Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and the kids.
Summary: When two people grow apart, it's tough to find time together to rekindle the flame. Remus and Ginny attempt to reconnect with each other, despite the demands on their time.
A/N: This is dedicated to Austin, who has begged me incessantly for this. Hope it lives up to your expectations. Enjoy!
Reunited
"So, Ginny," Hermione said, smiling at her sister-in-law, "what are you and Remus going to do tomorrow?"
"I've no idea," Ginny replied with a shrug. "I think deep down, neither of us believes we're actually going to get a whole day together."
"Well, whatever you end up doing, you both deserve it," Hermione said, patting Ginny's hand.
It was true. Remus and Ginny Lupin had not had a moment alone together in over a year. With their two boys, Sirius and John, nine and seven, respectively, and baby Margaret born last year, they had either been working or taking care of children.
Remus had been promoted a year before; he was now Head of Auror Training. Ginny, meanwhile, opened her second Apothecary in Hogsmeade. She still worked primarily in the Diagon Alley shop, leaving her friend Hannah Abbot to run the Hogsmeade shop.
Things had come to a head between Remus and Ginny a month before when Sirius and John had been left at day school because neither parent could remember who was supposed to collect the children. A huge argument had broken out about it; in the end, nothing was resolved because neither wanted to give up their careers and work from home. Yet something needed to change soon.
Hermione had wrangled George into suggesting they take the three kids for an entire day, leaving their parents plenty of time to get reacquainted.
"So, you're getting the kids in the morning?" Ginny asked. She was brewing Remus' Wolfsbane Potion for next week's full moon. It was just starting to simmer when Hermione had come into the Apothecary.
"Yes, at eight," Hermione replied. "Is that too early?"
"No, that's fine," Ginny replied. "What will you do with them all day?"
"I thought I'd take them to the library in the morning," she answered. "George wants to take the boys to his pick-up Quidditch game in the afternoon, while Margaret naps. But you don't worry about them. We'll be fine."
Ginny smiled in relief before stirring the Potion again. At thirty-two years old, Ginny was beginning to feel burned out. And for the first time in weeks, she was starting to feel excited about being with her husband.
The next morning, Ginny awoke to silence. She sat up in her bed and looked around. Remus' side of the bed was cold, so he'd been up for a while. She remembered the days early in their marriage when they would fall asleep holding each other after making love; lately, they'd been going to bed at different times and sleeping with their backs to each other.
Ginny was just about to get up when Remus quietly opened the door and peeked in. Even at fifty-three, he was still handsome. His grey hair swept gracefully across his forehead and brought out his light blue eyes. His tall frame had lost some of its tone over the years, but he was still in excellent shape and still caught admiring glances from witches in the street.
He smiled warmly at her. "You're awake," he commented.
"What time is it?" she asked, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
"A bit after nine," he replied. Remus crossed the room and climbed back into bed next to Ginny. "George came to get the kids an hour ago. Thankfully, they were all ready to go."
"You got them up and dressed?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes," Remus replied, kissing the top of her head. "I thought I'd let you sleep."
Ginny snuggled into his arms and smiled to herself. Remus was a natural father. He was made to have children. Perhaps it was his easy-going nature or his patience. But he'd always been the one to have better luck with getting the kids up in the morning.
"Are you hungry?" he asked, interrupting the peaceful silence.
To answer his question, Ginny's stomach gave a loud rumble. Remus chuckled and raised his wand. "Accio breakfast!" he called. Moments later, a tray levitated into the room and set itself in front of Ginny.
She gaped at it, taking in the eggs, toast and tea before her. There was also a small vase with a pink rose in it, her favorite.
"Breakfast in bed for my beautiful wife," Remus said softly.
"Aren't you lovely this morning?" she asked. She buttered a slice of toast and held it out to her husband.
He grinned at her and bit of a piece of it, chewing thoughtfully. "So what do you want to do today?" he asked.
"Honestly?" she said. "I just want to stay in. We could finally get the attic cleaned out, you know?"
"Love, do you really want to spend the day together cleaning out the attic?" Remus asked with an amused expression. "How about we get to know each other again?"
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked, taking a sip of tea.
"Since Margaret was born, we seem to have grown apart," he said sadly. "I know you've noticed, Gin. We don't talk anymore unless it's to argue about the children or money. We don't do anything together; it's always about the kids. I love them, but I miss you, Ginny. I miss my wife."
Ginny's eyes filled with tears. "I was so afraid I was losing you," she admitted. "I was afraid you'd leave, like Fleur."
Remus tilted her face up to his and brushed her tears away. "I'd never leave you," he whispered. He lowered his face to hers and gently kissed her lips.
Ginny sighed at the contact, realizing how much she'd missed Remus' kisses and his touch.
He pulled away and looked into her eyes. "I do love you, Ginny. I love you even more than the day I married you," he said sincerely.
"I love you, too, Remus," she replied. "I always have."
He smiled at that and moved to kiss her again, but Ginny shied away. "I haven't had my bath yet," she said.
Remus wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Let's go have a bath then," he said with a cheeky smile. He stood from the bed, kissing Ginny's hand. "Don't move," he said. "I'll be right back."
He disappeared out of the room, and Ginny could hear the tap running for the bath. A few moments later, a stark naked Remus reentered the bedroom.
"Your bath awaits, mi'lady," he said. Ginny giggled at him. "What are you laughing at?" he asked innocently.
"Nothing," she said pushing back the covers and standing. She started to walk towards the door, but Remus stopped her.
"Not until you undress," he stated. She started to protest, but he stopped her.
Silencing her with a kiss, he began to slowly untie her nightgown, letting it fall past her shoulders to the ground. He stepped back to admire her, causing her to blush under his scrutiny.
"Gods, you're beautiful," he murmured.
Ginny instinctively covered herself with her arms and shook her head. "Not after giving birth to three children."
"No," Remus insisted. "You're still the most beautiful woman I've ever known." He kissed her again, but this time, he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.
He gently set her down in the tub of warm water before climbing in behind her. When his arms wrapped gently around her, she sighed in contentment.
"This feels wonderful," she said. "Thank you."
"Anything for you, Ginny," Remus replied, pushing her hair from her neck so he could kiss it. "I'm sorry I haven't been a good husband lately. I've just had a lot on my mind."
"You haven't been a bad husband," Ginny said. But Remus wasn't convinced.
"No," he insisted. "Half the time I'm not even here, and when I am here, my mind is at work; or I'm too exhausted for anything else. I haven't given you the attention you deserve, but I want you to know that I never didn't want to be with you."
"Remus, I've been just as neglectful," Ginny said. "I've spent too much time being angry with you or dealing with the kids or the new shop. I have missed you, though." She turned her head to kiss her husband on the mouth, and he tightened his arms around her.
"Ginny," Remus said after a moment, "when's the last time we spent quality time together?"
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, when is the last time we made love?" he asked.
"I don't know," Ginny said thoughtfully. "Three months ago?"
"Try six," he said with a laugh.
"Six months?" Ginny asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Remus replied. "And I, for one, would like to make up for lost time."
She giggled at him before turning around to face him, straddling his lap. She kissed him deeply, as he let his hands roam her body.
He traced her jaw line with his fingers and looked into her eyes. For the first time in a long time, Ginny felt her breath hitch just from the intensity of his gaze.
"Darling," he said tenderly, "I love you so much."
Later that evening, George and Hermione returned with the three Lupin children. Hermione was relieved to see Remus and Ginny cuddling and laughing on the sofa when they arrived. Apparently her plan of reuniting the pair had worked. George noticed as well and winked at his wife.
"So, how was your day?" George asked Remus and Ginny.
"Wonderful."
"Amazing."
"Thanks for watching the children," Remus said, shaking George's hand. "I hope they weren't too much trouble."
"Not at all," Hermione said, hugging Ginny. "We'll be happy to do it again anytime you want."
"Oh, really?" Remus asked. "How about next Sunday night? That's two nights after the full moon, and I want to take my perfect wife on a proper date."
George and Hermione gawked at each other before George began to chuckle to himself. Apparently, Hermione's plan had worked a little too well.
"Uh, sure," George said. "We'd love to."
"Great!" Ginny said. She kissed her brother's cheek before returning to her husband's side.
"Could I use your loo?" George asked.
"Sure, use the one upstairs," Remus said. He went to see about the children and put Margaret to bed, while George went upstairs.
Ginny and Hermione giggled as Ginny told her sister-in-law about her incredible day, leaving out several details. Remus returned, blushing under the knowing gaze from Hermione.
A few moments later, George returned looking bewildered. "Say, Remus," he began, "why's there water all over the bathroom floor? I almost slipped!"
Remus flushed even more, and Ginny burst into a fit of giggles.
"I guess we forgot to dry up after the bath this morning," Ginny admitted sheepishly. "We were a little preoccupied."
Hermione giggled with Ginny, but George looked puzzled.
"If you were taking a bath, how did most of the water end up on the floor?" he asked.
Hermione took her husband by the arm and led him towards the door.
"I'll explain it to you when we get home," she whispered.
As they left, Remus took Ginny in his arms. "And I'll explain it to you again, after the children are in bed, my dear."
"Oh, yes you will!" Ginny exclaimed before kissing his lips firmly.
Giggles interrupted them, and they couple turned to see Sirius and John grinning at them.
"Look, John," Sirius said. "Mummy and Daddy are snogging. That means they love each other."
"Yes, we do, Sirius," Remus said smiling at Ginny. "Yes, we do."
A/N- So that's it, folks! Out of curiosity, which one was your favorite? Was there one you didn't like? I hope you enjoyed them all, and review, of course!