Author's Note: So happy to see that MTHO is gaining a few readers! It's been awhile since I updated, so here's a short chapter. I'm still deciding how I want the story to unfold (linear or jumbled…that is the question), but I know where it's going and Vera's telling me how to get there. When we left off, Harry and Vera gave emotional eulogies for Remus and Tonks, and Charlie enters at the end to catch Vera (literally and figuratively). You'll see a tiny bit more of their relationship here. I'd love to hear your guesses about their past :D

HP is Rowling's property, not mine. She created the jungle gym: I'm just playing on it.

Chapter Two: The Watcher and The Watch

Slowly, I become aware that I'm sitting on a warm, squishy chair. I hear soft voices nearby, but I don't want to open my eyes. My muscles are screaming for me to stay in the chair, to fall into a deep sleep. I very badly want to obey; it would be heavenly to fall back into the fogginess in my head. Instead, I try to ignore the thudding in my skull and listen to what the voices are saying, keeping my heavy-lidded eyes closed.

A woman says, "Teddy needs to eat, Charlie, and judging by his fussing, he doesn't want to wait for Vera to feed him. Harry is trying to hold back all the people that want to coo over the baby." That must be Ginny; I can hear the concern in her voice when she says Harry's name. It's clear she wants to be by Harry's side.

My eyes fly open: Teddy needs me. I try to lift my head but it doesn't cooperate. Instead, it feels like it's about to split open and I feel dizzy and nauseated. Grudgingly, I rest back again. I see now that I am sitting alone in the dimly lit den of what was once Andromeda Tonks' home. Charlie must have brought me into the house away from the crowd of mourners in the garden. Now, this is where Teddy and I live…alone. Everywhere are reminders of the people who aren't here anymore, like the shabby leather watch still sitting on the mantle that I haven't had the heart to move yet. I suddenly wish the mantle wasn't on the other side of the den so I can wrap my fingers around the worn strap of the watch, as if that small piece of Remus could somehow hold at bay the flood of emotions that threaten to engulf me.

I tear my eyes away from the mantle as another voice floats through the ajar door leading to the hallway. I listen more intently, hearing Teddy's whines grow louder. I try again to lift my head, barely succeeding.

"Has she come to, yet? No one but her knows how much the kid eats. We can't let him starve." That's Ron, brotherly concern and bluntness all in one breath.

"For Merlin's sake, Ron! She passed out not ten minutes ago! Give her a little while to resurface." No one can scold Ron quite like Hermione. "Charlie," Hermione continues, "how does Vera look? Do you think she'll wake soon? Is there anything we can do?"

Finally, I hear his voice. "She's pale but her breathing is even and I think she'll come around very soon," Charlie says. "Here, Ginny, give me the baby. Shh, there, there, now, grumpy boy. We'll get you sorted. Why don't you three go help Mum, Dad, and Harry handle the guests in the kitchen? That's what you can do to help Vera. Go on. I can handle this." After mumbled agreements, I hear three pairs of feet shuffle away towards the kitchen.

I look expectantly at the door for a few seconds and am rewarded with a heart-warming sight: burly, strong Charlie awkwardly holding Teddy in his hands as though he were made of delicate china. Charlie's eyes shift between the baby and the room. "I know you're hungry, little man, but for Merlin's sake, keep your diaper on! Where did V put your formula?"

I can't help but smile at this exchange. This is the first time I've seen Charlie hold Teddy for more than a second. He's so much better at this than he thinks. "His bottle is in the fridge," I say quietly, trying not to disturb this beautiful moment. Thankfully, Charlie is not easily surprised. He looks up quickly and smiles. "Hey V," he says.

"How are you feeling?" he asks as he kneels beside me with Teddy perched delicately in his hands. He narrows his eyes and adds, "No sugar-coating. Tell me the truth."

I smile despite myself at his rarely-heard serious tone. "Truthfully? I'm exhausted and my head feels like it may implode, but I don't have time for any of it." I reach out to take Teddy, my fingers brushing Charlie's. He keeps his hand on mine as I shift the baby more comfortably in my lap. I try valiantly to ignore the electric shock his touch sends up my arm. "I overheard what you all were saying. If you get Teddy's bottle for me, I'll feed him. Everyone else has enough on their plates."

Charlie takes my hand more firmly and sighs heavily. "V," he says softly, "you're not the only one that can help with Teddy. You're not alone in this." He looks into my eyes, a shadow crossing over his face. The deep-seated ache in my chest twinges painfully as I inspect his face closely. Lines around his beautiful blue eyes and the purple bags beneath them speak to how little he has slept in the last two weeks. I study the rest of his face, making the most of this rare opportunity to be (almost) alone with him. So many freckles cover his nose, cheeks, and forehead that he looks almost tan. If I had the time, I would count every adorable freckle; I've tried before, but there are many of them and it's difficult not to be caught staring so intensely at him. I am very tempted to sweep the shaggy, bright red hair off his face to better gaze at him. I notice he is studying me just as intently, and his fingers tighten around mine. My heart starts to race but doubt immediately spreads through me like poison. He's just making sure you're alright. Don't be arrogant. You're the last thing on his mind.

"We don't have to talk right now," I interrupt, looking down at my black skirt.

"Just hear me out," he says. His rough fingers gently take hold of my chin and lift it so I am looking at his face. "I know we haven't sorted everything out, but you need to be honest with me when you need help. Please let me in, V."

"Charlie," I begin, but now I am the one interrupted by Teddy's cries. I lift him to rest on my shoulder, placing my face against his and rubbing his back gently. Charlie rests his hand fleetingly on my knee but seems to think better of it and withdraws it again. "Can you get his bottle for me? Please?" I plead. He doesn't respond right away, watching me soothe Teddy. "Charlie?" I say again. He shakes his head briefly. "The bottle," I repeat, "That's what I need right now," I say more tensely than I intend.

Charlie releases a deep breath that rounds his shoulders slightly. He gets heavily to his feet and adjusts his sweater and dress pants. Without a word, he turns towards the hallway door, walking away without a backwards glance.

My head sags back into the chair as I silently berate myself for shutting him out, again. Teddy squirms and cries out miserably. "Shh, Teddy, just a moment. Shh." A moment later, it's Hermione, not Charlie, who carries the warmed bottle into the den.

"Here you go, Vera," Hermione says kindly as she hands me the bottle. "Is there anything more I can do for you? We're keeping everyone corralled in the kitchen for now to give you some privacy."

"Thank you, Hermione. That's really all I can ask of you." She nods slowly, and quietly leaves the room.

I've just lied outright to her. I want more than anything to call her back and beg her to get Charlie back in here so I can apologize, explain, plead with him to sit with me and keep holding my hand. But the words die in my throat as she steps into the hallway. I shift Teddy so he lies again in the crook of my arm and place the bottle in his mouth. He immediately relaxes into me and closes the deep brown eyes that are so like his father's. As I look down at Teddy, I again feel hot tears stream down my face, but I choke back the sobs that try to escape my throat. I need this moment to be quiet, somewhat peaceful so the baby can fall asleep. If I can get him upstairs, away from prying eyes, I'll feel like I've done something right for him today.

I can't help but stare at Remus's watch, wishing it could do more than tell the time.