Chapter 23: Tonks, Remus, &S.J.

Disclaimer: The letter is not mine. I am simply using it for this chapter.

For the first time in over twelve years, Sirius and Cassiopeia had a peaceful night's sleep. They were finally free of Azkaban and the Dementors. Alas, they were still fugitives. Peter Pettigrew, the traitor, had once again escaped. Without Pettigrew, Sirius and Cassiopeia's innocence could not be proven. At the moment, that did not matter much to Sirius and Cassiopeia. The fact that their godson, Harry, as well as Remus and Tonks, knew they were innocent was all that mattered to them. What was most important to Sirius and Cassiopeia was that they were one step closer to being with Harry and their son, Remus James.

Sirius awoke the next day and gazed at Cassiopeia sleeping next to him. Sirius grimaced as he struggled to get comfortable on the dingy wood floor. It was not the floor that made Sirius uncomfortable; it was the wounds he took fighting Remus. There was a long cut on his forehead and many others all over his chest and arms. However, Sirius was only worried about Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia had endured childbirth, which Sirius knew was far more painful than what he endured. Without waking Cassiopeia, Sirius managed to sneak out of the Hog's Head. He wanted to get a message to Harry as soon as he could.

Sirius managed to slip into Hogsmeade. All he needed was an owl. Fortunately, he saw many owls at this time of day. Sirius managed to snatch the first owl he saw. It was a tiny owl. The owl seemed quite dull, yet eager. Sirius knew he had to make due with this small bird. Quickly, Sirius headed back to the Hog's Head where he wrote his message.

Dear Harry,

I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post. Buckbeak, Cassie, and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where, in case this owl falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubt about his reliability, and he did seem eager for the job. I believe the Dementors are still searching for Cassie and me, but they haven't a hope of finding him here. I am planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted. There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt. Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from my own Gringotts vault. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather and godmother. I would also like to apologize for the fright I think Cassie and I gave you that night last year when you left your uncle's house. We had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting our journey north, but I think the sight of us alarmed you. I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable. If you need us, send word. Your owl will find us. We'll write again soon.

Sirius and Cassie

P.S. I trust you know Tonks. Please ask her to speak to Snape about some pain potions for Cassie and me. Thank you, Harry.

Sirius then wrote on a separate piece of paper: I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.

Sirius attached the letter to the small owl's leg. Sirius smiled as the bird flew off. He could only imagine Harry's joy at visiting Hogsmeade. Sirius then lay back down beside Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia awoke, stretching her skinny arms.

"Good morning, Mrs. Black," Sirius whispered, propping himself up on his elbow.

"Good morning, Sirius," Cassiopeia replied, a smile across her face.

"How are you feeling this morning, sweetheart?" Sirius asked in concern.

"I'm fine," Cassiopeia said.

Sirius knew Cassiopeia was only being brave for him. He knew she just endured more pain than he could imagine.

"Cassie," Sirius said. "You don't need to be brave. I already know you are, especially after the past few hours."

"I'm not concerned with my health right now, Sirius. I'm worried about you," Cassiopeia said.

"Why? I didn't endure childbirth," Sirius questioned.

"Sirius, you were badly hurt fighting off a werewolf," Cassiopeia said. "That's more serious than childbirth."

"It's not that bad," Sirius said dismissively. "Besides, a few cuts and bites are nothing compared to what you went through. You carried and gave birth to a nearly ten pound baby. Please, Cassie. Let me take care of you."

"Only if you take care of yourself," Cassiopeia said.

"It's a deal," Sirius agreed. "Does anything hurt?"

"Everything below my belly hurts," Cassiopeia sighed.

"I thought so. You'll need some potions then," Sirius declared.

"How? We can't exactly go strolling through Hogsmeade," Cassiopeia asked.

"I sent a letter to Harry. I asked him to speak to Tonks," Sirius said. "She can persuade Snivellus to give her some potions for us."

Cassiopeia frowned. "I wish you wouldn't call him that. He did help me deliver our son."

"And then he sold us to Fudge," Sirius added flatly.

"We don't know that," Cassiopeia argued.

"Cassie, you know he hates us. That's all I need to know," Sirius said.

"Well, if it wasn't for him, our baby boy wouldn't be here. That's all I care about," Cassiopeia said wisely.

Sirius sighed. He knew Cassiopeia had a point. As much as he loathed Snape, he owed him for his son's life.

"You're right," he admitted. "I'm sorry, Cassie. I'm supposed to be taking care of you."

"I'd feel a lot better if I had our son in my arms," Cassiopeia said longingly.

"The feeling's mutual, Cassie," Sirius said, smiling. "But we'll see him soon. Tonks will take good care of him."

"If I can't have my son in my arms, I suppose you'll have to do," Cassiopeia laughed, wrapping her arms around Sirius's waist.

"I suppose so," Sirius chortled, kissing Cassiopeia's lips and head.

Cassiopeia closed her eyes. "I feel better already."

"I'm glad I'm fulfilling my duties as a husband," Sirius laughed. "And if it helps you feel better, we're getting closer to Remus every day."

"I feel stronger just thinking about it," Cassiopeia said.

"Speaking of our son, let's tell Tonks the good news," Sirius said cheerfully.

"WAHHH!"

Tonks was startled awake again by Baby Remus's cries. Tonks sighed, knowing she had only slept for a few hours. However, she was happy that Baby Remus slept at all.

"Shhh, there, there," she comforted. "It's alright, S.J. Everything will be alright."

Tonks knew these were only empty words. Sirius and Cassiopeia would have already received the Dementor's Kiss last night. By this time, they would've been gone, lost in their own minds. Thinking about Sirius and Cassiopeia losing their souls saddened Tonks greatly. She was sad that Baby Remus would never know his mother and father. Tonks was disturbed that Sirius and Cassiopeia had suffered a fate worse than death.

"I'm so sorry, S.J," Tonks whispered.

Tonks knew that her sorrow would not bring Sirius and Cassiopeia back. However, it was the least she could do for Baby Remus. Baby Remus continued to cry to no avail. Tonks began to croon the song "Fireflies" again, rocking him in her arms. Baby Remus quieted, soothed by Tonks's voice.

"You know, your mum and dad love you so much, S.J.," Tonks whispered as she rocked the baby, "They wanted me to tell you they loved you every day. They're the best parents anyone could ask for. They were so happy when they held you. Your mum and dad were the most fun people I knew. Your mum always knew what to say to make people feel better. Your dad always knew how to make people laugh, especially me. They would spend every minute with you. I'm sure you'll love them as much as they loved you."

Baby Remus soon fell asleep, comforted by Tonks's voice and the gentle rocking.

As soon as Baby Remus fell asleep, Tonks knew she had to get him to St. Mungo's for a check-up. She knew Professor Dumbledore would help arrange that trip. Quickly, she made her way to his office with Baby Remus in tow.

"Come in, Tonks," Dumbledore greeted.

Dumbledore then noticed the baby in Tonk's arms. "Ah, you brought a guest."

"Professor Dumbledore, this is Remus Black, or S.J.," Tonks said. "He's Sirius and Cassie's son. I need a carriage."

"For what purpose, if I may ask?" Dumbledore wanted to know.

"I just want to take S.J. to St. Mungo's for a check-up. I want to make sure he's healthy. I can't go by Floo powder or Apparate because he's too young," Tonks explained.

"Of course. I'll have a carriage ready for you," Dumbledore said.

"Thank you, Professor," Tonks said gratefully.

With Baby Remus tucked in her arms, Tonks hurried down to the gates. There was a horseless carriage waiting for her. In no time, Tonks was in London. Tonks hurried to the building labeled Purge&Dowse, Ltd. Tonks looked up into the window at the ugly, old-fashioned dummy.

"Wotcher, I'm here for a check-up," she said to the dummy.

Tonks stepped through the glass window. Tonks hurried up to the front desk to the welcome witch, who was as grumpy as ever.

"I'm here to get a check-up for the little one," Tonks said to the witch.

"You can go right back," the witch said, rolling her eyes.

Tonks hurried back where she was greeted by one of the healers.

"I'm just getting a check-up for the little one. He was born last night," Tonks explained to the healer.

"Certainly," the healer said with a smile.

The healer then did their examination of Baby Remus. They weighed him and checked all of his vital signs. In no time, the exam was over. The healers had also taken the liberty of dressing Baby Remus in a blue onesie with a matching cap.

"Nine pounds and ten ounces," the healer said. "All in all, a very healthy baby boy."

Ouch, Tonks thought to herself, No wonder Cassie was hurting so much.

"Thank you," Tonks said graciously.

By the afternoon, Tonks was back at Hogwarts. She put Baby Remus back in her bed and went to check on Lupin. She had not seen him since last night. Quickly, she hurried up to his office with as much food as she could carry. As soon as she opened the door, Tonks walked in on Remus without a stitch of clothing on him. Tonks immediately blushed.

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry!" Tonks gasped, embarrassed.

"Oh, excuse me. Give me a moment," Remus said, turning red.

"That was awkward. I'm sorry. I should've knocked. That was my fault," Tonks said, apologetically.

Tonks's voice sounded hoarse. It was clear to Remus that she had been crying. Tonks closed the door and waited for Remus to dress. As she did, Tonks wanted to cry as she thought about Cassiopeia and Sirius. The next moment, Remus came out dressed in a grey cardigan and brown slacks.

"Where's Cassie? Sirius?" Remus asked.

Tonks wanted to cry as she spoke. "I made a mistake. I never should have brought him to the Shrieking Shack. I never should have went to Snape."

Tonks bit her lip, trying her hardest not to cry. Her guilt had been with her all morning, particularly when she was with Baby Remus. Remus could not believe what he heard.

"Snape is going to leave a pregnant woman and an innocent child to the Dementors?" he asked in shock.

"No, she had the baby last night, but he sent both of them to the Dementors," Tonks explained, "I have the child in my care."

As she spoke, Tonks did not look at Remus. She did not want him to see her cry. The thought of Sirius and Cassiopeia enduring the pain of the Dementor's Kiss was unbearable. Even more painful was the fact that Baby Remus would grow up without his parents.

"That's terrible!" Remus gasped, "How is the little one?"

"Asleep right now. I left some food on the table for you," Tonks said.

Tonks let out sniffles, desperately trying to stop her tears.

"You mustn't blame yourself, Tonks. We were deceived. You saved Sirius and Cassie's baby," Remus comforted.

Tonks finally turned around. Her eyes were red and puffy. Tear lines were on her face as fresh ones fell.

"Then why do I feel so guilty?" she asked.

"Sirius and Cassie will get out and come for their baby. If I know Dumbledore, he'll make that happen," Remus reassured her.

Just then, Tonks heard Baby Remus crying again.

"Of course," Tonks sighed.

Remus followed Tonks to her room. Tonks picked Baby Remus up from her bed as she tried to calm him.

"Is it a boy or girl?" Remus asked.

"It's a boy," Tonks said, walking about with the baby, "Shh, it's alright, S.J., it's alright."

"What's his name?" Remus asked.

"Remus," Tonks said.

"What?" Remus asked, confused.

"No, that's his name," Tonks corrected him. "Remus."

Remus smiled in surprise. "She named him after me?"

"I guess she did. Remus James," Tonks replied.

"I like it," Remus said happily.

Remus looked at the squirming baby in Tonks's arms. The first thing Remus noticed was the baby's ocean blue eyes, just like Sirius's.

"Goodness, he looks like Sirius. It's the eyes," Remus said, amused.

"That's why his nickname is S.J. Sirius Junior," Tonks replied.

"Clever," Remus said, with a smile. "I think S.J. is hungry."

"Yeah. His bottle is right there," Tonks said, pointing to her desk. "Do you want to feed him?"

Remus smiled. "I'd be delighted."

Remus took the baby and his bottle and fed him. Baby Remus greedily sucked down his bottle before pushing it away. As soon as he finished, Baby Remus went straight to sleep.

"Well, that's a blessing," Tonks said in relief.

"He's very calm, like Cassie," Remus commented.

"Not all the time," Tonks said, shaking her head.

"What do you mean?" Remus asked.

"He cried almost the whole night last night," Tonks replied.

"Why?" Remus asked.

"I don't know," Tonks said, shrugging.

"Is he sick?" Remus asked in concern.

Tonks shook her head. "No. The healer said he was fine."

Remus nodded. "He must be crying for his mother and father."

"I would imagine so," Tonks said in agreement.

Tonks yawned wide. The dark circles were still hanging under her eyes. Remus was truly ashamed for the baby boy. He only wished Baby Remus would know his parents.

"Poor baby," Remus said ruefully.

"Mmmhmmm," Tonks mumbled wearily.

Tonks sat on her bed and went quiet. Remus looked at the baby in his arms.

"I guess it's just you and me, S.J.," he said to the baby.

"Guess again, Moony!" laughed a familiar voice.

Remus nearly jumped out of his skin. When he turned around, Remus saw a familiar, dark haired head in the fireplace.

"Sirius!" he gasped.

A/N: Aww, some more cute moments. I hoped you liked it. Thank you to my readers. I appreciate it. And thank you to Roza Anne. I appreciate your support. :D