The Life and Lies of Cassiopeia Rosier- Regulus Black

.the fate of us all.

.some memories never leave your bones. like salt in the sea; they become part of you.

July 31st, 1980 was a normal, hot Thursday, quite unremarkable in every way, except for the heatwave that swept the country.

That was, until the late afternoon, when a squealing, pink infant came into the world.

James had sent me a letter soon after Lily had given birth. A letter that had hit me like a ton of bricks.

The days in late July had crept slowly on. And as the month drew to a close, I found myself hoping more and more that Lily would have the baby late. Hoping desperately that she would make it until August. It seemed more likely every day. But then I had gotten the letter. A letter that made me want to cry and laugh all at the same time.

A letter that was full of so much joy, brimming with pride and happiness. But a letter that held so much despair as well.

I couldn't see them right away either. Lily had given birth in a muggle hospital, and they were trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. I felt it best not to draw too much attention to them there.

It was a dark starry night at the beginning of August when I finally made my way to their little house in Surrey. It was well protected, but I still worried about them.

James opened the door, beaming with pride. There were purple bags under his eyes, his wrinkled muggle band t-shirt was crusted in what I guessed was baby spit up, and his normally messy hair seemed to stick up even more than usual. But there was a light in his tired eyes that glowed brighter than any of the stars outside.

"You're quite a sight." I greeted as I stepped into the living room.

"I'm a father, Cassie." He pulled me into a giant bear hug. I only just managed to maneuver in time so he wouldn't detect my pregnancy. "Harry is perfect. He's just perfect. And Lily, Merlin's beard, she was brilliant." He gushed, with all the joy and pride that a new father should have.

"I couldn't be happier for you, James." I offered him a small smile. I scanned the room looking for my fiery redhead friend. "Where is Lily?"

"She's resting." He admitted, glancing up the stairs. "She just fed Harry, and she's exhausted."

"I don't doubt that. You men show up for the fun part, and then get a nice little break for nine months while we do all the work." I teased him.

He let out a big rumbling laugh. "Believe me, Lily hadn't let me forget that lately. I'm trying to make up for it now."

"And where is little Harry? I'd love to meet him." I wanted to hold the little baby who likely would end up saving us all someday. Wanted to look into his precious little face.

"Let me go check on him." James ushered me inside, and then turned around and bolted up the stairs.

I stared after him and something inside of me that had been precariously patched up broke a little. To know that Regulus would never get to experience the joy James was feeling broke me.

"You're a sight for sore eyes." A quiet voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned around quickly, and leaning in the doorframe of the kitchen was Remus Lupin.

My heart leapt at the sight of him, and then twisted painfully as I took in is haggard appearance. He looked like he'd aged several years in the last few months. His face and arms were gouged with deep, angry scars, his hair was starting to gray a little, his jumper was fraying, and had several large holes, and he looked tired. So incredibly tired.