Chapter Text
“Mr Potter? I’m sorry to bother you at such a… delicate time, but I’m afraid a Mrs Andromeda Tonks has been killed, and after her child’s death you are her next of kin.”
Harry froze. He was knelt on the hearth at Grimmauld Place, his head in the floo. “Is Teddy...?” He couldn’t even verbalize his terror at the idea of his godson being gone too, and only a day after both of his parents’ deaths.
“Young Edward is perfectly okay. He was sleeping during the attack, and therefore the death eaters were unaware of his being in the house. Mrs Tonks was killed when she attempted to prevent them from coming near her home. Luckily neighbours saw their approach and were able to contact the aurors before they could get in the house. If you could step through, he’s with Minister Shacklebolt.”
Harry didn’t even think before stepping through, his feet bare and his mug of tea still in one hand. “Thank you for contacting me, Auror….”
“Andrews, Paul Andrews, Mr Potter.” The auror didn’t seem to even notice Harry’s dishevelled state.
“Right, Auror Andrews. Would you mind taking me to my godson, please?”
“Absolutely, Mr Potter, just this way.”
“Thank you.” Harry put his mug down on Andrews’ desk and followed him out into the hallway. He was vaguely aware of his bare feet on the highly polished floor as he padded towards Kingsley’s office, but it was distant, pushed down by his need to get to his godson. As Andrews pushed Kingsley’s office door open and his eyes fell on the tiny, snuffling blue-haired baby in Kingsley’s arms, he felt all of his breath whoosh out of him.
“Harry. Its good that you’re here.” Kingsley’s deep voice cut through the fog in his head, as calming as the first time they had met.
“Kingsley. Can I-” He held out his arms for Teddy. Kingsley smiled sadly and passed him over. Harry clasped him to his chest and ran one square finger across his pudgy little cheek. He was so enamoured by the child that he didn’t even notice the door click shut as Andrews left.
“Now, I’m aware this must be a distressing situation to be in, particularly today of all days, however there are the matters of Teddy’s custody and Andromeda’s will that must be dealt with today.”
“Right, of course, yeah. I’m Teddy’s godfather, so will I be able to adopt him?” Harry had no idea how this was supposed to work, but he knew he wanted to be the one to raise Teddy- he’d promised Remus, after all, and besides, he already loved the little boy more than life itself.
Kingsley let out a low chuckle. “Of course, Harry. Ordinarily there would be more to work through, but in this case I’m sure I’ll be able to make an exception.” Harry wanted to butt in that just because he was now ‘the saviour’ shouldn’t mean he didn’t have to follow protocol, but in this case he was willing to ignore it as long as it meant he could take Teddy home with him as soon as possible. “So, I’ll just need you to sign some paperwork stating that as his godfather you are willing to become his legal guardian and adopt him, and then we’ll discuss Andromeda’s will.”
“Okay, no problem, I can- I can do that.” Harry shifted Teddy against his body until he could hold him with one arm and reached for the quill Kingsley was holding out for him, signing each line Kingsley pointed to as quickly as possible.
“Now that’s out of the way, Andromeda’s will states that everything should be passed on to her child, and in the unfortunate event that they are unable to accept, it should be given to you. This includes her home, which is not a crime scene as she was killed outside of the property, her vaults, and the contents of both. If you would just sign here to say you accept it, you’ll be free to head home.” Harry signed and righted himself, cradling Teddy gently.
“Do you know if it’s safe to floo with a baby?” Harry wanted to scratch the back of his neck but his arms were full of Teddy.
Kingsley’s booming laugh seemed to fill the small office. “Perfectly safe, Harry, not to worry. Now, I know you were intending to move into Headquarters, but if its even half as bad as I remember, that’s no place for a child. Andromeda’s house or another property would be much more suitable, if you’re amenable.”
“Right, yeah, Grimmauld definitely isn’t even nearly ready for that. I reckon I’ll move into Andromeda’s.”
“Excellent. Thank you for coming in, Harry.” One of Kingsley’s large hands slapped onto his shoulder.
“No worries, see you later, Kingsley.”
Harry pushed his magic out to open the door for him and padded out back towards Andrews’ office. Once he got there, he smiled at the auror politely and threw some floo powder into the fire, calling out “Tonks Residence!” and stepping into the green flames.
Andromeda’s living room looked almost the same as the last time he’d been there, only with a pile of children’s toys in one corner. Harry flopped down on the soft sofa and looked down at Teddy.
“Well, Teddy-bear, just me and you now. I’m an orphan too, but you’ve got me. I’ll look after you, bud.” Harry felt his eyes well up as Teddy reached up one tiny hand and pressed it to his cheek. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the boy’s forehead and leaned back, spending a few minutes just rocking Teddy.