Written for This I Promise You Competition – Prompt: Harry Potter

Boot camps: Movie Quote – 17 Here's looking at you, kid.(Casablanca, 1942); Character trait – 1. Hopeful!Harry;

The Promise

Harry Potter had been called many names throughout his lifetime. And he had learnt to live with them through means of ignorance. But the fact that he was titled Godfather to young Teddy Lupin was something he couldn't ignore and it filled him with dread.

When Remus had first told him that he, Harry would be godfather to his newborn son, Harry had been apprehensive but ecstatic. He had always imagined that Remus and Tonks would be around to oversee his godfather capabilities. But the war had changed that. They were gone. Teddy was left under the care of his grandmother and Harry.

"You'll be fine mate!" Ron had told him, and Harry hoped that he was right.

"He's sleeping now, he will mostly wake up in sometime. Are you sure you don't want to wait until he's awake?" Andromeda asked as she led Harry to his godson.

"That's okay, I want to see him." Harry replied. It was the first time Harry was visiting Teddy. The only other time he had met Teddy was when Andromeda had brought him to the honouring of the martyrs. He had spoken to her for few minutes and played a bit with Teddy, who immediately had turned his hair to match Harry's. Despite the fear that he was going to be a horrible godfather, Harry's insides had warmed.

They entered a small room, which obviously belonged to a child – it had lilac walls, a crib at the center and an arm-chair at its side, with stars revolving around; Teddy's toys and clothes lay at various corners of the room.

"Nymphadora grew up here," Andromeda whispered. Harry felt guilt envelope him once more, he knew it wasn't his fault – well, not entirely anyway.

"It's perfect for him to grow up here," Harry added with a smile.

"Yes . . . it is." She smiled back.

"I'll leave you two here then, call me if you need anything."

"Thank you," Harry said softly and walked toward Teddy's crib. He sat on the edge of the arm chair beside the crib and leaned forward.

"Hello, we've met before, but I wanted to introduce myself anyway," Harry said in a whisper. He felt strange and odd, talking to the sleeping child.

"I'm Harry, your godfather. I hope I do a good job at being one. Mine was a brilliant. Even though I knew him for a short while. Your dad was one of his best mates. I – er, I'm really sorry about your parents. I never wanted them to die. But you'll know that they didn't die in vain. They were brave and loved you very much. And I love you too, I hope you like me at the least." Harry hadn't come with a prepared speech, but words had started flowing. He reached forward and stroked Teddy's hair. It was light brown, just like Remus' . . . it was almost as if Remus had heard him speak and was approving.

Harry snorted, he had never shown in feelings in this manner before. In fact he was sure he was pitiful at them. But watching Teddy Lupin's young sleeping form brought a smile to his face and revealed a softer side in him.

"I can never replace your parents and I will never try to, but I want to know that I'll always be there for you. I promise . . ."

Teddy began to wriggle and wake, soon, his cried filled the room. For a moment Harry panicked, and then picked him up into his arms and bounced him.

"It's okay, I'm here now," he said repeatedly until Teddy calmed down.

Harry turned to find Andromeda at the entrance, watching Harry and Teddy with a small smile.

"You've got him," she stated.

Harry smiled and held Teddy firmer as the boy leaned on Harry's shoulder. Andromeda's words gave Harry a new confidence, and Teddy's hair turned black once more. His doubts didn't vanish completely, but they definitely lessened.

A/N: It's been a long while since I wrote anything. I really hope you enjoyed this. Your thoughts would be amazing. : )