Hooked - James Sirirus Potter.

Chapter Eight

James looked up as the door to his lab slammed open, a slow smile spread over his features as Teddy walked with his arms wide open. His bright blue hair in his new mature style, which still stuck up on end but was considerably shorter than it had been for most of his life.

“I’ve arrived!” he declared, before realising James wasn’t alone and dropping his arms quickly as his hair flickered to a purplish pink. “How long have you had her?”

“Six months?” James smirked as Claudia glared at him.

“A year.” She corrected, turning back to the test tubes on her bench and falling silent again.

“What do I owe this pleasure?” James asked, stepping around his bench and giving Teddy a hug. “It’s been far too long.”

“How’s Paige?”

“A shit as always.” He grinned, waving his hand and walking into the kitchenette. “How are the boys?”

“Three times as bad as Paige.” He laughed, sitting down and leaning over the cake tin. “If this is what happens when you work with a woman then she can stay.”

“She’s staying.” James laughed, leaning back to look at Claudia through the door.

“Oh is she now?” Teddy smirked, knowing James better than that. “Have you snogged her yet?”

James didn’t say anything but felt himself colour at the thought.

“Of course you have; she does know about Paige right?” he asked, blanching slightly.

“Of course!” James snapped; “It was the first thing she bloody asked about.”

“Already testing the water then?” he teased, nodding slowly. “Maybe she’d like to come out on the town with us?”

“Out on the town?” James asked.

“Yep, Fleur and Bill have said they’ll have all three boys.”

“Not all three?” James laughed as Teddy shrugged.

“Nan’s having Ned; he’s at the cuddly stage.” He laughed, leaning back and taking a bite out of a cream cake.

“So, where did you want to go?” James grinned, “That is if someone will look after Paige.”

“I’ll look after Paige.” Claudia said walking past them to get a glass of water. “Why am I looking after Paige?”

“No you should come too!” Teddy laughed, smacking James’ chest. “I don’t know who she is, but she should come!”

“I’m Claudia.” She laughed; “His carer between nine and five.”

“I’m Teddy… almost his brother.”

“Now I’ve met the whole family.” She mused, turning to walk back out of the kitchen as the two men burst into laughter.

“Claud; Mum’s one of seven.” James laughed.

“Granted Uncle Charlie’s never had kids and Fred died at twenty.” Teddy added.

“But that still makes thirteen of us plus Teddy.” He added; “Then add partners and kids that makes about thirty of us.”

“What do you want me to say? You win?” She shrugged.

“How many of you are there?” Teddy asked interested.

“Just me.” she stated and left.

“She’s a squib.” James whispered; “Her dad and siblings disowned her and she fell out with her mum a few months ago.”