You Only Live Once

CHAPTER 44

"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" James bellowed in absolute horror at the sight of the pale yellow puke dripping down the front of Mira's favorite shirt. He had been a father for over four months now, but the transition from reckless Marauder to responsible parent was still a work in progress. He still wasn't quite used to the fact that Harry was a tiny, unpredictable human being rather than just a very small roommate. "How many times have I told you not to puke all over your aunt?"

James shook his head, his hair even messier than usual from the stress of getting ready for a night out. He reached down and scooped baby Harry out of Mira's arms, holding him at arm's length like he was a ticking bomb. He hurried the baby toward the kitchen so he could find a damp cloth to wipe his messy chin.

"He's a baby, Jamie. He isn't doing it on purpose" Mira said calmly. She didn't look nearly as bothered as James did. She stood up from the plush sofa, peeling the damp fabric of her shirt away from her skin with a little grimace. She headed toward the kitchen sink, already rolling up her sleeves to start scrubbing.

Mira was well-versed in the messes of infancy by now. With baby Melody around and all the hours she spent helping Lily with Harry, a little bit of baby sick was the least of her concerns. She'd dealt with worse in the last few months.

Harry was almost five months old now, and Melody was seven months. Despite the small age gap, the two of them had formed a silent, bubbly bond that made everyone's hearts melt. They were currently at that stage where they just stared at each other and occasionally swapped toys or drool. Mira spent the majority of her days at Godric's Hollow, keeping Lily and James company while the two babies played on a soft blanket on the floor.

Melody had officially become a Potter in everything but name just two months after Harry was born. It hadn't been an easy road. Dumbledore had been insistent, suggesting that an orphanage was the safest and most logical place for her since she had no immediate family left to claim her. But Mira had found a spark of stubbornness she didn't know she possessed. She had refused to let that sweet, innocent girl be raised by strangers in a cold institution.

Mia and Monty had been her rocks through the whole process. They hadn't hesitated for a single second, backing Mira's decision and promising to provide whatever financial and emotional support was needed to raise the girl. So, the paperwork was filed, the rooms were decorated, and now Melody and Harry were being brought up as cousins, inseparable and loved.

The doorbell rang at exactly nine o'clock. Mira checked the clock on the wall and felt a small wave of relief. She had become incredibly paranoid about dates and times lately. Ever since things had started getting dangerous in the wizarding world, she lived in constant fear of forgetting a detail or a meeting that could put the people she loved in harm's way.

"It should be Moony" James called out from the kitchen. He was busy settling Harry into his high chair, trying to distract the baby with a plastic spoon so he could finish cleaning the floor. James started toward the hallway to answer the door, but Mira stepped in his path.

"Go get ready, pal. You don't want to keep your wife waiting" Mira said, reaching out to catch his arm. She gave him a knowing look. "I've got it from here."

James looked at her, then up the stairs where Lily was likely finishing her hair, and then back at Mira. He gave her a grateful smile, squeezing her hand briefly before he bounded up the stairs two at a time. He and Lily were celebrating their one-year anniversary, a rare moment of peace in a very dark year. Mira and Remus had volunteered  to take over the night shift.

Mira smoothed her damp shirt and pulled the door open.

"Hello" Mira greeted softly.

Her heart did a strange little stutter in her chest. She hadn't seen Remus in person for three months. He had been sent away on a long, grueling mission for the Order, and the silence during that time had been deafening. He had returned a week ago, but his physical state had been so poor that he was sent straight to St Mungo's. The others had visited him every day, bringing news and snacks and comfort.