"I can't find him," Remus yelled from the top floor of his two-floor house.

"Damn it," Sirius muttered under his breath, as he tried, in vain, the mirror. "For Merlin's sake, James, ANSWER THE BLOODY MIRROR!"

Only Remus' foot-steps answered Sirius' impatient growls.

"Any success?" Remus asked as soon as he saw Sirius. Sirius nodded negative.

"Merlin," Remus started, "Where can he be? Where could he be gone?"

It was November 1, 1981. Their life had been shaken for the worst last night, with Lily dead, Harry missing and Peter as the traitor. While the rest of the Wizarding world was celebrating the fall of Lord Voldemort, the three Marauders had tried to drown their sorrow with fire-whiskey. None had talked about Lily and Harry. They didn't have the courage to voice it, lest it should become a reality. A horrible reality.

They had gotten up in the morning to find themselves with worst headaches in Remus' house and James missing … the reason for their panic, for he has been worst hit by the last night. Remus and Sirius' life had taken a worst turn but James life had stopped. Full stop.

"How can we be so stupid?" Sirius said, smacking his head. Remus looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "Godric's Hollow. Where else could he be?"

Even though they knew for sure that James must have gone there, none made any movement towards the door. None had the courage to face the carnage of their once happy, cheerful and buoyant life.

After a moment, Sirius announced, his eyes closed with obvious pain, "We have to go there … t-to see James is a-alright."

Remus nodded, a tear trickling down his cheek. Quietly, both men turned to the door, Remus in the lead, and both lost in their thoughts. That's why when Remus stopped in shock after opening the door, Sirius didn't see him and collided right in his back.

"Re--" Sirius started, but lost his voice when he registered the person at the door.

James Potter.

James Potter covered with dust, bruises and cuts.

James Potter with tears running down his cheek.

James Potter with a bundle of … blankets?

"Harry--" Remus moved forward, to look at his godson, tears running down his cheek, unchecked.

But James wasn't paying any heed. He entered the living room silently and put the child on the couch. Carefully, he removed the blankets.

Sirius' and Remus' heart stopped beating.

The blanket was removed and it revealed … a girl? A baby girl?

"B-but," Sirius stammered, not knowing what to say. Remus silenced him with a look, which clearly meant – don't mention Harry here.

James meanwhile was oblivious of his two friends, as he flicked his wand to clean the tiny bundle in front of him. Another swish and the child's wounds healed. Third flick and the child's torn clothes transfigured to something better.

James stared at the child for long. Gingerly, he picked up the child. He turned to look at his two friends, acknowledging their presence for the first time.

Tears still running down his face, a rueful smile on his face, he announced to his friends, "Welcome Hermione Jane Granger to the family … to us … to me."