The Nymph of House Tonks

by CelesteMagnolia

Sequel to the Nymph of House Black (read first!). Nymphadora Tonks wakes up on her tenth birthday to find her world has fallen apart. How will young Tonks manage to rebuild the world she knew and cope with the new reality? And, will she ever sort out the strange feelings that don't seem quite hers? Spans 1981-1996, including Harry's first five years at Hogwarts.

8. Chapter 8

5 July 1982

Dear Remus,

I'm sorry I haven't written more. Last month my mum took us to see the Malfoys and my Grandmother Druella was there. She said mean things about me and my dad because he's not a pureblood, and I accidentaly set her hair on fire. Do you think I am bad for thinking she diserved it? I never want to see her again, even if she is my grandmother.

My mum has had Auntie Cissa over a couple of times with Draco, my cousin. Draco and Harry fight over toys a lot but Mopsy, our elf, just magics extra toys. Her favorite is Harry.

I have two other elves. Mosby was the Lestrange elf. He was a poor, scared little thing. Mum said he would be at Hogwarts unless he's getting enterviewed by the Ministry. I guess he saw a lot of bad stuff and can help get bad wizards to prison. It's unfair that they sent Sirius to prison for braking rules. Will I be sent to prison if I break rules at Hogwarts?

Kreacher is the Black elf. He is with Great Aunt Walburga, who is also very mean. I told Kreacher that he can only follow her orders if she says them nicely. I think Wally (that is what I call her because she has a silly name too) wants to hurt me but I told Kreacher not to let her and if he thinks he is going to get hurt, he needs to find me and I will take him away from her. I feel bad for Wally sometimes because her husband is dead, and so is Reglus, and Sirius is in prison. She probably doesn't have any friends. Kreacher can be her friend. I would be her friend too if she wasn't so mean. Maybe I will write her too.

I can't wait to go to school and make more friends. Right now it is you, Sirius, and Harry, but Harry's my brother. I hope I meet nicer people soon.

How are you? What kinds of creatures do you look after? Mr. Scamander sent me a SIGNED copy of his book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them when I was born and I look at it all the time. I bet I can find the creatures in there.

Love,

Tonks

P.S. Harry tried to draw a picture of a dog but it's all scribbles. I hope you like it anyway.

….

6 July 1982

Dear Remus,

I hope you are well. It came to our attention yesterday that Nymphadora sent you a letter without asking us or letting us read through it. I hope you are not offended or surprised. She assured us that she did not include any "memories" in the letter, but her memory is like a sieve some days.

We hope all is well with you and the Scamanders. Give them our best, and let Tina know I'll be writing to her as well.

Andromeda

….

10 July 1982

Dear Andromeda,

The letter was charming and did not include any "memories". Nymphadora can continue writing to me, as long as you don't mind her corresponding with me. I admit I enjoy answering her questions from afar. She included a drawing from Harry that brightened my day as well. As long as you don't mind me writing to her (you're always welcome to read my replies to Nymphadora), she can send them.

RJL

P.S. The owl I've been using for correspondence was once Dora's. She's a great horned owl called Enola. If you'd like me to return her to you and your family, please let me know. Enola came to find me months ago right after Dora's death and she kept returning. I had been caring for Dora's half-kneazle, Athena, for so long that I'm sure Enola thought she belonged with me.

….

12 July 1982

Padfoot,

Nymphadora sent me a letter recently. Does she write to you? I thought I'd be more annoyed to get the ramblings of a ten year old, but I find myself looking at the letter fondly. Nymphadora reminds me of Dora when she was younger. I almost wish I could have known Dora before she started at Hogwarts. She would've been a good friend to a lonely werewolf boy.

I apologize I haven't written much. The past several months have been spent in a fog.

Moony

P.S. Did we ever learn what Dora's identity was?

….

14 July 1982

Dear Tonks,

It is nice to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying the summer. I'm doing well.

I don't think there is anything wrong with you feeling so angry with your grandmother for treating you poorly, but remember that violence is not the best answer for your feelings. I know your magic was accidental, but it can be dangerous to want to hurt other people when we feel hurt.

You will not be sent to prison if you break rules at Hogwarts, unless they are very serious rules. You cannot hurt other people on purpose, even if you are angry or upset with them. You may not be sent to prison if you hurt others, but you could lose your chance to finish your education. I wouldn't want that to happen to you.

I think it's a wonderful idea for you to try to write to your Great Aunt Walburga. I'm sure she has her family to keep her company – her sisters or cousins, perhaps – but she might enjoy having you in her life. You are bright and cheerful, and she would be lucky to know you better.

You will meet many new people when you begin at Hogwarts. I was a lonely boy for many years until I came to school, and I met my best friends there. I hope it is the same for you.

Newt has me caring for bowtruckles and a demiguise. The bowtruckles are charming but are hard to win over. They prefer Newt to me, and many have bitten me lightly to tell me how much they dislike me.

The demiguise is a nightmare. Perhaps you can tell me why, if you've read Newt's book.

RJL

….

18 July 1982

Moony,

James was right all along. Dora was a Seer. She and little Tonks had nothing to do with each other except be cousins. Little Tonks isn't a Seer, though, just a mini, clumsy Metamorphmagus.

Little Tonks writes to me and sends Harry's scribbles. I know what you mean when you look at the letters fondly. I have them lining the walls of my cell and when the dementors come by at meal times they can't suck the joy out of parchment. I don't know what Ted and Andromeda did (or hell, if it was Moody or Dumbledore) but they have me in a lower security area of Azkaban. Dementors only come at mealtimes.

I miss you, brother.

Padfoot

….

18 July 1982

Dear Great Aunt Walburga,

Hello! It is me, Tonks, your grandniece. Would you like to come over for tea sometime? I thought you might like company. Harry is a good boy and he will stay out of trouble.

Tonks

….

30 July 1982

Dear Tina,

It's been a while since I've written, and I do apologize. Our world was turned upside down last year with the Potters and Dora's death. Did you know about Dora the whole time? I can't imagine you were kept in the dark. No wonder you were so gracious with me. Thank you for letting me comfort her and be with her so often. You knew she wanted her mother, and you allowed me into her life. I will never be able to thank you enough for giving me all the time with Dora. I know she wasn't the daughter I remembered, but I was the mother she knew.

I believe Dora knew on Halloween last year that she was going to sacrifice herself for Nymphadora and Harry. She told me how much she loved me and came to knew me as a mother. Little did I know that I was her mother in another time.

It's strange. I did love Dora, differently than I love Nymphadora. Dora wasn't my daughter, but I came to love her as a sister and I miss her terribly. If I had known she was my daughter from another time, my grief might be greater than it is. I cannot fathom what you went through when you lost your own daughter, Rosemary.

Thank you for caring for Dora as if she were your own granddaughter. Thank you for everything you did for her – and for us. You've been more like a mother to me than my own.

Andromeda

P.S. Is Remus taking care of himself? Nymphadora is always worrying about him.

….

6 August 1982

Dear Remus,

You are so smart. I will try not to hurt anyone when I go to school. I am clumsy and will probably hurt other people like I hurt myself. I dropped Harry today and he got a big bump on his head. I felt badly about that.

I sent Wally a letter but she sent me a Howler back, which wasn't very nice. Mum said it was good of me to try cheering her up. Instead Aunt Cissa and Draco came for tea again. Aunt Cissa got Harry a toy broomstick for his second birthday and Draco brought his. I thought they were going to fly them together but instead they beat each other with the toy broomsticks. Little boys are silly sometimes.

What does the J stand for in RJL? My initials are NAT, the A is for Andromeda like mum. Harry's is J for James. Is yours James too? When is your birthday? I thought I knew but I forgot.

A demiguise is a tricky creature! They are invisible when they want to be and can predict the future so you have to be unexpected to find them or capture them. I bet I would be good at capturing a demiguise because I could morph any way I want and it would be unexpected. I'm tricky too.

Love,

Tonks

P.S. Mum told me that the owl you use was once Dora's. I think Enola is very pretty but she is your owl now. She bites me a lot. I'm happy you are taking care of Enola and Dora's half kneazle Athena. I keep asking for a pet hippogriff but mum says no. I hope I get an owl when I go to Hogwarts. I want to keep writing you when I go to school and I want my very own owl to send you letters.

….

11 August 1982

Dear Andromeda,

It's lovely to hear from you. Your words were so kind. It was easy for us to love and care for Dora like our own. She came to us when she was in her mid-twenties, I think. You did a marvelous job raising her. She was given a tough hand and she did so well. You should feel proud of what she did with the time she had. Dora reminded me of Rosemary. Stubborn, brilliant, and loving. You are similar, and I am flattered you think of me as a mother. Dora told us about your family, and Remus confirmed the same tale through knowing his friend Sirius and Nymphadora's recent accidental magic of setting your mother's hair on fire.

You're welcome to keep writing me. I really did enjoy having Dora as a "granddaughter." I'd be happy to adopt another Metamorphmagus as a granddaughter, and young Harry too as another grandson. Children can never have enough people who love them, can they?

Remus is doing as well as can be expected. Most days he manages with his work. Newt keeps him busy with feeding and caring for the creatures. Newt purposefully has given Remus some of the most challenging creatures to keep Remus' mind busy with them. Full moons aren't too difficult, as Newt built another area in his workshop for a fully transformed lycanthrope.

I admit Remus is always cheerier when he receives a letter from your family. He's always eager to share what she's written to him. It warms my heart to see him happier.

I know what it's like to raise two children. Don't rush in your reply, and take care of yourself.

Tina

….

13 August 1982

Padfoot,

If Dora was a Seer, do you think she saw the Tonkses' house and that's why we saw Nymphadora's room as Dora's? Why do you think she did that? Maybe to throw us off the trail of her being a Seer? She always denied being a Seer. Maybe she just didn't want us to know. Or maybe she didn't want us to blame her for everything that went wrong. Dora was so complicated, but in a good way. I miss her.

I've been thinking a lot about the relationship we had. It was much better before the almost-marriage to Regulus. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for how cruel I was to Dora. So petty, passive aggressive, and jealous. No wonder she didn't want to try being with me again. She's the only witch who could've loved me knowing I'm a werewolf and I drove her away, which led to her death. Maybe if I'd loved her more, she could have stayed with me, or maybe she Saw that I would fail again and decided to die instead of being hurt again.

None of this makes sense, Pads.

Moony

….

15 August 1982

Dear Tonks,

I am not as smart as you give me credit for. Your cousin Dora was much brighter than I could hope to be.

Little boys can be silly, and big boys – men – can also be silly. All of us are a little silly sometimes. One day when you are older I will tell you some of the adventures your cousins and I had when we were at school.

My middle name is John. My mother chose it. My birthday is 10 March. I turned 22 this year.

I'm sure you can be very tricky when you want to be. How are your noses coming along?

RJL

….

26 August 1982

Dear Remus,

My noses are good! I can do most bird beaks and duck's bills. Round ones are harder, like the pig's snout. It's almost there but not really. I got a lot better in the last year. Mum says she thinks Dora's transfer of abilities and memories made it better.

I got a brilliant book about Metamorphmagi from Professor Dumbledore! It has a lot of big words and magical theory. I don't understand it all yet but I hope I will one day. I also got a copy of the book Hogwarts: A History because I want to learn all I can before I go to school. The Sorting Hat sounds so interesting but I wish it could have been something like a battle with a dragon to find out your house. Dad says that the Hat will sometimes think for a long time before putting you in a house. Mum went right to Slytherin but the Hat wasn't sure if Dad should be a Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Dad said he liked blue more than yellow, so he went to Ravenclaw.

I don't think I could be a Ravenclaw because I'm not smart enough. My dad was a Ravenclaw and he is so smart. He quit his job last year because I got the Black and Lestrange fortunes and he works for Gringotts now managing gold. He says he makes gold into more gold. I think he's an alchemist now.

I don't want to be a Slytherin. I know mum was one and she is nice, but after I met those kids I don't want to be in the same house. I'm not brave enough for Gryffindor. I think Hufflepuff is going to be the house for me, just like Dora.

Did the Hat want to put you in a different house? Did you like being in Gryffindor?

Love,

Tonks

….

7 September 1982

Moony,

Don't blame yourself for anything that happened with Dora. It's not your fault. Even Seers can get things wrong. She did her best, and so did you. It's just as possible that she didn't want to be with you again because she Saw her death and didn't want you to be in any more pain than you're already in.

I'm sure Dora isn't the only witch who would love you and your furry little problem. You're in America, aren't you? Go find a nice American witch and enjoy yourself. The only company I have are dementors. Let me live through you.

Padfoot

….

8 September 1982

Dear Ted,

I hope you and your family are well. Perhaps you know I've been writing your daughter. Andromeda let me know she reads the letters Nymphadora sends me, and reads the ones I send her in return. I know it's not necessary, but I realize that in any other situation, a 22 year old man writing a ten year old girl isn't quite appropriate. I wouldn't ever want to give either of you the wrong impression, and if you didn't want me to reply to Nymphadora, let me know.

I'm writing because your daughter mentioned you work for Gringotts now? She said you make gold into more gold. She took that to mean alchemy, but I'm confident that you are working with investments. If so, I would like your help. When I came home from visiting Sirius last November, I found 15,000 Galleons under my floorboards. The note with the sum written on it was in Dora's hand. Why she didn't leave a letter or other information is anyone's guess, or why she left the gold with me at all. It should've gone to Nymphadora.

If I wrote you the location of my cottage (it is under the Fidelius Charm), would you be able to get the gold and place it in Nymphadora's vault, or place it somewhere safe for me? I don't feel right keeping it. I'm earning enough now to get by, and although I know Nymphadora's likely the wealthiest child in Britain at the moment, the gold isn't mine to keep.

RJL

….

10 September 1982

Dear Tonks,

Tell me about the book on Metamorphmagi. What have you learned? I think you are very smart for your age. Your spelling is always perfect and your penmanship is improving. The house you are in at Hogwarts is not your entire personality or a prediction of your skills later in life. I have met wonderful witches and wizards from every house at Hogwarts, and some unpleasant witches and wizards from each house.

The Sorting Hat considered both Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff for me. It didn't like Slytherin for me at all, and I didn't want to be in Slytherin either. I met Sirius and James on the train, and as James was dead set on Gryffindor, Sirius became set on it too. Sirius didn't want to be in Slytherin and would have been happy with Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. After Sirius was sorted into Gryffindor I asked about it (you talk to the Hat a little bit, in your head), and the Hat thought for a moment and decided that was the best house for me after all. It shouted Gryffindor and the rest is history.

I loved being in Gryffindor, but there were some days I wished I could have been in Hufflepuff because their common room is so close to the kitchens.

Thank Harry for the drawing. Can you draw?

RJL

….

24 September 1982

Dear Remus,

My spelling is only perfect because mum makes me write the letters perfectly before she lets me send it out. Sometimes I have to write a word five or six times before she lets me send it. My Muggle tutor teaches penmanship too but never with a quill. Muggles use pens and pencils and they are so much easier. My witch etiquette tutor makes me practice penmanship with a quill. It is a lot of work. Why is penmanship so important?

I can't draw. I got Dora's camera so I take photographs. Mum said she would teach me the charm one day to make them move. She does the charm for me. I put in a picture of me and Harry. I hope you like it.

I'm going to be eleven soon in November. Mum said that she would let me start practicing magic if Dora's old wand works for me. She had an American-made wand and mum won't let me touch it until I'm 11. I know my mum reads these letters so she knows how annoyed I am.

What is your wand like? Dad's is poplar wood, dragon heartstring, 11 inches, and swishy. Mum's is English oak, unicorn, 10 and a half inches, and slightly springy.

Even if Dora's American-made wand works for me, mum is going to take me to Ollivander's before I go to Hogwarts. She says I should have my own wand and that getting picked by a wand is a magical experience. (But it's all magical. We are MAGIC people. Why did she say that. She is laughing at me because I added this to the letter.)

Okay. That's all for now. I had to write this letter eight times because I kept misspelling Ollivander, and then I kept misspelling misspelling.

Also my hand hurts so ask me next time about the Metamorphmagus book. I'm not copying all that again.

Love,

Tonks

….

3 October 1982

Padfoot,

Newt's son Orson attempted to take me out to find an American witch and it was a failure. American witches are confusing. They smile a lot. They all thought I was droll because apparently British humor isn't funny. They also talk – a lot. They are friendly and smile but if I asked after them they would stop talking to me. I don't understand. Americans like to talk more and it's hard to tell if they are friendly or talkative. Orson's wife, Eloise, tried taking me out to Muggle (No-Maj) establishments and that was even weirder. They are optimistic and friendly and ask too many questions. I may be too British for America.

Maybe Dora was the only one for me. Or I'll have to wait to come back home to find someone who isn't so fake-friendly. You would do well in America, with witches and wizards alike.

Moony

….

8 October 1982

Dear Tonks,

Penmanship doesn't seem very important at your age but it is much easier to read your letters the more you practice it. Your Hogwarts professors will appreciate it too. I agree that Muggle pens are easier to write with, but quills aren't going anywhere anytime soon in Britain.

The picture of you and Harry is lovely. Thank you. I left all my photographs at home, so it is nice to have one in my room. I am living with the Scamanders and my little room is less dreary with the pictures Harry drew for me and now your photograph.

My wand is cypress wood, ten and a quarter inches, with a unicorn hair core, and pliable. I got it at Ollivander's when I was 11. I agree with your mother that you ought to get your own wand, a wand that chooses you.

You asked me to remind you about the Metamorphmagus book. Please tell me about it.

RJL

….

12 October 1982

Dear Sirius,

Remus said he doesn't have many pictures in his room and I bet you don't have many either so here are lots of me and Harry. I'm going to send more to Remus because he says it makes his room less dreary.

Love,

Tonks

….

20 October 1982

Moony,

I'm almost a year into this sentence and I've yet to go mad. Last week Andromeda brought a letter from little Tonks that was stuffed with photos. That kid is a Hufflepuff if I ever saw one.

I've been giving more thought about what I'll do after I get out. Moody came by to see me recently. Not only can't I be an Auror anymore, but I can't work for the Ministry at all either. I'm not allowed to work with children for at least five years after release, with a good record. Not that I want to be a tutor or professor, mind you, but having that on my record isn't exactly desirable.

If Newt's willing to hire an ex-convict in a few years' time, let me know. Magical creatures are likely all I can work with, or someplace in Knockturn Alley.

Ted Tonks managed to rent my Uncle Al's flat while I'm in prison so I'll make some gold while I'm away. I never knew Ted was so good at Arithmancy or managing finances. Little Tonks' fortunes couldn't have been in better hands. I think Dora knew that Ted was good at managing this stuff. No wonder she had the Black and Lestrange fortunes go to little Tonks. If I'd been given them, they'd have been mismanaged or left to accumulate dust. Or they'd have gone to the Malfoys, which is one of the worst outcomes.

Padfoot

P.S. Friendly Americans? If Newt hires me I'll make sure we both have a good time.

….

21 October 1982

Dear Remus,

What is Halloween like in America? Is it like ours?

I will tell you about Metamorphmagi now. I can change almost anything about my body! I can change something as long as start as I can start with it. I can change my nose into anything I like. I can change my lips to look like something else or another color but I can't grow another set of lips. I can change my skin to scales and maybe feathers if I have enough hair. I can grow hair most places and change it to feathers, like my arms or legs. I can make things bigger or smaller. I can grow a little taller or a little shorter but it's a little uncomfortable. Bone changes are harder. The book says I need to wait until I'm fully grown to change my bones. The better I get at Transfiguration the better I will get with morphing. The book said that no one is sure if Metamorphmagi can become Animagi but look at me and Dora! Did mum tell you that? I can turn into a badger! When my hair is colorful my stripe changes. I'm going to have mum send you a photograph. I am less clumsy when I am a badger but mum doesn't like it when I become a badger without telling her first.

I can't become an animal with morphing. I can get some features but not a whole animal. I'm lucky Dora was an Animagus and that is one of the abilities I got from her.

I can speak to snakes too but that I got from Tom Riddle when he tried to kill me. Harry can do it too. We have a few garden snakes that come say hello sometimes.

Love,

Tonks

….

25 October 1982

Albus,

I hope you're well. I am currently working for the Scamanders, although I'm sure you knew this. I have been writing letters to Miss Nymphadora Tonks (with her parents' approval, of course) and I learned recently that she inherited some abilities as a result of last Halloween. Andromeda told me it was memories at first, but Nymphadora herself wrote that she can become a badger like Dora could. Is that normal? How did this happen?

She is a Parselmouth too? As is Harry? What in Merlin's name happened in Godric's Hollow?

Hoping you are well,

Remus J. Lupin

….

26 October 1982

Padfoot,

If you behave yourself, Newt will hire you. MACUSA will need to approve you for work as well. Try not to piss off Moody or Dumbledore because you'll likely need their help in getting the approvals through.

Did you know that Nymphadora can become a badger? She inherited Dora's ability to be an Animagus. She and Harry are Parselmouths because of something to do with Voldemort.

Are you quite sure Dora was a Seer and our other theory – that Tonks and Dora are somehow the same – is false? I've been searching as to why these abilities transferred. It seems like Dark magic, and I don't like the idea of both Nymphadora and Harry being the products of Dark magic, especially if it was Dora's doing somehow.

Moony

….

28 October 1982

Dear Albus,

Remus sent me this letter. I let Andromeda read it. Did he write you? I'm sure he did. When he's stumped he thinks to you. Reply for us, if you've got the time. Frankly none of us understand how this happened. Maybe you can tell us all sometime.

Sirius

….

31 October 1982

Dear Andromeda,

I hope you and your family are well. Sirius and Remus have both reached out to me regarding Miss Tonks and Mr. Potter's inherited abilities. You are most welcome to share this letter with Sirius. I am writing Remus separately, as I'm under the impression he is still unaware of Dora's true identity. This will change the answer I have for him.

Dora's abilities are slightly easier to explain. She did a blood magic ritual on her younger self, imparting what I believe was some of her own life onto her younger self. If I had access to Dora's notes or work in the Department of Mysteries, I would know more. My working hypothesis is that Dora shared her life or soul with Nymphadora, but as they had the same soul in different times, it was less an addition to her soul and more a strengthening. I do not know if Dora meant to transfer her memories or abilities to Nymphadora. I cannot say more, at least not with any certainty. This is a wooly theory and we may never know exactly what Dora did to Nymphadora. What I can say with certainty is that Dora saved Nymphadora's life. Whatever strength of life or soul she gave to her younger counterpart was enough to save her.

The ability to speak Parseltongue is trickier. I am operating under the assumption that Voldemort was an unstable man, and the backfiring of the Killing Curse twice meant his instability grew worse, possibly transferring some of his abilities to the children because of the evil within. Again, I cannot explain this with any certainty. Between the blood magic, the blood protection charm, and Dora's involvement, I cannot assume anything. If Dora were alive, I would ask for her help.

I suspect that while Voldemort's evil splintered him in a way that hurt the children, as both earned cursed scars from the encounter, Dora's love strengthened them, especially Nymphadora. Whatever impact Dora's sacrifice had on Nymphadora and Harry, it is in their blood and cannot be seen. It is love, of course.

I've enclosed my copy of my reply to Remus in this letter. Do write back to let me know if Remus is still unaware of Dora and Nymphadora's connection. If so, his reply will be edited accordingly.

Most sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. Do wish Nymphadora a happy eleventh birthday. Her Hogwarts acceptance letter will be arriving very soon.

….

2 November 1982

Dear Remus,

Greetings from Hogwarts. The answers to your questions are, at best, theories. I'll begin with the ability to speak Parseltongue. When Voldemort came for the children he was already unstable, and the act of attempting to kill two innocent children after the love sacrifice of both Dora and James Potter (Dora for both of them, James for Harry), was strong enough that it repelled Voldemort's ability to kill them. I believe it splintered his abilities and weakened him enough to be defeated.

As for Nymphadora's memories and ability to become an Animagus, I believe Dora did a blood binding pact between the two of them to give Nymphadora extra protection. I believe it was meant only to strengthen her but not transfer any abilities to her.

I believe that while Voldemort's evil splintered him in a way that hurt the children, as both earned cursed scars from the encounter, Dora's love strengthened them, especially Nymphadora. Dora's sacrifice shows in the blood that Harry and Nymphadora now share, but it is more prominent with Nymphadora as she has memories and the ability to become an Animagus. Consider them two sides of a Galleon, in which evil splinters, and love strengthens. The evil left cursed scars and a highly unusual, but hereditary trait, while the love gave them protection for their lives, and a learned ability. If I'm not mistaken, Dora became an Animagus because she wished to accompany you at the full moon. Such an act – borne out of love – should it be a mystery why Nymphadora earned that ability? Love strengthens, while evil destroys. I have other theories, but these are the best I can provide.

I hope all is well with you and the Scamanders. Give them my best.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

….

5 November 1982

Dear Tonks,

Happy 11th birthday! I hope you have received your Hogwarts letter by now. I do apologize it's taken so long to reply to your previous letter. I had some errands to attend to. I did not know that you could become a badger or speak Parseltongue until your letter. They are unique skills. Dora's stripe did change with her hair color. I was there when she discovered it. It was one of the happiest moments of her in my memory. I am impressed that you can become a badger too. Try not to get into too much trouble.

Thank you for telling me about Metamorphmagi. You are very rare, and I believe you will learn to morph skillfully as you grow up.

You wrote a few months ago that you'd like your own owl. This letter was delivered by your new owl. He is a great horned owl, just like Enola. He doesn't have a name, so you'll have to give him one so I can call him something.

I didn't ask your parents if it was alright for you to have an owl. Andromeda and Ted, when you read this, forgive me. I was busier than I expected.

Did Dora's American wand work for you? I'm sure you'll be splendid with magic.

RJL

P.S. Halloween in America is different than in Britain. Americans like to decorate their homes and carve pumpkins. Almost all children go around asking for candy and chocolate the night of, in their costumes. American candy and chocolate is sweet, almost too sweet. I hope you enjoy the selection I sent you for your birthday.

….

9 November 1982

Moony,

I asked Dumbledore myself about Dora. That was her secret. She was a Seer. She couldn't let anyone know or else Voldemort would come after her. She and Tonks were cousins, that's all.

I wrote Dumbledore too to ask about the Animagus and Parselmouth things. I guess it's something to do with love and evil and splitting? If even Dumbledore doesn't know I'd chalk it up to whatever Dora did at the Department of Mysteries. Of course now that I'm in prison that's the ONE place I'd like to work.

Thanks for the birthday gift, by the way. I might actually get sick of chocolate by the time I'm done with it all.

Padfoot

P.S. I won't get sick of chocolate if I'm around dementors. Keep. Sending. Chocolate.

….

11 November 1982

Dear Remus,

My very own owl! You are so nice. He is now called Crispin. He doesn't bite me! I am happy. The American chocolate you sent is sweet and good. If I send you gold will you send me more? I gave some to Harry and he liked it too.

Dora's wand worked very well for me. I did Lumos, Nox, and Wingardium Leviosa. All worked right away. I tried mum and dad's wands but neither of them worked that well. I blew up a glass with dad's wand and I blew up a whole window with mum's. I will practice with Dora's until next summer when I get my own wand from Ollivander's.

I got my Hogwarts letter! I felt so grown up to see my name in green ink. I begged mum to take me shopping already but she said we need to wait for next year because the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is probably going to change so we'll need a different book. You would be a good professor, I think. You know a lot about magic. Can you be my professor? I would be your favorite student I am sure, because we are friends.

Mum also said that I will grow more and my robes will be too small but I reminded her that I am a Metamorphmagus and I can change size whenever I want. It did hurt to try though.

How is your naughty dog? I never ask about your moons anymore. My Muggle tutor tells me I am a good science student. I learned to chart the moon phases fast so I always know. The full moon always makes me worried about you so when the full moon is coming mum gives me some potions to help me sleep. Is Mr. or Mrs. Scamander taking care of you after the moon? I hope they take good care of you.

Love,

Tonks

….

21 November 1982

Dear Tonks,

Crispin is a lovely name. How did you come up with it?

I'm glad Dora's old wand worked so well for you. I imagine that when a wand chooses you it will be even better.

Your mother is correct. The Defense post changes every year. They say there's a jinx or curse on it, but I think it's more because it's a hard position to keep filled, especially in the last fifteen years with all the Dark magic in the country.

I am flattered you think I would be a good professor. I don't think it's the right job for me. My naughty dog, as you like to put it, is not welcome in many places. I was lucky to get an education at Hogwarts but I will not be so lucky a second time around to teach there. I'm sure you would be my favorite student, and then Harry would be my favorite when he goes to school. I would try not to have favorites, but it would be hard because I know you both.

Please don't worry about me at the full moon. I am impressed you can chart the moon phases so easily at your age. You will be a good Astronomy student, I am sure.

RJL

….

26 November 1982

Dear Remus,

I write with a request for you. It would seem that the Defense position opens every year. Would you consider teaching one of the years that I have available? Ted Tonks is on the Board of Governors now and he shared with me that Nymphadora thought you would be a good professor, despite your lycanthropy. I wholeheartedly agree.

Do consider it, as a favor to me.

Albus Dumbledore

….

30 November 1982

Dear Albus,

I appreciate the offer – it would be a dream come true, if I'll be honest, to teach and to be back at Hogwarts. I cannot in good conscience teach children. It was one thing to hide my condition as a werewolf for seven years as a student, but it would be quite another to expose me to others' children as an adult.

If things change for werewolves, perhaps. I wouldn't want to teach while Nymphadora is a student. We are friends of sorts, despite the age gap. That sounds ridiculous, even to me, but I've come to appreciate her friendship and letters. I hope I can say the same when Harry grows older.

Remus J. Lupin

….

5 December 1982

Dear Remus,

I called my owl Crispin because he liked crispy bacon. I was going to call him Crispy but mum said Crispin would be nicer. I still call him Crispy.

Why don't people allow your naughty dog places? It's only naughty once a month when the moon is full. I read in my werewolf book that werewolves are "Dark" creatures because of a curse. Are all curses "Dark" magic? Is my cursed scar a "Dark" scar? Is Harry's? If we have cursed scars does that make us "Dark" creatures too? What are other "Dark" creatures? Does Mr. Scamander have any?

Did you know that most of my mum's family named their kids after stars and constellations? That's why mum is Andromeda after the galaxy and why Sirius is the dog star. That's why my cousin is called Draco. I don't know why mum called me Nymphadora. It's not even a star or moon. She said she almost called me Vulpecula which is the little fox constellation. That's even worse than Nymphadora! If I have kids one day they will get good, normal names like Mary or John. Or maybe I'll call one after Dora. Her name was Pandora. I like that.

Why did your parents call you Remus?

Love,

Tonks

….

10 December 1982

Dear Andromeda,

I hope you're well. I assume that if you read Nymphadora's latest letter to me she asked about why werewolves aren't welcome in most places, and many questions on Dark creatures and curses.

I'm not sure how you'd like me to reply to them. I could write volumes on each of the questions she asked, but I'm aware she's only 11, and very curious. Precocious might be a better word for her. It's a testament to you and Ted for raising her to be this way.

If you're open to the idea, I could send Nymphadora a book on Dark creatures for Christmas. I don't expect or need anything in return, but I thought that might interest her. I also planned on sending more American sweets to her and Harry. Let me know if I shouldn't.

Give everyone my best.

Remus

….

15 December 1982

Dear Remus,

You're kind to ask for so much permission before you answer Nymphadora's questions. I can explain to her in appropriate terms why werewolves have a difficult time in our world. I'm sure she'll have more questions for you. She never seems to run out of them. I'm confident her professors will have a trying time with her. Ted and I are glad to have raised such a curious girl but as they say, 'curiosity killed the cat.' I shudder to think what kind of trouble she'll get into once she's at school.

Send the book on Dark creatures to Nymphadora, if you are willing. Your generosity with us is always appreciated. Nymphadora says you are her best friend. That may change when she goes to school, as we are still keeping her away from most of magical society because of the notoriety from last Halloween. I can't thank you enough for being willing to write to her and entertain her questions.

Do send the chocolate, if you'd like. As Nymphadora offered, we are happy to send you gold in return for the American candy and chocolate. Ted's mother is fascinated by it all.

Please let the Scamanders know we're thinking of them, and one day, we'll visit again.

Andromeda

….

20 December 1982

Dear Tonks,

Merry Christmas from America.

If you call Crispin 'Crispy' I shall do so as well. He doesn't seem to mind. You asked me many questions, and I will try to answer them all in due time. Before my own hand falls off from trying to answer all your questions, I sent you a couple books for Christmas. The first is called Practical Defense Against the Dark Arts. It includes many Dark creatures and why they are called Dark. Read it and let me know if you have any questions.

The other is called Introduction to Dark Magic. It discusses types of spells that are unfriendly – hexes, jinxes, and curses. It does not list all of them, mind you. It's an introduction. I'm sure you will learn more when you get to school.

Your scars are cursed because they were the products of Dark magic. It does not make you a Dark creature. It means they may still have traces of Dark magic and that is why you cannot morph it away or use Dittany to take it away. It does not make you a bad witch, I promise.

I was called Remus because my father's family had a strange liking for wolves, but never werewolves. Little did they know I would become one. My father's name was Lyall. You met him when you were younger. Lyall is a name of Scottish origin meaning "wolf." Lupin comes from the word "lupinus" or "lupus" for wolf. My grandfather was called Conan, another name meaning wolf. I really didn't stand a chance with fate when my parents gave me the name Remus, after the legend of the two wolves who founded Rome. The other wolf was called Romulus. Perhaps if I'd had a brother he'd have been called Romulus, but I was an only child.

I hope your family enjoys the American sweets I've sent along.

RJL

….

25 December 1982

Dear Remus,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Thank you for the books! I'm going to read them from start to finish and then ask you all my questions. I am going to be so good at Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Remus is a nice name. It suits you. Maybe if you have a son one day you can call him Romulus. Nymphadora is a ridiculous name, no matter what mum says.

Mum told me all about werewolves and why people don't like them and let me tell you it is STUPID. People are stupid. (Mum I know you read this and I don't care I can call people STUPID if they are mean to my friend Remus.) You are so nice and kind and smart. I will change their minds one day. The book I got before on werewolves was called Hairy Snout, Human Heart but it was more like a storybook than a real book. You should write a book and get it right. I will buy your book if you write it.

Enjoy your Christmas gifts from us! Harry picked out a gift for you too. I hope you like socks. Harry picked them out. I got you the extra special present. Kreacher helped me. He's a good elf even if he is cranky.

Love,

Tonks

P.S. Dad sent a letter and he said that is his gift to you so you should read that next.

….

Remus,

Happy Christmas. I was able to get the gold from your cottage in Yorkshire. Nymphadora doesn't need it and Dora meant for it to go to you. As my gift to you, I'm managing it as an investment free of charge. There's no reason you shouldn't have gold collecting interest while you're away, or being invested in the right places. I'll send you an update each year with the new totals of your vault. I expect a 10% rate of return. Since August, I've managed to earn you another 500 Galleons.

Ted