The sun was slowly setting behind the little forest which surrounded the small cottage as the sky blossomed with different shades of orange, pink and yellow.

For early May, it was still quite cold outside. Just today, it had rained from six o'clock in the morning to four o'clock in the afternoon. The sound of water drops against the windows was relaxing though. Especially after days of continuous cries coming from a newborn.

This evening felt more peaceful and different than others have so far. Not that anyone in the cottage minded. Some peace and quiet was very welcome and rare these days.

Remus was sitting on the couch in the living room, reading a book. It had been his favorite since he was a small child and his mother Hope read it to him every night.

The fire was warming up the entire room, every so often the sound of cracking could be heard.

"Hi," said Dora as she entered the room, holding their son Teddy.

"Hello, my darling," he beamed at the sight of his wife and son. "Sit down," Remus patted the empty space on the couch next to him.

Dora carefully sat down, trying not to disturb the small child in her arms which was slowly falling asleep. Remus placed a kiss on his head, and then to Dora's shoulder.

"What are you reading?"

"A book by a Muggle writer. My mum used to read it to me every night. Especially, I remember, before and after full moons. I was so scared before I had to transform, so she used to read to me. Her voice calmed me. And after, it helped me fall asleep quicker."

Dora smiled. "That's beautiful, Remus."

He smiled as well, looking at the old and brown pages.

Dora's smile grew, as she suddenly came up with something. "Are you willing to continue the tradition?"

"What?" Remus asked.

"You said your mother read that to you and you fell asleep quicker with the sound of her voice. Will you try to do that with Teddy? I've been walking him around the house, talking, singing, yet he won't fall asleep."

Remus smiled. "We can try that. But," he said, "before I begin, why don't you lay down as well, love? You look dead on your feet and a nap will be great for both of you."

Dora rolled her eyes, smiling at her husband's worry but slowly and gently laid down, placing her head in his lap. Teddy was laying against her chest while she held him, careful he doesn't move. One of Remus's hands started playing with her long purplish-pink hair. Dora smiled once again and closed her eyes, letting her husband know he can begin with reading.

Remus cleared his throat and started;

At night, when all is still,

The forest's sentinel

Glides silently across the hill

And perches in an old pine tree.

A friendly presence his!

No harm can come

From a night bird on the prowl.

His cry is mellow,

Much softer than a peacock's call.

Why then this fear of owls

Calling in the night?

Remus looked down and noticed how his son's hair was shifting between pink and brown, his eyes shut. He smiled and continued, still caressing his wife's hair.

If men must speak,

Then the owls must hoot-

They have the right.

On me it casts no spell:

Rather, it seems to cry,

"The night is good – all's well, all's well."

Remus closed the book, and set it down on the table next to him.

"That was beautiful, darling," Dora whispered with her eyes still closed, brushing her hand up and down Teddy's little body. The newborn's breaths were even, small – indicating he was asleep.

"Thank you, Dora," Remus smiled and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a soft and gentle kiss yet so full of love.

As they broke apart, a white dust appeared in the room. Soon, the dust formed a body of a lynx.

Remus's heart began beating faster as the familiar voice came.

"Harry Potter is at Hogwarts."


A/N: The story that Remus read is called The Owl and it's by Ruskin Bond! :) Thank you for reading!