THE BEST OF ME

Chapter 12: SEE YOU SOON

Previously:

Both boys turned around to find their potions teacher behind them wearing a grim look on his face. His nose curled up in a displeased manner.

"..."

"It's odd to see that the little brother hadn't had the same skills as his older brother." He spoke in his plain baritone voice, his black beady eyes eyeing their potion with disapproval. Although, despite their teacher's rude attitude, Remus' eyes widened in shock.

"..."

"You knew my brother?" His teacher sneered in response at his question.

"..."

"Would you ever stop asking questions, Lupin." He said, staring down at him before sighing. "For your information, your brother's foolishness almost got him expelled and I wish he did."

"..."

He released a sigh and when he turned to his potion partner, he found a ridiculous sight. The redhead boy wore a silly expression, he had pulled his eyelids up by his finger and he stuck out his tongue. Amused at his friend's silly face, he snorted. "What's the hilarious face for, William?" He arched an eyebrow at him when the Weasley dropped his silly act.

"..."

Bill flashed him a grin, "I had a feeling that I need to cheer you up."

"..."

Sighing, he playfully punched his shoulders. "Thanks, mate."

"..."

"Got your back, Remus." He returned his gesture with a raised palm which Remus gladly collided softly with his own hand.

"..."

"Uh, you look nice—beautiful, bust mostly nice." He stumbled on his words and he wanted to kick himself for embarrassing himself in front of her.

"..."

She smiled at him, "Thank you, Remus."

"..."

At this, their redhead friend spoke up, "Whatver muggle club you chose, I'll join you Remus." He announced with a smile.

Tonks nodded, "Me too Remus, I don't want you guys leaving me behind."

"..."

His heart melted at the sight in front of him and he looked down at his and Tonks' link hands. He softly squeezes it before pulling it up, smiling he brushed the pad of his thumb at the soft and smooth skin of her hand. Closing his eyes, he pulled her hand closed to his lips and he felt the pure smoothness of her skin on his lips. He slowly opened his eyes and brought her hand back. A soft smile appeared on his face and again, he softly squeezed her hand.

"..."

Remus turned to his redhead friend, placing his free hand on his shoulder, giving it a thankful squeeze. He leaned his back to the soft pillow, as a joyful smile was presented on his lips.

Remus was exploring the forest that was near Hagrid's hut; besides him was Skips who had tagged along with him. The baby black dragon grew more than the last time he saw him and the little fella was getting heavy. He clicked his tongue and arch up his neck to stare up at a large scots pine tree. The branches stretches horizontally for about 4 meters and the bundled out leaves blocked out the sun.

After observing the tree for a minute, the young werewolf staggered his feet to another direction. "Come on Skips, let's explore further." He called out to his dragon friend, but the dragon kept scratching itself on the bottom of the tree. Eventually the Hungarian Horntail quickly followed Remus and the aurbun haired boy tossed him a tasty treat which the black dragon caught in his mouth.

"You deserve a treat for being a good dragon all day long." He smiled; crouching down to pat Skips head carefully, so he could avoid the spikes, and gently.

The young boy pulled his hand back and stood up, he slips his hands in the pocket of his school trouserd before gesturing to the baby dragon to follow him. He moved his legs and turned to the right where the lake is. While walking, Remus admired the beauty of nature, he basked in the scent of the plant life around him and he let out a breath. He stopped when there was no more ground ahead, the large lake in front of the castle that was a good yard away from where he stood was being highlighted by the setting sun behind it.

Seeing that the sky has a mix of orange and black, Remus decided that it's time to go back. "Looks like this is the end of my first year in Hogwarts, ey." He muttered under his breath, turning to the baby dragon besides him who tilted his head in a confuse way. At that sight, the young boy laughed and he kneeled down on one leg, as he brought out his hand to scratch the space behind the dragon's right horn.

"I wish I could bring you home, but..." He trailed off, shaking his head, as a guilty smile appeared on his features. "Be good, Skips. I'll be back soon." He said while pushing himself up with his legs, "Let's get back."

With that he marched his way trough the forest with Skips keeping up with his long strides. They reached the exit of the forest and Remus returned Skips back to Hagrid's; after that he took a short stroll on the training ground before entering the castle. He trudges past the hallway; noticing that there are a few students lingering in these parts of the castle.

He was almost near the corridor that leads to the great hall when he passed by a familiar painting, slowing down his pace, he stopped to observe the painting with two babies and a female wolf. There was something about the painting that irked him and he narrowed his eyes in concentration. He didn't have a fun experience with that painting last time, but he felt the portrait calling out to him.

Staring at the painting for too long made him drip beads of sweat down his forehead. He felt a strong pull towards the painting and he was about to touch it with his fingers when a hand grabbed his left shoulder. The smell of felines and old books entered his nostrils; he slowly turned his head to see his transfiguration teacher. The old witch had a frown on her face, but a curious aura was surrounding her when she raised an eyebrow.

"Mr. Lupin, you'll be late for the feast." Professor McGonagall informed him and he numbly nodded at her. He let her led him to the Great Hall and both parted ways when they reached the entrance. The young werewolf watched the head of his house, sets herself at the staff's table.

Remus eyed the four tables full of students until he was met with Bill who was enthusiastically waving at him. The young werewolf smiled, made his way to his friend and settle down at a seat that his redhead friend reserved for him.

When he sat down, the young Weasley begun chatting with him. "Time sure pass quickly," He chuckled, "I can't wait for summer!" He declared loudly, earning the two of them some weird looks, but the redhead paid no mind. "Hope we can hang out more on summer break."

Remus sighed, "I dunno, where do you even live, Williams?"

At his question, Bill's whole face lit up. "I live outside the village of Ottery St Catchpole which is situated alongside the River Otter in Devon, England." He answered and Remus sheepishly laughed. That's quite faraway from where he live in Wales, "You know I lived at Wales right." He pointed out, 'Specifically somewhere in the Forest of Dean.' He added as an after thought and the redhead slumped his shoulders at his words.

"Oh man," He groaned, "I love my siblings, but I was hoping that you, Tonks and me can hang out on summer break."

The young werewolf shook his head in amusement, it's true that he also wants to hang out with them, but with their distance from each other, it's quite hard. "You know it's 'you, Tonks and I' not 'you, Tonks and me'." He corrected him which he received an annoyed glare from his redhead friend.

"Uh, sure mate." He simply said and Remus placed his hand on his shoulder to give a soft squeeze. The young Weasley playfully shoved him and the auburn haired boy snorted in response. They halted their goofy manner—it was mostly William—and stared in front when Professor Dumbledore begun his speech.

"Another year had passed, many students, I have seen growing into great wizard and witches." He begun, "Let's commemorate this moment by having this great feast." With that, he clapped his hands and delicious rows of food appeared in every table. At the corner of his forest green orbs, he saw Bill quickly munching down on his food, unlike him who took his time.

He lifted up his gaze and he met with familiar stormy gray eyes. Tonks smiled at him from the Hufflepuff table which nervously averted his gaze away before looking back to see her eating. A soft smile made its way to his lips and it secretly stayed there until the end of the feast.

"..."

He was laying down on his bed, feeling restless and wide awake. He turned to his left and to his right, but he couldn't let his mind and body rest. He sat up and turned to Bill who was already asleep; not wanting to wake him up, he slowly got out of bed and walked towards his drawers. He pulled out a patched up faded gray jacket and wore it.

Remus walked out from their room, down to the common room and out the dorm. He kept his senses in check, hoping not to get caught by either Filtch or his cat, as he made his way out of the castle and to the fields. He eyed the large tower at the distance and decided to hang out there.

He entered the Owlery and climbed the long stairs to the top. The young werewolf seated himself at the edge of the window, as he stared at the horizon. Then, he looked up at the crescent moon, it's magical glow providing some light to the entire training ground. He always wonder how it looks like when it's whole, he bet it's beautiful and majestic, but sadly, he can't experience it's beauty; only it's dark side instead.

He inhaled and the smell of jasmine entered his nose—wait...

Suddenly a voice spoke up from behind him, "The moon is beautiful isn't it?"

At the familiar voice, Remus whipped his head to find a girl shrouded in the shadows of the dark tower; however, with his keen eyesight, he identified her quickly. Tonks was looking at him with a smile and he was to surprise to say a word. The young girl made her way to the other side of the large window and sat down across him.

"Couldn't sleep too?" She asked and Remus shook his head to snap himself out of shock, as he gave the girl a nod.

He smiled, a smile full of melancholia, as he gazed back to the moon. "Yes, you?" He answered and asked back which the girl leaned her back on the wall behind her. She shrugged, "My body rather chose to be really insomniac in some nights, so I always took a stroll to ease myself."

He nodded at her, turning his gaze back to her. The moon's light made her glow in the dark, highlighting her features. The girl across from him look majestic under the moonlight, a silver like faded luminescence had surrounded her and he swear that the girl in front if him looks like the goddess of the moon herself.

Then, she spoke again. "The moon is beautiful isn't it?" She smiled, her gaze meeting with his before staring back at the night sky.

He closed his eyes, capturing this moment, and a small smile appeared on his face, "Yes, she is."

Both basked in the relaxing silent, neither one talked after that because both of them knew that small chats aren't needed because each others company is already enough for them. He let out a warm breath and it mixes with the cold air, he opened his eyes to see the young girl slightly shivering and it seems the girl's light clothing isn't enough to keep her warm. He sat up straight and slowly peeled his jacket from his pajamas; after that, the young boy scooted closer to her and placed his jacket on her.

The young girl appriciated his gesture when she gave him a small smile, as she pulled the jacket much closer to her body. Remus simply smiled at her before turning back to the night sky, his mind had begun counting the shimmering small lights that sprinkled the dark sky.

"Look, Remus, there's sirius the dog star." She pointed towards a bright dot in the sky where a constellation is.

Remus chuckled, "You have a great eye, Nymphadora."

As, expected, the young Hufflepuff glared at him, annoyed that he called her by her first terrible name—although, there's nothing wrong with her name.

"Don't call me, Nymphadora." She scolded him which he teasing ignored. He looked away from her, as he used his arms to support himself when he leaned back.

"Ok, Tonks." He flashed her a cheeky smile, "But, I can't promise that, Nymphadora."

There was a groan from her, but a unexpected chuckle came after. "You're ruining the mood, Remus." She stated with her eyes narrowed at him in both amusement and irritation. That made him furrow his eyebrows in confusion, "What mood?" He asked and the young girl playfully punched his shoulders.

"This is supposed to be a friend to friend relaxing night that was ruined because of your fetish for calling people with their first real and full name." She announced, raising a finger in the air, as a gesture that says he really does that—which is not true. He crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow at her, "Fine, I promised that I won't always call you with your first name." He pledge; although, there was a hidden smugness in his tone that suggests that he won't keep that promise.

A victorious smirk curled up on the young girl's heart shaped face, as she stared back at the night sky. They stared there for a couple more minutes before calling it a night, after staying up with Tonks, Remus had decided that it's time to hit the hay. Both twelve years old walked out of the tall tower and carefully maneuver their way in to the castle when both kids saw their school caretaker's at sight.

After that when they were about to bid farewell to each other when both will part in different corridors, Tonks slightly ruffled his hair before saying goodbye to him and going back to her house. Remus watched her back until she was out of sight, he begun walking, but stopped at the familiar painting. Unconsciously, he skimmed his fingers at the painting's frame and something unexpected happened.

He took a step back when the painting begun to move and when he looked closer to the moving figures, he saw something flashed in his eyes. A light brown haired boy hanging out with three other kids...a girl...a map and a diary...then, finally a small boy laughing with the older brown haired boy.

The images disappear and he was left in a trance, Remus shook his head, puzzled at what just happened. 'Was that my brother?' He thought and before he could ponder more about what happened, his ears picked up the sound of large heavy thumping of boots. That snapped him out of his trance and he quickly sprinted back to his house dorm.

He went up to his room and he was about to take off his jacket when he realized something—his jacket was still with Tonks. Sighing, he slips in to his sheets and closed his eyes, as he begun to sleep.

Students piled up the station, excited to go home. In his faded ripped (it really is) jeans and white long sleeved blouse, he found a sense of familiarity, as he stood alone, waiting for his turn to enter—well almost. Turning his head, he looked besides him to see a familiar hooded girl wearing a pink weird sisters hoodie, and besides her was a redhead boy wearing brown vest over a red short sleeved checkered shirt. Both kids were chatting with each other and had pulled the auburn haired boy in to join them, literally.

The three of them entered an empty compartment and Bill commented about the prank they had pulled in the great hall earlier, "That fireworks with the words 'See you next year' was a charm, Tonks." He laughed while scratching the back of his head, "If mom would ever know the trouble that I pulled with you guys, she would scream like a banshee at me."

The young girl across from the two boys snorted with amusement and pride, "It was, but the credits go to Remus for fixing a big missed calculation that can ruin the whole fun." She complimented the auburn boy besides Bill who went red at the given credit.

He sheepishly smiled, "Well, it wouldn't work with out you guys."

The other occupants in the small room laughed and he received a playful shove from the redhead besides him, "Humble as ever." Bill smiled at him and Tonks nodded in agreement.

Then, the redhead spoke again, "Man, I'm sure that I'm gonna missed you guys on summer break." He murmured, loud enough for the other two kids to hear. The only girl in their group, nodded at this, agreeing that she will missed her friends too. That's when Remus quoted, "How about we visit each other," He was shock that his mouth automatically spoke up, "I'm sure that I can visit you guys."

At his statement, Tonks shook her head. "It's fine, Remus besides the three of us can send owls to each other." She politely declined his suggestion, "You guys know that I lived in York right?"

Both Bill and him nodded their heads, as an answer to her question. The young Weasley spoke up, "I'm sure that our family's old owl can travel that far, but I'm not sure about your place Remus..." He said hesitantly to the young werewolf and Remus looked up at the ceiling of the compartment, finding it quite interesting.

He recalled that the bird crashed down on their house's table and created a lot of mess; also, he remembered the redhead trying desperately to revive the old owl. Calculating the distance and time from the Weasley's home to the castle in Scottland made him cringe at the result. Yup, the owl won't survive flying to his home and he winced at that thought.

"Despite your owl's o—stamina to fly in long distances, I believe that I will get a mail from you." He reassured him while patting his back and the boy's slumped shoulders stood straightly up at his words.

"Thank you, Remus." Bill said to him and Remus smiled at him. He pulled his hand back and took a book from his stachel, "You're welcome, Wi—" At the corner of his eyes, he saw Tonks giving him a raised ayebrow, "Bill." He correctly said before turning to Tonks.

"I believe that we'll see each other soon." A lopsided grin appeared on his face at his own words and he went back to his book; the grin presented on his face never fading. An hour passed with them having fun in the train, the young werewolf would occasionally look up from his book to indulge himself in chatting with his friends or him commenting Tonks about the book he was reading which Bill scooted away from him, the redhead's cerulean eyes narrowed at his book and it reminded Remus of how a cat would cautiously stare at a piece of cucumber.

Finally, the train stopped and the three of them got off the vehicle. When they got off, Remus quickly spotted a group of redheads looking for someone...

Seeing that the man in the redhead familiy had similar features with his friend, Remus taps his friends shoulder to get his friend's attention. He pointed with his head the group of redheads and the young Weasley's face lit up, indicating that they are really his family. A large smile appeared on the young Weasley's face, "See you soon, Remus." He bumped his shoulders at him before turning to Tonks, "I'll miss you too, Tonks."

The hooded girl gave him a appreciative smile and she playfully punched his left shoulder, "You too, Bill." She said to him and Remus nodded, "We'll see each other soon, Wi—" The young werewolf felt a stern glare was directed at him, but he paid no mind. "—lliams." He finished with a guilty and cheeky smile; however, unlike Tonks, the young Weasley doesn't care about people using his first full name.

The redhead waved goodbye once again before running off to join his family. He turned to Tonks and was about to open his mouth when somebody loudly called out, "Nymphadora!"

Remus turned his head to find a beautiful woman with black hair and stormy gray eyes, making her way towards them, and judging by how she looks and the way Tonks cheeks flashed red at the woman calling her with her first name. He deduced that the black ink haired woman was the young girl's mother.

Tonks turned to him, "Have a great summer break, Remus." She ruffled his hair and bid him goodbye with a small smile. He watched her walk away, leaving him alone and he sighed at that.

'Great, shall I go home.' He pushed his trolley to the exit and made his way to a vehicle parked outside the station. The door pulled open, but there was no driver inside. The school's headmaster had lend him this vehicle, so he could travel wherever he wants; not unless he breaks some rules which he wouldn't do.

Sighing he boarded the train and simply said, "Home."

The mobile car quickly started running and Remus leaned back on the soft cushion behind him, closing his eyes, as he took a short nap.

"..."

Taking a deep breath, he slowly pushed open the door. He entered his own home and like everytime he enters his house, a feeling of nostalgia entered him. He felt his stomach lurched and he couldn't find the will to take a step forward. Memories of the good ol' days filled his mind and a melancholia filled him at the bittersweet memories of his childhood home.

Taking a time to relax, he entered his home and shut the door behind him. He entered his living room to find all his luggage stacked neatly. Sitting at the armchair of his father's favourite chair was the owl given to him by the old professor wearing crescent moon glasses. He felt his stomach growled and he tossed his satchel on the couch, as he made his way towards the kitchen.

He heard the flapping of wings indicating that his owl had followed him. Midnight (A/N: I'm really not good with names.) perched herself on his shoulder, as Remus was about to open his fridge. He found fresh fruits, meat and vegetable in the muggle invention and Remus grabbed a jar full of chocolate filling.

He shut the fridge door and walked towards the cupboard, opening a drawer and taking out a bag with bread inside. He took out a butter knife and opened both the jar and the pack. He give a slice to his owl who flew down and started pecking the bread. The werewolf scooped out some chocolate filling from the jar and spread it on his bread.

He placed the butter knife in the jar and took a bite on his bread. The taste of sweet cacao scattered around his taste buds and his face lit up. After eating, he decided to go to their small library at the end of the hall. He told his dark brown owl that he would be leaving now and the European Scoops owl hoots in reply.

He walked trough the hall and was almost there when he stopped at a familiar room. Remus curious forest green eyes stopped at the familiar writing carved on the door. It was his brother's room and ever since he returned home, he never had took the time to take a peek, or the truth is...he doesn't wants too.

Sighing, he took a deep breath before slowly letting out. The tense muscles at his back relaxed, the nerves in his system loosening up and his mind went at ease, for a moment. Mustering up all his Gryffindor courage, he turned the knob and he cringe at the sound of the metallic object made, it felt like the scene in a dramatic horror movie that always made him roll his eyes sometimes.

Slowly he pushed the door open and he was met with a familiar room that brought forth a tsunami of overwhelming memories. His brother sleeping besides him...Romulus doing his homework while he sat and watch...the older boy comforting him when Remus' transformation went wrong...him peeking in the small gap at the door when the older boy brought his friends in his room...and–and—the scenes in his mind was suppressed when tears filled his eyes. Unconsciously he made his way toward his older brother's bed and sat down.

His mind rewinds back to the painting of the She-wolf feeding the infant twins and he snorted in sad–amusement. He remembered the tale of the two twins, how both brother fought in a pointless fight because both of their pride clouded their minds. He find it quite ironic that Remus was the one who died while Romulus won the battle and name Rome after him, the situation was reversed for him and he sighed sadly at that.

He stood up and begun scanning his older brother's room walls where a lot of quidditch posters and many drawings were hang, most of the sketches belong to him and a smile broke on his face at the realization his brother kept them.

That's when he saw another painting of a myth, Castor and Pollux. Remus knew that his family have greek and roman ancestry, but he never knew that his brother is super obsessed with mythology paintings or artifacts. He looked back at the painting in front if him and sighed, having a weird feeling about it, he remembered the painting back at Hogwarts. 'Another brothers painting?'

His eyes curved down, as he gazed at the painting with interest. Cautiously, he brought his hand forward in a slow pace and when he touched the image, it had suddenly glow. The painting disappear and a secret small room was revealed, it was the same size as the painting and when he squinted his eyes in the darkness, he saw a red book. Curious, he grabbed it and took a look at it.

There was no cover, but there was a bookmark present in between of the pages. Remus opened it and he was met with words numbered and a check mark. "Creating the best three house." He red out loud and besides the sentence on the right was a check mark and it dawned on him, that this was a bucket list.

The emotion sadness over came him and a growl came from him, 'You know, he won't be dead if that stupid older brother had just leave you behind.' He angrily thought; then, noticed he was gripping the book to hard and he quickly tried to calm himself. 'No, Remus, don't doubt yourself.'

"You know, I alwaye swear to protect you even if I died." He heard his brother's old promise in his mind and all the pent up emotions in him broke. He cried angry tears, he wanted to broke something, smash something, he—noticing the book still in his hands, Remus placed it on the bed before leaving the room. He needs time to really calm himself and vent out his anger.

With that, he shut the door behind him without even looking back because he was afraid that he'll finally break down.

"..."

All around him the walls were cracked broken, objects tossed angrily away and him in the middle of it. He was proud with his calm demeanour in every situation, but sometimes he wants to let loose and shout out all his feelings, but he's scared that his problems will affect someone.

He eyed the beat-up punching bag at the corner. The content inside the bag was seeping out and Remus sighed, deciding to fixed what he had caused. While fixing every objects in his eyesight, his ears picked up a tapping nose. Raising an eyebrow, he exited the basement to see a brown owl and he beamed up at the sight of it. He quickly slid the window open and let the little owl in, "Hello, Millie, got a mail for me?" He questioned her and the creature nodded at him. Tonks' owl is really smart, like the owner..."So, I have some bread if you like," He took out a piece of bread from a plate and fed it to her. He smiled when the owl hungrily took a peck, "I guess it was a long journey, huh?" He said, grabbing the envelope that the little creature drop and opening it.

He begun to read:

Wothcher Remus,

I got a little excited to send you a letter, thought that you needed some company, but not physically–you know like a...I'll stope rumbling now. Anyway, I wanted to write a letter to you quickly, so—how are you, are you fine? If you're feeling lonely stare at the photo that was in the envelope along with this letter. Hope we can see each other again.

Sincerly, N. Tonks

With a smile on his face, Remus quickly pulled out an another piece of paper in the envelope. True to her words, it was a picture and his heart melted at the image. It was the time when both Tonks and Bill pulled him in to a picnic, the time that they had became friends. A smile appeared on his face and he quickly went to his father's office. He came back with a paper and envelope in his hand; then, he quickly wrote his reply and sealed it in the envelope before giving it to Millie.

"Here you go." He said to the owl, and as soon the owl grabbed the paper in her beak, she stretched out her wing and flew out of the window, leaving Remus with a soft smile on his face.

However, there was one thought in his mind, 'That girl is really full of surprises." He chuckled, his body releasing all the stiff tensions that his venting didn't get all out earlier. He felt himself finally relaxed and decides to read a book which was his original plan earlier that he had forgotten.

He went to his father's library with a little skip in his steps.