Author/Artist: lrthunder
Prompt Number:#16-Andromeda doesn't recover from the loss of her entire family and rejects Teddy (or goes insane/commits suicide-basically she's out of the picture). Harry wants custody of Teddy but the laws state there needs to be a blood relative involved, which is Draco and/or Narcissa.
Title:A Family For Teddy
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco, initial Draco/Astoria, implied initial Harry/Ginny
Summary:When Andromeda rejects Teddy, Harry turns to the last person he expected to find a family for Teddy.
Rating:R
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning(s):Some brief oral sex not involving H/D, and other implied sex.
Epilogue compliant?No
Word Count:4114
Author's Notes:




Harry read the letter with disbelief. He couldn't understand why Andromeda had written this letter. Had something happened during the war to cause her to act like this? He hoped that was the reason, otherwise he couldn't think of any rational reason for her intentions.

He decided he needed to read the letter again. That would be the best way to figure out what was going on.

Dear Harry,

I know this will surprise you, but I can't raise Teddy. While I love him as a grandson, having him around reminds me too much of what I lost: my husband and my daughter. I hope you will give him a good home. If you can't, I'm sure there are other witches and wizards who would be good parents for him.

Please come to my house on Saturday so we can discuss the details.

Sincerely, Andromeda.

Harry sighed as he pushed the letter to the side. While he wanted to be involved in Teddy's life, he knew he wasn't ready to be a parent. He hadn't even decided if he was going to accept Minister Shacklebolt's offer to join the Aurors or return to Hogwarts. Neither option would be good for raising a child by himself.

He decided his best hope was to change Andromeda's mind. After all, she was grieving the loss of her family. Harry knew he didn't make the best decisions when Sirius and Dumbledore had died.

* * * * * *

Harry shook his head with disbelief. Not only had he failed to persuade Andromeda to change her mind, but she had even become more stubborn about it. He had no choice but to take Teddy from her home. As he carried his godson away, he looked over his shoulder and saw her slam the door.

Harry hadn't tried Apparating with a baby before, so he had managed to get a Portkey. He decided to go straight to the Ministry to begin the process of adopting Teddy. Hopefully it wouldn't take that long to fill out the paperwork. He snorted at the idea of Ministry officials bending over backwards to help him, since they saw him as the Chosen One.

He arrived at the alley near the Ministry. He looked around, checking to see if any Muggles had spotted him. Fortunately, he was alone with Teddy. He walked to the phone booth, picked up the receiver and dialed the number.

"State your purpose," the voice said.

"I need to file an adoption application," he replied.

A moment later, a badge appeared. He picked it up, but didn't put it on. He watched his surroundings change as he descended into the ground. What had been city buildings transformed into the Ministry's Atrium. He exited the phone booth and walked to the security desk.

The guard looked up at Harry, surprised to see him. Harry handed him the wand, who inspected it. The guard was about to speak when Harry walked away. He didn't want anyone delaying him.

People turned to stare at him as he made his way through the crowd. Fortunately, Teddy was still asleep. As he approached the lifts, he thought of something: he didn't know where to go. He didn't know of any Ministry departments that involved adoptions. He chastised himself. He should've thought about that before coming.

"Harry?"

He turned and saw Minister Shacklebolt. "Hello, Minister."

Shacklebolt smiled. "I think we've known each other long enough for you to call me, Kingsley. I didn't know you were coming."

"Something has happened that could affect your offer," Harry explained.

The Minister frowned and he saw Teddy. "Is that Teddy?"

"Yes. He's actually the reason I'm here."

"Come with me."

Ministry workers stepped aside, allowing Harry and Shacklebolt to pass. Harry heard a couple of women coo at his sleeping godson. They rode the lift, then exited it to head to Shacklebolt's office.

The first person Harry saw was Percy. After Shacklebolt's promotion and Umbridge's arrest, Percy was appointed as Senior Undersecretary. "Minister, I...oh, hello, Harry," he said stiffly. "I didn't know you had an appointment today."

"He doesn't. What appointments do you have today?"

"You're meeting with Savage is in ten minutes," Percy replied.

The Minister nodded. "When he gets here, tell him I'll be a few minutes late."

"But, sir…"

Shacklebolt closed the door as soon as Harry entered, cutting off Percy's protests. Despite Percy seeing the light, he still seemed too rigid when it came to rules. "Before you sit down, Harry, let me do this." Shacklebolt drew his wand and a crib materialized next to the desk. Harry placed his godson gently in it, then sat down. "Better?"

Harry nodded. "Yes."

"Now, what can I do for you?"

Harry explained the situation for a few moments. Shacklebolt listened carefully. "Unfortunately, Harry, there are a couple of problems. First, the Ministry doesn't have jurisdiction regarding adoptions."

Harry smiled. "How is that a problem? I can just take Teddy home with me."

The Minister shook his head. "That brings up the second problem: relatives of orphans have the right to raise him, and only they can approve of a non-family member adopting the child."

"But Andromeda doesn't want to raise him. In effect, she basically told me to raise him," Harry said.

"I know, but she isn't his only other relative, is he?"

Harry suddenly had a bad feeling. "Are you saying that I have to get Narcissa Malfoy's approval?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I don't want him around her," Harry objected.

"I know, but I don't think you'll have to worry about that. No, the problem is that while she won't want to raise him, she'll probably deny you the ability to adopt him yourself."

"What should I do?"

"Be patient and polite. Who knows? Since the Malfoys are behaving themselves, and not just pretending to do so like before, maybe she'll be reasonable," Shacklebolt suggested.

Harry nodded. "In any case, sir, until I can figure out if I can raise Teddy myself, I can't accept your offer."

"I understand. Take the time you need. I'll talk to Professor McGonagall, and with your permission, explain your situation."

"Thank you."

* * * * * *

Harry had only been to Malfoy Manor once, but only as a prisoner. He didn't want to return there, but he didn't have any choice. Hermione agreed to look after Teddy while Harry visited the Malfoys. Harry wondered if Mrs. Malfoy would toy with him, making him wait for his response.

To his surprise, he received her answer almost immediately: she would see him. He suspected that she only agreed to see him because he didn't include the real reason for his visit in the letter.

When Harry arrived at Malfoy Manor, he was surprised to see Mrs. Malfoy waiting for him at the front door. "Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Malfoy."

She smiled pleasantly. "I admit that your letter made me curious. You said you had a request of me?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, it's an urgent matter."

"Then let's talk about it. Please follow me." She led him into the house, towards the drawing room. "I would offer you some tea, but we no longer have a house-elf."

He held up a hand. "Mrs. Malfoy, can we talk in another room?"

"What's wrong with this room?"

He glared at her. He suspected she knew exactly why he hated the drawing room. "You could say it brings up bad memories."

"Very well," she said. Harry suspected his response disappointed her. "If you'll follow me." She led him past the drawing room to a small study. After he entered the room, she closed the door behind him. "Have a seat. Now, Mr. Potter, you had a request of me. What is it?"

As with Shacklebolt, Harry took his time explaining the situation. Mrs. Malfoy's face was unreadable, but he hoped she was listening carefully. He suspected she wouldn't agree to his request, but she might surprise him.

Harry finished and sat back, waiting for the inevitable rejection. "I must say that my sister has never ceased to surprise me. First, it was rejecting Avery's marriage proposal, followed by her marriage to that Muggle. But this surprises me the most of all. Honestly, I can't blame her."

Harry narrowed his eyes. "You agree with her decision to reject her grandson?"

She shook her head. "You misunderstand me. While I don't approve of her actions, I can appreciate her reasoning. She lost her husband and daughter, after all. I imagine I would be the same way if I had lost Lucius and Draco."

Harry nodded. "So, can you help me?"

Mrs. Malfoy sighed. "Harry, can I call you Harry? Believe me, I would love to help you with Teddy." He suspected she was only being polite. "But I'm not exactly in a position to raise an infant anymore. Yes, Lucius is free, but you know he has to cooperate with the Ministry. That takes up a lot of his time. Also, we no longer have a house-elf."

"Most families don't have any house-elves and they manage fine," Harry said coolly.

He almost expected her to take offense, but she remained calm. "But we're not most families, Mr. Potter. Do you really think the three of us could keep up with this house, even with magic?"

Harry had to admit she had a point. "I understand."

"To get to the point, I'm afraid I can't raise young Teddy."

"But the law requires…"

"I know what the law requires, Harry Potter. But that doesn't mean I can't help you either."

"What do you mean? Since both you and your sister have rejected Teddy, there aren't any Black relatives left," Harry said.

"That's not true. There is one Black relative left: my son."

"Draco?" Harry asked, surprised. Then he laughed. "I didn't know you had your cousin's sense of humor, Mrs. Malfoy."

"I'm serious. Since he's a Black as well, he's your best chance for Teddy to have a family, at least a Wizarding family," Mrs. Malfoy said mildly.

"What's the catch?"

"Why do you think there's a catch?"

Harry snorted. "Do you think your son would help me like that? Maybe if we were best mates in school, he'd consider it. But we were far from friends."

"You're right. He wouldn't help you out of the goodness of his heart, but he will listen to me. I can convince him to adopt Teddy, if you do me a small favor."

Harry was right. There was a catch. Still, Harry would do the favor if it meant Teddy had a good home. "What do you want me to do?"

"First, let me ask you a question: how well do you know the Greengrasses?"

Harry frowned. He had never heard of the Greengrasses. "I'm sorry, but I don't know them."

"Really? I think Daphne Greengrass was in your year at Hogwarts."

"She was probably in Slytherin. I didn't really have that much to do with the Slytherins," Harry said dryly.

"Draco has said as much. Anyway, Lucius and I have arranged a marital contract between Draco and Daphne's younger sister, Astoria. As soon as Astoria finishes Hogwarts, she will marry Draco," Mrs. Malfoy explained.

"I understand so far."

"Good, because there's a problem. Even though there's a marital contract, Draco has been reluctant to take any steps in knowing Astoria. He won't make a good husband to her if he doesn't get to know her."

"Maybe he doesn't want an arranged marriage," Harry said.

She scowled. "Lucius and I raised Draco as a proper Malfoy. As a proper pureblood wizard, he knows what's expected of him."

Harry guessed that she had made a veiled insult of Harry's father, but he ignored it. "Do you want me to find out what's wrong with Draco?"

"In a matter of speaking."

"It won't be easy," Harry warned her.

"No, it won't, but it's necessary."

* * * * * *

Knockturn Alley. It was one of Harry's least favorite places to go. It was also the most deserted. He knew the end of the war and the arrest of the Death Eaters had something to do with that. Everyone knew that the Dark Arts would still be practiced, even if it wasn't as widely practiced. Therefore, there would still be a demand for such shops.

But Knockturn Alley contained shops of other sorts. Since Harry was now an adult, Mrs. Malfoy had felt comfortable telling him about those shops.

Harry, however, was uncomfortable knowing about the shops' existence. He almost preferred that all the Dark Arts shops were still in business. He had experience dealing with that. Sex, however, was not something he was very familiar with. Dark Desires looked like it catered to both the Dark Arts and sex. He felt a shiver run up his spine just looking at the sign.

He couldn't believe Draco Malfoy would be here. While he knew wizards like him could be hypocritical, he couldn't believe they would debase themselves by going to such places. Yet, that's where Mrs. Malfoy said he'd probably go. Of course, Harry had heard the disapproval in her voice. He took a deep breath, like he was about to smell some foul, pungent odor, and walked to the front door.

When Harry walked in, he knew the sign was the best part of the establishment. It wasn't a shop, or rather, it wasn't just a shop. Loud music played throughout the entire building. He saw a mixture of people entwined in each other's arms. Some of the patrons were partly undressed. He even saw a wizard on his knees as he pleasured another wizard.

Harry turned as someone walked over to him. He grabbed his wand. He didn't want to have to do anything stupid, but if the newcomer recognized him, he would have to do a Memory Charm.

"Hello, there. Is this your first time at Dark Desires?"

Harry kept his face turned away and continued to move his body as the newcomer tried looking at his face. Instead of answering, he nodded.

"Aren't we shy? I don't blame you. Witches and wizards from all walks of life come here for all sorts of pleasure. If you're into witches, there are plenty of witches who would love to have a tryst with you. If you're into wizards, well, there are handsome eligible wizard who would love to meet your acquaintance. My name's Peter. What's yours?" Peter asked.

Harry didn't respond.

Peter nodded in understanding. "Very well. You don't have to tell me your name. All you have to do is abide by two rules: don't force anyone to do anything they don't want to do. Second, don't use any magic here."

Harry grunted like he understood.

Peter beamed. "I'll take that as a yes. So, please enjoy yourself. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to call." He winked and hurried off.

Harry hoped to find Draco and pull him somewhere for a private conversation. Unfortunately, he couldn't force Draco to talk to him, since that would violate one of the club's rules. He hoped that Draco would be in the cooperative mood.

As he continued walking around the club, he resisted offers by others to join them. He thought he saw one of the Patils there. It was too dark, so he wasn't sure. He even saw Terry Boot in the corner with another wizard. Time passed quickly as he searched, but he didn't see any sign of Draco. It was possible that Draco wasn't here tonight.

Harry was about to leave, when someone bumped into him. He turned around to apologize, when he saw the Draco Malfoy's blond hair. Harry raised his eyebrows when he saw Draco was with another wizard.

He knew this risked Draco's betrothal. While Mrs. Malfoy obviously knew her son patronized this place, she didn't know who he patronized it with. Harry didn't know how Wizarding families treated those who were in same-sex relationships.

Harry followed them to a corner. It looked like Draco was about to snog his companion when Harry tapped him on the shoulder. Draco turned, annoyed at the interruption. He didn't recognize Harry at first. "What do you want?"

"It's me, Malfoy," Harry hissed.

Draco paled, but didn't say anything else. He jerked his head, as if to say, "Get lost."

"I need to talk to you, Malfoy."

"Go away!"

"Who's your friend? Maybe he would like to join us," Draco's partner asked. Harry heard a seductive tone in the voice.

"No, he wouldn't," Draco whispered.

"Draco, I need to talk to you for a couple of minutes."

Draco's partner walked over to Harry, smiling. "I don't mind sharing. Wait a minute. Aren't you…?"

"No, he's not. Listen, let me get rid of this tosser," Draco said. He reached for Harry's arm and began to lead him out of the club. They left the club and walked down the deserted alley for a couple of moments. Harry thought Draco was making sure they were alone. When Draco appeared satisfied, he pushed Harry against the wall. Harry felt a wand pressed against his throat. "What are you doing here, Potter?"

"I need to talk to you."

"So talk. I'd better like what I hear. If I don't, you'll wish the Dark Lord had killed you," Draco snarled.

"I need…"

"Also, how did you find me?"

"Your mother told me."

Draco's eyes blazed with fury. "You're lying, Potter. She can't possibly know about my partners!"

"She probably doesn't, but she knows you patronize that place," Harry replied.

"Fine, so tell me why you're here."

"As I said, I need your help."

"Tell me."

"I'd rather not talk down here. Is there somewhere we can go?" Harry asked.

Draco muttered something. Harry guessed he was doing some quick thinking. "We can go to my flat. I'll Apparate us there. But if I find out you're wasting my time, I'll be very angry."

* * * * * *

Harry didn't know Draco had his own flat. He assumed Draco only lived at Malfoy Manor. Draco didn't bother giving him a tour, but Harry thought it was nice. It was certainly big enough for Draco to raise Teddy, if Draco agreed to do so. But after seeing the young Malfoy's lifestyle, he was beginning to have second thoughts about this plan.

"You have a nice place, Draco."

"Thank you for the commentary, Potter. I'm so glad it has your seal of approval. Now, would you sit down and tell me why you want to talk to me?"

"It's about my godson, Teddy."

Draco narrowed his eyes. "Yes, the son of the werewolf Lupin. What about him?"

Harry resisted lashing out at the insult. "There's a problem with his upbringing. His grandmother, your aunt, has refused to raise him."

"Raise him yourself."

"Believe me, I would love to, but there's a problem."

Draco rolled his eyes. "You probably need Granger or Weaselette to help you. I'm sure you and the Weaselette would use him as practice when you have your own little brood."

Harry glared at him. "That's not the problem. He needs a relative to raise him."

"What?"

"You heard me. Since he's a grandson of a Black, and has Black relatives still living, he has to be raised by one," Harry explained.

"I see, Potter. You want me to convince my mother to raise another child," Draco drawled.

"Not quite. I want you to raise him."

"Forget about it, Potter."

"Listen to me. Your mother told me that if I found out what your problem with Astoria was, she would convince you to raise Teddy."

Draco jumped to his feet. "My relationship with Astoria is none of your business."

"Yes, I'm sure she would be thrilled by your partnership with that bloke."

"You don't know anything, Potter."

"I think I can guess. You either like having flings with blokes on the side, or you really want a real relationship with a bloke," Harry said.

Draco glared at him. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

Draco sighed and sat back down. "I've never really liked witches."

"But what about you and Parkinson?"

Draco laughed. "Ha! That was wishful thinking on her part. Yes, she has acceptable views about purity of blood, but my parents wouldn't tolerate a marriage with her. Her family, while respectable, isn't on the level of my family or the Greengrasses. Besides, she's too clingy."

"Why don't you come out and tell your family that you don't want to marry Astoria? Or was a magical contract involved?"

"Very good, Potter. I'm glad to see you're gradually losing your ignorance. No, my betrothal to Astoria doesn't involve a marriage contract, but it might as well involve one. A family or person can't lightly break one, not without just cause."

Harry frowned. "I would think your feelings and your desires would count for something."

Draco sneered. "And here I thought you were losing your ignorance, Potter."

Harry ignored the insult. "I know you want to be a good pureblood wizard, Draco, but you are your own person."

"I have to do my duty as a Malfoy."

Harry sighed. "Then you're going to have to be more discreet or suppress your feelings. Either way, you can't hide what you're doing forever."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that it's time that you're honest with yourself and figure out what's more important: being you or being a Malfoy," Harry said.

"There's not a difference, Potter," Draco said.

"Yes, there is, and you know it."

Draco sighed and stood up. He began to pace, muttering to himself. Harry wondered what Draco was thinking. Had he finally gotten through to him? "Potter, I understand what you're saying, but I can't go against what's expected of me."

"Yes, you can. In fact, you've already done so at least twice. Once, when you refused to adequately identify me at your home."

"A lot of good that did Granger."

"I know, but also when you refused to kill Dumbledore. You had every opportunity to obey Voldemort's orders, but you didn't. In fact, you started to lower your wand when Snape arrived. My point is that if you could defy your family's expectations those two times, you can certainly defy them now."

"My parents and the Greengrasses will kill me," Draco said.

"Not if I can help it. I promise to help you."

"In exchange for raising Teddy?"

"Yes. Actually, I won't make it an absolute condition, but I would like that."

Draco sighed again. "Fine. But I have to warn you: it's going to get ugly."

Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know, but I'll be there."

"Okay, Potter, but there's something we need to do first."

"What's that?"

"Find some furniture for you here."

Harry shook his head. "Grimmauld Place has plenty of room. I think it's appropriate since it's the ancient home of the Blacks."

For the first time, Harry saw Draco smile.

* * * * * *

Several years later.

"Teddy Remus Lupin!"

The twelve-year old knew he was in trouble, judging by his father's voice. His father always used that tone of voice when Teddy was in trouble.

"Young man, don't make me have Kreacher find you!" his father called again.

Teddy sighed. "Alright, coming!"

He ran down the stairs, almost tripping on the last step. He would have fallen had he not been caught by two elvish hands.

"Master Teddy must be careful. What would Masters Harry and Draco say if Kreacher let Master Teddy hurt himself?" Kreacher croaked.

Teddy grinned. "Sorry, Kreacher."

He heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. His father stopped in front of him and looked down at Teddy and Kreacher. "Thank you, Kreacher." The house-elf bowed and Disapparated. "Young man, would you care to explain this letter I got from Professor Longbottom?"

Teddy froze. What did Professor Longbottom say now? Teddy knew he hadn't received detention, at least not in the past couple of weeks.

"A misunderstanding?" Teddy asked.

His father snorted. "Why didn't you tell me that you made the Quidditch team?"

Teddy stared at him, and his father grinned. "You were playing a joke on me!"

"Of course. Since you made the team, I think you should get a sneak peek at the ring I bought for your godfather," Draco said, pulling a small box from his pocket. He opened it, showing it to his son. "Do you think Harry will like it?"

Teddy smirked. "Does Uncle Ron think Snape had problems with shampoo?"

Draco snorted and Teddy hugged him. He had a family, all thanks to his father and godfather. Someday he would persuade them to tell him how they got together. Teddy knew it had to be an interesting story.

The End