Hi All,

I finished HP 7 on Saturday. Like most of you, I was overwhelmed and a more than a little devestated. I admit to crying over more than one passage, Rowling is an amazing writer with an incredible talent.

I am assuming if you're reading this you read the book, so from here on, consider this a spoiler zone. Read at your own risk. I started writing this late Saturday night, but I waited a couple of days before posting because of not wanting to ruin anything.

Those of you who have read my other stories know I was a huge Lupin/Tonks fan and their deaths upset me more than anyone elses. From that, this story started. I don't know how long it will be, I'm just going to enjoy writing it.

Enjoy,

Failte

Harry woke slowly, taking in his surroundings. He was lying in the disturbing silence of Ron's room. Silence wasn't a common occurrence in the Weasley house and it always seemed odd to be in the midst of it.

It had been four days since the battle at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had returned to the Burrow for Fred's burial the day before. It had been a surreal, horrible experience. Mrs. Weasley cried, quietly and inconsolably. George had been quiet, pale, and stoic, surrounded by his family and friends offering as much support as they could, knowing it wouldn't be enough.

Fred was given a funeral befitting the hero he was. He wore the dragon skin jacket that he and George had purchased as their business took off, his face was serene, graced with a slight smile. His beater stick from his days on the Gryffindor quidditch team and a Skivving Snackbox were carefully tucked in the casket on either side of him. Pictures of his family were tucked beneath the hands that were crossed over his chest.

Harry had been at a loss. He didn't know what he could say, what he could do. Ginny had stood beside him through out the funeral, clutching his hand as tears ran silently down her cheeks.

Afterwards, everyone had returned to the Burrow where Hermione and Fleur set out food and drinks while visitors came and went all day with their condolences. Feeling helpless and useless, Harry moved through the house, trying to find ways to help and to deal with what he was feeling. Hermione, who dealt with her pain by keeping busy, would often hand him a tray of food to pass around or drinks to deliver.

As soon as he had returned home, George went upstairs and disappeared into his room, not having come out since then. Mrs. Weasley would leave food outside the door and while most of it went uneaten, the missing tea or rolls let them know he was in there and making an attempt to eat.

Harry rolled onto his side, looking at Ron's empty, unmade bed. After the battle at Hogwarts, he, Ron, and Hermione had slept for nearly twelve hours straight. They then partook in a huge feast. Classes had been cancelled for the rest of the week while Headmistress McGonagall oversaw the rebuilding of the castle. Harry was glad for the chance to take time to regroup. He was physically and emotional spent. And today wasn't going to get any better.

Remus and Tonks were being buried later this morning. It would also be the first time he met his godson in person.

Try as he might, Harry could not bring himself to get out of bed. It meant a quiet, awkward meal around the table in the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley would make enough food for Fred and then cry when she realized there was too much food. Ron and Percy had started taking extra helpings, hoping the lack of leftovers would comfort her a little.

Rolling onto his back, Harry stared at the ceiling and tried to talk himself into getting up. But a small, ridiculous part of his mind let he go on thinking that if he stayed in bed, he could put off the funeral. That it hadn't actually happen. That Remus and Tonks weren't actually dead. That Teddy wasn't an orphan. Like him.

There was a soft knock on the door, but Harry didn't respond. Ron would have just burst in, so it was either Hermione, Mrs. Weasley, or Ginny, and he wasn't sure he wanted the company just now.

There was a second knock, a little louder. When he didn't respond, the door creaked open slowly.

"I know you're awake," Hermione whispered, slipping into the room and shutting the door behind her. "How are you?"

"Fine."

She sat on the edge of his bed. "Mrs. Weasley's worried about you."

He sat up and slipped his glasses on. "She shouldn't, she has enough on her mind."

"It helps her to have things to worry about, keeps her mind off other things."

"Where's Ron?"

"I don't know," she murmured, her lip trembling. "He wanted to be alone. I'm worried about him. And no one has seen George since the…the funeral."

Harry nodded slowly, thinking about what Ginny had said to him the previous evening. The two of them were sitting out in the garden talking when she had said "I lost my brother and I don't know how I'll be able to learn to live in a world without Fred, but George…George lost part of himself. I don't think any of us can understand what he's going through. I just…I wish I could help him."

For his part, Harry was thinking the same thing. But all he knew to do was sit with her and hold her hand. He wasn't quite sure if her feelings for him had changed, but he was treading carefully so as to not push her into something she wasn't ready for.

"Harry?"

Hermione's voice cut through his thoughts and brought him back to reality. "What?"

"You went somewhere else."

"I guess I have a lot on my mind."

She nodded sympathetically and patted his hand. "Get up soon, we're expected at the service in an hour."

Harry wore his dress robes and stood with Ginny while the same wizard who had spoken at Dumbledore's funeral and presided over Bill and Fleur's wedding spoke about Remus and Tonks. Andromeda sat in front of them, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief while some woman sat beside her cradling Teddy in her arms.

His eyes kept shifting down to the tiny little boy. His godson. Teddy didn't make a noise, he laid in the woman's arms, kicking up his feet and sucking on his fist. It was silly to think that someone so young could understand what was going on, but he behaved so well, and looked constantly on the verge of tears. When they had arrived, the baby's hair had been dark red and was now black.

Ginny tugged gently on his hand and Harry looked up, surprised to see people moving, coming up to speak to Andromeda. He shook his head and released her hand. While everyone went to speak with Tonks' mother, Harry walked up to the caskets. Remus' was shiny, dark brown wood with brass fittings, dignified and handsome. He looked young and at peace. His hands were folded over his chest, holding a picture of Tonks and Teddy and a picture of the two of them on what had to have been their wedding day. Tonks' casket was right next to his, it was white and shiny, but when light hit it in just the right way, different colors reflected and shimmered. Her hair was pink and spiked and tucked beneath her folded hands were a picture of Remus and Teddy and the same photo from their wedding day.

He glanced over his shoulder and noticed he was alone, no one paying attention to him.

"I'm sorry you both had to die," he whispered. "I'm so sorry that after you finally found happiness it had to end so abruptly. I promise it wasn't in vain. I promise you're names and sacrifices will always be remembered, not just by me and Teddy, but by everyone. You fought like heroes and you will be remembered as heroes. I'll make sure Teddy knows you and I'll make sure he's safe. I'll take my responsibilities as godfather very seriously and I'll look out for him."

He hesitated and wiped his wet cheeks with the sleeve of his robe. "Th-thank you for your support and, more importantly, your friendship. I know that somewhere the Marauders are back together again."

When he turned around, he noticed a lot of the gathered had already started to leave. They were going back to the Tonks' house to be with Andromeda and Harry knew it was time he really met his godson.

Ginny had waited along with Ron and Hermione. He wasn't the only one crying and felt no shame as a few more tears slipped down his cheeks. Wordlessly, Ginny took his hand and they all watched as the caskets were closed and lowered into the ground.

"Pumpkin juice?"

Harry looked at the woman who asked him. She was the same woman who had held Teddy at the service, he had learned she was Ted Tonks' sister, but he didn't know her name. "Uh, no, thank you."

"Excuse me," Ginny asked quietly. "I was wondering if you could tell us where Teddy is."

The woman looked at Ginny curiously. "Well, dear, he went down for a nap when we returned to the house. Why?"

Ginny looked at Harry and nodded to him.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, I'm, uh, I'm Harry Potter. His godfather."

The woman's dark eyes softened. "Oh, of course, dear, I'm sorry. You may go look in on him if you'd like. Upstairs, second door on the right."

"Thanks."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Ginny asked when the woman moved on to serve drinks to the others gathered in the parlor of the Tonks home.

"Thanks, but…"

She smiled sadly. "It's okay. Go ahead."

Andromeda sat on a sofa, surrounded by friends and family. Harry gave her a weak smile as he passed. His heart broke for this woman he barely knew. While she had been mourning the death of her husband, she lost her daughter and son-in-law and now she was left to raise her grandson.

She returned his smile with a small, understanding one of her own. With a nod, she watched him head toward the stairs.

The quiet murmur of voices faded away by the time he reached the landing on the second floor. Pictures of Tonks and her parents hung on the wall, waving as he passed. The second door on the right sparkled a little with what he knew signified a silencing charm so the baby's sleep wouldn't be disturbed.

Opening the door, Harry looked around, feeling like he was intruding on a very intimate space. This had obviously been the room Remus and Tonks had shared when they lived here, he saw little signs that they had been there all over the room.

A Weird Sisters shirt was thrown over the back of the desk chair, several books he knew belonged to Remus sat on the desk, a woman's boot stuck out from beneath the bed, and bottles of Wolfsbane potion were lined up on the dresser. A movement caught his eye and he moved to the framed picture sitting on the bedside table. Remus was wearing dress robes and Tonks wore a pretty cream colored dress. They smiled up at him, Remus had his arm around Tonks' shoulder, kissing the top of her head. She looked beautiful, glowing and happy. With a jolt, Harry realized it was the first time he had ever seen Tonks' natural appearance. Her hair was a glossy, deep brown and pulled back with jeweled combs, her eyes were dark and sparkling with happy, unshed tears.

"Their wedding," he whispered, picking up the frame. It hurt to know he couldn't be there, but Harry understood their need for secrecy.

It's not fair, he thought. They were just starting out, they just had Teddy. It's not fair.

But then the same could have been said about his own parents and he found himself feeling more responsible for Teddy than ever before.

Setting the picture back down, he noticed several loose photos spread across the top of the table. It appeared to be dozens of pictures of Teddy from the day he was born until their last day together. Pictures of the baby alone, of him and Remus, him and Tonks, and the three of them together. Harry thought of the photo album Hagrid had given him years before and how much it had meant to him. He vowed to one day do the same for Teddy, that was something he would have to talk to Tonks' mother about.

A soft cooing noise caught his attention and Harry turned to the bassinette in the corner beside a rocking chair. It seemed the baby hadn't fallen asleep after all, he thought, crossing the room. His heart thudded with nerves as he looked down at the baby.

Teddy Lupin looked back at him with Remus' eyes set in Tonks' heart-shaped face. His hair was bright orange as he stuffed his left fist in his mouth and blinked owlishly at Harry.

Harry found himself dumbstruck and nervous. He had never been alone with a baby or even held one. He felt like he should say something, but what do you say to a baby?

He cleared his throat. "Uh, hi."

Teddy blinked and his hair faded to a dark blue.

"Um, I'm…I'm Harry, your, uh, your godfather."

The baby began to squirm and fuss as his hair turned neon green.

"Oh geez." Harry looked around, trying to figure out what to do and hoping the baby didn't need a clean diaper. At a loss, he slipped his hands under the baby's arms and lifted him up. Teddy stared at him and whimpered.

Harry shifted the baby and cradled him in what felt like a comfortable position. Teddy settled down and continued to watch him.

Looking around, Harry stepped back and lowered himself slowly into the rocking chair. He stared at the tiny baby and found himself cuddling the solid, warm body to his chest.

"I know this sucks, Teddy, I know better than anyone else. But you're lucky. You have your grandmother who loves you very much. If I can survive my years with the Dursleys, you have an even better chance with family who loves you. And I'll be around for you. No matter what you need, I'll be there for you. I'll show you how to ride a broomstick, I'll teach you about quidditch, I'll tell you about Hogwarts and your parents. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."

As he spoke, Teddy's hair turned as black as his own.

"Your parents loved you very much. You were the best thing to ever happen to them, especially your father. He was so happy, so proud of you. They were good people who fought like heroes and, unfortunately, died as heroes. People…people aren't always nice and some people will say bad things about your father. Don't listen to them. Yeah, he was a werewolf, but he wasn't a dark creature. He was a good man, one of the best I've ever known. Those who talk badly about him only do because they never knew him. He overcame so much, he did everything he was told he couldn't do and he loved you and your mum very much."

Harry looked up as the door creaked open.

Andromeda Tonks, pale and dry-eyed, slipped into the room. "Do you mind?"

He thought it was odd that she asked him permission to enter a room in her own house, but he shook his head. "No, come in."

She at on the edge of the bed and smiled sadly at her grandson. "He's wonderful, isn't he?"

Harry nodded, feeling uncomfortable and out of place.

"There was no question they wanted you to be his godfather. We were down in the parlor one evening, it was one of those rare times when Dora and Remus were here together, not having to run off to do work for the Order. We were listening to the wireless and Remus was reading the Daily Prophet when he just looked over at Dora, who was sitting in the side chair reading, and said 'Harry should be the baby's godfather.' She looked up and said, 'Of course he should.' And that was the end of the discussion." Andromeda never took her eyes of Teddy as she spoke.

She was blinking rapidly, obviously trying to contain her tears and rein in her emotions. Harry didn't speak, letting her gather herself.

"I didn't approve of him at first," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling. "Remus, I mean. I know my Dora and I watched her fall in love. It started two years ago, I know now that's when she met him at meetings with the Order. But he broke her heart. She had a rough time last year, she was so upset she lost her control over her metamorphmagus abilities. But she wouldn't talk to me about it. I knew something was wrong and I suspected a man. Then one day, not long after Dumbledore passed away, she came home and she brought Remus."

She stopped and cleared her throat.

"My first thought was that he was too old. He was thirteen years older than her, but he appeared even older and worn down. He was nice enough and he obviously cared about Dora, but I just didn't like the two of them together. Then she told us about his condition. I was furious. No daughter of mine was going to date, let alone marry, a werewolf. But there was no dissuading Dora, she could be very stubborn.

"Remus knew how I felt, I regret it now, he was uncomfortable around me at first. But they were in love. Oh, how Dora loved him. And the next thing I knew, they were getting married. I know Remus would have liked to have had you there, but it was small and had to be quiet. With all the anti-werewolf legislation, it needed to be kept quiet. Don't get me wrong, I knew Remus was a good man, he was so patient and he so obviously loved my girl, but I was worried. What kind of life would they have? Would he be able to find work? What would their children be like? But I can see now, and I admit I was wrong. He was a good man and I know he loved Dora and Teddy with all his heart.

"They had a rough spot back when Dora was pregnant. They had a fight and Remus left. She never told me what they had fought about, but I have a feeling Remus was worried about what his being a werewolf would mean for the baby. Dora was sure he would be back. I told her I would go out myself and drag him back but she told me to stop being silly, Remus would return to her. He always did.

"Then one evening, about a week or so after he left, Remus did come back. He knocked on the door and it had been Dora who answered. She just burst into tears and jumped into his arms. Without a word, they went up to their room and stayed up all night talking. I don't know what happened or what they talked about, but I could see the light under the door and I could hear their voices. The next day they slept in until after noon. Whatever happened, whatever was said, they moved beyond it. They were stronger and happier."

Andromeda stopped and dug into her robes for a handkerchief. "I was wrong," she sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. "All the reservations I had about him, I was wrong. He loved my Dora even more than anyone could imagine and she felt the same way about him. You could tell in the way they looked at each, the small touches they shared. He took such good care of her, this baby was so important to them. He tried to convince her to not fight, that Teddy needed her home with him. But Dora told him that they were fighting this war for Teddy and she would not allow him to fight without her.

"I wish you could have seen them the day Teddy was born. Dora went into labor and I wanted to take her to St. Mungo's, but I hadn't realized she and Remus had other plans. They were worried about problems with a werewolf walking into a ministry run building. They had a healer they knew and trusted alerted and she came to help deliver the baby, right here in this room. It was such a long night. Dora started labor around nine o'clock the night before and it went on through the night. Remus didn't leave her side for one minute. When the time came, he sat behind her and supported her back as she pushed through the labor, holding both of her hands. And when Teddy came screaming into the world, I saw Remus cry. He lowered his head and told Dora how proud he was and he held her while she held the baby. It was so beautiful. That was when I knew Remus was the one and only for Dora. They were made for each other."

She stopped to dab her moist eyes again. "Remus was so strong and so steady after I lost Ted. I honestly don't know what Dora and I would have done without him. I am so sorry they only had a short time together and an even shorter time with Teddy. But it is the quality, not the quantity of time. They may have had their rough times, but no two people were meant to be for each other more and no two people were happier. And now they're together in eternity and I know they'll watch over Teddy from wherever they are."

Harry looked down to see the baby had fallen asleep in his arms.

"I'm so glad he has you," Andromeda whispered. "I have a feeling the two of you are kindred souls and I know he'll be a better man for having you in his life."

He looked up at her, touched by her story and her words.

"I know we hardly know each other, Harry, I know this is a difficult time for everyone. But I want to get to know you. We have Teddy and you're a very important part of his life. My door is always open to you and I truly do hope you'll take advantage of my invitation."

"Thank you," he whispered.

She stood. "Take your time. I should go back downstairs before someone comes looking for me."

"Mrs. Tonks…"

"Please, call me Andromeda."

"Andromeda, if there is anything at all that I can ever do for you or Teddy, please ask. I-I'm proud to be his godfather and…" He trailed off, at a loss for words.

She leaned over, kissed his forehead and gently stroked the baby's arm. Without another word, she left the two of them alone, closing the door.

Harry looked down at his godson and sighed. "Let's see if she still wants me around when I get you your first broomstick and teach you how to set off dungbombs."

Teddy sighed in his sleep.

Slowly getting to his feet, Harry carefully settled the baby back into his bassinette. He hesitated a moment and watched the baby sleep.

No it wasn't fair, but it was life. And he was going to make sure Teddy had the best possible life.

Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were waiting for him when he walked back downstairs.

"Are you okay?" Ginny asked.

Harry nodded. "He's…he's an amazing little kid."

Hermione sniffed and dabbed tears away from her eyes with a lacy handkerchief. "It's such a shame Remus and Tonks won't get to see him grow up."

Ron wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him.

"But he has his grandmother and a supportive system, he has it better than I did," Harry said quietly.

"Not to mention a terrific godfather," Ginny whispered.

Harry smiled sadly. "I hope so. I know I can't replace his parents, but I can at least be a cool godfather."

"I know where they sell good children's broomsticks," Ron said.

"He will be the best seeker at Hogwarts since…well, since me."

Ginny cleared her throat.

"Or Ginny," Harry added.

Mr. Weasley came over to them. "Come on, let's go home," he said. "Andromeda needs time with her family and Molly's worried about George."

"I meant what I said," Andromeda told Harry when he went to bid her goodbye. "Any time."

"I'll take you up on that, I promise." He vowed.