The Enemy of my Enemy

The Memory, Part III

The Saturday after her return to Hogwarts, Teddie found herself, once again, in Dumbledore's office waiting for Harry to join them. The lamps were lit, the portraits of previous headmasters were snoring gently in their frames, and the Pensieve was ready upon the desk.

Dumbledore's hands lay on either side of the desk, the right one as blackened and burnt-looking as ever.

Looking up from her homework, Teddie met Dumbledore's gaze and cocked her head to the side. "Are you okay, Professor?" she asked.

"How are you finding your sixth year at school, Teddie?" Dumbledore asked. "After everything that has happened to you since coming here, I feel you're dealing with it better than most would."

Teddie looked thoughtful and then shrugged. "I guess having a good support system is step one," she said. "Mr friends keep me sane, at the best of times. And, I dunno, I guess, I just keep reminding myself that things could be worse."

"What is worse than losing your parents, may I ask?"

"Losing Mason?" Teddie suggested. "I loved my parents, very much. But, I still have Mason, at the end of the day. He's what keeps me going when things are dark. It's like you said in third year, Professor - Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one remembers to turn on the light - Mason is my light."

Dumbledore smiled fondly. "He is, indeed, dear one," he murmured. "And, may I ask, how are you finding your sixth year in general?"

Teddie smiled. "I thought I would be suffocating with all the work, if I am honest, but dropping a few subjects and only taking the ones that I really need has helped me tons," she answered. "Being Professor Flitwick's assistant is also better than I expected. I'm learning so much from him."

"Filius tells me that you believe you are ready for... a promotion, I believe the Muggles call it," said Dumbledore. "You're climbing the educational ranks faster than expected Miss Green... and we couldn't be prouder. You are doing well for yourself."

"Thank you."

"Although, I am curious," said Dumbledore, leaning back and steepling his fingers in front of his face, pressing his fingers to his lips. He was silent for a moment, just staring at Teddie as she sat opposite him. "Mr Potter has enquired several times about my hand," he showed her the charred appendage. "But you don't seem all that fussed. Why is that?"

Teddie shrugged. "I just figure that you would tell us when you're ready," she said. "I may be a child, Professor, and a Slytherin, but I don't see myself as entitled. If something doesn't concern me, I tend to stay out of it."

Dumbledore raised an amused eyebrow.

"Well," Teddie added, grinning sheepishly. "Sometimes."

The door opened.

Both, Teddie, and Dumbledore looked around as Harry stumbled inside. "Sorry, I'm late," he panted, closing the door in his wake.

"Nonsense, Harry, we were just having a little chat," said Dumbledore, smiling pleasantly. "I heart you had a meeting with the Minister of Magic over Christmas?"

"Yes," said Harry. "He's not very happy with me."

Teddie furrowed her brow. "Why, what happened?" she asked.

"He wanted me to tell the Wizarding community that the Ministry has been doing a wonderful job."

"But they aren't," said Teddie.

"It was Fudge's idea originally, you know," said Dumbledore. "During his last days in office, when he was trying desperately to cling to his post, he sought a meeting with you, both," he added, "hoping that you would give him your support -"