The End
Chapter 29 - The End
The arrival of Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and Hagrid confirmed this later. Harry lay apparently dead in Hagrid’s arms. Remus’ heart caught in his chest, he had failed James, Lily, and Sirius. Remus was the last of them, and it was him who was supposed to take care of Harry, but he had failed. Remus’ heart leapt when he saw Harry struggling out of Hagrid’s arms, but soon lost sight of him as he covered himself under the cloak. There were sounds of cheers, but The Battle had resumed, Remus and Dora both dueling fiercely. The news of the godfather to their only son miraculously rising from the dead reignited their fighting spirit.
The Order, Dumbledore’s Army, and Hogwartians, whatever they were called, all fought valiantly. They did outnumber the Death Eaters, but their side was mainly a group of teenagers, hardly overage. There were several Death Eaters dueling more than one person at a time, Voldemort and Bellatrix to name a couple. But Harry’s side was relentless, although sleep-deprived, malnourished, and some even injured, they gave it their all. It was all a blur to Dora, but she noticed Bellatrix had finally met her end at the hands of Molly. Dora had never seen her like this, perhaps it was her maternal instincts coupled with the grief of losing one of her children.
Finally, it was all over, Harry held two wands in his hands, as Voldemort lay lifeless on the ground. Cheers, and shouts of joy filled the air as their side rushed towards Harry. The ones who didn’t, finished off the remaining Death Eaters, locking them up in the dungeons while Kingsley settled things at the ministry. He was named temporary Minister for Magic, although most of the wizarding world hoped it was permanent. It was over at last. Everyone else remained at the Great Hall, each of them desperate for Harry’s attention.
Remus and Harry were both lost for words when they saw each other, so they decided to hug instead. Each knowing what the other meant. Dora and Remus decided to escape the hustle and bustle of the Great Hall, so they walked to the lake instead, lying down in the shade of a beech tree which Remus one lay under with the company of The Marauders all those years ago. He was the last one left, he thought sadly, but he had Dora, and Teddy. Maybe in a few years time he would have even more children, but that could wait.
Dora was leaning against the tree trunk, Remus’ head in her lap as she stroked his grey-flecked hair. Their bodies were covered in dried blood, as well as a fair few cuts and scrapes here and there. But none of it mattered now, they felt like they could have stayed that way forever. Dora had sent a Patronus to her mother much earlier, informing her that they were alive. She had just gotten word back that her father had finally returned home.
Things were almost perfect, as they should be, the Tonks-Lupin family was now whole again. Dora even made Remus send his father word that they were alright too. And maybe he could come visit Teddy one of these days. They just remained there in silence, just enjoying the presence of each other. Peeves’ victory chorus could be faintly heard even from where they were.
Finally, after minutes or hours, Merlin knew, did Dora finally speak, breaking their silence.
‘Remus, love?’
‘Hmm?’ Remus had his eyes closed, although he was awake, ‘What is it sweetheart?’
‘Let’s go home, I think we ought to give mum and dad some time to get reacquainted,’ said Dora, still stroking his hair. ‘And I’m starting to miss the little one,’
‘Let’s go home Dora,’ said Remus, getting up.
Dora wrapped an arm around Remus’ waist, as he put an arm around her shoulder. They stopped by the Great Hall first, to say goodbye to their comrades first. Harry was nowhere in sight, but they would have time later. I’m sure he would love to meet his godson sometime soon. They made their way outside the Main Gates, where they turned on the spot, and disapparated with a pop. They could finally live the life they were meant to.
They arrived at the boundaries of the protective enchantments of her parents house. They walked hand in hand towards the house until Dora heard the sound of her father’s voice through an open window. She ran as fast as she could, bursting through the door and threw herself on him like she did all those times when she was little. Ted picked her off the ground as he swung her around their sitting room. Remus stood in the doorway smiling as he watched his wife and father-in-law. Ted looked so much thinner, and pale. But he was finally home, that was all that mattered.
‘Dad! I missed you so much, I can’t believe you’re home. Have you met our Teddy?’ said Dora, still hugging her father. She sounded like a little girl excited to see her father who had just come home after a long day at work.
‘I missed you so much too sweetheart, but I’m back now, okay. Of course I met the little tyke, he started bawling when I got home. Although I suppose it was your mother’s crying which caused that, not me’ said Ted with a smile.
Andromeda blushed slightly, it was obvious she had been crying, but given her situation, who wouldn’t.
‘Well come on over Remus, give your old man a hug,’ said Ted with an outstretched arm. Remus obliged. Although he was closer in age to Ted and Andromeda compared to Dora. Andromeda joined in the hug, and she kissed Remus on the cheek. Her family was whole again.
Once they broke apart, Remus and Dora made their way to their sleeping son. They both kissed him on the cheek, but were careful not to wake him. They were home now, and together again. Both of them didn’t know if they would live to see their only son again just a few hours ago, but thank Merlin, they did. Dora wrapped her arms around Remus’ waist as he put his arms around her shoulder. They just stood there watching Teddy sleep. The Tonks-Lupin family was finally free to live the lives they were meant to live. Although it would never be perfect, nothing else mattered as long as they had each other.