Author's Note: Why do I do this to myself?
Alone
359 words
Returning to his mother-in-law's house alone is one of the hardest things Remus has ever had to do. He steps out the fireplace and composes himself before going to look for her and his infant son, reminding himself that Dora is in good hands and there's nothing more he can do for her.
Andromeda handles it as well as he expects, screaming at him for not protecting her daughter and then storming from the room. Remus spends the whole night with Teddy in his arms, trying to erase the images replaying in his mind from the battle.
:-:
He and Teddy spend every day by her side. The healers are optimistic she will come out of the curse-induced coma, but they have no idea when. So Remus does what he can, talking to her, reading to her from his favorite novels like he used to when they were dating. Dora always said she loved it when he read to her and she could hear the passion in his voice.
She receives many visitors: Andromeda, Harry, Ginny. Molly sends flowers for Dora and meals for Remus. Harry and Ginny often watch Teddy so Remus can have a few minutes to himself.
In the end, he always goes home alone.
:-:
Remus finishes hanging the last picture above the mantle and steps back to admire his handiwork. He smiles, staring at all the people he's loved: his parents, his friends, Dora, Teddy, Harry. He considers himself blessed to have had them in his life.
"You've settled in nicely," Minerva comments from the door.
"Thank you, again, for the position."
"There's no one more suited for the job, Remus. And you know Hogwarts is always welcome to your family."
He collects Teddy from the playpen and bounces him lightly. "I hope he comes to view Hogwarts as his home as much as his mum and I have."
Minerva smiles and brushes her hand over Teddy's wispy brown hair. "I'm sure he will. It'll be good for him - for you both, to be surrounded by family."
Remus nods, in complete agreement. There's no place he would rather be, either or without Dora by his side.