They first meet in late June just a week after the Dumbledore's announcement of the return of Voldemort.
Remus arrives at 12 Grimmauld Place early – they are about to have the first meeting of the renewed Order of the Phoenix in a few hours. However, most of the Order members are already there. Since the routine of reporting death, crimes and disappearances hasn't set in yet, the old members use this reunion as an opportunity to inquire about each other's lives and wallow in war- and post-war-memories together. They stand scattered in small groups in the dimly lit hallway and the nearest rooms of the first floor and chat quietly. Many faces are immediately familiar to Remus – like it was only yesterday they last saw each other – however, the expression on them today sharply collides with his memories. Back then they were fear-exhausted, war-worn and full of forlorn hope. Today they sparkle with interest and readiness to act – their owners well rested and feeling secure in their lives. For now. Remus knows all too well that it is not going to last – if Voldemort has truly risen, he will plunge everyone back - in fear, distrust and terror. But today it still feels like some get-together event of an old Quidditch team – feeling ready to face everything and knowing the victory is at hand.
Remus himself has not come here to relive some better or worse times. Apart from these people who have lived in peace for 13 years being held in high recognition as war heroes – and therefore find it refreshingly nostalgic to look back - Remus has been struggling for survival and against public opinion ever since the war ended. For him the world hasn't been all peace and comfort, therefore he is not in a mood to discuss better times. Though he has also come here today to spend some quality time, but only with Sirius.
Being trapped in his ancestors' house for the second time of his life already, Sirius obviously enjoys having some company around and tries to play a good host – to lure everyone in as early and often as possible. Remus, who understands loneliness better than most Order members could imagine, is more than willing to help and therefore has started a habit of arriving early. He squeezes himself past some elderly wizards enthusiastically discussing the First War and finds Sirius standing beside the base of the staircase with an open bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey in hand. It seems everyone has gotten a glass (and that could be partly responsible for the pleasant atmosphere) and Sirius himself most likely has drained more than one already – judging from his beaming looks and wide, relaxed gestures. Sirius awaits his friend with a big smile and hands him a glass.
- To my best mate, - Sirius says.
- To your only living mate, - Remus returns jokingly. They tend to tease each other like this quite often. It simply hurts less to acknowledge the inescapable truth this way. They are in front of a new war again and they will be reminded by losing their friends again and again. It is better to get used to this now.
- So what are we going to discuss today? – Sirius asks and puts his warm hand around Remus's shoulders. – Voldemort's plans? Movements of Deatheaters? Trolls? Dementors? Werewolves? – Sirius pokes Remus in shoulder, but Remus notices the darkening of Sirius's eyes upon mentioning Dementors. Each of them has past they would like to forget.
- I guess all of the afore mentioned, Padfoot. Plus, I hear we have some new recruits.
- Oooh! Some new ready-to-be-heroes-idealists want to become cold-flesh? – Remus gives Sirius a reproachful look. – Ok, ok. Best of luck to them. I only hope there are going to be some new women. You cannot imagine how boring it can be to play housewife all day. I need some amusement.
- There are women in the Order already. What about, for example, Emmeline? – this time it is Sirius who returns the admonitory facial-expression.
- Probably for you, old man. She is ancient.
In this moment the front door opens and a new witch comes in. She is young, slender and dressed for combat. But that is not what catches the eye – her hair is pink. Bubblegum pink.
- Speaking of devil… - Sirius quietly says.
However, they only have a few seconds to appraise the newcomer, then she trips over the umbrella stand and falls to the ground with a bang.
The curtains of the portrait of Walburga Black shoot open at once and loud screaming and swearing fills the hallway. Everyone falls silent and turns. Remus and Sirius both jump forward at once. While Sirius confounds his mother, Remus helps the young witch up on her feet. She is red now from her neck to the thorny spikes of her hair. Remus who still hasn't let go of her hand is eyeing her curiously now – he could swear her hair changed color a second ago and her nose looks longer too. If someone asked he would suspect a metamorphmagus. But they are extremely rare.
- I am so sorry for this, - Sirius, who obviously hasn't noticed a thing, jumps in between them and chivalrously snaps away her hand in the process. – I hope the portrait didn't scare you.
The girl takes a deep and nervous breath before turning to Sirius, taking a good, long look at him and answering in a loud and strong voice.
- No, no. My grandaunt doesn't frighten me. As doesn't my cousin the notorious serial killer Sirius Black, - she falls silent obviously noticing how literally everyone is watching. However, she hesitates only for a second, then awkwardly smiles and continues in the same manner. – Wotcher! My name is Tonks. I am an Auror.