The Life and Times of Edward Lupin

Christmas

He wasn't sure why, but trains had always made Teddy feel tired. Maybe it was the gentle rocking motion of the carriage on the track, or the view rushing past the window. On the way to Hogwarts, the adrenaline and fear of meeting new people had kept him alert, but now he was going the other direction, and all those sat around him he was honoured to call his friends. So there was no need to be alert. He leaned against the window, and yawned

His friends had no such fatigue. Owen was leaning back on his chair, explaining Wikipedia to Dava, who was sitting on the edge of her seat, enthralled. Owen had his Chelsea scarf back on, and Dava had her Ravenclaw one, so they looked almost like siblings. Well, siblings with different coloured hair, eyes and skin; but siblings in the attire sense at least

Hassan wasn't paying attention to Owen's lecture. He was bent over Teddy's copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Teddy's trunk was considerably lighter, and Hassan's considerably heavier, as Teddy had let Hassan borrow almost every book that he had brought with him to Hogwarts. He hoped that he would let Javeed keep some at his house over the next term, but he had a feeling that he would think that was wrong. Hassan had combed his hair back into a more formal style than the usual messy fuzz, and was wearing the only ironed shirt he still had. His arms were tense, and his long fingers gripped the book so hard it looked like he might snap the cover clean off. Teddy felt sorry for him, though he'd never say it to his face - no one should be scared of going home

Teddy certainly wasn't. He always looked forward to Christmas. Growing up, the Burrow had been his favourite place in the whole wide world, with it's interesting smells and all it's nooks and crannies, perfect for hide and seek. Now Hogwarts may have overtaken it, but he still adored the place. And he had missed all his little cousins - Lucy and her painting, Molly and her music; Rose's wide-eyed fascination with everything, Fred and Roxanne's chaotic energy. He'd missed teaching Quidditch to Dom and Roxy, and late night talks in the attic, where all the kids slept

And Victoire. He felt something cramp inside his chest. He would be seeing her again soon. His... he wasn't sure anymore. He had seen her everywhere at Hogwarts. He had seen them skipping stones by Shell Cottage whenever he looked at the Great Lake, and reading together when he was doing homework in the Library. He saw them climbing trees in the Forbidden Forest, and sitting by the fire watching Doctor Who in the Common Room

He hoped that she would like his friends when she came to Hogwarts. If she came to Hogwarts. Fleur wanted her to go to Beauxbatons. He knew that she wouldn't make Victoire go there against her will. He hoped that she would choose to go to Hogwarts. He could tell her how great it was here, and a selfish part of him was hoping that she would choose to go to Hogwarts because he was there. However he wasn't sure she would anymore. She hadn't been sending as many letters recently. He didn't know if he had done something wrong or not. Maybe she had just moved on. He wouldn't want her to be lonely - maybe she was spending time with new friends. Maybe she was forgetting about him. Maybe that was for the best. It still hurt like hell, though

Owen had moved on with his conversation
"If you really want to know about football, ask my dad" he was telling Dava "He's picking me up at the station. He'll give you an hour long lecture on the intricacies of the game, and probably give you a quiz at the end"
"Yeah, no thanks" Dava laughed "My mother's picking me up. If you want lessons on being judgemental, she's the woman to go to"
Hassan scoffed, but didn't say anything
"Is Javeed coming with your mother to pick you up?" Dava asked him
"No" he said curtly "my mother isn't letting him out of the house much since his... run in with Teddy"
"Oh," said Dava, crestfallen "Teddy, who's picking you up?"
"My Gran, probably" said Teddy "Everyone else will be at work"
Hassan scoffed again "No they won't. They haven't seen you in months - they'll all be there. Harry, Ginny, James, Albus, Lily - the whole happy family"
"Lily was nine months old when I left," said Teddy "if she's even there, she won't have a clue who I am. Hassan" he added,''If you don't want to- the offer still stands-"
"Teddy you know I'm going to refuse. Why do you keep asking?" he snapped "If you were in my place, and it was your siblings all alone, would you want to waltz off with me?"
"No"
"Well then" Hassan shrugged
"We'll send you lots of letters-" Dava began
"Don't" Hassan interrupted "The more letters that come, the more likely my mother is to check them"