July 1997
"Oh, Dora," Andromeda fussed, "won't you do something nicer with your hair?"
"No, Mother! It's my wedding day," Tonks reminded her, smoothing her pink locks protectively. "I want to look like me."
It's my wedding day. Tonks had to keep repeating the phrase in her head, reminding herself that it was real. She and Remus had really reached that point.
After Remus had finally agreed that they should be together, Tonks had worried that the fight wasn't over, that she would have to continue to convince him that he had made the right decision. But Remus was a man of his word; it seemed like he really was all in. He had been caring and attentive, and best of all, he was back to his old self again. Tonks couldn't wait to walk down the aisle and be with him for real.
Tonks saw her mother's expression change; Andromeda looked pensive. "What's wrong, Mum?"
"I just… I know you love Remus," Andromeda began hastily, "but ever since you were a little girl, I've hoped you could have the fairytale wedding that I couldn't." Her eyes glistened, brimming with painful memories.
Tonks felt her expression soften as her father placed a comforting hand on Andromeda's shoulder. Over the years, she had heard a lot about her parents' elopement, but this was the first time that she really understood how it would have felt. Much as she did love Remus, she couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been to abandon her family to be with him. "I've got Remus, and I've got you two," she said firmly. "That's all I need."
Andromeda smiled weakly, wiping her eyes. "I just want the best for you."
"Remus is the best," Tonks insisted.
"Then you're ready," Ted said simply, pride burning in his eyes. He took his daughter's arm, but faced with the door to the registry office, Tonks felt nervous for the first time.
"You're sure I'm doing the right thing?" she asked, addressing her mother in particular.
Squeezing Tonks's hand, Andromeda looked her directly in the eyes. "You're Nymphadora Tonks," she said fondly. "You can do anything."
And as she walked down the aisle towards the love of her life – his face worn and tired yet alight with love and admiration – she really believed it to be true. With Remus by her side, she felt indestructible.
A/N: I'm afraid it's a short but sweet ending, but I didn't think it needed more. We all know what comes next... but I decided that although the lovely JKR decided not to grace Remus and Tonks with a happy ending, I wanted one for this fic. :)
Thank you so much for all your kind words about this story. Please do leave a review for the final chapter - it means so much!
