LXXI. Anger Welling

Harry's furious voice echoed in his ears. Anger welled up in Remus like bile, and his eyes flashed menacingly.

For the first time, he felt like the wolf he was.

LXXII. Judgment

"I—I made a grave mistake in marrying Tonks. I did it against my better judgment…"

It was a lie. He'd married her because he loved her; he always would.

LXXIII. Companionship

Remus enjoyed her company. She was everything he wasn't: bold, flamboyant, loud-mouthed.

Tonks enjoyed his company. He was everything she wasn't: quiet, thoughtful, introspective.

The hours were never boring.

LXXIV. Left Out

She spent Christmas alone that year, a mug of warm tea pressed between her hands, staring out the window.

Remus would be at the Burrow by now, happier without her.

LXXV. My Life

"Why push me out of your life?" she demanded, seizing his wrist. "Why? Am I so worthless?"

"It's my life that's worthless, Tonks," he said loudly, glaring.

LXXVI. Testing the Limits

The war, coupled with their baby's imminent birth, tested the limits of Remus and Tonks's relationship.

But through it all, they remained together—even at the very end.

LXXVII. Relief

A soft wail pierced the air. Andromeda beamed, blinking back tears. Dora flopped backwards onto her bed.

Remus sank to his knees, still holding her hand.

Relief seeped through him.

LXXVIII. Emotional

"…Why would your Patronus change?" Harry looked at him curiously.

Remus stiffened. He hesitated before answering, as his heart constricted with guilt and remorse. "Sometimes…a great shock…an emotional upheaval…"

LXXIX. Stubborn

She maintained that he was stubborn, but in all honesty, all he was doing was making her life better.

Without himself in it, it was bound to be, Remus thought.

LXXX. Around The Corner

Remus whipped down a corridor, crashing headlong into Antonin Dolohov.

Tonks hurried along a hallway, ducking Bellatrix's jet of green light.

Neither knew what awaited, just around the corner.