It was almost two months after Remy had come into the world, and Harry was well settled into the routine of fatherhood, though he had plenty of help. Bill was there more often then before she was born, if that was even possible, and he doted on her endlessly. Harry had known he would not run the other way, it was his niece after all, but he was worried when she came, Bill would only be there for her. Severus and Draco tried to convince him he was nuts, and he was reminded of the spa date before she was born, but he was still reluctant. They knew Remy added to it, he was not alone to be hurt any more, he had his daughter to be worried for as well.
Andromeda and Ted had come, as they promised when she was born, to spend Easter with them. They had stayed even less time when Hermione had, just until Harry and Remy were home, not wanting him to be over whelmed. Harry was happy they came; he wanted them to have time with Remy, to be part of her life.
Andromeda smiled as she watched Harry change her. "You are such a natural with her. I was always so worried with Dora, I would drop her."
Harry looked up from her. "I have my moments too, but my little sun flower, is worth it. She is such a sweet baby."
Picking her up when her new dress was on, Harry had no idea how he got so lucky, he admitted he was worried she would be like some Weasleys. The baby, other then one bout of colic for a few days when she first came home, was so easy though. He was always worried when she really cried, for she barely even fussed, when hungry, but she was developing above average, and healthy.
Andromeda smiled as she watched them, Harry was already so good with her, and she knew his parents would have been so proud. She had seen the photo of Remus next to the chair, and knew he would have loved her, probably would have called her princess, like Severus did.
Andromeda took the baby and noticed some of the toys. "I never noticed before, the marauder stuffed animals."
Harry smiled. "The twins sent them to me, when they found out about her. They didn't know, but it seems I had my own set, as a baby."
Severus had not been around when Harry was a baby, but they had seen in some of the photos, Harry had his own. It looked like they may have been a birth gift, and likely each marauder had given him their animal, Harry assuming they were destroyed with the house. Harry had nothing, if anything was spared from the house, he never saw it. He assumed his Aunt likely burned it, if there was any, the photos he had came from others like Remus.
Andromeda picked up the stag. "The marauders, I was older then they but I still remember the four...............'
Harry knew why she trailed off. "I know he was their friend through school. I was sent a stuffed rat."
The woman turned to him worried, she like Severus knew right away what the meaning was, and knew how spooked Harry was. The rat was not only a former friend, but he had betrayed Lily and James, and sent Voldemort after them and their son, after a baby. He was the reason Harry's parents were dead, why Sirius spent over a decade in prison, and had been the one to donate a hand, in the graveyard. He was killed by Voldemort, before the final battle, but his memory continued to live on.
Andromeda put a calming hand on him, as he explained how the gift had come, the last day before Molly and Arthur went home. There had been no other gifts, or signs from Ron who Harry was certain had sent it, but Harry was still scared. He had refused to go out for dinner with Bill, or anything else, not wanting to leave her.
Andromeda shook her head. "Harry you know he was just trying to scare you, punish you, for his crappy life. Even he would not be foolish to try anything."
Harry sighed."The others have tried to tell me, and I know you're right, but I keep having bad dreams. I can't risk losing her Aunt Annie, I can't."
Not even nineteen, Harry had suffered more loss then many people suffered in a life time, and no one could blame him. He had not lost his loved ones from old age or illness, he had known so much betrayal and pain in his life, and it made him wary. Most first time parents worried a lot, but Harry was worse then most.
Andromeda kissed the baby and handed her to Harry."You can't let him make you live in fear. You deserve to be happy, and maybe date more."
Harry managed a bit of a smile, the woman loved to meddle. "Bill has wanted to take me out. It should be better then last time. I can see my feet now."
Putting an arm around him and steering them from the room, she reminded Harry the war was over, and even with a baby, it was time to be happy. His dad and those he lost would have wanted it for him, and the best thing for Remy, was to have a happy daddy.
Harry went over to Bill after dinner. "If you still want to take me to dinner, I'd like too one night."
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After the rat, Harry had been unsure about spending time in the UK that summer, but he was convinced. Draco had six weeks offhand the hospital he had funded was about to open, so he wanted to be back for that, and Harry with him, for the werewolf ward. Harry had known his dad would be so touched by the honour, and happy other wolves had proper medical care, not to mention free wolf's bane as well. Harry went to the opening, the day after they came back, and wished his dad had been there to see it, that it was not a memorial ward. Neville was there, and of course at the hospital, his parents some of the first patients.
Harry and Bill had gone on a date at least once a week, no more then dinner, Harry worried to leave Remy too long. There had been no other incidents though, and it helped him to come back. They were staying at Severus' home, but the night of the ward party, Remy was staying with her grandparents.
Harry went to check on his four month old when they got back, and found the crib empty. "Where is she?'
Bill tried to calm him. "We came right up, we didn't even see Mum. She may have Remy for a bottle."
Harry knew he made sense, but the rat kept flashing through his mind, and Harry was filled with such dread. They found the couple in the sitting room, but not only was there no sign of the baby, but the couple were asleep, or so they thought. They had to shake them awake, as if they were drugged or something.
Molly looked at the boys in confusion. "Is the party already over? I told you boys to enjoy, Remy and us would be fine."
Bill spoke up. "Mum it is well past midnight."
The couple were shocked; they had put Remy down after a bath, not long after dinner. Molly had made some tea, and they had come in here, but that had been hours ago, and neither of them had been tired. Harry was confused, he saw no teapot or cups any where, they were later found washed in the sink.
Harry's dread was back. "Where is she, did one of the others take Remy? She was not up in the nursery. Where is my daughter?"