Sirius did not think he had ever been so lucky in his entire, pathetic life. Holding his godson in his arms, he tried to keep the tears from falling. Lily's hand was on his, though she had long fallen asleep in the family bed. James was lovingly stroking her hair as she slept on, his own eyes struggling to stay awake. It had taken over 13 hours to bring Harry into this world, but with 's being deemed unsafe for the Potters they'd had to rough it out in the cottage.

The cottage where the brightest star in his life had been born. He didn't think he would ever be able to love someone more than the tiny human he cradled to his chest. Sirius closed his eyes and took a deep breath and for the first time, perhaps ever, he sent up a prayer to whatever Being that might be looking down on them. He begged for his family a chance at happiness, enough time to spend together and be loved. He pleaded for the Potters to see it through to Harry's first birthday. He bartered to do anything, whatever the cost, as long as Harry could be safe.