It was the Monday before the wake and everyone seemed down and out. Ginny sat by the lake with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna. Harry had ended up explaining everything to Neville and Luna because he felt like he owed them more of a detailed explanation for their disappearance. They were truly Harry's closest friends, apart from Ron and Hermione. Neville and Luna got up and walked around the lake together. She wondered if they were getting closer romantically. They certainly looked like it.

Ginny was slowly beginning to feel the loss of Tonks, Remus and Colin. She seldom thought about Percy because that was normal for her. Even when he did live at the Burrow, he had always kept to himself. She felt guilty for not thinking about him more often. Ginny voiced these thoughts now as Hermione was teaching Ron how to skip rocks on the lake, "Ron, do you ever miss Percy?" Ron turned to face her and shrugged, "I'm glad he made up with mum and dad, but other than that not particularly. Do you?" Ginny smiled a bleak smile, "No, not really. And I feel bad about it, especially since he did come and fight."

Hermione replied while throwing a rock, "I think that's to be expected Ginny. You weren't particularly close with him anyway." They had backed off her about Malfoy for now and so Ginny didn't mind being in their presence so much. She sighed, "I just feel guilty for missing Colin more. I don't feel like Tonks and Remus are really gone."

Harry murmured from beside her, "Because they're not really gone. They've left Teddy." Harry hadn't mentioned their departure until now and neither had she. Ginny glanced up, "Oh Harry! That reminds me…um…" She hadn't yet told him that they were both made godparents of Teddy. Tonks hadn't foreseen that things might be possibly awkward between them once Harry was back. Making Harry and Ginny godparents would have been an obvious and easy choice…if they were together.

Ginny suddenly realized she hadn't told Harry about that information. She turned to him and said seriously, "I'm so sorry Harry, I forgot to tell you…um…" She twiddled with her fingers nervously, "Well, basically before the battle when we were in the Room of Requirement…Tonks and Lupin asked me something. Something quite special." She inhaled slowly and then turned to look him in the eye, "They asked me if you and I would like to be Teddy's godparents…"

There was a silence among the small group. Ron spluttered ludicrously, "But…but you guys don't know anything about how to deal with children! Let alone a baby!" Harry was watching her carefully, unsure of how to react. Hermione said with a sigh of impatience, "Honestly Ron, it has nothing to do with that. Tonks and Professor Lupin chose Harry and Ginny because they thought they'd be the best candidates." Ron still looked uncertain. Finally Harry whispered, "Wow!" Ginny nodded her head, "I know."
They stared at the lake unseeingly and he muttered, "I don't know if I can do it." Ginny raised her eyebrows, surprised by this, "Why? Have you never dealt with children before?" Harry shook his head, "Nope. And that's exactly why I don't think I can. Ron is right. Surely Lupin knew better and more skilled people than me to handle this job?" Ginny sighed and said, "Harry, if he didn't think you could do it he wouldn't have chosen you." Harry gritted his teeth and whispered, "But look at me! I never grew up with parents I had the worst sort of childhood…" Hermione interrupted him, "And so he knows you would never treat Teddy the way you were treated by the Dursley's." Ginny had never seen Hermione look quite so stern with Harry before. He sighed and relented, "Fine. But I don't know anything about babies or children." Hermione grinned, "So this will be your perfect opportunity to learn."

There was silence again and Ginny asked him curiously, "Why are you making excuses? I've never been around children much before either but I feel like it's exciting." Harry was quiet before he whispered nervously, "I don't want to disappoint anyone. It's a big responsibility. Who's looking after him now?" Ginny answered, "Andromeda- that's Tonks' mother."

Harry nodded and said suddenly, "I think we need to pay her a visit." Ginny nodded in agreement, "Yes, but do you know where she lives?" Harry stumbled and shook his head, "No, but I bet Professor McGonagall will." They headed to McGonagall's office to ask her.

XXX

Harry apparated himself and Ginny to Tonk's mothers' house. McGonagall had lifted the apparition restrictions for them so they could leave. They stood outside a small, quaint cottage, with vines growing over the walls which were painted a pale yellow colour. The cottage had a garden path and a fence surrounding the property, with a beautiful little garden. Ginny whispered, "It looks like a fairytale house."
Harry nodded and muttered, "What if she's not in?" They had had to hold hands when they apparated, and now that they had arrived, Ginny didn't want to let go. Harry didn't make any more to either. She whispered, "Well, we won't find out just standing here, will we?" Harry gripped her hand tighter, seemingly out of nervousness and he murmured, "No. Let's go."
Harry knocked on the door and they waited in silence. It was weird…having Harry's hand in hers again. They hadn't been so physically close again since the night of Voldemort's defeat. Ginny had kept her distance, but the feeling made her feel warm inside. The door opened and a friendly face poked out. Harry said nervously, "Are you Andromeda Tonks?"The lady smiled and asked with delight, "Harry Potter?" Harry nodded and she beamed, "Yes I am! I was wondering when you might be showing up. And this must be Ginny?"
Ginny nodded and blushed before saying in embarrassment, "I'm sorry it took us so long. There were lots of things that needed to be sorted out." Andromeda opened the door and ushered them in, "Come in, come in please. Let me make you a cup of tea!" They walked into the house which looked exactly as you would expect. The living had floral couches, a plain white carpet and peach walls.

The living room led into the kitchen and Ginny with an open counter to sit at with bar stools. Andromeda gestured, "Please, take a seat." They did as they were told and they Ginny ventured, "Is Mr Tonks around?" Andromeda shook her head, "No. He passed away several years ago. What kind of tea would you both like?" Ginny felt so guilty for not knowing much else about Tonk's family and she murmured, "I'm so sorry." She looked rightfully ashamed of herself. Andromeda shook her head, "Not to worry, dearest. Tonks probably never spoke much about us. I wouldn't expect you to know."

She handed them their tea and Harry asked in a whisper, "Is Teddy around?" Andromeda smiled, "Yes, would you like to come and see him? He's busy sleeping." Harry nodded nervously and they headed down a passageway from which three bedrooms led off. They arrived at one on the end of hallway and Andromeda pushed it further open. It was luckily still fairly light outside and Harry swallowed sharply.

Ginny instinctively took his hand in hers and he smiled at her gratefully. Ginny had seen Teddy once when Lupin and Tonks had bought him over to meet the family. He was so cute and Andromeda told them that his thick mop of hair changed colours like Tonks' which made her particularly happy. It was currently purple which meant he was happy. At the time his hair had been yellow.

Harry leant forward to watch the sleeping boy and he sighed. Ginny wasn't sure what he was thinking but he kept his hand in hers, pulling her forward with him. She watched Teddy sleeping peacefully and for some reason it gave her a sense of satisfaction watching him sleeping away- oblivious to them being there. She could see Harry wanted to hold him, but he was trying desperately to restrain himself. Andromeda asked Harry sincerely, "Would you like to hold him?"
Harry tensed, but then nodded gratefully, "Please…" he whispered. Ginny had never heard his voice so hoarse. She smiled as Andromeda carefully lifted Teddy out of his cot so as not to wake him. She smiled at him kindly and then gently placed him in Harry's open and eager arms. Ginny watched Harry hold a baby for the first time and the smile that lit up his face was touching to see. He just stared at Teddy's little face and after a moment he whispered, "He's so beautiful."

Andromeda nodded in admiration, "Yes. He's a good mix of both of them." Harry glanced at her, "What colour are his eyes?" Here she grinned happily, "They're Tonks'. They might change when he gets older. We'll see." They all stared watching the sleeping baby for a minute and then Harry handed him back to Andromeda, "Thank you. Like I said I'm sorry we didn't come and visit him sooner." Andromeda nodded and placed Teddy back in his cot.

They then made their way back to the front of the house and she said, "It's quite alright Mr Potter. I understand you've had a lot on your plate these last few days." She smiled briefly but then her smile died. She whispered throatily, "What are they planning on doing with Tonks and Remus? I doubt they'll want a whole ceremony just for the two of them, what with so many causalities. Poor McGonagall has far too much to stress about. I don't want to add more to her plate…"
Ginny took Andromeda's hand in hers and squeezed it, "Mrs Tonks, I am going to make sure Tonks and Remus get the best funeral you could ask for. Even if we have a small, private one away from Hogwarts, it is going to happen." The old lady smiled at her gratefully and whispered, "Thank you, Ginerva, I truly appreciate that." Ginny forced a smile and was surprised when Mrs Tonks hugged her tightly. She hugged her back for a minute and Andromeda smiled sadly at her, "Please come and visit him anytime. The both of you." She looked at Harry too and he smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Mrs Tonks…" he said. He stared at Teddy with such adoration in his eyes that Ginny couldn't help but find attractive. Andromeda smiled at Ginny and gestured her head sideways, indicating that they should both leave Harry alone with Teddy.

They left the room and walked into the lounge. Andromeda asked her in hushed tones, "So is it true? Did he really kill Voldemort?"
Ginny shuddered. She didn't like to think about what Harry had done, and she thought that he didn't either. They hadn't discussed it since that day on the lake. She murmured, "Yes it's true. I think Harry doesn't like thinking about it. He's blocking it out." Andromeda nodded slowly, "That's understandable. He's been through a lot lately, I'm sure." Ginny grimaced, "We all have."
Andromeda nodded in concession, "That's true. And how are you coping my dear? Tonks told me that when Mr Potter came back it was likely that the two of you would be together…" She looked at Ginny hopefully and Ginny sighed, "I'm afraid it's my fault Mrs Tonks- that Harry didn't come and visit Teddy sooner. He only found out about half an hour ago. You see things have just been so hectic that I only thought about Teddy then. I'm so sorry. And with Harry and I things have been…strained to say the least."

Andromeda gave Ginny a sad smiled, "I'm sorry to hear that. Tonks seemed to think you two were meant to be." This caused Ginny to blush. She sighed and shrugged, "A lot has happened in the last year. I still love him but…" Andromeda finished for her, "You're still hurting? I get it." Ginny smiled at her gratefully, "It might happen again one day. Just not right now." Andromeda smiled properly, "It might come sooner than you think."
That's when someone cleared his throat. Ginny turned to see Harry standing there, looking like he was struggling to hold it together. He nodded and said, "Thank you Andromeda for your hospitality. I think we should be getting back." Ginny saw how tense he looked and she had to wonder why. Andromeda nodded stiffly, "Of course, Mr Potter. I hope to see you again soon." Harry nodded, "I'm sure you will."
He took Ginny's hand in his and all but dragged her out of the house. Ginny turned to Andromeda and managed to get out, "Thank you so much for everything." She smiled sadly again, "It's a pleasure dearest. Keep well." She waved, and Harry yanked her by her arm outside. Once at the edge of the property they apparated and landed back in the school grounds by the lake. Ron and Hermione seemed to have left.

Harry was breathing heavily as he asked, "Why would you do that?" he snapped angrily. Ginny took a step back, surprised by his sudden ferocity, "Do what?" She asked, completely shocked by his behavior. Harry growled out, "Why would you discuss how relationship with Andromeda Tonks of all people?" Ginny felt perplexed! She blinked in the sunlight that was shining through, "Because she asked how we were, Harry." Harry stared at her with disbelief written clearly on his face, "Really? So when some random stranger asks you how we are you're just gonna tell them?" He was positively mad. She held up her hands because he was in her face and he needed to back off.

Ginny inhaled sharply, "Listen Harry…Andromeda is not just a random stranger. To you maybe. But to me she's not. She's Tonks' mother for goodness sake! She was genuinely concerned." Harry slowly deflated and he said in a murmur while looking at the lake, "I know. I just don't think it's prudent of you to discuss it with people I can't trust."

Ginny sighed and groaned, "Harry, I trust her. You have to take me into account too." He stared almost unseeingly at the lake and then turned back to look at her, "You're right. I'm sorry." Ginny nodded and said swiftly, "Apology accepted." She forced a smile and then without thinking about it, felt this strong and urgent need to kiss him. To kiss the anger and the hurt and the pain away. And so she did.

Harry responded with such a forceful kiss that Ginny felt like she couldn't breathe. She grabbed at his hair and he tightened his hold on her waist. She smashed herself against him and she felt his tongue slide into her mouth, as if he couldn't help himself. It was very rare for Harry to kiss her like this. Clearly the tension of the last few days had built up and now was coming out in this way.

Harry pulled Ginny backwards towards the trees. She wasn't sure why, until she broke away for a second to get some air. There were still people milling around and he clearly didn't want to be watched. Ginny shivered with anticipation as Harry leant her against a tree trunk and then slowly started kissing down her neck. She hadn't realized he had had it in him- this passion for physical affection. Maybe it was the realization that maybe they might not work out that drove him to this. Maybe it was just the long separation that caused him to behave so. Ginny wasn't sure why but she liked it, no matter what his reasons for it.

A/N: Hi all! Thanks for such great reviews as usual and for all those following this morning! I'm sorry for not updating lately but I had a hectic week preparing for a job interview and I was away this weekend. I got the job though so that's pretty exciting! Hope you enjoy this chapter!