The Secrets of the Map

Hogwarts Express

First of all, I just wanted to IMMENSELY apologize for the crazy long wait-I can't believe I put it off for this long, but it looks like I'm a bit of a procrastinator after all lol.
Also, after further research I realized that I kinda made a big mistake: In reality, Teddy Lupin is two years older than how I wrote him, which is a big "oops" ik, but I think it would be too complicated to change the story now so I think I'll just keep it as it is-hopefully that doesn't annoy you guys too much😬
Anyways, here's more of the story, thank you all for waiting❤️

   A month later, Teddy found himself walking through the train station once again, with the whole family circling around him. It was Albus' first year, and James was relentlessly teasing him about it. Teddy saw how agitated Al was getting and wanted to tell James to shut his trap, but didn't feel like fighting before their year even started. As much as he loved James, he could be a bit much to handle at times.
       They finally met up with the Weasleys, and Teddy couldn't help noticing how Rose was already in her school robes, and beaming up at them all.
"Parked all right, then?" Ron asked Harry, grinning proudly. "I did. Hermione didn't believe I could pass a Muggle driving test, did you? She thought I'd have to Confund the examiner."
Teddy caught James' eye and they shared a grin. " No, I didn't," Hermione insisted. "I had complete faith in you."
The adults talked as they loaded the trunks, and turned around as Lily said to Hugo, "I think I'll be a Gryffindor. I mean if seven Weasleys were sorted in, then surely we've got a shot-"
"If you're not in Gryffindor, we'll disinherit you," said Ron. "but no pressure."
"Ron!"
Lily and Hugo laughed, but Teddy noticed that Albus and Rose looked tense and felt a strange surge of affection for them. Maybe once he got on the train, he'd get them chocolate or something. That usually calmed them down.
     Suddenly Teddy noticed a familiar face in the crowd, and immediately felt a surge of anger mixed with panic. It was Henri, the sixth year git from the Slytherin house who had been the first to spread rumors. Strangely, he wasn't eyeing Teddy this time. Instead, his eye was fixed on a clearly nervous first year. Albus.
     Before he could think better of it, Teddy slipped away from the family and walked over towards him.
Henri noticed his approach, and nodded towards Al. "Looks a lot like his dad, huh? Wonder how he'd look with another scar-"
"I'd like to see you try," Teddy said  evenly.
    "Tad aggressive today now, are we?" he replied, a sinister grin forming over his face. "Where are those Hufflepuff qualities, hm? Thought you weren't a fighter."
    "Except for them. So back off."
    Henri's eyebrow raised at the changed tone, and suddenly he began to laugh. "Wow, your own dad was scared of having you, huh? Didn't know that-"
"Reading my thoughts doesn't change anything," Teddy said evenly, trying his best to block him out. Legitamists were so annoying...
Henri laughed, then leaned in close to whisper, "Scared of another full moon, Lupin? Scared that you'll have another accident- like what you did to that girl?"
Teddy shook his head. "You know that's not true."
     "Is it?" He mused, grinning. "I know what you're becoming, and believe me once they find out, they won't care one bit. Your father spent his entire life trying to avoid it, and you're a coward just like him-"
    Teddy barely restrained his anger enough to have his face morph into Professor Mcgonagall's, and Henri quickly slammed back into the pillar, his face white with shock. It was a known fact that during his third year, he had been cussing Mcgonagall out so much that she eventually cast a spell that took away his mouth, causing an uproar for everyone watching. He hadn't crossed her since.
Unfortunately Teddy could only hold it for a few seconds, but it was enough for the satisfied feeling to settle as he says Henri's terrified face. Henri slunked back angrily. "You think you're clever," he growled. "But I know the truth about you, and I'll be sure that everyone in this school knows it-"
Suddenly Henri stopped mid-rant and looked over his shoulder,and his tone changed. "Hey, Victoire."
She was standing with her arms crossed, staring at the two of them. Her hair was done in another long French braid, and her white shirt illuminated her fierce eyes.
Teddy immediately tensed as he saw Henri grin at her. The creep had liked Victoire for awhile now, and wasn't afraid to show it. The thought of his grimy hands on her made his blood boil.
"Hey," she deadpanned, staring back at him with a hard look in her eyes.
"You look beautiful," he said, his eyes traveling over her, and her eyes narrowed.
Teddy was about to fling his books at his face when suddenly, before he knew what was happening, her lips pressed against Teddy's. Teddy's head seemed to be filled with George's fireworks, and he could barely think as the smell of her perfume washed over him. The panicked, choking feeling somewhat faded, as he realized in a daze that this was not a dream-it was actually happening. He reached up and stroked her smooth hair, realizing how soft it was, and how her breath was minty...
Unfortunately, it was cut short when she suddenly pulled away, staring at someone. Henri had left, but standing in his place was James, whose mouth was open. "What the-"
"James," she hissed, but he had already sped off towards the others.
Victoire shook her head exasperatedly. "He's never going to let that go, is he?"
"No," Teddy admitted, his head still spinning, and she laughed, the sound light and almost musical.
"I guess not. Sorry about that, by the way-I didn't know how else to get rid of him. He sure took off fast, huh?"
Whatever fleeting happiness that had been bursting through Teddy quickly evaporated as he realized the truth. Of course-she had only kissed him to get rid of Henri. A small part of him hoped that she was lying-that she actually meant it when she kissed him-but he knew better. Victories had stolen many hearts since she was small-that wasn't her first kiss. Or distraction.
    He tried hard to keep his tone lighthearted. "Yeah, he's probably trying to hex a first year."
"Were you two having another row?" She asked, and Teddy shrugged, trying to hide his disappointment.
Victoire shook her head. "You know, they might kick you out of Hufflepuff if you keep it up-"
"Hilarious," he muttered, and he saw her smile mischievously. "I can't help it, though-he kept looking at Al."
Her smile faltered, and was replaced with a strange look. "You were protecting Al?"
"Trying to, but I guess I didn't need to. He's not stupid enough to hurt a Potter kid."
"OI, SNOGGING LOVEBIRDS, COME ON!" James suddenly yelled, loud enough for the whole terminal to hear.
Teddy shook his head. "I'm going to kill him."
"He's a Potter kid," she replied, and he smiled despite himself.
"Besides, you should kill Henri first," she added, walking towards the train. "It'd do us all a favor."
The panicked feeling consumed his chest again, and he reluctantly followed her towards the train. If only she knew that Teddy would only prove Henri right by doing so.
Suddenly a strong hand gripped his shoulder. Bill-her dad. He was usually a pretty cool guy, but right now his expression was tense, the scars only amplifying it. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"
    Teddy barely was able to get out an agreement before Bill pulled him aside, and Teddy's mind went on full alert. "What's up?" He asked, surprised. Bill was never this intimidating-not to him, at least.
      "Now, look here," Bill started. Teddy couldn't help noticing how Bill was at least five inches taller than him. "I know you're a good kid, and that's why I haven't killed you yet. But if you and her want to start something, you need to ask us first, okay?"
Teddy's heart sank immediately as he get his face flush. Of course Bill had heard-the whole station had probably heard after James had screamed that. But the sad thing was, he wasn't embarrassed about the kids being broadcasted-in fact, in any other situation he would have been proud to achieve that accomplishment. But it was a lie, and the truth was his first kiss didn't count because Victoire didn't like him back. "Don't worry, you have nothing to worry about. There's nothing going on. She only did that so this other guy would go away."
"Who?" Bill demanded, and Teddy tried not to feel startled. Bill was usually such a chill guy, with his hipster clothes and long hair and easy smile. Now that he wasn't smiling, Teddy realized how threatening Bill could be when he wanted to.
"A stupid Slytherin-don't worry, she can handle him."
Bill nodded, looking at Teddy carefully. He couldn't help noticing the scar on Bill's face from where the werewolf had scratched him, and for the millionth time he wondered if Bill ever felt the same as him.
"Protect her," Bill said firmly. "Got it? She's been looking at guys lately, and I don't want her to get hurt."
Teddy nodded. "Yeah, of course." It hurt his chest to think that one kiss was all he would ever get from Victoire, but at least he had permission to keep her safe. It was as close as he could get to what he wanted, anyway.
Bill patted his shoulder, giving him a knowing look. "Well, take it easy this year. Make sure to say hi to Hagrid for me, will you?"
"For sure," Teddy confirmed, smiling as he slipped away. "See ya later."
As he joined the crowd of kids, he couldn't help noticing Henri's aggressive starless, and quickly shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. This year would be better. It had to be.

Again, thanks for the wait everyone! Hope that was worth it. The next one will come MUCH quicker, I promise.

Some questions for y'all:
1 Are there any votes for the Victoire and Teddy ship yet?
(is there a ship name I don't even know lol).
2. What do you think Henri knows?
3. Are there any more character appearances you'd like the see?

Alright, that's all I got.
Merry Christmas🎄