Lily climbed into bed after brushing her teeth and laid there quietly staring up at the ceiling. The curtains were fluttering in the breeze from outside. Sirius had been about to kiss her. She had seen it in his face. The skipped heartbeat as she closed her eyes, but it never came. And then she wondered if she might have been wrong about the moment. He had looked at her as if nothing had occurred. As if their lips hadn't been a breath away from each other. She shook her head. Maybe she had imagined it. She felt so tired. She rolled over and curled into a ball, pushing the thoughts out of her head. Miri came up to her and licked her hair then nudged closer, kneading the pillow next to Lily's head before settling down for the night. Lily reached out and scratched the little cat behind the ears as she yawned, her eyes drooping shut.

"I miss you, James." she whispered to the room as she sighed and fell into sleep.

Unbeknownst to Lily, James was there, next to her. Wishing he could hold her, stroke her face. The cat looked over at his direction, eyes staring directly at him. Cats were the weirdest creatures. He knew the cat could sense him, maybe even hear him. He turned his attention back to his wife. He knew what she was thinking. He knew what they were both thinking at that moment. He wanted to tell them that this was ok. That he would want it this way. For them to be happy, for them to find happiness in each other. But they couldn't hear him, they couldn't see him. He was just a silent observer, checking in on them. He knew when they needed him. Their thoughts called to him often. It was the only reason that he was here now.

"I miss you, too, Lily. I miss you all so much." A tear ran from her eye as she slept. Helpless and feeling useless, James just watched her sleep, trying to communicate his thoughts to her, wishing beyond anything that he could tell them that he saw the beautiful future they could have. "I know it will happen. I know it. You just have to hold on. Let life happen. I wish I could throttle Sirius. He feels things deeper than he lets on. He just doesn't know how to show it. You are both fighting against it. Just let it happen, baby." He reached out to touch her face, but could not make contact. "You have to let me go." He whispered into her ear. "I'll never really be gone, but I can't stay here. Please." He stepped back and into the vale between the two worlds, hoping and praying and waiting.

Sirius's eyes flew open the next morning. It was still and quiet within the house, the sun barely a glow on the horizon. He rolled out of bed and slipped on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and stepped into the hall. He went and checked on Harry. Charlie lifted his head and then got up and left the room with Sirius, his tag wagging happily as he stretched. He ran down the stairs ahead of Sirius and waited by the door, waiting to be let out. He tore off out the door and inspected the yard, doing a circuit before he found the right spot then came back in. Sirius took a deep breath. He could smell the scent of rain in the air as a breeze rushed through the trees. He clipped the leash onto Charlie's collar and walked him out the front door. He walked aimlessly around the neighborhood. It being too early for the rest of them to be awake, he walked in silence as the birds just started their morning song.

Charlie alerted at every squirrel he saw, tugging on the leash. Sirius knew what he was thinking. If only he could catch one. If only he could just rip one to shreds, they wouldn't taunt him anymore. Sirius had tried before to explain it to him, but he refused to listen. Sirius's animagus was able to communicate with him, but he was too stubborn to listen. He took every tail twitch as a great personal insult from each squirrel, each twitter they made was an taunt. He just shook his head and walked on, making his way back to the house. He entered and he could hear footsteps upstairs as Lily woke up and got ready. He unclipped Charlie who ran to his food dish and sat impatiently. Huffing at Sirius to hurry up, standing up and sitting down again, as if remembering he had to sit to get fed but he was just too excited about it. He perked his ears up as the cat came into the living room, but did nothing because he saw Sirius walk to the pantry and grab a scoop of food. He chuckled again.

Miri was now sitting on the arm of the couch, watching. Her eyes had a look of utter disgust in them, tail flicking back and forth. Sirius went over to her as Charlie ate and picked her up, scratching under her chin. He sat on the couch with her, waiting for Lily to come downstairs, but the cat took off when Charlie walked in and he went to chase, but Sirius snagged his collar and pulled him up onto the couch next to him. Scratching his ears and back. He rolled over and waited for belly rubs, and Sirius acquiesced. It was then that Lily came into the room and she smiled.

"I knew you loved that dog. He's at your side whenever you are home if he isn't playing with Harry." She went into the kitchen and he heard her start to make coffee. She brought him a cup and sat on the other side of Charlie.

"You're up early." She observed, taking a sip of the dark, steaming liquid.

"Couldn't sleep." He looked into his own mug before taking a swallow of the bracing liquid. "It's going to rain today." He looked up at her, she had a curious look on her face that he couldn't place.

"I didn't sleep well either." Was all she said, stroking the dog's fur. They sat quietly for a while, drinking their coffee before Sirius got up and went into the kitchen to start some pancakes. Harry would be up soon.

"There is a movie in theaters, called Indiana Jones. An American film, thought Harry might like it. We could go see it today, since….well since it is now raining." He looked outside at the water dripping from the eave of the patio as a shot of lightning cut across the sky followed by the crash of thunder. Harry came racing down the stairs a few moments later and into the kitchen. Sirius pulled the pan off the fire and grabbed the little boy up into his arms, seeing the terror on his face.

"Whoa there little man, what's wrong? Calm down." His breath was coming in gasps but his breathing slowed.

"Big crash." He buried his head in Sirius's shoulder and he held him closer. Lily came in from the side and rubbed his back. It had been awhile since he had reacted this way to a storm. She looked into Sirius's eyes as he started to sway with the little boy in his arms. He walked to the couch, Lily glued to his side and sat down. Charlie climbed up onto the couch, trying to get his nose into Harry's face. He reached out his hand and placed it on the dog's head and looked over at him, tears on his face, but he smiled as the dog licked his face.

"There, see? It's all better now. It's just a storm." Another crash came from outside, quieter this time and Harry ducked his head again. Sirius struggled to get his wand out and flicked on the tv. Sunday morning cartoons started playing and Harry peaked around. "You ok to go watch your cartoons while mummy and I finish breakfast?" He nodded and Sirius lifted him off his lap. "Charlie is going to be right here with you." He looked over at the dog, silently communicating but the dog was already trying to get closer to the boy, already knowing. He got up and so did Lily. She was still concerned, but Sirius tilted his head for her to follow him.

"He's fine. He needs to figure it out for himself." There was a low rumble in the distance. Harry clutched Charlie closer but continued watching the program, scrubbing at the tears still on his face mixed with slobber. Charlie looked up and licked his face again. It was a cycle that they played until Harry started laughing. "See? He's fine." He pulled the pan and reignited the burner, throwing out the pancake that was in it and started on a fresh one. Flipping it up into the air and back into the pan then flipping it onto the waiting plate. Lily started to fry bacon next to him and scrambled eggs on the back burner. Once it was all on the table, she called Harry in for breakfast. The storm was moving away but the rain still fell.

After copious amounts of syrup, breakfast was over and dishes were in the sink. Sirius snatched Harry up. He was sticky and smelled like sugar.

"Bath-time buddy!" Harry squirmed and giggled as he lugged him up the stairs, trying to avoid getting sticky himself. He started the bath and helped Harry undress, placing his glasses on the sink and settled him in the tub. He dumped bubble bath into the water and watched as Harry played in them. He took the cup and poured water over his and then scrubbed his hair with shampoo. Washed his face and let him play around a little and then stood him up and sprayed him down, clear of bubbles, then wrapped him in a towel. All the while he chattered away about the program he had watched.

"Sirius? When do I go to school? 'Mione says she is gonna go to school. Will I go to school too? Before I go to magic school?" His voice was muffled as Sirius scrubbed his head dry.

"Sure buddy. You can go to school. You want to go to school with Hermione?" He wrapped the towel around him and then lifted him up and carried him to his room and started to dress him.

"Yea. She is really smart. She says everyone has to go to school so they can learn stuff that their mummy and daddy can't teach them." he lifted his arms as Sirius tugged a shirt over him.

"Well yes, kids need to go to school. You don't have to talk me into it, Harry. I think it would be good for you to go to school. There are a lot of things that we could teach you, but not like they can in muggle school." Harry was fully dressed. He grabbed a comb and tried to tame the mess on his head, to no avail. At least there were no snarls. He patted him on the bottom and he ran out of the room, calling out to Lily to tell her he was going to school. He threw the towel in the hamper and followed the boy down the stairs as Lily excitedly talked with Harry about muggle school. He knew nothing about it so he just listened to them talk. They would leave soon to see the movie, but for now he was just content to be home, to be with them.

Mondays were the days Sirius disliked the most at work. He nodded to Alan as he walked in, but Alan immediately stuck his head over the top of the partition.

"How's your weekend, mate?"

"It was good." Sirius sat in front of his computer. He saw the stack in his inbox and glared at it. "Pretty domestic. Went to see Indiana Jones with my godson. Had a barbeque with the neighbors. Nothing really too exciting." He had opened the first file and was reading through it quickly as he looked up at Alan. He was a little more bouncy than usual. He put the file down and smiled at the man. "And how was your weekend, Alan?" Alan blushed a little.

"I asked Claire out. I nearly choked when she said yes. We went out Saturday morning to get coffee at the cafe down the street." He looked so pleased with himself.

"Is that all? That hardly warrants how red your face is right now." Sirius leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head as the man squirmed a little under his scrutiny.

"I– well. I kissed her cheek. Then she kissed me and said she had a good time." Alan was painfully shy around women and most people. He only recently came out of his shell with Sirius. He had been working there for months before he said more than hello. While he did not find this information even the slightest bit salacious, it was obviously a big deal for him.

"You going out again? Please tell me it isn't another coffee shop. Nothing happens in a coffee shop, if you know what I mean." The blush deepened at the implication. He decided to change the subject. "Well, I have some interesting information to add to the gossip pool. Marcy called me at home, asking me out, again." Alan blanched but he inched further over the partition, eager for the details. Anything that wasn't about him was always better. "Told her to back off again. She heard Harry, that's my godson, in the background. Now she thinks I'm married and have a kid. Either way, I think she will leave me be now." he returned to the file and flicked on his computer. Alan looked a little put out that there wasn't any more to the story.

"Are you going to the company picnic next weekend?" Sirius looked back up at him again, having not heard about any picnic.

"The what?"

"The picnic. You never stay long enough for the announcements. It's at Regents Park on saturday. Starts at 11 o'clock. Are you coming? Please say you are, because it will be completely boring otherwise." He looked imploringly at Sirius.

"Why go at all? It sounds boring." Seeing the look on Alan's face he realized why he had asked. "You're taking Claire to a work event? And you don't want her to be bored….?" He paused, then said, "Sure, okay, I will go. For you. And because I'm the coolest person you know, I will make sure your date goes well. Now get to work. I want to leave early again."

"As per usual." Alan said as Sirius smirked back at him and set to work typing everything into the computer and then copying them to the forms. He could have printed them, but he hated waiting for it. He was out by 2 o'clock, a longer day than usual. Glad he had escaped Marcy as he left for the day. She was not at her desk. That was just as well. He wanted to avoid her anyway. She had given him a scathing look when he had walked in that morning, looking him up and down, her gaze turning sultry again. He had rolled his eyes and walked up the stairs to his desk.

As he walked into the house, he noticed that Lily and Harry and Hermione were not there. Charlie was MIA as well. He shrugged and pulled off his tie and threw his jacket across a chair and grabbed a beer, kicked his shoes off and flicked on the tv. Surfing til he found a soccer game. He was spaced out on it when Lily walked in with the kids, her hands full of groceries. He jumped up and grabbed some of the bags from her and she distractedly kissed his cheek as she stumbled into the house and he bent to grab the bags from her, the dog pulling her forward to jump up on Sirius. He blinked at the contact, but she was already walking into the kitchen, the kids running past him and into the kitchen as well. Telling them to watch the plants and to go outside until she was ready.

"Well hey there. Crazy day?" She looked over at him, her hair was falling out of the band she had in it and she blew it out of her face.

"Yea only until right this moment. Charlie and the kids are wild today. Even Hermione. It's like there was some memo I missed about being as active as they can possibly be. They wanted to make shepherds pie, so we went to the grocery. And then Charlie saw a squirrel and it was nuts trying to get into the door. But yea. Crazy. How was your day?" She was distracted again, emptying out the bags.

"Well, work was fine. The usual. There is this picnic next weekend, for work. Alan wanted me to go so it wouldn't be boring. I was thinking… that maybe you guys wanted to– to come too?" He asked. He didn't know why he was nervous she would say no. It wasn't like she needed to be subjected to his coworkers like he did. But she turned and smiled at him.

"A picnic? That actually sounds fun. Thank god, more adults. I love the kids, but they aren't exactly the best conversationalists." She filled two glasses with juice and brought them outside and placed them on the table outside for the kids. They were taking turns on the tire swing that Sirius had hung. Hermione was giggling as Harry spun her around and around until the rope was tight and then twirled in the opposite direction, holding her arms out like she was flying. Charlie was at Lily's heels, waiting for food, as usual. He knew there was food in those bags she was emptying.

"Okay. Well, great then." he said a little awkwardly and then started to unpack groceries with her. He grabbed two beers from the fridge and handed her one. She accepted it and took a sip as she headed outside to sit under the eave. Sirius joined her.

"You gonna change, or are you gonna stay in your work clothes?" Sirius looked down and shrugged and took a swig of beer, watching as Hermione took a turn at spinning Harry around.

"Didn't feel like going all the way upstairs." Lily leaned her head back and sighed. This was probably the first time she had sat down all day. Sirius caught himself staring at the dip in her throat and looked away again. He put his feet up on the small end table and leaned back in his chair. The day was warm, but not unbearable like the other day. They sat in companionable silence for awhile until Lily said,

"Do you think it is okay to send Harry to muggle school? He talks to Hermione about all the magic stuff, and he has no control over his own magic. Do you think he is ready for that?"

"I think he knows who he can tell stuff to. But it did cross my mind."

"I was thinking about getting a job at the school at least until he goes to Hogwarts. There is an opening. I was talking to Nancy about it. She said she would feel better if someone was there to keep an eye on the two of them. With their inclination to make things happen without even trying to, it probably would be a good idea. Plus, if he's in school all day, I'll just be sitting at home–"

"Lily, I think that that is a great idea. I know you wanted to stay at home with Harry, but it'll be good to get out of the house. I mean I got a job, I hate it, it's boring. But it beats sitting at home staring at each other. You'll like it I think, and you will be really good at it." She smiled brilliantly at him and he smiled back at her.

"Well, it's settled, we will both be employed and out of the house." She leaned back again, still smiling.

The next weekend came quickly, Sirius was driving with Lily next to him and Harry in the backseat. It was different from his motorbike, but easy enough. Lily hated his driving. But acquiesced to let him drive. She closed her eyes every time he turned, which just made him smirk in her direction and prompted her to remind him to keep his eyes on the road. At least he parked better than Remus. They got out of the car when they had parked. Lily was wearing a pale blue summer dress and flats, her hair done in an elegant braid that trailed over one shoulder. She looked stunning, actually. Sirius was wearing Blue jeans and a pale blue buttoned shirt with the cuffs folded above his elbows and two buttons undone. They walked into the park, Harry holding one of Lily's hands while she carried a bowl of salad in the other. He reached out to Sirius's hand, who immediately took it as he spotted Alan and a brunette, who had to be Claire. She was a little plain, but her smile was genuine on her plump cheeks as she looked up at Alan, her brown eyes had a sparkle to them. She was clearly smitten. She held Alan's hand and looked over as the three of them walked over.

"Alan!" Sirius called as he approached. He clapped the man on the back. The man turned around and gave a nervous smile and held his hand out to Lily to shake. She released Harry's hand to place hers in Alan's.

"Lily. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Alan. And you must be Claire." She extended her hand to the brunette, who smiled. "And this is Harry." She took her son's hand again and prompted him to say hello. He gave out a quiet greeting. "He's a little shy."

"That's ok, little guy. I'm shy around new people, too." She bent down so that she was on eye level with the little boy. "I don't know anyone here, either. So you and me? We can be best buds, huh?" Claire held out her hand to him and he shook it politely, a smile coming to his face, but he still retreated back to Sirius's side and reached for his mother's hand. Sirius held his hand out to Claire as well.

"Sirius Black. My cubicle is next to Alan's. Shall we?" They walked towards the small crowd that was forming in a pavilion. They walked together under the eave and Sirius internally groaned as he saw Marcy, who turned her gaze over to him and smiled seductively until she saw Lily and Harry. Her face freezing in a stony look. Sirius introduced Lily to a few more of his colleagues and then to Shepphard, his boss. He blustered enthusiastically and shook her hand and smiled down at Harry who smiled back shyly. Once Harry saw the other kids, though, he ran off to play on the playground with them and Sirius and Lily stood a little closer together.

"Good show from all the decent employees at least." Alan said to him as he reached for a beer and handed Sirius one and offered one to Lily and Claire, who accepted. Sirius was barely listening as Marcy was staring daggers at him and he saw her start to walk towards him. He started to walk in the opposite direction and Lily looked around, as it was quite abrupt. She saw the attractive blonde making a beeline towards them and stopped in her tracks to watch. She got the distinct feeling that this woman was unpleasant and she didn't need Sirius to tell her who it was. She saw the look Marcy gave Sirius as she stepped up to him, having cornered him at the food table.

"Well, hello, Sirius. I'm glad you were able to make it!" She had cocked her hip and shook out her curls, he lacquered nails shimmering red on her hip. "You usually never come to these events." She placed a hand on Sirius's arm, he took a step back and smiled politely.

"Never really found the time. Work things tend to be boring." She took a step closer to him, her ample bosom brushing his arm. It was at this point that Lily excused herself from Alan and Claire and walked towards the two. She had seen the cornered look Sirius had on his face. She stepped up and slipped her arm around Sirius's waist and smiled up at him. The look on his face was a little strange, but there was relief mixed in with whatever that look was.

"Oh there you are! We've been looking for you." She turned her gaze towards Marcy, Her hand coming up to touch Sirius's chest. Marcy's face took on a slightly shocked look when she saw the wedding ring on Lily's hand, but she recovered quickly.

"You must be Mrs. Black. I'm Marcy Weaver. I have to say, Sirius has never mentioned you before." She extended a perfectly manicured hand towards Lily who stepped away from him and shook her hand briefly. She could feel the saccharine tone slide over her and she cringed internally. Understanding why Sirius had avoided her. Sirius was about to correct the woman on her name when Lily wrapped her arm around his waist again and gave the other woman a smile that he knew well.

"It's good to meet you, Marcy. And please, call me Lily. You're the… receptionist, right?" She stared the woman down, challenging her.. "Yes, Sirius has told me all about you. So nice of you to help him out at work." She smiled innocently as Marcy's face hardened and downright grimaced when Harry ran up a moment later and asked his mother,

"Mummy, can I have a cookie?"

"Of course darling. Just one. Wait until after we eat to have more." Harry ran off to the dessert table. Sirius just looked at Lily, but she smiled up at him and winked. He decided to play along and gave her a doting smile and placed an arm around her shoulders and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead before she turned and followed the child to ensure he only took the one cookie.

"You never said you were a family man, Sirius." Marcy simpered as she stepped forward and Sirius took a step back.

"I didn't have to. You already knew. And she has claws. I would advise you to leave it alone, Marcy." And with that he walked away, looking for Lily, as Marcy stared after him with a look of disappointment and anger on her face. Sirius found Lily engaged in conversation with Diane, one of the other accountants, when he walked up to her. She easily slipped her arm around him again and excused herself as they walked away.

"I see what you mean about Marcy. She is positively reproachful." She stepped away from him and grabbed a devilled egg and popped it into her mouth and spoke around it. "She is more than just interested in you, Sirius. She seems willing to commit adultery. I would be cautious. Women like her can cause some serious problems in the workplace." She swallowed the rest of the egg and then grabbed a cube of cheese and popped that into her mouth as she leaned back against the table.

"I told you she was unbearable. Awful creature. And insistent." He grabbed a handful of crisps and looked out at his coworkers, leaning against the table beside her. "And you didn't have to do that, you know. That isn't why I wanted you here." He glanced over at her and she smirked.

"It was fun to see her get so worked up about it. And she is awful. She has an obsessive level of attraction to you. It wouldn't end well. Besides, you deserve better." She smiled over at him and stole one of the crisps from his hand. She looked over at Harry playing with the other children.

"Well, this is exceedingly boring." Alan said, coming over with Claire, who went to stand next to Lily and started chatting. "Sorry I made you come out mate. But it looks like you aren't bored. At all." He nodded towards Lily. "I see why you were never interested in Marcy." He had lowered his voice so that only Sirius could hear him. Sirius laughed out loud at the insinuation.

"That is not what is going on, here, Alan. She and I are just friends."

"She doesn't look at you like a friend does, though. I saw how she reacted to Marcy. Got very territorial. She marked you as her own."

"That was a planned move. Lily knows about Marcy. Knows that I find her deplorable. She was just helping me out of a very weird situation." Sirius looked at him and Alan just raised his eyebrows and took a swig of his beer.

"If you say so." Was all he said. Lily and Claire had moved farther away. Sirius looked at Lily for a moment when Alan interrupted his thoughts. "And that is not the way a man looks at a woman and only has friendship in mind." Sirius looked back at him and blinked. "I'm just saying, mate. Don't give me that look." He held his hands up.

"We're just friends. We are raising Harry. There is nothing more to it."

"You live together?" he asked. At Sirius's lack of answer, he just gave a suggestive "Hmm. Good luck with that." Then turned back to the table to grab some more food and changed the subject. "What do you think of Claire?" Sirius accepted that Alan was letting the subject drop, for the moment.

"She is head over heels, man. And you were nervous to ask her out? How long have you known her?"

"A few months. We say hi in the hallway and when we get mail. Our boxes are next to each other." He looked over at Claire. He has the same look in his eyes that she has every time she looks up at him, Sirius noticed.

"Those were some potent greetings, I'd say." Claire looked back and giggled something to Lily. "And they are definitely talking about you." Alan paled a little. "Good things. Otherwise she wouldn't be looking at you and acting like a 12 year old with a crush." Alan relaxed a little. Lily's eyes met Sirius's from across the pavilion and she smiled. Lunch was then served. Harry sat between Sirius and Lily as Sheppard gave his speech about how well the quarter was going.

When they went to leave, Lily put her hand in Sirius's as they walked to the car, saying their last goodbyes to Alan and Claire. She put Harry in the car. He would probably nap on the way home. He sat in the back and blinked sleepily as they got in the car and drove away.

"That was a lot of fun. And I love Alan and Claire. I told Claire that she and Alan should come over for dinner next weekend. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all." Sirius said as he drove down the freeway towards home, thinking that she really did look stunning today.