Chapter Two: New Responsibilities

Harry and Ginny arrived in Andromeda Tonks living room only moments later. The house had a slightly deprived feeling about it and Harry was sure he knew why. Andromeda had lost her husband, daughter and new son in law in just a few months. However, as Harry and Ginny started to feel anxious about being there Andromeda hurried into the room and hugged Harry so tightly that he felt as though he was apparating. She turned and gave a small hug to Ginny as well who looked slightly startled when she broke away. She looked much older than when he had seen her a few days before his seventeenth birthday.

'I'm so glad you could come. I'm sorry that I gave you such short notice,' said Andromeda, 'I've been so busy trying to sort out details and of course taking care of Teddy'.

'Don't worry about it, I'm delighted to be here and I would be glad to help out with anything you might need' replied Harry.

Andromeda beckoned them towards an antique plush couch in the centre of the living room. Ginny sat herself on Harry's left side and Andromeda sat in a green leather wing chair on his right. Harry felt awkward visiting a woman he barely knew and had only met once before. He was becoming increasingly nervous about how to start a conversation when Ginny came to his rescue.

'Is little Teddy awake? We would love to see him, we've only seen pictures,' Ginny said smiling and looking around as though the baby would appear from nowhere if she looked hard enough.

Andromeda looked startled for a moment but then smiled warmly, 'Yes he's awake. I'll just get him from upstairs. I'll be right back'.

She swept from the sitting room and off up the stairs. Harry looked at Ginny and felt relieved that she was here with him. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. Ginny smiled at him and whispered, 'Don't worry. I'm sure you're going to do fine.'

A few moments later Andromeda returned holding the smallest person Harry had ever seen. He was wearing a shirt similar to one Harry had seen Tonks wearing that bore the title 'The Weird Sisters' however it was tiny enough to fit the infant.

'Here you are Harry,' said Andromeda moving in towards him on the couch.

'I – what?' he asked startled. He had not realized he would have to hold him so soon. Now he was starting to sweat under the collar of his shirt and was feeling flushed. Secretly he hoped Ginny didn't notice.

Andromeda placed the infant into Harry's arms gently. After several seconds of anxiety, Harry felt more comfortable than he would have expected holding this small child. He looked down into his face and saw Remus' eyes staring back at him. It was a little jarring for a moment but then Harry burst out laughing when Teddy's hair turned from light brown to turquoise in a flash. Ginny moved closer to tickle Teddy. Harry could have sworn he saw a look in her eye that was similar to the one Hermione took to Ron when he praised house elves. The baby giggled and once again his hair changed, this time to magenta.

After a few minutes, Harry felt a strange, complicated emotion towards the young person he held in his arms. He felt a deep connection with him which he had never felt before. They were so similar. Both of their parents had died before they ever knew them and both at the hands of Voldemort. However, Harry was going to make sure of it that this child never grew up with a family like the Dursleys. No, this was going to be different.

Harry reluctantly passed Teddy into Ginny's waiting arms and turned to Andromeda whose eyes were glistening.

'Mrs. Tonks, I want to be a part of Teddy's life. I want to help you raise him and I hope you know that I will do anything for him. However, I still haven't finished school which I would really hope to do if Hogwarts reopens' said Harry.

Andromeda smiled, 'Of course, I want you to finish school Harry. I want you to do whatever you want. I want him to live with me though even after you are done school. I don't know what I would do without him, but you are welcome to come by and take him out at anytime. I want you to be involved in his life because I know that you will be an amazing influence to all young boys in our world'.

At this Harry blushed, 'Yes, well thanks'.

Reluctantly, Ginny handed Teddy over to Andromeda and she put him in a bassinette in the corner of the room. They ate some lunch (roast beef sandwiches) said goodbye to Teddy and headed back home through the spinning green flames.

Sorry this chapter was short. I've been at the cottage and haven't had much time at a computer. Your reviews have been great! Thanks so much for the support! Hope this lives up to your standards!