Twist of Fate

Chapter 21

The sky was a brilliant blue as Harry walked up the path to the Tonks' house. Andromeda opened the door before he had even knocked, despite the fact that he was early. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

"How are you holding up?" he asked gently.

"About as well as could be expected. Teddy was fretful all night which was good. It kept me busy rather than dwelling on today."

Harry nodded understandably as he entered the house. Narcissa Malfoy was standing in the kitchen, dressed in formal robes as Harry was. He moved towards her and kissed her offered hand, grateful that she had made the gesture. Today of all days he wasn't sure how to greet the woman that had saved his life exactly a year ago.

"Narcissa, you are looking well." He had finally accepted her invitation to call her by her first name after months of seeing her at Andromeda's.

"You are kind, as always, Harry." Their attention was drawn away from each other as fifteen month old Teddy toddled into the room. His hair was bright green this morning. He looked very much like his mother, but Harry could always see a little bit of Lupin in the boy when he was focused on a toy or object.

"'ARRY ARRY!" Teddy cried out, holding his arms up. Harry laughed and picked up the boy, tossing him in to the air and catching him making the little boy peal with laughter.

"Sure, he saves his laughter for you." Andromeda said with a shake of her head.

Harry smiled, "I'm sure he laughs for you or you would have shipped him to me in Devon-" he stopped, cursing to himself. Andromeda knew where Harry was living, but he hadn't wanted Narcissa to know.

She gave him a sad smile, "You have nothing to fear. I have been walking this tightrope for months, I am well used to it." Harry smiled at her gratefully as he set Teddy back on the ground.

"Are we ready then?" Andromeda asked picking up the nappy bag and supplies that they would need for Teddy.

Harry nodded, "I told the Weasleys to meet us at the Hog's Head, and we will all walk up to the castle together."

"That's fine, dear." Andromeda said, "You'll apparate with Teddy?" Harry nodded and picked up the boy, whose hair was now the dark black color of Harry's. "I'll see you there," and she disappeared in a flash, followed by Narcissa.

Harry took a deep breath, "Do you suppose they would notice if we just stayed home." Teddy solemnly nodded yes. Harry gave a laugh, "I suppose so, close your eyes." Teddy obediently closed his eyes and Harry, holding tightly onto Teddy, disapparated. He landed carefully, glad that Teddy was over his "vomit upon landing" phase that had always required a change of clothes for both himself and Teddy whenever they went to a park or the zoo. Of all the benefits of being back home, spending time with Teddy gave him the most joy.

Harry walked towards Andromeda and Narcissa who were talking with George, Percy, Bill and Fleur. There was no sign of the other Weasleys. Harry hoisted Teddy on to his shoulders and walked over to the group. Fleur's eyes lit up with delight as she spotted Teddy.

"He is so big! I cannot believe how much he has grown. You must bring him to Shell Cottage this summer. He would love playing on the shore."

Harry shook hands with George and Bill. They were all pretending this was an ordinary day, but it was anything but ordinary. Harry looked over at George discretely, other than the trembling of his hand against his robes there was no indication that it had been a year since he had lost his twin brother. A triple crack filled the air and Arthur, Molly, and Charlie were standing next to them.

Molly looked around to make sure that they were all there. She already had a handkerchief clutched in her hand. "Oh, Harry. Don't you look nice? Be sure Teddy's feet don't get your robes dirty, carrying him like that."