A/N: Fluff alert! The rest is at the end.
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Chapter 21- Loyal to a Fault
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She murmured in her sleep and snuggled into his arms.
He smiled down at her and gently stroked a lock of hair away from her face.
He loved to watch her especially when she slept. Her worries disappeared and her features softened. She looked younger when she slept.
"Mm? Remus?" She whispered, her eyes opening slowly.
"Hmm?"
"Something wrong?"
He kissed her forehead and smiled again.
"No. Everything's fine. Go back to sleep, love."
She managed to muster a decisive look, despite being only half awake.
He chuckled.
"I promise, I'm not planning on leaving. Just…thinking about the future a bit is all."
"Whose future?"
"Ours."
"And what have you pondered?" She asked, looking him in the eye.
"You were very good with Neomandine…"
"Remus?" She questioned, worry seeping into her tone.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you with our children."
She looked at him intently for a moment and then smiled.
"And I thought you were just looking forward to me turning into a blimp." She laughed.
He pulled her closer and brushed his lips against hers lightly.
"Yes, there's that too."
"Remus…."
He chuckled again and then he sobered.
"I do love you, Dora." He whispered, caressing her cheek.
"That's quite convenient, because I love you too."
He drew her into another kiss, this one deeper and longer than the last.
"Think you can go back to sleep now?" He asked.
"Are you going anywhere?"
"No."
"Then I think I'll manage. Just don't let go. You're quite warm and it's lovely in your arms."
"You're quite warm, yourself. I'd be cold if I let you go."
She smiled, nuzzled against him and closed her eyes as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Sweet talker." She whispered.
He smiled. "Go to sleep." He told her and he stroked her hair until her breathing evened out.
Yes, without a doubt, his favorite thing about watching her sleep was holding her close.
-----
"Nym, are you sure you don't want me to make breakfast?"
"Yes. I'm feeling a little under the weather. I'll just eat some dry toast. Anything else would be wasted."
"I have to visit Vivianna today. Drop off some supplies. Would you like to come with me?" He said.
She shook her head.
"I don't want to risk making Vi and Neomandine sick, just in case."
His eyebrow arched.
"And what will you do while I'm gone to amuse yourself?"
She looked up at him and smiled.
"Just curl up on the sofa and read a bit, I think. Maybe take Bandit for a walk before I take him to my parents."
"You know he has to go for safety's sake, love."
"I know. He likes going over there and my parents don't mind…but I just can't help but feel that it's not fair to him…."
"Maybe another solution will surface soon." He told her.
She nodded and then stopped, clutching her stomach.
"Dora?" He asked, concern coloring his tone, as he rose from his chair in alarm.
"Like I said," She told him with a forced smile. "I'm not feeling very well…"
"Should I find you some Pepper-Up potion?"
"No, no… I'm sure I'll feel better soon. Truthfully, I never liked that potion. It always gives me a headache."
He moved next to her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.
"I'm sorry you don't feel well, love." He said quietly.
She rested her head against his chest and sighed. "Not you're fault."
"Still, I don't like seeing you miserable."
She chuckled. "Yes, well, it could be worse."
"How so?"
"At least I don't have morning sickness."
He smiled at her.
"That wouldn't be such a bad thing, would it?"
"What…? You'd want me to…..?"
"No, I wouldn't want you to be sick every morning, but if you were, that would mean…"
"That you were going to be a daddy." She giggled up at him.
He leaned close, nuzzling the space just below her ear with his nose and grinned against her skin.
"Mhmm. And that you would be a mummy." He cooed.
A shiver ran the length of her spine and a warmth settled in her bones. It was a very good feeling.
"It's hardly fair for you to tease me like this when I'm sick." She muttered.
"I know." He chuckled and he placed a kiss on her cheek and drew back a little.
"Care to continue this conversation later?" She asked.
"It's a full moon tonight, Dora."
"Yes, and if memory serves, the last few of those have been quite…satisfying. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Alright, my little nymph. We'll continue later."
He released her and gathered up the supplies to take to Vivianna.
"Be safe." She told him.
"You do the same."
She smiled and he disapparated on the spot.
Bandit barked at her and she looked down at him.
"And I suppose you know where we're going later, don't you?"
He barked again and wagged his tail.
"Don't rush me. I want to sit down for a while. I was serious when I said I didn't feel well." She told him.
Bandit gave her what she knew was his sympathetic look. He was a very perceptive and sweet dog, really, even if he did like to steal people's slippers and knickers…..
She patted his head and felt a very unwelcome sensation in her throat.
Shit.
She dashed off to the loo, leaving behind a bewildered Bandit in the kitchen.
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"Uncle Remus!"
"Hello, Neomandine." He smiled.
"She's missed you." Vivianna told him.
The little girl latched onto his legs and hugged him tightly.
He patted her head. "I've missed you too, sweetie."
"Where's aunt Tonks?" Neomandine asked, looking up at him.
"I'm afraid that she isn't feeling very well today. But she did tell me to say hello for her."
"Not feeling well?" Vi asked.
"It's nothing serious. She's just a bit off." He smiled.
Vi smiled and nodded. "Tea?" She asked.
He knew that look. It meant that she wanted to talk to him.
"Tea would be lovely." He answered.
"Neoma, why don't you try to read for a little bit while Remus and I have a little chat?" Vi suggested.
Neomandine nodded and released Remus' leg, skipping off to her room and leaving them alone.
"How long has she been under the weather?" Vi asked, putting the kettle on the stove.
"Honestly?"
"No, I want you to lie." She muttered over her shoulder.
He chuckled and then sighed.
"Today was the first day that she said anything… But I think she's been a bit out of sorts for at least the last week…"
"Have you considered the possibility that she may be….?" Vi asked, carrying two cups of piping hot tea to the table and sitting down.
Remus seated himself at the table and took the offered tea.
"I haven't allowed myself to entertain that particular thought, no."
"But….."
He shook his head.
"Dora and I spoke this morning… She doesn't think it's morning sickness."
"Just because she's not leaning into a loo, doesn't mean it's not morning sickness. She's alright in the evenings, isn't she?"
"Yes, I suppose….But even so…"
"She could go to the hospital and have the charm done. Then you'd both know for sure."
He shook his head again.
"Sicarius is employed at the hospital. And even if he wasn't, Dora couldn't go there."
"Why not?"
"The Minister of Magic sent her a letter several months ago explicitly telling her that if it was brought to his attention that she was pregnant, he would have her hunted down and killed, along with her, as he put it, 'mate'."
Vivianna looked appalled.
"He can't….he can't really do that, can he?"
"Technically, no, but I doubt that that would stop him. If he tries……"
A dangerous look settled over his features that she had never seen before. It was frightening.
"Remus?"
"I love her, Vivianna. I don't want anything to happen to her. It's because of me that she's in this mess in the first place…."
"How is it your fault?"
"She became infected because she refused to leave me….because she wanted to love me and….."
"And?"
He looked up at her and she had to stifle her gasp in her throat.
The look in his eyes…..
He loved her, more than she could have imagined, he loved that woman.
"She….wants to give me a family. And the only thing she wants in return is to see the smile on my face when I hold our child in my arms."
He had tears in his eyes.
So did she.
"She….she told you that?"
He nodded, not yet trusting himself to speak again.
Vivianna smiled at him.
"I knew she was good for you when I met her….I never thought…..She's definitely the one for you, Remus."
"I know. That's why I want to keep her safe."
"But why not allow yourself to think that she may be expecting? It's what you both want."
"Yes, it would be a dream become reality. And it would be very disappointing if either of us got our hopes up for nothing."
She nodded and glanced at Neomandine's door for a moment.
"I always wanted children, ever since I can remember… And when I found Theron, I thought he and I would have a family…. I never wanted to be in the position that he put me in….but I've never once regretted the end result. Even when I was frightened and alone, after I had just found out that I was pregnant…I always wanted her."
His eyebrow arched.
"Sometimes hope is all you need."
"Are you saying that you hoped you would be….?"
She shook her head.
"No, I didn't, not really. But a part of me wanted something good to come from something so horrible….for there to be some greater reason in it. And there was. You and Tonks have suffered. Perhaps now there will be a reason for that suffering. Your pain brought her into your life and maybe together, your burdens can bring happiness into your lives, a baby."
"Quite philosophical today, aren't you?"
She shrugged and sipped her tea.
"I'm waxing nostalgic just before a full moon." She chuckled.
"So I noticed."
"You know, it would be good if Tonks were pregnant."
"Why is that?"
"Are you kidding? Neoma keeps pestering me 'when are they having a baby?', 'can I dress the baby up?', 'are they going to have the baby soon?'. She asks almost every day now. I'll be glad to give her a straight answer for once." She smirked.
"Yes. I suppose she does need a playmate…." He smiled.
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There's no way I'm…..
She sat down on the bed and ran her fingers through her hair.
I can't go to St. Mungo's and get checked…. What am I thinking?! There's no possible way….
I've woken up everyday with an upset stomach for almost two weeks….. But then I'm fine by the afternoon….. And my…..
She counted back on her fingers.
No…. I must be forgetting a day somewhere….
She stood up and went out into the kitchen to check the calendar.
She was late…..more than two weeks….closer to a month……that would mean….
The last full moon.
Her eyes went wide as she double-checked the calendar.
The rhythm of her breathing quickened and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest.
She headed back into the bedroom and reached for her wand. She wouldn't have any peace of mind until she saw the results of the charm….
Whispering the words, she pointed her wand at her midsection and held her breath, nervous as to the outcome.
If she weren't…..then it was no big deal, nothing to worry about…..just a false alarm, as it were.
But, if she was…..
A silver mist floated out of her wand and wrapped around her waist. It clung to her and shimmered, but it didn't change color.
She let out her breath in a sigh.
Then she gasped.
The mist had changed from silver to gold before her eyes.
"Oh….."
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"Dora?"
She didn't answer him.
Maybe she was asleep…
He went into the living room. She wasn't there.
After a quick peek in the kitchen, he went into the bedroom.
She was sitting on the bed, staring down at her hands.
"Dora?" He asked.
She looked up at him absently.
"Remus? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you."
"What's wrong? Aren't you feeling any better?" He questioned softly, taking a seat beside her.
"Y-yes. I feel a little better. How…how are Vi and Neomandine?"
"They're doing well. Neomandine missed you. She told me to give you a hug from her when I came home, so…" He smiled and he wrapped his arm around her.
She smiled ad leaned into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Bandit at your parents'?"
"Mhmm. I took him over before noon. He was eager to go. I think my dad spoils him."
She sounded tired and looked even more so.
"Dora, tell me what's the matter." He said quietly.
She looked up at him and gave him a tired smile.
"Nothing. I've just been distracted."
He sighed and nodded. There was something she wasn't telling him, but it wouldn't be good for him to press the issue.
"Full moon?" He asked.
"No, not really. Remus?"
"Hmm?"
"I….it's not that I don't want to tell you what I was thinking about, I do. But it's something that we should be able to talk about and….well, the moon will be up in a few minutes."
He gave her a soft smile.
"Tell me in the morning?"
She nodded.
He kissed her forehead gently. "I can wait, love. But I think we should wolf-proof the place before our hands turn into paws."
She chuckled.
"Alright, Wolfie." She grinned.
His eyes narrowed, but his lips quirked into a smile.
"Little Nymph."
He stood up and offered her his hand. She slipped her hand into his and got to her feet.
Ten minutes later had them in the living room, which was much emptier now that it had been wolf-proofed.
"I think that's it." He said.
"Not quite." She said and she shot a silencing spell and then a ward at the door. "Now, that's it."
He laughed.
"Thank you."
She smiled.
He held out his hand and she gave him her wand and he put them away and rejoined her.
She had already begun to remove her clothes.
He followed suit and when he looked up again, she was wrapped up in one of the blankets and holding one out for him to take.
"Still cold, love?" He asked, taking the blanket and tying it around his waist.
"Cold, modest. Take your pick." She said.
"Modest? Even with me, you feel the need to be modest?"
She looked up at him, her turquoise eyes shining.
"I'm sorry….I know I'm being silly…"
He moved closer and put his arms around her.
"No, you're not being silly. It's very adorable." He smiled.
She leaned into him wrapping her arms around his middle.
"Dora?"
"First thing in the morning, I'm telling you."
Ah….
So that's what was wrong. She wanted to tell him but didn't have time….
He lifted her chin and smiled at her.
"Remus?"
He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers.
"No more worrying."
"I thought that only applied to 'matters pertaining to our love making'?"
He smirked.
"Actually……that's partly why I….." She fell silent and her form went stiff in his arms.
"Dora?" He asked worriedly.
She shook her head and he felt his own body go rigid.
Whatever she had to say would have to wait until morning….
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When he looked up from the floor, she was curled into a ball several feet away from him.
He made a soft noise in his throat and her head rose, her eyes finding his.
She made a whining sound and lowered her head again.
Odd.
Usually his mate would come to him…..
He approached her slowly and nuzzled her muzzled in greeting. She licked his nose and he noticed the worry in her eyes.
Why on earth would she…..?
Then he caught the faint scent emanating from her. She still smelled like herself, roses and coconut and like him, rain and spices….. But their scents were blended now…..
That was why she was acting so out of character. Why she was so skittish at the moment.
He laid down beside her and caressed her neck with his muzzle. She pulled away enough to lift her head and look at him questioningly.
He licked her cheek reassuringly. She thought that he was angry with her. He was no such thing. He was as far away from angry as it was possible to be.
He had no reason to be angry and every reason to be happy.
She whined again and he whimpered in response. Her eyes went a bit wide. He made another noise and then she laid her head down on his front paws, his head coming to rest over her neck.
She didn't need to worry, not now. Before, it had saddened him that she was his mate and they had yet to conceive. Now, lying there beside her, his sadness had lifted.
He could feel her ribs expend and contract with each breath, could feel the heat from his body as she was snuggled against his, could feel the warmth of her breath on his paws.
She whimpered softly and he licked her ear affectionately. Somehow, he doubted that they would move very much throughout the night. They were both content to lie beside one another and indulge in each other's closeness. Everything was at peace for the moment. Why shouldn't they enjoy it?
He had become quite used to joining with his mate during the last few full moons. One would have thought that not doing so again would dampen his spirits, but the thought wasn't unpleasant. Then again, the reason why he couldn't join with her probably had something to do with that.
He smiled to himself.
Even if he couldn't get that close to her, he could not remember ever being so happy.
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She felt something warm stroking the skin of her abdomen and opened her eyes.
He looked down at her worriedly, pulling his hand away.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." He said quietly.
She smiled and shook her head.
"It's alright." She told him and then she sighed.
"Dora?"
"I'm….I'm sorry I didn't tell you before….I wanted to and…."
"Shhh…. It's all right. I know you wanted to tell me. The important thing is that we know."
He took a deep breath and she watched him curiously.
"You're quite certain?"
She nodded. "I double-checked the calendar and did the charm to make sure."
He nodded and ran his fingers through his graying hair.
"Remus?"
He smiled at her and gave a soft chuckle.
"I'm just a little surprised. I didn't think…." He looked into her eyes. "I'm very happy, Dora."
"I should hope so." She whispered and she grasped his hand and placed it back on her abdomen.
He looked down at his hand and a strange feeling washed over him. It was one thing to want a child and to try to conceive, but…..
Knowing that she was carrying their baby….that there was a life growing just below his fingertips…..
"I guess we know why you've been feeling under the weather…"
"Yes, I suppose we do." She grinned.
"Do you know how far along….?"
"I think, maybe, a month. A little more or a little less….but somewhere along that line."
"Vivianna will be pleased. Now she will have an answer for Neomandine."
She gave him a puzzled look.
"Apparently, Neomandine has been asking if you and I were going to have a child soon. She really wants a playmate."
"No offense, but eight months from now she still won't have one. The baby will be too little."
He smiled. "I know, but she will still be very excited."
She nodded.
"Are…are you?"
"Excited?" He verified.
She nodded again.
He moved closer to her and leaned his forehead against hers.
"Yes, and a little worried."
"What are you worried about? And I don't mean Sicarius."
He smirked. "I guess it's what anyone would worry about, really. Protecting our child, teaching them, playing games and reading…. Whether he or she will have your eyes…."
"You think the baby will have my eyes?"
He kissed her nose.
"I hope so."
She frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"I was kind of thinking I'd like it if the baby had your eyes."
He pressed his lips to hers softly.
"You know, this means you're going to be a daddy, Remus." She whispered. Her hand reached out and stroked his face, brushing away a stray lock of hair. "You're going to be a dad." She had tears in her eyes and a gorgeous smile on her lips.
He pulled her to him, cradling her in his arms.
"My fantasy turned reality, thanks to you. You've already given me so much and now….now you're giving me a family of my own…."
He nuzzled her neck, just below the juncture of her ear and throat and sighed happily.
She felt a tingle race through her when his warm breath caressed her skin and she shivered with delight.
"You realize you're going to be a mum? A fantastic and enthusiastic, caring mum." He told her.
"Too bad 'sexy' mum isn't part of the deal." She joked.
She felt him smirk against her neck.
"Oh no, it's very much a part of the deal."
She pulled away enough to see his face and he smiled at her.
"There's nothing sexier than the woman you love carrying your child." He said quietly, reverently.
"Yes, well, you would know, so I'll just have to take your word for it." She said.
He smiled at her.
"I love you."
"I love you too…but can we get off the floor now?"
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"Come on Bandit. I want to get back. I told him I'd only be gone long enough to get you and to pick up some fennel seeds." She said, urging the dog to hurry up.
It had been a long time since she had taken him to Diagon Alley with her, but it was proving to be a rather nice day and he deserved to enjoy it as much as she did, so she had brought him along.
She stopped outside of one of the shops and turned, looking down at the canine.
"You stay out here. I'll only be a couple of minutes."
He promptly sat down and she entered the shop.
A few minutes later, she reemerged with her purchase.
She patted her leg and bandit stood, ready to follow at her side.
It had only been a moment, but that was all it took. A man grabbed hold of her arm and spun her to face him.
"Hello again." He said with a toothy grin.
A bolt of fear shot through her system.
How in the hell had he recognized her?!
"It's a bit warm for those robes, don't you think?" He asked.
Shit!
I forgot I worse these robes that day…..
"Let go of my arm, Healer Sicarius." She said, careful to keep her voice low and her tone even.
"Why should I? I've been after you for months. You just dropped off the face of the earth and now here you are again."
"Let go of me or I will scream. You don't want to make a scene." She advised.
"No, but I suppose killing you in public will cause a stir, regardless."
Bandit growled dangerously at Sicarius, but Sicarius paid the dog no mind.
She shook her head and laughed at the man before her. There was not much else to do.
"What do you find so funny?" He demanded. He was going to kill her. If she was laughing, it was very possible that she had lost her marbles….
"I wonder what she ever saw in you that made her love you."
"What?!"
"You heard me."
"How do you know….?!"
She laughed again.
"For a hunter, you're rather unskilled. Right under your nose for ages and you never even realized. You still don't."
"What are you babbling about?!"
She snorted.
"Why should I tell you? Like you said, you're going to kill me. That's not incentive to reveal my secrets."
"Damn you! Speak!" He ordered, shaking her form to emphasize his displeasure at her refusal to give him information.
Bandit snapped. His mistress was being attacked. She was his to protect. He lunged for Sicarius, biting down on the man's wrist, drawing a copious amount of blood.
Sicarius cursed in pain and released Nymphadora and she took off as fast as she could. She was surprised that Bandit had attacked like that, but also very grateful. He was a very loyal dog.
She stopped in her tracks when she heard Bandit's excruciating howl.
Turning on the spot, she looked back to see Sicarius, his wand aloft, pointed at her dog, who had fallen to the ground like a stone.
He wasn't moving…..
"Bandit!" She screamed.
Nothing.
She looked up and Sicarius was advancing in her, running to meet her.
She had no choice.
She disapparated on the spot, leaving Sicarius to bellow in anger, leaving Bandit lying on the ground…..
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A/N: Well, she's finally pregnant, lol. And there was fluff galore in this chapter. I love it! Unfortunately, Sicarius and his bad temper have returned. And I know it's mean to end a chapter with a cliffhanger, but...I never said I was nice. I hope you liked this one. Thanks to those of you that have read and reviewed. I can't express how much I appreciate it. Hope you come back for more!