War In Shades Of Pink

Chapter 10: Together in the Eye of the Storm

NOTES: I don't own the characters. They're all from the "Harry Potter" series. I just try to fill in the gaps with my own imagination.
English is not my first language, so I apologize for any error or mistake.

Remus felt the chill of the Scottish night piercing through his bones as he approached the small tavern, a solitary refuge amidst the rugged hills. The new moon hung in the sky, deepening the darkness of the scene, but the warm lights emanating from the grimy windows offered a discreet comfort. The familiar scent of butterbeer and a crackling fire reached him before he even crossed the threshold.

He hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorknob, feeling the old unease tighten in his chest. He was to be married. Even here, in a remote pub in northern Scotland, far from the gaze of anyone who knew them, the weight of that decision loomed large. He had never imagined he would marry one day. He struggled with the feeling that he shouldn't drag Tonks into his life, marked by scars and tragedies. But then she entered. The gentle chime of the doorbell announced the arrival of Nymphadora Tonks, her hair a radiant shade of gold, more vibrant than anything else in that place.

"Are you sure, Dora?" he murmured, nervously, as if asking the question for the tenth time, though he already knew the answer.

She rolled her eyes with an amused smile, extending her hand to him. "Remus, we've talked about this time and again. You were the one who proposed. We're at war; we have no time for lavish celebrations or invitations. I just want to marry you, today, now. And the longer you delay, the more likely I am to turn you into a badger and marry you anyway."

He smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest like a breath of warm air.

"A badger? Honestly, I was hoping to be an elegant Alsatian wolf."

Tonks laughed, the sound ringing out in the small pub. A few local wizards, seated in a corner at the back, cast curious glances their way but soon returned to their drinks.

"I'm sure you would make a very charming badger, Remus. After all, it's the symbol of Hufflepuff, remember?" She winked at him playfully.

He let out a soft chuckle, although that nervousness still gnawed at him from within.

"Dora, it's not about rushing... It's just that—" He ran a hand through his greying hair, a familiar gesture. "I don't know if this is right for you. For us. The stigma, the war... Everything could get more difficult, and you deserve more than I can offer."

"That had better be the last time you say such things. That's about the millionth time," Tonks huffed, before stepping forward, cradling his face in her hands, her eyes filled with love and a firmness that Remus found disconcerting. She looked at him as if he were more than the world allowed him to believe he was.

"I know what I want, Remus. I want you. It doesn't matter what the world thinks or what may happen tomorrow. I want to cherish every second I have with you, now. Even if the only witness to our marriage is a stuffed stag hanging on the wall of this tavern."

He laughed, his heart racing from the emotions she always stirred within him. She always knew what to say.

"Very well," he finally said, giving in, though he knew the internal battle was far from over. "But I want to make it clear that I'm not yielding out of fear of you turning me into a badger."

Tonks smirked slyly.

"Of course not, darling, of course not," she teased.

They approached the bar, where a grey-haired wizard with crooked glasses was polishing a glass with a bored expression.

"Excuse me," Tonks began, in a casual tone. "Do you know where we might find a wedding officiant around here? Something... simple and quick."

The man looked up, surprised. "A wedding? Here?" He glanced around, as if verifying that they were serious. "Well, there's Old MacDougal. He does quick weddings. But he's also the Keeper for our local Quidditch club, so he might ask you to sign up as members of the Chudley Cannons."

Remus let out a laugh, feeling a bit more relaxed.

"I think we can manage that."

Shortly after, Old MacDougal appeared. A burly wizard with a thick moustache and a friendly expression. He pulled a wand from one pocket and a small notebook from another.

"So you want to marry, eh? Quickly and efficiently?" he asked, adjusting his glasses with a practical gesture.

"That's right," Tonks said, squeezing Remus's hand tightly. "Quickly and efficiently."

MacDougal shrugged, guiding them to a quieter corner of the pub, away from prying eyes.

"Right, let's get started. Is there anything special you'd like to say to each other?"

Remus looked at Tonks, the warmth filling his chest nearly took his breath away. There was so much he wanted to say, but at that moment, only one thing felt important.

"Nymphadora Tonks," he began, feeling his throat tighten. "I... promise to love you, even if I am not perfect. With all my flaws, scars, and... howls." He smiled shyly. "I will protect you as best I can, even knowing that, at times, it will be you I'll need to protect myself from."

Tonks laughed softly, her eyes sparkling.

"Remus, I love you just as you are. I wouldn't change a single scar or any of your imperfections. I promise to love you, even on the days when your stubbornness makes me want to cast a spell to turn you into a badger. And I promise that, whatever happens, I will always do what I can to make you laugh, even at the expense of your dignity."

He winked at her.

"Especially at the expense of my dignity."

MacDougal smiled and raised his wand, tracing a golden arc in the air that shimmered gently.

"I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss... or not. The choice is yours."

Before Remus could even process the simplicity of the ceremony, Tonks had already thrown her arms around his neck, kissing him with a passion that made him forget the world around them. The tables at the back erupted into applause and whistles.

"Long live the newlyweds!" shouted one of the wizards, raising his mug of butterbeer.

As they walked back along the cobbled road toward the small inn where they had reserved a room, Remus squeezed Tonks's hand and drew her close.

"You know, Dora..." he said softly, with a lighter heart, yet still laden with worries. "You asked me not to bring it up again, but I'm still concerned about what this may mean for you."

Tonks stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a firm look.

"Remus, I've already told you, there's nothing you could do to make me give up on you. We're in the middle of a war; we don't know what the future holds. But I'd rather face every uncertainty with you than spend my life away from the man I love."

He sighed, his heart caught between fear and happiness.

"You are the woman of my dreams. Did you know that?"

"Am I?" Tonks raised an eyebrow, amused. "Well, I hope your dreams include sharing a pillow, because I tend to spread out a bit in bed."

Remus laughed, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Challenge accepted."

And as they walked through the cold night back to their temporary refuge, Remus knew that, even amidst the chaos and uncertainties of war, he had something worth fighting for. He was married to the woman he loved, and for that brief moment, he allowed himself to believe that perhaps everything would be all right.