It was a hot July evening and Remus Lupin found himself cuddled up with the love of his life, Nymphadora Tonks. Despite the sweltering heat in her room at the Hog's Head, Remus was content with the situation. Mostly content, he thought. With the news of Dora sharing the truth of their relationship with her coworker and the poor way the git had reacted to it, some of the doubts were creeping back into Remus' mind. As he held Dora in his arms, he attempted to banish the doubts. He had caused her – both of them, really – enough pain, and he promised her he'd remain steadfast.

"How are you, Remus?" Dora asked quietly as they lay on her bed, still fully clothed. "You've been quiet."

"Thinking about that tosser, Alfie, and what he's done to you," Remus grumbled. "I can't believe he kissed you without asking you first."

"He was drunk, I'm almost certain of it," Dora replied sadly. "Not that it excuses his behavior, but it explains why he might have acted in the way he did."

"I have the urge to rip him limb from limb."

"Don't do that, Remus. Even with my sadness and loneliness this whole year, I never once gave him any thought, despite his many efforts."

"It's not you I'm worried about," Remus replied darkly. "I know you can handle yourself, but it's also his reaction to our relationship, Dora. What if he had or will go to Scrimgeour. What would it do to your career?"

"Remus, it's not against the rules for an Auror to date or even marry a werewolf," Dora said crossly. "There's nothing he can do to either of us."

"Alright," he murmured. Though he hadn't been mollified by her words, he was trying his damndest not to panic and leave again. The last few days had been brutal and emotional, and it appeared as if Dora was beginning to trust him again. He had no interest in losing the little trust he'd built up, especially if he wanted to be with her for the rest of his days.

"Speaking of which," Dora began. "I'm going to write Kingsley to see if he's willing to meet with me after Dumbledore's funeral on Saturday. I'd like to talk to him about Alfie…and us."

"Do you still visit your parents for Sunday tea?"

"Yeah. Now that you're my boyfriend, I think you should come 'round too."

"I'll be there," Remus promised. He looked over Dora's shoulder and noticed two pendants hung around her neck now; one was the Blood Magic pendant he had given her, and the other, a half-full moonstone. He reached around her neck and took the half-full moonstone between his fingers.

"Dora, what is this?" he asked curiously.

"It's charmed to show the cycle of the moon," she said quietly. "I got it awhile back so I had another way to tell where you were in the cycle. I hope that's okay…" her voice trailed off nervously.

"You did that for me?" Remus asked incredulously. "Did you charm it yourself?"

"I did," Dora admitted. "I got tired of looking at my lunascope."

"This is…wow," Remus said, breathing hard.

"When the moon is full, it shows the full moonstone. It's really pretty when it's full. I know you hate the full moon, but it was a way for me to see the beauty in it, and it reminded me of you."

"I'm…" Remus began.

"You're not upset with me, are you?" Dora asked anxiously. Remus felt his heart break slightly upon hearing those words; he had been such a fool for leaving her, when she only ever showed him acceptance and love.

"No, Dora," Remus said firmly. "I'm just astounded that you care so much. I'm an idiot, and you prove it to me daily."

"You're not an idiot," Dora said forcefully. "You're just…forgetful. Must be the moon," she smiled faintly. Remus stay still with awe over the witch in his arms. He was the luckiest werewolf – no, wizard – alive to have this witch in his arms. He tugged Dora closer to his body, placing his hand on her abdomen, and sweeping her closer to his chest.

"I hope this is okay," Remus murmured. "I'm sorry I didn't ask before."

"I invited you here to cuddle, silly," Dora said playfully. "I think you needed it as much as I did."

"I'm sorry I overreacted earlier when you told me about Alfie," Remus said somberly. "I really didn't mean to behave so possessively."

"Protective might be a better word for it. Closer to who you are, you know."

"You are far too kind to me, Dora. More than I deserve."

Dora turned over and now faced Remus. His breath quickened as her face was now only inches from his own. He could see all the little imperfections Dora liked to morph away – the bags under her eyes, two tiny scars on her forehead and chin, and even the paleness of her cheeks. None of this could detract from her beauty, he thought.

"Dora, you're beautiful," Remus murmured.

"I feel hideous. I haven't been able to morph in a year."

"Even if you lost the ability to morph, you would still be the most beautiful witch in the world."

"You're just saying that because you want me to forgive you faster," Dora teased. "You're already forgiven, I think. We're just building up our trust in one another again."

"You mean that?" Remus asked in disbelief. "I am forgiven?"

"I don't think I'll ever stop forgiving you – I'm forgiving by nature, you know. My heart's always been open to you, Remus, if you let yourself have it," she said thoughtfully. "But there's a fine line between forgiving you and trusting you fully."

Remus placed a hand on Dora's hip, and brought her closer to him. Dora buried her face in Remus' chest, as Remus grazed his fingers up and down Dora's spine.

"I hope you trust me again someday," Remus mumbled. "I am grateful for your forgiveness."

"I've been thinking about your offer to stay with you this summer," Dora said unexpectedly. "I think I'd like that."

"You would?" Remus was dumbfounded.

"I think I'd like to spend the summer in Yorkshire. It's quite pretty there, and close to the sea."

"I don't deserve you," Remus replied. "I never did, and I never will."

"I'm the judge of that, Remus."

"I never stopped loving you."

"Neither did I." Dora looked up into Remus' eyes, and Remus felt his heart thumping loudly and erratically. She had never stopped loving him.

"May I kiss you, Dora?" Remus ventured. Dora didn't bother with a reply, as she brought her lips to his. Their lips moved together, tracing familiar paths with each other's tongues over their lips, parting them slightly to explore the other's mouth. After what felt like mere seconds of pleasure, Remus' hand began to graze Dora's side, underneath her shirt, until he reached the top of her waist. Noticing where he was, he pulled his hand away in case Dora felt uncomfortable.

"You can keep going," Dora whispered, looking up into his eyes. "I want you to."

Remus' throat opened and closed with excitement, and he placed his hands under her shirt again, as his hand moved up to her breasts, still covered by her bra.

"Are you sure this is okay, Dora?" he gasped. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or pressured."

"I'm ready, Remus," she said breathily. "I've been waiting for a year."

"What have you been waiting for?" he whispered, as he pressed soft kisses along her jawline.

"You."

...

When Remus opened his eyes, after loving each other thoroughly, he felt his eyes grow as wide as saucers, as Dora's hair had finally changed color.

"Dora!" he nearly shouted, running his hands through her hair. "Your hair! It's pink again!"

"It is?!" she cried in disbelief. In her haste, she toppled Remus over as she rushed to the bathroom to check her appearance. Dora squealed with joy at the return of her colors. Remus watched with delight as Dora morphed her hair color to every shade in the rainbow, and then morphed through various noses – a pig's snout, a duck's bill, a bird's beak, and back to a human nose, until she was satisfied. Remus watched with overwhelming joy as she morphed her features the way she liked them.

As soon as she was happy with her appearance, she returned to Remus arms and began kissing him frantically.

"You did it!" she said happily, kissing his bewildered face.

"I didn't do anything, Dora," Remus said in confusion. "This is all you, I'm sure of it."

"Whatever did it, I'm so, so happy it's back," Dora said in radiant joy. "I've got my colors back!"

"Dora, even though you have your colors back, I meant every word I said earlier," Remus said firmly. "You are, and always have been, gorgeous to me."

"Thank you, Remus, but I finally feel like myself again," Dora said, beaming at him and kissing him soundly. "Merlin, I'm so happy."

"We should show your parents," Remus announced abruptly. "They ought to see this."

"Tomorrow," Dora decided. "Tonight, I want you all to myself." Remus grinned stupidly at her and gave in, ready to take her again.

…..

It was now the morning of Dumbledore's funeral, and both Remus and Dora were getting ready together in her room at the Hog's Head.

"Dora, you're sitting with the Aurors, aren't you? I'll see if I can join the Weasleys," Remus noted, as Dora looked at him with a perplexed stare.

"You're sitting with me, Remus," Dora declared. "The Aurors don't have to sit anywhere in particular. Scrimgeour and Kingsley will be with some of the Ministry higher-ups, but not me."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble."

"I won't get into any trouble, Remus. It's you who needs me today," she smiled softly.

"Okay," Remus said slowly, feeling nervous about sitting with her at the funeral. He buried the anxiety for the moment; she wanted to be seen with him. She was happy to be seen with him, even if he was embarrassed for himself. He let the anxiety wash over him before he returned to Dora and placed his hands on her waist.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"For what?"

"Having me again."

"It's where you belong, with me," she said, smiling up at him, before turning around to look in the mirror. "D'you think the blue is alright for his funeral?"

"Why not pink?" Remus suggested. "It's your favorite shade, and I think Dumbledore would have liked that."

"You're right," she said, scrunching her nose and morphing her hair into a vibrant fuchsia.

"That's the color it was when I first met you," Remus murmured. "It suits you."

Dora grinned at him, and he felt his chest grow warm with affection for the witch. Despite the many ups and downs he'd felt in the last several days, he was certain that this is where he belonged as well, with Dora, the beautiful, vibrant Auror.

"Shall we?" he suggested, offering his hand to her. She looked down at his proffered hand with awe, but took it and they went walking, hand-in-hand, to the funeral.

Remus could feel the stares upon them as they entered and sat at the funeral hand-in-hand. Some of the stares were rather friendly and warm – the Weasleys, several other Order members, and even several former pupils. Some of the stares were in confusion, namely the Hogsmeade residents and a few Ministry officials he recognized. Some stares were decidedly unfriendly, and he tried to avoid their gaze as much as possible as the funeral was underway.

When all was said and done, and the tears were shed, Remus led Dora back through Hogsmeade, where they were to meet with Kingsley for lunch at The Three Broomsticks.

"Who's going to lead the Order now, do you think?" Dora asked quietly as they walked back through the somber village.

"Moody would be a good leader," Remus suggested. "Kingsley as well."

"We should ask Kingsley about it when we get lunch." Remus nodded and he led them to The Three Broomsticks. The pub was just opening again after the funeral for several mourners to attend and drink to the memory of Albus Dumbledore.

Remus found seats while Dora ordered lunch and Butterbeer for them. Remus sat and looked to the door, where Kingsley had just arrived. Remus waved him down, and the seasoned Auror sat across from Remus. Dora finally returned with the food and drink, and sat next to Remus.

"You two are…?" Kingsley suggested, a brow raised.

"We are," Dora said joyfully. "Finally!"

Kingsley smiled knowingly and offered a toast in congratulations.

"That's one of the reasons we wanted to meet with you, Kingsley," Dora said. "Remus is under the impression that I'll get into trouble for having a relationship with him. Is that true?"

Kingsley furrowed his brow. "No," he said slowly. "For now."

"What does that mean?" Remus asked, his body now tense with anxiety.

"Robards is head of the Auror department now, and he's loads more relaxed than Scrimgeour ever was, even though Scrimgeour still pokes his head into our business," Dora explained quickly.

"There isn't a guarantee it will be like this forever, especially with Voldemort's supporters on the rise," Kingsley said darkly. "I've reason to believe that the Ministry is Voldemort's next target."

"You don't think he'll control the Ministry, do you?" Dora asked, wide-eyed.

"He didn't succeed in the last war, though he got close," Remus explained nervously. "Several Ministry workers claimed they were under the Imperius Curse, which was nearly impossible to corroborate. Now, they could claim the same excuse and none of us would be the wiser."

"Moody's thought exactly," Kingsley said in his deep, steady voice. "There are few Order members compared to rising Death Eater activity. Eventually, there will come a time for those of us at the Ministry to make a decision."

"What kind of decision?" Dora asked defiantly. "You mean to choose Voldemort?"

"No," Kingsley said, his voice harsh. "Whether or not to continue working there with his influence."

"Unless Voldemort becomes Minister for Magic, I will continue working," Dora declared. "I won't let him win."

"That's all well and good unless you give him a reason to go after you," Kingsley said darkly. "With your aunt after your life, there may come a time you'll need to go into hiding, Tonks."

"I don't want to go into hiding," she protested. "I want to fight!"

"You can fight outside the Ministry, if need be, as Moody does," Kingsley suggested. "He's the de facto head of the Order now, and you can work alongside him until it's no longer safe for you to be at the Ministry."

"Fine," Dora huffed. "It makes me almost wish I were going back to Hogsmeade this fall."

"No one is expected to be at Hogsmeade in the fall," Kingsley said. "Robards doesn't see an Auror presence here as necessary, considering the events of the last few weeks."

"What do you think he'll have me do? Paperwork?" Dora asked glumly.

"Very likely," Kingsley said grimly. "It's getting dangerous out there for all of us, but especially for you."

"Is it because of me?" Remus asked hoarsely, his throat now dry and itchy from the anxiety.

"It doesn't help, Remus, but no," Kingsley said, after a moment's hesitation. "Short of Tonks marrying a Death Eater herself, I think there's little she or I could do to prevent her aunt from going after her."

"There's no fucking way I'm marrying any of them," Dora said flatly. "I would literally rather die."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that, then," Kingsley said, chuckling to himself. "I couldn't picture it, anyway."

"I'd sooner marry Alfie, and that's saying something," Dora said grimly. "Speaking of which, I was wondering if there's a way you could get me a new partner, Kings."

"Alfie bothering you again?" Kingsley asked sullenly.

"He kissed me in March after he'd been drinking and I hexed and obliviated him," Dora said matter-of-factly. "I'd rather not keep working with him, if I can help it."

"He's harmless out in the field, so we can keep him on missions," Kingsley decided. "I'll let Robards know to keep you on desk work for the time being, and put Alfie out in the field."

"Thank you, Kingsley," Dora said gratefully. "I hate paperwork, but I hate Alfie more now, I think."

"Coming from you, that says quite a bit," Kingsley chuckled.

"Is there no way to assure Dora's safety?" Remus asked, still feeling anxious.

"We'll do our best, Remus," Kingsley said. "We're discussing some of these matters Monday night at the Burrow, for our next Order meeting."

"We'll be there," Remus promised. "We'll do anything to help."

"I must be going," Kingsley said. "I'm to go back to the Muggle Prime Minister for the time being."

"How do you like it?" Dora asked.

"They think I'm the best worker to come through their Ministry in years," Kingsley smiled playfully. "If only they knew I was a wizard!"

"He's lucky to have you," Dora smiled. "Remus and I will see you on Monday, then."

"I'll write to Robards today to recommend you for a desk job," Kingsley promised. "Till then." He nodded at both Remus and Dora, before heading back out of The Three Broomsticks. Dora took the opportunity to slide around the table and face Remus.

"What are you thinking, Remus?" she asked gently, placing one of her hands on his.

"I'm thinking it would be useless to try to stop you from working at the Ministry," Remus said truthfully. "As much as it makes me nervous, I know you love your job, and I will try to be happy with your desk job."

"Not my first choice, either," grimaced Dora. "It'll have to do. Even I have to admit defeat. Mum will be happy, at least." Dora looked out the window glumly. "At least I won't be here anymore."

"You'll still stay with me in Yorkshire?" Remus asked hopefully. "My cottage is under the Fidelius Charm now, so you should be safe there."

"You never told me it was under the Fidelius Charm," Dora said, surprised. "Why?"

"I didn't want you looking for me," Remus said ruefully. "Only your mother knows its location."

"You and my mum became chums, huh?"

"Your mother is a brilliant witch, and I still have no idea what to make of her," Remus said truthfully. "She kept the secret faithfully, and for that, I am grateful."

"When we visit tomorrow for tea, why don't you let my dad know, too?" Dora suggested. "Just the four of us."

"I agree. The last full moon I woke up in your room," Remus said in embarrassment. "Your father wanted to have a chat with me."

"What did he tell you?" Dora asked brusquely. "He didn't threaten you, did he?"

"Good Godric, no," Remus said. "He told me about how he and your mother met. Said I reminded him of himself."

Dora had a pensive expression on her face. "He might be right about that," she finally said, looking down at their now-empty plates.

"Why don't we head back to your room to pack and clean?" Remus suggested. "We can move some of your things to my cottage today, if you'd like."

"I'd like that," Dora said with a smile. They both stood from the table and began making their way to the exit of The Three Broomsticks. "I still can't believe you're letting me stay with you, even through the full moons."

"I stand by everything I said. I want you with me, always, except in the cellar at the full moon. That, I'm afraid, I will not change my mind about."

"Even though we've seen I can handle you?"

"That account at the Shrieking Shack baffles me, but I'd rather not repeat the experiment in case something goes wrong."

Remus and Dora were now walking, hand-in-hand, towards the Hog's Head.

"Do you mind if we stop by Honeydukes?" Remus suggested. "I'd like to get some chocolate."

Dora rolled her eyes. "You and your chocolate," she smiled, turning them towards the sweets shop. She furrowed her brow. "Why did you tell me not to send you anything again when I sent you chocolates for your birthday?" she asked suddenly.

"Oh." Remus shifted nervously. They entered the sweets shop and began browsing. "Fenrir didn't want any of us having contacts outside the encampment, except for himself. He was allowed to attend any meetings he wanted, but we were to stay at the encampment. When your gift came in…I was told to destroy it."

"Did you?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Incendio," he said bitterly. "It crushed me."

"Oh, Remus," Dora said, turning around to hold his face between her hands. "Let's get you all that chocolate back. If I'd known, I would've never sent you anything."

"It's my fault," Remus said guiltily. "If I'd bothered to communicate with you more, you'd have known."

"It's in the past now," Dora said. "Let's get you some chocolate."

Remus and Dora were now looking at some of the newer confections Honeydukes had produced. A voice interrupted their behavior.

"So it's true then," the voice sneered. Dora and Remus turned around, and Remus recognized the speaker as Dora's coworker, Alfie.

"What do you want, Alfie?" Dora asked, sighing.

"I suppose I had to see it for myself," Alfie jeered, looking at Remus condescendingly. "This is who you'd rather be with?" the other Auror mocked.

"Who I'm dating is none of your business," Dora said boldly. Remus looked down at his shoes. He clenched his jaw and stared intently at the floor, unwilling to engage in the conversation.

"Dating?" Alfie sneered. "Who'd want a relationship with a beast? Here I thought you were merely interested in the more bestial nature of your activities."

Remus felt himself grow hot with shame, but Dora stood, rooted to the spot. Remus glanced at her, and her hair had turned red with rage. He saw her twitch her hand towards her wand, and Remus placed his hand on her arm.

"It's none of your business, Alfie," Dora seethed. "Remus and I have a proper relationship that has nothing to do with his lycanthropy. In fact, we're going to be married. I'd call that more than just 'mere interest', wouldn't you?" Remus' eyebrows shot up into his head at Dora's declaration, allowing him to snap his head up to meet the other Auror's gaze.

"You want to marry the beast?" Alfie asked incredulously.

"I do, yeah," Dora said defiantly. "You've got a problem with that?"

"I don't see a ring," Alfie jeered. "Poor beast can't afford it, can he?"

"As a matter of fact, I do have a ring for her," Remus interrupted. "She'll be wearing it by Monday." Now Dora looked to Remus, utterly gobsmacked at the admission, but quickly righted her face into an expressionless mask.

Now, Alfie looked speechless, and Dora simply "hmphed" in return. "Let's get our things and get out of here," Dora muttered to Remus, while glaring at Alfie.

They packed their things and paid the shopkeeper, who had not involved herself in the near-altercation. As they walked towards the Hog's Head, Dora began speaking.

"Remus, don't feel the need to get a ring or anything," Dora said quickly. "I'm sorry to have put you on the spot there."

"I do have a ring," Remus confessed. "You can wear it if you'd like, even if we won't be married. You're the only one I've ever considered giving it to."

Dora looked at Remus, again, at a loss for words. He wished desperately they could be engaged already, but Dora had been right – she needed more time before making such a commitment.

"I think I do want to marry you," Dora finally said, looking up at Remus with a shy smile.

"You do?" Remus asked incredulously. "Really?" Remus' heart was beating loudly and erratically as he looked at Dora, who suddenly looked bashful.

"Maybe you can ask me again sometime, Remus," she said softly. "I might say yes this time." Dora looked up at Remus with a soft, affectionate expression. It was Remus' turn to be speechless as Dora took his hand to lead them to the Hog's Head. Her playful smile as she looked back at him caused his heart to flutter again. He had a new task ahead of him.