Chapter- 3

It was Sunday morning and the weather was quite warm and inviting. Harry had promised Teddy he would take him to WWW. As the shop was closed for other customers on Sundays, it would be easier to navigate, and Harry would get an excuse to see Ron.. they hadn't had time to get together since a few weeks. As they entered the shop, Ted's hair started changing colors rapidly as he looked around with awe. It was quite amusing to watch. "Hey there's my favorite nephew!", George picked him up and started showing him different interesting objects. Teddy reached out his hand to touch everything. Meanwhile Harry happily complained to Ron about work stress and Ron in turn tried to convince him to take a break, to spend sometime with his godson. "Afterall, you are not gonna get these days back.. kids grow up fast"

"Who are you and what have you done with Ron Weasley?"

"Oh come on I can say sagely things from time to time"

"Hermione got into your head yet?"

After an hour or two of heavenly fun for Teddy and pockets full to bursting with products, Harry led Teddy back to Grimmauld place. They had lunch and by the time Ginny managed to feed Teddy, all three of them were exhausted. They sprawled themselves on the sofa with Ted between them as Ginny flipped through the TV channels. Teddy made an approving noise when the screen showed a local quidditch tournament. "You like it?"

"Yes!" She took him on her lap and let him watch. She was about to put her head on Harry's shoulder when she realised he was asleep. Even after all these years she couldn't get over how handsome he was. Somewhere deep inside the school girl crush was still alive in her. She conjured a blanket and put it on Harry's lean frame.

Harry took Ron's advice and took a week off to bond with his godson. And to say the least, he felt lighter than he had in years. They had a great time and once again the realisation that he was a father now hit him hard, in a good way. Teddy ran around the house after the golden snitch which Harry had enchanted to fly slowly. Then they went to play outside in the grass. Teddy loved plucking flowers, separating their petals and then showering them over Harry. He giggled everytime he did it. In the evenings when they were tired they would go inside and Teddy would color in his book. He was very creative and imaginative. "Hawy see!"

"Aw it's really good Teddy! I am so proud of you" Teddy pleased with himself, giggled in response and went to hug Harry. Harry would make them some dinner and they would eat together when Ginny came home. Ginny would ask about their day and Teddy would be all too eager to tell her every little detail of the adventures of their day. This type of normalcy was something Harry had never thought he would get in life and he was beyond grateful for it.

The blissful week came to an end and Teddy, who had gotten used to Harry being there all the time, had a difficult time parting ways when he was dropped off at the Burrow. It pained Harry's heart to see his hurt face, it almost felt like he was betraying him. But he had no choice. When he came back from work to pick Teddy, he immediately hugged Harry's legs and said, "Hawy! You are back!". Harry took him in his arms and ruffled Teddy's black hair, "I will always be back". "Promise Daddy?"

Time stood still. Molly was staring intently at Harry, daring him to make a wrong move. Harry just stood there with his mouth open, not able to comprehend what had just been said. Teddy looked around from Molly to Harry, confused as to what was going on, oblivious to the fact that he had just dropped a bombshell.

"Um.. we should go home Teddy"

"But you didn't pwomise.."

"I promise Ted"

Molly gave him one last weary look before they were out of the door.

When they got home Harry left Teddy with Ginny and locked himself in the study room. He had not even realised he would have to deal with this inevitable dilemma until it presented itself. Now he was not sure what to do. How do you explain to a one year old that his parents are dead? How could he ever tell him that he was not his daddy? Harry's eyes shone with tears threatening to fall. He didn't want to replace Remus, no. He couldn't let Teddy replace his father.. but he was way too young to understand. If only he could talk to- ofcourse! He had Remus' portrait, among the things Andromeda had left him, though it was still at her empty house.

Remus Lupin, or his portrait version, had his eyes closed and was mumbling something in his sleep. "Dora for god's sake let me help..". Harry chuckled a bit then sobered remembering the purpose of his visit. He gently shook the frame, "Remus..". Remus woke up with a croak, blinked his eyes a few times to adjust to the light and then fixed his gaze on Harry. He broke into a wide smile. Harry noticed for the first time how much healthier and tidier he looked than he had ever done in real life.

"I will talk to him"

"Wha- what are you talking about?"

Remus sighed.

"I know why you are here Harry. I can see from your expression. I figured this day would come after Andromeda passed."

"Ohh", Harry said his eyes downcast.

"I will talk to him Harry", he repeated, "I think it's time he knows. And I have been thinking about this for a while. I know what to say"

"Okay then", Harry replied with a sad smile. As he was about to pick up the frame, Lupin said suddenly, "And thank you Harry.. for taking care of my son. I will be at peace knowing he is with you"...

As he reached home Teddy was engrossed in watching Ginny cook some grilled vegetables and roast chicken. It was rather amusing, he kept asking Ginny what everything was and watched with wide eyes full of interest. Harry mentally hoped his Teddy would always have that childlike curiosity and innocence but he of all people knew better. Gin gave him a weak smile when she saw the photo frame in his hand. She gestured him asking whether he wanted her there or would he like to do it alone? Harry was grateful at the inquiry, that she understood the delicacy of the matter. One of the many reasons Ginny was perfect for Harry, which he would like to tell her on many occasions once he started getting over his attachment issues, is that she understood her.. deeply, unlike any girl he had ever met except Hermione. Ginny knew exactly when to stay quiet and when to comfort Harry. She knew the overwhelming emotional load Harry carried around at the moment, and never pressured him into being happy for her. She knew the boundaries Harry had set for himself and respected them, though they were breaking little by little.

Harry gestured her back that it was okay, he needs her there for this.

"Ted, Harry and I need to talk to you about something ok?"

"Okk", Teddy replied casually, blissfully oblivious to the upcoming conversation that would in many ways change his life. Ginny put a charm and the vegetables started chopping themselves (Teddy giggled and clapped). As they went into the living room Harry told Ted to sit beside him.

"Who is that?"

Harry bit his lip, briefly closed his eyes and then pulled the band-aid, "Thats your daddy, Teddy". Harry handed him the frame.

"But that doesnt wook wike you at all!". Oh merlin this was gonna be harder than a hundred voldemorts together.

"I know. But that is your father Ted. I- ", he was at a loss for words. Sensing this Remus took over.

"Hi Teddy, I am Remus.. I am your daddy"

"But.. how? I wive with Hawy!"

"I know you live with Harry Ted.. because I am not here to take care of you anymore", Remus voice was starting to crack horribly. He tried to compose himself, it wasnt the time to breakdown just yet.

"Why are you not here?"

Remus gulped. He was starting to regret this whole thing. He was 1 year old! For heavens sake what had he been thinking? This wasnt.. it wasnt okay. But there was no turning back now. Remus knew Ted wouldnt just let it go and he would bug for answers until he got them.

"I was called.. by god. So I had to go. Along with your mum. We are both here watching over you. We are just a little far and its not possible to travel between our world and your world. So we kept Harry and Ginny as your temporary mum and dad in the world you live in. So they can take care of you and love you just like mum and me do", Remus smiled despite himself.. Sirius would have been proud at how well he was handling this.

Harry was impressed too. He held Teds hand and sqeezed it, reassuring him what Remus said was true. Ted was trying to process this sudden overflow of new information in his little brain. His eyebrows were creased and mouth agape. Ginny rubbed circles on his back, trying her best to comfort him.

"When will god caw me?". That was certainly not the question any of the adults had expected. Ginny and Harry looked at each other with eyebrows raised.

"Ah.. um, you dont have to worry about that right now okay?"

"But I want to hug you, you awe my daddy"

It was so amazingly innocent how easily the toddler had accepted the fact that Remus was his father. And that was it for Remus, the waterfalls began and he reached out his hand. Ted understanding the assignment, touched the frame with his tiny fingers.

"I am sorry Teddy, that I had to go", he said between sobs.

"Its okay daddy. I am not alone, I have mum and dad in this wovd too. I have two mum and dad!"

"Thats true, you do. I love you Tedster, I will always do", he said with a huge tear-streaked smile and his eyes twinkled as it searched Teds eyes.

"I wove you daddy! I wiv see you when I come there", he said with a bright smile.

Remus sniffed, trying to compose himself, "Ginny and Harry are your mum and dad in the world you are in.. you can call them so. They love you just as much"

"Okayy", the toddler said happily, reaching out his hand to wipe the tears from his fathers cheeks. Harry looked a little uneasy at the declaration, and Remus knew Harry didnt want himself to replace him, so he gave a reassuring nod. A nod which told Harry it was okay, Ted needed this, and Harry deserved it.

Heyy its me again, how you all doing? If you liked this chapter, or didnt like it, leave a review. I have some stuff in mind, should I continue this story? Take care 3