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Entry tags:
Communication Breakdown (Neville/Luna, Charlie/Tonks, Harry/Pansy, PG-13)
The reveals have been posted for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
hp_rarities, and I'd like to give HUGE thanks to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lillian_cho, who wrote the awesome Love, Accelerated, starring Albus Severus/Scorpius.
And here's my contribution to the fest (yes, those are three het pairings):
Title: Communication Breakdown
Author:sesheta_66
Beta:alaana_fair
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Neville/Luna, Charlie/Tonks, Harry/Pansy (Relax my H/D friends, it's only PG-13, and Draco does play a role in the story too).
Summary: When Teddy Lupin is injured at school and his mother is unreachable on assignment, Harry and his friends work against the clock to figure out what happened, and how to make him well again.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction set in the Harry Potter universe – all recognisable characters and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling and her associates. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work
Warning(s): EWE, DH compliant, except Tonks survives.
Word Count: ~ 7300
Author's Notes: Originally written for thehp_rarities fest.
Communication Breakdown
"Hey, Harry, I have an idea for Saturday," Pansy said to her boyfriend.
"Yeah? What's that?" Harry asked, only half-listening as he watched the Manchester United game on the telly. They were throwing a party to celebrate Neville's publishing contract. He'd recently written a text, Flora, Foliage and Fungi - A Herbologist's Reference Guide and it was set to hit the shelves in time for next year's classes.
"Neville and Luna. We should get them together."
This was new. Harry was expecting menu choices ... again. "They're always together. They both work at Hogwarts; they see each other every day."
"Yes, but they're both single, and … well … they complement each other."
"How so?"
"Come on, Harry, don't tell me you didn't expect them to get together right after the war."
"Er …"
"Really, you'd have to be blind not to see the attraction there."
"Really?"
"You're hopeless, you know that?"
"Er …"
"Draco's right."
"What?"
"He said that we'd never have got together if he hadn't arranged for us to accidentally end up stuck together in that storage room."
"Wait a minute! He's the one that locked us in there?"
"Mm-hmm," she smirked.
"I'll hex him --"
"What you should do is thank him. After all, if we weren't stuck there all night, without our wands to conjure a fire to keep us warm, I'd never have had to snuggle up to you, and … well … you know the rest."
Harry narrowed his eyes in what he felt was a menacing way, though Pansy seemed to find it humorous. "Somehow I suspect there's more to the story than you're telling me."
"Are you saying you regret the last year and a half?" she pouted. "Because if you'd like, we can just call it a day."
"C'mere, you," Harry said as he pulled his girlfriend onto his lap and lavished her with a kiss. "You know I don't regret being with you. I can't imagine my life without a smart, snarky, sneaky Slytherin by my side. You know, to keep me on my toes."
She got up and laughed. "I don't know whether to be reassured or distressed by that remark."
"How so?"
"You could be describing Draco!"
Harry pondered that for a moment. "You know, you're right."
She picked up a cushion and tossed it at his head.
"Hey!" he laughed as he ducked and the cushion connected with his shoulder.
"That's my best friend we're talking about, mister!"
"Well, you know what they say … watch out for those closest to you." He paused in thought. "And he's good looking too."
"Harry!"
"Relax, Pansy. Last I checked I was still straight. If that changes, you'll be the first to know." He flashed her a grin. "Well, maybe second. After Draco, you know." That earned him another whack with the cushion.
"Prat."
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down for another smooch. "Ah, but you can't resist me."
"We'll see about that," she said with a mock glare.
~*~*~
"Be careful," Charlie said.
"Says the dragon tamer," Tonks retorted.
"Well, at least I know what to expect," he argued. "Not like you and the wizards you're going after. You never know if they'll figure out who you really are, or what you're up to. Then they become volatile."
"Right, because dragons are so ... predictable." She rolled her eyes. "What with their gentle demeanour."
"No less gentle than your demeanour before you've had your morning coffee."
"Haha. You'll pay for that, Weasley!" She launched herself at Charlie, tackling him to the ground, where he landed with a loud oof.
"See? I bet your caffeine level is barely detectable," he said as he easily flipped their positions, so he had her pinned to the ground. He leaned in for a kiss. "But that's okay," he teased, nibbling on her lower lip. "I like you feisty."
She morphed into a small version of a Hungarian Horntail, growled and tossed him playfully across the room. She pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. Morphing her face back to speak, she leaned in and licked his ear. "That feisty enough for you, dragon tamer?"
"Mm-hmm," he agreed, pulling her face in for another kiss. A beeping warned Tonks she had five minutes before she had to leave. She returned to her human form, gave Charlie a peck on the nose and stood back up.
"How long are you going to be gone?" Charlie asked.
"A fortnight at most," Tonks replied. He moaned. "Aw, c'mon, it won't be that bad. I'll only be completely out of touch for the first week or so. Once I establish my cover, I should be able to send you an owl at least."
"And they're activating the anti-trace again, so I can't send you one either?"
"You know that's protocol."
Charlie laughed. "You sound like you swallowed something foul."
"You know how much I hate all things involving standards and rules. The Ministry drives me barmy!"
"I thought you said it had improved."
"Oh, it has, but still." She looked sad. "I just don't like being out of contact with you. And you can laugh at me all you want, but I don't like not being able to talk to Teddy at a moment's notice."
"I know. And I'm not laughing at you. You're a great mum. I'd never laugh at you for caring."
~*~*~
As it turned out, the party went well. And now that Pansy had pointed it out to him, Harry noticed the looks Luna kept shooting Neville's way, and the shy glances he made towards her when she wasn't looking. It was very ... sweet.
"So where do you think he's put his bollocks?" Pansy asked as she snuck up on Harry from behind, wrapping her arms around Harry's waist.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, although he suspected he knew exactly what Pansy meant.
"His bollocks. You know, the ones he honed during the war, when he stood up to the Carrows, and when he killed Voldemort's snake? Those ones. By all accounts, he should have had trouble walking with a pair that big. But now? Look at that. He looks so ... cute."
Harry groaned. "Merlin help me, but I have to admit you're right."
"Then again," Pansy mused, "you have a healthy set, but you weren't all that great with asking out the ladies either. Maybe it's a Gryffindor thing. You know, some mutated gene that causes otherwise normal wizards to become extra ballsy in other areas, but --"
"Oi! Enough with the lion-bashing, you!"
Pansy laughed and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "We may need to take more drastic measures next time."
"I hate to imagine what that might entail," Harry moaned.
"Some strong alcohol, and a little help from my best friend and his incredible skills with potions, of course."
"Someone talking about me?" Draco asked as he caught the tail end of their discussion.
"As a matter of fact I was, darling."
"And besides my potions skills, what else were you saying about me?"
"Nothing really," Pansy replied, "unless you count the fact that Harry was telling me the other night just how good looking you are."
Draco's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Really?" He smiled predatorily, then swept a look over Harry. "You look quite fetching yourself, Potter. That green shirt really brings out the colour in your eyes."
"Why thank you, Draco," Harry replied with a smile. "It's nice that someone noticed." He gave Pansy a look of disapproval.
"Careful, Pansy," Draco admonished. "If you don't watch out, I might scoop our saviour right out from under you." Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Seriously, Potter, if you decide to play for the other team, you know where to find me." He gave Harry a wink and scooted away before Pansy's slap made contact.
Harry laughed. "He might have a point there, Pans. Smart, sexy Slytherins are just my type after all."
She pinned him with a glare. He responded by pulling her into his arms and preventing her words from forming with a long, luxurious kiss. "Though I do tend to prefer the presence of breasts and the absence of a penis in my partners, so I suspect you've nothing to worry about."
"I'd better not," she pouted.
"I'll prove to you later just how much I appreciate what you have to offer."
Satisfied, she returned to mingle with her guests. If she watched a little more carefully each time Harry and Draco were in close proximity to each other, Harry didn't notice.
~*~*~
Luna had just released her latest patient - another hex gone astray - and was making a list of the potions she needed to replenish her shelves when she was interrupted.
"Luna! Luna!" Neville came running into the hospital wing, an unconscious Teddy Lupin in his arms. "Help me, please!"
She guided Neville to place Teddy on a nearby bed, then asked him to stand back while she ran some diagnostic spells. He stood by in silence, watching her work, but saying nothing. Once she finished making notes, she turned to him.
"What happened?"
"I ... I don't know. Teddy had an appointment with me, and he didn't show up. I went looking for him, and ... I found him lying on the ground behind greenhouse three. I could feel the remnants of magic in the air, but nothing distinctive."
"I'll owl his mother."
"It's that serious?"
"Teddy's father was a werewolf, and his mother is a Metamorphmagus. His system seems to be reacting to whatever the attack was in a strange way. I don't believe he is in imminent danger, but I think she needs to know. The sooner, the better."
"I'll owl Harry," Neville said.
"Why?"
"He's an Auror," Neville replied, "and he's Teddy's godfather. At the very least he'll be able to get here sooner than Tonks. Isn't she in Romania somewhere?"
"That's right. She and Charlie live there during the school year."
"And Harry is the next to contact after Tonks."
~*~*~
The owl reached Harry just as he was leaving the office to investigate a crime scene in Muggle London. After reading the note from Neville, Harry handed the case to another Auror, sent a Patronus to Neville asking that he secure the scene, and made his way to Hogwarts.
After being assured by the Headmistress that Teddy was resting comfortably, and that she and the staff were investigating the incident, Harry had Neville show him the spot where he'd discovered Teddy. Neville had been correct. A spell had been cast there. Fortunately, it was nothing dark that Harry could tell, but without the offending wand, there was no way to know for sure what the spell was.
As soon as he finished at the scene, he went to see Teddy.
"Hi, Luna," he greeted his friend, who gave him a small smile in response. Harry knew something was wrong when her normally large smile didn't reach her eyes. "Is it that bad?" he asked, looking down at the pale, frail, and ever-changing form of his godson.
"I can't really say, Harry," she replied. "Whatever hit Teddy doesn't seem to be dark in origin."
"Yeah, I found the same thing when I investigated the scene."
"But his body's reaction is like nothing I've seen before," she said, sounding much more serious and clinical than he was used to from her. "I think it has to do with the fact that his mother is a Metamorphmagus, and possibly that his father was a werewolf."
"He's not changing into one is he? There have been no signs of the affliction since birth," Harry explained.
"No, I haven't picked up anything to indicate that he's transforming into a werewolf, but he is morphing ... just not into anything distinct. And his magic is all over the place. His insides are reacting more than his outside, which is saying a lot."
"So what is happening?" Harry asked as he watched his godson partially change, then revert back ... then again ... and again.
"That's just it, Harry. I have no idea."
~*~*~
Three hours later, Harry had Floo-called the office and advised them he would be off for the rest of the day, possibly longer. Charlie's owl had arrived a couple of hours after Harry's arrival. There was no way to reach Tonks for at least a few more days. He offered to return to England, but Harry replied that it was better for Charlie to stay there and try to reach Tonks as soon as possible; Harry would watch over Teddy until Tonks could get there. He knew the protocol for the undercover missions, and not even the Auror Department could reach her. All they could do was wait.
Harry's thoughts automatically fell to Andromeda, Teddy's grandmother. She had passed away only eight months prior. She would certainly have wanted to be there at Teddy's side. Harry smiled as he imagined that she probably was. If his experiences had taught him anything, it was that life didn't end here. Spirits were all around them, watching over them. He was sure Teddy's grandparents, now together again, alongside Remus, were doing just that.
As he watched his godson, Harry hoped that they would hear from Tonks soon. Teddy wasn't looking good.
"What's happening to him?" he asked Luna.
"He's involuntarily morphing, by the looks of things," she said quietly. Her professional air of confidence from earlier seemed to have faded. "I've contacted a few of my colleagues at St. Mungo's, and they're consulting experts for some advice, but so far we have no history to go on. I haven't been able to locate any instances of a wizard born to a Metamorphmagus and a werewolf before, so we have to treat this case as unique, while at the same time researching what we can."
"I'm going to check on the Headmistress's progress," Harry said as he gave Teddy's hand a squeeze. "Stay strong," he told him. "We'll figure this out."
~*~*~
As Harry entered the Headmistress's office, he was greeted by a grim looking Minerva McGonagall.
"I'm sorry, Harry, but we're no further ahead than we were earlier."
"Dinner is in an hour, correct?" She nodded. "Would you be able to make an announcement that attendance is mandatory, so that I may speak?"
She agreed, making an announcement to the school, then calling them to her office, she directed the Heads of the four houses to ensure their students made it to the Great Hall.
One hour later, Harry addressed the students, after a brief introduction - not that he needed one - from Minerva.
"I am here investigating an injury sustained by Teddy Lupin, who remains in the hospital wing in poor condition." He scanned the sea of faces for some sign of knowledge or discomfort. Nothing. "I have determined that dark magic was not used, but that doesn't make his injuries any less dangerous to him." Again, he scanned the faces, as did the staff, looking for something, anything that indicated someone knew more than they were admitting.
"As you are probably aware, Teddy is a Metamorphmagus. That makes his case special, because his body's reaction to whatever spell hit him is different from that of other wizards. Because of this, we've been unable to determine the spell he is under, and thus we are unable to treat him for his injuries." Harry had decided that it would be best not to withhold this information, because it stressed the gravity of their problem. He did not, however, deem it necessary to discuss his paternal parentage.
"I am asking that you come forward with any information you may have. At this time, I am operating under the presumption that the spell was cast without knowledge of the effect it would have, and that his current state was reached accidentally. However, now that you are all aware of what we are dealing with, and that his injuries may very well be life-threatening, it is imperative that you come forward. To not do so would be the same as acting to intentionally critically injure or kill him." He took a moment for that information to sink in. "In addition to being an Auror, I am Teddy Lupin's godfather. Let me assure you that I will find out who did this. Trust me when I tell you that you will fare much better if you come to me or your Head of House voluntarily. And soon."
On that note, he exited the room, hoping that his words would shake up those responsible enough to come forward, and returned to the hospital wing.
"He looks so weak." The voice of Draco Malfoy reached Harry before he even saw him.
"You got my owl, then."
"Yes. Thanks for letting me know."
"Well, he is your family, after all, and he's in pretty rough shape."
Draco looked back at the face of his cousin's son, a boy who had been so full of energy the last time he saw him. A wave of concern flowed over his face. "He keeps ... changing, but not completely."
"Luna says she's not sure if it's some dormant wolf gene that is trying to push its way out."
"Mmm. So she said. But she's sure there's no werewolf in him as such, so we really don't know what we're dealing with at all."
"I'm afraid not."
"So who did this to him? Where are they now? Shall I have a chat with them?"
Harry grinned slightly. "No, but thanks. I've just addressed the students over dinner, and I'm hoping the Auror godfather card scares them enough to come forward." Draco nodded and gave Teddy's hand a squeeze. "Shit!"
"What?" Draco asked.
"Damn. I forgot to tell Pansy about this. She'll be wondering where I am."
"I'll Floo her. I have something I need to chat with her about anyway."
"Thanks," Harry said. "I'd really like to catch up on any progress Luna has made, so if you wouldn't mind ... just let her know I'll be staying here and I'll Floo her later."
"You're not going home?"
"No. I promised Charlie I'd watch over Teddy, and I mean to keep that promise. At least until he's out of immediate danger."
"I'll let her know."
"Thanks."
~*~*~
"Harry," Luna nudged. "Harry, wake up."
"Wha? Luna? What're you -- where?" He ran a hand through his mop of hair and shook off the morning haze. "Teddy. Is he okay?" He looked momentarily panicked.
"He's the same as he was," Luna explained, pointing to the bed. "But it's morning already. Did you sleep in the chair all night?"
"Must have. I think I fell asleep shortly after you left."
"Well, it had been a long day for you."
"I'd hoped that someone would come forward with information."
"Maybe they will at breakfast," she suggested. "I'm here now; why don't you go along?"
"Thanks, Luna."
As Harry entered the Great Hall, silence fell. Well, that's me noticed then.
He spent the meal looking around at the students. A couple of times, he caught two Slytherins watching him, but they looked away as soon as he noticed. He made a mental note to look them up later, but it wasn't necessary. No sooner did he leave the Great Hall than they called him.
"Mr Potter?"
He turned to greet them. "Yes?"
"Could we speak to you?" one asked.
"Privately," the other added.
"Certainly."
It turned out that the one boy, Randall Flint, had overheard his parents talking about Teddy. His mother had been concerned about his possibly inheriting the werewolf gene. His father had said he didn't think that was how things worked, but that he'd owl the Headmistress. Randall had been telling his friend when a couple of Ravenclaws had overheard them. They had been horrified to hear that Teddy's father had been a werewolf, and wouldn't listen to anything the boys had to say against their unfounded fear.
"We don't know if they did anything, but they sure seemed to watch Teddy after that."
"When was this?"
"About a week ago."
Harry got the other boys' names and went straight to their Head of House. Professor Flitwick assured Harry he would round up the boys and bring them to the hospital wing to speak with him.
~*~*~
Neville entered the hospital wing to check on Teddy. He found a usually bright and calm Luna fussing, fidgety and frantic.
"Hey," he said softly.
She smiled at him, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Hey yourself. Are you here to check on your favourite student?"
He scowled at her. "I will have you know, I do not play favourites in my greenhouses," he said sternly but without conviction.
She chuckled. "Right. Tell that to someone who doesn't know you; maybe they'll believe you."
He leaned in and nudged her shoulder with his arm. "Well, I don't usually play favourites. It's just ... well, he's so eager to learn, and he laps up everything I say, and it's never enough. He's always wanting to know more." Neville knew his face had lit up, just talking about Teddy.
"Is that why he was coming to see you the other day?" she inquired.
"Yeah," Neville replied, his voice softening again as his eyes fell to the bed and its tiny inhabitant. "He wanted to do a special project, and I had agreed. It was the day we were going to plant a hybrid I'd been working on."
Luna's hand came to rest on Neville's arm. "Oh, Neville, I'm so sorry."
He placed his other hand atop hers. "Yeah, me too." He gave her hand a squeeze. "But, hey, it's okay. There will be other plants, and Teddy will help me with those. He's sure to be a star herbologist."
"Sounds like he might remind you of someone you once knew," Luna said in that knowing way of hers.
"Yeah. Professor Sprout encouraged me when I was a student here. She always told me how much life I brought back to her with my thirst for knowledge. Now I know what she meant."
Luna lifted her free hand and smoothed the lines that had formed between Neville's brows. "You're a good man, Neville Longbottom. And a good teacher. It's no wonder he has such a thirst for knowledge."
Neville lifted their joined hands to his mouth and kissed Luna's fingers. "Thank you."
~*~*~
Harry entered the hospital wing, and stopped as he approached Teddy's bed. Neville was standing with his arm around Luna, whose shoulders were shaking slightly. "He'll be okay, you'll see," Neville comforted her.
"But he's so small and helpless, Neville. I can't stop the transformations, and I don't know how much more his little body can take."
"Shhh. You're doing your best."
"But his body is getting weaker by the hour. His heartbeat is erratic, his breathing is laboured, and his magic is all over the place. What if my best isn't enough? What if --"
Harry watched as Neville ran his fingers softly through Luna's hair, in an effort to calm her. "It will be. It has to be."
"Hey," Harry said. "Don't you go blaming yourself, Luna." He smiled at her. "Besides, we may have our answers soon."
"Really?"
"Yeah. It seems there were a couple of Ravenclaws that were interested in Teddy after learning about what his father was."
"So you think they did something?" Neville asked.
"It's all we've got right now." He turned back to Luna. "You said he's getting weaker?"
"Yes, but he's a strong boy. It's just that ... well, the transformations are wreaking havoc on his body, and I don't know how to stop them. I don't dare risk potions or spells that have never been tested on Metamorphmagi before, in case there's another, potentially worse reaction."
"Have you still not heard from Tonks?"
"No," Neville supplied, "but I owled Charlie again about half an hour ago."
~*~*~
Professor Flitwick entered the hospital wing twenty minutes later, two sixth year Ravenclaws in tow. Harry had never seen him that angry before. Well, not counting the Battle of Hogwarts anyway.
"Sit!" he ordered them. "You will answer Mr Potter's questions to his satisfaction or you will have me and the Headmistress to answer to. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," both boys replied. They looked frightened. Harry wondered exactly what his old Charms teacher had said - or more likely done - on the way over. He resisted the urge to grin. Maintaining a serious look, Harry nodded and thanked him, and he went to his first class.
"Luna, do you mind?" Harry asked.
"Of course not. Feel free to use my office."
"Actually, Harry," Neville stopped him. "I'd like to hear what these two have to say as well." Harry made a mental note to tell Pansy that Neville had apparently located his missing bollocks. He repressed the urge to snigger.
"Sure," Harry said, walking the two frightened boys to Luna's office while she watched over Teddy. Harry wondered how he would have felt if two of the biggest-named war heroes of their day, responsible for the downfall of Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard of all time, were about to grill him. Probably just how they felt, if the looks on their faces said anything.
"I understand," Harry began, "that you overheard a private conversation about a week ago."
"Yes," one of the boys squeaked. Harry didn't ask their names at that point, and frankly didn't care. He just wanted answers; he'd leave the disciplining to Professor Flitwick.
"And according to my information, it seems that you were somewhat concerned about the situation."
"Yes?" the second boy practically whimpered.
"So what did you do about it?" Neville growled. Both boys cowered.
"Listen," Harry said through clenched teeth. "I have no intention of wasting my time here. You know I'm an Auror, right?"
"Y-yes."
"Good. So you know that I have a lot of training and experience getting information from people, right?"
"Er ..."
"Right." Harry barked. "Here's what's going to happen. You are going to tell me what I need to know to get Teddy back to proper health. Or I will take matters into my own hands and get the information my way."
The one boy sat up, took a breath, and straightened his shoulders. "You aren't allowed to perform Legilimancy on us. You'll get in trouble."
Harry and Neville exchanged glances, then looked back at the boys, laughing. "Oh, my, but you underestimate the great Harry Potter, Mr Smith," Neville said with a wicked tone to his voice. "Surely you must realize that he has ways to make you forget ... well, I'm sure that won't be necessary."
"Okay, okay!" the other boy said. "We did it. We cast a spell on him. But we didn't know it would hurt him. We only wanted to be sure he wasn't a werewolf." He was on the verge of tears.
"Oh, really?" Harry asked, remembering all too well his own experience using a spell he didn't know. "And what was this spell?"
The boys looked at each other in fear. "Don't remember," the boy continued, "but it's in a book in the restricted section of the library. We can show it to you."
"Let's go then."
"We have class," the boy with the attitude said.
"Not now, you don't."
~*~*~
They found the spell quickly enough. It was a variation on the spell that Sirius and Remus had used to transfigure the Animagus Wormtail back to his human state. Rather, it was the opposite. It would transform a witch or wizard into their Animagus state, presuming they had reached one previously. The boys' reasoning was that they were pulling out Teddy's inner transformed self - what they presumed would be a werewolf. If he transformed, they'd know he was one. If not, no harm done, or so they thought.
Since she was the expert on Transfiguration, Harry brought the two boys to see the Headmistress, while Neville returned to look in on Luna and Teddy, and let her know that they found the spell. According to McGonagall, the problem with casting that particular spell on a Metamorphmagus was that they have too many inner transformations. His body didn't know how to react, and it overwhelmed him.
She saw no harm in attempting the counter-spell, which Harry wanted to clear with her first. The last thing Teddy needed was to go through anything else.
Harry left the petrified looking boys in the capable hands of the Headmistress and ran to the hospital wing.
Again, he found Neville and Luna comforting each other, though they looked a bit more relaxed. Harry cast the counter-spell, and within moments the morphing stopped.
Several hours later, Teddy's heart rate, though weak, was no longer erratic. Neville prepared some tea from some herbs he had in his office, and brought it down, ready for Teddy to drink when he awoke, and Luna administered some potions in the meantime.
They sent an owl to Charlie and Tonks, then left Harry to sit with Teddy.
~*~*~
Neville led the way to his office, where he and Luna collapsed on the sofa; Neville pulled Luna into his arms. She leaned back and let herself be enveloped in the warmth of his embrace.
"All's well that ends well, right?" he stated, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
"I don't want to go through anything like that ever again."
"You did really well, Luna."
"I almost lost him."
"No you didn't. It only seemed that way. I know you would have found a way to buy more time. You weren't in Ravenclaw for nothing, you know. You're brilliant."
She smiled up at him. "I have my moments," she agreed. Then she frowned. "Those boys that did that to Teddy were from Ravenclaw too."
"We all make mistakes, some larger than others. They never meant for it to happen."
"But they should have known better. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
"Ah, but even brilliance can be overpowered by the teenage brain."
They both chuckled, knowing it was true.
"Well, well," Pansy said as she stood leaning against the doorway. "It's about time you two got together. I've been telling Harry for ages that you're perfect for each other. Have been ever since the war." They gaped at her, looking confused. "Oh, don't tell me ... but you're all ... oh, for Merlin's sake, Neville, kiss the woman already. Haven't you both wasted enough time?"
Neville fidgeted and Luna sat up beside him. "Was there a reason you dropped by?" he asked.
"Harry is here, isn't he? Draco Flooed last night and told me Harry was staying over. Something about Teddy."
"They're in the hospital wing," Luna said.
"Is everything okay?"
"Not quite, but nearly. Teddy had a rough night, but he's on the mend now. You're welcome to go on in. He's the only patient there, and I didn't lock up."
"Thanks," Pansy said. As she exited the room, she called back, "Now kiss her, Longbottom! Before she finds someone else."
And Neville did just that. He reached out to cup her face in his hands, and gazed into her eyes, wide and searching as always. "You are beautiful," he whispered. "You know that, right?"
She blushed and looked even more gorgeous. "It's nice to hear someone besides my father tell me that."
He leaned in and pressed their lips together softly, breathing in the scent of her as he did so, refusing to close his eyes for fear she would disappear. He pressed soft kisses along her cheek, making his way to her ear. "I'd be happy to tell you that every day, if you'll let me."
Neville toppled over as Luna flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around him and placing haphazard kisses all over his face. "I accept," she giggled between kisses.
Laughing, Neville pulled her into a tight hug. "I think you've grown on me," he mused.
"Like one of your crazy plants?"
"But a most beautiful, crazy plant," he quipped. He reached around her neck and pulled her into another kiss, this one less chaste, less playful. He nibbled at her lower lip, and when she parted her lips in surprise, he took the opportunity to reach his tongue out tentatively. When Luna's tongue met his, his heart began to race. It was ... perfect.
~*~*~
Just as Harry was about to send an owl to Draco, he arrived on his own.
"Perfect timing," Harry said. "He's on the mend." Harry explained to Draco what had happened since last he was there.
"Slytherins saved the day!" Draco exclaimed.
Harry laughed. "Yes, I suppose they did."
"About time, too. I was getting rather tired of Gryffindor getting all the glory."
Harry rolled his eyes, then looked down at his godson. "He still looks so frail."
Draco reached down and squeezed his hand. "He's tough, Harry. He's made it through the worst of it; he'll be fine."
Harry grinned. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Just makes you think, though."
"Oh?"
"Do you have a few minutes? I mean, when you're ready to leave here, do you have a few minutes to grab a pint with me? I'd like to ask you something."
"Sure."
Neither man saw a black-haired witch watching them, nor did they notice her leave without even entering.
~*~*~
Pansy had left Neville's office laughing, sure that her parting words were at this very moment being acted upon.
Her mood didn't last, however, as the scene she witnessed upon entering the hospital wing hit her like a bludger in the stomach.
Harry ... her Harry ... was sitting by Teddy's bed with Draco. Her best friend in the whole world. And they were ... holding hands!
Recent conversations ran through her mind at lightening speed. Harry saying how good looking Draco is ... Draco telling her she'd better watch it or he'd scoop Harry for himself ... Harry telling her she'd be the second to know ... right after Draco.
She hadn't thought it strange that Draco had told her Harry was staying at the school. But now she wondered ... had they stayed there together?
Her ears were ringing, but she did hear Harry ask Draco to join him for a pint. What the hell was that about? Harry hadn't even come home the night before, had likely spent the entire night with Draco - she nearly choked on the thought of it - and now he wanted to spend more time with him. And not with her. It was all too much. She turned around and left.
~*~*~
Headmistress McGonagall came to check on Teddy, and Harry took the opportunity to head out. She assured them that she would remain until Luna returned.
He and Draco walked off the grounds into Hogsmeade and to the Leaky Cauldron for a pint. Once again, they didn't notice someone watching them.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I wanted to ask you a question. Let's get a booth in the back, yeah? This is private, and I don't want anyone to overhear."
"Careful, Harry, or I might think you're making a move on me."
"You wish. C'mon, there's one."
They took their seats, placed their order and once the pints were in front of them, Harry raised his in a toast. "To Teddy."
Draco raised his glass also. "And to the Slytherins who saved the day!"
They drank a few sips, then lapsed into silence. "All right, Potter. Out with it. What's the big question?"
Harry removed a small box from his pocket and placed it on the table. Nervously, he opened it to reveal a ring.
"Surely you're not proposing to me? We haven't even shagged!"
Harry laughed. "No, you git, it's for Pansy. I've been carrying this around with me for a month, and I planned to ask her on her birthday, but ... well ... after all that's happened, I'm starting to think there's no time like the present."
"So what the hell are you telling me for? Shouldn't you be having this conversation with your girlfriend?"
"Well, yeah ... only ..."
"Oh. My. God. You are such a Gryffindor! Don't tell me you're asking for my blessing? That is so ... so ... cute. I think I may vomit."
"Prat! I'm not exactly asking for your blessing per se, but ... I wanted to ask if you would stand up for me. You know, be my best man."
Draco was apparently stunned into silence. He moved his mouth, but no words came out.
"Draco? Hello?"
"W-what about the weasel?"
Harry frowned. "We've grown apart," he replied. "Not that we're not friends any more, because you know we are, but ... well, he never really approved of my relationship with Pansy, and I just don't think it would be right to have him stand up to witness something he doesn't believe in. Besides, you're Pansy's best friend."
"But how do you know I approve?"
"I like to think that we've become friends, too. Plus, I recently found out about certain events that led to certain people being locked up in a certain storage room ..."
Draco narrowed his eyes, but admitted defeat. "You have me there. Very well, then, Potter, I would be honoured to stand up for you and Pansy." He gave Harry a stern look. "But know this ... if you ever hurt her, I reserve the right to hex off your bollocks, friend or no friend."
Harry jumped out of his seat, yanked Draco out of his, and pulled him in for a big hug. "Thank you. You won't regret it. I swear I'll treat her like a queen."
"No, Potter, you've got it all wrong. I'm the one that gets treated like a queen. Pansy is a mere princess."
Harry laughed. "Whatever works."
"Now," Draco said as he picked up the ring and handed it to Harry, "go propose to the woman of your dreams."
~*~*~
Pansy had waited outside the school gates. Sure enough, Harry and Draco emerged soon after she'd left. She followed them into Hogsmeade, all the way to the Leaky Cauldron. They were so immersed in each other they didn't even notice her. What kind of Auror and Slytherin were they? Honestly!
She watched them take a cozy and secluded booth near the back, and her stomach lurched. This can't be happening! It seemed like time stood still as she watched Harry pull something out of his pocket. She watched their heads come close together to look at whatever it was. Then she watched as Harry got up and gave Draco a hug. Right there. In front of everyone.
That was it! She wasn't taking this lying down. She marched right over to their table just as Harry pocketed whatever the item had been. He turned around, smile plastered all over that no-good, cheating face and nearly walked right into her.
"Harry," she said through gritted teeth.
"Pansy! Fancy meeting you here!"
Oh, he really is too much. And look at Draco, with an equally inane look on his face. I may enjoy killing them slowly.
"Hey, Pans," said the ungrateful, back-stabbing, boyfriend-stealing arse. "We were just talking about you."
"Oh, I just bet you were."
"No, really," insisted the soon-to-be-outed, lying, cheating saviour. Oh, how the public will hate him. "I just asked Draco for a favour."
"Oh, really? And what might that be?"
Harry looked over at Draco. What the hell? Does he need permission to talk now? Idiot. Draco nodded.
"Oh, for fuck's sake, Harry, grow a pair and spit it out!"
"What?"
Draco chuckled. "My, but you're in a mood."
"Don't you dare ... don't you ... you ... you ... backstabber! Boyfriend stealer!"
"Whoa there, sweetheart. What are you talking about?"
"I saw you two in the hospital wing today. And again here. Holding hands ... hugging. Merlin knows what you did last night!"
"Pansy, perhaps you should sit down. You're making a scene."
"I don't care!" she yelled. She absolutely did not screech.
"Yes, you do," Draco insisted. "Or at least you will after you hear what Harry has to say." She glared at him. "I will leave you two to work this out."
"But ... but ..." the cheater stammered.
"Like the lady said, Potter, grow a pair. Tell her what we just talked about and I'm sure the two of you will work it out." He slinked away. She'd deal with him later.
"Well?" Pansy asked, barely controlling her temper. "I'm waiting."
"First of all, last night I slept on a chair at Teddy's bedside. I have no idea what Draco did, but whatever it was, he wasn't with me."
"Hmph."
"Second, I don't know what you saw in the hospital wing, but we'd just been through an emotional roller coaster. Teddy came far too close to dying, so if Draco provided some source of comfort, that's all it was."
"Right."
"Now, the reason we came here ..." Harry removed the box Pansy had seen earlier. "I wanted to ask Draco for a favour, and he agreed."
"I bet he did."
Harry had the nerve to glare at her. "I asked him if he would stand up for me."
"Stand up? What are you on about?"
"I want him to be my best man. You know, at my wedding. Well, if I ever have one, since my girlfriend, who, by the way, I would very much like to make my fiancé, seems to think I'm cheating on her."
"You ... what? You want to marry me?"
"Yeah," he grinned sheepishly. "Have for sometime now. In fact, I bought the ring --"
"Yes."
"What?"
"Yes, I'll marry you!"
"You will?"
"Yup!"
Harry placed the ring on her finger, then kissed her. The kiss was soft and sweet and passionate and Pansy felt like it was her lifeline. And come to think of it, she figured Harry was just that.
~*~*~
Epilogue
"Never again, Kingsley!" Tonks screamed. "My son almost died, and no one could reach me!"
"Listen, Tonks --"
"No, I won't listen. I'm through. I'll quit if I have to. I'm not doing that again. My baby needed me, and I wasn't there for him. Do you know how that makes me feel?"
"Nymphadora, I assure you --"
"Assure me? There's nothing to assure me of. I want a normal job. No more deep undercover work --"
"Okay."
"No more clandestine assignments, no more ..."
"Okay."
"... missions that are so dangerous that Charlie and Teddy worry constantly --"
"Tonks! Stop! I said okay! In fact, if you'd let me speak before, you'd already know where your new assignment is."
"What?!"
"You are the new Head of the Romanian office."
"What?"
"You heard me. You were up for promotion, and this would have been your last undercover assignment anyway. You are the new Head, if you wish to take the job."
Tonks straightened her robes and smoothed her hair. "Why thank you, Kingsley. I accept your offer."
When she left the office, both Charlie and Teddy were there to greet her. "What are you lot doing here?"
"Kingsley called and said you might be in the mood for a celebration. What's up?"
Tonks's smile lit up the room. She hugged her family tightly, wanting to never let go. "Dinner's on me tonight. Let's go some place really fancy, shall we?"
And Tonks led her family out of the Ministry, her heart much lighter, knowing that the future was sure to burn just that little bit brighter from now on.
.
hp_rarities, and I'd like to give HUGE thanks to lillian_cho, who wrote the awesome Love, Accelerated, starring Albus Severus/Scorpius.And here's my contribution to the fest (yes, those are three het pairings):
Title: Communication Breakdown
Author:
sesheta_66Beta:
alaana_fairRating: PG-13
Pairings: Neville/Luna, Charlie/Tonks, Harry/Pansy (Relax my H/D friends, it's only PG-13, and Draco does play a role in the story too).
Summary: When Teddy Lupin is injured at school and his mother is unreachable on assignment, Harry and his friends work against the clock to figure out what happened, and how to make him well again.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction set in the Harry Potter universe – all recognisable characters and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling and her associates. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work
Warning(s): EWE, DH compliant, except Tonks survives.
Word Count: ~ 7300
Author's Notes: Originally written for the
hp_rarities fest."Hey, Harry, I have an idea for Saturday," Pansy said to her boyfriend.
"Yeah? What's that?" Harry asked, only half-listening as he watched the Manchester United game on the telly. They were throwing a party to celebrate Neville's publishing contract. He'd recently written a text, Flora, Foliage and Fungi - A Herbologist's Reference Guide and it was set to hit the shelves in time for next year's classes.
"Neville and Luna. We should get them together."
This was new. Harry was expecting menu choices ... again. "They're always together. They both work at Hogwarts; they see each other every day."
"Yes, but they're both single, and … well … they complement each other."
"How so?"
"Come on, Harry, don't tell me you didn't expect them to get together right after the war."
"Er …"
"Really, you'd have to be blind not to see the attraction there."
"Really?"
"You're hopeless, you know that?"
"Er …"
"Draco's right."
"What?"
"He said that we'd never have got together if he hadn't arranged for us to accidentally end up stuck together in that storage room."
"Wait a minute! He's the one that locked us in there?"
"Mm-hmm," she smirked.
"I'll hex him --"
"What you should do is thank him. After all, if we weren't stuck there all night, without our wands to conjure a fire to keep us warm, I'd never have had to snuggle up to you, and … well … you know the rest."
Harry narrowed his eyes in what he felt was a menacing way, though Pansy seemed to find it humorous. "Somehow I suspect there's more to the story than you're telling me."
"Are you saying you regret the last year and a half?" she pouted. "Because if you'd like, we can just call it a day."
"C'mere, you," Harry said as he pulled his girlfriend onto his lap and lavished her with a kiss. "You know I don't regret being with you. I can't imagine my life without a smart, snarky, sneaky Slytherin by my side. You know, to keep me on my toes."
She got up and laughed. "I don't know whether to be reassured or distressed by that remark."
"How so?"
"You could be describing Draco!"
Harry pondered that for a moment. "You know, you're right."
She picked up a cushion and tossed it at his head.
"Hey!" he laughed as he ducked and the cushion connected with his shoulder.
"That's my best friend we're talking about, mister!"
"Well, you know what they say … watch out for those closest to you." He paused in thought. "And he's good looking too."
"Harry!"
"Relax, Pansy. Last I checked I was still straight. If that changes, you'll be the first to know." He flashed her a grin. "Well, maybe second. After Draco, you know." That earned him another whack with the cushion.
"Prat."
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down for another smooch. "Ah, but you can't resist me."
"We'll see about that," she said with a mock glare.
"Be careful," Charlie said.
"Says the dragon tamer," Tonks retorted.
"Well, at least I know what to expect," he argued. "Not like you and the wizards you're going after. You never know if they'll figure out who you really are, or what you're up to. Then they become volatile."
"Right, because dragons are so ... predictable." She rolled her eyes. "What with their gentle demeanour."
"No less gentle than your demeanour before you've had your morning coffee."
"Haha. You'll pay for that, Weasley!" She launched herself at Charlie, tackling him to the ground, where he landed with a loud oof.
"See? I bet your caffeine level is barely detectable," he said as he easily flipped their positions, so he had her pinned to the ground. He leaned in for a kiss. "But that's okay," he teased, nibbling on her lower lip. "I like you feisty."
She morphed into a small version of a Hungarian Horntail, growled and tossed him playfully across the room. She pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. Morphing her face back to speak, she leaned in and licked his ear. "That feisty enough for you, dragon tamer?"
"Mm-hmm," he agreed, pulling her face in for another kiss. A beeping warned Tonks she had five minutes before she had to leave. She returned to her human form, gave Charlie a peck on the nose and stood back up.
"How long are you going to be gone?" Charlie asked.
"A fortnight at most," Tonks replied. He moaned. "Aw, c'mon, it won't be that bad. I'll only be completely out of touch for the first week or so. Once I establish my cover, I should be able to send you an owl at least."
"And they're activating the anti-trace again, so I can't send you one either?"
"You know that's protocol."
Charlie laughed. "You sound like you swallowed something foul."
"You know how much I hate all things involving standards and rules. The Ministry drives me barmy!"
"I thought you said it had improved."
"Oh, it has, but still." She looked sad. "I just don't like being out of contact with you. And you can laugh at me all you want, but I don't like not being able to talk to Teddy at a moment's notice."
"I know. And I'm not laughing at you. You're a great mum. I'd never laugh at you for caring."
As it turned out, the party went well. And now that Pansy had pointed it out to him, Harry noticed the looks Luna kept shooting Neville's way, and the shy glances he made towards her when she wasn't looking. It was very ... sweet.
"So where do you think he's put his bollocks?" Pansy asked as she snuck up on Harry from behind, wrapping her arms around Harry's waist.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, although he suspected he knew exactly what Pansy meant.
"His bollocks. You know, the ones he honed during the war, when he stood up to the Carrows, and when he killed Voldemort's snake? Those ones. By all accounts, he should have had trouble walking with a pair that big. But now? Look at that. He looks so ... cute."
Harry groaned. "Merlin help me, but I have to admit you're right."
"Then again," Pansy mused, "you have a healthy set, but you weren't all that great with asking out the ladies either. Maybe it's a Gryffindor thing. You know, some mutated gene that causes otherwise normal wizards to become extra ballsy in other areas, but --"
"Oi! Enough with the lion-bashing, you!"
Pansy laughed and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "We may need to take more drastic measures next time."
"I hate to imagine what that might entail," Harry moaned.
"Some strong alcohol, and a little help from my best friend and his incredible skills with potions, of course."
"Someone talking about me?" Draco asked as he caught the tail end of their discussion.
"As a matter of fact I was, darling."
"And besides my potions skills, what else were you saying about me?"
"Nothing really," Pansy replied, "unless you count the fact that Harry was telling me the other night just how good looking you are."
Draco's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Really?" He smiled predatorily, then swept a look over Harry. "You look quite fetching yourself, Potter. That green shirt really brings out the colour in your eyes."
"Why thank you, Draco," Harry replied with a smile. "It's nice that someone noticed." He gave Pansy a look of disapproval.
"Careful, Pansy," Draco admonished. "If you don't watch out, I might scoop our saviour right out from under you." Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Seriously, Potter, if you decide to play for the other team, you know where to find me." He gave Harry a wink and scooted away before Pansy's slap made contact.
Harry laughed. "He might have a point there, Pans. Smart, sexy Slytherins are just my type after all."
She pinned him with a glare. He responded by pulling her into his arms and preventing her words from forming with a long, luxurious kiss. "Though I do tend to prefer the presence of breasts and the absence of a penis in my partners, so I suspect you've nothing to worry about."
"I'd better not," she pouted.
"I'll prove to you later just how much I appreciate what you have to offer."
Satisfied, she returned to mingle with her guests. If she watched a little more carefully each time Harry and Draco were in close proximity to each other, Harry didn't notice.
Luna had just released her latest patient - another hex gone astray - and was making a list of the potions she needed to replenish her shelves when she was interrupted.
"Luna! Luna!" Neville came running into the hospital wing, an unconscious Teddy Lupin in his arms. "Help me, please!"
She guided Neville to place Teddy on a nearby bed, then asked him to stand back while she ran some diagnostic spells. He stood by in silence, watching her work, but saying nothing. Once she finished making notes, she turned to him.
"What happened?"
"I ... I don't know. Teddy had an appointment with me, and he didn't show up. I went looking for him, and ... I found him lying on the ground behind greenhouse three. I could feel the remnants of magic in the air, but nothing distinctive."
"I'll owl his mother."
"It's that serious?"
"Teddy's father was a werewolf, and his mother is a Metamorphmagus. His system seems to be reacting to whatever the attack was in a strange way. I don't believe he is in imminent danger, but I think she needs to know. The sooner, the better."
"I'll owl Harry," Neville said.
"Why?"
"He's an Auror," Neville replied, "and he's Teddy's godfather. At the very least he'll be able to get here sooner than Tonks. Isn't she in Romania somewhere?"
"That's right. She and Charlie live there during the school year."
"And Harry is the next to contact after Tonks."
The owl reached Harry just as he was leaving the office to investigate a crime scene in Muggle London. After reading the note from Neville, Harry handed the case to another Auror, sent a Patronus to Neville asking that he secure the scene, and made his way to Hogwarts.
After being assured by the Headmistress that Teddy was resting comfortably, and that she and the staff were investigating the incident, Harry had Neville show him the spot where he'd discovered Teddy. Neville had been correct. A spell had been cast there. Fortunately, it was nothing dark that Harry could tell, but without the offending wand, there was no way to know for sure what the spell was.
As soon as he finished at the scene, he went to see Teddy.
"Hi, Luna," he greeted his friend, who gave him a small smile in response. Harry knew something was wrong when her normally large smile didn't reach her eyes. "Is it that bad?" he asked, looking down at the pale, frail, and ever-changing form of his godson.
"I can't really say, Harry," she replied. "Whatever hit Teddy doesn't seem to be dark in origin."
"Yeah, I found the same thing when I investigated the scene."
"But his body's reaction is like nothing I've seen before," she said, sounding much more serious and clinical than he was used to from her. "I think it has to do with the fact that his mother is a Metamorphmagus, and possibly that his father was a werewolf."
"He's not changing into one is he? There have been no signs of the affliction since birth," Harry explained.
"No, I haven't picked up anything to indicate that he's transforming into a werewolf, but he is morphing ... just not into anything distinct. And his magic is all over the place. His insides are reacting more than his outside, which is saying a lot."
"So what is happening?" Harry asked as he watched his godson partially change, then revert back ... then again ... and again.
"That's just it, Harry. I have no idea."
Three hours later, Harry had Floo-called the office and advised them he would be off for the rest of the day, possibly longer. Charlie's owl had arrived a couple of hours after Harry's arrival. There was no way to reach Tonks for at least a few more days. He offered to return to England, but Harry replied that it was better for Charlie to stay there and try to reach Tonks as soon as possible; Harry would watch over Teddy until Tonks could get there. He knew the protocol for the undercover missions, and not even the Auror Department could reach her. All they could do was wait.
Harry's thoughts automatically fell to Andromeda, Teddy's grandmother. She had passed away only eight months prior. She would certainly have wanted to be there at Teddy's side. Harry smiled as he imagined that she probably was. If his experiences had taught him anything, it was that life didn't end here. Spirits were all around them, watching over them. He was sure Teddy's grandparents, now together again, alongside Remus, were doing just that.
As he watched his godson, Harry hoped that they would hear from Tonks soon. Teddy wasn't looking good.
"What's happening to him?" he asked Luna.
"He's involuntarily morphing, by the looks of things," she said quietly. Her professional air of confidence from earlier seemed to have faded. "I've contacted a few of my colleagues at St. Mungo's, and they're consulting experts for some advice, but so far we have no history to go on. I haven't been able to locate any instances of a wizard born to a Metamorphmagus and a werewolf before, so we have to treat this case as unique, while at the same time researching what we can."
"I'm going to check on the Headmistress's progress," Harry said as he gave Teddy's hand a squeeze. "Stay strong," he told him. "We'll figure this out."
As Harry entered the Headmistress's office, he was greeted by a grim looking Minerva McGonagall.
"I'm sorry, Harry, but we're no further ahead than we were earlier."
"Dinner is in an hour, correct?" She nodded. "Would you be able to make an announcement that attendance is mandatory, so that I may speak?"
She agreed, making an announcement to the school, then calling them to her office, she directed the Heads of the four houses to ensure their students made it to the Great Hall.
One hour later, Harry addressed the students, after a brief introduction - not that he needed one - from Minerva.
"I am here investigating an injury sustained by Teddy Lupin, who remains in the hospital wing in poor condition." He scanned the sea of faces for some sign of knowledge or discomfort. Nothing. "I have determined that dark magic was not used, but that doesn't make his injuries any less dangerous to him." Again, he scanned the faces, as did the staff, looking for something, anything that indicated someone knew more than they were admitting.
"As you are probably aware, Teddy is a Metamorphmagus. That makes his case special, because his body's reaction to whatever spell hit him is different from that of other wizards. Because of this, we've been unable to determine the spell he is under, and thus we are unable to treat him for his injuries." Harry had decided that it would be best not to withhold this information, because it stressed the gravity of their problem. He did not, however, deem it necessary to discuss his paternal parentage.
"I am asking that you come forward with any information you may have. At this time, I am operating under the presumption that the spell was cast without knowledge of the effect it would have, and that his current state was reached accidentally. However, now that you are all aware of what we are dealing with, and that his injuries may very well be life-threatening, it is imperative that you come forward. To not do so would be the same as acting to intentionally critically injure or kill him." He took a moment for that information to sink in. "In addition to being an Auror, I am Teddy Lupin's godfather. Let me assure you that I will find out who did this. Trust me when I tell you that you will fare much better if you come to me or your Head of House voluntarily. And soon."
On that note, he exited the room, hoping that his words would shake up those responsible enough to come forward, and returned to the hospital wing.
"He looks so weak." The voice of Draco Malfoy reached Harry before he even saw him.
"You got my owl, then."
"Yes. Thanks for letting me know."
"Well, he is your family, after all, and he's in pretty rough shape."
Draco looked back at the face of his cousin's son, a boy who had been so full of energy the last time he saw him. A wave of concern flowed over his face. "He keeps ... changing, but not completely."
"Luna says she's not sure if it's some dormant wolf gene that is trying to push its way out."
"Mmm. So she said. But she's sure there's no werewolf in him as such, so we really don't know what we're dealing with at all."
"I'm afraid not."
"So who did this to him? Where are they now? Shall I have a chat with them?"
Harry grinned slightly. "No, but thanks. I've just addressed the students over dinner, and I'm hoping the Auror godfather card scares them enough to come forward." Draco nodded and gave Teddy's hand a squeeze. "Shit!"
"What?" Draco asked.
"Damn. I forgot to tell Pansy about this. She'll be wondering where I am."
"I'll Floo her. I have something I need to chat with her about anyway."
"Thanks," Harry said. "I'd really like to catch up on any progress Luna has made, so if you wouldn't mind ... just let her know I'll be staying here and I'll Floo her later."
"You're not going home?"
"No. I promised Charlie I'd watch over Teddy, and I mean to keep that promise. At least until he's out of immediate danger."
"I'll let her know."
"Thanks."
"Harry," Luna nudged. "Harry, wake up."
"Wha? Luna? What're you -- where?" He ran a hand through his mop of hair and shook off the morning haze. "Teddy. Is he okay?" He looked momentarily panicked.
"He's the same as he was," Luna explained, pointing to the bed. "But it's morning already. Did you sleep in the chair all night?"
"Must have. I think I fell asleep shortly after you left."
"Well, it had been a long day for you."
"I'd hoped that someone would come forward with information."
"Maybe they will at breakfast," she suggested. "I'm here now; why don't you go along?"
"Thanks, Luna."
As Harry entered the Great Hall, silence fell. Well, that's me noticed then.
He spent the meal looking around at the students. A couple of times, he caught two Slytherins watching him, but they looked away as soon as he noticed. He made a mental note to look them up later, but it wasn't necessary. No sooner did he leave the Great Hall than they called him.
"Mr Potter?"
He turned to greet them. "Yes?"
"Could we speak to you?" one asked.
"Privately," the other added.
"Certainly."
It turned out that the one boy, Randall Flint, had overheard his parents talking about Teddy. His mother had been concerned about his possibly inheriting the werewolf gene. His father had said he didn't think that was how things worked, but that he'd owl the Headmistress. Randall had been telling his friend when a couple of Ravenclaws had overheard them. They had been horrified to hear that Teddy's father had been a werewolf, and wouldn't listen to anything the boys had to say against their unfounded fear.
"We don't know if they did anything, but they sure seemed to watch Teddy after that."
"When was this?"
"About a week ago."
Harry got the other boys' names and went straight to their Head of House. Professor Flitwick assured Harry he would round up the boys and bring them to the hospital wing to speak with him.
Neville entered the hospital wing to check on Teddy. He found a usually bright and calm Luna fussing, fidgety and frantic.
"Hey," he said softly.
She smiled at him, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Hey yourself. Are you here to check on your favourite student?"
He scowled at her. "I will have you know, I do not play favourites in my greenhouses," he said sternly but without conviction.
She chuckled. "Right. Tell that to someone who doesn't know you; maybe they'll believe you."
He leaned in and nudged her shoulder with his arm. "Well, I don't usually play favourites. It's just ... well, he's so eager to learn, and he laps up everything I say, and it's never enough. He's always wanting to know more." Neville knew his face had lit up, just talking about Teddy.
"Is that why he was coming to see you the other day?" she inquired.
"Yeah," Neville replied, his voice softening again as his eyes fell to the bed and its tiny inhabitant. "He wanted to do a special project, and I had agreed. It was the day we were going to plant a hybrid I'd been working on."
Luna's hand came to rest on Neville's arm. "Oh, Neville, I'm so sorry."
He placed his other hand atop hers. "Yeah, me too." He gave her hand a squeeze. "But, hey, it's okay. There will be other plants, and Teddy will help me with those. He's sure to be a star herbologist."
"Sounds like he might remind you of someone you once knew," Luna said in that knowing way of hers.
"Yeah. Professor Sprout encouraged me when I was a student here. She always told me how much life I brought back to her with my thirst for knowledge. Now I know what she meant."
Luna lifted her free hand and smoothed the lines that had formed between Neville's brows. "You're a good man, Neville Longbottom. And a good teacher. It's no wonder he has such a thirst for knowledge."
Neville lifted their joined hands to his mouth and kissed Luna's fingers. "Thank you."
Harry entered the hospital wing, and stopped as he approached Teddy's bed. Neville was standing with his arm around Luna, whose shoulders were shaking slightly. "He'll be okay, you'll see," Neville comforted her.
"But he's so small and helpless, Neville. I can't stop the transformations, and I don't know how much more his little body can take."
"Shhh. You're doing your best."
"But his body is getting weaker by the hour. His heartbeat is erratic, his breathing is laboured, and his magic is all over the place. What if my best isn't enough? What if --"
Harry watched as Neville ran his fingers softly through Luna's hair, in an effort to calm her. "It will be. It has to be."
"Hey," Harry said. "Don't you go blaming yourself, Luna." He smiled at her. "Besides, we may have our answers soon."
"Really?"
"Yeah. It seems there were a couple of Ravenclaws that were interested in Teddy after learning about what his father was."
"So you think they did something?" Neville asked.
"It's all we've got right now." He turned back to Luna. "You said he's getting weaker?"
"Yes, but he's a strong boy. It's just that ... well, the transformations are wreaking havoc on his body, and I don't know how to stop them. I don't dare risk potions or spells that have never been tested on Metamorphmagi before, in case there's another, potentially worse reaction."
"Have you still not heard from Tonks?"
"No," Neville supplied, "but I owled Charlie again about half an hour ago."
Professor Flitwick entered the hospital wing twenty minutes later, two sixth year Ravenclaws in tow. Harry had never seen him that angry before. Well, not counting the Battle of Hogwarts anyway.
"Sit!" he ordered them. "You will answer Mr Potter's questions to his satisfaction or you will have me and the Headmistress to answer to. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," both boys replied. They looked frightened. Harry wondered exactly what his old Charms teacher had said - or more likely done - on the way over. He resisted the urge to grin. Maintaining a serious look, Harry nodded and thanked him, and he went to his first class.
"Luna, do you mind?" Harry asked.
"Of course not. Feel free to use my office."
"Actually, Harry," Neville stopped him. "I'd like to hear what these two have to say as well." Harry made a mental note to tell Pansy that Neville had apparently located his missing bollocks. He repressed the urge to snigger.
"Sure," Harry said, walking the two frightened boys to Luna's office while she watched over Teddy. Harry wondered how he would have felt if two of the biggest-named war heroes of their day, responsible for the downfall of Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard of all time, were about to grill him. Probably just how they felt, if the looks on their faces said anything.
"I understand," Harry began, "that you overheard a private conversation about a week ago."
"Yes," one of the boys squeaked. Harry didn't ask their names at that point, and frankly didn't care. He just wanted answers; he'd leave the disciplining to Professor Flitwick.
"And according to my information, it seems that you were somewhat concerned about the situation."
"Yes?" the second boy practically whimpered.
"So what did you do about it?" Neville growled. Both boys cowered.
"Listen," Harry said through clenched teeth. "I have no intention of wasting my time here. You know I'm an Auror, right?"
"Y-yes."
"Good. So you know that I have a lot of training and experience getting information from people, right?"
"Er ..."
"Right." Harry barked. "Here's what's going to happen. You are going to tell me what I need to know to get Teddy back to proper health. Or I will take matters into my own hands and get the information my way."
The one boy sat up, took a breath, and straightened his shoulders. "You aren't allowed to perform Legilimancy on us. You'll get in trouble."
Harry and Neville exchanged glances, then looked back at the boys, laughing. "Oh, my, but you underestimate the great Harry Potter, Mr Smith," Neville said with a wicked tone to his voice. "Surely you must realize that he has ways to make you forget ... well, I'm sure that won't be necessary."
"Okay, okay!" the other boy said. "We did it. We cast a spell on him. But we didn't know it would hurt him. We only wanted to be sure he wasn't a werewolf." He was on the verge of tears.
"Oh, really?" Harry asked, remembering all too well his own experience using a spell he didn't know. "And what was this spell?"
The boys looked at each other in fear. "Don't remember," the boy continued, "but it's in a book in the restricted section of the library. We can show it to you."
"Let's go then."
"We have class," the boy with the attitude said.
"Not now, you don't."
They found the spell quickly enough. It was a variation on the spell that Sirius and Remus had used to transfigure the Animagus Wormtail back to his human state. Rather, it was the opposite. It would transform a witch or wizard into their Animagus state, presuming they had reached one previously. The boys' reasoning was that they were pulling out Teddy's inner transformed self - what they presumed would be a werewolf. If he transformed, they'd know he was one. If not, no harm done, or so they thought.
Since she was the expert on Transfiguration, Harry brought the two boys to see the Headmistress, while Neville returned to look in on Luna and Teddy, and let her know that they found the spell. According to McGonagall, the problem with casting that particular spell on a Metamorphmagus was that they have too many inner transformations. His body didn't know how to react, and it overwhelmed him.
She saw no harm in attempting the counter-spell, which Harry wanted to clear with her first. The last thing Teddy needed was to go through anything else.
Harry left the petrified looking boys in the capable hands of the Headmistress and ran to the hospital wing.
Again, he found Neville and Luna comforting each other, though they looked a bit more relaxed. Harry cast the counter-spell, and within moments the morphing stopped.
Several hours later, Teddy's heart rate, though weak, was no longer erratic. Neville prepared some tea from some herbs he had in his office, and brought it down, ready for Teddy to drink when he awoke, and Luna administered some potions in the meantime.
They sent an owl to Charlie and Tonks, then left Harry to sit with Teddy.
Neville led the way to his office, where he and Luna collapsed on the sofa; Neville pulled Luna into his arms. She leaned back and let herself be enveloped in the warmth of his embrace.
"All's well that ends well, right?" he stated, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
"I don't want to go through anything like that ever again."
"You did really well, Luna."
"I almost lost him."
"No you didn't. It only seemed that way. I know you would have found a way to buy more time. You weren't in Ravenclaw for nothing, you know. You're brilliant."
She smiled up at him. "I have my moments," she agreed. Then she frowned. "Those boys that did that to Teddy were from Ravenclaw too."
"We all make mistakes, some larger than others. They never meant for it to happen."
"But they should have known better. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
"Ah, but even brilliance can be overpowered by the teenage brain."
They both chuckled, knowing it was true.
"Well, well," Pansy said as she stood leaning against the doorway. "It's about time you two got together. I've been telling Harry for ages that you're perfect for each other. Have been ever since the war." They gaped at her, looking confused. "Oh, don't tell me ... but you're all ... oh, for Merlin's sake, Neville, kiss the woman already. Haven't you both wasted enough time?"
Neville fidgeted and Luna sat up beside him. "Was there a reason you dropped by?" he asked.
"Harry is here, isn't he? Draco Flooed last night and told me Harry was staying over. Something about Teddy."
"They're in the hospital wing," Luna said.
"Is everything okay?"
"Not quite, but nearly. Teddy had a rough night, but he's on the mend now. You're welcome to go on in. He's the only patient there, and I didn't lock up."
"Thanks," Pansy said. As she exited the room, she called back, "Now kiss her, Longbottom! Before she finds someone else."
And Neville did just that. He reached out to cup her face in his hands, and gazed into her eyes, wide and searching as always. "You are beautiful," he whispered. "You know that, right?"
She blushed and looked even more gorgeous. "It's nice to hear someone besides my father tell me that."
He leaned in and pressed their lips together softly, breathing in the scent of her as he did so, refusing to close his eyes for fear she would disappear. He pressed soft kisses along her cheek, making his way to her ear. "I'd be happy to tell you that every day, if you'll let me."
Neville toppled over as Luna flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around him and placing haphazard kisses all over his face. "I accept," she giggled between kisses.
Laughing, Neville pulled her into a tight hug. "I think you've grown on me," he mused.
"Like one of your crazy plants?"
"But a most beautiful, crazy plant," he quipped. He reached around her neck and pulled her into another kiss, this one less chaste, less playful. He nibbled at her lower lip, and when she parted her lips in surprise, he took the opportunity to reach his tongue out tentatively. When Luna's tongue met his, his heart began to race. It was ... perfect.
Just as Harry was about to send an owl to Draco, he arrived on his own.
"Perfect timing," Harry said. "He's on the mend." Harry explained to Draco what had happened since last he was there.
"Slytherins saved the day!" Draco exclaimed.
Harry laughed. "Yes, I suppose they did."
"About time, too. I was getting rather tired of Gryffindor getting all the glory."
Harry rolled his eyes, then looked down at his godson. "He still looks so frail."
Draco reached down and squeezed his hand. "He's tough, Harry. He's made it through the worst of it; he'll be fine."
Harry grinned. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Just makes you think, though."
"Oh?"
"Do you have a few minutes? I mean, when you're ready to leave here, do you have a few minutes to grab a pint with me? I'd like to ask you something."
"Sure."
Neither man saw a black-haired witch watching them, nor did they notice her leave without even entering.
Pansy had left Neville's office laughing, sure that her parting words were at this very moment being acted upon.
Her mood didn't last, however, as the scene she witnessed upon entering the hospital wing hit her like a bludger in the stomach.
Harry ... her Harry ... was sitting by Teddy's bed with Draco. Her best friend in the whole world. And they were ... holding hands!
Recent conversations ran through her mind at lightening speed. Harry saying how good looking Draco is ... Draco telling her she'd better watch it or he'd scoop Harry for himself ... Harry telling her she'd be the second to know ... right after Draco.
She hadn't thought it strange that Draco had told her Harry was staying at the school. But now she wondered ... had they stayed there together?
Her ears were ringing, but she did hear Harry ask Draco to join him for a pint. What the hell was that about? Harry hadn't even come home the night before, had likely spent the entire night with Draco - she nearly choked on the thought of it - and now he wanted to spend more time with him. And not with her. It was all too much. She turned around and left.
Headmistress McGonagall came to check on Teddy, and Harry took the opportunity to head out. She assured them that she would remain until Luna returned.
He and Draco walked off the grounds into Hogsmeade and to the Leaky Cauldron for a pint. Once again, they didn't notice someone watching them.
"So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I wanted to ask you a question. Let's get a booth in the back, yeah? This is private, and I don't want anyone to overhear."
"Careful, Harry, or I might think you're making a move on me."
"You wish. C'mon, there's one."
They took their seats, placed their order and once the pints were in front of them, Harry raised his in a toast. "To Teddy."
Draco raised his glass also. "And to the Slytherins who saved the day!"
They drank a few sips, then lapsed into silence. "All right, Potter. Out with it. What's the big question?"
Harry removed a small box from his pocket and placed it on the table. Nervously, he opened it to reveal a ring.
"Surely you're not proposing to me? We haven't even shagged!"
Harry laughed. "No, you git, it's for Pansy. I've been carrying this around with me for a month, and I planned to ask her on her birthday, but ... well ... after all that's happened, I'm starting to think there's no time like the present."
"So what the hell are you telling me for? Shouldn't you be having this conversation with your girlfriend?"
"Well, yeah ... only ..."
"Oh. My. God. You are such a Gryffindor! Don't tell me you're asking for my blessing? That is so ... so ... cute. I think I may vomit."
"Prat! I'm not exactly asking for your blessing per se, but ... I wanted to ask if you would stand up for me. You know, be my best man."
Draco was apparently stunned into silence. He moved his mouth, but no words came out.
"Draco? Hello?"
"W-what about the weasel?"
Harry frowned. "We've grown apart," he replied. "Not that we're not friends any more, because you know we are, but ... well, he never really approved of my relationship with Pansy, and I just don't think it would be right to have him stand up to witness something he doesn't believe in. Besides, you're Pansy's best friend."
"But how do you know I approve?"
"I like to think that we've become friends, too. Plus, I recently found out about certain events that led to certain people being locked up in a certain storage room ..."
Draco narrowed his eyes, but admitted defeat. "You have me there. Very well, then, Potter, I would be honoured to stand up for you and Pansy." He gave Harry a stern look. "But know this ... if you ever hurt her, I reserve the right to hex off your bollocks, friend or no friend."
Harry jumped out of his seat, yanked Draco out of his, and pulled him in for a big hug. "Thank you. You won't regret it. I swear I'll treat her like a queen."
"No, Potter, you've got it all wrong. I'm the one that gets treated like a queen. Pansy is a mere princess."
Harry laughed. "Whatever works."
"Now," Draco said as he picked up the ring and handed it to Harry, "go propose to the woman of your dreams."
Pansy had waited outside the school gates. Sure enough, Harry and Draco emerged soon after she'd left. She followed them into Hogsmeade, all the way to the Leaky Cauldron. They were so immersed in each other they didn't even notice her. What kind of Auror and Slytherin were they? Honestly!
She watched them take a cozy and secluded booth near the back, and her stomach lurched. This can't be happening! It seemed like time stood still as she watched Harry pull something out of his pocket. She watched their heads come close together to look at whatever it was. Then she watched as Harry got up and gave Draco a hug. Right there. In front of everyone.
That was it! She wasn't taking this lying down. She marched right over to their table just as Harry pocketed whatever the item had been. He turned around, smile plastered all over that no-good, cheating face and nearly walked right into her.
"Harry," she said through gritted teeth.
"Pansy! Fancy meeting you here!"
Oh, he really is too much. And look at Draco, with an equally inane look on his face. I may enjoy killing them slowly.
"Hey, Pans," said the ungrateful, back-stabbing, boyfriend-stealing arse. "We were just talking about you."
"Oh, I just bet you were."
"No, really," insisted the soon-to-be-outed, lying, cheating saviour. Oh, how the public will hate him. "I just asked Draco for a favour."
"Oh, really? And what might that be?"
Harry looked over at Draco. What the hell? Does he need permission to talk now? Idiot. Draco nodded.
"Oh, for fuck's sake, Harry, grow a pair and spit it out!"
"What?"
Draco chuckled. "My, but you're in a mood."
"Don't you dare ... don't you ... you ... you ... backstabber! Boyfriend stealer!"
"Whoa there, sweetheart. What are you talking about?"
"I saw you two in the hospital wing today. And again here. Holding hands ... hugging. Merlin knows what you did last night!"
"Pansy, perhaps you should sit down. You're making a scene."
"I don't care!" she yelled. She absolutely did not screech.
"Yes, you do," Draco insisted. "Or at least you will after you hear what Harry has to say." She glared at him. "I will leave you two to work this out."
"But ... but ..." the cheater stammered.
"Like the lady said, Potter, grow a pair. Tell her what we just talked about and I'm sure the two of you will work it out." He slinked away. She'd deal with him later.
"Well?" Pansy asked, barely controlling her temper. "I'm waiting."
"First of all, last night I slept on a chair at Teddy's bedside. I have no idea what Draco did, but whatever it was, he wasn't with me."
"Hmph."
"Second, I don't know what you saw in the hospital wing, but we'd just been through an emotional roller coaster. Teddy came far too close to dying, so if Draco provided some source of comfort, that's all it was."
"Right."
"Now, the reason we came here ..." Harry removed the box Pansy had seen earlier. "I wanted to ask Draco for a favour, and he agreed."
"I bet he did."
Harry had the nerve to glare at her. "I asked him if he would stand up for me."
"Stand up? What are you on about?"
"I want him to be my best man. You know, at my wedding. Well, if I ever have one, since my girlfriend, who, by the way, I would very much like to make my fiancé, seems to think I'm cheating on her."
"You ... what? You want to marry me?"
"Yeah," he grinned sheepishly. "Have for sometime now. In fact, I bought the ring --"
"Yes."
"What?"
"Yes, I'll marry you!"
"You will?"
"Yup!"
Harry placed the ring on her finger, then kissed her. The kiss was soft and sweet and passionate and Pansy felt like it was her lifeline. And come to think of it, she figured Harry was just that.
Epilogue
"Never again, Kingsley!" Tonks screamed. "My son almost died, and no one could reach me!"
"Listen, Tonks --"
"No, I won't listen. I'm through. I'll quit if I have to. I'm not doing that again. My baby needed me, and I wasn't there for him. Do you know how that makes me feel?"
"Nymphadora, I assure you --"
"Assure me? There's nothing to assure me of. I want a normal job. No more deep undercover work --"
"Okay."
"No more clandestine assignments, no more ..."
"Okay."
"... missions that are so dangerous that Charlie and Teddy worry constantly --"
"Tonks! Stop! I said okay! In fact, if you'd let me speak before, you'd already know where your new assignment is."
"What?!"
"You are the new Head of the Romanian office."
"What?"
"You heard me. You were up for promotion, and this would have been your last undercover assignment anyway. You are the new Head, if you wish to take the job."
Tonks straightened her robes and smoothed her hair. "Why thank you, Kingsley. I accept your offer."
When she left the office, both Charlie and Teddy were there to greet her. "What are you lot doing here?"
"Kingsley called and said you might be in the mood for a celebration. What's up?"
Tonks's smile lit up the room. She hugged her family tightly, wanting to never let go. "Dinner's on me tonight. Let's go some place really fancy, shall we?"
And Tonks led her family out of the Ministry, her heart much lighter, knowing that the future was sure to burn just that little bit brighter from now on.
.
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oh man, The Queen line from Draco, how freakin' epic!
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