A/N: I just wanna say a quick thanks to everyone for your favorites, follows and reviews. This story isn't perfect, but it was technically my first ever FanFiction, so it has a very special place in my heart. Have a nice day and remember to R ! :D


We all woke bright and early the next morning.

Harry was already awake and bouncing on his bed when I went into his bedroom to wake him. "Good morning, Sunshine!" I gave him a silly grin as I walked over to his closet, where I stepped inside to gather him up an outfit for the day. I had started working with the toddler on dressing himself, but I still gathered his clothes for him and then let him figure out how to dress himself.

He stopped jumping and fell on his bottom, giggling at my silly face. "Go Mowning!" I had no idea how children were so energetic this early, because more often than not, I started off my day with a nice dose of walking dead and slowly leveled up to join the living as the day went on. But, I suppose that that was simply the nature of children. Lucky for me, coffee existed.

"Come on Harry, it's time to get ready to go." I said picking him up and carrying him into the bathroom. Once the door was shut, I set his clothes down and reminded him which to put on first. Quickly, my little nephew undressed, then began to dress himself, more slowly now. When he was finished, he wore a pair of tan khakis, a blue and white sweater vest and his favorite pair of light up shoes. As I watched him happily shift from one foot to the other, watching his shoes light up, I couldn't help but dwell on what Sirius had said the night before.

Had it really been true? When she'd died, had Lily- No! I couldn't think about it, I couldn't, but- I couldn't help it. When she'd been murdered, had Lily really been expecting a child, as I am now. Had it been a boy or a girl? What had she been planning to name it? How far along was she? Was she even aware? Well, she had to have been if James knew to tell Sirius.

I ran a shaking hand through my wavy hair, my heart aching just thinking of my sister. I didn't want to think about it anymore. It hurt too bad to do so, but I knew that that information would haunt me for years to come, if not the rest of my life.

I sighed heavily with a shake of my head as the small green eyed toddler now tugged at me to take him downstairs, it was breakfast time and obviously he was hungry, so picking the boy up, I poked him in his stomach, causing him to giggle and carried him downstairs, deciding to put Lily out of my mind as I did.

When I brought Harry into the kitchen, Sirius used his wand to temporarily turn Harrys' hair light sandy blond and his eyes blue, he also put a charm on him that would cover up the scar on his forehead. Then turning his wand on himself, all Sirius did was turn his hair light sandy blond and he turned my eyes from the dark greenish blue that they usually were, to light brown and my hair dark brown. Xayla and Zander didn't have to change their appearances because they were known to be living and weren't wanted for one reason or another.

"I thought it was dangerous to change his appearance at this age?" I set my nephew down in his high chair, listening and commenting sweetly as he babbled to me about his new hair.

"If done to the extent we would need it to be done to give him a healthy social life, it can be." Zander said as he drank from a coffee mug and I nodded as I stole my husbands cup and drank deeply from it.

"Thanks, babe." I handed him his cup and gave him a kiss as he rolled his eyes, though they were sparkling with laughter.

"I shall have my revenge."

"Uhuh." I said, dubiously, then laughed as we all sat down to eat.

Xayla had been kind enough to cook for us this morning and as I thanked her, I looked at her and noticed something odd. My sister-in-law, who was more known for her dark, ripped skinny jeans, long sleeved turtlenecks and knee high boots, was wearing a pretty long fall dress that complimented her figure and over it, she wore a pretty jacket that matched and complimented the design of the dress.

"You look good." I told her and she looked at me, eyes sparkling.

"Yeah?" At my nod, she said nothing more as she fixed her hair and sat between Zander and Sirius, who glanced at her every so often, his gaze lingering at times before he turned away.

We ate rather quickly, all of us excited and as soon as we were finished with our morning meal, I got Harry bundled up before the rest of us did the same and we headed out the door, the cold winter air slicing our faces as we left.

The first orphanages we went to were all no help, with them either needing more information then we felt comfortable giving or the kids all being far too old. Finally however, we came to one called Sunny Days and the second I walked into the building, I was filled with a sense of sadness.

The name was an actual antonym of the building itself.

The moment I stepped inside, the sight that greeted me was far from what I expected. Contrary to its cheerful name, the atmosphere was somber and gloomy. The building itself appeared run-down, with the gray walls bearing the marks of neglect and time. The once-vibrant designs painted on accent walls, had faded and peeled in various places, revealing the dull brick underneath. With my husband by my side, one of his arms now wrapped around my waist, I made my way through the dimly lit corridors, several lights flickering overhead. I looked about still, anxiety filling my stomach and stress showing in my features.

I saw many little ones, of all ages, their eyes bright and shining, but I couldn't help noticing the sense of urgency in the their movements as they went about their morning routines. Clothing lacking any trace of individuality, each child wore the same monotonous gray uniforms, which seemed to blend seamlessly with the colorless surroundings. With this and the general washed out look of the place, each child had an almost ghostly appearance as they scurried past, their footsteps echoing through the desolate halls.

Despite their haste, the children occasionally slowed their pace, many more giving the five of us curious glances, each hinting at a longing to be adopted, to have a connection and escape from this place. As if by lightning, I was struck suddenly with the irony of this place. It was supposed to be a loving place where all these children could have hope and peace, but instead, it seemed as though the children's lives were confined within the confines of this dilapidated institution, devoid of the warmth and brightness that the name implied. I wondered how anyone could expect a healthy child to come from such a place like this, but then again, maybe the government had no other choice.

In the midst of this drab environment, I couldn't help but wonder what dreams and aspirations lay hidden within the hearts of these young souls. Were there dreams of sunshine, laughter, and colorful days, buried beneath the layers of their monotonous existence? Or were they just resigned to it all? As I allowed my thoughts to take me on a journey, I continued my journey to the headmistress' office with my family, a determination within me now, ignited by the fleeting glimmers of hope in their eyes. I would adopt from this place and I would give that child everything they dreamed of. They would get warmth and love and never again would they have to wear gray if they didn't wish to.

We reached a tall door, down the first hall after the nurses office and some bathrooms and knocking, I could hear some shuffling around before the door was opened and the Headmistress smiled at us. "Hello," The stern-looking woman that stood before us exuded authority and professionalism, her tall and composed figure clad in a perfectly tailored dress suit, told me that she ran a tight ship here and did not tolerate any misbehavior, from children or other adults. Despite my first impression, though, her enigmatic smile held hints of hidden depth, conveying a subtle warmth and wisdom in her eyes. It softened her severity, inviting trust and confidence in her, as if she had mastered the art of balancing strength and compassion. "My name is Ms. Allison." She began then with a questioning look in her eyes, she asked, "Are you here for careers, to volunteer, or to adopt?"

"Yes, actually we would like to adopt." I replied politely and the woman nodded.

"Sex? Age Group?" As she spoke, the woman sat and opened up one of her desk drawers, pulling out a small stack of papers.

"Well," I began thoughtfully, "We're looking for a boy between the age of six months and two years." I said with a smile.

Still smiling, she asked, "Why are you adopting?"

I smiled, picking Harry up, I set him on my lap so he was facing the headmistress, seated at her desk. "This is my son James and he really wants a brother. I told him no at first because I thought I was going to be having a boy, but when I went to the doctor they told me I would be having a girl." I said, giving the elaborate story I'd come up with last night as I'd laid in bed, contemplating everything. I knew nothing about my future baby, only that it was healthy as I've been taking care of myself and learning the dos and don'ts from reading about everything. Honestly, at this point, I could be a midwife, the research and preparation I've done.

The woman looked at the five of us, skeptical, but when Zander made eye contact with her, she smiled, seeming to forget her skepticism. Ugh, of course my husband had to put a Confundus charm on her. Let's just hope we get out of here before the ministry realizes who's here. "Alright," she said standing up, "I'll show you what we have." I looked at Zander with an accusatory look and he just grinned. I could've done it myself-- sold the story- I had a whole lot more I could've added to my story in case the woman asked, but that was all the information she'd get because someone was impatient.

Huffing, I stood with my nephew still in my arms, and followed her out of the room. We walked down a long gray hallway. We turned left and entered a room about halfway down another hallway. The room was a light gray color, about thirty cribs were in the center of the room and maybe fifteen beds were lined up against three of the four walls. "Please, do try not to wake them, they're napping." cautioned the Headmistress quietly.

Suddenly a boy of about two years, began to whimper from one of the beds. He had light sandy blond hair and when he opened his eyes, I saw dark forest green eyes.

"Oh Henry, please don't cry!" Exclaimed the Headmistress in a whisper, walking over to the boy and picking him up.

"What's wrong with him?" I walked up behind the headmistress.

"Well, about three months ago, before little Henry came to this orphanage. Henrys' father had already been a bad drunk but it got worse when Henrys' mother died giving birth to Henrys' little brother." here she gestured at one of the cribs. "He began to beat Henry." My eyes widened as I held Harry closer to me. How could anyone do something like that to a such a small child, or any child, really? People could just be so sick!

"Honestly, they just recently came to me a couple weeks ago around the third of November. no note was left but Henry was able to give me his and his brothers names and birthdays at the very least. A week of therapy helped us get a semblenve of the story of how he got here."

"He's so young, how much could he actually say?" Zander looked skeptical but the woman shrugged.

"Children don't need to talk to tell a story and Henry is exceptionally bright, regardless. Its honestly quite frightening, the intelligence of that child."

"Can I hold him?" I handed Harry off to Zander as the woman nodded and handed the toddler off to me. So gently, I took the boy into my arms and cradled him, my heart soaring. Immediately, as he touched me, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. The softness of his tiny face against my collarbone- his little hands as they fluttered around my neck. The weight of his presence, both physical and emotional, it was all a reminder of the immense responsibility I would be taking on as his adoptive mother.

I looked at Zander and he passed Harry to Xayla before taking Henry, his own heart seeming to melt instantly. Walking around my husband, I looked into the little green eyes, and as if our souls had somehow intertwined in the brief moment I'd held him, I felt connected to this boy; as if he knew, on some deep level, that I was here to love him, to protect him, and be the mother he deserved. In that instant, my heart swelled with an overwhelming love, an indescribable bond that transcends bloodlines. We were always meant to find each other, and I was grateful for this serendipitous encounter that would forever change not only my life, but the lives of my entire family.

"May I hold his brother?" I asked, I was originally only going to adopt one, but if I take Henry- which there was no doubt in my heart now that I was taking Henry home with me, I was not going to separate Henry from his brother.

Zander looked at me with a start, but then, as Henry adjusted in his arms, a soft smile found its way onto his perfect lips. "Are you sure, Rosie?" He already sounded sure, himself and as my eyes met his, we knew there was simply no other option. There had to have been a reason little Henry had stirred when we walked in. It was always going to be him. He was a beautiful baby boy, too and I was confident that his temperament would be absolutely wonderful.

"Henry will be two on July 31st." The Headmistress was telling Sirius quietly, allowing Zander and I a moment before going to get a small baby from one of the cribs.

"Hey!" cut in Harry. "Dats my birfday." Henry looked at Harry with a small smile appearing on his face. I gently quieted him, reminding him that all the other kids were sleeping, so in a quiet voice, he added. "Dats my birfday."

"We have te same bortday?" Henry asked quietly, clinging to the my husband now for dear life. He was most likely a very shy boy, but despite that, had seemed to take to our family, no problem. Lily had been shy as a toddler. The memory made me smile.

"Yes, you do." I said smiling at Henry, then turning to the Headmistress I asked "His brother?"

"Well," she began, holding out the baby to me. "Little Samuel is two months old and will turn one year on September 1st. As I took the small child into my arms, I looked at Zander, Xayla and Sirius, who all nodded.

Immediately, tears welled in my eyes as I gazed down at the little baby in my arms. I couldn't stop staring at him, as my lips turned up. He was so beautiful- oh my goodness, he was absolutely perfect. "Hello Sam, What do you think of me maybe becoming your new mummy?" I wanted him to feel the love that I had for him, the instant connection. Even if I didn't know him yet, I would and like with Henry, I would love him for all of time and eternity.

His gentle cooing, told me everything I needed to know and I started crying harder, my heart aching with love. Man, I was rarely this emotional, but I supposed it was a mixture of so many things. I decided to just enjoy these boys and no worry about how emotional I was.

I'd always wanted a family and kids and at twenty-eight, and Voldemort still at peak power, I'd been so worried that the family dream might not happen for me, but standing here, with the baby in my arms, another inside me and the rest of my family standing around me, I knew why it had taken so long. I was always supposed to be here, with Zander and we were supposed to have these kids.

"So you'll be adopting Samuel?" The headmistress asked and brought out of my musings, I thought for a moment before slowly nodding.

"Yes, I'm going to adopt him and Henry." I told her and the headmistress nodded. In all of my life, I'd never thought I'd fall in love with a child— or children that weren't mine biologically so quickly, but at this moment, I was in love with these boys and I wanted to give them the best home possible.

"Are you certain?" She asked and I nodded.

I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life.