Chapter 53: Christmas
He could hear laughter from within the room and his heart swelled. It was the laughter of his baby cousin; the loud, boisterous laugh that she always had but lost a while back. Inwardly, his heart was racing as he barked and scratched at the door.
"What is it?" He heard pause in Nymphie's laugh and the door clicked and swung inwards.
Snuffles could see Nymphie sitting close to Remus, on the bed. In front of them were wrapping papers of all colours and design. The blanket of the bed was hastily thrown over them and Snuffles could not see the presents but he didn't come in to sneak a look at his present. He came to apologise.
Sirius bounded over to the bedside on Nymphie's side and sat back on his hind legs and lifted his front paws. In his mouth, the sign he made and hung downwards in his mouth read 'Sorry :( '.
She froze before Nymphie burst out laughing, Remus was smiling already.
"Sirius! What's that for?" She reached out and tousled Snuffles' fur before beckoning him up on the bed and onto her lap, "you don't have to apologise! You just have to forgive Remus…" She scratched him behind his ear. Snuffles' ears perked up and he rushed to get up, licking her face. Nymphie laughed, shoving him off, "you're being disgusting!"
Snuffles barked and turned circles on the sheets with his tongue lolling out of his mouth. Nymphie raised a brow, confused but Remus' eyes widened and he shoved Snuffles off the bed, "Don't you dare!"
Snuffles yelped as he fell off the bed.
"Do not defecate on the bed!" Remus scowled. Snuffles barked before he transformed back to Sirius.
"Don't push me," Sirius shot back before he smirked and wrestled Remus off the bed and to the floor.
Nymphie watched as they mocked a fierce fight on the floor, raising a brow, "And I thought I am the childish one," She rolled her eyes.
They paused, "You are!"
"I don't think I can forgive you for impregnating my baby cousin," Sirius huffed as they trudged into the forest.
Remus rolled his eyes, "you tried to get us together,"
Sirius pursed his lips, "yes but not get her pregnant!" At Remus' raised brow, Sirius sighed in defeat, "it's just that…I guess she never really grew up in my eyes,"
Remus smiled, "she wouldn't appreciate that thought,"
"I know that's why I'm telling you and not her," Sirius smirked, "And we're both her man slave now," Remus laughed lightly as his eyes caught sight of a tree that was at the perfect height for their house. Taking out his wand, he severed the trunk and Sirius casted a quick levitation charm.
When they arrived back at the house, Sirius offered to patrol the perimeter one more time to check on the wards while Remus set up the tree in the house. Remus opened the door to the house and instantly had both women's wands pointed at him.
"What was the last thing my husband said to me?" Tonks asked stiffly. Remus looked at her and couldn't help but smile. She had tinsel wrapped around her torso and over her swollen belly. On her feet, one foot was still in the bedroom slippers Remus got for her and the other foot was in a red Christmas boot, lined with white fur.
"I didn't talk to you last. I talked to our daughter," Remus mused, "I said 'be good to muma and nanna while I'm gone'," Tonks' lips turned up in a smile as she lowered her wand and covered the space between her husband and herself. She threw her arms around him, kissing his lips.
"And he was pretty good," Tonks whispered. Remus smiled.
Andromeda shook her head, a hint of a smile on her lips as she resumed, what seemed to be, unpacking of Christmas decorations.
"What are you doing?" Remus mused, tugging at the silver tinsel around her belly.
"Decorating," She grinned and waved her wand, helping Remus with the tree.
Andromeda righted the stand they prepared for the tree while Remus and Tonks steadied it to put it in its place by the fireplace, "It's a nice tree," She commented.
Remus nodded his thanks just as Sirius strode in using the back door, "Remus picked it out!"
Remus chuckled and nodded, "that's him." He assured Andromeda and Tonks.
"I see Nymphie's begun decorating a bit earlier, as usual," Sirius teased and Tonks stuck her tongue out at him before carefully sitting down on the warm carpet to sort out the baubles. Remus shed his coat and placed it on the coat rack by the door before joining his wife.
He laughed lightly, "let's get this off you first, and on the tree?" he tugged at the tinsel and helped her out of it, ticking her under her rib gently but Tonks giggled loudly, jerking away from him.
Andromeda retreated to the kitchen to make them all some hot chocolate. Sirius was laying out on the couch, trying to juggle the baubles and failing miserably. Remus took out all the decorations and lay them out on the carpet. He glanced over at Tonks, then he stared. Her lips were turned up in a permanent smile, her grey eyes lit up like Christmas lights, her cheeks a rosy pink and her skin was nearly glowing. Her red and green hair was shoulder length and Tonks had it in a loose bun with loose strands framing her face.
She looked up, beaming, "Remus look at this!" Tonks squealed, "I made this when I was 5!" In her hand, she held a beautiful star. It was golden and was uneven where tinsels seemed to be painted on, wrapped all around it. The tinsels were glowing.
"It's beautiful," He looked her in the eye and told her after glancing at the ornament. Tonks' breath hitched as she held Remus' gaze. Blinking she looked away, her cheek reddening. Remus smiled, mildly surprised she still blushed around him, "I'll put up the ornaments, you can choose them and tell me where you want them, it's safer for you if you sit,"
Tonks pouted but relented as Remus raised a brow and gave her a look to remind her of his terms that she'll always listen to him if they had a proper Christmas celebration.
Tonks handed him a sparkling red and golden tinsel and Remus placed it gently around the tree. Sirius whistled, "Nice, Gryffindors colours,"
Remus tried and failed to supress a smile at that statement as his wife, a loyal Hufflepuff, knitted her brows before sticking her tongue out at Sirius again. Tonks handed Remus a blue bauble and he hung it up but eventually, staying so still got to Tonks and she insisted to stand. In the end, Remus levitated the box, containing the ornaments, to follow beside her as she hung them.
It took them most of the afternoon to finish up with the ornaments of the tree before moving onto the fairy lights. When they were up as well, Tonks placed the star right at the top before she stepped back to admire their work. Remus waved his wand and the curtains closed and the fairy lights lit up. The baubles reflected the lights in every direction and the tinsel seemed to glow.
In awe, Tonks watched the tree and Remus watched his wife, leaning over to kiss her on her cheek, his arm wrapped around her waist. She looked pleasantly surprised as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Sirius groaned loudly and they separated to see Sirius with his hands over his eyes, "stop it! You're making me feel like I'm interrupting something when the truth is the two of you don't have basic logic how to act in public."
Tonks scowled, "this is our house, you are interrupting,"
Sirius' eyes widened dramatically as he shot to his feet, bawling as he dashed into the kitchen, "Andy, your daughter's throwing me out!"
Remus chuckled, shaking his head and rubbing Tonks' back as she scowled darkly at her cousin. From the kitchen, they heard the curt tone of Andromeda's before Sirius shuffled out of the kitchen glumly.
"I'll get the presents to place under the tree!" Tonks turned to Remus with a smile. He looked to object before he hesitated and nodded instead.
"Be careful," He said and watched her go to their room to get it. Remus still felt that fear that Tonks might trip and hurt herself but he knew she wouldn't bear with being mollycoddled for too long. Besides, he needed to have faith in Tonks to take care of herself and he did.
Remus began packing up the empty boxes and looked up as Tonks descended the stairs. In her hands, she held the wrapped presents they bought. Her eyes were trained on where she was going and every step she took was careful. Smiling, he took the presents from her and placed them under the tree. To both their surprise, Sirius approached the tree with two presents and placed them under the tree as well.
She stirred. Tonks didn't know what woke her. As she shifted to feel for her husband, she only felt empty sheets. Worry struck her, "Remus?" She struggled to sit up, a hand on her belly. She glanced around to see it was still dark and the cloak indicated it was 3am of Christmas morning. They had eaten a sumptuous meal and listened to Christmas carols over the radio till it was midnight.
As was their before bed routine, her husband casted a cooling charm over her, massaged her lower back and feet for about an hour before he spooned her snugly and whispered sweet nothings to her till she slept, feeling comfortable and safe.
"Remus…" She called again and there was no reply. Maybe he went down for a snack, she mused as she threw aside the sheets and left the bed clumsily. Even if the weather was cold, Tonks ignored her bathrobe but grabbed her wand off the bedside table. Since she was pregnant, she was constantly warm and perspiring. One of Remus' shirts that hung down to mid-thigh seemed sufficient to keep her warm in the night.
As she opened the door, she peered out into the corridor. Lumos.
Treading softly, Tonks descended the stairs, watching her step. In the living room, there was no sign of her husband but the still-lit Christmas tree was still there. She smiled fondly and admired it. Suddenly, her stomach growled and Tonks ventured into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she found some strawberry ice cream and pickles. Prying open the respective covers and snatching up a spoon, she dug in. Half a spoon of ice cream and half a spoon of pickles were like a full spoon from heaven. Tonks moaned softly and continued shoving food into her mouth.
"Dora?"
She jumped, almost dropping her spoon as she turned around with her wand in hand. Her husband, dressed in a white t shirt and pyjamas pants, was standing at the door of the kitchen, his hands raised in surrender, amused.
"What was the last thing we did before I slept?" She asked cautiously.
Remus' fringe fell into his eye and his hair was tousled, especially on the right side where he slept on, "nothing, I told you that I love you and had a monologue about our future. You were woozy and ready to sleep by that time, as tired as you were," The edge of his lips twitched up in a small smile, "which is why it's surprising that you're up at this hour…" He raised a brow as she relaxed and removed the spoon from her mouth, licking it.
"I was looking for you," Tonks replied, turning around to dig up a scoop of ice cream again. Behind her, she couldn't hear Remus' soft footfalls but she felt his warm body up against the back of hers.
"Are you stealing food, Mrs Lupin?" Remus whispered in her ear, causing a shiver to run down her spine.
Clearing her throat, Tonks replied adamantly, "I am not. I was just…slightly hungry…"
Remus looked at her choice of supper and wrinkled his nose in distaste, "Dora…Pickles with strawberry ice cream?"
She shrugged and nodded. Remus watched quietly as she finished her food, rubbing her belly gently. When she was done, she pressed the cover back on and Remus took them back to the fridge. He waved his wand and the spoon hovered out of Dora's hand and began washing itself in the sink.
"Come on, back to bed?" Remus asked, offering her a hand.
She took it, "can we stay on the couch instead?" He nodded and sat down on the couch, opening his arms out for her to lay in. A cool breeze settled around Tonks and she knew Remus had casted the cooling charm, himself making do with the chill for being in such close proximity of her.
The tree was captivating and they gazed at it for a moment before Tonks yawned, burying her face in Remus' neck. He smelt like books and wood.
"Where were you?" Tonks muttered sleepily.
On the verge of sleep, she didn't notice Remus hesitate, "out back, just getting some air and checking on the wards," She acknowledged it with a slowly and barely noticeable nod as she drifted off to sleep. Remus smiled, touching his cheek to Tonks' forehead.
Andromeda opened her eyes to see the white of the ceiling, reaching out beside her, she felt nothing but cold sheets. Then it struck her; her husband's dead. It seemed to feel like it happened a century ago but the problem was, they were together for longer. Stretching, Andromeda sat up and got up to fold the sheets.
Her husband exists now only in her dreams but her daughter and grandchild needed her; she can't sleep forever, not before it's time.
She glanced at the clock as she left her room. It was 7am. The house was quiet and soon, Andromeda had finished washing up and was walking down the stairs.
She paused. Her daughter and son-in-law lay on the couch. Nymphadora was sprawled out on the couch, one leg over Remus' while Remus slept on his side, taking as little space as he could, being very accommodative to his wife. Nymphadora stirred and snuggled closer to Remus, hugging his arm tighter.
Andromeda smiled, heading into the kitchen to whip up breakfast for everyone. Christmas, Andromeda recalled, was always a big affair in the Tonks' household. Ted would turn up the muggle radio that played Christmas carols all day, Nymphadora would be that little colour of energy that ran about all day and Andromeda would be whipping up a big meal in preparation for Ted's family visit.
Nymphadora loved Christmas. It was the only day Andromeda wouldn't nag if she wore her hair outrageous colours. Her contagious happiness was what kept the household cheery; that and Ted's off-tune singing.
This year, Ted wasn't around and Nymphadora was pregnant but seemed happy. Andromeda knew today would be the day the ache of losing her husband would resurface, more than everyday.
Suddenly, she could hear soft Christmas carols from the living room. At first, she dismissed it as her imagination from missing Ted too much but when the Christmas carols still persisted in the background, Andromeda wiped her hands on a cloth and went out into the living room. Nymphadora was awake and standing by the radio which was on the mantle of the fireplace, beside all the photos. Her tousled and uncombed hair was golden today. As if feeling someone's gaze on her, Nymphadora turned around and locked eyes with her mother. She smiled understandingly and Andromeda returned the smile, nodding with tears in her eyes.
In the middle of their breakfast, a streak of white light was seen and a weasel stopped before all of them and Arthur Weasley's voice came from it, "I hope you are all doing well. We're hoping to drop by for a short visit, if you would find it convenient. We're not staying for dinner but just to drop word,"
They paused before Sirius' and Tonks' face split into a wide grin. Remus and Andromeda managed a worried smile. They hadn't heard from anyone from the Order since Tonks' escape and the streets got more dangerous.
Remus' gaze lingered on Tonks as she turned to him, beaming, "That'll be great!"
"Will it?" He smiled. At her eager nod, Remus turned to Andromeda, who nodded as well, "alright then," He waved his wand, "We would love to have all of you over. Our house remains at the location you've heard but never been to. It's been heavily secured, even more so in the evening." Tonks watched a non-corporeal patronus disappear into the wall. Turning to her husband, she slung her arm through his, a meaningful look in her eyes but Remus averted her gaze.
When breakfast was over, Sirius was extremely excited over the Weasley's visit in the evening. He turned into Snuffles and bounded about the living room madly, barking and yipping at Remus and Tonks. Once, Remus has had to push Snuffles away from trampling over them.
"Snuffles, get the bag by the floor of our room, will you? Please?" Tonks said and shot Snuffles a look. With a bark, he disappeared upstairs.
"What is it?" Remus asked.
"The Weasleys' presents," she explained but then touched the back of his neck gently, "Remus…your patronus…it's still-"
"Dora, please." He interrupted stonily. It has been a long time since Remus spoke like that to anyone and Tonks knew he was serious about this. Tonks withdrew, drawing her wand, she wordlessly casted her patronus. A silver werewolf emerged from the tip of her wand. It stood before them, shaking itself out before sitting on its hind and watching them with bright eyes.
"It's beautiful, Remus," Tonks muttered, glancing at her stubborn husband who was pointedly ignoring the wolf, "Remus…"
"It sickens me, Dora," Remus told her through clenched teeth.
Closing her eyes momentarily, she drew Remus closer, "Let me see yours,"
He shook his head stiffly but unavoidably caught Tonks' eye. Eventually, he nodded. His wand hand was shaky but Tonks reached for it and steadied him. A white fog streamed from the tip of his wand. A wolf materialised beside the werewolf, staring at Remus.
"I love you, Remus. All of you," Tonks smiled at the wolf, beckoning it over. The wolf took a step, its snout inches away from her fingers.
Remus looked up, horror etched in his eyes, "No!" His objection sounded like a harsh growl. Tonks jumped and the wolf's jaw pulled back in a snarl before it vanished.
Silence weighed heavily in the room.
"I'm s-" Remus started.
But Tonks beat him to it, "It's okay, Remus," She took his hand, "I'll love you so much, one day, you'll love yourself just as much…" She bit her lips.
Blinking, he cupped her cheek, "How can you tolerate me when I'm like this?"
"She doesn't have to, mate," Sirius interrupted, descending the stairs, "She loves you so much, I doubt her brain's even functioning right, much less notice you're a prat filled with so much self-loathing-"
"Shut up Sirius," Tonks scowled, tossing a pillow at him.
Sirius ducked, "Pregnant women," He rolled his eyes before placing the bag he went to retrieve.
"Thanks," She muttered, "were you eavesdropping the whole time, you rude prick?"
Sirius tutted at her language, smirking, "not the whole time,"
"If you weren't an escaped convict and your other address being 'Azkaban Prison', I'll throw you out right now," Tonks swore.
Remus went out to welcome Arthur when evening came around. As it appears, Molly accompanied him on his visit. She proceeded to choke Tonks in a firm hug, being very careful with Tonks in her state. Then they sat around the couch, Molly beside Tonks and Remus on the other side of her.
"It's good to know all of you are alright, and especially you, Tonks," Arthur started, a genuine smile on his lips, "Well, firstly, we want to thank you both in person for our sons,"
"Arthur, it's really no big deal-" Tonks began but Molly sat up.
"No, no. We're truly very grateful about that matter and if there's anything I can do to help with your pregnancy, you only have to call," Molly squeezed Tonks' hand and she nodded.
"Have you had any word from Harry?" Remus asked.
Arthur looked grim, "Yes we have. Ron came back a few days ago and is staying with Bill. He refuses to tell us anything about what they're up to but he assured us they're all okay. Whatever it is that those kids are up to, I'm convinced it's…" His eyes flinted across Molly's pale face, "important,"
Remus nodded, "Harry can handle himself,"
Sirius was seated in a single seat couch, his hands gripping the handle of the couch so tightly that his knuckles were white.
"Also, we've discussed with Kingsley and we've set up a radio station within the Order. This would ensure that we're able to keep in contact and a secret passcode is used and changed everyday. Perhaps you'll like to join us? It'll just be a daily thing where we discuss and report news we received that might not be 'ministry approved'," Arthur said.
Tonks sat up, "Of course we'll take part-"
"No, Nymphadora," Andromeda stated firmly, "it's not safe for you to leave this house and travel for as long as you are pregnant!"
Tonks scowled at her mother, "Remus and I went out and we're fine. I'll be safe as long as I have Remus with me. And I may be pregnant but I'm still an Auror,"
"No," Remus spoke up, "no more going out for you. I nearly had a heart attack on our recent shopping trip,"
"We'll bring the recording station to you," Arthur offered.
"Can you?" Sirius asked.
At Arthur's nod, Sirius and Tonks exchanged glad smiles.
"Molly," Tonks reached for the bag, "I got something for you both and the kids as well," Molly laughed and thanked her.
"As did I!" She reached into her pouch and expanded another bag of wrapped presents.
"That'll be about it then," Arthur stood and Molly mirrored, "we'll make a move and be in touch. The kids are still waiting at the Burrow," Remus stood and sent them to the door, "Take care, Remus," Arthur said, patting Remus on the shoulder heartily. Molly pulled Remus down for a hug before they slipped out the door.
"You too," Remus nodded and watched them leave the wards and apparated swiftly.
Seeing a fellow Order member seemed to lighten the mood for dinner. Between Andromeda and Remus, Tonks ended up stuffing herself so much she could hardly move after dinner; her and Sirius as well. Remus chuckled, fetching the dessert while Andromeda cleared up the table.
They ate dessert around the living area where they listened to Christmas carols and laughed over Remus' and Sirius' stories from their school days. Tonks chipped it once in a while. All the while, Andromeda hid her amusement behind a glass of red wine, opting to knit her brows in disapproval.
In the middle of one of Sirius' animated narration of a prank, Tonks sat up straighter, exclaiming, "time for presents!" Her eyes trained on the clock.
Everyone looked to see it was midnight; boxing day, officially.
Remus chuckled, "Alright,"
Tonks grinned, waving her wand and the presents flew to their receiver. Sirius grinned and dug into his package eagerly to reveal the magazine. He howled in delight, jumping out his seat and kissing Tonks soundly on her cheek. She scrunched up her face in mock disgust.
"Should I be jealous?" Remus quipped idly, a smirk on his face. A look of panic flinted across Sirius' face before he transformed into a dog and leap onto the couch to lick her face instead. Tonks groaned and shoved him off. Remus grinned, reaching for the neon pink collar in the half opened package which Sirius neglected to notice upon seeing the motorcycle magazine. He lunged forward and clasped it around Snuffles. Poor Sirius didn't know what got him till it happened.
Andromeda laughed. Tonks blinked and turned to her mother. They haven't heard her laugh since Ted's death. Snuffles stopped his whining and turned to Andromeda, noticing and welcoming the change as well. He barked, leaping onto Andromeda's lap.
"Open yours mum!" Tonks urged eagerly. Nodding, Andromeda placed her present on Snuffles' back, smiling at the sight of the neon pink collar. She opened her present and laughed. She removed the golden necklace from the case. The chain of the necklace was thin and gold in colour. Where the pendant was normally located, it read 'Grandma' in a thin cursive scribe.
"I'm getting too old!" Andromeda smiled. Snuffles barked and she pulled the necklace away just as Snuffles made to grab it, "do not eat it Sirius!" She reprimanded sharply, making Snuffles slink back, whining and acting pitiful; which Remus claimed was what Sirius did best as a dog.
"And here is presents for both of you, from us!" Andromeda made a large wrapped gift float towards them, followed by a smaller one. Tonks grinned, taking the smaller one while Remus held onto the second one.
"Thank you, Andromeda," Remus smiled.
"Thanks!" Tonks grinned, looking down to tear the wrappings of the present. It wrapped a cardboard box. She opened it to reveal an ornament for the Christmas tree. Its base suggests that it was supposed to be placed at the top of the tree. The ornament was a mini life like figurine of a bride with pink hair. Beside her there was a groom with brown hair, his arms wrapped around his bride. Tonks squealed like a child, standing up to replace the star at the top of the tree.
Remus watched on, flicking his wand to remove discarded wrapping paper from the floor, shift the coffee table and one of the presents under the tree; all of which was in Tonks' path and would've tripped her up if not shifted or removed. Andromeda shook her head at her careless daughter, shooting Remus a pleased and understanding smile.
"It looks great! Thank you mum!" Tonks leant over to hug her mother, shoving Snuffles roughly.
"Don't mention it Nymphadora," Tonks wrinkled her nose at that, "after all this is over, Sirius and I would kindly leave this house to the both of you and then this'll truly be your home,"
Snuffles barked in objection but Tonks pointedly ignored him, nodding her thanks at her mother. Snuffles walked off Andromeda's lap and sat beside her, transforming back. The neon collar stayed on, making everyone roar with laughter at the sight.
"No one appreciates poor Sirius," Sirius lamented as he tugged at the collar to remove it to no avail.
"Open the other one, Remus," Tonks urged. Remus smiled, doing as she asked. He gently removed the tape of the wrapping paper and opened the present without tearing the paper. It was revealed to be a large photo frame. In the photo, it was the picture of Remus and Tonks standing before the house they currently lived it; which used to be Moody's house. It was taken the day they shifted in.
"You can thank me for it! It is magical, mind you!" Sirius puffed out his chest, grinning.
Remus raised a brow, "you charmed it?" To which Sirius nodded proudly, "Dora dear, please keep a safe distance away. I've seen the aftereffect of your charms work, more than once, regretfully."
Sirius scowled, "I worked on it for days!"
"Don't worry Remus," Andromeda laughed, "I've checked it'll work fine and not have any side effects," Remus nodded, the edge of his lips turned up in a smirk at his old friend.
"So what does it do?" Tonks asked as she admired the photo. In the photo, Remus smiled at the camera before looking at his wife and leaning closer to kiss her gently on her cheek. Tonks smiled at Remus, blushing as he kissed her.
Sirius cleared his throat, "it's a family portrait and always will be!" he declared proudly.
Remus raised a brow, "I'm impressed Sirius. This is advance magic,"
Sirius sat back and grumbled, offended with the lack of faith everyone had in him, even if it was only a joke.
Andromeda gave Sirius a wool hoodie while Sirius gave Andromeda his 'eternal gratitude' and some cousinly love in the form of a kiss, the latter which Andromeda politely declined.
"Your turn," Tonks smiled at her husband and made to get up Remus stopped her, handing her his wand and she complied, summoning his present and spared him all the unnecessary worry. A medium sized package flew to them. Remus caught it and kissed his wife in thanks before he carefully opened it. It appeared to be a smart black waistcoat, "It's spelled, based on my knowledge of Dark Arts from Auror training and from vol- You-know-who. It'll keep you warm too," Tonks swallowed, "You're always so caught up protecting me and soon, this baby. This is to protect you," She explained thickly.
Remus smiled, taking her hand in both of his, "Thank you, Dora. But you do know I'll take care of myself too, for both of you, don't you?" She nodded, glad, her eyes welling up with tears.
"What about me?" Sirius pouted.
Rolling her eyes, Tonks blinked away tears and turned to her cousin, "That collar would protect you, if you would wear it," She winked at him.
They spent the next hour singing Christmas carols and watching the Christmas lights. Sirius drank firewhiskey for the occasion like a hippogriff. Andromeda indulged and Tonks abstained, Remus being very supportive by having only a sip.
Sirius knocked out on the couch eventually and Andromeda took it upon herself to levitate her drunk cousin to bed despite Remus' offer. She insisted they should have some alone time in the sitting room.
Soon, it was quiet, apart from the soft Christmas carols coming from the radio.
"Dance with me, Remus," Tonks sat up and made to get up.
Remus stood, "If you want me to," he smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and her, his neck. She hummed the music as they swayed, "I love you," He told her.
Tonks pressed a kiss to his neck, "I love you too,"
Remus placed a finger under her chin to guide her to look at him, "Of all the things I've had in my life, it still makes me feel like the luckiest and happiest man on the this earth when you tell me that," He kissed her and Tonks still felt her heart quicken and her knees go weak as she felt her husband's lips against hers. He always kissed her gently; so tender it hurts, making her melt right into him. She wanted to scream her joy if only she didn't have to part with him to do so. Tonks pulled him closer, deepening the kiss.
Suddenly, she felt a kick from the third party in every one of their supposedly intimate moments. Remus paused as well and she knew he felt it as well. They parted and Remus looked, "Seems like we woke the little guy," His voice was hoarse.
"Probably my racing heart," Tonks smirked, leaning closer to grab his lower lip between her teeth.
"Ouch," Remus frowned and Tonks rolled her eyes at him.
"Don't lie, it didn't hurt and you secretly love it," She accused.
Remus smiled with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "guilty," Tonks giggled and she gazed at Remus as he touched her stomach gently.
"It would be a mood killer if I got hungry now, wouldn't it?" Tonks spoke all of a sudden.
Remus drew back and blinked before he burst out laughing, "It would be a mood killer if I starved my pregnant wife on Christmas night," Tonks smiled sheepishly, "what do you feel like eating?"
"Just some cookies mum made," She assured him. Besides, Tonks wasn't fond of having her husband run out in the middle of the night and risk himself to get her some food. Remus smiled as they sat back on the couch, handing her the jar of cookies.
As she ate, Remus decided to broach an issue which had been weighing on Tonks' mind since their shopping trip but didn't mention as she probably didn't want to seem too demanding but was no less disappointed about, "So… I seem to owe you a christmas present,"
Tonks paused mid munch but she continued to do so, "no you don't. You got me these," She smiled, lifting her feet to show him her, currently, red bedroom slippers.
He smiled, watching her with uncomfortable intensity, "How could you even think that bedroom slippers are all I'm going to give my sweet beautiful wife for her favourite occasion?"
She shifted sheepishly, biting her lips to hide her smile, "It's not my favourite occasion, not after our wedding,"
Remus kissed her temple gently as he stood and offered her a hand, "Come on, time for your Christmas present. I would bring it to you, but it would be of a slight hassle," Tonks smiled, taking his hand. He guided her up the stairs and they stopped outside the closed door of the room opposite Andromeda's. It was empty as far as Tonks was concerned, just an extra bedroom, "ready?"
Tonks raised a brow but nodded nonetheless. Remus flicked his wand at the door and a click was heard before the door opened. Dim lights in the room were switched on and Tonks blinked.
It was a nursery. In the middle of the room, on the floor was a soft dark grey rug. By the window was a baby cot. The cot was white on the base and at the ends. The sides of the cot had brown wood. The window was half covered by two layer of curtains, one yellow translucent one and one opaque brown curtain. The wall with the window was maroon down the middle and yellow by the sides.
At the head of the cot by the corner of the room, there was a dresser and at the bottom of the cot was a waist high cupboard. The top of it was cushioned by a thick grey stuffed mattress; a table to change the baby's diapers on. Under it were drawers, no doubt to put baby powder and extra clean diapers.
In front of the dresser, there was a wooden rocking chair, covered with khaki coloured cushions.
"Oh Remus…" She turned to him, tears in her eyes, "why did you do all this without telling me? I was going to ask you about the nursery tomorrow,"
Remus smiled, "and risk arguing you about what work you have to do when I prefer for you to lay in bed to rest?" Despite the molly coddling, Tonks couldn't help but smile, "the colour can be changed it you don't like it and the walls are still waiting for a mural if you want one," she stood there, gazing at everything. He approached her, wrapping his arms around her to rest his hands on her stomach, "Happy Christmas to both of you,"
"Thank you Daddy," Tonks grinned. She approached the rocking chair and touched it, "Remus…did you…make this?" She gaped.
Remus looked down sheepishly, shifting his weight to his other leg, "Can you tell? I tried to make it as smooth as possible-"
"It's amazing Remus… why didn't you do everything with magic?" Tonks ran her hand over the woodwork.
"I preferred to do it with my own two hands," he replied,
"You made everything in this room?" She frowned.
Remus shifted uncomfortably, "just the woodwork," He studied her as Tonks marvelled, "Do you like it?" He asked nervously.
"Why wouldn't I? I love it, Remus!" Tonks threw her arms around him, hugging him as snugly as her stomach allowed, "You're the sweetest husband in the entire world,"
A/N: Extra long chapter! I have no idea how many more chapters of fluff it would be but hopefully you won't be sick of fluff yet! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Huge huge thanks to all my reviewers of last chapter, you guys are amazing; remusdora, JKStorm501, HammersNStrings, MoonDoll33 and Guest! You guys are the reason this chapter came our real quick and turned out to be so lengthy!
Do leave me a review for this chapter as well!
