A/N: This chapter is short and sweet. I really like Harry in this chapter. I prefer 'happy' Harry. He kinda annoyed me in OotP. Hope he's got over some issues in HBP. And about Tonks...I do what I have to do, or else there wouldn't be a plot...I hope you guys keep reading though. Things get interesting soon...

Oh yeah, Baby Mine is from Disney's Dumbo. I've cut and altered it slightly to fit the story, but it still aint mine :)

Remus was sat in his room in semi-darkness. It had become his favourite pastime of late. He perched on the edge of his bed, examining his hands intently in the pale light. He would rather study them than acknowledge the fact that he was alone. His chocolate Labrador puppy lay sprawled out on the other end of the bed. Her large amber eyes were watching him closely. Remus leaned back and sighed.

"Here, girl," he whispered and the dog shuffled nearer. She had grown immensely since July, though Remus knew that she was nowhere near fully grown.

"We'll go for a walk later, eh?" Remus told her and she raised her head, twitching her ears as she listened to him talk. "If it stops raining. Maybe even in the rain, we'll see," he added, stroking her soft head. The dog pushed at his hand affectionately with her damp nose. Remus remembered when Tonks had given him the dog, moments before she had left.

"I didn't want you to get lonely," she had told him. Well, as his furry companion lay by his side, he had to admit that he was still lonely… and pining for her.

The house was quiet. It was a Friday evening, and Harry had turned up unexpectedly.

"I didn't really give Dumbledore a choice," Harry had said him as he had arrived. "I just told him I was going, that I'd be back before lessons on Monday, and left. He'll probably be mad but…" the boy shrugged. "What can you do?"

Remus wondered if the twins were asleep. Perhaps Molly was downstairs feeding them. He suddenly hated himself for not caring.

A knock came at the door, breaking his gaze from the sleeping dog beside him. The door opened awkwardly and Harry stood in the frame, a baby in one arm and a bottle in the other. He gave a grin and then clicked his tongue at the dog.

"Monster," he called and the dog looked up. Harry indicated to the door with his head and the dog jumped from the bed sleepily, stretching her hind legs as she landed, and then sauntered past Harry and out of the room. Harry closed the door with his back and went to sit the other end of the bed to his friend.

"I was feeding Jake but he spewed everywhere so I swapped with Mrs Weasley," the boy said with a laugh. "You're much more lady like, aren't you Tilly. Yes you are," he said down to the child. "You want to feed her?" he asked over his shoulder. Remus shook his head.

"No, thank you."

"Remus–"

"I said no, Harry," he repeated, firmer this time, and Harry knew to let it drop. The boy began to copy the suckling noises that the baby was making. The bottle was nearly empty.

"We'll have to take you down to Nana Molly for burping I think. Uncle Harry's not so great with the baby spew," he chuckled. Tilly raised an arm up to try and grab at Harry's face. He took her tiny hand.

"My, you're a pretty one aren't ya? Just like your Mamma. With brains like your Daddy, I'm hoping," he joked. Risking a glance across to his friend, he saw a sad smile. Harry took the bottle from the child and placed it onto the bedside table. He then began to rock her gently as she babbled. He gave a little laugh. "You singing? That's beautiful…you know, your Mamma used to make me sing for her randomly…she was a bit crazy like that…but I loved her all the same," he added quietly. The boy began to hum a tune and then added the words softly.

"Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine.
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine.

If she knew sweet little you
She'd end up loving you too
What she'd give just to hold you.
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine."

He finished with a quiet, nervous laugh. Remus was watching him, his face blank.

"I don't think I can do this Harry," the elder wizard spoke. Harry looked at him.

"Sure you can. You're going to have to…Tonks is gone Remus, and it kills me to see you like this. You have lost too many people in your life. It's not fair at all," he said bitterly, feeling such emotion towards the man who was like his father. "But you have been blessed with these two beautiful children and, although you're hurting so much right now, you have to be strong for them. You've already lost the first two or three months of their lives…don't allow your grief to take anything more from you Remus," the boy finished softly, turning back to see the girl asleep in his arms.

"It's hard," he croaked and Harry nodded.

"I know, but you have so many people looking out for you…especially me," the boy stressed and Remus smiled at him.

"I know, Harry. Thank you." He hesitated and the boy frowned at him. "Harry, it's a full moon tomorrow night. Molly's already told me she'll stay…but, I'm worried that…" He gave a frustrated sigh, tipping his head back and rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "Andromeda, she's determined to take the twins back to Canada with her. I wouldn't put it past her to try something while I'm gone," he muttered resentfully.

"Remus, I'll be here. No one is taking the twins anywhere. I promise you," he said to the man with a nod.

"Thank you Harry."

The boy gave a grin and then shuffled up towards Remus.

"You can take you're daughter now," he said. "She needs burping anyway." The boy rose quickly and headed for the door. Remus gave a laugh.

"Yes, thank you Harry."