Remus peeked out between his fingers at the pink haired 7 year old in front of him.

"w-what did you just say?" he asked.

"You have gentle eyes." The girl repeated, "Why are you always so harsh on yourself? When you're here they make fun of you and however jokingly they put it you take it like you deserve it, why? What makes you think like that?"

Remus marvelled at her language, so far advanced for her age. He gave a small smile. He liked this kid, Nymphadora he thought her name was, she was sweet and kind to him and was always making fun of Sirius.

"I wish I could tell you but I can't, im sorry," he sighed and gave another wan smile, "but I could ask you why you hate your name so much?"

"Touché."

oO0Oo

Remus now marvelled at the beauty that 7 year old had grown to become. Her soft hand in his as she gazed into his eyes. The day after Dumbledores death. She was pleading with him again, offering the love he desperately needed, wanted. He had resisted her for a year and yet she still persisted, still claimed to love him. Never once had she cried in front him and to see the tears glistening on her cheeks now told him just how close to breaking point she was.

"Remus, why do you think you deserve this? This life of solitude? When will you learn that. I. Want. You!"

He sighed, he so desperately wanted to give in, to hold her, feel her warm against him, but he couldn't. or could he? No he wouldn't think like that, not now.

"Dora… you know why, I'm too old, too dangerous and far too poor, I could never subject you to life as an outsider."

"you have gentle eyes." His head whipped up to look at her, those exact same words but many years later.

"I think that's what I love about you. You're so kind, so gentle." Her voice trailed off as she turned away, "but I guess I'll never see your eyes again." She began to walk away, her shoulders drooped her hair mousy brown.

The sight broke his heart. How could he do this to her? It was clearly causing her more pain than otherwise. His mind made a snap decision. Either of them could die in this war and to never feel her again… he couldn't bear it.

"Dora! Wait!" he grabbed her hand and wheeled her about, crashing his lips against hers. After a second of shock she responded with fierce passion.

Eventually to both sides disappointment they broke apart and just held each other, content with the feel of each other in their arms. Instantly her hair turned brightest pink and spiky. She giggled so unlike her.

"Dora. I – I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing you again. I love you and always have and always will do." She silenced him with a kiss. They both stood in companionable silence, their hands linked between them.

"Dora?"

"Yes?"

"Will you marry me?"