Chapter Two: Something in Common
Andromeda suggested Harry try to get few hours' sleep before coming back to her house. Harry agreed, for now that he had something to look forward to, sleep was no longer elusive. He found Ron asleep in a chair in the Gryffindor common room; Hermione seemed to have found somewhere else to sleep.
Harry sat down near Ron, and allowed himself to really relax. He hadn't felt at ease in days – weeks, even – but now the satisfaction of Voldemort's defeat was washing over him like warm water, and Harry reveled in the relief of it all. Sleep came quickly, and in moments, Harry was dead to the world.
Ron shook him awake four hours later, and Harry looked around to see that several people had evidently been watching him sleep. It was jarring to see so many of them, after so many months of minimal human contact. Even though it still annoyed him when people ogled him, he couldn't fault them today. Today was different.
"Harry," said Ron. "Andromeda Tonks was looking for you. She said something about going to her house…"
"Yeah," muttered Harry. "I know... How are you doing?"
Ron shrugged.
"My mum's not handling – I mean, I keep thinking Fred and George are going to, I dunno, show up and make everyone feel better, but…" He trailed off and looked away, and Harry nodded in understanding.
"I know," he said quietly. "I miss Fred too."
Ron was blinking hard and avoiding Harry's gaze. He coughed twice, heaved a sigh, and straightened up. "Yeah," he said. "Well… You should go find Andromeda."
"Right."
They made their way downstairs. People everywhere stopped to congratulate Harry and thank him for saving them all. It was an odd experience, receiving everyone's undivided gratitude. Harry didn't quite know what to say to everyone, so he spoke as little as possible.
"They're in McGonagall's office," said Ron as they reached the first floor.
Andromeda didn't look much better than she had the previous night, but Harry could hardly blame her. She seemed a little blank, as if she wasn't quite sure what she was doing. Harry thought he could relate to that numb feeling you get after losing a loved one. Everything was so surreal, so insubstantial…
"Mrs. Tonks?" said Harry as he stepped into the office. She looked around; a ghost of a smile flittered about her saddened features as she saw who he was.
"Hello, Harry," she said, her voice emotionless. "Shall we go now?"
"Er…" Harry cast a sidelong glance at Ron, who shook his head, conveying to Harry that he was fine with staying behind. "Yeah," said Harry. "Let's go."
As they made to leave the castle through the double doors in the entrance hall, Harry caught sight of Ginny talking to one of her sixth-year friends. She saw him, and gave a weak smile, then turned back to her friends. Harry wished he could be with her now, but wasn't about to abandon Andromeda now.
So they made their way into Hogsmeade, where they could Apparate to Andromeda's house without being impeded by Hogwarts' protective spells. It was a quiet walk, and Harry noticed her giving a shuddering sigh every now and then.
They reached Hogsmeade, and Andromeda told Harry where to Apparate to. For good measure she placed a hand on his shoulder, so as to guide him should he go off course.
When they arrived in the front hall of the Tonks' house, the first thing Harry noticed was the sound of a baby crying. Andromeda straightened her cloak out, crossed to a door at the end of the hall, and waved Harry forward.
"He's in there," she said in a hushed voice. "Go on in."
Feeling a little unprepared, Harry took a step into the room, which was barely lit. Harry groped for a light switch, and found one near the doorframe. A soft light filled the room, illuminating the whole of what was, unmistakably, a baby nursery.
The crib in the corner was painted a vivid purple, and Harry could see a patched blue blanket inside it. He moved closer, and caught his first sight of Teddy Lupin.
He wasn't crying now; his face was perfectly calm and curious, and he studied Harry with large, intense blue eyes. Harry found himself smiling at the baby, and noticed immediately that Teddy's eyes had changed to the same emerald green as Harry's.
"Hello, Teddy," said Harry. "It's nice to meet you, finally. I'm your godfather, Harry." He leaned up against the crib, staring fondly down at the light-haired child. Teddy gurgled up at him for a few moments, but then seemed to grow bored. His chubby fist found a lump of black plush that was lying by his side, and began mouthing it. Harry looked closer, and realized that the toy was a stuffed dog.
It was Padfoot.
Harry's heart leapt and he immediately felt a surge of affection for little Teddy. Looking around, Harry realized that this toy wasn't the only tribute to the Marauders. On a dresser across the room sat two more plush dolls – one was a wolf, and one was a stag. Harry felt a grin appear on his face at the sight.
"You've got good taste in toys, Teddy," said Harry warmly.
By the sound of the happy little cry that emitted from under the blue blanket, Harry assumed that Teddy agreed with him.
This was an experience unlike any Harry had ever had. Here he was, facing the son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks – his godson – knowing that this poor little boy would never know how wonderful his parents were.
"You'll be the last, Teddy," said Harry quietly. "You'll be the last one orphaned by this stupid war…" It was a good outlet, talking to Teddy, who was not judging him, but simply gazing up at him, a vacant smile playing around his tiny lips. "We – we've got a lot in common, you know. We both had amazing parents, who gave their lives so that we could be happy…" Harry felt his throat tighten as he spoke. "But you'll be okay, Teddy; we both will.
"Because I'm going to take care of you."
A/N: Anyone who saw that chapter three bit, ignore it. It was an accident! Lol, I'm sorry for it. I rewrote it today, and it should be up tomorrow or Saturday. Argh I feel dumb
