Written In the Stars ⭒ Sirius Black

Chapter Seventy Three: The Saving Grace Of Hope Lupin

3rd February 1980

"Oh, come on Sapphire," Opal sighed, tiredly.

Sapphire had been crying all night and morning, Opal had barely gotten any sleep in the past three days due to her crying. She rocked her trying to comfort her, she had tried feeding her but she had refused, continuing to scream.

Opal heard the bedroom door open, Remus walked out, looking dishevelled as he yawned.

"I'm sorry, I put up a soundproof charm around the room, it must have worn off. Did I wake you?" Opal asked, guiltily.

"No, no, I was awake," he obviously lied.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong- and I- I don't know what to do- she won't eat and I-" Opal stumbled on her words. "I need my mum, she would know what to do- she would be able to fix this-"

Remus stood awkwardly trying to come up with something to make her feel better.

"I'm sorry, I just- I'm tired and-" she shook her head.

"When did you get some sleep last?"

She shrugged. "I don't know-"

"Why don't you lie down I'll stay with Saph-"

"No I've got loads of stuff to do- I have to do all her washing-"

"Just twenty minutes then-"

She began to hesitate.

"Opal, go rest." he said, sternly, he took Sapphire out of her arms, still crying bloody murder.

"Go."

"Just twenty minutes-"

"Twenty minutes," he nodded.

She took a deep breath, looking at Sapphire once more before turning away to her room.

She fell into her bed, not even bothering to cover herself with the duvet, as soon as she closed her eyes she fell straight to sleep.

When she woke up again it was pitch black, she looked across at the clock, dazed and confused, closing her eyes. She then jumped up, she had been asleep for nine hours.

"Remus! I said twenty minutes-" she called out running out into the living room. "I have to do so much-"

She paused looking around, all of Sapphire's baby grows had been folded and piled up neatly, the living room looked as though it had been gutted and tidied unlike how she left it.

Remus had Sapphire sleeping soundly in his arms.

"How did you get her to stop crying?" Opal asked.

"I cheated a little," he told her.

"Hi, lovely," Hope Lupin walked out of the kitchen, her warm smile greeting her as she pulled her into a hug. "I've put all of Sapphire's bottles in the cupboard under the sink, you can change it if you like. I've washed and put all her clothes over there, and I've made some food for the week. I've got shepherd's pie on for today."

Opal stared at her, speechless and in awe. "Thank- thank you."

"It's no trouble at all, I needed something to do anyway." she said, softly. "Also, little Sapphire is teething, that's why she's been crying so much. Just gently rub her gums and it helps her soothe them and she shouldn't cry as much."

Opal's chest began to tighten at the expense of Hope's kindness, she hugged her tightly, "Thank you." she teared up.

Hope patted her back, "Oh, Opal." she said, softly. She pulled away, holding her hand. Remus stood up, telling them he would put Sapphire in her bed.

Opal wiped away her tears, "I'm sorry, I'm just a little overwhelmed."

"Being a mother is not an easy job," Hope said, "You've done so well so far, Sapphire is a very lucky girl to have you as her mum,"

She bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears, as Hope continued talking.

"I've left my number by the phone, if you ever need my help, please give me a ring, Lyall has shown me how to use floo powder- which is very helpful as a muggle," Hope told her, she then smiled softly. "I remember when I had Remus, his father worked the majority of the time and honestly I felt like I was doing such a terrible job with him, I didn't have my parents to help me, because they lived in Lancashire." she told her, "I felt so alone, but Opal you aren't alone, and you're allowed to ask for help when it gets too much,"

Opal nodded. "Remus is lucky to have you as his mother,"

Hope scoffed a laugh, "I'm pretty sure I used to embarrass him too much when he was younger,"

"Isn't that part of the job?"

"Of course," Hope grinned. "I'm being serious, if you're ever feeling like that again, call me. Okay?"

"I will. Thank you again, Hope."

"Anytime."