A/N: I apologize it's taken a while to get this chapter out. I was working on a big project last week. By the way, this story has an E-rated version on Ao3. There's one more chapter between the last one and this one, and it's their explicit honeymoon. If you want to read it, go to Ao3. Otherwise, enjoy the cleaner version here on FFN.

...

Remus awoke to vibrant pink hair on his pillow. He took a deep breath, feeling Tonks's bare skin against his chest, and kissed her head.

Their honeymoon had gone by in a blur of exploring each other's bodies. They'd lost count of how many times they had sex, but it was an outrageous number, as they hardly left their room save for meals. The innkeeper had a knowing smile when they came down thrice a day in various states of undress or disheveled hair. Remus was too giddy to be embarrassed; it was their honeymoon, after all, and he'd spent the time getting to know every inch of Tonks's body with his hands and mouth.

It was their last morning at the inn and soon they would be returning to their real life in Newcastle. A chill set over him; what now? What happened after they confessed they were attracted to each other, shagged like rabbits, and had to return to their old lives?

He extracted himself out of bed and set his feet on the floor. It was time to face reality.

Their room was a mess of clothes. Remus got to work and began folding everything, packing it away into their suitcases. Tonks's tiny, lacy knickers and matching bras made him smile. He was used to seeing them hanging in their bathroom to dry, and before, they were fuel for his overactive, lecherous imagination. Now he knew what the lacy scraps were hiding, which was even better than what his mind had conjured.

"G'morning," croaked Tonks, rustling from under the bedcovers.

"Good morning." Remus's eyes quickly drifted from her bare breasts to her face. "Is it all right that I started packing? We're going back today."

"Don't remind me," she groaned. "That means I've got to be back at work tomorrow."

"As do I." Remus walked to her side of the bed, bent down, kissed her forehead, and pushed back some of her hair to see her face.

"What's worrying you?"

Remus blinked. "Worrying me?"

"You've got that little frown line here—" she pressed her thumb between his eyebrows. "It means you're worried."

Impressed, Remus stood up and rubbed the back of his neck. "I was thinking about what happens next."

"We eat breakfast?"

"No, more than the immediate next—" He took a shaky breath and turned to the window. "—we're married and we . . . s-slept together." He felt his face grow warm, embarrassed he'd slipped up. "Are we . . . do we tell others? Should your parents—"

"—oh. This conversation."

Tonks knocked over a lamp as she reached for her shirt. Remus righted it, but not before getting one more look at her bare chest. She smiled and tapped her hand on the bed, gesturing for him to sit.

"It's kind of weird for us to talk about it now, since we're already married," Tonks said thoughtfully, taking his hand in hers. Remus still couldn't help the wonder that rose in his heart when she touched him like that. "If we weren't married I'd say we were dating or going to date soon, maybe talk about being exclusive, but that's not helpful, is it?"

He listened intently, unsure of where this conversation was leading to. In the past, when he'd been intimate with a woman, he let it go on for a short period before any further feelings developed. This, he began to realize, was possibly the greatest mistake he'd ever made.

"The worry's back." Tonks tilted her head at him, frowning. "What's wrong? Is it that you've never had this conversation?"

"I don't know," he replied shaking his head.

"If you've never been in a long-term relationship, then I s'pose not." Tonks shrugged. "Well, we're stuck with each other now—that's a good thing, by the way—and we're way past flirting. You like me and I like you. We're married, so exclusivity's a given. And now we're shagging. I think we go home and just do what we were doing before, but now we can fuck whenever we want? Sound good to you?"

"Okay," Remus agreed slowly, equally thrilled that she wanted their intimacy to continue and terrified at what he'd allowed to take place. "And your parents? Friends—"

"—we don't need to tell mum and dad what we're doing, exactly. Maybe we can wait to tell them. I don't fancy telling my dad about my bedroom activities." Tonks smiled sheepishly at him. "My friends already assume we're shagging, as does most everyone else."

She stretched her arms out and yawned. "I'm starving. Can we get breakfast soon?"

Remus was about to get up, but Tonks grabbed his face and kissed him.

"I mean it. We're going back to the flat, we'll have dinner together, and then tonight, if you want, I'm having my way with you again."

Thinking the plan sounded good, Remus agreed, but couldn't shake the niggling worry that they were making a mistake.


Incorporating sex into their old routine was easier than he imagined.

Remus hadn't quite moved into Tonks's room at their flat, but he slept in her bed nearly every night since their honeymoon. Tonks was thankfully open to allowing him to do some cleaning and organizing in her room, as he didn't like hopping from one clean spot of floor to the next to get to the bed. His things were still in his room, but most nights, after dinner and catching up with her, they fell into her bed together and enjoyed each other's company.

He was surprised by his own energy and stamina. He hadn't felt this young in years, nor as insatiable. Tonks laughed off his worries, saying they were in that stage of their relationship where they couldn't keep their hands off each other, but as time went on they'd develop a calmer rhythm. Remus didn't think it was possible to not want her, but did his best to ensure that she initiated sex more often than he did.

It was after a particularly pleasurable evening that Remus was awoken by a lynx-shaped Patronus.

"Tonks," he said, shaking her out of her slumber. "Tonks!"

"Huh—"

"Attack at the Ministry. Arthur in critical condition. Tonks, get to the Department of Mysteries. Lupin, Grimmauld Place."

The message repeated twice more before the Patronus vanished into thin air.

Remus was grateful he'd cleaned her bedroom, as the scramble to get their clothes on would've been painful in the nest she'd inhabited before.

With a quick parting kiss, Tonks went off to the Ministry and Remus Apparated to Grimmauld Place.

There were several Weasleys already there, teary-eyed and panicked, shouting from the kitchen, and Harry's yelling cutting into the din.

"What's going on?" asked Remus, spotting Fred Weasley.

"Dad—attacked—"

"—snake bite," George said, his face unnaturally humorless. "They don't know if—if—"

"He'll be all right," Remus said tightly, knowing he couldn't promise anything. "Where are Sirius and the others?"

"Kitchen," Fred croaked. "Mum's gone to St. Mungo's."

Remus nodded and hurried down to the kitchen. A scene was playing out between Severus, Sirius, Dumbledore, and Harry. Remus only caught snippets of it—if he understood correctly, Harry would have to take Occlumency lessons from Severus and Sirius was unenthusiastic over the idea.

With a nod from Dumbledore, Remus helped settle the tension in the kitchen. Sirius and Harry went upstairs to console the other Weasleys, and bring them back to the kitchen for food and hot chocolate, while Severus and Albus returned to the castle.

Patronus messages came in the night for both Sirius and Remus: Kingsley reported that he'd be out late, as did Tonks. Harry gave Sirius an odd look, seeing that Kingsley's message was directed at his godfather, while Tonks's jackrabbit received no scrutiny when it was addressed to Remus alone.

It was past dawn when Molly returned, bearing good news for her children: Arthur was expected to live. Sirius invited the Weasleys to stay with him over the holidays, brightening all of their moods, and if all went well, the kids would be able to see their father on Christmas.

Minutes after Molly arrived, Kingsley and Tonks came in through the kitchen Floo. They were both haggard and their robes were covered in blood.

"What happened?" Remus asked, rounding on Tonks instantly. He helped her take off her robes and boots and started preparing something for her to eat.

"Is Arthur okay? Is he alive?"

"He should be fine—are you hurt?"

"No, but I'm knackered and there was so much blood—"

Remus was muttering charms on her robes and clothes as he surveyed her appearance. His cleansing charms were well-practiced on blood and everything came out easily. Tonks was mousy haired and half-asleep on the kitchen chair; he rubbed her feet lightly and set them on another chair to help her stretch.

"You're a good husband, Remus," Tonks sighed, leaning her head in her hand. Her elbow was propped on the table and she yawned.

"Thank you," he murmured, as the kettle arrived for him to pour her a cup of tea.

"Young love," Molly said softly, dabbing her eyes as she sat nearby and poured herself a cup.

"Oh, I'm sorry—should've had more cups out."

Remus felt guilty that he'd disregarded everyone as soon as Tonks stepped into the kitchen.

"Not to worry, you're newlyweds," Molly waved her handkerchief around. "You make a lovely pair."

Remus mumbled a thank you to her and restarted the kettle for others to have tea. The Floo came to life again, but this time it was his mother-in-law, Andromeda, followed by Ted, who was clad in blood-splattered, lime-green Healer's robes.

"He's awake!" cried Ted, to the cheering of many Weasleys in the kitchen. Molly burst into relieved tears. Andromeda pulled up a chair next to Tonks and began muttering her own charms, while Remus sat back and sighed.

The kitchen was a flurry with activity. Kingsley had a pot of coffee going, the younger Weasleys were jubilant, and Harry was being talked to by Sirius. Remus had only eyes for Tonks, and his irritation was growing that Andromeda was interrupting his care for her.

"Mum, I'm fine," Tonks groaned. "Remus was taking care of me. I don't need to be smothered."

"He's been very good, Andromeda," said Molly. "You can see how much he loves her. I know how we worry for our children, but you needn't with Remus. He quite forgot everything else when dear Tonks came in through the Floo." Molly gave Remus a reassuring pat on his hand.

Andromeda narrowed her eyes at Remus. He'd crept closer to Tonks and was massaging her legs and feet. Tonks sighed contently and reached out a hand to run her fingers through his hair.

Stiffly, Andromeda said, "How can I help you, Molly? You must be tired."

Molly shared Sirius's plan to have the Weasleys stay at Grimmauld Place, so Andromeda took it upon herself to ready the bedrooms and get the kitchen restocked for the holidays. Ted was deep into conversation with Kingsley and Sirius, and Molly soon retired to one of the bedrooms to get some sleep.

"Can we go home, Remus? I need to be in a bed. I've been standing since who-knows-when."

"Of course. Let's wait for your mum to come down."

"She'll just fuss over me."

"Yes," Remus replied, "but she'll be cross with you if you leave without saying goodbye."

Tonks made a face and Remus chuckled, working his hands back into her sore calves.

A shadow came near them. It was Ted, with an eyebrow raised at the scene before him.

"Hey, Dad."

"Dora," said Ted, mussing her mousy hair. Turning to Remus, who'd tried to take his fingers off Tonks, but was pulled back by her own insistent hands, he cleared his throat. "Remus."

"Good morning, Ted," Remus said evenly. "It's good news about Arthur, isn't it?"

"It is." Ted sat down next to them and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Is there something you'd like to share?"

"Hmm?" Tonks said sleepily. "About what?"

"I noticed you two are . . . cozy," Ted ventured. "Quite cozy."

Remus's face, ears, and neck flushed. He and Tonks been married three weeks and were supposed to be keeping their intimate experiences to themselves.

"Dad, don't worry about it. Remus is a gentleman and we're good friends."

Ted did not look reassured by his daughter's statement. Andromeda came down the stairs, met Ted's eyes, and then the two of them were scrutinizing Remus.

"Oh good, Mum," Tonks yawned. "Remus is going to take us home. See you Sunday for supper?"

"Don't be late this time, Nymphadora," Andromeda warned. She kissed Tonks's hair and helped Ted up from his seat, and then the two of them disappeared into the fireplace.

Remus and Tonks followed. Tonks leaned on him for support as he walked them up to the top step of Grimmauld Place, and held him tightly before they Apparated. When they were home and Tonks had showered, he tucked her into bed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He wondered, as he fell into bed next to her, if Ted and Andromeda knew what was happening, and what they were thinking.


The man lying in front of Remus had yet to say a word. He was Arthur Weasley's hospital roommate, a fellow called Martin, who was unlucky enough to be bitten by a werewolf at the last full moon. Arthur suggested Remus come speak with him, claiming that Remus made his condition look 'manageable,' and he was tasked with telling Martin the painful truth.

Martin cleared his throat.

"They say I've got to go to a camp next week."

"Not necessarily," Remus said lightly. "Do you have any family?"

"Had a wife. Left me."

"Because of?"

Martin nodded.

"Perhaps she'll reconsider," Remus suggested, knowing it was unlikely. Martin snorted loudly. Taking another try, Remus pressed on. "Parents? Adult children? Siblings?"

"Dead, too young, and none that want to see me anymore," Martin replied tersely. He gazed at Remus for a moment and added, "when are you going to the camp?"

"I'm not . . . I'm married and my wife is my 'guardian.' I don't need to go."

"You're married?" Martin said, stunned. "Still?"

"I got married a few weeks ago. My wife knew what I was."

"Is she mad?"

"No. She's an Auror, and a good one."

"She married you. An Auror married a werewolf."

"That's correct." Remus reached into his pocket and pulled out his billfold, where he'd decided to keep a picture from his wedding day. He handed it to Martin.

"This young thing," Martin said, disbelief written on his face, "married you. And sleeps with you?"

Remus's cheeks grew warm. "We are married in every sense of the word, if that's what you're asking."

"You didn't get married to avoid the camp?"

"No," Remus lied. "I got married, perhaps earlier than I would've, but my wife and I are in love with each other. If you'd like—" An idea formed in his mind and he hoped Tonks would be open to it. "—perhaps my wife can speak with yours? Tell her that it's not as . . . terrible?"

Martin stared down at the picture of Tonks and Remus at their magical wedding.

"This isn't your sister? Friend?"

Remus sighed. "Her father works here. I can fetch him to prove I'm married to his daughter."

"Your wife is an Auror and your father-in-law is a Healer." Every syllable fell from Martin's mouth with an increasing amount of incredulity.

"Yes—I'll have her come here if I must. I'm happily and truly married."

Martin's Adam's apple bobbed in his throat. He handed the picture back to Remus.

"If I give you my wife's address, your wife might come see her?"

"I can ask her. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you, Martin." The man grew quiet.

"Is it as bad as—"

"—it's worse," Remus muttered. "It's excruciating. Every month will be the same. Wolfsbane Potion helps keep your mind, but it's expensive. You'll feel sick for a week. The three days before you'll be feverish and your muscles will hurt. The full moon you'll shake and scream. You might hurt yourself, throwing yourself against walls or whatever holds you in. You'll spend a few days healing, and then you get three weeks until the next cycle."

Martin's chin quivered. He looked to the side, fighting back tears. "How long have you—"

"—I was almost five. I'll be 36 in March."

"Good God—"

"—I've been lucky, in many ways. My parents were good to me and I got to go to school."

"And you got a wife."

"I did."

"She loves you?"

"Yes," Remus said, though he and Tonks hadn't said the words to each other. It was something he was avoiding, putting something real to the feelings that were brewing between them.

"Does the—werewolf stuff—affect your, er, bedroom—" Martin stopped himself and cleared his throat. "—if my wife takes me back, I want her to know . . ."

Remus wanted to sink into a hole. He'd never been comfortable talking about these matters, but he understood why a married man would want to know.

"Your stamina will be better than before," Remus replied quietly. "You'll be able to, erm, go, more. You won't be able to do anything the week of the moon. It's like having the flu beforehand and breaking half your bones afterwards. If you're lucky, it's a mild flu and it's easily fixed bones. If you're unlucky, you'll be bedridden and you'll be hurting till the next moon."

"But if I'm well? Letty and I—" Martin looked hopeful.

"Nightly, multiple times over, if you want," Remus assured him, keeping his voice low. "It's up to her."

"That's what you've got?"

Remus didn't think he could be any more embarrassed, so he nodded. Martin whistled and leaned back into his bed.

"Lucky bastard."

"I am very fortunate."

"You'll have your wife talk to mine?"

"I'll talk to her. I can't promise anything, but I'm sure she'll help." Remus took the address from Martin and tucked it into his pocket. He bid him goodbye and pulled back the sheet surrounding the bed, his face burning even harder when he realized his father-in-law was in the room, and had likely heard everything he'd just said.