After Anna was born, our lives changed. Everything revolved around her, and everything we did had to concern her. I began to think three times: Once for myself, once for my wife and once for my child.

Sirius adored Anna. He was always bugging Nymphadora and I to go out so he could spend the evening with her. In June, we all made the trek to King's Cross Station to greet Harry, Ron, Hermione and the others. Sirius was in dog-form, and his tail wagged excitedly when he saw the three get off the train. As soon as he saw Harry, he was unable to control himself. He bounded up on Harry and greeted him, licking his face. Tears filled Harry's eyes, he whispered, "Padfoot? Is that you?" Taking cue, Sirius transformed back into himself, grinning. "It's me, mate."

We started to walk, Harry and Ginny hand in hand, Hermione holding Anna, and Nymphadora with her head on my shoulder. Harry and Sirius were animatedly discussing the benefits of living together, and Hermione was babbling baby talk at Anna. Ron was looking fondly at Hermione. I felt strangely happy. Everyone seemed so... at peace.

We arrived home just before the Weasleys. Anna was sound asleep, so I put her upstairs while Nymphadora scrambled to make everything ordered. After I put Anna into her crib, I stroked her cheek, watching her sleep. She was completely beautiful. She looked more like her mother every day. She was definitely a Black baby.

When I was done rhapsodizing, I walked down stairs and wrapped my arms around Nymphadora, who was making drinks at the counter. "I love you, Baby," I whispered to her. She grinned. "Anna asleep?"

"Like a log," I replied. "Don't I get a kiss?" I put on a pouty face and she grinned and kissed me, the first good kiss we'd had since Anna had been born 3 months ago, a real Nymphadora kiss, a get-right-into-it, warm-body- weight, kisses-like-she's-laughing kiss. We stopped after a few moments, breathless. "Well then," she said. "I'd better get these drinks done, Mr. Lupin." I grinned, and mouthed "Tonight, Mrs. Lupin," savoring the taste of 'Mrs. Lupin' on my lips. She was mine... no one was going to take her away from me. No one, at least, for the time being.

I entered the living room and snuggled onto the couch next to Nymphadora. She and Mrs. Weasley were deep in discussion about children, but Nymphadora managed to quit talking long enough to kiss me. For a moment, I felt a bit lonely. Everyone seemed to be very involved with each other. Finally, I just got up and went to Anna's bedroom, sat down in the rocker, and watched her sleep.

I must have fallen asleep in the chair, because the next thing I knew, Nymphadora was waking me up. "Come on," she was saying to me. "Remus, come to bed now."

That night I dreamt vividly. I kept dreaming of losing Nymphadora. I saw myself, holding a toddler, who must have been Anna. We were standing over a grave sobbing. I saw myself, holding a pale hand, whispering something. I dreamt of blood, and graves, and aloneness.

I woke up to an empty bed.

A/N: Oh no... hahaha I'm mean!!