Remus opened his eyes in confusion. He was befuddled upon waking in the unfamiliar, but bright and vibrant space. It looked overwhelmingly like Dora in this room. Colorful baubles surrounded Remus in the cozy bedroom. Little trinkets of badgers and fairies appeared above his head.
"You took quite the tumble there, son," Ted greeted Remus warmly.
"T-Ted?" Remus croaked. "Wh-Where am I?"
"You're in Dora's childhood bedroom. 'Dromeda brought you here this morning."
"Why am I h-here?" Remus rasped.
"'Dromeda had an errand to run this morning for Dora."
"Is she okay?" Remus' voice was still hoarse and shaky; he assumed he'd injured his throat over the last full moon, considering the man's various bandages.
"She's alright, something about new robes. It's you I needed to talk to today, Remus," Ted said. "I know you can't talk very well right now, but that may be helpful."
Remus nodded weakly as a gesture for Ted to continue.
"I don't know how you feel, Remus. Not exactly," Ted began. "I do know my own experience, and I should like to tell you about it."
"When Dora first brought you 'round and said she had fallen in love with you, she said you were like her mother. What she didn't realize, Remus, is that you're quite like me. She's always fancied herself more like me, but our Dora is her mother's daughter, through and through. Both can be rather persuasive when they want to be." Ted chuckled softly to himself, and watched as Remus stared unfailingly in attention.
"When I first met 'Dromeda, we were in our fifth year. We had always sat at the same table in potions, but had never once spoken in nearly five years. I knew who she was – a Black. Her sister, Bellatrix, had always made it clear that the Black family wanted nothing to do with wizards like me. Muggle-borns. Or, as she so fondly called me, Mudblood." Ted's tone turned serious.
"'Dromeda, unbeknownst to me, had been watching me for years. She was too afraid to say anything to me, or so she tells me," Ted smiled warmly. "Unbeknownst to her, I'd been watching her for years, but too afraid to say anything to her. Our fifth year was our O.W.L. year, of course. We were brewing a potion one day and 'Dromeda added too much of the Erumpent Horn – quite dangerous, you know – and made the mistake of knocking into the cauldron, which caused the potion all over me. It burned nearly everything it touched. Very painful for me, of course," Ted elaborated.
"I actually passed out from the pain, and when I woke several hours later, 'Dromeda was in the Hospital Wing waiting for me. I thought she'd come to tell me she'd done it all intentionally because I was a Muggle-born, but the poor dear burst into tears upon seeing me bandaged and burned. She visited me every morning and night to make sure I was alright, and to bring me notes for my classes. Not even my best mates did that," Ted grinned.
"When I was finally released from the Hospital Wing, I went right up to Ravenclaw Tower, and was happily catching up with my friends when 'Dromeda stormed into the common room, worried sick that something had happened to me, as I wasn't in the Hospital Wing anymore. The look on her face – well, you've seen it – the one she gets when she's rather cross. I was gobsmacked she came by to see me, and so I took a walk with her around the castle."
"We had quite a bit more in common than we thought, and to my delight, she didn't harbor any of the pureblood views I expected her to. We dated in secrecy until we were done with school, and that's when I left her the first time," Ted said, now hanging his head in shame.
"We coordinated to try to see each other in Hogsmeade just after we left Hogwarts, with our families. I had told my parents about this wonderful witch I'd fallen in love with, but she hadn't yet told her family about me. She met my parents first, who were smitten with 'Dromeda for her manners. Thought I was the luckiest wizard to have found such an elegant witch. As if I needed to be told!" Ted chuckled softly to himself again.
"We attempted to meet with her family, hoping that Bellatrix wouldn't be there. Unfortunately, she had just married that Rodolphus Lestrange, and her family had brought Rabastan Lestrange, his brother, to attempt a betrothal. 'Dromeda threw a right fit, vowing she'd never marry Rabastan. Her parents, Druella and Cygnus, were rather unhappy. They were furious when they saw me right beside 'Dromeda. Bellatrix recognized me as the 'Mudblood' right away. 'Dromeda was tortured with the Cruciatus Curse before my eyes. The screaming…it broke my heart, Remus. I told her in front of her family I could never see her again, and they mocked her as I Apparated away."
"She found me, of course, and begged me not to leave her, but Remus, you know the feeling. She was tortured by her own family in front of my eyes! I couldn't let that happen to her again! So I left her the first time. I tried to stay away, I did, but 'Dromeda's always been so stubborn. She convinced me we could be together, secretly."
"We were together a year before I left her again. This time, because her parents wanted her betrothed again," Ted said. "Lucius Malfoy." Remus gasped loudly upon hearing this.
"I couldn't compete with Malfoy, Remus. He had everything I could never offer her. My family weren't poor, by any means, but we weren't the Malfoys. We didn't have the name, or the money, or the blood. Malfoy would've given 'Dromeda anything she ever wanted or dreamt of, so long as she provided an heir," Ted continued. "I left her again, and told her she should be with Malfoy."
"'Dromeda didn't take that too well at all. Hollered at me for being stupid. I heard our Dora told you something similar," Ted chortled. "Told me it would be me or no one. Insisted she didn't care if she never saw her family again, or lost all her money, or her friends. She wanted me and no one else. Mad, isn't it?"
"We got married a month later, with just my family," Ted continued. "'Dromeda wrote her parents a letter to let her know she was no longer part of their family. She expected it, of course, but it hurt her something awful to see it written like that. I almost left her a third time, Remus. She almost hexed my bollocks off," Ted laughed genially now.
"Before we knew it, Dora was on her way," Ted said more seriously. "We had to hide during 'Dromeda's pregnancy. Her family were largely indifferent, but Bellatrix was becoming more unhinged by the day. Came after me at first. I couldn't work without having her find me. We lived off my parents' generosity for nearly the whole pregnancy. Then, Dora came into our world. Chubby cheeked, screaming little thing, hair changing the day she was born," Ted sighed wistfully. "Greatest day of my life, right after the day I married 'Dromeda."
"You know, Remus? In the years following Dora's birth, we moved around a lot with my mum. Bellatrix found us whenever she was bored, or so we thought. We lived in fear for almost eight years, till Bellatrix was finally sentenced and imprisoned. I felt terrible for what I'd done to them."
"I tell you something, Remus," Ted said somberly. "I wouldn't trade a day of it for anything. When I see 'Dromeda and Dora now, it was all worth it. I see my beautiful, strong-willed, talented daughter. I see my strong, proud wife, and I see the life we've built together. I wouldn't trade it for anything, Remus. Look around Dora's room. She had a happy childhood here, I think, at least after Bellatrix was locked away. I love her with all a father can love his daughter."
"Remus, you and I are alike in some ways. My extraordinary daughter – you know she is extraordinary – wants you and only you. Why, I couldn't tell you," Ted chuckled. "She chooses that for herself. I have to ask you something, Remus. I know you're afraid of what you could do to her. I know we're not the same. But, even in the pain and the suffering, perhaps the love and joy is worth it."
"I hope, son, you figure out what you're looking for and what you want in this life," Ted said gently. "But please don't break my daughter's heart anymore. She deserves better." Ted cleared his throat loudly as Remus began crying.
"Think on it, Remus," Ted said. "For now, get some rest. 'Dromeda will come by to see you later."
Remus, his mind swimming with thoughts, closed his eyes. He knew what he wanted: Dora.
…..
Andromeda was waiting for Remus in the kitchen when he finally descended the stairs from Dora's childhood bedroom.
"'ello, And-Andromeda," he croaked.
"Hello, Remus," she greeted. "You should really rest your voice. You cut your throat last night."
"Mmm-hmm," he vocalized, and sat down at the kitchen table, where a cup of tea had been prepared for him.
"Nymphadora stopped by two nights ago," Andromeda said casually. "I suspect my husband spoke with you this morning?"
Remus nodded and took a sip of the tea, grateful that Andromeda had added honey to it.
"I didn't ask him to speak with you, if you're wondering," she said airily. "Nymphadora won't have wanted him to speak with you either."
"Why?" Remus rasped.
"Whatever decision you come to regarding my daughter must be made by you alone, Remus," the older witch replied. "This is what she told us."
"Why – did- Ted – talk – to – me?" Remus struggled to get the words out.
"Save your voice, Remus. I believe my husband spoke to you merely because he wanted to. I think he sees some of himself in you." Andromeda studied Remus carefully.
"You might have wondered why I brought you here this morning, Remus. Ted wanted to speak with you, and due to the Fidelius Charm, only I knew the location of your cottage. Ted isn't the only one who wanted to speak with you."
"You've very likely wondered how I feel about you, Remus," Andromeda elaborated, as Remus' heart began to pound in his chest. "Now that I've known you for a while, I would like to be honest with you, especially should you choose to engage in any further relationship with my daughter – friendship or otherwise."
"When Nymphadora first brought you to dinner, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. Nymphadora has brought home a few wizards – and once, a Muggle – home, and they were all who I expected her to be with. Young men who were in promising careers, enjoyed similar music, and had a bit of a devilish streak. When you appeared at our dinner table, a much older man with no career to speak of, I thought my daughter was merely going through a phase. But, as it turns out, the more you and Nymphadora got to know one another, the more I saw her grow into herself. She has always been an independent, albeit reckless, young witch, but you brought out some of the best in her. Despite your lycanthropy, Remus, I saw her happier and more herself with you than any other. The concerns surrounding your lycanthropy – lack of income, stigma, and the dangers you might pose to her – loomed large in my thoughts, but as long as Nymphadora was happy, I thought I ought to be happy as well."
"Then, Remus, you did what I thought was unthinkable. You left her. You left my daughter brokenhearted and alone nearly a year ago. No mother wants to see their only child in such a state, and my Nymphadora has seen her fair share of heartbreaks and setbacks. This breakup was different. It couldn't have helped that we had lost Sirius, you cut off communication with her, and she was assigned to what she thought was a dull mission. I understand the last year was difficult for my daughter, but the heartbreak from ending your relationship with her seeped into everything she did. My daughter, once so vibrant and full of life, was colorless. She, I believe, might finally be on her way to finding the colors again, and finding joy in her everyday circumstances."
"You have disappointed me, Remus, with your cowardice," Andromeda said firmly. "Although you had every right to end your relationship with my daughter, the manner in which you handled it, particularly going back and forth with her, has been difficult to forgive. The recent conversation you shared with Nymphadora, in which you refused all forms of friendship, I was able to forgive. I am not going to forgive your entrance into her life again, as I suspect you are going to break her heart. If any part of you doubts your ability to stay in her life, stay away from her. My daughter has been through enough."
"Okay," Remus finally said.
"You need not tell me what your decision is, Remus," Andromeda continued. "Know that choosing breaking her heart ought not be what you decide."
"I understand," he rasped. "I need time."
"Let her know, then," Andromeda ordered. "Do not disappoint me – or her – again."
"Yes," he sighed in agreement, as Andromeda poured another cup of tea. Despite knowing what she thought of him, he felt no closer to reaching a decision about Dora than he had before the moon.
…..
D,
I've a few engagements checking up on the children this week. Can we meet Monday before my shift? 5pm, usual place.
R
Remus wrote the short letter quickly and sent it off with Lyra, alongside a few letters to families of the werewolf children to check on their welfare. Though it wasn't strictly necessary for him to check on them, he decided it would be helpful to spend time away from Hogsmeade for a few days in order to clear his mind.
The conversations he'd had with Ted and Andromeda had been nerve-racking. He felt he had gotten no closer to learning what her parents truly thought of him as a person – or monster, really – but had instead only determined that should he break Dora's heart again, they would be most unhappy with him. The last three weeks of effectively pining after Dora had brought him no closer to a decision, either.
Pathetic, is what he was. Since Dora had clumsily run into him that first night at Hogsmeade, he'd stared idiotically at her and then spent the evening nervously fidgeting until Bill pulled the truth out of him. Then, when Remus made a quick stop at Honeydukes for chocolate, Bill had mysteriously disappeared and returned, merely saying that Dora was open to being spoken to again. From that point on, Remus arrived for his overnight shifts two hours early to sit in the Hog's Head pub, waiting for Dora. He waited every evening for Dora to come down from her room, go up to her room, arrive in or out of the Floo, or even Apparate nearby. Three long, painful weeks passed in this way, until it was nearly time for the full moon. In a rare bout of impulsivity, he had stayed behind at Hogsmeade the evening before the full moon, when it was most painful physically – and emotionally – to wait at the Hog's Head. To add salt in his own wounds, he sat at the very table he had rejected Dora from several weeks prior. In preparation, he had also consumed half a cauldron full of Calming Draught, lest his pre-moon sexual and physical aggression get out of control.
Remus smelled her before he saw her. The warm scents of chocolate and cinnamon were unmistakably Dora. She had come down – at last, at long last! – for a Butterbeer. She had hesitated and frozen, but then she had spoken to him. Every time he met her eyes, his trousers became slightly tighter, and he forced himself to look down at the table or his own Butterbeer to avoid the discomfort. It was lucky for him that she went off to her room on her own, as it had taken nearly an hour to relax the tension in his trousers.
He had told her he wanted her. She had not told him what she wanted from him, save for the fact that he should be either a steadfast friend or partner. If he were honest with himself, what he wanted, more than anything else was to be her steadfast lover. To be her steadfast spouse. To be her steadfast mate. But, no. He couldn't do that to her. He could sometimes see past his age or poverty, but the overwhelming reality of his lycanthropy got the better of him. Perhaps they could talk it over again? She wouldn't want to hear that again.
Sighing and looking out of the dusty window of his Yorkshire cottage, he decided to make his first scheduled visit. This time, it would be to the one of the older werewolf girls, who had likely been mated with Fenrir.
Remus stepped out of his anti-Apparition wards and Apparated to a cozy cottage in the English countryside. It was the Schofield residence, where the teenaged Janie and her father – her only surviving relative – lived. Magnus Schofield was waiting for Remus when he Apparated to the cottage.
"Mr. Lupin, it's good to see you," Magnus said.
"It's nice to see you, Magnus, but please, call me Remus," he replied.
"Do come in," Magnus said kindly, and Remus followed him into the pleasant cottage.
"Is Janie in?" Remus asked.
"She's been spending time with the Tremblay boy," Magnus said. "I would be more upset with my teenage daughter having a boyfriend, but I think she needs him as much as he needs her."
"Oh? Why is that?" Remus asked, as Magnus served him a cup of tea.
"Janie was mated to that monster, and she's not been in the right state of mind since she left the encampment," Magnus said grimly. "Her first several weeks were spent locked in that cage." Magnus gestured to the outdoor cage, which had once been a charming veranda, but now appeared to be the site of monthly, bloody werewolf transformations.
"She's been in a right state," Magnus groaned. "Absolutely distraught. Tristan Tremblay, his father, wrote that his boy was struggling alone as well, and I offered to have him over with Janie for the first full moon. They might've killed each other that first night, but we stunned them to keep them calm."
"Were they any better for the second moon?" Remus asked, taking a sip of tea.
"Loads," Magnus said. "We had them spend more time together as humans, and Janie and Norman seem to have taken a liking to one another. As much as we hate the idea, Tristan and I have agreed to allow them to mate."
"You have? Why in Merlin's name would you do that to her?" Remus asked incredulously. "She'll lose the child and she'll be under Norman's control for the rest of her life!"
"Better Norman than Fenrir," Magnus said darkly. "She'll never be able to have children, anyway. Tristan serves as Norman's alpha for now, but the boy will need to be his own alpha one day. They'll mate and have one another. That's all that matters. My daughter will be alive and away from Fenrir's influence. It will be easier on us as their fathers, as well. They can take care of one another and live on their own more easily. I adore having Janie back, and I know Tristan feels the same about his son, but this situation…neither of us were prepared for."
"How do you mean?" Remus asked.
"This cottage is not my first home," Magnus replied dourly. "We lived in a flat in London, but housing a werewolf in London, especially in a flat, was out of the question. We had to move somewhere remote. Tristan had a similar situation, though he lived in Edinburgh. Our family and friends were more supportive when they thought our children were dead or missing, but now that they've returned as werewolves, it's become…difficult."
"Have you and Tristan been able to keep your jobs?" Remus asked. "My father lost his job by association with me."
"We have," Magnus said bitterly. "I had planned on allowing Janie and Norman to have this cottage when they mated, as it would allow me to move elsewhere and restart my life in peace, though with the knowledge that Janie is safe and well. I can visit, but living with a werewolf, as I've learned, is no easy feat. I love my daughter greatly, Remus, and I am grateful to have her in my life again, but becoming an overnight Healer has been difficult. At the second full moon, Janie and Norman were less hurt and assisted one another in their healing. I understand the benefits of the two of them mating."
"I see," Remus said. "Does Janie want this as well?"
"We've given them permission to make the decision," Magnus said. "Although we've suggested it strongly."
"I might have a suggestion, should you wish for Janie and Norman to find a long-term solution, if and when they mate," Remus said. "A friend of mine, Hadrian, has a pack up north. It's him, his mated wife, and their mated son and daughter-in-law. Hadrian is open to accepting new members of his pack, so long as they are mated. They have protective enchantments and are self-sufficient. Your daughter and Norman may find a place there."
"Is this arrangement unacceptable?" Magnus gestured towards the caged veranda.
"It's not ideal," Remus said. "Open land is far better for werewolves than caged or confined spaces. I would know, as I hurt myself within a confined space."
"Why don't you have a mate, then? Live on open land?" Magnus eyed Remus suspiciously.
"I find the idea of mating to lose a child repulsive," Remus replied. "This excludes female werewolves, and there are no witches or Muggle women who would have me. If your daughter had never been bitten, would you have wanted her to bring a werewolf home as her husband?"
"Under no circumstances," Magnus said quickly, as a flicker of understanding came through his eyes. "I see why you are alone, then."
Remus grimaced. "Unfortunately, yes, I am alone," Remus said. "Or fortunately. It is likely better that I am alone than subject someone else to this life. Who would choose this life willingly?"
"Someone who loves deeply," Magnus said. "I love my daughter, but I do mourn the life she could have had, had she not been bitten. I will still love her from afar, knowing I was able to provide her this cottage, or gold I earn, should she join that mated pack you mentioned. I don't have enough gold to purchase Wolfsbane Potion for the rest of her life, but she won't starve or be homeless. If she chooses to be with Norman and either stays here or goes up to that mated pack, I will be a happy father. As much as I regret admitting this, I have my limits. I do love my daughter, but I cannot care for her through my old age. Did your parents raise you?"
"They did," Remus said. "Though my father lost his job, my mum was a Muggle, and they loved me. They raised me and cared for me. When I finished my schooling, I decided to live on my own to allow my parents the peaceful life they'd built without me."
"They must have loved you to have kept you through all those transformations," Magnus commented. "A piece of me died with my daughter when she was bitten. I am ashamed of myself for saying so, but I have my limits, Remus. If Norman is willing to be with Janie, and she with him…perhaps that's for the best."
Remus fixed himself a second cup of tea, musing on all that Magnus had told him. "If a wizard wanted to be with Janie, despite her lycanthropy, would you allow it?" Remus carefully asked Magnus.
"I can't allow the impossible, Remus," Magnus said seriously. "No wizard in his right mind would want to do anything with Janie."
"Indulge me," Remus said nervously. "If a wizard wanted to be with her and knew the risks, would you allow it?"
Magnus was pensive for a moment. "If he truly loved her, and wanted to do right by her, then yes," Magnus said after a long pause. "I would want to know that the wizard has her best interests at heart and would care for her the way she deserves to be cared for." Magnus paused again. "But, it's an impossibility. No wizard would want my Janie now that she's a werewolf. She has Norman now, and as he is also afflicted with lycanthropy, it seems to be a smart match for the both of them."
"I plan on seeing the Tremblays later this week. Perhaps I'll see Janie there?" Remus wondered aloud.
"Perhaps," Magnus replied. "She and the other older werewolf children spend a great deal of time with one another. There was an older boy called Ezra who left Fenrir's pack. He was already of age by the time the Ministry found the camp, and he found the remaining older children. Ezra and the other older girl, Camellia, have already mated."
"I'll pass along the information to them, if I find them, to join Hadrian's pack," Remus promised. "They are peaceful wolves and do not bite others for amusement. They live off the land, but mated pairs are required there."
"Why is that? Why not unmated wolves?" Magnus asked curiously.
"Mated wolves tend to be happier," Remus said. "It also reduces competition among wolves with uneven amounts of males and females. If all pairs are mated, it's easier to be on equal footing, I suppose."
"You will never mate, then?" Magnus asked.
"No," Remus said, his eyes hard with determination. "Never."
"I hope that changes for you, Remus," Magnus said kindly. "You are a good man and you deserve happiness."
"If only it were that simple," Remus said, staring sadly into his finished tea. "For now, I must go," he said suddenly. "I'm to visit more of the children this week. I'll owl you the details for Hadrian and his pack, in case Janie and Norman do mate."
"Thank you, Remus, for everything," Magnus said gratefully. "I meant what I said: you deserve happiness."
"Thank you," Remus said softly, doubting he'd ever find the happiness Magnus had wished him.
…..
Early the next week, on the day Remus would be meeting Dora before his evening patrol shift at Hogsmeade, Remus was finishing out his rounds of checking on the werewolf children by finding the Wakefields, who now lived in Scotland. He Apparated to their bungalow and was unsurprised when two children came running to see him.
"REMUS IS HERE, MUMMY!" shouted Wally.
"It's good to see you both," Remus said warmly, as he took both boys in his arms and hugged them tightly. "Have you been good for your mum?"
The boys nodded enthusiastically, and grabbed Remus each by the hand and dragged him inside the bungalow.
"MUM! REMUS IS HERE NOW!" bellowed Denys.
"Don't yell," Lottie Wakefield sighed as she smiled sheepishly before Remus.
"It's good to see you, Lottie," Remus said, offering his hand to her.
"The boys have been excited to see you all week," Lottie said. "They would have you move here if you could."
"As sweet as that is, I'm happy where I am," Remus lied.
"Where are you, anyway? I was unable to find your address in any phonebook," Lottie frowned.
Remus laughed, then felt guilty, as he remembered Lottie was a Muggle.
"My cottage wouldn't appear in a phonebook, Lottie," he chuckled. "It's a Wizarding residence and is unknowable. It cannot be found save for myself and one other person. It's for others' safety, to keep myself from hurting others at the full moon."
"Is the other person that Auror? She said you were her best friend," Lottie smiled.
"Dora?" Remus said aloud, bewildered.
"She had a funny name, Nymphadora," Lottie said, scratching her chin. "Little thing. I could hardly believe she was in your magical law enforcement, but witches and wizards always surprise me."
"She said I was her best friend?" Remus asked, gobsmacked at the idea.
"Oh yes, she even said you saved her life, remember?" Lottie smiled. "You must have a knack for saving others' lives," she beamed, as she patted her boys on their heads.
"Mummy, can we show Remus our castle?" Denys asked.
"After tea, darling," Lottie said.
Remus crouched down until he was wincing, but on the balls of his feet, so that he could talk to the boys. "Denys, Wally, could you draw me some pictures? I'm afraid the walls of my cottage are awfully bare and I would like some art," Remus asked gently. The boys beamed and ran off to the other side of the cottage in glee.
"You're very good with children, Remus," Lottie said. "Are you a father?"
"Merlin, no," Remus said. "My kind don't usually breed."
"Breed? They don't?" Lottie looked crestfallen. "Are werewolves unable to father children?" She looked to the other side of the cottage, where the boys had run off to. "My sons will never have children of their own?"
"I'm not certain, actually," Remus said. "I've never known witches to reproduce with werewolves. Werewolves often mate with one another but werewolf cubs don't survive pregnancy. I would never do that to someone else."
"Could you have a child with a witch or Muggle, then?" Lottie asked, again turning to look where her boys were drawing pictures for Remus.
"Theoretically….yes," Remus said slowly. "Though it is more difficult than you might imagine, given the stigma werewolves face in our world."
"I was afraid of that," Lottie said, in a hushed tone. "Before my husband died, he told me about werewolves and made them out to be these vicious, terrible creatures. I look at my sons and they are still little boys to me. They are sweet and kind. They are dangerous one night a month, and quite moody now a few times a month, but they are still my sons." She stared in the direction of her sons wistfully.
"Look at you, Remus! Based on the way my husband spoke of werewolves, I would have never suspected you to be one," Lottie said. "Is there no hope for my sons, then? For a normal, fulfilling life?"
Remus shifted uncomfortably. He didn't want to tell the mother that her children would forever be ostracized, and would likely never earn an education, particularly with the current climate of Voldemort and his pureblood followers.
"I wouldn't say that…exactly," Remus said. "I've had a difficult life. I am lucky to have friends and the occasional job, but I would be lying to you if I said it was as easy for me as it was for any other wizard. Did your husband ever tell you of a man called Voldemort?"
Lottie clapped her hand to her mouth. "The You-Know-Who wizard?" Her eyes were round and fearful.
"Yes," Remus said. "Do you know much about him?"
"He hated people like me, but would be nicer to my sons since they are half-blood wizards," Lottie said quietly.
"He hates Muggles, yes, and he also hates werewolves," Remus lamented. "He is growing in power every day. You and your sons are at great risk, as you are unable to do magic. I am part of a resistance that is attempting to keep him away from power. I hope that we will be able to defeat him in my lifetime so that your sons might grow up with more opportunities."
"Is there nothing I can do to protect my children?" Lottie asked nervously. "I don't want them taken from me again. They're all I have left."
"Has anyone placed any protective enchantments on your home? I did not notice any wards," Remus asked.
"Wards?" Lottie looked at Remus blankly. His heart sank, realizing the home had no magical protection.
"I'm going to place as many wards and enchantments on your home as I can," Remus decided. "They are not foolproof, but they will deter or slow down intruders." He hesitated momentarily, before asking, "Do you have your late husband's wand, Lottie?"
"I do, but it doesn't do anything for me," Lottie replied.
"Wands don't work for Muggles," Remus explained. "How old is Denys now?"
"He's seven now," Lottie replied.
"I want to try something, if you don't mind," Remus said, as Lottie nodded. "Denys!" he called.
The seven year old came running to see them, looking expectantly at Remus.
"Denys, have you ever used your dad's wand?" Remus asked, as the boy shook his head.
"Lorcan told me to never allow them to use the wand," Lottie said fearfully.
"This may save your life," Remus said quietly, handing the wand to Denys.
"Denys, flick your wrist like this—" Remus gestured, "and then say Lumos! Can you do that for me?"
Denys looked elated upon holding his late father's wand and said "Lumos," allowing the wand's tip to light up.
"Excellent work, Denys!" Remus grinned. "Very well done!"
"I did magic!" Denys shouted. "All by myself! Magic!"
"You did do magic, Denys," Remus beamed. "I'm going to teach you one more very important spell. It is very, very important that you remember it and use it only in an emergency. Do you understand?"
Denys nodded solemnly.
"The spell is "Expelliarmus!" Can you say that for me without the wand?" Remus asked. "Repeat it a few times for me, Denys."
Denys did as he was told until he said the spell perfectly.
"Alright, Denys, now we will practice with the wand," Remus said. "This spell takes the wand out of another person's hand. Try on me."
The boy looked nervous, but turned his late father's wand on Remus and cried, "Expelliarmus!"
The wand in Remus' hand held steady, but he felt a slight vibration in it. "Keep trying, Denys," Remus commanded. "Keep trying until it's perfect."
Over the next hour, Denys' face grew red with exhaustion, but the boy was determined to get the spell right. After a lost count of attempts, Denys finally managed to disarm Remus, earning a round of applause from Remus, Lottie, and Wally alike.
"Try it a few more times for me, Denys," Remus said. Three more perfectly executed spells earned another round of applause for the proud seven year old.
"You are going to be a fine wizard one day, Denys," Remus grinned. "This spell is very important. If anyone comes after your mummy, you, or your brother, use it to get the wand out of their hand. Do you understand?"
Denys nodded vigorously. "The wizards who come here might be very dangerous, so you can only use this spell in an emergency," Remus continued. His explanation was cut short by the sound of Apparition outside the bungalow.
Remus looked outside the window to find two representatives from the Ministry outside the bungalow, based on their unusual states of dress. "The Trace," Remus whispered. "I triggered the Trace."
"What's the Trace?" Lottie asked.
"I'll explain with the Ministry officials," Remus said. He went outside the bungalow, inviting Lottie and the boys to come with him.
"Hello, are you from the Ministry of Magic?" Remus asked politely.
"What would you know about magic?" one official asked suspiciously. "No such thing as magic, is there?"
"I am a wizard, and you are from the Ministry," Remus said evenly.
"And these are Muggles! You have violated the—"
"We're wizards too!" Denys said proudly. "Me and my brother can do magic!"
"Muggle-borns?" one Ministry official asked confusedly. "We had no knowledge of Muggle-borns in this area."
"They're not Muggle-borns," Remus explained quickly. "They are half-bloods. Their mother, Lottie Wakefield, is a Muggle. Their father, who died in February, was a wizard."
The Ministry officials rifled through their files, to find the information they required.
"Why did we detect magic here?" one official demanded.
"Accidental magic happens, no?" Remus asked. "These boys and I are also werewolves." The Ministry officials backed away instantly upon hearing this information, looking terrified.
"What are werewolves doing magic for?" one official asked. "Are you registered?"
"Yes, all of us are registered. I am Remus John Lupin. I was registered when I was four years old. I helped rescue eleven werewolf children in April. Two of them, Denys and Wally Wakefield, are found at this home," Remus said impatiently.
"What are you doing here?" the officials asked in unison.
"I was checking in on the werewolf children," Remus elaborated. "I took a particular interest in these two boys, as I saved their lives in February. Their remaining parent is a Muggle, and without the means of magic, their transformation space is not as secure as it should be. I was merely assisting them with protective enchantments."
"Oh," one official said. "Is this true?" he looked over to Lottie, who glanced at Remus before nodding.
"My husband was Lorcan Wakefield," Lottie said. "I am raising two werewolves alone and Remus is very helpful. I ask him to come over on occasion to help me with werewolf and wizarding issues."
"We should add this to the list, then," one official told the other. "The Trace will still be on the boys, but if this Lupin is coming, the magic will be on him."
Remus smiled broadly, thankful that Lottie had caught on.
"So, if I am understanding correctly," Remus said, "if magic is detected here, it will be associated with me?"
"Yes," the officials said. "Who are you to the boys, so we can list your relation?"
"Godfather," Lottie said. "Remus Lupin is my sons' godfather."
Remus turned around at Lottie, feeling the tears welling up in his eyes at the proclamation. He might never have children, but the boys had just become his godsons.
"Yes, I am their godfather," Remus repeated, bleary eyed. "Denys and Wally are my godsons."
"Very well, godfather," the Ministry official grumbled. "Magic at this property will be associated with the godfather, Remus Lupin, and will not be reported to the Ministry for violating the Statute of Secrecy or the Trace."
"Thank you, sirs," Remus said politely. "For allowing me to care for my godsons."
"S'no problem," one said. "We'll be off then." With a few more flicks of their quills on parchments, the Ministry officials Apparated away.
"Did you mean that, mummy?" Wally asked excitedly. "Remus is our godfather now?"
"No one better," Lottie smiled. "You only had a godmother before, anyway."
"I'm honored, Lottie," Remus said, wiping the tears from his eyes. "That helps all of us now, as if Denys or Wally do magic – especially Denys, with disarming – it will be attributed to me, which will keep all of you safe."
"Thank you Remus," Lottie said gratefully. "No wonder your best friend said you're a wonderful person."
"She said that? Really?" Remus looked at Lottie again, dumbfounded.
"That Auror gave me hope, Remus," Lottie said seriously. "She said you were a wonderful person and you saved her life, and that you were her best friend. I hope my boys will be like you one day."
Remus felt his eyes growing wet again at the praise, and the lump growing in his throat. "That's very kind of you to say, Lottie," Remus said.
"It's the truth, Remus," Lottie replied. "You'll make a wonderful godfather for my sons."
"I, um, must be going now, I think," Remus said, looking at the waning light of day. "I'm meeting my best friend for dinner."
"Give her our best," Lottie said. "Be sure to tell her you're a godfather now!"
"I certainly will, Lottie," Remus said with a smile, before crouching down again to hug his two godsons.
"I'll see you soon, Denys and Wally," Remus beamed. "Be good for your mum, okay?"
The boys nodded and hugged him tightly in return, and then Remus was on his way to meet Dora at the Hog's Head for dinner.