you’re so golden

Arlo immediately felt guilty for talking about the break in. He could see in Teddy’s reaction that he would rather be talking about quite literally anything else. Offering him an apologetic smile, he still couldn’t hide his concern. “Evan?” He asked, searching his mind to remember whether he knew Evan was who Teddy had been seeing. “I’m so glad you have somebody to take care of you. I know… I know what it feels like, to be scared. I don’t know where I would be without James, if I’m being entirely honest. He has saved me far more than just once.” His smile growing, he nodded insistently. “I am. As well as I can be, considering.” At least that was one less thing for Teddy to worry about. “James is… stressed, but I’m doing everything I can to be there for him so we’ll- we’ll be okay.”

“Yeah, Evan. Rosier-Grayson? He was a Slytherin at Hogwarts. He’s also quite a bit younger than me. He’s only 23 but he makes me happy so.” he blinked, realizing it probably just sounded like had just been staying with a friend. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. We’re dating. I keep forgetting not everyone knows he’s my boyfriend.” he says with a small sheepish smile. “He’s just over there- with the blue hair- talking with Lily. I’m surprised you don’t know him. Lily’s his best friend.” he says motioning to the other side of the room where the pair were speaking. 

“Me too. It’s... been hard. I’m working toward feeling safe. But for now, I’ll just stay with him. At least until I’m okay with living alone again. I’m glad you have James and that he has you.” he says and he means it. Knowing that his little brother had someone who loved him as much Teddy loved him was reassuring. “Good, I’m glad. We could also use a bit of peace in this mess,” he says with a sigh. “As he should. It’s well me and Al. Just keep reminding him that he’s not alone in this. I had to do that a lot when we were growing up and it always helps. I promise. You being there for him is enough.”

@itsteddylupin​

She moved her way between the alumni in the Great Hall as she carried two champagne glasses practically over her head to avoid spilling them. It was no secret she was clumsy, and she wouldn’t be surprised with herself is he spilled the drinks before reaching Teddy. Finally, she saw him in the crowd and stretched one glass out to him. “You look like you might need this,” she said.

Lily took a sip of the glass before glancing around the room at everyone there. “How long as it been since you’ve been here? Twenty years?” she teased, giving him a nudge. She always teased him for being the oldest out of her siblings, and she always pretended he was much older than he was. “My mom told me one time she brought me to the platform to come pick you up. She said I couldn’t be older than three or four, and she said I nearly took you down I was so happy to see you.” Her eyes fell onto where the Hufflepuff table would sit. “It’s a shame we were never here at the same time.”

Teddy stood in a corner of the room and rocked back and forth on his heels. He’d spoken to a few people, however people seemed to have been ignoring him eve since they’d seen him waltz through the doors on Evan’s arm. How could he miss the looks on their faces? The sweet and rather quiet Edward Lupin coming in on the arm of the 23-year-old and incredibly gorgeous, Evan Rosier-Grayson? And so so soon after his flat  having been broken into? He was beginning to feel the same way. “Haha, very funny.” he says with a roll of his eyes. “I’m 29 not 40. It’s been 11 years actually. Although sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday that your Mum and Dad were dropping me off and picking me up for holidays and end of term. You all but begged to come with. But then again you’ve always been the excited sort. How long has it been since you scored yourself a detention for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? A year?” he says with a smile because if she wanted to tease him, two could play at that game.

“Yes she’s right you really just had gotten a handle on your limbs when you came sprinting down the platfor m at me. Nearly scared Ginny and Harry half to death when they couldn’t find you. Thankfully you were right there with me and it ended up being fine.” he says taking the glass from her with a thankful sigh. “Thank you for the drink. Evan’s off being a social butterfly and I need a reason to relax some.’”He took a sip, surveying the room and looking at the space where he’d eaten his meals with the Hufflepuffs. “I wish you’d been here too. Sure would’ve made my life easier my last few years.”

If somebody had told Arlo that one day he would be attending a Hogwarts reunion event, not only as an honorary Potter thanks to dating Harry and Ginny’s eldest son, but working in fashion and wearing a pink, corduroy suit, he probably would have laughed ,or quite possibly fainted. As it was, he was sipping carefully on his first glass of champagne, and feeling more like himself than he ever had. Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding his world, surrounding the people he cared about, tonight felt… good. Inherently good, and he was grateful to be with so many loved ones. As if on cue, almost as though the wizard had sensed where his thoughts had taken him, Teddy wandered by, and he stood to catch his attention. They had only Owled since the destruction of his apartment, and now felt as good a time as any to make sure he really was okay. “Teddy- Merlin, it’s good to see you. I’ve been so worried. Harry told me the damage was reparable, for the most part, at least… but I still can’t put it out of my mind.” @itsteddylupin​

Teddy hadn’t wanted to come to the event. It hadn’t been long enough since the break in at his apartment- and he still hadn’t stepped foot back there. Evan had gone a few times to get him things he’d left- mainly his health potions and some clothing items. He’d sat on Evan’s bed holding the letter Professor McGonagall had sent to everyone shaking like a leaf knowing that it would be odd for him to not show at something like this. No one would probably blame him for not going- but the last thing he wanted to do was to cower and let people know that they’d gotten to him. So he’d tried to put on a brave face as they went out to get suits and got ready that night. He’d put on the bravest face when they’d entered the hall, and while Teddy had felt much at ease walking in on Evan’s arm- he was still very wary of people who would no doubt ask him how he was doing and trigger the feelings he’d had when he’d first come home to his flat being trashed. 

He was walking by having come back inside from getting a bit of fresh air and had been on his way to find Lily when he heard Arlo before he saw him. “Oh, hey Arlo. Alright?” he says, offering a small smile. He almost winces at Arlo’s mention of worry- and he hopes it wasn’t visible because he really appreciated the concern he’d just been trying to keep it together and he was afraid it would unravel again here. “I uh.. yeah mostly reparable. I’ve um being staying with Evan since then. I’m not quite ready to be alone in the flat again. It’s good seeing you though. Are you alright? In spite of well everything?”

-

Evan spent his weekends at his apartment for the most part, because his fathers were hesitant to have him traveling back and forth to see them. It was fairly safe because of the wards, but with a rise in Death Eater activity, and his grandparents on both sides having been part of the original movement, they were worried. Nobody knew what the Rosier or Grayson families knew of Evan, but there was too high a risk of them finding out. He would have to go soon because he was going to absolutely lose his mind without seeing them, but he was still worried about taking care of himself. Plus, he was spending every possible moment with Teddy. Even when he should technically be doing other things he wanted to be with Teddy. It was actually his older boyfriend that he was thinking of - with a smile on his face - when a patronus burst into the room. It took Evan all of ten seconds after listening to it that he was up and running out the door. 

Considering how close Teddy lived, it didn’t make sense to apparate, and with his brain in the beginnings of panic mode, Evan forgot it was something he could even do. Quite like when he was in the middle of his art, but far worse. Thankfully, also because they lived close, it took less than ten minutes for Evan to run to Teddy. Literally run, as fast as his legs were willing to take him. He charged up to the front door before pausing. If Teddy was that panicked, it probably wouldn’t help if he came bursting through the door. So, as stupid as he felt to knock, that was exactly what Evan did. “Teddy, baby?” The door was already open, so Evan knocked on the wall next to it. It didn’t take him long to realize why Teddy had sounded so freaked out, because Evan would have felt the same way. “Cheri, it’s me, where are you?” Evan tiptoed through the destroyed apartment, whispering soft spells to clean up as much as the rubble as he could before spotting his boyfriend curled on the floor. “Tournesol, come here,” he cooed, forcing himself to remain calm as he knelt down in front of him and tilted up his chin, “Teddy, mon ange, look at me, I’m here.”

How could he have been so foolish? Letting his guard down while creating and posting flyers to cover the bullshit that Grindelwald and his followers had put up. How long had he been watched for them to have found where he lived? Found his job and done this? He just hoped that the shop wasn’t destroyed. Messing with his belongings was one thing but it was completely another thing to mess with Maisie’s shop. It was bad enough that they’d charmed the graffiti across the front of his apartment door and the shop. It was not unknown to his closest friends and come, acquaintances, that Teddy’s father had been a werewolf and that he himself was a metamorphagus like his mother. He hadn’t inherited any werewolf genes as his father had when he’d been attacked by Fenrir Greyback as a child. It was a word he’d thought he’d outgrown and would never have to deal with again. He could remember the years at Hogwarts of kids chastising him for his family’s history- and this... this was just another reason why he was working so hard for the greater good. To make sure shit like this didn’t happen to people. 

He heard the pounding of footsteps coming up his steps and he knew he should get up- have his wand ready- just in case that this person wasn’t someone friendly but he couldn’t bring himself to even move. He hated himself for it- that he was so easily broken because of his home and items were ni ruins. But this was a bit more than that- this was his home- his safe haven. The curtain or somewhat safety he’d felt had come crashing down around him and the thought alone was paralyzing. He braced himself for anything, name-calling, hexes, or curses. And instead, he heard Evan, who was ever so gently speaking with him. When he felt Evan’s hand on his chin he opened his eyes, tears blinding him and before he knew it he was leaning forward collapsing into Evan’s arms. He didn’t dare to speak, didn’t know what could even be said at this point. “W-what.. what do I do? They know where I live and where I work and I just I don’t want to die. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.” he dissolves into sobs again, loud aching against his shoulder. 

“You might as well be related to me by blood either way. I’ve heard stories about your parents, and I’ve never heard a bad thing said about either of them.” She wrapped an arm around his shoulder before leaning against him. She wrapped her other hand around the coffee mug. “Your hair is changing again,” she teased, glancing up as it lightened. “When you’re five and your big brother can do something that cool, it was hard not to ask you to do it all the time. It’s still fascinating for me now. “I’m glad you have Evan. He’s one of the best people I know.” She was so happy for the both of them, and she always loved seeing others succeeding in their own love lives. On the other hand, Lily had constantly struggled with her own for as long as she could remember. “I feel like I’ll be too scared to even say the word girlfriend or relationship. Those have always been scary words to me. I’ve never liked the idea of being stuck with one person until now.”

“That’s true, I spent so much of my time with you all anyway. Surprised that I didn’t eventually have my own room in your house. But to be fair I did have your parents to myself until you all were born. But I was a little kid then.” Teddy blushed as she pointed out his hair color change. Sometimes he was capable of making his hair blend through colors quickly, but it was exhausting and only something he did as a party trick. He’d always do it for Lily though even now. “True. I think Al and J were quite jealous that I spent much of my time when I wasn’t with them spoiling you with my hair tricks. But they know you’re my favorite Potter.” he says with a playful wink.  “It really just takes a leap of faith, Lil. You have to put yourself out there if you really want something to come out of your... arrangement with Mikhail. And you’re getting older, you’re allowed to have things change and change your mind. It’s normal.”

Harry was surprised by the second hug but it was incredibly welcome. He was so grateful to know he was safe, holding him in his arms felt close to a blessing when Albus was laying in a hospital bed. He could only hope nothing like the attack would happen again, though he would be stupid to think that it wasn’t a distinct possibility. Something dark was on the horizon. At times it felt as though their world might never know peace. Tears suddenly blurring his vision as he realised Teddy had called him Dad, he could still remember the very first time it had ever happened, how emotional it had made him. He wondered what Remus would think, whether he would be proud of how hard he had worked to become a father figure for Teddy. Of course, he had ever reason to believe he would be. Teddy didn’t deserve to lose both of his parents, but in doing so it had given them both a connection, something to bond over that his other children couldn’t understand. He had been determined to make sure he didn’t grow up lonely and isolated in the same way he had, and when Teddy had started calling him dad, that was when he knew he had succeeded in that. 

Withdrawing to cup Teddy’s face in his hands, an affection smile tugging at his lips, he looked at him for a moment, taking in the man he had become. Then he laughed quietly, ruffing his hair with an easy grin. “I missed you too, kid. I always miss you.” He knew trying to hide how pathetically excited he was to hear about a boyfriend would be impossible, so he made no effort to try. “Merlin, I’m so happy! You’ll have to invite him to dinner sometime, you know you’re always welcome at Grimmauld Place and I’m sure Ginny will be dying to push food on him and tell him how cute he is! What’s his name? Where would I have met him?” He was wracking his brain for any potential suitors but it was difficult to list every young wizard he had ever met. 

Teddy smiled up at his godfather, his face between the older man's hands and he felt the most at ease he’d felt in days since finding out about Albus’ attack and the subsequent ministry agents that had been posted at Albus’ bedside along with the rest of his children. Teddy hadn’t received anyone outside his door, or at least he didn’t think so- but he wasn’t upset about it. Since he wasn’t a direct link to the Potters they might consider him to be safe. “I know I see you for Sunday dinners sometimes but it’s just not enough. Might have to start popping in randomly during the week for dinner if that’s alright? Or you could come to my Grans. You all are always welcome there.” he suggests. “Thanks. He makes me really happy. I think my Mum and Dad would’ve really liked him. But don’t let me get carried away talking about him, I could go on and on and on for days.”  Teddy nods eagerly. “Okay, yeah. I’ll bring it up to him when I see him later today or maybe tomorrow.”

@evan-rg-jr​

Teddy had been on his way home from the usual Sunday night dinner at the Potter’s. He was... happier than he had been all things considering, but it was always nice to see his family because it was the best time for them to check in on one another. Teddy had been doing these dinners for years, and he’d promised to send a Patronus once he was safely home. He stepped off the Knight Bus, feeling a little lighter on his feet from the amounts of wine he’d had at dinner and the touch of firewhiskey he’d snuck into his tea with Lily in the kitchen. As he stepped off the bus with a wave at the driver he came to pause in front of his flat. He froze, realizing that the lights above his flat were on, and the door, pushed inward, almost in half. The words Half Breed reading in vicious red paint across the storefront of Maisie’s and his flat door

He gripped his wand, bolting up the stairs with as much coordination he could manage and stepped into his flat. He was surprised by how quickly all feelings of intoxication vanished when he saw how torn up the place was. His couch in smithereens, feathers all over the floor, chairs smashed. The kitchen overturned and the fridge wide open, something spilling onto the floor. Cabinets flung open and contents everywhere- a knife in the wall. He ventured further, his wand raised in his shaking hand as he stepped into his room and nearly collapsed. HIs one place of comfort- his bed and pillows- his plants smashed and torn. He moved closer toward the window, a sob leaving his throat when he saw the vase he held the flowers he used for Evan- charmed to stay alive- was smashed and the flowers trampled. He sunk to the floor, staring at everything and nothing. He couldn’t stay there- they clearly knew he was there and if Albus was the first warning he wondered what would come next for him. “Ex-expecto patronum.” he says with some firmness in his voice even though he was visibly shaking. “I need you. Please. Something’s happened.” and watched as the Patronus zipped out the window toward Evan’s place. At last, the strength left him and he covered his ears, squeezing his eyes shut, hoping, praying that when he opened them again this would be just a horrible nightmare.

Harry smiled the moment Teddy hugged him back, remembering a time where he would have to bend down to hug Teddy. All of his children were growing up, it was scary how quickly time could pass. “I am.” He said quietly, hoping to offer some kind of reassurance. “Or I will be. Thanks, Ted. Feeling incredibly comforted by the fact that Teddy had not only been smart enough to put up wards, but do so with somebody else so that there were no weak points, made him incredibly happy. He was relieved, really, that at least one of his sons didn’t go charging head first into danger at ever available opportunity. Maybe that was just a fault in the Potter genes, maybe Teddy had escaped that by inheriting Remus’ sensible disposition. “It would make me feel so much better. He offered him an apologetic smile, feeling a little guilty for becoming an overprotective parent. Raising his eyebrows suddenly at the mention of a boyfriend, he grinned, glad to have something happy they could discuss, something positive and hopeful. “A boyfriend?” He teased. “Ted, I’m so happy for you! Is it going well? Please tell me it’s going well!”

Visits from Harry had easily been the highlight of Teddy’s childhood. He loved and admired this man so much, for having stepped into his life as a child himself and taken care of him like he was his own child. He’d stop by with little things for him to play with, books when he was older, sometimes just to take Teddy out for ice cream after a particularly rough day. He’d come for dinners every Sunday and Thursday and Teddy had been so excited when he’d been asked to be the ring bearer at their wedding. This was no different, Harry checking in on him like a father would knocking on their child’s bedroom door. And with the way things were now, he’d missed it. “You’re welcome,” he says with a nod. He pushed himself forward to hug his godfather again, shutting his eyes and letting the emotions he’d been holding in release and he felt a bit of that tension melt away. “I missed you, Dad.” he mutters. He hadn’t called Harry that in a long time- but he remembers as a kid how it’d tumbled out of his lips and he’d been embarassed but he found a lot of comfort in those words because Harry and Ginny were basically his adoptive parents. 

When he finally pulled away he rubbed at his eyes, trying to get the redness to subside. “Sure, sure you can cast a few more.” he agrees. A shakey laugh left his lips and he nodded. “It’s fantastic. He’s honestly perfect. He makes me really happy. His name’s Evan. He and Lily are super close. Best friends even. You might’ve met him already? I don’t know. But It’s been great. He’s everything I could ever want in a relationship.” 

“Most women stop growing by 18 so I am stuck being the smallest.” He was right, though. Her brothers had happened to be the tallest out of the bunch, nd part of her was slightly jealous of their height. “I’ll try and blame it on you anyways,” she teased. She was easily flustered, but, normally, she’d grow frustrated with the teasing. However, her brother’s jokes rarely caused any frustration. “Can you blame him? I’m sure it does keep him on his toes a bit. Is there a way you could control your changes more? Or is just natural with your emotions?” she wondered. “Do you remember when I was little how excited your fancy powers made me? That’s one of my earliest memories.” Lily’s knees pulled to her chest and she went over her thoughts about Mikhail. “I’ve always been the one night stand type. It’s easier. At first it was just staying longer in the mornings, but now–I don’t know. Teddy, what if I mess it all up?”

“Well if you know that’s a fact then I’m not sure why we’re having this conversation,” he says with a chuckle. “Besides I’m only teasing you, Lil. We have different parents and even though that’s the case I’m still shorter than James and Albus.” he reminds her with a small smile. “No, I can’t really blame Evan for being anything other than who he is. Besides, even if it bugs me a little, I also kind of love it. He’s just so... patient with me and kind. I could honestly go on and on about him.” Teddy laughed his hair brightening a few shades and he nodded, “Of course. Your favorite thing to do was to ask me to change it for you. I did of course when I was younger because I liked the way it made you smile. I still do it for the little ones who come into the shop for their first haircuts. They think it’s fun too.” he says amusedly. It was true. He’d gotten into cutting hair because it made him feel like he had some sense of control over his own, and people always seemed to love it. “I know it’s easier. But anything worth having is going to take some work, little sister. And I don’t think you could mess it up. It’ll be messed up if he’s a complete idiot and doesn’t love you the way you are. In which case.. he wasn’t meant for you at all at that point.” 

Harry looked up when he heard Teddy’s voice, noticing the colour of his hair even through the window. Sighing quietly to himself, he let himself into the building, climbing the stairs to his godson’s apartment, taking them two at a time. Despite his tired demeanour, he couldn’t relax, he always felt as though he might be running out of time. The moment he was within reach he pulled Teddy into a hug. He may be older than James, Lily, and Albus. But in the same way they were always going to be children in his mind, Teddy was always going to be the small boy with big eyes and ever changing hair. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” He murmured, holding him for a little longer than he usually would before pulling away. “You said you have wards in place? Good. That’s good.” Running a hand through his hair, pushing his glasses further up his nose, he offering him a sheepish smile. He wasn’t sure what to say when the weight of the attack was hanging so heavily in the air between them. “I’m sorry, this week has been… a lot. Would you mind if I check the wards before I leave? Maybe add a few more myself?” He definitely didn’t mean to imply Teddy’s spells weren’t strong enough to keep him safe. But there were certain incantations only Aurors could really know, and they were incredibly helpful in situations such as this one. “How are you feeling, Ted? Merlin, I’ve been so worried about you. I was hoping to catch you at the hospital but I never knew when you were going to be there…” 

Teddy was just pulling open the door when Harry reached the top of the steps and stepped into his flat. He was pulled into a bone-crushing hug which made him stop breathing for just a moment before he started to hug to man back. He and his godfather’s relationship was strong, or so he liked to think. Teddy had been very reliant on him when he was younger, and although he’d gotten older and they’d grown apart some- Harry was always going to be the father figure that he didn’t have in his life. “I’m glad you’re okay too.” he says after a moment. He’d immediately thought of his godfather and his family at the news of Albus, and worried that they would be the ones next under attack. His godfather had been through enough in his lifetime. He didn’t need anything else to mess with him now. “Yeah, I put them on the entire building. Maisie and I did it together to make sure there weren’t any cracks or anything like that,” he says with a reassuring nod. He shut the door behind him, flicking the lock and turning to face the older man again. “If it makes you feel better than yes,” he says with a nod. “I’m okay, shaken up obviously but I’m just glad he’s alive, that you’re all alive. I’ve been staying with uh... well I’ve been staying with my boyfriend for the last few days. Tonight’s the first night I’ve been home for a few days.” 

Evan set his paintbrush down when Teddy got to the door because the last thing he wanted to do was bump it into the painting or all over Teddy. He technically could fix any of his mistakes with magic, but he almost viewed that as cheating. If he wanted to do it with magic, he could set his wand down and watch it paint, but that wasn’t the point. Evan had an image in his head and it was up to his hands to make it come to life. If he couldn’t do that for whatever reason, then the art wasn’t meant to be. Maybe it was stupid, he didn’t know, but it was his personal opinion.

“Hi, mon cher,” Evan cooed. He reached behind him to loop his own arm around Teddy’s neck, but it was an awkward angle. So, he pushed back slightly and adjusted his arms so they were around his boyfriend’s waist instead, then he tugged. Not enough to send Teddy flying, that would completely defeat the purpose of what he was trying to do, which was pull his boyfriend into his lap. When Teddy was finally sitting, Evan grabbed his chin to pull him into a kiss. “I want to,” he whispered. Sure, it made him a little nervous and he would be incredibly vulnerable, but if he wasn’t willing to be vulnerable for his boyfriend, what was the point? The only way to find out if you enjoyed something was to step out of your comfort zone. “I’m also happy to make dinner with you. I’m not sure what you were thinking to cook or if I have the stuff to do it though.”

Teddy’s hair faded from his usual magenta to a pastel lilac his face warm when the boy greeted him in his typical french names. Teddy was surprisedby the boy’s hands, which slid over his cheek and then before he knew it he was now perched on the boy’s lap sitting sideways. He sighed into the kiss leaning into it, one hand coming up to touch the back of the boy’s neck. He would’ve drawn it out longer, but this wasn’t the time or the place. He really just wanted to know how Evan’s day was going. He sure hoped it was better now that he’d arrived. “Great.” he says at last, his smile widening as he nudged his nose against the boy’s. “Well.. we could have the sleepover at my place if you’d prefer? I have some things we could use for dinner. Or we could go to the shop before and pick some things up and maybe something for dessert? Up to you of course.” he says.

In his head dozens of recipes were flying through his mind, but for whatever reason pasta sounded like a good dinner to have with his boyfriend. “Chicken and mushrooms with pasta? An alfredo type sauce? Would you eat that?” he asks. “We can get things for dessert. I’ll make brownies or... uh blondies? Whatever you want. I just want to be able to spend time with you.” 

Harry knew the media liked to believe he only had three children, but that wasn’t true. Teddy was more than just his godson, he was his first son, really. His eldest. With Albus in the hospital, his failures weighing him down, he found himself missing Teddy. It had been a few weeks since they last managed to see each other, and family was important, now more so than ever. He hated to think he was struggling alone and he needed him to know that he was there. And maybe a part of him, some small selfish part of him, was hoping for some comfort. He didn’t argue with Teddy like he argued with Albus, Teddy’s ego wasn’t as delicate as James’, and he didn’t feel a desperate need to shield him from the world like he did with Lily. It was different, it was nice. Knocking hesitantly on his door, he noticed the distinct lack of magic surrounding the entrance. A few of the usual charms, but nothing potent. He wondered briefly whether he would be allowed cast a few extra wards, making a mental not to ask. “Teddy?” He looked up at the windows above the store, hoping he would be able to hear him. “It’s Harry. Are you home?” @itsteddylupin​

Teddy had been alerted of the news of Albus’ attack. He’d been nervous, calling out of work and encouraging Maisie to do the same. Having him live above her shop when he was related to the Potters was becoming an increasingly harder situation. Did he try to look elsewhere for lodgings? Or move in with his Gran until this trouble passed? He knew there was always the option of asking Evan if he would let him stay with him- but how could he involve his boyfriend like that? If something happened and attacks on his godfather and his children were going to become more common- being alone would be the better option for everyone. He had been pacing his bedroom chewing on his lip, his hair an inky black color that matched his dread. He heard the soft chime that indicated someone was at his front door and he glanced out the window spying Harry. “Come on up, the wards will let you through, Harry.” he responds and then goes into his living room waiting for his godfather to come up the steps.

“It isn’t my fault Albus and James got the tall genes, you know. And you–you just have all the good genes.” Lily frowned as he patted her head. She wasn’t much shorter than her siblings, but it was enough of a difference for it to be constantly brought up. Her hands wrapped around her mug and drew all the warmth of it in. “I think the hair color changing is a nice touch. He really cares about you, and I think all those feelings are mutual for you two.” She’d never been so happy for two people before, and she hoped they’d last for years to come. When the subject changed back to her and Mikhail, her gaze fell once more. She’d never felt like this before and it terrified her. “How? How do you start that conversation? I’ve never done it before,” she said before taking another sip from her mug. “I don’t just want to have sex with him anymore. I want to wake up beside him and give him back rubs and make him tea in the morning.” She couldn’t help but grin to herself as she talked to him, and her cheeks were turning red. “I’ve never done the whole relationship thing before, Teddy. It’s always been easier to just have sex and then leave in the morning. No strings attached.”

“Well, for one thing, you’re a girl so you’re most likely not going to be much taller anyway, and you’re the youngest. I think Albus and James sucked the height out of you. Unfortunately, you can’t blame it on me because we’re not exactly related by blood. It’s really okay, Lil. We just tease you for it because you get so easily flustered.” he explains with a grin. “Do you? I always found it rather irritating- telling my feelings before I ever could. But he seems to be enjoying it and is fascinated with seeing what he colors he can create with my hair.” he explains with a blush. Teddy sat sipping his tea as the girl explained her feelings and it was just as he thought. She was falling fast for him, and there wasn’t really much that could be offered other than she needed to make moves. “Baby sis, I think it’s time you have that conversation with him about your feeling. Because something tells me if he’s not eager to kick you out of bed as soon as the deed is done means he might be feeling the same way. But that might just be my opinion. I’m not a one-night stand type.”

Evan was no longer interested in being alone, which was a strange thing for him to admit. He had always been the kind of guy that lurked off in his own corner, happy to be around friends, but just as happy to sit and be by himself. The Slytherin wasn’t an overly friendly guy, an introvert, and often needed alone time to recharge and prepare for more time with friends. It wasn’t like that with Teddy. If Teddy wanted to be with him all the time, Evan was pretty sure he would be ok with it. Seeing Teddy made his day brighter, and their relationship was actually forcing him to relax a little bit. He had a nasty habit of working through the night despite having to be awake early the next day and having to pull his attention away from the art in order to focus on another person actually helped. 

Tonight, he wasn’t exactly expecting to see Teddy, but it was always a possibility. He just didn’t like getting his hopes up incase his boyfriend was feeling a little burnt out and wanted to spend the night by himself. Still, he lit up when he heard the older male’s voice echo through the front store. It had been empty for the last hour, which wasn’t rare on Sundays, and he had shortened hours because of it. “In the back!” He called out, not looking up or moving because he was in the middle of a section on his painting that he was trying to finish, “Back door is open too!” Sometimes, he closed it while he worked, usually only if there was somebody else there to work the store for him.

Teddy’s shoulders relaxed some when he stepped into the store- maybe because the store scent was calming to him, or that he liked being amongst tools for such creative things. It was definitely had to do with the fact that his boyfriend was there somewhere in the store and finding him was easily the most fun game he got to have each time he surprised him at the shop. He heard Evan’s voice echoing and he followed the noise toward the back of the shop like he was instructed. He slid behind the counter, being sure not to knock over any of the trinkets that were stacked neatly on top and behind the counter and walked through the doorway and into the back room. He knew now that Evan often spent long hours there- and on some occasions contemplated bringing him dinner so that way he could continue his work. 

He found Evan standing with his back to the door paintbrush in hand as he worked on the piece in front of him. “Hi, my Ev.,” he says walking up right behind him and wrapping an arm around his waist and pressing a big kiss to the boy’s cheek. “I don’t mean to show up unannounced but I was bored and I wanted to see you. Was wondering if you wanted to maybe cook dinner together? Or have you like a little sleepover? Only if you’re okay with it of course- I don’t want you to feel like I’m rushing you, love.” 

“Small one? Excuse me?” she said, feigning offense. She was the shortest in her family, and, honestly, hated to be reminded of it. However, Teddy typically got a free pass. “Look, it’s just easier thank knocking, and it’s faster too. I can get here in at least ten seconds less than if I apparated outside the door.” Lily takes her seat on the other side of the couch across from him. “I’m happy for the both of you. It’s nice to see you so happy. I’ve got a feeling he thinks the same about you,” she said, smiling. “I guess? He’s great, but there’s something missing.” At his question, Lily’s gaze dropped before nodding. “I think so. Normally I leave before he gets up, but the other day I stayed. We curled up in the bed for a bit, we took a bath together. I just feel a connection to him I can’t explain. I want to spend every day with him like that.” She pulled her mug to her lips again. “And seeing him naked all the time? He’s a solid ten out of ten.”

“You heard me right, you’re not only shorter, but you’re the youngest in the family. That makes you the small one, small one,” he says with a smile patting her head with one hand as he passed her by. Teddy pulled his knees to his chest as he listened to Lily explain her predicament with Mikhail. “Thanks, I’m excited to be in a relationship again- and this time with someone who I feel like actually gets me. It’s like sometimes I swear he knows what I’m thinking before I even know. Granted the whole hair color changing gives it away too but he’s still so good.” he sighs thinking about the taller boy that easily was one of his favorite people now. “Anyway, back to you and Mikhail. I think you should really talk to him about it. Honestly, if this is how you feel and you went from just being fuck buddies to laying around and taking baths together- that’s more intimate than anything that could be considered to be casual. You should put yourself out there, Lil. There’s nothing to lose and he’d be a fool for not seeing how amazing you are.” 

“I’ll find my ways around them. Just you wait.” Teddy’s magic skills were far more advanced than hers so she knew he could easily keep her out of his apartment if he so wished. “Do not get me in trouble with Maisie. That’s cruel.” Maisie was normally kind, but she had seen other sides of her. Lily preferred to stay on her good side. She sipped at her coffee again, smiling as he mentioned Evan. “You deserve to be happy. I hope you stay feeling this way.” Part of her was a bit envious of how happy he was. She wanted to feel that way, and Mikhail did give her a feeling she hadn’t had before. “Who knows. They might have. I’m sure they’re still looking out for you,” she said, ruffling his hair slightly. “Yeah. It’s a mess that I got myself into,” she sighed. “It depends. Mikhail is–he’s different. With Ethan, it’s mostly sex. With Mikhail, it feels different. I’m not giving you details because you’re my brother. Mikhail is just–I don’t know how to explain it.”

“I’d love to see you try, small one.” he says with a snort looking down at his younger sister with such amusement. She and he had this sort of banter for as long as he could remember and it was part of the reason she was easily the easiest of the three Potter children to talk to. “I’d hardly be getting you in trouble if you’re the one who apparated into my apartment without notice. It would really be your own fault.” he explains shrugging. He walks over to his couch, sitting down at one corner and waving a hand for her to take the other. “ I hope so too. But seriously I’m on cloud nine. He’s actually so perfect. Which might be weird to say but that’s how I feel. He had watched Lily be peppy and happy on her own but sometimes he wondered if maybe his little sister was craving that someone special too. And her being there right now told him that there was something more serious going on with these two boys than she was admitting. “Well I need more than just... well you know. So Ethan’s not really part of the equation if you feel like it’s just sex. You have real feelings for Mikhail don’t you?” he asks and he sets his mug in his lap. “I’m not judging you, Lil. But I can’t help if you don’t give me a little more to work with.” 

Teddy had to admit, being in a relationship was pure bliss. He and Evan didn’t seem to butt heads over anything besides maybe where to have dinner and who was paying or who did the dishes when they ate at one of their flats. He’d gotten off just ten minutes before, saying goodbye to the girls who were still there working on their last clients before being on his way. After a quick stop up to his flat to freshen up a bit, he took a stroll toward Evan’s shop. The weather outside was beautiful, summer beginning to turn into fall and he knew soon the leaves would change and shops would begin to put up their Halloween decorations- his favorite time of year and lead up to his birthday. His first birthday (he liked to add) that he’d be spending in a relationship that he didn’t feel stressed about being apart of- with a boy who was easily the light of his life, his sun and moon and stars. 

It didn’t take very long of a walk for him to come upon the shop, and the streets of Diagon Alley weren’t super crowded either, considering it was getting to be late evening, most average shoppers would be returning to their homes or settling into the Leaky Cauldron, or other inns for dinner. That was fine with him, and he liked the benefit of getting off at this point in the day because he could get where he needed to be relatively quickly. He pulled open the door to Grayson Art and Supplies., hearing the bells chime. The shop seemed quiet, no one within his eyesight, and he assumed Evan was in the back doing a portrait- as he knew he did when things were slow and he got bored. “Ev? Where are you babe?” he calls walking between rows of paints toward the back of the shop.