Shadow Monger
A/N: I know there are a lot of Remus/Tonks fans, and I'll admit I love them too but I've had this Remus/OC story banging about for years so don't hate me.
The storyline is Sirius had a sister, my OC, Rowan. Anyway, she had to go into hiding before the time of James and Lily's death; however, she was always part of their group, and shared a special bond with young Remus Lupin. Both of them struggle with not being able to see each other, and this short story is told through flashbacks, and documents their feelings for each other after she has resurfaced.
Thanks – R & R as always! ~ RdF
Prologue – Out of the Blood
The Hogwarts grounds were barely recognisable. Bodies of Death Eaters and the Order alike were strewn across the curse charred field. Harry couldn't believe that it was only a year and a half ago that he had played Quidditch here and now the stands were torn; the stage for the most violent battle the Wizarding World had ever known. From where Harry stood the bodies looked like mole hills. He felt sick. He was covered from head to foot in dirt, and blood, and ash, and he could smell it all. He had never felt so unclean. He wasn't even sure if the blood was his own. Hermione limped over to him; her usually emotional chocolate eyes were blank and cold. "Is it over now?" she whispered, in a voice that shook with the turmoil they all felt. Harry looked down to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sobbing over Fred's limp body. "Yeah," he managed to say. "It's finished."
The Order was slowing crawling from all directions of the grounds; weary dark figures, heads down and joining to meet in one victorious huddle. Though, it was difficult to feel victorious when so many good people had been lost. Harry saw Lupin holding a witch he didn't recognise, or who was now indistinguishable due to the fresh scars which had marred her face, and lowered her to the ground. Harry ran down from where he stood. "Professor Lupin!" he called out. The man looked around to Harry with relief and a flicker of happiness. "Harry," he answered and they met in an embrace. "You're ok."
Harry stepped back. His old professor had a gash across his forehead and dried blood smeared across his cheek. His clothes were torn and muddy and he looked weary, but relieved that the battle was over, that the war was over. Harry smiled faintly and immediately felt guilty for feeling happy when so many around him had lost someone. Ron looked blankly out into the field; his face a startling white. Ginny, poor beautiful Ginny, tried to comfort her brother George, who's ear was covered in blood.
"Remus!"
It was a faint cry at first, from Harry's right, and it came from a dark figure running towards them. Lupin looked up from the witch he was attending, looking bewildered. "Remus!" the figure cried again, and Harry could see now, it was a woman. His professor stood up straight and began walking towards her slowly. Harry found himself raising his wand. Those of the Order not injured did the same.
"Remus..." she said breathlessly getting closer. Realisation dawned on his face, and Lupin broke into a run. The stranger and Harry's old teacher met somewhere in the middle in a flurried embrace, each of them clasping each other tightly.
"I was sure you were dead!" Harry heard him say.
"It's a relief to see you alive! I thought..." the woman replied laughing.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry heard himself say, before he could stop himself. The man turned to look at him; a flash of resentment for being interrupted creasing his brow. Pulling the woman's arm, he led her downhill to the others. She was covered in grime like them and looked tired. Dressed from head to toe in black, save a barely white shirt, her hair was dark and it curled gently. She had it tied back from her face with a ribbon. Her eyes looked warm and familiar, but Harry couldn't place them as they flickered over him and the others.
"Rowan?" Molly Weasley said, her eyes puffy and red, "Is that you?"
"Yes, yes it's me, Molly," the woman smiled. She looked around, mustering a smile for everyone. She frowned slightly. "Where's Sirius?"
There was silence throughout the members of the Order, no one knowing what to say. Harry felt the old lump in his throat that always appeared whenever someone brought up his Godfather. Lupin looked at her sadly. "Sirius...was killed. Two years ago now."
Rowan's breath caught in her throat and she shook her head. Crouching down, so she hovered on her knees, her hand flew up to cover her mouth. Harry thought she was going to be sick. Lupin bent down slowly to be next to her and placed a hand on her back. "I'm sorry Rowan." She shook her head again and raised a hand. She did not cry or make a sound.
After a few minutes, she rose and stood up straight. Her eyes seemed blank but she saw Harry and frowned. "Harry? This is Harry?" she asked pointing at him, but looking at Remus.
Everyone nodded, but Harry kept still. He had realised now where he had seen her eyes before.
"This is Rowan Black, Harry," Lupin said, as she stretched out a hand and took Harry's. "She's Sirius' sister."