disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, just Arabella and her story.

Hello old friends and new! As some of you know, I am currently rewriting the 'Potter and Black' series, and hopefully it's going to be better this time around. Looking back, I was cringing during this chapter, so *crossing my fingers* let's hope this is better! Hope you like it!

Prologue Part I

February 25, 1980

At the end of Godric's Hollow lived Sirius Black and Kassandra Anastas. Sirius was a handsome young man with glossy black hair that reached his shoulders and was currently tied back. He had bright grey eyes that usually held a certain amount of mischief behind them, but these days, Kassandra only saw determination and sadness from them. Determination to win the war, sadness due to the inability to see his friends as they used to.

Kassandra understood. She missed her friends dearly and wanted them to come visit immensely. She had missed Lily and her wit, James with his jokes, Remus's warmth, Frank's tales, Alice's laugh and Peter's sweetness. Perhaps she had missed Remus the most of all her friends nowadays. She cannot deny that she was closest to him of them all. They shared a bond during their days at Hogwarts and fighting in the war. They became especially close after… traumatic events.

She stared at herself in the mirror and hoped, somehow, Remus would come and eat dinner with them somehow. She would love that. She brushed her brown hair and had put some lotion on her shoulders, feeling it dry up. She had inherited her olive skin complexion from her mother, but her brown eyes were completely her father's. Just like her sister.

She too had inherited their mother's looks, but she had her father's eyes as well. Bright and lovely blue. It pained her to think of her sister, especially now when she had her own child to think off. The baby was due any day soon and she was going to fight for her baby's future.

She winced in pain once again. The baby has been giving her some trouble lately. She rubbed her stomach, trying to forget about the sharp pain. Perhaps the babe will be coming soon.

There was a knock on the bathroom door, and she heard Sirius's voice. "Kas? You in there?"

"Yes, Sirius," she replied, grateful that he did not barge in. She was on the verge of tears, thinking of her sister and her smile and her laugh and how she wished –

"Well, hurry up now, someone's here to see you."

She was confused. They were not expecting anyone. They certainly did not invited anyone to come over, that's for sure.

Entering their living room, she was more than happy to see Remus Lupin standing there with a small potted flower in his hand. He looked tired and exhausted. There were bags under his green eyes and his light brown hair was tousled, as though a forgotten thought. But she was more than happy to see him again. She was relieved.

"Remus," she whispered, going to him and engulfing him in a tight hug. Sirius had let out a small laugh and grabbed the plant from Remus, freeing his hands to hug her back. Never mind the fact that she was months along in her pregnancy and her belly was huge. She wanted a hug from her friend and brother.

"Good to see yea, Kas," breathed Remus, signing in… relief? She can hear the fatigue in his voice. Perhaps being back in her house made him feel better once again. It was where he used to live for a couple months after… after what happened. He was always safe with her and Sirius.

"Nice plant, Remus," said Sirius, leaving the kitchen. "Thanks. We really needed one."

"I don't think I appreciate your sarcasm, Sirius," replied Remus, smiling.

"Too bad you're stuck with me, then, huh?"

"Unfortunately," huffed Remus, looking sad at the thought, but they knew better.

Kassandra kissed his cheek quickly and led him towards the kitchen. She knew better. Remus would rather be stuck with them than anyone else right now. And she would too as she sat down at their small dinner table.

She watched with a smile on her face as Remus and Sirius bantered back and forth, as though they were back at Hogwarts, bickering over something so small. She had no idea what they were talking about, honestly, but she was just happy to be there, watching her best friend and husband.

"Come on, Sirius, you must know that this chicken is utterly appalling and dreadful," commented Remus. Kassandra had finally decided to pay attention and she was quite glad. She turned her head towards her husband at the sink. He was completely stunned and astonished at the thought of someone finding a fault in him.

"I resent such a statement!" cried Sirius, his mouth hanging open. "My cooking is exceptional! Perfect! Why, I should be cooking for the Queen!"

"The Queen would have your head if she ever tasted this," quipped Remus, smirking.

Kassandra laughed, but her laugh soon died out as she felt another sharp pain from her abdomen. She let out a shaky breath as another one hit her. Sirius and Remus continued their banter and she tried her best to ignore the pain for the time being. She wanted to relish this moment.

But the pain kept coming and it was too much. She looked down at her abdomen. Was it truly time? It can't be, can it? She was so young, and the war was still going on, and she did not want to bring her child into this world, this messy world. She looked up at Sirius, handsome Sirius, and she wondered if they were going to survive this. They had to. She had to. For the babe.

"Sirius," she whispered, holding the side of her stomach. They pain was getting worse.

They ignored her.

"Sirius," she said louder. They both looked at her in confusion. Sirius saw her hand on her stomach and his face fell. Remus saw her face and her pain.

"I think… I think the baby's coming," she said quietly.

Silence followed her words. Sirius and Remus froze in time and she wondered if they both thought she would be pregnant forever, if the thought of her giving birth ever crossed their minds.

"Are you sure?" asked Sirius timidly. She could see the fear in his eyes, she understood that fear, but she had no time to think of it, especially now.

"Yes, I'm sure," snapped Kassandra. "A child is about to come out of me, so yes, I am sure, Sirius."

Remus immediately came to her side as Sirius went to grab a bag they had packed months ago for this occasion. She squeezed his hands and she felt gratitude towards him for being here. Sirius came back quickly and went to her other side. Together, they brought her to her feet.

"St. Mungo's," she whispered. "St. Mungo's… baby… Sirius, we're going to have a baby…"

"I know, Kas," said Sirius, looking pale.

They went over to the fireplace and Remus let go of her arm as Kassandra and Sirius stepped into it.

"I'll tell the others what's going on," said Remus, "and see if they can get there. Is there anything else you need?"

"Just… just get there, alright?" asked Kassandra as the green flames engulfed around her, sending them both to St. Mungo's.

Remus stared around the room and sighed. The house was empty and silent. He quickly went to the kitchen and put the food away. Truth be told, the chicken wasn't that bad, but he would never tell Sirius that. He then wrote letters to Dumbledore, Isaak and Hekabe, Andromeda, and James and Lily.

He had thought that when Kassandra gave birth, the war would be over. It seemed as though that was never going to happen. The end was getting further and further away. He never though his friend would be giving birth during the war, especially having two of them during these times. They were so young, and they were having children. How could they do this? How could they do both? This was all too much. The deaths of war, their losses, and now… a baby.

He looked at the picture on Kassandra's study table. There was a picture of her and her family. He quickly slammed the picture down. He couldn't stomach to look at her. Not now.

He looked around the room and saw the clock. He had been there for more than an hour. He got up slowly, sighing, and grabbed his coat.

Remus heard the baby cry outside the door. He looked up from the floor and was enticed. A moment ago, the halls were silent and empty. He was left in his own thoughts, but now… a baby. Not just any baby, but Sirius and Kassandra's baby.

The baby continued to cry and wail behind those doors. The sound was oddly soothing. There was new life among them. A small little being. Perhaps having a child wasn't such a bad thing. What a better joy to have during these times?

The door opened and Sirius popped his head through and smiled at Remus. "The others here?"

"They'll be here soon," replied Remus, standing up.

"Well, come on then," urged Sirius, opening the door wider. "There's someone I would like you to meet."

He had never seen Sirius smile like this. It was quite unusual. He followed Sirius through the doors and found Kassandra lying down on a bed, sweating and glowing. She looked exhausted but managed to smile as Remus entered the room. Beside her was a small bassinet and he saw it. A small little thing fussing and rolling about, making small noises, gurgling and whatnot.

"A girl," beamed Sirius as he clapped Remus on his shoulder. "A girl!"

Remus laughed at the thought of Sirius having a daughter. It amused him greatly.

Sirius then tightened his grip on Remus's shoulder. "Remus, Moony, listen, do… do you mind being the godfather?"

Remus immediately stopped laughing. He was dumbfounded. "Me? Godfather? You want me to be the godfather?"

"Well… yes," replied Sirius. "No one better, don't you think, Kas?"

"No one," whispered a tired Kassandra, smiling at him.

"And Lily will obviously be the godmother as well," continued Sirius. "If you… if you accept."

Remus looked at him and then at Kassandra and finally at the small little thing wrapped up in a blanket, fussing about.

"Well, if you really want…" said Remus finally, uncertain. "I will be your daughter's godfather. Never had one myself, but…"

"You'll do great, no doubt in my mind," said Sirius, beaming at him. "Would you like to meet her?"

Remus didn't reply. He watched silently as Sirius lifted his daughter from the bassinet. The girl fussed for a moment and Sirius whispered some words to her, soothing her and she fell against her father silently. It was a truly strange sight to see Sirius with his child. Kassandra looked on with pride and Remus could tell she was about to fall asleep soon.

"What's her name?" Remus asked.

Sirius almost looked fearful. "Arabella… Arabella Kassandra Black."

Remus gulped at the name and forced himself to smile. Memories came flooding at him at once. "It's a nice name."

"You're not mad?" asked Kassandra softly.

"Just… just remembering her, that's all," whispered Remus. "Can I hold her?" he asked tentatively.

She felt so heavy and solid in his arms. Her skin was red, but she could see it darkening. She would have Kassandra's olive complexion soon, he was sure of it. Her fingers were mesmerizing and so tiny. She gurgled and bustled in his arms. He had thought she might just started wailing and crying right there, but she opened her eyes and stared at him.

"She has your eyes, Sirius," whispered Remus, staring at her chubby face as she fell back peacefully and curled against his arms. She was warm and he lightly touched the top of her head. Her hair was of silk.

"I think she likes you," commented Kassandra, smiling at the pair.

"I think I like her, too," said Remus. "Arabella."

For years to come, he would say that name and think of his goddaughter, not the person he lost during the war. He thought of the child he gained. He let out a breath he did not know he was holding and smiled. He did not want to let this moment go.

There was a knock on the door and they turned to see James Potter's head pop through. He smiled at the pair and asked, "We interrupting?"

"No, not at all," said Kassandra, lifting her head. "Come in, James, please."

In walked James, Lily, Andromeda, Ted and Nymphadora. James with his wicked smile and lively eyes, Lily looking as though she was about to cry, Andromeda holding her hands eagerly, Ted holding Nymphadora's hand.

"Is that him?" asked James, looking at the bundle in Remus's arms.

"Her," corrected Kassandra, smiling. James had thought they were going to have a boy ever since finding out that he and Lily were going to have one.

"Oh, a daughter," cried Lily softly. She looked teary-eyed and Remus figured that the sight of a baby was doing that to her. She must be impatient for hers to come along. "She looks beautiful, Kas. Congratulations to the both of you."

"Thank you, Lily," said Sirius. "Did any of you contact Isaak or Hekabe?"

"I did," said Remus. "They'll be here soon, I'm sure of it."

Andromeda, looking ever so impatient. "Oh, alright, come on, let me see her."

Remus wanted to laugh but decided against it as he passed Arabella long towards Andromeda. Ted had congratulated Sirius, shaking his hand, while Lily brought a chair closer to Kassandra, discussing the birth. James had planted himself close to Remus, giddy and aggravated as he waited to hold the baby.

Seven year old Nymphadora looked at the child when Andromeda crouched down and frowned. "I can't play with her! She's too small!"

James and Ted laughed while Andromeda reprimanded Nymphadora as Arabella began to wail and cry for all of them. Arabella was soon in Kassandra's arms and Remus looked at her, wondering when they all grew up. They were all starting families. Hopefully he would fit in somewhere. Godfather Remus Lupin. He smiled at the thought.

"Why don't we all give you both some space?" suggested Lily, getting up and moving towards the door. "We'll let you both get some rest and be back tomorrow with some presents."

Andromeda and Ted agreed, both leaving with Nymphadora, probably for the gift shop. They had said their well-wishes and congratulations, kissing Kassandra's cheek and pinching Sirius's cheeks as well. Lily had to shove James out the door while the man said, "But I didn't even get to hold her!"

"Well, neither did I, James," Lily said in a hushed voice. "And I'm the godmother!"

Remus laughed as the door closed behind them. The baby did not stop crying and they both looked exhausted. He felt his own body shut down from his own lack of sleep but he instead reached forward and urged Kassandra to pass Arabella over to him.

"Give her to me," he said. "I'll try to get her to quiet down. Go to bed, both of you. You need it."

Kassandra looked worried as Arabella's face was red, but she could not fight her own fatigue. Within a couple minutes, Kassandra fell against her bed without another sound while Sirius slept on the small sofa in the room.

It took a while before the babe quietened down. He then slowly lowered her into the bassinet and kissed the top of her head ever so gently and brushed whatever hair she had on her tiny head back.

"Welcome to our family, Arabella," he whispered. He left the room quietly and let the closest Healer know that the mother and father were asleep.

Sirius couldn't sleep. Within an hour he woke up to see his daughter still there and his wife soundless. He got up slowly and stretched his muscles. The couch was no very comfortable and the thought of spending some time with his daughter was far more inviting.

He quietly moved a chair closer to the bassinet and then looked at Kassandra. He carefully kissed her cheek, making sure not to wake her up.

"Thank you," he whispered, staring at her lovely face. He adored her ever so more after the birth of their daughter. She gave her a family. A beautiful family, untainted by hatred or greed.

He then sat down beside Arabella and she began to wiggle in the bassinet. He slowly soothed her chest before carefully picking her up and rocking her in his arms. She babbled and squirmed before finding a comfortable position. She then looked at him with the same grey eyes and there was a pang in his chest. His daughter, his child, he never thought this would ever happen.

"Hey, baby," he said quietly and tenderly. "I'm your father, your daddy. You don't know much right now, being born and all, but… I love you. I love you so much, and I will never, ever leave you… I will always be there for you and your mommy. I'll be there when you start walking and talking, and when I send you off to Hogwarts, where you'll be a great witch.

"Your mommy will be there too. Before her, I didn't have much of a family. My own parents weren't the best and my brother was no better. I promise never to be like them. And your mommy, well, kid, she's the best. She'll teach you everything you'll need to know. I hope you turn out like her. She's the only one that manages to keep me in line. And now, there's you, love.

"Then you have your uncles and aunts, always watching out for you. Remus looks as though you've captured his heart, and James is impatient to teach you Quidditch. And I bet Lily can't wait for her own baby to come along. You'll soon have someone else to play with. A friend forever. Would you like that? Obviously you have Dora with you right now, but the child seems impatient for you to grow up, and Andy and Ted are overjoyed at the thought of another girl, but promise me you won't grow up quickly, alright? Just take your time… I want to cherish these moments with you, love."

Arabella did not reply and he did not mind one bit.

"I am so beyond glad you're here," he continued on, whispering. "This war is… there seems to be no end and we've lost so many people, but you, my love, are the best thing to happen to us since the start of all of this. And truthfully, you are the best thing to happen to me in a long time. I love you, sweetheart."

Sirius then kissed the top of his daughter's head, and started to quietly hum to her, relishing in their small moment.

Thank you all for reading this new and improved chapter! Tell me what you guys think! The next chapter should be up in a day or so.