Author's Note: If you're following my Fifth Year story, I promise, promise, promise an update is coming. But this was just a cute idea that popped into my head. Hope you enjoy! :)

May 2003

To Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley was the strongest woman in the world. In fact, all of Molly's children felt that way about her. She was an excellent witch, a talented homemaker, and, most importantly, loved her children so well. She was both kind and fierce. She had high expectations for her children, but she was also constantly affectionate and encouraged her children to be the best people they could be. In their eyes, she was the best of every world, not to mention an amazing cook, and her children adored her, especially her only daughter.

But that didn't mean Ginny necessarily wanted to be just like her.

When she and Harry married, the thought of having just one child scared Ginny. Seven of them was an absolute nightmare, and she never saw herself as nurturing as her own mother. She wanted a career, wanted to travel and see the world, and wanted to enjoy being married to her childhood sweetheart for a while before kids came into the mix.

Harry wanted children eventually too, but he was perfectly happy to wait as well.

Besides, Harry and Ginny were both busy professional quidditch players, not to mention the most famous couple in the wizarding world. They traveled more than they were home and could barely go anywhere without a reporter or camera being in their faces. It wasn't an ideal environment for a child.

Of course, this crazy schedule also meant they only saw each other every few days, making it even harder to keep their hands off each other when they were together and alone, and sometimes silly little things such as contraceptive charms went completely disregarded.

Which is how Ginny found herself standing over a toilet that morning emptying the content of her stomach, and now was the reason she was nervously fidgeting waiting on the muggle pregnancy test she'd picked up from the local drugstore. A trip to St. Mungo's would have easily answered her question, but it would have been near impossible to get there without someone finding out. After what felt like eternity, she worked up the nerve to see if the test would confirm what she already knew to be true.

There they were. Two undeniable lines.

She and Harry were going to have a baby.

In the blink of an eye, all of Ginny's goals and dreams changed. Now, Ginny wanted more than ever to be just as warm, caring, and amazing as Molly Weasley. She didn't need her name in quidditch record books; if her child loved her the way she loved her own mother, she would consider herself a success.

Though she was terrified, she was also elated.

Tears of joy welled in her eyes as she thought about the tiny life growing inside her, but a knock on the bathroom door made her jump.

"Hey, Ginny, you ready? We have to be there soon," Harry's voice called to her.

She quickly removed the silencing charm she'd put on the room to keep Harry from hearing her throw up. "Yeah, I'm coming."

Now wasn't the time to tell Harry, not just before they walked out the door to spend time with their friends and family. Plus, she wanted to think of a creative and exciting way to surprise her husband with their good news, so she banished the test, rinsed her mouth out once more, and did her best to wipe the big, goofy grin off her face.

….

Sirius Black and Amelia Bones had one wonderful son, and that was enough for them.

They both considered, after they were married, the possibility of having more children. They had even tried to have another child for a short time, but when it didn't work out, both figured it was for the best. Amelia had never seen herself as a mother, though she filled the role so well for Harry, and he very much viewed her as his mum. In his younger days, Sirius had never seen himself as a father either, but having Harry completely changed him, and he was open to the idea of filling their home with little ones. Though he was initially disappointed when Amelia never became pregnant, he got his fill of young children regularly babysitting for Remus and Tonks, who, after the birth of Teddy, went on to have a little girl four years later.

Plus, he had one son he could dote on constantly. Having no other commitments other than teaching, he was able to attend most of Harry's games and spend what time his son had off with him. In fact, he strongly considered leaving Hogwarts after Harry graduated, just so he could spend all his free time with his son, but Albus Dumbledore had shocked the wizarding world that year by retiring, which left Minerva McGonagall as Headmistress and a vacancy at Transfiguration professor. She offered the job to Sirius, who couldn't quite resist teaching a subject where he could actually use his wand. He did enjoy teaching, enjoyed even more working with Remus, and he still had plenty of time for his son. He and Harry enjoyed a wonderful relationship, and, though he would've liked to have other children, he was happy and content.

But that didn't mean he wasn't counting down the days until his son and daughter-in-law gave him some grandbabies.

"But from that day forward, the wizard helped the villagers, like his father before him, lest the pot cast off its slipper, and begin to hop once more. The end." Ginny closed the book and looked down at four year old Hope Lupin.

"Read it just one more time, pleeeease," Hope pleaded. She'd shifted her hair to be bright red like Ginny's, and her bright blue eyes were nearly impossible to resist.

Ginny giggled. "We've already read it twice, silly."

Hope pouted in the cutest way possible until Harry spoke from the floor where he and Teddy were completing a puzzle together. "We better get you two to bed soon or your mum and dad may never let us babysit again," he told her, reaching to tickle her side.

Hope giggled and tried to push his hand away. "Ok," she replied with a heavy sigh, leaning over to hug her favorite big cousin.

Like clockwork, the floo chimed just before Remus and Tonks stepped through.

"Daddy!" Hope called out, bounding off Ginny's lap and over to her father, who picked her up and threw her in the air. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he caught her. Behind them, Sirius and Amelia stepped through the floo as well.

"Hi, Sweetheart," Remus told her. He kissed her forehead before leaning his own against hers and giving her a mock stern look. "Why aren't you in bed young lady?"

Hope giggled, but Harry answered for her. "We were just getting ready to put them to bed."

"Yeah, we had to finish our puzzle first," Teddy added, placing the last piece in place and then turning to smirk up at his father.

"Can Harry and Ginny tuck us in?" Hope begged her father, "Pleeeaaase."

Harry and Ginny exchanged an amused look. "Of course we will, silly," Ginny teased. "Why don't you two run and brush your teeth, and we'll be right there."

Teddy obediently hugged his mother and father and made his way down their hallway. Hope took her time hugging her mum, dad, Amelia, and Sirius, then stalling as much as she could before her mother angled her towards their hall and sent her on her way with a playful swat.

"Sorry they're not in bed," Harry told his godfather after they were out of eyesight. "We were just having too much fun I suppose."

Tonks waved off his apology. "We never have them in bed on time either. They're pretty good at weaseling another story or game of chess out of us."

"These chocolate biscuits probably didn't help," Sirius teased as he picked one up from its tray and sat down with Amelia on the vacated couch. "Mmm. These are delicious."

"Ginny made them," Harry told them proudly.

"Ginny, you're as talented as your mum," Sirius told her, taking another bite.

"Well, Hope helped," Ginny replied, "which is why they have extra, extra chocolate chips in them."

Tonks grinned knowingly at Remus. "I wonder where she gets her sweet tooth from," she teased.

Remus shrugged innocently. "We may never know." He kissed his wife's cheek before looking back at his godson. "So, did they behave themselves?"

"Always," Harry told him.

Sirius scoffed. "That's what Moony used to say about you."

"And I was always good, right Remus?" Harry answered.

"Always," Remus responded with a wink.

Ginny giggled. "They really were good, though. We had a wonderful time."

Sirius nudged his son. "You know, you two are naturals at this babysitting thing. When are you going to stop borrowing kids and give me some grandchildren?" he asked them plainly.

Ginny beamed, but Harry didn't notice and rolled his eyes instead. "We've barely been married for two years, Dad. Can you give us a little time to enjoy one another before we start bringing children into the mix?"

Ginny looked down as her face fell. She was hoping to tell Harry the good news tonight when they got home, but now she wondered whether Harry would find it to be good news at all.

"I'm not getting any younger," Sirius prodded.

"You're 43," Harry countered. "You're not exactly on your deathbed."

Tonks took a seat in their armchair. "They're also very busy," she reminded her cousin, "What with being famous quidditch players and all." She winked at Ginny, who smiled back halfheartedly. A sinking feeling was starting to form in her stomach.

"Which is why we very much appreciate you two taking what little free time you have to look after Teddy and Hope so we could have a night out," Remus added as he poured each of them a cup of tea. "They always love it when you two come over."

Harry chuckled. "We enjoy it too." He would've said more, but his father interrupted.

"That's another thing. When you do have free time, you're supposed to be spending it with me."

Harry looked at his father incredulously. "You were on the date with Remus and Tonks."

Amelia smacked her husband's arm. "Will you leave them alone?"

Sirius smirked and crossed his legs. "Ok, ok. I'll leave them alone, but for the record, being busy shouldn't preclude you from having babies. I'd be happy to babysit anytime. In fact, I could move in and be a full-time grandpa."

Harry rubbed his forehead, but Remus answered before he could. "But then who would let the Gryffindors get away with everything while I'm away for the full moons?" Remus had taken over as head of Gryffindor house when McGonagall became headmistress, and Sirius usually filled in for him on the nights he transformed.

"I don't let them get away with everything," Sirius argued.

"He just doesn't pay attention," Harry teased, earning him a light smack to the back of his head from his father. After dodging the blow, he added. "It's true. Last time I was there, you skipped patrolling altogether so you and I could hang out at the Hog's Head."

"Yes, I remember that night. The common room somehow became flooded, and I got an earful from Minerva the next morning," Remus told him.

"Well, I hadn't seen Harry in a month," Sirius reminded them. "We needed to catch up."

Harry smiled nostalgically. "True. That was a fun night, But," he turned and looked sharply at his father. "Keep your job. When we're ready to start having babies, we'll let you know. Or we won't, considering it's none of your business. But it won't be anytime soon. Plenty of time for you to lead an entire generation of students astray." He leaned over and kissed his wife's cheek, completely unaware of how she was falling apart inside, and pulled her up as they went to tuck in Hope and Teddy.

….

Harry groaned as he fell onto their bed. "You know, Hope and Teddy are a lot of fun, but they're exhausting." He rolled on his side and looked at his wife. She had her back to him and her shoulders were hunched over. "You ok, Ginny?"

Ginny turned around and looked at him. "Do you really think it would be so bad for us to have kids right now?"

Harry was completely confused. Where was this coming from? Hadn't they both agreed to wait? "Uh, well, isn't that what we discussed? I mean, our lives are insane right now. It's the middle of the season, we're traveling all the time. We barely see each other. Can you imagine throwing a child…" He paused as he saw Ginny's shoulders were shaking. She was crying.

Harry sat up quickly and moved around the bed to her side. "Ginny, talk to me. What's wrong?"

Ginny pulled her face from her hands, tears streaking down her cheeks. "I'm pregnant, you idiot!" She covered her face again and continued to sob.

Harry sat there completely dumbstruck for a few seconds before what his wife had just told him sunk in. "You're pregnant?" he asked, completely in shock.

Ginny didn't look at him, just nodded.

Harry crouched down in front of her and pulled her hands down, taking them into his own. "We're going to have a baby?"

Ginny nodded and sniffed. "Yes."

Harry had never smiled more brightly in his entire life. "We're going to have a baby!" he exclaimed before picking her up into his arms and spinning around, laughing. He gently placed her back onto the bed and kissed her. "We're going to have a baby," he repeated again, no less excited, and then moved his head down to her belly. "Hi little one, I'm your daddy." He kissed her belly and then her cheek again. "We're really having a baby?"

Ginny was taken aback. "You're happy?"

"Of course I'm happy!" Harry told her. "We're going to have a child."

"What happened to 'enjoying each other for a while' and being 'too busy'?"

"Forget I said any of that," Harry told her firmly. "It doesn't matter now. We'll make it work. We're going to have a baby. This is the best day of my life!"

Ginny laughed. "I thought you would be freaking out."

"I am," Harry assured her, lying down beside her in the bed. "Terrified if I'm being completely honest, but I don't care. We're going to have a baby, Gin. That's amazing."

Ginny shifted so she was lying on his chest. "I think at least one of us should probably retire from quidditch. Maybe both of us."

"I'll do it," Harry answered quickly. "It's up to you whether you do or not, but Merlin knows I've been injured enough. We need to buy a house though. This apartment isn't big enough."

"Plus we'll need a room for your dad when he moves in," Ginny teased.

Harry glared at her a moment before playfully tickling her ribs. "That's not happening."

Ginny giggled another few seconds before she looked him in the eyes. "You're really happy?"

"More than I even thought was possible."

….

Sirius entered his quarters at Hogwarts late Tuesday evening. Ever since he had originally gained custody of Harry, Tuesday night had been their night. That hadn't changed when Harry became an adult, a professional quidditch player, or a husband. His son still found a way to drop by nearly every Tuesday with very few exceptions, even if it was only for a few minutes. So he wasn't surprised to see the messy black hair sticking up from his couch.

He was a little surprised that his wife was there too. Amelia, as the Minister of Magic, worked odd hours, and he wasn't expecting her home that evening at all.

"Hey Dad," Harry called out. "How was your day?"

Neither Amelia nor Harry seemed at all upset, hurt, or troubled, so he figured there was nothing to worry about. He walked over and hugged his son. "Not too bad I suppose, but it just got a lot better." He kissed Amelia before raising an eyebrow at her. "I thought you were working late."

Amelia put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Well, I had a special visitor at the Ministry today that said I needed to be here, so here I am."

Harry smiled. "I have good news."

Sirius was intrigued. "Tea news or firewhisky news?"

"Firewhisky, definitely," Harry told him. He and Amelia sat back down while his father poured them all a glass.

"Ok, what is it?" Sirius asked, sitting down beside him.

"Well, you'll likely see it in the Prophet soon, but I told my coach today. I'm retiring after this season."

Sirius's eyes were wide, though he was inwardly relieved. Harry was an excellent quidditch player, but he was also an extremely injury-prone one, and it was becoming harder and harder to watch him get hurt year after year. He wasn't exactly sure how he should react though. Harry might not be too happy if his father was overly excited to see his quidditch career come to an end.

"You are?" He did his best to ask casually.

Harry nodded. "I think it's time. It's been a good run, but I've had enough."

"Does that mean you'll finally come work at the ministry with me?" Amelia asked, her eyes twinkling. She and Kingsley had been trying to get Harry to join the DMLE since he graduated from Hogwarts, much to Sirius's dismay.

"No, it doesn't," Sirius answered for him. "At least, not as an auror."

"We have other positions available in the DMLE," Amelia retorted. "Although, he would make an excellent auror." She and Sirius had had this mostly playful argument many times. Harry had seriously considered a career as an auror instead of quidditch, but ultimately decided to enjoy the sport as long as he could. He did enough fighting bad guys as a young student. Sirius would have been supportive of his son no matter what career he chose, but he made no attempt to hide that the thought of Harry being an auror terrified him, even if he had been one himself.

"You could come work with me," Sirius told his son, ignoring his wife altogether.

"At Hogwarts? Doesn't there need to be a teaching opening first?" Harry asked.

Sirius shrugged. "Tell Moony to retire."

Amelia rolled her eyes and shook her head while Harry chuckled. 'To be honest, I haven't really thought much about what I will do next. I'll probably take some time off first, and see what happens. Ginny and I can reconsider after the baby is born."

He grinned and waited while those words sunk in with his parents.

First, Sirius choked on his firewhisky.

Second, Amelia's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped nearly to the floor.

Finally, after Sirius could talk again, he said, "What did you just say?"

Harry smirked. "I said, Ginny and I will consider our next career once the baby is born."

Sirius popped to his feet. "You're going to have a baby?"

"Well, technically Ginny is…"

"I'm going to have a grandchild?"

"Yes."

"Yes!" Sirius shouted, leaping into the air. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" He ran around the small quarters like a mad man, cheering wildly.

Amelia stood and pulled Harry into a hug, mostly ignoring her husband. "Congratulations, Harry! That is wonderful news!"

Harry thanked her just before he was slung over his father's shoulder.

"My pup's having a pup!" Sirius exclaimed, carrying Harry around.

"I'm excited too, Dad, but if you don't put me down I'm going to hex you," Harry told him, trying to suppress his own laughter.

Sirius placed him on the ground and then pulled him into a hug so tight it was a bit uncomfortable. "I'm proud of you, kiddo. You know that?"

Tears began to form in Harry's eyes. "Thanks, Dad." He pulled back slightly from his father and realized Sirius was crying too. They smiled at one another for a long moment before Amelia gently interrupted.

"How is Ginny feeling, Harry?"

Harry sat down and picked up his glass again. "She's quite sick actually. And has the oddest cravings. Last night she made spaghetti for dinner and waffles as a side. But she's excited."

"And how are you feeling?" Sirius questioned, sitting down next to him.

"Scared out of my mind if I'm being completely honest," Harry answered, "but I'm happy."

"Oh you'll be a wonderful father, Harry," Amelia assured him. "You'll both be great parents."

"Well, I have some pretty good examples to follow," Harry replied, smiling at both of them.

January 2004

Tonks was asleep on Remus's shoulder. Amelia and Hermione were chatting about the latest legislation. Ron and Arthur were playing a muggle card game, and Sirius was pacing.

"What is taking so long?" Sirius questioned.

Arthur chuckled. "This is nothing. Molly was in labor with Bill for 37 hours."

Sirius ran his hands through his hair. If they were waiting that long, his heart might not take it.

Fortunately, he didn't have to test it.

A moment later, Harry came through the door to the waiting room. Despite his unkempt hair, pale complexion, and tired eyes, he was positively beaming. Though he had a room full of people waiting to hear news on his new son, his eyes found the one person he loved the most. Looking directly at Sirius, he announced, "He's here!"

The room erupted with smiles, laughter, and offers of congratulations, but Harry was only paying attention to Sirius. Their eyes locked, and they seemed to have an entire conversation without saying a word. One by one, everyone else filed out to meet the new addition to their odd little family, but Sirius walked over and hugged his son. They stayed that way a long time as all the unspoken words sank in. With that hug, Sirius told his son he loved him and how proud he was of him, and Harry told his father that he loved him and wanted to be just like him. Finally, Harry pulled away and looked up at his father. "Come on. You need to meet your grandson."

Messy black hair, green eyes, and chubby cheeks that could melt your heart. Sirius couldn't help but go back to the moment he held his then-godson nearly 24 years earlier. The Potter genes were strong ones, and Sirius felt as if his heart had grown ten sizes at the sight of the tiny baby boy.

"What's his name?" he asked Harry as he held the child close to his chest, unable to take his eyes off of him.

"James," Harry replied.

Still not looking up, Sirius smiled a watery smile and nodded. "It's perfect."

"Sirius," Harry said.

"Hmm?" Sirius asked. He still hadn't peeled his eyes from his grandson, but he found Harry's statement a bit odd. Harry hadn't called him Sirius since he'd been a moody teenager.

"No, that's his name. James Sirius Potter."

Sirius looked up at his son. "Really?"

Harry nodded. "I think it fits him."

Sirius chuckled, wiping a stray tear from his eye. "I'll make sure it does. I'm going to spoil him absolutely rotten, you know."

"Oh I would expect nothing less," Harry answered with a laugh. He rubbed his thumb down James's cheek softly. "You've got the world's best grandpa, little man."

"Paddy," Sirius said.

"Hmm?"

"I think I'll have the grandkids call me Paddy," Sirius told him.

Harry smiled. "I like that."

Soon, Arthur wanted his turn with his new grandson, so Sirius reluctantly handed him over. He and Harry leaned against the wall of the hospital room and surveyed the sight. Both the father and son had suffered twelve years of loveless neglect and darkness, but now they were surrounded by people they loved and that loved them.

Sirius put a hand on his son's shoulder. "How are you doing?" His mind wandered back to the day Lily went into labor with Harry. James had been a complete mess. He'd held it together well, all things considered, but his legs trembled the whole time and he seemed to be in complete shock throughout the process, much like Harry had been a few hours prior.

Harry took a deep breath. "I don't think I was this scared when I was facing a basilisk."

Sirius winced. "James was the same way. Said he suddenly realized he had no idea what he was doing. To be honest, I remember feeling much the same way when Amelia handed me your custody papers."

Harry looked him in the eyes. "You were great, Dad. If I could be half the dad you are…" He paused, his bottom lip trembling.

"You will be," Sirius assured him, cupping the back of his neck. "And if you ever need help, remember I'll be right down the hall."

Harry laughed a hearty laugh, causing little James to turn his head towards his father from across the room. Just as he had for the last ten years of Harry's life, Sirius found a way to give him exactly what he needed. Relaxing considerably, he answered, "I don't know about that, but if I ever do need advice, I'll know where to find you."

Sirius put an arm around his son. "Always."