word count: 632


Tonks thinks there's no greater agony in this world than for a mother to have to listen to her child scream and cry. With each wail, she feels her heart break a little more. Nothing seems to help, not even scooping Teddy from his cot and bouncing him gently. Making funny faces only makes him scream worse, and Tonks learned early on that her terrible singing voice is one of Teddy's least favorite things.

"Come on, love," she soothes, smiling even as he turns red in the face. "Smile for Mummy."

No luck, only more crying. Right then and there, Tonks wants to cry too. She wonders if it would make her feel better.

"You know, I think babies have it all figured out," she tells him with a soft chuckle. "Look at you. Stressed and upset, but Mummy's got you. Honestly, growing up is the worst thing you can do."

She frowns at that. Sometimes she still thinks about the world around them, the war that's been going on since before her time. Now, that war has turned into hell, and no one is left unmarked. Is this the world her son will grow up in? Will he even have a mum and dad by the time he's old enough to start Hogwarts, assuming Hogwarts will even still exist?

With a deep exhale, she shakes her head. She doesn't want to think about such things. Once upon a time, what seems like a lifetime ago, she would tease Mad-Eye for worrying so much. Maybe she takes more after her mentor than she ever realized.

"I know what we both need," she says, nodding like he will understand her.

Tonks continues to rock and bounce her son as she makes her way outside. A soft breeze blows, the cool air tickling her cheek. She takes a deep breath. Sometimes her home feels more like a prison, but she so rarely gets to get away anymore. Teddy is her first priority, and it has kept her from being able to help the Order in a more hands-on way. Not that the Order really exists as it had before. They're scattered and barely hanging on.

Teddy's cries continue, but softer now. Tonks beams, proud of herself. When she was younger, going for a walk was all she needed to calm down again. Teddy seems to be the same way.

"You're going to be a brilliant boy," she says. "And a great man. I can see it now. I'm sure you won't be such a troublemaker like your mum, so you'll probably be prefect like your dad. Maybe even Head Boy." She sighs, smiling to herself at the idea of her son growing up and being amazing. "Doesn't matter, as long as you're a Hufflepuff. I refuse to live in a house full of Gryffindors, got it?"

If Teddy does get it, he doesn't say anything, just coos and makes little gurgling baby sounds.

"Good. Glad we're in agreement. Don't tell your dad I said anything."

The world is falling apart around them. Some days, it feels like there's nothing but bad news.

And yet, there's Teddy, so young and innocent, resting in her arms. There's a tiny little life among all the chaos, and Tonks thinks that things can't be all bad. If this tiny, impossible thing can exist, then so can hope.

Tonks watches as a butterfly zooms by in a stunning array of black and turquoise. Her eyes flicker to Teddy once again. Teddy and his eyes which are amber today. Teddy and his turquoise hair that would make the butterfly jealous. Teddy and his bright future in a world no longer at war.

Maybe it doesn't always feel like there's hope, but Teddy makes it easier to believe in something beautiful.