A muggle-born Slytherin whose parents are terrified of her.
A pureblood Gryffindor whose parents are disappointed in him.
The arrival of her Hogwarts letter was meant to make everything better.
Asteria Halloway finally had an explanation for her p...
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nineteen months later
november 23rd 1981
"I've never actually held a baby before." Remus pointed out as he awkwardly gripped Evelina, who sat quite happily on his knee. Despite having met not only Evelina but also Harry several times before, he'd always made a point to avoid holding either child.
"Maybe hold her slightly less at arms length." Asteria suggested tiredly as she stood before him, carefully watching her daughter.
"I know the answer but... How are you? I know I haven't been around much because of... Well... But I can always come and help if you need it." Remus offered, adjusting his hold on Evelina as she stroked his cheek and giggled.
"We both know why you haven't visited." Asteria spoke dryly. Remus coughed slightly, "Ria, you have to understand. What Sirius did... I know you didn't see it coming but I tried to warn you and I should have-"
"No."
Asteria had cried herself until she finally felt numb over the past few weeks. Every time she came across a picture, or an old broom, or even the jar of sugar for Sirius' coffee, she'd start shaking and would be unable to stop. Asteria couldn't break down. Not like when her father died. She couldn't shut off. Not like when her mother left. She couldn't stop. Not with Evelina. No matter how much Asteria wanted to run away and hide in the dark somewhere, she had a daughter to take care of and that was the only thing keeping her from self destructing.
"Ria, he was arrested." Remus tried to reason with her.
"No, Remus. You know full well what it's like to have people think bad of you." Asteria spoke sharply, leaning forward and picking up Evelina out of his arms.
Remus sighed and ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, "After everything you did for me... We can't turn on each other now. There's nothing left for us if we do."
Asteria pursed her lips, gripping Evelina close to her chest. "He was your best friend." Remus looked up at her, "People change. You know this. After what his family did to your parents I couldn't believe you could still look him in the eye. How can you stand here and defend him?"
He's the reason they're dead.
He's the reason Peter, James, and Lily are dead.
Asteria shook her head as Remus stood up, the words she feared whirling around inside of her head.
"Don't you dare stand there and accuse him. Not in this house. Not in front of me. Not in front of your goddaughter." Asteria's eyes darkened as she glared at the man in front of her. The man that was voicing everything she was fighting so hard against.
