Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

A/N: Thank you for all the positive reviews. I am glad you liked my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support and thank you to my BETA, FeartheOrdinary, who, despite her busy schedule, helped me with this chapter. Please R and R. :)

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Chapter 5: Unexpected

A week quickly turned into a month. Hermione had returned and I found myself thinking more and more of her despite my attempt to forget about these feelings. This month was the longest; because I pulled all possible measures just to avoid her and the Burrow. I wanted to be her best friend, someone who would support her with her relationship, but I just...couldn't, going there would only produce feelings of jealousy that would disappoint them.

But I also know that I couldn't possibly hide from her forever.

As the days went by, I wondered what would happen when Hermione realized that I was avoiding them. I couldn't possibly force myself to be somewhere near her, when I knew very well what my feelings were. And for the first time, keeping a secret from her scared me, what if she found out?

Ron owled me last month and told me they made up, that they were finally all right. I literally choked the pumpkin juice that I was drinking when I received that letter, but deep down, I always knew that it would come.

After that, I would always pick up an excuse, like I'd be visiting my Godson or that I needed to go somewhere to do something important. Ron would always ask when they could visit but I would try and produce more excuses just to escape. I was not exactly lying; I just made the arrangements after I read the letter. Many times, the elves helped me fabricate the lies.

I really missed them and every day, the urge to go see them became stronger. I found myself wanting to go back to the times that the Trio still existed. When Ron and Hermione decided to be together, I was left by myself. I couldn't think of being with them just because the three of us were best friends, when I knew that deep inside my heart, just knowing that they were together hurt me.

But what hurt me the most was that I couldn't be near her, not now when my feelings have changed into something else. They were still my best friends, that was something that was and never going to change, but for now, I had to let them be.

I finally realized that I was living on memories. Memories of being with them, memories that only the three of us shared. Memories of being with her, alone in that dreadful tent during the Horcrux hunt, as we lived in the comfort that we still had each other. Memories of the fourth year, when she was the only one who believed in me.

The hoot of an unknown owl put my thoughts into place as it tapped through my window. It was majestic and it carried an air of elegance that was only associated with pure-blooded families. I let it in and unrolled the parchment.

When I finally opened the letter, a slender, unfamiliar writing stood with such grace, like the owl that delivered it.

Dear Harry,

How are you? I thought about the vacation that you wanted me to take and I would to accept it, if that is okay. I would have you take care of Teddy for three weeks, so that you would still have time to prepare for your upcoming return to Hogwarts. Come on over when you have time, your little Godson and I will be waiting for your arrival.

PS: I also have something to give you something when you get here.

Sincerely Yours,

Andromeda Tonks

Yes! She finally agreed to let me have Teddy for a while. I tried and tried and tried to convince Andromeda about it for some time, so that I could bond with him. But she always declined my offer and often told me that she could handle it, that I needed to enjoy the remaining time I had before my Auror Training started. Sometimes, she would add that I had been through worse and I was the one in need of a vacation. What she didn't know was that I longed to finally do something, and taking care of Teddy would do the trick.

After I made myself presentable, I told Kreacher and Winky to clean the house and get my room ready for the arrival of Teddy. And before I took off, I also had them change into new clothes so that we could go shopping for stuffs and groceries in Diagon. And just like that, I was gone.

A very enthusiastic hug enveloped me when I arrived on her doorstep, before finally letting me inside the house.

"Teddy's in his room dear, I've just put him to sleep. How've you been?" Mrs. Tonks looked at me with weary eyes. She looked so tired and there was a tinge of sadness when she spoke.

"Loads better. I was ecstatic to get here." I smiled at her and she nodded at the sincerity of my words.

"Would you like a cup of tea? Molly sent me a letter, asking how you were doing. It seemed as if you still haven't been talking with them, Harry, they know you always stop by here."

I nodded and was struck at the truth of her words.

When I first arrived here, I would never imagine that I would be close to Andromeda. At that time, she was still grieving and her grandson was the only thing that kept her happy. Those were the days that I hardly responded to her questions in fear of opening the fresh wounds on our hearts from the war. But now, we always talked about arbitrary things, and she mostly told me about her family. Sometimes, I would also tell her about my days in Hogwarts and of course, about Ron and Hermione.

"Well, I wanted to. But I was avoiding someone." I tried, wishing that she wouldn't ask more. Even with all the lies I said, I couldn't lie to her.

"You've finally realized that you love her, didn't you?"

She raised her eyebrows and looked at me with a glint in her eyes. When silence indicated that her statement was correct, an upward curve suddenly sprouted from her lips as she smiled. All that time, I stayed silent, too caught up with what she said to answer.

I felt my eyes bulge from the unexpected turn of events. "H – How did you know?"

I never told anyone! I was afraid of what could happen if someone knew. Andromeda seemed to notice my discomfort. "Don't be afraid, Harry. I won't tell anyone," she said with a wink. Then, she went to the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I could hear the sound of kitchenware clinking from where I was on the living room. For a while, only that sound occupied my thoughts, followed by the sound of boiling water. My face fell into a frown. Did she know that it was Hermione who I was talking about? Or was it someone else?

When I sat down, my gaze followed Andromeda as she walked to where I was a cup in hand. She smiled at me and urged me to take a sip at the tea. I nodded and complied but all the while, my thoughts were still occupied by her words, "you finally realized that you love her, don't you?"

A chuckle suddenly came out of nowhere and I suddenly snapped out of my reverie. When I traced the source, I heard Andromeda's laughter permeate throughout the room. Then, she looked at me with light in her eyes and came to my side. Unexpectedly, she cupped my cheek and smiled at me. "It was easy to tell, really. For a woman like my age to know of these things is not a big thing, you see."

I felt my jaw stiffen as I tried to form words. "How? I mean – Er ––"

A chuckle escaped from her lips as she sat back into the couch. I felt her hands leave my cheeks as she settled beside me. She closed her eyes and gave a small sigh. "When we talk, I would easily notice the gleam in your eyes when I ask about her and how you would frown when you tell me about the things she has been through."

She opened her eyes and smiled. I always felt light when I spoke with Andromeda, even though I barely knew her. "You see, it was in these memories that I noticed how different you see her from others. You would talk about Mr. Weasley, about the time you spent together and how much you value your friendship with him or about Molly and her motherly affection towards you but when you talk about Ms. Granger, I felt like you were being transported back to the time the memory happened."

A smile suddenly formed on my lips at her words and Andromeda looked at me in the eye with a glow that I only saw today. "Your eyes gave it away, they always do. It was in your eyes that I saw care, loyalty, honesty and love. And that made her different from everyone else."

With a sigh, I shifted my gaze and looked at my hands. "But I know that it could never happen because she's my best friend. Even when I already know that I should support her, comfort her or be the best friend I ought to be, I couldn't do it. I couldn't find it in me to face them both and it hurt. I feared that if they would find out about it, our friendship would drift apart. Being friends with them was the only right thing that I have left, and I just couldn't risk it."

I lowered my gaze into the floor, too embarrassed to even face her after what I just said. But warm, comforting hands found their way back into my cheeks as she shifted my gaze back to her. "My dear, you showed a lot of love for her by allowing yourself to understand that she loves him. You also supported her by just accepting that fact. And you would be comforting her if you would be there during the time that she needed you. That's love, Harry."

She wiped a stray tear away from my face as she sighed. She looked at the ceiling; her gaze was far away, like she was seeing things from her past. "I met Ted when we were just in our first year. He was my best friend and he taught me many things about life that I never really knew. He was a very lively person and he could always make someone smile. He...opened my eyes to something much more."

A ghost of a smile escaped from her features as she closed her eyes in silent reminisces. Guilt squirmed inside my stomach as I realized what she has lost because of the war. I clenched my fists and shut my eyes. "I – I'm –"

But before I could say another word, Andromeda spoke, "Love is shown in extraordinary ways, and you showed it by understanding and respecting her decisions...by trying to be happy for her even when it hurt you."

When I opened my eyes, I found her smiling at me. "You fear this because you love her, but you can't show just how much, in the fear that they might notice. And I'll say this Harry, you should show her, not just because you are in love with her, but also because she has been special to you ever since the day you met her. She stood by you when everyone walked away, and now it's your turn to show her how much she meant and think of what will make her happy."

I was a lost boy who didn't know what to do, and I hung onto Andromeda's every word. "How could I do that? I mean, all I ever did was cause her trouble!"

I was frustrated, very. But Andromeda only chuckled at my reaction. "You'll figure that out on your own. You know her. Love does not only come from the heart Harry, it's a combination of both the mind and the heart. You use your mind to understand the one you love and your heart to show it. Think of what you want to do for her and you'll find it."

I never thought that Andromeda Tonks would help me feel better and I never felt the reality of her words before now. I was just a child who was taught an important lesson and finally realized what it meant. "Maybe you're right Mrs. Tonks. I'll try to be the best friend she knew. Thanks, for letting me tell you about it. I feel much better now."

I hugged her tightly, as tears began to fall. This was the only time that I felt sad that I didn't have a family to tell my problems to, a family that could be there to support me when everything else was falling apart. But still, I am really grateful that she was there, happy that there was someone willing to listen and understand what I was going through.

Our hug was interrupted by a baby's cry. When I broke the hug, Andromeda smiled at me and gestured for me to follow her to Teddy's room. "I seems like the little one's awake. We should go and see him now, he will be ecstatic when he sees his Godfather again."

A few minutes later, I was holding three month-old Teddy as gently as I could. He looked so fragile...and he was adorable. Remus and Tonks would be proud if they were here. As I stared at the little one's eyes, my heart began to melt.

Teddy stared at me and a tiny smile crept on the corner of his lips when he realized who I was. I felt my eyes began to moisten and I suddenly started to talk.

"Hey little man, Uncle Harry's here." I let his tiny little hands grip my finger as I rocked him. When I first visited him, I never knew that I was capable of doing this.

"I remembered like it was only yesterday when your father announced to me that I would be your Godfather. I had mixed emotions for having such privilege but now...I am really glad. I promise you, I'll try to be the best Godfather that I can be. I will buy you toys and take you to Quidditch matches, cook you good food, give you candies, I'll even bring you to Zonko's or the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

Teddy seemed to realize what I was saying, for his hand gripped mine a little tighter. I carefully kissed his cheek and held him closer as I whispered, "But most of all little one, I want you to know that I'll love you like your dad and mum loved me, I'll love you like you were my own."

I sighed as I tried to remember the times I talked with Lupin and now, here I am. "It seems like it was only yesterday that your dad talked to me about my parents and now, well, let's see. . .

Your parents were good ones, really. They were some of the best people that I ever met. Your mum was a bit clumsy and crazy. She always gave us a good laugh when we needed one. She was also a great Auror. And your dad was a very loyal friend of my parents. And I am proud, proud that you are their son. Maybe, when you're old enough, I can tell you more about them."

Tears escaped from my eyes and suddenly, the baby started smiling again, as if he understood every word. I didn't notice that Andromeda was already back. When I turned towards her direction to hand her the baby, she already had tears falling from her eyes.

"Thank you," she muttered as gave to me the bag that contained Teddy's things. I carefully gave Teddy back to her as I examined the bag, but was interrupted when Andromeda placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Before you go, I want you to have this." She had a rectangular box in her hands and she placed it on my lap as both of us sat down.

"It contains documents, papers and pictures that Lupin left me. He told me that I should give it to you when time comes. And this," she placed a ring on my hand, "was your mother's. Give it to the person you see fit to have your heart. After all, your father chose a good witch to love."

I stood there for a few seconds, staring at a ring that once belonged to mum. It was a simple, delicate ring made up of white gold with an emerald-colored diamond on the center, surrounded by little white diamonds. I studied its features for a while and tried to imagine my mum wearing it before I placed it in my pockets.

Andromeda handed Teddy back to me when I was set. "You should go now. It's getting late. And you still need to run some errands."

I wanted to hug her but the baby in my hands did not permit me to do so. With another smile, I exited the room to call the two elves. With a small pop, the two stood in front of me.

"What is it Master? Kreacher is glad that master called him. Winky is too." Kreacher said and looked at Winky, who smiled and nodded at me with large, tennis ball-like eyes. I lowered myself to their level and smiled as I showed them the baby.

"We have go to Diagon Alley to buy some things for little Teddy here. He is my Godson and he will be staying with us for a while. And before I forget, we also need to buy some groceries from the supermarket and maybe some potions, I'm running out of them." Both elves nodded and Winky went to get the Teddy's bag as I put the other box inside. Before we left, I murmured my thanks to Andromeda and took off.

When we arrived at Diagon, I casted a glamour charm that would help hide who I was and tried to walk as fast as I could to the nearest grocery shop, with the elves trailing behind. The baby started crying and I cursed mentally because I forgot to ask Andromeda some advice for these sorts of situations. I figured he was hungry so I just went for his bottle and fed him as I sat on the bench located inside of the supermarket. Thank Merlin it worked!

I looked at the elves and ushered them to go ahead. "Take whatever it is you want, I will just go and find you when Teddy finishes his bottle. Try to find out if there are potions in here, though. I'm gonna need them." With that, the elves gave me a warm smile and ran to the direction of the shelves. I was glad they were enjoying this; it was not much, but at least I was trying to make a change. They were already wearing different sets of clothes and would even vocalize their opinions at times. As I settled Teddy in my arms, I noticed that he had fallen asleep so I followed the elves and went shopping.

But once we apparated back to Grimmauld, I found Hermione Granger's brown eyes staring at mine.

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A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter and please hit the review button on your way out! R&R, you opinions matter. :)