A/N: Thank you for your patience - I know I got this chapter out a little later than usual. I had a few IRL things to attend to before I could edit this chapter. See the end notes for more information!
...
Remus saw Sirius's reflection in the mirror.
"Nervous?"
"That's one of the many words that can describe how I'm doing," replied Remus, finishing the knot of his tie. He turned around to face Sirius.
"How do I look?"
"Like you're ready to spend the day at stuffy offices."
"Well…that is the plan." Remus pulled out a set of cufflinks and handed them to Sirius. "Those were my dad's. I thought they'd give me a little luck." Once Sirius had put the cufflinks on Remus, he turned back to gaze at his reflection.
"I suppose this is as good as it gets."
"You look good. Stop being so self-deprecating and get downstairs. Harry and Dudley are waiting for us." Sirius fixed the collar of his shirt and patted his shoulders. "Let's go."
Remus left his room and followed Sirius down to the library, where Dudley and Harry sat in their Muggle suits, each wearing a sour expression.
"We're starting at the Islington Town Hall," Remus announced. "Tonks and her parents will meet us there. Once that's settled we'll head to Cardiff to apply for the adoption. Long day ahead, I know, but I'll make it up to you."
He looked at Harry in particular, but he refused to meet Remus's gaze.
"C'mon," Sirius said, waving his hand at the boys. "It's a short walk."
Dudley pouted, but Remus knew the boy needed the exercise. He'd recently learned that Dudley was close to outgrowing the sizes available for his school uniforms. To prevent this from happening, Remus, Sirius, and Tonks had agreed on gently incorporating more physical activity into Dudley's life, now that he was becoming a permanent member of the family.
Sirius and Harry walked briskly toward the Town Hall. Remus lagged behind to keep a closer eye on Dudley. In the wake of Marge Dursley's mysterious death, which was proven to have been a murder at the hands of a witch or wizard, keeping Dudley safe had become as much of a priority as keeping Harry safe.
If only either of them would see it that way, Remus thought grimly, as neither was excited about the changing family dynamic.
"This is it, yeah?" Sirius looked up at the impressive ivory building. Remus hadn't planned on marrying Nymphadora there, but given their unique situation, it was the only locale they could manage on such short notice.
It didn't help that he was a werewolf, as virtually no magical establishments were willing to host their wedding. The only establishments open to such a union were unfriendly to Muggles, and so Remus and Nymphadora were to be married the Muggle way.
Remus saw his bride near the steps to the Islington Town Hall. Nymphadora was wearing a tea-length white gown. He felt his heart skip a beat upon seeing her. He certainly hadn't anticipated this kind of a wedding, but the bride was the woman of his dreams.
"Don't you look handsome," Tonks said, grinning wryly at him. She kissed his cheek in greeting. Her bubblegum pink hair, which was tied together in an intricate braid, falling on one side of her face, tickled his chin.
"You're beautiful," he murmured. His eyes traveled down to her shoes. Unsurprisingly, she wore her heavy combat boots, though they were charmed white and its laces matched her pink hair.
"There are a lot of steps here," she said apologetically. "Mum wanted me to wear heels, but…"
"They're perfect. You're perfect."
Sirius cleared his throat loudly from behind them.
"As much as I love seeing my best mate whisper sweet nothings into my baby cousin's ear, we do have things to do today." Sirius crossed his arms over his chest. Harry sniggered behind him while Dudley stood awkwardly under a shady tree, sweating profusely under the oppressive August heat.
"Here, son," said Ted, offering a handkerchief to Dudley. "You can keep it. I've got other tricks up my sleeve."
"Sirius is right," Andromeda said crisply. "It's time."
Remus led Nymphadora up the marble stairs, keeping her steady on his arm. They walked further up into the Town Hall until they reached a richly decorated, oak-paneled space called The Mayor's Parlour, where small marriages took place.
A registrar was waiting for them inside. He ushered them in, directing Remus and Tonks to sit in leather wingback chairs in front of the fireplace. Andromeda and Ted took chairs on one side of the room, while Sirius sat in between Harry and Dudley on a matching Chesterfield sofa.
As the registrar began the ceremony, Remus felt grateful that he had obtained legal Muggle documents when he'd first adopted Harry. Nymphadora had them too, as Ted Tonks, having been Muggleborn, insisted that his daughter have documents that would allow her to switch between the magical and Muggle worlds as she pleased.
Thus, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks had no obstacles barring their way to a legal, if quick, Muggle marriage ceremony.
They began their ceremony with a reading. Remus took out the well-worn page from his pocket, anxious to share what he'd chosen to read to his soon-to-be-wife, but mustered the courage to read aloud.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Tonks's eyes were watering by the time he finished reading, as were his. Remus saw Andromeda dab her eyes with a tissue, and she handed her daughter a folded page.
With shaky hands, Tonks read the passage she'd chosen:
"I have for the first time found what I can truly love — I have found you. You are my sympathy—my better self—my good angel—I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wraps my existence about you—and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one. It was because I felt and knew this, that I resolved to marry you."
Though neither reading was very long, Remus felt overwhelmed with emotion as he heard the words spoken out of their mouths. He never thought he'd know love in the way he'd come to love Nymphadora.
After they read their respective passages, they said their simple vows to unite them in marriage. It didn't take long, as they decided to use the ones suggested by the registrar. The entirety of their marriage ceremony took less than fifteen minutes, but when they walked out of The Mayor's Parlour, it was as husband and wife.
"One day we'll have a magical ceremony, too," said Tonks, leaning in to kiss Remus for another photograph. "But today…this felt right, didn't it?"
Remus pressed his lips to her forehead and held her face in his hands. He nodded, thinking that for all its simplicity, their wedding ceremony had been perfect.
"A few more pictures, and then we've got to go!" Sirius called, holding the camera in his hands. There was hardly any time to celebrate the wedding, as the sun was high in the sky, which meant their next task approached.
After finding an Apparition point in an alley near the Town Hall, they planned for their next appointment.
"We'll meet you at the court…last I checked, Dudley here doesn't like Apparition!" Ted said jovially, shaking Remus's hand. He turned to Dudley with an outstretched arm, and though Dudley had already turned a delicate shade of green upon hearing of their transportation method, Ted Disapparated on the spot before he could protest.
"Harry, come with me," Sirius said, waving Harry over. "We'll see you there." Harry took Sirius's arm confidently and the two turned on the spot, disappearing with a crack.
"Your home in Cardiff, if I'm not mistaken?" asked Andromeda.
"I need your help with the buttons and the lace," Tonks said. "I don't think Remus'll figure out fast enough for us to get to the court in time." Andromeda turned on the spot, leaving Remus and Tonks in the alley.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Remus, once they had a moment to themselves. "You don't have to—"
"We're going to make it work," Tonks replied instantly. "It's for all of us – besides, I just married you! I'm in this for good now." She stood on her tiptoes, planting a light kiss on the tip of his nose, and he felt giddy as the realization washed over him that she was now his wife.
"We should be going though…otherwise Mum's going to think we're up to no good out here."
Remus took her hand and turned on his heel; a suffocating instant later, they had arrived in the garden of the Lupin home in Cardiff.
"I'll be right back!" called Tonks, hustling into the house to change. When she returned minutes later, her wedding gown was replaced with a plain, black A-line dress. Her hair remained in its pretty pink braid, but her combat boots had returned to their usual black.
"I'm ready for the Family and Civil Justice Centre! We've got an application to submit!"
"Where's your mum?"
"She's unpacking my things, if that's all right. She told me I couldn't be trusted to put my stuff away without creating a mess." Tonks rolled her eyes, shaking her head, but Remus quietly agreed with his new mother-in-law, thinking it better for everyone if Andromeda did the organizing.
With another turn on their heels, Remus and Tonks arrived to the Family and Civil Justice Centre in Cardiff. They rushed in, finding the proper courtroom, and settled next to Dudley, Sirius, Harry, and Ted.
"Got here just in time," Remus said breathlessly, as they were called up to the magistrate.
"Custody arrangements for a Mr. Dudley Dursley," the magistrate announced dully. "Previous guardian by the name of Marjorie Dursley, now deceased…request for adoption by a Mr. Remus Lupin and his…?"
"Wife, sir," Tonks said, beaming. "We got married this morning."
"Congratulations," the magistrate said flatly. "You're Nym-dory?"
"Nymphadora." Tonks's brow came together as she said her given name. "It's now Nymphadora Lupin-Tonks."
"Very well. Mr. Lupin, you took custody of Mr. Harry Potter a few years ago…you claim he's the maternal cousin of Mr. Dursley?"
"I have their paperwork." Remus pulled out an envelope from his suit jacket. Inside were copies of Harry and Dudley's Muggle birth certificates, which listed their mothers' maiden names. With Dumbledore's help, he'd managed to produce copies of Lily and Petunia's birth certificates, showing they shared the same parents, thus cementing the relationship between Harry and Dudley.
"Lily, Harry's mum, was a friend of ours from school," explained Remus, pointing to Sirius. "We recently tried reconnecting Harry and his cousin when Ms. Dursley died unexpectedly."
"No other kin available?" the magistrate asked, eyeing everyone suspiciously.
"Everyone else is deceased," Remus replied. "Marge Dursley was Dudley's last living relative, with the exception of Harry. We think it's best if we keep them together now…and they agree." Remus tried not to sound too unsure of himself, as neither Dudley nor Harry were excited by the prospect of legally becoming brothers under the Lupins' custody.
"We contacted children's services as soon as we found out that Marge passed away. They helped us arrange this so quickly so Dudley can continue his studies at Smeltings."
"That school in Hertfordshire?"
"Correct," replied Remus. "Dudley's been offered full room and board but we want him to have a home when he's not at school."
"Good thing he's got a scholarship," the magistrate said, looking through Remus's Muggle income documents. "You barely make enough as it is…doesn't matter now, as you're married. Your wife's income is more than sufficient for a family of four...not to mention she's in better health."
Tonks winked at Remus. He felt guilty, knowing it was his fault the marriage was so hastily put together. Children's services was willing to re-approve his initial adoption qualifications upon learning that he was engaged. They strongly suggested having a two-parent household would help them secure the custody arrangements. As Remus was not a "healthy" man, given his ironic Muggle diagnosis of lupus, they suggested an additional, permanent partner would bolster his case.
The magistrate looked through the papers under his nose, breathing heavily. He stamped several of them in various places and handed them back to Remus.
"Temporary custody granted for six months, if Mr. Dursley agrees. Barring any obstacles, we can extend custody again until an adoption can be finalized." The magistrate glanced over his desk. "Mr. Dudley? Do you agree?"
Dudley swallowed hard and nodded in agreement. Remus felt sorry for him, as he truly had no other option for his personal safety. When he'd learned Marge died, he thought of asking his friend Piers if his family could take him in, but with the reminder that the people who had killed Marge were after his life, Dudley had no choice but to agree to living among wizards.
"Congrats again on your marriage," the magistrate said half-heartedly, waving them away. "You're dismissed."
They filed out of the courtroom and back to the sunny street outside the Family and Civil Justice Centre. No one but Tonks looked especially happy; Remus could hardly blame them, after spending so much time in between Muggle legal proceedings.
"I bet Mum's got something for us at the house," Tonks said brightly. "Our house!"
Harry scoffed behind her and Sirius whispered something into his ear.
"Let's get back to eat. This one is itching to see his friends," Sirius said, pointing at a scowling Harry, "and I've got to finish packing."
Minutes later, they'd returned to the home in Cardiff, where Andromeda was indeed making a small feast for them.
"One day we'll have a larger wedding celebration, but this will do for now," Andromeda said, sighing morosely. Remus felt guilty over the hasty marriage, knowing it was done almost solely for Harry and Dudley's benefit, but Tonks was the one to suggest a quick ceremony to placate the authorities. She claimed she didn't mind a quiet wedding, insisting that when it was safer, they'd celebrate their marriage in a more public way.
"Let's have a toast!" Sirius said, summoning glasses of champagne to the table. "To the new Mr. and Mrs. Lupin…to the newly expanded Lupin family…and to the continued good health and life of my godson, Harry!"
As Remus gazed upon those gathered in the kitchen of his parents' old home, he sat back in awe, thinking of how much had changed in the last four years.
Sirius was free and innocent at last. Harry was Remus's son; Nymphadora was his wife. Andromeda and Ted were now his in-laws, and he'd gained another son in Dudley Dursley. Though Remus had lost his father, he wondered what Lyall would think of the life he had now.
It was a far cry from the life Remus expected he'd have, and though the future was uncertain, he was grateful for those at his side.
…..
"You're joking," Remus said, shaking his head at Dumbledore. "I'm not qualified for this."
"I disagree. You're the perfect candidate for the job."
"I have zero qualifications…I've not studied at one of their universities, read a course, or passed any examination—"
"They're already offering the position to you, Remus," Dumbledore said. "All you need to do is accept."
"I'm going to make a fool of myself. I'm not a teacher—"
Dumbledore sat back in his chair, eyes twinkling with amusement. He tapped his fingers on the desk rapidly, lifting a brow at Remus.
"If I recall correctly, you planned the entirety of your father's lessons," Dumbledore said, as his mustache twitched and his lips curled upwards. "I believe my new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has taken advantage of the curriculum you created."
"That's completely different. I'm a wizard and I can perform magic. I can't teach Muggle children! I know some literature, I grant you, but I don't have the skills—"
"You know this is about more than the job," Dumbledore said, infuriatingly calmly. "Dudley can't be left without protection. Voldemort can't touch him now that we've sealed the Blood Protection Charm, but others can."
Dumbledore set his half-moon spectacles down on his desk. He turned his head, facing Fawkes, and pet the phoenix gently.
"Voldemort didn't kill Marge Dursley. Someone did it for him, and we are fortunate that Dudley was well-protected at the time of the raid on her home. They know who he is, Remus, and we can't allow Voldemort to return."
"So you expect me to teach Shakespeare to a bunch of Muggles?"
"The Headmaster of Smeltings certainly does." Dumbledore's mustache twitched again and Remus found himself wondering how he'd trusted his own Headmaster for so long.
"Headmaster Parsons expects you in a week. He's under the impression you live near the school, and I was happy to let him think so."
"But won't Dudley be at risk if he lives there?" Remus asked blankly. "Wasn't he going to be a boarding student?"
"I recommend he live with you or your in-laws," Dumbledore replied drily. "Perhaps you can move back into Grimmauld Place?"
"Wait – what about Kreacher? Couldn't I have Kreacher follow Dudley around?"
Remus felt slightly ashamed that he was eager to have Dudley away at his boarding school; now that he was married to Nymphadora, he wanted more time with her, and having a teenager in their home wasn't quite as conducive to their desires.
"Curious…curious indeed." Dumbledore put his finger up to his lips. Remus could see his pupils dilating; a peculiar silence fell over the office, until Dumbledore clapped his hands, startling Remus.
"Dobby!"
The familiar house elf popped into the office, wearing the strangest assortment of knitted hats and socks Remus had ever seen.
"Headmaster calls for Dobby, sir?"
"I have a new job for you, Dobby," Dumbledore said kindly. "I'd like to pay you double what I initially offered – two Galleons a week and two days off a month."
"Headmaster, no, no, no! Dobby isn't needing more! Dobby is content!"
"It's for a new task. Perhaps you're willing to help me with Harry Potter's family?"
Dobby clapped his hands rapidly, nodding to the rhythm of his claps. His tennis-ball sized eyes widened and his ears flopped as he trembled with joy.
Dumbledore asked if Dobby was willing to keep a constant watch on Dudley Dursley, taking care to explain that he needed to eat, sleep, and rest as he needed. Dumbledore clarified, however, that when Dobby was unavailable, the Black family house elf, Kreacher, would serve in his place. Dobby enthusiastically agreed, dampening slightly when he heard he'd share the task with another house elf, and disappeared with the snap of his fingers to begin his round-the-clock monitoring of Dudley Dursley.
"When you have a moment, please inform Kreacher of his new task," Dumbledore said merrily. "Very resourceful of you to think of the elves, if I do say so myself."
"Do you think that will be enough?" asked Remus, now apprehensive that he'd allowed an elf to spy on Dudley.
"Elf magic is more powerful than we know or understand. I believe Dobby will perform admirably."
"And Kreacher?"
"You know him better than I do." Dumbledore popped a lemon drop into his mouth with a smile. "Now that we've taken care of Dudley's safety, will you take the position at Smeltings?"
"But you just said we took care of his safety!"
"Just as I have Sirius here at Hogwarts, having you at Dudley's school will add a layer of reassurance."
"There is no saying 'no' to this, is there?"
"There is," Dumbledore said airily. "But your position at the school will help finalize the adoption as well. I can't help but think it's an excellent opportunity for your family."
Remus closed his eyes momentarily and took several deep breaths. He did want to teach, but he had no interest in Muggle secondary schools. Images of overinvolved parents and entitled students flashed through his mind; he detested the idea of catering to the whims of upper-class British Muggles.
"I believe you'll enjoy the work," Dumbledore said, his tone shifting from amusement to seriousness. "You'll have better hours and your 'illness' has already been considered. I urge you to consider accepting the post."
"Fine," Remus said, sighing heavily. He threw his hands up in the air and took the offer letter, signing his name with a flourish.
"By the way, how did you manage to get this without magic? There's no way a Muggle would allow this."
"It may interest you to know that Headmaster Parsons is no ordinary Muggle," Dumbledore said, the excited gleam returning to his eyes. "He is a Squib, and he is most interested in having a wizard in his school."
Remus's mouth fell open. "Then he knows…I'm a werewolf?"
"I've assured him your condition is well managed. He agreed that it would be in his students' best interest to have a wizard on staff, as you are first and foremost, a wizard."
Remus threw his hands up in defeat. Just as Dudley had no choice but to live among wizards, Remus had no choice but to work among Muggles.
It was an unpleasant prospect, he thought, but he supposed it was better than risking any more innocent lives. He left Dumbledore's office frowning, wondering what else he'd be called to do in the name of ending the war.
...
End Notes:
I did a lot of research for this chapter and reworked what I had originally written to match things more accurately. JKR said that Grimmauld Place (a fictional location) was said to be in Islington. So naturally, I found the legal office where people get married in that borough and found Islington Town Hall. From there, I did a little searching on their site to find The Mayor's Parlour (link below), which is where I set the wedding. I have zero idea what it looked like in 1994, so I used modern pictures to set the scene. I hope you enjoyed the geographical accuracy.
Links don't work very well here on FFN, but if you check the endnotes on the AO3 equivalent chapter (or go to my Tumblr page) you can get the full links and credits to the readings!