Back at The Burrow, the happy couple walks in to find a ball of mistletoe over their heads in the entranceway.
"This has to be intentional," Tonks mutters, "Fred! George!"
The Weasley twins' voices boom throughout the residence, shouting "THEY'RE BACK!" Nearly instantly, the rest of the party appears in the entranceway.
Remus blushes again, looking around nervously. "Surely we don't have to-"
"Actually," Tonks replies, her now pink hair turning red again, "If they're looking for a show, I say we give them one!" With that, she dramatically throws one arm around Remus' waist and kisses him deeply. Tonks puts her other hand in his hair as cheers and whistles abound. Breaking away with a dark smile, she looks into Remus' startled eyes and says "Happy Christmas, Mr. Lupin."
Snickering, George nudges his twin, "See what we've done?"
"We've made all of these people happy!" Fred replies.
"All in a day's work," they say in unison.
Tonks and Lupin glance at each other, then Tonks nods her head. They sneak off again, this time to the already roaring fireplace in the drawing room upstairs.
"Care for some cocoa, Dora dear?" Remus asks as Tonks sits down in an overstuffed armchair.
"I would love some. I got a bit chilly outside!"
"Dunno, you seemed rather hot a few minutes ago. And bothered, I might add," he says with a wink. Remus apparates to the kitchen and back in an instant.
"You know I love to shock people," Tonks says without batting an eyelash at his speed, "People don't expect PDA, so I'm always happy to deliver!"
"PDA?" Remus frowns.
"A Muggle term that means public display of affection. People don't expect couples to kiss in front of them, I mean," Tonks replies.
"Ah, I see. You and your Muggle television." He hands a cup of cocoa to her gently, then sits in another chair next to her sipping his.
"My turn to be serious for a moment," Tonks begins, "I love our child, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about his being born in a war…" She sips her cocoa thoughtfully. "When both of his parents have highly dangerous careers. And yet, we've handled everything life has thrown at us so far; why not raise a baby in a war?" She glances at Remus.
"Dora," Remus sighs, "I didn't know you felt that way. But I can say without a shadow of a doubt - for once! - that our Teddy will be among the most cared for children in the Wizarding World.
"But what if something happens to us?" Her voice wobbles, "I'm not afraid of death, but I don't want him to be alone. What then?"
"Teddy will have godparents, and plenty of aunts and uncles to take care of him with all of the people running around here."
"I… I haven't picked godparents yet… I was hoping you would come back before I had to make that decision alone."
Remus winces. "I'm here now. Did you have someone in mind, Dora?"
"Well…" Tonks hesitates, "It would be a bit unconventional, but I was actually thinking of Harry. He's the most responsible person I can think of, and with his upbringing, he would know exactly how to treat a child - with help from Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Weasley family, of course. What do you think, dear?"
"He is only seventeen, but truly, I can't think of anyone better other than the Weasleys themselves. But they would have a similar issue as us - they're in the Order, too, and if anything happened to them, then Teddy would be twice removed from his parents. Or whatever the correct genealogical term would be." Tonks laughs at this, then Remus smiles a bit himself.
"Then it's settled: Harry will be Teddy's godfather," Tonks says, finishing her now-cold cocoa. "Let's not tell him until Teddy is born - he has enough on his plate right now - but I feel better. Thanks, Remus."
"I knew something was up but I knew better than to ask. I can see the distance between us," Tonks opens her mouth, but Remus puts a decisive hand on her knee. "I can. It's okay. But I hope that this extended holiday will help us get reacquainted."
"I know of one way that can happen," Tonks grins, her hair flashing red for the third time that evening.
"Are you being naughty again?" Remus wags an accusatory finger at her. He stands up, crosses the distance between them in one stride, and picks her up.
"Remus!" Tonks squeals, "Put me down!"
