Chapter 8: The Shift

Harry watched the Quidditch practice from the window of his study, clutching in his hand the list Flamel promised to give him with all the dates, locations and ingredients he had to get. There were only about five, but he had to go to Germany to get them all. Harry thought he heard Flamel say he traveled during that time, but Harry guessed traveling in the 1400s was different than it was in the 20th century.

Quidditch was different, too. From what he could see, the little players down on the Quidditch field were going very slowly, hardly zipping up and down the field. He remembered seeing the broomstick in Quality Quidditch Supply the last time he fetched potion ingredients. If that model was fast, then it must have been very slow.

Harry got up from the window, wondering if he should go down to lunch. He normally had a house-elf bring his meals up, but he kept thinking that maybe he should make more appearances out of class, especially now that the Ministry had a record of him. It wouldn't matter then. Most of the teachers, he knew, had never even seen him before. He was trying to keep a low profile, but Merrythought always said the staff were asking aout her mysterious new assistant during evening meetings. "I just said you're shy," she said. "Extremely shy."

"But I'm not shy," he said.

"I know, but you are quiet."

But, really, when Harry thought about it, it was a relief that no one knew who he was. He had gotten tired of being known everywhere. He was glad that when he was on assignment, no one really bothered him. He had no idea how he had gotten so lucky about that. After the war ended, he gave a few interviews from the advisement of McGonagall to keep the press at bay, but then, he kept to himself in the Burrow and usually met with Andromeda to see Teddy.

In fact, the first time Harry had seen Teddy was the day of Remus and Tonks's funeral.

"Are you left or right handed?" Andromeda had asked as she held Teddy tightly above him a few months before.

Quite frankly, Harry wasn't sure why she was asking him that. She held onto week and half old child so tightly that if she lessened her hold any, she'd drop the baby.

"I'm right," he said, holding out his arms. Gently, Andromeda shifted him, the baby's head on her right as she handed the little thing to him.

He was heavier than Harry thought he would be. His eyes were large and glassy, a light edge of blue on the edge of the irises. Teddy blinked and suddenly his hair was jet black. Not even two seconds later, though, it shifted again.

"His hair's really blonde," Andromeda said, sitting carefully on the couch and leaning forward. Harry noticed her eyes were red, but he couldn't blame her. She'd lost so much in just a week, not counting Mr. Tonks a few months before. Tonks, Lupin, her younger sister, Bellatrix. Harry couldn't imagine mourning Bellatrix Lestrange, but Andromeda, who looked so much like her, had a right to, even if the woman had been a Death Eater and killed Sirius.

"Blonde?" Harry asked.

Andromeda nodded, her hand over her mouth. "I expect it'll get darker when he's older. Remus's hair."

"Er, right," Harry said. He could see Lupin in his mind. Not when he was older, on the last day Harry had ever seen him, but from the memories from what Snape put in the pensieve. He could see Lupin sitting by a tree, frowning at Harry's dad and Sirius, Peter Pettigrew looking on as Lily ran up and told them to let Snape go. It was hard to believe everyone in that spectacle was gone.

Teddy and Harry were the only ones left of that group. Harry had felt his eyes warm up, but blinked back the tears that were forming. He didn't want to cry.

"I admit," Andromeda said hesitantly. Harry glanced at her, then back at the warm baby in his arms. "I didn't know what Remus and Dora were thinking. I'm sorry that I doubted their choice in godfather."

"No, I understand," said Harry. He wanted to be careful with his words. He couldn't upset her. He'd only met her once before seeing Teddy, when he had just gotten back from the chase in the sky back in July. If that was a bad first impression, Harry didn't know what was. At least, he considered, not counting countless newspaper articles and lies told by the Ministry over the years. "I'm even more riskier than Sirius was as my godfather."

"I've learned a lot about Sirius from Remus," she said. "Even though he was my cousin, Remus knew him a thousand times better than I could ever. Both of them combined with James Potter and Peter Pettigrew had to be a risky situation. The more I think about it, it's only proper that you are Teddy's godfather. They were more than brothers, it seems like."

Harry didn't say anything about Pettigrew. He was sure she knew what had happened, but Harry couldn't bring him up. Teddy fidgeted, waving his arms and clasping and unclasping his tiny hands. His leg gave a great wiggle. Harry, for some reason, started bouncing him and he immediately quieted down.

Andromeda sighed and stood. "We should get to the funeral," she said, carefully extracting Teddy from Harry's hold. He gave a whimper, but she bounced him and he quieted.

Harry could tell Andromeda was nervous as she strapped the baby into a carrier. Her hands shook.

"Let me-"

She shook her head. "I've got it. Thank you."

Harry followed Andromeda down the street. It was a bright day with their shadows long in the evening sun. Harry could see the graveyard a distance away with a white tent over one area. She had explained that Remus and Tonks would be buried side by side. As they got closer, Harry could see a large group gathered around the tent. It was much larger than what had been at Snape's, whose funeral had been that morning. Various Hogwarts professors and a few Slytherins, including the Malfoy's, had attended. Many seemed to be very surprised to see Harry there as he stood in the back of the group. Harry hadn't noticed any other Death Eater's, who were most likely on the run from Aurors.

As Harry pushed open the gate and allowed Andromeda to come in with Teddy, Harry studied the group. There were many Order members and a few Dumbledore's Army members, as well. He could see Neville talking with Ron and Hermione quietly. He could see McGonagall and Sprout together. Most Aurors were around as well. There were even a few people he had never even seen before, most likely friends of Tonks and Remus.

But, as they moved closer, Harry spotted Malfoy and Narcissa standing toward the side. It took Harry a minute to figure out why before he remembered that Narcissa was Andromeda's sister, and that meant Malfoy was Tonks' cousin. Harry frowned as he realized he was the godfather of Malfoy's second cousin.

"Come, Draco," Harry heard Narcissa say. They started moving forward. Andromeda stopped, switching Teddy's carrier to her other hand to be in between her and Harry. Harry halted at the same time as Narcissa and Malfoy. There was a large space in between.

"Hello Narcissa," Andromeda said coolly. "Draco."

Malfoy nodded, catching Harry's eye. His face was bare of emotion and he glanced down at the carrier with Teddy in it. Andromeda handed it to Harry.

"Andromeda, Mr. Potter." She looked him over once. "I'm very sorry about your daughter and, er, son-in-law," Narcissa said, noticing the baby as well. "Is this their son?"

Andromeda nodded. "Teddy, after my husband."

"Of course," Narcissa said. "I can see he's a metamorphamagus as well." The tone of her voice had an undertone to it that made Harry's blood start to boil. "Did he get anything of his father?"

"His natural hair color and I expect his eyes. Other than that, no."

Harry knew that she was talking about the werewolf problem. Harry sighed, trying to get the anger out, and shifted the carrier to his right hand. Teddy was heavier than he looked and felt when holding him with both hands.

"Does he have a godparent?" Narcissa asked, although Harry suspected that she already knew.

"I am," he stated.

Narcissa flinched as if that was the worst news she had ever received while Malfoy's eyes widened. Harry noticed over the blonde's shoulders Ron and Hermione watching them.

"Mrs. Malfoy," he said. She jerked to look at him. "Thank you for what you did a few days ago. I promise I'll help take care of your nephew as best as I can."

He nodded his head once and handed Teddy back to Andromeda. Harry caught Malfoy's eye, said, "See you, Draco," and slipped past him to Ron and Hermione.

At once, Ron and Hermione demanded to know what that was about. "Teddy's their family," he said.

Ron blanched, "I'd forgotten that. He looks a bit like Tonks, though."

"His features are Remus's," Hermione said.

The ceremony started and seats were taken. Harry sat in the front row next to Andromeda, Draco and Narcissa. There wasn't much blood family.

The little man who had provided the eulogy for Dumbledore and did the wedding for Bill and Fleur, spoke about Remus and Tonks's lives. Andromeda had Teddy out of the basket and held him close to her cheek. He could see tears dripping onto his head. His little bit of hair turned damp and dark as it changed color.

Finally, when the eulogy was over, the closed caskets disappeared into the ground with a wave of the little man's wand. People stood and came over to give Andromeda sympathy. It was only when Kingsley came by that Harry was even really acknowledged besides a quick, "Thanks for offing Voldemort," as all of the attention was on the grieving grandmother.

The man pulled Harry to the side.

"How are you doing, Harry?" he asked as quietly as his large voice could muster.

"I'm glad Voldemort is gone," he said, realizing his face was tear stained. He wiped it off with his sleeve.

"Aren't we all," he said, a sad smile breaking out. "I'm sure you'd want a rest after what's happened the past few years, but we're inviting anyone who fought on Dumbledore's side in the Battle to join the Aurors. We're hoping that you'll join."

Harry was stunned. That was all he wanted to do and to have Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was now in the running for new Minister, ask him to join astounded Harry. He wanted to say yes immediately, but something else came to his mind.

"I haven't taken the N.E. yet," he said.

"Come now," Kingsley said, "You've proved yourself. An application process will take place on the 20th. Come if you're willing. Excuse me, I have to ask Weasley and Granger."

Harry watched him wander off to Ron and Hermione. He could hear Kingsley's voice over everyone else's and he clearly saw both of them shake their heads. In surprise at Ron and the fact that Kingsley wandered off toward Neville, Harry came to them.

"You don't want to, Ron?" he asked him.

"I'm helping George in the joke shop," he said. "I'd love to, mate, but you know, after Fred." He shrugged. Hermione took his hand and smiled sadly.

"What about you, Hermione?"

"I'm finishing school. Both of you should, too."

Ron shook his head behind Hermione's back. When Harry laughed, Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I thought you'd at least consider it, Harry," Hermione said. "You love Hogwarts."

"I don't know. I have a godson. I don't want to leave everything to Andromeda. And, I guess," he paused for a moment, glancing at Ron apologetically. "Ginny."

"Ginny's going to school," Hermione said.

Harry shook his head, flattened his bangs out, and glanced back at Andromeda. Narcissa and Draco were gone and people were still telling their sympathies to her. "I should make sure Teddy's okay."

"Of course. Will you be at Burrow tonight?"

"Yes," he told Hermione. "I'll be there by eight."

He cradled Teddy over the next few minutes. The last two people to come by were McGonagall and Sprout. Sprout told her how much she'd miss Tonks and ran a hand over Teddy's head as he slept. McGonagall said the same as well, but turned to Harry.

"Harry," McGonagall said as Andromeda stood.

"Professor," he said.

"I heard you talked to Kingsley, am I correct?"

"Yes," he said.

"Will you take his offer?"

"I'm not sure yet."

McGonagall hummed. "What else are you thinking about?"

"I might go back to Hogwarts," he said, surprising him. Didn't he just say he had to be there for the baby he was holding in his arms? "Hermione and Ginny are."

A sincere smile passed over McGonagall's lips for an instant before it disappeared.

"I feel I should advise you to come back to Hogwarts, but the Aurors could use someone like you. Kingsley is high in the running for being Minister. We all trust he will do the Ministry good."

"I agree, Professor," he said.

"I did say I'd do whatever it takes to get you to be an Auror. I won't back down on that promise."

Teddy yawned and started to fidget. He opened his eyes partially, then closed them. Andromeda took him away again, freeing Harry to stand. It was the first time he realized he was taller than McGonagall. She had always seemed to tower over him. He wondered how much he had grown since Dumbledore's death. He recalled her scream as Hagrid brought him back to Hogwarts out of the forest after his soul spilt from Voldemort. He felt his heart swell and he knew he couldn't let her down, but he didn't know what the right choice to make was.

"Thank you," he said to her.

"You deserve it, Harry."

Once the professors left, Andromeda put Teddy back in the carrier and they both walked back to her house. Harry settled down in an armchair while Andromeda fed the baby. Harry couldn't help but wonder what he should do. It was true that Harry had always wanted to be an Auror ever since he heard of them, but to be with Ginny would be wonderful, if Ginny actually took him back.

He wanted to be with Ginny. That was for certain. Now that Ron and Hermione were an 'item', he knew he should get going on having a girlfriend again. He wasn't much of a danger anymore, with Voldemort gone. But being an Auror would be dangerous because they would most likely end up on the chase for Death Eaters. He was sure there were a few that wanted him dead.

Teddy was making funny noises as he sucked on the bottle. It was almost laughable, but too much was going on in Harry's head to really notice until Andromeda said, "Shall I teach you how to change a nappy?" and suddenly, he stopped wondering.

It was strange to Harry, months later as he sat in his new office, that he had actually returned to Hogwarts. In the end, he had done both. He'd even gotten Ginny back.

He honestly had doubts about going to find the ingredients. He didn't know why. Maybe it was fear of leaving what was as normal as it could get a hundred years in the past.

There was still the matter of what to do with the Elder Wand. That wand seemed to haunt him. He carried it with him at all times. He couldn't give it to Ollivander, and he scratched the idea of asking him about what to do with a wand that you didn't want. he thought back to when he denied Kingsley for the first time.

What had he been thinking then? Was this feeling of fear the same thing he felt then when he couldn't decided whether to go back to school or join the Aurors?

There was something hollow in him.

What was he doing, really? He asked himself as he thought about the wand. Why was he being so fearful? Why was he fearing traveling or even going down to lunch in the Great Hall where he went everyday before? Was it because of Teddy, because of Ginny? He wanted to get back to them so bad, but where was his 'saving people thing' that he always heard from people? Harry could remember Hermione saying fear of a name increases the fear of the thing itself. That wasn't just about the name, he realized. He had fear of the adventure that he once loved and suddenly lost after Voldemort was gone.

Really, Harry didn't have to just sit there and do nothing. Did he really need Ron and Hermione there? He was so used to their presence, but that didn't mean that he couldn't go on without them.

It had been two weeks. He needed to do something.

He stood up, the parchment still clutched in his hand. He grabbed a quill, and with determination, he drew out a calendar at the bottom where he crossed the dates he would leave and return. Then, at the bottom of even that, he made of list of people he wanted to talk to.

He was going to more than wait. But, first, he needed to face everyone else. He wasn't scared of people. He was scared of the possibility of getting hurt before he could make it back to his family. He hated to be scared of death, and somehow, he realized, that was exactly what he was scared of. He had to break that fear again.

AN: I know this is much shorter than my chapters usually are, but this part needed to happen, especially Harry's thought shift. Someone reviewed and said that Harry wasn't oing anything and suggested that he go and talk to other people about things. I realized that that would be a nice change, and so I could explore characters and all that.

I feel like Andromeda is usually much less subdued than she is in this chapter, but she's in mourning… She'll be around a little bit more later on.

Thanks for reading! I'll update as soon as I can.