IMPORTANT A/N: Okay, I know it's been forever since I updated and I'm sorry but there is a perfectly good explanation. I've been extremely busy since I last updated. I graduated from high school, went to two proms, went to HOSA nationals in Florida, went to orientation for college, had to help my high school with band camp, had some drama going on with my dad and who I now consider my EX-stepmother, went to my own band camp for one of the most difficult and prestigious college marching bands and of course moved in and started going to college. I really couldn't convert my documents onto my laptop during the summer because I was so busy and so I couldn't update. My college is like a six-hour drive from my hometown so I couldn't really go home and get them and with band practice four times a week, a lot of work, and games every Saturday, I just couldn't do it. So I apologize for that but it couldn't be helped. My mom actually brought me disks with my documents on them not too long ago but I couldn't open them because I needed a converter. So now I'm back and ready to give you some more chapters. Be excited!

Chapter 5: Enchanted Teddy Bears and A Cherry Blossom Tree

(Back to your POV)

You recognized them immediately.

"Dad!" you yelled, running towards him. He smiled and engulfed you in a hug as you collided with him.

"How are you, my clever little sorceress?" You grinned.

"Great Dad, but what are you doing here?"

"I came to tell you that Vanessa went into labor today. She and Michael wanted all us to be there when the baby is born so I've come to borrow you for about a day so you can be there too."

"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" You were excited and you were about to be an aunt!

You quickly summoned your cloak to you and walked with your father back outside and towards the gates of Hogwarts.

The unpleasant tube-like sensation wore of quickly as you gazed around the wooded clearing that was at the edge of the wards that protected your home. Your father has told you that there has been an increasing number of attacks both on wizards and muggles so he had expanded the wards that protected your home. You couldn't apparate inside of them, just like at Hogwarts. You knew you were a good ways from your home but your father had remedied that. There was a familiar carriage waiting on both of you. You quickly climbed into it, followed by your father, and gazed out the window as the carriage began to move. For a long while, all you could see was woods and just as you began to grow anxious, your house came into view. It was very beautiful at night. You could see your huge castle-like house lit up from the outside and the many torches that bordered the pathway, across the grounds, to the lake. You could even see the stable house where your horses were kept in the increasing darkness. You couldn't wait to see your family. You had really missed them.

You stepped down from the carriage and were greeted immediately by two of your favorite house elves , Binky and Licorice.

"Hey guys, how've you been?" You hugged both of them. You knew some masters weren't good to their house elves but your family treated the ones in your house like family, and they'd been around so long, they practically were.

"Wonderful, Miss Melody! Binky and Licorice are glad you have come home. Miss Vanessa is nearly ready!"

You ushered both of them inside the house and your father quickly led you to the rest of your family. Your eyes immediately focused on your mother, who was softly playing the piano. People said she looked like an older version of you because she pretty much looked exactly like you except her hair was a few shades lighter than your own. She quickly pulled you into a hug. You smelled her familiar lavender lotion and knew you were definitely home. Your dad went and sat in an armchair next to the piano. You always thought your father was a very handsome man. He had the same color hair as your own and his eyes were like dark sapphires. His tan skin was stretched over many muscles and he stood at an imposing height for his age. He was a great dad because he was really fun and mischievous like you. Michael and Seth had inherited their roguish good looks from him. Jenna, Katherine, and Evelyn were sitting around the room, looking anxious but still trying to relax. Jenna, Jen for short, was the oldest of the sisters. She was tall and slender, with your mother's lighter toned brown hair hanging straight down a little past her shoulders. She had your father's dark blue eyes and was pale. She was the reserved sister. Katherine, Kat or Kitty for short, was a bit shorter than Jenna with black curls down to the middle of her back and the same light blue eyes as your own and your mother's. She had a peaches and cream complexion and she had muscle from playing a lot of sports. Katherine was a lot like you in the sense that she was mischievous and fun-loving. Evelyn, Evey for short, was the same height as Katherine with the same dark brown-almost black curls as you reaching all the way down to her waist and dark sapphire eyes. She had tanned skin and was muscles as well because she was very adventurous and was always doing something that seemed like it might get her killed but she lived for the thrill, the danger. Seth, your second brother and the one closest to you in age, was standing up against one fo the walls. His arms were crossed and one of his legs were bent and folded so that his foot was against the wall. He had straight, short light brown hair and sapphire blue eyes. He was slightly tanned, tall and thin but was acquiring some muscle on his wiry frame. He looked rather bored but what do you expect? Just then your youngest brother, Daniel came hurrying up to you and you picked him up laughing. He was getting so big. He had extremely messy, James-like, dark brown hair and big, light blue eyes that followed your every movement. He was pale was acquiring a small tan from playing outside so much although it was probably fading because of all the cloud cover during winter and slightly plump but you thought him extremely adorable. You put him back down and he hurried back over to your parents. Finally, in

the center of the room, you saw Vanessa, in a bed with several of the house elves attending to her. Even in the state she was, Vanessa was still radiant. Her red-gold hair contrasted majorly with the whiteness of her pillows and her deep green, golden flecked eyes were sparkling. Her skin seemed to glow and she smiled slightly at you before groaning. Michael was standing next to her, holding her hand, looking happy but concerned. Michael reminded you a lot of Sirius coincidentally. Your brother was extremely handsome with his shoulder-length curly dark brown, almost-black hair and his blue eyes which were darker than yours. He had roguish good looks like Sirius did. As you thought of Sirius, you wondered what the gang was up to right now.

(Not your POV)

The Marauders and the girls were beginning to grow seriously worried. They had all split up and searched the castle from top to bottom for Melody but she was nowhere to be found. She had totally missed detention and she hadn't been seen for hours. Right now, the Marauders and the girls were majorly breaking curfew looking for her. Remus, however, had stayed in the common room. He was staying there in case Melody came back. He had grabbed the Marauder's map and was scanning it, desperately hoping to see a dot with Melody's name or even just Melody on there but she was no where on the map. She wasn't even in the castle, on the grounds, or in Hogsmeade. A sense of dread built up in Remus. The only room that didn't show itself on the map was the Room of Requirement and Remus doubted that Melody was in there because they would've seen her by now. That only meant one thing: Melody was gone. Where was she? What has happened to her? Questions started running through Remus's head like crazy. He was now feeling guilty. Maybe she ran away from Hogwarts because of him, because he'd been acting stupid lately. Then he shook his head. No, she wasn't that stupid. Remus made a decision right then and there. He would make things right as soon as he saw Melody but first, she had to be found. He ran out of the portrait hole to find the others.

You were bored. That was the bottom line. You'd been waiting with the rest of your family, for hours on Vanessa and the baby but nothing major had happened yet. You needed to stretch your limbs so you walked down to the garden, staring out over the grounds and up at the diamond-studded sky. You knew you missed detention with the guys. You let out a sigh. You wished that you friends were here too. At least then you'd have entertainment. Heck, you even wished Remus was there. All this waiting time had given the opportunity to really think about what had happened over the past few days. You really liked Remus and that kiss outside had been heavenly but it hadn't made him think of you at all. Not to mention, he'd pretty much blown you off that night with Anna. You tucked your hair behind your ears just as a single tear slid down your smooth cheek. It hurt. You really didn't know what to do about Remus. Your head was telling you to forget him especially because of that whole thing with Anna but your heart wouldn't let you. Your heart kept making you remember good times you had had with the guys that included Remus. The memory of that rainy day kiss kept coming back more than the rest. Your heart clearly wouldn't let you give up on Remus but you didn't know what to do. Remus obviously wasn't interested in you but you needed him. A couple more tears rolled down your face. Just then Michael appeared.

"Hey, Vanessa is really getting close now so you might want to come back so you won't miss anything. The mediwitches have finally arrived thank Merlin. Seth didn't want to witness it until after the baby is born and Dad fell asleep in the parlor with Daniel so I don't have to worry about Dad fainting." He grinned.

You let out a half sob/half chuckle. A frown appeared in Michael's face.

"What's wrong sis?"

You couldn't keep it bottled up inside anymore. You told your older brother everything, feeling selfish because you were keeping him from his wife and baby but you couldn't stop once you got started. When you were done talking, you just stood there, staring at the rosebushes filed with all the color roses you could imagine. You felt your brother's arms circle you and you looked up into his face.

"Sis, don't worry. This guy will come around. He'd be crazy not to like you." Your brother was comforting you and making you feel better already. You loved your brother so much.

"Thanks, bro. Let's go check on Nessa."

Both of you were back just in time. Vanessa was ready. Soon you were going to be an aunt!

"We have to go to Professor Dumbledore." Remus insisted. He was leading the group that was heading towards the headmaster's office. Lily was crying, fearing the worst. James had his arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Sirius had his arm around Hestia, who looked like she was about to cry herself. Sirius whispered something in her ear which made her sadness cease, if only for the moment. Alice looked really worried and Frank kept squeezing he hand reassuringly. Rae looked really sad and was trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill. Kingsley had his arm around her and his face was showing total seriousness. Even Peter's face was downcast. Remus was trying hard not to show how upset he truly was. He was trying to stay strong in case, the headmaster did know what was wrong and it was really bad. The reached the gargoyle and Lily raised her head, if only for the moment.

"Pe-pepper I-imps." she sobbed. The gargoyle sprang aside and instead of traveling up to the Headmaster's office like they thought, he appeared right in front of them in his dressing gown, looking as though he has been asleep.

"Why aren't you all in bed and why do you all look so sad?"

"Please Headmaster, we've been looking everywhere for Melody. We're afraid that something terrible has happened to her. She just disappeared this afternoon and hasn't shown up since then." Remus explained

Instead of looking alarmed like they expected, he just looked at all of their sad faces and smiled. They were all bewildered.

"Miss (Lastname) isn't in any danger. In fact, she's not in a terrible situation or sad at all. She is at her home with her family because her eldest brother's wife is about to have her baby and her brother wanted her to be there as did her parents. Her father came and picked her up this afternoon. My thought is she's probably anxiously waiting for the new baby or celebrating. She is fine. I will be going to her home tomorrow to ensure she makes it safely back here to Hogwarts. You all are free to join me if you wish."

"Melody's okay?" Remus asked.

"She was at home this whole time?" Alice queried.

"Nessa's having her baby and me and James weren't told?" Sirius demanded.

Hestia smacked the back of his head, shaking her own. Lily smiled and buried her face in James's chest, just happy her best friend was okay. James had an interesting look on his face. He looked happy that Melody was okay, amazed that Lily was still close to him and even touching him, and a little miffed that he hadn't heard about the baby too, like Sirius had said. All in all, it was interesting look. Rae was smiling, not only at the fact that Melody was okay but she was close to laughing at James. Kingsley was smiling and wrapped his arms around Rae's waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. Frank slipped his arm around Alice with a smile. Alice herself was grinning and even Sirius had smiled. Remus, however, was the happiest of them all. He smiled the brightest anyone had ever seen, his amber eyes sparkled, and the whole room seemed to brighten with his smile.

"I assume you all will be joining me tomorrow?" Their nods and bright smiles answered his question.

"Sorry for disturbing you, sir." Remus apologized but he was still smiling. There were a lot of nods, agreeing with Remus's statement. They all felt a little silly now. They should've known that Melody can handle herself. They all walked back to Gryffindor Tower, anxious for tomorrow to come, but none so more than Remus.

The sun was just starting to rise. You were exhausted. You had pretty much stayed up all night, not wanting to miss anything. Not too long ago Vanessa had finally given birth to your new niece, Anastasia Jade ( Your Lastname). She was beautiful she had Vanessa's hair and your brother's eyes. She and Vanessa were sleeping right now and your house was pretty much silent. You knew you probably should be catching up on your sleep but you just couldn't for some reason. A soft breeze started to blow, making your hair softly sway and the morning sunlight was making it gleam and your eyes sparkle. Despite the fact that it had been a long night, you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. You had a beautiful new niece and you were with your family. You only wished your friends could be here with you. You smiled softly at the thought of your friends. No doubt they were probably going crazy with concern over you and you knew you should feel a little guilty for not letting them know where you were and that you were safe but strangely, you grinned at the thought. They were all probably going to kill you for not telling them but you shrugged with a smile. They'd forgive you as soon as they saw Ana, with her beautiful red-gold curls and her big dark blue eyes. You knew she was gonna be beauty and definitely a heartbreaker when she got older. You looked over the grounds of your home. You happened to notice that your cherry blossom tree was still in bloom. That was a little odd but it was still beautiful. You made a mental note to go visit the tree later on. The gorgeous sunrise was beautiful, casting it's gorgeous colors to contrast with the colors of the earth. You smiled softly and turned to go back inside. You were probably going to catch up on your zzz's or eat breakfast. Right now, sleep was more favorable.

Remus woke up the next morning, eager for the moment Professor Dumbledore would leave to go to Melody's house. He hadn't forgotten the promise he had made with himself to apologize to Melody the moment he saw her. He wished they could be close friends or maybe even more than friends. He couldn't deny that he was growing very fond of Melody. Her sparkling blue eyes, intoxicating dark curls, melodious laugh, sweet smile...Remus found himself noticing more and more things about her and the more he noticed, the more he liked. He smiled as he remembered the times they'd had together with the Marauders and alone. The memory of her walking in the dorm and catching them acting stupid and the memory of that kiss in the rain stood out vividly in his mind. As much as he tried telling himself otherwise, that kiss outside had been the best he'd ever had and his whole body tingled as he remembered the feeling of her soft lips on his own. Just the vividness of the memory was making him blush. As he was pulling on his uniform, he pulled out his poetry book. Nobody really knew about it except his ex-girlfriends, the ones he had never really given his heart to. Yet, the one girl who was a good friend but not his girlfriend was stealing that heart away and he knew it. He pulled out a quill and began to write.

Magically it seems like, she has

Enchanted my heart, causing me to

Love her and my heart to

O bey this

Dreamy, Irreplaceable girlwho I have a

Yearningfor

Remus paused and stared at the paper. He loved her? He pondered over this for a moment. He had never been in love before so he couldn't really make a fair assessment on whether or not he truly was or not. Maybe it was just infatuation. He really didn't know. He glanced at the clock. He needed to finish getting ready and to get the other guys up. He was sure they had to go to classes before they went with Professor Dumbledore to see Melody. He sighed. Classes were gonna be torture.

You were reading the paper as you ate your big stack of pancakes. You were surprised your mom had the energy to make breakfast. You knew she had hardly slept as well but she managed to look cheerful anyway. Your father was down there eating too, and trying to make Daniel eat too. Seth had already eaten but was still sitting at the table, talking with Jenna. Kat and Evey were having a discussion in between eating. You suspected Michael was sleeping upstairs with Vanessa and Ana. You didn't blame him. He had stayed up all night, being a proud and loving husband and father. It was nice to spend time with your family again. You really missed them when you were in school but you were happy because Christmas was coming very soon and you would be home for the big party. As you read the headline, the happy feeling you had was quickly evaporating.

ATTACKS ON MUGGLES AND WIZARDS GROWING BY DAY

You quickly read about how some dark wizard named Voldemort was exterminating muggles, muggle born witches and wizards, half-bloods, and purebloods who did not side with him. It was horrible to think of. Killing someone just because they didn't think like the Slytherins? Killing someone because they actually liked muggle-borns and half-bloods and were willing to support them? Killing purebloods who disagreed with this Voldemort character on the purity of blood? It was all stupid and absurd really. You realized that you had known some of the pureblooded families who had been murdered and you almost choked. You sat there in disbelief for a moment, not really believing they were gone but then it finally started to sink in. A lone tear slipped down your face.

"What's wrong, my dear?" your father's voice pierced your thoughts.

You passed him the paper. Your mother came to his side and they both read the same headline you had read, taking in all the information. Both of their faces grew serious and worried. You were immediately struck with worry. You knew your family would never speak out against muggle-borns and half-bloods even for some murderer. They were decent and not obsessed with the purity of blood. Good thing they weren't or you might have ended up in Slytherin. You knew that Mr. and Mrs. Potter were decent as well and weren't obsessed with the purity of blood either. Unless the gang was reading this too, you had to warn them when you returned.

After breakfast, in Ancient Runes, Remus couldn't concentrate even though he knew it was probably a bad idea in the long run. He was thinking about the poem he'd written and about Melody of course. Sorting out feelings takes time and for Remus it was very confusing. He couldn't really make up his mind whether it was real love or infatuation he was feeling. While he was thinking, he began to write without even realizing it.

Musical

Endearing

Lovely

Outgoing

Determined

Yearning for Remus(hopefully)

He snorted at the last night he had written without really realizing it. He was being completely mental. He was also afraid. If he told Melody how he felt about her and she didn't feel the same, he would be devastated. He figured he would probably feel the way he felt when he had told someone about his lycanthropy and they betrayed him. His 'condition' was the main reason he was trying to fight his growing feelings for his charming friend and the reason he couldn't tell her how he felt. Then he saw something slide in front of him. A note.

Nice poem.

Remus just rolled his eyes at James, who was smirking at him.

Why are you reading what I'm writing? What if I had just been writing plain old notes, huh?

But you're not, you're daydreaming about Melody. I don't see why you don't tell her you like her. I mean, when you told us Sunday night in the dorm about that kiss, we could all tell you liked it and it's obvious you like her. I mean, why wouldn't you? She's gorgeous, brilliant, talented, sweet, brave, trustworthy, probably the only girl that can be called a Marauder, what's the problem Moony?

I was not daydreaming about her! I was trying to sort out my feelings and my thoughts. Prongs, I can't just tell her that I like her. I know you can go up to Lily and make a fool of yourself, but I just can't do that. She might not even like me at all, so why risk it? Besides, I can't tell her what I am. What if she runs away from me and never speaks to me again?

I resent that remark! I do not make a fool of myself! Besides Moony, this is Melody we're talking about! She wouldn't do that to you. She trusts me and Sirius wholeheartedly so why wouldn't she trust you? Besides, if she's practically a Marauder(which she is), she won't care about your furry little problem. She might even make it more tolerable like us.

I just can't do it Prongs. As much as I like her, I just can't risk it.

What's life without taking risks? I take risks everyday.

Of course you do, pranks are a really big risk. (Rolls eyes)

I'm not talking about pranks, I'm talking about Lily. I'm always telling her that I like her and asking her out and that's a pretty big risk in itself. I mean, you know what the girl's temper is like.

Of course, but remember I've never had your bravery.

Tell her. I mean it, tell her how you feel by this weekend or I'm telling her.

Remus was about to write a reply but suddenly the bell rang. He quickly scooped up his books and the poem but the note slipped out of his grasp and fell to the floor. He didn't notice as he walked out of class with James and Sirius, deep in conversation. So of course, he didn't notice as Severus Snape picked up the note, reading it, his dark eyes glittering with malice.

"Well, well, well, Melody will hear some interesting information when she gets back."

He pocketed the note and swept out of the classroom, forming a plan.

You smiled happily as you watched your youngest brother watching over Ana intently, while playing with Truffles, the family toy. Truffles was an enchanted teddy bear with simple feelings that had been passed down to all the kids in your home. You still played with Truffles yourself because he was such a cute and cuddly teddy bear and he was fun.

You walked over to Ana. She was laying on her back in a beautiful crib watching anything and everything with her big blue eyes. She was so adorable. She grasped your finger with her little hand and your heart seemed to melt. You started to tickle her tummy and she let out a kind of gurgling sound. You knew she might not have enough lung power yet to laugh. You turned your attention to your brother again to see that he was dancing around in circles with Truffles, You laughed. You looked back at your niece and saw that she was blowing bubbles, unintentionally of course.

"Grrr! Grrr! Growl! Truffles is gonna get you!" You laughed as Daniel was rolling and wrestling around with Truffles.

"Daniel, why don't you let Ana play with Truffles?"

He got up and looked at you, holding Truffles. "Okay sissy." He walked over to Ana's crib and placed Truffles down beside her. Her big eyes turned to the enchanted teddy bear. "Truffles says Grr! Oh yes he does! Grr...grrr...grrrr ...going to get you and cuddle you! Peek-a-boo!" The bear spoke in a happy voice and Ana smiled a big toothless grin, trying to giggle.

"There you are." You turned and saw Michael standing in the doorway. He walked over to Ana's crib, smiling down at her. He ran his hand over her red-gold curls and laughing as Truffles played with her. "She is beautiful isn't she? Just like Nessa." There was a fondness and warmth in his voice you could not mistake. The love your brother felt for his wife was shining through and you could tell. That was the kind of love you wanted. Someone who cared so deeply for you that they would go to the ends of the earth for your happiness alone. The kind of love that lasted forever, the kind that your parents had and Michael and Vanessa.

"Yes, she is. I can't believe I'm an aunt. Thanks for making me feel old, bro." you teased. He laughed a full, rich, laugh that reminded you of Sirius. You had only been gone since yesterday afternoon but it felt as though you'd been gone a week. Also, since you knew that your friends were in class, there was no telling what you were missing, and you didn't just mean lessons. What you meant was, so many things happened at Hogwarts, it was hard to keep up. For all you knew, Sirius and Hestia could've already gotten together and it wouldn't have been your own doing. You took Daniel's hand and led him out of the room so Michael could have some time with his new daughter. You smiled down at your youngest brother.

"How 'bout we go outside? Maybe I can talk Seth into going riding and you can ride with me." You were, of course, referring to riding your horse around the grounds. You and Seth loved to race each other around the lake, although you couldn't race with your little brother on there with you. It would just have to be a slow ride around the lake and maybe out into the woods past it.

"Hey Seth!"

After Ancient Runes, Remus walked with the Marauders to Defense against the Dark Arts. This whole problem with Melody had been clouding his mind all morning. James was goading him every chance he got and so was Sirius because James had told him what had happened that morning in Ancient Runes. During lunch, it was as if Melody's face kept popping up while he was eating. Even in Arithmancy, he couldn't concentrate on his calculations because of his troubled thoughts and because James and Sirius saw fit to taunt him when Professor March's back was turned. She was tormenting him and she wasn't even at Hogwarts! In classes, they had been practicing nonverbal spells again but Remus just couldn't concentrate as he and the gang practiced before dinner.

"Something wrong Remus?" He looked up and saw Alice studying him.

"Nothing at all Alice."

"You look like something has been bothering you all day. You haven't really been concentrating in classes today."

"How do you know?"

She grinned. "Hey, I can be observant every once in while."

"I'm just having an off day I guess. I have a lot on my mind today."

"If you say so." But Alice knew it was something more than that. As Remus went back to his work or to thinking, Alice leaned over and whispered her suspicions to Rae. Rae pondered over them as she worked on her spells. Alice said that she thought that Remus might be coming around, he might be starting to like Melody as much as she did him. The more Rae pondered over it, the more likely it became. It wasn't exceedingly obvious because Remus held a little mystery to him but she couldn't wait to tell what she thought to Lily and Hestia a little later.

Remus knew that the time to go with Dumbledore was drawing near and he'd be seeing Melody soon. He needed to calm himself and think rationally and maturely, like he was used to doing. Now if only he could think straight when she was standing right in front of him.

You were in a beautiful, gothic cathedral surrounded by well dressed, happy people. You stopped in your tracks because you happened to catch sight of yourself in a mirror. You weren't the same age you are now, you looked a few years older. You were wearing a spaghetti strap baby blue dress that stopped at the knee on your right leg but then the cut slanted downward so that it reached the middle of your calf on your left leg and matching high-heeled sandals. Your long hair had been straightened and the ends near your temples pulled away from your face, behind your head. The only jewelry you were wearing a simple, single diamond on a skinny silver chain. Your make-up was simple and your face was glowing from the warmth of the room you were in. Suddenly you felt arms slide around your waist and you turned to face none other than Remus.

"Hello love. Have I told you today how beautiful you look?"

You felt yourself answering but not of your own accord. "No, but thanks for the compliment. It wasn't really my day to look drop dead gorgeous though. Today is Lily and James's, well, mostly Lily's."

"While it's true that Lily looked beautiful, no one could ever compare to you."

"Well, aren't you just the charmer today? I knew all those years of poetry had to still be inside of you. You don't look so bad yourself."

It was true. Actually, Remus looked rather dashing in his tuxedo. He like you looked a bit warm in this room filled with people but he looked happy. You reached your hand up, stroking his cheek softly then sliding it through his soft, slightly graying hair. You leaned in and placed your lips on his. You felt his grip on you tighten and he pulled you against him, wanting you to be as close as possible. The kiss grew intensely passionate and although, you knew that you shouldn't be doing this here of all places, you couldn't stop yourself.

"Okay you two, break it up."

You broke apart from Remus to see Sirius grinning at you, his arm around Hestia's slim waist.

"And you guys call me bad. At least I'm not playing tonsil hockey at my best mate's wedding reception."

"I think all those times we caught you at school makes up for that, Siri."

"Anyways, you guys have gotta come for the toasts, at least you do Mel because you were Lily's matron of honor and I was the best man. I think Lily and James wanna get through this reception quickly because they do seem anxious to be together." He smirked.

"Well, naturally." you grinned. "Alright Siri, let's go give them a proper send off."

Remus slid his arm around your waist and you stole a quick glance at the mirror. As your eyes met that of your reflections', you jolted awake.

After you had gone riding, you had come back inside and gone up to your room. You guessed while you had been daydreaming about Remus, you had fallen asleep. As you sat up, you thought about your dream. Only, it didn't seem like a dream; it was more like a vision. Why on earth would you be getting visions of the future, if that was your future at all? As far as you knew, you had no psychic abilities and nor did anyone in your family, past or present. Maybe it was just a one time thing. You really weren't sure. You sat there, going back over the dream or vision or whatever it was. You had been only a few years older than you were now and you had been together with Remus. You grinned at that. Obviously you got what you wanted in the future, or was it all just some crazy invention of your imagination? The realization that it might be a dream made you frown. You sat there deep in thought. Lily and James had been getting married, well, were married and Sirius and Hestia had been together. If it was vision, then your matchmaking skills were absolutely superb and if it was dream, you'd have to make it a reality. But how? Your matchmaking, however superb, could only go so far. The rest was up to them, or fate. You believed fate had a bigger hand. You glanced at the clock. It was getting late and you had to go back to school soon. You got up and headed to the bathroom to take a shower and change clothes.

Remus's stomach felt like it had butterflies in it because they had been called to Dumbledore's office. Everyone else was happy and excited that they were going to see Melody but Remus was starting to dread it. He was trying to think of some way not to go when Dumbledore spoke.

"It's time for us to depart. Is everyone here who is going?"

Remus looked around. James, Sirius and Peter looked anxious to leave, Lily, Rae, Alice, and Hestia were talking quietly, even Frank and Kingsley were there. Melody would probably be surprised to see that so many people had come to get her but she would be happy nevertheless. Remus's stomach felt like it was tied up in knots and his palms were sweaty. He didn't know what to do but he was starting to feel like he couldn't go through with it. He was about to open his mouth to back out but Sirius elbowed him in the ribs.

"Oh no you don't," he hissed, "You're going. You're going to see Melody and you're going to make things right or me and James will tell her the truth."

"Damn you Sirius." Remus replied, rubbing his rib cage. Sirius just grinned.

"Everyone ready?" Dumbledore was holding a glass bottle and Remus knew he had created a Portkey.

"Touch the bottle everyone." Sirius grabbed Remus's hand and held it up to the bottle. He was going to make sure that Remus was not going to escape. Remus glared at Sirius. 3...2...1...

Remus felt the familiar pull behind his navel and the next thing he knew, he was standing in the same wooded clearing that you and your father had apparated into the day before, except, there was no carriage waiting for them.

"Now what?" Sirius spoke up.

"Patience Mr. Black, I know what to do." Dumbledore quickly pulled out his wand and whispered something, then something silvery shot out of his wand and disappeared into the trees. Remus was a little curious as to what it was but he didn't ask. Remus closed his eyes, just listening to the sounds around him as he stood there, waiting for whatever it was that Dumbledore was waiting for. As he listened deeply he thought he heard a flute playing softly.

At that very moment, You were playing your flute softly trying to coax Ana off to sleep. The funny part was you were putting Truffles to sleep but not Ana. Ana was restless. She was definitely your brother's little girl. Your brother was always restless, moving about constantly and many nights, you had woken up, finding him with a case of insomnia. You picked her up, softly rocking her and making soothing sounds so she would calm down, still no luck. You sighed. She was stubborn. Then you had an idea.

You continued to rock her as you opened your mouth and began to sing softly.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes

when you're fast asleep,

In dreams, you will lose your heartache,

whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday,

your rainbow will come smiling through,

no matter how your heart is grieving,

if you keep on believing,

the dreams that you wish,

will come true..."

Ana's big eyes began to get heavy...

Almost a half hour had passed since Dumbledore had shot off the silvery thing from his wand. James and Sirius were beginning to grow very restless. Suddenly the sound of horse's hooves and wheels became louder and louder and a carriage rolled into view.

"All aboard." Dumbledore said smiling, the familiar twinkle in his eyes prominent even in the increasing darkness. They all climbed into the carriage and Remus knew it had been expanded on the inside, as if they knew that a big group was coming. Remus figured that Dumbledore had told them that a big group was coming. Remus looked out of the carriage window and for a while could only see woods stretching on forever then suddenly he saw sloping grounds, a lake, a big stable house, and then a huge castle-like house came into view. The knots in Remus's stomach seemed to get tighter and tighter.

James elbowed him in the arm and whispered grinning, "See what you'll be marrying into? You'll never wear shabby clothes again mate!"

Remus responded by smacking him around his head and rolling his eyes.

As the carriage stopped and everyone climbed out, they were met by several house elves, who James and Sirius greeted enthusiastically. Remus was not paying attention to all this however. He knew that the moment of truth had finally come.

They were escorted by the house elves through a huge hall and into a parlor of sorts. Remus was not prepared for what he saw though. Melody's whole family was there except her, and because he didn't see a crib, the baby either.

"Albus! It's such a pleasure to see you again." A tall, very muscles man with the same colored hair as Melody and dark sapphire eyes strode forward, wringing Dumbledore's hand. Remus assumed that must be her father. As they began to talk, Remus looked around looking at her family. A beautiful woman that looked like an older version of Melody but with lighter hair strode forward and stood by her father's side.

Her mother, Remus thought. Now he knew where Melody got her beauty from.

Three beautiful young women were sitting together on a couch. Remus knew these must be her three older sisters, Jenna, Evelyn, and Katherine. James and Sirius were conversing with a slightly older boy Remus guessed must be Seth, the sibling closest to Melody in age. Remus also noticed a little boy running around with extremely messy, James-like, dark brown hair and big light blue eyes.

This must be Daniel. Remus thought smiling.

Remus then noticed that the girls, Frank, and Kingsley were talking to Seth and James and Sirius were now talking to a young man with roguish good looks like Sirius's. His curly dark brown almost black hair was down to his shoulders and he had dark blue eyes. His arm was around a lovely young woman with red-gold hair and beautiful, golden-flecked, green eyes. She looked almost like the spitting image of Lily. Remus figured that this was Michael and Vanessa, the new parents. Remus walked over. James noticed him coming over and introduced him.

"Michael, Nessa, this is our good buddy and fellow marauder, Remus Lupin. Remus, this is Melody's oldest brother, Michael and his wife, Vanessa."

Michael smiled a secretive sort of smile but stuck out his hand. "Great to meet ya Remus."

"Likewise." Remus smiled back.

"If you don't mind my asking, where's Melody and your baby?"

"My little sister is upstairs, trying to get my little daughter to sleep. I told her that if she had any trouble to come find me but obviously she wants to do it herself." Michael chuckled. "She's so determined."

James and Sirius once again engaged the young couple in conversation and Remus slipped away, determined to find Melody. He thought he heard soft singing coming from up the stairs so he followed it. The closer he got, the louder it became. Finally he figured out what room it was coming from and he gently pushed the door open a little more.

"No matter how your heart is grieving,

if you keep on believing,

the dreams that you wish,

will come true..."

There she was. She was singing softly to a little baby girl with a few red-gold curls on her head, who seemed to be sleeping now. A sweet, affectionate smile came over Melody's face as she placed the baby in her crib and covered her up. Remus gathered up his courage and decided it was time to be brave. He pushed open the door and walked in.

"I thought you said you were gonna tell me the next time you sang." he said softly. She looked stunned to see him.

You were stunned to see him. You had no idea what the plan was for getting you back to school tonight but obviously the gang had come for you or maybe...your heart leapt in your chest, maybe Remus came by himself.

"Remus..." you whispered, still not really believing he was standing there in front of you but you were happy to see him. The memory of how he had angered you flew out of your mind as you stepped forward and hugged him. You buried your face in his shoulder and breathed in deeply. The familiar scent of chocolate came to your nostrils and you wished you could just stay like that. You felt his arms circle around his waist and your skin tingled even through your clothes. He held you like that for a few moments but then it ended all too soon. You stood in front of him, not sure of what to say but he spoke first.

"Melody, I'm really sorry about what happened before you left. Anna means nothing to me and I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings that night. I hope we can go back to being as close as before you left."

You smiled. "Of course Remus. I'm sorry too, I was being stupid."

"You could never be stupid, ever." You fought the blush that was threatening to spread over your face.

"So that's your new little niece."

You looked lovingly at her small, sleeping frame. "Yes, her name is Anastasia Jade (Lastname). Isn't she beautiful?"

"She is, just like her aunt."

Is Remus trying to make me swoon? Cause it's working. You thought, practically warming at the core.

Then you remembered what he had said as he came in. "I'm sorry Remus, I'll sing for you some other time but it was the only thing that would put Ana to sleep."

"Don't worry about it, I was only teasing. You'll be a natural born mother someday."

"Thank you."

Just then the rest of the your friends appeared in the doorway and started to rush towards you, but you shushed them and pointed towards the crib. They understood and were quieter. Every single one fo them hugged you and told you that they were glad you were safe. Lily explained to the situation that they had gone through and you told them how your father had surprised you and you had no time to tell them what was going on. You apologized for putting them through all that but they waved it off and they all took turns looking at the baby and saying how beautiful she was, about she had Vanessa's hair and Michael's eyes, etc. The usual things. Professor Dumbledore appeared stunning you and told you that they would be leaving shortly. You nodded and he also walked up to look at Ana. You beckoned to Remus and the two of you left so the others could admire Ana.

You walked out to the grounds and out to the cherry blossom tree. You admired it. You were seriously confused at why it was still in bloom because it was almost wintertime. Maybe your parents had cast some sort of spell on it or it had magic of it's own deep down. You really didn't know. You saw a lot of pink petals littering the grounds where they had fallen off the tree but it was still beautiful. You touched the delicate blooms, marveling at their texture and beauty.

"Why are we out here?" Remus spoke up.

"I wanted to show you this tree. I have no idea why it's still in bloom when it's so cold out here but it's still beautiful."

"Indeed it is."

Just then a cold, Northern breeze blew making pink petals snow down on you and Remus. You held out your arms for a moment, marveling at the beauty of this moment but then you grew cold so you wrapped your arms around yourself. You looked up at Remus. He had petals in his hair and on his shoulders. He stepped up to you and held you against his chest, instantly warming you. You wanted to stay like this for all eternity but sadly you knew it could never be.

"We'd better go. I need to grab some stuff and we have to back in time for detention." You grinned.

He nodded and took your hand in his own. Your heart leapt.

You felt tears rising in your eyes as you said goodbye to everyone. You knew Hogwarts was your home too but you really missed your family and with the news of all these attacks you were worried. You walked with your head down to the carriage. You felt an arm slide around your shoulders and you looked up to see Sirius smiling reassuringly at you. A hand grabbed yours on your other side and you turned your head to see James.

"They'll be fine." he whispered.

"I hope so." you replied.

Soon, you were walking up the familiar grounds of Hogwarts to the castle. You walked with the gang up to Gryffindor Tower and put your stuff back in the dorm, then you headed off with the guys because you realized it was time for your detention. This time you and the guys had the mop the Great Hall and once again you had an idea. You transfigured the rages and mops into square brushes and attached them to your feet. You knew what you were wearing, a plum, V-neck ruffled sweater with a black pleated skirt and black suede boots, was not exactly appropriate for this but you didn't care. You dunked the brushes into the buckets of soapy water and started sliding around like you were figure skating.

"Go idea sis!" Sirius cried laughing as he slid past you. You knew as well as they did that you weren't supposed to be having fun but you didn't care. You needed something to take your mind off of your family. You slid over to Remus and he grabbed your hands. Then both of you began to spin, laughing. After you were done, or as done as it was gonna get, you all headed off to Gryffindor Tower for a little while before your Astronomy lesson.

That night in Astronomy, you were supposed to find and plot as many known constellations as you could and whoever found the most would get house points. You had Astronomy with the Ravenclaws and you were determined to help your house win. When class was over, you heard that a girl in Ravenclaw found eighteen constellations so she got three points for Ravenclaw. Lily came in second and she found twenty-two constellations, gaining Gryffindor five points. And in first, it was a tie between you and Remus and you guys both got ten points for Gryffindor. Gryffindor had gained twenty five points that night! Life was good. You headed back to Gryffindor Tower that night with gang, happy but extremely tired and ready for some sleep. So much had happened but you wouldn't change it at all.