"How was it today, love?" Remus asked Dora anxiously as she walked through the enchantments to their cottage.

"I've a lot to tell you," Dora said earnestly. "Some good, some bad, but first, I need food."

Remus helped Dora take her robes off and kissed her in greeting. Ever since he'd learned she was pregnant with his child – or was it cub? – he had begun brewing and taking Calming Draught unfailingly. Even with the copious amounts of the potion, his anxiety was relentless. Seeing her go to work – without him to protect her – had forced him to spend the day in the garden, where he'd chosen notto use magic as an attempt to rid his mind of worries. It hadn't worked.

"I've made steak and kidney pie, potato leek soup, and there's an almond cake for dessert," Remus said nervously.

"Remus, this is a bit excessive…even for you."

"I was worried." Distressed, panicking, distraught, and utterly terrified would've been more accurate, thought Remus.

"Anxiety cooking and baking at its finest. Let's tuck in, then."

"Please, tell me about your day, if you'd like," Remus said abruptly. He had begun wording every request with "if you like" or "if you please," or some variation of the sort in order to avoid ordering Dora. It pained him each time he remembered what he had brought upon them both with mating.

"Do you want to hear the good or the bad first?" Dora asked, stuffing a bite of pie into her mouth.

"Which one is more important, do you think?"

"They're both big, I'd say."

"The good first, I think, so the bad doesn't seem so – bad." Remus was distressed enough, he thought, and perhaps a little good news might help.

"Mad-Eye's will and testament was read to me today," Dora announced. "I was his sole beneficiary."

Remus' jaw dropped. "He left everything – to you?"

"To me, and only me," Dora said. "Mental, I know. I knew he didn't have any family, but Merlin, that was a surprise. I'm getting his house and all his gold. Guess how much gold it is."

"I haven't the foggiest, Dora, and I would feel foolish to ask," Remus said truthfully.

"Fifty thousand Galleons, Remus."

"Fifty…thousand?" Remus asked in disbelief. His eyes had nearly popped out of his head with shock. That was…five years' worth of work for Dora, and more than Remus had ever earned in his lifetime.

"Bloody hell," was all Remus could stammer for several minutes. He was running the figures in his head – that amount of gold could last Dora years without needing to work.

"I know, right?" Dora nearly shouted. "But I think it's time for the bad news."

Remus nodded weakly and gestured for her to continue.

"I'll probably be sacked by next week," Dora said quietly. "Because I am married to you."

"Dora, no, what have I done to you?" Remus wailed. Despite the Calming Draught, he began crying loudly at the table again. "You've worked so hard and I've come and ruined it for you! You've done everything right, and I'm the reason your hard work is going to waste!"

"REMUS!" she bellowed. "It's. Not. Your. Fault." Remus looked up through his teary, wet eyes to see Dora's face set and hard with anger.

"Umbridge has very kindly told me that she's planning on making it a criminal offense for a Ministry worker to marry a Dark creature, with the option that it can be annulled before the regulation passes," Dora explained. "Obviously, I'm not annulling our marriage."

"Dora, you have to, or you'll lose your job!" Remus cried. "You deserve it, you've earned it – and I've come to ruin it for you!"

"Remus, please, listen to me," she said forcefully, putting her hands on his and holding onto them tightly. "We've just inherited thousands of Galleons from Mad-Eye. We can move in with my parents and live frugally until the war is over. I will find another job, and when we win, we'll get these anti-werewolf laws repealed, okay?"

"How can you be so calm about this?" Remus asked bitterly. "I've doomed you and whatever abomination is growing inside of you to a life of poverty and shame!"

"Whatever is growing inside me is our child, Remus," Dora said hotly. "Certainly not an abomination. You know I hate it when you talk about yourself like that, and I won't have you referring to our child in the same manner." Her hair morphed to an angry, fiery red.

"Okay," Remus said weakly. "But, Dora, think of what our life together is doing to you. You may not like what the Ministry is doing, but you don't have to lose your job because of me."

"Remus." Dora called softly. "The war won't last forever, and people like Umbridge won't be around forever, either."

"What if we don't win the war?" Remus asked, in a hushed tone. "What if it's like this forever?"

"Remus, you once said I gave you hope, and I think you need to trust me, because I have hope that it won't be like this forever," Dora said fiercely. "We have to hope."

A small silence followed Dora's declaration.

"We're going to get through this week. We're celebrating Harry's seventeenth, and then we are going to a wedding," Dora announced. "We will get through this together."

"Okay," Remus agreed softly. He didn't believe her, though he hoped he would soon.

…..

"Come, love," Dora asked Remus. "It's Harry's birthday tonight, and we should go."

"What if something happens to us?" Remus asked nervously. "The Death Eaters found Harry once, and they can do it again. I can't have us – you – our child," he shuddered slightly at the notion of his impending fatherhood, "in danger. Please, Dora, reconsider."

"Remus, it's a birthday party, and it's important to Harry to show our support. It's his seventeenth. He's come of age. I want to go, and I want you to go, too. We don't have to stay for long."

"Please, Remus?" Dora begged. His heart and mind were torn; although he wanted to give into his own desire (not to mention his wife's) to see Harry, his mind reeled with the possibility that the two might become endangered by simply being there.

"It's not as if the Minister for Magic is going to be there," Dora continued. "Please?"

"Fine," Remus relented. "We won't stay for long. I really don't want you in danger, Dora."

"YES!" Dora squealed. It brought a reluctant smile to Remus' face to see her happy; he felt he had been the reason for her latest sources of unhappiness, particularly the prospect of losing her job so soon.

"It's almost seven, let's go!" Dora said excitedly, taking Remus by the hand and Apparating them together to the Burrow. Once there, Dora was glowing with happiness to be around friends. Remus, meanwhile, felt agitated. His thoughts were buzzing with the potential disasters awaiting them at the Burrow, just outside the anti-Apparition barriers.

Remus and Dora walked towards Harry, who looked almost flustered at all the attention he was receiving for his seventeenth birthday. Remus was saddened briefly; he wished bitterly that James and Lily had lived to see their son celebrate this milestone. Lily would have made his cake, rather than Molly. He would have received a fine watch from James, rather than the lightly battered one hanging on his wrist. The whole sight made Remus bitterly unhappy at the lot Harry Potter had been given in this life.

However, when Harry turned to Remus, the latter was able to force a smile and shake Harry's hand, while Dora hugged Harry tightly.

"Happy birthday, Harry," she said warmly as she hugged him. Remus saw Hagrid and Charlie talking animatedly about dragons, as he hovered over Dora.

"This mating thing involves a Sticking Charm?" she teased, while Remus grimaced and separated himself from her slightly.

A streak of light interrupted their conversation. A weasel Patronus, standing on its hind legs, spoke in Arthur's voice. "Minister of Magic coming with me."

Remus panicked. He said at once, "We shouldn't be here." Harry looked alarmed, but Remus continued. "Harry – I'm sorry – I'll explain another time-"

Remus seized Dora's wrist and pulled her towards him, and away towards the fence. They climbed over the fence together and he Apparated them back to the cottage.

"What the fuck was that about, Remus?" Dora asked angrily. "The Minister arrives and we bolt?"

"Dora, we don't need any other reason for Scrimgeour to be angry at you, or Harry. Please, I don't want you losing your job any earlier than you have to, if at all," Remus explained quickly. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, we just…can't be seen together in front of him, or anywhere near Harry."

"He knows we're married," Dora said flatly. "How is being seen together a surprise? And how does this affect Harry in the slightest?"

"There's a possibility you could annul our marriage, and it would have to be believable," Remus said rashly. Dora began crying upon hearing Remus' comment.

"Remus, please don't suggest annulment again," Dora cried. "I am not separating from you."

"I know, you can't, because of the bonding, but you could annul and it wouldn't affect that bond," Remus said swiftly. "It would allow you to keep your job, Dora."

"My job is not as important as my marriage," Dora said through angry tears. "I am not annulling our marriage, no matter how many times you suggest it!"

"What if I were to order you?" Remus said impulsively. Dora began weeping more loudly, and Remus felt the weight of his mistake again.

"No, no, I'm so sorry sweetheart, I didn't mean it," Remus apologized. "I'm terrified for you. For us. I don't want our marriage to end. I…just don't see another way for you to keep the job you've worked so hard for."

"Remus, promise me you won't suggest annulment again," Dora cried through her tears.

"I'm sorry, I should have focused on Harry," Remus apologized again. "I don't want life to be harder for Harry than it already is."

"How do you mean?" Dora asked. Her tears were beginning to dry, and she was sitting down in an armchair, evidently exhausted by the short events of the evening.

"Have you been reading The Daily Prophet lately?"

"I haven't bothered in years, with all the lies they tell about Harry."

"The lies haven't stopped. They're beginning to blame Harry for Dumbledore's death, and he needs all the support of the Ministry to avoid this catastrophe."

"What do we have to do with that? I'm an Auror!"

"I'm a werewolf," Remus said bitterly. "Harry can't be seen with werewolves, or those known to be close to werewolves, if his case is to be believed for not being involved with Dumbledore's death."

"You're not ashamed to be with me, are you?" Dora asked, her face and eyes still puffy from her tears.

"Of course not!" Remus objected. "I don't understand why you're not ashamed to be seen with me. I could never be ashamed of you, Dora. I'm ashamed of myself and what I've done to so many others."

"Remus, please don't say those things about yourself," Dora protested. "I wish, for once, you could see yourself the way I see you."

Remus looked at his wife, still sitting in the threadbare armchair, having cried again due to his own ineptitude. She still loved him, and even though she'd be bound to him now that they were mated, it was obvious she still cared for him. He felt suddenly stupid; why did he keep pushing her away? Why did he keep doing this to her? Himself? To them? He strode to her and scooped her from the armchair, into his arms.

"Remus, what are you doing?" Dora asked in alarm.

"I'm taking you to our bed," Remus said. "I want to hold you."

"Why?"

"Because I'm an idiot and I love you."

"I hope you're not saying you're an idiot for loving me."

"Rubbish. I'm an idiot. I love you despite the idiocy." Remus had finally walked them towards the bedroom and lay Dora down on the bed gingerly. He took off his own shoes and robes, and crawled next to her in the bed, holding her tightly against his abdomen.

"Dora, I'm so sorry for everything I said. I'm a prize moron."

"You're not a moron or an idiot. You're a self-deprecating werewolf who needs to be loved more often."

"Thank you for loving me, even if I don't feel I deserve it," Remus whispered into her hair.

"Remember that tomorrow, because we're still going to the wedding," Dora said forcefully. "Whether or not the Scrimgeour there, we're going."

"Okay," Remus breathed. "We'll go." Though the pit in his stomach grew heavy at the idea of going to a wedding at the start of a major war, he held onto Dora, hoping that tomorrow would be better than today.

…..

"How do I look?" Dora asked Remus, as she stood in the mirror on the day of Bill and Fleur's wedding.

"Gorgeous," Remus said truthfully. Dora had decided to go blonde for the occasion, letting her hair down to her waist. Her dress was black and white, and it hung slightly loosely off her body, but still snug enough that Remus could appreciate her figure.

"You're looking dapper, yourself," she noted. He was wearing the navy dress robes he'd worn for their own wedding just weeks prior. He felt more grateful than ever that he had robes for such an event.

"We should go, love," Remus said. He was feeling anxious again, and had visited the Tonkses earlier that day for several goblets full of Draught of Peace simply for the occasion. The Draught was more powerful than the simple Calming Draught, and he felt it was more appropriate for the evening, given the stressors of a wedding with his pregnant, soon-to-be-unemployed-wife.

She beamed at him, and his heart skipped a beat. Despite his many failures as a husband in their first weeks of marriage, and his own shame at his behavior, his heart still skipped a beat when he saw her. She was positively radiant, and he felt woefully inadequate next to her. Still, he took her hand in his own, and they Apparated outside their cottage to the Burrow.

Remus and Dora approached the marquee, and greeted Arthur.

"We celebrated our cousin Barny's seventeenth birthday yesterday," Arthur said quietly to Remus and Dora. They nodded in understanding, and Dora began searching for the curly haired boy whose identity Harry had assumed for the wedding.

"Wotcher," Dora said warmly to Harry. "Arthur told us you were the one with the curly hair. Sorry about last night," she added in a whisper as Harry led the two of them up the aisle. 'The Ministry's being very anti-werewolf at the moment and we thought our presence might not do you any favors." Remus felt grateful that Dora only mentioned the concerns he'd had for Harry, rather than his possibly overblown reaction to Scrimgeour's attendance at Harry's birthday.

"It's fine, I understand," Harry said, and then looked up at Remus. Remus tried a swift smile, but quickly faded into his unhappy worries over the security of the wedding and protecting his pregnant wife.

The wedding ceremony came and went, but Remus hardly noticed. He was anxiously looking about the marquee for any signs of danger, and he was completely unaware when Dora had led him away from the golden chairs they were previously occupying.

"Tonks, there's something different about you," Molly Weasley tsked as she beheld Dora and Remus.

"We are married now, perhaps that's it?" Dora offered innocently.

"I'm still rather put out that you didn't ask us to help with your wedding, Tonks," Molly said. "We would have happily hosted a small reception here."

"You've been busy enough with Bill and Fleur," Dora said kindly. "Anyway, we plan on a larger celebration when the war is over and it's safer for us all to gather."

"You are most welcome to host your celebration here," Molly insisted. "I'll prepare all your favorite foods, and your favorite cake, now that I know what it is, thanks to your husband, Remus."

Upon hearing his name, Remus snapped his head up to see Molly.

"Isn't there something different about your wife, Remus?" Molly asked. "Call it mother's intuition, but something is new."

Dora looked expectantly at Remus, and he nodded weakly to indicate Dora could share the news with Molly.

"You can't tell anyone else," Dora whispered, "but I'm pregnant."

Molly squealed upon hearing the news and hugged both Dora and Remus tightly.

"I'm so happy for you both! How wonderful! Do you need anything? I still have the children's things, I can pop by and give you anything you need," Molly gushed. "When are you due?"

"April," Dora mumbled. "Right, Remus?" she looked up at him. Remus had been staring out into the marquee, still slightly unaware of the conversation.

"Yes," Remus said vaguely. "April."

"He's still in shock about it," Dora whispered. "Unexpected, is all."

"You should have seen Arthur when we first learned Bill was on his way," Molly said impatiently. "Terribly worried, and by the time the twins came along, we had seen it all."

"As soon as I'm able, I will send you anything you might need," Molly prattled on. "Blankets, nappies, booties – I haven't had occasion to make anything for babies in years!" Molly was beaming with delight over the child Remus was certain might never see the light of day, due to the curse of his lycanthropy. He was able to tell that even Dora was excited over the prospect, and the pit in his stomach sank further when he realized how broken she would be when the pregnancy inevitably failed because of his lycanthropy.

"Remus, go take your wife out onto the dance floor," Molly ordered. "Soon enough these occasions will be rare!" She chuckled knowingly to herself, and Dora took the opportunity to drag Remus by the hand to the dance floor.

"I had no idea she'd react that way," Dora whispered, as they danced together. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have said anything."

"It's alright," Remus sighed. "I'm just afraid for you that it may not develop properly."

"When do you think we'll know?"

"The next full moon may be an indicator."

"How do you mean?"

"If a bloodthirsty cub begins ripping you from the inside out at the full moon, you'll know, and I'll be powerless to help you."

"Assume that doesn't happen because it's got to be tiny at this point. When will we know?"

"I'm not certain. A few more weeks, possibly? I admit I should have read more on maternity for you."

"I'll ask Molly or my mum for books," Dora said. "I think it's around twelve weeks for normal pregnancies."

"This is far from normal," Remus said darkly.

"All of this is, Remus," Dora said gently. "Some guests shouldn't have to use Polyjuice Potion to attend a wedding, and yet, this is what the situation is."

"You're right," Remus whispered into her ear, as he continued dancing with her.

Their brief moment of happiness was interrupted when a streak of light came through the marquee. Remus and Dora stepped back abruptly upon seeing the familiar lynx Patronus in the middle of the dance floor.

Kingsley's deep, steady voice called out: "The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."

Pandemonium broke out around the marquee. Protective enchantments had become undone, as far as Remus could feel. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were converging together, but Remus could hardly see where they were going. There were several guests screaming, and others were Apparating quickly out of the marquee.

Before Remus and Dora could Apparate themselves away from the wedding, about a dozen figures Apparated to the marquee. Remus recognized a few of the faces – Pius Thicknesse, Augustus Rookwood, Corban Yaxley, Walden Macnair – but the others were unknown Ministry officials, who appeared to be lower-ranking Magical Law Enforcement workers.

"Stop where you are," Yaxley ordered. "No one is to leave the premises."

A couple attempted to move away from Yaxley, and they were each stunned and bound by Thicknesse.

"We will be much harsher on those who attempt escape again," Yaxley sneered.

"What is the meaning of this?" Arthur asked worriedly. "This is the wedding of our son, Bill, and our new daughter-in-law, Fleur."

"We have reason to believe this wedding is an attempt to aid and abet the criminal Harry Potter," Yaxley drawled. "Where is he?"

"He's not here!" Dora shouted, much to Remus' concern. He held her tightly against his body, ready to throw himself in front of her in case she was threatened.

"I see you've brought your pet, Auror Lupin," Macnair jeered. "Even dressed him up."

Dora lunged, but Remus held her back as his blood began to boil. "Sweetheart, we can't," he mumbled. Dora looked unhappy but stayed still.

"Every last one of you will be questioned for criminal activities relating to Harry Potter," Yaxley announced. "Failure to cooperate will result in torture or death."

"How can you do that?" Arthur asked incredulously. "Where are the Aurors? This isn't a trial!"

"The Minister for Magic can explain," Yaxley said, gesturing to Thicknesse.

Dora and Remus both gasped upon learning that Pius Thicknesse had, somehow, been named the new Minister for Magic.

"All those proved to have been aiding and abetting the known criminal Harry Potter shall be punished to the fullest extent of our laws and will be subject to punishment up to, and including, torture and death," Thicknesse rattled. "As an emergency measure for the safety of the Wizarding world."

"That doesn't give you the right to just torture people!" Fred said angrily.

"On the contrary, it does," Rookwood said smoothly. "Crucio!" he cast, causing Fred to cry out in pain and begin writhing on the floor, screaming with agony.

"Enough," Yaxley said. Rookwood released Fred from the curse, and the atmosphere of the marquee grew ever more somber than it had.

"We are not afraid to use any means necessary to get the truth from you," Yaxley announced. "The questioning shall begin now."

Remus was rooted to the spot, holding onto Dora tightly. He had no intention of being separated from her, and he was beginning to feel murderous at anyone who might threaten her. The reality of mating was truly beginning to sink in; he was slowly growing more vicious than he ever felt, and it caused an unpleasant shudder throughout his body.

"Dora, please cooperate," Remus whispered. She looked up and glared at him.

"I will not," she retorted quietly. "They have no right to do any of this."

"Dora, please," Remus begged. "If they lay a hand on you, I won't be able to stop myself."

She looked up at him with wide eyes betraying disbelief.

"The mating bond," he said quietly. "Please don't let me kill anyone."

Dora nodded solemnly and her body relaxed in his arms; while the wolf within was very much willing to murder anyone who threatened her, the human within realized that ripping others apart would only end in death for the both – the three – of them.

To his displeasure, Macnair had now arrived to question Dora and Remus.

"Let go of your pet," Macnair ordered. "He doesn't need a leash, does he?"

Remus felt Dora stiffen in his arms. "Are we being interrogated separately?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

"Yes, now come with me," Macnair grabbed Dora's arm roughly and Remus felt the rage coursing through his body.

He stepped in between Dora and Macnair and hissed, "Do. Not. Touch. Her."

"What are you going to do? Bite?" Macnair jeered.

"At the very least," Remus said menacingly. "I don't need the full moon to rip you apart limb from limb if you touch her again." Remus heard himself growl and snarl at Macnair, despite his efforts against the wolfish behavior.

Macnair's eyes betrayed fear, and Remus stretched himself out, still growling at Macnair.

"You need a muzzle for your dog," Macnair said, disgusted, to Dora. She looked up at Remus, and even she appeared frightened, if not disconcerted, with his behavior. Remus looked into her eyes and willed himself to calm down.

"Please, do not touch her or harm her in any way," Remus said, still forcefully, but less aggressively.

"The beast stays here," Macnair spat. "The lady will follow me now." Macnair did not touch Dora again and instead gestured for her to follow him into the Burrow.

Remus heard himself whining for Dora, not caring that others were confused and staring at his behavior. He was deeply agitated at being separated from Dora. He had no idea what she was being subjected to for questioning, and the unknown, potential dangers were threatening to tear his sanity apart. The wolf was internally howling while the human was whining; Remus felt utterly ridiculous and distressed at what was happening to him.

After what seemed like hours, Dora finally returned from the Burrow, and Remus took her into his arms, hugging her tightly and sniffing at her to ensure none other had touched her.

"No one touched you, did they? Are you hurt? Dora, please tell me you're not hurt," Remus pled.

"I'm okay, Remus, I am," Dora said gently. "I held my own just fine. Macnair said he'd be back for you in a little while."

"Do you have to stay here? I would really prefer if you went home now," Remus admitted.

"I don't want to leave you. I don't think you'll do well if I'm not here, either."

"I whined for you," Remus said quietly. "The wolf was…unhappy."

"You also snarled and growled at Macnair earlier."

"I'm so sorry, Dora."

"You can't help it, Remus. I was frightened that you might actually attack him, but I wasn't frightened of you."

"I'm still sorry you had to see that."

"It made me feel safe, actually," Dora confessed. "Scared that he might hurt you, but safe for me."

"That makes one of us," Remus said darkly. "My blood started boiling when you started speaking. I was terrified for you."

"We'll be okay, Remus," she whispered.

Macnair finally emerged from the Burrow to collect Remus.

"Have you muzzled the beast?" Macnair mocked. He cast a spell in Remus' direction, binding Remus' hands together.

"Don't!" Dora cried. "There's no need for that!"

Remus began struggling through the ropes binding his hands together upon seeing Dora in distress. The rope began cutting into his flesh, but Dora's distress mattered more to him.

"Macnair, please, let him go, and let him go with me. I promise I'll stay silent," Dora said earnestly. "Please, this isn't helping." Remus was still struggling through the binding of his wrists, and he heard himself growl and snarl again, much to his displeasure.

Macnair released the binding and Dora stepped in front of Remus to prevent him from lunging at Macnair.
"Fine, your pet needs better training," Macnair sneered. "Needs a leash, that one."

Remus held onto Dora's hand tightly, hoping he wasn't hurting her as they walked together through the Burrow. Other Death Eaters and officials were combing through the Burrow but had clearly not found evidence that Harry Potter was there.

"Tell your dog to sit," Macnair ordered Dora. She looked disgusted and offended by his comments, but took Remus by the hand and sat them both down on the worn sofa for questioning.

"Now, dog, where is Harry Potter?" Macnair demanded.

"I don't know."

"Liar. Where is Potter?"

"I don't know."

"Have you seen Harry Potter?"

"In my lifetime, yes."

"Have you seen him recently?"

"I saw him for his seventeenth birthday just yesterday."

"Where is he now?"

"No idea."

"Where was he yesterday?"

"Here."

"Is he still here?"

"No."

"Liar," Macnair hissed. "Cruc—"

Before Macnair could cast the Cruciatus Curse on Remus, Dora had cast a shield charm between them.

"Please, do not hurt my husband," Dora said defiantly. "I am still an Auror, and my husband spoke the same words to you that I did. We are telling the truth. We will submit to Veritaserum if we must, but please, do not torture my husband."

"Insolent girl," Macnair sneered. "Cruc—"

This time, Remus was on his feet, snarling and growling once more before Macnair. The Death Eater cowered before Remus, while Dora looked at him with wide eyes.

"Do not hurt her," Remus growled.

"Fucking dog," Macnair spat. "I'm through with you both."

Dora took Remus' hand and guided him back out of the Burrow and to the marquee. They sat quietly, Dora holding Remus' hands in her own, for several hours, until the Death Eaters and Ministry officials had concluded their raid.

It was nearly morning when they left the Burrow, exhausted emotionally and physically from the interrogation. Remus still trembled with anger as he Apparated along with Dora back to their cottage.

"Remus, love, let's just go to sleep," Dora suggested. "It's Saturday now, and we can sleep in. We'll see mum and dad on Sunday."

Remus nodded weakly, and followed Dora into their bedroom. They undressed quietly, in the early light of morning. Dora crawled under the covers and Remus joined her quickly, cuddling up against her body, fearful of what the next day would bring.