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Midnight\'s Call	By : newyorican Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > Slash - Male/Male Views: 14821 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling and Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Prologue – Aftermath

“The darkest night is often the bridge to the brightest tomorrow.”

/Embry/Harry

Harry had never felt more trapped in his life. Though ever since a young age he was locked in his cupboard or his room, it all seemed like nothing compared to being trapped within his memories. Every time he closed his eyes, Harry was plagued with everything he’d had to do to ensure that he would win the war. The quest for the Horcruxes, being on the run, seeing many loved ones fall victim to that terrible green light at the Battle of Hogwarts, everything. It all flashed so vividly, and he flinched at some of the more gruesome things he’d experienced.

His heart clenched as the image of several loved ones came up, their bright eyes so dull and lifeless as they laid on the floor next to other fallen victims of the war. Heartache turned to anger, as it often did; anger at Snape, for having been on the Light side the entire time; anger at Dumbledore, for keeping him in the dark for so damn long; anger at Remus, for getting himself killed when he’d just had a baby boy, Teddy, nearly two months prior; and anger at Voldemort for having continued this pointless war over something as foolish as blood purity.

Most of the anger Harry felt, however, was directed at himself. Things he could have done differently along with predicted outcomes flashed in his mind like a silent, black-and-white film. If only he’d had all of the information from the beginning, so many things wouldn’t have happened. Sirius never would have died that night in the Department of Mysteries, Cedric would probably still be alive, he could’ve discovered a way to stop Dumbledore from dying.

None of that mattered, though. When it all boiled down, one fact remained: the war was over, and he couldn’t do anything to change the past.

Knocking at his door brought Harry out of his thoughts. Not many people knew where he’d chosen to hide himself. With the Dursleys out of his life, he didn’t have to ever return to Number 4 Privet Drive, not that he’d wanted to. Instead, after he woke from a week long coma due to magical exhaustion, Harry had marched to Gringotts, claimed his inheritance, and fled to one of the remote cottages his parents had owned. He, of course, had to leave his address to somebody, and those that had it had agreed to give him time to mourn those he lost. A month had passed and, though the pain hadn’t lessened in intensity, it was becoming much easier to deal with. Still, he just wasn’t quite ready to face the world and the aftermath of the war’s outcome.

Harry glanced at the peephole before opening the door. He gave the older woman a small smile. “Hello, Andromeda,” he murmured softly.

Andromeda Tonks née Black returned the smile, but he noticed it didn’t reach her eyes. “Hello, Harry,” she replied just as quietly. “May I come in? It is urgent that I speak with you.”

He’d opened the door and stepped aside before she even finished talking. “Of course you can.”

Harry led her to his modest living room before disappearing into the kitchen to make tea. Nervousness crept into his stomach and he hesitantly brushed it away. His hands make quick work of locating his teapot and he absentmindedly reached above to grab the tea bags from the cabinet. He didn’t really want to ponder over what Andromeda had to say and work himself up into a state. Rather, he’d let her say her piece and then react when he crossed said bridge.

Placing biscuits he’d made yesterday on a tray, Harry loaded the finished tea and made his way into his living room. It was decorated much like Privet Drive had been, and it pained Harry in a rather amusing way to see that his mother and aunt had shared similar decorating tastes. He didn’t have the heart to change the awkwardly placed wallpaper and odd furniture. Funny, how his aunt, who had always tried so hard to be normal and different from her sister, was more alike Lily than maybe even she’d known…

“What is it that you need to speak with me about?” Harry asked, quick and to the point. He handed her a funky orange teacup.

She accepted it almost solemnly, gazing into her tea sadly before taking a sip. “I thought I could do it,” she whispered, her voice cracking ever so slightly. “I really thought I could, and Merlin knows I want to, but it’s so hard, Harry…”

Harry stared at her, alarmed. “What’re you talking about?” he asked softly.

Andromeda looked up, tears running down her face. “He has an odd mix of Remus and Nymphadora’s talents,” she told him. “I can’t—there isn’t a day that goes by where I look at him changing his hair color and think about how Nymphadora used to do that, or how my daughter should be the one seeing such an occurrence. Teddy’s so like you, Harry.”

He involuntarily winced at that. She hadn’t meant anything by it, just comparing godfather and godson, but the reminder that Teddy was an orphan like him still stung. “What do you plan on doing?” he asked, feeling like a frog had made its home in his throat.

Andromeda wiped away her tears as gracefully as she could. “I need you to take him, Harry,” she said softly. “I can feel my magic, my soul, getting weaker each day. As much as I love my grandson, it is becoming a chore to continue on. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

They were silent for a while as Andromeda finished her tea with shaking hands. Harry let his go cold, much like he was feeling on the inside. Teddy would have no one left after Andromeda’s magic drained from her being—nobody but Harry. It wasn’t much, in Harry’s opinion, but having his godfather take care of Teddy had to be better than his next closest kin—the Malfoys.

“Where is he?” Harry asked, nibbling on the edge of one of the biscuits.

Andromeda looked into his eyes, and Harry noticed how sunken hers were becoming. “He is with the Weasleys now,” she murmured softly.

Harry nodded. “I’ll go get him, then,” he said quietly.

He didn’t know what the hell he was doing, or how to take care of and raise a child, but if he could defeat Voldemort, surely he could take custody of his godson. His heart pounded furiously, but Harry kept his shoulders squared and chin up. He imagined Sirius, if he’d been able to, would have done the same thing in his shoes, and that thought alone gave him a little more confidence.

He accepted the custody papers Andromeda passed him and read over. His heart ached at the sight of Andromeda’s signature, waiving her rights as Teddy’s guardian and handing them over to Harry. Knowing that this would be the best course of action and actually following through with it still hurt even though Teddy would benefit from the change in guardianship.

“Thank you,” Andromeda said simply.

Harry nodded his head. “Will you like to say goodbye?”

Andromeda bit her lip before she shook her head. “I’ve already said my goodbyes. I’d just like to join my family now.”

Harry nodded again, understanding though he still couldn’t stop the pain in his heart. He sat there, frozen, as she stood, kissed his forehead one last time, and left the cottage. He didn’t know how long he let the numbness consume him, but eventually he remembered that he was now the guardian to an infant and stumbled out the door, his hair covering his stupid scar and facing the ground. He walked quickly into the small Muggle town, thankful for the night shadowing his appearance.

Wand poised in the air, Harry summoned the Knight Bus, asked to be taken to the Burrow, and didn’t bother making small conversation with the shrunken head or a recently freed Stan Shunpike (who had taken it upon himself to gush about Harry Potter saving him from Azkaban, ignorant that his hero was sitting in front of him). He took the relatively short ride to St. Ottery Catchpole in a contemplative silence. If he were to raise Teddy correctly, he needed to think things thoroughly.

His first thought was living arrangements. As much as he adored his parents’ cozy yet tackily decorated cottage, it wouldn’t do to raise a child. Probably when Teddy was still small, but what about when the boy grew up? The tiny, one-bedroom abode wouldn’t quite do. Besides, Harry was a celebrity. His name was widely known and, now that he was the Savior and not just the Chosen One, such titles made him widely sought-after. How many people would stalk him when they found out he was raising his godson? How many enemies would try to use Teddy to get to him? How could he protect the tiny life Remus, Tonks, and Andromeda had entrusted to him?

Harry already knew the answer; he had to leave Britain.

If he were honest with himself, Harry had already been thinking about leaving the damned country for quite some time. Originally, he’d wanted to travel the world. His plans had been simple. Travel to new countries, absorb the culture and possibly the language, live the rest of his days in peace. He wouldn’t be able to travel until Teddy was older, but that was okay. Teddy was more important.

“The Burrow, St. Ottery Catchpole,” Stan announced dully.

Harry nodded his thanks and left, taking the short walk to the Weasley residence. Before the war, he’d loved visiting the Burrow and just enjoying his summers lazily playing Quidditch in the backyard. Now, though, with the loss of Fred, the Burrow had—and rightfully so—taken a rather somber attitude. They were mourning, and Harry didn’t fault them. Fred was amazing and dearly missed. He couldn’t imagine what it must be like for George. The two had been together since inside the womb, had done everything together.

How does one really go on living when half of yourself is dead?

“Harry?”

Harry paused and turned. Ginny smiled and waved him over, patting the spot next to her on the bench. Mr. Weasley had liked the way Muggles decorated their houses and decided to refurbish everything himself. He’d installed a bird bath in the front of the Burrow, a pond in the back just by the garden, and benches along the sides of the house. Several tacky lawn ornaments also found its way in the front of the Burrow, and Harry always smiled amusedly at the pink flamingos and short dwarves. It was especially amusing when the garden gnomes declared war over the inanimate objects and tried to use guerilla tactics to take out their fake enemies.

“What are you doing out here?” Harry asked Ginny, graciously sitting down.

Ginny smiled and looked at the sky. “Thinking,” she said softly.

Harry followed her gaze, awed at the stars twinkling above them. “I have custody of Teddy now,” he murmured.

Ginny’s warm eyes glanced at him. “At least he has you,” she said simply.

He appreciated her lack of comments. “I can’t raise him in Britain.”

Ginny laughed softly. It held a swirl of emotions; sadness, acceptance, appreciation, and love. “I figured it out when Andromeda dropped him off earlier,” she said, still staring at the stars. “I knew it was coming; she practically lost everybody in the war. Her husband, her daughter, her son-in-law, her sisters. I could see what her magic was doing to her; it was only a matter of time before she went to you. I knew you’d take Teddy.”

Harry nodded his head, though she couldn’t see it. He hesitantly took a hold of her hand and curled his larger one around it. She squeezed it gently, accepting the gesture. “You always were a smart girl,” he said quietly.

Ginny nodded her head. She finally ripped her gaze from the ethereal sky and looked at him. Tears welled in her eyes and trailed down her cheeks. “You’ve changed,” she whispered. He jerked, but she used her other hand to grab his chin and make him face her. “Not in a bad way, Harry. Rather, you’ve changed, and so have your needs. I can’t give you what you need anymore, and I can accept that Harry.”

Harry didn’t quite know what to say. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. He didn’t like it when she cried, and gently wiped away a stray tear.

Ginny smiled. “You need someone stronger,” she said softly. “Someone strong enough to handle this new war-hero-you and love Teddy. I understand. I wish you good luck, and I hope you can be happy.”

Relief flooded him, and he felt his heart grow a little warmer at her words. That was why it’d been so easy to fall for her. She was understanding and compassionate and he wasn’t the one to make her feel like the special woman she was. Harry leaned forward, pressing a small kiss on the corner of her mouth. “You’ll find someone,” he said with a small smile. “And I’ll always be here for you.”

Ginny laughed, wiping away the rest of her tears. “Come on,” she said brightly, no evidence of her tearful epiphany. “You need to get Teddy.”

They stood and walked inside the Burrow. Noise erupted around them. “Harry! It’s so good to see you, mate!” Ron said as he thumped his hand on Harry’s back hard.

Harry gave him a small smile. “Good to see you too,” he said quietly though no less enthusiastic. It really was good to see his friends. Even though the time alone was much needed and appreciated, he did somewhat miss human contact.

Mrs. Weasley smiled at him, her eyes crinkled and the aging lines on her face more prominent. “Harry, good to see you,” she said, patting his face as she kissed his cheek. Her expression became more serious. “Teddy’s here.”

Harry nodded his head somewhat sharply. “I know. Andromeda’s already told me, and I’ve already got the paperwork done.”

Mrs. Weasley sighed. “I knew you would,” she replied. “Honorable man, that you are.”

A few years ago, he would’ve ducked his head and flushed at her words. Now he nodded and looked around the room for his orphaned godson. “Where is Teddy?” he asked when he couldn’t see him.

Mrs. Weasley motioned towards the stairs. “In George’s room asleep,” she answered quietly. “Are you leaving?”

There was no point in denying it. “Yes,” he said, nodding his head.

Mrs. Weasley’s smile turned somewhat sad. “You know you’ll always have a place here with us.”

“I know,” Harry said warmly. “But I can’t raise Teddy in Britain where everyone and their mother will be watching my every move.”

Mrs. Weasley laughed. “Yes, I know that.” She walked over to the kitchen table and grabbed a slip of paper. “Hermione was here earlier when Andromeda delivered Teddy. She’s already researched a list of places you might be interested in.”

Harry accepted the paper thankfully, happy that he had such great friends and sad that he would be leaving behind said important people. “I’m sure I’ll need advice about Teddy,” he said conversationally. “Will you keep the Floo open?”

Mrs. Weasley lightly smacked his arm. “As if you need to ask,” she admonished. She became a little serious once more. “We’ve noticed some things about Teddy while he was here.”

Worry consumed him briefly. “Is he alright? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Mrs. Weasley waved away his frantic questions dismissively. “He’s fine,” she was quick to assure. “It isn’t necessarily bad, but we did discover some things that you need to be privy to.”

“What?” Harry asked curiously.

“Well, it seems like Teddy inherited some of his father’s…wolfish traits,” Mrs. Weasley said delicately after a moment’s hesitation. “Hermione and Poppy seem to think he’ll have the ability to shift into a wolf at will in a few years time.”

Harry blinked before he snorted in amusement. “If he can deal with his godfather being a magnet to all sorts of trouble, I can most definitely deal with my godson being a sort of natural animagus.”

Ron laughed quietly at his words, though the laughter was somewhat strained. “When are you leaving?”

“As soon as possible,” Harry replied.

Ron nodded, expecting the answer but still somewhat put down by it. It was like losing a brother all over again. “Hermione and I will expect a call on that Muggle contraption every week,” he said somewhat sharply.

Harry grinned. “I know,” he replied. The trapped feeling that had been suffocating him for the past two months eased. Harry found himself a step closer on the path to moving on after the war. Perhaps Teddy would be as good for him as he is for the tiny baby.

“I was wondering when you’d show up, mate.”

Harry nodded his head in greeting to George who had a sleeping Teddy in his arms. “How long has he been sleeping?”

“Since he was dropped off a few hours ago,” George responded, cradling the infant close to his chest. He caught sight of the papers in Harry’s hand and grinned. “Your fans will not be pleased,” he sing-songed.

Harry snorted. “That’s why I’m leaving. Stalkers, the lot of them.”

“Have you chosen a place yet?” George asked curiously.

Harry glanced at the photos and information bits on the paper. Hermione certainly had been very thorough. He flipped through them, reading before dismissing some of the places. They just didn’t feel right. Harry couldn’t quite explain it, but he knew when he saw the place, it was going to be home.

He paused at the picture of a beautiful, plush forest. There was a roomy-looking cottage hidden in the protection of nature. If Teddy really would have the ability to transform into a wolf at will, he would certainly need a place to run. He flipped through more pictures, his satisfactory smile widening. This place would be perfect. He caught sight of a beach and, for a moment, Harry could’ve swarm gold flickered into his vision followed by a sleek grey wolf with black spots. Blinking and shaking his head, Harry looked back at the Weasleys. The present red-heads looked at him expectantly.

“Forks,” he said softly. “We’ll be moving to Forks, Washington.”

George nodded solemnly. “Looks nice,” he commented as he glanced at the picture of the beach at La Push.

Harry opened his mouth to reply when a tiny groan captured his attention. He hesitated for a moment before he grabbed an awakening Teddy. The infant yawned widely, making Harry smile. The yawn was quickly followed by a piercing wail. Mrs. Weasley immediately bustled towards the kitchen to fetch a bottle for the child, and Harry was given a crash course on taking care of small children.

He spent the remainder of the evening learning about how to take care of Teddy and spending time with the people he’d grown to consider family. Mr. Weasley came home from work shortly after Hermione returned from visiting her parents who, though they remembered her, had decided to stay in Australia. They all knew he was leaving and, though it wasn’t quite goodbye, a considerable amount of time would pass before they would see him again.

When Harry finally left with promises of keeping in contact, he smiled at the content child in his arms. He would make sure Teddy had the life he’d never had the privilege of having.

Feeling lighter, Harry returned to his cottage to pack the remainder of his belongings. The next day, he began the process of privately purchasing the cottage and securing paperwork that made him a legal American citizen (Thanks Hermione, he thought).

He was out of the country within a week, more than ready to start a new life with his godson safe with him.

A/N: Well, I haven't found any other Embry/Harry stories out there so I decided to write my own! (If you find any, please show me! I'm dying to read this pairing.) This will be somewhat short, and I feel like warning you of some things before you continue. This story will take place around Feb. 2006 and will contain underage sex (age of consent in Washington is 16/18, and Embry will have turned 17), some romance, and will be AU for HP and mostly canon for New Moon. The next chapter will skip about eight years. As usual, any lemons I decide to write (not sure about this one) will be on adult content-friendly websites.

So, yeah, let me know what you think! =) Any feedback is awesome.
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Midnight\'s Call