A/N: If anyone is interested in what I think Tonks's wedding dress would have looked like, here's the link: A-Line-V-Neck-Sweep-Train-Chiffon-Wedding-Dress-002215669-g215669 It's very wizard dress-robe-y, especially with those sleeves.
Tonks had never felt more out of place than she did at Madam Malkin's right now. The dress robes section of the woman's shop was nothing more than a sea of ivory, white, and pastel pinks. She was already overwhelmed, and she hadn't even tried on a single gown yet. Tonks had dragged Mrs. Weasley and Ginny shopping with her, as well as her mother, though her mother wasn't helping the tension her daughter was feeling by offering her comments on a particular dress, either pointing out the flaws or she liked dresses that Tonks thought were rather ugly, though to keep the peace, she bit back her retorts and remained silent for now.
"Oh, how about this one?" chirped up Andromeda, holding out a sequined pump shoe that looked like a death trap to Tonks. One step in that, she'd fall and break her foot, spend the rest of their wedding night in St. Mungo's having her foot healed. Yeah, baby…
"You can wear it," grumbled Tonks moodily, turning away and wishing she were anywhere else but here. She turned back towards her mom and found they were in the middle of yet another fight.
Mrs. Weasley was eyeing Andromeda Tonks' black crisp robes that hugged her frame with some disgust. "Why are you wearing that?" she asked, seeming to be genuinely interested. "No one's gonna notice it!"
Tonks had had enough. Grabbing the sequined pump off the rack, she stormed over to Madam Malkin, who had an armful of dress robes and gowns in her arms for both Tonks and Mrs. Weasley to try on. Mrs. Weasley had insisted on attending their ceremony.
"Excuse me, Madam, but would you happen to have this shoe in a size 7 and a half for my mother? She's a bit of a sadomasochist and enjoys causing pain," she snapped, annoyed at all their bickering.
Andromeda Tonks looked up from her arguing with Molly, who'd moved onto another section of dresses. Ginny, meanwhile, was trying her hardest not to laugh as she lingered in the bridesmaid's dresses. "First of all, that shoe is hideous, and second of all, Sophia, I'm not into S&M. You know that, dear."
Madam Malkin glanced at Andromeda and the animosity in Tonks' eyes and knew when to walk away. "When don't I just give you two a minute," she mumbled, sauntering away into a corner, waiting for things to calm down. "I'll come back in a moment."
"See?" Andromeda snapped to Tonks. "You made her uncomfortable, Dora. I'm your mother, I'm only trying to help you. It's not every day my little girl gets married, now, is it? Besides, you also have to help me pick out a dress for the mother of the bride," she chirped, oblivious to Tonks' rapidly swelling anger issues.
Molly glanced at Tonks and scoffed, fingering a dress that she thought would be perfect for Remus's future wife. Glancing sideways at the pink-haired witch out of the corner of her eye, she could see why Remus loved her, the way she walked and held herself, more confident than before, how her eyes light up whenever she found something funny, how easily she got along with Remus. "What about this one, dear? I don't think you need all those fancy bridal gowns, something like this I think would be perfect for you."
The dress Molly Weasley held out to Tonks was a simple dress, perfect for the simple ceremony they were planning. Initially, Andromeda had balked, insisting on paying for it if they could have a real party, but Remus and Tonks insisted on paying for it themselves, wanting an intimate ceremony with only those closest to them: Andromeda, Ted, Lyall, Remus's father, and Molly and Arthur. Tonks admired the dress she held in her hands, taking it into the fitting room to try it on. The dress was a beautiful A-line white gown made of chiffon with a sweep train and short fluttery sleeves that fell to the crook of her elbow. When she opened the door and stepped out in front of the full-length mirror, twirling once, she loved how the back looked like it opened up, like a blossoming flower. It was simple, elegant and clean. Perfect for me, she thought. She turned to both her mom, Molly Weasley, and Ginny, who were staring, watery-eyed and slightly teary.
"What do you think?" she asked Ginny.
Ginny Weasley fixed her with an interesting stare.
When she spoke, Tonks wondered if she was referring to the dress or her future husband. "I think," she said after a moment's pause. "That you've found the perfect one."
"Hold still, please, Tonks, I can't help you with you squirming!" Molly Weasley's soothing tones filled her eardrums. Tonks flinched as the older woman gently waved her wand with a practiced flip of her wrist wedding, and Tonks watched, slightly in awe, as a few dozen tiny white flowers magically settled themselves onto Tonks's bright pink pixie, which had been freshly trimmed so that not a strand was out of place. Tonks thought Mrs. Weasley was looking quite pretty in a bright green set of dress robes, perfect for the simple ceremony.
She said as much. "You're beautiful."
Mrs. Weasley snorted. "Thank you, but it's not me everyone will be noticing tonight," she teased, her gray eyes shining in amusement. "We'll all be looking at you," she said quietly, working professionally to put the finishing touches on Tonks's makeup, which looked too dramatic under the bright light of the bathroom, but she knew once she stepped outside and for their photographs was when it would truly shine. Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Are you nervous?" she asked, desiring to change the subject as she put the finishing touches on Tonks' hair. "You're going to be a wife!"
Mrs. Weasley held a pin between her teeth as she finished putting the final touches onto Tonks' dress, checking the straps of her simple pink wedge sequined sandals they'd found last minute in Diagon Alley. "Done," she announced, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "What do you think? Do I need redo it?" she asked, scrutinizing her work with a careful eye.
"It's beautiful, thank you," Tonks said excitedly.
"No, you're beautiful," she corrected, her eyes glinting. Tonks' white wedding dress was beautiful and simple, like her. The dress was perfect for Tonks.
"It's time," Ted spoke up from the doorway softly.
Tonks turned and was surprised to see her father's eyes misting. "Dad," she whispered, not sure what to say to him.
"How like your mother you are," he said, coming over to his daughter and embracing his only child in a tight hug. "You're beautiful, Dora. Always. I'm so proud of you. I know she is too."
"Lupin is lucky to have you for his wife," Mrs. Weasley offered, her smile reassuring. Molly was calm and collected, something Tonks wished she could emulate in the moment. "Oh, no, I'd better go. I should have been there five minutes ago," she groaned, without another word fleeing the room, the train of her dress robes trailing behind her footsteps.
"Are you ready?" Ted asked when they were alone.
"Yes," she whispered, linking her arm with her father's. "Don't let me fall, Daddy, please," she begged desperately.
"Never," he promised firmly. "With me, you're safe."
She knew her father's words to be true. "I'm ready."
"I don't think I've ever seen you this nervous, boy," chuckled Molly, her arms folded across her chest as she sat in the pew, watching as the man she'd known for years pace the floor restlessly, weaving his fingers in between his knuckles, his gaze panicked. "It's a good thing I've got this, or you'd have dropped it by now," she teased, uncurling her fist and revealing the ring he was to place on Tonks' finger in a few short minutes. "Where's the Warlock of the Peace? Mathias?" she asked, looking around the dimly lit nave. "He should have been here by now, shouldn't he?" she joked, hoping to alleviate Remus's tension. Poor Arthur looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or not. "Oh, wait. Here he comes. You know, if you are this nervous, I think I have some wine in the back or even some of the Fire Whiskey if your nerves are going to get the better of you. No? Good. I don't think you want to drink too much tonight anyways; you will want to remember your wedding night. Besides, how the hell are you two supposed to give your parents grandchildren if you don't get to the best part of your night—"
"Molly," Remus croaked hoarsely. He scowled at how his voice sounded, turning away to cough and clear his throat. "I just wanted to say…thank you," he said, dropping his voice an octave and lowering it.
"For what?" she asked, looking surprised as she headed to check up on the girl. Mrs. Weasley was given no time to react as he said not a word, striding over and enveloping her in a deep hug, leaving Molly slightly winded but pleased. Molly had been hugged before, but never like this since her parents passed. And for Remus to initiate it, was practically a miracle. There was something so warm, something that felt right, smelt right. She let her body sag; her muscles become loose. Remus gave her the respect of an equal, but it was rare for him to show his affection like this. No doubt, the girl has changed his ways, and all for the better, she thought. Not knowing how to respond, she patted the man she considered like a son on the back and reluctantly relinquished her hold on him, holding him at arm's length so she could look at him. Molly thought he was looking especially handsome in a simple set of black dress robes. She had taken great care to trim his light brown hair, admiring how the lit candles behind cast a soft glow behind him, his hair seeming to glow in the light. Almost like an... "Angel," she whispered.
"What? Did you say something, Molly?" he asked, frowning.
"Uh…nothing," she mumbled, feeling the heat flush to her cheeks. She brushed a lock of red hair back behind her ear. "You know I'm proud of you, right? I was starting to think you would never find your own happiness, but then Tonks came into your life and…I just am so happy for you. Too long have you lingered in the shadows, hoping to live in the light. Now you can, now that the girl is in your life. Well, I consider you my own son, Lupin, like one of my own. That is all I need to say on this matter. I know you two will have a great life together. I just know it. But I should go check on Tonks, see what's is taking so damn long, yes?"
He nodded, and had been about to say something, but was saved by the arrival of Andromeda Tonks. "Mrs. Tonks." Darius muttered softly; grateful they were here to bear witness to this day. "I am grateful you two are here. I know you may not approve of our union, sir, but I can promise you that I—"
But to his surprise, Tonks' mother beamed, looking radiant. "We wouldn't be anywhere else," she said softly, looking around, seeing no sign of his future bride. "Excuse me," she said politely, giving a low curtsy as she turned her back and made to follow Molly. They returned a moment later, Tonks trailing close behind. He drew in a sharp breath that pained his lungs as he looked at his future wife.
The glow from the candles the Warlock Justice of the Peace had lit in painstaking detail to try to provide as much light as possible for their ceremony cast an almost ethereal glow around Tonks from behind, giving her almost an angelic appearance. In his eyes, she was.
To him, she had never looked more beautiful than she did right now. The scent of jasmine and lavender wafted towards his nostrils as she walked towards him, and a light gentle salve covered her lips, emphasizing their natural fullness, as well as to protect them from the harsh winter winds. Her dress was perfect. A white beautiful floor-length gown with ¾ flowing sleeves and a long train. Simple and elegant, perfect for her. Her pink pixie was perfect, not a strand out of place, tiny white flowers intricately woven throughout the front. And when she walked, he could briefly see the pair of white ballet flats on her feet. She had bewitched him with her beauty. "Like Theia or Aphrodite," he whispered, keeping his voice low enough so that only she could hear him. "You're beautiful, Dora."
She smiled warmly and took her hand in his. "I heard that. You're not so bad yourself, Rem. You're perfect," she whispered, not noticing the huge scar on his cheek, of which he was always so ashamed of.
Mathias, the Warlock of the Peace, clasped his hands together and folded him in front of his lap, his white robes crisp and neat. "Now that we are all here. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Mr. and Mrs. Tonks, you may be seated. These two today have asked that I keep this little speech short, classy and have politely asked me to leave out stories that are unflattering to either of them. So, I've had to redline stories about alcohol or the war, or that disastrous night involving the botched attempt with the young man asking this lady to dinner," he teased, shooting Remus a coy little glance, whose face flushed red. "But what I do feel comfortable in sharing with you all is, "I told you so," he grinned, shooting a charming smile at Remus and Tonks, much to their surprise. "Which is exactly what I said to Molly here that night that I learned that your relationship was becoming truly serious. As a third-party spectator to their developing love, it was extremely clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing because each of them complements the other so well. They balance one another, and while each of them are tremendous individuals on their own, together they are even better. And being better together, as a team, is what has been many months in the making and ultimately leads those of us fortunate enough to bear witness to this blessed of events here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love the most," he said, letting out a content little sigh. "I wish I could tell you a single story that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other's lives, and the lives of each of us, but the truth is there isn't a single one event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to this church, to each other, and to all of the world around us. But what I do know is that both cares deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves, that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they're together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated. Also, my personal experiences with both Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks highlight the quality of their love. When I am around them, I am always enjoying myself. Even when you two are fighting like cats and dogs," he added, earning a giggle from Tonks and a bark-like laugh from Arthur.
"Mathias, can you please hurry up?" pleaded Molly, sounding highly annoyed, tapping her foot in agitation as she sat in the front pew, gesturing with a wave of her hand for the old warlock to get on it with it. He looked startled, having forgotten himself.
"What? Oh, yes, right, right. I am certain that's part of what makes them so special to each of us: how happy and contented we feel when we are with them. And what I wish for them on this day, their wedding day, is that their lifetime together as a married couple is one full of complete contentment; full of those moments that they wish would never end, and that they continue to make one another smile and laugh as they make us all do. So, without further ado, it is a great pleasure to officiate this wonderful ceremony this evening, so very long in the making. If you would like to begin your vows?"
Remus nodded, taking a second to compose his thoughts. "Today, Nymphadora Tonks, I join my life to yours, not as merely your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you, I will walk my path from this day forward. In your eyes, I have found my home. In your heart, I have found my love. In your soul, I have found my mate. With you, I am whole, full and alive. You make laugh, harder than anyone else I know. You let me cry and don't think me weak for it. You are my breath, my every heartbeat, Dora. I pledge to listen to your advice, and occasionally take it," he grinned, earning a smile from Tonks in return and a chuckle from his family members. "I pledge never to keep score…even if I'm totally winning. I pledge to always admire your huge, strong, kind and determined heart. I pledge that I will love you. You know me better than anyone else in this world, and somehow you still manage to love me. You are my best friend and my one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the one who gets to marry you." Remus paused to get his emotions under control, although Tonks wasn't fooled. His brown eyes were misting as he fought back his tears. "With you, I will walk my path from this day forward, with you always be my side and I will never be alone again. I've never known someone with such gentle grace and a purer heart. When I've been lost, you've been there to bring me back. So, on this day, this moment, I pledge the rest of my life to you. I believe in you, just as you've always believed in me. When you believe in someone, it's not just for a minute, or for now. It's for forever, and even that isn't long enough."
Tonks swallowed hard to fight back the lump that was forming in her throat as she fought back her tears and took a deep breath. "I wanted my vows to be perfect, but perfection is a hard thing to get your hands on. But life is meant to be a little messy. And when it comes to love, I guess it's like what Moody always told me, right before you go into battle as an Auror. You only go if it is the only thing you could ever imagine doing. And I cannot imagine my life without you in it. You know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow you still manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the one who gets to marry you, love."
Tears were shed from both as their rings were exchanged, further words of love promised, and finally, the Warlock of the Peace pronounced them man and wife, commanding them to seal their new union with a kiss. Remus grinned, turning to the woman that was now his wife. He lowered his face to Tonks's, cradling her head in his hands as their lips met, the moment he had dreamed of for so long. He placed his hand on her waist and drew her closer, deepening their kiss. As they parted, she saw his eyes sparkle and his lips curve up into a smile and she couldn't help but smile back at the man she now was proud to call her husband. There was nothing that could ruin it. With true love as she knew they were blessed to experience together, Tonks felt like the other was the reason their lives together were now beautiful. Loving him was the best feeling because when she felt low and she talked to Remus, all he said was, "It will be all right. I'm right beside you."
She gazed up into his eyes lovingly. Know that you are good, my love, she thought passionately as he pulled her close for another kiss, gentle and slow. Know that you have everything you need to be the man you were born to be. You are more than you know, less than you will become, perfect in my eyes. To be in your company is a little slice of heaven. Emotions swim in your eyes, in your body language, in the inflections of your voice. You are a genuinely nice man and nice men deserve to win. So, my wish for you is that you win whatever it is you truly need to be happy in this life, reach for the stars and know that they shine for you as much as anyone else.
And my greatest gift in this life, is to be right next to you.