and you,what would you do for love?

You don’t bother to look up, eyes still fixed on the words in your book, more than happy to listen to the usual cascade of nonsense that follows James’ entrances.

“You made a fool of yourself?” Sirius asks, his tone flat and unimpressed, a look of mild exasperation on his face. On any other day, that guess would’ve been spot-on, but the fidgeting from James is relentless, and you can practically feel his excitement seeping into the room.

“I kissed Lily,” he says, a wistful tone in his voice. It’s then that you finally glance up, curiosity piqued. The expression on his face matches his words—a mix of pride and awe—and your lips curl into a smile, genuinely happy for him.

“That’s great, Prongs,” Sirius says with a grin before leaning in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “But if I’m right, I’m pretty sure you’ve done that before.”

“Pads is right, mate,” Remus adds, his voice soft but amused. You glance over at him, finding him in the same position as you—leaning forward slightly, his lips curled into a quiet smile.

James blinks, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, as if he hadn’t quite expected this reaction from his friends. But he shrugs, quickly recovering. “Yeah, but this time was different,” he says, his voice warming with enthusiasm as he paces the room. “It was a proper kiss! A snog for the first time. That's got to be special, admit it.”

Sirius raises an eyebrow, making a face that says it all—a mix of amusement and disbelief. He shrugs again, as if James’s excitement is lost on him. James deflates slightly, but it doesn’t last long before he turns toward Remus, eager for some support.

“You get it, don’t you, Rem?” he asks, his gaze intense but hopeful.

Remus opens his mouth, shuts it again, looking uncharacteristically flustered, the telltale flush creeping up his neck. He doesn’t even have the chance to respond before Sirius cuts in.

“Oi, don’t ask him,” Sirius says, teasing but with a hint of affection. “Our lovely Moony has no idea—fuck knows how.”

He says it like it's some sort of grand mystery, and as the words hang in the air, Remus’s gaze flicks over to you. The blush on his cheeks deepens just a shade, and you can feel the weight of his gaze before he quickly looks away.

Before you can process it, James spins toward you, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “What about you, sunshine?” he asks, a teasing lilt in his voice. “You must know.”

Heat rises to your face as you glance down at your lap, fingers nervously fiddling with the edges of your book. Usually, the lack of kisses in your life doesn’t bother you, but under the boys' scrutiny, it feels like the most embarrassing thing in the world.

“No… I—I haven’t…” you stammer, your cheeks burning. “Before.” Your eyes are firmly locked on your lap.

“Leave her alone, James,” Remus says, his voice quiet and soft. He’s aware that if he makes a big deal out of it, you’ll only feel more flustered and retreat further into yourself.

James raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay,” he huffs, clearly frustrated that none of you share his perspective. “Sorry,” he adds, offering you a grin. You nod absently, still trying to recover from the sudden rush of heat flooding your face.

“Right,” Sirius interrupts, slapping his knees as he stands. He turns to James with a grin. “I’m starving. Kitchens?” Without waiting for a reply, the two of them rush out of the room, their footsteps quickly fading away, leaving the common room in silence.

The only sound now is the soft rustling of pages as Remus returns to his book. But the words on the page blur in front of you, your mind fixated on the conversation that just unfolded. Confusion churns in your stomach, a burning insecurity settling deep in your chest as you replay the moment over and over.

You try to focus, but a question lingers, just on the tip of your tongue, like a secret you’re too afraid to speak. “Do you…” Your voice falters, barely above a whisper. The relief that washes over you when you realise your voice may have been too soft for Remus to hear is short-lived.

“Do I what, dove?” Remus hums, glancing over to you, his eyes soft with understanding. Clearly, you weren’t as quiet as you thought.

“Do you think it’s weird… to have never been kissed?” You can’t bring yourself to meet his gaze, but you realize that asking the question, though painful, is better than letting it fester inside you.

He pauses, watching you carefully, as though weighing his words. After a moment, he shrugs, though the blush creeping onto his cheeks again betrays him. “I don’t think so.” His voice is steady, and he seems to believe it. “I’ve never been either. It’ll happen when it happens, I think.”

His calm, judgment-free response gives you a sense of comfort, and you feel emboldened. The thoughts you've been bottling up surge to the surface. “What if, when it does happen, I mess it all up because I don’t know what I’m doing?” There’s a sharp, desperate edge to your voice now, a frantic urgency you can’t seem to contain.

Remus’s gaze softens even more, the gentle warmth of his presence wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. He sets his book down and shifts closer to you on the sofa, his voice quiet but filled with reassurance.

“You won’t mess it up,” he says, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’m sure everyone feels a bit awkward the first time. I think… I think it’s supposed to be a little weird. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about… well, figuring it out together.”

You turn your head to look at him, your heart unexpectedly skipping a beat at the sincerity in his words. There’s a certain calmness about Remus that makes everything feel more safe. The gnawing insecurity in your chest eases just a fraction, but it’s still there.

“I hope so,” you say softly, eyes drifting back down to your lap as you tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.

A silence settles between you two, but it’s not an uncomfortable one. Remus shifts next to you, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. You glance at him out of the corner of your eye, noticing the faint flush still lingering on his cheeks.

“Do you want to… practice?” he asks, so quietly that you almost don’t catch it, his voice barely above a whisper. But the words hit you like a spell, and for a moment, the world seems to stop spinning.

“Practice?” you echo, blinking at him in confusion. Your heart is suddenly in your throat, your palms growing clammy.

“Yeah,” he says, his voice a little steadier now, though the blush on his cheeks only deepens. “Like… you know, just so we both don’t mess it up when it actually happens. Maybe we could just… figure it out. Together.” He shrugs, an awkward, nervous smile tugging at his lips.

Your mind goes blank for a moment as the weight of his suggestion settles in. It sounds absurd, and yet, the more you think about it, the more it seems… right. After all, you trust Remus more than anyone else. You’ve spent countless hours together, quietly existing in each other’s company, but this is different. The air feels thicker, charged with a kind of energy you’ve never quite experienced before.

“Just… practice,” he repeats, like he’s trying to convince himself as much as you. “Nothing serious. Just… friendly. We’re friends, right?”

You nod slowly, your mouth dry as your gaze flicks back to him. “Yeah. Friends,” you repeat.

There’s a moment of stillness before you both shift slightly, the unspoken agreement hanging between you two. You can’t quite tell if it’s the nervous energy or something else, but when you finally look at Remus again, there’s a spark in his eyes—a flicker of something that seems to make the room suddenly feel smaller, warmer.

"Okay," you murmur, more to yourself than to him, as you sit up straighter. Your heart is racing now, but you can’t help the soft, nervous laugh that escapes your lips.

Remus turns toward you fully, a faint grin curling on his lips, though his expression is still a little sheepish. “Alright then. So… how do we start?”

“Um… I don’t know,” you admit, your own nerves suddenly rising again. “Do we… just… kiss?”

The word seems to hang in the air like a strange, foreign thing. But before you can spiral into embarrassment, Remus leans in slightly, his breath warm against your cheek.

“Yeah,” he says, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. “We just… kiss.”

And then, with an almost surreal kind of slowness, Remus’s face inches closer to yours. Your heart is pounding so loudly in your ears that you almost can’t hear anything else—nothing except for the sound of your own breath, and the slight shift in the air as your lips draw closer. You close your eyes just before they meet, a quiet shudder running through you.

The first touch of his lips against yours is hesitant, like a question. And then, slowly, it deepens, and you find yourself returning the kiss with more urgency than you expected, as if your body is doing things your mind hasn’t quite caught up with yet. The warmth of his lips, the softness, the slight pressure of his hand against your shoulder—it all feels so new, but so natural, like you’ve been waiting for this moment for longer than you care to admit.

When you both pull away, it’s like the world has shifted somehow. The air between you feels charged, and yet there’s still that soft, strange energy that’s been so familiar to you both. You blink at him, breathless and wide-eyed, and he does the same.

For a long moment, neither of you speaks. The weight of the kiss lingers between you, something you both feel but can’t quite name. Your heart races, a little faster than it did before, and you’re sure Remus feels the same way. The room feels even quieter now, the crackling fire the only sound to fill the space.

“I… I think that was better than I expected,” you finally say, your voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter whatever this moment is. You feel a little embarrassed, but mostly… amazed.

Remus laughs, a nervous chuckle, and rubs the back of his neck again. “Yeah, me too.” He glances at you, then looks away quickly, his face flushed a deep shade of red. His smile is hesitant but genuine. “You—uh, you didn’t mess it up at all. Not even close.”

You can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of your lips. “Good to know.”

You sit there, eyes meeting his once again, and for a brief, strange moment, the awkwardness feels like an old friend. Something comfortable. But something more too. The air between you both has shifted—there’s no denying it now.

Remus clears his throat softly, breaking the silence. “So… maybe… should we try again?” He says it carefully, almost as if he’s afraid of making things worse, but you can see the genuine curiosity in his eyes. A soft, playful tension fills the space between you two.

For some reason, the question feels different this time. It doesn’t feel like you’re fumbling or practicing anymore. It feels real.

“Yeah,” you answer, breathless again, but this time there’s no hesitation. There’s only the quiet certainty of something new blooming between you. When your lips meet again, it’s not hesitant this time. It’s familiar, tender, and there’s an unspoken promise there, a quiet connection that grows deeper with each gentle press of lips against lips.

The world around you disappears— no more uncertainty or awkwardness. Just the soft pressure of his lips, the warmth of his hand settling against your cheek, and the steady rhythm of your shared breath. There’s something slow and sweet about this kiss, something that feels like the beginning of something bigger.

When you finally pull away, it’s not the same as before. This time, when you open your eyes, you can’t help but smile—genuinely. You feel… different. And judging by the look on Remus’s face, he feels it too. His eyes are wide but soft, and the flush on his cheeks hasn’t faded at all, but it seems to suit him somehow.

“I think I get it now,” you murmur softly, “what James was talking about.” your voice barely above a whisper as you look at him. Remus simply nods, his lips curving into a small, private smile.

The mornings in your little home had become one of Remus’s favorite things.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting golden hues over the small but cozy living room. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the faint hint of parchment and ink from the scattered books Remus had left on the table the night before.

You were getting ready for work, dressed in your healer robes, hair tied back, sipping from your tea as you leaned against the counter. Remus sat at the small kitchen table, flipping through the Daily Prophet with a deep frown. Another rejection letter lay beside his plate.

“Nothing?” you asked softly, already knowing the answer.

Remus sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Not a single bloody thing. Even the shops in Diagon Alley won’t take me. Apparently, ‘full moons make me unreliable.’” His voice held a bitter edge.

You crossed the room and wrapped your arms around him from behind, pressing your cheek against his hair. “You are anything but unreliable.”

He exhaled sharply and turned his face to nuzzle against your arm. “I might have to start looking at Muggle jobs.”

You pulled back slightly, looking down at him. “That’s not a bad thing, Rem. Muggle jobs pay well too, and they won’t care about—” you hesitated, not wanting to say the word as if it would solidify the unfairness of it all.

“My ‘condition’?” Remus finished for you with a wry smile. “Yeah, I know. It’s just… frustrating.” He glanced at you. “You work so hard. I want to contribute too.”

You cupped his face gently, your thumb stroking his cheek. “You take care of me, Remus. You cook, you clean, you make sure I don’t pass out from exhaustion after my shifts—”

“That’s just because I like bossing you around.”

You laughed, rolling your eyes. “You love me.”

“That too,” he admitted with a smirk, tilting his head up to kiss you softly.

You lingered there for a moment, lips brushing, breathing in each other’s warmth. When you finally pulled back, you rested your forehead against his. “You’ll find something. I know it.”

He exhaled sharply, leaning back into your embrace. "I just don’t understand how they expect someone like me to survive. No wizarding employer will even consider me, and I can't exactly walk into a Muggle job and say, ‘Oh, by the way, I occasionally turn into a giant wolf once a month, but don’t worry, I take my potion.’” He let out a humorless chuckle. "Very employable, aren’t I?"

You kissed the top of his head, fingers threading through his hair in an attempt to soothe him. "You are employable, and you're brilliant. You just need someone to see it."

He sighed again, dropping the newspaper onto the table. "There’s a Muggle school hiring a literature teacher for younger kids. I know I could do it, but I have no idea how Muggle children work. Wizards barely make sense to me, and I was one."

You stepped around to face him, perching yourself on the edge of the table. "First of all, children are children, whether they're magical or not. You’ve already taught James, Sirius, and Peter how to use their brains occasionally, and that’s a miracle in itself."

That earned a small smirk from him.

"And second," you continued, reaching for his hands, "you love teaching. You were basically our second professor at Hogwarts, always tutoring people and making the most confusing things make sense. If they just give you a chance, they'll see what I see."

His thumbs brushed over the back of your hands. "And what do you see?" he asked, voice quieter now.

You smiled, squeezing his hands gently. "I see the smartest, kindest, most patient man I’ve ever met. The kind of man who could make any student fall in love with learning. You’re meant to teach, Remus. And if this school is willing to give you a chance, you should take it."

He let out a breath, eyes softening as he looked up at you. "You always make me believe in myself, even when I don't."

"That's because I know you," you said simply. "And I know you'll be amazing at this."

He let go of one of your hands, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear before cupping your cheek. "What would I do without you?" he murmured.

You leaned into his touch, your heart swelling. "You’ll never have to find out," you whispered before pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

He sighed against your mouth, his frustration momentarily melting away. "You know," he murmured when you pulled apart, "for someone who claims to love me, you sure do enjoy bullying me into doing things."

You laughed, nudging his knee with yours. "It's called encouragement, professor. Now, when’s the interview?"

Remus groaned, tilting his head back dramatically. "You're relentless."

"And you love me for it," you teased.

His lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah. I really do."

First and last day.

When Remus got home that evening, he barely had the energy to take off his coat before collapsing onto the couch with a long, exhausted sigh. His bag dropped onto the floor with a dull thud, and he ran a hand through his already messy hair, groaning softly.

You poked your head out from the kitchen, eyebrows raising at the sight of him sprawled out like he had just fought a battle. “Rough first day?”

Remus opened one eye to look at you, his expression somewhere between disbelief and defeat. “You have no idea.”

You bit back a smile, walking over to sit on the edge of the couch near him. “That bad?”

He groaned again, rolling onto his side to face you. “Worse. They never stop talking, they ask a million questions, and none of them are even about the lesson.”

You tilted your head, amused. “What did they ask, then?”

Remus sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Well, one boy raised his hand, and I thought—finally, someone is actually listening. But do you know what he asked?”

You shook your head, waiting.

Remus deadpanned, “‘Sir, why do you look like you got attacked by a bear?’”

You immediately burst out laughing, covering your mouth as you doubled over slightly. “Oh no,” you gasped between giggles.

“Oh yes,” Remus muttered. “And before I could even come up with something, another one shouted, ‘Yeah! And why do you always look so tired?’”

You were practically in tears now. “They ganged up on you?”

“Completely,” he confirmed, shaking his head. “It was a full interrogation. One kid even asked if I used to be a pirate.”

That sent you into another fit of laughter. “And what did you say?”

Remus sighed dramatically. “I told them I had a very aggressive cat growing up.”

You gasped. “You did not.”

“I did,” he admitted. “They seemed to accept it, though one of them told me I should’ve just given the cat away.”

You wiped at your eyes, still giggling. “You lasted a whole day. That’s impressive.”

Remus sat up slightly, looking at you with an exhausted expression. “I don’t think I can go back.”

You pouted playfully, reaching out to run your fingers through his hair. “Oh, but you must. What will the children do without their mysterious, battle-scarred professor?”

Remus groaned, but leaned into your touch despite himself. “They’ll survive.”

You smiled, tilting his chin up so he had to meet your gaze. “You’ll get used to them. And they’ll get used to you. Who knows? You might even like them.”

He sighed, running a hand up your arm. “I don’t know, dove. I might need a lifetime supply of chocolate to get through this job.”

You grinned, leaning in until your noses brushed. “Lucky for you, I happen to love a man who needs chocolate.”

He hummed, wrapping an arm around your waist to pull you onto his lap. “That right?”

“Very much.” you kissed the corner of his mouth, then whispered, “I’ll even get you some tonight.”

Remus sighed dramatically. “You’re the only reason I’m surviving this, you know.”

You smiled against his lips. “I know.”

And just like that, the weight of the day didn’t feel quite so bad anymore.

That same day you received the letters from Hogwarts, Remus nearly dropped his tea all over himself. He reread the parchment at least three times before looking up at you, eyes wide in disbelief.

“They offered me the Defense position.” His voice was quiet, as if he still wasn’t sure it was real.

You grinned, holding up your own letter. “And they want me as the new healer. Madam Pomfrey retired. Looks like we’re going back home, professor.”

Remus let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. “I can’t believe this.”

You took his hand in yours. “I can. You’re the best professor they could ask for. The students are going to love you.”

His fingers curled around yours, a slow smile tugging at his lips. “And you’re going to be the best healer Hogwarts has ever had.”

Back again.

Returning to Hogwarts was surreal. The castle hadn’t changed much, though everything felt smaller now that you weren’t teenagers sneaking through the corridors. The first few weeks were spent settling into your quarters—cozy rooms near the hospital wing with a fireplace and shelves already filled with books (thanks to Remus).

Classes started, and the students took to Remus quickly, fascinated by his knowledge and the way he made Defense Against the Dark Arts actually interesting. Meanwhile, you spent your days in the hospital wing, taking care of injured Quidditch players and students who had tried to hex each other in the hallways.

The best part, though, was that you were together.

Hogwarts felt just like it did when you were younger—except this time, there was no sneaking around. You walked through the corridors side by side, just like you used to.

One afternoon, you were walking toward the Great Hall when a group of students nearby started whispering and nudging each other.

“Professor Lupin?” One brave student called out, looking between the two of you.

Remus turned, raising an eyebrow. “Yes?”

The student hesitated before blurting out, “Are you two… married?”

A hush fell over the group, everyone waiting for the answer.

You smiled, slipping your hand into Remus’s just to watch him get flustered. “We are.”

The students gasped.

“No way!”

“That’s so weird! You’re both professors!”

“You mean you were actually Hogwarts sweethearts?”

Remus cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I wouldn’t quite—”

“He totally used to sneak out of the dorms to see me,” you cut in with a grin.

Remus groaned. “You don’t have to tell them everything.”

The students laughed, and one girl sighed dramatically. “That’s so romantic. You’re just like the couples in the books.”

A boy next to her made a face. “Ugh. Gross.”

Remus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright, everyone, off to lunch.”

As the students wandered off, still whispering excitedly, you nudged him with your shoulder. “See? We’re legends.”

Remus huffed but couldn’t hide his smile. “You love embarrassing me, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.” you leaned up to kiss his cheek before walking ahead. “Now, come on, professor. Let’s go get lunch before more students ask if we had our wedding in the Forbidden Forest.”

Remus chuckled, shaking his head as he followed you. Life at Hogwarts was going to be interesting, to say the least.

The routine quickly became your own little version of nostalgia. Just like when you were younger, Remus would find himself wandering into the hospital wing whenever he had a free period, leaning against the doorway as he watched you work.

The difference? Now, he didn’t need an excuse to be there.

One afternoon, you were restocking potions when you felt someone’s eyes on you. Turning around, you spotted Remus standing near the entrance, arms crossed and an amused smile playing at his lips.

“Professor Lupin,” you greeted, a teasing lilt in your voice. “Feeling ill, are we?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. Just figured I’d visit my wife.”

You smirked, setting down a bottle. “Your students will start thinking you’re in love with me or something.”

Remus chuckled, walking closer. “Oh, the horror.”

You leaned against the counter, giving him a playful look. “I should start charging you a fee for all these visits.”

“And what would that fee be?” he asked, tilting his head.

Without hesitation, you grabbed the front of his robes, pulling him down just enough to steal a quick kiss.

The moment your lips parted, a chorus of gasps erupted from behind them.

You turned your heads to see a group of students staring, some giggling, others looking downright scandalized.

“Professor Lupin just got kissed!”

“In the hospital wing! By Madam Lupin!”

Remus groaned, covering his face with his hand. “Merlin, you’re going to make me get expelled.”

You just grinned, completely unbothered. “Oh, relax. They need to see what true love looks like.”

A younger boy next to you made a face. “Bleh. Adults in love. Gross.”

Remus cleared his throat, straightening his robes. “Alright, alright, enough of that. Off you go.”

As the students left, still whispering among themselves, you turned to him with a smirk. “You’re so flustered.”

He sighed, shaking his head with a helpless smile. “You have no shame.”

“None.” you looped your arms around his neck. “And you love it.”

He wrapped his arms around your waist, resting his forehead against yours. “I do.”

You stood there for a moment, wrapped up in your own little world.

“Wait,” you said softly, a nostalgic look in your eyes.

He arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”

You glanced around the hospital wing, your gaze landing on one of the old patient beds near the corner. “Just remembering something.”

Following your eyes, Remus immediately understood. His grip on your hand tightened slightly.

“That bed,” he murmured. “That’s the one I always ended up in after full moons.”

You nodded, smiling softly. “And I was always right beside you.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I still don’t know how you convinced Madam Pomfrey to let you stay the whole day.”

You smirked. “I have my ways.”

He gave you a knowing look. “You pestered her until she gave in, didn’t you?”

You grinned. “Of course.”

Remus sighed, looking at the bed with a faraway expression. “You were always there. Even when I told you not to be.”

You squeezed his hand. “You never actually wanted me to leave, though.”

“No,” he admitted, turning to look at you. “I didn’t.”

You smiled, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. “You’d come covered in blood, and try to convince me you were fine, that you just fell down the stairs.”

He groaned, resting his forehead against yours. “Merlin, I was insufferable.”

“You really were.” you laughed. “But I didn’t mind. I liked taking care of you.”

Remus lifted his head, cupping your cheek. “And now you don’t have to anymore. Because of you, my full moons aren’t nightmares anymore.”

You softened, placing your hand over his. “I love that I get to sleep next to you instead of watching you suffer in that bed.”

He kissed your forehead, lingering there for a moment. “You saved me back then, dove.”

You tilted your head, teasing. “So, I get all the credit?”

He chuckled. “Alright, fine. Madam Pomfrey helped a bit.”

You gasped, swatting his arm. “A bit?”

He laughed, catching your hand and kissing your knuckles. “You were my favorite nurse, though. Still are.”

You sighed dramatically. “Well, I should hope so. Otherwise, I’d have to find another husband.”

His grip tightened around your waist. “Not a chance.”

You giggled, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you.”

He smiled against your lips. “I love you more.”

As you stood there, wrapped up in each other in the middle of the hospital wing, the memories of the past blended seamlessly with your present.

No more pain, no more suffering—just you, together, as it was always meant to be.

Finally, you pulled back, patting his chest. “Alright, professor. You should get going before McGonagall catches you loitering in my hospital wing.”

He sighed dramatically. “Fine. But only because I have a class to teach.”

As he turned to leave, you called out, “Don’t miss me too much!”

He glanced back with a smirk. “Too late for that.”

You smiled as you watched him go. You had everything you ever wanted—each other, Hogwarts, and a love that had only grown stronger with time.

Something is different.

The past few weeks had been… different.

Remus couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about you had changed.

At first, it was subtle. You were more tired than usual, curling up against him at the end of the day with a little sigh, like just existing had taken more effort than it should. Then came the hunger—you were always hungry, always snacking, and with the strangest cravings. And perhaps the most curious thing of all… your scent had changed. It wasn’t drastic, but it was enough for him (well, the wolf in him) to notice, and it was driving him mad trying to figure out why.

But you had your own theory.

“I think I might be coming down with something,” you announced one evening, flopping onto the couch beside him.

Remus, who had just sat down with a book, immediately closed it and turned to you with concern. “You’re sick?”

You hummed, stretching your legs across his lap. “I don’t know. I’ve just been so tired lately. And hungry. And my body feels weird.”

He frowned, placing a warm hand on your shin, his thumb absently rubbing circles against her skin. “You should go to the hospital wing tomorrow, get yourself checked.”

You groaned dramatically, burying your face in the throw pillow. “I work in the hospital wing, love.”

“Yes, and that means you should know better than to ignore your own health,” he pointed out, giving you a pointed look.

You peeked up at him, grinning. “Look at you, so responsible. Such a good husband.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Flattery won’t distract me. You’re seeing someone tomorrow.”

“But I don’t feel sick,” you whined, wiggling until you were practically draped across his lap. “I just feel… off.”

Remus glanced down at you, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the ends of your hair. “You’ve been off for a while now, dove. And if you’re not sick, then what is it?”

You sighed. “Maybe it’s stress. The school year’s been busier than usual, and I’ve been on my feet all day. That has to be it, right?”

He hummed, unconvinced. “Maybe.”

Your eyes flicked to his face, studying him. “You don’t believe me.”

“I believe something is going on,” he admitted. “And I’m going to take care of you until we figure it out.”

You smirked. “Oh? And how exactly do you plan on doing that, Professor Lupin?”

He smirked back, leaning down to kiss your forehead. “First, I’m going to make sure you eat something real instead of just biscuits. Then, I’m going to put you to bed early—”

You gasped dramatically. “Early? How dare you.”

He chuckled. “And then, I’m going to cuddle you until you fall asleep.”

You sighed dreamily. “Okay, fine. That actually sounds nice.”

He grinned, proud of himself. “See? I know what I’m doing.”

You poked his chest. “Only because you like taking care of me.”

Remus kissed the tip of your nose. “I love taking care of you.”

And he meant it. Whatever was going on with you—whether it was stress, illness, or something else entirely—he would be there.

Always.

Unexpected news.

You spent the whole day in a daze.

It was real. The spell was never wrong. And yet, you kept repeating it over and over in your head, trying to convince yourself.

You were pregnant.

Your hands had trembled when you first saw the golden glow of the spell confirming it. Your heartbeat had raced, your breath had caught in your throat, and for a few minutes, you had just stood there, staring at the bathroom mirror in the hospital wing, completely and utterly frozen.

You weren’t even trying. You both never thought you could.

The knowledge of werewolves and fertility was practically nonexistent. No one had ever told Remus he could have children. And now…

Now, you had spent the entire day trying to figure out how to tell him.

You could hardly concentrate during work. Every time you saw a student, you imagined what your child would look like. Would they have Remus’s eyes? Your smile? Would they be bookish like their father or dramatic like you?

It was overwhelming. And terrifying. And exciting.

By the time you got home, you had made up your mind.

Remus was already waiting for you, sitting in the living room with a book in his hands. But he wasn’t reading—his eyes flicked up the second you entered, scanning your face carefully.

“You’ve been acting weird all day,” he said immediately, closing the book and setting it aside.

Your heart pounded. “Weird?”

His lips twitched slightly, but there was concern in his eyes. “Yes, weird. I know you too well, dove. Something’s going on.”

You inhaled deeply, then held out the little box in your hands.

Remus blinked at it, puzzled. “What’s this?”

“Just… open it.”

His brow furrowed as he took the box, lifting the lid carefully.

Inside, there was a tiny knitted sweater—cream-colored, impossibly soft, with little buttons down the front. It was far too small for him, or for you.

Remus stared at it.

For a long moment, he didn’t react. Just… stared.

You held your breath.

His fingers ghosted over the fabric, his brows knitting together. “…Is this for a cat?”

You snorted. “No, Remus.”

His frown deepened. “Then… why is it so small?”

You bit back a smile. “Because it’s not for us, love.”

He blinked again, eyes flicking from the sweater to your face. You could see the gears turning in his head, the slow realization beginning to creep in.

And then he froze.

His entire body went still. His breath caught.

His wide, golden-brown eyes locked onto yours.

“…No,” he whispered.

You grinned. “Yes.”

“No,” he repeated, as if saying it again would make it less true.

“Yes,” you said again, laughing softly.

“But—” He shook his head, his voice weak. “I—we—I didn’t even think I could—”

“I know,” she said, kneeling in front of him, placing your hands on his knees. “But you can.”

He still looked utterly lost. His fingers curled around the tiny sweater like it was some fragile, impossible thing.

“…We’re having a baby?”

You nodded, smiling, your heart swelling at the way his voice had cracked slightly. “Yeah. We are.”

Remus exhaled sharply, as if all the air had been knocked from his lungs.

Then, slowly—so slowly—his lips parted in something between a laugh and a gasp, his hands running over his face before he looked back at you with so much emotion in his eyes that it nearly made you cry.

He cupped your face, his thumbs brushing over your cheeks.

“You’re sure?” he whispered, like he was afraid to believe it.

You nodded again, placing your hands over his. “One hundred percent.”

His breath shuddered out.

And then he laughed.

It was quiet at first, just a soft, disbelieving chuckle. But then he was full-on laughing, his arms wrapping tightly around you as he buried his face in your shoulder.

You laughed too, hugging him just as tightly. “You’re going to be a dad.”

He pulled back, shaking his head in awe. “Merlin, I—” He ran a hand through his hair, still grinning. “I can’t believe this.”

You pressed a kiss to his lips. “Believe it.”

He exhaled a breathy laugh, looking down at your stomach, then back up at you. “We’re having a baby.”

You nodded.

Remus let out a long breath. Then, in a voice filled with pure, unfiltered wonder, he whispered, “We’re having a baby.”

And the way he said it—so soft, so amazed—made your heart melt completely.

Remus had always been good at keeping his emotions in check. He had spent a lifetime doing it—learning to keep his feelings under control, to stay composed, to never let himself get too lost in things he wasn’t meant to have.

But this? This was different.

He sniffed, quickly rubbing his sleeve over his eyes as if that would somehow hide the tears that had already welled up. His hands were still cradling your face, his thumbs brushing over your cheekbones, his gaze flickering between your eyes and the little space between them where your child now existed.

“You’re crying,” you teased, your voice full of warmth.

He let out a weak chuckle, shaking his head. “I’m not crying.”

“You are,” you insisted, grinning. “You never cry. But now you are.”

Remus huffed, rolling his eyes. “Merlin, you’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you married me.”

He laughed at that, leaning forward to press his forehead against yours. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I did.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck, holding him close. “You love me.”

“I do love you.” He kissed your temple, his voice quieter now, softer. “So much.”

You stayed there for a moment, just holding each other, letting the reality of everything settle around you.

And then, without a word, Remus pulled back slightly, his hands finding your waist. Slowly, he knelt down in front of you, his fingers resting lightly on the fabric of your shirt.

You felt your breath catch.

His warm hands splayed gently over your stomach, his thumbs tracing absentminded circles against the soft fabric.

And then—carefully, hesitantly—he pressed a kiss to your belly.

Your heart clenched.

Remus lingered there for a moment, his lips brushing against your skin through the fabric of your shirt, his breath warm, his touch reverent.

When he pulled away, he exhaled a soft, breathy laugh, as if he still couldn’t quite believe it.

“I don’t even know what to say,” he admitted, looking up at you. His expression was full of wonder, his eyes bright. “I didn’t think this was possible.”

You reached down, running your fingers through his soft hair. “Neither did I.”

He let out another quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Merlin, we’re going to be parents.”

You smirked. “You are going to be a dad.”

His brows lifted. “And you are going to be a mum.”

“Obviously,” you said with a grin. “That’s usually how this works, love.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Merlin help this child if they inherit your attitude.”

You gasped, shoving his shoulder lightly. “Rude.”

“Accurate,” he teased, standing up again.

You huffed, crossing your arms. “You’re already making dad jokes. This is dangerous.”

He grinned, wrapping his arms around your and pulling you close. “It’s only going to get worse from here.”

You rolled your eyes dramatically, but then softened, resting your head against his chest.

For a long time, you just stood there, wrapped up in each other.

And then, you looked up at him, smirking. “You really cried.”

Remus groaned. “Dove—”

“You never cry, but this time, you did—”

He groaned louder, hiding his face in your shoulder. “Are you ever going to let this go?”

You grinned, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Not a chance, love.”

Getting ready.

Remus was sitting cross-legged on the floor, furrowing his brows at the instruction manual in front of him as if it had personally wronged him. The half-built crib stood before him, a few wooden panels already in place, though there was a pile of screws beside him that he had definitely forgotten to use somewhere.

You sat beside him, legs stretched out, absentmindedly running your hand over your baby bump as you watched him struggle.

“You look like you’re in a duel,” you teased, biting back a grin.

Remus sighed dramatically, rubbing a hand over his face. “I swear, if James Potter can put up a crib, then I can put up a crib.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Love, I hate to break it to you, but James didn’t put up the crib. Sirius did.”

Remus froze, blinking at you. “…What?”

You tried not to laugh. “Yeah. He gave up halfway and Sirius had to finish it. Lily said it was painful to watch.”

Remus groaned, tilting his head back. “Oh, bloody hell.”

You giggled, reaching out to grab one of the screws he had set aside. “Maybe you should just let me—”

“No,” he cut you off immediately, gently taking the screw from your hand and setting it back down. “You are not lifting a finger.”

You rolled your eyes. “Remus, I’m pregnant, not dying.”

“I know that,” he said, fixing you with a look. “But you’re carrying our child, and I don’t want you straining yourself.”

You smirked. “Then maybe you should just let me build the crib, because at this rate, our child will be graduating from Hogwarts before it’s done.”

He scoffed. “That’s not true—”

You gestured toward the half-assembled mess in front of him. “Love, the bottom part is upside down.”

His eyes flickered to the crib.

He went silent.

“…No, it’s not,” he muttered, though it very obviously was.

You snorted. “Rem, you have to let me help.”

“No,” he insisted, reaching for the screwdriver. “I am going to be a responsible father, and that means putting up this bloody crib even if it kills me.”

You leaned your head against his shoulder, grinning. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

He huffed. “I’m not adorable, I’m frustrated.”

“You’re frustrated adorably,” you countered, kissing his cheek.

Remus tried not to smile, but the slight blush on his face gave him away.

“Fine,” he relented with a sigh. “You can supervise. But that’s it.”

You beamed. “Deal.”

He exhaled, shaking his head before turning back to the crib. “Alright. Let’s try this again.”

And so, with you giving him playful commentary and Remus grumbling about how he would not be outdone by James Potter or Sirius Black, you spent the next hour slowly piecing the crib together.

It was, without a doubt, the most dad mode Remus had ever been in. And you loved it.

“You know,” you started, your voice dripping with mischief, “it’s really attractive watching you try so hard.”

Remus let out a breath, gripping the screwdriver tightly. “You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”

You bit your lip, trying to suppress a laugh. “Me? Mocking you? I would never.”

He narrowed his eyes at you. “Dove.”

“What?” you said innocently. “I swear I’m just admiring my handsome, capable husband.”

He snorted. “Right. That’s why you’ve been giggling every time I mess up?”

“Well,” you shrugged, a teasing glint in your eye, “it’s just… I never thought I’d see the great Remus Lupin losing a battle to furniture.”

Remus groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “This is worse than a Defense class.”

Yoy grinned. “Are you saying you’d rather be dodging curses than putting up this crib?”

“Honestly?” He threw his hands up. “At least curses make sense.”

You laughed, leaning your head against his shoulder. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Says you,” he shot back, nudging you playfully.

You gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me? I am not dramatic.”

Remus turned to you slowly, raising a very pointed eyebrow.

You blinked.

“…Alright, maybe a little dramatic,” you admitted, holding your fingers close together.

Remus chuckled, shaking his head as he reached for another screw. “I don’t know why I expected anything else.”

You smirked. “You married me, love. You chose this.”

“And yet, somehow, I still didn’t choose to have a wife who makes fun of me while I struggle.”

“Oh, please,” you scoffed, leaning back on your hands. “You love that I make fun of you.”

He paused, looking at you out of the corner of his eye. “…Maybe.”

You smirked, proud.

Remus sighed, turning back to the crib. “Anyway, let’s focus, yeah? If I don’t finish this thing, our baby will have to sleep in a drawer.”

You giggled. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing. I mean, Harry spent his first year sleeping in the middle of James and Lily”

Remus groaned. “Merlin, don’t remind me. James still loses his mind over it.”

You hummed. “Speaking of James, should I just call Sirius and ask him to finish this for you?”

Remus whipped his head toward you. “Absolutely not.”

You laughed at his horrified expression. “But love, Sirius has experience—”

“I refuse to be outdone by Sirius Black at anything,” Remus interrupted, determined. “That man will never let me live it down.”

You were fully laughing now. “You sound so competitive.”

“I am not competitive,” he muttered, screwing another piece into place. “Only against Sirius.”

You watched him, feeling something warm settle in your chest. He was so serious about it, so determined to get it right.

You reached out, brushing his hair back from his face. “You know, you’re going to be an amazing dad.”

Remus’ hands stilled. He turned to you, something soft and almost shy in his eyes. “…You think so?”

You smiled, cupping his cheek. “I know so.”

His lips twitched into something small but overwhelmingly affectionate.

Then, without another word, he leaned in and kissed you.

It was slow, tender, and so impossibly full of love that you melted into him completely.

When he pulled away, he exhaled, resting his forehead against yours.

“…Alright,” he murmured, voice still laced with warmth. “I’ll finish the crib. But only because my beautiful wife believes in me.”

You grinned, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. “Good choice, love.”

And with that, Remus Lupin—determined husband, future father, and newly competitive carpenter—went back to work.

Old fears.

Remus sat on the edge of your bed, his head in his hands. The dim candlelight flickered against the walls of their quarters at Hogwarts, casting long shadows across his face. He hadn't spoken in a while, which was rare for him—usually, no matter how worried he was, you could pull him out of it. But this time felt different.

“Alright, spill it,” you said, turning your head to look up at him.

Remus blinked. “What?”

“You’ve been acting weird, love.” you poked his chest lightly. “So tell me what’s going on in that brilliant, overthinking head of yours.”

His jaw tightened for a moment, and you could see him debating whether or not to brush it off.

But then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “…I just—” He hesitated, eyes flickering down to your belly. “I’m scared.”

You softened immediately. “Of what?”

Remus inhaled slowly, as if saying it out loud would make it real. “…Of the baby being like me.”

Your brows knitted together. “Like you?”

“A werewolf,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.

You felt your heart ache.

“Love…” you sat up properly, facing him, taking his hands in yours. “What brought this on?”

You waited, patient as ever. You knew he needed time, that he had to sort through his thoughts before he could say them out loud.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, shaking his head. “It just—hit me the other day. There’s no record of werewolves having children. No one knows what that means.” His fingers tightened slightly around yours. “What if—what if our baby is born with this? What if they—” His voice caught, and he swallowed hard. “What if they go through what I went through?”

You took a deep breath, your hands squeezing his gently.

“If that happens,” you said, your voice steady, “then there’s no better person to take care of them than you.”

Remus let out a breath, almost a scoff. “You say that like it’s nothing.”

“But it is,” you insisted. “Because no matter what, this baby will have you. And there is no one in this world better suited to guide them through it.”

Remus exhaled slowly, staring at your intertwined hands. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It is easy,” you said. “Because I know you, Remus. And I know that you’d love this baby with everything in you, no matter what happens.”

He let out a humorless chuckle, rubbing a hand over his face. “You always see the best in everything.”

You took his hand, intertwining your fingers. “No, I see you in everything. And I know that no matter what happens, this baby is going to have the best father in the world.”

Remus let out a slow breath, squeezing your hand. “You don’t understand,” he murmured. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if our baby is going to be—like me. If they’ll have to—” He stopped himself, swallowing hard. “I don’t want them to suffer.”

You reached out, cupping his cheek. “And they won’t. Because they’ll have us. You, me, and all the love in the world. If our baby is a werewolf, we will teach them. We will make sure they grow up knowing they are loved, that they are not a monster. Just like I’ve spent years reminding you.”

Remus inhaled deeply, trying to let your words sink in. But the weight in his chest didn’t fully lift. “And what if it’s more than that? What if my blood—my curse—hurts you or the baby before they’re even born?”

You took both his hands this time, looking him straight in the eyes. “Remus Lupin, you are not a curse. You are my husband. The man I love. The father of my child.” you brought his hand to your stomach, pressing it gently against where the baby was growing. “And nothing, nothing, is going to take you away from us.”

His fingers trembled against your skin, but he didn’t pull away. He could feel the warmth of you, the steady rhythm of your breath, and even though the baby wasn’t big enough for him to feel any movement yet, he knew they were there.

A lump formed in his throat. “You really believe that, don’t you?”

You nodded, your eyes full of certainty. “With everything I have.”

He let out a shaky breath, leaning forward to rest his forehead against yours. “I don’t deserve you.”

You smiled, brushing a kiss against his lips. “You do. And this baby does too.”

For the first time in weeks, Remus allowed himself to believe you. Maybe—just maybe—things would be okay. Because no matter what, you had each other. And that had always been enough.

Hope.

The cottage was filled with the soft glow of candlelight, flickering gently against the walls as the night stretched on. It had been hours—long, exhausting hours—but finally, finally, the room was filled with the softest, most beautiful sound Remus had ever heard.

A baby’s cry.

His breath caught in his throat, his entire body going still. The exhaustion from staying by your side, holding your hand, whispering reassurances, melted away in an instant.

Madam Pomfrey, steady and sure as always, was the one to make the announcement.

“It’s a girl,” she said, her voice warm with something bordering on pride.

Remus let out a shaky laugh, running a hand over his face as he tried to process it.

A daughter.

He turned to you, exhausted but glowing, your hair damp with sweat, your breathing still uneven from the effort. And yet, despite it all, you were smiling. A soft, tired, beautiful smile.

Your fingers trembled as Madam Pomfrey gently placed the tiny, wriggling bundle into your arms.

And just like that, the world shifted.

Remus swallowed the lump in his throat, leaning in closer.

“She’s so small,” he murmured, as if speaking too loudly might startle her.

You let out a breathy laugh. “Well, she did just spend nine months inside me. Not much space in there.”

He huffed a quiet chuckle, but his eyes never left the baby’s face. He could barely see her—just the softest hints of features beneath the blankets, tiny fingers curling instinctively.

“…Do you want to hold her?” you asked, tilting your head to look at him.

Remus hesitated. His hands, usually so steady, suddenly felt clumsy and too big. He was covered in scars, rough around the edges. He wasn’t sure he should be the first person to touch something so delicate, so new.

But you didn’t give him a choice. You carefully lifted your daughter towards him, placing the tiny bundle into his arms before he could protest.

And just like that, Remus Lupin—scarred, battered, who had spent his entire life believing he would never deserve something like this—held his daughter for the first time.

He felt like he couldn’t breathe.

“She’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

You smiled sleepily. “Of course she is. She’s ours.”

Remus traced the pad of his thumb gently across her impossibly small hand.

“…We have to name her.”

You let your head rest back against the pillows, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. But there was no hesitation in your voice when you spoke.

“Hope.”

Remus froze. He looked at you, stunned.

You smiled softly. “There’s no better name for her.”

Hope.

His throat felt tight again, his chest full to the point of bursting. Hope was his mother's name.

The room was quiet now, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the tiny, occasional whimpers coming from the small bundle in Remus’ arms. Madam Pomfrey had left some time ago. The labor had been long, exhausting, but now, in the peaceful glow of the evening, nothing else mattered. Hope was here. Your daughter. Your perfect little girl.

Remus sat on the edge of the bed, his back slightly hunched as he cradled the newborn close to his chest. You lay beside him, exhausted but smiling as you watched them. Your eyes heavy with fatigue, but you had never looked more beautiful to him.

His heart felt too full, like it could burst at any moment. He had imagined this moment over and over again—had feared it, had dreamed of it—but now that it was real, now that he was looking down at his daughter’s tiny face, all he could do was stare.

“She’s so small,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as if speaking too loudly would wake her.

You let out a tired chuckle. “That tends to happen with newborns.”

Remus huffed out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. “No, but—Merlin, she’s so small.” He shifted slightly, bringing Hope closer, pressing the softest of kisses to her forehead. “And she smells… human.” His voice cracked on the last word.

You smiled knowingly. “I told you she would be okay.”

He let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes for a moment. “I know. I just—” He opened them again, looking back down at the tiny, perfect face staring up at him. “I was so afraid.”

You reached up, brushing your fingers gently through his hair. “Not anymore, though. Right?”

He swallowed hard, nodding. “Not anymore.”

Hope let out the softest little sigh, curling slightly against his chest, and Remus felt something deep inside him shatter in the best way possible. He had never known love like this. A love so pure, so overwhelming, that it physically hurt.

He pressed another kiss to her tiny forehead, then one to her tiny nose, then another to her cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered, his eyes flickering back to you.

You blinked sleepily. “For what?”

He shook his head in disbelief, his arms tightening just a little around Hope. “For her. For loving me. For giving me something I never thought I’d have.” His voice cracked again, and he let out a breathless laugh. “For making me the happiest man alive.”

Your expression softened as you reached out, taking his free hand in yours. “You make me happy, too.”

Remus brought your hand to his lips, kissing your knuckles gently before whispering against them, “I love you. So much.”

You gave him a sleepy, contented smile. “I love you, too.”

Hope stirred slightly in his arms, and he instinctively rocked her, shushing her gently. She settled again, tucking her tiny hand against his chest, and Remus swore right then and there that he would do everything to protect this little girl.

He would be the best father he could be. He would give her a childhood full of warmth, of laughter, of safety. He would make sure she always knew just how loved she was.

And most of all, he would spend the rest of his life proving to his wife and daughter that he would never, ever take them for granted.

The night stretched on in a peaceful haze. Your home, which had always been a place of warmth and comfort, now felt fuller—complete. Hope was almost sleeping in Remus’ arms, and he had yet to put her down. He couldn’t. Every time he tried, he just ended up staring at her again, marveling at the way her tiny fingers curled into fists, the way her little chest rose and fell with each delicate breath.

You had finally given in to sleep. But not before Remus had whispered how much he loved you between every kiss he pressed against your forehead, your cheeks, your lips. You had smiled, murmured something about how unfair it was that he was still so handsome even after hours of stress, and then promptly dozed off, your hand still resting lightly on his arm.

Hope was looking at him.

Not fully, not with any real focus, but there was something there. Like she knew exactly who he was.

“Well, you certainly have your mother’s charm, don’t you?” he murmured, shifting slightly so she rested more securely against him. “Already making me feel like I’d do absolutely anything for you.”

Hope made a soft noise, something between a sigh and a squeak, and he chuckled quietly.

“Oh, you agree with that, do you?” His voice was soft, filled with something warm and unfamiliar. “Just a few hours old and already running the house. Just wait until your mother hears about this.”

He glanced toward the bed, watching your steady breathing. You were curled up beneath the blankets, completely at peace, and he felt his heart clench in the best way.

“…She’s amazing, isn’t she?” he whispered to Hope, rocking her gently. “You’re very lucky, you know. You have the most incredible mum in the world.”

Hope made another little noise, shifting slightly in his arms.

“I know,” he sighed, glancing back down at her with a small, lopsided smile. “I still don’t understand how I got so lucky either.”

He traced the back of one finger against her tiny fist, watching as she tried—tried—to keep her eyes open.

“I suppose you take after me in that way,” he continued, his voice a low murmur. “I can never sleep properly either.”

Hope blinked up at him, her eyelids fluttering.

Remus huffed a quiet laugh. “You’re trying, aren’t you? Trying to stay awake and listen to me ramble.” He tilted his head, considering. “I’ll warn you now, I do that a lot. Your mum says I have a soothing voice, but personally, I think she’s just too stubborn to admit she likes hearing me talk.”

Hope made another tiny sound, her fingers twitching.

“Oh, I see how it is,” he teased. “You’re already on her side.”

She wriggled just a little, settling deeper against him, and he sighed, his expression softening.

“…You know, I was terrified,” he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “When we found out about you. I didn’t know if I’d be good enough, if I’d be able to protect you. I still don’t know. But I promise, I’m going to try. Every single day.”

Hope gave one last determined attempt at keeping her eyes open, but she was losing the battle. Her tiny fingers loosened slightly, her breathing evened out, and Remus watched in quiet awe as she drifted off completely.

His daughter.

He exhaled slowly, pressing the softest kiss to the top of her head.

“Sleep well, love” he murmured. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

He shifted slightly, carefully positioning her so she rested more securely against his chest. He wasn’t planning on sleeping tonight—he didn’t want to sleep. Not yet. Not when he had a lifetime of catching up to do with the daughter he never thought he’d have.

He traced gentle circles on her back, his voice dropping to a soft whisper.

“I hope you know how lucky you are,” he murmured. “Your mother is… well, she’s the best person I know. And you, my darling girl, you are the greatest gift I’ve ever received.”

Hope yawned, her tiny mouth opening wide before settling again, and Remus felt something in his chest tighten.

He bent down, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. “You’ll never have to wonder if you’re loved, Hope. Not for a second.”

He had spent his entire life believing he wasn’t worthy of love. That he was a monster. That he would always be on the outside looking in.

But now, sitting here in the dim glow of their bedroom, with his wife sleeping peacefully beside him and his daughter safe in his arms, Remus Lupin finally understood.

He was loved.

He was enough.

And he would spend the rest of his life making sure they knew how much he loved them in return.

Home.

The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the windows of your cozy home, casting a golden hue over the wooden floors. Laughter echoed through the house as Remus sat cross-legged on the floor, his three-year-old daughter, Hope, sitting in his lap, clutching one of her favorite storybooks in her tiny hands.

“Again, Daddy!” she insisted, turning her big brown, inquisitive eyes up at him.

Remus chuckled, smoothing down her messy curls—curls that were a perfect mix of his and yours. “Sweetheart, we’ve read The Little Hippogriff three times already,” he said with amusement. “I think even the book is getting tired.”

Hope pouted dramatically, sticking her bottom lip out in a way that was far too reminiscent of you when you wanted something.

“Please?” she pleaded, batting her long lashes at him.

Remus sighed in mock defeat, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Merlin help me, you’re too cute for your own good,” he murmured before opening the book again.

Hope giggled, snuggling closer to him. “Mummy says the same thing.”

“Of course she does,” he muttered playfully.

Just then, you walked in from the kitchen, a fond smile on your face as you watched the two of them. You had spent the afternoon brewing Remus’ wolfsbane potion, ensuring that everything was ready for the full moon tomorrow. It was a routine you had fallen into easily—one that Hope had grown up with, never once fearing it.

“Still reading the same book?” you asked, crossing your arms and leaning against the doorway.

Hope beamed. “Daddy does all the voices!”

Remus rolled his eyes but smirked. “She refuses to listen unless I make the hippogriff sound very dramatic.”

You laughed, walking over and pressing a kiss to his temple. “That’s because she’s got a taste for theatrics. Wonder where she gets that from?”

Hope tilted her head. “From you, Mummy?”

You grinned. “Absolutely.”

Remus chuckled, closing the book and lifting Hope into his arms as he stood. “Alright, little one, time for a snack. You wore Daddy out.”

Hope gasped. “But you’re a big daddy! You don’t get tired!”

He kissed her cheek. “Trust me, darling, with you around, I definitely get tired.”

Hope giggled, wrapping her small arms around his neck. She was an absolute daddy’s girl through and through. She wanted him to tuck her in at night, hold her hand when she was nervous, and she always wanted to sit in his lap during storytime. If Remus left the room, she’d call after him. If he came home after a long day, she’d come running.

And, of course, she had already figured out what he was.

As Remus carried her into the kitchen, she rested her head against his shoulder. “Tomorrow’s the full moon,” she said matter-of-factly.

Remus and you exchanged a glance. She had learned quickly.

“That’s right, sweetheart,” Remus said gently, placing her in her chair at the table.

Hope hummed thoughtfully, swinging her little legs. “Mummy’s gonna give you the yucky potion.”

You laughed as you placed a plate of fruit in front of Hope. “It’s not yucky, baby. It helps Daddy stay himself.”

Hope scrunched her nose. “It smells funny.”

“That’s because potions aren’t meant to taste good, darling,” Remus said, sitting beside her. “But it keeps me safe, and it means I can stay in bed with you and Mummy instead of in the forest.”

Hope nodded. “You don’t scare me, Daddy.”

Remus’ breath caught. You smiled softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

“I know, love,” Remus said, brushing her curls back. “But I am still a wolf when the moon is full.”

Hope tilted her head, frowning. “You’re my daddy.”

Remus swallowed hard. Merlin, how had he gotten so lucky?

You smiled. “That’s what I always tell him, too.”

Hope grinned, clearly proud of herself. “Mummy’s right!”

Remus chuckled, shaking his head. “She usually is.”

Hope stuffed a piece of fruit in her mouth, chewing happily. Then, after a moment, she asked, “Daddy?”

“Yes, love?”

“Can I pet you when you’re a wolf?”

Remus blinked in surprise. You snorted.

“Well,” Remus said, exchanging a look with you, “I suppose… if you’re careful.”

Hope gasped, eyes lighting up. “I can?”

You arched an amused brow at him. “Just don’t let her ride you like a little broomstick, love.”

Hope gasped again, looking between you excitedly. “Can I?!”

Remus groaned, dropping his head to the table while you burst into laughter. “Absolutely not.”

Hope pouted, clearly disappointed, Remus lifted his head. “Nice try, little one. I may be a big wolf, but I am not your personal broomstick.”

You chuckled as you sat beside them, shaking your head in amusement. “You know she’s going to try, right?”

Remus sighed dramatically, reaching for an apple slice. “Yes, and that’s what worries me.”

Hope grinned cheekily, stuffing another piece of fruit into her mouth.

Later that evening, after dinner, the three of you were curled up together in the living room. The fire crackled softly in the fireplace, casting warm golden light across the room. Hope sat in the middle of the couch, snuggled up between both of you, her tiny hands wrapped around a stuffed wolf Sirius had given her for her birthday.

Remus had a book open in his lap, but Hope was far more interested in him than the book. She reached up, her small fingers tracing over the faint scars on his face.

He chuckled softly. "You’re just like your mum, you know that?"

Hope giggled. "Mummy does this too?"

You, curled up on Remus’s other side, smiled. "All the time. Your daddy has the most interesting face."

Remus huffed, amused. "That’s a very kind way to say scarred beyond recognition."

Hope, her little brow furrowing, shook her head. "No, Daddy. Your face is the best."

His heart nearly melted right then and there.

She kept poking at his scars, her tiny fingers soft against his skin. "Does it hurt?"

"Not anymore, love," he murmured.

Hope studied him with the same serious expression she always had when she was thinking very hard. "You’re like a real-life storybook, Daddy. You have adventures."

You snorted. "Oh, he has adventures, does he?"

Hope nodded, completely serious. "Yes. But not like Uncle Sirius’s adventures. His are bad adventures."

Remus laughed. "Thank Merlin you understand that already."

Hope reached up and patted his cheek gently, as if comforting him. Then she shuffled closer, resting her tiny head against his chest. "I like your wolf."

His arms instinctively tightened around her. "You do, do you?"

Hope nodded sleepily. "Mhm. Mummy says you're a soft wolf. Not scary."

"That's because Mummy is very smart," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

You smirked. "That’s the first correct thing you’ve said all day."

Remus rolled his eyes but he was smiling.

Your little routine continued as usual. Hope insisted that Remus be the one to carry her upstairs, despite the fact that she was perfectly capable of walking. Not that Remus minded—he loved the way she curled up against him, small hands clutching onto his robes as he carried her to bed.

After carefully tucking Hope into bed, Remus sat beside her, brushing her soft curls from her face. She was already half-asleep, but she still managed to grab onto his hand, her little fingers curling around his.

"Stay, Daddy," she mumbled sleepily.

His heart clenched. "Just for a little while, darling."

Hope smiled in her sleep, content, and within moments, her breathing evened out. Remus stayed there for a long time, just watching her. The moonlight streamed through the window, making her features glow, and he could hardly believe she was real—this little person, his daughter.

A warm hand touched his shoulder.

"Come to bed," you whispered softly.

He turned to look at you, and even in the dim light, you were beautiful. He reached for you, pulling you close. "Just give me another moment," he murmured.

You smiled, understanding. "You’ll fall asleep in her bed again."

"I won’t," he promised. "This time."

You raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

With one last gentle kiss to Hope’s forehead, Remus finally stood, taking your hand and leading you out of the room. He closed the door quietly behind you before pulling you into a warm embrace right there in the hallway.

You melted into him immediately, resting your head against his chest. "You know," you murmured, "I love watching you with her."

He smiled, pressing a kiss to your hair. "Do you?"

"Mhm," you hummed, tilting your head up to look at him. "You're such a good dad, Rem."

His arms tightened around you at that. He still wasn’t used to hearing it, but every time you said it, it settled something deep in his heart.

"I just… I want to be," he admitted quietly. "For her. For you."

"You are," you promised, reaching up to trace his jaw. "And do you know what else?"

"What?" he asked, amused.

You smirked. "You’re also my very handsome husband, and I think you need a proper goodnight kiss."

Remus chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, do I?"

"Yes," you whispered, already leaning up on your toes.

He didn’t hesitate, meeting you halfway, capturing your lips in a slow, lingering kiss. You sighed against him, your hands tangling in his hair, and for a moment, the whole world melted away.

When you finally pulled apart, Remus rested his forehead against yours.

"You always do this to me," he murmured, smiling. "Turn my brain to absolute mush."

You grinned. "I have that effect on you, huh?"

Remus huffed a laugh. "Dove, you have every effect on me."

You beamed, absolutely delighted. "Good. That’s exactly how it should be."

Remus let out a soft chuckle, brushing his fingers along your cheek. “You know, tomorrow night, I’ll probably wake up with Hope curled up next to me in wolf form again.”

You smirked. “Mmm, and you love it.”

He sighed dramatically. “Unfortunately, yes.”

You laughed, pulling him towards the bed. “Come on, big bad wolf. Let’s get some sleep before your little shadow wakes us up at sunrise.”

Remus followed you without hesitation, wrapping himself around you as you settled in for the night. With you in his arms and your daughter safe in the next room, he had never felt more at peace.

—— 🌙 ——

A note from the author:

Hello my beautiful people!

This took a long while, I know, blame law school for it.

This is officially the last part. This story has a special place in my heart, I loved writing all the ten parts.

I tried my best to put up the most special moments between them, how their story developed since Hogwarts and how it shaped the rest of their lives. And of course, after much time, they came back to the place they started it all, it's a full circle!

Remus being a girl dad was just meant to be. I could not see this Remus being anything else. He was made for it. He was always so caring and loving with his wife, and now he is much more with their daughter. Hope came to make Remus never doubt himself anymore.

Anyways, thank you so so so much for the love this story received, for all the comments, for all the reblogs and mentions of it in other lists.

See you in my next stories!

With love, Izzy! 🤍

It was hard to put into words and much less definable for him or you. Or maybe it was easy to convince yourself that; despite sharing everything from kisses to Transfiguration notes, Remus never was really the type to talk about his feelings. Not to you at least. You always wondered if the Marauders knew anything about what you two shared.

But when you were with him, just the two of you—all of what this could mean faded into the background. It was easier to just watch him walk to you like a sailor drawn in by a siren song, a coy smile on his scarred face as he grabs your hand and you both walk further into the Forbidden Forest simply tethered together for a moment in time.

“Let’s go before the others catch us, yeah?”

Of course, when you were in Remus’ company, he always made sure it was just that—only you two.

Sunlight peeked through the leaves in the trees overhead, shining on the golden brown of his hair that fell over his eyes like a halo as he watched you smiling up at him instead of focusing on the path you were walking on. 

“Watch your step,” he chuckles, pulling you against his side as you trip on a stray branch. Remus notices that the forest echoes with your happiness—all he wants to do is drink it in. So as soon as your hands wrap around his waist to steady yourself, his lips are on yours. With the way he kisses you so feverishly you swear you’d let him suck you dry. His lips are slightly chapped, latching onto yours as if you’d soothe them with your own—a salve that he can keep in his pocket for moments like this when the pit in his stomach that gnaws at his insides need healing that an Episkey or any Bruisewort balm can’t fix.

His attachment to you was unhealthy, Remus knew that—but Godric, there was no making sense of it when he was too busy pressing himself against the softness of your body.

Your heart is beating out of your chest by the time you pull away—almost jumping out of your throat and for a moment you’re scared that he’d be able to hear it. There’s a desperation in the way you look at him that always leaves you breathless. Only he could have this much power over you, and he wrangles it with a tenderness that makes you believe he might want to be yours, only sometimes, in moments like these.

“We won’t make it to the water if you don’t stop,” you tease, and he groans dramatically as you tug him by the wrist toward the lake’s edge. It was far enough out of sight from the grounds for a bit of privacy, but easy enough to fall into without it being too deep. One by one, your articles of clothing drop to the rocks at your feet, and when you turn to look for Remus he’s already staring down at you, observing the curves of your hips. 

“Don’t be weird,” you mumble, hiking up the straps of your panties up higher as you gaze at him over your shoulder. Remus is stripped down to his boxers, spring air whipping through the cotton fabric, making you giggle when he holds it down like a skirt billowing in the wind. His frame is lithe and his posture quite ill—you’ve told him countless times to fix the crick in his neck when he pours over the books he reads, to no avail. Scars litter his skin in reckless abandonment, much like how he got them, you suppose. You've never pressed him for information about his past, too focused on trying to be his present. Lean muscle ripples as he crosses his arms–to hide away from the intensity of your staring and as he always does best—Remus deflects.

“You’re acting like I haven’t seen it all already,” he shakes his head, pulling at one of your bra straps as he passes and it ricochets against your skin with a sharp snap. He proceeds to toss himself oddly into the water only after seeing your brow furrow. Remus loves the reactions he can pull out of you—instinctual, like breathing. The splash sends the water up to your knees.

“Come on, cariad! We came here to swim, didn’t we?”

And you’re shaking, adrenaline pumping through your veins at the sight of Remus Lupin smiling at you as he wades through the water, looking like a wet dog and you think that if you keep this jig up long enough you could fall in love with him.

How frightening is it, to look at someone and want to immortalize them in that moment—as he reaches out for your hand to pull you deeper into the water, the fear dissipates the further you both go. Your feet barely touch the ground, arms slung around his shoulders as you hang on for dear life, giggling as he spins you, the both of you bobbing like a restless buoy. Remus is resting his cheek against your chest and his smile is imprinted on your skin and you know that whenever you think of springtime at the Black Lake, you’ll remember this exact memory.

“I’m scared to let go of you,” you say with such honesty that your voice wavers as you look into eyes that are as green as the forest behind him—there’s something in them that reflects off the water, a feeling simmering below the surface that you try to chip away at, “What if I go into the deep end?”

Remus is laughing now, ever so sweetly that the sound rumbles against your collarbones, rattling your ribcage as he holds on tighter. Your legs wrap around his waist loosely at the junction of his hips and it makes you wonder how you two have always fit so perfectly.

“Do you really think I’d let you go?”

Moments like these were special, just like what you two shared, whether either of you wanted to say it aloud or not.

Whether it was allowed, or not.

The two of you always made the most of it before reality could come crashing down like a tidal wave. By the time you both set yourselves out to dry, your hands were pruny, wrinkled, and still interlocked with one anothers. Remus leads you over the moss-covered rocks, a subtle smirk on his face as you squeal, slipping on algae, clinging onto him like a lifeline and he revels in the feeling of being strong for someone, being what you need, even if just for this moment.

You’re slower than him while you both get dressed, trying to savor even just a few more minutes of him, linen sticking to damp skin and he tosses his sweatshirt at your head—the thunk echoes in the silence of the trees when you catch it. 

“Dry up properly, lovely. Don’t want you getting sick.” 

Shrugging it over your shoulders, you take a moment to sniff it—old books from the library, medicinal mint, and Honeydukes chocolate. It feels warm from baking in the sunlight, or hugs he gives you when no one else is around.

“Did you have a good day, handsome?” 

His cheeks redden when you call him that, as if it surprises him each time you do, “I always have a good day with you,” he licks at his lips, thumb on your chin as he pulls you in for another kiss. You always let him, and that might be why he likes kissing you so much.

Your mouth is warm and soft, lips slanting against his own and you pour yourself into him—so much that he feels how badly you want this to work. Your hands press against his chest, and he thinks you have to be resuscitating him by doing this—a kiss of life can be the only explanation for why he’s so disoriented by your touch.

Remus forces himself to pull away with a staggered breath.

“I’ll catch you later, alright? Am late to meet the boys, already. Owl ya,” he scratches the back of his neck with one hand, hair damp and sticking out in odd directions—you run your hands through it and he tries not to preen, taking in a gulp of air and the scent of your skin, salty and sunlit. 

You look like his idea of a perfect day, he thinks, holding your face in his large, rough hands.

“Yeah, okay.”

Remus lets go of you, slowly—its a struggle to do so. He turns around, flexing his hands as he sticks them in his pockets and walks back to Hogwarts without waiting for you. Girls like you must be why this forest is forbidden, he swallows, because there are many moments that Remus is convinced he’s made you up in his mind.

Moments with him always felt special even if they were always a secret. Even if you'd always feel stupid after.

And you’re left standing there alone, with your feet muddy as you bend down to pick up your shoes, wondering if the rapid heartbeat of his that you felt under your fingertips was a warning bell with your name on it.

—

You frowned, your gaze lingering on the fresh scar just above his eyebrow. Without thinking, you brushed a few strands of hair away and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of the wound. His skin was warm beneath your lips, radiating both the fever of healing and the exhaustion of survival. “I’m sorry,” you whispered.

“It’s not your fault, dovey,” he murmured back, eyes still closed, breathing shallow.

“But it is,” you sighed, your voice cracking under the weight of guilt. Your fingers found his hand, lacing through his as your thumb sought out the steady beat of his pulse—a quiet reassurance that he was still here. Still breathing. “I shouldn’t have gone with Lily and Dorcas earlier. I should’ve been there when—”

“Stop,” Remus cut in gently, squeezing your hand to pull you out of the spiral. His amber eyes opened, hazy but sincere, locking onto yours. “You know it’s not your fault. These things… they happen. I’ve been dealing with this my whole life, yeah? Tonight was just a rough night, nothing you could’ve prevented.”

But you couldn’t shake the ache in your chest. Couldn’t stop the image of him curled on the hospital bed, covered in fresh scars that would never fully fade. You bit your bottom lip, emotions swirling, and brought his hand to your lips, pressing a tender kiss against his knuckles. “I’m still sorry.”

He chuckled, though it came out more like a breathy exhale. “I’ll get Madam Pomfrey to kick you out if you don’t stop with all this guilt,” he teased, squeezing your hand again. His eyes softened. “Besides… you’ll be here to help me afterwards, yeah?”

“Of course, Rem,” you nodded, voice thick with emotion.

He smiled—small, tired, but genuine—and tilted his head just enough to look at you properly. His gaze narrowed playfully until you finally cracked a smile, the tension in your shoulders easing just a little. Heat bloomed across your cheeks, the weight of worry momentarily lifted by his warmth. Remus shifted again, letting out a slow sigh as he tried to settle his battered body. You reached up to run your fingers through his tousled hair once more, the rhythmic motion calming both of you.

“Think you’ll be able to attend classes by Monday?” you asked softly. “We’ve got those tests in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

He hummed thoughtfully, leaning into your touch like a cat basking in the sun. “We’ll see… Might just have to fake my way through them. Not like Flitwick hasn’t seen me half-asleep in class before.”

You glanced at the old clock hanging above Madam Pomfrey’s office door and sighed. “You should rest,” you murmured, though the last thing you wanted was to leave him.

“Dovey,” he mumbled, voice low, “you need to get to bed, too.”

You nodded reluctantly, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead. His skin was warm, his pulse steady beneath your fingertips. “Do you want me to bring anything tomorrow? A change of clothes, books… chocolate?”

“Just yourself,” he grinned, eyes fluttering shut. “The boys already made grand plans to raid my side of the dorm for me.”

“Figures.” You rolled your eyes but smiled. Squeezing his hand one last time, you whispered, “Goodnight, Rem.”

“Night, love.”

As you slipped out of the hospital wing, the cool corridors of Hogwarts seemed colder than usual, the stone walls echoing with your thoughts. You kept replaying the night in your head—the ache in his voice, the scars on his skin—and you hoped, with everything in you, that he wasn’t downplaying the pain.

Remus spent most of the weekend recovering, pushing through the stiffness and soreness until, by Sunday afternoon, he managed to hobble out of bed with his cane, taking slow, measured steps. You stayed by his side every moment you could, abandoning weekend plans with the girls without a second thought. James and Sirius, of course, had already tried to rope him into plotting pranks, but Remus waved them off with a lazy grin. Next time, he promised. For now, he just wanted quiet.

The two of you ended up by the Black Lake, settling beneath the sprawling branches of a tree that overlooked the shimmering water. The late afternoon sun dipped toward the horizon, casting streaks of gold and pink across the sky. Remus lay back with his head in your lap, eyes closed, his breathing even as you idly ran your fingers through his hair.

“Did your dad make this?” you asked softly, tracing the intricate carvings on his wooden cane. The designs were delicate, swirling patterns framing his initials at the top—R.J.L.—surrounded by tiny etched stars.

“Yeah,” Remus nodded, opening his eyes halfway. “He started working on it after… after he realized how much I was struggling to walk after full moons. Didn’t say much—just handed it to me one morning.”

Your fingertips brushed over the stars, heart tugging at the thought of the quiet, steadfast love behind each carved detail. “It’s beautiful,” you murmured. “And it suits you.”

He chuckled, the sound vibrating softly against your leg. “I’ll owl him that. He’ll be pleased someone appreciates his handiwork.”

The two of you fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of the lake and the distant calls of students on the castle grounds. Remus turned his head slightly, letting the fading sunlight warm his face. For a moment, you saw beyond the scars and fatigue—to the boy who loved books, who smiled despite the weight he carried, who found peace in the little things.

“Help me up?” he asked after a while.

“Of course.” You shifted, careful as you helped him sit up. His muscles tensed under your hands, but he didn’t complain. Steadying him, you passed him his cane. He gripped it firmly, testing his balance.

“Thanks, dovey,” he murmured, his gaze catching yours. There was gratitude in his eyes—deep, unspoken, and profound.

You smiled, falling into step beside him as you wandered back toward the castle, the horizon painted with the colors of the setting sun. Whatever challenges lay ahead—tests, pranks, full moons—you’d face them together. Always.

The following week passed in a blur of classes, missed notes, and whispered conversations between you and Remus when Madam Pomfrey wasn’t hovering over him. By Tuesday morning, he was finally released from the hospital wing—still sore, still leaning on his cane, but stubbornly insistent on returning to classes despite your protests.

“Professor McGonagall’s going to have my head if I miss another Transfiguration lecture,” he grumbled as you walked beside him, his pace slow but determined. “Besides, I’ve already got Sirius taking notes for me. Not that I can read half of his scribbles.”

You snorted. “You’d have better luck asking a Hippogriff to write in cursive.”

Remus chuckled, the sound warming your chest. Even with dark circles still under his eyes and his movements careful, it was good to see him returning to his usual self—sarcastic comments, fond exasperation at his friends, and all.

By Wednesday afternoon, he was exhausted. You could see it in the way he slumped against the library table, one hand lazily turning the pages of Advanced Defensive Spells, the other propping up his head.

“Rem,” you whispered, nudging his leg under the table. “You’re not going to absorb any of that if you’re half-asleep.”

“M’fine,” he mumbled, though his eyelids drooped.

“You’re reading the index,” you pointed out.

He blinked down at the book. “…Shit.”

Smiling fondly, you reached over and closed it for him. “Come on. Fresh air might wake you up.”

Reluctantly, he let you tug him away from the library and out toward the Black Lake. The March wind was crisp, biting at your cheeks, but the sky was clear—a perfect gradient of pale blue bleeding into amber as the sun started its slow descent. You walked in comfortable silence, his arm occasionally brushing against yours.

“Here,” you said, guiding him to a familiar spot near the small cliff overlooking the water—the same place you’d been the weekend before. The grass was still damp, but neither of you cared. Remus sat with a quiet sigh, stretching out his legs as you settled beside him.

“I don’t deserve you, you know,” he murmured after a long pause, voice soft and a little too serious.

You turned your head toward him. “Where’s that coming from?”

He shrugged, gaze fixed on the shimmering surface of the lake. “I know how hard this is for you. Worrying. Waiting around for me to pull myself back together after every full moon. Most people wouldn’t bother.”

“Well, I’m not most people,” you replied, nudging his shoulder. “And you don’t get to decide what I can handle.”

His lips quirked into a half-smile. “Stubborn.”

“Pot, meet kettle,” you shot back, and he laughed—really laughed—head tilting back, eyes crinkling. It was a sound you wished you could bottle up and keep forever.

Falling into a companionable quiet again, you watched as the sun dipped lower, casting golden ripples across the lake. Seagulls cried overhead, distant and fleeting.

“You know,” you started, tracing random patterns in the grass, “I don’t stay because I have to. I stay because I want to, Remus. You… you matter to me. Scars and all.”

He went still beside you, the weight of your words settling between you like a warm blanket. Slowly, cautiously, his hand found yours in the grass. Fingers entwined, familiar and safe.

“I’m lucky to have you,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.

“And don’t you forget it,” you teased, though your cheeks burned.

The sky bled into a soft lavender as the first stars began to peek through. Remus leaned against you, his head resting on your shoulder. “This… this helps,” he murmured. “Being with you. Makes it easier to breathe.”

You smiled, resting your head against his. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

The wind picked up, sending ripples across the lake and rustling the trees behind you, but neither of you moved. For now, the world could wait.

Here, in this quiet pocket of Hogwarts grounds, with his hand in yours and the stars beginning to glow above, everything felt… right.

And you’d hold onto that feeling—for him, for you, for as long as it took.

The past few days had been… odd.

Remus was acting strange.

Not in a bad way—if anything, he was more affectionate than usual, constantly tucking you close to his side, pressing random kisses to your temple, and looking at you like you were the best thing that had ever happened to him. Which, in all honesty, you kind of loved.

But he was also sneaking around.

And Remus Lupin was a terrible liar.

“Alright,” you said, crossing your arms as you cornered him in the library. “What’s going on?”

Remus blinked up at you, feigning innocence. “What do you mean?”

You narrowed your eyes. “Oh, don’t you dare try to act clueless, Lupin. You’re up to something.”

His ears turned pink. “I—what? Me? Up to something? Pfft, that’s ridiculous.”

You raised a brow. “You’ve been whispering with the boys every time I walk into a room, Lily keeps giving me knowing looks, and you nearly jumped out of your skin when I caught you writing in your notebook yesterday. You never hide things from me.”

Remus swallowed, looking anywhere but at you. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, love.”

You gasped dramatically. “Oh Merlin, you’re actually lying to me.”

“I’m not lying—”

You poked his chest. “You are! You’re the worst liar, Remus Lupin!”

“I am not—”

“You so are! You do this thing where you scratch the back of your neck—”

He immediately stopped scratching the back of his neck.

You smirked. “Aha! Caught red-handed!”

Remus groaned, covering his face with his hands. “I hate that you know me so well.”

You giggled, reaching up to pry his hands away. “Come on, just tell me what you’re planning.”

“No.”

“Remus.”

“Nope.”

You sighed dramatically. “You’re cruel. This is cruelty.”

He laughed, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead. “Patience, dove.”

You huffed. “You do realize I will figure it out, right?”

He smirked. “Not if I ask James to hide all your detective novels.”

You gasped. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would.”

“You monster.”

Remus chuckled, looping his arms around your waist. “Just… trust me, alright? It’s nothing bad. Just something I want to get right.”

You sighed, resting your forehead against his. “Fine. But if you take too long, I will take matters into my own hands.”

He grinned, kissing your softly. “I’d expect nothing less from you.”

And with that, he escaped before you could question him further.

He still had work to do.

The following days only made you more suspicious.

Remus was still sneaking off with the boys, still whispering in hushed tones whenever you entered a room, and now, even Lily was in on it.

You tried everything to get it out of him—puppy-dog eyes, playful threats, bribery with his favorite chocolates—but nothing worked.

Remus Lupin was a terrible liar, but when he was determined to keep a secret? He was infuriatingly stubborn.

Which was why you were currently slumped over the Gryffindor common room couch, dramatically groaning into a pillow.

“Why are men?” you whined.

Lily snorted from the chair across from you. “I assume you mean Remus.”

You lifted her head, pouting. “He’s hiding something, Lils.”

Lily gave you an infuriatingly knowing look. “Maybe he just wants to surprise you.”

You narrowed your eyes. “You know, don’t you?”

Lily only sipped her tea, looking far too smug.

“Oh, Merlin,” you groaned, flopping back onto the couch. “First the boys, now you? I’m losing.”

Lily chuckled. “Patience, dear”

You huffed. “That’s what he keeps saying.”

Lily smirked. “Then maybe you should listen.”

You were about to throw a pillow at her when the portrait hole swung open and in walked Remus, looking slightly winded, his uniform a little rumpled.

And Sirius, grinning like a maniac.

Oh, this was suspicious.

Sirius clapped Remus on the back. “Alright, Moony, you’re all set. Now go get your girl—”

Remus shot him a look. “Shut up, Pads.”

You sat up immediately. “Go get your what?”

Sirius smirked. “Your girl, obviously.”

Remus pinched the bridge of his nose. “I hate you.”

Sirius only wiggled his brows. “You love me.”

Remus sighed and turned to you, looking nervous but also determined.

You stared at him, heart racing. “Remus?”

He took a breath, then held out his hand. “Come with me?”

Your stomach flipped. “...Alright.”

You let him take your hand, casting one last suspicious glance at Sirius and Lily—both of whom were grinning like idiots—before following Remus out of the common room.

Whatever he was planning… you had a very strong feeling that you were about to find out.

Remus led you through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, his hand warm around yours. He was nervous, you could feel it in the way his grip tightened slightly, in the way his thumb traced absentminded circles against her skin.

You wanted to ask but something in his expression stopped you.

Instead, you let him guide you up a staircase, down a hallway, and finally to a familiar wooden door.

The Astronomy Tower.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Remus glanced at you, then hesitated. “Close your eyes?”

You narrowed your eyes playfully. “Are you going to push me off the tower?”

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Not this time.”

You giggled but obeyed, closing your eyes as he pushed the door open and led you inside.

“Alright,” he murmured, stopping behind you. “You can look now.”

You opened your eyes—and gasped.

The Astronomy Tower, already one of the most beautiful places in Hogwarts, had been transformed into something straight out of a dream.

A thick, cozy blanket was spread out in the center, surrounded by enchanted candles floating in the air, casting a soft, golden glow. A few pillows were scattered on the blanket, along with a basket—probably filled with food, knowing Remus—and a thermos of what you hoped was hot chocolate.

But what really caught your attention was the sky above—clear, open, vast, the stars twinkling like tiny diamonds.

It was breathtaking.

You hand flew to your mouth. “Remus…”

He scratched the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “D’you like it?”

You turned to him, eyes wide. “Like it? Remus, this is—this is beautiful.”

His shoulders sagged in relief. “Good. That’s… that’s good.”

You turned back to take it all in, still in awe. “Did you do all this?”

Remus chuckled. “I had some help.”

You smirked. “Sirius?”

“Mostly James, actually,” he admitted. “Sirius just told me not to mess it up.”

You laughed, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the blanket. “Well, you haven’t.”

You sat down together, and as soon as you were settled, Remus reached into the basket and pulled out a familiar-looking bar of chocolate.

Your eyes widened. “Remus, is that—”

He smirked. “My favorite chocolate? Yes. And before you ask, yes, I’m sharing.”

You gasped dramatically. “You must love me.”

At that, his face turned serious.

You blinked. “Remus?”

He took a breath, then took both of your hands in his. His thumbs traced over your knuckles, his expression soft but determined.

“There’s something I need to say,” he murmured.

You tilted your head. “What is it?”

He hesitated for a fraction of a second before looking her straight in the eyes.

“I love you.”

“I know I’ve said it before,” he continued, voice steady, “but I need you to know how much I mean it. How much you mean to me.”

Your fingers curled around his. “Remus…”

He shook his head, a small, almost nervous smile playing on his lips. “Let me say this, dove.”

You nodded, heart pounding.

Remus took another breath, then spoke.

“You are—everything to me. Before you, I thought I’d always be alone, that I deserved to be alone. I never let myself believe that someone like you—someone so good, so kind, so brilliant—could ever want someone like me.” He squeezed your hands. “But you do. And I still can’t quite believe it.”

You opened your mouth, but no words came out—your throat was too tight, your eyes burning.

Remus swallowed, then continued, “You take care of me when I need it most. You see me—the real me. And you don’t turn away. You never turn away.” His voice wavered, but he pressed on. “I love you. I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone.”

He exhaled, gaze locked onto yours. “And I—” He let out a nervous chuckle. “I had this whole speech planned, but my brain’s gone completely blank because you’re looking at me like that.”

You laughed, finally finding your voice. “Like what?”

“Like you’re about to kiss me,” he teased.

You grinned. “Maybe I am.”

His lips twitched, but then his expression turned serious again. “Before you do, I need to ask you something.”

You nodded. “Anything.”

Remus took a shaky breath. “Will you—will you be my girlfriend?”

Your heart stopped.

“Because I—I want you to be,” he continued, voice thick with emotion. “More than anything. But only if you want to. I don’t ever want you to feel like you have to—”

You didn’t let him finish.

Because you did kiss him.

Hard.

Remus let out a startled sound before melting completely against you, hands coming up to cup your face as he kissed you back like you were the air he needed to breathe.

When you finally pulled back, you pressed your forehead against his, smiling. “You idiot,” you murmured.

Remus blinked. “Uh—”

“Of course I’ll be your girlfriend.”

His eyes widened. “You—”

You laughed, nudging his nose with yours. “Did you really think I’d say no?”

“I—” He huffed out a breathless laugh. “I don’t know—I was terrified—”

You kissed him again, softer this time, pouring every ounce of love you had for him into it.

When you pulled away, Remus was looking at you like you hung the stars in the sky.

“I love you,” he whispered.

You smiled. “I love you, too.”

Remus grinned, then let out a relieved laugh, pulling you into his arms. “Merlin, I’m so lucky.”

You hugged him back, eyes closing as you listened to his heartbeat.

And for the first time in a long time, Remus Lupin felt like the happiest boy in the entire world.

You settled onto his lap, arms wrapping around his neck as you nuzzled into him, breathing him in. You just wanted to be close—closer than ever. Like you could melt into him, merge your hearts together because Godric, you loved him.

And Remus—Merlin, he was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that you were his now. Officially. Not just in the way you gravitated toward each other, or in the way you cared for each other, but in the real, undeniable, world-acknowledging way.

“You’re mine,” he murmured against your temple, like he was testing the words out loud, making sure they were real.

You grinned, pulling back to look at him. “Yours,” you confirmed, tapping his nose. “And you—you’re mine.”

His lips twitched. “That’s how this whole ‘relationship’ thing works, yeah.”

You giggled and kissed him again, just because you could. Just because it felt right.

When you pulled back, you ran your fingers through his soft, messy hair, admiring him. Your boyfriend.

Remus still looked a little dazed, eyes flickering between your lips and your eyes. “I still can’t believe you actually said yes.”

You gasped dramatically, placing a hand over your heart. “Remus John Lupin, are you insulting me?”

He blinked. “What? No, I—”

“Because I’ll have you know I love you, and I would’ve said yes the second you asked me—maybe even before.”

His lips curled into a lopsided smile. “Before?”

You grinned. “Oh, yeah. I would've just known.”

He let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it.”

“I do.”

You beamed. “Good.”

He took your hand in his and started tracing random shapes on your palm, looking thoughtful. “I just don’t get it,” he admitted after a moment.

You raised an eyebrow. “Get what?”

“How you—this brilliant, beautiful, perfect girl—ended up with me.”

You groaned and lightly smacked his chest. “Remus, shut up.”

He laughed. “I mean, really, you could’ve had anyone—”

You sighed dramatically. “Okay, fine, let’s settle this right now.”

Remus blinked as you leaned in, your lips brushing against the shell of his ear. “You are brilliant,” you whispered. “You are beautiful. You are perfect. And you are mine. And if you ever question that again, I will throw hands.”

His breath hitched, and you could feel the way his hands tightened on your waist. “Throw hands with who?”

You pulled back, eyes serious. “With you, if necessary.”

He grinned, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“You love it,” you said again, giggling.

Remus let out a dramatic sigh. “I do,” he admitted, feigning defeat. “I really, really do.”

You hummed in approval and reached for the basket, grabbing a piece of his chocolate. “Good. Now, since I’m your girlfriend, I think I deserve the biggest piece of this.”

His eyes widened in mock offense. “That’s my favorite—”

You smirked, taking a slow, obnoxious bite. “Mmm,” you said, exaggerating the sound. “Tastes even better when it’s yours.”

He huffed, crossing his arms. “Merlin, I should’ve known this would happen the second I asked you out.”

You giggled, leaning in to kiss the pout off his lips. “Oh, Remus,” you whispered against him. “You love spoiling me.”

He groaned. “I do. And it’s awful.”

You gasped. “Did you just call loving me awful?”

His face dropped. “That’s not—I meant you’re awful—no, wait—”

You threw your head back, laughing. “Remus, I’m teasing you.”

He sighed in relief. “Oh, thank Merlin.”

You kissed his nose. “You’re adorable.”

He huffed. “I was trying to be charming.”

You grinned. “You were.”

Remus blinked. “I—wait, really?”

You nodded. “In your own awkward, bookish, Remus way. And I love it.”

His lips twitched. “I tried to flirt with you, you know.”

You tilted her head, intrigued. “Did you?”

“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “And then you stole my chocolate, and now I’m questioning my life choices.”

You giggled, popping another piece into your mouth. “Welcome to dating me, Lupin.”

He just shook his head, wrapping his arms more securely around you. “Merlin help me.”

You kissed him again, softly, sweetly. “You’re stuck with me now.”

He smiled against your lips. “That’s the best part.”

Officially his.

The days passed, and being Remus Lupin’s girlfriend was, quite literally, the best thing in the world.

You had always loved him, always been close to him, but now—now you got to call him yours. Now you got to kiss him whenever you wanted, hold his hand under the table, steal his sweaters without pretending it was an accident.

And the best part?

Remus—your shy, awkward, bookish boyfriend—was so different when you were alone.

In public, he was still himself—still sweet, still affectionate in his own way. He’d tuck loose strands of your hair behind your ear, guide you through crowded hallways with a hand on your lower back, steal soft, fleeting kisses when he thought no one was looking. But when they were alone?

It was ridiculous.

You had no idea where he had been hiding this side of him, but you loved it.

Like right now.

You were curled up in his bed, a book in your hands, completely relaxed as Remus lay beside you, his head resting in your lap. He had claimed he was reading, too, but really, he had spent the last fifteen minutes tracing slow, lazy circles on your thigh, humming softly to himself.

You smiled down at him, brushing his messy hair away from his face. “You’re staring,”.

He hummed, looking unbothered. “And?”

You grinned. “And you’re distracting me.”

His lips twitched. “Am I?”

“Yes,” you said, closing your book with a soft thud. “What are you thinking about, love?”

He tilted his head, considering. “How beautiful you are,” he said casually, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Your heart skipped. “Remus.”

He smirked. Smirked. “What? Am I not allowed to admire my girlfriend?”

You rolled your eyes. “Not when I’m trying to read.”

He hummed, running a gentle hand up and down you arm. “Mm. You can read later.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what do you propose I do now?”

Remus sat up, shifting so that they were face to face. His hands found your waist as he pulled you closer, to his lap, pressing a soft kiss to your nose.

“Be kissed,” he murmured.

Your stomach flipped.

“Oh,” you breathed. “I see.”

And then he did kiss you.

Soft, slow, deep. Like he had all the time in the world just to kiss you senseless.

You sighed against his lips, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I think I like this plan.”

He chuckled, kissing you again, this time at the corner of your mouth. “I thought you might.”

You grinned. “You’re so soft when we’re alone.”

Remus groaned. “Don’t tell anyone.”

You giggled. “I won’t. But it’s adorable.”

He sighed dramatically. “Merlin help me.”

You kissed his cheek. “I love being your girlfriend.”

His arms tightened around you. “I love that you’re my girlfriend.”

You beamed. “I think I’m the lucky one.”

Remus snorted. “No, I am.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Remus, look at me. And now look at you. You’re sweet and smart and stupidly handsome, and you love me. I win.”

His lips twitched. “I do love you.”

You grinned. “And I love you.”

Remus sighed, pressing his forehead to yours. “Fine. We can both be lucky.”

You giggled, kissing him again. “Deal.”

Not the same.

The Gryffindor common room was buzzing with life, but in one particular corner, a very important discussion was taking place.

Remus sat on the couch, you tucked securely under his arm, your legs draped across his lap. James, Sirius, and Peter were sprawled across the furniture, with Lily sitting comfortably beside James, her legs crossed, eyes sharp with amusement.

And at this very moment, all of them were grilling Remus.

“I’m just saying,” James said, tossing a chocolate frog in the air and catching it in his mouth, “you’ve changed, mate.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “Have I?”

“Oh, definitely,” Sirius jumped in, pointing a dramatic finger at him. “You’re all smiley now. And confident. And you let people touch you.”

Peter nodded furiously. “You used to flinch when Sirius so much as breathed near you.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “That’s because Sirius used to randomly tackle me in the corridors.”

Sirius smirked. “I still do that, but now you fight back.”

Lily leaned in, grinning. “They’re right, you know.”

Remus groaned. “Not you too, Evans.”

“Oh, absolutely me too,” she said, smiling knowingly. “You’re different. Happier.”

James nodded sagely. “A man in love.”

You laughed, snuggling closer to Remus. “I like him like this.”

Remus looked down at you, his heart flipping at the way you smiled at him like he had hung the stars. He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “I am happy,” he admitted. “Really happy.”

Sirius gasped. “Merlin’s beard! Moony just admitted to being happy? Who are you?”

Remus rolled his eyes. “Shut up, Pads.”

Peter cackled. “You are different though! You talk more, joke more—you even initiate affection.”

James wiggled his eyebrows. “So tell us, Moony, what’s your secret?”

Remus sighed, looking down at you, who was staring up at him with the softest, sweetest expression. He couldn’t help but smile.

“She’s my secret,” he said simply.

The room erupted.

“Oh, gag—” Sirius groaned.

“That was so disgustingly romantic,” Peter whined.

James clutched his chest. “Moony, I think I might cry.”

Lily just laughed, nudging you. “You’ve ruined him.”

You grinned. “You say ‘ruined,’ I say ‘improved.’”

Remus chuckled, squeezing your hand. “I have to agree.”

Sirius made a choking sound. “He agrees?! Who are you?”

James threw an arm over Remus’ shoulder dramatically. “He’s in love, Pads. Let the boy live.”

Remus just smiled, pressing a kiss to your temple.

For once, he didn’t mind the teasing. Because, for the first time in his life, he was truly, ridiculously, wonderfully happy.

Later that night, when everyone had gone to their own forms, you both stayed behind, just the two of you.

It was late, the Gryffindor common room nearly empty except for a few students scattered around, quietly studying or chatting in hushed voices. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room, and outside, the sky was painted with stars. It was the perfect setting for a quiet, peaceful night.

You sat curled up on the couch, a book resting in your lap, but your focus was barely on the pages. Not when Remus was sitting beside you, leaning into your warmth, his head resting lightly against yours. He was tired—exhausted, really—but he never wanted to leave your side.

You closed her book with a soft thud and turned slightly, taking in his relaxed expression. “You should go to bed, you know,” you murmured, gently brushing a strand of hair from his face.

Remus hummed in response but made no move to get up. Instead, he turned his head slightly, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against your shoulder. “Mmm… ‘m comfortable here,” he mumbled sleepily.

You smiled softly, your fingers gently running through his hair. “You’re practically falling asleep on me, Moony.”

“That’s because you’re warm,” he said, voice drowsy but affectionate. “And I like being close to you.” He nuzzled against your neck slightly, breathing you in. “Smell good, too.”

You let out a soft laugh, tilting your head as he pressed another lazy kiss just below your ear. “Is that the wolf in you talking?” you teased.

Remus chuckled against your skin. “Probably,” he admitted. Then, his lips curled into a small smirk. “Or maybe it’s just me being completely in love with my girlfriend.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you bit your lip, trying (and failing) to suppress the giddy smile that spread across your face. Even after all this time, he still had this effect on you.

“Well,” you said softly, “I think I might just be completely in love with my boyfriend too.”

Remus lifted his head slightly to look at you, his warm brown eyes searching yours. His expression softened, full of something deep and unspoken. Slowly, he reached up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing tenderly against your skin.

“You are?” he asked, his voice quiet but filled with awe.

You leaned into his touch, nodding. “I am.”

A slow, loving smile spread across his face. He looked at you as if you were the most precious thing in the world, like he still couldn’t believe you were his. “Merlin, I love you,” he whispered, his forehead gently pressing against yours.

“I love you too,” you whispered back, your eyes fluttering shut as you savored the moment.

Then, before you could say anything else, he tilted your chin up slightly and kissed you. It wasn’t rushed or desperate—it was soft, sweet, and filled with so much love. His lips moved against yours slowly, taking his time, savoring you, as if he wanted to memorize the way you felt against him.

You sighed happily into the kiss, your fingers threading through his soft curls as you pulled him closer. His hands found their way to your waist, holding you gently, grounding himself in your presence.

When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against yours again, your breaths mingling.

“You make me so happy,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

You smiled, pressing a tiny kiss to the corner of his lips. “You make me happy too.”

Remus let out a soft chuckle, rubbing his thumb over your waist in slow, soothing circles. “I still can’t believe you’re mine,” he admitted.

You cupped his face, looking at him with nothing but adoration. “I’ve always been yours, Remus.”

His breath hitched slightly at your words, his arms instinctively tightening around yours. He didn’t say anything, just held you close, his heart full.

And in that moment, with the fire crackling beside you and the world fading away, nothing else mattered except the fact that you had each other.

—— 🌙 ——

A note from the author:

Hello my lovely people!

This took a while to post because i was struggling with exam week at uni! Sorry!

Hope you liked it! This is officially the last part! But there will be one more just for bonus, just for you to see how their future turned out!

Thank you for all the love in this series! 🤍

See you soon!

Remus was always the one to be taken care of, never the one who took care of anyone. But since you entered his life, some things have been changing.

You were still with your legs on top of his, head leaning in his chest.

Remus pressed another kiss to your hair before reluctantly shifting, reaching for the bag he had brought with him. You blinked sleepily at him as he pulled out a neatly wrapped package.

"You—" you frowned, sitting up slightly. "You actually brought food?"

"Of course I did," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I know you, dove. I knew you’d try to argue with me, so I came prepared."

You gave him a look, but there was a telltale smile tugging at your lips. "You’re ridiculous."

"And you’re stubborn," Remus countered, carefully unwrapping the package. "But lucky for you, I’m even more stubborn."

You watched as he pulled out a small assortment of things—a sandwich, a bit of fruit, and a chocolate biscuit that you immediately honed in on. "Where did you even get this?"

Remus smirked. "James may or may not owe me for covering his detention, and Sirius may or may not have smuggled some things from the kitchens for me."

Your eyes softened. "You went through all that trouble for me?"

Remus scoffed. "Hardly trouble. You’re worth it."

You have him a quick kiss on his lips, and he swore the warmth in your touch could rival the fire beside you.

Before he could get lost in your touch, you suddenly held out your hand expectantly. "Alright, then. Hand over the biscuit."

Remus raised an eyebrow. "That’s not a proper meal, love."

"But it’s got sugar in it, and sugar is energy, and energy is—"

"—Not the same as a proper meal," he finished, giving you an unimpressed look.

You pouted. "You’re very bossy when you’re being all caring and protective, you know that?"

Remus rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. "You love it."

You grinned. "I do."

Shaking his head fondly, he held up the sandwich. "Eat this first, and then you can have the biscuit."

You narrowed your eyes. "You’re bribing me with chocolate."

"Yes," Remus said simply. "And it’s working."

You huffed but took the sandwich from his hand, taking a small bite while Remus watched your with clear satisfaction.

"Happy now?" You asked, chewing.

Remus leaned in, pressing a slow kiss to your forehead. "Getting there."

You rolled your eyes but smiled as you continued eating, letting him fuss over you. And maybe, just maybe, you liked it more than you cared to admit.

You took a few more bites of the sandwich before stopping, your chewing slowing, eyes flickering up to Remus with a hopeful, almost mischievous expression. “Alright. I ate. Can I have the biscuit now?”

Remus gave you a flat look, unimpressed. “Nice try. You had exactly three bites.”

“That’s eating!”

“That’s pretending to eat.” He reached for a piece of fruit, holding it up expectantly. “Come on, love. A little more.”

You groaned, flopping against his chest dramatically. “I’m full.”

“You’re lying.”

You peeked up at him through her lashes, pouting. “How do you know?”

Remus smirked. “Because you always use that exact same tone when you force me to eat after a full moon. And I never get away with it, so neither do you.”

You gasped, placing a hand over your heart. “Are you saying you hold grudges, Lupin?”

“Absolutely,” he said, completely serious. “You’ve been force-feeding me horrible soup for months, love. It’s only fair I return the favor.”

You narrowed your eyes. “That is not how fairness works.”

Remus only grinned, bringing the piece of fruit to your lips. “Open up.”

You crossed your arms. “Make me.”

His grin widened. “Oh, you really shouldn’t have said that.”

Before you could react, Remus shifted, lifting you slightly so that you were firmly settled in his lap. His free hand slipped around your waist, pulling you close, his nose brushing against yours. His voice was low, teasing. “If I have to, I’ll feed you myself, dove.”

Your breath hitched slightly, caught between flustered and amused. “You wouldn’t.”

Remus hummed. “Wouldn’t I?”

And then, with a wicked glint in his eyes, he brushed the fruit against your lips, his thumb tracing over your cheek in a slow, deliberate caress. “Come on, sweetheart. Just one bite.”

Your heart stuttered in your chest. He was so close, warm and steady and overwhelming in the best way. You weren’t used to Remus being this bold—it was usually you teasing him, making him blush and stumble over his words. But now? Now he was completely in control, and you didn’t know what to do with yourself.

“…Fine,” you relented, your voice a little breathless.

He smirked, satisfied, and gently pressed the fruit to your lips again. You took a bite, feeling the pad of his thumb brush against the corner of your mouth as he wiped away the small bit of juice left behind.

“Good girl,” he murmured.

Your stomach flipped, warmth pooling in your chest. “Remus,” you muttered, half-scolding, half-pleading, but you didn’t pull away.

He only chuckled, reaching for another piece of fruit. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

You huffed. “It was humiliating.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I seem to recall you enjoying bossing me around plenty of times before.”

“That’s different.”

“Is it?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

You faltered, unable to come up with a decent excuse, and Remus laughed, clearly enjoying your flustered state. “That’s what I thought.”

He held up another piece of fruit, his voice gentler now. “Just a little more, love. For me?”

Your resolve crumbled at the way he looked at you—so full of warmth and care, so unwaveringly patient. With a small sigh, you leaned forward and took another bite, letting him feed you because, despite all your protests, it felt… nice.

Nice to be taken care of.

Nice to have someone who noticed when you were running yourself into the ground.

Nice to have Remus.

After a few more bites, he finally relented, setting the food aside. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

You nestled into his chest, letting his steady heartbeat lull you into a state of comfort. “I suppose.”

Remus chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Next time, just eat properly so I don’t have to do all that.”

You smirked against his sweater. “But then I wouldn’t get to watch you turn all bossy and protective. It’s kinda cute.”

He groaned. “Merlin, what have I done?”

You giggled, tilting your head up to press a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Thank you, baby.”

He softened, cupping your cheek gently. “Always, dove.”

And as you sat there, wrapped up in each other, you realized that maybe—just maybe—you didn’t mind being taken care of after all.

After having your biscuit, because yes, the bribing really worked, Remus got something out of his pocket.

"Alright, i feel like you deserve this" Remus held the chocolate bar, he had a small smile on his lips, soft gaze. "You were a good patient tonight"

Somehow your heart did a little flip, because you remembered where he learned all this from.

The way he was forcing you to eat, making sure you had rest, giving you chocolate after the meal, being so disgustingly careful and affectionate.

It was because of you.

He had a pretty amount of time to learn this from you.

“You’re really not letting me do anything by myself?” you mumbled as Remus pressed a piece of chocolate against your lips.

Remus smirked. “Nope. Open up, darling.”

You huffed but obeyed, letting him place the chocolate on your tongue. It melted immediately, rich and sweet, and you sighed as you chewed.

“I swear, you never share your chocolate with anyone,” you said, swallowing.

“I don’t.” Remus reached for another piece and placed it against your lips again. “You’re the exception.”

You took it, grinning. “I knew I was your favorite.”

Remus rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in them. “Eat properly, and maybe I’ll keep spoiling you.”

You nudged him playfully, but you did eat, taking small bites of the food he had gotten for you. You complained, of course, but Remus didn’t give you a choice. And when you were finally done, he wiped away a crumb from your lips with his thumb, then leaned in to kiss your cheek.

“See? Wasn’t so bad, was it?”

You made a face at him. “I feel like a toddler.”

Remus chuckled. “A very cute, very stubborn toddler.”

You sighed against his chest, completely content. The warmth of the fire, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, the way his fingers lazily traced patterns along you back—it was all lulling you into a state of utter relaxation. But you weren’t ready for this moment to end just yet.

“So,” you started, your voice slightly slurred with exhaustion, “tell me something interesting.”

Remus chuckled. “Something interesting?”

You nodded against his shoulder. “Mhm. Keep me awake.”

He smirked, amused. “Dove, you’re barely conscious.”

“I am not,” you protested weakly, though the way you blinked—slow and heavy, as if your body was stealing mere seconds of sleep with each flutter of your lashes—completely contradicted your words.

Remus grinned. “Right. And I am not a werewolf.”

You let out a soft laugh, though it faded quickly as another wave of exhaustion hit you. You shifted slightly, trying to sit up straighter, but Remus only tightened his arms around you, holding you against him.

“You’re adorable when you fight sleep,” he murmured.

“I am not fighting sleep.”

“You absolutely are.”

You huffed, nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck. “I just… don’t want to move yet.”

His heart softened. “You don’t have to.”

You hummed in contentment, but Remus could feel your body growing heavier, your limbs losing tension as exhaustion won the battle you were so stubbornly trying to fight.

A few more seconds passed before you spoke again, your voice small, sleepy. “You smell nice.”

Remus blinked in surprise before laughing softly. “Do I?”

“Mmhm.” you nestled closer, your nose brushing against his skin. “Like books. And chocolate. And something warm.”

His chest ached with affection, and he kissed the top of your head. “You’re not even making sense anymore, love.”

You were about to retort when he suddenly stood up, pulling you with him.

“Alright,” he murmured, tugging you towards the stairs. “Bedtime.”

You groaned. “I can walk, you know.”

Remus only tightened his grip. “I know you can. But you won’t, unless I drag you there myself.”

You sighed, letting him lead you to your dorm. He pushed the door open, putting you on your feet and turned to face you, raising an eyebrow. “Are you actually going to put on your pajamas, or am I going to have to do that for you too?”

Your lips curled into a smirk. “That’s an awfully bold suggestion, love.”

Remus flushed immediately, his ears turning pink. “That’s not what I— I just meant—”

You laughed, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “Relax, I’m joking.”

Remus cleared his throat, composing himself. “Right. Well. Get changed.”

You sighed dramatically. “Fine.”

You turned to grab your pajamas, but before you could take a step, Remus reached out, fingers brushing your arm. “Do you… need help?”

You paused, looking back at him. He wasn’t teasing anymore—he was genuine, his gaze soft and careful.

You swallowed. “Would you?”

Remus nodded. “Of course.”

He guided you to sit at the edge of the bed before kneeling in front of you. With slow, deliberate movements, he reached for the buttons of your uniform shirt, undoing them one by one.

His fingers were steady, but his touch was so gentle. Almost reverent.

He helped her slip out of your uniform, setting it aside before pulling your pajama top over your head, adjusting the fabric so it sat comfortably on your shoulders.

You watched him the whole time, your heart swelling.

When he looked up at you again, you smiled softly. “You’re good at this.”

Remus huffed a quiet laugh. “I wonder why.”

He moved to help you with your skirt, undoing the clasp and sliding it down your legs. He was careful, never letting his fingers linger too long, always giving you a moment to stop him if you wanted to.

But you didn’t.

You let him help, let him take care of you the way you had always done for him.

And when he was done, when you were comfortably dressed and settled under the blankets, he leaned down, brushing a kiss against your forehead.

“There,” he murmured. “All taken care of.”

You reached up, curling your fingers around the collar of his sweater, pulling him down so your foreheads touched. “You’re my favorite person,” you whispered.

Remus smiled against your skin. “Likewise, darling.”

You sighed contently, your eyelids fluttering shut. “Stay?”

Remus didn’t hesitate.

He climbed into the bed beside you, letting you curl up against his chest. His arms wrapped around you, one hand trailing soothing patterns along your back.

And as your breathing slowed, as sleep finally pulled you under, Remus pressed one last kiss to your hair.

He had spent so much time believing he didn’t deserve this kind of softness.

But with you in his arms, he was starting to believe that maybe… just maybe… he did.

Remus sighed as he watched you sleep peacefully in his arms. You looked so soft, your breathing even, your fingers curled gently around the fabric of his sweater. He wished he could stay like this all night, but he knew he couldn’t.

Carefully, he started to untangle himself from you, moving slowly so he wouldn’t wake you. But the second he tried to slip out from under the blankets, you stirred, a sleepy mumble escaping your lips.

“Rem…” your voice was thick with drowsiness as you reached for him blindly.

He froze. “I’m here, dove.”

You found his wrist and held it weakly. “Stay.”

Remus’ heart clenched at how soft you sounded. Merlin, he wanted to. He really wanted to. But he couldn’t risk getting caught.

“I can’t,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You know I can’t.”

You let out a sleepy hum, barely opening your eyes. “Just… just a little longer?”

Remus hesitated. He really should leave. But looking at you, so warm and trusting, his resolve melted completely.

“…Alright,” he murmured, settling back down. “Just until you fall asleep.”

You made a content noise, nuzzling closer into his chest, your fingers lightly tracing the hem of his sleeve.

Remus held you, listening to your breathing slow again. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, letting himself relax for just a little while longer.

"Goodnight, dove"

Eventually, when he was sure you were fully asleep, he pulled away as carefully as he could, slipping out of the bed. He tucked the blankets around you, making sure she was warm before tiptoeing toward the door.

But the moment he opened it, he froze.

Lily and Marlene stood there, arms crossed, matching smirks on their faces.

“Well, well, well,” Marlene drawled, raising an eyebrow. “What do we have here?”

Remus’ face went scarlet. “I— it’s not— I was just—”

Lily smirked, tilting her head. “Just what, exactly?”

Remus opened his mouth, then closed it again.

Marlene leaned against the doorframe, looking far too pleased. “We knew something was going on with you two.”

“Nothing’s going on,” Remus insisted, voice a little too high. “She wasn’t feeling well. I was just taking care of her.”

Lily’s smirk only grew. “With cuddles?”

Remus groaned, running a hand down his face. “Can we not do this right now?”

Marlene gasped dramatically. “Oh, we absolutely can.”

“Did you kiss her goodnight too?” Lily teased.

Remus sputtered. “That’s— none of your—”

Marlene grinned. “You totally did.”

Remus turned redder. “I hate both of you.”

Lily giggled. “No, you don’t.”

Remus huffed, glaring at them. “Are you going to report me, or can I leave with my dignity intact?”

Marlene tapped her chin, pretending to think. “Hmm. Tempting. But no, I think we’ll just tease you about this for the rest of your life instead.”

“Fantastic,” Remus muttered, rubbing his temples.

Lily patted his arm. “Go on, before you actually get in trouble.”

Remus wasted no time slipping past them, but as he hurried down the stairs, he could still hear their giggles behind him.

Merlin help him. He was never going to live this down.

Wolfsbane potion.

The days passed in a blur, and the full moon was getting closer. Remus could feel it creeping up on him, his body growing more restless, his mind a little hazy as it always did when the transformation approached. But this time, something was different.

You had been acting strange for weeks now, keeping yourself busy, running on little sleep, disappearing into the hospital wing or your dorm with books stacked high in your arms. And now, as you sat together in your usual spot in the common room, you looked excited. Most of the students were sleeping, leaving the two of you alone.

“Love,” you started, shifting closer, practically bouncing with anticipation.

He raised an eyebrow at you. “Should I be worried?”

You rolled your eyes but grinned. “No, you should be thrilled.”

Remus gave you a skeptical look. “Alright, what did you do?”

You took a deep breath, eyes sparkling. “I finished it.”

He frowned. “Finished what?”

“The potion.”

Remus blinked. “What potion?”

You grabbed his hands, holding them between yours. “The one I’ve been working on for the past month. For you.”

His breath caught. “For me?”

You nodded. “It’s called the Wolfsbane Potion.”

Remus’ mouth went dry. “What… what does it do?”

You smiled softly. “It lets you keep your mind when you transform.”

Remus just stared at you, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. He must have misheard.

“…What?” His voice was barely above a whisper.

You squeezed his hands. “I made it for you, Remus. I researched everything—the ingredients, the magic behind it, the properties. I tested different combinations, different brewing times, and I think—no, I know—that it should work. You’ll still transform, but you’ll be you. No more blackouts, no more losing control. You’ll remember everything.”

Remus felt something tighten in his chest, his throat closing up. He pulled his hands away, standing abruptly.

“I— I need a second.”

You frowned, standing up as well. “Rem?”

He turned away, pressing a hand over his mouth, trying to steady himself.

This was too much.

No one—no one—had ever done something like this for him before. People had helped, yes. The Marauders had learned Animagus forms to be with him, Dumbledore had let him into Hogwarts. But this—this was something else.

You had spent weeks on this. Exhausted yourself. Just for him.

“Rem, talk to me,” you pleaded, your voice soft, worried.

He turned around, and when you saw his face, your expression melted.

His eyes were glassy, his lips parted like he was struggling to breathe.

“I—” His voice broke, and he swallowed hard before trying again. “I don’t know what to say.”

You smiled gently. “A thank you would be nice.”

Remus choked on a laugh, shaking his head. “Thank you?” His voice wavered. “That’s not enough. That doesn’t even cover what you’ve done.”

He reached for you, pulling you into his arms, holding you tight. “Thank you,” he said, giving a quick kiss on your lips every time he said it. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

You laughed softly, hugging him back just as tightly. “You haven’t even tried it yet.”

“I don’t care,” he mumbled. “No one’s ever done something like this for me.”

You pulled back just slightly to look at him. “Well, you better get used to it.”

His hands came up to cradle your face, his thumbs brushing over your cheeks. “I don’t deserve you.”

You rolled her eyes. “Don’t say that.”

He exhaled a shaky breath, leaning his forehead against yours. “You exhausted yourself for this. I saw you.”

You smiled. “And you took care of me, baby. I’d do it all over again.”

Something in him cracked at that.

Without thinking, without hesitating, he closed the space between them and kissed you.

It wasn’t desperate or hurried—it was soft, reverent, like he was trying to pour every bit of gratitude into it.

When he pulled away, you were smiling. “That was a very nice thank you.”

He let out a small, breathless laugh, pulling you in for another hug. “I’ll give you a thousand more if this actually works.”

You smirked. “Then I really hope it does.”

He buried his face into your shoulder, his heart swelling in a way it never had before.

And for the first time in his life, he felt hopeful for the full moon.

Something important to say.

You had only left for a few minutes. Just enough time to grab your books and notes to show him everything—the steps, the research, the exact magic behind the potion. You were practically beaming as you returned, excited to explain it all.

But the moment you sat down beside from him, you knew.

Remus’ eyes were red. His lashes damp. His jaw was clenched, like he was trying too hard to act normal, like he hadn’t just wiped away tears with the sleeves of his jumper.

You paused, tilting your head. “Rem.”

He straightened. “What?”

You gave him a knowing look, setting the books down on the table.

His fingers tapped anxiously against the wood. “I’m fine.”

“You cried,” you said softly.

Remus huffed a short, embarrassed laugh. “No, I didn’t.”

Your lips curled into a gentle, teasing smile. “Your eyes are red.”

He rubbed at them quickly, as if that would erase the evidence. “It’s—it’s just allergies.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Allergies?”

He nodded, far too fast. “Yeah. Dust from the books.”

Your heart melted. Oh, Remus.

You took one of his hands in both of yours, your thumb rubbing soothing circles over his knuckles.

“Rem,” you said gently, your voice barely above a whisper.

He swallowed hard, his gaze flickering between you eyes and your intertwined fingers. He looked like he was still processing everything, like the weight of what you had done was pressing down on him in ways he didn’t know how to handle.

“You’re allowed to cry, you know,” you murmured.

He let out a shaky breath. “I don’t— I don’t know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to.”

He shook his head, squeezing your hand. “I’ve spent my whole life thinking this was just… how things had to be. That I’d always be dangerous. That I’d always have to live with the risk of hurting someone I care about.” His voice wavered, and he let out a breathless chuckle. “And then you— you come along and just— fix it?”

You smiled, shaking your head. “I didn’t fix it, Remus. I just— I found something that could help. Something you deserve.”

His jaw clenched, his grip tightening ever so slightly. “But why?”

Your expression softened. “Because I love you, you absolute idiot.”

Remus inhaled sharply. His lips parted like he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

He just stared at you, completely and utterly stunned.

And you panicked.

“Oh,” you blurted, eyes widening. “Oh, I— I didn’t mean to say that now, I— I mean, I did, but I—” you groaned, dragging a hand down your face. “Merlin, I really need to work on my timing.”

Remus blinked rapidly, his brain still catching up.

You loved him?

His heart was hammering so hard it felt like it was trying to escape his ribcage.

He stood abruptly, pulling you up with him, ignoring the way your eyes were still wide with nervousness.

He cupped your face, searching your gaze. “Say it again.”

You swallowed. “Remus—”

“Please.” His voice was barely a whisper.

Your lips parted slightly, and then—

“I love you.”

It was soft. Certain. Like you had always known.

Remus exhaled a shaky breath, his forehead pressing against yours.

“You’re incredible,” he murmured. “Brilliant. Stubborn. And too damn kind for your own good.”

You let out a soft, breathless laugh. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

He grinned. “Both.”

You rolled your eyes, but your hands found his waist, gripping his sweater like you were anchoring yourself to him. “So… what do you—?”

He didn’t let you finish.

His lips were on yours before you could get the words out, warm and insistent, filled with every unspoken thing he hadn’t figured out how to say yet.

You melted into him instantly, your fingers tangling in the fabric of his jumper, pulling him closer, as if there were any space left between you to close.

When you finally pulled apart, you were breathless, your cheeks flushed.

Remus smiled, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead before whispering against your skin—

“I love you.”

Your breath caught.

His heart stopped.

Oh, Merlin. He’d really said it.

You let out a soft, breathless laugh before kissing him again, slow and deep, your fingers threading through his hair, your body pressing closer against his.

Remus sighed into it, his mind going blissfully blank, his whole world narrowing down to you.

When you finally pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, grinning.

“I love you too.”

Remus closed his eyes for a second, just letting the words sink in, letting himself believe them.

Then he opened them, staring at you in complete awe.

“You really do?” he asked, like he almost couldn’t believe it.

You giggled, kissing his nose. “Of course I do, Rem”

Remus huffed out a laugh, his grip on you tightening as he buried his face in the crook of your neck, breathing you in.

“You really are terrible at accepting love, you know that?” you teased, your fingers combing through his curls.

“I’m working on it,” he murmured against your skin, smiling.

And Merlin, he really was.

Remus pulled back slightly, his fingers still resting on your cheek as he gazed at you in pure awe. “How… how did you even do it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

You smiled, tilting your head. “You really want the full story?”

Remus huffed a laugh. “Of course, I do. You created a potion—for me—that might actually change everything. I’d be stupid not to ask.”

You bit your lip, looking both excited and slightly sheepish. “Alright then… it all started about a month ago, when I got this ridiculous idea that I could actually help you.”

Remus frowned. “That’s not ridiculous.”

You poked his chest lightly. “I thought it was ridiculous at the time, love. Let me tell the story.”

He smirked. “Go on then, dove.”

Your breath hitched at the pet name—you loved when he called you that—but you quickly continued. “Well, first I had to figure out if something like this was even possible. So, I went to Professor Sprout and asked her about different plants that could calm a creature’s instincts. That’s how I got some of the base ingredients. She even gave me some herself, though she didn’t really ask what they were for.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t lie, did you?”

You gasped dramatically. “Remus Lupin, how dare you? I am an honest young woman.”

Remus gave you a deadpan look. “Mhm. And I’m the Minister of Magic.”

You laughed. “Alright, fine. I may have been vague about why I needed them. But I didn’t lie. I just said it was for a very important project.”

He shook his head, grinning. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it.”

“That I do,” he murmured, kissing the tip of your nose. “Go on.”

You beamed before continuing. “Then I realized I needed actual magical expertise, so I asked McGonagall. She was very skeptical at first, and she definitely gave me a long lecture about being ‘reckless’ and ‘biting off more than I could chew.’”

Remus snorted. “That sounds about right.”

“But then Dumbledore overheard and—Remus, I swear, he knew. I didn’t even have to explain, he just knew what I was trying to do. And he approved of it. He even gave me access to some restricted books in the library.”

He exhaled, nodding. “Keep going, love”

“Well, then I realized I had no idea how werewolf magic actually worked, so I went to Madam Pomfrey. She didn’t suspect too much, since she knows I help her a lot, but she did give me a very detailed explanation of what happens to you during a full moon.”

Remus winced. “Merlin.”

“I know,” you said sympathetically, rubbing small circles on his wrist. “It made me realize how much you go through, and I just… I had to make this work. So, I went to the only person who could actually help me brew it.”

Remus groaned. “Slughorn.”

You laughed. “Yep. Slughorn.”

“I bet he loved that.”

“Oh, he did. He was so excited about it. He thought I was just some ‘brilliant young mind’ with an interest in groundbreaking potions work.” you smirked. “Which, I mean, I am.”

Remus chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “Yes, you are.”

You flushed slightly before continuing. “He was actually really helpful, though. He knew exactly what components would be needed to make something like this work. And once I had that, it was all about figuring out you.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “Me?”

You nodded. “I’ve been taking care of you after full moons for ages, Remus. I know how your body reacts, what you can and can’t handle, how long it takes for you to recover. And whether you realize it or not, you talk about it. You let little things slip. And I listened.”

Remus blinked at you, completely overwhelmed.

“I mean,” you continued, “do you know how often you go on about how you feel the next day? Or how you lose your appetite? Or how you sometimes flinch at things without realizing? It all helped me piece this together.”

Remus stared at you. “You did all of that… for me?”

You smiled, squeezing his hand. “Of course, I did.”

His throat felt tight. “I—” He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know what to say.”

You tilted her head, pretending to think. “Well, you could say, ‘Wow, you’re the most brilliant, beautiful, wonderful person I’ve ever met, and I’m madly in love with you—’”

He cut you off with a kiss, his hands cradling your face as he poured every bit of emotion into it. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, breathing heavily. “You are the most brilliant, beautiful, wonderful person I’ve ever met. And I am madly in love with you.”

You giggled. “Good. Now, are you finally convinced that I’m not going anywhere?”

He looked at you—really looked at you—and nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

And for the first time in his life, he truly, fully believed it.

The best day of his life.

The atmosphere in the boys' dormitory was a strange mix of excitement and tension. The Marauders and you were all gathered around Remus, who sat on his bed, bouncing his leg anxiously. The full moon was only a few hours away, and while he would taken the potion without hesitation, he still had no idea if it would actually work.

James leaned back against Sirius’ bed, grinning. “I mean, let’s just say it—she’s a genius.”

“Bloody brilliant,” Sirius agreed, throwing an arm around your shoulders and shaking you playfully. “You might just be my favorite person, you know that?”

You laughed, pushing him off. “Might be?”

“Alright, definitely,” Sirius said, smirking. “If this thing works and Moony stops throwing himself at walls every month, I’ll owe you my life.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “The wolf hates being caged, Sirius. You know that. It’s not like I do it on purpose.”

Sirius held his hands up defensively. “I know, I know! But mate, it’s hard to watch you tear yourself apart. If she’s actually fixed that, we all win.”

Peter nodded quickly. “Yeah! And besides, think of how cool it would be if you actually kept your mind! Maybe we could actually talk to you!”

James grinned, adjusting his glasses. “Imagine if we could just have a normal conversation while you’re a giant wolf. That would be mental.”

“D’you think he’ll still have the same personality?” Sirius asked, rubbing his chin. “Like, will he still be broody and moody?”

You giggled, nudging Remus with your shoulder. “I hope not. Imagine I went through all this trouble just for him to be a grumpy wolf.”

Remus groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You lot are the worst.”

“No, we’re the best,” James corrected. “And so is your girl.”

Remus felt warmth creep up his neck at that, but he ignored it. Instead, he glanced at you, who was watching him with an affectionate smile. “Are you sure you did everything right?” he asked quietly.

You nodded firmly. “I triple-checked everything, Remus. Slughorn helped. McGonagall helped. Dumbledore even gave me access to texts that aren’t even in the library. I promise, this is the best shot we’ve got.”

Remus exhaled through his nose, nodding. “Okay.” He glanced at the empty vial in his hand, turning it between his fingers. “I don’t feel any different.”

“You weren’t supposed to,” you pointed out. “The effects will only kick in once you actually transform.”

“Guess we won’t know ‘til later,” James said, stretching his arms over his head. “Until then, I say we keep Moony entertained.”

Sirius grinned. “Brilliant idea. Let’s see… Embarrassing Moony Stories, anyone?”

Remus groaned. “Merlin, please no.”

“Oh, absolutely yes,” James said, laughing. “Did I ever tell you about the time Remus tried to ask a girl to Hogsmeade and completely choked?”

Remus shot him a glare. “I hate you.”

You giggled, leaning into Remus’ side. “Oh, I need to hear this one.”

James smirked. “Alright, picture this: Third year. We’re sitting in the Great Hall, yeah? And Remus—our dear, charming Moony—has been staring at this girl for weeks. So, naturally, we force him to go talk to her.”

Sirius cut in, grinning. “And he tried, really, he did. He walked over all confident, started saying something smooth—and then he forgot her name.”

Remus groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “It was one time—”

“Oh no, no, tell the best part,” Peter said, laughing.

James grinned. “Instead of recovering like a normal person, he panicked and introduced himself again.”

Sirius snorted. “So he just stood there, went, ‘Hi, I’m Remus Lupin,’ to a girl he already knew, and walked away.”

The room erupted in laughter. Remus, despite himself, cracked a small smile. “You lot are never going to let that go, are you?”

“Not a chance, mate,” James said, wiping a tear from his eye.

You turned to Remus, beaming. “You know, you never did that with me.”

Remus scoffed. “Oh, I absolutely did. I just had the benefit of knowing you already liked me.”

You smiled, taking his hand. “And I always will.”

Remus felt his heart stutter at that, and for a brief moment, he forgot about the full moon altogether. The room was filled with laughter and warmth, and for once, he wasn’t terrified of what was coming.

Because this time, he wasn’t alone.

Some hours went by, the moment had finally arrived. The air was thick with tension as the full moon crept higher into the sky.

Remus stood by the dormitory door, his grip tight on your hands. He was trying to stay calm, but you could feel the slight tremble in his fingers.

You cupped his face, tracing your thumb gently along his cheek. “You’re going to be okay,” you whispered. “And even if it doesn’t work the way we hope, I’ll be right here when you come back. I’ll patch you up, just like always.”

Remus swallowed hard, nodding. “I don’t deserve you.”

You huffed, rolling your eyes. “Stop saying that.”

He smiled faintly, but it didn’t last long. The looming reality of what was about to happen was pressing down on him.

James, Sirius, and Peter stood by the door, giving them a moment.

Sirius groaned playfully. “Alright, lovebirds, wrap it up. Moony’s gotta go be a majestic, hopefully less murderous wolf now.”

You shot him a glare. “Shut up, Black.”

Remus exhaled a soft laugh before pulling you into a tight hug. He buried his face in your hair, inhaling deeply as if trying to commit everything about this moment to memory.

You held him just as tightly. “I’ll be here when you get back,” you promised.

He pulled away just enough to kiss you—slow and deep, his lips lingering like he didn’t want to let go. When you finally separated, Remus pressed one last soft kiss to your forehead.

Then, reluctantly, he stepped back.

James clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, Moony. Let’s go see if your girl is a bloody genius or not.”

You crossed your arms, smirking. “You know I am.”

James winked at you before leading the way out. Sirius ruffled your hair as he followed, and Peter gave you a reassuring smile before scurrying after them.

And just like that, they were gone.

Thank you.

The moon was rising.

Remus felt it immediately—his skin burning, his bones shifting, the agonizing pull of the transformation taking over. He clenched his fists, bracing himself for the worst. It’s going to be the same, he told himself. It always is.

Pain flooded his body, his vision blurred, and he could barely hear James, Sirius, and Peter shifting into their Animagus forms.

And then—

Silence.

The usual fog that clouded his mind, the instinctual rage, the overwhelming hunger for destruction—none of it was there.

Remus blinked.

He wasn’t lost. He wasn’t drowning in the wolf’s control.

He was still himself.

A shaky exhale left his muzzle, his sharp claws pressing lightly against the dirt beneath him. He could think. He could breathe. He wasn’t overcome by blind, violent urges.

The large stag standing a few feet away—James—stomped a hoof tentatively, watching him. The massive black dog—Sirius—had his ears perked up, tail stiff as he observed Remus cautiously. Even the small, twitchy rat—Peter—remained still, waiting.

Remus looked at them.

He didn’t lunge.

He didn’t snarl.

He just… stood there.

The seconds stretched into minutes, and Remus’ heart pounded—not from fury, not from mindless rage, but from hope.

Sirius was the first to move. His tail gave a slight wag, a silent question. Are you okay?

Remus tilted his head. He didn’t understand how it was possible, how he hadn’t lost himself this time. The wolf inside him—normally an uncontrollable beast—felt… calm.

James, emboldened, stepped forward. His antlers gleamed under the moonlight as he carefully lowered his head and nudged Remus’ shoulder.

Remus flinched instinctively—but not because he wanted to attack. Just because he wasn’t used to feeling anything after he transformed. He was always gone by now, buried under the creature’s instincts.

But this time, he was still here.

Sirius barked. Then, suddenly, pounced—knocking into Remus’ side playfully before darting away with a wagging tail.

Remus blinked.

James huffed a sound that could only be described as amusement, then pranced around him in circles.

Even Peter, usually the most nervous of them all, squeaked and ran up to perch on James’ antlers, as if that was the most natural thing in the world.

And just like that, it was happening.

They were playing.

Remus took a hesitant step forward. His claws barely left marks in the dirt, unlike the usual deep, aggressive gashes he’d make when trying to escape his own body.

Sirius barked again, crouching low, tail wagging excitedly. Come on, Moony.

James flicked his head, sending Peter tumbling onto his back with a disgruntled squeak.

For the first time in his life, Remus—the werewolf—huffed out what could only be described as a laugh.

He wasn’t an uncontrollable monster tonight.

He wasn’t a mindless beast.

He was himself.

The gratitude that filled him was overwhelming. He thought of you, waiting for him back in the dormitory, probably pacing, probably biting your lip in that way she always did when you were worried.

You had done this.

Remus wanted to run straight back to you and thank you a million times over. He wanted to tell you that it worked, that you were a bloody genius, that you had given him something he never thought he’d have—a full moon where he wasn’t alone, where he wasn’t lost.

But for now, he had time. He had an entire night of being Moony, not a monster.

So with a playful huff, he darted forward, tackling Sirius to the ground.

For the first time, Remus wasn’t caged inside his own body.

He was free.

Waiting for him.

The waiting was unbearable. You paced the dormitory, wringing your hands, glancing at the clock every few minutes. Your mind raced with a thousand possibilities.

What if the potion didn’t work?

What if he still hurt himself?

What if—

A sudden scuffling noise caught your attention. You turned sharply just in time to see a tiny rat scurry under the door and into the room.

Peter.

You held your breath as he transformed back into his human form, his face lit up with excitement.

“It worked!” he blurted out, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “It actually worked!”

Your heart nearly stopped. “What?”

“Remus—he’s still Remus! Even as a wolf!” Peter exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. “He knows us, he understands everything we’re saying, he’s not attacking anything—he’s just… him!”

You covered your mouth with your hands, your eyes instantly welling with tears. “Oh my god.”

Peter nodded rapidly. “James and Sirius are playing with him right now! Playing! Like he’s some massive dog!”

A laugh bubbled out of you, equal parts relief and joy. “You’re serious?”

“I swear!” Peter insisted. “He was scared at first—kind of growled a bit, but then James called his name, and he responded! Like, actually responded! And Sirius was teasing him, and instead of attacking, he rolled his eyes! Rolled his bloody wolf eyes!”

You let out a breathless laugh, wiping at your tears. “Oh my god, Peter.”

“He’s not throwing himself at walls,” Peter continued, grinning. “Not hurting himself, not trying to escape. He’s just… there. Like, he’s really there.”

You let out a shaky exhale, barely able to process it. It had worked. After all the sleepless nights, the endless research, the countless hours spent brewing—it actually worked.

You threw your arms around Peter, squeezing him tightly. “Thank you for coming to tell me.”

He patted your back awkwardly. “No problem,” he said, before pulling away with a smirk. “Figured you’d want to know as soon as possible. I mean, you are the genius behind it all.”

You let out a breathless laugh, shaking your head. “I can’t believe it.”

“Well, believe it,” Peter said. “Because when Remus gets back, you’re probably going to get the biggest thank-you in the world.”

Your heart fluttered at the thought. Remus was okay. He was safe.

And soon, he would be home.

Coming back to you.

The soft golden light of dawn slipped through the curtains, casting warm hues across the room. You stirred slightly, buried in Remus' blankets, still wrapped in his scent.

Then—oof.

Something heavy landed on top of you, knocking the breath right out of your lungs.

A familiar warmth, a mess of unruly brown hair, and the scent of pine and chocolate—Remus.

You barely had time to react before his lips were pressing against every inch of your face—your forehead, your cheeks, your nose, even the corners of your lips as he mumbled between each kiss,

“I love you, I love you, I love you—Merlin, I love you—”

You gasped, eyes fluttering open, still groggy. “Remus—?”

His arms tightened around you like he never wanted to let go. His entire body was radiating joy, his weight pressing you into the mattress, his nose buried in the crook of your neck as he whispered, “You did it. It worked. I was me.”

Remus pulled back, grinning so wide it made your heart ache. His golden eyes gleamed with happiness, no exhaustion, no pain, no fresh scars—just Remus.

“No injuries. No blacking out. No waking up with new scars. Nothing.” His voice wavered slightly, thick with emotion. “For the first time in my entire life, I was there. I was still me.”

Your breath hitched. You reached out, tracing his face with trembling fingers, as if you couldn’t believe it. His skin was warm, his expression so full of life—no pale, tired exhaustion like usual, no winces of pain.

Tears welled up in your eyes before you could stop them.

“Don’t cry,” Remus murmured, wiping at your tears quickly. “Dove, don’t cry—”

You let out a breathy laugh, even as the tears slipped down your cheeks. “I have to cry,” you sniffled. “I can’t believe it—I was so scared it wouldn’t work—”

Remus kissed you again, slower this time, lingering against your lips before pulling away just enough to whisper, “You are unbelievable. I don’t even know how to thank you for this.”

You swallowed hard, still overwhelmed. “Just knowing you’re okay is enough.”

“Well,” Sirius’ voice interrupted from the doorway, making you both jump, “if you two are done snogging, we’d also like to express our eternal gratitude.”

You turned to see James, Sirius, and Peter standing there, looking both exhausted and elated.

Sirius gave you a mock bow. “You, my dear, are a genius. You just did something that no Healer, no professor, no magical researcher has ever done. You deserve an Order of Merlin for this.”

James grinned. “Remus didn’t try to tear our heads off for once. I’d say that’s a miracle.”

Peter nodded enthusiastically. “He even played with us! It was incredible.”

Remus huffed, burying his face in your neck again, grumbling, “Don’t make it sound like I’m a rabid dog.”

Sirius snorted. “You were a rabid dog.”

You laughed, running your fingers through Remus’ hair. “Not anymore.”

Remus tightened his hold around you and whispered, just for you, “Because of you.”

And at that moment, you knew—he would never, ever stop loving you.

You let out a soft laugh, still cradling Remus’ face between your hands, as if you were afraid he’d disappear if you let go. But he was real—warm and safe, pressing gentle kisses to your temple between soft whispers of "thank you," "I love you," "I don’t deserve you."

The boys, however, were still in the doorway, grinning like absolute menaces.

“Alright, Moony, as heartwarming as this is,” James started, arms crossed, “we’ve all had a long night, and you’re crushing her.”

Remus groaned, reluctant to move. “Five more minutes.”

“Five minutes and then what? You’re going to glue yourself to her?” Sirius teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Remus, instead of being embarrassed, just hummed against your neck. “Tempting.”

You giggled, threading your fingers through his messy hair. “Remus, love, you really are heavy.”

With a dramatic sigh, he finally rolled off you, but not without pulling you right into his chest. He tucked you under his chin, arms still wrapped securely around your waist.

Sirius shook his head, smirking. “Merlin, he’s a menace when he’s happy.”

“You’re just mad you’re not the one cuddling me,” Remus shot back without missing a beat.

James and Peter howled with laughter while Sirius clutched his chest in mock offense. “I knew this potion would change you, but this? This is betrayal, Moony.”

You laughed, nuzzling closer into Remus’ embrace. “He’s just extra affectionate today.”

“Affectionate? He’s obsessed with you,” Peter said, grinning.

Remus didn’t even deny it. He just sighed, content. “She did just change my life forever. So, yeah. I think I’ve earned the right to be obsessed.”

The room fell silent for a moment, not awkward, but warm. James was smiling softly, looking at Remus like a proud older brother. Peter was still beaming. Even Sirius, despite his dramatics, had something tender in his expression.

This was a victory. A night where Remus won against the monster inside him.

And it was all because of you.

After a moment, James clapped his hands together. “Alright, as much as I love watching Moony be all soft and in love, I need sleep. I say we all pass out for the rest of the day.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow. “All of us? Meaning her, too?”

James rolled his eyes. “Padfoot, she made the bloody potion. She’s earned a spot.”

Sirius grinned. “Good. Would’ve let her stay, anyway. Moony would die if we kicked her out now.”

Remus hummed, already half-asleep against you. “Correct.”

You smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” Remus murmured, tightening his hold around her. “Because I think I’m in love with you.”

You laughed, stroking his hair. “You are in love with me.”

“Hopelessly.”

And with that, Remus Lupin—happier, whole for the first time in his life—fell asleep in your arms, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

James, lying upside down on his bed with his feet propped against the headboard, let out a dramatic sigh. “Right, now that we’ve accepted that she’s basically one of us, we need to discuss something very important.”

Sirius, sprawled across Remus’ bed at the foot, propped himself up on one elbow. “Oh, this is going to be good.”

Peter, already half-asleep, cracked one eye open. “Do we have to talk? I thought the plan was to sleep.”

James ignored him. “She needs a Marauder nickname.”

At this, you perked up, turning your head against Remus’ chest. “Oh? I get one?”

“Of course, you do, love,” Remus said, his voice still thick with exhaustion but undeniably fond. “You did just make literal history.”

Sirius clapped his hands. “Exactly! And we, the great Marauders, are here to bestow upon you the perfect name.”

Peter, already half-buried under his blankets, mumbled sleepily, “Do we vote on it, or does Moony get to pick since she’s his genius?”

Remus, still tangled up with you, blinked in surprise. It wasn’t often he was the center of things, let alone the one making decisions. He glanced down at you, tracing gentle patterns on the back of your hand. “What do you think, dove?”

You grinned, still loving the way that nickname rolled off his tongue. “Well, what are my options?”

James, who had clearly been thinking about this for a while, sat up. “Alright, hear me out—Wolfsbane.”

Sirius immediately groaned. “Prongs, that’s awful. What are we, first-years? That’s so obvious.”

James put a hand over his heart. “I am offended. She made an actual miracle potion! It fits!”

Peter yawned. “Too long.”

Sirius snapped his fingers. “How about Moonbeam? Moony’s obsessed with her, it makes sense.”

Remus actually considered it for a moment before shaking his head. “Too soft.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You literally call me ‘dove’ every day.”

“That’s different,” Remus murmured, nuzzling into your shoulder.

Sirius laughed. “Merlin, he’s so gone for you.”

James snapped his fingers. “Wait! What about Star?”

Sirius’ head shot up. “Oi! That’s my thing!”

James rolled his eyes. “Padfoot, you don’t own the stars.”

“I am literally named after one!”

Remus hummed, tapping his fingers against your arm. “I like it, though. But maybe... Starlight?”

You smiled, already liking the sound of it. “Starlight?”

Remus looked at you, eyes full of warmth. “You are my star.”

Sirius made a gagging noise. “You two, I swear—”

James clapped his hands. “Alright, that settles it. Welcome to the Marauders, Starlight.”

Peter cheered sleepily, already drifting off. “She was basically one of us anyway…”

And just like that, you weren’t just their friend anymore. You were one of them.

—— 🌙 ——

A note from the author:

Hi guys!

This one made me so happy while writing it! Too many achievements in one part.

Thank you for the love, the comments and reblogs! You are the best! 🤍

As you can see, it's almost near the end. It's gonna have only ten parts! 🥺

And I have a question: In the final part, I am going to do a peek at their future together, so tell me what you would like to see the most! Their marriage? Them having kids? Leave your ideas!

See you soon!