The Halfwolf (Year 1)

Al and James

Zach followed him out the door of his room and along the hallway towards an open door a little way down from the one he had just come out of. Shouting could be heard coming from the open door.

"Dangit James give it back! It's mine!" A loud crash came from the room. Teddy looked at Zach, who looked back at him with a look of apprehension on his face. Both boys ran the last few feet and slid to a stop in the doorway of the Potter boys' room. James was standing on top of the long mahogany dresser that sat under the window of their room, a book in his hands, laughing as his younger brother hopped up and down on the floor trying to get it from him.

"What's the matter, Al? Too tiny to come get your precious sketch book?" Teddy could see Albus was genuinely upset as he jumped up trying fruitlessly to get his book from his brother. Teddy crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oi!" Both Albus and James startled and whipped around to see Teddy and Zach in the doorway. Teddy was looking at James with a strangely serene expression. "What are you doing?" Albus launched across the room at Teddy, wrapping his little arms around his middle and burying his face in the front of his shirt. Teddy dropped his hands from his chest and immediately put them on Albus's shoulders and pulled him back so he could see his face.

"Al, what's wrong?" the four-year-old had tears in his eyes.

"H-he to-took my bo-book Teddy. My sk-sketch book. He to-took it away from me and ri-ripped the drawing I was wo-working on and wo-won't give it back!" Albus hiccupped as he tried, and failed, not to cry. Teddy pulled Albus back against him and glared at James, who was still standing on the dresser.

"Really James?" he said as he tugged Albus towards the hallway. "You've done it this time." Teddy took Albus's hand and headed back towards the other end of the hall. Zach gave James an apologetic look and scurried after them. Teddy could hear James vaulting off the dresser and landing with a thud and start hurrying to the door. Teddy was almost to the door of the guest room that Gretchen and Mary were going to share when he heard James come skidding into the hallway.

"Teddy, wait!" He yelled down the hall as he clambered back to his feet. "I was just messing with him, Ted! No harm done! Please don't tell..." The guest room door flew opened and Ginny poked her head out, glaring down the hallway. Everyone had stopped. Teddy was just in front of her holding a crying Albus's hand, Zach a few steps behind him, and James, who had halted mid-run, was just outside his bedroom door. She narrowed her eyes at her eldest son but spoke to Teddy.

"What happened?" she snapped. Zach flinched at her tone, but Teddy looked almost bored as he leaned against the wall.

"Apparently James thought it funny to not only steal Al's sketchbook, but to do so in a way that apparently tore the drawing he was working on."

"Did not!" James yelled, making his way the rest of the way down the hall. "I only tore the corner, and it was only because Al wouldn't let it go!"

"It's MY book!" Al yelled. Teddy stared pointedly at Ginny, who now had her hands on her hips and a sharp look on her face. Teddy shook his head at her in exasperation.

"Where is your father?" Ginny growled over their bickering. Both boys looked around at her. She raised her eyebrows at them. "Well?" Albus pointed towards the stairs.

"His study with Mary's daddy." He said, still glaring at his older brother. Ginny turned back into the guest room.

"Girls, I'm going downstairs for a moment. Keep an eye on Lily for me?" she said softly. They heard murmurs of agreement from the guest room, which she promptly shut the door of as she stepped into the hallway. She marched past her sons, Teddy, and Zach and headed for the stairs. "Let's go, boys." James paled a bit, shot another glare at his brother, who now wore a triumphant look on his face and mouthed "you're in for it now" as James hurried after his mother. Albus started forward, too, still clutching Teddy's hand, who was forced to follow. Zach trailed along behind him as they went. Teddy glanced over his shoulder at him and grinned. Zach looked confused. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Albus let go of Teddy and headed towards the open door of the study. Zach stepped down beside Teddy as they started towards it as well.