Hopes and Wishes

Chapter 5: Teddy Tay T’ank You


The boy awoke to the sound of voices. Harsh whispers and sharp retorts filled the silence of the room around him. The boy felt the roughness of Teddy’s matted fur beneath his fingers and was calm. He had Teddy.

He kept silent. Experience had taught him that it was not a good idea to annoy adults and adults were always annoyed by freaks causing trouble. The boy would be good and he would be quiet and he would pretend he was not there. He could do that. He had practiced it so often that he could do it well. He settled back down, Teddy clutched tightly to him once more and watched the tall man who was pacing up and down near the bed.


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To say that Severus Snape was a bit angry would be like saying that the water going over Niagara Falls was a bit strong. Severus’ anger was like a raging torrent, barely contained within his wiry body. He prowled up and down the infirmary like a caged lion, his robes flicking sharply behind him.

Even with the serious nature of their discussion, Remus had to take a breath to admire the sleek lines and tempered fire that characterised his lover. It had always been thus. Severus simmered with such emotion and passion that Remus had always been attracted to him like a moth to a flame. It had taken many years for him to reconcile his feelings for the man. They had not yet reached the stage where they could laugh off the childish attempts that Remus had made to attract his other half’s attention in their school years. Remus had hope though.

Shaking himself from his reverie Remus once more focussed on the argument taking place in fierce whispers between his lover and the headmaster.

“I won’t have it Albus! This is Lily’s child. He will not be raised in that environment. You didn’t see the conditions he was living in with those muggles. Petunia always was such a sour, spiteful character. Their behaviour was no less than abuse Albus. They were abusing him!” Severus’ fierce expression, used most often to offset his lack of age and experience, burned stronger than ever and ensured that everyone knew his sincerity.

Albus held up a hand for silence. His twinkling eyes and pleasant smile belying the sharp mind and ruthless streak contained behind his half-moon spectacles.

“Really my boy; it is the only option. I’m sure that the Dursleys are not that bad. They have made one mistake. Where would we be if there were no second chances?” This last was said with a calm raising of an eyebrow.

“You cannot use that one with me old man. One mistake you call it? They were keeping Harry in a cupboard, a cupboard Albus! When I called for his possessions the only things that came were that bear he holds so tightly and a dusty, bloodstained blanket. He has been there for over two years and these are the only possessions he has? Let’s also not forget about the state of his health. The infection nearly killed him! He was mauled by a dog and all they could do was stuff him in a cupboard and hope it would go away! Albus show some feeling. He’s a child!” Severus’ face was flushed with anger as he spoke; flecks of spittle flew from his mouth and his hands moved sharply to emphasise his points.

“What would you have me do Severus?” Albus queried calmly. “The magic that protects him from Voldemort and the Death Eaters is imbued in the blood wards. The Dursleys offer him a haven of safety with their acceptance of Lily’s sacrifice.”

“Who will protect him from them Albus? What good will your saviour be if he has been beaten, starved and abused by his own family?” Severus retorted.

“Again I ask Severus. What would you have me do? Who will protect him if the blood wards do not?”

Watching the interplay between them, Minerva McGonagall discerned some special import in this last question. Though it was thrown out in the some placid tone, so aggravating considering the topic in question, Minerva knew that it was important.

“I will. I will protect him!” roared Severus his ire finally too much to contain.

“If that is what you think is right my boy.” Intoned Albus softly. “Hogwarts will do what it can to support you… Now, Harry has been awake for several minutes. I’m sure he would like to get to know his new family.”

With that Albus arose from his chair, a flick of his wand dispersing the chintz monstrosity upon which he had been sitting, and exited the hospital ward. Minerva took one look at the stunned expressions on Severus and Remus’ faces and quickly hurried out after the headmaster.

“You manipulative old goat!” she hissed as soon as they were out of earshot. “You planned that.” She accused.

“My dear Minerva,” Albus responded “I do not know what you mean.” But his eyes twinkled merrily and even the abundance of moustache and beard could not conceal his satisfied smile.

Minerva snorted but she too smiled brightly as she followed said meddling old fool to his office. She planned to extract all of the details of the scheme from Albus before the day was through.


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Severus was still standing shocked, mouth agape, some moments later and was once again pressed into a chair by Poppy Pomfrey. Remus, recovering his composure somewhat quicker than his mate, turned to where Harry was watching them intently from his bed. Shuffling his chair closer Remus smiled at Harry.

“Hello. My name is Remus.” He introduced himself. Harry continued to stare at him but made no other sign of acknowledgement. Trying again Remus asked “Is this your teddy?”

The waiflike head nodded slightly and the tiny mouth quirked at one side as though a smile was trying to break through.

“Does he have a name?” Remus questioned. Again that small nod. “Are you going to tell me what it is?” Remus smiled.

“T…Teddy” his voice was hesitant and quiet as though he were unused to using it. His body almost curled into itself after he had spoken; braced and waiting for something.

“Hello Teddy. You’re very handsome. You’re a bit messy though. Would you like me to make you better?” Remus asked, focussing most of his attention on the bear in question but also observing Harry from out of the corner of his eye.

Harry almost giggled then. The small sound wrapped like a fist around Remus’ heart and squeezed. Voice slightly croaky Remus continued “This is my wand Teddy. Shall I show you a magic spell?”

Harry’s emerald eyes widened at this question but he didn’t pull away so Remus continued, pointing his wand carefully at the teddy bear “episkey, scourgify”.

The bear in Harry’s arms wiggled slightly and then began to grow a new leg; a new eye appeared from nowhere and the previously flat body puffed up full of stuffing. Finally the dirty, matted fur became soft and smooth once more.

Harry’s eyes, which had been wide before, were like glowing emerald orbs in the middle of his pale face. The smile finally broke through and Teddy was squeezed to within an inch of his life. Eyes closing briefly Harry inhaled deeply, burying his face in the not-so-tattered teddy.

Opening his eyes once more, Harry looked up at Remus trustingly and whispered bravely “Teddy tay t’ank you.”

“Teddy is very welcome Harry.” Remus replied, eyes going misty.

Harry cocked his head to the side. “Who Harry?” he asked curiously.

“You’re Harry. That’s your name. Don’t you remember?” Remus queried worriedly.

Harry half chuckled; amused at the stupidity of grown-ups. Shaking his head he said matter-of-factly “Boy no have name. Boy freak.”

A/N

I’m finding this section of the story more challenging to write. I know where I want the story to go regarding Harry’s relationship with Remus and Severus but this transition period is a bit iffy. I also don’t know what to do with Vernon, Petunia and Marge. So many things have been done before I don’t want to be clichéd. I’m leaning towards taking away the things they hold most dear rather than being vicious on bloodthirsty. Let me know what you think.

episkey - to heal/repair damage inflicted on a target. I chose this instead of the more common reparo as this only undoes damage to an object. I thought Teddy’s leg needed healing.

scourgify - obviously cleans things

Thanks to all of my reviewers.

Review Replies

Arcee1000: Thank you. I like that idea and will definitely use it soon. Teddy is going to stay a very important character in this story.

Sneakyfox: No, Teddy is here to stay! Thanks for reviewing.

GeminiCancer: Thank you!

Ladyedgecombe: Thank you. Teddy has started on his way to being fixed. I’m toying with the idea of giving him green eyes and a scar to match Harry. I may work that in later. If you hear a loud explosion soon, I am just about to start writing the reaction to Harry’s revelation. Hard hats on and take cover; Sev is going to errupt!