Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

Godfather

Happy Sunday, amazing readers!

I like this chapter a lot. I love the idea of Harry just caring about Teddy so much, having this love for him that he's never experienced before (because truly, the love of a parent is unique).

Let me know what you all think, and, as always...

Enjoy!

"Ginny told us to leave you this," Hannah said, pushing a large backpack into Harry's arms. "Just in case you haven't gotten the chance to fetch diapers and the like for Teddy."

Teddy is still in nappies? Harry kept the surprise to himself. Surely, he would have noticed something like that. And yet, now, glancing down at Teddy, who was clutching his stuffed penguin in one arm and holding Hannah's hand with his free one, he did notice the edges of a nappy sticking out from the hem of his shorts. I don't know how to change him.

"Er, thank you, Hannah. Is there anything else?"

"He was in a right state today. We think the abrupt changes in routine are getting to him. Hopefully, soon enough, he'll be used to rotating between the three of you and being in your homes. Just keep an eye on him, and be patient."

Harry nodded.

Hannah knelt down to face Teddy at his height. "Goodbye, Ted! I'll see you tomorrow," she smiled. "Be good with Harry, okay?" She stood up, then, walking off with a wave, leaving Harry and Teddy together.

Entering his flat to see it tidy was one thing to help ease the anxiety quelling in his chest. His mind drifted briefly to Draco, to soft skin and lips, to cold hands and noses against warm ones. He closed his front door, locking it (unable to help his mind as it reminded him of Draco's own habits).

"Go ahead, Teddy. Welcome to my home." Harry let go of his hand, watching as he took small steps further into the flat, now standing in the middle of the kitchen, looking around, his arm around his penguin and hooking around for his thumb to meet his mouth. The phrase that he'd spoken felt foreign in his mouth. Home? What even was home to Harry? The last place he had thought of was Hogwarts. But now...? He wondered how Draco must be doing with Dawlish.

Harry settled onto the couch, being sure to stay close to Teddy, who was slowly but surely making his way past the kitchen and into the living room. Harry placed the backpack down onto the coffee table in front of him, unzipping it. Atop its contents laid a note in Ginny's handwriting.

Bedtime: 7:00 pm. He usually showers right before heading off to bed.

You will find toys, clothes, snacks, nappies, and wipes in the bag. don't let him near anything small enough to swallow.

I've shrunk a tall chair and placed it in the bag, as well. He sits in that to eat. I've also shrunk a padded cot for him. He shall sleep at your bedside in case of any emergencies.

Firecall me or Hermione if anything.

-Ginny

Harry cast a tempus, the glowing numbers in the air reading 5:00. He supposed he was meant to feed Teddy somewhat soon if he was to get Teddy tucked in by seven. He glanced up at the child, who was looking intently at the floo, his hand still in his mouth. Am I supposed to tell him to take his hand out of his mouth?

He didn't know.

"Er, Ted, you should take your hand out your mouth..." Harry was met with silence. "Are you hungry, Teddy?" He asked.