All too soon, Emma found herself back at Hogwarts sitting in her History of Magic class, trying to stay awake. She was missing being home something terrible and found herself thinking about how the rest of the holiday went.

Spending the holidays with both Remus and Lyall was something that she didn't know she desperately needed. Visiting St. Mungo's had been rough, but she was grateful to have both men help guide her through her feelings.

Lyall was more than willing to be a constant sounding board for her stress, while Remus was the calm and collected one. Remus offered his words of wisdom she needed but was more than content to just be a rock that she could anchor herself to when she felt unsteady. Both of them were more than happy to give her hugs whenever she needed it.

Despite the debacle that was Christmas Day dinner, Emma felt her holiday couldn't have been much better. She felt confident in her choices of friends, and that sentiment was echoed by both Lupin men. While they had choices words over Persephone's parents, they couldn't deny that Emma and Persephone were close. By the time the girls had returned inside, it was like all was forgotten. The only one who looked frazzled was Caspian, but it had been a long night.

After Christmas day, Emma and Remus returned home to the cottage. She repacked her trunk a little early, reorganized her new collection of books, and spent most of her time reading. Remus helped her get through her holiday work with ease, and that meant plenty of relaxing. Unfortunately, Remus had to go into work for a few days, but that didn't tarnish her holiday in the least. Emma was more than content to read or watch the television. As long as she got to snuggle up with Remus at the end of the day, she didn't mind. Emma had never felt happier, loved, and relaxed in her life.

Emma still had her nightmares nearly every night, but Remus had taken to staying in her room to make her feel better. He pulled one of the armchairs from their living room into her room, and that was where he stayed. She felt much better waking up from the worst of her dreams to see him sitting across the way, snoring with a book on his chest. Emma made it a point to not wake him up, feeling comforted that he stayed with her just in case.

Though she didn't want to, she agreed to keep a steady supply of calming and sleeping potions with her while at school. Remus taught her how to strengthen her silencing charm, knowing full well that Emma would never take the potions that he was sending with her.

It seemed odd to Emma that she had just left home the day before to head back to school. A small smile crossed her face as she thought about her final moments with Remus before having to get on the train.

To no one's surprise, Emma finished the supply of chocolate Remus had given her for Christmas. To Emma's delight, as they stood on the platform together, Remus supplied her with another small pile of chocolate.

"Make this stash last," Remus said, his eyebrows raising as he handed Emma the chocolate.

"I make no guarantees," she said, wrapping a free arm around Remus to hug him tightly. "Thank you for the never-ending supply of chocolate."

"I'm not so sure on the 'never-ending' part, but I'll certainly try," Remus laughed.

Emma pulled away from Remus and grew concerned at the suddenly serious look on Remus's face. "Is everything okay?" she asked, carefully placing her chocolate into her bag that was slung over her shoulder. Emma closed her bag and placed it down on the ground slowly.

"Everything is fine," Remus had said, brushing the top of his finger down the bridge of her nose. "I'm just worried about you."

"I'm fine," Emma said quietly, slightly embarrassed. "You don't need to worry about me."

"I think I have plenty to worry about, Little One," Remus sighed. "I don't need you to be staying awake every night just to avoid your nightmares."

"I won't," Emma answered with a small gasp. "I-I already agreed to take the potions."

"Yes, but will you?" Remus gave Emma a pointed look that made her give him a sheepish grin in return. "The look on your face says it all."

Emma sighed. "I need to work on that," she muttered, looking down at her feet. "I wasn't planning on using a silencing charm the rest of term. I'm just afraid of the potions."

"If you were planning on using the charm the rest of term, we would have had a much longer discussion," Remus said, allowing a sad smile to cross his face. "All the same, I will be worried about you."

"I'm sure you'll be writing to everyone to check up on me," Emma said, returning Remus's pointed look. "I hardly believe you need to be worried."

"Oh, there's absolutely no doubt about it," Remus admitted. "And if needed, I will be coming to visit."

"Oh, please don't," Emma whined. "There are only a few months until Easter hols, and then you can be as annoying as you'd like."

"I'm hardly annoying," Remus said, mildly amused. "Just for that, I should come by once a week to check up on you."

Emma frowned as Remus began to laugh. "You're really not funny," she grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.

Remus placed his hands in his pocket, his expression solemn, though a hint of a smile played at his lips. "On a more serious note, there are two more things we didn't get to discuss over the holiday, and I think you could use the ride back to think about it."

"Oh," Emma said quietly. "What things?"

"Well, your grandfather and I were talking about how you said you wanted to be a Lupin. There are two ways we could go about it if you would still like to take that step. It all comes down to what you want to do. We're fine with either way." Though one way would be a lot safer, Remus wanted to add.

Emma looked at Remus, curiosity written all over her face. "There are two ways?"

"Yes," Remus said. "We could just do a name change and be done with it. I'm already your godfather, so that would be quick and easy and taken care of while you're at school. Or…"

"Or?"

"Or, if you would like, we could do a full blood adoption," Remus said, studying Emma carefully to gauge her reaction. "That you would have to be present for as it's much more in-depth. It uses very old blood magic to change the family bond, among other things, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to. You're already family to me, so don't feel as though you have to change, well, your entire being to feel as though you belong. The choice is yours."

Emma's mouth dropped open in surprise. She never considered the possibility that there was another possible way of being adopted. Emma knew that Muggle adoptions involved a ceremony and a name change, but this was different. She didn't entirely understand the concept of changing family bonds or changing everything. However, she couldn't deny that she felt incredibly attached to Remus and Lyall already. It wasn't as though either of her actual parents could serve in their roles, and the idea of having a real father sounded nice. She'd always wanted parents, but she would only have Remus.

But he's your uncle, Emma thought to herself, as she tried to process things quickly. But he's also your godfather…

That brought up a critical question, and she wished Remus had brought the topic up much sooner. "Well, if we did the whole…blood adoption thing, what would that make you to me?"

Remus seemed slightly taken aback by the question, rubbing the back of his neck as he thought about it. "I would be whatever you'd want me to be, I suppose. Just Remus, your uncle, your godfather, your father – er, stepfather," Remus said, testing the name out for the first time since he'd spoken to his father about it. "I would be whoever you wanted me to be. What's important to me is that you're happy, you're love, and that you're safe."

"Oh," Emma said quietly, surprised to feel that same fluttering feeling in her stomach she felt at Christmas. There was a part of her that really liked the idea of Remus being her father, but it made her nervous.

"But of course, you don't have to go that far," Remus said quickly, feeling as though Emma hated the idea altogether.

"No," Emma said just as quickly, covering her face with her hands and letting her breath out slowly. "I just, I wasn't expecting that. I-I think I like the idea."

"Which idea?"

"Uhm, of you adopting me," Emma said slowly, pulling her hands away from her face. She gave a half-hearted shrug. "I mean, you and Grandpa are already my family, but I feel like I'm just…there? Like I belong, but I don't?"

"Sweetheart," Remus said softly. "You absolutely belong. Your ours, you always have been. You really feel that way?"

"Sometimes," Emma admitted. "I'm not quite one thing, not quite another. I'm family, but I feel like I don't really belong to anyone."

Remus reached out and pulled Emma into a hug. "Emma, I wish you would have said something sooner. You mean so much to your grandfather and me."

Emma returned his hug, letting out a small sigh. "I know, I think I'm starting to understand that now. It's just been a lot."

"I know. It's been a very exhausting holiday for you," Remus said, pulling away from Emma and holding her at arms-length. "We all just felt it was important that you knew the truth sooner rather than later."

"I know," Emma said quietly. She glanced over her shoulder at the rapidly filling train and snorted as she saw Persephone's head sticking out from the window. Emma waved at Persephone, who waved back excitedly, and she turned back to Remus with a sad smile. "I just wish things had always been different."

Remus felt the same way and understood all too well what Emma meant. He bent down to pick up Emma's bag and handed it to her. "I know that you need to get on the train," he said softly. "But Emma, I need you to do something for me. Well, it's not so much me asking you, it's more like a request. I'll do the same for you."

"What's that?" Emma asked, cringing slightly at the warning horn from the train.

"Promise me that you won't hide any secrets from me. No matter how big or how small of a problem, if you're struggling or you need help, promise me that you'll let me know."

Emma froze slightly, not wanting to disappoint Remus, but she wasn't sure she could make that promise. "Can I say that I'll try?"

"I think that'll do for now," Remus said. "Now, go before the train starts to leave without you."

With a smile, Emma began to make her way towards the train but stopped to turn around to give Remus another hug.

Surprised, Remus returned her hug with amusement. "Any particular reason why you felt the need to continue risk missing the train?" Remus asked with a laugh as Emma pulled away.

"Not particularly."

"Well, then, since you're being rebellious, please forgive me for asking this again, but you're sure that you want me to adopt you?"

"Yes," Emma said, exasperated, walking backward toward the train. "I'm sure." As she reached the train, she turned around to climb the stairs but hung out the door for a minute. She opened her mouth to say something to Remus but couldn't quite get the words out. Instead, she gave Remus a small wave. She hoped he understood what she wanted to say and turned back around.

"Emma," Remus called out, drawing her to peer back around the corner of the door. Her brow furrowed as she looked at Remus. "I love you, Emma."

A shy smile crossed Emma's face. "I love you, too," she said. He had known exactly what she wanted to say.

Emma felt something hard hit her in the back of the head, pulling her out of her thoughts much to her annoyance. She whirled around, rubbing her head to look at Persephone, who was giving her a funny look.

"What?" Emma hissed back at Persephone.

"You've had a dopey look on your face all class," Persephone hissed back. "What's your deal?"

"It's nothing," Emma said, trying not to laugh. She turned back to look at Professor Binns, but it hadn't appeared he had noticed anything happening. He usually didn't.

"Oi, Finchy, switch seats with me."

Justin turned around to look at Persephone with a glower. "Me? What if Binns notices? Why don't Em and Tracey switch?"

"I'll move," Tracey said, gathering her things to make the quick seat swap with Emma.

Emma quickly scooped her things into her arms and grabbed her back, and rushed back to where Persephone was sitting. "Why were you so late to class today?" Emma asked as she set her things back down. "I didn't think you were even going to show up."

"Slept in late," Persephone said. "I got used to sleeping in. Forgot what it's like to have to wake up early."

"I wish I got to sleep in," Emma said longingly. "I got a few days where Grandpa let me sleep in, but Remus is always up early. I'm almost positive that the man doesn't sleep."

"Considering the bags under his eyes? I don't think he sleeps either," Persephone said with a snort. "Now, the dopey face – out with it."

"I was just thinking about yesterday," Emma said, "about what I talked to Remus about before we left."

"What about? We mostly talked about me on the way back and didn't discuss you. For once."

"Oh, shut up," Emma groaned. "We don't talk about me –" Persephone raised an eyebrow, and Emma rolled her eyes "– that much. If anything, we should be talking about you more since you failed to mention your little brother to me."

"Ugh, could we not talk about Caspian, right now?" Persephone groaned. "You – we were talking about you. So, spill it." Persephone began poking Emma's sides, giggling quietly at Emma's little shouts of annoyance.

"Oi, all right," Emma said, swatting Persephone's hands away. "Remus mentioned that he and Grandpa were discussing the idea of me being adopted."

"Well, when he'd brought up being a Lupin, wasn't that what he meant?"

"I thought it was what he meant. Because he's my godfather, we could just change my name and be done with it," Emma said, parroting Remus's words. "But he seemed slightly more interested in the blood adoption thing. I think."

"And what did you say," Persephone asked breathlessly.

"Well, I think I told him yes," Emma said quietly. "I'm pretty sure I told him yes." Emma scoffed as Persephone suddenly punched her in the arm. "Oi! What was that for?"

"That was for being an idiot," Persephone hissed. "He brought up the idea of adopting you, and you don't know if you gave him an answer?"

"What's the issue?"

"Emma, the man obviously loves you if he brought up the idea of doing a blood adoption. Not even a regular adoption, a blood adoption. The rituals for that are absolutely ancient. You are such an idiot."

"I know he loves me, Persephone. It's just been a lot," Emma huffed. "It was only a few weeks ago that I was brought into Dumbledore's office, practically blind-sided by the fact of, 'Oh, hullo there, Emma. Hmm, so this seems rather odd, but it appears as though your parents are still alive, but they basically don't exist. Let's go see them! Oh, and by the way, your grandfather is waiting to meet you there, too. It'll be a jolly good time.'"

"Emma, you can't hold that against him. He had absolutely no obligation to tell you about your parents."

"But didn't he?"

"No, not really. Not when he took you in," Persephone said with raised eyebrows. "You would've found out about your grandfather at some point, I'm sure. They were just trying to give you a Christmas gift."

"It was an odd one."

Persephone turned to Emma with a glare. "Didn't you tell me recently that you wished you knew what the situation with your parents was?"

"Well, yes, I did, but –"

"You got your answer, then. You can't be mad at Remus for that. If you're going to be mad at anyone, be mad at Professor Dumbledore."

"It's Professor Dumbledore. Why would I be mad at him?"

"Because he knew the truth, too! And McGonagall, and Sprout, and Flitwick, probably Pomfrey…probably Snape. Blame everyone else except for Remus. He did nothing wrong."

"But he could've fought to tell me sooner – much sooner," Emma grumbled. "I'm not mad at him. I just wish I was told at a different time."

"Emma, please. If anyone knows anything about being mad at their parents, it's me. Do you want him to adopt you?"

"Yes, but –"

"There are no 'buts,' Emma," Persephone said sharply. "I don't think you even understand how jealous of you I am. Your relationship with Remus and your grandfather is the sort of relationship I wish I had with my parents." Persephone sighed and shook her head. "When this absolutely awful class is over, we are going to the owlery, you are going to get Aurora, and you are going to write Remus and give him a proper answer."

Emma knew better than to try and argue with Persephone when she got into her moods. Persephone turned back towards the front of the class to try and 'pay attention' to Professor Binn's lecture. Emma stared at Persephone for a moment to try and do the same.

She stared and stared and stared at the ghost professor and let out a huff. Emma reached into her bag and pulled out a fresh roll of parchment and began to write her letter to Remus instead. She couldn't pay attention when Persephone was right.

"Write that you'll be delighted at being a full member of the family," Persephone said, looking over Emma's shoulder to see what she was writing.

"I thought you were paying attention to the lecture," Emma said, an eyebrow quirking.

"I was – for a minute, and then he completely lost me. Keep writing that letter. I think Remus will really appreciate it."

Remus's reply wound up arriving the very next day. Emma had apologized multiple times in her letter, confessing that she wasn't sure if she had given him a real answer. Remus responded back with his own apologies for waiting to bring it up. To Emma's delight, Remus confessed that he was overjoyed with her choice and promised that as soon as he had more information, he would let her know. That same day, she received a package at dinner that made her laugh. Remus had sent her even more chocolate, and it was the funniest thing in the world.

January faded into February, and then February disappeared into March. Life behind the four walls of Hogwarts moved steadily onward, and Emma couldn't believe that there were only a few more months left of her first year at Hogwarts. She did her homework, was diligent in her studies, and learned more and more each day. Emma enjoyed magic far more than she thought she would, and having friends for the first time in her life was amazing. Even better, she had a best friend to share experiences with.

Though she didn't want to, Emma got into a routine of taking small doses of Calming Draughts before bed. She didn't take them every night, only felt when she felt particularly anxious, and she left the Sleeping Draughts alone. Emma didn't enjoy feeling like she was drugging herself every night, but she was glad to not have to use a silencing charm every night. When she didn't hear anything from Remus saying she had to adjust what she was doing, she found herself secretly pleased. She had found a balance.

Emma made sure to have fun as much as she could. She was studious but enjoyed making late-night runs to the kitchen for snacks, going to the last of Hufflepuff's Quidditch matches, and of course, playing pranks on Persephone. Hogwarts wasn't at all what Emma expected – it was much better.

As April arrived, Emma found herself increasingly anxious. Remus had never said anything further about adopting her, and it made her worried. His silence about the matter in his letters made her wonder if he was even still considering the idea. They exchanged letters frequently, except when he had to go away for work, but the subject never came up. They seemed to speak of everything but adoption.

Emma watched bitterly as Professor McGonagall started to take down the names of students staying for the holidays. She took a new table each day. McGonagall first took the Ravenclaw table at the far end of the room, then the Gryffindor, and was working down the Hufflepuff table. Emma frowned as McGonagall slowly approached where she sat with Persephone. She wasn't entirely sure if she was going home for the holiday as she hadn't had that particular conversation with Remus either.

"Do you think I could hit Weasley with a Flipendo from here?" Persephone asked, trying to sneakily aim her wand over at the Gryffindor table, her tongue between her teeth.

"Depends on which Weasley you're aiming at," Emma said, trying to bend her head to match the angle of Persephone's wand. "Right now, I think you've got your wand pointed at Parvati who, I'm fairly positive, is not a Weasley." Emma carefully adjusted the angle of Persephone's wand. She peered nervously over at McGonagall, who was getting closer. "I would suggest not trying to hex someone with Professor McGonagall so close, but if you were to do it, I think you've got one of the twins."

"That would be an excellent observation, Miss Lupin," McGonagall said, an amused smile on her face.

Unfortunately, Emma's mind was incredibly slow at processing the entire exchange that had taken place. She also completely missed the slightly horrified and fascinated look on Persephone's face.

"Why, thank you, Professor," Emma said, giving Persephone a gloating look before freezing. She turned to look over her shoulder at McGonagall with a sheepish grin. "I hope you didn't hear what I just said," she added, before running through the exact sentence McGonagall said. "Erm, Professor, I'm not a Lupin yet…if I'll ever be one."

"And why would you say that?" McGonagall asked, her smile still on her face. "Why, I've just heard the news that you'll be coming back from the Easter holiday as a Lupin."

Persephone set her wand down and gave Emma a small shove. "I told you that you were worried for no reason," she said.

"I hadn't heard anything, so I wasn't sure if it was happening at all," Emma said, almost breathlessly. She looked between Persephone and McGonagall, perking up. "So, does that mean I'll be going home for the holidays?"

"Of course, you are," McGonagall said, sounding surprised that Emma considered that it wasn't a possibility. "Miss Moon, you will also be accompanying Miss Lupin home for the holiday."

Emma couldn't help the delighted flip of her stomach. Emma Lupin had a certain ring to it that just sounded perfect. She looked over at Persephone, and the two grabbed onto each other with excited squeals. Persephone flung her arms around Emma and laughed. The two were receiving confused and shocked looks from their neighbors, but they didn't care.

"I only found out about the news this morning – in person," McGonagall said with a smile. "It is a very exciting time in your life, and I couldn't think of a more perfect family for you to be a part of, Miss Lupin. If I recall, during Remus's time at Hogwarts, your grandfather was equally as interested in his education and his time here. It's nice when parents are concerned with their children's wellbeing. It makes all the difference in their education."

"Professor," Emma said slowly, "if you hear the news yourself – in person – does that mean Remus is here right now?"

"He might possibly be meeting with Professor Dumbledore right now," McGonagall said with the hint of a wink.

Emma fidgeted from excitement. "Professor, I know that I have your class next, and I know it's almost time to head there, but would it be all right if I just -? I know I'll be going home soon, but…" Emma gave McGonagall an incredibly hopeful look, her leg bouncing nervously. She really wanted to make the ridiculous trek all the way up to Dumbledore's office just to see Remus.

"Well," she said thoughtfully. "I suppose that would be all right." McGonagall gave Emma an incredibly rare smile. "Keep up the excellent work in my class, and don't make me regret allowing you to be late."

"Fly, Little Lupin," Persephone said, practically shoving Emma off the bench. "I'll drop your back off on the way to Charms."

"You're the absolute best, Persephone," Emma said, standing up quickly and turning to McGonagall. "Thank you so much, Professor!"

Emma practically flew out of the Great Hall and up the marble staircase. She was sure that she had never run so fast before, and she pushed through the aching pain in her sides. Emma climbed higher and higher towards the upper tower where Dumbledore's office resided. She was growing exhausted and was quickly running out of breath, but her excitement kept her legs moving. Emma was determined to not miss Remus while he was in the castle.

As Emma rounded the corner near Dumbledore's office, she found herself running hard into someone. She started to stumble backward out of shock, but strong arms caught her before she fell. Emma's eyes shot up, and she smiled, unable to believe her luck – she ran into the exact person she was trying to see.

"I was coming to look for you," Emma beamed, breathing heavily to try and catch her breath.

Remus was looking at her, absolutely stunned. "How did you even know that I was here?" Remus asked, looking over his shoulder back at Dumbledore. The Headmaster stood next to the stone gargoyle that guarded his office and gave Remus a wink.

"I may have let slip to Minerva what was happening. I would hazard a guess and say that she might have mentioned it while she was collecting the names of students staying for the holidays," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling as always. "I thought it would be nice if Emma were to hear the wonderful news from you."

As Remus turned back around to look at Emma, she flung her arms tightly around his middle. "I'm going to say that your statement was correct," Remus said in amusement. He gently held Emma's head to his chest, alarmed at how hard she was breathing. "Did you run all the way from the Great Hall?"

"Yes," Emma said, taking in a gulping breath of air. "Is it true, then? It's all really happening?"

"It is, Little One," Remus said quietly, smiling as Emma squeezed her arms around him tighter. "Very quickly, might I add." Emma pulled away from him and looked at him impatiently. "You and Persephone will be coming home just a little earlier by Floo – next Friday night, I believe. I know you're not going to enjoy this part, but we have to pay a visit to St. Mungo's for a mandatory wellness check on you."

Emma scrunched up her face. "I don't want to go to St. Mungo's," she said with a whine. "Do we really have to?"

"I've had to deal with home visits and other things the past few months," Remus said, his eyebrows raising. "I think you can handle a quick check-up at St. Mungo's. You've got the easy part. Your grandfather and I have had to do a lot of work to get this all taken care of." He bent down so that he was level with Emma. "We were going to wait until the summer, but everything else has gotten approval, and we didn't think you would be interested in waiting."

"Ugh, fine," Emma groaned. "I guess you and Grandpa were right. I don't want to wait! Then what?"

"Well, provided everything checks out at St. Mungo's – which I'm positive that it will – and everything is cleared, then by that following Sunday, you'll be a Lupin. We'll head to the Ministry of Magic, and everything will take place then. I believe we'll have a bit of an audience as one is required for the ceremony." Remus glanced back at Dumbledore, who gave him a nod in confirmation.

"That sounds all right," Emma said, her smile shaky. "I'm a little nervous. Excited, but nervous."

"I'm a little nervous, too," Remus admitted. "But we are going into this together, and we will have each other every step of the way."

Emma could only hug Remus in response. She had no idea what to say, but she felt that her hug said it all.

"Shouldn't you be in class right now?" Remus asked slowly.

"Maybe," Emma answered quietly, leaning back to look at Remus and giving him an innocent look.

"Whose class are you meant to be in right now?"

"Erm," Emma cleared her throat. "Professor McGonagall's, but she said it was fine!"

"Merlin," Remus whispered, kissing Emma's forehead and straightening up. "Go, Little One. She might have said it was fine for you, but if you don't get to class soon, it'll be my head she's after. I'll see you next week – it'll go by fast."

With a frown, Emma pried herself from Remus. "Fine," she muttered with a huff. Now she had to run all the way back downstairs to Transfiguration. "I'll see you next week," Emma said, turning on her heel and making a dash around the corner to head back downstairs.

Remus ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. Sometimes Emma would do something that would surprise him, and her mad dash was one of those things. However, it was the unexpectedness of Emma's nature that worried him. Despite that, Remus knew that he loved her and provided him with a comfort that he didn't know that he craved. He worried that he was making the wrong decision, felt that he was being selfish, but he'd never felt more complete having Emma to take care of.

He knew that being a parent to Emma wasn't going to be easy, but it was a job that he was more than willing to take.