Skylar POV

July 26, 1984

It was a week before Kate's fifth birthday. I would be visiting Sirius today, then going to get her a gift. The kids were with Remus at home.

When I entered the cell in Azkaban, Sirius was asleep, a troubled look on his face. I was relieved, and upset, to see that he looked the same as last time. On one hand, this meant that he was not worse, on the other, it meant that he was not getting any better either.

He woke up when I came closer, and got up.

"No, sit down, Sirius," I said.

He sat down, but I could see that the movement seemed to hurt him. I bent down and kissed him, before sitting down opposite him.

"What happened to you?" I asked, trying not to let him show how shaken I was.

"Nothing, the usual. You know, with Dementors around, it's not strange that a person would contemplate escaping, or even suicide, just to escape." he said heavily.

I was shocked. "Sirius, you can't- you just can't kill yourself."

"Don't worry, I won't."

My thought were flying wildly as I tried to think of something to say to distract him from such thoughts.

"Next week is Kate's birthday," he said suddenly.

I looked at him and nodded.

"And soon after that is yours," he said. "That reminds me. What surprise did they give you last year?"

"Uh, well, when I got back to the Weasley's to pick them up, I found this beautiful giant talking card... like a howler, but nicer," I said, smiling at the memory.

"Isn't that what I did for you on your 17th?" Sirius said, grinning.

"You just want the credit for that amazing idea," I teased.

He stuck his tongue out. "Well, they're my kids, so technically, I do get the credit for it."

I was reminded of a life before October 31st, 1981.

Then the dementors approached, and it was Azkaban again.

"Kate will be five this year, right?" he asked.

"Yes, but she already has my power. Yesterday, when I picked her up, I could see that she could see my thoughts, but it was really weak. Maybe this is what Dumbledore was talking about?"

He shook his head, "I don't think so. Can she control it?"

I frowned. "I dunno."

"Maybe she can't control it yet because she's too young. That's also probably why it's so weak," he said rationally.

I sighed, nodding. "I really, really hope you're right."

"What's Nick been up to?" he asked curiously.

"Oh, Nick..." I trailed off, grinning. "He's creating as much trouble as he possibly can."

Sirius smiled. "And he's getting away with it?"

I shook my head disbelievingly. "It's like he picked up your ways before... you know. He just needs to smile, wink or compliment someone and they're putty in his hands."

Sirius nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes, I understand what you mean."

It was quiet for a few minutes. I was resting my head against his chest and he had his arms cradled around me.

"So how's Remus doing?" he asked suddenly.

"He's fine, the kids love him," I said, smiling slightly.

He nodded, sighing. "That's good. And the werewolf thing?"

"It's fine. Well, as fine as turning into a great hairy wolf each month can be," I said.

I decided not to mention the obvious jealousy he felt at his best friend raising his children instead of him.

I then remembered something I'd wanted to ask him. "Since Kate has her powers, now... I came up with an idea."

"Yeah?" Sirius asked, eyebrow raised.

"I want you to give her a message," I said simply.

"A message? Like what?"

"I want you to tell her something. I'll remember it, then let her see," I said hopefully.

Sirius smiled. "That's perfect, Sky."

He continued stroking my hair. "Okay, so what about jobs? How is it going with that?"

"I'm completing Auror training next month," I said. "They're giving me a job straight out of training."

"You're doing that well, huh?" Sirius said, smiling down at me. "I remember that out of our class, James and I were the only ones to get immediate offers."

"Oh, you definitely remember that," I said, rolling my eyes.

"It's something to be proud of!" he protested defensively.

"We only have fifteen minutes left," I said quietly.

He nodded. "Okay, I'll do it now."

Taking a deep breath, he began. "Hey, Kate, it's me, your dad," he said, a brief smile gracing his features.

"I know mommy told you that I miss you, but I wanted to tell you myself: I miss you so much, Kate. I miss Nick too. I feel horrible that I had to leave you. Believe me, I didn't want to..." he sighed.

"But I did, and I..." he sighed frustratedly.

"Anyways... happy birthday, Kate. You have no idea how much your mommy and I love you. I want you to be good to her and Uncle Remus. Make sure Nick takes care of the both of you. I love you so much, honey."

There was so much love and ache in his voice that it made me want to cry

He nodded at me. I smiled sadly. "She'll see it, don't worry."

The shuddering began. "I have nightmares about this moment, you know." I said quietly. "Usually it involves me leaving, then you being dragged away by dementors."

He shuddered. "So do I. I hate it when you have to leave."

"I love you, Sirius," I said, beginning to cry.

"I love you too, please don't cry, that makes it worse," he said brokenly.

"We'll never get past this horrible feeling, will we?" I asked rhetorically.

"I don't think so," he said wryly.

And as I left, I couldn't see how this would ever get any easier: going back home to my wonderful family, leaving Sirius here in Azkaban in complete fear.

As/N: Sorry this chapter is so short. We've had a really busy day, but we still wanted to get something out to you guys.

Tomorrow's will be longer, swear =P