Harry trudged slowly up the tower staircase to the Gryffindor Common Room. He was tired. His feet ached. His head was pounding. He was aching internally for all the people he had met that day, and especially for the mother of one young lad who had been so upset that she had spilt all her feelings out in a venomous verbal tirade at Harry, blaming him for everything. He had been so surprised that he had just stood there, taking it, until he realised what was going on and that what he was hearing was the lady's own sense of loss, her mourning and her guilty feelings, rather than anything personal. It had hurt, nonetheless. He kept walking, trudging heavily along one step at a time. Eventually, he came to the Fat Lady's portrait, and as usual she swung aside for him. He was still unaware that he had not been asked for a password since the battle. He clambered through the portrait hole. Suddenly, the world lightened.

Ginny was in an armchair beside the fireplace, facing him. She was leaning back comfortably, relaxed and almost feline in repose. She stretched luxuriously, a faint smile touching her lips.

"You're later than I thought you would be," she said. "You look knackered."

Harry nodded and sat down on the arm of her chair. "I am."

"You also look like you did last week. What got under your skin?"

Harry shrugged. "Just some lady blasting off at me for letting her son get killed. It was Ben's mum."

"That's so unfair!" Ginny sat up, colour rising in her cheeks.

"I know, but I don't think she could really help herself. She was utterly distraught. She just needed someone to vent the pain and grief on. I don't really blame her for that, but she was saying all the sorts of things I've been trying for days not to allow myself to believe are really my fault."

Ginny eased herself back into the armchair and pulled Harry off the arm into her lap.

"I'm glad I can be here to help," she said. "Have all the funerals been like that?"

"No," he replied. "This was the first time I've really been shouted at. I've had a number of people avoid me, and far too many fawning over me like I'm some kind of god. Lots of them seem to forget I'm just an ordinary bloke. I'm not clever, or really powerful, or brilliant at magic and all that. I'm just… me."

Ginny stroked the messy black hair off Harry's forehead and kissed him gently. "I'm glad about that. I don't want a boyfriend with a swollen head or a massive ego."

"I'm just glad you want a boyfriend."

"Well, not just any boyfriend."

"Thanks."

Harry ran his hand very gently through Ginny's hair, tucking a stray lock behind her ear, as he had seen her do so often. She looked at him, eyes laden with the eternal message from woman to chosen man. He kissed her very gently, almost reverently.

"I'm so glad you're here," he said. "I've missed you."

"Me too."

They talked on for some time before Ginny asked, "When did you last eat?"

"Er… this morning, I think."

"Well, don't you think you ought to have some supper?"

Harry nodded. "Tinka," he called.

Tinka appeared with a soft crack and asked, "Master Harry wishes something?"

"What about Kreacher?" Ginny asked.

"He's still with Mrs. Tonks, if you remember," Harry replied. "We should see him in a couple of days."

"Master Harry is seeing his Kreacher soon?" asked Tinka.

"Yes I am, Tinka. Do you want to send him any message?"

Tinka said nothing for a moment. Finally, she said, "Tinka is trying to make sure Master Harry has all he needs. Kreacher may wish to know that."

"I'll be sure to tell him," Harry responded. He suddenly had an idea about what was going on. "I'll be sure to tell him you're doing your very best, and that I've been very pleased."

"Kreacher will be pleased," Tinka replied softly. "What can Tinka do for Master Harry?"

"Could you find me something for supper? I missed the meal in the Great Hall. I got back too late."

"Tinka will bring a meal at once. Is Mistress Ginnywheezy wishing anything also?"

"No, thanks. I had my meal earlier. I could do with a hot drink though, if you don't mind," Ginny asked. "And, please, just call me Ginny."

"Tinka will find something at once. Tinka is honoured to be asked to call Mistress by her short name." She snapped her fingers and disappeared with a soft crack.

After Harry had eaten the meal that Tinka brought, he looked up at Ginny. She had been watching him quietly while he ate, saying nothing, just sipping her tea.

"Let's walk," he said abruptly, holding out his hand.

Ginny stood up and took Harry's hand. They walked out through the portrait hole, down through the castle and out into the grounds. Harry said nothing. Outside, dusk was falling and the sky was slowly turning purple. The first stars were starting to prickle the sky. Harry stopped walking and looked up at them.

"I still miss him, you know," he said.

"Who?"

Harry pointed at one particular star and said nothing.

"Sirius?" asked Ginny.

"Yes. I could talk about things, ask advice… you know… Now I can't. I can talk lots over with you, but I still miss him."

"What do you want to tell him?"

"Nothing I can't tell you. I'm just bothered about the future. I mean, I can see where I'm going for this summer. I just don't know what to do after that."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know whether to take up Kingsley's offer of Auror training or whether to come back here for N.E.W.T.s."

"It would be nice to be back together in school for a year. We'd be in the same year now. We could work and study together. We'd get the chance to play Quidditch together again. Hermione would be back too, I think."

"Yeah. Part of me wants to do that. It would be really good to spend another year back here. It sort of feels… safe. Like it's a sort of home."

"Part of you doesn't though," Ginny stated, more than asked.

"Mmm. Part of me's ready to move on and try and sort out a life for myself. You know, get a job, do something. There's got to be a lot of work done before the Death Eaters are finally put down. I don't think I'm going to feel really safe until that's done. I still worry that they'll come after me again… or you."

"Still trying to save the world?"

"No. I just want you… us… to be safe. I still feel that I need to be looking over my shoulder all the time. Like Moody used to say, 'Constant vigilance!' It's exhausting. I'm constantly alert. Fleur would call it 'on the qui vive'. Keeps me awake at night, too."

Ginny pulled Harry to her, and rested her head on his chest. His arms came up around her back reflexively.

"Merlin, Harry. What have they done to you?"

"Nothing, really. I just… I can't relax yet. I don't really understand why. I suppose last year… you know, being on the move constantly, always under threat, having to take turns standing guard so we could sleep… it became a sort of habit."

Harry spent the next hour telling Ginny about the last year in a lot more detail than he had before. He told her about moving locations daily, about knowing that there was always the likelihood of being caught, about the times spent desperately trying to work out where the Horcruxes could be hidden, and the despairing feelings that they might fail. He told her about the raid on Gringotts and planning it at Shell Cottage with Griphook. He told her about the raid on the Ministry of Magic, and the near-miss they had on the doorstep of Grimmauld Place. Eventually, he stopped, and they just stood there in the darkening evening, watching the sky.

They were still standing there when they heard hoof-falls approaching. Harry looked out into the darkness, hand on wand, to try and see who it was.

"You are watching the skies?" came a voice from the darkness. "What do you read there?"

It was Firenze.

"Hello, Firenze. I couldn't see who it was in the dark," Harry said.

"That is clear. You would not have been so ready to defend yourself otherwise," Firenze replied.

"Huh?"

"Centaur night vision is superior to that of humans. I could see that you had your hand on your wand. I am pleased that you remained calm. After your recent experiences, you could have been forgiven for drawing your wand."

"No use firing curses off at nothing in particular," Harry commented.

Firenze nodded. "So what do you seek in the stars?"

"We were looking at Sirius, and I was missing my godfather. I don't think I was trying to read anything in particular."

"You would seek his advice, I think. Few humans have the wit to turn to the stars on such occasions. You do well to do this. Centaurs have sought such advice for millennia. It is hard to read, and can be read wrongly, even by centaurs. I remember telling you that the first time that I met you."

"That was the first time I met Voldemort."

"It was. The stars then predicted a long period of darkness, war, and the overthrow of the light. Mars was very bright then."

"And now?"

"Much has changed already. Now greater change is likely."

"How can you tell?"

"I see it in the changing patterns in the heavens. I do not see clearly how this affects you personally. I do see that you are part of that change. Both of you. Much that you previously expected will not be as you thought."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other. Harry clearly remembered Hagrid's comment. "Never expect a straight answer from a centaur."

"Thanks, Firenze," Harry said. He was confused. Was Firenze giving advice, or just commenting on the situation?

"Now I must leave you. I wish you both well. The Herd wishes to meet with me tonight. I think that their attitude will be changed by the signs in the heavens. The attitude of much of the magical world will change."

Firenze nodded kindly to both of them and moved off quietly towards the forest.

"So how does that help?" Ginny asked.

"Dunno," Harry replied. "It's hard to understand centaurs. Hagrid says they never give much away. I think he was saying to expect the unexpected, as if that was any real change for me. I don't understand why though."

"Does that mean you know what to do?"

"No."

"Just so you know, whatever you decide, I'll go with it. I know you'll only ever do what you think is right."

"Thanks, Ginny."

Harry turned and pulled her into a hug. She responded by pulling herself as close to him as she could. Harry didn't think it was possible to be closer to anyone. The feeling was overwhelming. He laid his cheek against her hair, wishing the moment would last forever. Like this, he felt he could do anything.

"Ginny?"

"Yes?"

"I want you to know… I won't make any decision about what to do without talking about it. Is that okay?"

"Yes, Harry, that's fine. You're starting to learn to talk about things… you know, share stuff."

"We'd better go in. We've got to be on the road by eight tomorrow. Breakfast at seven then?"

"Yuk. You have this rotten habit of reminding me of reality, Potter. Seven oughtn't be allowed. I've already got my robes and stuff ready, but it still means getting up far too soon."

"I know."

They walked back to the castle hand in hand, parting only at the foot of the stairs to the girl's dorms.

… oOo …

Harry was in the common room at ten to seven, waiting for Ginny. He knew she wouldn't be ready until seven o'clock, but he had passed a bad night, his dreams filled with green flashes of light and red, slit-like eyes. He had finally given up trying to sleep any more at six, and showered and dressed. The thought that Ginny would be with him all day had given him added impetus and softened the memory of his dreams.

Ginny finally appeared at five past seven. She looked a little as though she would have preferred to stay in bed and Harry thought it wise not to comment on her being a few minutes late. He kissed her gently.

"Has anyone told you how good you look today?" he asked.

"No."

"Well, you do. You look stunning."

"I don't feel stunning. I feel stunned. It's too early. Let's go and have breakfast before I change my mind and go back to bed."

Harry grinned and took her hand, and they went down to breakfast together.

"I could get used to this." Harry thought. He couldn't remember feeling this good since those few golden weeks in sixth year.

After something to eat and some pumpkin juice, Ginny started to perk up.

"I forgot to say thank you," Ginny said, suddenly. She smiled, and for Harry, it was like a sunrise.

"What for?" he asked.

"For being nice to me this morning. For saying I looked nice. For not teasing me about being half-awake."

"You're welcome. Besides, you don't know how much it means to me for you to be here. I've been looking forward to this for nearly two weeks."

"So have I."

Harry felt a deep surge of joy at her comments. The monster in his chest was roaring its delight and it was all he could do not to grin inanely. He couldn't ever remember feeling this good. Even the thought of the day ahead didn't dampen his pleasure in the moment.

They were just finishing breakfast when Professor McGonagall came up to them. She went over the list of the places they would go during the day, and finally added, "There will be one extra event today. Professor Snape's funeral will be held here at Hogwarts. It appears he has no living relatives, and I am told that in his will he expressed a wish to be buried here rather than near his parents. I do not know why. In any event, the Governors have acceded to his request and he will be buried next to Professor Dumbledore. There will be few mourners, I feel. Do you wish to attend?"

Harry was not surprised that he knew a little more than Professor McGonagall. Snape had been a very secretive person, with good reason.

"I'll be glad to go," he said. He did not add anything else. If Snape had wanted anyone else to know, he would have told them. He would respect that.

Ginny was watching him; she looked mildly surprised. Harry mouthed "Later…" to her.

The day started with a double funeral in Chester for two DA members. Harry could remember them both training hard in the Room of Requirement, and Ginny told of how they had continued that work and taken part in the resistance movement at Hogwarts. They had both died covering the retreat into the castle during the battle. The service was now a matter of wearisome routine and went as it always did. When it was over, Harry spent the usual toe-curling hour talking with the two families, listening to their thanks and gratitude, shaking hands with almost everyone there and feeling as undeserving as usual. Ginny was by Harry's side the whole time and he made sure he never introduced her as his girlfriend, but as the leader of the school resistance during the war. He knew well enough that she would hate just to be recognised as his girlfriend. She was far more than just that.

They did get one moment of light relief. A little girl of about six came up to Ginny and pulled gently on her robe. Ginny looked round, saw the little girl and crouched down to be at eye level with her.

"Hello," she said. "Who are you?"

"I'm Katie."

"Do you want to ask something?"

The little girl nodded shyly.

"Go on, then."

"How do you meet someone like Mr. Potter?" she asked. "He's famous. Mummy says he's a Chosen One."

"Well, I'd heard stories about him since I was your age. Then he came to my house with my brother. I was shy, too."

"Are you getting married?"

"I have to be asked first," Ginny replied, the beginnings of a grin touching the corners of her mouth.

"He ought to ask. You're pretty."

Just then, the little girl's mother appeared. She was full of apologies for her daughter troubling them, so Ginny told her that it had been no trouble, and that Katie was a lovely little girl.

Harry had listened to the entire encounter. This was something he hadn't considered properly, he decided. How did you know when to get married, anyway? How did you know whether you were in love or not? Once again, he missed Sirius desperately.

The rest of the day went on much as had those previous. It was only as Harry, Ginny and Professor McGonagall returned to Hogwarts that the mood changed. Gathered by Professor Dumbledore's tomb were a dozen members of staff, some of the Order of the Phoenix and a minister. Professor Snape's coffin stood to one side, and an empty grave was waiting nearby. Harry looked round. For the first time in nearly two weeks, there was no one there he didn't know. He and Ginny were the only students present.

The minister asked, "Shall we begin, then?"

There was a hiatus for a moment. The minister then asked, "Will the bearers bring the coffin to the graveside?"

Everyone looked at everyone else. Harry said nothing, but stood up, left his place and went and stood by the coffin. After a moment, Ginny joined him. Kingsley Shacklebolt and three others joined them. They lifted Professor Snape's coffin and marched carefully to the graveside. The service then followed the usual pattern until the family orations. The minister said, "As there are no family members to tell us of our departed friend, will anyone speak for them?"

Harry again stood up, stepped out beside the grave and the coffin and looked around at the small gathering.

"Professor Snape was never my friend. I doubt he had many true friends. By force of circumstance he was a very secretive person. In his youth, he followed a darker path, becoming a follower of Voldemort. Then tragedy overtook him. As a result of his actions, the one person he had ever loved was betrayed and killed. It changed him. He sought out Professor Dumbledore and confessed his fault, becoming instead an agent of the Order of the Phoenix and spying on the Death Eaters from within their midst. To do this, he had to overcome the abilities of the most powerful Legilimens ever – Voldemort himself. He succeeded and for many dangerous years tricked the Death Eaters into believing he was truly one of them. This led him to behave in that harsh manner those of us who knew him became accustomed to see. He would not allow his actions to reduce his usefulness as a spy. All the good he did, and there were many good deeds carried out secretly, had to be concealed. One of those deeds was to save my life in my first year. He also took upon himself the charge of Headmaster of Hogwarts School. In doing so, even though he was forced to act harshly in order to maintain his disguise, he prevented any other from taking the position and inflicting real harm. Even his discipline, harsh though it was, paled beside what others wished to inflict. Thus he saved many students from worse harm. His death came about purely to suit Voldemort's own ends, and not because he failed in his deceit. In dying, he left me many memories, most of which I will keep private as he would have wished. I will only say that I now know that the person he cared so much about was my mother. He was truly one of the most distinguished fighters for the right and chose the hardest path of any of us. He was the bravest man I have ever known. He was a man I can now say I am proud to have known."

Harry stepped back to his place.

Utter silence followed Harry's speech. After a minute, Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped forward and said a few words, concluding, "In the manner of his living and dying, he proved himself true to the ideals of Hogwarts. We must ensure that his worth becomes more widely known."

Two other teachers made brief statements, telling of some small aspect of Snape's life. Eventually, the service concluded and the grave was left as a small undistinguished mound of earth and headstone beside Dumbledore's monumental tomb. They all walked slowly back up to the school. Harry had said nothing since, but Ginny walked with her arm around Harry's back, sensing his inner turmoil. His arm was around her shoulders, and he was deeply comforted that she was there.

As they walked in to the quiet common room, Ginny asked, "Harry, did you mean it when you said Snape loved your mother?"

Harry stopped walking. He was silent for a long moment.

"It's true," he said. "He first saw her before ever she knew she was a witch. They were just kids."

Before he knew it, Harry was telling Ginny the story of Snape's memories. He sat on the arm of a chair, cautioned her not to tell anyone else, and poured out the whole thing, tears spilling from his eyes as he spoke. He went on to tell of the memories of Snape and Dumbledore's discussions about him, and of how he had found out that he was a Horcrux. How he had found out that he would have to be killed to rid the world of Voldemort. Ginny just fell back into the armchair opposite him and listened, her hands over her mouth, fascinated and horrified for Harry at the same time. When Harry stopped speaking, Ginny too had tears in her eyes.

"Harry, that's awful!" she said. "I mean, I can understand that Snape had fallen in love with your Mum, I can understand why she was his friend, and I can understand how he turned her off him by all that Dark Arts stuff. I can't understand him betraying her, and even less why he hated you. What really gets me is that he gave you all this and still you were able to go out and face Voldemort. I don't know how you did it."

"That's why I wrote that letter."

"This?" Ginny pulled a slightly crumpled piece of parchment out of a pocket in her robe. "I always keep this with me, all the time."

"Why?"

"Because of what it meant to you. Because of what it means to me."

Harry just nodded. He pulled off his glasses and knuckled his eyes.

"Sorry," he said

"What for?"

"Lumbering you with all my baggage. You've got enough to think about without all my crap." He cleaned his glasses and put them back on.

"No. I'm glad you want to tell me. It helps me understand. The letter makes even more sense now."

Harry pulled his face into a semblance of a smile.

"Let's go and get some supper. I think it would do us both good."

Ginny smiled back, got up and went over to Harry. She kissed him gently on the forehead, took one of his hands and pulled him to his feet.

… oOo …

Thursday had barely begun, or so it seemed to Ginny. She stumbled down the girl's staircase, ready to start the new day. Harry was waiting for her and his face lit up as he saw her.

"Been here long?" she asked.

Harry nodded. "Couldn't sleep. I've been up since half five. I can't get the image of Tonks and Lupin out of my head."

"I know. Theirs is the last funeral of the day, isn't it?"

Harry nodded again.

They went down to the Great Hall, meeting Professor McGonagall as they went in. She nodded to them and commented, "We will need to leave for the first ceremony in forty-five minutes. We will be going back to London again."

After breakfast, the round of funerals began again. Three o'clock found them Apparating to Mrs. Tonks' home.

As they walked up the path to the house, Harry looked round. He had not been there since the chaotic escape from Privet Drive nearly a year ago. He shuddered as he looked at the place where he and Hagrid had crashed. That had been too close for comfort. Suddenly, he missed Hedwig. He would have given almost anything just for an attention-seeking nip on the fingers. She was buried in this garden too. He could also see the place he had stood watching the sky for some sign of Alastor Moody. Almost everywhere he looked there were uncomfortable memories. He and Ginny walked along to the graveyard near the house with Professor McGonagall. He could tell that Ginny was also revisiting that night in her mind. Harry was glad he had told her of how Snape had been trying to hex a Death Eater when he severed George's ear.

There was quite a large gathering around the graveside. Harry noticed that Ginny's family was all there. Ron was scowling about something, his hands thrust deep into the pockets of his robe. He and Ginny quietly walked up behind him and Harry said in to Ron's ear, "Constant vigilance."

Ron jumped and spun round, grinning.

"So, what's pulling your chain then?" Harry asked.

Ron jerked his head to the left. "The Malfoys are here … gits," he growled.

"Well, they are related to Mrs. Tonks, you know. In fact, if Mrs. Tonks wasn't around, they'd probably have to bring up Teddy."

"Thank the mercies for Mrs. Tonks then," Ron muttered. "I really can't stand them. I don't know how they've managed to slither out of a trial and a spell in Azkaban."

Harry said nothing. He had told Ron of Mrs. Malfoy's deception but it did not seem good enough for him.

Harry shrugged. "They've got to keep their noses clean, anyway," he said.

Suddenly, Harry's vision was blocked by a mass of bushy hair and an enveloping hug.

"Hello, Hermione," he said into the hair.

She let go of him and hugged Ginny. "I'm so glad to see you both," she said. "How've you been?"

"All right, I suppose," Harry replied. He winced internally. His stock reply seemed inadequate. "It's been a tough couple of weeks. Having Ginny with me makes it lots better though," he went on.

Hermione looked at him critically. "You've been worrying a lot," she said. "You didn't have those dark circles under your eyes when I saw you last."

Harry shrugged again. "I'm still having trouble getting to sleep. Too many dreams," he acknowledged. "I hope it'll get better in time."

"About You-know-who… Voldemort?" she asked.

"That and the battle… and the forest," Harry said. "I've told Ginny, and she says she gets some too about last year and the battle as well."

"I've been looking it up since you mentioned it before we left Hogwarts," Hermione said. "It's quite common for people who've been through really stressful things to get this. I'm still trying to find out more, but the best thing that I can find out so far seems to be to talk about it."

"Yes… I can talk about it a bit now, but not to everyone. It's easiest with Ginny or you or Ron. You know what it was like. You can relate to what I tell you. Talking to anyone else… well, they weren't there."

Hermione nodded. Harry noticed that she and Ron were holding hands. He didn't comment, but it seemed that what had started during the battle was continuing. He was pleased for both of them. Harry had watched them dancing around their feelings for each other for years. He grinned slightly and reached over to take Ginny's hand. He gave it a slight squeeze, and felt a return pressure on his own hand. The feeling was glorious. He looked at Ron, who had noticed Harry's action. Ron nodded to him almost imperceptibly.

Harry looked round. "Where's the rest of your family, Ron?" he asked. "We ought to go and see them… and Mrs. Tonks too."

Ron pointed to his right. "Over there," he said. "Mum and Dad are talking with Mrs. Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt. The others are just behind them."

"Er… Harry," Hermione said. She had that look on her face that usually came when she was unsure how Harry would react. "Someone else is here too… Rita Skeeter."

Harry looked at her, astonished. "What on earth does she expect to get here?" he asked.

"An interview with you, perhaps?" Ginny suggested. "The press have been following your movements, you know. Most days, the Daily Prophet has reported which funerals you've been to."

"Yeah," Harry replied. "I've been brushing them off a bit."

"It looks like you'll have to do it again."

"Let's go and see Mrs. Tonks," Harry said, pushing Rita and all the press from his mind.

The four of them walked over to the small group round Andromeda Tonks. Harry waited until she noticed them and then went forward, taking Mrs. Tonks' hands in both of his.

"How are you, Andromeda?" he asked.

She pushed a lock of hair back off her face. "I don't know, really," she replied. "Part of me is honoured so many have come, part of me is terribly upset, and part again is so very proud of Teddy."

Harry nodded. "I know exactly what you mean," he said. "I've not been able to get used to all this myself. I know I miss Remus and Tonks terribly, but that must be nothing compared to how you feel."

Mrs. Tonks nodded a few times and brushed away a tear. "I knew you, of all people, would understand. Thank you."

She reached forward and hugged Harry. This, he knew without understanding quite why, was more for Mrs. Tonks' need for comfort than for his own. Hesitantly, unsure of the right thing to do, Harry reached out and returned the hug. For a moment, Mrs. Tonks leaned against Harry, and then pulled herself upright and took half a step back. They smiled uncertainly at each other, both slightly embarrassed.

"Thank you, Harry," Mrs. Tonks repeated.

Harry cast around for a change of subject. "How is Teddy?" he asked.

"He's doing really well. He's really very little trouble for a baby, so very good-natured. Kreacher has been wonderful with him, too. Kreacher has been such a help. He's with him now. I didn't know house elves had lullabies."

"There's so much we haven't bothered to find out about house elves," Hermione interjected. She had been standing back with the others, just within earshot.

Mrs. Tonks looked round and saw them. She went straight over and hugged Ginny too, then shook hands with Ron and Hermione.

"I'm glad to see you all," she said.

They talked a little more, and then Mrs. Tonks went inside the house, returning moments later with Teddy in her arms and Kreacher following close behind. Kreacher came and stood before Harry and bowed deeply, his locket touching the ground.

"Master Harry, Kreacher has done Master's bidding. Kreacher has helped all he knows."

Harry sat down on the ground for a moment, Ginny beside him. "Kreacher, I know you have. Mistress Tonks has told me how good you have been. I'm proud of you and grateful to you."

Kreacher looked at Harry. "Master is too kind to Kreacher. Never has anyone told Kreacher they were proud. Kreacher is deeply honoured."

"I also bring a message for you, Kreacher," Harry went on. "Tinka wanted you to know that she has looked after me well. I've been very pleased with her help. Thank you for asking her to take care of me."

"Tinka is a good elf, Master Harry," Kreacher croaked. His eyes lost focus for a moment. "Kreacher is pleased."

"Kreacher, you'll need to help Mrs. Tonks for all of today, and the rest of this week. Would you return to me at Hogwarts on Monday?"

"Kreacher will be pleased to do that. Kreacher has enjoyed helping."

"Very well. I'll see you again on Monday then."

Kreacher bowed to Harry once again and went and stood next to Teddy's carry-cot. Harry looked at Ginny.

"If I didn't know better, I would think Kreacher has discovered he actually likes children."

"I think he really does like Teddy. It's because you trusted him, Harry. It's given him something to feel good about."

Just then, Mrs. Tonks looked at them. "I think we need to take our places. The minister wants to start."

Ron and Hermione went off to rejoin the rest of the Weasley family while Harry and Ginny joined Mrs. Tonks in the front row, along with various family members. Harry knew he would have to speak again.

The service started and took its usual form. Eventually, Mrs. Tonks having spoken and returned to her place in tears, Harry was called to speak.

"Remus Lupin was one of the finest people I ever knew. He was a good friend, first to my father, with whom he was at school, and then to me. He was a fine teacher, and the best Defence teacher Hogwarts had seen in many years. I learned a very great deal from him. The biggest thing I learned was that you can overcome anything if you need to. Remus Lupin was bitten by a werewolf in his youth, becoming a werewolf himself. He was ashamed of it. He feared people would shun him. He feared hurting people in his transformed state. He couldn't readily find work and few would trust him. He found that trust first in Professor Dumbledore, and then later in Nymphadora Tonks. She loved him deeply, disregarding his condition. At first, he feared returning that love. As he had overcome all the troubles his condition caused him, and they were many, so he overcame his own self-doubts to marry her. They were indeed deeply in love. That love was the making of both of them, and I am very proud to have known them as a couple. I was even more proud to be asked to be godfather to their son. I really do wish that they could know the happiness of raising him themselves, but they made their sacrifice for him and countless others like him, to help make a world in which he could grow up safely. They chose to fight, not out of hate, but out of love. I know that wherever they are on the next great adventure, they will watch over Teddy, as I will. He will know that he was wanted, loved and cherished. He will learn to be proud of them. He will, as will we all, honour and treasure their memory."

Harry moved back to his place and sat down, chest heaving with the effort of containing his emotions. Ginny took his left hand in both of hers and pulled it to her, leaning against him. Harry was instantly conscious of being enfolded in care and concern and… he didn't know what. He was just aware of a deep inner peace… a sort of glow.

Many others spoke then. Harry sat there, listening, absorbed in the feeling of being with Ginny, hurting deeply for Remus and Tonks, feeling the deep responsibility of being Teddy's godfather. He was totally awash with emotion, and tears started running down his face as they had not since Fred's funeral. He wasn't sure if he was happy or sad. He just… felt.

Eventually, it was over. Everyone around Ginny and Harry stood up and started to move towards the house and the waiting buffet. Harry just sat there, gathering himself together again for a few minutes. Ginny didn't ask what was wrong. She just kept hold of his hand and waited until he was ready. Eventually, they stood up.

"You're really hurting this time, aren't you?" Ginny asked.

Harry nodded. "It's just… I don't know… all the feelings." He ran his hands over his face sharply, angry at himself for being such a wimp.

Ginny returned the nod. "It's a bit overwhelming."

"I'm glad you're here," Harry added, abruptly. He pulled her to himself and hugged her hard. "Thanks."

Ginny smiled and returned the pressure of Harry's hug. "Come on. Let's go and find the family. Ron'll be on his second helping if we don't move soon."

Harry went with Ginny to join the families at the meal. At first, he stood with her, feeling a deep contentment that she was there. Then they got separated in the crowd and conversations. He always knew where she was, and they were rarely out of sight of each other. Some time later, he found himself slightly apart from the others and next to Andromeda Tonks. She looked at him kindly, head slightly tilted, and Harry knew a question was coming.

"You really are deeply in love with her, aren't you?" she asked.

"Umm… well… I don't know. I really like being with her. I miss her if she's not there. I don't know anything about being in love. I don't know how to tell." Harry was blushing deeply, but somehow he felt he could confide in Andromeda.

Her lips twisted into a slightly sad smile.

"I've heard a little about your background from Kreacher. I've heard a great deal more from Molly Weasley… I've been over to see them a number of times this last fortnight. I'm not entirely surprised to hear you say that. I think you do know a great deal about love. No one could fight as you have or risk so much for so long if they didn't."

"I know about caring about people. I know how I feel about people like Ron or Hermione and the Weasleys."

"What you feel for Ginny is different though, isn't it?" she interjected. "I don't mean in any silly physical way – I mean how you feel inside."

"Umm… yes, I suppose it is."

"Have you considered how your parents felt about each other? Have you considered how 'Dora felt for Remus?"

"A bit. Some of it makes sense. Some doesn't. It's like I've never really seen that. I never really even knew that people could care about each other until I got to Hogwarts."

Andromeda looked at him thoughtfully.

"I think I understand. It's something one normally picks up from one's parents. I know you didn't see that side of life until you met the Weasley family."

"I suppose so."

"So, then. Is there anything that you wouldn't do to keep Ginny safe?"

"Nothing. I nearly lost her because I was so worried about keeping her safe. I broke up with her at Professor Dumbledore's funeral to try and prevent anyone from associating me with her. I was a bit dangerous to know just then."

"Is there anything you would refuse her?"

"No… well unless it was something I knew would harm her. I'd have to persuade her about that though."

Harry grinned briefly at the thought of denying Ginny something she really wanted. He knew how dangerous it would be.

"Should she be allowed to make her own decisions?"

"Of course… I wouldn't like to stop her."

"Even if it involved risk?"

"Well… yes. We talked a bit about that. I have this protective streak; Ginny calls it a 'saving people thing'. I'm having to un-learn it."

"What would you do if she wanted to leave you?"

Harry looked at her, thunderstruck.

"Just think about it for a minute," Andromeda urged.

"Well… umm… I don't know. I want her to be happy. I want to make her happy always. I don't ever want to hurt her. I hurt her once when I broke up with her; I know that. I don't ever want to do that again. It hurt me, too."

"And?"

"Well… if I couldn't make her happy… it's horrible. I don't know. Part of me would want to fight to keep her… part of me says that if I can't make her happy, or if I make her unhappy, I should let her go." Harry was sweating at the very thought. He hadn't considered it before. He was in complete turmoil imagining such a scenario.

"I'm glad you find that idea so difficult. That is as it should be. It's a question that has no right answer.

"How does she make you feel… emotionally?" she went on.

"I can't explain it. I'm no good at that sort of stuff. I don't know the words."

"Try."

"Well… you know… excited and calm all at the same time. Safe and unsafe. Weak and powerful. All I can think of is a load of opposites. It doesn't make any sense."

Andromeda smiled. "Actually, Harry, it makes all the sense in the world. Love is the most powerful and most fragile thing there is. You have to work to keep it healthy and growing. It makes you vulnerable, because you leave a really important part of yourself with someone else for them to take care of. It makes you responsible because the other person does the same for you. If you are in love, you can easily hurt someone or be hurt yourself. You have to trust, share and risk."

"So you think I love Ginny?"

"I know you do. I know you love her even more than you love Teddy, and I know you love Teddy a lot."

"I don't know how to… let her know."

"I imagine she does know… or at least, she will do when she lets herself believe. I think she's as overwhelmed as you are. I think you're both finding it a bit scary to feel that much for someone."

Harry nodded. "Andromeda… thanks. I've been a bit worried, and there was no-one to ask."

"I'm glad to be able to help you. You've helped me a lot too, you know." She hugged him briefly and added, "Off you go. Look after her. She's one in a million."

Harry smiled back. "I know," he said.