Situational Ethics

Situational Ethics

By Zega

Edited by Missy Padfoot

Posted on August 13th, 2008

Chapter 23:

"The Disastrous Shower"

"Come along, Remus dear," Sirius couldn't resist harassing Harry's buttocks with a tiny, affectionate pinch.

"Ow!" Harry jumped and slammed a hand over his arse, attempting to sooth it and coax the nasty, stinging sensation into going away. "What did you do that for?!"

Sirius clamped his hand over Harry's mouth, pressing his finger to his lips. "Can you at least try to sound like Remus?"

Stupid Polyjuice Potion. Someone seriously needed to enhance that potion's benefits, such as allowing the user to sound somewhat like the person they are pretending to be. "Ahem, I love you too, Sirius." Harry attempted in his best Remus impersonation.

"Er...." Harry’s voice was rough and raspy, kind of like an old man's voice. "How about you just stay quiet?" It wasn't a suggestion.

"Anything for you, baby."

Sirius grimaced then stepped away from Harry. "Did we get everything?"

Harry looked into the basket. He had nappies, napkins, new towels, a more efficient bid, a shiny bottle, some wipes, baby shampoo, baby powder, and powdered milk. Harry checked the list and crossed out the final item. He had everything he needed for now. It would be a while before he would feed little Erasmus baby food.

"Yes. We can leave now," ...before the Polyjuice Potion wears out.

They paid at the register then left.

Harry, along with Remus, Sirius, and of course, Erasmus had finally paid a visit just earlier in the day to St. Mungo's, and much to everyone's relief, Erasmus was coming along fine. Though the healers were rather upset with Harry's decision, wizarding hero or not, to keep his pregnancy hush-hush. The only thing the healers worried about was Erasmus' physical structure. To be frank, he was scrawny. But that wasn't anything that Harry and his male guardians didn't already know. What they were anxious to hear was whether or not Erasmus was healthy.

The healers ran some tests and confirmed that Erasmus wasn't the healthiest baby they've seen, but was in better shape than most babies born from wizards. They then added that Erasmus wasn't a weak baby either. He was strong enough to make it, so long as Harry gave him extra care and brought Erasmus to the hospital for regular check ups. They had then given Erasmus a few potions that would enhance his immune system. It was quite common for wizard born babies to have a lower defense system among the many other defects - as the healers put it. When Harry asked why this was, the healers could do nothing more than shake their heads. It was not due to the field's neglect. It was that the parents of the deceased babies refused to give their children to the hospitals for research. "Your guess is as good as ours," the healers had told Harry.

All the excitement had worn Erasmus out, so after the visit Remus took Erasmus home while Sirius and Harry went out to buy some supplies.

"Remus, are you sure you don't want to apparate?"

"Yeah. It's been a while since I last had a good walk. I need to stretch my legs." And I'm in no hurry to change a baby's nappy. Harry responded.

In the quiet of the evening, Harry and Sirius walked beside each other, enjoying the cool evening breeze and refreshing air. If Harry concentrated a little more than he usually did, he could smell mold inside that old house that he had grown accustomed to and Harry doubt that was good for his lungs. "What are you thinking about?" Sirius asked curiously.

"Nothing. I'm just taking in my surroundings." Ahead white, baby pink and blue balloons tied to a mailbox swayed in the wind. "What's that?" Harry asked as he took longer strides.

"Hmm, I guess someone's having a party."

"I s'pose. But what kind of party?" As they approached the house, they turned and saw a banner on the gate with the words: Baby Shower.

"Oh...." They said at once.

"I forgot about those." Harry said; his voice carried an underlying tone of envy.

Sensing Harry's emotional change, Sirius tried to make the baby shower seem trivial by shrugging his shoulders and walking away with his head up high. However, Harry didn't follow. He stayed in front of the house, watching the party with a bit of light in his eyes. Sirius sighed. He didn't have a child, so he possibly couldn't understand what Harry felt like he had missed.

There was nothing like having family to celebrate the coming of your child with you. If it wasn't for this war, Harry would've had that, but he couldn’t and since that was the case, he had to forego without it. "Come along, Remus. Your son is waiting."

Sirius reached out and took Harry's arm. "Did you see the mother to be?"

Sirius debated whether he should answer.

"She looked so happy. Everyone was there to see her and help her prepare for her baby."

"Yes, dear. That's usually what happens at baby showers. The mother gets showered in gifts, attention, and food."

Harry continued to look back, his eyes evidently glued to the scene even while Sirius desperately tried to keep him from looking. The damage was done. Harry had seen a baby shower from afar, and it looked so wonderful. He could only wish that he could have had one too.

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER

"Blimey, I can't get it out of my head, Remus." Sirius ran his hand through his hair for the third time. "He just looked so - I don't know." Sirius intertwined his fingers then leaned his elbows on his knees. "I just wish we could have the same thing for him. He deserves it. After everything he's been through and everything he will endure, it's the least we could do for him."

"Sirius, it isn't safe for Harry."

"Then we'll only invite our close friends and family."

"Hmm... Perhaps that's all we can do."

"Yes! We should! Properly introduce Harry's youngster into the family."

"Alright. But maybe we should first take this up with Harry."

"Take what up with me?" Harry was standing in the doorway, rubbing his baggy eyes and holding a blanket in the other. He looked much like a child himself. Harry was still very young. It was hard to picture him as a man, even less a father.

"Harry, we wanted to, it if is alright with you, throw a baby shower."

The blanket dropped to Harry's feet. He looked so eager to comply and thank them, but there was something stopping him. They could see it. It was the reason the smile on his face was falling. "How can we if no one is supposed to know about Erasmus and me?"

"What do you mean, Harry?" Asked Sirius.

"No one can know that I'm the father. No one - not even Ron and especially not Hermione."

Sirius and Remus exchanged worried and confused glances at each other. "Why is that, Harry?" asked Remus.

"You know already! It's because I'm afraid that he'll find out."

"Are you referring to your partner?" Remus asked.

"Yes. If they know they may feel free to discuss it with other members of the Order and because they don't know who the other father is, it may slip."

"Is it so important that your partner doesn’t know?"

"Yes!" Harry, believing that he had already emphasized that, was growing impatient and weary of Remus and Sirius.

"Why is that?" Remus asked.

There were so many things Harry could've told them, but the one thing he shouldn't have mention managed to slip. "He can't know because he's already married."

Harry was unaware that he just eliminated a great number from Remus' list of suspects.

Sirius ran forwards to embrace Harry while Remus' eyes widened by a fraction. There was only one other member in the Order that was married besides Arthur. "Merlin's beard...," Remus whispered softly to himself. Remus then understood how important it was that Harry kept Erasmus a secret. For many reasons, Harry's partner could not know.

Completely blown away by Harry's allusion, Remus took a seat on the couch and tried to catch his breath.

Sirius brought Harry next to Remus and then offered, "If it's alright with you, we will pose at Eras' parents."

Harry stared at Sirius, his eyes hinting disbelief and betrayal. It was he who carried the baby. How dare someone else pose as Erasmus' parent?! Harry was just about to attack Sirius, but then Remus placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "It would only be so that we can protect Eras and you. We know we could never replace your roll. I, especially, have no right claiming your position. I didn't even have the courage to bring forth a child. But since you said yourself that you do not wish for anyone else to know, we cannot have the baby shower unless you agree to have us pose as the parents. We cannot just bring Eras and not tell anyone who his parents are. I'm sure no one will suspect you, since it is too early to see any obvious relating features. We will probably be the first suspects since everyone knows Sirius and I have been together for quite some time.”

Harry remained pensive for a while until he could hear Kreacher scurrying about upstairs. "I'll help him." Sirius ran upstairs, leaving Harry alone with Remus.

Once Sirius disappeared upstairs, Harry felt the tension in the room escalate. Remus' eyes were riveted on Harry's, and from the look of it, Harry figured he was going to ask his question whether or not Harry was prepared. "You know, don't you? I can see it in your eyes. You're dying to ask me about him, aren't you? Just please, don't patronize me."

Finally, looking away, Remus slouched against the couch. He didn't know where to start. He figured that Sirius would be gone for some time, but still, there was just so much to ask Harry. "I guess I will start by asking why."

Harry's eyes closed. "I don't want to make you sick."

Remus gaped incredulously, "Harry, unless the reason you brought the child into the world is to suffer, then maybe I would feel queasy, but I know you and I know that you would never wish such a thing onto anyone."

Even with Remus' reassurance, Harry could not... would not talk about it, "It's complicated...."

There was no sense pushing someone as obstinate as Harry. So instead, Remus asked, "Does Severus love you?"

"I honestly don't know."

"Severus is a complex fellow, everyone knows that. You may think one thing about him and he'll let you continue to hold that opinion and then one day he'll surprise you. I can't say I know anything more about Severus' affections towards you other than the bitterness I've seen him throw at you, so I must say that I am astounded to have learned that he is Eras' other father."

"Please don't ask about the details."

"I know how babies are made, Harry. I can fill in the blank spaces on my own. What I am curious to know is how and when this all started."

"It all - Sirius, what happened?" The two wizards froze in their spots. Harry couldn't have been happier to see Sirius.

The nearly exhausted wizard walked in with baby powder all over his face and clothes. "I unscrewed the cap because the powder was jammed. Then I dropped the cap. When I bent down to reach for it, Eras stretched out his leg, knocked over the bottle, and here I am."

There were white footprints following Sirius from the room upstairs, down the stairs, and to the entrance of the drawing room. Harry leaned back and began laughing. "Sirius, you idiot!"

"How was I supposed to know it was going to kick the bottle?"

Remus smiled amusedly. Only his Sirius would allow such a thing to happen.

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER

On his bed, Harry sat, holding a bottle to Erasmus' mouth while humming gently. Besides napping, this was one of Harry's favourite activities because Harry felt it bonded him and his son and allowed Harry the joy of holding Erasmus.

Erasmus was tired. He kept his eyes half lidded for the most part and his mitt-ed hands remained limp on his tummy.

A soft knock on the door pulled Harry away from his thoughts. Sirius entered a few moments later with a roll of parchment in one hand and a quill in the other. "Harry, are you busy?" asked Sirius.

"Just feeding Eras," Harry responded while continuing to feed Erasmus.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we wanted to discuss with you and form a list of invites for the party."

Harry set the bottle aside and snatched the parchment from Sirius' hand and his eyes scanned it to see who they had in mind.

Remus entered a few moments later. "I'll read it off and then you decide."

Harry nodded then passed Remus the list of invites. Remus stood by Harry's desk, ready to cross out names. "I'll start with Ron and Hermione."

"Of course."

"The Weasleys?"

"All except Percy and Fleur. Can't have Percy reporting anything to the Ministry and I don't trust Fleur around with other men. You know, she being veela and all."

"I shall cross out Hermione's parents for obvious reasons."

"Alright."

Remus went down the list. "Tonks and her parents?"

"Acceptable."

"Moody and Kingsley?"

"Kingsley, yeah, Moody is debatable. So long as he doesn't try to inspect Eras with that eye of his, I think it'll be alright." Harry paused. "I want Luna there too. Luna Lovegood. And Neville as well."

"Done," said Remus, "and Dumbledore?"

Remus understood Harry's delayed response. If anyone else knew about Harry's affair with Snape, it would be Dumbledore. Almost nothing escaped that man. Something that has been going on longer than nine months must've surely caught his attention. "There's no hiding anything from him. If he asks... well, what can we do? Just invite him."

Remus hesitantly wrote a 'maybe' next to Dumbledore’s name. He then looked at the two names following and then threw a sympathetic glance at Harry. "Caitlin?"

"Why not?"

"Severus Snape?"

Harry's heart froze as did his posture. His mouth parted slightly then closed. He knew what he wanted to say, but Remus did not. Furtively, he passed a glance that screamed, "Help me!" at Remus and the man scribbled something beside Snape’s name.

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE

Many sounds echoed below: the banging of pots and pans, the sounds of dishes being stacked and washed, noisy chatter about preparations, and that of furniture being moved. Nearly every time Harry visits the Weasleys, the house was far from quiet and free from Mrs. Weasley's commanding voice. Today, however, the house was extra noisy with party preparations and on a regular day, a few weeks back, Harry wouldn't have mind. But his son was trying to sleep and his constant whining and frowning alerted Harry that Erasmus was disturbed.

With very few options, Harry could little more than scoop the child into his arms and try soothing him by talking. "It's alright, sweetheart. Shhh...."

Ron shifted on his spot, trying to get a closer look at Erasmus from across the room. After peering over, Ron commented much to Harry's detestation, "He kind of does have Sirius' eyes."

Harry could feel his face boiling beneath his skin, but said nothing. He has my eyes, you nitwit.

"Other than that, I don't see much of either of them. Maybe the hair, but it's still real short and fine. Kind of hard to tell."

Ginny entered the room and while standing over the threshold, she leaned over and smiled. "He's so cute."

Why, thank you. Harry smiled then held the baby closer to Ginny so that she may inspect him.

"He definitely has Remus' nose."

It must run in the family. Harry turned away from Ginny, doing his best to control his boiling temper. The Wealseys, or at least Ginny and Ron, had a brain as broad as a troll's. Clearly anyone could see that his young son had Snape's conspicuous nose.

"Move over!" Fred walked through, shoving Ginny back out into the halls with his hips so that he and his brother could enter. "We were given a very special assignment."

George held out a baby's bottle then Fred joined Harry on the bed. "Say 'ah'." Fred, however, snatched the bottle from Georges’s hands, determined to feed the baby himself.

After years of witnessing the twin's jokes in action, Harry's first reaction was to panic. He backed little Erasmus away from the bottle. "What is that?" He asked.

Fred lifted the bottle to his face and inspected the creamy white substance. "Hmm, I don't know. Maybe milk?"

"I'm serious, Fred."

"So am I."

"Eras is only a baby-"

"Is that your name? Eras?" Fred reached out and shook little Eras' hands. "Aw, your mitts are so cute."

"Fred!"

"But he is, Harry! He's almost too cute to be Remus' and Sirius' son."

Feeling rather taken aback, Harry wished for a split second to ask who Erasmus then reminded them of, but instead, he snatched the milk from Fred and out of distrust for the twins, he took a sampling sip.

The milk was as creamy as ever and lukewarm. It went over Harry's tongue and down this throat as milk should. Nothing strange happened either as Harry sat back and waited for the after effects.

"Like we said. Nothing. Why don't you trust us, Harry?" asked George. "If he was a bit older we might try giving him something. But he's just a baby."

Harry turned so that his back was to the twins, then he slowly guided the bottle's tip to the baby’s mouth. Erasmus reached up and tried to hold the bottle with his thin, stubby arms. "He's so skinny. Is that normal for a baby?" asked Ron.

For Erasmus, it didn't matter how much he was fed. Sure the baby was gaining weight, but it was due to growing and not to packing on some necessary pounds. To Harry, Erasmus was just as scrawny and sickly looking as he was the night he was born.

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER

There were gifts wrapped in soft coloured and flowery paper stacked together in the corner of the drawing room. In the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley and Tonks worked together preparing a feast fit for winter solstice. Outside, by the gardens, gnomes scurried about while a few wizards chattered and feasted on hovering appetizers. Further out on the yard, Luna was sitting with Ginny and Hermione, giggling while the boys raced around on their brooms. George had the lead with Ron following closely behind, but poor Neville had been left in their dust.

All seemed well and just peachy, and then there was Harry. The boy had many expectations for a baby shower. Many high expectations. He knew from what little he had seen that the mother was to receive much praise and an exceptionally high level of attention from the guests. Well, that attention and praise was being passed on in high doses, but to Remus and not Harry. The boy was sitting on a table by the gardens, across was Remus, who was doing his best to remember that Erasmus was in his arms whilst conversing with his many adoring fans. Mr. Weasley rambled on about the many Muggle toys he had purchased for Erasmus; Kingsley was standing aside, smiling and laughing with his deep, low voice. There were also Tonk's parents who were petting Erasmus' fuzzy head, commenting ridiculously about how much Erasmus was already beginning to resemble Remus. Bill and Charlie were also standing aside, trying every now and then to touch the baby or converse with the other guests.

The only thing that made Harry smile while sitting there was hearing Remus stumble over a very badly rehearsed story about his pregnancy. Other than that, Harry was rather disappointed and wanted nothing more than to take Erasmus from Remus' arms and return to Grimmauld Place. Alas, he doubted that he could even do that with so many people around.

"Harry, d'you mind helping me set the tables?" Tonks placed her hands on Harry's shoulders softly while leaning in.

Harry got up slowly with his head hanging low. "Sure."

He practically dragged his body away from the cheery crowd and into the house. "Is that you, Harry?" called Mrs. Weasley, "Why the long face? Today's a special day! You should be proud of your godfather and Remus. Many wizards join together, but not as many produce children. It's a shame."

Remus then hurried into the room with Erasmus in his arms. His eyes as large as Dobby’s as they scanned the room, desperately searching for something. When his eyes settle on Harry, he hurried over and passed the baby to Harry. "Harry, where are the nappies?"

Harry rolled his eyes as he took Erasmus from Remus’ arms, "I got it."

"You sure?"

"Yeah," Harry's voice sounded rather down and just... gloomy.

"You alright?"

"Yeah. Don't worry. I'll take care of him." Harry caught Remus’ eyes, seemingly desperate to remind someone other than himself that the baby was his. ?He's mine."

Remus released Erasmus without another word then walked back outside. Sirius was returning from racing his broom with the other boys and everyone seemed to have questions for him. The guests had already heard Remus' story, and now they wanted to hear Sirius'.

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

Harry turned abruptly just as he was about to enter a side room. He saw Mad-Eye Moody limping into the room with his magical eye scanning the place madly for unseen traps and hexes while his normal eye was settled on Harry. He was wearing what appeared to be a new, black and gray robe with a traveling cloak over his shoulders. He leaned against his staff and took in a deep breath. He could smell Mrs. Weasley's home cooking.

"Why are you in here? Shouldn't you be out there celebrating?"

It was common knowledge to know that Moody's magical eye was different from everyone else's. With such an eye, Moody could see from all around; even from the back of his head. Harry knew personally that Moody's eye could also see through tables, clothes, and even Invisibility Cloaks. But, could it also inform Moody that the baby in Harry's arms wasn't Remus' and Sirius'?

Moody limped forwards and took a closer look at Erasmus, who was staring through half lidded eyes. "All the excitement must've worn him out."

"He was lively earlier."

"What did you say his name was?" asked Moody.

"Erasmus."

"Ah... Erasmus. Erasmus... Potter, I presume?" The magical eye that was once going crazy was riveted on Harry and Moody was suddenly smirking. "I don't need my eye to see everything, Harry. Some times, I just need a little mind searching."

Harry was too stunned and had trouble forming a sound. If Moody could guess this easily... He's been an Auror for years. The best. Of course he could figure this out!

"Erasmus has those famous green eyes. I know Black and Lupin enough to know that they don't carry that gene. Only one other person has those eyes, I told myself. And besides your mother, that was you."

"Please...," once Harry found his voice again, he asked softly, "...please don't tell anyone."

"That isn't my business, Harry. But if you don't tell the snarky man, pray that he doesn't find out himself."

Moody leaned away just as Dumbledore walked in through the door. "Alastor, please don't tell me you are interrogating Harry."

"Merely getting a good look at the young lad."

"Ah, where is young Erasmus. I have yet to see him."

Harry held very still as yet another skilled Legilimens stepped forwards. Dumbledore leaned forwards, shortening the distance between himself and Erasmus. He smiled warmly and his moon shaped speckles slide down his long nose. He stroked his beard and while maintaining the same, kind smile the twinkling in his eyes faded. Great. Harry thought. At this rate I might as well blab to everyone.

Dumbledore than met Harry's eyes as he straightened himself out. "He's a lovely boy - though quite skinny. Are they feeding him enough?"

Harry could see Dumbledore restrain his chuckles. Of course Dumbledore knew that Remus and Sirius weren't the parents. Harry had even caught Moody raising a skeptical brow at Dumbledore. However, being in denial put Harry at ease. He didn't feel like enlightening anything at the party. Harry then heard some laughter outside that momentarily distracted Harry's two guests. He took a breath then recalled how much he wanted attention, but the attention he was receiving, though quite expected, was far from what he had in mind.

"Looks like Black is making a fool of himself," said Moody as he limped away from Harry. "Coming, Albus?"

Dumbledore moved forwards after passing a warm smile at Harry. Harry couldn't be more thankful for Dumbledore not asking about Erasmus' parentage.

With everyone gone, Harry slipped into the side room.

While changing Erasmus' nappy in the empty room, Harry listened with much amusement as Sirius recited a suspiciously different story from the one Remus had. The guests however conveniently thought of it as seeing one thing from two points of views. Their stories weren't that much different, but still, Harry thought that at least Kingsley would've caught on. Maybe he was just being polite. Hopefully though, he wouldn't confront either one of them later. "Maybe I should've given them an insight." Harry tapped Erasmus' nose then kissed his forehead. "My precious, baby boy."

Harry made sure the nappy was secured before he lifted his son into his arms then walked out the door. What caught Harry's eyes the next second could've just as easily emitted the same reaction one got when confronting a Dementor. Black eyes bore into his while an amused smirk held its own on the wizard's face. "You... I..." Harry's lips trembled and then he felt a hand on his shoulder, bringing him back from his depths of his mind.

"Harry=dear, it's been so long," Caitlin appeared from the side of Harry's right eye, then greeted him with a quick squeeze to his shoulder. "You're looking well, but parched. Are you thirsty, Harry? I could get us some drinks."

"P... please." Harry was still recovering from an emotional attack.

Caitlin quickly left after passing her husband a glance.

Snape's eyes, however, never left Harry. It had been long. Too long.

Snape patted the couch and beckoned Harry to come nearer. "Feeling forgotten? Relax, your moment of glory is coming ever closer."

Harry mindlessly walked forwards with Erasmus in his arm, hoping that for once Snape will cut the snide remarks and look at the baby... at their son. It is not until joined Snape on the couch that Snape's eyes left him for the sleeping baby. Snape's eyes were no more skeptical than Dumbledore. They blinked, returned to glance at Harry then back to the baby. Harry felt his throat go dry. Oh gods... Please not him... What was Snape looking for? What had he seen? Harry only wished he had mastered Legilimency so he could have at least caught a thought. A part of Harry hoped that Snape was incredulous of Erasmus' lineage, but another part, the more mistrustful part of Harry, wished for just the opposite.

Erasmus had opened his eyes and he was also staring at the man who wouldn't butt out. "Whose eyes are those?" Snape's voice became viciously serious as he once again returned his gaze to Harry. "Black's eyes are far from green and Remus' are brown. I fail to see their genes in this child's eyes."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Potter, it does not take a genius to -"

"D'you want to hold him?" Harry's voice almost sounded desperate. "Please, hold him." Harry was holding the baby closer to Snape, beckoning him to take the infant.

Snape lifted a hand to stop Harry from shoving the baby onto him.

"Please? For me?"

"That is a poor incentive."

"He's not heavy, and I just changed his nappy so he is clean."

"What did Black and Lupin name him?" Snape asked suddenly, probably to distract Harry.

"Erasmus. Erasmus Black."

There was yet another touch of skepticism in Snape's eyes. "Who chose the name?"

Harry admitted, much to his own surprise, "I did."

Snape raised a brow. "Did you?"

"Yeah."

"Interesting choice. If you already know the root meaning of the name, care to explain why you chose it?"

Caitlin walked into the room, followed by Remus whose soft smiled plundered from existence.

"I brought the drinks." She passed pumpkin juice to Harry and then a glass of amber liquor to her husband.

Caitlin then sat beside Harry and looked down at Erasmus. "He looks nothing like you, Remus," she suddenly said.

Remus cleared his throat. "Sadly, no. He takes after Sirius' parents."

"Does he? Either way, he’s very...."

"Skinny? Yeah." Harry finished. "I'm trying to get Snape to hold him."

Caitlin looked over at her husband. "Yes, he doesn't like them very much."

"Maybe you'll like Eras," said Remus, "he's a quiet baby."

Snape shook his head and Remus caught one of Harry's frustrated gazes and he understood perfectly. Why wouldn't Harry want to see Erasmus in his other father's arms? "Come on, Severus. Everyone has to hold the baby at least once."

Snape finally yield to his peers and took Erasmus from Harry's arms. As any parent would, Snape cradled Erasmus close to his body and just beneath his face so that he may admire the newborn. Harry was practically bouncing on his seat, eagerly awaiting some positive comment from Snape. When Snape appeared content having the child in his arms, Harry felt his heart sore and his stomach settle. And Remus watched for what was possibly the first time that day that Harry smiled a real, genuine smile.

The baby shower wasn't a complete disaster after all.

A/N: Alright, if you are wondering where the symbols went, for this chapter I went in and manually changed each and every one of them. And that took about an hour. I am sleepy. So, while you read, I'll be taking a nap.

Please review and rate. That makes me feel like the time I spent correcting this chapter was worth it.