Stand Back, Watch it Burn

Prologue

"Harry James, I'm dying."

I freeze with my tea halfway between my mouth and its saucer, "Meda, don't be silly, we're all dying. It's just a matter of how soon."

Andromeda sighs, "You know what I mean, James."

I shake my head and look down at the tea in my lap, "How soon?"

"It's only a matter of time," she replies smoothly as she sips her tea.

"What about Teddy? There's no paperwork stating that I am his godfather. What if someone comes and tries to get custody of him?" I ask casually even though I am panicking on the inside. "What if your sister tries to step in? I'd never see him again."

Meda scoffs, "Cissa stops by monthly to see him, but has no intention of adopting him when I'm gone. No, the one you should be worried about is my nephew."

I choke on my tea, "Draco? No way."

"Oh yes, he is quite taken away with Teddy. He's always wanted children of his own you see, but during the final battle he was messed up pretty bad. He found out soon after he is unable to have children. I suppose he could end up looking for and outlet in Teddy. They are quite fond of each other. Draco comes by almost as often as you do, James," the older woman explains as she picks up the two year old.

"If I got the papers, would you sign them so I get custody of Teddy?" I inquire.

She shakes her head, "I will not deny Draco the chance to fight for happiness. You two can figure it out as civil adults when the time comes and no sooner."

"But..."

"Harry James, I mean it," she interrupts with a tone of finality.

"Yes, ma'am. Anyways, I better get going, I have lots of work to get done," I state as I set down my tea cup and offer to take Teddy.

Meda smiles as she hands over the two year old, "Yes of course. Teddy and I will see you next week for our usual Sunday brunch?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it." I smile to the toddler, "And I will see you on Friday for our sleepover, little man."

"Hawy!" the little boy replies with a smile as he morphs his hair to look like mine.

I hug and kiss the toddler's forehead before I set him down next to his toys and hug Andromeda, "Thank you for having me."

"It was my pleasure. I know you're worried, but don't be. Things will work out just fine," the older woman says with a knowing smile. "You ought to talk with Draco. He really has turned into a nice young man. It might be beneficial to you in the future."

I chuckle, "Yes, but my Gryffindor pride doesn't mix well with his Slytherin arseness."

"You are so much like your father and godfather it's absured."

"You don't call me James for nothing, Meda," I smile.

"I'm aware. Anyways, we can continue talking about this all day, but you said you have work to get done, and Draco will be over for dinner. So, I will see you soon, and I love you, James, be safe."

"I will, and I love you too, Meda," I reply fondly as I step into the fireplace. I throw a handful of floo powder down, "Potter Manor."

I didn't know at the time that was one of the last times I would ever hear her say those words to me.

After the battle of Hogwarts I closed myself off from everyone. I spent months traveling the world by myself. I suppose I was searching for a place untouched by the Death Eaters. I needed to know that there was still good in the world. I wanted to go somewhere where no one knew my name and I could just be Harry, a person, not Harry Potter the -boy-who-lived. I wanted to get away from the pain I've known my entire life, so I distanced myself from everyone.

That is until Andromeda apparated into Grimauld Place shortly after I returned from my trip. She placed a ten month old Teddy in my arms and told me I had a responsibility I needed to take care of. She said I had been traipsing around long enough and it was time to get back to my life. So, I started having Teddy spend every weekend with me and have brunch with Meda every Sunday. She spent months telling me stories of my parents and the Marauders and all of the pranks they pulled in school. I loved hearing about how excited they were when I was born, and how my dad reacted when he found out y mom was pregnant with me. I sat and listened to story after story of Tonks growing up, and seeing pictures of her and Remus and how happy they were.

"Hawy!" Teddy squeals as I tickle him in the middle of the drawing room. "Hawy stop it! Pwease!"

I converted the drawing room into his playroom for when he stays with me. I put shag carpet down and painted the walls a sky blue. You'd hardly recognize it from the dark, dusty room it used to be, much like the rest of the house. I painted every wall, put in all new hardwood floors, and took down all the paintings. The only room I left untouched was Sirius' room, I couldn't bring myself to disturb it. So, I put it back in order and use it as a guest room when I have a lot of company. I'd rather use the other rooms first.

"Hawy!" Teddy exclaims again. "Hawy, stop it! I has to potty!"

I stop imidiately, "Okay, little man, lets go to the potty. You remember where it is?"

"Yes," he exclaims as he runs off towards the bathroom. I follow him, but am stopped by a knock on the front door.

"One moment please," I shout as I turn to the door instead. I look through the peep hole and brace myself for the news I know I am about to hear.

"I di' it!" Teddy exclaims as he pads down the hall from the bathroom.

I study the small boy from a moment, "Can you go wait for Harry in the playroom?"

"What wong , Hawy?"

"Nothing, buddy, there's just," another knock sounds, "someone who wants to talk to me, okay?"

"Otay," he pads off to the playroom.

I make sure he is out of earshot before I open the door, "Hello, sorry it took so long, I have a two, almost three, year old..."

"Are you Harry James Potter?" the man asks without looking up from his clipboard.

"If you'd actually look at me you'd be able to answer that for yourself," I state as I try to use my wand to make sure my hair is still somewhat styled.

The man finally looks up and his eyes automatically go to my scar, "Yes, of course. Sorry, Mr. Potter."

"It's quite alright, I just prefer people look at me before they ask who I am," I comment. "Anyways, I suppose you have something you came here for."

"Mrs. Andromeda Tonks requests you and a Mr. Teddy Lupin to come see her. Her health has taken a turn for the worse and has been admitted to Saint Mungos."