A Story Never Told

Chapter Seven

Astra POV:
Sirius's Office

I wake up to the smell of my favorite coffee. It smells just like home. I almost think I'm back until I see my dad's fish tank in the corner. I look up and there's my dad with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Hey there little pup. Here's some coffee. You've been excused for the day," dad says, handing me the cup.

"Why?" I ask, sipping the coffee.

"Oh I don't know, maybe it's because you had an anxiety attack in an empty hallway after seeing my dead body and you standing over it," my dad says, sarcasm leaking from his voice, but in a kind, caring, concerned way.

"Oh god. Who found me?" I ask, setting my cup down on the table. I've only ever had three anxiety attacks. All the rest were stress and anxiety. I really hope no one but my dad found me. That would be mortifying.

"Well, you're friend, Harry chased after you when you left the class and found you in the corridor. He then ran to find me and took me to you. I picked you up and brought you here. He left a while ago. I told him I'd send you when you were ready," dad explains. Oh great. Harry saw me in an anxiety attack and got so freaked out he got my dad. At least he didn't get someone else.

Dad must see the look on my face because he brings me into one of his infamous hugs that always cheers me up.

"Have you been taking your pills?" He asks. I've been taking pills for my anxiety and depression.Turns out betrayal leaves nightmares. Ever since I learned I was starting a new school I've been trying to lay off them. I don't want to be on pills all my life. I still take my allergy pill though.

"Um, well, no," I say. He backs away from the hug and looks at me with a face that says 'are you serious'.

"Astra, why? You know you need those pills. Have you been getting enough sleep?" He asks. I want to tell him yes but even I know that's a lie. I just shake my head. I suddenly feel too weak to talk.

"Astra, you know how important it is for you to take those pills. Remember what happened last time you tried to get off them? We thought you were ready and you weren't. Honey I know you don't like it but it's what's best for you. Besides, no one will know if you don't tell them," dad explains. I know what happened last time and that I need them but that's the thing. I don't want to need them. I want to be like other kids and not need drugs to make me happy.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'll go to Professor Pomfry and get the pills. But can I go see Harry first? I want to thank him," I say, sipping the last of my coffee.

"Sure. So, how was today?" He asks as he takes the cups to the counter.

"It was good. The classes are pretty easy so far. Lizzie, Josh and I had a shoving contest but Lizzie won. But I think Professor Lupin doesn't like me. He was looking at me weird today and he seemed annoyed every time I talked," I say, grabbing my discarded jacket from the end of the couch.

"Hmm. It seems like that does it?" Dad says, putting on his thinking face.

"Yeah. Well, anyways, I'm off. Bye dad," I say, hugging his waist.

"Bye pup. Remember, visit Harry then take your pills. I'll be waiting," he says, kissing my head.

"Yep, bye," I say, leaving the room.

Now, dad said he left a while ago so maybe he's in the common room. He better be because I'm not going around the entire school looking for him. This place is huge. Why did these old dudes have to make this place humongous? Oh well. Off to find the Chosen One.

Sirius POV:

As soon as Astra leaves I get out a piece of paper and start writing to Remus. I know I shouldn't, but Astra is a kid. She doesn't deserve to be caught in the crossfire of this. Not after what she's been through. I finish the letter and give it to the owl Dumbledore gave me. I send it to Remus and I wait for him. I know his classroom is nearby and he wouldn't back down to this so he'll be here soon.

As I wait, I admire my classroom. It's very astronomy. I've always loved the stars, mostly because of my family. But I also hate them so it's complicated. I might hate my family but I wanted to carry on the tradition. I named Astra and taught her everything I knew and more about stars. As a kid she loved learning. She always wanted to go to the library. She would mostly just read fairy tales but she always liked knowing random facts so she can act better than everyone at school. I was honestly expecting her to get into Ravenclaw but Gryffindor is great too. It is, after all, my house too.

After a few minutes of waiting Remus and James come in.

"Ahh Remus. Thank you for coming," I say, standing.

"What the hell do you want, Sirius? I got your letter. Listen, I have nothing to say to you," Remus says.

"Actually Remus, I think you do have something to say to me. Would you like to explain why you are being rude and unfair to my daughter? Or do I have to go to the headmaster about this?" I ask, looking at him while tilting my head. I know we're not best friends but he has no right to be rude to my daughter.

"Guys come on. Remus, tell Sirius what you told me on the way here," James says. This should be interesting.

"Fine. Listen Sirius, when you left that night you left me all alone. I was the last marauder left. I got you out of jail and then you bailed on me. I thought we were supposed to be together forever. Clearly not because now you have your own life and a daughter. One that you never told us about too," he says. I knew bailing on him wasn't cool but I never knew he felt that way.

"Now tell him the other thing," James said. What other thing?

"Fine. And I think the reason you leaving me that night hurt so much is because I never got to tell you the truth. Now you have a daughter and I already lost my chance," he said, bowing his head. Chance? The truth? What is he talking about?

"Remus, what are you talking about? Just tell me now. It's never too late with me. You should know that by now," I say, walking closer to the two.

James and Remus looked at each other and James nodded. Remus took a deep breath. And confessed.

"Listen Sirius I've been in love with you since we were teenagers and I wanted to tell you but I was too afraid of being rejected and losing your friendship so I never did and then that night happened and you left with your daughter and I lost my chance. I know you have a new life with your daughter and I'm not a part of it. I'm sorry for being rude to her and I won't be anymore," Remus says. I just stand there in shock. I always liked Remus, in more of a friend way and I see that now.

"Remus, I've always loved you too. I know that I have a life with Astra but I don't think she would mind another father around. I just have to explain to her everything. It's always been her and me until now. It might take her a while to adjust but I would like to give us a try as a family if you would let us," I say. We look at each other and just smile.

"I would like that," he says. We both smile and it feels like just him and me until we hear a cough come from the corner. I turn to look and I see James. I completely forgot he was there.

"That's nice and all but Astra doesn't even know her godfather. You should come over for Christmas. Besides, it's safer with all of us together with Peter on the loose," James says, walking out of the shadows.

"That sounds like a good idea. God I've missed you two. But there is something you two need to know," Sirius said, hugging the two.

"Oh no, Astra's mother is still in the picture." Remus said, leaning a little out of the hug, concern and fear in his eyes.

"No, no. It's Astra. It's always been her and me. Sirius and Astra. To the end of the world. She's never really wanted a big family. Or another parent around. She just wanted me. So it might take her a while to accept this. But I will get her to come for Christmas. I love her but I'm still her father," I say, laughing a little at the look of relief on Remus's face.

"It's okay. We can wait. We waited 12 years already, right? What's a couple months?" James says, smiling at us. And just like that, the Marauders are back.