Chapter 17

Lyria carefully stepped down the last few stairs into the kitchen.

"Lyria! What are you doing up?" Sirius jumped up from the table.

"I'm walking around," she said flatly.

"Why?"

"Because if I spend another minute upstairs I'll go mad."

"But you shouldn't be walking around."

"I'm fine."

"I would've carried you."

"I'm a bit heavy for that at the moment."

"I don't care."

"You ought to."

"You can't be exerting yourself. You're still not healed yet."

"I'm fine."

"Come sit anyways."

She sat down by his side. "Baby should be here soon."

"I know." He squeezed her hand.

"I'm afraid it's going to die," she admitted.

"So am I, Lyri."

"Baby Catherine... baby Catie... we just lost Connor, I don't want to lose her too..."

"Shh... don't worry about it now."

"I can't help worrying about it."

"I know, but you don't need the added stress."

"And I can't help it!" She snapped, still a bit irritable.

"I know! You assume you're the only one who cares, well you’re not."

"I never said I was!"

"Fine."

"Fine," she echoed.

Sirius sighed.

Lyria suddenly let out a yelp.

"Lyria!"

"The baby..."

"It's coming?"

"Yes." She gritted her teeth.

Sirius picked her up and carried her upstairs. He left her on the bed and returned a few minutes later with the healer.

Lyria cried out again as they entered the room.

Sirius squeezed her hand as the healer set to work.

"Sirius, I can't, I'm too scared..."

"You can, Lyri.... I'm right here..."

"What if she's already dead?"

"Hush."

"I need you to concentrate on the delivery, Mrs. Black." The healer told her.

Lyria nodded, trying to control her breathing.

Before long - though it seemed much longer to those involved - Lyria was able to lay back against the piillows as the healer gently cleaned up the baby.

He handed her the small child. "She's small.... you'll need to be extremely gentle with her."

Lyria nodded, carefully supporting the baby's head. "It's alright, our son was really early so he was small too..." Her voice failed her and she trailed off.

Sirius kissed her forehead.

She held the little girl close. "Baby Catie..."

"She's beautiful."

Lyria had just finished the ancient tradition of counting fingers and toes. "She's got the tiniest little feet... and a little bit of hair, even." She smoothed the bit of dark fuzz.

He nodded.

"Do you want to hold her?"

"Of course." He said, lifting her carefully.

The girl looked toward Sirius wide-eyed.

"Hello little Catie..."

The child cooed quietly.

"That's my little girl..."

The baby yawned.

Sirius smiled down at Lyria.

Lyria reached out to take the baby again. "Let me hold her again before she goes to sleep on us."

Sirius placed her back into Lyria's arms.

Lyria cuddled the baby close to her almost protectively, and Catie soon feel asleep.

Sirius kissed the top of Lyria's forehead.

"Isn't she a little angel?"

"She is. She's absolutely perfect, Lyri."

"I won't let anything happen to her."

"I won't let anything happen to either of you."

The baby woke and began to fuss and Lyria settled her close to feed her. "It's... it's too much like when Connor was born..."

"Shh..."

"I'm still scared."

"I know..."

"I couldn't stand it, Sirius, not again."

"We won't have to."

"We're still in the middle of a war."

"I know."

"And if not her, certainly either of us, at any time, could wind up dead."

"Yeah...we'll--we'll have to figure something out."

"It *was* irresponsible of us having Connor like we did... we should have arrangements in place for her if something happened, we should have somewhere safe for her to stay..."

"We'll figure it out, Lyri."

Lyria was cradling the baby. "I'm still so scared."

"I know, love, I know."

"Do you want to burp her?" She asked.

Sirius took Catie and began to rub her back.

Lyria simply watched, wishing she could chase the fear from her mind.

~*~*~*~

Remus woke up with a stir and looked around. No, it wasn't a nightmare, last night had been a full moon and Draco Malfoy was still in his basement.

Draco groaned and opened his eyes.

"How are you feeling?" Remus forced himself to sit.

"Like I chewed my arm off."

"It still seems to be attached but you are bleeding. When Lyndell opens the door I'll get my wand and see what I can do about it."

"How long do we have to wait?"

"Not very long."

As if on cue, the basement door opened. Lyndell made her way down the stairs. "How are you feeling?"

"As splendid as ever, my dear." Remus got to his feet slowly, wincing at putting pressure on his right leg.

"Oh, we'll have to set that leg once we get upstairs." She supported Remus as he stood.

"Thank you, dear. Did you happen to bring my wand?"

She nodded. "I did." She handed it to him.

"Thank you." Remus cast a healing charm toward Draco's arm. "Any better?"

"Yeah....thanks." Draco said, getting to his feet.

"You're doing quite well for your first transformation."

"What happens now?"

"Some breakfast and some rest, I think. I'd imagine you're rather tired."

"Yeah..."

"Entirely natural. Come along upstairs."

Draco followed the pair into the kitchen, rubbing the back of his head.

There were already plates of food on the table, and Remus smiled. "Dell, you're simply an angel."

"I figured it would have been an especially difficult night for the both of you."

"I'm sure I speak for us both when I say it's much appreciated."

She nodded and kissed his cheek. "When you're done, we've got to set your leg."

"Always looking after me." He smiled."

"Of course."

Draco ate the breakfast in front of him enthusiastically.

Remus grinned a bit and turned to his own breakfast.

Best to wait until they were done, Lyndell mused. She wasn't about to get in between a wolf and his food.

"And what about you?" Remus demanded after a moment.

"What about me?" She asked.

"Don't think you're getting away with not eating breakfast."

"I've eaten already." She told him, although in truth, she'd hardly been able to keep anything down.

"Lyndell," he said, knowing her well enough to know she was fibbing.

"Yes my darling?" She questioned innocently.

"Why haven't you eaten?"

"Because I'm not hungry."

"I don't believe that."

"Well it's the truth."

"Nope. There's something you aren't telling me, my dear."

"Finish your breakfast."

"Lyndell, is something wrong?"

"No." She said firmly. "Now eat."

"I won't until you tell me what's the matter."

"Please just finish and then I'll tell you."

"I worry for you."

"Why?"

"You refuse to tell me anything," he said dryly.

She kissed him briefly. "I'm *fine*, Remus."

Draco cleared his throat. "If it's alright... I'd like to wash up and change."

"Of course. Second door on the right, take your time. Let us know if you need anything."

Draco nodded and walked down the hall.

"Will you finish eating now?"

Remus inhaled the rest of his breakfast whole. "Will you tell me what's the matter now?" He asked in precisely the same tone.

"Nothing's the matter." She said with a small smile.

"Then what's different?"

"I've been throwing up all morning."

"And yet you're telling me nothing's the matter?!" He asked incredulously. "We're taking you to a healer's, we have to see what's wrong..."

"Remus." She placed a hand on his arm. "Nothing's wrong. I've spoken to a healer." She was grinning now.

"What is it?"

"Well, I've started clearing out the smaller guestroom... and we'll have to get a crib and other things for the nursery...."

"A... a baby?"

She nodded. "A baby."

He smiled and pulled her into his arms. "A baby..."

She nodded.

He kissed her forehead. "That's exciting."

"So there's nothing wrong with me."

"Apart from the usual," he joked lightly.

She gave him a look.

"I love you."

"I love you... how's your leg?"

"Still there, at the least."

"Good."

"Agreed." He kissed her softly.

She kissed him back.

He whirled her around, still holding her close. "A baby..."

She nodded. "Yes."

"Good."

Lyndell let out a small laugh.

"And very, very exciting."

"It is exciting."

"You're going to be someone's mother."

"A bit of a scary thought."

"Why? You'll be a splendid mum."

"I hope so."

"You will be."

"And I suspect you'll be a rather good dad."

"I suppose we'll see."

"You will be."

He smiled.

She kissed him again.

He kissed back.

"This'll be a lot of work..."

"But it'll be fun."

"Of course it will."

He grinned.

"Come on you, let's get you fixd up."

He let her lead the way.

She helped him up the stairs and into their room.

He sat on the bed gratefully.

She set to fixing his leg. "You really beat yourself up this time, didn't you?"

"I don't know if it was him or me, actually."

"Well you look pretty bruised."

"I'm pretty sure I tried to charge the door."

"Maybe you did."

"Feels like it anyway."

She nodded. "You need to rest."

"I suppose I should. Will you see to our guest and then come stay with me?"

"Of course, I'll be right back." Lyndell walked down the hall and knocked on the door to the guest room.

"Yeah?" Draco called out.

"Do you need anything, Draco?"

"No... I'm fine, thank you."

"Are you sure? You don't have any pains?"

"No... Professor Lupin's charm helped."

"Alright... if you need anything..."

"I'll let you know. Thank you."\

"You're welcome." Lyndell hesitated a bit before she walked away. As evil as his father was, she truly felt bad for the boy. "You sleeping?" She asked Remus as she reentered the room.

"Not yet." Remus smiled a bit.

"No?"

"No. Come here."

Lyndell did so and grinned at him.

He pulled her close. "We're going to be parents..."

"We are."

"We'll be great at it."

"I'm so excited."

"Me too. What do you think, boy or girl?"

"Mmmm boy."

"You think??" He smiled.

"Maybe."

"That could be nice."

She nodded. "A little girl would be too..."

"I could learn to fix hair."

"That would be adorable..."

"Would it really?"

"You fixing our daughter's hair? It would be priceless."

"Well... good."

She smiled.

He kissed her forehead.

"And what about you? hmm? What do you think?"

"I think... I'm tired and that now you're here, I'll sleep."

"Good." She kissed him briefly. "You need it."

He closed his eyes.

She rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes as well.

Remus was soon asleep.

~*~*~*~

"Remus, I had an idea." Lyndell sat down carefully on the couch.

"And what does this idea consist of?"

"I know the baby's coming soon and all... but..."

"But?"

"But Draco's been living here a while, and it seems he won't be leaving for a while... not that I mind, actually he's a rather nice boy."

"He's rather changed, what with everything."

She nodded. "How would you feel about adopting him?"

He paused. "I think I'd like that."

"Do you think he'd want it?"

"I think we'd have to ask him... but it would be nice."

"Good... I've grown rather fond of the boy... and he deserves better than the horrid father he's got."

"I still feel horrible for creating the problems in the first place."

"Well... everything seems to have worked for the best."

"I suppose so, in the end."

Lyndell nodded.

"We'll certainly ask him." Remus smiled.

"Good."

"I think he'll agree..."

"I hope so."

"We'll see."

"Can we ask him now?"

"Yes, we can. Come on."

Lyndell stood and squeezed his hand.

He squeezed back as they went to Draco's room and Remus knocked on the door. The boy was probably working on his summer homework... it seemed he'd recently realized he had a lot to do before September first.

"Come in." Draco called, setting down his quill.

Remus pushed the door open. "Do you mind if the three of us have a little chat?"

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

"No, nothing." Remus guided Lyndell into the room and helped her settle down on the bed. "We were talking..."

"About me." Draco had a feeling this was coming... they enjoyed having him, but it was time to return to Malfoy Manor... but he wouldn't go... he'd run away before he went back.

"Yes. If it's alright with you, of course, Lyndell and I would like to adopt you."

"What? A--Adopt me?"

"Yes... if you want."

"I... yeah..." Draco said, a bit bewildered. "But...why?"

"We like having you with us."

"But you've got the baby..."

"We want you too."

"You...you do?"

"Yeah."

"I-- I don't quite know what to say."

"It's up to you, of course... we'd like you to live with us."

"Yeah... I'd like that... thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Wow..." Draco was genuinely surprised.

"Good." Remus smiled.

Draco didn't quite know what to say."

"We'll be glad to have you here."

Lyndell stood and smiled. "Welcome to the family, I guess."

"Thanks..."

Remus smiled.

"Would you like something to eat? A celebratory dinner perhaps?"

"Let's go tell Sirius and Lyria," Remus said after a moment. They'd need to start showing Draco that aspect of their lives if he was going to live with them.

"Alright." Lyndell nodded. "We might want to talk to Dumbledore too..."

"Him too," Remus agreed. "And plus if we tell *them* the news, I bet Lyria'll cook for you." Remus grinned at her.

"Ooh. And I think I'm getting a bit hungry too."

"Well I'd imagine that happens when you're eating for two." He smiled.

"Yes."

"Come on, then." He paused. "Draco... I just need to tell you. You know that we're working against your father's side of the war... Sirius and Lyria live at headquarters. You need to help us keep it secret."

Draco nodded. "Of course."

"I just had to let you know. Thank you."

Draco nodded.

Remus led his little family - it was nice to think of them as a family - to the still dreary (though better due to Lyria's being kept cooped up) building.

Lyndell guided Draco into the entrance hallway. "Be very quiet when you walk by that painting." She whispered. "You don't want to meet my mother."

Within the house, the portrait of Sirius and Lyndell's mother was screaming and a baby's cry could be heard.

"Looks like you'll get to meet her after all." Lyndell remarked dryly. "Come on."

Remus went to help Sirius force the curtains back together.

Draco helped Lyndell with her cloak and followed her carefully down the hall.

Lyria was in the kitchen, attempting to soothe Catie while Harry and the Weasley children had breakfast.

"Come on, Draco." Lyndell pushed open the kitchen door. "Lyria!" She smiled.

Lyria smiled up at her. "Hey Dell... oh you haven't met little Catie yet, have you? Come see her... hello, Draco," she greeted on noticing him. "You should come meet Catie too."

Harry felt his jaw land around his knees. "Malfoy?!?"

Draco simply followed Lyndell. "Potter." He replied curtly.

"Oh Lyria, she's precious."

"She's still a little small but growing fast, and nice and healthy." She kissed the child's forehead. "Sit down and eat, both of you, is Remus here too?"

"He's helping Sirius with the portrait." Lyndell replied.

Draco sat at the table across from Ron.

"Well they'll both be ready for food soon enough, I imagine."

Ron and Harry exchanged glances. "What're you doing here?" Ron demanded of Draco after a minute.

"I'm not about to lunge across the table and steal your breakfast, Weasel, so calm yourself."

Lyndell nodded. "As soon as they get the curtains shut."

"What are you doing here?" Harry demanded again.

"Which we have, she'll be done screaming in a moment," Remus said as he entered the kitchen.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you any manners, Potter?" Draco sneered.

"I didn't want to waste them on you, since you haven't got any. Where would you have learned them?" Harry shot back.

"I happen to be very well mannered... so much so that the people I've been living with for the past months have decided to adopt me." Draco replied.

Harry blinked, then looked to Lyndell and Remus as if for confirmation.

"Why else would they have brought me here?" Draco asked.

"Because they got stuck with you because not even your parents wanted you," Ron suggested.

Lyndell handed Draco a plate of food. "Hungry?"

"Yes, thanks." Draco accepted it and smirked at Harry and Ron.

Lyria lifted Catie and burped her gently.

"The old hag's down for now." Sirius announced, entering the kitchen.

"Good to know." Lyria smiled at him. "You want to burp the little one?"

"Nah.... you look like you're having fun." He grinned.

Lyria made a face at him as Catie let out a dainty burp.

Next Chapter