The few weeks after Remus' 2nd near death experience, left him often feeling rattled, and restless.

But, spending time bonding with his son had helped. He was so relieved that he'd openly admitted to loving him, and felt like he had been absolved of much pain and guilt ever since.

The morning's following the exchange at Mad Eyes house, Remus gladly spent in bed with his wife. Cuddling and caressing her baby bump, and talking to his son.

Nearly two weeks passed on like this. Not much had occurred during that time, and Tonks and Remus were greatly relieved by this. Enough excitement had occurred during the past few months.

Remus went to two PotterWatch meetings during that time, but that was it. They had been going place to place, rarely recording in the same place more than twice in a row.

The last two broadcasts had happened in the back of Weasleys shop in Diagon Alley.

Fred and George had been enjoying sitting in on the sidelines and listening to the broadcasts. They had been eager to join.

One snowy morning, Remus found himself writing in his small study, that was slowly turning into his son's room.

'It's nearly Christmas. In a fortnight, it will be Boxing Day. It's odd, it seems like it came so fast this year.. Tonks is 23 weeks pregnant today.

I've realized that we are going to have to choose a name for our son soon. It just seems like such an important thing. But, then again I'm kinda worried I'll be lousy at coming up with any names.'

Remus put his quill down. He'd come back to finish his thoughts later. Tonks had knocked on the door behind him.

He turned, and smiled at her.

"How are my two favorite people?" Remus asked.

"Pretty good, we enjoyed our little nap." Tonks smiled.

She came and sat on his lap, resting her hand on his shoulder.

He rubbed her back softly.

"You didn't sleep very long?" Remus mused.

She looked a little tired still.

She nodded, and rubbed her belly.

"He keeps me awake. I think he has the hiccups." She chuckled.

"T-that can happen?" Remus chuckled.

Tonks nodded.

"Wanna feel?" She asked, taking his hand.

He agreed. "Yeah."

Remus laughed jovially as he felt the small shockwaves rippling across his wife's stomach.

"It's wild, right?" She asked.

He nodded happily. " wild, indeed."

"Perhaps he gets that from his mother. I wouldn't know a thing about that" Remus joked boldly, trying to keep a straight face.

Tonks laughed. "Oh, yeah. You don't have a wild bone in your body." She joked, sarcastically.

They both laughed, cuddling together.

"You know…" Tonks trailed off. "This little guy still needs a name."

Remus nodded, still feeling her belly.

"I was just thinking about that a few minutes ago, actually." He admitted.

"Any ideas?" She mused.

He shook his head. "Mmm. Not yet. Maybe we should look through that baby name book Ashlee got us?" Remus suggested.

Tonks nodded. "Probably a good idea."

A few minutes later they found themselves curled up on the sofa together with the book outstretched in front of them.

"Okay, this one isn't that bad?" Tonks pointed.

"Jeremiah?" Remus asked.

"Yeah. I don't think Jeremiah Lupin sounds bad?" She replied

Remus nodded. "Maybe..seems a little long?"

Tonks nodded. "Yeah, that is true. Maybe not that?"

"What about Alastor?" Remus offered.

Tonks brows shot up. "Maybe? I kinda like the idea of naming him after someone we cared about." She agreed.

"I don't know if that sounds right though?" She questioned.

Remus nodded. "Well, what if we took a few more weeks, came up with a few names each, then compare?"

"Mhm. Okay, we have time to decide." Tonks agreed.

The next three days passed quickly, and soon the weekend came.

Remus had agreed to join Lee and Bill for a short broadcast at Shell Cottage that Saturday night.

It was cold and wet out. But, Remus had made a promise. He kissed a sleepy Tonks on the forehead before fastening his cloak.

"Be careful. Please." She warned, from her perch on the sofa.

"Of course. I'll be back soon." He smiled. "Two hours. That's it." He assured her.

she nodded, picking her baby book back up, returning to her reading.

Remus smiled at her one more time before retreating.

He stepped into the fire, and reappeared nearly instantaneously in the kitchen of Shell Cottage.

Bill and Lee were waiting for him in the small den.

"Good Evening." Remus greeted them softly.

"Evening." Lee boomed.

Bill nodded in his direction kindly.

"How's the name game going, Remus?" Bill asked, kindly.

"Oh. It's coming along I suppose. No luck yet." Remus explained, sitting down.

Lee looked at them both oddly, and blinked.

"My wife is having a baby." Remus explained.

"Ohhh. That makes sense. Way cool. Congrats."

"Thank you, Lee." Remus smiled.

"Ready to start?" Bill asked, looking at both of them.

Lee smiled, nodded and hit the button to start the recording.

"Good Evening. This is your favorite rebel broadcasting team coming to you live once again!" Lee boomed.

"We're having a smaller than usual broadcast tonight as we are down a few of our correspondents due to ongoing Death Eater activity in the area. Don't worry, our trusty correspondents will be back with us soon."

"I am sitting here with Weasel and Romulus tonight. Gentlemen, it's good to have you back with us again."

"Thank you, for having us River." Bill smiled.

"Anytime!"

"Weasel you have been updated on the current whereabouts of Royal?" Lee asked.

"Yes, I have. He's currently lying low, but he's hopeful he can rejoin us soon." Bill added.

"This is great news. Send him our regards." Lee continued.

"Now, on to less positive news. Romulus do you have updates about the greater wizarding community for us?" Lee mused.

"Yes. News has recently started to revolve that mass muggle killings are being planned around London in the upcoming weeks. Please we here at PotterWatch urge our listeners to heed caution if in the area.

Meanwhile, the Muggle Born Registration has been rumored to be subjecting many Muggle Borns to the dementors kiss. If this is true, I hope one day in the not so distant future those responsible can be brought to justice." Remus explained sadly.

"Merlin. This is what our world has come to, folks. This is why we can't stop. And, why at PotterWatch we are more dedicated to bring you truth and hopefully soon, justice." Lee said.

Soon. They were wrapping the episode up.

"I know this was a short one but we appreciate everyone who stuck with us till the end of this broadcast. Next week's password will be "Quidditch." See you all then. Stay safe, stay alive." Lee boomed into the microphone, before turning off the receiver.

"Good broadcast, thanks for joining me guys." Lee smiled packing up his bag. I gotta go meet up with the twins. We are fixing up some damage at the shop." Lee explained.

"Be careful." Remus cautioned.

Bill nodded.

"Always! Bye!" Lee shouted as he revolved in the fireplace.

Bill chuckled, standing up from his chair. "Want to stay for a quick drink?" He asked Remus.

"Ah, just a quick one." Remus agreed.

"I heard you'll be at The Burrow for Christmas?" Bill asked as he grabbed two glasses.

"Yeah, your mother invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner. Very kind of her. She's a lovely person." Remus smiled.

The glasses clinked together as he sat them down on the coffee table in the den.

"Oh, my mother is one heck of a lady." Bill agreed kindly.

"Well, one day if my son can talk even half as kindly about me as you all do for your mother, I'll have considered myself very accomplished." Remus raised his glass.

Bill raised his as well. "To my mother."

Remus sipped his drink, and smiled.

"Fleur and I are staying home this year, so you won't see us." Bill further explained.

"Oh, no? Staying home?" Remus asked.

Bill nodded. "We're tired out from the war and everything else, we're just staying in."

Remus nodded.

"By the way. I heard what happened with you and dad a few weeks ago. I've been meaning to check in." Bill added, solemnly

Remus blinked. He'd known for sometime that Arthur considered him to be a friend. But he realized in that moment that his oldest son also called him a friend.

Bill was at least 10 years younger than him, but Remus couldn't help but appreciate him.

"Thank you, Bill. It wasn't a very good experience." Remus admitted.

Bill nodded.

Remus felt an odd draft creep up his neck as he sat with Bill.

"W-what is it?" Bill asked. Seeing his face fall.

"Hmm. Ah, nothing. I just got a weird feeling. That's all." Remus rubbed the back of his neck.

Bill looked momentarily concerned.

"No ones here with us, right?" Remus asked.

"N-no. It's just us." Bill explained.

But, for some weird reason Remus didn't fully believe him.

Suddenly, terror shot through him like a curse.

He hadn't ever asked Bill or Lee their security question that night.

There was a small creaking down the hall and that was enough to skyrocket his anxiety.

He bolted upright out of his seat.

"Someone is here! W-what's your favorite candy?" Remus barked.

Bill put his hands up, noticing Remus had his wand out.

"Jelly Slugs. It's okay it's me." His eyes were wide.

"Y-you're going to have to come out now. It'll be too weird if you don't." Bill called benevolently down the hall.

There was another creak and Remus' heart sped up. Perhaps Harry was there.

He turned around and saw an ill and bandaged up Ron. His arm was in a sling.

"Ron? W-what happened? W-where are Harry and Hermione? Hoping they were also there as well.

Suddenly, Ron burst into tears.

"This is why I didn't want him to come out while you were here. He breaks down everytime he tries to tell me the story." Bill waved his hand impatiently.

But another wave of terror shot through him.

"Ron, where is Harry and Hermione?" Remus asked again, paralyzed where he stood. They hadn't made up yet, nothing could happen to Harry.

To the public he was the face of the resistance, the chosen one, a rallying point.

But, to Remus he was his best friend's son. His care and love for Harry were far beyond that of the general public.

"Is Harry okay??" He asked, more desperately now.

Ron nodded, through tears. "Yeah, they're okay. I-I'm just a t-terrible friend." He admitted sadly.

"Ron, what happened?" Remus asked, pulling a chair out for the crying Ron.

"I-I we fought. H-Harry and I. It was my f-fault. All my fault. I stormed off. I tried to go back later but they had left before i could get back to them." Ron cried.

Remus felt horrible for the kid. But, he was glad Harry and Hermione were alright at least.

"I ran into a group of snatchers. I wanted to go back. I did. I still do. I just don't know how to find them." Ron stared at a distant milk jug.

Remus put his hand on Ron's shoulder. "I'm sorry Ron. You'll find each other again. You'll make up." He tried to comfort him.

"You will." Bill assured him. "But, I've told you, you won't find them staying here."

Ron nodded. "But, you should stay a bit longer, you don't look in any fit state to travel anywhere yet. What's happened to your arm?" Remus surveyed him, and then over at Bill.

"He won't let me or Fleur help him with it." Bill mumbled.

Remus shot Ron a frustrated look.

"Let me look at it, Ron. Being injured won't help you." Remus pleaded with him.

Ron shrugged. But, didn't outright refuse.

"Do you have any bandages?" He asked Bill

Bill nodded and retreated into the hall.

"Here, take this off." He instructed Ron.

Ron slipped the old bandages off.

There were some fresh pink twisted scars on his upper arm starting around the elbow.

"You got splinched?" Remus asked, solemnly.

"Yeah. Sucked." Ron nodded grimly.

Remus nodded, he helped him prop the arm up on the table.

"Thanks. I don't deserve it." Ron murmured

"Not true. You made a mistake. It happens." Remus told him, inspecting his arm.

"Sometimes even those of us older and wiser than you also make mistakes." Remus admitted soberly to him.

Ron looked at him.

"Y-ya know. Harry felt really badly that you guys fought. He tried to put on a brave face but we could tell." Ron admitted.

"I also feel very badly about it as well." Remus explained.

Ron nodded. "But, Tonks she forgave you, once you came home?" Ron mused, sadly.

"Hmm, yes. But, that took some time. You can't expect them to forgive you the first day or the first week. You'll have to give it time." Remus advised him.

Ron nodded.

"Don't tell Harry we talked, I want to be able to apologize to him myself about what happened." Remus implored.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah. Sure." Ron agreed as Bill slipped back into the kitchen.

"Here." Bill gave him some bandages.

Remus helped fix Rons arm up as best as he could.

"This is actually almost healed. In a week or so you might be able to do without the bandages." Remus advised before standing.

" I do have to head back home now. But, I do hope we see each other again soon. Good luck finding Harry and Hermione."

"Thanks, R-Remus." Ron said.

Remus nodded at him and Bill then retreated into the sitting room and into the fireplace.

Nearly instantaneously Remus reemerged into the living room of the small flat he and Tonks shared.

Tonks was fast asleep on the sofa, a baby book opened on her chest.

Remus smiled fondly and sat down next to her. He moved the open book splayed across her abdomen and carefully moved it to the table in front of the sofa.

He gently touched her growing stomach. When he did he felt a small kick move across his palm.

He closed his eyes and reveled in the sensation. His son was so close. He couldn't wait to meet him in that moment.

He smiled, but the smile faltered when his mind strayed to Harry. He still hadn't made up with him yet. It was mostly thanks to him that he was there with his wife and unborn son at all.

He'd need to make things right with him. If anything ever happened to him, he'd want Harry in his son's life.

Remus sighed, before leaning back on the sofa.

All he knew at that moment was that he wanted Harry to be his son's Godfather. He quietly wondered what if Tonks would agree.

Nearly two more weeks passed quietly. Soon, it was the day before Christmas.

"Remus, are you ready to go?" Tonks called from the front hallway.

"Coming." Remus called, before emerging from their bedroom.

"It's usually me who takes forever to get ready these days." Tonks joked as met in the living room.

"Well, I'm all ready to go now." Remus mused.

"Me too." She held out her hand to him.

Together they disappeared into the fireplace.

They were both greeted happily by Molly Weasley as they reemerged in the Burrows sitting room.

"Oh, welcome you two!" She beamed, hugging them both.

They happily greeted her back.

Soon, Tonks was in the kitchen having a snack with Ginny, and Remus had found himself distracted in the sitting room.

"Molly, what are you making here?" He asked seeing her knitting going on by itself in a corner.

Molly clasped her hands together in excitement at this.

"Oooh. It's for the baby!" She practically squeaked.

"See, it's going to be a set of little booties." Molly pointed out the small little shapes.

"Oh, that's so kind of you Molly. We appreciate that." Remus smiled.

"Oh, it's nothing. Knits itself once I get it going."

"Do you think you could teach me?" He found himself asking suddenly.

"I'd like to make some things for the baby too." He added.

He secretly wanted his son to have things from him in case anything were to go wrong and he died. He still hadn't gotten over what happened the month before at Moodys house.

"Oh, I'd love to help you learn. I have a whole book about crocheting by magic. You have to get started the old fashion way but after that you can make just about anything." Molly explained excitedly.

"I'd love to learn. Maybe I could borrow the book for a little while?" He asked.

"Oh of course. And, I'll help you get started on a few things." She said happily.

"What do you recommend I start with?" Remus asked, as she grabbed the book from a nearby cabinet.

"Probably something easy. Like, a little blanket, or hat." Molly explained. "The booties are a little more advanced but definitely still possible for a novice."

"Okay. Thanks Molly." Remus said.

For the next few hours Molly taught Remus how to crochet and he was happy to find he picked it up quickly.

Remus held up the little blue blanket he'd started.

"That's perfect, we can do the spell now, the hooks will finish the rest on their own. I'll show you."

Molly moved her wand in a figure 8 shape, and the hooks glowed brightly before they began crocheting on their own.

Remus smiled. It was such crafty magic.

"Thank you so much Molly. I'll let you know how it comes out once it's finished."

"Should be done by the time you go to bed tonight!" Molly explained happily.

Remus smiled.

"Great job, dad!" Arthur beamed as he walked through the door, snow covering his shoulders.

"Oh, thank you Arthur." Remus smiled.

Arthur hung up his coat and pecked his wife on the cheek as she bustled back into the kitchen to fuss over dinner.

"How's it been at the ministry?" Remus asked soberly once Arthur sat down across from him.

Arther looked over his shoulder quickly to make sure no one else was in ear shot.

" Honestly. Horrific.." Arthur's face fell.

Remus closed his eyes briefly. He exhaled hard.

"Arthur I'm sorry." Remus said, seriously.

But, Arthur shook his head. "I ask for it each day I get up. I convince myself each morning it's the last time, and each morning I still get up and go." Arthur told him.

"I worry it'll get worse if I stop showing up. I know if I do. They'll replace me with a Death Eater." Arthur told him soberly.

"It's entirely possible that will happen." Remus nodded.

"I suppose, when it's really time, I'll know." Arthur admitted.

Remus nodded.

Then Molly walked in.

"Oh, Christmas of 97'. At least it means the years almost over. I could do with a fresh start." Arthur changed the subject quickly.

"I think we all could." Molly joked as she deposited small tarts on the table between them before heading back into the kitchen.

After Molly was out of ear shot, Arthur turned back to Remus.

"Thank you for not giving me away. I've tried to keep some of the nastier aspects of the ministry quiet at home right now. I don't want Molly to worry more than she already does." Arther explained gratefully.

Remus winked. "The secret is safe with me."

Arthur sighed, and nodded in relief.

"Dinner is ready!" Molly called fromy the kitchen, they both popped off their seats to greet everyone in the kitchen.

The following morning, Tonks and. Remus woke early to a blizzard outside.

"Well, thankfully we didn't have plans today anyway." Remus mused, looking out of the windows in their bedroom.

"I'd say so." Tonks chuckled as the wind roared and whistled outside.

Remus was happy that due to having a somewhat decent job now, he was able to get Tonks a few more gifts than he likely would have in previous years. It was just a shame the ministry had to fall for this to occur.

They happily shared their gifts with each other that morning. Tonks had gotten Remus a muggle book about radio broadcasting that he thought was simply fascinating as well as several slabs of Honeydukes chocolate and a new winter hat.

" I hope you like your gifts. My husband and mother don't want me to leave the house so I had to order them through Witch Weekly." She glared.

"Well, I just so happen to love all my gifts. But, ah. That husband of yours, sounds like a really annoying guy." Remus joked.

"Eh, he's not too bad. He means well." Tonks cuddled up next to him.

Remus held her.

"I sure hope his wife liked her gifts too." Remus mused, keeping the joke going.

Tonks smiled. "I think she did. They were pretty great. She can't wait to try them out." She smiled.

Remus had gotten her two books, as well as a fancy magical golden hourglass that somehow always ran out of sand right as a meal was finished cooking. It had a small charm that would ring loudly once the hourglass ran down.

He also got her a new pair of slippers that were supposed to keep the wearers feet warm no matter the temperature.

Tonks happily kicked her feet, showing off her new fuzzy slippers.

Remus smiled.

"Oh, wait. I have one more gift." Remus smiled and hopped off the couch, heading into the bedroom.

He reemerged a few seconds later, carrying a badly wrapped tiny little parcel.

"Here. I almost forgot about this one." He handed the small soft parcel to Tonks.

He smiled and sat down next to her.

She gave him a funny look.

"It's not really for you." He smiled a little.

He hoped she'd be surprised. He told her it would take a week longer to finish it so he was pretty sure she wasn't expecting it.

She carefully peeled away the wrapping paper.

Her expression turned from curious to heartfelt in seconds. She pulled the small knit blue little blanket out of the wrapping.

"You said, it wouldn't be ready till next week." She looked at him, her lip quivering.

"Well, it turns out I finished it just in time." Remus smiled.

It had a little satin border around the edges and was perfectly sized for a little child.

He turned it over.

Tonks cried when she saw the other side. On the small satin border, there was a little name inscribed.

It had just one word. It read, "Lupin."

She fingered it slightly, feeling the raised edges.

"This is wonderful. He'll love it." She smiled.

Remus held her close.

"And, once we pick a name, I can add it on for him." Remus smiled.

Tonks nodded, cuddling up to him.

She didn't think she could have ever loved Remus more. But, she was wrong.

Seeing him be a father, made her love him all the more. Her heart could have burst.

Remus and her held the blanket for a little before Tonks folded it up and put it under the small Christmas tree they had.

"Soon, he can have it." Tonks smiled.

"Yes, in about 15 weeks he will. I can't wait to give it to him." Remus beamed.

Tonks went and sat down next to him, she felt so connected to him in that moment.

"What would you like to do today?" He asked, pushing her hair behind her ear.

It was like sparks flew when he touched her.

"Mmmm, I could think of one thing." She smirked at him.

Remus quickly turned to her, curiosity etched on his face.

"Oh?" He questioned, looking younger than he typically did.

She smiled mischievously, and held out her hand to him.

"Might as well, we only have so many weeks." She winked.

He took her hand.

"Yes, you're very right. We are suddenly short on time." He agreed, feigning thoughtfully, as he followed her to their bedroom.

Perhaps they'd enjoy their gifts more a different day.