Remus flooed home that evening while Ginny slept on the cot again so she could be close to William. She awoke at five to him thrashing his arms and legs, crying and muttering words she couldn't understand. Immediately she was at his side.

"Mummy's here," she soothed, reaching to stop his flailing. "Wake up, it's just a bad dream."

Wide eyes looked up at her. "I didn't do it!" he cried. "I didn't do it, Mummy!"

"Do what?" she asked, cradling him to her, absentmindedly smoothing his tousled hair.

"I was being chased," he told her. "But I didn't do it. They said I attacked someone. I was...a wolf."

Biting back emotion, Ginny forced herself to remain calm for him. "It was just a dream, Love," she said. "Just a dream. Nothing more. You're safe now, ok? Are you thirsty?"

He nodded.

She stood up long enough to reach for the cup and pitcher beside the bed to pour him some water. "Here," she said, holding the plastic tumbler to his lips to help him. "Everything's okay now. Remember we should be going home today."

"I don't want to sleep in my room," he told her.

"Why?" She hadn't expected that from him.

"It has...wolfes on the walls," he said quietly. "I can't...I don't want to..."

"I understand," she said with a smile. "I'll change it before you go back in. What would you like instead?"

He thought for a minute. "Plants," he answered. "Because Daddy liked them."

"I think he would like that very much," she said, biting her lip so she wouldn't cry. Fear and uncertainty gripped her as she didn't know what would happen once they returned home. Somehow it made William's bite and Neville's death inescapably real, causing her to want to remain at St. Mungo's, instantly telling herself it changed nothing.

By eleven, Healer Berkeley had looked over William and given them permission to go home. He knew nothing could be done for the bite but that Wolfsbane potion did help tremendously to which Remus said he'd brought some of his. By noon, Remus, Ginny and William flooed back to her house.

"Remus, would you mind fixing lunch for him?" Ginny asked, hating to, but knowing she needed to change the design of her son's room. "I need to fix up his room a bit."

"Of course I don't mind," he told her, reaching down to take the boy's hand. "So tell me, William, what do you like?"

Ginny focused on her task, quickly spelling the room so that it resembled more of a greenhouse, hoping William would like it. She was thankful to get rid of the dangerous creatures that prowled around on his walls by magic, eerily reminded of the wolf that would howl every full moon as Neville thought it would be cool for their son. Fighting the churning emotion deep within her, Ginny was glad to now see vines, plants and flowers covering the walls.

The day passed slowly and quietly, William remaining in his room playing, Remus and Ginny sending an owl to her parents, letting them know they were home, but spending most of the day catching up and looking through family albums, reminiscing about old times.

Once William was put to bed, the silence of the house seemed to fill the space between them as Ginny leaned against the wall on one side of the hall outside her son's room and Remus leaned against the other facing her.

"You don't have to stay," she said quietly, hands behind her hips as she leaned against the wall, glancing down at her feet as she nervously rubbed the top of one with the other. "We'll be fine now."

Tired eyes looked up at her out from under strands of brownish-gray hair, his hands clasped in front of him. "Ginny, you'll need help," he told her. "This is a rather huge adjustment to your life. It will take some getting used to. And..." He hesitated, shifting his stance slightly. "You've never seen the change. It can be...alarming...not to mention quite dangerous for one who isn't accustomed to or prepared for it."

She bit her bottom lip and fought tears that wanted to form at the horrible thought of her baby boy actually transforming into a creature that could…. "No I haven't seen it," she quickly agreed, refusing to allow herself to finish her thought. "But I was told about it...back years ago when...Sirius came back...there was a full moon..."

"Hermione told you of my change, yes," Remus said nodding. "Yes, she, Harry and Ron witnessed it and it was not pretty I assure you. I...I could have hurt them terribly even though I'd been trying to help Sirius. It was foolish of me to..."

"I always thought that was one of the bravest things you've ever done," Ginny said quietly, offering the smallest smile.

Remus smiled then too. "I don't know," he said wistfully, looking up and down the hall into nothing, wishing his dear friend was still alive. "Sometimes the line between bravery and stupidity is often muddled." He paused to look back at her. "But thank you."

Ginny glanced down again. "I've never been here without Neville," she said barely above a whisper.

"I know you're not scared," Remus told her, eyes twinkling and matching his grin. "Not with that feisty Gryffindor in you."

She laughed slightly. "I guess what I'm saying is that while I am telling you to go," she began. "It would be nice if you'd stay. You're right; I don't know what might happen with William between now and the next full moon and I couldn't bear it if..."

Remus heard the faint cracking of her voice as it trailed off. He stood up and placed his arm around her shoulders. "Let's have some tea," he suggested, leading her down the hall towards the kitchen. "I'll stay."

Remus and Ginny sat at the kitchen table sipping chamomile tea until well after midnight. After watching her stifle yawns for fifteen minutes, he stood up and gathered their teacups, carrying them to the sink. "I do believe it's time for you to go to bed," he told her. "You're exhausted and will need your energy."

Standing up and stretching, Ginny agreed. "I think you're right," she said. "Thank you, Remus. Goodnight."

"Sleep well," he told her, watching as she slowly walked out of the kitchen. He wished like hell this was not happening. Not because she couldn't handle it but because she didn't deserve to have to handle it. She was intelligent and creative and talented, more so than any of her brothers, and the purest soul he'd ever met. There had been a few advancements in dealing with the situation but knew her son would still have a difficult life ahead. He just hoped it wouldn't be as difficult as his had been. He wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Two hours after he'd fallen asleep, Remus awoke startled, sitting upright in bed, allowing his keen hearing to alert him to why he'd woke up. William, he thought with distress and quickly slipped from bed, grabbing his robe and flying out of the room.

Ginny had just reached the boy's bed when Remus entered the room. "What happened?" he asked, seeing her cradle the crying boy.

"Dream!" William wailed into her chest. "I was chasing people and trying to...trying to..."

"What Love?" she soothed, wiping tears from his face. "Tell Mummy what you were trying to do. It's ok."

His face red and tear stained, he looked up at her and answered quietly, "I was trying to eat them!"

As the tears flowed again, Ginny cradled him to her and looked up at Remus who was standing on the other side of the bed. He offered a sympathetic gaze in return, understanding her helplessness.

"How about," Remus began, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "You lay back down and I'll sit right here with you. I'll even tell you a story that will hopefully give you nice dreams. How's that sound?"

William pulled from his mother's embrace, wiping his eyes with his small hands. "You'll stay with me?" he asked, considering his offer. "All night?"

"Yes," he said with a smile. "I promise. I'll be right here when you awake in the morning."

William glanced at his mother who was nodding and then settled himself back under the covers. "Okay," he agreed.

Remus thought to himself that Ginny was not the only family member with intense bravery. William had it honest that was for sure.

"You'll be fine," she told her son, kissing his forehead. "Remus will be right by your side." She stood up and placed a hand on Remus' shoulder as a silent gesture of thanks. "Goodnight then."

"Night Mummy."

"We'll be all right," Remus whispered as she closed the door behind her. I hope, he thought.

The next morning, when Ginny walked into the kitchen, Remus and William were already at the table, Remus making William's cereal dance around in his bowl, William laughing and clapping his hands.

She shook her head and smiled as she walked over to the counter to fix a cup of coffee. "And what are you two doing?" she asked, pouring the black steaming liquid into her favorite mug and leaning over to kiss her son's cheek.

"Remus can make cereal dance," William answered happily.

As Ginny sat down with them at the table, sipping her coffee, Remus met her eyes and shrugged. "Laughter is good medicine," he said simply, flicking his wand, causing the cereal to fall back into the bowl. "William, you should finish eating now. We had an agreement."

Reaching for his spoon, William sat up towards the table and replied, "Yes Sir."

She lifted her eyebrow in curiosity. "An agreement?" she inquired, taking another sip, allowing the liquid to soothe her throat that was raw from crying herself to sleep the night before.

"Yes," Remus answered. "I agreed to show him a few 'tricks' and then after he would finish his cereal." He smiled at the boy, content to eat now, and then turned his head back towards Ginny. "Are you hungry? I haven't eaten yet. I was waiting for you."

"You didn't have to do that!" she exclaimed, immediately standing up, chastising herself for not being up before them to cook breakfast. "I'm sorry. I'll fix something. It'll just be a few minutes."

Remus began to tell her that he didn't mean for her to fix anything. He would have done it happily; he just didn't know what to make. But after staying at Grimmauld place with Molly Weasley for the better part of four years, he knew how Ginny was, watching as she flung open cabinet doors, quickly gathering ingredients. He made a mental note to have breakfast ready should he get up before her again. He wasn't helpless after all and could make a mean cheese and sausage omelette.

Thirty minutes later, the aroma of bacon, eggs and fresh bread filled the kitchen, Remus instantly reminded of his hunger by his growling stomach. "This looks delicious," he told Ginny when a plate of food was placed in front of him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, sitting down herself. "I need to market soon. It was something Neville and I..." She stopped, a quiet gasp in surprise of her words, a lump quickly forming as she realized they would never market together again. He would never levitate the cucumbers to make her and William laugh while making sure no Muggles saw them. He would never would he slip tarts into the cart, hoping she wouldn't see. Never...

Remus' heart ached as he forgot about the food, watching as tears instantly filled Ginny's eyes, her index finger unsuccessfully wiping them away, taking deep breaths to fight the sobs that he knew were building. "Ginny..."

Her hand waved in front of her as she forced a smile. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice shaky. "I guess there will be these moments of realization." When the smile faded into a grimace, she knew she'd lost the battle, thankful William was in his room so he wouldn't see her.

Seeing freckled hands cover her face, knowing this breakdown was unstoppable, Remus stood up and quickly walked around the table to her. "I know," he whispered as she stood up, turning into his embrace as he held her to him, her hands still covering her face, gently swaying, her body shaking slightly from the sadness that had seized her. "I know this is difficult," he soothed. "I wish I could do more."

It was a few minutes before her cries subsided, Remus content to hold her as long as she needed, knowing there was nothing he could do but be there to offer emotional support. When she pulled from him, her face was wet with tears as was spots on his shirt.

"Sorry," she whispered hoarsely, offering him the saddest smile he'd ever seen, gently palming the spots on his shirt, turning and reaching for the nearest towel, bringing it to her face. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize," he told her, his voice stern. "Ginny, you've gone through hell. I would think something wrong if you didn't breakdown."

They sat back down at the table, Remus concerned and Ginny obviously embarrassed.

"I know," she said, picking up her fork and poking at the eggs. "It's just so hard. And the sadness...it's so sudden. I try to control it...to..."

"Don't," he told her. "When you need to cry, you need to cry. I will be here to help with William if you need to be alone at times. I will do whatever I can."

She forced a smile again. "Thank you so much," she told her dear friend. "I appreciate it."

"I know you do," he said. "Now eat and after we clean up, we'll market."

"Are you sure you prefer this way?" Remus asked, watching as Ginny pushed around a metal cart and filled it with food. She'd driven to a nearby Muggle store, much to his chagrin, but he tried not to say anything as this was where Neville and she had always come. "Seems like a lot of work."

"William, no," Ginny told her son when he walked up with a bag of cookies. "We're getting ice cream remember?" She faced Remus. "Oh I know we could floo to one of ours but I've grown to enjoy this. I think I'm beginning to understand Dad's fascination with Muggles."

"No!" Remus exclaimed with a moan, as Ginny giggled. "Tell me it isn't so!"

"Oh stop," she said, rolling her eyes. "Do you prefer canned veggies or frozen bagged veggies?" She was scanning the shelves of canned food in front of her.

"No need to shop for me," he told her. "Just get whatever you and William need."

Ginny faced Remus and put her hand on her hip. "Look," she began. "Apparently you'll be staying with me for a few days and you have to eat so we might as well get what you want." She playfully narrowed her eyes. "Don't argue with me on this. I'm a mother now. You won't win."

He laughed and shook his head. "Yes Mummy," he mocked. "Let's get bagged then."

An hour later as they were walking through the produce section, William, who had been noticeably quiet the last twenty minutes, started to cry. Ginny immediately kneeled in front of him. "What's the matter, Baby?" she asked, holding his hands.

Big green eyes looked around and then met hers. "Daddy used to do tricks here," he said quietly. "Stuff would dance, 'member?"

Pulling him to her in a tight hug, Ginny said, "I remember. We always had fun didn't we?"

He nodded and pulled away from her, sniffing.

"We always have to remember the fun," she told her son. "That's what Daddy would want. Do you understand?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Do you want Remus to make anything dance?" she offered. "As a remembrance to Daddy?"

He shook his head.

"Why don't you two head up to the front?" Remus offered. "Checkout I think you called it? I'll finish up here."

"Okay," Ginny said quietly, understanding he was trying to get William away from the source of his sad memories. "If you could grab some lettuce, carrots and apples please?"

"Certainly," he said, taking a bag from the roll as she'd shown him earlier and began to retrieve the requested items, watching as Ginny held William on her hip with one arm and guided the cart to the front with the other, thinking how he would have given anything for her to not be going through this.

While they were putting away the groceries, a quiet tapping on the window caught their attention. "It's from Hermione!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to open the window and accepting the letter, gently petting the small black owl before it hooted softly and flew away. She quickly opened the small roll of parchment and sat down at the table.

Dearest Ginny,

Please accept our deepest condolences.

I couldn't believe it when Albus said Neville had been killed. I cared about him a great deal, as you know. Wonderful friend, loyal partner, protective father and talented herbologist. He will be missed.

I was also distressed to hear about William but grateful to hear Remus is with you. If anyone can help you with this, it's him. Please let him help, Ginny. I know how you are.

Severus and Malachai are doing well. I have morning sickness but that's to be expected.

Please tell me you'll be visiting soon. And make sure to let me know when the service will be.

With much love,

Hermione Granger-Snape

p.s. Tell Remus I said hello.

Tears formed in her eyes as she read the letter but did not allow them to fall. "Hermione says hello," she told him with a small smile.

"How is she doing?" he asked, busy with his wand as he rearranged the existing refrigerator contents to make room for the new.

"Good," Ginny answered, rolling the letter back up and sticking it in her jeans pocket. "Offering her condolences and telling me about her morning sickness."

Remus lifted his head and met Ginny's eyes as she walked over to join him. "She's expecting again?" he asked, somewhat surprised. The relationship between Severus and Hermione did come as a shock to him years ago, as did knowledge of their first child. He thought it would certainly end badly as he'd never known Severus to be able to handle a relationship very long. After receiving word they'd performed the marriage rite one year after her graduation, and then after seeing them together when he'd spent almost six months at Hogwarts a couple years ago, he'd changed his viewpoint of their relationship. Both of them were happier than he'd ever seen. He couldn't believe how well they fit together.

"Yes she is," Ginny confirmed. "She also mentioned to let her know when the service will be." She paused. "I hadn't even thought about that."

Remus noticed the tone in her voice change. "It hasn't been that long," he said. "And things have been a little hectic. We can have it at Hogwarts; I'm sure Albus won't mind. I bet your parents have already discussed it with him."

She nodded, biting her lip. "I'm...uh...going to my room for a bit...to think about...you know..." she stammered. "Would you mind making sure William takes a nap?"

"Of course I don't mind," he answered with a genuine smile. "Go. Just focus on you."

She smiled meekly and left the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

Remus looked up, startled by Ginny's entrance into the kitchen. "I'm cooking dinner," he answered. "What does it look like?"

Stifling a laugh, she walked over and peered into the pan to see what he was preparing. Wide noodles were laid haphazardly with tomato sauce and cheese on top. When his gaze met hers, she noticed he had sauce on his cheek. Wiping it off with her finger, her 'mother instinct' kicking in automatically, she asked, "What are you making?"

"Lasagna," he answered, slightly confused. "Is it wrong? I found this recipe book and thought I'd try it the Muggle way since there seems to be some predisposition in your family for fascination with them."

"Did you cook the pasta first?" she asked, poking a piece with her finger to discover he had not.

He looked down into the pan and back up at her. "Was I supposed to?" he asked, face reddening slightly. He'd been excited about his recipe discovery and couldn't wait to do this for her, not thinking he was doing it wrong.

With a gentle laugh, Ginny answered, "Well it will cook easier that way."

Remus blushed again. After Ginny had been gone a couple hours, he'd knocked quietly on her bedroom door. And when he'd heard nothing, he'd opened the door just enough to see her sleeping. Since it was getting close to dinner, and with her Muggle interest, he thought he would surprise her by preparing a Muggle dinner the Muggle way. And now he'd screwed it up. "Sorry, I wanted to surprise you with dinner," he mumbled, leaving her to fix his mess. "Not have you clean up behind my failed attempt." It seemed like throughout his life, someone always had to 'clean up' behind him, fix what he couldn't. Inadequate didn't even begin to describe how he felt at times.

"It's all right," she soothed, not missing his crestfallen expression and embarrassed blush. "Really. I'll just fix it up a bit and you can finish. Accio wand!"

Remus fought the urge to cross his arms and leave the kitchen to go to his room, as he felt extremely dejected. It was silly, he knew, but he did really want to do something special for her. And he hated the thought of one more person having to "fix" anything behind him, even if it was just dinner.

"Remus." Ginny had said his name two times previous before his dejected eyes met hers. She was somewhat unsure how to handle the situation, as she'd never seen a reaction like this from him before, not even all the time spent at Grimmauld Place. "Can we finish dinner now?"

He shook his head, walking to the sink, leaning over slightly, staring out of the window. "Forgive me, Ginny," he said quietly. "I didn't mean for you to have to fix."

Ginny pondered what to say to him, opting for not acknowledging his embarrassment, hoping it would help. "How about I start on the salad and bread? It will take about thirty minutes for the lasagna to cook."

When Remus heard her gathering ingredients, he silently went back to the pan of lasagna but had lost the enthusiasm he had earlier. He knew he was being childish and knew he needed to stop but there had just been too many years of him feeling inadequate. The insecurity that claimed ownership of him never seemed to go away. The reason was always different but his condition was the catalyst for each one.

The phrases played in his head. "Remus is weak…too tired…needs his rest…easy to understand how he loses his train of thought…don't put too much pressure on him…only give Remus lighter tasks that he can handle," were just a few he'd heard repeatedly.

Remus was tired of the pity he received, tired of the coddling he got, tired of being treated like he was a child, incapable of any autonomy. Anger was building from deep within and knew that he needed some time alone to settle his thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was snap at Ginny but he simply couldn't ignore his own thoughts and feelings; ones that had been tormenting him for years.

"Ginny…I…," he began, not able to look her in the eyes. "I just…need a few minutes."

"It's okay," she said, voice even. "I'll finish up."

Remus opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but thought it better to just disappear to his room for a bit. If he could have kicked himself, he would have. He was here to offer support for Ginny and instead he was allowing himself to wallow in self-pity. Maybe everyone is right, he thought, closing the door behind him. Maybe I am pathetic.

Tears fell from Ginny's eyes but wasn't sure why. She understood Remus had wanted to do something special for her and had gotten upset when he learned it was wrong but did he really need to be this upset? Was she crying because she was frustrated with his frustration? Because she felt bad that she said anything at all and was at fault for starting this? Or was she crying because he wouldn't even be there if Neville was still alive and William not bit?

Neville. A sob escaped, quickly followed by more she couldn't control. She slumped to a chair, hand to her forehead, shaking and giving into her sadness.

Why did it have to happen? Hadn't there been enough tragedy from the war? Hadn't there been enough loss of life?

And why Neville? He'd been through too much already, having to be raised by his grandmother because his parents had to remain at St. Mungo's after they'd lost their mind. He'd also seen his grandfather die when he was a child and was wounded during fifth year, fighting Death Eaters with Harry.

What had he ever done to live through all that he had, finally finding love, happiness and a family, to lose his life during a simple camping trip? Why?

As tears poured from her eyes, memories flashed through her mind.

Dancing with him at the Yule Ball her third year.

Neville attempting to save her from being dragged to Umbridge's office her fourth year.

Neville asking if she wanted to talk after she broke up with Dean her fifth year.

Lunches spent with him sixth year as their friendship slowly blossomed with the war beginning around them.

Finally realizing her seventh year that she loved him.

Neville holding her while she cried upon news of Tonks' death.

The look of both fear and shock on his face when she told him she was pregnant.

The tears that fell from his eyes when he held William, just minutes old.

His laugh, his playfulness, his sense of humor…everything gone. Only her memories remained.

When she'd crawled in bed the night before, alone for the first time in almost six years, it had taken her forever to fall asleep. She missed Neville's body spooning with hers, missed how they fit together, even missed his snores. The bed and the room were too cold and empty to suit her. How would she ever get used to it? Not that she had much of a choice.

"Come on Girl," she said, wiping her face and trying to stop crying. "You need to pull yourself together and finish dinner."

Remus was polite but somewhat quiet during dinner as was William. Ginny tried to get them to talk but gave up, realizing all of them were upset.

William offered no resistance when Ginny bathed him and put him to bed while Remus cleaned up the kitchen in silence.

When she returned, she found him sitting at the table, hunched forward with both hands to his forehead, offering support.

Ginny sat across from him, concerned with him. "Remus, are you all right?" she asked gently.

He sighed heavily and dropped his hands to the table, slowly lifting his gaze to hers. "I must apologize for my behavior today," he said. "It was inappropriate and I'm sorry."

She smiled a little. "I didn't ask for an apology," Ginny clarified. "I asked if you were all right. I know the dinner incident upset you and…"

"It wasn't that," he answered quietly, eyes drifting back to the table.

She waited for him to elaborate and when he didn't, she asked, "Well what was it? Please talk to me. We've had more serious talks than this, Remus."

He couldn't argue that point, remembering Grimmauld Place. They'd spent hours either at the table or in the library talking, crying and sharing. She was the only one who knew anything about his childhood, not even James or Sirius knew what she did.

This was a part of him no one knew about though. He'd never told anyone of the inadequacies he felt and how it bothered him. While he felt as if he was burdening her with it, he also knew she cared and wouldn't let it go. He knew he needed to tell her.

Thanks for the reviews Everyone! Usually my ship is SS/HG but there's just something about Remus and Ginny that appealed to me...and when this story line came to me...I couldn't resist! Hope you like...your reviews are ENCOURAGEMENT to me! Thank you!