For every dark night, there is a brighter day -- Fall 1983

I nodded, trying to be understanding.  "Go steal him away," I teased.  I knew how family oriented Ember Potter was and that had not changed.

He startled me into a grin.  "Oh, yeah, because kidnapping is always a brilliant idea," I said sarcastically, shaking my head.  "Hopefully he won't hate me forever for not being involved... hopefully he'll realize it was his aunt and uncle who kept any sign of magic away from him.  Including letters and such... because I'm trying.  I really am."  I felt my voice rise almost into a hysterical type of sound.

I put a hand on Ember's shoulder, hoping that it was okay to do so.  "I am sure you're doing everything you can," I said to her.  "But you also have to think of your own two kids... Elena and Dean, they need you, too."

I sighed, smiling gently at Jeremy.  "I know, Jere," I said to him softly.  "I just... I'm Harry's godmother.  He's supposed to be in my care; it was what James and Lily wanted.  I just wish that I could be there a little bit to show him who his parents really were."  Just like I was going to show my kids who their father really is.

"I wish I could understand better,"I admitted to her.  "But Since it's not me and I never knew Lily's family... I guess I don't get it completely, you know?  I can undrestand wanting Harry in your care... but the dire need to make it so, that's what I don't get."  I smield apologetically at her. "I'm sure you can appreciate the honesty, though."

I nodded and shrugged.  "I don't think anybody really realizes the dire need to make it so," I said to him quietly.  "I got left with James' dog, but I don't get his son... it makes me feel horrid."

I put my hand on her shoulder because that was all I really could do for her.  "I'm so sorry, Ems," I said to her quietly.

I shook my head at Jeremy.  "There's nothing more I can do about it," I said to him quietly.  "I shouldn't bring it up like that.  I'm sorry."

I just looked at her.  "You need to be able to talk about it sometimes," I sadi to her, 'or it'll just eat you up."  I could be empathetic and understanding what Ember was going through.

I sighed, smiling at Jeremy.  "Thank you," I said to him, "and I know... it does get to me sometimes.  But it's not something one would normally talk about in a conversation where they are trying to catch up with an old mate."  I chuckled, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

I could not help but laugh a little bit while she spoke.  "Ah, that is very true," I had to admit to her.  "But it does not mean that you shouldn't be talking about it at all... you need to be able to let it out sometimes."

I shrugged.  "Yeah, but it's not as bad as it may seem," I said.  "I'm doing well... the kids are doing better than that for the most part.  I can't ask for anything more than that really."