(AN: Sorry I've been working on my other story "Lupins Law" a lot. But, I'm trying to post more timely on this story.)

The first morning back at the Burrow Harry woke with a start, it was late in the morning and the sunlight streamed through a crack in the curtains.

Harry looked around and surveyed the sight that was Ron's bedroom. All shadowed and draped in banners and posters of a violent shade of orange.

Most notably, Ron wasn't there.

But, he noticed that the burrow had really sunk into disarray without the Weasleys there for more than a month. They'd have to work together to set it right.

Harry spent the first few minutes of the morning looking up at the ceiling, or out the window.

Without Ron there his thoughts strayed to Ginny. He was remembering their first kiss.

He smiled a little as he sat up in bed stretching his limbs out.

Their first kiss had happened in front of a whole crowd of people, but their second kiss had not.

He sighed happily thinking of the memory.

Ginny was flushed, and she chuckled as she leaned against the wall outside the Gryffindor common room.

"W-wow Harry. I knew you'd be happy that we won and all but that was a bit unexpected." She bit her lip.

He smiled at her, she was lovely.

"You started it." He said breathless and nervous, looking at her.

She smiled at him.

"I couldn't wait for you to see that we'd won, and once I saw you. I-I don't know. When our eyes met it was like you'd been waiting the whole day to see me too. So, I hugged you. And, YOU-you kissed me." She said, hoping he'd have a better explanation.

"I couldn't wait to see you either. I'd thought about you all day. I -I couldn't help myself I suppose." He admitted.

"I've kinda thought about you a lot lately." He admitted. It was now or never.

Ginny flushed more, but looked pleased.

"Why then?" Ginny asked curiously.

Harry walked over to her, closing the distance between them.

"Well, when you we're running towards me you looked so beautiful I hoped in that moment that maybe it was possible you still might have feelings for me too? That, maybe it wasn't too late? That I hadn't been a total idiot and waited way too long to tell you how I felt?"

He mused, hopefully.

Ginny gave him that wonderful blazing look she'd given him before and launched herself at him enthusiastically.

Harry, in his excitement lifted Ginny off her feet and passionately kissed her back. Spinning her around, causing them both to chuckle with glee as they pulled apart for air.

She gasped a little before speaking.

"You did wait too long, but your in luck Potter, because I really like you too." Ginny told him happily.

"C'mon." Harry said, offering her his hand.

She took it, marveling how their hands felt intertwined.

"Where are we going?" Ginny asked him.

"An adventure." He said jovially, and off they went into the grounds.

perhaps they'd talk about the match another day…

They walked the edge of the grounds, overlooking the lake. They held hands and talked for hours as the sun got lower and lower in the sky.

Eventually, once the sun was sinking behind the mountains on the far side of the lake and the sky was a gorgeous technicolor rainbow of reds and purples they finally made their way back up to the castle.

Ginny smirked just slightly as they walked up the grand staircase.

"What're you thinking about?" Harry mused curiously.

"Ron's gonna be pissed."

Harry sighed. "I'll take care of Ron." Harry promised.

Ginny raised her brow in surprise at this and smiled.

Present day Harry was brought out of his reverie, by a pan clanging downstairs.

He sighed, and figured everyone else was up he should probably be too.

Harry got up, and dressed, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and crumpled up his hair, before going downstairs into the kitchen.

The house was pretty quiet, and Harry made his way downstairs, taking his time. There was no need to rush anything anymore. And, despite the relief that he'd been feeling since the battle, his body still felt so heavy with all that had happened. It still all weighed on him.

But still, he couldn't remember a time where he had felt more unburdened. He felt emotionally heavy, but good.

Harry walked into the warm kitchen to find only Ginny there. He smiled.

The night before he and Ginny had officially gotten back together. Not much had even needed to be said. Harry had gone to visit Ginny in her room, and they had sat together in her window nook for awhile just talking and cuddling.

But, now that he was looking at her properly, he realized Ginny was not the only person in the kitchen.

She was holding a teeny turquoise haired baby.

It was Teddy.

Harry went and sat down next to them.

"Hey, good morning." He said kissing Ginny on the temple. Making her smile.

"Look how cute." Ginny said, tapping baby Teddy softly on his teeny nose.

holding his hand out to stroke Teddys head. He was so much smaller than he'd imagined him to be. Her only ever seen a photo of him.

"Wow." He said. His hair was so soft.

"Ha." Ginny chuckled at him. "He's cool, right?" Ginny asked him.

"Yeah, he is." Harry said in awe of his godson.

Harry couldn't help but notice how natural Ginny looked holding a baby. It suited her.

He leaned over and kissed her.

"You're good with him." Harry told her.

"Well, he's also not doing too much right now." She indicated, pointing at his sleeping frame.

"Ha, that is true." Harry admitted.

Harry smiled and brushed Teddys little head hairs with his fingers. He'd never seen something so teeny and small before. As he brushed his head his hair morphed into a light dandy brownish color.

Harry sadly noticed that Teddys hair color was an exact match to Remus'.

"He looks like them doesn't he?" Ginny asked him.

"Mmhm. He really does. Especially his hair." Harry said softly.

"Where is everyone?" Harry questioned, realizing once again no one else was around.

"Mom went with Andromeda to meet with McGonagall and a few ministry officials. They had to talk about the final funeral arrangements. It sounds like they are planning on doing one big funeral in Hogsmeade for everyone." Ginny explained, sadly.

Harry nodded, soaking in the news. He hoped everyone would be okay with that. Going to hundreds of funerals would be completely exhausting.

"Ron and Hermione had to go to the ministry early, they are getting travel permits to go find Hermione's parents in Australia. And, everyone else is all over the place."

Harry nodded, again.

"Here, Do you want to hold him?" Ginny asked distracting him, holding Teddy out for him to take.

Harry exhaled hard.

"Oh, what if I drop him or something?" Harry said, nervously.

Ginny just smiled at him. "You won't, just hold him steady." She explained as she placed his godson in his arms.

"Make sure you hold his head up, there you go. That's good."

Harry was frozen with nerves, but relaxed when he looked at the peaceful little boy in his arms.

He was so sweet.

At first he was afraid to move his arms even a little and sat perfectly still. But, after a few moments he shifted so he could inspect his godsons tiny fingers and hands.

They were perfect, he had long little fingers and His skin was so delicate and soft.

"You want some tea, Harry?" Ginny asked him across the table.

"Ah, y-yeah, Gin." Harry said, completely preoccupied with Teddy.

Ginny busied herself with their tea.

the noise of this must have startled baby Teddy, because his eyes blinked open tiredly.

"Oh, hello. I know you don't know me but we're gonna be best buds." Harry told him, tapping him softly on the nose. At this little Teddy wrinkled his nose up and his hair magically changed his hair to jet black, to match Harry's.

"Ha, that means he likes you, Harry!" Ginny said, gleefully as she readied the tea.

Harry chuckled.

He couldn't help but marvel at how cool his godson was.

Harry couldn't help but think that he looked sort of like him what he did this. He wondered if perhaps one day this would be how it would feel like to hold his own child.

He then sadly realized, that in some ways, this was his child now. He would be responsible for helping and teaching him as he grew.

He looked down at him, and saw so much of Remus, it made him realized he'd never live up to him. He would have been twice the father he ever could be to the little boy.

Teddy's hair turned back to his typical light sandy brown, and his eyes slowly closed as he dozed back off to sleep.

Harry's eyes stung with tears, and he exhaled, trying to calm himself.

He'd have given up every good interaction he'd ever had with Remus, if it meant that his son could have him in his life instead. But he knew that wasn't how the world worked.

He held his godson close to him, kissing him on the top of his head.

"Harry." Ginny said, seeing him upset.

He looked up at her, she looked devastated too.

"They really loved him, ya know." Ginny told him.

Harry pressed his lips together, and nodded.

"He's perfect. They both deserved him so much." He said, tearing up even more.

She came to sit next to him.

"Ha, Tonks made fun of Remus, said he carried Teddy around too much. He adored him. They both did." Ginny said.

"Remus would have done way better of a job, than I'll ever be able to." Harry said sadly.

"Hey." She said, grabbing his arm.

"This little guy is a group effort now, no one expects you to do it all perfectly on your own. I promise." Ginny reassured him, pressing her head to his.

Harry sniffled, "thank you."

"Anytime." She said leaning over to kiss him.

They softly kissed, and they continued for several long moments before pulling away.

Ginny nuzzled into him, holding on to him.

He couldn't help but notice how amazing she smelled.

"How long is Teddy staying with us?" He asked.

She smiled.

"He's supposed to be here till 2 when Andromeda and my mom come back home."

"Maybe after he leaves we could go for a walk?"

She nodded.


It ended up being a quiet day at the Burrow.

Teddy turned out to be easier to care for than Harry had expected. He slept most of the afternoon, and only woke up twice to be fed.

"Andromeda says he's a good baby usually." Ginny explained as she fixed his nappy for him later in the day.

"He seems it." Ginny cooed at him, wiggling her digger at him.

Harry smiled slightly, watching them.

He knew they would never be able to fill the void left in his godsons life by the absence of Tonks and Remus, but he was happy he was at least happy for the moment.

"Actually. I think that might be her and mom in the yard now." Ginny explained, leaning back, trying to peer out the window.

Harry was glad, he loved being with Teddy but he also wanted to spend alone time with Ginny too.

Suddenly, Teddy started crying loudly.

"Oh, it's okay" Ginny tried to console him, picking him up.

For the next 10 minutes they tried and failed to soothe baby Teddy.

"M-maybe you could ask Andromeda if she knows what he wants." Ginny asked, bouncing him back and forth.

Harry went out to greet Andromeda and Molly in the yard.

They both looked at him when he emerged from the house.

"Hello." He greeted them kindly.

"Teddy has been crying for a while, any clue what he could want?" Harry posed the question to his grandmother.

"What color is his hair?" She asked.

"Ahh, I think it's just his normal color. It's like a sandy kinda color. L-like Remus' '" Harry explained, remembering Remus as he did.

Andromeda sighed loudly.

"That means he wants Remus." Andromeda explained, sadly.

Everyone was eerily quiet at this.

Molly patted Andromeada on the shoulder

Harry nodded sadly, but felt like someone had punched him as he walked back inside to see Teddy and Ginny.

"Did she say anything helpful?" Ginny asked trying to bounce Teddy up and down to soothe him.

"Let me see him." Harry said, taking the little boy in his arms and holding him.

Ginny looked at him expectantly.

"He wants Remus, that's what Andromeada said."

"Oh." Ginny said in a small voice.

"I'm just gonna walk around the house with him." Harry explained.

He held his godson close and walked around the house with him. He must have been so confused why the person who had held him all these past few weeks suddenly was no longer the one holding him.

"It's okay. I understand now. I know what you want. I want him here too. I'm so sorry. I'll love you, i promise." He nestled the baby closer still, breathing in his scent.

Harry sat down with Teddy on the back steps, leading into the back of the house.

"I know I'm not them. I'm so sorry." He whispered.

Harry sniffed and wiped tears away from his face. Glad no one but the small boy could see.

He cried, not just because Teddy missed them and was confused, but mostly because eventually he knew it would stop. They both would become mere shadows in his memory sooner than later and he would stop looking for them.

It killed him a little. He promised himself that he would always talk to him about his parents. He wouldn't grow up like he did , never seeing pictures of his parents or hearing stories about them. He would know them.

"Your daddy and mommy were so brave, and they loved you more than anything." Harry stroked the baby's small head.

Harry breathed in the fresh air around them, steading himself.

Harry looked down after a few moments and realized that Teddy had settled down and was sucking on his hand.

He knew at that moment he'd do anything to not see the sweet boy hurt. he was glad he was calm for now.


Later, after Teddy left, Molly had been insistent of making them lunch.

Harry had to admit it had truly been a delightful meal. It likely did have a bit to do with the fact that he had faced near starvation at times during the last several months, but everything Molly made was always wonderful. he enjoyed every bite, as he sat with both Ginny and Molly.

Ron and Hermione had gotten back from the ministry just a bit before lunch but Hermione had gone to take a nap and Ron had passed out cold on the sofa a few minutes later. Both were clearly exhausted.

Harry felt slightly guilty about leaving Molly alone after lunch but she seemed okay when he and Ginny left for a walk.

Harry and Ginny held hands as they walked through the orchard and down by the pond. Eventually, they settled themselves down underneath a willow tree on the edge of the orchard.

Harry sighed, seeing the stream of reporters just beyond The Burrow's boundaries.

"Ignore them." Ginny encouraged him, patting the ground next to her, for him to come sit.

"I'll have to say something to them eventually, won't I?" He asked, feeling overwhelmed, as he sat next to Ginny.

Ginny shrugged. "Mm, only if you want to. You've done enough in my opinion. No one is entitled to more." she said quickly, shooting an angry glare at the gaggle of reporters just a few hundred yards away.

It made Harry smile.

"And, they are just SO rude too. It's not even been a fortnight since the battle." She glared over her shoulder. "How insensitive." She sneered.

Harry smiled even more listening to her come to his defense.

"And, - w-what are you smiling so happily about?" Ginny questioned him, as she went to continue before cutting herself off at the look of joy on his face.

Harry chuckled a little at this.

"You're just really pretty when you're mad." He explained, grinning.

Ginny's face softened at this.

She leaned over and softly kissed him, and he ran his hands through her hair as he kissed her back.

Their tongues delicately caressed together, as they sat interwoven under the willow tree.

"Oy!" A voice said behind them, causing them to split apart.

It was Percy.

Ginny looked angry and snapped at Percy.

"What's your problem?" Ginny called to him.

Harry noticed Percy shifted uncomfortably a little. Tensions had been so high since the battle and everyone's emotions were still so raw. He wasn't surprised Ginny snapped at him.

Perhaps though, he was reconsidering his stance now under the glare of his sister, as he seemed to shrink back just slightly.

"I just-when did this happen?" He asked, pointing at them both rapidly.

"It's been 3 years Percy! We all grew up!" She yelled at him.

At this, he looked so ashamed of himself. Harry had never seen him look so contrite.

"I-I'm sorry. look, I was just just surprised." He explained, sycophantically.

Harry sighed, and Ginny glared at him.

"Look, just come inside. Kingsley is having a press conference in 5 minutes." He explained.

A few minutes later, Harry, Ginny and Percy had joined the rest of the family in the kitchen, huddled around the small magical radio they had.

The only family missing was Charlie who had stayed behind at Hogwarts to help lead the castle repairs, and Bill and Fleur. Who, had been so exhausted they had gone straight home to Shell Cottage the day before.

Everyone waited in total silence for the broadcast to begin.

Suddenly the radio crackled and an unknown voice filled the crowded kitchen.

Ginny held Harry's hand and he revealed in the comfort. he suddenly felt like he needed the reassurance for some reason. He squeezed her hand back, in case she did too.

"Good Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we bring to you new tidings as a new era begins for the wizarding community. Immense change has occurred in these last few days, and the Ministry has been working around the clock to ensure that the greater wizarding world can return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

We are now, pleased to introduce our new interim Minister for Magic. Kingsley Shacklebolt." The voice introduced.

Then, Kingsley's deep voice began emanating from the small radio.

"Thank you, and good afternoon. I come to you all this day with immense gratitude that the Ministry can finally report without a shadow of a doubt that Lord Voldemort's reign of terror has officially come to an end.

I want the greater wizarding community to heed my words. We will rebuild, we will survive, we will prosper again. But, only if we stand united together against the foes that remain, and seek to divide us.

The Ministry and all of its dedicated staff are working tirelessly to return your Ministry to its former self. But, we must morn our dead, and send them off from this life in respect.

Later this week, on May 6th a celebration of life and a funeral procession will take place at Hogwarts School, ending with a ceremonial walk to Hogsmeade Cemetery, where it has been decided the fallen from the recent battle at Hogwarts will be laid to rest. we invite all peoples to take part in this grand ceremony of life, to honor our dead with grace and dignity during this uncertain time.

The Ministry is working to restore our most important missions along with all the critical supports and services that the many departments of the Ministry currently maintain.

Many hard working individuals have now stepped up during this time to take on new roles, some in new departments entirely. I personally would like to thank many of these individuals, and I hope the time for that can come soon. But, until then, those of you helping during this uncertain season should know your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed.

We also would like to thank the public for their continued support and patience during this time of uncertainty and transition. Especially, to all those who have sacrificed their time and lives to this cause, living or dead will in time be remembered and rewarded for their services during this war.

We thank everyone for their outpouring of support and financial aid while we attempt to rebuild the ministry and Hogwarts School.

Furthermore, the Ministry and Auror department is working closely together on capturing all the remaining dark forces that seek to harm us. Our current Interim Senior Under Secretary is collaborating with the Auror department and they are rapidly compiling a list of Death Eaters that are still at large, as well as list of ministry officials that will be subpoenaed for questioning regarding the events of the last 18 months.

Wes are also compiling a list of all those who have been confirmed dead or are currently missing, if you or anyone you know has a person to add to this list you can send your information to the Department of the Minister and we will add the names to our list.

Additionally, any transportation requests needed at this time should be sent to Percy Weasley, the current interim Head of Magical Transport.

The Wizagomont are hopeful that trials will be able to start at the end of this calendar year, or the very beginning of the next. The Wizagomont are working quickly to fill the empty seats on their committee.

We your Ministry, will attempt to continue to provide you with timely updates during this period.

I wish you all a goodnight. And good fortune. Your new Ministry is strong, we will become better than before. Together."

The radio crackled again and the broadcast stopped.

Everyone in the room seemed to sigh in relief.

"So, you took the job then?" Arthur asked Percy.

Percy nodded. "Yes, in the interim at least until October, I'll be heading the transportation department. I also, agreed to be Senior Undersecretary To The Ministry."

"W-what?" His mother squeaked?" "You are?" She questioned.

His father looked to him, waiting for him to say something.

"I need to help sort out this mess." Percy said, his voice breaking.

In a quick second Percy and Mr Weasley were embracing in the kitchen.

They both cried.