Work Text:
“What if he hates me for doing this?” Lupin paced up and down beside their bed as Tonks sat, breastfeeding Teddy, and listening to her husband's nervous rant. “What if he thinks I’m trying to replace James? Or Sirius? I was never ever meant to be anything more than an uncle. I was an uncle, then a stranger, and now I don’t know where I stand in his eyes” he looked at Tonks “He’s going to hate me”
“Rem” Tonks looked at her husband “Stop moving for a second yeh?” he did as he was asked and stood in front of her. “He is not going to hate you. He could never”
“I think he did at one point” said Lupin, a hand running through his greying hair “The time I… y’know…” he gestured to Teddy and the door.
“The time you ran away from me and Teddy because you were scared of what he was going to be?” asked Tonks with a smile as her husband nodded shamefully. “Well, I hated you too. A lot of people did”
“They should”
“And they did, but now you’re back and you’re here to stay, that's what matters” Tonks sighed “Look Rem, he’s not going to hate you. He is not going to think you’re replacing James. Or Sirius. You have never tried to” she shifted Teddy so she could sit up more “Harry’s life has been so unpredictable, and it's so unfair none of you were able to have the life with him you should’ve. But, Voldemort is gone, for good. And if Harry sees you as anything, he sees you as a friend, a confidant. You have been there for him time and time again. And that's what matters”
“But what if he says no?” whispered Lupin “Then what?”
“Then we move on, nothing changes. It’s his life and his call. But we’re doing this because we love him and he deserves something close to legal guardians. Would it be easier if I wasn’t there when you asked?”
“No I need you there, this is about you too”
“Okay, I was just checking” Tonks glanced at her watch “Okay, once this greedy guts is done, I reckon we should head off to the Burrow. Molly said lunch is at 1pm”
“Yeah okay” Lupin grimaced “He’s just pooed, I can smell it”
“Oh Teddy Bear” Tonks looked down at her son, who was looking up at her “I’m very grateful your daddy has a good sense of smell”
“I’m not” Lupin sighed “When he’s done let me know and I’ll change him”
“He seems to be slowing down” said Tonks “Take him now and we’ll see what he does” she gently picked up her son and handed him over to Lupin, who took him away to the changing table. Tonks stretched and stood up, walking over to her wardrobe and looking at her chosen outfit. She’d chosen her old worn overalls, they had various patches and rips, but she still loved them. She’d paired it with one of Remus’ old Gryffindor t-shirts she’d found in a box. Looking at her hair, she debated what colour and length. She’d been having to keep it relatively short because Teddy loved to pull it. Scrunching her face up she opened her eyes and saw her spiky pink pixie cut was back. Smiling, she turned away from the mirror and sat down to put her boots on.
“Hey love, he’s all clean and seemingly pretty content right now” Lupin walked over to her and sat down with Teddy in his arms. “Shall we head off while we still can?”
“Yeh, have we got everything?”
“All packed and in the bag” Lupin stood up “Do you want me to take him in the floo?”
“Yes please” Tonks picked up the bag “I am still far too wobbly”
“Even after using it for, what, 25 years?” Lupin grinned cheekily at his wife who glared back.
“Shut up Rem” Tonks walked out of the room, and downstairs to find her mother, sitting reading on the sofa. “Hey mum, sure you’re not coming today?”
“Yes dear” Andromeda put her book down “I told Narcissa I’d help her with cleaning up their house”. It’d been a month since Voldemort had been defeated and Andromeda had recently made amends with her younger sister. Tonks had yet to properly meet her family members, as she still had her defensive guard up. “Tell Molly I’m sorry”
“She’ll understand, she’s happy you’re making up with them” Tonks smiled and hugged her mum “We’ll send you a patronus when we arrive and when we get back home if you’re not here”
“Thanks honey” Andromeda caught sight of Lupin coming downstairs with Teddy tightly strapped to his chest in a carrier “Hello Remus, how is he?”
“Fast asleep” said Lupin “I’m praying he stays that way for a little”
“Well I won’t keep you” she hugged Lupin tightly “Have a good day, and you too Teddy Bear” she kissed the baby on his blue hair. “Bye honey bun” Andromeda pulled Tonks into a hug, who hugged back tightly “I love you”
“I love you too mum” Tonks smiled and grabbed a handful of floo powder “Have fun today”
“You too, good luck!” Andromeda smiled and waved as Tonks said The Burrow and vanished in a burst of green flames.
Tonks fell out of the fireplace and walked into the kitchen to see Mr and Mrs Weasley cooking. “Hey Molly, Arthur, how are you?”
“Oh Tonks dear” Molly smiled “How are you?”
“I’m okay” she smiled “Where are everyone else?”
“I think Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny are outside. Bill, Fleur and Charlie should be arriving soon. Percy and George are upstairs, I’m not sure if they’ll come down” she sighed “Where’s Remus, is he coming? And Teddy?”
“Just behind me” said Tonks “I’m still not comfortable using the floo with Ted, I’m not sturdy enough on my feet”
“You’ll get there” Arthur hugged her too “How are you feeling overall?”
“I mean, I’ve been better” she sighed “But I guess we all have. How are you two holding up?”
“Getting there” said Arthur “But we’ll be okay” Molly had turned away, fussing with food again and Tonks saw her wipe her eyes. Arthur lowered his voice “We mostly just worry about George. If you can think of anything to help him, please let us know”
“He hasn’t seen Ted recently” said Tonks “Could that help?”
“Worth a try,” said Arthur. There were footsteps and Lupin walked into the room “Oh hello Remus, how are you?”
“I’m okay, how are you?” the two men embraced
“I’m a bit better now I’ve seen this little guy” Arthur had his eyes fixed on Teddy, who was out of the carrier and in Lupin's arms, looking around in wonder. “He’s grown”
“Too quickly” said Lupin “Would you like a cuddle?”
“Always” Arthur grinned and took Teddy from Lupin, who smiled and walked over to give Molly a hug. “How are you Molly?”
“I’m getting there” she smiled “How are you? Is he sleeping much?”
“Slowly becoming more consistent” said Lupin “But not a lot”
“You poor loves” she walked over to her husband, who was pulling silly faces at Teddy “Oh look at you, aren’t you just the cutest” a smile appeared on her face as she looked at Teddy. The baby was reaching his hands up to try and get their faces. Tonks and Lupin smiled at the couple's genuine happiness.
“Molly, is there anything I can do to help with lunch?” asked Tonks, looking at the kitchen bench
“Oh don’t worry dear it's all in the oven now” she casually flicked her wand and the dishes started washing themselves “Just relax”
“As long as you’re sure” The four of them went to sit in the lounge room, the Weasley’s still holding Teddy, who was quite content.
“Where are the kids?” asked Lupin
“Outside” smiled Mrs Weasley, not taking her eyes off Teddy, who’d changed his hair to a flaming red that matched theirs. “Oh aren’t you a sweetheart Teddy, oh yes you are” she smiled at the baby.
“Harry with them?”
“The golden trio and Ginny, always together” smiled Mr Weasley
“We might go see them, are you okay staying with Teddy?” asked Lupin, standing up
“More than okay dears” Mrs Weasley smiled “we’ll come get you if we need anything, you can trust us”
“I trust you with a baby more than I trust me” laughed Tonks. Lupin wrapped his arm around her waist and led her outside where they found the 4 teenagers lying on a blanket in the sun. Hermione had her head in Ron’s lap as she read a book, while Ginny was weaving flowers into a sleeping Harry's hair as she chatted with Ron.
“They look happy” muttered Lupin
“They deserve it” whispered back Tonks, smiling
“Maybe we should do this another day” Lupin started to turn back but was stopped by his wife's arms and the call of their names.
“Professor, Tonks” Ginny was running towards them and launched herself into Tonks arms. The pair embraced tightly, having become like sisters over the war. “Oh I’m so glad you came”
“Hey Gin” Tonks laughed “You’re looking healthy” the young girl's hair was down, and she was in a sundress, her freckle-covered skin glowing from the sun. She looked like a child again and that made Tonks so happy. Ginny was embracing Lupin tightly and Lupin was holding her close.
“I’ve missed being outside without fearing for my life” Ginny smiled “Come say hi to everyone else” she wrapped her arms around the two adults, leading them towards the golden trio.
“Hi Tonks” Hermione embraced her friend tightly, Tonks smiling as she hugged her back
“Good to see you again Hermione” Lupin hugged his former student as Tonks hugged Ron.
“You too Remus” Ginny was the only one really slipping up calling Lupin professor still, as much as everyone reminded her. It made Lupin smile so he didn’t mind or make an effort to correct it as he used to.
“Hey Mr Sleepy” Ginny was gently rubbing Harry’s shoulder, waking him up, “Remus and Tonks are here”
“Mmm?” Harry rubbed his eyes and squinted up at them “Where mm’ glasses Gin?”
“Here” she gently handed them to him and he smiled, sitting up more.
“Hey guys”
“Wotcher Harry” Tonks grinned “Nice hair”
“Thanks?” the young man's hand went to his head and he felt the flowers “Oh thanks Gin”
“You’re welcome” she pecked him on the cheek. “Did you guys bring Teddy?”
“He’s inside getting adored by your parents” laughed Tonks
“Poor thing, mum’ll suffocate him” mumbled Ron before receiving a light wack from Hermione’s book.
“Oh he loves it” Tonks smiled and saw her husband's nervous facial expression. “Hey Harry, would you be okay to come with us for a bit? Just on a walk, we wanna chat”
“Sure thing” Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss as he stood up and walked off with them. “What's up?” he asked once he was out of earshot of the others.
“How have you been Harry?” asked Lupin “Honestly”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” admitted Harry. “Some days I’m fine, some I really struggle. Todays a good day, so I’m thankful for that”
“I’m glad”
“Ginny helps me so much too. So do Ron and Hermione. They’re understanding and supportive. But I still feel like a burden when the Weasleys are all sad. I feel like I’m intruding”
“I know how you feel,” said Lupin. Tonks was silently listening, knowing Lupin and Harry needed these chats together. They reached a small bench next to the chicken coop and sat down. “Harry, we have to ask you a question”
“Okay…” Harry looked nervous
“It’s nothing bad” Tonks quickly interjected
“Okay good” Harry looked relieved. “What's up?”
“Well, we’ve been thinking for quite some time now, that uh- well… that… uh-” Lupin was struggling to find his words and his leg had started to bounce nervously. Tonks put a gentle hand on his and whispered “breath” in his ear.
“What's up?” asked Harry “Are you two okay?”
“We’re fine” said Lupin, he took a deep breath and continued “Well, your life hasn’t turned out the way it should’ve for a multitude of reasons beyond your control. And while I know dangers are gone, I know it won’t feel normal for a long time for you. And well… Last year, before Ted was born, we had this idea. And we couldn’t do anything with it because you were away, and now you’re back is the best time to do it” Harry nodded “Harry, when you were born, I was meant to be your uncle. Your dad called me Uncle Moony. James was your father, Sirius was your godfather, I was just an uncle, nothing more nothing less. However, in not very long I went from being an uncle to being a complete stranger, cut out of your life. And then 13 years later I was suddenly thrust back into your life, a complete stranger to you. And I accepted that that was all I’d ever be. I’d be Professor Lupin, werewolf teacher. And I prayed and prayed that’d we’d grow close, I watched over you and we did become somewhat close. And I cherished those moments we had together. I felt like I was fulfilling your fathers wishes the best I could. But then we were ripped apart again, and I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again. A mere two years later I did, and while we were still only ex-teacher and student, I was grateful we had the opportunity to become more” he took a deep breath and looked out over the garden. “While Sirius was still around, I hoped and prayed that I’d be able to stay in your life. I prayed we’d one day become uncle moony and uncle padfoot again. We discussed it and dreamed of all the things we’d do together. But the world is cruel and he was ripped away from us less than a year later and I removed myself from society. We kept in contact and I was so thankful every time I received a letter from you or talked to you” he looked at Harry “I can’t thank you enough for everything you did last year, from saving our world to saving me and my family, we owe you everything. And while I wish more than anything I could go back in time to when you were a baby and change things, I can’t. But, there’s something we can offer you”
“Okay…” Harry looked uncertain
“Harry, we love you” Lupin wiped at his eyes “I’ve loved you from the moment you were born, the moment I saw that tangle of black hair in James arms. We all knew we’d lay down our lives to protect you” Harry nodded, also brushing away a tear.
“I haven’t known you that long Harry, but I know you’re a badass and I admire you and I do love you too” Tonks grinned and winked at him “And I know you’re going to be the best godfather to Ted”
“Thanks” he whispered, choked up
“So, what we thought, and you’re allowed to say no, we won’t be offended but” Lupin pulled a stack of papers out of his pocket and handed them to Harry “We were wondering if you’d like us to adopt you. Not to replace your parents or Sirius. But just so you could have some resemblance of legal guardians for the few months you’re still legally a child in the muggle world”
“I…” Harry stared at the papers
“I understand if it's a no, but I promised James I’d look after you, I promised Lily, I promised Sirius, and I promised myself. I’ll do anything for you Harry”
“Are you sure?” asked Harry, looking between them “What about Teddy?”
“If you say yes, he gets the coolest big brother and godfather in the history of the world” Tonks grinned “And if you say no, he still gets the coolest godfather in the world” she saw the boy's shocked face “Need some time to think?” Harry shook his head.
“Yes please” he whispered
“Really?” asked Lupin
“Yes” Harry grinned “Yes” Lupin pulled Harry into a tight hug, holding him close. Tonks smiled and watched as the pair embraced, a warm happiness filling her body. Harry lifted his head from Lupin's shoulder and looked at her with tear filled eyes. He smiled and she winked, ruffling his hair with her hand. He laughed and they pulled away from the hug. Tonks stood and went to sit on the other side of Harry, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and feeling him lean into her embrace.
“So you’re truly okay with this?” asked Lupin, wiping his eyes
“Yes” nodded Harry “I’ve dreamt of this for my whole life”
“Oh Harry” Lupin smiled “Well, the paperwork is all there, we’ve just got to go to the muggle court and officially do it all” Harry nodded, before hiding his face in his hands again. Tonks met Lupin's eye and smiled sadly. She wrapped her arms around Harry and he leant into her body, letting the tears leave his body. Lupin shuffled closer and also held Harry, wrapping him up in their arms.
“I’m sorry” Harry mumbled a little while later, sniffing “I’m a mess at the moment”
“Its okay Harry” Lupin reassured him “We all are, but this is a very big change but it will all be okay”
“Can I come stay with you guys for a bit?” mumbled Harry
“Of course. You’re always welcome at ours. That room is yours”
“Thank you” Harry melted back into their embrace and they sat for ages until a patronus from Mrs Weasley appeared informing Tonks that Teddy was hungry again.
“Ahh dammit. He didn’t have a full feed this morning. Sorry Harry” she squeezed him tightly “Are you two coming down now?”
“In a bit” said Lupin “Give us another 10 minutes or so”
“Sure thing” she kissed Lupin and ruffled Harry’s hair “I’ll see you boys later” she smiled and walked off back towards the Burrow, a spring in her step and a smile on her face.
“Well he’s hungry” commented Molly with a laugh as Tonks was forced to eat one handed while Teddy continued to feed.
“Yes well, he pooped his pants majorly during his breakfast and clearly didn’t get his fill before he fell asleep again” Tonks rolled her eyes “The food is delicious Molly”
“Thank you dear” they were eating a simple pasta bake with salad but it tasted like heaven. Everyone had spread out to eat at their own pace and will. Tonks and Molly were sitting inside at the kitchen table while Arthur, Bill, Charlie and Fleur were outside eating together. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were still lying in the sun on their blanket, no intention of moving from the comfy place they’d created. Lupin and Harry were approaching the Burrow after doing a circle of the yard and George and Percy were still hiding up in their rooms, apparently not hungry. “Here come Remus and Harry, they took their time”
“They need a lot of catching up time,” Tonks smiled as the pair approached them. “I was about ready to eat your servings”
“Good luck with that with him in your arms” laughed Lupin, dishing up two plates for him and Harry, “Shall we go eat outside?”
“Sounds lovely” Mrs Weasley smiled “Are you okay to walk outside dear?”
“Rem, could you carry my plate please honey?” Lupin picked up his wifes food and they walked out to join the rest of the Weasleys. Harry quickly walked off to grab his best friends and bring them over to the table. Ron had clearly just woken up as he too now had flowers weaved through his hair, courtesy of his girlfriend and sister, who also both had flower crowns on.
“Harry said he had something to tell us” said Ron
“What's up?” asked Bill “Everything alright?”
“More than alright” smiled Harry “Can I tell them?” he looked at Remus and Tonks, who nodded encouragingly, keeping their mouths closed and letting Harry have his own special moment. “Uhh alright. Well… I’m gonna officially have parents again. Remus and Tonks are adopting me!”
“Oh Harry!” Mrs Weasley jumped to her feet and pulled Harry into a bone crushing hug, one that Mr Weasley soon joined. “Oh that's so wonderful dear. Oh I’m so happy” she wiped her eyes, releasing the boy who’s already messy hair was distinctly more messy, and his glasses askew. “Oh we’ve wanted to adopt you from the moment we met you, but we knew we couldn’t given you and Ginny… y’know”
“Thanks mum” Ginny grinned as she pounced on her boyfriend, tackling him in a hug as he stumbled.
“Congratulations Nymph, Remus” Charlie smiled at the couple
“Good on you” smiled Bill “Harry deserves this”
“He does” agreed Lupin, smiling as Harry was hugged by both Ron and Hermione
“Rem deserves this too” whispered Tonks to the two brothers “He’s doing it for James, Lily, and Sirius”
“They’re definitely up there celebrating” said Fleur “All of them” they all nodded. Fred’s name still couldn’t be said without a heavy silence and tears filling the room but they all knew who they were talking about.
“So, you get to be a brother Harry, good luck!” Bill clapped him on the back as he sat down to eat. “If you need any tips, let me know. I have a lot of experience”
“Mmph froo” came Charlie’s muffled voice through his mouthful of food
“Charles Weasley, manners” his mother scolded and he shrunk back in his seat
“Gross Charlie” mumbled Tonks, adjusting Teddy “But yeh, Harry gets to be the best brother and godfather ever”
They appeared back in their house in the late evening, having stayed at the Weasley’s for dinner as well. Harry had come with them, as well as Ginny, who wanted to stay with her boyfriend. Teddy was put straight to bed, and the two couples stood in the hall.
“Okay, we’re in here. If you need anything, even if its nothing, come and get us” Lupin looked at them “And if Teddy disturbs you, tell us”
“Thank you” Harry smiled
“Go to sleep, you look exhausted” Ginny hugged Tonks and Lupin tightly before retreating to Harry’s room. The couple was left with Harry who smiled at them.
“Thank you, so much, for everything. You’re amazing”
“It's the least we can do Harry, really” Lupin smiled “Just try get a good night's sleep and don’t hesitate to come get us for anything, please”
“Okay, thank you” he pulled them into a tight hug before standing in his doorway “Goodnight, thank you for everything”
“Anytime” Tonks winked and Harry went inside, closing the door. Remus wrapped his arm around Tonks waist as they walked down the hall to their bedroom, just as they reached it they heard a door open and a quiet voice call out “I love you guys” stopping dead in their tracks they saw Harry’s face poking out of his door, looking nervous.
“I love you too Harry” Lupin replied back, grinning
“I love you kiddo,” Tonks grinned. Harry waved with a smile and closed his door. Tonks looked at Remus’ who had stopped dead in his tracks. She gently led him inside the door and closed it. “Are you okay?” she whispered, her arms sliding onto his shoulders and around his neck, looking into his tear filled eyes. Her husband looked back and smiled.
“Yes. Yes I am”