Together again
Chapter 15 - Together again
Remus was lost for words, so he decided to do the next best thing, he caught up with her before sweeping her off her feet, and carrying her in his arms. Dora gasped in surprise before Remus kissed her full on the lips. He could feel the tears on her cheeks, but was glad that she started to kiss him back. They broke apart after a few moments, and rested their foreheads against each other. Dora’s arms were wrapped around his neck. They heard giggles, they turned to the source to find a bushy brunette head, and a sleek ginger one disappear into the Gryffindor portrait hole.
‘What say you Nymphadora, will you take this big bad werewolf back?’
‘Yes you daft old man, and don’t ever call me that again!’
They both began to laugh, as Remus kissed Dora on the forehead. She missed everything about him, down to the tickle of his stubble as he kissed her forehead. They walked hand-in-hand all the way back to Dora’s flat, where they spent the next few days together. It was the next morning, Remus woke up earlier than Dora, he decided to make her breakfast. He had also been thinking about something else; the box containing the three rings, which was currently sitting in his cottage in Yorkshire. Is Dora the marrying type? Remus initially pegged her for the kind of witch who would prefer to just move in together with no fuss, or drama. But after what she said yesterday, he thought otherwise. Remus was a traditional wizard, if they were to live together, he’d want them to live together as husband and wife. He summoned the box, he didn’t really care if any muggle noticed, they'd probably think it's some funny looking bird.
Remus took out the engagement ring, he was highly skilled at transfiguration, so resizing it wouldn’t be a problem. He woke Dora up by smothering her with kisses while he stroked her hair. It was still mouse-coloured, but Dora was back to her usual, bubbly, clumsy, endearing self. She finally woke up with a sleepy smile.
‘Morning’ she mumbled, with her eyes half-closed.
Although Remus wore nothing but his shorts, he was suddenly feeling so hot, and began to sweat slightly, due to his nerves. He hoped Dora wouldn’t be able to hear his heart racing in his chest.
‘Dora, sweetheart...’ he began, ‘you told me yesterday not to call you Nymphadora ever again.’
‘Yeah…and?’ asked Dora, she was still barely awake, and not too keen in engaging in conversation.
‘Can I call you wife instead?’ said Remus, suddenly brave.
‘WHAT?!’ said Dora with a start, she was wide awake now.
‘Dora, will you make me the happiest man on the face of the Earth, and be my wife?’
Dora squealed, as she jumped on him, pushing him flat on the ground, thankfully her flat was carpeted. She straddled him as she kissed him all over his face.
‘YES! Oh Merlin, a million times yes Remus!’
Remus slipped the ring on her finger as she kissed him fiercely, this was truly the happiest moment of his life. Dora giggled as she looked at her ring finger, still straddling him. It was the perfect fit.
‘I’m going to be Mrs. Lupin,’ said Dora, giggling, while her cheeks flushed. It wasn't only her cheeks, but her hair too turned back to her favourite shade of pink.
‘I can’t wait to marry you sweetheart,' said Dora, as she lay on his chest.
‘Me too love,’ said Remus as he kissed her forehead, smiling ear to ear.
They lay in each other's arms, on the floor, their breakfast forgotten. It warmed Remus’ heart that Dora never took off the necklace he gave her the Christmas before last. She never gave up on me, he thought to himself. Dora couldn't wait to share the news with the Order, but they agreed to wait until after Dumbledore's funeral at least, and to only share it with a select few. Remus was still a werewolf after all, and Dora had crazy aunts who would love another excuse to kill her. It didn't matter to them, as long as they got to spend the rest of their lives together. This memory would be the one both of them summoned when conjuring Patronuses for a long time.
They stayed in Dora's flat for the next few days, just taking each other in, they never had the chance to do this before, mostly because of Order business, and Remus being a prat for almost a whole year. They decided on Remus moving in with Dora here, instead of Dora moving to Yorkshire. It would be easier for them since she was still stationed in Hogsmeade, and heaven knows Hogwarts would need all the protection it could get since their headmaster was killed in cold blood by someone they all knew and trusted. Although on the smaller side, it didn't matter, as long as they were together, and Honeydukes was only a stone’s throw away, much to Remus’ delight. He only left through the floo network to get some of his clothes from his cottage, although Dora preferred him in nothing but his boxers.
Remus was dreading the day of Dumbledore's funeral, he didn't want to accept the fact that the old wizard who played gobstones with him while they snacked on crumpets all those years ago was gone. Never in Remus' wildest dreams did he ever think that he had a chance at a normal childhood, but here he was engaged to be married to the witch of his dreams. He wished James and Sirius were here, they always told him he'd find love, but Remus never believed them. But maybe it wasn't such a bad thing Sirius wasn't here, he sure would have murdered Remus for breaking Dora's heart last year, and for everything else they had been doing since they got engaged.
Dora knew that the news of Dumbledore's passing hit Remus particularly hard, he was one of the first, who saw him as who he was, instead of his affliction. Although still sore about sending Remus to the werewolves, Dora decided to let it go. Dumbledore must have had his reasons. Dora was never really a breakfast person, but she woke up extra early to make Remus breakfast, she decided on chocolate chip pancakes to get their endorphin levels up before the funeral. She hated seeing Remus breakdown in the hospital wing on the day of Dumbledore's death, Dora wished she had comforted him then, but given the circumstances they were in, who would blame her.
Remus didn't say much that morning, but Dora understood why. He muttered a word of thanks as he kissed her good morning. They breakfasted in silence before making their way hand-in-hand to the castle. Remus was grateful to have Dora by his side, he wouldn't have been able to deal with the pain without her. Tears streamed down Remus face during the funeral, and Dora never let his hand go throughout. He didn’t have to be strong anymore, he had a shoulder to cry on now, someone who would be there for him, someone he could call his.
Once the funeral was over they spoke to Arthur, and Molly, announcing their engagement. They were simply thrilled, Molly even began to cry, but thankfully Arthur was there to comfort her. Bill was better now, and Fleur seemed completely unperturbed at his new appearance. There were hundreds of attendees at the funeral, Dumbledore was very highly regarded by many. Dora and Remus decided to visit her parents to share their news with them the next day. Remus was so nervous, sure they were nice to him as Dora's friend, but would their stance change once they found out they were engaged?
Thankfully, Dora's parents were delighted to hear about their engagement, Andromeda gave him a kiss on the cheek, while Ted clapped him on the back. Remus was so relieved. Dora insisted they visit his father too, to share the news personally instead of through a letter. Remus hadn't seen his father in years, deep down, Remus knew he hadn't forgiven himself for Remus' affliction. Lyall Lupin was absolutely delighted as his only son broke the news of his engagement, and was even more pleased when Remus told him that they were using his parents' engagement ring and wedding bands. Dora even made Remus promise that he’d write to his father more often from now on, and not only visit when he has life changing news to bear.