This is my first Lupin fan fiction - he is the best Harry Potter character by far! I've decided not to mention Tonks...not yet, anyway. I'm not sure where I'm gunna go with the story, but I would appreciate reviews to know what you think of my first published fan fiction. Rated M for language and anything naughty that might happen in future chapters ;)

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything from Harry Potter, although the character Romula is my own creation.

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Lupin let out a long, tired sigh. He stroked the stubble on his chin, and then scratched the aching scars on his arm. The warmth of the fire made him feel slightly more relaxed than he usually did; the full moon had only been a few days ago, and he was still feeling the effects. If someone were to look at him more closely, they'd think he wasn't old as such, more middle-aged. His blue eyes still had a bright look about them, and in some lights you could see a gold hint in them. When he rarely laughed and smiled, he had a youthful look about him; like an echo of when he was a boy back in school. But he looked worn out. His mousy-brown hair had grey streaks running through it, he looked a lot thinner than was strictly healthy, and fresh scratches were prominent across his face. All unfortunate side-effects from his 'problem'.

He took a sip of beer, ran his hand through his hair and went back to reading his book. Life was hard for Lupin, and enjoying a good book by the fire of his favourite pub was one of the few pleasures he still had.

The door to The Leaky Cauldron creaked open, and there was a short cold draft as someone stepped inside and hastily closed the door behind them. Lupin only glanced over his book, but recognized a person he'd seen a few times before.

It was a woman. Mid-thirties, Lupin had guessed, but now thought she was perhaps a little younger. But he hadn't paid much more attention than that. She wore long, trailing, deep purple robes that appeared to be too heavy for her, with their huge hood almost completely hiding her face. She carried a book and a copy of The Daily Prophet in her left hand and seemed to be rummaging around for some money in her right. What was most interesting about her, that Lupin had failed to notice, was that she appeared to have a familiar tired, worn look about her – more tired then he'd seen her before.

The woman walked over to the bar nervously and ordered some beer. Whilst she waited for it to come, she was looking around cautiously, still keeping her face hidden, and noticed Lupin across the room. Once her drink came, she paid Tom and Lupin watched her take it to the large armchair opposite him. She placed the newspaper, along with her book, on the same table he was using and slumped into the chair, careful not to spill her drink. She took a long, un-ladylike gulp and placed the beer next to her other things on the table. She had a big stretch, and whilst she was distracted, Lupin took a quick look at the front page of The Daily Prophet. It read:

DUMBLEDORE: DAFT OR DANGEROUS?

He shook his head. The Ministry of Magic had taken over The Daily Prophet as a form of propaganda. The truth was that the Minister knew what had happened at the time of the last war against the Dark Lord. Many people lost the things most dear to them. Although the evidence was clear and the signs the same as last time with disappearances of Ministry members, suspicious deaths, odd occurrences - the Minister couldn't, or wouldn't, see reason.

The woman picked up the Prophet and read the article for herself. Lupin didn't expect any reaction from her; most people tended to believe what they read. But she seemed to get frustrated, frowning and shaking her head. Lupin couldn't help but over-hear her muttering, "No, you bloody fools. Why don't you listen to reason?" She surprised him letting out an annoyed grunt. Abruptly, she screwed up the page and threw it at the fire. It gently hissed on the hot coals, burnt violently for a moment, and then disintegrated. When she looked up, Lupin was looking at the fire and then her, wide-eyed and thoroughly intrigued.

"Sorry", she said apologetically, pulling up the left arm of her robe and rubbing her arm, making it disappear again a little too quickly. She looked at the floor, disheartened, and continued, "I just get frustrated with all that shit. The signs are all there from last time...why won't the Ministry listen to Dumbledore?" She noticed others at the bar were looking in her direction and leaned closer to Lupin, who obliged. "It's plainly obvious Voldemort is coming back." She then realised what she'd said quickly adding, "Sorry….I forget my manners sometimes. Sorry if I offended- "

"It's quite alright", said Lupin, giving her a small awkward smile but leaning back in his seat reassuringly, slightly surprised at this witch's opinions and courage - or perhaps foolhardiness - at speaking them aloud. "I am not afraid of a name, unlike most others. And neither are you by the sounds of things. But I'd advise you to be a little more careful when saying it to strangers."

She smiled. All Lupin could see of her was her mouth, as her hood hid the rest of her face. Then she let out a small laugh saying, "Or maybe I just have a big mouth."

They both laughed for a little bit, but an awkward silence followed immediately.

"I've seen you here before, haven't I? Always sat next to the fire reading a book. You like to read?" she asked.

This was odd for Lupin. Most people didn't seem to pay attention to him. He'd learnt well how to blend into the background. But this woman had obviously seen him. Noticed him.

"Yes. I've always been interested in books since I was very young…"

He realised that he had been about to tell this woman any number of things about himself, when he didn't even know who she was. She could be someone dangerous. Even if she didn't seem it.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but who are you?"

She looked faintly embarrassed. "Of course, how silly of me. Asking questions without even letting you know who I am. My name is Peertree. Romula Peertree."

"Nice to meet you", he said, shaking her hand. He noticed how smooth her hand felt against his own rough one. Suddenly, she pulled her hand away, drawing the arm of her cloak over it.

Lupin looked confused, but continued. "Remus Lupin. And I'm sorry, but did I do something wrong?"

"No, I…I'm sorry, I just...don't like people touching my skin. Nothing personal", she replied, with an awkward side-ways smile. Lupin couldn't understand. There was nothing wrong with her skin. In fact, it was rather nice, soft skin.

"I'm pretty sure I've seen you with a black dog before, yes?" she asked, to cover the silence.

"Yes, that," he smiled, half laughing, "black dog often comes with me. He likes to get out."

Romula seemed slightly confused but didn't persist. Having broken the ice, they spent quite a while talking across their beer. They talked of books, music and art. They talked of school days. Lupin soon found out that she had been in Gryffindor, a couple of years below him. He discovered that she'd run away a lot as well, but she wouldn't tell him where or why. The number of empty beer bottles on the table swelled. They were beginning to have a heated conversation about their view on the Ministry when suddenly, two burly looking wizards dressed all in black burst into the pub. Both Lupin and Romula turned their heads sharply towards the door. For Lupin it was a shock, but Romula seemed terrified. All the colour in her face faded as soon as she saw them.

"YOU!" the first wizard shouted, pointing firmly at Romula. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?"

"I…I…I didn't do anything, I swear", said Romula, getting up from her seat and shuffling slowly backwards. "You….you m-must have the wrong person."

"Don't lie to me, you half-breed bitch. You attacked him, didn't you."

Half-breed? Lupin thought. Surely she couldn't be…

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, backing further from the advancing wizards. The tallest wizard, who had a shaved head and small dark mustache, grabbed the front of her robes and slammed her back hard against the cold stone wall, making the hood fall from her head. She grunted, and Lupin shot out of his seat, reaching for his pocket just as the other wizard pointed a wand at him.

"Easy, old man," he said, making Lupin burn inside. "This doesn't concern you. Go back to reading your book. We'll be done in a minute", he added with an evil smile.

Lupin might have been called brave, but he wasn't stupid, especially when someone was pointing a wand in his direction. The man motioned with his wand and Lupin sat slowly, his eyes on Romula. He could see her better now. She had thick, chocolate brown hair that was tied back in a simple bun. From what he could see, she had prominent, dark lashes and plump lips. And something else…

"What did you do to him?" the wizard holding Romula continued.

Romula looked terrified as the man stared straight into her eyes. But unexpectedly, she turned her head to face Lupin. Now he could see her clearly; she had two prominent fresh scratches across her left eye and down the left of her nose. The fear from her face was gone. She winked at him.

Turning back to the man, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I gave him what he deserved."

The wizard reached for his wand and put it under Romula's chin.

"You filthy werewo-"

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Romula roared at the man. His wand flew from his hand and clattered to the floor on the other side of the room. Romula was able to push him away enough with her hands so that she could raise her leg and kick him hard in the chest with her big black boots, leaving a muddy footprint. The wizard went flying into the other who was still holding his wand at Lupin. They both crashed into the side of the bar and were left crumpled there, groaning in pain.

Romula was quick to grab her book, give Lupin a quick nod and smile, then bolted out of the pub.

Lupin was stunned. Could she be a werewolf? He couldn't let her leave without talking to her. He took his own book and stuffed it into his robes, taking out his wand as he did. He dashed out of the pub and into the cold night.

"Romula? ROMULA?!" he shouted, hoping she would respond. But she didn't need to. There was a flash of light at the end of the alley way. But this time, it wasn't Romula dealing it. It was another wizard. He was also dressed in black, and he looked, if the glint of silver mask and pointed hood were anything to go by, like a Death Eater.

Lupin didn't hesitate, and swiftly shouted, "Stupefy!"

The Death Eater was flown back a bit by the spell, and lay on the floor motionless, unconscious.

Satisfied that he was out of the way, Lupin rushed over to a heap in the alley which appeared to be the out-cold form of Romula. He turned her over and her eyes rolled back in her head. He checked for a pulse. Good, he thought as he felt it beating lightly against his fingers. But what was he to do? I can't take her to the head quarters, he thought. But I can't just leave her here, and she could be useful. He had no choice. He picked her up in his arms and with a soft crack, he was gone, leaving only a soft bright wisp of light.

Lupin appeared in a darkened corner of the old front yard belonging to 12 Grimmauld Place in London. He hastily ran up the steps to the large front door. He knew the trouble it would cause, but he had no choice. He reached for the large copper door knob and barged open the door. He went as quickly as he could down the narrow hallway, ignoring the shouting coming from the portrait on the wall. Once he got to the kitchen, he was met by the surprised faces of Sirius Black and Bill Weasley, who'd obviously been up for a while drinking some of Sirius's stash of fire whiskey.

"What the…?" said Sirius, wide-eyed. After seeing what Lupin had in his arms, he gave him a boyish grin. "Did you bring that for me, mate? Or is she yours?"

"Shut up, Sirius. Help me get her to the sofa, she's been attacked by a Death Eater. She fought off a couple of others herself, I think."

Sirius's grin faded and he dashed over to Lupin, taking the legs of the woman, and placed her on the sofa at the end of the kitchen.

"Fought off Death Eaters? Blimey. She may have been attacked Moony but…who the hell is she?"

Lupin checked the scratches on her face and pulled up the arm of her robes. He felt the scars there - they were so familiar to him.

He swallowed.

"She's a werewolf."