Memories are pain; pain is strength -- Early Winter 1999

"Of course," I said to him softly.  "I will not push us upon either one of you... but we are here when you need support and to talk."  I wanted him to know that we were there for him.

I could not believe that I had such a support system like this.  I took a deep breath.  "Thank you," I said to him, "for everything.  I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

I tried to give Lincoln a reassuring smile.  "You know I am here for you -- like the rest of the family," I said to him gently.

I took a deep breath and nodded at Remus.  "I know," I said to him.  "And I can't put into words how grateful I am that I have you guys."  That was no secret; I had no idea where I would be if the Lupins had not taken me in.

I put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it tightly before replying to him.  "I know," I said using his own words, knowing that I could not even say anything to show how much he actually meant to me and Chloe.

I took a deep breath.  "We're going to need help... I mean... how to even get through it?" I questioned.

I put a hand on Lincoln's shoulder and squeezed it again.  "We will all help you figure that out," I assured him.  "One day at a time would be the best route... you - we - will get through this together."  Losing a grandchild would be rough on me and Chloe, as well.  At the moment, I was focusing on the loss for Lincoln's sake; I would let it sink in for myself later.  He needed me to be strong.