Sirius stared at the lawyer, Genevieve Thatcher, in disbelief. He ran a hand through his shaggy hair and looked around for a distraction. His gaze settled on the two-year-old who was playing with magical blocks. Next, he took in the pram that held a wriggling baby.

"I-I just don't understand how this is possible. I have custody of them both? What about…her?" Sirius stared at the child in the pram and walked toward it. He stared inside at the dark-headed baby. She opened her eyes and looked at him and his heart melted. She had Lily's eyes, just as Harry did.

"Mrs. Potter specifically stated that you were to raise both Harry James Potter and Alisa Seless Potter. You will control their inheritance until they leave Hogwarts." Genevieve sounded bored. She handed Sirius a bag and said, "The rest of their things that survive will be delivered to your house tomorrow. All you have to do is sign this paper. The key to their vault is in that bag." Sirius took the proffered quill with shaking hands and signed his name with a prideful flourish. Genevieve looked pointedly at the door and Sirius knew that he had no choice left but to leave.

Sirius picked up Harry and began pushing the pram toward the door. He felt completely numb. His friends were dead, and he was having parenthood thrust upon him. Sirius made it outside of the building and sighed.

"Stop now." He heard the cold voice of Severus Snape float toward him. Without thinking, his wand was up and pointed at Severus. The sudden feeling of jealousy and irritation flowed through his veins instantly.

"Have you not done enough?" Sirius hissed angrily. Severus rolled his eyes and looked at the little girl, paying Harry no attention. Sirius stepped between Sirius and the children.

"I won't hurt my child." Severus said softly. Sirius gasped slightly and lowered his wand. Severus glanced at him gratefully.

"I have custody of them both…you won't be taking her. I meant what I asked. I think you've done enough." Sirius snapped, but there was no conviction in his voice.

"No...I wouldn't dream of it. I want to help you raise them. As for what it is you think I have done…you do not know the full story." Severus said as he stroked his child's forehead. Sirius was surprised at the immense relief he felt at those words.

"Then so be it." Sirius muttered. He put Harry down for only a moment and motioned for Severus to pick up Alisa. He then shrunk the pram and stuck in into the diaper bag. Sirius put the diaper bag on his shoulder and made sure Severus was holding Alisa tightly. Picking Harry back up, he grasped Severus by the arm and they apparated to the family home he had inherited a year before.

Severus sneezed harshly from the dust as they appeared in the front hallway. Sirius looked at him apologetically.

"I take it that you haven't been living here…" Severus muttered disdainfully. before waving his wand and clearing the dust.

Sirius shook his head, "No, I haven't. Too many…memories. My flat is too small for the four of us though."

"Four of…us?" Severus stammered. Sirius's blue eyes shimmered with emotion for a moment before he nodded.

"She is your daughter. Harry is her brother. They're both mine now. I cannot do it alone and I have no one to ask for help without them thinking I am completely incompetent and trying to take the children. Please. I…well…I need your help, Severus." The pain Sirius felt when he admitted this was akin to the pain he had experienced after being told his best friend was dead. Severus reached toward Sirius until he found his hand in the dim light.

"I am here, Sirius." The name was bitter on his tongue but it was a start.

And so it all began….