Remus Lupin stepped out of the kitchen and handed Mary the potion he had brewed. "Did you err want to change into something comfortable and drink this?" Remus questioned awkwardly. "It'll help you fall asleep, no dreams, no tossing and turning. It's safe for the baby as well." Mary said nothing, but drank the potion without moving. She paced back and forth across the wooden floors, waiting for the potion to kick in.
Eventually it did. Mary curled her body together on the soft grey couch. She took deep calming breaths, the smell of Sirius filled her nostrils. Small tears continued to roll down her cheeks as her eyelids fell. She felt Remus sit next to her and stroke her hair before she lost thought.
Remus didn't sleep the whole night, instead be busied himself by packing Mary's personal belongings away into a bag. Occasionally stopping in the quiet living room to check on Mary and refill his glass of fire whiskey. Eventually he had finished all his tasks and sat at the small wooden table again, drumming his fingers. He had taken care of everyone, now he could mourn his own losses. He cried for what seemed like hours, unable to gain any composure. James Potter and Sirius Black were his best friends. He had no idea how to cope, only hoping caring for Mary would help him keep his sanity.
This certainly wasn't how anyone's life was supposed to go. Mary shouldn't be alone and pregnant, Sirius shouldn't be in jail and James and Lily should still be alive. And he, Remus, shouldn't be trying to find an apartment to share with Mary Grant and her unborn child. He didn't feel he was safe enough for that. He was a werewolf. Where would he go during a full moon if he lived with them? Their limited funds would only allow for a one bedroom apartment. The thought struck him and haunted him. He jotted a quick note to Dumbledore, hoping to acquire a Wolfsbane potion, before refilling his glass. After downing the amber liquid he walked up at small wooden staircase into the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror, tracing the scars that covered his bare chest. He was a monster. A monster that Sirius Black and James Potter accepted. Hell, they embraced it. He wasn't sure how he could go on without them, but knew he had to. As always he endeavored to persevere. Perhaps the fire whiskey had finally numbed him or it may have been pure exhaustion. But he was finally able to steel his nerves. He quickly showered, knowing he couldn't wash away his scars.
Eventually the sun began to rise and Mary stirred. She had the glorious brief moments where you remember nothing when waking. No Voldemort, no death and no Azkaban. Then it all came flooding back. She repressed her tears, thinking that Sirius would want her to remain strong. If nothing more than for their child's sake.
"I need a drink." She said quietly to Remus. His tired face forced a weak smile, the empty whiskey glass sitting in front of him.
"No can do, Mary. You're with child, remember?" He explained, filling his glass once more.
"Should I bet Snivellus Snape could brew a potion with the same effects as firewhiskey. One that's safe for the baby," Mary said quietly. "Maybe we should owl him."
"Probably not the best idea," Lupin slurred a bit. "You know we have to go to the shore in a few hours. Maybe you should shower and all.." He explained changing the subject. Mary's beautiful face fell a little bit, but she stood and walked to the bathroom.
A few hours later Remus and Mary apparated to the infamous shore. It was the last inhabitable place Sirius Black would ever see and it was dismal. Leafless trees towered over the turbulent grey waters and small black stones replaced what was once sand. Dementors, dark and hooded, loomed near the water, a rickety boat splashing amongst them. As the pair waited for Sirius to meet them, it started to rain. Lupin conjured a large black umbrella and held it over Mary, who had started shivering. Moments later, two more hooded dementors escorted a somber Sirius Black to Mary and Lupin's side. Mary could no longer contain herself. She sobbed. Sirius bravely broke free of the dementors, running to the crying woman. He held her for a few moments continually whispering "I'm sorry".
"Padfoot," Remus started, unable to shake his dazed look, "what happened?" The men shook hands.
"I didn't do it Remus, I swear." Sirius said groggily. "It was a set up. I didn't do it." He shook his head, not taking his gaze from Mary. The sparkle that once graced Sirius' handsome eyes was extinguished. The only emotion to cross his face was agony. He winced as he watched Mary's body shake. "You should wear a warmer coat on days like this, Doll," Sirius said in a vain attempt to make her smile. Mary raised her eyes from the black stones into Sirius', unable to grant his wish.
"We know. We understand." Lupin nodded, unable to think of anyway to comfort his friend. "I don't mean to rush this, but I'm unsure of how long you have. We're leaving your house. We're going to London. It's safer. Everyone will be okay," he assured Sirius. Mary nodded in agreement, holding her stomach.
"We love you. I love you," Mary whispered, finally breaking her silence. Sirius nodded, kissing her one last time.
"Remus, take care of her," he pleaded as the dementors hastily shackled his ankles and wrists. "Please. Take care of them both. You three are all I have." Lupin nodded, hugging his friend, a hug which could not be returned due to the shackles. "Mary, I love you. I love you and our child. Take care of him. Take care of yourself," he whispered. "Show me that smile, darling. Let me see it one more time," he begged, tears rolling down his face. Mary managed a weak smile, more to please him than anything else. "There's my girl. You're gorgeous, ya know?" he said, his voice slowly growing into hysterics. "I want to see the real thing when I get back. Promise?"
"Of—of course," Mary whispered in between sobs. The rain had started to come down harder as the dementors grew anxious and pulled harshly on the chain. Sirius nodded and began to walk away. Lupin threw his arm around Mary in comfort. She melted into Remus' chest, unable to watch Sirius being thrown into the small boat. Before entering, Sirius turned to face the pair. "Mary, wait for me. This will all be settled soon. Wait for me, please." He pleaded.
Mary lifted her head, wiped her tears and yelled back "Of course I will. I love you" With that Sirius was thrown in the small boat surrounded by dementors. The boat shoved off the gravelly shore on its own accord and made its way to the distant lonely island. Mary and Remus stood there watching for as long as they could. Eventually the boat disappeared into the rain and fog, Sirius' hysterics along with it.