Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter. I just claim the plot of this little fanfic. And, with this chapter, tis done. Please, review!


Sirius held his little pup, a birthday gift from his wife, high in the air and delighted in the happy sounds that followed. He then cuddled the little critter close, enjoying the feeling of its hot breath on his neck.

"We're going to have grand adventures, Pup," Sirius sighed, lying down on the couch, his new playmate resting comfortably on his chest.

Danielle stepped into the room and admired the sight of her content husband lounging on the sofa. Sunlight filtered through the open window casting long lazy shadows on the wooden floor and across his resting form. She walked over to her mate and ran her finger down his propped up knee prompting him to sit up carefully, nuzzling his buddy. "That little one's destined to be the next Black trouble maker, I can feel it."

"Of course he is. He's got great role models."

Danielle laughed and took a seat where Sirius' legs once were. "An owl just arrived from Harry. He wants us to come visit him at Hogsmeade during Easter Holiday. He's having a truly horrible year what with looking for information on horcruxes, dealing with Snape, apparition testing and it's only going to get worse for him."

"And Dumbledore won't let us do anything for him."

"You know it's the way it has to be. But we talk about this everyday. Let's talk about something happy for once. What do you think he'll think of him?"

"Who Harry? I think he'll adore little James."

The tiny newborn baby, Sirius' buddy, gurgled on his father's chest and then sighed contently.

"I'm glad we named him that."

"Me too. What about you little Pup? You like being named James?" He loved the nickname, Pup, he and his wife had chosen for their new son, a sign of love he shared with all the ones close to him. He turned to his bride, "Thank you for him. Thank you for my son."

Danielle took the infant from his father's arms, nestled against her husband, and smiled as little James babbled and protested at leaving the comfort and warmth of his dad's chest. "Well, I don't think I had a choice. He was ready to greet this world whether it was time or not."

"Blacks are always impatient."

And the past ten months had proven that. The word yes had barely slipped from her lips when Sirius took Dani by the hand and rushed down to the kitchen. The golden trio and Ginny, curious to the noise, quickly followed and soon quite a congregation had gathered in the basement of Grimmauld Place.

"Professor, marry us!" Sirius beamed at Remus and Tonks who appeared pleasantly stunned; he patted Harry's shoulder in excitement, letting it sink in for everyone. Professor Dumbledore's mouth twitched as always and finally broke into a genuine smile.

"So, it appears that the prophesy will come true tonight then? Danielle Afton will be no more very shortly."

"You'll do it then?"

"How can I avoid my part in what's fated to be?" Empowered by his rights as Chief Warlock and Grand Sorcerer, Dumbledore conducted a quick and simple ceremony, with all the important people in their lives in attendance.

Shortly after that, Danielle became pregnant with baby James, who demanded his command performance a mere eight months later, persnickety and proud.

"Danielle? Did you fall asleep on me?"

Titling her head back on his shoulder, she shared a grin with her husband before climbing to her feet to take her son to his bassinet. She passed Dumbledore at the doorway; he tweaked the little tiddler's cheek before entering the room and turning his attention to the elder Black.

"He's a beautiful child, Sirius. And I'm sure he'll grow up to be much like his father." Dumbledore sat next to the younger wizard, enjoying the shapes and shadows created by the sunlight dancing across his robes. "I don't doubt ten months ago if I had told you that you would be here today, with a wife and a son, you would have committed me to St. Mungo's."

"And yet for some reason, I think you knew, didn't you?"

"Prophesies are remarkable things. They deliver this fantastic news, more than likely telling of the impending doom of one wizard or another, the purpose of which we're to figure out through the due course of time."

"Harry told me of his."

"Ah yes. I'm afraid there's nothing either of us can do about that. What's meant to be is meant to be."

"I remember thinking the same thing about Dani's prophesy not too long ago. It seems I was pretty instrumental in the outcome of that one." He watched as Dumbledore stood and walked over to the window. The aged wizard didn't respond to Sirius' comment so he continued. "You know I'll do everything in my power to protect him."

"Ah yes. But remember, James did the same thing for his family and left Harry without his father. Would you want baby James to grow up without his?"

Standing abruptly, Sirius ran his hands through his hair and tried to control his anger. "Don't make me choose between my sons."

"But Harry is not your biological son, Sirius. And he's already lost one father in this war, how do you think he'd feel if another father-figure died for him and he lived? He would never forgive himself for depriving baby James of his father knowing the ache he lived with for so many years without his." The professor stopped and chose his next words carefully. "You once struggled with viewing him as a replacement for James, if I'm not mistaken. I believe that having a child of your own has made you regard Harry as a child in need of a father. But, I must insist that you see him as the strong, exceptional wizard he is becoming; especially in the months to come. I feel quite certain that there are events in your future greater than either you or I can begin to understand."

Sirius turned to Dumbledore. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Professor Dumbledore adjusted his robes over his shriveled blackened hand and replied, "I think you should go be with your family, Sirius. It's what matters now." Then with a soft pop, Dumbledore apparated from the room, leaving Sirius with the only choice of compliance.


The nursery was filled with soft sweet humming when Sirius finally walked through its doors. The room was brightly decorated in posters of Quidditch teams, gifts from Ron, loads of picture books from Hermione and Ginny, and an enchanted mobile that hung over the crib with miniature brooms and Snitches that were charmed to languidly float above the crib to entertain James, a gift from Harry. The bureau was full of knitted clothes from Molly, bright gold J's monogrammed on each, and several Muggle artifacts—rubber duckies, plugs, and stamps—lined the shelves from Arthur. The child truly was loved.

Dani's humming tapered off as James slipped peacefully into dreamland.

"Pup asleep?"

"Yes. Just. He's like his father; he could sleep in the middle of a Quidditch field during the World Cup if the mood struck him."

"Nah, it's got to be your singing." He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle, resting his chin on her shoulder to watch their sleeping son. "I do believe your time with the Sirens made your singing all the more beautiful."

She snuggled against her husband and sighed, remembering a time long ago. "If I find out that that's one of your lame pick-up lines, it'll be your funeral Black."

"Sorry, Gracie, no more pick-up lines. I'm a married man. I don't think my wife would appreciate it."

"Funny Sirius. Too funny." Sirius wrapped his arms tighter around his wife's waist and smiled contently. Danielle rested her hands on his forearms and continued, "What did Dumbledore want?"

Dani felt Sirius' breath catch and she knew she found an exposed nerve she hadn't intended on hitting. Turning in his arms, she wrapped hers around his neck and returned his embrace. "That bad?"

"Oh, no no no. Wasn't bad at all. He just reminded me how truly blessed I am with the family I have." There was a touch of sadness in his voice though, telling Danielle there was something more there. He loved his family, she knew it. It might be unconventional, but happy nonetheless. And then it hit her.

"A family that includes Harry. A young man fated to death or murder."

Pulling away from Danielle, he studied her face, tucking strands of hair behind her right ear. "Yes."

Dani opened her mouth and closed it quickly. Again, she opened her mouth and tried to think of something to say but couldn't, feeling more like a fish than anything. Sirius helped her discomfort by kissing her sweetly. When he pulled away, she found her voice again, "I wish I could solve your problems, Sirius."

It was Sirius' turn to be speechless. What Dumbledore had said weighed heavily on his mind. Being with his wife and son weighed heavily on his heart. And then it all seemed clear to him. "But that's the problem. They're not my problems. They're Harry's. And I know that he needs to deal with them. Don't worry, Gracie. I really don't want to die again."

Dani chuckled then turned serious. "But, whatever is to come, I want to be there for him. Fighting with him and for him. Harry deserves it."

"We'll both be there then."

"I bet. I've never known you to turn down a good challenge."

"Of course not, love. It's why we work so well together."

Offended, but only slightly, Dani slapped her husband's shoulder and kissed him softly before pulling away and heading for the door. Sirius turned one ear to her explanation that she was going to start dinner and one ear to his son who was softly snoring in his bassinet.

As Danielle's footsteps faded, Sirius turned his full attention to the sleeping babe and couldn't help but smile. The Pup had his mother's hazel eyes, Sirius' natural disposition for getting into trouble already, and a beautiful hodgepodge of all the best features of his parents. Sirius tenderly touched his son's head and brushed a wayward tuft of hair off his forehead that the cool spring breeze had blown there.

Stepping to the open window, he quietly closed it protecting his son from the chilling breeze. The sunlight danced across the square, tickling the infant buds promising a beautiful spring and brightening all the deep dark corners that never seemed to get light. It was a perfect portrayal of what the wizard was feeling: happy and content.

Yes, he was more aware of the unseen evil in the world, but now he had dreams and hopes to balance the bad. Quiet corners now worried him; he loved being within the sound of his wife's laughter, whisperings in the kitchen or even his son's screeching. He was happy now.

"Sirius! Come help before the biscuits burn!"

He chuckled to himself and turned from the window. Stealing one last glance at James, tucking the blue blanket snuggly around him, he stepped from the room and headed down the stairs knowing full well that she didn't need his help but that didn't matter.

All that matter was that he was happy and everyone he loved was safe.

For now.

The End


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