History and Truth

In the Shade...

The trio sat in the shade of an old beech tree before Teddy pulled out the book. He looked at his friends before he began reading. They were all a little uneasy about what was to come.

"... I have never despised what I am more than I do right now. I left you and your mom."

Teddy looked up at Hannah and Seth. He wasn't sure how to feel right now. He took the pictures from inside the front cover and found the one of the 3 of them.

"Teddy? Are you ok?" Hannah asked.

He showed them the picture.

"I mean everything must've worked out because this was taken after that was written."

"Harry said your Dad had regrets. Keep reading so we can find out what's going on," Seth encouraged.

"Part of this decision was based on an overwhelming desire to help Harry. Albus Dumbledore left Harry a mission to complete. Harry and 2 of his friends have decided to not go back to school this year. They are hiding trying to finish what Dumbledore started. No one knows what they are doing. I know Albus was gravely injured. They are only 17 years old. I feel like I owe it to his parents and to Sirius to try to help him."

Teddy stopped again and looked at his friends. "Well that may explain why he looked so uncomfortable and didn't want to talk about it before you read your dad's side," Hannah offered.

"Maybe. But I have a feeling there's more to it than that."

He returned to reading.

A Warning...

"What actually pushed me to leave however is a run-in I had in Diagon Alley recently. So you will understand the background let me say that the Ministry is now under the control of Voldemort even though most of the wizard world remains unaware of this including the employees of the ministry. There is even talk of having those who are Muggle born to be rounded up and have them register with the ministry much in the same way I was registered.

I know the ministry was already very anti-werewolf. Your Mom and I had to keep our wedding a secret. I couldn't even invite Harry. We, your Mom and I, had to quickly leave Harry's birthday dinner because the then Minister of Magic was coming to the Burrow.."

Teddy looked up not knowing what to say.

"I had heard the Ministry got pretty extreme back then but come on that's crazy..."

Seth added, "Extreme doesn't do it justice. I see what your Dad and Harry meant about different versions of events."

"Anyway, I had gone to Diagon Alley to pick up some things we needed. I went alone and had kept my hood up to avoid attracting attention. While I was in the apothecary an old school mate saw me and indicated for me to follow him. When we were as alone as we could manage he turned to me and said, 'Lupin have you gone mad?'

'No more than usual,' I joked.

'Remus they are looking for you!'

'Who?'

'The Ministry. You're a registered werewolf, known member of the Order of the Phoenix and a close associate of Dumbledore's. They say they want to question you but people they're bringing in for 'questioning' aren't seen again. Some have ended up in Azkaban but others are just missing. Plus there's also rumors that you've been spying for Greyback and that you're considered to be dangerous!'

In all honesty I had to stand there for a minute to process it all. Then I panicked!

...Is Given

"Holly crap I'm sure he did panic!" Hannah exclaimed.

"Keep going Teddy," Seth urged.

"Somehow, knowing everything he'd already been through, to hear him say he panicked is a little scary," Teddy admitted.

He picked the book back up and continued reading.

"Do they know I'm married?"

"No, I don't think so. When?"

"Just a few months ago. She's pregnant. Oh, God help me. What are we going to do?"

"If they don't know she's married then all she has to do is lay low and not tell them who the father is if they ask."

"She's an Auror. They're going to notice soon that's she's pregnant."

"Does she know they're looking for you?"

"If she does she hasn't said anything."

"Do you think they suspect her involvement with you and are watching her to try and get to you?"

"If they are, she will be safer if I'm not there."

"I know you don't want to hear this, but you're probably right. It would be safer for both of them."

"Thank you for letting me know. I need to get home and talk to my wife."

I paid for the items and left the store. I may have been being paranoid but I had a feeling I was being watched. I casually made my way to Olivander's. When he came to the counter I didn't waste time.

"Mr. Olivander I know you know who I am. Has anyone been around looking for me."

"No, Mr. Lupin. Not that I know of. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Thank you sir," I said. I knew he had something on his mind and tea was a good excuse to go to the back. Once we were in the back he asked what was going on so I explained what I had been told. "My wife and our unborn child may be in grave danger."