Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I own any related materials.

Deviated World

Chapter XXXV

It has only been a day, but Remus was truly appreciating his freedom. Okay, so he hadn't exactly adhered to his parole terms, but he wouldn't exactly call his time amongst the other werewolves liberating. He could now pull his own resources to do the research he needed. He would no longer have to rely on others for little things. Freedom was also beneficial to his health. He liked fresh air and he felt less stressed. Sirius pointed out that it was also better for his hygiene, as Remus, despite everything, had too much pride to go out of the house smelling like Kreacher's dirty laundry.

It was Christmas Eve day. Remus realized that after everything he needed a little normalcy—maybe he could relax for the holiday, though part of him felt guilty at the thought. With so much to do, so much at stake, how could he relax? Sirius, however, ended up being a stronger force than Remus's guilt.

"You have to go with me to Diagon Alley," insisted Sirius. "I haven't gotten anyone gifts yet and I promised Harry that I would get him something amazing."

Remus rolled his eyes. "He already has everything."

"Yes and that makes Christmas and birthdays difficult," complained Sirius.

"Maybe you shouldn't have waited until the last minute," said Remus.

"Hey, I was busy getting liberating you from the clutches of the Ministry, remember?"

"Excuses," joke Remus. "Fine, I'll go. But, you can't make me have fun."

"No one would dare do that," said Sirius apparating.

Remus shook his head and followed, landing outside of the Leaky Cauldron. Diagon Alley looked overwhelmingly busy. Wizards and witches were running here and there, some with bulging packages, up and down the street and in and out of shops. It all was odd to Remus. It seemed to normal, reaching into the mundane. He had to remind himself that the next day was a holiday, a day to remember your family, those who you love.

"So is this going to be the same crowd as the last Christmas I attended?" asked Remus. It had been two years now since the first and only traditional Christmas he had attended in this world. In Azkaban, Ignacio had brought him some stale Christmas biscuits, but that was the only highlight from the holiday.

Sirius gave Remus a quick glace before walking towards Flourish and Blotts. "No, it is going to be low-key this year. You, me, James, and Harry at Froderick's Gully. Tonks and the Weasleys might stop by at some point, but I don't know for sure." Remus sensed a tightness in Sirius's voice.

"It's because of me," said Remus, putting things together.

"Well, yes. After Azkaban your friends who weren't part of the Order decided that they did not want anything to do with you. And…well…after the incident in the werewolf camp many in the Order decided that they did not want to associate with you as well."

"Of course," said Remus. He hadn't really thought of that before. It was rare that he thought much about most of the Order members, and rarer to think about their opinion of him.

"I think that most of them are just following Dumbledore—if he doesn't trust you, neither will they."

"But you trust me?" asked Remus, suddenly unsure.

"Always," said Sirius, seeming offended that Remus would even ask. "Peter might have betrayed us all but you would never. You might have unorothodox methods, but you have all the reason to. I think that Dumbledore just doesn't understand the change in you."

"The change?" asked Remus.

"Obviously you are different from your…" Sirius hesitated, "…previous self. But two and a half years ago when this you found your way here you were different than you are now. Then you were trying to fit in, then you were just grateful that your world—even the world—was not in shambles. Before Azkaban you were beginning to change—then Azkaban and the loss of such an amount of time changed things quickly. You are…harder than you were before. You see more of an immediacy to maintain what you have regained. To stop Voldemort. You—we—lost in your world. Of course you are going to do everything in your power to stop him here. As you should."

Remus stared for a moment as Sirius held open the door to Flourish and Blotts. Sirius always impressed him with his moments of insight. "I am glad you understand," said Remus, entering the shop.

"Of course. Now, do you think James would prefer Dorothy Shannahan's new book about Quidditch politics or should I just go with the traditional bottle of booze and bag of Bertie Bott's?"

Remus and Sirius parted ways after a while, deciding to meet back up later. Remus was glad that he talked to Sirius. While it had brought bad tidings about his social life—not that Remus had really remembered or even realized that he had one—it also had reaffirmed Sirius's faith in him, which was something he needed.

He realized that he had been so caught up is trying to find a way to defeat Voldemort, that he had not taken the time to realize that while he was willing to do whatever it took, most would not understand that. Sirius and James, at this point, seemed to be the only ones who understood. For James, Remus knew, it had everything to do with the loss of Lily and the impending loss of Harry. For Sirius, he wasn't quite sure.

Remus looked Diagon Alley, wondering what to do. "Shopping" wasn't exactly a word in his vocabulary anymore, and it had never been much of one to begin with. He was certainly nearly broke—and he would have been completely so if Sirius hadn't stopped the Ministry from seizing the few assets he had when he went to Azkaban. Further than that he really didn't know what to get anyone. Remus eventually decided to go by his old standard: chocolate.

He made his way to the sweetshop in Diagon Alley. It wasn't quite Honeydukes, but it they did make some quite spectacular truffles if his memory served correct. There was a bit of a line when he entered, so he took a number and surveyed the clientele. In front two old witches were arguing over what to buy. A child and her mother stood to his left excitedly looking at the dancing snowman cookies. And up front to his right…was one of the last people Remus wanted to see.

The man was looking at pies. He had a stern look on his face. A shop worker approached him and asked if he had any questions and he replied, "In the words of Dinah Dingus of the Rabid Banshee Trio 'I have none, no not at all, even if the sun were shining in the heat of fall.'"

Remus almost snorted, but held it back, wanting to remain unnoticed. He had not seen Charice since before Azkaban. He realized he still didn't know if Tonks was investigating him…whether they were still "together." He also didn't know still if Charice had anything to do with him going to Azkaban. He did, however, wonder how Tonks had ever gotten together with someone so annoying and pretentious.

Remus considered leaving the shop. While he wasn't sure whether Charice would remember him or not, he really did not want to risk it given Charice's anti-werewolf sentiments. Remus also, if Charice recognized him, wasn't sure if he could play nice. However, another part of Remus prevailed—it was a small part of him, but it was itching to have a confrontation with the man.

Charice picked his pie and turned to leave. He caught sight of Remus and a frown crossed his face. "Mr. Lupin! It is quite a surprise to see you…" said Charice, his voice edging on icy.

"Just making some last minute holiday preparations," said Remus, holding everything back. "And how are you these days?"

"Well. I was promoted at work, as well as have been offered a position on Dolore Umbridge's DCC Task Force."

"DCC?" asked Remus, knowing that it couldn't be good.

"Dark Creature Control. Haven't you heard? Werewolves have been running rampant! They even are starting to battle amongst themselves, the beasts," answered Charice. Remus could tell the Charice was trying to bait him.

"I see. Spending the holidays with Tonks?"

"Yes. I just picked up her favorite pie: apple," smirked Charice.

"Her favorite is apricot," replied Remus without thinking.

"What?"

"Tonk's favorite pie is apricot," repeated Remus.

"Think I know my girlfriend's preferences a little better than some decrepid old werewolf," spat Charice.

"You would think that." This statement infuriated Charice, who pulled his wand. Remus, on the other hand did nothing.

"Afraid of me, Lupin?" asked Charice mockingly when he realized that Remus would not pull his wand.

"Do you really think I would duel you in a sweetshop?" asked Remus.

"Come on, old man," jeered Charice.

Before Remus could say something scathing, Sirius walked in. "Remus! I give up. Everyone is getting booze and candy this year!" Sirius then stopped and noticed the irate, wand brandishing Charice. "Oh, hi, Charice. Nice pie…Tonks likes apricot though."

It seemed that Charice was too smart to take on a Auror and a werewolf together. He huffed and stalked off without comment. Remus turned to Sirius. "She's still with him?"

"Yes. I count the days until it's over," said Sirius sympathetically.

"He's not invited for Christmas, is he?" asked Remus in a resigned voice. It was her assignment to investigate Charice—Remus couldn't blame her for that.

"No…Tonks's parents might have to put up with him though. I talked to Andromeda a few weeks ago and she hates Charice just as much as I do. I don't know if she knows about the investigation though; she just talked about how she wanted Tonks to have a healthy relationship with a normal person—wizard or otherwise."

"Normal," said Remus frowning.

"Remus, you are way to hard on yourself. Now, you better get your chocolate so we can get back…I think some crone is going to come after me for snatching the last bottle of Pepeter's Rumbling Rum."

Remus's number was called and he got out of the shop with his purchases as intact as he could given the crowds. When finally back at Grimmauld place Remus and Sirius managed to have a festive evening, even if that only meant playing a few epic games of wizard's chess after making the pieces dress like santas, elves and reindeer. Eventually Sirius slumped to sleep in front of the fire, butterbeer still in hand. Remus managed to make it to bed, but only after tripping over Kreacher, who was carrying Christmas bulbs to hang around the portrait of Sirius's mother.

The next morning Remus awoke early and made breakfast. As Sirius was still asleep, Remus invited Kreacher to the table, but the house-elf not-so-politely declined the offer. Remus however knew that the house-elf would have a good day. Previously, Remus had insisted to Sirius the he and the house-elf needed to be on better terms. He had convinced Sirius that the best way to do this was to give him some of Regulus's old possessions: books, jewelry (which neither Sirius or Remus had any idea why Regulus had), and knick-nacks. Remus knew that the plan had worked when he heard a crash from the other side of the kitchen and a squeal of delight.

Later Sirius awoke and after a quick breakfast they apparated to Froderick's Gully.

"Happy Christmas!" exclaimed James upon their arrival. Both he and Harry had Christmas jumpers on—no doubt knitted by Molly Weasley. After greeting James, Remus beamed down at Harry.

"How are things, Harry?"asked Remus.

"Alright, I guess. I am just glad to be home," said Harry, watching his father laugh with Sirius.

"Umbridge?" asked Remus.

"Plain evil," muttered Harry.

"I can't disagree with that," said Remus. "How is the DA?"

"They are learning, we could really use more help though…a proper teacher," said Harry.

"I am sure you are doing well," said Remus with an amount of confidence succeeding the amount he actually had. "I can show you more things before you go back, if you would like."

Harry agreed excitedly.

The rest of the morning was pleasant. It brought focus to Remus, reminding him what he was fighting for…who he was fighting for. Then the Weasleys and Hermione arrived and Remus felt more surrounded by love than he had in a long time. Remus had been nervous that they too would distrust him because of the incident in the werewolf camp, but it seemed that with the Weasleys he had nothing to worry about. Perhaps a few of them were headstrong, but the Weasleys really were some of the most forgiving people Remus had ever met.

Laughter was abundant and loud as presents were opened, butterbeer and snowman shaped biscuit were consumed and hugs were given. Remus felt only slightly removed. He found himself wishing Tonks was there.

And in the late afternoon, as if she had been listening to his thoughts, there was a knock on the door. James opened it and Tonks tumbled in. Remus sat up tensely. Her eyes were stained with tears, her hair wild and her face exuded rage. To Remus it was both a beautiful and fearsome sight. Sirius approached and after only a few words Sirius pulled Tonks aside into the kitchen. Remus, worried, approached the kitchen to see what was going on, but James stopped him.

"Give them a minute," said James, looking at the kitchen, also worried.

Remus nodded, not wanting to leave them alone, but also knowing that he wasn't exactly Tonks's favorite person at that moment.

After a minute or two of sitting nervously, he, Harry, Hermoine and the Weasleys all jumped when they were started by yelling coming from the kitchen.

"I don't care what you say Sirius! I BLOODY HATE MEN!"

A/N: As always thank you for reading and reviewing. I also wanted to thank tt crews for their review which gave me some ideas and reminded me of a few things I had forgotten. Thanks!