Harry decided that it was his job to tell Andromeda Tonks what had happened.

Hermione offered to come with him, as did several teachers, but this was something he had to do alone; he owed it to his godson. On his way to the house he rehearsed his speech, but didn't need it. As soon as she opened the door, she knew.

'Both of them?' Harry nodded. 'I'm sorry' was the only inadequate thing he could think to say.

Andromeda turned and walked to the sitting room, leaving the door open. Harry followed her, and found her sat in her armchair, staring blankly ahead.

'What happened?'

'I don't know for certain; I was fighting in another part of the castle. They were both outside fighting, when it happened.'

'Who killed her?'

'I don't …'

'Was it Bella?'

'Yes.'

'And she survived?'

'No. She was killed later in the battle.'

A silence descended on the room. Andromeda had lost more than most to this war; her husband, daughter, son-in-law and sister.

'Were they together, at the end?'

'Yes' Harry lied. It wasn't important, so long as it gave Andromeda some comfort.

He wanted to see Teddy, but didn't know how to raise the subject. Perhaps he should just leave for now and come back another time. The matter was solved for him when crying could be heard from upstairs. Andromeda stirred at the sound.

'Teddy's awake; he needs feeding. Do you want to see him?' Harry nodded and followed her up the stairs.

She picked the baby up and gave him a cuddle, then turned to Harry.

'You're his godfather, aren't you? Do you want to hold him whilst I get his bottle ready?'

'Yes, please. I'd like that. I'd like to be a proper godfather to him, and help you raise him. If I could?'

'You're a good boy, Harry, but you're young. You've got your own life to lead.'

'No, I'd like to do it. A boy should get the chance to know his godfather, if he can.'

Andromeda smiled sadly and nodded, she knew he'd never had much chance to get to know Sirius.

'I think Teddy would like that, he'll need a man around.'

They went back downstairs, Harry carrying his precious bundle who was starting to want his dinner. He watched as Andromeda prepared the bottle; it didn't look difficult, he could do that.

He sat down in a chair, and she showed him how to test that the milk wasn't too hot by dropping some on to his wrist. Then he offered it to Teddy who, sucking lustily, looked up with unblinking eyes at this new face. As the baby fed, his hair began to change, and not just its colour. It became black and spiky, sticking out at all angles.

Harry felt his eyes fill with tears, and held the baby tighter. This child, his godson, would never know his parents. Just like Harry he was an orphan. He would have a loving grandmother to care for him, and Harry, but he would only know his real parents from photographs and the memories of their friends.

But he would also never know war and the fear of Voldemort. Teddy represented the future and they all had a future now, filled with peace and hope.

Harry thought that, when he left here, he should go and talk to Ginny.