1 Year Later, Summer 1999
"Remus?" Dora asked. "Are you ready, love?"
"Would you think any less of me if I said I was nervous?" Remus replied.
"Never, love," Dora said fiercely. "C'mon, we're going to be late."
Remus took Dora's hand as they stepped into the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic. They were there for him, and many more eyes were on him than he was comfortable with. Flashes of light from cameras assaulted Remus' sight.
"You look handsome, Remus," Dora whispered, standing up on her tiptoes, and kissing his cheek. More flashes of light and clicking indicated new photographs.
"You're not the one—"
"I'm not the one who deserves it," Dora said, rolling her eyes. "I'd make a right fool of myself tripping over my feet, anyway."
Remus snorted, remembering the way Dora tripped over her feet and headfirst into the Minister's arms just that morning.
"I'm just angry it took them this long for you to get the recognition you deserved," Dora grumbled.
"Dora, I never asked or pushed for this," Remus said quietly. "I-I'm happy for the recognition, but all this is a bit much."
"You deserve it," Dora said sternly. "Let's take our seats. Mum's already here with Teddy." Remus looked over the crowd assembled in the Atrium and found a blue-haired toddler babbling happily to anyone who would listen. Hermione and Ginny were both entertaining his son, with Harry and Ron looking awkwardly out of place in their dress robes.
"We may as well just give the award to him," Remus said. "He's clearly more popular than I'll ever be."
Dora scowled and grabbed his hand, hard, leading them to their assigned seats. Remus sat down gingerly, still worried about the crowd that had gathered for him. Though most of those invited were friendlier faces, he felt uneasy being the center of attention at such a public function.
"Look, Remus – Lottie and the boys are here!"
Remus looked up and beamed upon seeing Denys, Wally, and their mother approaching them. The boys were in miniature dress robes; Andromeda had taken it upon herself to show Lottie how wizards dressed for formal occasions, so that they would be ready when it came for their turn to go to Hogwarts.
Wally and Denys hugged Remus enthusiastically, followed by hugging a delighted Dora. They turned around and spotted Teddy, and ran off in his direction.
"Congratulations, Remus," Lottie said nervously. "I don't know what this award means, but it seems very important."
"It's like knighthood for Muggles," Dora explained. Lottie gasped, and gaped at Remus. "Remus is the first werewolf to ever receive it."
"My boys are so lucky to have you as their godfather," Lottie whispered, looking at Remus in awe. Remus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, still feeling awkward from the attention.
"If anyone deserves this, it's you, Remus," Dora insisted. "Now just wait for your damned medal."
Remus rolled his eyes again, but the Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, began the ceremony.
"Greetings, friends," Kingsley began, in his smooth, baritone voice. "We are gathered today to acknowledge a wizard who has defended the ideals of the Wizarding world. This individual, Remus John Lupin, is being recognized for proving himself to be an outstanding member of our society. He has acted with outstanding bravery and distinction in magic."
"We recall the many accomplishments Remus Lupin has achieved in his lifetime," Kingsley continued. "For unwavering loyalty to the Order of the Phoenix in the First and Second Wizarding Wars. For his bravery and resolve in rescuing over ten kidnapped children from a werewolf encampment in the spring of 1997. For his quick thinking and strategic dueling skills at the Battle of Hogwarts, through which he helped guard the lives of dozens of students. We commend Remus John Lupin for his extraordinary contributions to the Wizarding world and hereby commend he receive the Order of Merlin, First Class." Thunderous applause followed Kingsley's pronouncement.
"I told you," Dora hissed, beaming. "First class!"
"Mr. Lupin, we welcome you to join us here to receive your medal," Kingsley said, smiling widely at Remus.
Remus stood from his seat and felt awkward as he walked towards the stage where Kingsley stood, with the Wizengamot behind the Minister.
Remus approached Kingsley, who had a medal with a green ribbon waiting for Remus.
"Remus John Lupin, with this medal, you are hereby conferred the Order of Merlin, First Class," Kingsley said, pinning the medal and ribbon to the front of Remus' dress robes. "You are making history today, as you are the first wizard affected by lycanthropy to be awarded this honor. On behalf of the Wizengamot and all of magical Britain, we heartily congratulate you and thank you for all your contributions to our world."
The medal was now pinned to the front of Remus' robes, and with the Minister's final pronouncement, the crowd in the Atrium erupted in applause, whistles, and cheers. Remus felt his cheeks grow hot with furious blushing at having all this attention on him.
Dora was wolf-whistling at him, causing him to laugh sheepishly and beckon for her to join him. Dora caught his eye and then looked over to Kingsley.
"Have your family come here, Remus," Kingsley said, over the thunderous sound of the applause. Remus nodded, and gestured for Dora to bring Teddy.
Andromeda was already ahead of Remus and Dora, and she put the babbling Teddy into Dora's arms, who carefully made her way up to the stage to join Remus.
Remus took his son from Dora's arms and helped her up to the stage. Teddy placed his chubby fists on the shiny medal, morphing his hair to the same green as the First Class ribbon. Dora followed suit, so that mother and son matched Remus' new award. Beaming, Remus looked back out to the gathered crowd, and kissed his wife and son in gratitude.
….
10 Years Later, Spring 2009
"MUM! DAD!" Teddy's yelling could be heard from upstairs. Remus groaned. He always felt old, but at 49 years old, he felt practically ancient as his eldest son hollered from downstairs. What day was it? Oh!
"MUM! DAD! IT'S HERE! MY LETTER!" Teddy shouted, bursting into his parents' bedroom and clutching a green-inked square of parchment.
"Teddy, happy birthday," Remus said groggily.
"Mum, mum, mum!" Teddy repeated excitedly, prodding his mother awake.
"Teddy, I love you, and happy birthday, but give me and your dad a minute," Dora said grouchily. "We'll be downstairs soon."
"Okay!" Teddy said brightly, turning on his heel and running into the doorjamb, before leaving the bedroom.
"He got your clumsiness," Remus chuckled sleepily. "Quite possibly your zest for life."
"Is that what we're calling it?" Dora said grumpily.
"C'mon love," Remus said. "It's only a matter of time before the others are up."
Dora sighed, but got out of bed. At 36, Remus thought his wife was more beautiful than ever, despite her complaints over a few grey hairs that she swore their children had given her.
Remus and Dora dressed themselves sleepily in their robes. It might have been their eldest son's eleventh birthday, but they both still had to work.
"Harry's covering for you this week," Dora said. "I think he misses the days when he led that renegade defense club."
"He's welcome to mark my papers," Remus replied. "That would turn him off the idea to teaching."
"As it is, he's got a mountain of paperwork—"
"Mummy, Gran is here!" The Lupins' eight year old daughter, Hope Andromeda, announced from the threshold, before slipping away and thumping her way downstairs.
"Right on time," Dora breathed gratefully. "I've no idea how we'd do this without mum."
A sandy brown blur and a vibrant purple blur rushed past Dora and Remus' bedroom door.
"The twins are up," Remus said absentmindedly.
"How Molly Weasley raised seven is beyond me," Dora muttered. Remus saw her adjusting herself in front of a mirror, morphing the dark circles away from under her eyes and choosing a pink pixie for the day.
"Let's see Teddy's Hogwarts letter," Remus said, with a smile, pressing a kiss to his wife's temple. "I think you'll find a surprise in there."
Dora furrowed her brow at Remus but he said nothing as he kissed her again, and finished clasping his robes together.
Remus walked downstairs, his joints aching. The full moon was two days away, but as he got older, he felt its effects more strongly than in his younger days. Trying to keep the wincing at a minimum, he walked into the kitchen to see his mother-in-law, Andromeda, waiting for him.
"Daddy!" the purple-haired blur came dashing towards him. Of his four children, only his elder son, Teddy, and his younger daughter, Pandora, had inherited their mother's Metamorphmagi abilities.
"Good morning, Pandora," Remus said brightly. "Did you wish your brother a happy birthday?"
"Happy birfday, Teddy," the toddler said happily.
"When's mum coming down?" Teddy asked impatiently. "Gran said I had to wait to open my letter till mum was downstairs."
"Your mother is almost done getting ready, Teddy," Remus said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Where are Hope and Atlas?"
"HOPE! ATLAS!" Teddy hollered into the living room. "DAD'S ASKING FOR YOU!"
"Like mother, like son," Andromeda tutted. Remus' daughter, Hope, and his younger son, Atlas, arrived to the kitchen.
"MUM, COME DOWN ALREADY!" Teddy yelled up the stairs. Remus chuckled to himself as Teddy's hair morphed into a neon orange; his eleven year old son was losing his patience.
"Quiet down, Teddy," Dora said, stifling a yawn. "I'm coming down."
"Nymphadora, why do you still wear those trousers?" Andromeda asked, scooping Atlas into her arms. "I'll take the children shopping with me today."
"Good luck with that," Dora snorted into her coffee.
"MUM! MY LETTER!" Teddy waved the parchment around.
"Alright, Teddy," Dora said, sitting down at the kitchen table. She took Pandora into her arms. Remus sat down at the table, beckoning Hope to join him at his side.
"Well?" Remus said, raising a brow at his oldest son. "Open it and read."
Teddy ripped the parchment open unceremoniously and stared at it, wide-eyed, and began to read aloud:
"Dear Mr Lupin,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Remus Lupin
Deputy Headmaster
Order of Merlin, First Class"
"DAD?" Teddy asked, wide-eyed. "You're Deputy Headmaster now?"
"REMUS?" Dora sputtered, incredulously. "When did this happen?"
"Congratulations, Remus," Andromeda said coolly.
"How long have you known?" Remus asked his mother in law.
"It's been on your mind for a week," Andromeda smiled coyly.
"And you didn't tell me?!" Dora asked, glaring at Remus.
"Pomona is stepping down and Minerva asked me to take her place," Remus explained, grinning. "I wanted to wait until Teddy got his letter and tell you all at once."
"Will you still be Head of Gryffindor House?" Teddy asked. "I want to be a Gryffindor. Brave like dad!"
"Your mother is brave," Remus said sternly. "We'll be proud of you, no matter which House you're Sorted into."
"Will I have to call you Professor Lupin?" Teddy asked.
"Yes," Remus said. "Only during class or when I'm acting as Deputy Headmaster. Otherwise, you can come to my office any time and call me dad." Remus tussled Teddy's now-turquoise hair.
"When can I get my stuff?" Teddy asked, looking at the list of required supplies.
"In August, closer to the start of term," Remus replied, as Teddy started to protest.
"We'll go to Diagon Alley today to shop for a birthday gift for you, Teddy," Andromeda interjected. "We'll get some things for you today, and get the rest in August."
"Pushover," Dora muttered at her mother.
"I never thought I'd have a grandchild, and now I have four," Andromeda sighed contentedly, brushing the sandy brown fringe out of Atlas' hair. "Four grandchildren and grand-godsons."
"Are Wally and Denys coming to my birthday party?" Teddy asked.
"Wally should be able to make it away from Auror training for the special occasion," chuckled Dora. "I think Wally thought that having his godmother in the department would make it easier. I do have a soft spot for former Gryffindor prefects, though." Dora smirked at Remus.
"What about Denys?" Hope asked. "He always lets me ride his broom!"
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Remus grumbled. "My favorite Ravenclaw prefect should be here for your birthday, Teddy. He's studying for his N.E.W.T.s. He wants to be a Healer, you know."
"All the Weasleys too?" Teddy pestered.
"We'll have everyone over on Saturday for your birthday, Teddy," Remus reminded. "I've got to get to the castle, and your mother needs to get to the Ministry. You'll behave for your Gran?"
"Always," Teddy said, smirking, as his hair turned pink. Remus sighed in defeat; while pink was Dora's happy color, pink was Teddy's mischievous color.
"You lot will be good for Gran, yeah?" Dora asked, kissing Hope, Atlas, and Pandora, on her way to the Floo.
"Of course, mummy," Hope grinned, looking up at Teddy.
Hope didn't need pink hair to show off her mischievous streak. She simply needed to be at Teddy's side to wreak havoc.
Atlas and Pandora were already running in opposite directions, leaving a trail of biscuit crumbs in their wake.
Despite of, or perhaps because of the colors, mess, and crumbs in his home, Remus smiled. He wouldn't have it any other way.
….
51 Years Later, March 10, 2060
"Happy 100th birthday, Remus," Dora said, smiling brightly at him. Though he was now a centenarian – where did the time go? – and his wife was a sprightly 88 years old, he felt younger than he ever had in his middle adulthood.
It had been twenty-five years since the discovery of the cure for lycanthropy. His eldest son, Teddy, his youngest daughter, Pandora, and his godson, Denys, had worked tirelessly for over a decade to produce the cure. They had presented it to him as a seventy-fifth birthday gift, and by his seventy-sixth birthday, he had been completely cured of lycanthropy. He remembered sobbing in joy upon his first transformation-free full moon. His children and grandchildren had stayed up all night with him, crying and cheering all night. Since he had been cured, he felt younger and freer than he had during his cursed, lycanthropic years.
His hundredth birthday was no different.
"Good morning, my Dora," Remus said, his voice now gravelly with age. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Remus," Dora beamed. Though her face now had wrinkles and her hair was naturally grayer, her smile was radiant as ever and never failed to send flutters to Remus' heart.
"The kids will be here soon for your lunch, Headmaster," Dora grinned. "Everyone's coming to celebrate you."
"They're all grown now," Remus said. "Teddy's almost sixty now. Hardly kids."
"They'll always be babies to us," Dora said warmly. "Let's get out of bed and see our family."
Remus and Dora dressed slowly in the Headmaster's quarters. Now that their children were grown and Remus was no longer affected with lycanthropy, they happily lived in the Headmaster's quarters at Hogwarts. Dora had retired as an Auror when their first great-grandchild had begun at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Teddy's eldest daughter, a fellow Hufflepuff, had married right out of Hogwarts and given birth to Remus and Dora's first great-grandchild. To Remus' delight and Dora's dismay, the child had been called Nymphadora, as she was a Metamorphmagus. Dora had scowled upon the name being forced on another child, but called her "Nym."
Remus and Dora made their way to the Great Hall, which was lavishly decorated with stars, moons, and shooting stars in the enchanted sky. The Great Hall erupted in clapping upon the Headmaster's entrance, in celebration of his 100thbirthday.
Remus looked up to see his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren seated at their House tables, wearing long-forgotten jumpers.
"I found them at mum's old place," Dora whispered. "Do you remember? Molly made them for us and we wore them that first birthday you met my parents. I gave them to the kids."
Remus smiled and wiped a tear from his eye, remembering Dora's twenty-third birthday. It was the first time he'd ever stepped into his then-girlfriend's home, nervous that he would offend her parents. Now that he had been a father for many years, he finally understood what it felt like to entertain one's daughter's boyfriend. As he had been Deputy Headmaster for those years in his children's lives, he'd had the distinct pleasure of seeing his children's and grandchildren's courtships from the Head Table in the Great Hall.
Teddy, his eldest son, proudly wore what had originally been Dora's Hufflepuff jumper. Teddy sat with his spouse, Victoire, and their children, Arthur, Andie, and Leo. Remus remembered swelling with pride the day McGonagall had chosen his son to be Head Boy, and then shedding tears of joys when Teddy's proposal to find a cure for lycanthropy had been accepted.
Hope, his eldest daughter, wore Remus' Gryffindor jumper, and sat with her spouse, Frank, and their daughters, Augusta, Miranda, and Rosalind. Hope had been as poorly behaved as her mother while a student, but had her mother's wit and determination and had gone into fighting for the rights of werewolves. Every bit of legislation against werewolves had been fought back by Hope and her team.
Atlas, his younger son, sat with his spouse, Remi, and their children, Ernest, Anita, and Titan. Atlas had taken after his maternal grandfather and had been Sorted into Ravenclaw. He was wearing the late Ted Tonks' Ravenclaw jumper and beaming brightly. Atlas had become an Unspeakable; he never spoke of what he did or how he did it, but Dora was proud to see him wear his Unspeakable robes when they entered the Ministry together.
Pandora, his younger daughter, had been Sorted into Slytherin, much to her maternal grandmother's delight. She wore her late grandmother's Slytherin jumper and sat with her spouse, Hugo, and their only child, Cordelia. Pandora had followed in Teddy's footsteps and become Head Girl in her seventh year, and then joined Teddy at St. Mungo's. Together with Denys, Remus' second godson, Pandora and Teddy had developed the cure for lycanthropy.
Dora's voice called Remus out of his reverie, as he saw the impossibly beautiful, miraculous faces of his children and grandchildren looking back up at him.
"We got one of each," Dora grinned, as she sat down next to Remus at the teachers' table.
"I never thought I'd make it this far," Remus admitted, as he tucked into the feast. "This – Dora, you made this possible. You gave me everything I never thought I'd have. Dora – my life has only been so good because of you. Thank you."
"I'm glad I bothered you all those years ago," Dora winked. "Imagine if we'd never been paired on that first mission to Malfoy Manor."
"You'd have found a way to get to me," Remus laughed. "I certainly would've found a way to you."
"Meant to be, huh?" Dora smiled, her eyes twinkling just as they had twinkled the day Remus had met her.
"Meant to be mine," Remus said, pressing a kiss to Dora's temple. "My Dora."
The End.
Lupin-Tonks Family Tree
Remus John Lupin (1960) & Nymphadora Andromeda Tonks (1972)
Edward Remus Lupin (1998) & Victoire Fleur Weasley (2000)
Arthur Edward Lupin (2020)
Andromeda "Andie" Fleur Lupin (2020)
Leo William Lupin (2025)
Hope Andromeda Lupin (2001) & Frank Neville Longbottom (2001)
Augusta Helene Longbottom (2021)
Miranda Alice Longbottom (2022)
Rosalind Dora Longbottom (2025)
Atlas John Lupin (2008) & Remi Alexis Macmillan (2009)
Ernest Callisto Lupin-Macmillan (2030)
Anita Phoebe Lupin-Macmillan (2032)
Titan Alexander Lupin-Macmillan (2034)
Pandora Rosemary Lupin (2008) & Hugo Granger-Weasley (2007)
Cordelia Hermione Granger-Lupin (2031)