Remus woke up from his post-full moon nap with a tuft of turquoise hair in his nostrils. It tickled slightly, but Dora's scent was too mesmerizing to pull away from.
The last few weeks had shown him slight, but steady improvements in his relationship with Dora and with her parents. Remus was on cordial, if distant, terms with his mother-in-law. He spoke more often with Ted, who was as pleasant as ever, but Remus nevertheless felt embarrassed around his father-in-law. He and Dora were getting along well enough; their relationship was more like the friendship they had developed when the Order was first regrouping. Though it wasn't the kind of relationship he wanted, he was profoundly grateful for her presence in his life anyway.
He had taken it upon himself to do as much in the house as he was able. He spent much of his time in the garden, which was thriving under his efforts. He cleaned every surface, only to discover that Dora's messiness came from her father. He had single-handedly rearranged the spare bedroom and Dora's old childhood bedroom so that her childhood bedroom would become their child's nursery. He gladly attended to every whim or need that Dora sent his way, no matter how frivolous it felt. He suspected that some of her requests were purely for her own amusement, but he didn't mind. After how he had behaved – so unforgivably, really – he would gladly submit to any wish she had.
Dora had stayed awake all night with him, and the next moon, she had asked him to stay inside with her. As absurd as the prospect was, he knew she had seen him transform to and from the wolf and yet she still wanted to be with him. The entire situation was exceedingly ridiculous, and yet it was his reality. He berated himself again for leaving her. He was beginning to think he might never forgive himself for leaving her, at any point in their relationship. Feeling especially grateful, Remus dressed himself and descended the stairs, hoping to make cinnamon rolls for Dora.
"An owl came for you, Remus," Ted announced. "Didn't recognize this one."
"Thank you, Ted," Remus said. He took the offered parchment from Ted's hand, and opened it to find a letter from Lottie Wakefield and her sons. The boys were longing to see him, and he was only too happy to reply in the affirmative, hoping Dora would be willing to accompany him on the visit.
"Do you mind if I make cinnamon rolls?" he asked Ted.
"Dora will be happy with you if you do," Ted said jovially. "As will I. If you don't mind me asking, who did the letter come from?"
"The Wakefields. My godsons would like a visit, and I would like Dora to come with me, if she wouldn't mind."
"I think she'll be delighted to go. She's never been one to sit still at home for long."
"I can tell," Remus said, as he began mixing the wet ingredients together for the cinnamon rolls. "I'm not sure how to make her life any more fulfilling."
"What about the Order?"
"We haven't had a meeting in ages," Remus admitted. "I'll write to Arthur to see if we can get one together this week, even if to say hello to one another." There was a short pause before Remus continued. "Where is Andromeda?"
"She's out on an errand," Ted said cryptically.
"I'd have been happy to help with whatever it was," Remus offered.
"You're doing plenty around here, Remus. The garden has never thrived this well." Ted looked out onto the garden. "You're doing very well in taking care of my favorite witches."
Remus blushed and mumbled a thank you in Ted's direction. Ted, for his part, cast a Silencing Charm and a Repelliing Charm on the kitchen, immediately concerning Remus.
"I need to tell you something, Remus," Ted said seriously. "I believe you're the only one who will understand."
Remus looked up nervously, after just having put the cinnamon rolls in the oven.
"I'm going to be leaving soon," Ted said softly. Remus looked at his father-in-law in disbelief.
"Why?" was all Remus could muster.
"You know why," Ted said grimly. "My options are either imprisonment at Azkaban at best, or to become a casualty at the hands of Death Eaters who hate that I'm a Muggleborn. I'm going to leave, so as to ensure that you, Dora, and 'Dromeda can survive the war."
"Ted, I'm sure there's another way," Remus said hastily. "We can figure something out."
"I've heard what they're doing with Muggleborns at these so-called hearings," Ted said sadly. "The luckiest ones will just get their wands snapped and a life sentence at Azkaban, where Merlin-only-knows what the Dementors are allowed to do, now that they're under You-Know-Who's control. The unluckiest ones are turned over to Death Eaters. With my connection to 'Dromeda and her sister, I've little to no chance of surviving."
"I'm not in any better position," Remus said. "If I can stay, so can you."
"No, Remus," Ted said forcefully. "You may be a werewolf, but you can prove your magic. You can prove your magical parentage. I can't."
"But, Ted, Bellatrix wants me and Dora dead as much as you, surely," Remus countered. "We can work something out. You can stay at my cottage!"
"You'll have to remove the enchantments on it," Ted informed. "The Ministry will be wanting proof that none of us live there. Safe houses are no longer safe."
"The Weasleys! You can stay with them!" Remus offered. "I'm sure they won't mind!"
"The Weasleys have enough on their plates," Ted retorted. "Blood traitors are already under suspicion. They don't need any more to risk themselves."
"Is there really no other way, Ted?" Remus asked.
"Not until they stop rounding up Muggleborns. When that's over, I'll be able to return. The Ministry will need to know that I'm nowhere near this house."
"How will they be able to prove that you're no longer here?"
"'Dromeda's annulling our marriage as we speak."
"WHAT?!" Remus bellowed. "What in Merlin's name for?"
"To prove that we are no longer connected," Ted said dejectedly. "We had the foresight to marry through the Muggle system years ago, when we held a Muggle wedding for my family. That marriage is still intact, and will continue to be. Our Wizarding marriage will no longer be valid."
"But – that's impossible! Wizarding marriages can't just be dissolved!"
"They can if the witch or wizard in question is married to a suspicious individual. Your marriage could be dissolved as well, if my daughter weren't so stubborn."
"But…why didn't she let me…?"
"Remus. If she had permitted you to annul your marriage for her job – which she was likely to lose anyway – think of how much worse your—"
"—abandonment would have been," Remus finished. "You've been more committed to this family than I ever have." Remus slumped his shoulders, feeling the weight of guilt upon his shoulders again.
"You didn't marry in the Muggle system," Ted said simply. "You can still do so. Dora's got the documentation for a British Muggle. I wouldn't mention annulment to Dora, unless you've been around long enough and the war is still going on."
"Why did Andromeda agree to this?" Remus asked in disbelief.
"Unlike Dora, who only had a job to lose, my wife has a husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild to lose," Ted said, counting the reasons off his fingers, in a manner similar to the way Dora counted off grievances.
"If I leave, and we make it believable, 'Dromeda is likelier to keep her family alive," Ted explained. "We made the decision together."
"Ted, I'm so sorry I—"
"—you are part of the family and helped provide a grandchild we thought we'd never have?" Ted interjected. "Yes, precarious as the situation may seem, 'Dromeda and I are very much looking forward to meeting our grandchild, regardless of whether or not it has lycanthropy. You could all be held at fault for harboring me as an 'Undesirable' individual."
"But the same could be said about me! I'm a werewolf!" Remus nearly shouted.
"Remus, you can stay for these bloody 'welfare checks,' and you should pass, as you always have," Ted countered. "If I fail to appear in court or fail to cooperate with the Ministry, I'll be elevated to the level of an Undesirable. Harboring me will lead all of you to be counted among the Undesirables. We'll all be dead if that comes to pass. I must separate myself from you all."
"But, Ted—"
"—no, Remus. It has to be this way. You understand, more than anyone else in this home, why it must be," Ted informed. "I'm doing what I can to keep you all alive."
Remus opened his mouth to speak, but Ted stopped him again.
"Remus, what I'm asking of you is to keep your head down, cooperate with the Ministry, and keep them safe," Ted said. "Keep 'Dromeda, Dora, and your baby safe until I can come back. Don't give the Ministry any reason to harm a hair on their heads. It's all I can ask of you, and I hope you follow through. Be courageous for them."
"I will," Remus vowed. "I will protect them with my life."
"We have an understanding, then," Ted said grimly.
"When are you leaving?"
"The day before my trial – next week."
"Are you going to tell Dora?"
"Yes, once 'Dromeda returns with her favorite fish and chips," Ted said, smiling weakly. "Dora's always more receptive with a full belly."
"Believe me, I know," Remus said, as he took the cinnamon rolls out of the oven. "I'm convinced she only fell for me because I can cook."
"My daughter fell for you because you're a good man, Remus," Ted said seriously. "You have your flaws like any other, but you're a good man, and it would do you well to remember that."
"Thank you, Ted," Remus said softly. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear that from you."
"I hope you take my words to heart. Take care of them for me. Please."
"I promise, Ted. I promise I'll do everything in my power to keep Andromeda, Dora, and our baby safe."
"All I can ask of you, son," Ted said, as he lifted the enchantments on the room. As soon as the enchantments had been lifted, Dora came rushing into the kitchen.
"I don't know what you two were doing in here, but I felt the Repelling Charm," Dora grumbled. "All I wanted was a fucking cinnamon roll."
"Language, Nymphadora," Andromeda said, sighing heavily, as she too joined the others in the kitchen. "Your child is going to have a terrible vocabulary with the way you speak."
"No one cares, mum," Dora said angrily, as she began stuffing her face with the freshly baked rolls.
Remus looked over at Ted and Andromeda, who were holding hands and gazing at one another. Remus felt it was intrusive to keep staring, and so he turned his attention to Dora.
"Dora, would you like to come with me to visit my godsons today?"
"Fuck yeah I would," Dora said, in between bites. "I'm dying to get out of this house!"
"The boys will be happy to see you," Remus said, smiling. "Let me clean up here and then we can go." He turned around to see Ted and Andromeda looking gloomy.
"Ted. Andromeda," Remus said carefully. "Is there anything I can do for either of you?"
They shook their heads, and were now bent over several documents.
"Dora, whenever you're ready, we can go," Remus said softly. Dora nodded happily and rushed upstairs to dress herself for the day.
"When do you plan on telling her?" Remus asked hesitantly, as he saw Ted and Andromeda hunched over the paperwork.
"In a few days' time," Andromeda said. "I couldn't get her favorite fish and chips today."
"I've an idea for breaking the news to her," Remus ventured. "I'll propose the idea to her today, and if it's successful, I'll let you both know."
Andromeda and Ted looked up at him with quizzical expressions, but before they could reply to Remus' offer, Dora was nearly bouncing in excitement over the prospect of leaving the house.
"Ready, love?" Dora asked.
"Ready," Remus replied, taking her hand into his own, and leading them out of the enchantments of the house. They Apparated from the Tonks household to find themselves just outside the Wakefield home.
"Remus! Tonks!" Wally's excited squeals were heard as soon as they had Apparated.
"Wotcher, Wally," Dora said affectionately, taking the boy into her arms for a hug. "How are you?"
"Good. Denys is with mum inside. I bit him a lot last night, but he says it's okay," Wally said with a shrug, turning around to beckon them into the home. Dora looked up at Remus with a curious expression.
"Wally is the older brother, so I think that means he's establishing himself as the alpha," Remus explained. "Not surprising, and not a terrible thing, as they will both benefit from the arrangement while they are growing up together."
Dora nodded in understanding, and the two of them walked into the home.
"Remus, you and Tonks smell funny," Wally said, as he awkwardly sniffed at both their bodies.
"Good funny or bad funny?" Dora asked.
"Different funny," Wally said, as he sniffed again at Tonks' abdomen.
"D'you think he smells…?" Dora's voice trailed off.
"Definitely," Remus replied. "We'll tell them together."
"Remus? Tonks?" Lotties voice called out from the small sitting room. Denys was bandaged and sitting on a lumpy sofa, but his eyes brightened upon seeing Remus and Dora come into the room.
"Hi Lottie," Dora said warmly. "It's nice of you to have us."
"The pleasure is all mine," Lottie said gratefully. "We don't often get visitors, unless they are from your Ministry. My late husband's family hasn't made much contact with us at all."
"That's a shame," Dora said bitterly. "Your boys are as cute as ever. Who wouldn't want to spend time with them?"
"You smell weird," Denys interrupted.
"That's what I said!" Wally cried. "Why do you smell funny?"
"It's impolite to sniff at others," Lottie said impatiently.
"We can't help it, mum," Denys complained. "Everything smells more after the moon."
"What Denys and Wally are describing is a little different, Lottie," Remus said slowly. "My wife and I smell differently because we, err…"
"We're having a baby!" Dora said exuberantly. Remus looked at Dora, who was simply radiant with joy.
"Congratulations!" Lottie said enthusiastically. "You two give me so much hope for my boys." She looked at the two young werewolves staring up at the scene with cautiously happy expressions.
Remus bent down to look at them. "What we mean is, in about six months' time, Tonks is going to have a baby that was made by the two of us."
"How did you do that?" Wally asked in wonderment. Lottie clapped her hand to her mouth in shock.
Remus blushed, and Dora laughed. "I'd love to see you explain this one," Dora said, laughing. "Practice for our own one day!"
"You don't have to answer that, Remus," Lottie said quickly. "We can discuss that…another day."
"Do werewolves make babies with biting?" Wally asked. "Like us?"
"No, Wally," Remus said kindly. "I think the best way to explain what happened with me and Tonks is that we loved each other so much that we had extra love to give, and it turned into a baby. It's growing inside her right now, and will be ready in the springtime."
"That's why you smell funny?" Denys asked, his head cocked to one side. "Because of a baby?"
"Yes," Remus said. He smiled and continued, "Babies can be very smelly sometimes, and ours is already a little smelly."
Dora stifled a laugh and Lottie grinned as well. The boys seemed happy with the explanation, and they decided to busy themselves with a set of plastic toys that appeared to be used for building structures.
"You're three months along, then?" Lottie asked, looking at Dora with a smile.
"We think so," Dora said slowly. "Timing was a little confusing, and as I can't go to a Healer, we've no idea what's going on in there."
"A Healer?" Lottie asked in confusion.
"A Wizard doctor," Remus provided. "It's not safe for us to go to the magical hospital, St. Mungo's, so we're relying on home remedies and monitoring alone."
"Why not go to one of our doctors? They can provide sonograms and ultrasounds for you," Lottie said. "Lorcan never understood any of it, but I insisted. I wanted pictures of my boys before they were born."
"You can get pictures of your baby before it comes out?" Dora asked in confusion. "How do they get a camera in there?" She looked down, her brow furrowed deep in concentration.
"Dora, your mum probably went to St. Mungo's like any other witch, and the Wizarding world isn't known for its use of Muggle technology, as ingenious as some of it may be," Remus explained. "Do you really want to try a Muggle doctor? Their methods can be rather…barbaric at times."
"Barbaric? Really?" Lottie teased. "Your world has actual werewolves, and yet ours is the one that's barbaric."
"I suppose it's difficult to argue that point," Remus admitted. "We'll think it over."
"You'll need proof of residency, I think," Lottie said. "Identification, as well."
"I haven't got that," Dora said glumly.
"Yes, you do," Remus replied. "Your father mentioned it this morning. You've got Muggle documentation somewhere."
"How come this is the first time I'm hearing about it?" Dora demanded.
"I think it was meant as a safeguard when you were rather young."
"Our baby should have that too, huh?"
"I think it's a good idea," Lottie said. "Now that Wally and Denys are werewolves, I'm not sure that they will be as successful in your world as in ours. Remus gives me hope for a better future for them."
"We'll make it happen, Lottie," Dora said, smiling warmly. "This is what we're fighting for."
"I was thinking, Dora," Remus said. "What do you think of getting married in the Muggle system as well? Just to be safe."
"Marrying me once wasn't enough?" Dora looked at him with a grin.
"I'd like to marry you again, yes," Remus said resolutely.
"That's a wonderful idea," Lottie added.
The afternoon passed pleasantly in conversation on the finer details of setting up a marriage in the Muggle system, as well as navigating the NHS to set up appointments for maternity care. Feeling armed with more knowledge and a plan, Dora and Remus were able to return to the Tonks household in high spirits.
When they returned, Ted and Andromeda were still poring over a thick stack of documents.
"What have you two been doing all day?" Dora asked, furrowing her brow. "What's all this for?"
"It's best to tell her now," Remus said quietly.
"Tell me what?" Dora looked up at Remus.
"Nymphadora, sit down," Andromeda said. Dora and Remus joined her parents at the table, and her parents began to explain Ted's upcoming departure and their annulment.
"This is rubbish!" Dora said angrily. "Dad, you don't need to leave!"
"Yes, I do, Dora," Ted replied, sighing dejectedly. "Your mother and I have discussed this. It's the only way to keep you lot from harm's way."
"Remus, did you put him up to this?" Dora asked angrily.
"Remus tried to convince me not to do this," Ted replied. "He protested as much as you did."
"How come he knew about it before I did?" Dora was livid, and Remus shifted guiltily in his seat.
"He only found out this morning. You can't change my mind, Dora," Ted said forcefully. "I want to stay alive to see my grandchild, and the only way all of us will be alive to see that is for me to leave."
"But we're getting married again, you must stay for that!" Dora retorted.
Andromeda looked at Dora and Remus suspiciously.
"What Dora means is, we plan on getting married through the Muggle system, as you and Ted did," Remus explained hastily. "As an added precaution."
"Is that Register Office open? Can we go now?" Dora demanded.
"We'll have to go tomorrow," Remus said, as he looked up at the clock. "We might have to, err, place a charm or two on the register workers to get it done this quickly."
"Fine. I'm not happy about this, but at least I'll have both my parents at both my weddings," Dora grumbled. "You both had best be there when we do a celebration when the war's over. I'll marry Remus as many times as it takes to get it right."
Remus grinned giddily at Dora's declaration. Although their relationship was still improving, hearing her vow to stay with him only increased his hope that they might be alright.
…..
"Dora, it's nearly time for the Order meeting," Remus said. "Molly and Arthur are expecting us at the Burrow."
"How do I look?" Dora said. "I didn't use to give a toss about looking nice, but now that we don't go anywhere, I wanted to look…better."
"Gorgeous, as always," Remus said warmly. "You're going with turquoise hair again?"
"I've been in the mood for turquoise a lot lately," Dora said. "Pink's my favorite, but turquoise looks nice too, don't you think?"
"All your colors look good on you," Remus said. "Though next time we visit that Muggle doctor you might want to try a more traditional shade, or we'll get another earful about hair dyes and chemicals and pregnancy."
Dora rolled her eyes. "I can't wait to tell Arthur about the Muggle doctor. He's going to lose his mind when he hears what they do."
"Did you bring the picture we got?" Remus asked. Dora nodded and pulled out the black-and-white image bearing the profile of their child.
"Funny how this is how they take pictures in there," Dora said. "We'll have to tell Molly about it!"
"Let's go, then," Remus said. He took her by the hand and led them to the Floo, where they called out "The Burrow!" and were transported to the Weasley family home.
"Remus! Tonks! You're here!" Molly said excitedly. "How are you feeling, dear?" she asked Dora.
"I'm fine, really," Dora replied, through a bone-crushing hug. "We should get the meeting started. We can chat later."
"Yes, of course, of course," Molly said, busying herself with food and drink for the meeting. Remus and Dora were among the last to arrive to the meeting, and Kingsley was now the leader of the Order.
"Thank you all for coming," his voice rang out deep and calm. "We have little news to report. The Muggleborn Registration Commission is in full swing. Most Muggleborns are going into hiding abroad, running away, or are foolish enough to submit themselves before the courts."
"What's happening to the Muggleborns who do show up in court?" Dora asked anxiously.
"The trials are a sham," Kingsley replied. "The luckiest ones go to Azkaban and get their wands snapped. Once at Azkaban, the Dementors are free to perform the Kiss."
Gasps were heard around the room. "Those are the luckiest ones?" Dora asked incredulously. "What happens to the unlucky ones?"
"Torture," Kingsley said grimly. "They're turned over to Death Eaters for torture and eventual death, or so we believe. No one has come back alive."
"Can't we help them?" Arthur asked. "Is there no way?"
"Everyone in this room is being tracked," Kingsley said grimly. "All of us are known to have connections to Dumbledore, the Order, or Harry Potter. We're being watched for suspicious activity. Any one of us who assists a Muggleborn is likely to suffer the same fate – or worse."
"We've got to do something," George said adamantly. "They have to know they're not alone!"
"I've an idea," Fred said, with a gleam in his eyes.
"Save that for later," Molly said sternly.
"Is there really nothing we can do for Muggleborns?" Remus asked nervously. "Nothing at all?"
"Casting additional protective enchantments on them and their homes should help, but it won't be enough," Kingsley replied. "Going abroad appears to be the only option, but the International Apparition Points, international Portkeys, and international Floo connections are all being watched. Muggleborns are resorting to Muggle means."
"What Muggle means?" Arthur asked excitedly. "We can learn and help!"
"Absolutely not," Molly said flatly. "We've enough on our plates. The children need us here."
Arthur looked embarrassed as his enthusiasm dimmed considerably.
"Muggle methods will have to keep us all alive," Remus shared. "They're not as efficient, but they'll function for us while we need them to."
"Tell us more, Remus," Kingsley said. "You might have the most experience among us in the Muggle world, without being a Muggleborn yourself."
"Muggles are easier to live among for werewolves," Remus said, in a defeated tone. "They just think I've been badly hurt by a war. I'd be happy to provide tips for those who need them."
"That's what we're saying!" Fred exclaimed. "We've got an idea!" Molly sighed dramatically, but gestured for Kingsley to allow the idea.
"The wireless," Fred began. "We set up a radio program to share information The Prophet won't – deaths, suspicious activities, life tips, and if Harry ever listens, support for him too."
"That – is a brilliant idea, Fred," Dora said brightly. "How can we help?"
"We'll need to change locations for each broadcast," George said. "Lee Jordan already has the equipment, and he's in."
"This sounds like exactly what we need at this time," Kingsley said solemnly. "I'll be happy to help with the goings-on at the Ministry."
"Or lack thereof," Arthur said darkly. "The Ministry is pretending nothing has happened, despite the violence happening every day."
"We should be reporting the real news," Fred declared. "And helpful information for avoiding capture by the Chief Death Eater."
"Why aren't we calling him Vol—" Dora began.
"—DON'T SAY THE NAME!" Kingsley boomed, to a confused Dora.
"A Taboo has been placed on his name," Kingsley explained. "Just implemented the other day. If anyone says the name, they'll be immediately found by Death Eaters. You must not say the name."
"That's the sort of information we'll need for the program," George said resolutely. "We'll get it set up and as soon as we have a password, we'll tell our dad and have him pass it along."
"Brilliant sons you have, Molly," Dora smiled. Molly blushed and narrowed her eyes at her twin sons, in an expression both warm and exasperated.
"What else do we need to do?" Arthur asked. "Is there nothing else we can do?"
"How are your youngest children?" Kingsley asked. "Ron and Ginny?"
"Ron's on the run with Harry and Hermione, as far as we know," Arthur said grimly. "We assume they're alive, as we would know if something happened to them. You-Know-Who and the Ministry would be rejoicing if they caught any of them."
"Ginny is…managing," Molly said dejectedly. "The Carrow twins, Amycus and Alecto, have taken up the posts of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Muggle Studies. They teach the students to use the Cruciatus Curse on students in detention."
"That's horrific!" Remus said, disgusted. "How is Snape permitting this?"
"Ginny tells us he isn't the most involved Headmaster," Arthur replied. "She spends most of her time in detention with Hagrid."
"Better Hagrid than under an Unforgivable Curse," Dora said under her breath. "The Death Eaters have taken Hogwarts, then."
"Hogwarts and the Ministry," Kingsley said gravely. "We'll need others' support to get through this. This radio program might be the thing that gets us support."
Fred and George beamed upon hearing Kingsley's approval of their plan. The remainder of the meeting was brief, with only a few lingering remarks. Before they knew it, it was time to go.
"Remus. Tonks," Molly said, as she saw them making their way to the Floo. "Stay behind a moment, please." Molly turned around and went upstairs.
Remus and Dora sat down on one of the sofas in the Weasley's living room, waiting for Molly to return. Several minutes later, Molly came downstairs with a large satchel.
"How are things with the pregnancy?" Molly asked.
"Good," Dora said. "We're seeing a Muggle healer for now. Mum did the math right, baby's due in early April."
Molly beamed and handed the satchel to Remus.
"What's all this?" Remus asked.
"Nappies, booties, bottles, and some clothes I made for your baby," Molly gushed. "I haven't had a baby to knit for in years."
"Molly, this is too much—"
"—nonsense, Remus. Your baby will need all these things. Will you need anything else?"
"I think my mum's getting us the other supplies," Dora said quickly. "Thank you, Molly."
"If you need anything at all, let me know," Molly said sternly. "Don't be afraid to ask for help."
"Thank you, Molly," Remus replied, clutching the satchel. "Dora, we should return to your parents' now, to show them everything Molly got for us."
"Yes, thank you, Molly," Dora said, as they both made their way to the Floo to return to the Tonks residence.
As they stepped through the Floo, an eerie silence greeted them both. It was only when a familiar, spine-chilling cackle rent the silence that Remus realized who had come to visit: Bellatrix Lestrange.