Remus sat on the dusty floor of a safehouse in Kent, holding charmed binoculars up to his eyes. What had once been the attic of an old parsonage was now a surveillance spot for the imposing manor belonging to the wealthy Parkinson family. Kingsley was a few feet away, gazing intently out the grimy window before him with his own binoculars. They made note only of the comings and goings from the manor, knowing that the influential and wealthy Parkinson Sr. had only given public support to Fudge's denial of Voldemort's return and Malfoy's approval of Umbridge as Hogwarts High Inquisitor. From their surveillance, they began to see a more sinister picture, involving alliances with seedy figures from the underbelly of Knockturn Alley.

None of it consisted criminal behavior yet, but Kingsley was quick to tell Remus which persons he recognized and what possible crimes Parksinson might be involved in. Unfortunately, they were all petty or easily concealed crimes, and nothing yet indicated that Parkinson Sr. was in cahoots with Death Eaters.

"Mundungus should be in there now," murmured Kingsley. "He'll come up here after the meeting to tell us what he knows."

Remus yawned and took a swig of Invigoration Potion. Overnight missions with anyone other than Tonks were always dull. She had been scheduled with him, but the opportunity for a girls' night came up, and Remus offered to find her a replacement for the mission. He missed her company but hoped she was enjoying herself.

"How's Tonks been?"

"Fine?" Remus replied, mildly confused. Kingsley and Tonks had spent the workday together; he should know how she was, as he'd seen her more recently than Remus.

"I was sorry to see she didn't get the promotion she wanted," Kingsley said casually, as Remus struggled to keep his eyebrows from going up into his hairline. "Has she said much about it?"

"She mentioned it," Remus lied. "Remind me—what exactly happened?"

"She didn't tell you, then," said Kingsley, with his gaze set on the Parkinson manor. "She's made it clear you've resisted your…situation."

A heavy, uncomfortable weight settled in Remus's stomach. "I take it that it's got to do with me?"

"I'll tell you, if you like. Don't use this as a reason to stop your plans, Lupin." Kingsley turned with a stern expression marring his usually calm mien. "You're too far in it now, with your engagement. It'll raise more questions to back out now." Remus dropped his binoculars and pressed his lips together.

"I'd rather know."

"Tonks requested to join the Investigation Department. It's a specialty for Aurors—gives us more experience, more time to research, more pay. I'm a Lead Investigator." Kingsley pointed to a patch underneath his DMLE crest, which Remus had never noticed before. "The head of the department, Dawlish, told her she couldn't join due to her connection with you. He said her association with a Dark creature would be a conflict of interest."

"That's—" Remus started, anxiously running his hands through his hair.

"—bullshit," Kingsley said grimly. "I offered my support, as did a few others, but Dawlish had Scrimgeour's support. Alastor expressed his disappointment as well—Scrimgeour said he wasn't going to earn a visit from Dolores Umbridge—"

"Umbridge? Her? What's she got—"

"—she crafted the anti-werewolf legislation. Scrimgeour's covering his arse. Before she was at Hogwarts, she dropped by his office every fortnight to demand he round up half-breeds to investigate them. As if we didn't have other things to do, things that matter." Kingsley scoffed as Remus's heart fell. Tonks deserved her promotion.

"Tonks's job is secure, but Scrimgeour doesn't want a reason to upset the status quo. The promotion went to someone else."

"If not for me…"

"She earned it. Everyone but Dawlish knew that." Kingsley rubbed his hand over his bald head and yawned. "This was a week or two ago, before you got engaged. Tonks had the good sense to ask Scrimgeour to secure her job in writing, should her relationship with you proceed. He gave her that and promised nothing more."

Remus's hands felt clammy. His stomach churned and his heart pounded. He'd already started ruining Tonks's life and she hadn't told him.

"As I mentioned before, don't let this stop you from your plans. Tonks was adamant in protecting you. You'll make her look like a fool if you rescind your agreement."

"I've made her look like a fool anyway," he said, fighting to keep his voice level.

"Then you'll have to prevent yourself from making it worse," Kingsley replied coolly. "I see why she didn't tell you, if this is your reaction."

"How else am I supposed to react?" Remus had to find her, tell her to stop wasting her time, tell her to break off the engagement, and get the promotion she wanted. As he got to his feet, a force brought him back to the floor. He groaned, feeling Kingsley's hand on his arm, fixing him in place.

"You react by finishing the mission you were assigned to."

At this, the stairs to the attic creaked. Remus and Kingsley drew their wands, ready for an attack, but it was only Mundungus. Remus had to set aside his distress over Tonks's situation and instead contend with the Order's thief.


The following Sunday Remus was at the Tonkses', planning a wedding he was ready to call off. He'd managed to avoid talking about the promotion with Tonks. Kingsley warned him it would be even worse for her if she was humiliated over her defense of Remus, only to have a breakup a few weeks later. Remus was confident another reason would present itself to stop the marriage and salvage her career goals.

To his relief, the opportunity was right in front of him.

"No one is willing to host our wedding?" Tonks asked, crestfallen. "Why? Is it too short notice?"

"None of the locations you suggested were open to hosting such a unique union," Andromeda replied primly. Remus understood; no one would host a werewolf's marriage.

"What about Muggle places? Or here, at home?"

"I thought of that, Dora," Ted answered. "Our house isn't big enough and a magical establishment would be expected of you both. Neither of you is Muggleborn."

"But you are!" Tonks protested.

"Nymphadora, there are no Muggles attending this wedding," said Andromeda. "It will raise suspicion."

Remus saw his chance. If no one would host the wedding, they couldn't be married! He was about to speak when Ted brought out another parchment.

"Luckily, we asked around. There were two places who were willing to help." Ted pushed the parchment towards Remus and Tonks, which listed figures, dates, and options.

The first option was Camelot's Corner, a venue that touted itself on affordability. It was in Hertfordshire and indeed reasonably priced, particularly when compared to the outrageously expensive options Tonks thought up.

"The food is subpar," Andromeda informed them. "They aren't busy near the holidays and have plenty of dates available. The grounds are pretty. At that time of year you might have a dusting of snow on the ground. It would serve you well for photography and decorations."

Remus gaped at her. Why would any of them want photographic evidence of a sham? Tonks, sitting next to him, was grinning and pointing to the next page.

The second option was, to Remus's shock, The Three Broomsticks. Madam Rosmerta charged higher prices and had only two dates available, but her upper rooms could hold a small wedding with simpler pub fare.

"It's not even a question," Tonks declared. "The Three Broomsticks. December 3."

"Is this true?" Remus asked, glancing between Ted and Andromeda. "Madam Rosmerta will do this for us?"

"She spoke warmly of both of you," Ted said, with a wink at his daughter. "Both troublemakers, in your own way. She isn't fond of the Ministry, what with the Dementor business from two years ago, and always remembered you, Remus, as a kind, respectful patron."

"The only trouble with her dates," Andromeda said, "is that they fall on Hogsmeade weekends for the students. You'd have to marry on a Sunday."

Tonks readily agreed. Remus only half-listened while the Tonkses put together a menu and other details for the wedding. He thought The Three Broomsticks was too public. With it being such a well-known establishment and only steps away from Hogwarts, where Umbridge was, he could easily imagine being heckled, harassed, or having something terrible befall them.

It was only the assurance that Dumbledore would be performing their union that Remus calmed somewhat; no one would dare try anything with the Headmaster present.

The discussion of a honeymoon brought Remus back into the conversation.

"The full moon is the day after the wedding," said Remus, peering below at the suggested Portkey dates. "I'll be useless until Wednesday at the earliest."

Andromeda pursed her lips. "It can be a shorter holiday."

"Long weekend, starting Thursday?" Tonks suggested. "It'll be nice to have a couple days off at home before we go."

Remus gave minimal input and heard that after the full moon, if he was well enough, they'd spend a long weekend at a bed and breakfast in the Peak District. Remus didn't bother voicing his embarrassment over the Tonkses spending additional funds to send him and their daughter on a fake honeymoon for a fake marriage. Tonks was happy and looking forward to the trip. Remus briefly thought of sending her with a friend so he could get more hours at the bookshop; she'd enjoy her holiday and he wouldn't feel guilty over spending even more of her parents' money.

His mind drifted off to the money he'd saved. He'd slowly and painstakingly set aside a portion of his meagre wages for savings. If he worked more hours by the end of November, he would have enough for an international Portkey. He'd done it before, living as a nomad on the continent, working odd jobs and living in foreign woods to avoid his homeland and the problems he left behind. He could do it again, wander eastern Europe, until the werewolf claiming policy was over. He felt guilt over deserting the Order in their time of need, but he'd been a source of trouble for long enough. They would manage without him.

"Remus, what are you daydreaming about?"

"Travel." It wasn't a lie, exactly.

Tonks frowned and pulled out the plans for their honeymoon. "You want to go somewhere else?"

"No." He paused, seeing that all the Tonkses' eyes were on him. "I was thinking of my days on the continent. I did more traveling in my twenties." Andromeda raised an eyebrow at him, as if to say 'with what money?' Remus sheepishly continued, "I used some of my dad's savings to travel after the Potters died. I needed…to not be in Britain."

A look of understanding crossed over their features. He'd told them before of how lost he'd been after the Potters' deaths. He'd lost everyone in a single night and it was too painful to stay when there was no one left who cared about him.

"Well, we're past travel," said Tonks, pushing another parchment towards Remus. "We were discussing my name."

Remus read the short list of names below. He gasped, realizing Tonks intended to take his name when they were wed.

"I'm leaning towards Lupin-Tonks," she said, shrugging. "What do you think?"

"You're taking—" He closed his eyes, trying to make sense of it all. "—my name?"

"Do you not want me to?" Tonks grimaced and looked back at her parents. "It would help our case, that this is real."

Remus recalled his half-baked plan to go to the continent before a marriage could take place. It wouldn't matter by then; there was no point to taking his name if they weren't going to be married.

"Lupin-Tonks is fine," Remus said quietly. "I don't mind."

Andromeda and Ted had a brief, silent conversation with their eyes. Tonks shrugged and circled the option.

"Was that the last bit? I'm hungry."

Ted mussed Tonks's hair affectionately and went to the kitchen. "I'll start on supper. I believe your mum's plans are almost done."

"What else could there be?" Tonks asked incredulously. "Flowers, clothes, invitations, honeymoon, names, food—what now?"

"Finances," Andromeda replied curtly. "You need to have a shared vault to make your marriage credible."

Remus's jaw dropped when he saw the amount in Tonks's vault. For all her inane spending, she and her parents had saved a tidy sum.

"It's mostly mum and dad's doing," Tonks said, her cheeks glowing pink. "They made me put part of my pay in this and promised to match it."

"I believe I shouldn't have to remind you that while this marriage must appear authentic," Andromeda said, staring at Remus in particular, "when you do separate, I trust that these funds will remain as-is."

There it was—they didn't trust him.

"I won't touch a Knut," Remus promised. "I have a small account with the Muggle bank, Barclays. I'll add Tonks to it as well."

"You've got Muggle documentation?" Tonks quirked a yellow brow at him.

"My mum arranged it when I was bitten, assuming I'd never have a place in wizarding circles."

"Oh." Tonks patted his hand awkwardly. "I've got papers too."

"Very well," Andromeda said, interrupting their moment. "Joint Gringotts and Muggle accounts. That should be all."

Tonks's stomach growled loudly. Andromeda rolled her eyes, tapped her wand against the mess of parchment on the dining table, and everything wrapped itself up neatly into a basket. Remus knew his only way out was to disappear from their lives.


Remus had his head in his hands, fighting off a pre-full moon migraine. He sat at the kitchen table at Grimmauld Place, grateful that Sirius was making dinner for him.

The fireplace lit up. Remus glanced over, surprised they were having company, and braced himself to look presentable. It was only Kingsley and Tonks, however, letting Remus relax into his aching bones.

"What have we got here?" Tonks said happily, looking over Sirius's shoulder. "Curry, yum."

"Who invited you?" said Sirius, in mock indignation. "All our plates will be broken."

"I did," Kingsley replied, clapping a hand to Sirius's shoulder. Tonks met Remus's gaze and tilted her head towards the other two men. Remus suspected something between them but hadn't said anything yet.

"I'm here to see my darling fiancé before the moon," Tonks said blithely, winking at Remus.

He felt his trousers grow tighter. The end of November couldn't come soon enough; the more time he spent with Tonks, the more he realized he was in danger of having his heart shattered. He knew he was attracted to her—what person wouldn't be, he wondered—but he hadn't let the attraction go further than finding her to be pretty and kind. Their engagement kiss had done nothing but provide fuel for graphic, unwanted dreams.

Sirius served them dinner, which was better than Remus expected. For being a pre-full moon meal, Remus enjoyed himself. Tonks, Sirius, and Kingsley provided lively conversation. It was almost like his Hogwarts days, with three friends eating with him before they helped him through a moon. Kingsley volunteered to do the dishes, while Tonks plied Remus with potions to ease his pain.

It was almost like this was truly real, with someone to care for him and friends to enjoy his company. Remus hoped that whatever was between Sirius and Kingsley would stay, so when Remus escaped to avoid the marriage, Tonks would have them to lean on.

The night wore on and they had to part ways. Tonks went home first, a half hour before moonrise, and hugged Remus tightly to wish him well.

He could still feel her warm body pressed against his. The memory of her soft curves, sweet lips, and even the little moans she made in her bedroom were fueling his desires. If it wasn't the full moon—and he wasn't an honorable man—he'd have followed her home and ravaged her. A worn, woolen blanket covered his naked body, obscuring the evidence of his want. He couldn't allow Sirius to see that.

Remus heard Kingsley's deep voice upstairs, wishing Sirius a good night. There was a moment of silence before the fire roared and Sirius cast the charm to close the Floo.

"I see you've been spending a lot of time with Kingsley," he said, seeing Sirius come down to the cellar with tussled hair and flushed cheeks.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Tonks," Sirius replied evenly. "We all spend time with other Order members."

"Mm-hm."

"I could say the same." Sirius flicked his wand at another torchlight in the cellar, brightening the damp, gloomy space.

"Tonks and I are pretending," Remus goaded, pleased with Sirius's reactions. For once, he felt as if he had the upper hand. "You and Kingsley are—"

"—Auror Shacklebolt is assigned to my case. Naturally, he's been consulting with me on where I'd be if I wasn't in this godforsaken hellhole."

Remus hid a smile. After Kingsley's frank, almost cutting behavior at their mission in Kent, he'd longed to know how a near-stranger was so familiar with Remus's psyche. Seeing Kingsley disappear with Sirius after the last Order meeting, and again after dinner tonight, Remus suspected it wasn't Kingsley's shrewdness that led to his assessment of Remus's character.

"So Kingsley being able to tell me off about wanting to leave Tonks has got nothing to do with you whispering things in his ear?"

"It has as much to do with that," replied Sirius, with a faint twinge of red in his cheeks, "as it does with the way you follow her around like a lovesick puppy."

"I don't do that."

"And I haven't stuck my tongue down Kingsley's throat."

Remus and Sirius glared at each other. They'd each touched an uncomfortable nerve.

"Then we agree there's nothing to discuss?" Remus challenged. "I'm an excellent actor and you're a fount of information for a hardworking Auror?"

Sirius shot two fingers in the air in an obscene gesture and transformed into Padfoot. Remus felt his bones shake with the moon's pending rise. He knew Sirius was provoking him in retaliation. Only one of them was right. Remus was willing to admit that he might be attracted to Tonks, though it was merely his reaction as a man seeing a beautiful woman.

He was certain that given enough time and space away from her, come December, he'd have no problem putting her out of his mind.