the_debt_of_time

"It's me, Remus Lupin!" came a voice over the howling wind. "I am a werewolf,
married to Nymphadora Tonks, and you, the Secret-Keeper of Shell Cottage, told me the
address and said to come in an emergency!"
Remus fell over the threshold when Bill wrenched the door open. He was white-
faced, wrapped in a travelling cloak, his greying hair windswept. He straightened up, looked
around the room, making sure of who was there, then bellowed, "It's a boy! We've named
him after Dora's father! Edward Remus Lupin!"
Hermione shrieked, "Congratulations, Remus!" and rushed to him, wrapping her
arms around his waist.
He hugged her back with enthusiasm and kissed the top of her head.
Sirius grinned brightly. "Tonks had the baby?"
"Yes, yes, she's had the baby!"
All around the room came cries of delight and sighs of relief at the news.
"Congratulations!" Fleur squealed.
"Blimey, a baby!" Ron said as if he had never heard of such a thing before.
"Yes, yes, a baby boy," Remus repeated, looking dazed by his own happiness. He
strode around the table and hugged Sirius, then Harry; the scene in the kitchen of
Grimmauld Place might never have happened. "You'll be godfather?" he asked as he
released Harry, his eyes lingering on Hermione's smiling face for a moment as though he
wanted to say something to her but held back.
"Me?"
"You, yes, of course. Dora agrees; no one better!"
"Hey!" Sirius protested, his brows furrowing as he sat back down. "I'll have you
know I'm the only one here who's actually experienced in the act of godfathering."
"Poor Sirius." Hermione smirked and walked up behind him to place a kiss on the
top of his head and pat his shoulder consolingly. Realising what she had done, she stood
up straight and cleared her throat before crossing the room and kissing Harry's cheek while
muttering, "Congratulations, Harry."
Her surprising act of affection silenced Sirius, though he kept his arms crossed over
his chest in mute protest, and she could hear him grumbling under his breath, "It's not like
I'm your best friend or anything."
Bill hurried to fetch wine, and Fleur persuaded Remus to join them for a drink.