Chapter 1: Picking Up the Pieces

The Battle of Hogwarts was over. Harry Potter had just returned from the Burrow late that morning, May 3rd, to begin the first day of rebuilding the wizarding world. He had a baby in his arms now: his godson, Teddy Remus Lupin. As he wandered the Great Hall, his friend Hermione Granger by his side, Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt came rushing up to him.

"Potter. A word with you and quickly." Harry passed Teddy towards Hermione. "Can you watch him?", not even waiting for her answer or noticing the awkward way she tried to balance Teddy as he raced off with Kingsley. Hermione began to rock the baby gently, and was amazed at how quickly Teddy took to her. The sudden transition had made him cry, but the wails quickly abated. She smiled sweetly at him. With his Metamorphasis hair, he really was quite cute.

Harry soon came back with Kingsley, this time also with Ginny, his expression seemed grave. Kingsley approached the girl and the infant.

"Hermione, I've just informed Harry that Andromeda Tonks was found dead in her home this morning of unknown causes. We are investigating."

Hermione gasped. If Teddy's grandmother was gone, and so were Remus and Tonks, then that meant…

"So, Harry's going to have to take care of him, right?" Ginny asked. "But who's going to be his mama?" The look on her face clearly indicated that, as Harry's girlfriend, the duty would probably fall to her, and that she didn't like the idea.

And in that moment, Hermione made a split second decision.

"Well, I'm going to be his mother now," she announced. Unfortunately, she said this just as Ron sauntered over from across the hall to see what the matter was. Ginny unnecessarily relayed Hermione's proclamation to him before racing off.

"Hermione, you won't ever completely replace Tonks," Ron explained as gently as he could.

"I know that," Hermione replied softly, "but, he needs me." And she gazed at Teddy lovingly.

"But, 'Mione, look at him. He's not ours. He's Harry's godson. No, you have to take Teddy back to the Burrow and let Harry deal with this. You have to take him back."

Hermione looked stunned. "Take him back? But, he'll die!" She didn't care that she was implying Harry would be incompetent with a baby, even when Harry was standing right there. Harry, for his part, now looked hurt.

"If Harry wants him…"

"I want him." Hermione cut across him.

"Hermione, I can't and won't let you put our friendship with Harry, or the rest of your education and career in danger!"

"Oh, so that's what this is all about, Ronald? Does he look dangerous to you?" Hermione almost shouted in anger as she held up the gurgling baby.

Ron let out a yell of frustration and looked like he wanted to hex his girlfriend, but refrained. His features finally softened.

"Was he alone at Tonks' parents?"

"When I found him, yes," Harry piped up quietly, still stung by Hermione's perceived insult.

"Ron, Voldemort killed his family," Hermione reminded him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she gasped. "There are no others."

Ron let out a long sigh before murmuring, "Then you may keep him. I'll help and Harry will too. Is that alright, mate?" He turned to the Chosen One, who nodded. Hermione's features brightened. "Ronald, I know he'll be a good son."

"I said he could stay with us." Ron shook his head. "That doesn't make him my son." It was clear that he was doing this for Hermione's sake; otherwise, he felt pretty much forced into the situation. He and Harry walked away with Kingsley, continuing discussions as Hermione stared after them.