Lupin's Christmas Carol

Shamelessly ripped off from Dickens' fine work, with the help of characters from Joanne Rowling's equally admirable writings.

Well folks, I've finished it! It's not quite Christmas anymore, but I'm pleased I got it finished. This is the first fanfiction I've completed, so please - comments, feedback, all is welcome and encouraged. Thank you so much for sticking with me through this experiment!

For some accompanying music, I recommend Sleeping At Last's Snow.

THE END OF IT

He paced back and forth in the dimly lit room.

Teddy. His son. And Nymphadora's dead.

No, it's not real. It hasn't happened yet.

Why had Dumbledore done this for him? Did he somehow know about the future that might come to pass? He couldn't bear the idea of not seeing his son grow up.

Are you excited to be a father? When Cedric had asked him that, he didn't have an immediate answer. But he knew now that the answer was, undeniably, yes. Tears began to collect in the corner of his eyes as he thought of the memory of James and Lily. They'd been so young, so unprepared, in the middle of a war… but so hopeful and full of love. Remus realized that he wanted that too. That he already had that, in Tonks, and their son.

The expectant father stopped pacing and looked up to see misty light filtering through the window. He had no idea what time it was… or even what day it was. But he knew where he needed to go.

Remus Lupin couldn't make his legs go faster without running, and that would draw too much attention in downtown London. Light snow had started to fall like down feathers, sticking in his hair and dusting his shoulders as it flew past. The other people on the street and the old clock he passed told him it was late afternoon… but what day?

At last, he approached Tonks' flat. Their flat. He had a proper muggle key now, so he didn't need to use the buzzer contraption. Once through the door, he leapt up the stairs as Sirius used to at Hogwarts. And stopped abruptly outside the flat's door.

She'll be happy to see you. She'll forgive you.

But he couldn't just walk in. So he raised his fist and knocked lightly.

"I swear, if you Weasleys are back to try and talk me into…" The voice rose in volume as she approached and swung open the door.

She stood in the door frame, her hair a bright coral with irritation, and stared at Remus. His Nymphadora. His beautiful wife.

Without warning, she burst into tears.

"Nymphadora," Remus whispered. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. Forgive me for being an idiot, please." He opened his arms, and Tonks stepped into their embrace.

"Only if you forgive e. I didn't mean to yell that rubbish at you. I know you're worried about being a dad. It's just... I'm worried about being a mum."

Remus found himself smiling so broadly, he was sure his face would split. "You? You'll be an amazing mum." He pulled her back and kissed her as if it had been years since he'd seen her. "We'll figure it out together. We've figured it out so far."

"I'm sorry I lost my temper," she sniffed, wiping at her eyes. "Stupid bloody hormones. I shouldn't ever have said those things. I didn't really want you to leave."

Remus pulled her close again and squeezed his eyes tightly to keep the tears in. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Good," she mumbled into his chest. Then, with an affectionate shove, she pushed herself away from him and pointed her finger right in his face. "Because after telling those blasted red-headed Weasleys to stuff their Christmas plans, I don't want to face them alone tomorrow. You are coming with me, understand?"

Remus blinked. "Christmas. Tomorrow." It isn't Christmas yet?

"That's what I said, isn't it? Don't you dare think you're getting out of it. Mum said she's staying home, and there's no bloody way I'm going if you're not with me."

Remus smiled away the confusion. "Of course I'm going with you." He smiled tenderly at his wife, whose eyes danced with their usual mischief and hair gleamed a radiant pink. He fell for her all over again. "I love you, Nymphadora Tonks. With all my heart, for all my life."

"I love you too. Get in here, you."

There really isn't any point arguing with a woman almost six-months pregnant, he thought contentedly.

The wreath on the Burrow front door jangled as Remus and Nymphadora approached it. Remus couldn't help smile at the reminder that he was truly here.

"Mum! It's Lupin and Tonks!" he heard George yell excitedly.

The door opened to show a flustered but pleased Molly. "Come in you two! I've just put some ginger snaps on to bake. The rest of the family's in the den. They'll be pleased to see you. Shall I put on some tea, Tonks?"

Tonks smiled broadly. "Tea would be great, Molly. We'll go on through." She pressed against her belly with one hand and squeezed her other, locked in Lupin's grip.

It threw Remus for a second, the familiar sight of Ginny sitting morosely on the sofa with her brothers teasing her. He almost believed he'd see Cedric behind him if he turned quick enough.

"I'm afraid you're stuck with our excellent company, sis." George sighed dramatically.

"And ours," Remus added. Ginny seemed to perk up immediately. "Tonks!" she cried. "You're here! And you're huge!"

"Bollocks that," Tonks snorted. "I feel like the Hogwarts Express." But she grinned as she said it.

The volume in the room increased again until it felt more like the old Burrow than ever. Arthur came home, and the table was set. Just as they were called to dinner, Remus found himself alone on the sofa beside Ginny who was still staring into the fire distractedly.

"You're worried about Harry, aren't you?" he offered gently.

"Of course I am. And my brother, and Hermione."

Remus had promised himself that he wouldn't reveal anything about his ghostly visits to anyone. To start with, he wasn't entirely sure he hadn't dreamed the whole thing up. But in this moment, sitting on the same couch he'd seen Ginny and Harry sitting on a year from now, he felt justified in breaking that promise. Just this once.

He leaned in. "I can't tell you how I know, but I can tell you that they're safe." Ginny's eyes widened, but Remus continued.

"Please don't ask me how I know. I couldn't tell you if I wanted to. But I believe that next Christmas, you will all be safe and well and together." Her eyes glistened with worry, fear, and hope. Remus wondered if he had the same look on his face.

"All we can do is live, love, and hope, Ginny."

"And fight for that future," she added.

"And fight for that future," he agreed.

They joined the rest already sitting at the table, ready to eat. Remus took his seat, but then stood again with a full glass of wine raised. Molly Weasley saw his gesture and used her fork to tap against her water glass.

"Quiet down, you lot! Remus wants to make a toast!"

After a few more giggles and shoves and sighs, all eyes were at last on Remus. He took a breath.

"Tonks and I can't tell you how much we're delighted to be sharing Christmas with you this year. It has been a challenge these past few months to find joy amidst all the sorrow and despair. It's very easy to fear for the worst." He looked to his wife, whose eyes were riveted on him. She nodded, encouraging him to keep going.

"Let us remember those who are not with us, and find hope in those who carry our future forward." He smiled at Tonks as she placed a hand over her belly.

"May our burdens be lighter when shared amongst those we love. And may we live fully, each and every day."

He raised his glass again, higher, and those at the table mirrored him. The room was uncharacteristically quiet, the eyes of each person were fixed on the young man with the greying hair who they considered family.

"Merry Christmas, everyone."