Some people say that if you want to see time pass by than you can just look in the mirror. That was what one Remus Lupin was doing that very moment. He was in his room at Grimmauld Place, his best friend Sirius' home.
He ran is hand along his face taking in every wrinkle, crevice, and scar. Yes at the age of thirty-six, Remus looked fifty-six. His years of transformations had caught up to him, changing him not only physically but mentally as well.
It seemed that every scar on his face was a reason more of why he would forever be alone. And every scar symbolized the new challenges he would face because of his werewolf curse.
Just as that last thought passed through his mind, a knock came to the door. Remus turned around in time to see Sirius enter.
"Remus! I have great news! Do you remember my cousin Nymphadora?"
"Yes, the metamorphagus?"
"Yep, that's the one. Well she is an auror, works with Kingsley Shacklebolt, and she has accepted his offer to join the order!" Sirius' smile beamed. Remus was happy that Sirius was happy.
"Wow, a Black made it as an auror, who would have thought." Sirius play punched Remus.
"Well, she will be coming to the meeting tonight. I can't wait to see her again. The last time I saw her was…" Sirius trailed off, trying to recall the date.
"Right after seventh year." Remus remembered.
"Yes! We went over to Andromeda's house to visit and you helped Tonks with her homework."
"If I remember correctly, she was like you, always goofing off."
"Dead clumsy too." Sirius said ignoring Remus' last remark.
Just then the door and Mrs. Black's shrieks were heard. Sirius and Remus raced down the stairs to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Fred and George, Ginny, and Hermione enter. Bags being carried along with animals of all kinds into the now cramped foyer.
"Molly, Arthur, kids! I thought you would be here earlier!" Sirius exclaimed kissing Molly's cheek, Remus doing the same, also helping Hermione and Ginny with their bags.
"We would have been, if Ron had not been so hungry." Fred and George said that the same time.
"Well I had not eaten all day!" Ron said trying to defend himself. Ginny and Hermione giggled at his lame attempt.
"Well kids, why don't you all go to your rooms? Fred, George in one room, Ginny with Hermione, and Ron with himself until Harry comes." The kids nodded yes and trudged up the stairs.
"I will be in the kitchen getting ready for dinner and the meeting." Molly said as she made her way to the back of the house.
"I have a feeling you won't feel so lonely, at least for now." Remus said to Sirius, who was happy to have company.
"Yes, this house might just be the setting for some happy memories for me." Remus patted him on the back.
"Well, I am going to go to the parlor and catch up on some reading." He grabbed a book off the table and made his way to a room down the hall a little.
"Ok, old man!" Remus chuckled at Sirius' comment.
Several hours had gone by. Diner was done, and put away. Desert was eaten by the kids, the adults waiting for the desert to be served at the meeting.
Sirius, Molly, and Arthur were in the kitchen discussing dung bombs, Remus was in the parlor reading again, and the kids were upstairs plotting away to listen in on the meeting.
Remus had just entered the twentieth chapter when he heard the door open and close, shortly followed by a grunt that was caused by the tripping over of a large troll umbrella stand.
Remus stood quietly and entered the foyer. He saw a young woman probably in her early twenties, with pink short hair, a Weird Sister's shirt, and jeans on the floor. Remus went over to the women and stuck out his hand.
The girl accepted it and stood. Remus was mesmerized by the youth, innocence, and beauty of her face.
"Nymphadora Tonks. But don't ever call me Nymphadora." She said, sticking out her hand. Remus took it smirking.
"It may have been years, but surly you must remember me." Tonks tilted her head to the side. A smile slowly but surly appeared.
"Remus Lupin!" She launched herself on him, pulling him into a bear hug that could put Molly's to shame.
"Hello to you too." Remus chuckled into her ear. When they separated they just stood there examining each other.
"Wow, I suspected you might join the order but..." Tonks trailed off.
"Well to be fair, I had warning. Sirius was informed of your acceptation into the order." Remus added that last part after the look on her face.
"Where is that old cousin of mine?"
"Right this way."
Remus led Tonks to the back of the house and into the kitchen. Remus cleared his throat, in an attempt to get the three occupants' attention. Sirius looked over, his eyes growing wide.
"TONKS!" He jumped up and ran over to the young women whose arms were wide, ready to welcome the embrace.
Remus smiled. He was happy to see his friend so excited. His eye traveled to the young girl Sirius was now talking too.
Yes, Nymphadora Tonks had indeed grown. Last Remus had seen her; she was a young girl stubborn in her ignorance and carefree in her decisions. Though Remus knew that the wild look she had today was not her real look and could change at her will, he knew she was gorgeous. He had once seen the 'real' Tonks, and thought she was a goddess. He could never understand why she wanted to hide herself.
Something in Remus was awakening that night when Tonks stepped back into his life. Remus felt an instant connection to her when he found her on the ground. He for some reason felt an overwhelming need to protect her. But this need was not to be taken a s a brotherly need, but more as a lover's need.
This instantly confused Remus, why would he feel this to her? He was certain that she changed from the young girl years ago, but for some reason he felt a need to get to know this young goddess in front of him. Remus at that moment decided never let Nymphadora Tonks feel pain.
Remus was pulled out of his thoughts when other order members started to arrive, the meeting was starting.
AN: Things that happened in the books will be different than in this story. I can't give it all away but I will tell you this, book seven is nothing like my story. Be prepared for changes.