Chapter 10: Visit to Privet Drive

Sirius felt as if he had the wind knocked out of him. He knew, of course, that having a baby was supposed to be a wonderful occasion. However, having a baby on the run was not what he had in mind.

"You're pregnant?" he asked in shock.

"Yes, I am," Cassiopeia replied.

"You're having my baby?" Sirius asked, still in surprise.

"You're the only man I've been with, Sirius, so it's logical that I'm having your baby," Cassiopeia said, some annoyance in her voice. "Aren't you happy?"

"You-you can't be pregnant," Sirius said, still shaken by the news.

"What do you mean I can't be pregnant?" Cassiopeia demanded. "I feel that I certainly can."

"Are you certain that you are?" Sirius asked dubiously.

"Sirius, darling, I've been feeling ill all week, and I've been complaining about pains in my stomach. I am certain that I'm having a baby," Cassiopeia replied.

"How do you know?" Sirius asked, still in denial.

"It's simple. When a man and a woman get together-" Cassiopeia teased.

"Cassie! I don't need to know that," Sirius cried, exasperated.

"You asked," Cassiopeia laughed.

"I didn't mean that," Sirius said.

"I know what you meant," Cassiopeia said. "Trust me, Sirius. I would know when I'm expecting. I would never joke about this."

"Merlin's beard," Sirius groaned, running his fingers through his long hair.

"Most men are happy when they know they're going to become a father, especially for the first time," Cassiopeia said smartly.

"Did you ever consider that this is a bad idea?" Sirius demanded.

"Me?" Cassiopeia asked.

"I don't know how you decided that this would be a perfect time to have a baby when we're fugitives now," Sirius complained.

"What do you mean me?" Cassiopeia demanded. "Don't look at me. You're the one who did this, remember?"

"But it was your idea," Sirius argued, "and it's in your belly."

"You helped," Cassiopeia said flatly. "So it's really your fault that I'm expecting right now."

"Oh," Sirius said sheepishly. "I suppose it is."

"Besides, since when are you scared?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.

"I'm not scared, Cassie," Sirius replied.

"Sirius," Cassiopeia said, knowing Sirius was lying.

"Alright, I am scared about you and the little one. I mean, it's one thing when I have to look after you, but it's another when I have a child to protect, too," Sirius explained. "How can we have a child now? It's too dangerous."

"Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?" Cassie asked in jest.

"I'm not above taking risks, Cassie. You know that," Sirius replied. "But I can't risk the life of my own child."

"And you think I am?" Cassiopeia asked.

Sirius sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Sirius was completely mixed up inside. He wanted to be happy, but the situation wouldn't allow him to be. Sirius gazed at Cassiopeia as she ran her hands along her belly. It was as if Cassiopeia was comforting their child through her belly. Sirius was overpowered by the thought of Cassiopeia carrying a life inside her. Realizing that Cassiopeia would not play with another life like that, Sirius was ashamed for despairing.

"I'm sorry, Cassie," he said sincerely. "I was wrong to think that way of you. I know you'd take care of our baby."

"There's nothing to be sorry for, Sirius," Cassiopeia said, taking his hand. "I understand that you're worried. I am worried, too. Until the baby comes, we will just have to figure it out step by step."

Sirius smiled. "You really have a little one in there, don't you?"

"I certainly do," Cassiopeia replied.

Sirius put his hand on Cassiopeia's belly. "I can feel it kicking already."

Cassiopeia took Sirius's hands. "So can I."

"Come on, darling. We need to find a place to hide, especially you. Both of you," Sirius said.

"It's not us you should be worried about," Cassiopeia said. "You need to keep up your strength. Going up against Dementors took a lot out of you."

Sirius could not deny that. He was exhausted and very weak.

"I'm exhausted," he said wearily. "But you and the little one are more important. How do you feel?"

"I'm fine," Cassiopeia said dismissively.

Cassiopeia tried to stand. However, she was overcome by dizziness. It was as if the world was a spinning globe. Cassiopeia clumsily fell down again.

"You're not fine," Sirius said in concern. "Come on. We'll go into the woods, out of sight."

Sirius lifted Cassiopeia into his arms and carried her into the dark woods. The short distance took its toll on Sirius and Cassiopeia. The Dementors of Azkaban had certainly taken a toll on them. Sirius took Cassiopeia as far as his legs would carry him. Finally, unable to walk or stand, Sirius set Cassiopeia down in the grass. Sirius fell to his knees, as if relieved of a heavy burden. He was panting, desperately trying to catch his breath.

"I think we'll rest for the night," Cassiopeia said wisely.

"No, it's fine. I'm alright," Sirius panted.

"No, I need to rest," Cassiopeia replied. "I'm exhausted. Carrying a little one is no easy task."

Sirius sighed. "Alright. We'll rest here."

Cassiopeia lay down and curled up into a ball. A breeze kicked up, making her shiver. Sirius took his dingy, patched up coat and laid it over Cassiopeia. He then lay next to her. Sirius watched as Cassiopeia ran her hands over her belly. He laid his hand on her belly.

"I think we may have a Sirius Junior," Sirius joked.

"I had my heart set on a girl," Cassiopeia laughed. "but I will love a boy, too."

"Boy or girl, it will be as smart as you and as handsome as me," Sirius said smugly.

"All of our best qualities," Cassiopeia said, smiling.

"Good night, Mrs. Black," Sirius whispered, kissing Cassiopeia. "Good night, Little Black."

Sirius lowered his head and kissed Cassiopeia's tiny belly. Sirius thought about the life growing inside his wife. He felt ashamed for being worried. The thought of having a baby overwhelmed him with joy. He was overjoyed, even as he slept.

"Sirius!" Cassiopeia cried.

Sirius found himself back in Azkaban again. Dementors were swarming him and Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia lay on the ground in terrible pain. Sirius heard the cries of a baby all around him. He could not see the child, only hear its cries.

"SIRIUS!" Cassiopeia screamed.

Cassiopeia's screams mingled with the cries of the child. Suddenly, the Dementor closed its mouth over hers. The Kiss.

"CASSIE!" Sirius shouted in horror.

Sirius snapped awake and found himself safe in the woods. He looked over to see Cassiopeia still sleeping beside him. Sirius sighed, running his fingers through his dark hair. He sat up and curled up into a ball. He felt Cassiopeia reach out and touch his shoulder. Cassiopeia awoke, noticing Sirius's distress.

"Darling, why are you awake?" she asked groggily.

"Bad dream," Sirius whispered, his voice shaking.

"Tell me," Cassiopeia said as she sat up and stroked his back.

"I can't," Sirius said.

"You can tell me anything, darling," Cassiopeia said earnestly. "Besides, I can't help you chase the dream away if I don't know what it was."

Sirius smiled at his wife's devotion. "No, I don't think you could."

"Sirius, tell me about your nightmare," Cassiopeia whispered, gently playing with Sirius's hair.

Sirius sighed. "We were back in Azkaban. The Dementors they…they performed the Kiss on you."

"What about the baby?" Cassiopeia asked, her hand going to her small belly.

Sirius didn't know what to say. He didn't see a baby in his dream. He could only hear its piercing cries.

"It was safe," he said.

Cassiopeia kissed Sirius's head. "It was only a dream, sweetheart."

"It was so real, Cassie," Sirius said, shivering in fear. "It was horrible."

"It was just a dream," Cassiopeia comforted. "The little one and I will be fine. As long as I have you, no harm will come to me or our baby."

Sirius was comforted by Cassiopeia's words. He lay back down by her side.

"Why don't I take your mind off this nightmare?" Cassiopeia offered.

"And how would you do that?" Sirius questioned.

"By talking about our baby," Cassiopeia answered. "It certainly makes me feel better."

Sirius rested his hand on Cassiopeia's belly. "Have you thought of names yet?" Sirius asked.

"Not yet," Cassiopeia said giggling. "Did you have a name in mind?"

"Well, I was thinking of Sirius," Sirius said slyly. "It's a handsome name."

"As handsome a name it is, we are not naming our child Sirius," Cassiopeia said firmly. "I don't want to go crazy with confusion."

"I was only joking, darling," Sirius laughed.

"You always did have a wicked sense of humour," Cassiopeia giggled, shaking her head. "Sirius?"

"Yes, my love?" Sirius said.

"Where will we go from here?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.

"Hogwarts," Sirius replied. "Remember what the Daily Prophet said? Ronald Weasly is a student at Hogwarts. He has no idea that his rat is an Animagus."

"That poor boy," Cassiopeia said.

"We have to get to Hogwarts and find Peter. Once we do, we'll make him pay," Sirius said determinedly.

"Then let's go get that rat named Peter," Cassiopeia said excitedly.

"We'll pay our old friend Peter a visit, but there's one thing I want to do first," Sirius told her.

"What's that?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.

"I want to see Harry," Sirius said. "He should be in Hogwarts now."

"He should be," Cassiopeia gasped. "My God, this has to be his third year!"

"I can imagine he has to be as talented as his father," Sirius said, a fond smirk crossing his face.

"I just hope he stays out of trouble," Cassiopeia said.

"Cassie, he's a Potter," Sirius said. "If he didn't get into trouble, he wouldn't be his father's son."

Sirius and Cassiopeia had not seen their godson since that dreadful Halloween night. Now that they knew where Peter Pettigrew was, they had to make sure their godson was safe.

"I want to know that Harry is safe. He probably won't even know us," Sirius explained. "He has no idea that Peter is a rat. I only hope Peter didn't sell him out, too."

"I hate that rat even more," Cassiopeia said, the hate in her eyes. "He robbed us of twelve years with our godson! If it weren't for him, Harry would be with us and not his horrible aunt and uncle."

Cassiopeia's eyes started to water. Tears slowly flowed down her face.

"Cassie, calm down," Sirius said. "At least Vernon and Petunia had the decency to take Harry."

"Decency? You call that decency?" Cassiopeia gasped. "They only have Harry because of Dumbledore, I suspect. There's no way they would take him if he wasn't involved. They're the worst sort of Muggles who ever lived!"

"Cassie, what's gotten into you?" Sirius asked.

"Sorry, darling," Cassiopeia said, wiping her eyes. "I'm pregnant. It makes a woman more emotional."

"That explains a lot," Sirius said flatly.

"Anyway, where is Harry now?" Cassiopeia asked.

"His aunt and uncle still live in Surrey," Sirius replied. "We should go there."

"How? What if we're caught?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Cassie, no one knows that we're Animagi," Sirius reassured her. "If anything, Harry will think we're just adorable strays. We have to look out for our godson. Lily and James would want us to."

"You're right," Cassiopeia agreed. "Let's get going to Surrey."

The early fall had brought pouring rain down on the suburbs of Surrey. Sirius and Cassiopeia trudged along on their way to Privet Drive. Both of them were desperate to have a glimpse of their godson after twelve years. The way was not easy. Sirius and Cassiopeia were still quite exhausted. Cassiopeia was also in a very delicate condition. Finally, on one fall night, they made it to Privet Drive. It was a quiet night, and the rain had stopped. In their Animagi forms, Sirius and Cassiopeia noticed a boy stomping off with a large trunk behind him. This boy sat on the curb, as if he had no where to go. The boy was tall, with blue eyes and a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt on his forehead.

Cassiopeia and Sirius would've been in awe had they not been in disguise. Their godson had grown into a handsome boy. Quietly, they snuck out of the bushes. Harry seemed to be frightened, and he drew his wand. Sirius and Cassiopeia greeted him with loud barks, sending Harry off his feet. Just then, they heard a horn. Afraid of being spotted, Sirius and Cassiopeia disappeared into the night. Once they were safely out of sight, Sirius and Cassiopeia transformed back.

"My God, Sirius, that was Harry," Cassiopeia gasped.

"I thought I was looking at James," Sirius said wistfully. "He looks so like his father now more than ever."

"Except he has Lily's eyes," Cassiopeia said.

"I am so happy that we have seen him," Sirius sighed. "It'll only be a matter of time before we're all together again."

Sirius collapsed to the grass. He was dreadfully exhausted, and so was Cassiopeia.

"Darling, let's get some rest," Sirius suggested. "This excitement has exhausted me."

"Me too," Cassiopeia agreed. "Having a baby is very tiring."

"In a few days, we'll be at Hogwarts with our godson," Sirius said.

"I cannot wait for that day," Cassiopeia said.

Suddenly, Sirius gasped.

"Sirius, what is it?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Harry's birthday!" Sirius groaned, slapping his head. "We missed it. I can't believe I didn't think of that when we escaped. What kind of a godfather am I?"

"Easy, darling," Cassiopeia comforted. "I'm sure Harry will understand. You know, I think you're the best gift anyone could have. I think he'll agree."

"That's very sweet," Sirius said with a smile. "I do have an idea about Harry's birthday present."

"Do tell," Cassiopeia said intently.

"I've heard of The Firebolt broomstick," Sirius explained. "It's meant to be the fastest broom in the world. If I know Harry, he must be a talented flyer like James."

"Do you have that much money left?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Of course," Sirius said. "My family considered themselves royalty."

"How are we going to buy one? We can't exactly stroll up to Diagon Alley," Cassiopeia questioned.

"I'll think of something," Sirius replied. "I'm clever enough."

"I know you are," Cassiopeia giggled.

"Come on, you need your sleep," Sirius said gently, nudging Cassiopeia to lie down. "Dream about that day when we are finally with our godson and our new baby."

"I will," Cassiopeia said groggily.

"Good night, Mrs. Black," Sirius whispered, kissing Cassiopeia.

Sirius kissed Cassiopeia's belly. "Good night, little one."

At the same time, Tonks had grown into a beautiful, twenty year old woman. For the past nine years, Tonks was trying to piece back her memories, but alas, she could not. They sometimes came in flashes, but this was rare. During these years, Tonks was training to be an Auror, or Dark Wizard catcher. She had spent this year student teaching at Hogwarts. Another year had just begun at Hogwarts. The children had just song a wonderful song called "Double, Double" conducted by Professor Flitwick. Tonks had made herself known to the staff at the welcoming feast. The first professor she was acquainted with was a witch with her hair in a tight bun and a pointed hat.

"Hello, I'm Nymphadora Tonks," she said to the witch.

"Ah, yes, Miss Tonks," the old witch greeted. "Minerva McGonagall. You must be here for student teaching."

"Indeed I am," Tonks replied. "I'm also doing Auror training as well."

"I always knew you'd be a fine Auror," McGonagall said. "I trust you know Professor Dumbledore."

"I don't know a witch or wizard who doesn't know Dumbledore," Tonks said with a smile.

Tonks began to have flashes of memory. She noticed a wizard dressed all in black. His hair was just as black as his robes. Tonks knew she had seen this man before, but she could not place him.

"Minerva, who is that professor?" Tonks asked, pointing to the wizard in black.

"That's Professor Severus Snape," McGonagall answered. "He's our Potions professor."

Severus Snape, Tonks thought to herself.

The face of the wizard had a meaning to her, but she couldn't remember. Her memories had been terribly clouded since she was only eleven.

Then, Tonks saw another professor she thought was familiar. The wizard was a young man with reddish-brown hair. His face was handsome, but he had terrible scars. His robes were old and fraying. The wizard looked exhausted, as if someone had tortured him with a Cruciatus Curse too long.

Just then, Dumbledore said happily, "I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, Professor!"

There was a great applause for the new professor. R.J. Lupin simply gave a grateful nod and a tiny bow. Lupin didn't seem to notice Tonks. If he did, it would have been a great shock to him. Tonks simply stared at Lupin absolutely perplexed. She knew for certain she had seen this man before, but she did not know where. Little did Tonks or Lupin know, they were about to get acquainted all over again.