disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, just Arabella and her story. Hope you all like this chapter!

A Free Man

Arabella arrived thirty minutes early the day they buried Remus. The kissing gates at the entrance of the graveyard creaked shut behind her as she made her way towards the church, feeling incredibly tight and uncomfortable in her black dress. Realistically, she knew it shouldn't be the case. She had lost a considerable amount of weight in the past year due to the combination of being on the run, her and Hermione's lack of culinary skills, and being under Bellatrix's thumb for what she gathered was for a couple of months. Her discomfort came from what it's been for the past few days. She was pregnant. With a baby. Harry's baby. Hers and Harry's child. Growing inside her. She was going to be a mother…

The day she had found out and came back from St. Mungo's, she didn't leave her room. Andromeda had checked up on her initially, making sure the arrangements had gone according to plan, but Teddy required constant attention and Arabella was left to her thoughts. It was impossible to believe. Her? Her? A mother? An actual mother with a swollen belly and achy feet? How could she, Arabella Black – the girl Snape had claimed to have a nervous breakdown once a school year in front of a packed classroom, the girl with ugly scars on her skin which would definitely be passed down, the girl who sought after Bellatrix Lestrange and threw caution to the window because her own safety did not matter when revenge was a stone's throw away, the girl who's afraid and very afraid – how could she ever be a good mother? She was barely a good godmother to Teddy, a shit niece to Andromeda, and a terrible, terrible friend. What a cruel joke the universe was playing on her.

As she walked up the stairs towards the doors of the church, something in the window caught her eye. "She leaned in, squinting. The ceremony had already started, it was going on right now without her. She could see a large group of mourners sitting down, some crying, some comforting, others solemn, and a tiny wizard in the front, waving his hand and gesturing towards the casket behind him. Arabella was very confused. She checked Kassandra's old watch. It was about twenty-five till and they had agreed on noon.

"What the hell's she playing at?" Arabella whispered.

She pressed her face closer towards the window, her jaw clenched, and then she saw the picture on the other side of the casket, away from the tiny wizard. This wasn't Remus's funeral and she quickly looked away, embarrassed for leering at others as they mourned.

Arabella walked back down the steps and made her way around the church as quietly as possible towards the rows of tombstones in the back. Just near the church was a small group of mourners huddled together. A tall witch was conducting the ceremony as those around her were sobbing, either quietly or very loud. Arabella walked around them, whispering a small apology that went by unnoticed, and then she spotted Andromeda near the back of the graveyard. There was a pram right beside her and the walnut casket was hovering over the already dug-out grave, which was covering the headstone.

She looked around, slightly confused at the placement of Remus. She just passed James and Lily Potter, and Sirius and Kassandra were only a few feet away from her, and where Andromeda was standing was right at the back. She was afraid to ask.

"This was the best I could do," Andromeda said apologetically. "It's just behind Sirius and the Potters are only a few rows in front."

Arabella nodded. If she had agreed to this weeks ago, they might have been able to bury him beside one of his friends, his family, but she had been so adamant in not letting him go and now he's apart from them, separated in ways that make her heart give out.

"He's close to his friends in a way," Andromeda added swiftly, contradicting her thoughts. "I'm sure he would still be very happy about this."

The group of mourners behind them became louder. An elderly woman in her late sixties was bawling and inconsolable, and the man beside her was brought down to his knees, fingers clawing at his cheeks as he shrieked at the lowering casket.

"It was their children and their grandchildren," Andromeda murmured. "The man's brother came over and we made some small talk –"

"Some small talk," commented Arabella.

"Yes, I quite agree," Andromeda said with a sigh. "Shall we have an open or closed casket?"

Arabella swallowed and said, "Open for now."

She moved forward and opened the casket slowly. He was there, there was no doubt about it, Arabella was positive that the Healers of St. Mungo's would bring him here intact. His hair was brushed to the side, the light brown suit looked darker against his pale skin, and his tie was cream coloured with specks of gold on it.

"The tie was Ted's," Andromeda's voice was hollow. "I hope you don't mind, but since they can't find his body…"

Arabella nodded. "It's – yeah, no, I – I get it –"

She gave Andromeda a small and the older woman recoiled a bit, wincing as she turned to check on Teddy. It took Arabella a moment to realize that her attempt at a smile was more of a grimace and her comfort made things worse.

Soon enough, the group of mourners began to disappear, sobbing and comforting each other, as they made their way towards the kissing gates, which people Arabella and Andromeda recognized started arriving. Kingsley Shacklebolt was the first one there, striding towards them in deep purple and white robes.

"Arabella, Andromeda," he said, hugging Arabella and shaking Andromeda's hand. "Thank you for inviting me. I am so sorry for your loss. Remus was a good man and I considered him a dear friend, even if our friendship was short."

"Thank you, Kingsley," said Andromeda, gracefully. "He spoke highly of you and considered a dear friend as well."

Kingsley's chest seemed to puff a little at the declaration.

The professors of Hogwarts appeared right behind him. Hagrid, red-faced and blotchy, picked Arabella up in a tight hug and when McGonagall scolded him – "Hagrid, behave yourself!" – he placed her back on the grass and patted her head. Arabella stumbled and nearly fell backwards. Professors Sprout, Flitwick, Vector, Sinistra, and Slughorn shook Arabella and Andromeda's hands, whispering their sympathies and comforts.

"He was a wonderful man and a spectacular colleague," offered Flitwick.

"I am so sorry for your loss," whispered Professor Sinistra, clasping Arabella's hand.

"Yes, Remus, I taught him when he was at Hogwarts himself," said Slughorn, looking apprehensive. "Though Potions was never his strong suit, he was a fine student and I'm glad to see that he grew up to be a fine man and a fine father."

Professor Kettleburn, who taught Care of Magical Creatures before Hagrid, came forward and shook Arabella's hand. He reminded her strongly of Mad-Eye with his wooden leg and practically all his fingers gone. He leaned in with his good eye and the stench of rotten fish went straight up Arabella's nose. She patted his arm quickly as he moved to shake Andromeda's hand as well.

Arabella was slightly surprised to see Professor Trelawney there, given that she rarely ever left her tower and was never seen outside of the castle itself. She patted Arabella on the arm, whispered something about her Inner Eye, and moved forward with the other professors. Arabella wasn't much impressed, having heard about Trelawney's Inner Eye all too often before.

McGonagall was the last of the professors that had all come together. She was wearing black robes, her eyes were quite watery, and when she shook Arabella's hand, her grip was unyielding.

"If you ever wish to talk, Miss Black, my door is always open," the new Headmistress told Arabella, her voice slightly raspy. "I… I taught him when he was at Hogwarts. He was always a good student and an even better friend, though he could never rein in Potter and Black, I always had a bit of a soft spot for all three of them. I am deeply sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, professor," Arabella replied softly.

McGonagall's eyes travelled towards the pram beside Andromeda, and a tight smile appeared on her face as more people arrived in the graveyard.

"It is nice to know that he did get over his stubbornness."

Members of the Order of the Phoenix appeared next. Dedalus Diggle, a small man with a cobalt top hat, shook Arabella's hand vigorously, and Hestia Jones, who was right behind him, squeezed Arabella's shoulder. Elphias Doge, old and slightly creaky, and Sturgis Podmore, squared jaw and handsome, appeared together. They offered their condolences before standing next to Kingsley. Aberforth Dumbledore appeared a second later, his footsteps heavy. He gave Arabella a curt nod and then stood beside Hagrid. Arabella got the faintest impression that he did not want to be here one bit and made up her mind who her favourite Dumbledore was.

The last group to arrive appeared right at noon, slowly making their way to the back of the graveyard. Lee Jordan was the first one to reach Arabella, giving her a quick hug.

"I'm sorry about Mr. Lupin," Lee said, his voice uncharacteristically small. "He was always nice to me, George, and – and Fred."

He shook Andromeda's hand as Mrs. Weasley, dressed in beautiful dark green robes, moved forward and wrapped her arms around Arabella.

"It's nice to see you again, Arabella," said Mr. Weasley, right behind his wife. There was a small and sad smile upon his lips. "Remus was a good man. I will miss him and his jokes dearly."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Arabella told him, her face buried into Mrs. Weasley's shoulder. "I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley, I promise."

Mrs. Weasley took in a deep breath and then let go of Arabella as Mr. Weasley shook Andromeda's hand.

"I know, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "I might not know everything about what you're going through, but I think I know better than most, all things considered."

Arabella nodded and remembered that she had not only lost Fred, her beautiful and reckless son, but she had also lost her brothers years and years before. People tend to forget, because she had so many, but none of them could ever be replaced.

"If you ever need anything, Arabella, do not hesitate to ask," Mrs. Weasley said faintly. "Remus and you are family, after all."

Arabella nodded, her throat and her heart clenching in unison, as the rest of the group moved forward. Bill and Charlie shook her hand, Fleur kissed her cheeks and whispered her condolences, Percy actually called her by her first name, Ginny and Neville walked forward together, hand in hand, and Hermione and Ron were right behind them.

Arabella's heart nearly seized to exist the moment she saw them. Hermione was wearing a black dress with her hair tied back into an almost painful-looking ponytail. She threw her arms around Arabella's shoulder and let out a small sob. Ron, dressed in a suit slightly larger than his body frame, squeezed Arabella's arm and then clapped her on the back.

"Hey there, mate," said Ron.

"Oh, Arabella, how are you?" asked Hermione. "I haven't – I haven't seen you in such –"

"I'm fine, I promise," Arabella told them both.

The two of them shared a look and Arabella felt unnerved. She wanted to tell them both off, that just because they're in love now or whatever, doesn't mean they can share looks with each other or do that strange communication that other couples do. But just before she could open her mouth, Harry suddenly appeared behind Ron, taking off his Invisibility Cloak and stuffing it into his suit jacket.

"Sorry about that," Harry said quietly. "I didn't see anyone suspicious around, so I think we should be fine."

Ron and Hermione nodded.

"Mum and Dad thought it would be best to have Harry hide underneath the Cloak when we got here," Ron told Harry. "You never know who's lurking about, I suppose."

Arabella nodded as the four of them looked at each other, slightly unnerved by the silence. She wanted to say something to Hermione and Ron, but she wasn't quite sure what would be right for this particular moment. Maybe thank them for being friends with her so long, for putting up with her all these years – perhaps the last one should be more of an apology than anything else. She wanted to tell them that just before Voldemort was going to avenge Bellatrix's death, all she wanted to do was look at them. To have their faces be the last thing she ever saw, that she loved them so much, and Sirius, her beautiful father, was so happy that she found them. In the end, after the silence has passed over them, Hermione and Ron shook Andromeda's hand and they stood next to the other Weasleys.

"Hey," whispered Harry.

"Hey," Arabella whispered back.

Underneath the soft sun and the peaceful cloud, they looked at each other for what seemed like hours. Her insides danced at the sight of Harry Potter in front of her. He was wearing a black suit, his hair had gotten slightly longer and was now long enough to be tied back, and though he looked cleanly shaven, there were dark stubbles along his jaw. He looked at her, smiling, and his beautiful emerald eyes were glowing, and she wanted nothing more than to be alone with him somewhere far, far away where no one and no funeral could ever hurt them.

The others were speaking softly to each other, whispering stories about Remus, others about more recent events, and Andromeda was hovering a foot away, sneaking sharp glances at Harry.

"I just –" began Harry. He then cleared his throat and started again. "I just wanted to let you know that Remus changed my life and… and I miss him too."

Arabella tried to steady her breath as she gave him a short nod. His words had cut deeper than what the others had said to her. Harry had been fond of Remus since their third year when Remus helped him discover just how talented he was in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Remus, in turn, deeply cared about Harry, his wellbeing, and loved him in a way that only family could. It pains her to realize that Harry was once held by Remus as a baby and that they never truly got the chance to be a family together.

"Arabella, can – can I?" asked Harry, looking unsure of himself.

"Do what – oh, oh, yeah, yes," she said, nodding.

Tentatively, Harry stepped forward and Arabella met him halfway. He wrapped an arm around her waist and her shoulder, and she did the same, feeling at peace when the lingering smell of treacle tart surrounded her.

Andromeda accepted all their words with a graceful smile and words of her own. She watched Arabella out the corner of her eye and felt her chest swell with pride.

Oh, Mother, can you see me now? Do you see them, consoling me, whispering sweet things about my son-in-law? Do you see Molly and Arthur Weasley, those bloodtraitors you used to insult to their faces and to other families? You tried to get them banished, didn't you, Father? I wonder what you would say about Arabella, knowing that she killed your favourite… You applauded, didn't you, Father, when Bella blasted me off the family tree, I bet your old bones sat upright and clapped when you saw her kill Sirius, didn't you, Mother? But look at the family now, look at what's been left behind…

Though she did not dare admit it to a single soul, her parents entered her thoughts more so these days than others. There had been times when she never gave them a thought. They had banished her the moment she announced she intended to marry Ted Tonks and none of her sisters bothered to see Nymphadora after she came screaming into this world. Years would go by and she would never give any of them a thought, but these days were different than others. Cygnus and Druella invaded her mind often and she could even hear them now, sneering at the likes of Molly marching into the graveyard leading her brood, hurling insults at Hermione Granger for daring to be in the presence of purebloods, calling for the head of the half-giant Hagrid. Cygnus would certainly have something to say about Dedalus Diggle's appearance and Druella would have a few choice words for Minerva McGonagall.

But they were all just in her head and all Andromeda wanted was for them to be beside her so that she could do the crude and unladylike act of rubbing it in their faces. To throw the fact that Bella died at the hands of Sirius's daughter, that she would never forgive them, any of them, that Nymphadora was loved immensely and Ted had succeeded where they had failed, and in the end, she didn't need them. She didn't need her parents or Bella or Cissy. She had Teddy, she had Arabella, Nymphadora wasn't here, but she was there as well, and Molly wrote to her twice a well.

I didn't need you, Father, I found a family all on my own, you see them, don't you? I found love with my husband and your own granddaughter found love in that old werewolf. We never had to buy their love, it was all earned and fought for. We didn't need you and we're going to be fine, all of us. Me, Nymphadora, Teddy, and Arabella… We're the Black family legacy now and I hope you're all rolling in your graves.

Andromeda scanned the crowd, her eyes glazing over the various Weasleys, the Order members talking quietly to each other, the Hogwarts professors exchanging stories about Remus, Sirius, and James Potter, and then to Arabella and Potter.

Her smile slipped as she watched them embrace. Potter's hand went up to Arabella's head as she inhaled deeply. For the first time since she had returned from being a fugitive, Arabella did not look as though she was in constant pain, battling something within herself that Andromeda could not help with. She looked peaceful in the arms of Potter and he did as well.

Andromeda looked away quickly, taking in deep and long breaths. She did not hate Potter. Quite frankly, she found him adequate enough for Arabella if their relationship did progress beyond this school crush phase, but – there's always a but, as Nymphadora would say – ever since they met all those years ago on the Hogwarts Express, he has constantly dragged Arabella into some sort of dangerous scenario. If it's not Nicholas Flamel's Stone, then it's the Chamber of Secrets underneath the school. If it's not a horde of dementors attacking them, it's facing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in a faraway graveyard or charging into the Ministry of Magic or disappearing for nearly a year doing Merlin knows that and reappearing with more scars on her skin than usual and the corpse of Remus Lupin. Why did she have to pick this – this – this – danger magnet? Couldn't it have been Longbottom or Lee Jordan? They both seemed like lovely young men.

There's nothing wrong with Harry, Remus used to tell her with a good-natured sigh and roll of his eyes as the letter sat between them. She's half in love with him, and he is clearly and very obviously, as the kids say, into her. I can't think of a better man for her.

Andromeda did not forgive him for this, of course. There were other options for Arabella, options that she had not yet explored, but if it was Remus's last wish, if Arabella was truly in love with this boy, then, well, she'll just figure out some way to accept it.

Teddy began letting out small cries of discomfort and Andromeda quickly rubbed his belly before checking her watch.

"Arabella," she called, clearing her throat. "It's time."

Arabella practically jumped at the sound of her voice, detaching herself away from Potter. Her eyes were wide and frightened, and Andromeda remembers little Reg following his brother and older cousins around, waving his fist in the air, his own eyes wide and tearful. She wonders now what her parents would say, knowing that he deflected from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's ranks after admiring him for years.

Andromeda took her place next to Remus's tombstone as Arabella stood next to the pram, watching over Teddy. Potter stood beside her as well, his hand on her back, and Andromeda refrained herself from snapping at him, reminding herself that Remus liked the boy and Nymphadora was ecstatic at the chance that he would possibly join their little family.

"Thank you all for coming today to celebrate Remus Lupin's life and share in our grief at his passing. For those of you who do not know, I am Andromeda Tonks, his mother-in-law. I have known Remus for quite a long time through my cousin. The two of them and James Potter were as thick as thieves, always up to one thing or another. I considered Remus an acquaintance I would see here and there from time to time, usually tired and looking quite hungover. It wasn't until much later did I realize he wasn't an alcoholic, he was a werewolf. I was quite scared at first when I found out. Kassandra had trusted little Arabella when him after passing away and I didn't know what to do for the longest time. I was quite certain he would never intentionally harm a child, but I also did not know the man truly and quite frankly, how could anyone ever be sure?"

Andromeda cleared her throat, taking note of those in the crowd looking at her skeptically, including Potter.

"The day I considered Remus a friend, a true and first friend that I've actually made in years, was during Arabella's fourth birthday. You see, it was her first birthday after Kassandra has passed, we managed to get Nymphadora permission from Professor Dumbledore to come down for the day, and all of us were instructed to dress in our best and smartest robes, of course. There was a bouncy castle in the backyard, the whole house was decorated with streamers and, at night, he planned a firework show with my Ted. I can still picture it now, those red and gold fireworks bursting in the air, sparklers fizzling around us, and a beautiful dragon at the end that made the neighbours come out and clap. And then, right at the end of the night, he placed a purple paper crown on top of Arabella's head and, oh, how her face just lit up. She wore that thing for weeks."

Andromeda glanced at Arabella, whose eyes were trained on the pram. She could not tell if Arabella was paying attention to her or not. She hoped she was.

"When he became part of the family, I remember crying and being so happy because, after years of considering him family, he finally became one of us. I framed a copy of their certificate in our study that night. He was such a good man, despite everything that was thrown his way. He was so compassionate and caring and stupidly noble and I will miss him dearly."

She took a deep breath in and continued.

"Today, Remus Lupin leaves behind his wife and children, but he fought for a world in which they could live in peace and happiness. To honour his memory, I will tell stories to Teddy about his silly and selfless father, who had so much love in his heart. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you."

Molly blew her nose into a handkerchief as Minerva dabbed her eyes with her own. Hagrid was standing in the back, sobbing next to Horace Slughorn and Aberforth Dumbledore, as Dedalus Diggle took off his hat and gave a solemn bow. Arabella was still looking at the pram, watching over Teddy, and when Andromeda touched her arm, she nearly jumped in the air.

"Right, sorry," Arabella mumbled, quickly composing herself.

She took a step forward next to Remus's tombstone. Her hands were on her hips and thighs, as though wiping sweat from her palms. Her eyes wandered hazily into the small crowd, lingering for a moment on Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and then towards the small village of Godric's Hollow. She looked at the trees, the fading clouds, and the mountainous view in the back. Some of them seemed puzzled by her silence. Molly and Arthur looked at each other with concern, Sturgis Podmore elbowed Hestia Jones and whispered something in her ear, and the Divination professor who Andromeda thought was a bit suspicious seemed confused as well.

"I didn't prepare a speech or anything," Arabella began quietly.

Those in the back leaned in, trying to catch her words.

"I didn't know what to say. All of you pretty much covered it for me. He was a good and kind man. I think he would have appreciated you all coming down here today, despite having busy lives being Minister or rebuilding Hogwarts or looking after your own children…"

Her voice slowly died as she looked towards the right of her and Andromeda knew she was thinking about her old house, the house that been on the market for years and was finally sold only a few years ago, the house that held all happy memories for Andromeda, but not so much for Arabella.

"It's so strange, isn't it?" mumbled Arabella, her eyes so far away and her voice ever so distant. "It happened such a long time ago, but I remember it so clearly and even though I can hardly remember her, I will always have clear memories of him and the beach and him chasing me around the house, telling me to slow down and trying to keep up…"

She took in an unsteady breath and then placed a hand on the headstone, slightly swaying.

"It – it feels like there's this missing piece inside of me, this – this hole where my heart should be and – and it's so different from the others because I spent my whole life loving him unlike… and now he's gone and it – and it feels like it was a waste, like where am I supposed to put it now, all this love I have for him? This emptiness, this ache, this… sometimes I think… wouldn't it be nice just to see him again, to hear him sing…"

Beside Andromeda, Potter made a move to reach out towards Arabella, but she stopped him. Andromeda knew Arabella did not need his comfort, not now, not in front of everyone like this. Arabella took in a steady breath, her lips caught between her teeth, and she suddenly snapped out of it. She looked up at the crowd, a big smile etched upon her face, tears brimming in her eyes, and her shoulders squared.

"I'm rambling, aren't I?" she asked, her voice louder. "Yes, of course, I am. I do apologize for that. Like I said before, I didn't really prepare a speech for today. I found it rather difficult to put how I was feeling into words."

She glanced over at the pram, her shoulders slightly faltering.

"I think… Teddy looks like Nymph more than anyone else. They've both got this, um, same squished up face and he keeps changing his hair colour, picking up and mimicking things around him, but most days he has the same eye colour as Remus and most days I can't even look at him without – without –"

She looked on the verge of falling to pieces but then composed herself once more. Andromeda was so proud of her, of the way she picked herself up continuously.

"I am so sorry about that," Arabella said swiftly, a terrible smile upon her face. "Today is a celebration for Remus, no one else. It is the sixth of June, it's has been more than a month since he left us, and I miss him every day. Thank you for coming here today. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart."

Arabella took out her wand, pointed it directly at the casket, and it lowered itself. They all stood there in silence as the casket disappeared into the earth, finally revealing the words written on the headstone.

Remus John Lupin
BORN March 10, 1960
DIED May 2, 1998
There Is No Greater Victory
Than To Fall From This World
A Free Man

The crowd slowly disappeared over time. The Order members shook Andromeda's hand once more, promising to keep in touch with her and Nymphadora while Hestia Jones stayed back to speak with Potter. The professors followed after them, making their way through the graveyard while Hagrid helped Professor Kettleburn. Minerva lingered for a moment, looking as though she wanted to say something to either Andromeda or Arabella, but she disappeared swiftly after Hagrid, her robes flourishing around her. Kingsley mentioned something about coming over for tea one day or having dinner with all the Order members, but with his busy schedule, Andromeda knew it wasn't going to be possible for a very long time. The Weasleys, Longbottom, and Jordan stayed behind, some of them looking rather uncomfortable as they dwindled.

Arabella's friends, the two that she had known for years, stood beside her once more as the dug-up dirt began to cover the grave. They flocked on either side of her, the girl on the right and the lanky boy on Arabella's left. They held her arms and rubbed her shoulders, and they told her that they were sad too because Remus was gone and that they will always be there for her. The Granger girl had tears on her cheeks and Molly's boy kept sniffing. He had lost a brother that day as well. Arabella, her little girl, put on a brave smile so much like her father's, and she whispered something to them, something about being fine, that she appreciated them for coming, but maybe she just needed a moment alone.

"Andromeda, would you like to come over for some tea?" Molly asks her. "I made a fruitcake last night. I wouldn't want it to go to waste."

Andromeda shakes her head and tells her, "Perhaps another day. I was planning on seeing Nymphadora today and bringing Teddy along."

"How is she?"

"The Healers are hopeful," Andromeda lied softly. "I'm sure she'll make a full recovery soon."

Molly smiles and nods. "I'm sure she will. I pray for Tonks every day."

Arthur Weasley makes his way towards the clutter of headstones where Sirius lays alongside Kassandra, Isaak, Hekabe, Arabella Torell, and Moody.

"It was nice of Arabella to bring Alastor here," commented Molly. "I think he would have liked that, being next to his friends. She's a good girl, Arabella. You and Remus did a good job with her."

Andromeda shook her head once more.

"I wish I could take some credit, but it was all him. She never loved me half as much as she loved him."

Molly looked slightly unnerved and her reaction puzzled Andromeda. Wasn't it rather obvious that Arabella loved Remus more than anyone else on this wretched planet? It was the simplest and most obvious truth to Andromeda and she had come to terms with it years and years ago. She knew she was a difficult person to love. Nymphadora always preferred Ted, they were each other's carbon copy from their laughs to their clutter to their Muggle styles. Arabella naturally gravitated towards Remus and stayed by his side constantly throughout the years. Andromeda was somewhere in the middle and she never once questioned their love for her or made them choose or even held it against them during arguments. That was her mother's move – ranking her daughters whenever they disappointed her, making them choose between her and Cygnus, trying to perfect them without naturing them. Andromeda just chose to love Nymphadora and Arabella as much as she humanly could, giving them the love she had grown up craving.

"I think I'll pay my respects to Alastor before leaving," Molly said quietly. She gently touched Andromeda's hand and said, "Come around to our house whenever you can. You, Arabella, and Teddy are always welcomed."

Andromeda watched Molly walk off towards her husband, something tugging at her heart, and wonders how the woman could even stand after all that's happened to her family. There were days when Andromeda couldn't even get out of bed and only made an effort because Teddy began crying or she needed to check on Arabella.

Soon enough, after realizing that a part of Moody was there as well, they all paid their respects and left Godric's Hollow. Longbottom and the youngest Weasley were holding hands as they walked through the kissing gates, Lee Jordan and Percy Weasley had their arms around each other's shoulders, Molly's oldest and his wife walked together with Charlie, and Ron and Hermione Granger were right behind them. The only people left in the graveyard were Andromeda, Teddy, Potter, Hestia Jones, and Arabella.

Arabella was crouching next to Remus's headstone, staring at the carved words. She wasn't startled when Andromeda touched her shoulder, merely looked at her with a vacant smile that didn't quite reach her grey eyes.

"I'm going to pop by St. Mungo's and see Nymphadora. I'm bringing Teddy with me. Would you like to come with us?"

Arabella shook her head and said, "No, I think I'll stay here a while. I'll see you at home."

Andromeda nodded and looked at Arabella, actually look at her and see the woman she had become, and her heart swelled.

"I love you and I'm so proud of you." Andromeda then kissed her forehead. "I'll see you at home, okay?"

Did you see that, Auntie? Andromeda thought to herself as she walked out of the graveyard with her grandson. Do you see her now, your grandchild? You called her dirty blood just after meeting her once and look at her now. Look at what you, Uncle Orion, Mother, and Father failed to do for us – for me, Cissy, Bella, Sirius, and Reg. Do you see how loved your granddaughter is? She is so loved, loved beyond what any of us ever felt, beyond measure, and she is your legacy. She is the best of you, the best of us, and I'm going to make sure that everything she does from here on out makes all of you roll in your graves.

Arabella slowly traced her fingers over the R and then the E, M, U, and finally the S. She whispered his name softly so that she was the only one that could hear. She felt her heart beating against her chest, throwing itself against her ribs, daring for a bone to pierce her. It would be the perfect time and the perfect place for her to lay, after all. She could be next to him and her parents were only a few feet away, and it would be like some sort of sick and twisted family reunion just for them.

"Why did you have to leave?" she said yet again, waiting for the answer, hoping that it was come soon enough, that he would pop up behind the tombstone. "You should have just left her to me."

She ran her fingers through her hair and quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks. She had been holding them in for a long time, determined not to cry in front of everyone, especially Andromeda and Mrs. Weasley. They were already so worried and they didn't need Arabella's problems on their plates as well. It would just be pointless and unnecessary to pile on her issues on top of theirs.

The soft movements in the grass told Arabella that someone else was near and soon enough, Harry was beside her, kneeling in the dirt by Remus, shoulder to shoulder with her.

"Sorry about that," he said kindly. "Hestia was telling me about the Dursleys. They're back at Privet Drive and are incredibly angry at the mess we've made. Mrs. Figg will be keeping an eye on them, and Hestia and Dedalus will check in on them from time to time. I'm sure they'll like that, but as long as they're safe, I suppose."

He let out a small laugh and Arabella silently agreed and disagreed with him. She held a certain amount of contempt for the Dursleys for years and was glad she never got to meet them formally. They were cruel to their only nephew and saw him as a constant burden. Harry had a big heart, she just wished the Dursleys saw that as well.

"How have you been?" Harry continued to fill the silence. "I'm sorry for not coming to visit. It's been rather busy at the Ministry with all of us trying to track down –"

"I need to tell you something," Arabella cut across. "It's not pleasant, but, um," she licked her lips, "you remember that night, at Shell Cottage?"

Harry nodded and swallowed. "Yeah, I do. Why?"

"We had sex that night, you remember –"

"I remember, yes, why are you asking me –"

"We didn't use protection," Arabella told him.

"What does that night have – oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

His face was covered with shock as he looked at her, then at the headstone, back at her, and finally the graveyard.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tiny.

"Yes. I'm positive. Went to St. Mungo's and everything."

"So, there's a – a – in there –"

He was pointing vaguely at her abdomen.

"Yes, there's a baby somewhere in there," Arabella confirmed. "A fetus, more like I think."

"And it's – it's mine –"

Arabella scowled at him. "Of course, it's yours, who else do you think I've slept with recently?"

"I don't – I don't know – no, Arabella, I didn't mean it like that!"

Arabella practically jumped to her feet, feeling quite hot and stifling, as though she was going to suffocate if she spent another moment outside.

"It's just – it's shocking –" stuttered Harry, getting to his feet as well.

"Yeah, I know!" exclaimed Arabella, throwing her hands in her air. "You're not the only one who's in shock, Harry, my – my body's not my own anymore and this is – this is the absolute wrong time –"

"So, so what are you going to do then?" Harry asked in a queasy voice.

"I don't – I don't know," Arabella told him truthfully.

She felt so exhausted at the moment and then nauseous, and all she wanted to do was get back to her bed and sleep. The ceremony, greeting everyone, speaking about Remus, listening to Andromeda's bloody speech, and telling Harry about her predicament had taken all the energy out of her. It was too much to handle in one day.

"Look, just – I'll come see you in a couple of days, okay? I'm really tired and I just wanna lay down for a while – "

She bolted out of the graveyard and Apparated back to the outskirts of the Tonks's residence.

"Arabella? You here?"

Arabella lifted her head as the door to the bathroom opened. Andromeda was by her side immediately, kneeling on the tile floor as Arabella continued to sob in the bathtub.

"Arabella, what's wrong? Did something happen with Potter?"

"I –" Arabella sniffed and wiped the tears from her face. "God, I must look terrible –"

"You've got some snot on you, but I still think you look pretty," Andromeda offered with a smile. She then grabbed the paper roll and handed it over.

"Thanks," mumbled Arabella. She blew her nose, sounding quite like a trumpet, and then told Andromeda, "I'm pregnant, by the way. Thought you should know."

She threw the piece of toilet paper into the dustbin and unrolled some more. Andromeda seemed to have frozen in shock. Arabella knew that her announcement would be less than ideal since she was using the "rip the plaster off as quickly as possible" method, but Andromeda did need to know.

"I'm – I'm assuming it's Potter's, then?"

"You assume correct," Arabella said quietly, unable to look up as she wiped her cheeks.

"And this happened when you were on the run."

It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes."

"While the four of you were trying to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

"Yes."

"So somewhere between Bill and Fleur's wedding and that battle, you found time to get together with Potter, have sex, and now you're carrying his baby…"

"Yes, something like that," Arabella mumbled.

"Arabella!" shouted Andromeda, getting to her feet in an instant. "How could you be so careless? To – to have unprotected sex and now – now – what are you even going to do?"

"Take care of it, I suppose," Arabella told her blankly.

"So you're keeping it, then? Did you tell Potter?"

"I did, yes."

"And?"

"And what?"

"What did he say?" Andromeda snapped.

"He was in shock and I came back here," Arabella replied. "Look, could you just – it's nice to have you back to normal yelling at me, but I don't need this right now. I'm pregnant and everything's worse so just leave it, will you?"

"Drop it – !" Andromeda exclaimed before stopping herself. "Okay, okay, fine, I'll drop it for now. And I'll help you."

"Really?" asked Arabella, taken back as she looked up at her pacing aunt. "You're going to help me? With this baby?"

"Of course," Andromeda said briskly, as though any other option was simply lunacy. "You clearly need help and we're family after all."

"How unfortunate," Arabella grumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing! So, um, thanks for helping me, I guess."

"Well, you should be," snipped Andromeda, still rallied and fired up.

Arabella was positive that in any other situation, Andromeda would have surely cursed her.

"Do you think Potter will step up?" Andromeda asked her.

"Step up to what?"

Andromeda shot her a glare. "For jumping in as the new Beater for the Montrose Magpies since Agnus Danielson decided to retire – for being a father, what do you honestly think?"

Arabella winced under the impact of Andromeda Tonks and wiped her nose with her sleeve.

"You promised no more shouting," Arabella whispered.

"I promised to drop yelling at you for getting pregnant after the war, not yelling in general," Andromeda pointed out. "And besides… you did say it was nice to have me back to normal, did you not?"

Arabella gave her a weak smile and Andromeda sat down on the toilet, sighing.

"I am… sorry for yelling. It's clearly not the right time and my emotions are getting the best of me. How are you feeling, truly?"

"Everything feels worse now. I miss him so much and I – I can't really tell if I want this baby or not, you know? Like, I do I guess, but why, why, why now? You know what I mean?"

Andromeda nodded solemnly as she leaned on her thighs. "I remember the day Nymphadora was born. I was the first one to hold her. You wouldn't believe it, but Ted passed out." She inhaled and let out a small laugh. "Of course, I never let him forget about it."

"I miss him too," Arabella told her.

Awkward and uncomfortable silence washed over them. Arabella fidgeted in the empty tub, picking at the hem of her black dress, while Andromeda sat still upon the toilet, her mind far away or perhaps even back in time.

"I'm scared," said Arabella, breaking the silence. "I don't think I can do this without Remus."

"You can," Andromeda told her rather bluntly, but also as kindly as she could despite her tone. "Remus did not raise you to be a coward. You'll be fine, I know you will."

Andromeda had decided that night that Potter was a complete and utter nuisance. That man – boy, more like, she thought to herself – was driving her up the wall, banging on her door, booze coming off his breath, demanding to see Arabella as though he owned the bloody house, and threatening to sleep on the porch as though Andromeda was even going to offer him a bed.

"She's asleep, just come back tomorrow!" Andromeda hissed for what seemed like the hundredth and fifteenth time.

But did Potter ever listen to her? Did he even hear her?

"I need to see her now! It's not even that late, please, Mrs. Tonks!"

But Andromeda was just as stubborn and relentless as the boy standing on her porch and twice determined if she said so herself. She was prepared to go all night, yelling back and forth until one of them passed out or left the premises.

"I'll only be up there five minutes, I need to see her!"

"It is late and she'll still be here tomorrow morning –"

"Oh, come off it, just let me see Arabella already –"

"Don't you dare take that tone with me, Potter –"

"Look – look! I didn't mean it that way –"

"You can't just show up here in the middle of the night –"

"It's only nine!"

"Would you two drop it?"

Andromeda looked over her shoulder and saw Arabella suddenly there. There were heavy bags underneath her eyes, her hair was visibly greasy, her pyjamas were hanging off her body, and she looking grey and drained.

"What are you two arguing about?" she whispered. "What could be so important that you'd have to yell?"

"I need to speak with you," Potter said in a rush.

"Speak with – Harry, are you drunk?" Arabella asked, moving forward with a hint of concern in her tone. Andromeda wanted to vomit.

"I might have had a drink or two, you know, to calm the nerves and all," Potter offered as a weak explanation, slightly jumping on his toes. "Can we talk, please?"

Before Arabella could open her mouth, Andromeda announces, "We were just asleep. You can come back tomorrow and talk to Arabella."

"It's fine, Andy," Arabella told her in a strained tone. "It'll only be a minute."

"Arabella, I don't think this is the time –"

"It's fine, come on, Harry."

Arabella began leading Potter up the stairs towards her room, leaving Andromeda behind, glaring at their backs.

"Leave the door open!" she called after them.

Arabella shut the door behind her, sighing as Harry stood in the middle of the room, looking around.

"I don't think she likes me," Harry told her.

"I don't think it's a secret she's hiding," Arabella said with a small shrug. "She doesn't really like surprise guests."

"I'm not sure if that's it."

Arabella nodded slowly. Though she had suspicions and theories, she didn't really have a concrete reason as to why Andromeda Tonks wasn't a big fan of Harry. Maybe it was because her loyalty didn't just extend to everyone or that she was wary of those not officially family or maybe it was because Harry knocked Arabella up during a time when they should have been focusing on other things. Any of those were possible reasons and Arabella wasn't keen on bringing up this topic to her.

"So, um, you wanted to talk?" Arabella asked.

"Yes!" said Harry, turning towards her and snapping with both his hands. "You're pregnant."

"Yes?" said Arabella, confused.

Harry snapped his fingers again. "With my baby."

"Sure."

"Our child is in there."

"If you want to see it that way, I guess."

Harry clicked his tongue and shook his head. "See, we're just – we're on the same wavelength, we're so in sync."

Arabella's eyebrows shot up. "Where are you going with this, Harry?"

Harry sighed and began shifting from one foot to the other.

"Arabella Black, will you – ?"

He began moving down to one knee and Arabella let out a small scream.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed.

Harry jumped back to both feet, his wand now drawn out, looking around the room for signs of danger.

"I'm talking to you, you twat!"

"Wha –"

Harry turned around sharply. He lost his balance and stumbled backwards into the dresser. He tumbled towards the floor with a groan and Arabella rolled her eyes into the ceiling.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Arabella asked, exasperated.

"Proposing," Harry replied with a groan as he sat up and rubbed the back of his head.

"But why are you doing this?" she asked, sighing.

"Um, you're pregnant?" he said, trying to stand up, but ending back on both his knees. "So, wanna be my wife?"

Arabella sighed and sat on the edge of her bed facing Harry. She wanted to laugh for the first time in weeks. Remus would have either found this situation amusing or infuriating. She was in the same boat.

"Harry, do you honestly want to get married?" she asked.

"Yes-sss?"

"So you think getting married right now, after what we've been through this past year, after what we've seen these past months, after what we just did today… you think getting married is the right choice?"

Harry licked his lips, and then leaned back and came forward, his face struck with lightning.

"Well, when you put it like that…"

"Marriage is not going to fix anything," Arabella told him bluntly. "If anything, it might make things worse. We're not ready for marriage any more than we're ready for this baby."

"I – I – I didn't think we were, but it – it – um, felt like the right thing to do!"

Arabella gave him a small and crooked smile.

"It's, um, a nice sentiment, thank you, but I think we should just not get married."

Harry looked slightly relieved as he smacked his head against her bedframe.

"Ow!"

"How much did you have to drink?" Arabella asked him.

"Just – a couple –"

"A couple what?"

But Harry didn't answer her. He slowly crawled on the bed and flopped down, his glasses skewed.

"You don't have to do this, you know, the baby and all," Arabella said quietly, her knees against her chest. "If you want to leave, you can. I'm giving you a way out."

Harry moved closer towards her, wrapping an arm around her from behind, his head pressed against her back, and she felt him shake his head.

"I'm not leaving," he mumbled. "This is, you know, my doing as well."

Arabella bit the inside of her lips and then said, "Are you sure? It poops, it cries, it demands constant attention, and it practically screams like a mandrake. If –"

She let out a small laugh at the thought of Sunny Wardell holding up a mandrake at the other end of the examination chair, proclaiming the screaming plant to be her newborn.

" – if you want to leave, I wouldn't blame you."

Harry snuggled closer towards her and whispered, "Nah-hhhhh."

Arabella pursed her lips and nodded slowly as she looked outside the window. It wasn't quite a full moon, that would only appear in a few days, but it was certainly cloudy and she knew it was going to rain in the morning. Stars were scattered across the dark sky and trees were dancing against the quiet wind. Within minutes, Harry was fast asleep, quietly snoring beside her with his arm around her waist. Arabella tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, placed his glasses on the bedside table, and quietly left the room.

She was slightly impressed with Andromeda. Instead of pacing behind the door with a look of fury upon her face, she was pacing in the kitchen, glaring at Arabella as she approached. That was some improvement on Andromeda's behalf.

"He's asleep," Arabella told her truthfully. "I would like to go back to bed, but if you prefer me sleeping in the living room, I don't mind. It's your house. I wouldn't do anything to make you uncomfortable."

Andromeda pursed her lips and then said, "So?"

"So?"

"Did you and your –" Andromeda sputtered for a moment, trying to think of a word before settling on: "Potter discuss what you two will be doing?"

Arabella hesitated for a moment. She did not want to lie to Andromeda, the woman was one of the few people she had left in this world and she did promise to help her out, however… Arabella knew that if she told her about Harry drunkenly proposing to her, there would be hell to pay and even Arabella wouldn't be able to help him.

"We decided that we would, you know, do this together," Arabella said awkwardly with a shrug. "You know, the whole –"

"Having a child out of wedlock situation?" snipped Andromeda.

Arabella sighed and rubbed her forehead, irritated and wincing.

"Look, I don't know why you don't like Harry and I frankly don't care, at least not now. I know I won't be able to change your mind on this, you stubborn, old woman –" Arabella rushed forward, seeing Andromeda's eyes widen, " – I'm not asking you to like him, I'm asking you to be civil with him. Or at least courteous! He is Teddy's godfather after all and you are going to be seeing him a lot more. The least you can do is be nice."

Andromeda's nose flared for a second as she wrapped her shawl around her shoulder tighter.

"I will try my best," she said as though it was a painful declaration. "The couch is in no condition for you to sleep in. I'll sleep in Dora's room with Teddy and you can sleep in mine. You shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable in this house as well."

The next morning, after sleeping in the same bed Andromeda and Ted shared for years, Arabella tiptoed back to her room. When she realized that the bed was empty, she looked around the house for signs of Harry. It didn't take her long to figure out that he was in Nymph's room, looking over Teddy's bassinet and gently rubbing the top of his head. She stood in the hall, staring through the crack, watching Harry with that small smile upon his face, and then remembered something. She walked back into her room, grabbed the small letter from the dresser, and knocked on Nymph's door. Harry's head snapped up as Arabella entered the door.

"Hey," Arabella told him. "How is he?"

"He's a very calm baby," Harry told her, glancing down and sweeping Teddy's dark hair from his forehead.

"Oh sure, he's calm now, but wait until nighttime, he's a downright terror, aren't you, chickpea?"

"He can't be that bad, come on now," Harry said with a small smile.

"He peed on me, Harry. He is the terror of the night."

He chuckled a little and said, "If you say so."

Arabella inhaled sharply, rubbing the envelope between her forefinger and her thumb.

"Look, um, I've got something for you. It's from Remus."

He looked quite taken back as he held out the letter towards him. He tentatively reached out, took the envelope from her, and stared down at it.

"I – I don't understand," he muttered.

Arabella shrugged her shoulders, feeling her mouth go dry as she told Harry, "It was on him when he, um, when – well, you know… I figured you'd want it, considering it's addressed to you and all."

"Um, thank you," said Harry, fiddling with the letter. "Do you know what he said?"

"No idea," she told him with a jerk of her shoulders. "He wrote it for you, not me."

"Do you want to know, then? I can read it aloud –"

"No," Arabella snapped. She then squeezed her eyes together, ashamed at her tone and then said, much softer, "I don't think I can. At least not now."

Harry nodded and placed the letter into his suit jacket, the same one he was wearing yesterday during Remus's funeral.

"So, about yesterday…"

"About yesterday," Arabella repeated with a small smile.

"It was just – look, I was just a bit nervous and there was a pub just across the street, so I might have had a drink – or two."

"Hmm, seemed like more than a drink or two, but it's fine. It's a lot to take in at once and there wasn't a better time to tell you, honestly."

"Yeah, I can't even think of one," Harry said with a deep breath. "Sorry about proposing and barging in. Firewhisky is…" he let out a small laugh. "It's pretty strong, isn't it?"

Arabella swallowed and nodded. She remembered the effects of firewhisky all too well. It wasn't her favourite drink, the taste was abysmal, but it does the job.

"So what's our plan, then?" Harry asked her. "What the baby and all?"

"I suppose we should live together?" Arabella offered uncertainly. "If you really want to be part of this –"

"It is our child, you know," Harry told her.

"Yes, I remember," murmured Arabella. "We can't live in the Burrow and I don't think you and Andromeda can handle living together –"

"I mean, I can," he grumbled.

Arabella gave him a tight smile, trying her hardest not to laugh.

"It wouldn't be ideal either way, having two newborns under the same roof, one egging on the other or keeping the other up. So I guess… Grimmauld Place? It's not an ideal place to have a baby, but it is technically our house until we can find something much…"

"Brighter, cleaner, cheery?" offered Harry. "A place that doesn't have a wall dedicated to beheaded house-elves?"

"Yes, yes, someplace better, but for now, Grimmauld Place is our best option. It's also in the city so you can walk to work if you want to… Hmm, I guess I need to figure out a way to make money, then."

She began picking at her lips, wondering what job would be enough to sustain her and a newborn.

"You can come work with me," said Harry. "I'm sure Trenholm wouldn't mind someone like you in the department. He's a nice enough bloke."

"Do you honestly think I should be an Auror in this state?"

"There's more to being an Auror than going out on the field and duelling people," he told her, sounding slightly offended. "There's planning and scouting, and all these strategic meetings behind the scenes. I think having someone like you, someone who understands how wizards think and the way people like Lestrange think, will do the department some good."

"I appreciate that, Harry, I do," she said uncertainly, feeling unease at the last bit, "I just don't think being an Auror is want I want to do. And I'm… I don't know what I want to do anymore."

"You could ask Kingsley," he offered.

Arabella made a small noise in the back of her throat. "Maybe. I just know I can't sit around and do nothing with my life."

Thank you so much for reading!

Okay, coming clean right now: for the life of me, I had no idea how to handle the second half of this chapter. I didn't even know what I would have done in this instance, let alone Arabella/Harry/Andromeda/even Teddy Lupin. I had major writer's block and I hope that what came out was good enough. I tried to make it slightly funny to us, but probably not to the characters since the whole situation wouldn't be if we were in their shoes.

Also, I'm running on like 3 hours of sleep, so if there are errors in this chapter, please let me know and I'll try to fix them! I know the British do day/month/year, I didn't really catch that initially and we're committed to this bit for now. It's too late, guys!

Another thing, I think I like writing Andromeda and her POV. Not everyone is going to like Harry, but I think from her perspective, its sort of understandable. They relationship will progress throughout the story, they're not just gonna bicker at each other until the end of their ways (or will day... dun dun dun-nnnnn)

Anyways, the road to recovery will still be long and hard for Arabella, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, not just coming from Harry or their child, but also coming from herself. Thank you so much for reading, let me know what you think! Until next time, my friends!