Chapter Four: 2 Months Later

Summary: Harry babysits his Godson Teddy and reflects on the similar circumstances the two share.

Set two months after Book Seven, Chapter Thirty-Six.

Characters/Pairings: Harry Potter centric story featuring Teddy Lupin and Andromeda Tonks. Remus/Tonks pairing.

Harry held Teddy gently in his arms, swaying back and forth as the baby continued to cry. He wasn't hungry or gassy, nor did he have a dirty nappy. Teddy spat out the pacifier he offered and squirmed away when he rubbed little circles on his back. Harry checked the list Andromeda had written for him just in case he missed something.

It had been two months since the Second Wizarding War ended. Two months since the death of Lupin and Tonks. He had heard from others that Tonks initially didn't answer the call to the Battle of Hogwarts, that she had been hidden away with her mother and infant son. However, he knew that she eventually joined the battle to fight alongside her husband. The memory of their bodies, laid out in the centre of the Great Hall, left an uncomfortable lump in his throat.

Andromeda, Tonks' mother, had been raising Teddy alone since her own husband, Ted Tonks, was caught by a gang of snatchers and murdered resisting capture. He didn't know how she coped with the grief by herself. Harry tried to babysit as often as his schedule allowed but it was difficult when rogue Death Eaters were still about.

Teddy was restless and nothing seemed to soothe him. Harry thought that he must be crying for his parents. Although he wasn't sure if Teddy could understand exactly what happened and why, he'd have to know that his caretakers were now missing from his small world. Harry decided to sing to him, hoping he responded well to his sub-par voice.

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word. Papa's gonna buy you a mocking bird. And if that mocking bird won't sing. Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns brass. Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass."

Teddy finally ceased crying as he listened to his Godfather's song. Harry gently placed him in his cot and tucked the blanket tightly around him. He continued to sing as he collapsed into the adjacent rocking chair.

"And if that looking glass gets broke. Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat. And if that billy goat won't pull. Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull."

Teddy had been orphaned so young. He wondered if he'll remember his parents when he got older. Harry himself was orphaned at a similar age and it was only due to the Dementors and then later Voldemort himself that he had the memory of their last moment. It also didn't help that he was forced to grow up with the Dursleys, who refused to speak about his parents except to tell him how horrible they were.

Harry frowned at the recollection. He wouldn't let that happen to Teddy. Both Andromeda and him would make sure he knew how much his parents loved him and the sacrifice they made so that he could have a future.

"And if that cart and bull turn over. Papa's gonna buy you a dog named Rover. And if that dog named Rover won't bark. Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart."

Teddy had closed his eyes and began to drift into a light sleep. His hair darkened into a navy blue like the blanket wrapped around him. He almost wanted to take a picture, if he wasn't afraid it'd wake him up.

It saddened Harry to think of all the moments like this that Remus and Tonks would miss. His first words, his first steps, his first birthday, and the list would go on. The war was cruel to take his parents so soon, ripped from his side before he could even understand the concept of death. His heart ached at the unfairness.

Harry and Andromeda would continue to love Teddy. To give him all the time and attention he needs to realize that although things have changed, someone will always be there to take care of him.

"And if that horse and cart fall down. You'll still be the sweetest baby in town."