Chapter Three: Dear Lady

Summary: Remus has his first day of lessons and Tonks goes to see Mrs. Eleanor Lupin.

Warnings: None really in this chapter...

Disclaimer: We know the drill here, I don't own HP nor do I make monetary gain from writing these fanfictions.

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The bed was utterly massive. It had to be as big as the shack Remus lived in with his mother, the room he awakened to was the size of a cottage. He had never been in a room of such immaculate care with clean sheets and enough candles to light the room without worry. The art on the wall was astounding. He hadn't seen such pieces since, well, ever. He'd stolen glances in shops that he ran past and that was the extent of his knowledge in paintings up close. The clothes on his back were a clean, comfortable nightgown made of the finest material. He should be comfortable here and he should have drifted into a contented slumber the previous night. The truth of the entire matter was, Remus Lupin did not sleep well at all. He was on his stomach, his bottom still aching from the eighteen strokes the previous day. He stared out the small window as the sun rose of over the horizon. He laid his cheek on the soft pillows and sighed while thinking of his mother and if she'd be all right. She must be worried out of her mind by now.

He snapped out of his reverie at the loud knock on the door, "Ready yourself, lad! Breakfast and lessons in fifteen minutes."

Remus groaned and sat up on the edge of the bed. He winced at the dull ache and stood up slowly, running his fingers through his hair. He recognized Tonks' voice and decided that he wouldn't give the guard any trouble. He did seem like an ally and Remus concluded it would be wise to at least have one person he could partially trust while in the Black Castle. At least until he made his escape.

Remus stood up and walked over to the chair he threw his clothes on before climbing into bed last night. He looked in the mirror as he dressed himself and started to run the brush on the dresser through his long hair. He clenched his jaw as he threw on his coat and walked towards the door, each step forcing the fabric of his trousers to rub across the sensitive skin of his backside. He silently prayed that he'd have awhile before he'd have to take another punishment for that bratty prince. He knocked on the door twice to let Tonks know that he was ready. The door opened and he looked up between Tonks and Tate. With a nod, he greeted them, "Good morning."

"And you, lad. Ready?" Tonks said with a kindness in his voice. It didn't escape Remus' notice that Tate narrowed his eyes a bit and wondered what the problem was exactly.

"I'm ready, Sir," Remus answered and took a step forward. The two guards led Remus through the castle to the servants' eating quarters.

"After you eat, we shall escort you to your tutor. He will be addressed with respect, boy. Do you understand or do you need to speak in peasant terms?" Tate kept his eyes forward while speaking to Remus.

Remus smirked to himself and rolled his eyes, "Oh, I don't know what you mean by that, Sir. I barely got much learnin' at all. Why, I'm not even sure how I can walk."

Tonks coughed to himself, trying to hold back his laughter. Tates' face turned bright red and he scowled, "One more comment like that and I'll thrash you myself, boy."

Remus straightened his face and nodded, "As you wish, kind Sir."

"Smart arse." Tates continued walking and didn't even glance at Remus again.

Meanwhile, Prince Black was preparing to start his day. He took extra care, as he always did, to ensure that he wore the very finest clothes. He dressed himself in his gold and maroon red garments. He took his seat in front of the dresser and snapped his fingers. The servant girl hastily made her way towards Sirius and stood to his left. She bowed her head and whispered, "Yes, my Lord?"

"Well, don't just stand there. Brush my hair and check my fingernails. I don't want to look like a common," Sirius stopped and looked down at her with a smirk, "servant."

"Yes, my Lord."

"And do make sure that you do a proper job, girl."

She set forth on her task, brushing his wavy midnight black locks carefully. She hit a snag and he yelped, "Must you muck up every request I have? Not so hard!"

"My apologies, my Lord! Please, I beg your forgiveness."

"Fine! Just hurry on with it. I must get to my lessons today."

Sirius bowed his head and closed his eyes for a moment. His fresh whipping boy was going to be a challenge. He had far too much spirit and an even sharper tongue. There was something that drew him to Remus. Remus was the boy's name, huh? Odd name but he knew he didn't have much room to speak himself. He was, as well as his family, named after star constellations. He hadn't went to many of his lessons but he did remember something of an old tale of a wolf that raised a pair of twins, one of named Remus. Very curious, indeed. He'd have to find out what made Remus operate. What would hurt him the most and bring the boy to his knees, crying for mercy. He had never failed before and he would not this time. One thing he learned from his father, King Orion, was that he needed to rule with an iron fist. The more your subjects fear you, the more they respect you, and the more they will obey.

He shook his head and stood up, "Try to do better tomorrow morning, girl. This is your first, last, and only warning. Next time, I shan't be as forgiving."

Sirius walked from his chambers and headed towards the dining room for his morning breakfast before lessons. He had many things planned today and he would do well with a full stomach.

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Tonks walked Remus to the Royal Tutor and stopped at the door. He looked down at the boy then around to make sure no one else was in ear shot. Remus swallowed and looked up at the taller gentleman hopefully. Tonks smiled, "Don't fret, my boy. I've not forgotten. I will make sure to see your mum today."

"Thank you so much, Sir. Can you please let her know I'm safe and will try to see her soon?"

"Don't worry yourself, lad. Now, listen to Professor Slughorn. I trust you will do well."

"I will try my best."

"Off with you, lad," Tonks said and gave Remus a pat on the back.

Remus smiled and went inside the large study. He took in a deep breath at all the books housed neatly on the shelves. He looked at the large desk with four seats and Professor Slughorn standing behind with quills and parchment ready. The sight was breathtaking to Remus and he stared at the few books laid out in front of them. He gazed at the title of one of them which was entitled Writing for Beginners. He had some educational training before his mother became ill and he lost his father. They were comfortably in the middle class range but he had to grow up extremely fast when misfortune rose its unforgiving and ugly head. The professor cleared his throat to break Remus out of this thoughts.

He smiled at the thin boy as he looked up at him with bright eyes, "Good morning, Mr. Lupin."

"Good morning, Sir. Professor Slughorn?"

"Aye, I am. Welcome to the Black Castle."

"Thank you, Sir. My name is Remus," Remus said and extended his hand.

Slughorn felt himself relaxing and shook the boys hand. "We will begin our lessons once Prince Black arrives. Please, have a seat."

Remus nodded and pulled the chair out, taking his seat as instructed. He reached forward and pulled the book closer to him to open it. He scanned over a few sentences and Slughorn's eyes widened. He moved over closer to Remus and tilted his head. He asked the boy in a confused tone, "Do you understand what you're reading?"

"Bit out of practice but I remember."

"You were taught your letters and how to read them?"

"Aye. Me mum taught me and me dad. I can write, too."

Slughorn stood up and grabbed the quill with some parchment and a vile of ink. He handed it to Remus and ordered, "Write your name."

Remus took the quill and dipped the end in the black liquid. He steadied his right hand and started making his name in cursive Remus J. Lupin.

"What does the 'J' stand for, my boy?"

"Remus Joh-"

He was interrupted by a loud entrance by Prince Black. Sirius pushed the doors opened and slammed them closed. He swaggered over to the table and looked between the Professor and Remus. "I'm here."

"Good morning, Prince Black."

"Thought it was a small earth tremor," Remus whispered.

"That is no way to address your prince," Sirius smirked and took his seat. He leaned back in his chair and hoisted his right foot atop the large table.

"Please, Prince Black. We have much to learn today. Did you practice your writing homework?"

"Forgot it," Sirius shrugged. "Guess that's four strokes right there."

"And get your feet off the table, if you please."

Sirius sat up straight and leaned forward, "Another five strokes, Sir? I am terribly sorry."

Remus took in a deep breath and rolled his eyes. I'm sure he is sorry. He put down his quill and watched the exchanged between the Prince and Professor.

"There will be no strokes given out today. Please, take out your quill and parchment. I want you to practice writing the paragraph on page one hundred seventy four. Remus, do you feel as if you can do this lesson?"

"The rat catcher? Writing on my level? Surely, you jest!"

Remus narrowed his eyes and turned his eyes towards Slughorn. "I am sure I'll do just fine, Sir."

Sirius snickered and sat near Remus. He peered over at him while Remus dipped his quill and turned to the assigned page. Remus clenched his jaw as he situated in his seat, the pain still there from yesterday. He felt Sirius' eyes on him as he started to copy the first few words of the paragraph. His hand started to shake from the piercing gaze and his penmanship suffered.

He stopped writing and looked into Sirius' eyes, "Can you please concentrate on your own work?"

"Does this bother you? I am your Prince and can do as I wish."

"Boys. Please, do the assigned work. Prince, if you will."

"This is ridiculous. If the whipping boy can write, I want to see it," Sirius said and motioned with his hand. "Write for me."

Remus softened his eyes and looked up towards Professor Slughorn. The older man was visibly perspiring and wringing his hands. Sirius broke the silence once more, "I order you, boy. Write."

Sirius constantly calling him boy and speaking down to him was working his patience. The Prince wasn't much older than he was and to be talked to this way completely grated on his nerves. Remus took in a breath and closed his eyes. He placed his quill on the parchment and wrote the first sentence of their assignment. He may have lost what little freedom he had but he would not allow his pride to be stolen. Sirius smirked and looked at the first sentence, "Can you read it?"

"Of course I can read."

"Read it to me, boy. Copying is easy. I'd wager you're too dumb to read."

Remus felt his face growing red from his annoyance. He put his hands on his lap and clenched them into fist. He licked his lips and read the sentence aloud, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak aloud and remove all doubt."

Remus felt a small smile forming on his lips at the words he'd just read.

"Find something amusing?"

"Oh, I find a lot of things amusing. I find this statement is rather befitting at the moment, my Lord."

Sirius narrowed his eyes and spoke loudly, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Remus shrugged, "I reckon I don't have a clue. Might be too dumb, I reckon."

Prince Black stood up and looked at Professor Slughorn. "If you will, please leave the study at once. It's time the whipping boy and I had a proper discussion."

"You have five minute-"

"I have as long as I need, Professor. Of course, if you'd rather me find a new tutor then that can always be arranged."

"As you wish, my Lord." Professor Slughorn turned heel and walked out of the study, closing the doors behind him. Prince Black stood straight and tall over Remus. He looked down at the boy who was still seated in his place.

Sirius crossed his arms over his chest and arched his brow, "It's time you learned your place, boy."

"I know my place and it's not here, Black."

"Obviously you do not. You just addressed me in quite an informal manner. You should know your betters."

"I would if they were here."

Prince Black stood Remus up by the back of his shirt and turned him to face him. Sirius looked into the deep blue eyes of the boy before him and raised his hand, slapping him hard across the cheek. "Now, listen well and good. You are my servant. While you do have access to food, clothing, and shelter, your first and most important duty is to me. When I enter a room, you will lower your eyes. You will not speak unless I speak to you. Your only concern is for me and for what I wish. When you are whipped again, you will do as I said. Are we clear?"

Remus rose a shaky hand to his face and rubbed the place he was struck. He closed his eyes tight and felt his heart racing beneath his chest. He hated himself for shaking as much as he was but it took every bit of self control not to pummel Sirius where they stood.

"I know what you want and I understand," Remus whispered.

"Are we at an agreement? You will do as I say?"

"I said that I understood. I never said I'd do it."

"You really are thick. What is your problem?"

"My problem? I doubt that you mean that in any measure of concern for me, my Lord."

"It is not my duty to hold concern for a common peasant such as yourself. You are to tend to my needs. Now, do as your told." Sirius pushed Remus back into his chair and the thinner boy winced at the reminder to his backside.

"I will see you later in the day." Sirius turned and stormed out of the study. Remus bowed his head in his hands and visibly shook. He felt a hand gently placed on his shoulder but kept his eyes hidden from Professor Slughorn's view. He wasn't sure if things could get any worse. He wouldn't cry though.

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Lupins' Home

Tonks instructed Tate to finish the rounds in the village. He wanted to see Remus' mother alone and followed the river on his black stead. He looked around the area and noticed there were very few homes in the vicinity. He knew he was looking for a lonely shack by the river. He hoped that the boy was doing well in the castle. The inner war he had with himself was taking it's toil as he wondered if he should just allow Remus to escape and pretend not to know what happened to the boy. The only catch to that plan was that Tate had suspected him of showing a soft spot towards the boy. The punishments that Remus suffered were not good but to help one escape their duties with the Royal Family were even worse. He moved along until he found the shack near the river. It was a humble home in every since of the word but it was well taken care of. Tonks saw a water trough in the front and hitched his black stead after he dismounted. He walked to the front door and knocked.

"Mrs. Lupin? Are you home?"

Tonks had to strain to hear a small voice from behind the door. He took in a breath and walked in to find a woman laying in the small bed of the one room shack. He stepped in slowly and made his way over to the woman. He knelt beside her and looked into her tired eyes. He mused to himself that Remus definitely had his mother's blue eyes.

She looked at him and squinted, "Are you from the Castle, Sir? Where's my boy? Is he all right?"

Tonks took her hand in his and spoke soothingly, "Remus is safe. Are you Mrs. Lupin?"

"Me name's Eleanor. Where's Remus?"

"My name is Tonks. Ted Tonks. Your son has been called away to serve the Royal Family, dear lady." He looked into her worn out face. She had beads of sweat on her forehead. Tonks saw a bucket of water beside the bed and took a washcloth. He applied it to her warm skin and smiled softly, "Have you eaten, Eleanor?"

"I tried but was sick with worry for my boy. Is he coming back?"

"I am unsure of when his services will no longer be required with the Black Family. I have bought you some lamb and had it cooked. Here, you must eat."

"Not hungry," Eleanor said and tried to stop her coughing. Tonks took a dry cloth and put it to her lips while he smoothed out her hair. Her hand was so very small in his and he looked deep into her eyes. The pain this poor lady went through right in front of him was tough to witness. He took away the cloth when she finally relaxed and noticed a spot of blood. She licked her lips and he quickly went to retrieve her a cool vessel of water. Tonks came back and held her up with one arm behind her back and rose the cup to her lips. She drank weakly looked him in the eye, "A woman. She knows when her time's up."

"Dear Lady, you'll be all right."

Eleanor shook her head and laid back into her pillow. "Mr. Tonks, please tell him. Tell my Remus that I love him. Take care of my boy. Promise me."

"But you'll be fine. You have to be."

"I've been expecting this for a long time now. Just promise."

Tonks held this woman, practically a stranger to him, close to his chest.

"I promise, dear Lady." He felt the tears falling off his cheek as her light went out. He bowed his head and laid her back gently, kissing her on the cheek.

"I promise."

Tonks looked around the small shack and saw a makeshift bed near the window. He recognized some things that must have belonged to the boy. He took a small bag and packed away a book, some small wood carvings, and the trinkets he saw about the home. There wasn't much but he made sure that each piece was packed carefully in the bag. He wrapped Eleanor Lupin in a sheet and took the bag as well as Remus' mother to his horse to make his way back to the castle. The Royal Family did allow servants to be buried on a piece of land that was away from the castle near the forest. Tonks thought it only proper that Remus was allowed to have a small service for his mum. He would tell the boy at once after ensuring the arrangements were made with the grounds' servants upon his return.

TBC~

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A/N: Thank you so much for the favorites, follows, and the reviews. I'm glad that you guys are liking the addition of Tonks. He definitely plays an important role here. I need to do a bit of structuring but will have the next chapter up soon, hopefully.

Is there anything you'd like to see? Anything you don't want to see? Tell me in the reviews, please. The reviews are the fuel to keeping this story going. Have a great weekend (or what's left of it) and hope to hear from you soon. *nudge nudge*