AN: I can't believe we're hitting 30 chapters of this story! It's definitely one of my favorites I've ever written and I'm so grateful for your support. Enjoy! This is a super short chapter but the next one will be up soon, I promise!

October 31, 1981

Remus had apparated to Hogwarts as fast as he could, and he was now standing outside Dumbledore's office, pacing back and forth with Darcy in his arms. She was sleeping peacefully, somehow, completely oblivious to the turmoil surrounding her.

Remus was crying as he held her to his chest. Albus wanted her to go to Lily's sister, but Remus knew that wasn't what James and Lily would want. Of course, they wanted her with Sirius, but now he was out of the question.

How could he convince the headmaster to let him keep her?

Darcy stirred and opened her eyes, slightly confused about why she was with him and not her parents.

"Hi, sweetheart", Remus said softly. "You missed quite a bit while you were asleep." He bounced her a bit, trying to get her to relax once more, ideally before she began crying for her mother.

Albus opened his office door and motioned for Remus to enter. Darcy was looking around, intrigued by the new environment. She babbled something and Minerva, who stood in the corner of the room, smiled sadly.

"I'm surprised she isn't crying yet", Remus sighed. "I don't think we have much longer until she gets tired of me."

"That will not be an issue", Albus said.

"What do you mean?"

"Darcy will be going to her aunt's house tonight", the old man replied.

"What? Sir, please, Lily wouldn't want–"

"It is in her best interest, Remus", Dumbledore cut him off gently. "She will be safest in the Muggle world, where no one will know her name or her story."

"Sir", Remus said, now desperate. "Lily and Petunia haven't spoken in nearly a year, it wouldn't be right!"

"I apologise, Remus, but my mind is made up. I will give you a moment to say goodbye to Darcy, then we must be going."

Remus stammered something that approximated an "Alright" before looking down at the baby in his arms.

"Oh, cub", he sighed. "I love you so much. Your mum and dad absolutely adored you, so did Peter and…we all did. Never forget how loved you are, Darcy."

"Moo?", Darcy asked, confused about why he was getting emotional. "Mama?"

"Mama will always be with you, love", Remus promised her. "And Dada, and Uncle Moony."

He kissed the top of her head and gently handed her to Minerva.

"You will see her again, Remus", the woman promised. "Soon."

"I hope so", he sighed. He took Darcy's little hand and kissed it. "I love you, cub."

Remus walked out of the office and didn't stop until he was outside the grounds. He apparated home and finally let himself break.

He was alone.