cubicle, Sorry mate, but duty calls. He walked upto Rons
office realizing how odd it was that hed worked here for 3 whole weeks & had never been in Rons office. The
room looked extremely well furnished and clean through the window, but when he turned the knob and walked
in he was greeted by a cluttered office in one half and an impeccably clean area in another with Ron seated
behind the desk in the cluttered area.

My area, Ron said indicating to where he was seated & then pointed at the clean area, Harrys area. But dont
let the cleanliness fool you. His areas just as cluttered as mine is if not more. He had to clean it up before going
on his leave.

Harry's desk had a muggle photograph of his entire family, including Teddy of course, and a wizarding
photograph of his parents wedding with Sirius Black as their best man next to which was another photograph,
this one was of Teddy's parents.

In the middle of the desk, right behind the name plate, rested a damaged golden snitch. Teddy looked at the
snitch curiously wondering what the snitch couldve contained. He knew that snitches could be used to store
valuable items within and although hed never seen one after it was kept for such a use he now suspected itd
look exactly like Harrys damaged snitch. He made a mental note to ask Harry about it when he next saw him.

Teddy turned his attention to the chart that was filled with moving photos of dark witches and wizards that Harry
and Ron had apprehended till date. Teddy picked up the Quaffle on Rons desk, plopped on Harrys seat and
started throwing the ball against the wall and catching the rebound.

Oye! Careful with that. Its the Quaffle from my first Quidditch final. Ron informed Teddy who simply grinned.

Yea Right! Quaffles at Hogwarts dont change for ages. Like Madam Hooch would just hand over a Quaffle to
you for winning something seven students win every year."

"No! She'd give it to me for helping the chosen one defeat the most feared dark wizard of all time."

Teddy tossed the Quaffle back at Ron clearly dismayed by the fact that he couldnt get a rise out of the short
tempered red head. After failing to find something interesting to do after a few minutes, Teddy slammed his
head onto the desk and started making wailing noises.

"Teddy!" Ron's voice interrupted him. "You mind not acting like Hugo for five minutes and think about the fact
that you're a grown wizard and an Auror?"

"I've gone over these details a hundred times. There's nothing here Ron. You know what a dead end this case
is. Can't you speak with Fowler and get me a different case?"

"What exactly do you think you'll be doing on this 'other' case?" Ron questioned him. "What is it that you think
you as an Auror are supposed to be doing here? Run around chasing dark wizards shouting curses and hexes
while diving in mid air and getting our portraits in the next edition of the Daily Prophet?"

Ron waved his wand at the cabinet behind him, the doors flew open and a stack of files floated out and fell flat
on Teddy's desk.

"Read! Read them a hundred times. Keep reading them till you start noticing the patterns of their operation."

"Not one person's been able to do that in decades. What makes you think I'll be the one to crack it?"

"No one was able to find the Chamber of Secrets in 1000 years. Hermione did it in a Library at the age of 12. So
stop your whining and start your reading."


******************

The next three weeks were agonizingly dull for Teddy. Every time he finished one pile of files Ron asked him to
write a report over why the actions of that particular Auror failed. In the event that Auror whose report Teddy
was going through had revealed a certain amount progress then Teddy had to list the pros and cons of that
Auror's methodology. Once he had finished doing that Ron would put an even bigger pile of documents on his
desk.

Things were not going as Teddy had expected. He wanted to be out in the field. He wanted to be saving people,
hunting dark wizards and making a difference. Not sitting in an office and doing reports. He would spend so
much time studying reports all day long that by the time he'd reach home he'd be mentally exhausted. Even
Victoire could barely find time to reflect with him because of her obligations as head girl along with being
burdened by the demands of NEWT level education.

Teddy was going through yet another dull day at work, well duller than usual as Ron hadn't come in that day so
he was left all alone in the office, when there was a knock on the door. He frowned wondering who it could've
been. He rubbed his face trying to get rid of the drowsiness he must have been reflecting right then and opened
the door to find Jocelyn standing there.
"Hey! Uhm... Ron isn't here actually. He didn't come in today." Teddy mumbled.

"Who said anything about Ron?" She raised her eyebrow as she looked him over, let herself in and sat in the
only small paper free area on Ron's desk. "I came in to check up on you. We were starting to wonder if you were
alive or not. You look horrible by the way. Bit lazy on your part I guess being a Metamorphmagi and all."

Teddy let out a sigh and slumped down into the chair opposite his desk, "I've been stuck in here going through
piles and piles of absolute useless rubbish." teddy shook his head exasperatedly. "all this garbage written by
Auror's who couldn't accept the fact that they failed to make any progress so wrote a detailed manuscript of
what they did to feel good about themselves."

"Wow!" Jocelyn exclaimed. "Someones in good spirits."

"I'm sorry! Just been a rough week. You know, when I used to think about what Harry and Ron did here I
expected it to be a lot more adventurous, didn't expect any of this to be so dull."

Jocelyn let out a bark of laughter, Come on adventure boy. Razmeek wants to see you in the training center,
she rolled her eyes when he gave her a quizzical look. Dont ask me. Im just the messenger. Now will you
come with me or am I to believe that youre actually enjoying the time spent in this place?

Teddy followed Jocelyn out towards the portrait of Barty Crouch Sr. and went down the corridor adjacent to it.
Teddy and Jocelyn made small talk about Quidditch until they reach the big metal doors at the end of the
corridor. Jocelyn placed her wand against the door and it slid open.

You have to have a wand when you enter. Wand sensory charms are placed around the doorframes within the
room. If you try entering without a wand, Auror or no Auror itll hurl you back out of the room. She informed him.

Teddy made a mental note never to go anywhere in the Headquarters without his wand. He stepped through the
doorway and his jaw dropped. This place surely couldnt have been under London. It was a massive complex.
The roof was so far up that Teddy was sure they couldve had a Quidditch match right then and there and no
one would worry once about flying into the ceiling. Windows alongside the room seemed to face warzones,
muggle and wizarding alike, but Teddy was sure they were simply enchanted to show those scenes as many of
those wars were fought even before he was born. The entire complex was divided into various sections and
Teddy could see Aurors running across obstacle courses or practicing their aim against dummies that were
enchanted to reform the moment they broke up after being hit by a curse.

Massive mats, the size of entire halls were placed one after the other for dueling purposes. Teddy had seen
those at Auror Training Camp. The objective of the duel was to force your opponent off the mat without stunning
or disarming him and since the mats were so massive that would take some feat. Several Aurors were facing off
against an opponent or in a few cases multiple opponents.

But what captured Teddy interest was the Golden artwork all across the dark blue walls. At first glance it
seemed like several thousand branches connected to one another through various intricate threads but then
Teddy started noticing movements within the artwork. When he looked closely he saw entire war stories told
through the designs. He was lost in the story of two stout golden men standing back to back and facing off
against what seemed to be five blue death eaters. Teddy noticed various such designs throughout the complex
until someone snapped their fingers in front of his face. It was as if someone had unmuted the room. Jocelyns
voice and the hustle and bustle of the training complex became prominent.

The walls are designed to mesmerize you, Jocelyn informed him. In a battle youll be fighting alongside
friends with various fights happening around you. Its easy to look at how a colleague is doing and get
distracted. Distractions get you killed. This training complex tries to prepare you for everything you might face
out there. Of course no amount of preparation is enough for the real thing. But we try to cover up as much as
possible. Now come on, Razmeek doesnt like to be kept waiting.

As they made their way through the complex towards Razmeek Teddy noticed that curses that missed their
target werent flying out and were infact being absorbed into thin air. Right in the middle of the complex stood
the statue of Alastor Moody, the legendary Auror who had quite a cult following in the Auror office and was
famously known as The Scarred Reaper on account of his scarred face and tendency to bring down the so
called Death Eaters. Legend had it that during his final battle Voldemort himself showed up to aid his followers
and out of all the witches and wizards, the Dark Lord singled out Alastor Moody as the greatest threat and went
after him. It saddened Teddy and made him feel slightly jealous as well to think that he never got to meet the
legend while so many people around him actually fought alongside him. The statue was nearly twelve feet tall
and was standing on a pedestal that said, 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE'.

Teddy noticed Linus, Meagher, Ron and Razmeek all standing on the mat next to the statue. He made his way
towards them with Jocelyn by his side, I thought you didnt come in today. Teddy mentioned to Ron.

I thought Id step in here today, Ron smiled at him. Its been months since I trained with Razmeek and trust
me when I say this. You havent had a proper duel until youve faced off against the master.

Captain Weasley has a talent for flattery, said Razmeek waving off Rons compliment. I told you I looked
forward to the day wed duel one another. I hope Im not catching you unawares.

Absolutely not, how do we go about this? One on one or are we partnering up? It wasnt an ideal situation for
Teddy. Hed have wished he had time to mentally prepare himself but then again, Dark wizards werent exactly
going to send him a formal invitation before attacking.

One on one should be fine for now, Razmeek said gently as he made his way towards one end of the mat to
take his position. The others left the mat and took their positions near the statue. Ron muttered an incantation
and the mat was covered in a translucent dome for a few seconds before the dome became transparent and all
the noise from around the complex was dimmed to the point where Teddy wondered if his ears had popped.

Its an isolation spell I discovered during my travels to the Himalayas. Yogis tend to use it during their
meditation, Razmeek explained. Now since this is your first time I believe you should have the honor of
choosing the terrain.

Teddy grinned at the older man. He had been hoping for this. Most people generally decide to go for a desert
terrain to ensure a soft landing. Teddy on the other hand chose a terrain full of loose gravels where every step
would make a loud crunching noise which to Teddys heightened senses was the equivalent of holding a large
neon sign saying, Hit me! Im here!

Teddy touched the mat with the tip of his wand and concentrated on the sort of terrain he wished for and
immediately the mat transfigured into a floor of loose gravel. Razmeek raised his eyebrows at Teddys choice,
Most people tend to go for deserts or canyons, something that offers more cover. You are an interesting man
Teddy Lupin.

Teddy chose not to reply. He took his position at the other end of what was now a field of gravel and waited for
the countdown. He remembered his Greek Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor, a dark, mysterious man
who dedicated his life to hunting vampires, werewolves and various other supernatural magical creatures and
only decided to begin teaching when he made too many enemies and needed a safe haven. Professor Ares
Vingtor had once told his class that one can study a mans posture before a fight and determine to a certain
extent what form they duel in. Are they defensive? Offensive? Opportunistic? Or are they simply the kind who
make it up as they go?

Teddy carefully studied Razmeeks posture and tried to check if he were any good at studying people. Straight
backed, sign of confidence. Hands held loosely by the sides, could it be over confidence? No, hes easy going.
A smile on his face, hes cocky, Teddy study Razmeek. If I were to venture a guess Id say hell come right at
me. Be extremely offensive, will underestimate me and leave his defense weakened.

The dome glowed red and started blinking. Five blinks and we start, Teddy reminded himself as counted down.
You were never fast enough in a draw. Dive towards his wand side, but which is his wand side. Bollocks! I cant
recall if hes left handed or does he prefer the right?

Fifth blink! Too late! DIVE! Teddy noticed Razmeek move his left hand towards his belt. Teddy dived to his
right, reaching for his wand and yanked it out in time to see a streak of blue hurtling towards him. PROTEGO,
Teddy screamed in mid air and an invisible shield absorbed the curse. Teddy landed on all fours and decided
hed be faster that way. He took three long strides missing Razmeeks curses by mere inches and launched
himself into the air.

Once Teddy was nearly twelve feet in mid air he swished and flicked his wand, conjuring furniture after furniture
in the path between him and Razmeek. He landed with grace behind a desk and dived towards the filing cabinet
to his left just as a curse blew the desk to smithereens. Teddy sent a curse in Razmeeks general direction but
knew that he had to soon get creative or hed spend the entire duel dancing around the older Auror. Teddy dived
out from behind the cabinet holding a drawer in one hand. As expected the moment he stepped out a curse
came hurtling at him, Teddy tossed the drawer in its path and it caught the curse mid air and was sent flying into
the invisible dome. Razmeeks eyes left Teddy for just the smallest of moments as he glanced at the flying
drawer. Teddy took advantage of this momentary distraction and pointed his wand at his opponent.

Ferula, he muttered and entire rolls of bandages and splint were sent flying at Razmeek who yelped and
jumped out of the way to avoid getting entangled. His foot caught loose gravel as he landed and he fell
backwards. Teddy wasnt ready to celebrate yet, he pointed his wand to the floor and muttered, Waddiwasi.

A small piece of gravel rose from the ground and shot towards Razmeek lodging itself in his nostril. Razmeek
yelled in pain as Teddy moved forward triumphantly. He had to admire the old mans focus, despite the fact that
he was nearly incapacitated he still managed to deflect three curses Teddy sent at him by putting up a shield
charm. Teddy was nearly upon Razmeek and pretty soon even a shield charm wouldnt be able to protect him.

Teddy made the mistake of lowering his guard slightly as he got a whiff of victory. In that moment Razmeek
turned the tables on him. He managed to snort out the gravel from his nostril during the time it took Teddy to
make his way to Razmeek and while Teddy suspected that Razmeek would continue to perform the Shield
charm and stay on the defensive he failed to notice that the wand wasnt pointed at him at all. It was only when
Razmeek muttered the summoning charm when Teddy realized, a little too late, what was going to happen.

The filing cabinet slammed into his back and sent him flying over Razmeek and he landed a few feet away on
his back with a sickening crunch. He winced in pain as he felt the gravel poke into his back, he barely managed
to put up a shield charm as a spell crashed into it. He gritted his teeth in anger as he got up and deflected
another curse. Razmeek was smiling by now, he had the upper hand once again.

Teddy had foolishly counted his eggs before they hatched, but he wasnt going to take a beating lying down. If
he were to go down then hed make Razmeek sweat his brows off for a win. He dived to his right away from
Razmeeks curse and ran a few strides dodging Razmeeks curses. Teddy reached the conclusion that judging
a dueler by his stance was the worst idea Professor Vingtor couldve ever given him. He may have been wrong
about Razmeeks fighting style before but he was sure of one thing now. Razmeek dueled in a calculated
manner. He waited till Teddy had taken four to five steps towards him before he summoned the filing cabinet
instead of immediately. He wanted Teddy to be away from the various pieces of furniture he had conjured and
wanted him to be in the same position he was in at the beginning of the duel and he knew why Razmeek wanted
that.

Teddy bent his joints as he prepared to pounce into the air but feinted to jump slightly. Just as hed expected
Razmeek sent a curse around eight feet above ground level where Teddy wouldve been mid air and in no
position to defend himself.
Teddy grinned manically as he realized in a blink of eye that he had the upper hand. He swished his wand and
conjured a large carpet above Razmeeks head and before he could even look up to notice what had happened,
Teddy muttered, DURO.
The carpet became as hard as a rock and fell like a boulder at Razmeek who only barely managed to hit it with
a levitation charm at the last possible second.

Teddy couldve disarmed his opponent in that very moment but the disarming and stunning spells would lead to
disqualification. The objective of this training was to be more creative in spell work. While Razmeek desperately
struggled to levitate the unbelievably heavy rock carpet away from him Teddy pointed his wand straight ahead
and said, Nebulus.

Thick fog erupted from his wand and scattered all across the dome ahead of him wherever he pointed his wand.
Within seconds the entire dome was full of such thick fog that Teddy couldnt see his own wand that he held at
arms length. He quietly sat down cross legged, closed his eyes and pricked his ears. He could smell
Razmeeks musk deodorant from all the way across the floor. He heard a loud crashed that hurt his ears,
Razmeek finally got rid of the rock carpet, but he stayed completely still.

You do realize that while its a great defensive strategy for you it leads nowhere since you cant hit what you
cant see, dont you? Razmeek called.

Teddy smiled and pointed his wand in the direction of the sound, Langlock. He said very quietly. He heard a
yelp in the distance and smiled triumphantly. He gracefully pounced out of his position and without making the
slightest sound sat in a place which he assumed would be behind Razmeek.

Razmeek continued to struggle with the tongue tying curse and he kept giving away his position. Teddy hit him
twice with a tickling charm to make the old man laugh uncontrollably and not just give away his position but also
lose breath and thereby stamina.

Razmeek finally managed to get rid of the tongue tying curse. Teddy realized he must be good at non-verbal
spells. This posed a problem for Teddy. While he could perform a non-verbal spell, they lacked a certain amount
of potency.

Fortunately for him Razmeek was still moving about. Teddy heard a crunching noise and sent a tripping jinx at
Razmeek. He heard a loud thud and a curse and realized that he hit his mark.

ENOUGH! VENTUS! screamed Razmeek. Teddy felt a huge gust of wind flowing all around the dome blowing
the fog away from the two duelers. Without a moments hesitation Teddy sent ropes flying at Razmeek but he
merely stepped out of the way and screamed, Truso, before Teddy could put a shield up.

Teddy was hit with the Hurling curse and he felt his feet leave the floor as everything went upside down. He
expected to fall soon but a gust of wind carried him across the floor and he realized hopelessly that he landed
outside the dome and had lost.

Teddy got up bitterly and dusted off his robes as the dome flickered once and the floor turned back to a mat.
Linus gave him a high five but Teddys ego seemed to have taken a hit. He went forward and grudgingly shook
hands with the older Auror who simply smiled back at him.

Oh cheer up Lupin, Razmeek exclaimed. That was by far one of the toughest duels Ive ever encountered and
not to mention one of the longest. I must hand it to you lad. Youre tactically sound. I loved the fog idea.

I hated that, came Jocelyns voice from behind Teddy. Neither of us could see what was happening. The
score just kept ticking in Teddys favor continuously though.

Razmeek grinned slightly, Well then my dignity is intact. None of you managed to notice how young Teddy here
practically had nearly defeated me. Honestly Ive never been good at weather spells. The wind charm was a
shot in the dark, a last desperate effort by a man who saw no way out of his current predicament. Id tip my hat
to you had I worn one Teddy. We could all learn a thing or two from you.

Teddy smiled at the older man and started to actually feel better when an Auror came running towards them
screaming Ron and his name. Captain Weasley, Lieutenant Lupin. Commander Fowler has requested that you
leave immediately for St. Mungos. He says theres been a development in your case.

Teddy and Ron looked at each other for a moment and they streaked towards the exit and as they made their
way closer to the metal doors Teddy couldnt help but wonder if this was the moment when things would turn
around for him











Chapter 6 - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Admin Padfoot

Teddy and Ron were nearly out of breath when they reached Fowlers office. Teddy followed Ron into the room
and barely had time to close the door behind him when Fowler opened up the panel that led to the fireplace.

I do not have time to explain everything to you as every second right now is extremely valuable, Fowler
explained with a strange kind of urgency in his voice. Five minutes ago I received an urgent message from
Healer Kendrick, The Head of the Department of the Potions and Plant Poisoning division of St. Mungos. He
was directed to approach us the moment anything related to your case popped up.

An Hour ago a wizard was admitted in critical condition. While the healers have done what they could theyve
managed to delay the inevitable to buy his parents and wife enough time to be by his side in his final moments.
Tragic as it may be it also allows us an opportunity to find out how he got his hands on this potion. I want you
two to floo to Mungos, meet Kendrick and perform Legilimency on this wizard.

LEGILIMENCY? Ron wondered aloud out of shock. Commissioner, there are strict laws regarding

I do not need you to inform me of the various hindrances that the useless wizard rights organization has placed
in our path Captain, Fowler snapped back. This case wouldve moved ahead much sooner if we could do our
jobs without worrying about some self righteous berk calling a herd of pillocks to hold a rally in the lobby of the
Ministry to protest against our tyranny.

Now meet up with Healer Kendrick. Make sure the wizards wife has already signed the consent form to
cover your arse and perform the bloody charm. Do I make myself clear?

Ron nodded at his superior and turned towards the fireplace, Teddy remembered Fowlers words about not
liking people who talk even after he dismisses them and followed Ron just as a green burst of flame swallowed
him. He grabbed a fistful of Floo Powder, stood in the fireplace and spoke out clearly, St. Mungos Hospital.

Teddy felt the nauseatingly dizzying feeling that he always felt while using the floo and kept his eyes shut and
elbows tucked till he felt him spinning slower by the second. He readied himself and then just as suddenly as
hed begun to spin he stopped and stumbled out of an extremely clean fireplace in a room lined with 5
fireplaces. He realized hed popped up in the fireplace next to Rons.

They walked towards the only door in the room and stepped through it to find themselves standing in a crowded
reception area where rows of witches and wizards sat upon rickety wooden chairs, some looking perfectly
normal and browsing through out-of-date copies of Witch Weekly, Quidditch Now, or the Daily Prophet, others
sporting gruesome disfigurements such as beaks or fur covered bodies. One wizard seemed to be sporting a
strange tail with a mouth that burped flames every now and then.

Witches and wizards in lime-green robes were walking up and down the rows, asking questions and making
notes on Memo Managers. Teddy noticed the emblem embroidered on their chests: a wand and
Bone crossed.

Teddy and Ron made a beeline straight for the lifts without a moments hesitation. A big burly man wearing a
white robe with blue trimmings and blue trousers and security badge stood up and began to move in their way to
block their way when Teddy, with great pleasure, whipped out his Auror Badge and flashed it in the guards
face, Official Auror business, stated Teddy in his most authoritative tone. Please step aside and make way,
he ordered and walked through the cleared path into the lift with Ron and directed it to take them to level 3.

Once the doors shut the two Aurors stood quietly, straight and side by side. The lift had passed level one when
without looking at Teddy, Ron enquired, Enjoy doing that? Teddy let out a squeal of delight and did a little jig to
let Ron know how much he enjoyed flashing his badge which later on in hindsight he didnt really feel was the
most masculine or grown up reaction he couldve shown while on duty but he figured hed been coped up in that
office so long that he deserved to let off a little steam.

The lift doors opened up into a small reception with two corridors going off in opposite directions. To Teddys
right was the Plant Poisoning Section and to his left was the Potions Poisoning Division. Teddy walked up to the
receptionist, who was busy going through a file and didnt bother looking up at Teddy, and asked her where he
could find Healer Kendrick.

Do you have an appointment? asked the lady without looking up.

Im not a patient, actually. Im Auror Lupin, my partner and I were told that Healer Kendrick had asked for us,
Teddy informed her.

Hes in Room 307 down the Potion Poisoning Ward with his patient. He requested me to let the Aurors know
that, thats where they are needed, she said pointing to Teddys left without looking up once and went back to
her file.

Teddy shrugged his shoulders and walked down the corridor to room 307 along with Ron. He knocked on the
door and stepped aside. The door slid open and a man in lime green robes stepped out. As he slid the doors
shut behind him Teddy caught a glance at the patient in bed and gasped, Is that John Stevens? Teddy began
but stopped when the healer gave him an irritated look.

The man is dying and has been given barely enough time for his family to say their goodbyes and make their
peace. So you will have to excuse me if I dont share your fan boy enthusiasm in such dire circumstances, the
Healers voice was calm and controlled yet his tone was quite stern.

Im sorry, Teddy mumbled and cleared his throat to break the awkward silence that had fallen between them
for a moment. Im Lieutenant Lupin and this is Captain Weasley. Were the Aurors handling the Illegal Potions
Case.

Healer Kendrick, announced the man as he shook hands with the two of them. And judging by the astonished
look on your face when you first saw the patient Im assuming that you werent given much information before
they sent you here.

We were told that the patient is on his death bed and that we need to ask his missus to sign a consent form so
that we can perform Legilimency on him. Beyond that we are completely in the dark, informed Ron.

Well the patient is in critical condition. He is fighting hard though, but Im afraid the potions have damaged too
many internal organs and there is nothing that can be done, the healer explained. His heart has weakened
completely and at this point I doubt it can survive even the slightest of stresses. We are keeping him sedated
but Im afraid the moment hell gain consciousness hell have another attack. Unless we know what potion he
took that caused such a reaction Im afraid there is nothing that can be done.

Do you think the patients missus will be willing to cooperate? Teddy enquired.

Thats the second bit, the Healer explained. Shes already done that. In fact she was the one who suggested
it. She says if theres nothing she or the hospital can do to save her husband then she wants everyone, who put
the vial of potion in her husbands hands, to be sent to Azkaban.

But how are we supposed to perform Legilimency on the patient if we cannot wake him up, Teddy wondered.
Shouldnt he be conscious for us to perform it?
We didnt give him a dreamless potion. You can perform Legilimency and guide his mind to the memories you
need, Kendrick continued. Its not ideal and extremely difficult seeing as how the subject is not conscious for
you to influence his thoughts. You cant say the word illegal potions to force him to think about it, because he
cant hear you. Also since his eyes are closed your Legilimency will be weakened considerably. What you have
to do is will the memories away one by one and this may take a very long time and time is something we are
very short of at the moment.

Brilliant. Wheres the bad news? All this cheerful information is making me giddy, mumbled Teddy.

Which one of you will be performing the spell? Kendrick enquired while ignoring Teddys sarcasm.

I am not skilled in the practice of Legilimency. Lieutenant Lupin, however, has proven to be quite skilled in that
area of magic so hell be performing the spell.

In that case I urge you to proceed without any further ado and do try to keep yourself from squealing like a little
child when you enter that room, that poor woman is grieving, Healer Kendrick said as he turned his back to the
two Aurors and entered the room.

Is it just me? Or does he seem like a Hermione with a moustache? snorted Ron.

Why dont you kiss him and find out? grumbled Teddy as he followed the healer into the room ignoring a red
faced Ron. Teddy felt a slight sadness as he noticed the state in which John Stevens was. This man was a
legendary keeper who had not only won Keeper of the Year award 5 times in a row but had also formed the
most lethally formidable defensive and counter-attacking trio with Chaser Aaron MacFarlane and Beater
Araminta Maeve. He was also the first Keeper in Quidditch history to have scored a goal or more in 5
consecutive matches. To Quidditch fans like Teddy, regardless of which team they cheered for, John Stevens
was nothing short of a legend. To see him lying in a hospital bed and dying was quite painful for Teddy. Then he
noticed the tall brunette with grey eyes, Felicia Stevens, the wife, sitting by her husbands bed staring at Teddy
with bloodshot eyes. He couldnt imagine how difficult it must be for her to be sitting there helplessly knowing full
well that the most important person in her life was going to die and there was nothing that could be done.

Teddy knew a lot about Felicia Stevens through Victoire who was a huge fan of the witch supermodel. Like
many boys his age at Hogwarts hed also had a poster of her in his dorm. Hed always fantasized about the day
hed finally get to meet her but now that he was finally standing in front of her, he felt no joy.

These two gentlemen have been sent over by the Aurors office to perform Legilimency on your husband, Mrs.
Stevens, announced Healer Kendrick.

Im sorry for your loss Mrs. Stevens, Teddy consoled her.

Then do whatever you can to lessen it, she replied. I want the people who enabled my husband to be
exposed and held responsible. I want them to rot in Azkaban for what theyve done to my family.

Well do everything in our power, Mrs. Stevens.

Good! In that case we have no time to lose. Mrs. Stevens, I know youd like to spend more time with your
husband at this juncture but its advisable that in these circumstances we provide Lieutenant Teddy with as few
minds around the subject as possible, Kendrick gestured towards Teddy. It will be difficult enough doing this
without eye contact as it is.

Mrs. Stevens got up elegantly and proceeded to exit the room. She stopped next to Teddy and held his wrist
with both her hands and looked at him. Please find out who did this, she pleaded. His parents and I need this.
We need to see him get justice to get closure.

Ill try my best, Felicia.

Once the room was empty and the door had been shut, Teddy pulled his wand out from under his sleeve and
took a deep breath.

Now Remember, Teddy. Ron said, Clear your mind and concentrate on potions. Try to drift his mind in line
with your thoughts.

Gee why hadnt I thought of that? retorted Teddy.

Oh sure, get snippy with me. But do try your best for Felicia, Ron complained stressing Felicias name by
dragging the syllables in her name.

Teddy took his place at the foot of the patients bed with Ron standing beside him. He took in a deep breath and
let it out. He pointed his wand at John Stevens and closed his eyes. He let out a few more breaths while
attempting to clear his mind. He focused completely on illegal potion vials and cauldrons that hed seen in Auror
reports and whispered the words, Legilimens.

Teddy felt rain splatter against his face as his screamed in joy and flew towards the stands where Felicia sat
wearing a Sapphire Flintlocks jersey. Teddy swooped down in front of her and kissed her before hopping off his
broom, getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him in front of a packed stadium of forty thousand
Quidditch fans. Teddy concentrated hard to change the memory to something that would help him but he could
feel the giddiness and happiness that John was feeling and he struggled to overcome that.

He was now laughing and running on a beach now, chasing after Felicia who was now wearing a white
sundress. She would turn around every now and then to make sure he wasnt about to catch her, let out a laugh
gleefully and get back to running away. He eventually caught up with her and tackled her to the ground softly
and simply lay there gazing into her eyes. He brushed her hair behind her ears and kissed her lips. He placed
one palm on her stomach and began moving it upwards while rubbing his tongue against her lips seeking her
permission. Teddy gritted his teeth and felt the sweat glistening on his forehead as he forced John to think about
something else.

He was now sitting on a sofa in a dimly lit room with Felicia. She pressed her lips against his while she undid the
buttons on his shirt as he unzipped her dress at the back and placed one hand on the small of her back feeling
the warmth of her skin. Teddy placed one hand on her thighs and ran it up her skirt slowly as he traced kisses
along her jaw line before biting down on her neck slightly. She moaned his name in his ears slightly, Oh John.

Teddy jerked his head and stumbled forward. Ron grabbed him before he could fall and helped him back on his
feet, Anything? he enquired.

Merlin damn it Ron! Teddy gasped. The mans thinking about his wife.

So he loves her, its all very touching. But we need that information Teddy.

Hes thinking about intimate moments with his wife and while Im performing Legilimency I see everything and
feel everything from his perspective. Does your primitive mind understand what Im saying now? Do you
understand how wrong this is on so many different levels? I feel like Im molesting his wife with my mind.

Oh like you didnt spend countless number of showers doing exactly that.

Teddy felt his hair turn red and if he wasnt mistaken his face was matching that color, You know what I mean,
Ron. This is wrong. How daft must you be not to get it?
I get it just fine, Teddy. But if you dont do this then there will be a time when youre reading about a twenty year
old boy whos lying here or maybe even a Hogwarts student. Its easy for me to say, I know. Im not the one
performing the spell. But you have to get through this. You need to do this as difficult as it maybe. Get your head
back in the game.

Teddy nodded slightly and with a disgusted yet determined look on his face he turned to face the unconscious
sports legend whom Teddy idolized and whose privacy Teddy was going to violate on profoundly inappropriate
level. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to get rid of the feeling of being sick and raised his wand once
again before muttering, Legilimens.

He was standing in his bedroom and had Felicia pinned against the wall with her legs wrapped around his waist.
They were in the throes of passion and Teddy leaned his forehead against her chin. He opened his eyes and
saw a fallen portrait of their wedding where Felicia and John stood with a raven color haired man with a hooked
nose who could be none other than Johns best man. Teddy couldnt recognize him but he gritted his teeth and
focused on the man with all his might. It wasnt easy given the position he was in and the woman he was with
but eventually the memory changed and Teddy stood in a narrow but crowded alley. He heard loud music from
up ahead when a man slapped him on his shoulder and nudged him forward slightly.

Cmon John, hurry up. My throats dryer than a fifty year old virgin witch and I need a drink.

Drink! Teddy had felt too many emotions in the previous memory and his Legilimency over John was weakening
by the minute. He had to try to and control his train of thought and be aggressive about it. It had worked with the
portrait in the bedroom. It had to work with words. Teddy focused his mind on the word drinks with all his might
and before he knew it he was sitting in a booth at a club. Judging by the lack of crowd and the soft music being
played, Teddy guessed that this was probably earlier in the evening. The man earlier sat across from him.

John, youre my friend and that is why Im suggesting this, he said. There is just no other way.

Sebastian, its cheating, insisted Teddy.

Then whatre your options? countered Sebastian. Youve completed fourteen seasons with the club. Another
season and when you retire youre part of the board. You fail to pass tomorrow? Theyll refuse to renew your
contract and youll end up playing for Chudley Canons or some other sorry club and what happens next year
when youll have to retire due to fitness? Youre going to dump all that debt on Felicias head? She quit her
career for you even though you explicitly told her she didnt have to. She did it to put an end to all the travelling
so that she could spend more time with you. She has no source of income. You two are planning to start a
family. How do you intend to make payments for your house? Its not cheating if its for a noble cause. Think
about your wife. Think about your future children.

What if I get caught during the pre-match illegal potion testing?

Teddy felt such a rush of excitement that the connection almost broke then and there, hed finally hit jackpot.
Sebastian let out a howl of laughter, Please. Those tests are a mere formality. They can never detect these
potions. Trust me. Well get you a batch of healing potions mixed with reflex improvers. And youll be as good as
you were when you first started.

This is wrong Sebastian.

Its only wrong if you see it from the wrong perspective. You have a family to support, John. Your endorsements
will barely support you for four maybe five years after retirement. Then what? You need that board job, John and
this is the only way youll get it.

But only this once, for my contract renewal, he insisted. After the contracts renewed I could break my leg and
theyd have to give me that job. So its just for this week, Sebastian.

That was always the case, Sebastian answered. He looked over his shoulder at the far corner of the club,
raised his arm and signaled someone to come over. John took out a small bag of galleons and placed it in
Sebastians hands.

Teddy desperately tried to see whatever John was seeing and tried his best to recognize the club but to no
avail. A small balding man shuffled over to their table. He seemed to be in his mid-thirties and had a limp.

Vinal meet my mate, John. John? Meet Vinal, Sebastian introduced as he placed the bag in Vinals pocket. As
discussed Vinal, if you may?

The man named Vinal pulled out a face towel from his backpack and placed it in Sebastians hand who placed it
in front of John. It made a slight jingling sound indicating that it contained some glass within it. John scooped it
away quickly before anyone else could see what it was but luckily for Teddy he glanced at the towel slightly
before placing it in his own bag and he read the label on it that said, CLUB FAUSTUS

Teddys eyes widened and he fell forward. Rob grabbed him from behind once again. I SAW IT, he gasped. I
saw the potion dealer and I know where to find him.

Youve got to be yanking my wand, Ron said excitedly. Do you know what this means? You made progress in
a case everyone else seemed to deem unsolvable. This was a dead end case which could go nowhere and you
actually found out who sold the potions and where.

You told me you had complete faith in me making progress.

Oh please. Even Hugo could see through my attempts of reassuring you that we didnt dump an absolute dead
end case on you.

WHAT?

But you did brilliantly so no harm done. Anyway the legilimancy discovery. You were saying?

Some guy named Sebastian made him do it, Teddy replied proudly. Stevens was apparently out of form and
slightly injured at the start of this season and was going to lose out on the Legacy Contract. This guy named
Sebastian manipulated him into taking performance enhancing Healing and Reflex increasing potions.

You mean the Chudley Canons only lost the title to the Flintlocks because Stevens cheated?

The Canons finished seventh Ron, move on.

Im just mentioning

FOR MERLIN SAKE WILL YOU PLEASE FOCUS?

Right uhm! I think we should inform his wife.

Teddy swallowed at the mention of Felicias name. He felt extremely guilty and disgusted by what he had seen.
He nodded his head in agreement slightly.

Ron stepped forward and slid the door open. There were more people in the corridor than Teddy expected.
Healer Kendrick sat patiently on one of the benches. Felicia meanwhile was sobbing lightly into the shoulder of
another older woman who was patting her back and speaking words of reassurance while an older man who
could be none other than Johns father stood with his hand on Felicias shoulder. But the person that caught
Teddys attention the most was the hook nosed man with raven colored hair from Johns memory. Teddy tried
his best to feint ignorance so as not to spook the man into suspecting he knew something.

I dont wish to intrude but Lieutenant Lupin has made some progress and we see no reason why we should
keep it from Mr. Stevens family. So if you could all step inside, he could bring you all up to date.

I should probably get going then, said the hook nosed man.

Nonsense Sebastian, Felicia said. Youre Johns best friend and his agent. Youre part of this family. Hed
want you to be with him at this time.

Sebastian glanced towards Teddy and Ron cautiously and studied their expressions, I need to run damage
control with the press. Theyll have a field day with this if we dont nip it in the bud.

Ron stepped to his right and blocked Sebastians exit, Leave the reporters to us Mr. Sebastian. Please step into
the room.

He glanced at Teddy who subtly placed his hand over the pocket where he kept his wand. The man moved past
Teddy and stepped inside the room. Once the entire family had made its way inside Ron raised an eyebrow
indicating his curiosity.

Its him alright, Teddy said in reply. Ill explain everything inside.

Teddy walked in to find Sebastian standing at the foot of the bed staring at his friend quietly. Felicia sat with her
father-in-law on the couch while Johns mother stroked her unconscious sons hair. Ron slid the door behind him
and Teddy stood in complete silence trying to form the words in his head that would explain the situation to the
family without hurting them more than need be.

Mr. Sebastian, would you like to inform them what happened or do you want me to do it?

Sebastian kept his eyes fixed on his friend. Inform us of what? Felicia asked, Sebastian whats he talking
about? Sebastian let out an audible sigh and gripped the rails at the foot of the bed.

We didnt mean for it to drag on for so long. It was just a means to renew his contract, Sebastian confessed.
There was stunned silence within the room broken only by Johns steady breathing. John Sr. was the first to
break the silence, A convenient excuse. You make it seem like you did it for him to soothe your own guilt and
play on our emotions for John. You can say it a million times but itll never change the fact that you killed my son
and did it for yourself.

Johns my best friend, Sebastian protested. I had no intention of hurting him.

Yes, because getting your friend addicted to performance enhancing and intoxicating drugs is the most caring
thing you couldve done to show how much you love your friend, Teddy snapped. Ron nudged him slightly
showing his disapproval of Teddys sarcasm. It was no secret that Harry, Ron and Teddy wore their hearts on a
sleeve. It was a common Gryffindor house problem. Subtlety wasnt their strong point but surprisingly for Teddy,
while on duty, Ron displayed a kind of self control that hed never seen in his friend before.

Felicia I swear to you, Sebastian kneeled in front of the blonde woman. I would never do anything to hurt you
or John. Youve got to believe me.

Felicia stared back at the man kneeling before but her face was blank and showed no emotion, You killed my
husband, Sebastian. You killed him just so you could make more money off of my husband.

That was not my intention. I did it for you Felicia. All he needed was a contract renewal and then youd be set
for life. It was always for you. You know how Ive always felt about you. I didnt do it for the money, Felicia. I did
it for you.

Yeah, youre a regular Snape, muttered Ron, his voice dripping with disgust. Teddy didnt understand what he
meant by that. He didnt know much about Snape apart from the fact that the Professor was a war hero and
judging from the snide and rude remarks his portrait passed every time Teddy was in Professor McGonagalls
office, about his father, he wasnt particularly fond of his father or his friends. But this wasnt the time to ask Ron
to elaborate.

Lieutenant Lupin? Felicia addressed him, Id like you to take this man out of my sight. I dont care whether you
imprison him at Azkaban or the detention center in Chudleigh, just get him out of my sight.

Sebastian looked to the floor and muttered, I havent committed any crime. John was an adult and made his
own decision. The words had barely come out of his mouth when Felicia slapped Sebastian across the face.

A stunned silence fell over the room broken only by the slight sobs Felicia was trying so hard to hide. Teddy
realized that the family didnt really have anything left to say to Sebastian. He whipped out his wand from within
his robes and moved forward to arrest the man. Sebastian noticed Teddy approaching and leapt into the corner,
drew his wand and pointed it straight at Teddy, I didnt commit any crime. John took those potions on his own
accord. I didnt force him to take it nor did I sell them to him.

Oh but you did, Sebastian, Teddy replied with a smirk. I saw his memories remember? I saw him give you a
bag of money that you handed over to a man named Vinal who gave you the potions and you gave them to
John. Technically you sold the potions to John and he bought them from you.

Mr. Srayford I beg you to lower your wand, Healer Kendrick interjected. This is a time for Johns family to
grieve alone. Do not make this any harder for them than it already is. Please lower your wand and cooperate
with these Aurors. If you truly cared about your friend then you shall do at least this much for him.

I WAS ONLY TRYING TO HELP HIM. I SHOULDNT GO TO AZKABAN FOR THIS. Sebastian screamed.

Youre not going to Azkaban. You go to the detention center and will remain their till your trial at the
Wizengamot. Now put down your wand, Ron reasoned.

THEY WONT SEE MY SIDE OF THE STORY. THEY WONT SEE IT FROM WHERE I STOOD. THEYLL
GIVE ME A BLOODY TRIAL AND THEN THEYLL CHUCK ME IN AZKABAN. I WONT GO TO AZKABAN. ID
RATHER YOU KILLED ME.

The door behind Teddy slid open and three security guards stomped in and flanked the two Aurors. Sebastians
face contorted in despair as he looked on at the group of wizards assembled before him. Teddy noticed that he
was struggling to find the right words to communicate. He stepped forward slowly with his arms raised to speak
with him. Sebastian fixed his eyes on Teddys, a tear streamed down his cheek.

I never meant to hurt anyone, he said with his voice breaking and turned to look at Felicia before muttering, I
really did love you. He placed the wand under his jaw and whispered, Confringo.

Felicia screamed in dismay as Teddy leapt forward to catch Sebastian before he hit the ground. But the
snapping of bones was unmistakable. Teddy held the limp body of John Stevens best friend as a hushed
silence fell over the room broken only by the muffled cries of Felicia Stevens and her mother-in-law. Teddy
looked into the open eyes of the man he held and saw nothing but emptiness. Sebastian Srayford had just
committed suicide.


Chapter 7 - Secrets

Admin Padfoot

Run it by me once again why dont you?

Teddy sighed with frustration and slammed his head onto the table. He was in the files room with Jocelyn and
had just informed her about the upcoming assignment. It was frustrating enough that Ron had dumped his
responsibility on Teddy but now he had to put up with Jocelyns irritating smugness. Shed made him repeat
himself already and was grinning at him with her eye twinkling with mischief.

You and I need to scope out the club where Stevens bought the potions, repeated Teddy carefully choosing
how to phrase the words. Jocelyn shook her head and Teddy realized it was too much to expect her to let it go
so easily.

No! The other part. The important part, she teased. Teddy glared her for a few seconds and then repeated
himself, We are going their undercover as a couple. As part of the golden trio Ron is just too recognizable.

Oh and he just isnt your type. Youd do better with Linus I guess if you swung that way, Jocelyn said casually.
Teddy made a silent vow to strangle Ron the next time he saw him for inflicting Jocelyn onto him. Now he
understood why Ron looked so eager to ask him to do this. Hed probably laughed himself silly just imagining
this conversation.

How do you know what my type is? Teddy asked foolishly. The moment the words escaped his mouth he knew
hed dug his grave. She baited him and he went for it hook, line and sinker.

Well I should seeing as how you cant seem to take your eyes off me, Lupin, she sang in that annoying tone
she used whenever she thought she had the upper hand in an argument. Teddy neither had a comeback nor did
he have the strength to think of one. Hed been up for two straight nights keeping watch over the club.

Fowler probably had even worse timing than Harry. Had Fowler not assigned Ron the high profile case Teddy
wouldnt be suffering as he was right now. No it wasnt Fowlers fault. Death Eaters. It were the bloody Death
Eaters again and this wasnt even some case about a bunch of wannabe Dark Lords and their wannabe Death
Eaters. From the sound of it, this was an honest to Merlin, Death Eater. One of the originals that his Godfather
had faced during the Third Wizarding War and if memory served him right and it usually did, then only 2 Death
Eaters still remained free. Antonin Dolohov and Fenrir Greyback, two high profile cases for sure as their records
needed a level seven clearance which only Harry, Ron, Razmeek and Fowler had.

He made a mental note to ask one of them to allow him to take a look at the case files of these two Death
Eaters. He was always curious as to how every major Death Eater had been captured and yet these two
avoided capture for an entire nineteen years. Ron owed him that much for making him suffer Jocelyn. That
reminded him, Jocelyn was in the same room. His mind did that sometimes. Anyones single gesture or reaction
would create a chain reaction of thoughts in his mind that would eventually lead to a completely unrelated
subject.

This is important Jocelyn. I really need your help. So could you stop being well, you for a moment and help
me? Teddy requested sincerely. He pushed a folder on his table in her direction, I need you to go over these
tonight so that we can get this over with tomorrow. Its a simple reconnaissance mission. His mind felt as if it
had apparated inside out. Everything around him felt as if it were going too fast and he just couldnt keep up.
Although when hed start walking or speaking he felt as if everything around him slowed down to a slugs pace
and he were riding away on a Firebolt. The moment hed shut up or stay still again everything else would speed
up.

Hed been living off of Coffee for the last 2 nights and it was starting to take a toll on him. He absolutely had no
strength left to argue with Jocelyn and just wanted to get home and sleep. Maybe hed visit his grandmother and
sleep in his old bed. That way hed end up having home cooked dinner that didnt make him feel like as if he
were eating something that had been stuck in Hagrids beard from his time at Hogwarts.

Jocelyn studied him for a moment then walked over to where he was seated and bent over so she was facing
Teddy at eye level, If you want me to be your girlfriend so badly, Teddy then Ill be your girlfriend. But theres
something you have to understand and accept if this relationship has to work.

She leaned in closer so that her lips were right next to his ear and her cheek was brushing his, Im ALWAYS on
top, she whispered in a way that made Teddys skin flush and for some reason he felt as if there wasnt enough
oxygen in the room right then. Jocelyn decided shed tormented him enough and walked away without saying
another word but not before picking up the folder.

Were only pretending. We wont be having oh why bother. Teddy said exasperatedly and sat there quietly
for a minute before he started to feel guilty for the images flashing in his mind and smashed his head into the
desk repeatedly, Victoire. You are dating Victoire Weasley. Youre dating Vicky.

He immediately regretted smashing his head in his sleep deprived state because now he felt as if he were stuck
in mid apparition. He cursed Ron mentally for forcing him to get tortured by Jocelyn and decided it was time to
make his way home. Somehow he stumbled out of the Auror Headquarters, onto the lift, into the Atrium before
grabbing some floo powder and sat inside the fireplace with his chin resting on his knees, one palm massaging
his forehead vigorously and the other holding the floo powder. He dropped the floo powder and said the words
as clearly as he could in the state he was in, Dora Lupins

The moment he was lifted upwards he knew it was a mistake to have been seated or maybe it had been a
mistake to use the floo network in his state. But he was in no condition to apparate and there was no way he
was going to ask someone to side along apparate him home like an underage ministry intern.

He shut his eyes tight and clenched his jaws hoping that would be enough to stop him from leaving bits of his
vomit floating around the floo network just waiting for someone to slime onto. He cursed the prankster within him
that seemed to jolt wide awake at that thought. The last thing he needed in his condition was to regurgitate
whatever he had eaten and sap himself of whatever strength he had left.

His butt slammed hard into the fireplace and he winced in pain as his head hit the brick wall behind him when he
lost balance. He muttered several curses before he stepped outside, stumbled over into the living room
exhausted out of his mind with no strength left to climb the stairs and make it to his bed and slumped onto the
couch before drifting into peaceful sleep.
******

When Teddy woke up he found himself lying under a comforter. He smiled lightly and was grateful to his
grandmother for not bothering to wake him up because his headache seemed to have disappeared thanks to
uninterrupted sleep, shed even removed his shoes. But he soon wished she had because now he was starving
and shed probably gone to bed. He sat up on the couch, rubbed his face and ran his hand through his hair. He
noticed a note on the table and thanked the heavens as it read, Dinners on the table. She never missed a
beat that woman.

An hour later Teddy found himself strolling through the yard letting the peace and quiet wash over him. It would
be sunrise within an hour. He decided hed wait until 9am before meeting Jocelyn at the headquarters. He stood
in the middle of the field and drew in a deep breath to enjoy the fresh air when he smelt their scents. Teddys
eyes widened as he realized that there were at least 2 intruders trespassing on his yard. They seemed to be
hiding behind the hedge from the direction of their scent. He strained his ears to confirm where the sound was
coming from and over heard one of them speaking, Why is he just standing there? to which the other one
retorted, Shut up and stay quiet.

Teddys heart was racing. Two original death eaters were recently seen in England after many years and now
there were two intruders in his home. Surely it couldnt be a coincidence. He could imagine the glory of being
able to succeed where no one could before him. Teddy Remus Lupin captures two lethal dark wizards that
eluded captivity for nearly two decades. He stepped back quietly and made his way towards the guest cabin. He
would be hidden behind the pumpkin patch fence from them till the hedge if he ran on all fours after that it would
simply be a case of one good leap. Teddy dug his fingers into the dirt, gritted his teeth, flexed his fingers to get a
good feel of the ground and let loose a guttural growl in his throat. He launched himself into the pumpkin patch
field and hidden from the intruders by the fence he charged towards the hedge where he expected them to be
hidden. He streaked towards them silently and the closer he got the more prominent their smell was making it
easier to pin point their location.

Teddy pounced over the fence so quickly that when he hit the first intruder in the face with a stunning spell he
didnt even realize what happened. The second however was quick enough to raise his wand and send a
stunning spell right back at Teddy but hed landed by then and the red streak of light fizzed by where hed been
in mid-air a moment ago. Teddy placed his weight on the three limbs not holding a wand and raised his left hand
as he pounced at the shocked man, grabbed him by the neck, taking him off the ground before slamming him
onto his back. He placed his wand under his chin and growled, WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Im Auror Foshely. Im an Auror just like you. I swear. Captain Potter posted us here as your security detail.
Teddy dug his wand into the mans skin and muttered, Identify Homenum. A brief image of the man with the
Auror logo with the number 3 glowing above it flashed in Teddys mind confirming his identity.

Teddy let go of him and took a few steps back but kept a strong grip on his wand. Just because this man was an
Auror didnt mean Teddy could let his guard down. Teddys head was spinning now. His mind was bursting with
questions. Harry had told him hed be on an extended leave, Ron had been assigned a high profile case and
now here was this Auror stating that he was on his grandmothers security detail on Harrys orders. Why was
Harry giving orders when Ron was in command? More importantly why did he feel the need to tell Teddy that he
was on a leave when hes out there assigning jobs and duties to his subordinates? And the biggest question that
was feeding off of Teddys curiosity was what was so extremely important that Fowler felt the need to get in on
all the drama and go along with Harrys lie? Fowler had clearly stated a few weeks ago that Harry was going on
a leave. Did Fowler know what was going on? Did Harry lie on his orders or was Fowler just as clueless as
Teddy was?

All these questions nagged Teddy as the Auror lay on the ground staring up at Teddy afraid to move so as not
to spook him. Teddy stretched out his left hand while keeping a grip on his wand and helped the wizard up,
Security from what?

Not my place to know that sir. Captain Potter gave us the order and here we are, sir, he replied nervously.

Wheres the captain? Teddy asked, his jaw clenched and his nails digging into his palm to keep himself calm.

Im sorry, sir. I cant tell you that.

Cant or wont, Teddy sneered through gritted teeth and he realized it came out more as a growl.

The man shuffled nervously in his place and replied, Cant sir. He flooed me in at my home, I know not from
where.

Teddy stepped forward till he was inches from the other Auror and looked him in the eye. Take your partner
and GET. OFF. MY. PROPERTY. NOW.

Im sorry, sir. I cant do that either sir. This property is under your grandmothers ownership and shes granted
us consent to guard this house. We were assigned here by the Captain. We could only leave if your
grandmother was to refuse accepting our help.

Do not leave this area Auror, thats an order. I dont want to see you outside of a 20 yard circle from this hedge
you understand? Teddy stated. Foshely nodded nervously and didnt say anything. Teddy stalked back towards
his home. His grandmother would be waking up shortly and then he needed to have words with her.

He sat at the foot of the stairs silently waiting for her to wake up and couldnt help but keep going over the
situation again and again. Dolohov and Greyback get sighted somewhere in England. Ron gets assigned the
case. But Harry is assigning Aurors security detail to Teddys house which means he isnt on a leave and is
working with Ron. He was quite certain hed find a couple of Aurors at the Burrows if he went there as well as at
Harrys. It made sense for security to be placed at their home as they were directly involved in the war against
Voldemort but why his grandmother? Sure his parents had been members of the legendary Order of the
Phoenix but so were a number of other folks.

But even if Teddy accepted the possibility that Harry was merely being prudent it still didnt explain one major
point. Why would two of the most wanted Dark Wizards, who have managed to elude the Ministry for nearly two
decades, risk getting captured and imprisoned all for the sake of avenging a fallen terrorist leader who died
nineteen years ago? It didnt add up. Something was being kept hidden from Teddy, that much he was certain
of.

He was deep in thought before he realized that his grandmother was awake. He stood up and turned to face her
as she came down the stairs. She gave him a soft smile, Did you enjoy your dinner? I suppose it was breakfast
for you by the time you woke up.

Why do we have Aurors guarding the house mum? Teddy asked her right off the bat. He hated it when people
wasted his time by beating around the bush and he hated doing the same to others. The change of expression
on Adromedas face was immediate.

She came down the stairs and brushed past Teddy without saying a word before opening the fridge and picking
up the last egg. Teddy placed his hand on her elbow gently and asked her once again, Mum I need to know
why there are Aurors standing guard outside the house.

For protection, Teddy, she said simply before breaking the egg on the frying pan. Teddy closed the fridge door
and stood next to his grandmother again, Its those two Death Eaters isnt it? Teddy knew that hed hit the
mark with that. Andromedas hands quivered and if he hadnt had heightened senses he doubted hed have
noticed that slight flinch. It is isnt it? What do they have to do with us mum? Why would they be after us?

You dont need to concern yourself with any of that, Teddy, Andromeda replied.

No need to concern myself? The only two remaining Death Eaters to have successfully evaded capture for the
last nineteen years could be out to get you and youre telling me theres no need to concern myself with any of
it? Why are they after you? Why are you in danger mum? Teddy asked hating how anxious he sounded.

I am not in danger. Those two Aurors are very much capable of handling themselves and protecting this house.
As I said earlier, Teddy, you neednt worry. Teddy could hear the frustration in her voice. She was trying to end
this conversation desperately and Teddy was sick of being molly coddled by every adult around him.

How can you expect me not to be worried when there are Aurors are standing guard outside my house and I
dont even know for what?

Well its a good thing they are outside my house then isnt it? she snapped as she rounded on her grandson. It
took a moment for her words to hit Teddy and all he could do was gape at her unable to say anything. He didnt
know if he was more hurt than he was angry but one thing he did know was that this discussion was over. His
shoulders slumped as he took a step behind. A number of things he wished to say to her went through his mind
but he eventually decided to keep his silence. He quietly turned around and walked over to the fireplace without
saying a word.

Im sorry Teddy. I didnt mean to say that dear, Andromeda apologized as she moved towards her grandson
but he showed no reaction as he grabbed a fistful of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. Teddy wait! I
really didnt mean to say that son.

But you did. Let me know when youre ready to tell me whats going on, Ill be at my house he stressed the
word my and paused to see if she would give in and tell him anything. When he realized she wouldnt he
dropped the floo powder into the fireplace and spoke clearly, The Atrium, Ministry of Magic.

The last thing he saw was the look of hurt and regret on his grandmothers face before he was sucked out of the
fireplace and the sickening spinning began. As he stepped out into the Atrium he felt sick to his stomach and
somehow he knew it wasnt from travelling through the floo network. He needed a distraction and he knew just
the thing. He made his way down the lifts and into Rons office. He checked the Knockturn alley map once again
and went over the plan in his head. He paced around his office for at least an hour before Jocelyn showed up.

He was busy tossing Rons Quaffle at the wall when Jocelyn entered the office and tossed the folder on his desk
before taking the chair opposite him, This cant have been Rons plan. Teddy caught the Quaffle and turned to
her, Why would you say that?

Because its too subtle to be a Ron Plan, Jocelyn replied. Its too patient to be something thought up by him.
His plans generally involve kicking down a door and going in wands blazing. Thats why the two Captains are
such a solid team, they even each other out. Harry always talks some sense into Ron.

Teddy studied Jocelyn, it seemed like he had certainly underestimated her. Beneath the carefree attitude the
young flirt was actually quite smart. She seemed to have a very good understanding of those around her. He
did not know if her spot on analysis about Ron and Harrys personalities could be attributed to her intellect or be
simply dismissed as her knowing them well after having with them for so long. But then again she had correctly
deduced that it wasnt in fact Rons plan.

He placed the Quaffle back on the desk, Rons plan was to wait for the dealer to get done with his shift and
apprehend him when hes alone.

Fantastic plan that one. Only one flaw though. Youre never alone in Knockturn Alley. Someones always
watching

Exactly my point. No one trusts the ministry as it is. What will they say if some poor, seemingly innocent and
harmless waiter gets kidnapped by a couple of Aurors, Teddy paused for a second debating with himself
whether or not he could trust Jocelyn with the next piece of information. Especially since that waiter will be
dead soon after.

Why would he OH! Jocelyn exclaimed after realization hit her about what Teddy had just said. Teddy had a
sudden urge to not meet her eyes but he locked his gaze onto her. He wanted to study every subtle change in
expression. He knew what was going through her head. The same thoughts had plagued his mind for two nights
before he had made up his mind. This was why there had never been any progress in the Occult case. All
former Aurors, Jocelyn, Ron and Harry included, followed protocol and in Teddys opinion protocol is what
allowed criminals to roam free. This was the only way he reasoned with himself.

You cant do this. We have to follow protocol. There exists a protocol for a reason, Teddy.

Youre right, Teddy retorted. Protocol exists so that we have something to blame our failures on instead of our
weak resolve.

Teddy we need to bring him in for questioning. We have waited decades for such progress surely we can wait
another three months before we can force him to take Veritaserum

Three months? Jocelyn hell be out within two days. Mark my words, we put this bloke into custody and within
48 hours well have a slick, silk robed, silver tongued lawyer who will waltz right through these doors and sweep
him away while laughing in our faces.

Dont be ridiculous. Youve read the case files. No one weve ever arrested can afford a lawyer least of all your
suspect who cant even afford a decent haircut.

Teddy got to his feet in frustration and rubbed his face. He was starting get sick of how everyone had accepted
that this case was unsolvable, When was the last time anyone apprehended anyone from the Occult? 1989!
Nearly three decades ago. Hermione introduced a system of lawyers only after she was elected as the Head of
the Department of Law Enforcement ten years ago to prevent the gestapo trials that the muggleborns were
subjected to during the year of Voldemorts hold over the Ministry. So do tell me how your previous suspects
never had any lawyers. Also this smarmy bloke doesnt need to be able to afford any lawyers. Its his employers
wholl assign one and once hes out of our custody theyll kill him for getting himself caught. Teddy sat back
down and leaned in towards Jocelyn, This man is dead whether I go ahead and do this or not. We arrest him,
he walks within 48 hours before telling us anything meaningful and his employers kill him slowly and painfully
and we are back to square one OR we force him to tell us what he knows and he dies a quick death on his
terms while doing some good. Either ways he dies. The question is do we allow him to die in vain or do we let
his death mean something?

How very Slytherin of you? Jocelyn shot back at him.

Teddy sat back in his chair staring at her quietly before replying her calmly, I sat for nearly ten minutes on that
stool while the sorting hat struggled to decide whether to put me in Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or
Gryffindor. Jocelyns eyes widened as she heard this. She barely managed to get one word out, Hatstall.

A hatstall indeed, Teddy bowed his head mockingly. So like the few great witches and wizards that happened
to be the hatstalls of the past I too am a wizard that is willing to let his mind operate beyond the limitations and
boundaries set by being in a house of Hogwarts. Gryffindors have to be noble, Slytherins have to look out for
their best interest, Ravenclaws have to be wise and Hufflepuffs have to be bloody insufferable do gooders. What
a load of tosh. You need to be able to think according to the situation. Not be dictated by the idea of how four
ancient witches and wizards wouldve thought regardless of how great they were.

What about your principles then, Teddy? Jocelyn asked. You seem to be willing to commit murder for
ambition.

Is that what you think this is about? Teddy asked her slowly though he felt his temper rising. That I wish to do
this to get somewhere? This man sells intoxicating potions for a living. He destroys lives and rips apart families
for a living and you think Im ambitious for wanting to stop him?

Then bring him in for questioning Teddy. Send him away to prison and stop him that way.

Send him away, Teddy chuckled. Sure. Send him away to prison and have someone else take his place the
very next day. No Jocelyn. This is the only way. We need to rip them from their very roots. They chose death the
moment they took that bloody oath.

I dont want to be a part of murder.

You dont have to be. When Hermiones department come to investigate you can tell them you didnt know I
was going to do this. That I acted on my own.

So not only do you want my help to commit murder but you also want me to lie to the investigating officers
when they come knocking.

Exactly. Itll look very suspicious for me to show up alone at Club Faustus. I need you to accompany me, thats
all. Then you order a few drinks or take to the dance floor while I look for our suspect and try to have him sell
potions to me so I can arrest him. After that we apparate separately. You come to the office and Ill go
interrogate him somewhere else. That way you can say I deviated from the plan at the last second.

Jocelyns shoulders slumped and she sighed. Teddy could see her debating with herself over this. She looked at
Vinals photograph and stared at it for a quite a bit before she addressed Teddy without taking her eyes off of
the photo, Youre sure hes a potions dealer?

Not a doubt in my mind Jocelyn, I promise you

Then I believe we have a date Teddy, she got up from her seat and held out her hand.


Teddy got up and caught hold of her wrist gently, Rons rented a room in a hotel opposite Faustus. It has a
perfect view of the club. The place is dodgy but we can work there in peace. You cant go looking civilized
though. Why dont you figure out a way to look like someone whod visit a Knockturn alley hotel while I wait for
you in the Atrium?

What about you? You may be wearing clothes from yesterday but its not enough to make you look at home in
Knockturn Alley.

Teddy grinned back at her and began to change his appearance. Jocelyns eyes widened but to her credit she
didnt yelp or show any other signs of astonishment as Teddys face and hair changed shape and length. He lost
a few teeth up front and what molars he did have left he made sure to chip them. He let the bags under his eyes
stay but added wrinkles to his face with a very unshaven look and some grey facial hair. He let his hair grow
grey and fall till his shoulders and made sure it was dirty and completely messy. By the time he was done he
was sure he looked like a drunk. Jocelyns expressionless face finally came to life as she grinned back at Teddy.
But Teddy wasnt done. He appeared to look like a drunk but his clothes never belonged in Knockturn Alley and
any crook with half a mind would see him as a rich drunk man who stumbled into the Alley for cheap alcohol or a
brothel and be tempted to rob him. Teddy could take care of himself but the idea was to not draw attention to
themselves. He pulled out his wand and tapped his robe once and it transfigured into a very tattered and dirty
trench coat. He tapped his white shirt and it turned off white with several food stains. He bent down and tapped
his shoes and they now appeared to be torn and the sole was held by sellotape. In fact Teddy was so convinced
about the authenticity of his disguise that he wouldnt be surprised if some Ministry worker gave him a Knut or a
sickle after mistaking him for a beggar on his way to the Atrium.

Jocelyn clapped thrice slowly and Teddy was glad that she was professional enough to move past the
discussion they had a few moments ago, Sadly Im not a metamorphmagus like you, she complained to him.
We regular folks have to do it the hard way. Ill ask Meagher for help. Hes excellent at these charms. Ill see
you at the Atrium in fifteen minutes Teddy. Teddy nodded and started putting away all the documents while
Jocelyn left.

Once he was ready to leave and his desk was clear he picked up the photo hed placed on his desk. It was
taken during his sixth year Christmas at Shell Cottage. That was when hed told Victoire how he felt about her.
He was sitting at his grandmothers feet in the photo and looking at her smiling face tugged away at him. He
wanted to check on her. Regardless of how hed left she was the closest thing he had to a mother and she was
quite possibly in danger.

But Teddy was sick of all the secrets and lies. He had to be steadfast in his decision. He couldnt go running
back like a sick, wounded cub every time he missed his mother. No he would wait. He would prove to all of them
that he wasnt the little orphan they all saw him as. He didnt need their pity and hed show them that. He turned
off the lights in the office and shut the door behind him as he made his way towards the lifts to go to the Atrium.

Teddy now had his mind set on one objective. To bust this case wide open and bring the occult to their knees.
Then hed force Fowler to give him the Greyback and Dolohov case and find out what was being kept hidden
from him.
PROLOGUE The Romulus Prophecy


18 MONTHS AFTER THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS -
Footsteps echoed through the dark corridor as a hooded figure swept through swiftly, black
cloak sweeping inches over the dirty, tiled floor. The person dropped the hood to reveal a young,
ginger haired man with a small scar on his right cheek. The man quickly went down the stairs at
the end of the corridor, deeper into the dungeons and locked his eyes on the door at the end of
the corridor. A strange, steely determined look set upon his face as he nodded at the two men
standing guard on either side of the thick metal door.The guard on the right fumbled with the
keys at his hip eager to open the door quickly to impress the higher ranking official standing
before him. The door unlocked loudly and the man slammed his shoulder into the door to push
open the ancient, rusty door.

"They are waiting for you, Captain," said the man loudly.

The Ginger haired man swept into the room and shut the door behind him. The room was
windowless and utterly dark. He sighed audibly and dug a hand into one of the pockets in his
robe and pulled out what looked like a glowing lighter. He clicked it once and an orb of light
appeared and hovered in the middle of the room. The room itself was empty save for a wooden
table placed in the middle with a chair on either side. One chair was empty while the other was
occupied by a middle aged man, in prison wear with filthy blonde hair, who was shielding his
eyes as if the sudden appearance of light caused him some pain.

"Don't be over dramatic, Malfoy," said the man amusedly with a wry smile. "Neither of us want to
be in the same room as the other but it can't be helped."

Lucius Malfoy slowly placed both his palms on the table and blinked a couple of times before his
eyes adjusted to the light. He scowled at the man before him, "I asked for Potter, not his clumsy
side kick." Ron carefully removed his gloves and dropped them on the table. He didn't bother to
respond to Malfoy's jibe as he unclasped his robe, folded it and draped it over the chair before
taking his place opposite the sickly man. He sat casually with his left arm over the back of the
chair and rested his right wrist on the table while flipping his lighter between his fingers. He
stared at Malfoy for a while before cracking a smile.

"You know, Malfoy, I was actually hoping you would say that," Ron said slowly. "You see, I
couldn't care less if the Malfoy family spent the rest of eternity in Azkaban. Way I see it you are
nothing but scum."

"You lied and cheated your way throughout life. You weren't loyal to us and you weren't loyal to
Voldemort. You didn't even believe in that purity of blood bullshit you brainwashed your son
with. Personally I see your refusal to talk to me as a perfectly good reason to get up and leave but
I promised Harry I wouldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgement."

"Then get out and fetch Potter," Malfoy snapped. "He's the one I want to speak with."

"I don't give a fuck about what you want or don't want. I'll give you one last chance to reconsider
Malfoy. If I get up and leave now then you're done," Ron replied. "Harry isn't coming, Kinglsey
isn't coming, I'm all you've got."

"Don't get a misplaced sense of self importance." Ron continued. "The only reason Harry kept
this option on the table is because he feels Draco shouldn't be punished for your crimes. He's
funny that way, Harry is. Like Dumbledore, Harry believes in second chances."

"Ironic isn't it? Something you and every other Death Eater saw as a weakness turns out to be
your salvation. So... One last time, Malfoy. Are you ready to cooperate?"

Malfoy glared at Ron, his fists clenched, teeth grinding and forehead beaded in sweat. This wasn't
the pathetic little runt he met at Flourish and Blotts. Sitting across from him now was a man who
had achieved more in his teenage life than most wizards dreamed of achieving in a lifetime. This
was a man whose presence demanded respect. Malfoy had been in the presence of several
powerful and influential people in his life to know when he was facing one. But regardless of the
facts, Malfoy was not going to kneel before a Weasley.

"Amnesty, clean chit clearing me of all charges and an influential position in the Ministry. These
are my demands before I help you."

"Reduced Sentence to five years, half of which has already been spent if we count your year here
in 96 and Draco's immediate release," stated Ron coolly. "Let me be as crystal clear as possible,
Malfoy. There is absolutely nothing new that you could even hope to offer us. All your Death
Eater mates who survived Hogwarts are either in custody or in hiding in highly populated
muggle areas but under constant surveillance. It's only a matter of time before we manage to
capture them without harming the muggles."

Ron leaned back casually, "You have a very limited window in which Harry and I can pretend
what information you gave us was useful and arrange for Draco's release. He was nothing more
than your victim, but the Ministry isn't seeing it that way. They see a Death Eater who tried
poisoning and cursing a fellow student and orchestrating the murder of one of the most precious
personalities in the Wizarding community."

"You've been a terrible father, Lucius," stated Ron consciously using the Death Eater's first name
for the first time. "You brainwashed your son with bigotry, made him feel inferior in his own eyes
and robbed him of his innocence by exposing him to a dark world a person would protect even a
stranger's child from. The least you could do is give him his freedom."

Malfoy stared at the brick wall behind Ron unable to meet his eyes. It was all he could do from
staring at his feet. It allowed him to maintain whatever shred of dignity he had left. He raised one
hand slowly and wiped the sweat off his brow, "What do you want to know? Who do you need
infor..."

"Before we continue though, there is one more thing Malfoy," Ron interrupted. "You need to hand
over all your muggle business holdings and acquisitions to the Ministry along with the Malfoy
manor." Malfoy's head snapped. His eyes, wide with disbelief and shock, locked onto Ron, "Don't
you dare try and drag my family's name through the mud by making baseless accusations. We've
never had anything to do with Muggl..."

"Save your feigned shock and horror for someone who cares, Malfoy," said Ron in a tone that
suggested a hint of impatience. "Not one Malfoy has worked at the Ministry or anywhere else for
that matter over the last century. Four generations of walking through the shadows of the
ministry, whispering in the ears of weak willed officials while making numerous donations and
under the table dealings. Where does your fortune come from anyway? You expect me to believe
it's all from some Malfoy who accumulated wealth over 150 years ago?"

Malfoy's head was beginning to spin. If this got out his name would be ruined. His pureblood
fanatic social circle would shun him while those who had been victimized during the Dark Reign
would hate the Malfoys all the more for the hypocrisy. There would be no where to hide for him
and his family.

"I always did ask Draco to be wise," Malfoy muttered. "Had he not been a fool he'd have
befriended Granger and Potter and you wouldn't be sitting here blackmailing me now with
information they gave you."

"There you go blaming Draco again. Hermione and Harry were always pretty good judges of
character. You raised your son to be a judgmental, bigot. They'd never befriend someone like that
so the blame falls on you. Besides... Hermione helped me with the research but it was
surprisingly I who wondered where your holdings were. Not a single recorded Galleon invested
in a wizarding organization. Fudge will face an inquiry too since he never wondered in the first
place and all your donations were made during his time."

Malfoy placed his forehead on the table and deflated. He had been completely and utterly
defeated. But no... There was one last card to play. It would endanger Narcissa and Draco as well
as him but it was the only way to keep the Manor at least. Weasley was definitely not going to
budge on the Muggle Holdings and Acquisitions. But the Manor had to be saved. He'd deal with
the repercussions of divulging the information when the time came.

He smiled momentarily with his face hidden and quickly wiped his smirk. He raised his head an
met Ron's eyes, "I will cooperate."

"Splendid," said Ron and banged the table with his right fist loudly as a sign of finality to the
meeting. He stood up, unfolded his robe, draped over his shoulders and clasped it around his
neck, he looked down at Malfoy as he began wearing his gloves, "My brother, Percy is in charge of
handling these kind of arrangements as he is well versed with the legal aspects of it all. He'll be
here today evening to ensure it's all done quickly. But I'm warning you, Malfoy. Be very thorough.
I don't want you to jerk my wand or I will make sure you are here for an even longer period than
the 25 years you were sentenced to originally."

Malfoy nodded but waited for Ron to turn his back on him and move towards the door before he
decided to play his trump. "There is one thing though," Malfoy announced. "Two key pieces of
information I doubt you'd trust to just about anyone at the Ministry."

Ron stopped with his hand on the door handle and turned slowly to face the sleep deprived man.

"All I ask in return is that the Ministry let me keep the manor."

Ron felt like he would've kissed Hermione had she been here. It was her idea to corner Lucius to
a point where he feels he has to divulge valuable information to get something out of the bargain.
Ron smiled internally, Hermione really was the most brilliant and beautiful person in his life.
"What's this information regarding?"

Malfoy leaned back in his chair with a confident smirk on his face. Ron felt a strange feeling of
empowerment as he realized he was playing Malfoy like a puppet and the man didn't even know
it. Was this how Dumbledore and Voldemort felt when they used the Order and the Death Eaters
for their means. Ron forced himself to focus on the current situation, his day dreaming was
making him get ahead of himself. He'd have to be careful to not let his body language give
anything away that Malfoy could pick up on.

"I can tell you who killed the Lupin couple and everything you need to know about Fenrir
Greyback."

Ron clenched his fists under the table, his nails dug into his palm, his face betraying no emotion.
Malfoy however knew he'd struck gold. He got under Weasley's skin and now it was time to twist
the knife. Ron locked his fingers and placed his hands on the table, "Ok Malfoy let's hear it then."

"First I want assurances regarding my Manor."

"Under one condition Malfoy," Ron said slowly, carefully weighing every word he said from here
on. Everything had built up to this moment. This was the only way Kingsley would trust any
word out of Malfoy's mouth and the only way they'd get the families whose members died at
Hogwarts any support. It all hinged on how he handled this situation.

"You will have to give your confession under the effects of The Veritaserum."

"WHAT?"

"The Malfoy Manor served as Voldemort's headquarters. Mr. Ollivanders, Luna and Hermione
were tortured there. Who knows what else happened during the Dark Reign. There is no way the
ministry is willing to let that manor fall back into your hands without anything substantial."

Malfoy's knuckles paled. There was too much at stake. There were too many family secrets.
Veritaserum would mean the end of the Malfoy name. "Go to hell," Malfoy stated through gritted
teeth.

"You don't give us this Malfoy, you stay here for the rest of your life."

"YOU THINK YOU CAN BULLY ME WITH THAT? I'VE BEEN HERE WHEN THE DEMENTORS
WERE HERE. COMPARED TO THEN AZAKABAN IS A PICNIC NOW."

"And what of Draco? He won't come out until he's past 40 and that too with nothing to his name.
Refuse me this and the Malfoy legacy will die with Draco and you'll be to blame."

"You won't get another chance at redemption, Lucius." Ron spat as he pulled out a piece of
parchment and slammed it on the table in front of Malfoy and tossed a quill into his lap. Ron
struggled with the step he was going to take next. It was a dirty move that he didn't want to use.
It was Kingsley's idea and both Harry and Ron felt it was morally despicable. Making Malfoy
relinquish his right to not be administered to Veritaserum forcefully by threatening his wife with
jail time wasn't what Ron was ready to stand by.

He mentally crossed his fingers hoping Malfoy would agree without forcing him to resort to
stooping that low, "Take the deal, Lucius. Don't let your son spend half his life in Azkaban for
something he did to save you."

If aggression didn't work Ron decided he'd try a softer hand. Anything to avoid using Narcissa to
black mail him, "Please, Malfoy. Don't ruin your family."

Malfoy looked up at Ron hating himself for being in a position of inferiority to the Weasley and
slowly picked up the quill and signed the parchment.

"Dolohov killed Lupin. Bellatrix got his wife. I'll give you the muggle business details under
Veritaserum," Malfoy mumbled as Ron carefully rolled the parchment. He didn't stop to give Ron
enough time to digest the information however. "Greyback however is a different matter. You do
not want details about him in front of people who don't have the necessary security clearance."

"Why? What's so important about him?" Ron wondered aloud.

"You have no idea who or what he is," Malfoy replied slowly and he looked absolutely terrified.
Ron felt a shiver run down his spine. What could possibly scare a man who'd shared a house with
Voldemort?

"Listen to me Weasley," Malfoy pleaded Ron. "Greyback can never find out what I told you nor
can he know that I even know this. I will give information regarding Greyback to you or Potter
only and no one else. If he were to find out anything there'd be no place on this planet where any
Malfoy could hide from him. He'd annihilate my entire family."

"Merlin's pants, Malfoy, you're over dramatizing the situation. You make him seem worse than
Voldemort."

Malfoy raised his head and Ron saw the look of pure terror etched on his face, "In some ways he
is, Weasley. In some ways he is and he's obsessed with Lupin's child."

Ron's eyes widened with concern. It took all his self control to not run out of the room right now,
leave Azkaban and apparate to the Burrows where he was sure Teddy was spending the
weekend with his grandmother. He slowly sat back down for a third time and jammed his hands
in his robe pockets to hide the fact that they were shaking, "Tell me everything Malfoy and I'll see
to it that you keep your Manor."