Young Remus

Epilogue: Fields of Gold

Note: Viviane Chance appears once more courtesy of Juliane. Abby Loomis also appears courtesy of Katinka. Thanks again for letting me borrow your wonderful characters. This chapter refers to events which took place in Chapter Eleven of Taking Sides.

This chapter is dedicated to my husband.

Laura stood in the kitchen making tea and setting out the Christmas teapot on the morning of December twenty-third. Christmas was Laura’s favorite time of year. She was especially happy this year, though, because her husband was safe, her son was with her, and her mother was about to arrive from the United States. Then there was the wonderful party her new mother and father-in-law were giving in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Remus Lupin tomorrow. What a thrill it was to be called Mr. and Mrs!

All of the people she cared for would be at this party, except for the Snapes, who were in the United States with Alexandra’s family. This celebration meant that they were "going public" with their marriage. Laura had wanted to wait until she was certain that her ex-husband’s family would not be a problem. Remus was now well established in his Ministry position. He had been awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class and the rank of Keeper of the Light by the American FBM for his role in the victory against Lord Voldemort.

No one had noticed Laura at the memorial service for the American Auror, Colin Murphy, and no one had remarked on the fact that she and her son were present at the awards ceremony when Remus was given the medal. Remus had even attended a party at the Snapes' without telling anyone about her simply because they wanted to tell Evan in person first. But two days ago when the Daily Prophet gossip columnist had asked the question, "What recent recipient of the Order of Merlin has been hiding the fact that he is married to one of the co-authors of the revised edition of Unfogging the Future?" Laura knew her cover was blown. Luckily, they had told Evan both that Remus was a werewolf and that she and Remus were married when he had arrived home from Hogwarts. They had been surprised, though by his reaction.

It was dinner time on the first day after the end of term and Laura had made all of Evan's favorite foods just to welcome him home. He was used to seeing Remus at their house, so Evan seemed to think nothing of Remus' presence at the dinner table.

"Evan, Remus and I have something to tell you." Laura looked at him nervously.

He gave each of them a quizzical look. "What's up, Mum? Is Remus going to stay for Christmas to meet my abuela?"

"Well, dear," Laura began, "you might say that Remus is one of the reasons why your grandmother is coming to see us. I hope you aren't disappointed that you weren't with us, but Remus and I got married right before the defeat of Lord Voldemort."

"Crikey! I was wondering when you were going to get married. No wonder Remus' wellies are at the backdoor now." He looked at Remus and smiled. "From now on we can go flying whenever I'm home."

"Evan." Remus looked at him with a determined look on his face. "There is one other thing you should know. I believe you may have heard of the Wolfsbane Potion in your Defense Against the Dark Arts class or in your Potions class."

Evan looked as if something were dawning on him. "Uh, Remus, I think I know what you're going to tell me."

"You do?" Remus asked in a surprised tone, looking over at Laura. "But how?"

"Well," Evan began, "when I left for school I reckoned I ought to find out something about you since you seemed to like my mother so much. I remembered hearing that you had been a teacher at Hogwarts, so I asked a few of the older students about you. They told me that you're a werewolf. I was a little worked up at first, but I figured that if Professor Dumbledore had let you teach there and if you helped fight You-Know-Who, you must be all right." Laura and Remus looked at each other again in shock. "Plus, my mum never went out with anyone in the five years since she's been divorced, even though I know she got asked a couple of times. I thought if she was that careful and if she hadn't been hurt in the year that you had been spending time with her, everything must be under control. Then, Professor Snape taught us about the Wolfsbane Potion. It made me feel better."

Laura stood up and went over to Evan, giving him a hug. "Evan, I'm glad you did some investigation, but you could have asked me." She let go and felt tears in her eyes. "Anyhow, I want you to know that Remus and I are very careful at the full moon. He's been staying at his parents' house, where they have a place for him to go, even though he is taking the potion. We're looking for a house in Hogsmeade with a big cellar to use as his room during the full moon." She held Evan's hand in one of hers and reached over to grasp Remus' hand with the other.

Evan was quiet for a moment, his eyes wide. Then he looked at Remus sympathetically. "I read over a few books about werewolves in the library. I was wondering, does it hurt as much to transform now that you use the potion?"

"Well, yes, it does hurt still, but your mother and I are working on finding some analgesics to help with the pain." Remus smiled at him.

Evan's brow was furrowed for a moment and Laura and Remus looked at each other anxiously. After what seemed to Laura like hours of silence, but was really only a minute, Evan's face broke into a grin. "Wow! A real werewolf. You're a lot more interesting than my stepmum. She's nice, but she's just a regular witch. She's not even a Seer!"

Laura and Remus had looked at each other and laughed, as the three of them stood and hugged for a moment. Laura admonished them to eat their dinner before it got cold and with that simple nagging remark, they suddenly felt like a real family.

There was one more hurdle for Laura to face. After the article in the Daily Prophet, Laura waited anxiously for word that her in-laws would try to take Evan away from her. It never came. Instead, a note from Robert had been delivered first thing that morning:

Dear Laura,

I hope you are well. I understand if you want to keep Evan over the holidays. I just wanted to let you know that my parents have not made any noises about Lupin. I must admit, I was a little worried myself when I found out, but Dumbledore has assured us that everything is fine. I admire Lupin for telling me himself. That was quite good of him.

On a lighter note, I think you should expect to receive that invitation to the country in the spring. All Mother could talk about when she heard about your marriage was the Order of Merlin and that "American award" he got too. I was right about them.

Happy Christmas, Laura!

Robert

Laura was not a bit surprised that Remus had gone to Robert and told him about the marriage and his problem. She had mentioned to Remus that Robert knew about their relationship anyway and once Evan knew, Remus felt that everyone should know. She just loved Remus all the more for being a good and honorable person.

***

Remus woke up reaching over for Laura, who must have already gotten up. The sheer joy of waking up next to her was something he savored. And I don’t mind getting up to breakfast with her too.

He put on his dressing gown, dodging a couple of boxes that were in their bedroom for packing and went downstairs to the kitchen. He stood in the door and watched Laura at the stove, her hair a little wild, her fluffy slippers peaking out from under the plaid nightdress she was wearing. Even in a flannel nightdress she looked beautiful to him. He came up behind her and put his arms around her.

"Good morning, my love. What’s for breakfast?"

"Oh, so if I have a big bowl of waffle batter in my hands, I’m your love, am I?" she asked, turning and laughing at the look of mock outrage on his face.

"Would you like me to help you, Laura?" he asked taking the bowl from her hands and putting it on the counter before pulling her into his arms again for a long lingering kiss. "I don’t want you to think I’m here for the food alone. I’m not Sirius, after all."

Laura laughed. "Do you want to set the table? I think Evan should wake up soon." Remus didn’t let go. He didn’t want to. Instead, he kissed her again, finally forced to let go when the waffle iron spit out a waffle that nearly hit him as it flew to a plate on the counter.

"Oh great, waffles!" They heard Evan’s voice from behind them.

"Evan!" Laura cried out and began to blush. "We didn’t know you were here."

"Um, yeah, it’s okay, Mum. Are there any more waffles ready yet? How about some of the bacon you have in that pan." Remus and Laura looked at each other and laughed. Padfoot, Junior? Remus thought, putting some bacon on a plate while Laura pulled some warm waffles out of the oven.

Breakfast was relaxed and enjoyable that morning. Remus and Evan decided to go flying while Laura got ready to leave for London. She would bring her mother back by Floo network. It was the only way to get her mother and all of her bags to their home.

***

Fortuna and Stephanus Lupin were standing at the door greeting the guests arriving for the celebration of their son’s marriage. It was the moment Fortuna had waited fifteen years to experience. The food was sumptuous; the whole house was decorated lavishly in flowers and Christmas decorations. It was a dream come true for a mother with an only son—to be the hostess of a wedding feast as if she were the mother of the bride. But, it was only right in this case. Laura’s mother lived a world away and didn’t understand their wizarding customs. They were delighted that Laura’s mother, Maria Cortez, had come all the way from Texas to be with them.

Fortuna studied Laura. She had persuaded everyone who would have been in the wedding party to wear their formal clothes, even if Remus and Laura were already married. Laura looked especially pretty in the rose colored dress she was wearing. Laura was standing side by side with her mother and Fortuna could see where Laura got her looks, although she had heard that Laura had her father’s eyes and nose. They were not great beauties, but there was something so appealing about their friendly smiles.

"Oh, Stephanus," she whispered to her husband. "I said it before and I’ll say it again. They are going to have beautiful children."

He rolled his eyes. "Still at it, Fortuna? What’s wrong? Are they not moving fast enough for you? Did you put a Fertility Potion in the punch?" She laughed and opened the door again to greet Sirius Black and Harry Potter.

"Come in, Sirius and Mr. Potter, we’re so glad you could be here." Fortuna took Harry’s hand and smiled at him. Suddenly the memories of her son’s old friends rushed into her mind and she was unable to contain herself. "My, but you do look like your father." Harry blushed a little.

"Hi, Mrs. Lupin. I’m glad to meet you, and you, Mr. Lupin." After Harry had shaken hands with the Lupins, Fortuna led him to Remus. Sirius excused himself to go and find the drinks.

***

"Well, Harry. I’m so glad you’re here." Professor Lupin shook hands with Harry. He and Evan Clearwater were standing by a large Christmas tree.

"Hello, Professor Lupin," Harry said, trying not to act surprised. He had never seen his former teacher dressed so nicely. "Hi, Evan. Sirius is off getting drinks. Uh, congratulations, Professor Lupin! Where’s your wife?" Harry looked around the room curious to see what she looked like.

"She’s right over there. Would you take Harry over to meet your mum, Evan? I’ve got to go and be sure that Viviane and Sirius don’t kill each other." Remus walked away. Harry was still amazed that Evan Clearwater’s mother and Remus Lupin were married. Sirius had told him, but he had to get used to the idea of Professor Lupin being married. Evan led Harry over to a woman with dark hair. She was wearing a pretty dress and had a crown of flowers on her head, so she must be the bride. Professor Snape and Professor Lupin BOTH married. I think Sirius needs to start looking for a girlfriend.

"Mum, this is Harry Potter," Evan said as they reached his mother. "Harry, this is my mother, Laura Lupin, and my grandmother, Maria Cortez."

"Hello, Harry," Laura said, taking his hand. "It’s so good to see you again. I met you when you were about one year old, but I promise I won’t embarrass you with a lot of silly stories." Mrs. Lupin had sparkly dark eyes and looked nice to Harry and so did Evan’s grandmother.

"It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Lupin. Congratulations!" Harry smiled shyly, wishing that Ron and Hermione were here to at least absorb some of the attention he was getting.

Harry stood and talked to the women for a little while, then he and Evan excused themselves to go and eat some of the delicious food on the tables. As they circulated around the room, they saw Professor Dumbledore standing and talking to the Lupins. Dumbledore raised his glass to Harry, who waved back. Then he heard the clinking of a glass as Sirius came into the room again.

"If I may have your attention," Sirius began. "We’re here to celebrate the marriage of Remus and Laura. I should have been the best man, but they decided to make up for lost time by eloping. Remus, I’m glad you stopped wasting time and got married! She’s a much better cook than you are." Everyone laughed and Harry noticed that Professor Lupin had his arm around his wife, looking very happy. "Here’s to a long and happy life together and remember, I’m especially good with children, so don't make us wait too long." Everyone toasted the bride and groom. Harry got a lump in the pit of his stomach as he thought of the picture of Sirius standing next to his parents, just as he was standing next to Professor Lupin and his new wife. At least this time, everything would be all right.

***

Remus’ parents had spared no expense when it came to the champagne and spirits, which everyone was enjoying. Laura found herself thinking at one point that it was a good thing that wizards could Apparate and didn’t have to drive. The champagne did seem to make opening crackers much more fun. They had decided to have them because, after all, it was Christmas Eve.

Laura and Remus were beginning to get tired. Well, I'm tired and Remus has had too much champagne! It seemed that this party was going on forever. "I need some air, Laura, love. Come with me," he said, grabbing their cloaks and putting his around his shoulders.

"Trying to get me off alone into the garden?" Laura laughed as her husband blushed slightly. She thought it had more to do with the champagne than his thoughts about her.

"Something like that. Come on. It'll be nice outside in the snow." He led her into the garden and off into the secluded spot they used to go to when they were young. But someone was already there. Laura and Remus looked at each other incredulously. It was Sirius kissing Viviane Chance! They were leaning against a tree locked in a very long and steamy kiss. Oh, dear! I thought Remus said they didn’t like each other very much. It must be all the champagne they’ve been drinking.

Remus couldn’t resist it, so he cleared his throat. Laura tried to pull him away, but he wouldn’t move. Viviane and Sirius broke apart looking startled.

Laura spoke first. "Don’t mind us. We were just looking for our own spot. Come on, darling." She tried to pull Remus away again. He just stood stubbornly and laughed.

Viviane stood up straight, smoothed her clothes and said with a regal air, "I believe I left my champagne glass inside. I think I’ll go get it." She glared at Remus, who had now all but fallen on the ground laughing.

"I’d like shome more myshelf," Sirius said, sounding very drunk.

"I’m afraid the Lupins neglected to put out a dog dish, Sirius. Perhaps we can find you a bowl instead." Viviane began to giggle uncontrollably.

Laura suddenly felt like she had to intervene. "Sirius, wouldn’t you rather have some coffee or tea with some of my decorated biscuits? I made them for you and Harry, after all. Viviane, I know you love a good cup of coffee and Remus could use it too."

Remus put his arm around Laura steadying himself and said, "My dear, I am not intoxicated by anything but your beauty. I’m hoping to experience it a little more closely later."

"Come inside Remus and bring those two with you," Laura hissed at him. "You won’t be much use to me in that state!" She was getting a little irritated that everyone but her was drunk.

"Well, Moony, sshhe’s got a point," Sirius said lurching forward a little. "You’d better do what sshhe says or you might be shleeping here tonight. Come on Viviane, letsh have shome coffee." Viviane was not listening. She had passed out and was sliding down the tree.

"Great Merlin!" Remus exclaimed laughing even harder. "Where’s my bloody camera when I need it?"

"Would you two stop fooling around and get her inside now?!" Laura felt herself losing patience with them. If only Severus Snape had been there to give them a Sobering Potion.

At the end of the night, Laura and Remus took Viviane to their house to sleep it off in the attic bedroom, while Harry helped Mr. Lupin put Sirius into bed. It had been a lovely party, but Laura thought it would be unsafe to have Sirius and Viviane wake up in the same house-especially if they remembered any of the party. Harry and Sirius would be joining the Lupins for Christmas dinner, so there would be plenty of time for hangovers to wear off.

***

It was almost summer. Laura and Remus had just moved to Hogsmeade to their own house. Laura was thrilled to be living there, so close to Evan and to a certain shop she frequented. As she came home through the fireplace from Gladrags, she rubbed her back. It was a relief to have some clothes that fit now. Thank goodness Abby carries all those maternity robes. I didn't have a thing to wear anymore!

Remus was waiting for her as she walked in. "Did you find what you wanted?" he asked good-naturedly, coming over to kiss her.

"Yes, and I ran into Alexandra Snape. She's awfully cute pregnant. It sounds like they're looking for a house in Hogsmeade too."

"Well," Remus said raising an eyebrow as he led Laura to the sofa, "so you're telling me that Severus Snape might be my neighbor? Am I supposed to be happy?"

"Remus, be nice," she said in a warning tone. "He's a lot better now that he's married and everything is over. It will be interesting to see him as a father, though." Then her face brightened. "Speaking of interesting, you'll never guess what Abby Loomis has been up to? She just spent about six weeks in the U.S. training weavers. It seems that Michael Lennox found some people with talent in that direction and Alex put him in touch with Abby. In a few months, her students will come here to work with her some more."

"Did she really want that much exposure? She seemed rather shy to me when I met her." Remus put a footstool under Laura's feet and began rubbing her shoulders.

"Oh, I don't know. She's so personable; I can imagine her students loving her. I think it's not widely known that she's teaching outside of Britain, but it's good for her. I just hope she meets some wonderful man to sweep her off her feet."

Remus sat next to her and said softly into her ear, "You mean like I did you?" He pulled her closer and nibbled her ear. Laura turned to him, grinning. "She's doing it again, Remus. She loves your voice."

Remus sat up. "You mean she's giving you those feelings again." Remus was referring to the feelings Laura had been experiencing lately because of her pregnancy. For the past month, Laura had been Seeing flashes of emotion from her baby. Most often it was a great feeling of contentment and total bliss. It was like she was floating in happiness. Sometimes, it was impatience. The baby would kick a lot during those times. Most often, it was a reaction to the sound of Remus' voice.

"Yes, she had been a little since I got home and you started talking, but when you spoke into my ear, she really started moving around and giving me those flashes of feeling. It's so wonderful. She doesn't do that for anyone else but you."

Remus smiled, his eyes brightening. Laura could tell that he was thrilled to think his daughter knew him already. "You know, I thought I knew everything about living with a Seer, but I guess I have more to learn, especially if the baby turns out to be a Seer too." Remus took her hand and kissed it.

"We won't know that right away. I had these feelings with Evan too. But with your mother being a Seer, I think the chances are good that the baby will be one too." Laura squeezed his hand. "What do you say, Remus, if we name her Viviana, after your friend, Viviane?"

"Laura, you hardly know her and the last time you saw her, she was not at her very best." Remus had a very surprised look on his face.

"Oh, Remus, we all had something to celebrate that night. Just think what it meant to have a Christmas without the threat of Lord Voldemort? I happen to believe that Viviane is special because she took care of you at a time when you had no one. I just thought I'd like to use the Spanish version of the name, if you didn't mind."

"I suppose Padfootina is out, then?" Remus looked at her with mischief in his eyes.

Laura laughed. "Yes, I hope Sirius doesn't mind the name, but I can't think of any way to use his name for a girl."

"I agree. If we wanted to name her after a star or a constellation, it would have to be something different." He looked into her eyes and said, "Viviana it is. I like it!"

"Good! We can decide on the middle name later on." Laura tried to stand and Remus pulled her back down. "Oh, no, I would be honored to cook dinner for the mother of my child."

Laura laughed again. "Thank you, dear, but that won't get you out of diaper--I mean nappy changing. After all, this little one is going to be a Daddy's girl."

***

A few months later. . .

Remus held Viviana on his shoulder, patting and massaging her back as she screamed into his ear. "Laura, are you sure she's well? She hasn't stopped crying since I got home!" His voice was a little louder than he intended, but it was difficult to be heard above the loud wails of his one-month-old daughter.

"She's not running a fever and she's eating all right. She just started crying like that this afternoon, just as she did yesterday afternoon. I can take her if you want to eat something right now." Laura looked very tired, but she seemed to be doing her best to look sincere.

"No, Laura, you eat first," he said managing a small smile. "I've been gone all day and if this is what you've been putting up with, you need the break more than I do."

Laura looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Remus. I've read a couple of things that say this is normal. I don't remember if Evan did this or not. I just hope it doesn't go on for too long."

Laura left and Remus began to rock his baby, laying her face-down across his lap and patting her back lightly. "Come on now, Viviana, it's all right. I'll read you a story if you stop crying." Nothing happened, except that the sound of her cries was pointed away from his ears instead of right next to them. "Oh, poor little thing. There must be something making you feel out of sorts. I thought you liked the sound of my voice. You do, don't you?" He picked her up and held her up to look into her eyes, as much as he could with her eyes screwed tight while she wailed.

Remus put her back on his shoulder and began to rock in the rocking chair. "Well, you leave me no choice, my little fairy princess, but to sing. After you've heard me sing, you'll have something to cry about, that's for sure!" Remus began to sing a song about a golden baby unicorn. He had heard Lily sing this song to Harry many years ago. Viviana kept crying, so he tried it again and again. Then, he started singing any old song that came to mind. When Laura came to the door, he shooed her away. He shifted the baby from shoulder to shoulder. Finally, he pushed her little fist toward her mouth to see if she might comfort herself by sucking on it. It worked!! After an hour of singing and rocking, Viviana was asleep. Her abundant dark hair was stuck to her forehead in little curls and she looked quite angelic, he thought, when he put her in her crib to sleep for a while.

Remus went to the study, hoping to have a real conversation with Laura before Viviana re-awakened. He found Laura fast asleep in a chair with a book called, Crying Terror, Hidden Colic lying open on her lap. Well, I guess I'll be forced to eat alone. Remus sat down at the table muttering a Heating Charm over his plate and picking up the Evening Prophet. He sat for a moment, content to hear the ticking of the clock, and he smiled. Finally, he was happy.

***  

Thanks again, Chris for all you've done to get me through this story! The title of this chapter is taken from a song by Sting, called Fields of Gold.