Chapter 3

Fortunately, Tonks' initial expectations about the Order were proven wrong. In her mind, she'd imagined endless spying and fighting in a constant cloud of fear. Though parts of that assumption had been true, she felt relieved to discover an unexpected benefit from being in the Order for the Phoenix: family. There was a bond she felt with each member that made her feel safe. She felt purposeful for the first time in her career (not that she didn't see the full importance behind the mountains of paperwork her boss shoved on her desk daily). She felt whole and happy, despite the looming darkness. Even Grimauld place was becoming more cheerful as its rooms and halls were filled with noises (mostly from Fred and George) and friendly faces.

"Tonks!" Moody called to her before leaving headquarters after a meeting. "Been meaning to give you this." He handed her a long list of spells and charms, most of which Tonks had never seen or heard of.

"Wha-?"

"For your London Flat." He explained. "In a bit of a public, spot, eh? Not too smart, in my opinion. Best be putting more protection over your home. People in the ministry talk, you know. Some have begun to suspect you might be connected to the Order."

She stowed the list in her back pocket. "No worries, Moody. I spend most of my nights here anyway."

"Good." He grumbled, walking toward the door, the portrait of Mrs. Black screaming after him.

"Oh shut up, you old bat!" Tonks cried, silencing it with a flick of her wand.

Calm filled the hallway again and Tonks strode into the kitchen, ready to make supper. Molly Weasley, who had taken a habit of making meals at Number twelve, was gone that night. After sending four of her children plus Harry on the Hogwarts express that morning, she must've been resting at the Burrow with Arthur. Tonks, though clumsy, could still cook well with magic so she tied on an apron and began preparing.

"Need help?" Remus' voice called out from the doorway.

Tonks had just dropped chopped carrots and meat into a large pot to shimmer. "Maybe a little." She said.

To her surprise, Remus took up a knife with his hands and began chopping the onions.

"No magic?" she asked. "Impressive."

He shook his head. "Had an accident with a magical cooking knife several years ago. Never really recovered..." he admitted.

Tonks smiled at his honesty. She liked him for it.

"Where's that cousin of mine? Why isn't he here?"

It Lupin raised his eyebrows (a trademark of his, Tonks noticed). "Siruis? In the kitchen? You should know him better than that."

Tonks let out a sigh. "Of course..." She heard a small sniffle and looked up. "Remus...Remus? Are you alright?"

"I-I... I don't know." Lupin said through confused tears.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No...I don't know why..."

Tonks looked down and laughed as she began to understand. "Remus, you're chopping onions!"

"So?" he asked, still confused by his own behavior. "Make it stop!" he cried in a very un-Lupin like manner.

Just then Sirius, no doubt lured in by the smell, walked into the kitchen.

"Good God, Moony. Am I interrupting some female bonding?" he asked

Tonks glared at him and waved him away. Lupin wiped his eyes and cleared his throat. "That was quite embarrassing."

"You didn't know any better." Tonks said. She looked up into his now tear-stained face. She saw some premature lines awkwardly sprinkled on his still young features. They looked displaced. She made a playful face at him and he laughed.

"Almost finished?" he asked.

"Almost." She answered, using her wand to stir the soup. "So, I suppose this is the only time I'll get to see you cry?"

"I hope so." Lupin said, his features now animated. "Are you staying to night?" he asked

"I'd love to Remus, but you know over-protective Sirius. He might disapprove."

Lupin turned pink at her joke. "You know what I mean..."

"Of course I am!" Tonks said, now pouring the soup into three bowls. "It's not like I have anything better to do. You?"

"Same." He said. "Plus, Sirius..."

Tonks nodded. He didn't need to explain. Sirius was always in need of company and the two of them seemed to take it upon themselves to fulfill the duty. They were more than happy to. For the past few months Tonks had been spending more and more time at her cousin's home. Lupin, who'd been separated from his close friend for over twelve years, had time to make up for. Still, Tonks wasn't just visiting to please Sirius now. Her friendship with Lupin was easy and understanding right from the beginning and though she'd never admit it aloud, his company was a large part of the reason she looked forward to spending time at Grimauld Place.

After dinner the three talked, mostly about random things; quidditch, women (Tonks rolled her eyes), Hogwarts, and the Order. The subject of Harry Potter came up as well. His pick-up from the Dursely's had gone quite smoothly ("Well, except for that earthquake you caused in their kitchen, little Tonksy" Sirius pointed out). When Sirius talked about his godson his eyes lit up. Tonks could tell he loved him very much. She gave Lupin a side-glance. He eyes were gentle, but she thought she could make out a twinge of regret behind them.

"Well, I'm of to bed, gentlemen." Tonks said, getting up.

"Yes, it's past her bedtime."

Tonks rolled her eyes at Sirius. "Work early in the morning." She explained.

"And in case you haven't noticed." She retorted. "I'm in my twenties, Mr. Black."

She had the feeling that Sirius would never remember that essential fact. She said her final good-nights and went straight to bed.