A/N: Here are the quotes from the TV Shows:
The first one is from "Mad About You." When Jamie is giving birth she keeps refusing the drugs. When she finally wants them, she's told that window of opportunity has been closed. She wants Paul to break the window. This is as close as I could remember it:
"There's a window of opportunity and that window has closed."
"Closed?" I repeat.
"It's closed," Poppy says.
"Well, open it! Break it!" I scream. "Harry, tell her to open the window!"
(Gold star to MGranger for getting that one)
The second is from Buffy's tombstone on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
We/She saved the world. A lot.
(Gold star to cineym for getting that one)
Enjoy!
***
So, my little boy just turned a month old. Sirius, Remus and Tonks are coming over today. Tonks is taking me out shopping. I know I shouldn't worry, but I dread leaving Sam. This is the first time I've left him. And I shouldn't be concerned since I'm leaving him with his father, but there's also Grandpa Sirius in the mix. And normally, Uncle Remus would be fine, but when with Harry and Sirius, that Marauder rears his ugly head.
This month has been so exciting, but so exhausting. I love Sam with all I have and I would lay my life down for him, but sometimes I just wish he would sleep through one night.
Harry is wonderful with him. We alternate who gets up with him and Harry has yet to complain about doing this.
As for now, I'm dressing the baby in the least complicated outfit we have for him (just in case the whole thing needs changed). It's a simple one-piece with 3 Quidditch hoops on it. Uncle Ron bought him that, if you'll believe it.
"Well, Sam, you've been fed, changed and dressed. What's left?" I ask the baby in the crib.
He just looks at me with those brown eyes that make my heart melt. Harry was right, Sam's got my eyes. But he's got the Potter hair and I'll insist that he'll have that Potter smile. He's going to be a heart breaker, my boy. Just like his father and grandfather.
"Mione!" I hear Harry call from the study.
"Sleep for now, Sam," I say, stroking the baby's head. "You father and everyone will probably keep you up later."
I turn on the mobile and head to the study. "Yes, Harry?"
"We got an owl from her."
"Her?"
"Miranda."
"Mir - for what?"
"Well, she probably heard about the baby," Harry rationalizes.
I grow quiet.
"What did the letter say?" I finally ask.
"She just wanted to congratulate us."
"No demands?"
"No. Just some congratulations… and if you wanted to meet, she wouldn't say no."
"What do you think?" I tentatively ask.
"What do you think I think? I say we burn the letter and forget all about it."
"But Harry! The woman did give birth to me!"
"Big bloody deal, Hermione! And what about Emily?"
"Emily watched Sam come into the world and she's the one he'll call Grandma. And Miranda did come to our wedding. So, what's the big deal?"
"I just never thought we'd have this discussion. This woman abandoned you when she found out you're a witch! Will she even want to touch our baby wizard?"
"Harry! Don't be ridiculous!"
He wants to argue about this, I can tell. But he's trying to keep things under control.
"Mione, I just don't want her to hurt either of you. I'm apprehensive to let her any where near our son."
"Can we just leave this for another time, Harry? The crew is going to be here soon and we both need to calm down."
He stands and pulls me into his arms. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. You know how I get about protecting my family. I just don't want you to get hurt and I don't want Sam to be in the middle of it."
"I know that. And I'm sorry too. I guess I was just so happy that she actually wrote to us that maybe it was a good sign."
"And maybe it is, but let's leave it for now, ok? We've got a great day ahead of us! You and Tonks going out, me and the boys staying in."
"Corrupting our little one!"
"Well, if there's time …" Harry says with a laugh.
"Are you sure you'll be ok?"
"Hermione, calm down. I will do nothing to harm our son. And it's not like Remus and Sirius know nothing about babies. They dealt with me for over a year."
I'm unconvinced, especially by the last comment, but I decide to go anyway.
"All right. If you're sure," I say.
"I'm very sure. He'll probably sleep for a good bit of the day anyway."
I nod, silently willing Sam to sleep as long as he can.
Before I know it, the crew is here and Tonks is dragging me away from the crib.
"Hermione, he'll be here when we get back. It's just lunch and some shopping! Not a month in Australia!" she says forcefully.
"I love you, Sam! Mummy loves you!" I whisper as we leave.
Once we're downstairs, I go through the list again with Harry, but he seems to have it all remembered.
"Mione, we'll be fine, ok? Go and have fun!" he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
"Ok, ok," I say, finally letting go.
I give him a quick kiss and let Tonks Apparate us to lunch.
"Tonks, we're still in Godric's Hollow," I say as I realize we're merely on the main street.
"Yep! We're going to Claire's for lunch." She looks at me and laughs. "You don't think I'd take you too far from the little guy, did you? Apparation is one thing, but piece of mind is another. Now, we can get some shopping done, get some food and you can run home almost as fast as you can Apparate, ok?"
"Tonks! This is perfect!" I hug her tightly and drag her off to the first store.
After a few stores, we're both starving and we head to Claire's.
"You know, I really have to thank you for this, Tonks. A day out was just what I needed," I confide as we eat.
"I know it is! But, I'll admit, my motives for this was a bit selfish."
I give her a questioning look, urging her to go on.
"Ok, I'm going to tell you a secret that no one else knows. Not even Remus, ok? Promise me you won't tell him."
I agree to it.
"Ok, I wanted to talk to you today because … well, do you think I would make a good mother?" she asks.
I'm speechless.
"Hermione? Hello? Still in there?" Tonks says, waving her hand in front of my face.
"Um, what? I mean, yes! Yes, still here. I just don't know what to say. It's wonderful! But is it possible? What with Remus' … condition?"
"Well, I know that they're making amazing advances in lycanthropy these days. And they think it could be possible to remove the genes that cause lycanthropy now."
"And if they can't?" I ask.
"Well, that's the kicker. I don't want to make my babies suffer what Remus goes through. And let's face it, who would let us adopt?"
"It's still an option. You know how hard Remus is fighting for lycanthrope rights. Maybe if they see what a great guy he is and how much he wants this, it would be ok. And you know that Harry would put in a good word for you both."
"Really? Would he?"
"Of course! Anything to continue that bloody Marauder line!"
Tonks laughs. "Well, I haven't spoken to Remus about it yet because I need some info about motherhood."
"What about it?" I ask.
"Well … I mean … do you think I could handle it?"
"Of course! Tonks, everyone worries about that. I was terrified from the moment I found out I was pregnant until … well, I haven't stopped. What I'm doing something wrong? What if the baby is sick and I don't know it? What if I don't hear him cry? Tonks, it's only natural to worry. But really, as long as you use common sense and love that baby, the rest falls into place. I gave the same advice to Ron and look, neither of his girls look too traumatized yet!"
Tonks gives another little laugh. "You're right. I just worry about my klutziness, and as much as I hate to say it, Remus' condition."
"Are you worried he would attack the baby?"
She shrugs, ashamed of the thought. "I can't help but wonder about it."
"That's understandable. But, has Remus ever tried to attack you?"
"No, of course not! He always stays in the basement … poor man."
"Listen, Tonks. You need to talk to Remus about this. It'll be easier for the both of you if you can both discuss your fears and such. Ok?"
"Ok," she repeats. "Now, let's finish lunch so we can go back and see what havoc our husbands have wreaked."
"They're probably playing cards and making a mess with snacks," I say, dreading the sight of our living room.
So, the rest of lunch is just filled with pleasant conversation.
** POV Switch to Harry **
Hermione has just left. The guys are sitting downstairs, waiting for me. I'm upstairs staring at my son. He's so precious and so tiny and so helpless and so -
"Hey, Potter! Wanna hurry it up?" I hear Sirius call from the living room.
"Ok, Sam, time to hang out with Grandpa Sirius and Uncle Remus. He didn't want to be Grandpa Remus because that would have made his wife Grandma Tonks and she would HATE that." I laugh a little at the thought. I scoop Sam up and carry him downstairs to see the Marauders.
"And there he is!" Sirius announces.
"Shhh!" Remus shushes.
"Who wants him first?" I ask.
"Give him to Moony," Sirius says. "I got to hold you first, so it's his turn."
I place the baby in Remus' arms and watch his face.
"Great Merlin … look at you. I never thought I would see another James, but there he is. Harry, he's your twin as a baby. And he's so quiet."
Sam must have opened his eyes, because tears just sprang to Remus'
"You were right -- Hermione's eyes," he says with a sniffle. "He's perfect, Harry. Just perfect."
"I agree with that," I laugh. "But I may be a bit biased."
"Yes, perhaps," Sirius says. "So, how is Hermione holding up?"
"She's doing great. She's like a power mum! If he cries, she knows right away what's wrong. I have to go through a checklist before I find the problem."
"Yeah, that's just her maternal instincts. You'll run around like a babbling idiot for a little while longer, but you'll catch on … eventually," Sirius jokes.
"Padfoot! Be nice!" Remus reprimands. "Harry, don't worry. I'm sure you're doing fine!"
"Meh, I suppose," I mutter.
"Honestly, Harry," Sirius begins. "I'm just kidding. Your father was just like you at first. He was so terrified that he was going to break you. Of course, if he had known that you were such a tough and resilient kid, he may have been a little less cautious! But still, from what I saw with your parents, raising a baby is all about love. Do you love Sam?"
"Of course I do!" I say, somewhat offended at the question.
"Of course you do. Then, see? You're all set," Sirius reasons.
Surprisingly, that makes sense.
"So, hand over the little anklebiter, Moony. It's my turn!"
Remus gives Sam to Sirius and I can tell that my godfather is a bit overwhelmed.
"Wow … kinda surreal. Eh, Moony?"
"That it is, Padfoot."
"Seems like we've been tossed back 20 years. Hello, Sam. Hi! I'm your Grandpa Sirius."
He makes a funny face and Sam gurgles.
"Look at that! He smiled at me!"
"Padfoot, that's gas. Babies don't smile that early," Remus corrects.
"Nonsense! This baby is a genius!" Sirius says with a huge smile. "Yes, Sam, Grandpa Sirius will be here along with your Uncle Remus to tell you all about your Grandpa James and Grandma Lily. And some great stories about your Daddy too!"
"Hey now! Let's not push things!" I interrupt. "Let's stick to grandparent stories first!"
Sirius and Remus laugh and it startles Sam. He begins to wail.
"Oh geez!" Sirius says. "We did it again, Moony! We always used to scare you, Harry."
"Still do," I kid as I take Sam and hold him against me, bouncing as I walk. "What's the matter, hmmm? Did those loud guys scare you? It's ok, nothing to worry about."
I turn around and see Remus and Sirius staring at me and smiling.
"What?" I ask.
"Not a good father, indeed," Remus says. "Look at you, Harry! You're a natural! You calmed him right down."
I glance down at my son. He's looking up at me with the best expression I've ever seen on a face before.
"Maybe you're right," I admit.
"Now that's what I like to hear!" Sirius says. "Now, tell me. Has the little guy gotten anyone during diaper changes?"
I laugh, but keep it quiet as to not startle Sam. "Oh, you'd have been proud of him! He got Uncle Ron but good!"
I then tell them the tale of how Ron thought he would be a big shot and change Sam while Luna and Hermione dealt with the girls. Well, Ron had never changed a boy, not even Joey, so it came as quite a surprise to him when Sam "blatantly fired upon" him, as he put it. It really was one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought even Sam smiled at it.
Sirius and Remus find this to be a hysterical story and we all share a laugh at Ron's expense.
As the laughter dies down, Remus gets a somber look on his face.
"What's on your mind, Moony?" Sirius asks.
"Guys, I want to talk to you about something, but don't tell Tonks."
Sirius and I share a confused glance.
"Ok, Remus. What's up?" I ask.
"Well, you see … I was thinking about fatherhood. Do you think I'm cut out for it?"
"Why, Moony … are you considering breeding with my cousin?" Sirius asks with a smirk.
"Way to be romantic, Sirius!" Remus snaps. "No wonder you're single!"
"Happily single, thank you!"
Remus flips Sirius off and I think it's time to settle things.
"Ok, down boys!" I say as loudly as I can. "Remus, what are you trying to say?"
"Well, I'm not getting any younger and frankly I was hoping to pass on the Lupin legacy."
"That's commendable, but what about … other factors?" I ask as tactfully as possible.
"Well, they're making great progress with genes and lycanthropy and such. But even if we couldn't do it that way, because I would never put a baby through that, I was hoping maybe to adopt."
"Now, no offense here, Remus, but would they let you adopt? They check pretty thoroughly these days on backgrounds," Sirius says as sincerely as I have heard in a long time.
"Hey, you know you've got me for a good word," I offer.
"Really?" Remus asks, so hopefully.
"Of course! But, honestly, talk to Tonks first. I think you two need a conversation before you let this bother you anymore," I say.
"Makes sense. Ok, when did you become the elder here?" Remus says with a laugh.
I shrug. "Around you two, someone's got to be the adult."
Sirius sticks his tongue out at me and requests his grandson back.
"Fine. Someone's got to make lunch anyway," I say as I give Sam to Sirius and head to the kitchen to make sandwiches.
We spend the rest of the day talking to and about Sam and just life in general.
Before I know it, the door opens and the ladies return.
**Change of POV back to Hermione**
Wow, the house is still in one piece and I don't even see cards out.
"So, what did you guys do all afternoon?" I ask.
"You're pretty much looking at it," Harry says.
"No cards? No firewhiskey?" Tonks asks, incredulous at the thought.
"Now would we do that to this poor infant?" Sirius says with mock hurt.
"I don't know," I kid as Harry hands Sam to me. I hold him up a bit. "He looks the same as how I left him. Did you have fun with Daddy and the guys?" I ask him.
"He had a blast!" Harry says in a baby voice. Then he stops suddenly. "Oh dear, Padfoot. That wasn't just gas …"
"It was a smile!" Sirius insists.
"No, it was a bit more than that," Harry says. He looks at me and sighs. "Give him here. He did it on my watch."
I smile and gladly hand our baby to him. "Have fun!"
He takes the baby upstairs and Sirius, Tonks and Remus prepare to leave. Once he comes back down, everyone hugs and kisses us good-bye.
"Keep me posted," I whisper to Tonks.
She nods and winks and they all Apparate home.
"Well, that was an interesting afternoon," Harry says, putting Sam into his swing and then walking over to me to hold me.
"Yeah, you could say that."
"Did you guys have fun?" I ask.
"I did. It was nice to just sit around and talk."
"And to think, Tonks and I figured that the house would be a wreck when we got back," I say as I lead him to the couch to sit.
"What did you expect us to do? Tear down the wallpaper?" Harry asks. Then he lets out a huge yawn.
"No, but I did expect food everywhere, a few bottles and some card playing," I admit.
"Pfft! We just spent the day chatting. A welcome change if you ask me."
"Yeah, I'll bet."
I look over at Sam. He's fast asleep. I glance back to Harry. He's also asleep. I chuckle lightly. I reach behind me, pull the quilt from the back of the couch and drape it over us. I cuddle against him and the three of us take an afternoon nap.
***
A/N: This story is going to be so much bigger than I expected. Cursed plot bunnies!