A/N: Sorry this one took so long – I had the hardest time writing it for some reason. It was fun once I got going, but it was impossible to start. I hadn't actually planned it in the beginning, but I wanted something to join the last chapter and the next one better. Enjoy!

I don't own Harry Potter.

Nothing Changes

"I can't believe you," Petunia muttered.

She read the letter through for the fourth time, trying to get her mind around what was happening. She had received this letter from the most unlikely of people. How could this have happened? She had asked for space, and for an end to their relationship. She didn't want to continue this pointless contact. Thing could not be like they were before – not now, and not ever.

She looked at the letter again without actually seeing it. Her sister's neat, precise script represented words that she was sure would have been screamed had they been spoken. There was something about Lily's letter that had a desperate tone to it. What could have happened to make Lily, her powerful, fearless sister so scared?

"Petunia? Where are you?"

"In here," Petunia called from the kitchen, where the mail was scattered across the table.

"Hello," Vernon said as he came into the sunlit room. He kissed her cheek. "What's that you're reading?"

"A letter."

"Yes, I can see that," Vernon chuckled. "Who is it from?"

"Lily."

Vernon's eyes widened in surprise. "Your sister?"

"Yes."

"What does she want? Money?"

"No," Petunia said quickly. "She wanted to let me know that she's pregnant."

"Pregnant? Their kind can have children?"

"Yes, of course," Petunia replied.

"But the baby will be like them?"

"I'm sure. They're too powerful not to have a – a child like them."

Vernon shook his head. "We'd better keep our baby away from them." He reached down to touch Petunia's expanded midsection. "We don't want him or her to have to deal with that. God only knows what this little cousin would do to our baby."

Petunia nodded, but remained silent.

Vernon looked at her with narrowed eyes. "You're not thinking of writing her back, are you? You've always said . . . Well, we've always acted as though she doesn't exist."

"I know," Petunia said. She thought for a moment, then put Lily's letter down on the table. "No, I'm not going to write her back. It's because of her and that awful husband of hers that I don't have parents. It's because of them that our baby won't have grandparents."

Vernon nodded. "Too right it is." He picked up the mail, and began leafing through it.

Petunia rose to her feet, and picked the letter up again. "I'm going to go lie down for a minute before dinner."

"Rest well," Vernon said, his eyes never leaving the bills in front of him.

Petunia walked out of the kitchen, and up to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her, and leaned against it for a moment. With trembling hands, she raised Lily's letter to eye level again.

"You killed them," she said to the paper as if it were Lily herself. "You killed our parents, and you spent your entire life being a reminder to them of everything they were not – of everything they never could be. I will not let you and your family hurt Vernon and my baby the way you've hurt me. No, Lily, I will not help you make this relationship 'right.' As far as I'm concerned, it's fine the way it is."

She nodded to herself in satisfaction. Even so, she did not throw the letter away. She folded it into a tiny square, and put it in her jewelry box.

"Welcome back!"

James smiled as Dumbledore stood to address the teachers. He was seated between Professors Flitwick and Turner, who were both watching Dumbledore attentively. Even though the entire staff's attention was trained on the Headmaster, he felt as though someone was watching him. He turned quickly, and saw Snape sitting behind him.

Irritated, he turned back to face Dumbledore. How could the Headmaster have appointed Snape of all people as a professor? For some reason, it made James's own position seem cheaper, like it wasn't worth as much. If he was willing to hire people like Snape, people who were practically known Death Eaters, what did that say for his opinion of his staff? James didn't have a chance to dwell on this further; Dumbledore was continuing with his speech.

"I'm glad to see that you all made it through the holidays successfully, and have returned to Hogwarts in fine form. Our students will be doing the same in just a few hours. As usual, we will be running this as any other day. Dinner will be served at the usual times, and classes will resume tomorrow. Your revised syllabi for the second term, as well as your lesson plans for both this week and the next, will be due by Friday.

"Before I leave you to the work that I'm sure you have waiting for you, I would like to again welcome Professor Snape to our staff. He brings great expertise in the area of Potions, and I am certain that he will contribute greatly to our students' success."

James refrained from laughing, realizing that the Headmaster was serious. Dumbledore honestly thought that Snape would be a good teacher. James pitied the students that would be in his Potions classes. With a jolt, he realized that those students would include his own child. Unless Snape left or lost his job in the next eleven years, the newest Potter would be learning Potions from him.

"No," he muttered.

Flitwick and Turner looked at him in surprise.

"Professor Potter?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sorry," James said quickly. "Too many thoughts running through my head at the same time, I suppose."

The Headmaster smiled. "I'm sure we can all understand that. And on that note, I will let you all get back to work. Good luck, and enjoy your classes tomorrow."

James was relieved to stand up. He could hardly wait to leave the meeting, and to put as much distance between himself and Snivellus as possible. He was extremely thankful that the Potions class was in the dungeons, far from his third-floor classroom.

"Potter!"

Inwardly groaning, James stopped at the sound of Professor McGonagall's voice. He turned to face her, giving her the same smile that he had used in attempts to get himself out of trouble during his schooldays.

"We need to talk."

James sighed. That smile had never once worked on her. "Yes, Professor?"

She took his arm, and led him to a secluded corner of the staffroom. "Potter, I know you're not happy about having Snape here working with us, but you're going to have to get over it."

James's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Professor?"

"Do you think that my memory is so short that I don't remember the feud that raged between you and Snape during your time here as a student? James, I had you in detention more times than any other student in my career, save Sirius Black, and the majority of those detentions were for dueling with Severus Snape. I'm sure that seven years of battle and dislike can't be forgotten easily."

"It wasn't just dislike, Professor," James said, his eyes skipping over to where Snape was disappearing through the doorway. "I hate Severus Snape, and all that he stands for. I may have just begun teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, but I've believed in it all my life. I despise the Dark Arts, and I have always done everything I can to fight them. Snape, on the other hand, embraces them. He has always been obsessed with the Dark Arts. When he started here as a first year, he knew more curses than half his seventh year Housemates." He paused. "You do realize that he's a Death Eater, don't you?"

"Potter, I will be completely honest with you," McGonagall said wearily. "I don't like having him teach here any more than you do. But it was Dumbledore's decision to offer him the Potions position, and we must respect that. The Headmaster believes in second chances, and in giving everyone the chance to prove him or herself. And he may be right; the day may come when we are thankful we have Snape on our side."

"But he isn't on our side."

"He may come around." She gave James a severe look. "You must treat him with respect, and as your equal. Remember, it's because of Dumbledore's second chances that you became Head Boy, and had the chance to prove to us that you deserved your own teaching position."

"There's a difference there, Professor. I was never a threat to the student body."

"Be respectful, James." She paused, and shadows of amusement danced in the back of her eyes. "Don't make me give you detention for hexing a staff member in the corridors."

James grinned in spite of himself. "All right, Professor. I'll behave – but only for you and Professor Dumbledore."

"I suppose I'll have to accept that for now."

James went to dinner that night with the other professors. He had told Lily in advance that he wanted to eat at school the first night back, to prove to the students that he was still there. He took his usual seat between Professors Flitwick and Turner, who quickly included him in their conversation.

"Well, James, I suppose you'll be the second to know, now that you're here," Professor Turner said.

"The second to know what?"

"I'm retiring at the end of the year."

James's eyes widened. "Are you seriously? I know you had mentioned it before . . ."

She nodded. "It's time for me to allow someone else to teach the art of Divination. I've had enough."

Professor Flitwick sighed. "I don't know where Dumbledore is going to find someone to replace you!"

She smiled. "Oh, there are plenty of Seers out there – and I know that the one he will find has talent."

"You've already met your replacement?" James asked.

"No, and neither has the Headmaster. But she is a talented woman – her personality is odd, but she does indeed have the Gift."

James nodded, trying not to laugh. "Well, that would make her qualified."

Professor Turner sighed. "It's exciting to be preparing for this new adventure, but sad at the same time. I believe I'll go prepare my lessons for tomorrow now."

James watched her go, and shook his head. "She's a little off, isn't she?"

"All Seers are," Flitwick sighed. "It's in their nature. I do wish Dumbledore luck finding a replacement for her, though. Most Seers find their calling to be working somewhere other than a school. He was very lucky to find Professor Turner to begin with."

"Very lucky indeed," James said, remembering all the Divination lessons he had nearly slept through. He hoped the next teacher would be slightly more exciting.

Snape entered the Great Hall. James glanced up and down the staff table, wanting to see the other teachers' reactions to their new colleague.

"You're not happy about working with him, are you?" Flitwick asked.

"Not particularly," James replied.

"That is one of the benefits of teaching," Flitwick smiled. "You can go into your room and close your door. If your colleagues bother you, you really never have to see them!"

James laughed in spite of himself. Flitwick had a good point.

"I need to go, James. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

James nodded. "Good night, Professor."

As soon as Flitwick left, James realized with a sinking feeling that he had open chairs on either side of him. It was time to leave the Great Hall before Snape decided to sit down next to him.

He walked away from the staff table in the same path Snape was taking toward it. Snape gave him a scowl.

"Watch where you're going, Potter," he sneered. "Wouldn't want to have a collision, would you? I don't believe the Defense professor is allowed to hex his coworkers."

James glared. "Actually, since I do teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, I believe I would be well within my rights to hex you. I am teaching my students to defend themselves against dark wizards. I think that a live demonstration would be most beneficial to their learning."

Snape's hand twitched as though he wanted to grab his wand. "Careful, Potter."

"Or what? You can't do any more to me than I can do to you." Knowing that McGonagall was watching him, James grinned. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Snivellus."

He walked away, knowing very well that he had left Snape fuming behind him. He made it all the way to his classroom before he began laughing.

"James!"

James picked up the mirror he had left on his desk. "Hey, Sirius."

"What are you doing?"

"Lesson plans."

"Well, leave them. You, Remus, Peter and I are meeting at the Three Broomsticks."

"Why are we going to Hogsmeade?"

"We need a guys' night out." Sirius grinned. "Come on, now, you can't tell me that you don't need a drink after your first day working with Snivellus."

James laughed. "Well, you got me there. He's the same as he always was."

"Did you expect him to change?"

"No, I suppose not."

Sirius grinned. "Just hex him to death. I know you're good at that."

James laughed again. "I'd like to keep my job, thank you very much."

"Well, at least come out for a drink, then."

"All right. I need to talk to Lily, though."

"Oh, fine, tell your wife where you're going."

James laughed. "What time are we meeting?"

"Is 7:30 all right with you?"

"Sure."

"Great! See you there!"

James shook his head, and grabbed his Floo powder. He hoped that Lily wouldn't be upset about this.

Lily looked up in surprise as he stepped out of the fireplace. She was stretched out across the couch, looking completely relaxed.

"You didn't Apparate," she said, stating the obvious.

"No, I came straight from my office. You can't –"

"Apparate or Disapparate within the castle, I know," Lily interrupted. "I'm glad you're home so early."

He smiled, and leaned down to kiss her. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

He put his hand on her stomach, which was still flat and trim, hiding her condition from the world. "How's the baby?"

"Fine. He hasn't complained to me, at any rate."

James smiled, and sat down with her on the couch.

"You're not telling me something," Lily said, pulling herself into a sitting position. "What's going on? Did something happen?"

James laughed. "No, nothing major. I'm just not sure how you're going to take this."

"Well, tell me, and we'll both find out."

"I'm going out with the guys tonight."

Lily's face immediately relaxed, and she laid back down. "Is that all? Honestly, James, you practically scared me to death!"

"You're not angry?"

"Why would I be?"

"I don't know," James shrugged. "You always hear stories of guys begging their wives for permission to go out with their guy friends, and we haven't had a guys' night out since you and I were married, so I wasn't sure how you'd take it."

Lily looked at him as if he had grown a second head. "James, if you want to go out with your friends, I'm fine with that. Just don't get completely drunk, and then come back here and throw up all over me."

He laughed. "Believe me, that wasn't in my plans."

"Good." She smiled. "Have fun."

"Thanks," James grinned. He kissed her again. "I won't be too late."

"Yeah, well, I won't wait up."

Laughing, James Disapparated.

He, Sirius, Remus and Peter arrived at the Three Broomsticks at the same time. Sirius grinned at the sight of them all.

"It's been far too long since we've done something like this," he said. "Did our married men have any trouble getting out for the evening?"

James laughed. "Lily was appalled that I was afraid to ask her."

"Laura told me to warn her next time so she could organize a girls' night," Remus said.

Sirius looked at Peter with a grin. "We're lucky we don't have such issues leaving home."

Peter laughed. "Well, my mum did tell me not to be out too late."

"We need to get you out of that house, Peter," Sirius sighed. "Come on, guys. Let's go inside."

They made their way into the Three Broomsticks, and took seats at the bar. Madam Rosmerta's eyebrows shot up at the sight of them.

"Well, if it isn't my four favorite customers!" she said as she came over. "I had started to think that you had forgotten about this place!"

"We could never forget you," Sirius grinned, giving her a wink.

She shook her head. "You are a hopeless flirt, Black. But you do amuse me. What will you gentlemen be drinking tonight?"

"We're going to start with shots of firewhiskey," Sirius said promptly.

"Coming right up."

Remus looked at Sirius with raised eyebrows. "Shots of firewhiskey?"

"What? I know you've done them before."

"Yeah, but it was usually for a reason . . . you know, to celebrate, or to drown our sorrows."

"Yeah, I know."

"So? What's the occasion tonight?"

"There's always something to celebrate," Sirius said as Madam Rosmerta returned with four shot glasses and a bottle of alcohol.

"Here you are gentlemen," she said, pouring their drinks. "Now, if you need refills and you can't find me, talk to Rebecca. She'll take care of you."

She pointed across the bar, indicating the young girl who was serving a group of boys and girls who had clearly sneaked out of Hogwarts for the evening. James frowned slightly.

"Those are seventh years," he muttered. "I should say something to them."

"Prongs, come on," Peter laughed. "Think of the number of times we did stuff like that! Don't ruin their fun!"

"Or mine," Sirius muttered.

"Your fun? You're completely legal to be here," James said.

"That Rebecca is cute, don't you think?"

James looked away from the students to the barmaid. She was pretty, with dark curly hair and laughing eyes. He looked back at Sirius, who was still staring at her.

"Why don't you just go talk to her?"

"I think I'll wait until she's done with your students," he grinned. "No sense drawing attention to you. It'll just give them all heart attacks."

"We really need to find another place to hang out," James sighed.

Sirius grinned. "Moony, you had asked what we are celebrating tonight. Well, let's toast to new beginnings, then! I think we're all ready to start something new. Personally, I'm ready to find someone to help me get over Olivia. Peter is clearly ready to move out of Mummy's house. James is nearly a dad. And Remus . . . ?"

Remus grinned. "I guess I can tell you. Laura and I are going to try for a baby."

James grinned. "Really? Remus, that's great! Our kids can be friends!"

"They can be troublemakers together," Sirius grinned. "I was concerned that little Potter would have to break the rules all alone. You know the Longbottoms' kid won't help him with that."

Remus grinned. "Yeah, our kids are going to get along great."

"Is Laura pregnant?" Peter asked.

"Not yet," Remus replied. "But we're working on it."

Sirius laughed. "I've always said you were a beast, Remus. I'm sure Laura will be knocked up in no time." He grinned. "And if not . . . at least we'll all know you're having fun!"

Remus laughed, flushing slightly. "You have such a way of putting things, Sirius."

Sirius grinned. "If you want pretty words, listen to James. I just tell it like it is." He turned to Peter. "And I was serious about you moving out of your mum's house. I think it's time."

Peter laughed. "And where exactly would I go?"

"You could live with me."

"Sirius . . ."

"No, really," Sirius said earnestly. "It hasn't been the same since Moony left. Come on, Peter! I'm lonely! Come and live with me!"

Peter smiled, realizing that his friend was serious. "Really?"

"Would I offer if I didn't mean it?"

Peter grinned. "All right, then. I'll see what I can do."

Sirius grinned, and raised his glass. "To new beginnings!"

"To new beginnings!" the others echoed.

All four threw back their shots, and put their glasses back down on the counter. Sirius glanced down the bar, looking for Rebecca.

"Well, Prongs, I think your students spotted you," he said.

"Why?" James asked, his head snapping around.

"I just saw them all run out of here. Looks like you're in the clear for another drink!"

James laughed. "I think I'm allowed to drink. They're the ones who should be worried."

Rebecca made her way over to them, and cleared away their empty glasses. Sirius gave her a grin, and she smiled back.

"Can I get you guys something?"

"Just butterbeers," Remus said before Sirius had a chance to respond.

"Coming right up."

Sirius gave Remus a glare. "What did you do that for?"

"Look, Padfoot, you are obviously going to go after this girl tonight. If you want to do that successfully, it's best not to be drunk off your ass. Believe me, a sober Sirius will impress her far more than a drunken Sirius."

Sirius grinned. "I suppose I'll have to admit that you're right."

"Good. Now, I think I get automatic best man status at the wedding as thanks for keeping you sober."

Sirius rolled his eyes. "I'll even make your baby a part of the action. Tell you what. I've already decided that James and Lily are having a boy, so you have a girl, and they can be the ring bearer and the flower girl."

"Yeah, I'll get right on that," Remus grinned.

They were all still laughing when Rebecca returned with foaming tankards of butterbeer. She put them down in front of then with a smile.

"I understand you guys used to be regulars here," she commented. "Madam Rosmerta just told me to take good care of you."

"Yeah, we were regulars in our younger days," Sirius replied. "But I don't ever remember seeing you here. Are you new to the area? You didn't go to Hogwarts, did you?"

"No, I went to Beauxbatons," she said. "My mother is French; I grew up in France."

"Your English is fantastic," Sirius said. It was true; Rebecca spoke with only the slightest accent.

"My father is British," she replied. "My parents lived here until I was born, then we all moved to France. My mother died three months ago, and my father and I moved back here together."

"So you haven't been here very long, then?"

"No, not at all."

Sirius grinned. "Well, if you need someone to show you around, I'm your man."

Rebecca smiled, flushing slightly. "All right, then. Does my willing tour guide have a name?"

"Sirius Black," he replied with a grin.

Her eyes widened. "Are you related to Bellatrix Black? Well, I guess Bellatrix Lestrange, now."

Sirius could barely understand his cousin's new surname through Rebecca's perfect, thick accent as she said the French word, but knew that there was no question as to who she was thinking of.

"Yes," he said shortly. "I haven't spoken to her in years, so I can't give you any information about her."

"I didn't want any," Rebecca said. "I just knew her husband, Rodolphus, at school."

Sirius nodded, remembering Lily telling him that his cousin's husband had attended Beauxbatons. "Right. Well, I generally don't associate with my family."

Rebecca nodded, realizing that Sirius's family was a sore subject. "We weren't friends or anything, I just knew who he was."

Sirius nodded. "So, when are you free? Does Rosie give you time off?"

"How about Saturday?" Rebecca asked.

"Perfect," Sirius replied, giving her the smile that had made half the girls at Hogwarts fall in love with him. "I can hardly wait to give you the insider tour."

"Neither can I."

BANG.

Lily looked up from her desk in shock as her door was thrown open, colliding with the wall. "Olivia!"

Olivia walked fully into Lily's office, slamming the door behind her so hard that the wall shook. "What the bloody hell does he think he's playing at?"

"Who?"

"Sirius! Who else?"

Lily frowned. "Not to be stupid, Liv, but what are you talking about?"

"Please! You can't tell me that James didn't tell you about Sirius and his new girlfriend!" She spat the last word with such venom that Lily nearly jumped.

"Are you talking about Rebecca?"

"Oh, so that's her name?"

"Yes." Lily sighed, and ran her hands over her face. "Sit down, Liv."

Olivia glared at her, and sat down. "How long have you known?"

"I haven't had very long to know. They just met this past week. How did you find out?"

"How could I not? Sirius was talking to the other guys at the Academy about her. Apparently, they spent all day Saturday together, and are going out this weekend." She glared at Lily again. "And you, wife of his best friend, are going to tell me every last detail about the little whore."

"I don't really know much to tell you, Liv."

"You must know something. You can't make me believe that Sirius hasn't told James anything about her."

"Even if he has –"

"James has told you everything. I know you two. You can't not share things. It's how your relationship works."

Lily sighed again. "Her name is Rebecca Malone. She's eighteen years old. She grew up in France, and went to Beauxbatons. Her mother was French, and died three months ago. Her British father brought her back here after her mother's death. According to Sirius – and to James, who met her for all of fifteen minutes – she's a sweet girl. I haven't met her myself, so I can't give you any firsthand information."

"Is she pretty?"

"I have no idea. I told you, I've never met her."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Lils, come on. What did James and Sirius say?"

Lily screwed up her face. "James said she's cute."

Olivia exhaled. "That bloody bastard! How can he leave me for her?"

"Liv, you broke up with him," Lily said gently. "You set him free. What did you expect him to do?"

"Come back!" Olivia yelled. "He was supposed to realize how much he loved me and that he can't live without me, and come running back to me with an engagement ring to rival yours!"

Lily smiled sadly. "I'm sure he still loves you, Liv."

"Then how can he be with her?" Her eyes widened. "Is he shagging her?"

Lily's face registered her surprise at the question. "He hardly tells me things like that."

"But he must have told James?"

"If he did, James hasn't told me. I don't know."

Olivia's eyes narrowed. "I'm going to get him back for this, Lils. He's going to regret ever looking at this girl."

"What exactly are you planning to do?"

"I'm going to find myself a new man!"

"Remus Lupin?"

Remus stood to his feet, and followed the nurse back toward the examining rooms. He could feel others' eyes on him as he walked across the waiting room. He wondered if he looked as nervous as he felt. He hoped not. He liked to think that he had gotten fairly good at hiding his emotions over the years.

The nurse showed him into a room, and began taking his temperature and blood pressure. "You're just here for a consultation today, right?"

"That's right," Remus agreed as the woman made notes on his chart.

"How have your transformations been?"

"Fine."

"No problems at all?"

"No." Remus knew what the innocent question was really asking: Had he bitten anyone? As much as he knew they question was necessary, he hated and resented it. They always acted as though he had no control over himself. Then again . . . During the full moon, he didn't.

"Good." She finished her preliminary work, and gave him a smile. "The Healer should be with you shortly."

"Thank you."

The woman smiled again, and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Remus almost wished that she would come back. He hated waiting alone to see the Healer. It made him even more nervous. Maybe he should have given in to Laura's offer to skip a day of work to come with him. No, it was better this way. Good or bad, he wanted to be able to give his wife the news himself. He didn't want her to have to hear it from a Healer that she had never met.

A knock sounded on the door, and it was pushed open. Healer Jones, the man Remus had been dealing with since he had received the bite that had turned his life upside down at the age of six, walked in with a smile.

"Remus, it's good to see you," he said, reaching out to shake Remus's hand. "How have you been?"

"Fine," Remus smiled. Of all the people he dealt with at St. Mungo's, Healer Jones was the one person that he trusted and respected. He was the one person who treated Remus like a man, rather than a monster. "How are you?"

Healer Jones smiled. "Well, that's unusual. No one usually asks me how I am. I'm fine, thanks."

Remus grinned. "You don't usually see people who are happy."

"That's true enough. So, what brings you in today?" The Healer took a seat, and looked at Remus, his eyes already taking in quite a bit about his condition and state of mind.

"Well, I had a few questions for you."

"Go right ahead."

Remus took a deep breath. "Well, I know that Laura and I have only been married for a few months, but we've started talking about children." He smiled faintly. "We really want to try to have one of our own, but I was concerned . . ."

The Healer nodded. "You were right to come to us first. You're a cautious man, Remus, and one who is very responsible about his condition."

"Is that no, then?" Disappointment flooded his being. He hadn't realized exactly how much he had wanted a child of his own until it was taken away from him.

"No, it's not a no," Healer Jones replied. "It's a 'you have to be careful.'"

Remus's hopes surged back up. "Really? Careful how, exactly?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest, we're not sure if you can pass your condition to your child through genetics. All our research suggests that it's not hereditary, but it's a chance that we're not willing to take."

Remus frowned. "Sir, you've been studying this for decades. Forgive me, but how can you be unsure?"

Healer Jones smiled. "Remus, you are one of the few werewolves I know who is married. You are one of the few who even became close enough to a member of the opposite sex for children to be a concern at all. We aren't sure because we simply haven't had enough couples to study to find reliable results."

Remus exhaled. "So, what are you telling me? Can Laura and I have children or not?"

The Healer nodded, and stood. He moved to a cabinet, and began rummaging through it, searching for a particular potion. "You can. But you have to take this potion before . . . shall we say, the conception. It will ensure that your child will not inherit your condition, should it be passed genetically."

"And if it cannot be passed genetically?"

"The potion will not hurt the baby, if that's what you're asking."

"That's what I was asking."

"Just be sure that you take it once a week until your wife conceives."

"The affects will last a week?"

The Healer grinned. "Yes, the affects will last a week. You can . . . try to get pregnant as many times as you want to in that week."

Remus grinned, flushing slightly. "Thanks, Healer Jones."

"You're welcome." A frown creased his brow. "When your wife does become pregnant, please bring her in for a check up with me."

"I thought you said there was no risk with this potion."

"There isn't. But, as I also said, couples such the two of you are rare. I'd like to examine her, if she'll consent."

Remus nodded. "I'll talk to her."

Laura wasn't home when he got there. He smiled. This was perfect. He'd have plenty of time to get ready.

Over an hour later, a soft pop sounded as Laura appeared in the house. She looked around the silent living room in confusion. Certainly Remus would be home from St. Mungo's by this time.

"Remus?" she called.

"Upstairs!" he called.

Laura began to climb the steps. "Did you talk to the Healers?" she called as she walked. "Did they give you a definitive answer, or do they need to run tests?"

"No, I talked to them."

"What did they say? Where are you?"

"In the bedroom."

Laura changed directions, and pushed open the door to their bedroom. She gasped, her hand still on the doorknob.

"Remus!" she gasped. "What is all this?"

Remus grinned as her eyes took in the dozens of candles, and the rose petals he had strewn across the bedspread. She looked up at him in shock.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it!" she replied. "But why did you do this?"

"Well," he said slowly, crossing to pull her close, "I thought that in light of the news I got today, you might want to start on our baby immediately."

Laura's face lit up as a beaming smile spread across it. "You mean --?"

"They said it's fine. I just have to take a potion to make sure I don't pass on any . . . genetic defects. But I took it an hour ago, and we are clear to make a baby."

Laura stood up on tiptoe to press her lips against his. "I love you."

Remus grinned, and kissed her back. "I love you, too."

Much later, Laura rolled over in bed, and trailed her hand along Remus's chest. He smiled at her.

"Remus, how soon will we know?"

"Know what?"

"If I'm pregnant."

Remus raised his eyebrows. "You're the woman in this relationship. You tell me."

"You're the one who studied Healing Arts," she countered. "You tell me."

He smiled. "I can't do a pregnancy detecting spell for at least a week."

She sighed. "We have to wait that long?"

"Sorry. There's no rushing science."

She grinned, and rolled on top of him, kissing him. "Well, if we're going to wait a week, we might as well make sure the outcome is the one we want."