A week later, Harry lay on his back, his head propped on a light jacket he'd brought with him. He was near the pond, in his (and Ginny's) favourite spot, and he was reading Sirius' journal. He had just got to the part where Sirius was off to Hogwarts for the first time, relieved to be away from the oppressive atmosphere of Grimmauld Place. He was eager to make new friends and play a few pranks. Harry chuckled. Sirius sounded like a Marauder already.

From the peripheal of his eye he saw movement, and turned to see Ginny holding Teddy, and heading straight for him. He put the book down, and rolled on to his side, his head resting on the palm of his hand. He had a glimpse of the future, imagining Ginny strolling to him with their child in her arms, resting on her hip. Whoa, where did that come from, he wondered?

"Hey," she greeted him. "Do you have any plans for the next few hours?"

"No, just enjoying the sunshine while I read this," he said, indicating the diary. "Why?"

"Would you be able to watch Teddy for me? Tonks and I made plans, but Andromeda has developed a migraine. And Teddy loves being with Harry, doesn't he?" crooned Ginny, speaking behind Teddy as she held him up, facing Harry.

Teddy's hair immediately changed to messy black. Harry chuckled and Teddy gurgled. "All right, all right, you don't need to twist my arm. You know I love the little guy." He conjured up a blanket, and Ginny lay Teddy down.

"Here's his bag. You'll need to keep a close eye on him. He likes to roll now," said Ginny proudly.

"Sure. What are you and Tonks doing?" asked Harry.

"Oh, you know. Girly stuff," said Ginny.

"Girly stuff, you say?. Well Teddy, us manly types will hang out here while the girls go off and do girly stuff," grinned Harry at Teddy. Teddy smiled back and gurgled happily.

Ginny laughed and leaned down to kiss him goodbye. "Bye sweetie. Be good for Harry."

"What about me? Don't I get a kiss goodbye?" asked Harry boldy.

Ginny leaned down to kiss his forehead, as she had done to Teddy. "Bye Harry. Be good to Teddy," she sing-songed. She got up and walked to the Apparition point.

He watched her walk away. She turned at the last moment, winking when she saw he was watching her. Then she Disapparated, leaving Harry behind with a suddenly smelly Teddy, who was clutching at his feet.

"Ugh, you didn't?" asked Harry, wrinkling his nose. He peeked in the baby's nappy. "Ugh, you did! Teddy Lupin, this is not what I call 'manly business'. We need to have a serious discussion about this." Harry removed his little romper and nappy, nearly gagging as he did so.

"Goobababumbum," crooned Teddy, liking the feeling of his little bum being clean and in the fresh air.

"Good. I'm glad you agree," chuckled Harry, cleaning him up. He quickly attached a nappy and applied a sunblock charm. "Now, settle back and listen to the wisdom of Uncle Sirius."

Hermione and Ron came across Harry reading to little Teddy. Hermione pulled Ron's arm to make him stop, as they listened themselves.

"So, I took Frank's toad and put it near Mary Jane's pillow. I had to wait in the common room, but not long after she went up to her dorm, she came down squealing. The toad had jumped on her neck as soon as she lay down. Poor girl was shaking. I took her in my arms and told her I'd make sure it never happened to her again. She was so greatful, she snogged my right there and then. And that's how I got my first girlfriend! Hmm, maybe Uncle Sirius isn't the best one to take advice about girls from."chuckled Harry.

"And what advice would you give him, Harry," laughed Ron, coming toward him with Hermione. He sat down next to Teddy. "Hello, little man."

Teddy looked at Ron, and changed his hair to red. "Hey, look at that," exclaimed Ron happily.

"I think he thinks you're Ginny," giggled Hermione. "Your hair is getting really long." She too sat down next to Ron. The baby studied her for so long, Hermione got flustered and looked away. "Why is he with you?"

"Gin and Tonks had plans, and Andromeda got a migraine," said Harry, lifting Teddy to sit on his lap. Teddy continued to stare at Hermione.

"What sort of plans?" asked Ron.

Harry shrugged. "Girls stuff, is all I know. Teddy and I are doing manly stuff, aren't we buddy?"

Ron scoffed. "Reading a diary? How manly of you. Who's is it?"

"It's Sirius', and it's a journal. Ginny found it in Grimmauld Place, in his bedroom," said Harry, placing Teddy on his tummy on the rug.

"You're really good with him, Harry," observed Hermione. She had no interest in holding the baby and neither did Ron.

"He's amazing. After all the shit at the trials last week, seeing Teddy later made everything seem worthwhile. Like I was making the future better for him, you know," said Harry.

"Language, Harry. You never know what babies hear, and mimic," scolded Hermione, goodnaturedly.

"Babadada," gurgled Teddy, rolling slightly towards Ron, who inched back, nervously.

"Look at him. He's brilliant," said Harry.

"Merlin, you've got it bad, mate," chuckled Ron. "I'm not ready for one of them for a few years yet."

"I think Bill and Fleur are trying," said Hermione, smiling tentatively at Teddy as he rolled her way.

"Really? Oh well, I guess I can practice on my nephew, when he gets here," said Ron, satisfied.

"Or niece. Fleur may have a girl," said Hermione.

Ron chuckled and shook his head. "Hermione, it's the male that determines the sex of the baby. It's practically a given. Us Weasley men will all have boys."

"Ahem. How do you explain Ginny, then?" asked Hermione haughtily. She never did like being told she was wrong, and in this case, although Ron was correct, it didn't mean the Weasley sons would only have sons of their own.

"Its obvious, innit? Quirk of nature. An anemone," said Ron.

"I think you mean, an anomaly," corrected Hermione. "I hardly think your sister is an anomaly, Ronald."

"What do you reckon, Harry?" asked Ron.

"If she's an anomaly, she's the prettiest one I've ever seen," said Harry unthinkingly, encouraging Teddy to roll over.

"What the...you think my sister's pretty?" asked Ron, shocked.

"Yes," said Harry and Hermione together. Ron and Harry looked at Hermione, who looked at Harry.

"Well, she is. Not in a Lavender Brown kind of way, with makeup and bows in her hair. Her beauty is an inner beauty, that shines through. Don't you agree, Harry?" she asked, grinning at his uncomfortable look.

"Uh, yeah. Inner beauty, and all that. What Hermione said," said Harry, not meeting Hermione's knowing smirk.

"Hmm. Guess I just don't see it. She'll always be my bratty little sister," said Ron.

"I thought the two of you used to be close,"said Harry, peering at him.

"Yeah, we were. After Fred and George went to Hogwarts, it was only the two of us at home. We did everything together. It was nice," said Ron, shrugging.

"So why didn't you want her sitting with us on the train, or hanging around us at school?" asked Hermione.

Ron shrugged. "You guys were my friends. I just thought it would be better if Ginny found friends in her own year."

"Instead she found a friend in Tom Riddle and an enchanted diary," said Harry.

Ron narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying that's my fault?"

"No. It was Lucius Malfoy's fault for giving her the damn thing in the first place," said Harry.

"Harry, language,"said Hermione, gesturing to Teddy, who was rolling from side to side.

"Look, I'm sorry it happened to Ginny, but she's home now, and all that other sh-, er crap is over. Can't we focus on that?" asked Ron, petulantly.

"You're right. Come on, Ronald, let's go and see what your Mum is cooking for tea," said Hermione, standing up.

"Hey, how's things with your parents?" asked Harry to Hermione.

Hermione shrugged. "We're getting there, slowly. I honestly don't think we'll ever have the same sort of relationship again. It's more like we're getting to know each other again, and we're being horribly polite to each other." She grimaced.

"I'm sorry," said Harry, picking up Teddy who was getting a bit fretful at having nobody's attention. He jiggled him a bit and Teddy reached out to grab some of Harry's hair.

"Here, let me," said Hermione, kneeling down. She carefully disentangled Teddy's fingers from Harry's spoke quietly in his ear. "So, you and Ginny? We'll talk more soon."

"Come on, 'Mione," grumbled Ron. "I can smell Mums cooking from here. I think it's a roast," he said happily.

"Coming, Ronald. We'll leave Harry and Teddy to their manly stuff," grinned Hermione, taking Ron's hand.

"Bye Auntie 'Mione. Bye Uncle Ron," said Harry, waving Teddy's arm. Hermione 's head shot around at the diminutive, which she hated, and she playfully stuck her tongue out at Harry. She and Ron headed back towards the Burrow., arm in arm.

"That's Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron. Uncle Ron will teach you all you need to know about chess, and everything you never wanted to know about the Chudley Cannons. You'll learn everything else from Aunt Hermione," chuckled Harry.

Harry read a bit more from Sirius' journal, but Teddy got a bit fidgety, so Harry picked him up and started telling him about the year that Remus taught at Hogwarts. Teddy soon fell asleep, but Harry didn't notice, so intent was he on sharing these precious stories with Teddy. This was how Tonks found the two of them.

"- so your dad was the one who taught me the Patronus charm," Harry was saying, "and maybe one day, I'll teach you. What do you say to that, Teddy? Hmm?"

"I think you've worn him out," chuckled Tonks.

Harry looked up. "Oh, hi. He's asleep?. Damn, just as I was getting to the good stuff," he quipped.

"I'm sure you'll be telling him those stories over and over again," said Tonks.

Harry looked at her. "You look nice. Do something different with your hair?" he asked.

Tonks immediately changed her hair colour to match his. Harry chuckled. "Okay, wrong question to ask a Metamorphagus. Point well made."

"Sorry, couldn't resist. Been doing it for years," winked Tonks. "I better get this little guy home. Hope he was no trouble?"

"Course not," scoffed Harry. "Just us blokes, hanging out. Ron and Hermione stopped by for a bit, but it's mostly just been the two of us. Speaking of, where's Gin?"

"Out on a hot date, lucky girl," said Tonks, picking Teddy up gently and missing the look of shock on Harry's face.

"A date? With who?" he asked.

"Nev. Although they are meeting up with the others later for dinner. Ginny asked him to take her somewhere first. He's a bit of all right, is young Neville," said Tonks. She adjusted the sleeping Teddy in her arms.

"Where did they go? Ginny and Neville?" asked Harry.

Tonks shrugged. "Dunno. They never said. Nev looked nervous, if that means anything. Hunky, but nervous," she said.

"Nah, he always looks like that. Who were they meeting after?" asked Harry.

"Er, I'm not sure. Seamus and Dean, I suppose, and a couple of others. Look, I really need to get this one home and down for his nap. Thanks a bunch for watching him," said Tonks.

"Anytime," said Harry. He got up, handed her Teddy's baby bag and kissed Teddy on the forehead. "Anytime," he repeated. His mind was only on Ginny and Neville. Together. On a date.

"Bye Harry. Thanks again," said Tonks. She walked to the Apparition point and Apparated home.

"Nymphadora, is that you?"

Tonks rolled her eyes, hearing her mother call out to her. She lay Teddy in his cot, and pulled the covers over him. She stood watching over him for a few seconds, her heart filled with love. She was so grateful she still had a part of Remus in her life.

She left Teddy's room ajar and went into the kitchenette, not surprised to see her mother waiting for her. "I called out to you."

"I was putting Teddy down for a sleep. I didn't want to wake him," she said defensively.

"Oh., of course. Look, I wanted us to talk. Is Ginny here?" asked Andromeda.

"No, she's out for the evening. I really don't feel like re-hashing the same old arguments again, Mum," sighed Tonks. "How's your headache?"

"Well I'm sorry for continually wondering if my only daughter and grandson were committed to staying in England or not. Have you spoken to Kingsley about a job yet? Have you contacted the housing people in the States, terminating your lease? Have you begun to look for an apartment here? Have you-"Andromeda ignored Tonks' query and was off on a familiar rant.

"Mum, please, enough," cried Tonks, convering her ears with her hands.

Andromeda crossed her arms over her chest and stared pointedly at Tonks.

Tonks sighed. "Look, I have an interview with Kings on Monday, first thing. Once I've talked to him, then I'll be able to figure out the rest, okay? That's all I can offer you right now."

"Fine. Would you like me to watch Teddy on Monday while you have your interview?" she offered.

"Nah, Gin said she would. Thanks though," said Tonks, smiling at her mother.

"That girl has her own life to live, not be babyitting Teddy all the time," said Andromeda.

"She doesn't babysit him all the , you've got a life of your own too, Mum. If I stay in England, I wouldn't expect you to watch Teddy all the time, either," said Tonks, firmly.

"I'm his grandmother. Of course I'd watch him, anytime you need," said Andromeda."You'll probably want to meet up with your old friends from time to time. You'll even start dating again."

"Merlin Mother, will you stop? The only man I need in my life is my son. He's all I'm thinking about. Every decision I make, is what's best for Teddy," cried Tonks.

"I'm only trying to help you, Nymphadora. You have no idea how hard it is, raising a child, especially as a single parent. Be smart. Stay in England, stay with me. Permanently," implored Andromeda.

Tonks sighed. "Mum, I love you but you know we clash too much. I don't want Teddy in the middle of all that. I'm sorry, but if we decide to stay, we'll look for a place of our own. One you're always welcome to visit. You know it's for the best," she said.

"I wish your father were here. He could always talk you round," sighed Andromeda.

"I miss him too, Mum. My son is going to need good men in his life. He's lost his father and grandfather, the two best men I knew," said Tonks sadly.

"I lost my husband and son-in-law. Please, don't let me lose my daughter and grandson as well," whispered Andromeda.

"Mum, don't," said Tonks, sighing heavily.

"My offer is there, Nymphadora. Please, just think about it." With that, Andromeda left.

Tonks sank onto the lounge, exhausted. Fighting with her mother always left her like this. She felt like a sixteen year old, being reprimanded by mummy. Not a grown woman with a child of her own.

What she wouldn't give for a crystal ball to see the future. England or America? Family by blood, or the family she and Ginny had made with other friends in America?

Tonks lay on the small lounge and pulled the blanket down and over herself. Cooking tea seemed too much effort, so she decided to take a nap while Teddy took his. She'd make something to eat when he woke.

"Thanks again, Nev. I had a good time. The restaurant was great and your friends are a lot of fun," said Ginny, walking from the Apparition point at Andromeda's to the granny flat she and Tonks were sharing.

"They liked you too. Besides, they would have been your friends too, had you stayed at Hogwarts. Seamus made a point of asking out every Gryffindor girl in our year and the two below us,"grinnned Neville.

Ginny giggled. "That Irish blarney does have some charm. Did he have a steady girlfriend?"

Neville shook his head. "Nah, not really. Dean seemed pretty taken by you, too. Any interest?"

"Not really. I mean, he seemed really nice. I just don't know what my future plans are, so I don't want to start something."

"Sure, I get it," said Neville. He shifted uncomfortably as they came to the front door. "Thanks for meeting my mum."

"Of course. You've told me so much about her in your letters. I was a bit taken aback when she called me Lily, but she was so sweet. Thanks for taking me." She kissed him on the cheek.

Neville blushed. "Thanks, er I mean, you're welcome. I, er guess I should go. I'll, uh, see you again soon?"

Ginny smiled. "Yeah. Night Neville."

"Night, Ginny," said Neville. He waited till she was inside, then headed back the Apparition point, whistling happily.

Harry watched him go from under his Invisibility cloak. He rubbed his chest, trying to quell the ache. It didn't work.