Chapter 22: Tonks and S.J.
"Wahhhh! Wahhh!"
Tonks had been listening to those terrible, high-pitched cries all night long. Remus James, or S.J., as Tonks called him, had not stopped crying since his mother and father, Sirius and Cassiopeia, were taken away to the Dementors. Poor Baby Remus seemed like he was crying out for his parents as he lay next to Tonks.
Tonks wearily crawled from her bed and turned on the lights. She picked up Baby Remus and walked him around the room. She had no idea what time it was. All she knew was that it had to be very late at night. Dark circles were under Tonks's eyes. She had barely slept all night while taking care of her baby cousin. Remus's cries made sleep near impossible. Tonks was already robbed of her sleep worrying about Sirius and Cassiopeia. Tonks felt it was her fault that Sirius and Cassiopeia were awaiting the Dementor's Kiss.
"I'm sorry," Tonks whispered to the baby. "I'm sorry, S.J. I'm sorry I didn't believe them. I'm sorry I took away your mummy and daddy."
Sorry was the only word Tonks could say. She knew it was nothing, but it was the least she could do. It did not really matter what Tonks said, as Baby Remus's wailing nearly drowned out her voice. Tonks was completely clueless. She tried everything to make Baby Remus stop crying. No matter how hard she tried, the baby continued to cry. Tonks knew she needed help. She knew that her mother, Andromeda, would help her take care of the baby. She had to get a message to her. Tonks set down Baby Remus for a moment and waved her wand.
"Expecto Patronum," she whispered.
Her Patronus, in the form of a chameleon, floated before her. Tonks then spoke to the Patronus.
"Mum, this is the fastest way to get a message to you. I really need your help. Sirius and Cassie have been sentenced to the Dementor's Kiss, but they're innocent. Cassie had a baby boy named Remus James and I really need help taking care of him. I will let you know what happens next."
Tonks waved her wand, and the spectral chameleon disappeared. Tonks sat on a chair near her bed. Just as she sat down, Baby Remus called her attention again.
"WAHHH!" Baby Remus wailed.
Baby Remus kicked his fat legs as he cried out. Tonks immediately picked him up again from the bed. Once more, she walked him around the room, hoping to quiet him down.
"Shh, Shh, S.J.," Tonks soothed. "It's alright. Everything will be alright."
Tonks heard a knock on the door. With Baby Remus tucked in her arms, Tonks unlocked the door. She hoped in vain that Sirius and Cassiopeia would be at her door. Much to Tonks's surprise, Snape was at the door.
"Snape? What are you doing here?" Tonks asked.
"I can hear that child throughout the castle," Snape said, slightly annoyed. "You clearly are in need of assistance."
"Well, he is a baby, and babies cry," Tonks said curtly. "Besides, what would you know of babies?"
"More than you think," Snape replied shortly.
Tonks knew that Snape had turned Sirius and Cassiopeia over to Fudge. She heard that he told Fudge about Sirius and Cassiopeia being guilty. Of course, he did not know the full story, as he was unconscious. However, Tonks was wary about trusting him due to his feud with Sirius.
"How do I know I can trust you?" she asked dubiously.
"I assure you I won't harm the child," Snape said. "I know the child is innocent. Now give him to me before he wakes up the entire castle."
Tonks slowly laid Baby Remus in Snape's arms. Instantly, Baby Remus stopped crying. Tonks thought for a moment that Snape put a spell on him.
"What did you do to him?" she asked accusingly.
"Calm yourself, Tonks," Snape said. "I did not harm him. He's just quiet now."
"How did you do that?" Tonks asked in shock. "That's the first time he stopped crying all night."
"Well, I suppose I have a magic touch," Snape said, rolling his eyes.
"Give him to me," Tonks said.
Snape put Baby Remus back in Tonks's arms. For a moment, he was quiet.
"There, he's quiet. Happy now?" Tonks asked curtly.
Unfortunately, Tonks spoke too soon. Baby Remus began to wail again.
"Not quite," Snape said, frowning.
"You take him then," Tonks said, laying Baby Remus back in Snape's arms. Again, the baby stopped crying.
Tonks was taken aback. "Snape, I think you've got an admirer."
"I'm flattered," Snape said dryly.
Tonks stared at Snape holding Baby Remus. The sight of this man holding a child astounded her. Tonks knew how Snape loathed Sirius and Cassiopeia. She was amazed that he was helping her care for their son, especially because Baby Remus resembled Sirius.
"Have you fed the child at all?" Snape asked.
"No, I haven't," Tonks said.
"Well, I believe that would be helpful, wouldn't it?" Snape asked.
Tonks rolled her eyes. "Do you have any milk or what?"
Holding Baby Remus in the crook of his arm, Snape used his free hand to wave his wand. With a pop! a baby bottle appeared on Tonks's desk.
"The bottle has a Refilling Charm on it," Snape said.
Tonks took Baby Remus back with the bottle in hand. She sat down on her bed and fed him. Baby Remus greedily and noisily sucked down the milk flowing from the bottle.
"Well, now he's quiet," Tonks said in relief.
"You're welcome," Snape said, crossing his arms.
Tonks ignored Snape and focused on Baby Remus. The baby boy continued to suck on the bottle. He seemed to be feeding for ages. Tonks was amazed how much he was drinking.
"My goodness, little man!" she gasped. "You must have an appetite."
"I only wonder where he gets it," Snape said.
Tonks glared at him as she continued to feed the baby. Finally, Baby Remus pushed away the half-empty bottle and yawned. Tonks patted his back and Remus let out a small burp.
"You're welcome," Tonks whispered, amused.
Much to Tonks's relief, Little Remus finally drifted off to sleep. Tonks gently set him down on her bed. Then, she motioned for Snape to follow her into the hall. Once outside, Tonks slapped Snape. She could not help her anger at the man who sent Sirius and Cassiopeia to their horrible fate.
"This is all your fault!" she shouted, slapping at Snape's chest.
"And what fault is that?" Snape asked.
"You told Fudge that Sirius and Cassie were guilty, didn't you?" she asked, enraged. "You took away S.J.'s parents!"
"Mr. and Mrs. Black really should've thought of their son before they murdered Peter Pettigrew," Snape said.
"Sirius and Cassie didn't murder anyone!" Tonks snapped. "Peter Pettigrew was the traitor. He's been hiding all along as Ron Weasley's rat. I saw him."
"And where is that rat now?" Snape asked. "You have no evidence. Therefore, you have no proof. Mr. and Mrs. Black got what they deserved, Nymphadora."
"Don't call me Nymphadora!" Tonks snapped, shoving Snape. "Sirius and Cassie don't deserve this! Why did you send them away? How could you do that to S.J.?"
"It may have escaped your notice, but Mr. and Mrs. Black are not as innocent as they seem," Snape said coldly.
"I don't know what they did to you, but it's not worth sending them to the Dementors," Tonks said. "What about S.J.?"
"I assure you that the child is better off not knowing his parents are convicted felons," Snape said harshly.
"They are not murderers!" Tonks snapped. "S.J. hasn't stopped crying since Sirius and Cassie were taken."
"He is a baby, and babies cry," Snape replied.
"S.J. needs his mother and father!" Tonks said angrily.
Tears streamed down Tonks face. Grief had completely overcome her. She only wished that she and Harry had not knocked Snape out. She wondered what might have happened if Snape had not been unconscious.
"Might I remind you that it was you who wanted them to face the Dementors," Snape said. "You were the one who came to me, remember?"
"I thought they were guilty, but I don't anymore," Tonks sobbed. "They're innocent. I would not be worried about them if they weren't. They're getting the Kiss because of you!"
"Your grief for them does not convince me," Snape said. "And it won't convince anyone else. Mr. and Mrs. Black are getting their just rewards."
"They're not!" Tonks protested. "Ask Remus; he saw Peter Pettigrew. He'll tell you."
"Unfortunately, Professor Lupin is still affected with lycanthropy at the moment," Snape said. "And it will be too late for him to reveal anything. He might even share the same fate for harboring fugitives."
"Remus didn't do it," Tonks said hastily. "It was me. I hid Cassie because she was pregnant. Remus had nothing to do with it."
"And what if Dumbledore knew of this?" Snape asked menacingly.
"He already knows, and he pardoned me for helping Cassie," Tonks replied. "He believed I was right for helping a child."
"Well, that still doesn't mean that we can save your dear cousins, I'm afraid," Snape said nonchalantly.
"Severus, please!" Tonks shouted, tears running down her cheeks. "I know you hate them, but S.J. needs his parents. He's just a baby, and he's all alone."
"He's not alone when he has you," Snape countered.
"But I'm not his mother!" Tonks cried. "S.J. needs to be with his mother and father right now. Dumbledore agreed with me. He believes me. You wouldn't argue with Dumbledore. I know you wouldn't. You have to believe me, Snape. For my sake and his, please believe me."
Snape was silent for a long moment. He had not witnessed the encounter with Peter Pettigrew and was skeptical. There was no way for Peter Pettigrew to have risen from the dead. However, Dumbledore believed Tonks. Snape would not argue with Dumbledore's judgment.
"The ability for Peter Pettigrew to be a rat is hard for me to believe. However, if Dumbledore believes in their innocence, I will not question him. For your sake and the child's, I will believe you," Snape declared. "Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do for the boy's parents. I fear it is too late for them now."
"I'm so foolish," Tonks said, mopping her eyes with her sleeve, "If only I hadn't knocked you out. You would've seen Peter Pettigrew for yourself. You wouldn't have sent Sirius or Cassie away if you weren't unconscious."
"The fault is not yours, Miss Tonks," Snape told her. "No one would have believed in a dead man coming back. I have no care for Mr. and Mrs. Black, but for the child's sake, I would have spared them had I known."
Tonks was touched. She was grateful that he was able to put aside his hatred for her and the child. Suddenly, Tonks heard Baby Remus cry again.
"Oh, he just went to sleep," Tonks groaned.
Tonks hurried in her room and picked up Baby Remus.
"S.J., shhh," she whispered. "Go to sleep, S.J. Shhh."
Tonks sat on her bed and rocked Baby Remus back and forth. Baby Remus continued to cry until he wore himself out. Finally, he quieted down, soothed by the gentle rocking.
"See?" Tonks asked. "He just won't be happy unless he has his parents."
Snape knew Tonks was right. He could not argue that the baby needed his parents. Unfortunately, the Dementors would have come for Sirius and Cassiopeia by now. Snape did not want to watch Tonks or Baby Remus suffer.
"I will watch over you and the child tonight," he declared.
"What?" Tonks asked, surprised.
"It is the least I can do for your sake and the boy's," Snape said. "I will stay here until dawn. You need to rest."
"Thank you, Snape," Tonks said after a moment.
Tonks lay down on her bed with Baby Remus. Baby Remus cooed and wiggled his pudgy body. Tonks stroked his cheek and crooned the song "Fireflies" to him. Comforted by Tonks's voice, Baby Remus fell asleep. As soon as the baby closed his eyes, Tonks fell asleep as well, holding the baby boy close.
Meanwhile, back in the Dark Tower, Sirius and Cassiopeia waited with dread as their door creaked open. It seemed like an age for the door to open. Sirius and Cassiopeia knew this would be the end. They were holding each other's hands as if their lives depended on it.
"This is it," Cassiopeia declared fearfully.
"Just look at me, Cassie," Sirius soothed, "I'm right here with you."
"I'm glad you're here with me," Cassiopeia said sadly, "Goodbye, my love."
"See you soon," Sirius said, smiling and kissing Cassiopeia's hand.
Sirius and Cassiopeia closed their eyes. As they held each other close, they were prepared for the worst. Suddenly, they heard a voice cry out:
"Alohomora!"
Sirius and Cassiopeia opened their eyes and found no Dementors. Instead, they got a wonderful surprise.
"Harry! Hermione!" Sirius and Cassiopeia gasped.
Harry and Hermione stood just outside their door. Behind them was the hippogriff, Buckbeak.
"How?...How?" Sirius asked, dumbfounded.
"Sirius, Cassie, get on," Harry said urgently, "The Dementors are coming. Macnair's gone to get them."
Without another word, Sirius scooped Cassiopeia up and jumped on Buckbeak's back with Harry and Hermione. Harry gave a firm kick, and Buckbeak flew off with a start. Hermione was deathly terrified, but Harry, Sirius, and Cassiopeia could barely contain their happiness as they sailed through the air. Sirius laughed and hooted gleefully and Cassiopeia could not stop smiling. It was truly one of the most exhilarating experiences for them.
Finally, they landed in the courtyard. Sirius helped Cassiopeia and Hermione down from Buckbeak's back and Harry followed. Sirius and Cassiopeia could not be more proud of Harry and Hermione.
"I'll be forever grateful for this to both of you," Sirius said sincerely.
"We owe you everything," Cassiopeia said gratefully.
Hermione smiled and tended to Buckbeak. Harry could not help but beam at his godparents. Finally, he felt like he had a family again.
"I want to go with you," Harry said eagerly.
"One day, perhaps. For some time, our lives will be too unpredictable," Sirius said, "Besides, you're meant to be here."
"Hogwarts is your home, Harry," Cassiopeia added.
Harry's face fell. "But…you're innocent."
Sirius and Cassiopeia knew how much Harry wanted to be with them. They desperately wanted more time with him as well. Sirius gently held Harry's shoulders and sat down with him and Cassiopeia.
"And you know it," Sirius said with a smile. "But for now that'll do."
Sirius and Cassiopeia gazed at their godson. He truly was a reminder of James and Lily to them.
"I expect you're tired of hearing this, but you look so like your father," Sirius whispered, cupping Harry's face in his bony hands, "Except your eyes. You have-"
"Lily's eyes," Cassiopeia whispered.
"My mother's eyes," Harry said at the same time.
"I wish we could get back the time that was stolen from us, Harry," Cassiopeia said wistfully.
"It's cruel that we've got to spend so much time with James and Lily and you so little," Sirius said earnestly. "But know this: the ones that love us never really leave us. And you could always find them. In here."
Sirius laid his hand over Harry's heart.
"Don't worry, Harry," Cassiopeia said brightly, "We have the rest of our lives to make up for the time we lost."
"We'll see each other again," Sirius reassured him. "You are…truly your father's son, Harry."
Harry smiled at Cassiopeia and Sirius. He was happy that he would one day get to be with them forever. Sirius then helped Cassiopeia onto Buckbeak's back and climbed on himself.
"You really are the brightest witch of your age," Sirius said, smiling at Hermione.
"Good girl," Cassiopeia said, beaming.
Hermione beamed appreciatively. Sirius gave a strong tug on Buckbeak's chain and Buckbeak flew off into the night. As they sailed through the air, Sirius and Cassiopeia knew they were safe.
"We're free," Cassiopeia whispered, kissing Sirius's cheek.
"We're free, Cassie," Sirius said, squeezing Cassiopeia's hand.
Sirius lowered Buckbeak when they reached the town of Hogsmeade. Thankfully, the town was quiet and there was not a soul about. Sirius gave Buckbeak a slap, sending the hippogriff into the forest to hide. Sirius then carried an exhausted Cassiopeia into the Hog's Head Tavern. Sirius knew he had picked a good place to hide. The Hog's Head was always empty. Sirius laid Cassiopeia on the floor and draped his coat over her.
"Don't worry. Nobody will find us here. No one ever comes in here," Sirius reassured her.
Sirius lay down next to Cassiopeia, stroking her hair.
"Hold me, Sirius," Cassiopeia whispered, snuggling closer to her husband.
Sirius gently wrapped his arms around Cassiopeia and kissed her head. Cassiopeia laid her head on Sirius's chest, comforted by rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Sleep, Cassie," he whispered, kissing her head again. "You need your rest. You're safe with me."
Cassiopeia closed her eyes for a moment. "I can almost see our baby, Sirius. I can't wait until we have Remus back in our arms again."
"The feeling's mutual, Cassie," Sirius said wistfully. "Tonks will take care of him. We'll be holding our boy before you know it. Cassie?"
"Yes, Sirius?" Cassiopeia asked.
"I told you we'd get out of this," Sirius said slyly.
For once, Cassiopeia was happy to hear 'I told you so.' She beamed at her husband.
"I know you did," she laughed. "I always trusted you."
"Go to sleep, Cassie. We'll be back with Remus before you know it," Sirius whispered.
Cassiopeia was already asleep before Sirius said anything. Sirius drifted off to sleep with her. As Sirius and Cassiopeia slept, they never let go of each other's hands. For the first time, they had a peaceful sleep as they dreamed of Harry and Baby Remus.
A/N: Sweet, isn't it? I really wanted to have a sweet moment for Sirius and Cassie here. I apologize for any changes. There are some things I prefer from the movies and vice-versa. I hope it's alright. Thank you for your lovely reviews. You know who you are! :D Keep 'em coming. And thank you to my best friend, Roza Anne. Thank you for suggesting "Fireflies." This story is fun because of you. :D