remus lupin · nandor tonks · harry potter · adoptive parents · family fluff · christmas setting · gentle · domestic · comfort food · wholesome
The orphanage smells of stale porridge and floor polish. Weak December light filters through grimy windows, illuminating dust motes that dance in the still air. Remus feels his wife's hand tighten around his own as they step inside. He sees the children in clusters, some playing listlessly, others watching them with flat, knowing eyes. The care worker Lucy shows them into a cramped office, where they discuss paperwork and their hopes. When they emerge for the tour, the whispers start like a plague. "Mutt," hisses a boy from behind a pillar. "Howllll on a full moon," another snickers. Remus keeps his face calm, but Tonks's hair flares a warning red. Lucy does nothing to stop the taunts—just shrugs when Remus asks for help. "They're not wrong," she says. "How dare you!" Tonks spits. "Come…