"Dobby's dead?"

I felt that familiar twist of my stomach. Poor harmless Dobby who did nothing but love Harry Potter.

I looked down at the baby in my arms and felt such a flood of sadness. Another life this child would never have the pleasure of knowing. There were too many now. I cradled Teddy close, planting a kiss upon his wrinkled forehead as I inhaled the sweet scent that only a newborn baby had.

"He was a very courageous elf," Lupin went on, his eyes glassing slightly as they lingered on me, a deep sadness etched on his face. "He saved the whole lot of them from Malfoy Manor. Without him, Harry could have very well lost the battle already."

I looked up, startled at the mention of Draco's home. "What about Draco? Is he-?"

"He's a tough kid, Neve," Lupin quickly assured me. "He did a good job; refused to confirm Harry's identity despite the severe pressure he was under. It couldn't have been easy."

"And is he back here? At school I mean?" I asked, feeling fearful for him. He'd risked his life so much for us. "He's the one who rescued us all. And it's been a while since anyone else has come through, I've been worried."

"The Malfoy's had Harry within their grasp and then let him go, Neve," Lupin said darkly. "I'm pretty sure You-Know-Who wouldn't have taken kindly to that, I'm afraid. It's likely that he has been refused a position back at Hogwarts."

A cold fear crept around my heart and I hugged Teddy closer to me, hoping to get some comfort from his innocent tiny body. I tried not to let the horror of wondering what was happening to Draco get to me. I had to stay strong and I had to have faith.

"And Harry-?" I breathed, wondering how he was getting on with his mission.

"Last I heard, he was planning something with a goblin." Lupin sighed, looking pained. "I'm afraid he won't tell me anymore, Neve, but the main thing is, he's still going, and so must we."

"I feel so useless being in here," I admitted as Lupin and I surveyed our surroundings.

Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs filled the room; some lazing in hammocks, some sat chatting on the sofas. There was a small crowd in the corner having some kind of spell-off; laughter rising amongst them.

"Everyone is happy," Lupin smiled, "you've created a wonderful, charged atmosphere in here. It's refreshing to see."

"I'm still leading the DA," I said, feeling my cheeks heat with pride, "it seems to help everyone feel focused and ready."

"I look at you now and I can't you believe you are the same girl who once had Professor Snape as your Boggart," Lupin beamed at me. "You've come such a long way, Neve. You should be so proud of everything you have achieved."

"We've got to do it for little guys like this one," I smiled warmly down at Teddy. "We've got to give them a future worth living in."

"We don't deserve you, Neve," Tonks said, coming up behind me. "The world is a lucky place to have you, which is why..." she trailed off, glancing up at Lupin. "Have you asked her yet?"

Lupin shook his head and I looked bewilderedly between the both of them. "Asked me what?"

"You can say no, Neve," Lupin said at once as he put an arm around Tonks's shoulders. "But we were wondering if you'd do us the great honour of being Teddy's godmother? We believe your energy and influence will help him grow into the solid young wizard we wish him to be."

I swallowed, my heart swelling with an overwhelming amount of love and pride. I was speechless.

"We want you to be a part of Teddy's life," Tonks grinned. "And we couldn't think of anyone else who would be more perfect for the job."

"I- I don't know what to say," I trembled as I felt tears prick behind my eyes. "I never dreamed anyone would ever ask me of such a wonderful thing."

"So is that a yes?" Lupin asked, raising a hopeful eyebrow.

"Yes!" I cried, as the tears started to fall; tears of love and happiness, but most of all; hope.

That evening, with Lupin's help, I finally managed to produce a fully corporeal Patronus.

It was a ferret.

*****

Draco was losing all hope.

He found it difficult to cope being at the Manor and knowing that Neve was miles away from him, with no idea how she was coping in the Room.

Not being able to send more people to her made him feel like he had completely lost her. It had been a connection; almost like each rescue was a message to her to let her know that he was still alive and fighting for their future.

But now he was stuck as a prisoner in his own home, feeling utterly helpless.

Too many times he had been sure he was about to die. And all he ever felt in those moments was the panic that he would never get to see Neve again and tell her how much he loved her.

Most nights he cried himself to sleep, missing her and aching for her comforting touch. He longed to return to Hogwarts just to know he was near to her.

"You need to eat, Draco," his mother implored. "You need your strength."

She never added why, but Draco knew what she meant; soon they would be expected to fight.

But he would never fight for anyone except for Neve.

So, forcing himself to keep strong, he ate. He exercised not only his body, but his mind too; practising closing his mind every night, vowing to keep his thoughts about Neve as far away from Voldemort as he could.

She was his strength and he would do anything for her.

Because when the moment came when she needed him, come hell or high water, he would make sure he was there.

And then came the day that Voldemort brutally slaughtered a room full of goblins.

*****