Tonks was bored. It was Halloween, and while Remus would be out doing the first broadcast of Potterwatch with the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan, she would be at home with her mother. She hadn't worked for nearly three months, and the boredom was taking its toll. As she was now limited in transportation to walking or Muggle means, she rarely left the home. An hour's walk took her to the nearby town. Her life had revolved around brief visits to town for the Muggle healer or occasional shopping trip. They had yet to outfit the nursery upstairs; Tonks was hoping to do so soon, if only to have something to do.
"Nymphadora, why are you looking so gloomy?" her mother asked, upon seeing Tonks staring dejectedly into her cup of tea.
"I'm bored," Tonks said. "I don't know how Remus keeps occupied, but I'm going mad here. No wonder Sirius was so miserable at Grimmauld Place."
"Darling, all of us have to make sacrifices," Andromeda said grimly. "You're pregnant now and there's a war. Perhaps you can read more."
"I did enough of that in my years of schooling," Tonks grumbled. "D'you think Remus would mind if we took a trip to get some things for the baby?"
"Why don't you ask him?" Andromeda said. Tonks nodded and went out into the garden, where Remus was bent over his vegetable patch.
"How in Merlin's name does this keep you occupied for so long?" Tonks demanded. "I'm going mental in there."
"Years of practice of unemployment," Remus said lightly. "I learned to entertain myself many years ago."
"Well, I haven't," Tonks said bitterly. "Can we go shopping for the baby today? Please?"
"Today would be a good day to go," Remus said, after a few moments of silence. "We wouldn't have to change our appearances much, it being Halloween."
"I've got a costume in mind, actually," Tonks said with a grin. "For both of us."
"Must I wear it for this shopping trip?" Remus asked, frowning.
"I think mine will be enough. Is this a yes to shopping?"
"Yes. Allow me to clean myself off and we can go."
Tonks squealed with joy, and ran inside the house to tell her mother. "He's said yes, mum! Where's that list of baby things you needed us to get?"
"I'll write another one while you get dressed," Andromeda replied. Tonks grinned and rushed upstairs, eager to get her clothing. She found the robe she wanted and transfigured it slightly, as it required little effort on her part to get the look she was going for.
"What are you wearing, Nymphadora? The Muggles will be confused," Andromeda said, looking disappointed in Tonks' fashion choice.
"Mum, it's Halloween. It's the perfect day to wear this," Tonks explained. "Get it?"
"It's a red cape? With a hood?" Andromeda asked.
"What?" Remus said, looking at Tonks with a horrified expression. "Absolutely not." Andromeda looked between them with an alarmed expression.
"Little Red Riding Hood," Tonks said triumphantly. "Remus will be the big, bad wolf."
Andromeda stifled an amused chuckle as Remus shook his head vigorously. "No, Dora," he repeated. "I'm not dressing as the wolf."
"Not now, you aren't," Tonks said, grinning. "Didn't you say you'd do anything for me at some point?"
"Short of putting your life in danger," Remus said through gritted teeth.
"Please?" Tonks begged. "Just today."
"Fine," Remus said, rolling his eyes. "I'm not doing this until after we go shopping."
Tonks clapped her hands in joy. "Let's go, then!"
Remus sighed as Andromeda continued stifling her chuckle, but Tonks led him out of the house so they could walk the three miles to the town to purchase their baby's things.
….
Remus and Tonks returned from their shopping trip in high spirits. They had surreptitiously cast protective enchantments on nearly every establishment they could think of, if only to provide a little extra security to the Muggles in the town. Though it wouldn't be enough to secure the Muggles from the Death Eaters completely, any barriers were better than none.
They returned to the Tonks home, laden with goods. It was nearly nightfall, which meant it was time for Remus to leave for his first broadcast with Potterwatch. Tonks and her mother would be listening in with the first password, "Albus."
"Good luck, Remus," Tonks said, before he left. "Come back safe, please."
"I will, love," Remus replied, kissing her softly. He disappeared through the door to Apparate to the first secret location.
"How was it today?" Andromeda asked tentatively. "He seemed to be in a good mood."
"Halloween is usually miserable for him," Tonks replied. "It's when the Potters died, all those years ago. I think shopping for our baby helped him."
"I've never seen him so..."
"…relaxed?" Tonks suggested. "He's happy, for the first time in a long time, mum. He told me today that being with us is the greatest happiness he's ever known."
"That's—"
"—precious," Tonks finished. "I can't believe he let himself be miserable for so long. The salespeople at the shops were just fascinated with us. They thought Remus was some sort of war hero, 'cause of his scars, and gave us a bunch of extra baby things. He is a war hero, but not from their wars. They thought it was something about a gulf war, whatever that means."
"That's kind of them," Andromeda said, as she began rifling through the baby things they'd purchased. "Why are there so many clothes?"
"Salespeople told us to get them in all the different sizes. We didn't have the heart to tell them we could resize them with magic, and they were so kind to us. We bought a bunch of the little outfits. Our baby is going to be so spoiled."
Andromeda smiled softly as she opened each parcel. Tonks knew she and Remus had spent too much on their first child's things, but she had insisted that her inheritance from Mad-Eye should be put to good use. As it turned out, Remus had far fewer qualms about spending the money on his child than on himself, and had even sprung for a larger-than-necessary collection of children's books for their little one.
"It's time, mum," Tonks said, levitating the wireless towards them. She tapped on the wireless with her wand and said the password, "Albus."
Within moments, the familiar voices of the Weasley twins began speaking.
"Greetings, friends of Potter! This is the first broadcast of Potterwatch, your fortnightly source of all things related to Potter and taking down the Chief Death Eater. I'm your co-host for the night, Balthasar," the first voice said.
"That's either Fred or George," Tonks whispered to her mother.
"I'm your other cohost, Burgundy," said the other twin. "We'll be joined by two other commentators, Basset and Benvolio, but first, some news."
"The Muggleborn Registration Commission led by Empress Toadface is well underway. Muggleborns who haven't a place to stay should flee the country as soon as possible, by Muggle means. All networks are being watched. Those who cannot procure Muggle paperwork are encouraged to forge them through magical means if necessary," Balthasar said.
"Do not report to the Ministry, Muggleborns," Burgundy said. "We have it on good authority that the Muggleborn trials are traps to get as many Muggleborns in Azkaban as possible. If you value your soul or life, stay away from the Ministry."
"Now, Balthy, is there anything a half-blood or pureblood witch or wizard can do for Muggleborns?" Burgundy asked.
"Glad you asked, Burgundy," Balthasar replied. "We reckon helping them out of the country, providing shelter for a night or two, food, anything to help Muggleborns survive is better than nothing."
"Muggleborn children are also in danger," Burgundy continued. "If you see any Muggleborn child doing accidental magic, do whatever you can to provide that child's home and family with as many protections as possible."
"While you're at it," interrupted a familiar voice, "cast simple enchantments upon all your Muggle friends and neighbors."
"That's Basset, our resident professor," Burgundy said. "Basset is here to help us with Defense Against the Dark Arts, a subject he is most qualified to teach."
"That's Remus!" Tonks said excitedly.
"Take it away, Basset," Burgundy said.
"Simple protection spells on all your Muggle friends, neighbors, and their homes will help deter unsavory magical folk from their homes," Basset said. "Salvio hexia will prevent most hexes from entering Muggle homes. Protego maxima will provide a decent protection charm on the home. Other protective enchantments should be avoided, as they will be too noticeable to the Muggles."
"Are there any spells we can put on our homes?" Balthasar asked.
"The Fidelius Charm is difficult, but effective," Basset replied. "It must be used under the most dire of circumstances, or for those who expect to be targeted. Otherwise, repelling charms, intruder charms, protection charms, and disillusionment charms can be used in tandem to secure a dwelling place most effectively."
"Anything we can do for communication during this time?" Burgundy asked.
"Owls are becoming trickier to use," Basset responded. "They can be intercepted, particularly if the owl in question is easily distinguishable. However, owls remain the easiest means of communication. For those who can operate Muggle means, such as the Muggle post or Muggle telephones, these options remain viable. For those who can practice advanced magic, the Patronus Charm is most effective, assuming you know your recipient is in a stable, safe location."
"For those who don't know, the Patronus Charm can be used to send a message," Basset continued. "The method is rather simple. Cast the Patronus as if a Dementor were before you. Then, speak directly to it by informing it of your recipient and your message. The Patronus will go to its intended recipient, provided you speak clearly. However, be certain you know of your recipient's location, as the Patronus will be heard by others in the vicinity."
"Thank you, Basset," Balthasar said. "We now turn to our friend, Benvolio, who will be updating us with the names of those believed to be missing or dead."
Benvolio – who Tonks recognized as Lee Jordan – began speaking and listing names of those who had gone missing or had died. Nearly all of them were Muggleborns, making Tonks' heart sink. She looked over to her mother, who was clutching the arm of the armchair tightly.
Thankfully, the list did not include anyone they knew personally, but the list was sobering all the same. Tonks hoped she would never hear her own father's name on the list, wherever he was.
As they were concluding the radio program, a burst of silvery-blue light bounded into the room in the shape of a Newfoundland dog. Tonks and her mother stared at in awe, wondering who it belonged to, until it revealed its owner.
"I'm safe, missing you all. Do not reply, being watched," Ted's voice came through the snout of the Newfoundland Patronus.
Tonks and her mother both burst into joyful tears upon hearing Ted's voice. While his voice sounded tired, Tonks and her mother both smiled, tears streaming down their faces, in relief that Ted was alive and safe, even if he was being watched.
The front door swung open and Remus stepped inside, looking concerned at Andromeda and Tonks.
"What's happened?" he demanded. "Was anyone here?"
"No, Remus, we got a message from my dad," Tonks said joyfully. "I didn't know he could cast a Patronus at all!"
"He sent you a message with his Patronus?" Remus asked, a smile growing on his face. "What did he say? What's his Patronus?"
"It's a Newfoundland dog, Remus, and he said he's safe, misses us, and not to reply, as he's being watched," Tonks said quickly. "He must've been listening to the broadcast, too! I can't help but think it's not just coincidence he was able to do that after you explained it on Potterwatch!"
"I'm really pleased to hear that," Remus said, taking Tonks into his arms and holding her close.
"Mum, did you know dad's Patronus before now?" Tonks asked.
"No. Neither of us had cast the Patronus perfectly before now," Andromeda said thoughtfully. "I wish I could reply to tell him how proud I am of him."
"I wonder what memory he chose for the Patronus," Tonks said. "Must've been really, really happy if he could cast the charm and have it send a message."
"I would think the day you were born, Nymphadora," Andromeda said thoughtfully. "He was happier that day than our wedding day."
"What about you, mum? What memory would you use?"
"The day I married your father," Andromeda replied easily.
"Not the day of my birth? I always knew dad liked me more—"
"—if you're anything like me when you give birth, Nymphadora, you will be happy, but in severe pain," Andromeda said. "The day after you were born was more pleasant for me."
"I bet Remus is going to be the same way as dad when our kid is born, don't you think?" Tonks said, looking up at him.
"Unless it's the full moon, it will be one of the happiest days of my life," Remus said, after a moment of thought. "Andromeda, if you'd like help, I would be happy to help you with your Patronus. I've taught it many times now."
"That would be lovely. Thank you, Remus," Andromeda replied evenly. Tonks beamed upon seeing the interaction between her mother and husband; just as their marriage had been improving over the last few months, so had the relationship between Remus and Andromeda. Grinning proudly, Tonks sat back as Remus taught Andromeda how to produce a Patronus.
….
It was Tonks' twenty-fifth birthday. She could hardly believe that exactly a year before, she had been miserable at Hogsmeade, with Molly having sent an almond cake to her at Remus' request. Now, a year later, she was celebrating her birthday with Remus, whole and alive, baking the very same cake for her in her parents' home. She missed her father terribly – he was still on the run – but having Remus, alive and well, had provided a much needed source of happiness.
Tonks came downstairs to find Remus humming happily while frosting Tonks' birthday cake. Tonks looked over to the magically expanded dining table, where eight settings had been placed.
"Are we expecting others today?" Tonks asked, as Remus put the last swirl of chocolate frosting on the comically large cake.
"We are," Remus smiled. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."
"Thank you," Tonks said happily. "Who are we expecting?"
"It's a surprise. Your mother is collecting some of them."
"Some?"
"You'll see. They'll be here soon." Remus beamed at Tonks, and she shook her head, dizzy with happiness. She was hoping her father would be at the birthday lunch. As it was, having more people in the house was filling her with joy. They hadn't had any guests since her aunt's unexpected, terrifying visit.
"I hope you don't mind there will be so many," Remus said. "I thought you might enjoy having the additional company."
Tonks heard a few voices from the garden.
"I believe your guests are here to see you," Remus smiled. "I'll collect them."
Tonks stood in the kitchen, staring anxiously out into the garden. Moments later, Molly, Arthur, Lottie, Wally, Denys, and her mother, Andromeda, all came in through the door.
"Happy birthday, Auntie Dora!" Wally shouted, running headfirst into Tonks' swollen abdomen.
"Be careful, Wally, she's having a baby," Lottie said concernedly.
"Not to worry, Lottie," Molly interjected. "I had seven and by the time I was at my third I had received more of these attacks than you can imagine."
"It might be why our twins turned out the way they did," Arthur said, with some amusement.
"How did you all get here?" Tonks asked in disbelief.
"Side-Along Apparition," Andromeda replied. "Molly and Arthur each took one of the boys, and I took Lottie."
"Thank you," Tonks said brightly. "This is a proper party!"
"Happy birthday, Auntie Dora," Denys said more shyly, offering a wrapped present to Tonks.
"Thank you, Denys," Tonks said, grinning at the boy. "Is this for me?" Denys nodded, and Tonks said, "I'll open it after lunch, yeah? You must be hungry."
"Is it normal for werewolves to have larger appetites?" Lottie asked. "These two eat more than I remember."
"It might be that they're boys," Molly said, chuckling. "Our six boys made food disappear faster than we could keep up with."
"Six boys?" Lottie asked blankly.
"We think it was a family curse," Arthur replied. "Our seventh was a girl, Ginny. She's at Hogwarts now, sixth year."
"Will we get to go to Hogwarts, mum?" Wally asked.
"If I have anything to say about it, yes, you will," Remus vowed. "I was able to go, even though I was a werewolf then. Once we make it out of this war, I'll find a way to get you and Denys to receive the education you deserve."
Tonks beamed at Remus. His affection for his godsons was obvious; it sometimes baffled Tonks that Remus thought their own child wouldn't care for him. Tonks' stomach grumbled, and Remus smiled.
"We should feed my wife before we all regret the day," Remus teased.
The small gathering moved to the dining room. With a few swishes of his wand, food appeared on the dining table. They were all Tonks' favorites – fish and chips, pumpkin pasties, and Welsh cakes.
"I've brought a few things as well, if you don't mind," Molly said, as she pulled out several more dishes of food to lay on the table. "Fleur tells me that Bill enjoys steak tartare now, with his, err, injuries." Molly pulled out a dish, which contained several piles of meat.
"Is that…raw?" Lottie asked, looking at it with suspicion.
"It is, but it's safe to eat," Andromeda replied. "Steak tartare is a French dish, made with raw beef."
"My son, Bill, was attacked by a notorious werewolf in June," Molly explained. "He is not a true werewolf, but his desire for raw meat, we believe, is related to his cursed injuries."
"Thith ith thoo good mummy," Denys said, chomping the steak tartare greedily.
"Manners, Denys," Lottie said, in exasperation, as Remus chuckled.
"Mum, you have to make this," Wally said, licking his fingers. "This is my new favorite."
"I'm not surprised they like it," Remus said. "Perhaps, Molly, you can share the recipe with Lottie for her boys?"
"I'd be happy to, dear," Molly said. "Fleur will be happy to know there are others who enjoy French cooking." Molly said the sentiment through tight lips, and Tonks chortled, thinking of how much Molly frowned upon French cuisine, however delicious it might be.
"This is very good, Molly," Remus said, taking a careful bite of the steak tartare. "I can see why Bill and these boys enjoy it."
"I've brought more," Molly said. She pulled out several more dishes from her magically extended handbag, and the dishes piled on the table until there was no room left.
"Is…is this common for wizards?" Lottie asked, looking at the gigantic spread of food.
"It is for the Weasleys," Tonks said fondly. "I think Molly misses having all the kids at home."
"You'll understand when you become a mother," Molly said.
"Or a grandmother," Andromeda said, a small smile playing at her lips.
"Do you think Bill and Fleur will be having a little one anytime soon?" Tonks asked. "It'd be nice for ours to have a Weasley cousin."
"You'll have to take it up with them," Molly said grumpily. "I've been told no grandchildren until the war is over."
"Maybe they'll get lucky like we did," Tonks said, smiling coyly. Remus blushed, but said nothing.
The conversation turned towards the parents sharing their experiences of their children, and both Wally and Denys were rapt with attention upon hearing Remus' own adventures at school.
"Do you think you'll go back to teaching at Hogwarts, Remus?" asked Arthur. "Our children have told us you were the best Defense Against the Dark Arts professor they'd ever had."
"You taught at the school?" Lottie asked, wide-eyed. "Even with your condition?"
"For a year," Remus said curtly. "At the end of the year, a colleague revealed my true nature and I thought it better to resign than put my career – or Dumbledore's reputation – at any further risk."
"If it were offered to you again, would you do it?" Tonks asked.
"The position is cursed, anyway, so it's unlikely," Remus said, shrugging.
"Cursed?" Lottie asked.
"No one has held the position for more than a year in…thirty years?" Molly replied. "Usually the professors who take the post will resign, be removed, or…die."
"Assume the position isn't cursed, though," Tonks pressed. "Would you do it again?"
Remus was silent for a moment as he contemplated the answer. "If it were safe for me, and for the students, yes," he decided. "It's hardly likely, now that everyone knows what I am."
"Who you are, Remus," Tonks corrected. "You're a who, not a what."
"I hope you can become a professor at the school again, Remus," Lottie added. "It would be nice for my boys to have someone like them at the school."
"We'll see," Remus said noncommittally. "For now, I think it's time for cake."
"Yes please," Tonks said enthusiastically. "Cake!"
"Not a day over twenty five and she hasn't changed a bit," Andromeda said affectionately, while running her hand through Tonks' currently crimson waves.
"Let's hope that by this time next year, the war's over," Tonks said. "And we can celebrate with our baby at the table, too."
Tonks' hope was echoed by all those at the table, and as Remus cut the cake, Tonks realized she couldn't wait until her dreams were reality.
….
"Remus, have you given any thought to baby names?" Tonks asked. It was now mid-November. The cold had settled into the area, and evenings were now spent cozied up in their room or in front of the fire in the parlor.
"I had some ideas, but nothing substantial," Remus said, after a pause. "I never thought I'd have the chance to have children, and it still doesn't feel real some days."
Tonks grabbed Remus' hand and placed it on her abdomen. The baby was moving enthusiastically within her, and she wanted to prove to Remus that it was very much real.
"This is…incredible," Remus said, an awed expression in his eyes. "Is this how it is most days?"
"Baby likes nighttime wiggles," Tonks replied. "Not unlike its mum and dad." Remus kept his hand on her abdomen, looking back from it to Tonks' face. The wonderment in his eyes never left as he glanced from one to the other.
"What ideas do you have for names, then?" Tonks asked. "As long as it's not Nymphadora, we might agree."
"I thought about some of my friends," Remus said. "But when Harry has children, I'm sure he'll want to name his own kids after his parents, so James and Lily are out."
"What about Sirius?"
"Sirius Lupin?" Remus proposed, furrowing his brow. "Minerva might quit on the spot when he arrives at Hogwarts with that name."
"Sirius could be a good middle name," Tonks said. "What about Remus Junior? Remus Sirius Lupin?"
"My name means wolf, so…no," Remus said, a chuckle playing at his mouth. "Let's not tempt fate."
"Romulus is out then, yeah?" Tonks teased.
"Definitely out," Remus said. "We'll find something for a boy, but I like Sirius as a middle name."
"What about a girl, then? I dunno how you feel about it, but I like your mum's name," Tonks suggested softly. "Hope."
"Really?" Remus grinned. "I would love to name our daughter after my mum. Hope Lupin." He beamed at Tonks, and placed both his hands on her abdomen.
"She'll need a middle name," Tonks said. "Not Nymphadora."
"What about Dora? Or, after your mum?" Remus offered. "Hope Dora Lupin, or Hope Andromeda Lupin?"
"I think Hope Andromeda would be nice," Tonks said, after a moment of thought. "With Sirius and Andromeda as middle names, we'd get those Black stars and constellations in the kid's name."
"What about your father's name for a boy? Edward?" Remus suggested.
"It's a little old fashioned for me. We have time, anyway. Only halfway through this pregnancy," Tonks said. "I hope it's a girl. We have her name picked out already."
"Do you really want a daughter?" Remus asked.
"I don't think I care, but I didn't realize naming a boy would be harder," Tonks said truthfully. "You?"
"Anything could come out of you and I'd be happy with it," Remus said, grinning.
"Even if it was a puppy?" Tonks challenged. "Even if it was a little wolf cub?"
"Even if it was a little wolf cub," Remus said, his expression now serious. "I never thought I'd have so much as that."
"Good. I hope it's a human, though. I'm already dreading giving birth to something with two legs," Tonks teased. "Imagine four legs and claws coming out of there."
"Please don't joke about that. If you go into labor at the full moon I might actually rip myself apart," Remus said.
"It's not like I get to pick our baby's birthday. I'll ask baby to be considerate of Daddy's scheduling conflicts." Remus grinned stupidly at Tonks' words and his eyes glistened.
"What did I say? Did I say something wrong?" Tonks asked, concerned.
"I never thought I'd be called someone's daddy. I'm going to be a father," Remus said heavily. "You – you don't think they'll be ashamed of me?"
"No, darling, never. Our baby is going to love you, no matter how furry you get sometimes."
"I hope you're right."
"I haven't been wrong yet, have I?" Tonks teased.
"What do you think is in there, then?" Remus braved. "If you're always right?"
"I think it's a little wizard," Tonks smiled. "A boy. All human."
"What makes you say that?"
"We're having trouble coming up with his name. It would only make sense that we'd get a boy," Tonks replied. "I haven't felt anything in any of the full moons, so he's got to be a human."
"Wizard?"
"I have a good feeling about it. I think this baby's the reason my hair keeps going turquoise."
"You're not controlling it anymore?"
"Not always," Tonks said, just as her changed from a soft lavender bob to a sky blue pixie. "I didn't do that," she said, pointing to her hair.
"That happens sometimes, though, when you're feeling—"
"—really emotional," Tonks finished. "My happy shades are pinks though."
"Did your mum's hair ever change when she was pregnant with you?"
"Not that I know of," Tonks said pensively. "Maybe it's just a Metamorphmagus pregnancy thing?"
"I hope our baby is just like you."
"A Metamorphmagus? Or my personality?"
"Yes."
"If you get your wish, our kid's going to be clumsy and put their foot in their mouth."
"Perfect," Remus smiled. "Then our child will be absolutely perfect."
"You think too much of me."
"Never," Remus said, as he cuddled up next to Tonks on the sofa. He took her into his arms and kissed her temple. "You will always be more wonderful than you believe."
Tonks smiled, and placed her hands on his, leaning back into his warm, lithe frame. She was settling into his body when a silvery light popped into the room.
Andromeda's fox Patronus spoke clearly: "Nymphadora, remember to clean up after yourself in the bathroom."
Tonks laughed loudly upon hearing the message and produced her own Patronus to reply: "Your first Patronus message is to scold your daughter?"
Remus was laughing as well, and when the fox returned, it bore a new message in Andromeda's voice: "You'll understand when you're a mother."
"Funny how all of us have canine Patronuses now," Tonks said in amusement.
"Did your parents have different Patronuses before?" Remus asked.
"I had no idea what either of them were before now. Dad's made a lot of sense. Newfoundland dogs are big, cuddly, and slobbery. Dad's always been a right old slob," Tonks laughed. "Foxes are supposed to be cunning, yeah? Makes sense for mum. Bloody Slytherin loves to trick me."
"And now ours are both wolves," Remus murmured. "What do you think our baby's will be?"
"At the rate it's going, an erumpent," Tonks chuckled. "We'll have to wait a while, won't we?"
"I'll be happy to wait," Remus said. "I can't wait to watch our baby grow up."
"Neither can I," Tonks said, sighing contentedly. They remained, cuddling together, until they both fell asleep in front of the dying embers in the fireplace.