Remus Lupin was a loner. He didn't mean to be, he was just didn't want to risk people finding out he was a werewolf and being persecuted, or worse, hurting someone during a transformation. So, after the First Wizarding War, after losing his closest friends, he became a drifter. Constantly on the move working low-paying jobs, even though he was easily talented enough to become a high ranking Auror.

There were two bright sides, however:

1. James had stated in his will that Lupin would still receive some sort of monthly allowance, although Lupin didn't feel like he deserved it.

2. Andromeda Tonks (née Black), being the kind person she was, would not allow one of the best friends of the only family member who didn't disown and pity her to live on the streets. So, she would always insist that he visit for days or weeks at a time.

Remus Lupin stared at the celling of the Tonk's guest room, which had become his unofficial bedroom. No matter what he tried, he couldn't sleep. Suddenly, his door creaked open, and the Tonk's 9-year-old Metamorphmagus daughter Nymphadora peaked her head in.

"Mr. Lupin?" Nymphadora quietly asked.

"Dora?" Remus asked. He saw her nod. "What's wrong?"

Dora let more of herself in, "I had a nightmare, and Mum and Dad's room is locked."

Remus, not wanting to see the child upset, allowed her to come in. The girl quickly climbed into the bed and made herself comfortable.

"Want to tell me about it?" Remus gently asked.

Dora looked hesitant, but eventually she agreed. "There was a huge snake, and it was attacking us. You, me, Mum, Dad, and all our friends. Then, smaller snakes came slithering out of it's mouth! One of them looked like Aunt Bella!"

Remus hugged the girl. She had grown up during the War, which had ended the previous year. Of course she'd be frightened of her Aunt Bella, Uncle Rodolphus and Uncle Lucius.

"We were fighting them, but one of the snakes got dad, and another got you, and Aunt Bella got me!" Dora was so frightened, Remus feared she'd never sleep again.

"Don't worry," Remus soothed, "your Aunt Bella is locked away and will never hurt you." Oh how he would later come to regret saying that.

"You sure?" Dora asked.

"Yes." Remus answered, "Azkaban is inescapable." Oh if only they knew. "And even if it weren't, you're a powerful witch, you'd easily stand a fair chance."

This seemed to sooth Dora, even though something at the pit of her stomach told her that her Aunt would escape one day, and that she'd be no match for her. Regardless, she snuggled up to Remus and slowly fell asleep.

Remus knew he should bring her back to her room, but with the way she snuggled, and how scared she seemed, he just couldn't bring himself too. So he laid back down, and was finally able to sleep as warm and happy memories of James and Sirius's affection filled his mind.