After Tonks had fought off Alfie's unwanted advances just days before March's full moon, she requested a few personal days to keep her away from Hogsmeade until the day after the full moon. Having mumbled something about a "family emergency" and bursting into tears in front of both Dawlish and Proudfoot had been enough for them to allow her the days off. They brought in another Auror in her place. Alfie, upon hearing of the "family emergency," had tried seeking Tonks out to comfort her. She had obliviated him after the incident in the Shrieking Shack, so he had no idea that she was furious with him. She had returned his letter of concern without bothering to explain why.

Not knowing where else to go, Tonks decided to visit her parents for a few days until she returned to her assignment at Hogsmeade.

Tonks knocked dutifully upon her parents' front door until her mother came to open it; upon seeing her mother, Tonks burst into tears again.

"Nymphadora, what's happened?" Andromeda demanded. "Come in." Tonks led her mother lead her into the cozy living room, where tea and biscuits had materialized.

Tonks was sobbing into a throw pillow for several minutes before she was able to speak.

"Ha-Have you heard anything about a werewolf attack in The Prophet?" Tonks finally managed to ask.

Andromeda's brow furrowed. "No, Nymphadora. Why do you ask?"

"I'm afraid Remus is dead," Tonks wailed. "I overheard Dawlish and Proudfoot mention a dead werewolf at St. Mungo's saying the names "Fenrir" and "Lupin," and I was terrified it was Remus, mum." She sobbed more violently into the pillow.

"It wasn't Remus, darling," Andromeda said gently, as she thoughtfully played with the neckline of her blouse. "He's very much alive."

"How would you know that?" Tonks demanded.

"Do you remember the Blood Magic pendant Remus gave you last year?" Andromeda asked softly. Tonks nodded.

"He gave it to me instead," Andromeda said.

"You've known?! This whole time whether he was dead or alive? HOW COULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?!" Tonks screeched. "YOU COULDN'T HAVE TOLD ME ANYTHING?!"

"Calm down, Nymphadora," Andromeda said.

"YOU FUCKING LIED TO ME!" Tonks roared. "YOU COULDN'T HAVE TOLD ME THIS EARLIER?!"

"Nymphadora," Andromeda said sternly. "Allow me to explain." Tonks was fuming, and punching the throw pillow upon which she'd been crying.

"Remus gave me the pendant last year when he split up with you," Andromeda began. "He asked for me to keep it a secret from you because he did not want you looking for him, due to the inherent danger he would be facing with werewolves. We both know you, darling. You can be reckless, and he didn't want you hunting him down if you were to be surrounded by werewolves."

"I wouldn't have done that," Tonks protested. "I'm not stupid."

"No, you're not stupid, Nymphadora," Andromeda insisted. "You have a big heart and you want to help others. Remus knew what he was doing by giving the pendant to me. If something happened to him, I would have been the first to know, and you'd have known as well."

"But why couldn't I have been the one to keep it?" Tonks cried.

"Nymphadora, given your assignment as an Auror, it was unlikely you could have come to his aid immediately," Andromeda explained. "Not to mention, he is with Fenrir's pack now. Considering Fenrir's connection to You-Know-Who and my sister, it would be exceedingly foolish for you to pop into the pack unannounced."

"You could've told me something," Tonks grumbled. "I've been worried sick over whether he'd be dead or not."

"It's why I asked him to communicate with you," Andromeda elaborated, as Tonks stared at her mother in shock.

"You convinced him to send me messages?" Tonks asked, utterly gobsmacked at the revelation.

"I can be convincing when I need to be," Andromeda said airily. "You deserved as much."

"Okay, so Remus is alive," Tonks repeated. "Thank Merlin. Do you know where he is, then?"

"No," Andromeda said quickly. "I know that he's alive, but I don't know where Fenrir's pack is."

"Can I feel the pendant, please? Just to know that he's okay?" Tonks asked.

"No," Andromeda said. "If Remus' charms worked correctly, you shouldn't be able to see it."

"You're wearing it right now?!" Tonks asked, as Andromeda placed her fingers along the neckline of her blouse.

"His charm work is impressive," Andromeda said simply, as Tonks stared back in amazement.

"By the way, darling," Andromeda continued. "Not that I'm unhappy to see you, but why are you here? Shouldn't you be at Hogsmeade?"

"I asked for a few days off," Tonks said guiltily. "I wasn't just upset about Remus."

"What happened at work, darling?"

"Alfie kissed me and groped me last night," Tonks said quietly. "I stunned and obliviated him."

"Nymphadora," Andromeda said seriously. "You need to report this behavior."

"It won't do any good," Tonks said bitterly. "I was angry and upset that I thought Remus was dead and Alfie took me for a few drinks. No one would believe me, anyway, since alcohol was involved."

"But couldn't they take your memories and place them in a Pensieve?" Andromeda insisted. "This is not acceptable behavior for an Auror!"

"I agree, mum," Tonks said exasperatedly. "But I've enough to deal with as it is. I don't want an investigation opened."

"Nymphadora," Andromeda warned. "This cannot happen again. It will happen again if you don't say anything. Think of what Remus would say!"

"Remus isn't anything to me at the moment," Tonks snapped. "I can hold my own. Next time Alfie gets anywhere near me, I'll gladly hex his bollocks off."

"You can't retaliate that way," Andromeda countered. "Take it up with Scrimgeour or Kingsley."

"I'll think on it," Tonks finally conceded. "Not now though. I have enough to worry about."

"Very well," Andromeda sighed. "If I cannot convince you, at least you will think on it."

"It's not the first time, anyway," Tonks said sadly. "Hazard of being a witch with a bloke's job."

"That is completely unacceptable, Nymphadora. An Auror is an Auror, regardless of gender. You should not be treated with anything less than respect," Andromeda admonished.

"I'll well aware of that, mum. It's not always related to the job."

"Did Remus do anything to you?" Andromeda asked sharply.

"Sweet Circe, no," Tonks retorted, horrified at the notion. "I think he'd hex his own bollocks off before trying anything on me. Always asked for permission for everything, sometimes to the point of annoyance, really," Tonks said fondly. "One of the reasons I love him," she added softly.

A short silence ensued before Andromeda spoke again. "Are you staying the night, darling?" she asked Tonks.

"It's the full moon tonight," Tonks said, as she looked down at the moonstone pendant she held around her neck. "I think I'd like to. We should add a few more enchantments and wards to the house, though."

"Why is that?" Andromeda asked sternly. "Are you expecting a visitor?"

"Umm, not quite," Tonks said sheepishly. "Remus sent a message to me and Dumbledore that I was being watched by some werewolves. I think it's 'cause they want to get to me."

"Did he say anything further?" Andromeda's expression was now stony, which Tonks immediately understood as rage.

"No. He asked me to stay at Hogwarts for full moons."

"Then off you go," Andromeda snapped. "You will not be risking your life. Next time I see Remus I will have a chat with him."

"You plan on seeing Remus before I do?" Tonks asked her mother dubiously.

"I have my own means of communication with him," Andromeda said cryptically. "Now, off with you!"

"You're kicking me out of the house?" Tonks asked in confusion.

"If Remus said you should be staying at Hogwarts for the full moon, then off you go! Now!" Andromeda hollered.

"Fine," Tonks agreed. "I'd best get a letter from you in the morning telling me Remus is alive."

"Fine," Andromeda said in a similar tone. "Now, go! Before moon rises!"

Irritated, but resolute, Tonks left her parents' home and Apparated back to the Hogwarts gates, where she dutifully went to the room set aside for her for the full moon.

….

Andromeda Interlude:

The morning after March's full moon, Andromeda Tonks Apparated to Yorkshire to visit Remus Lupin's cottage. She had expected him there in the hours after moonset, as he sent messages to her daughter and the Headmaster there. The pendant enchanted with Remus' Blood Magic was warm to the touch, but not hot. It was similar to February's full moon; he had told her he'd Splinched himself and was wounded, but not fatally so. She was hoping to see him sooner rather than later to discuss the matter of werewolves going after her daughter, Nymphadora.

Andromeda perused the cottage while she waited for Remus to arrive. It was shabby and worn, but clean. Magically-bound bookcases lined the cottage walls, filled with books both Magical and Muggle. The cottage held two small bedrooms and one bathroom. The kitchen, dining, and living room were all one room, filled with timeworn furniture. She put on water for tea while she waited. As the water came to a boil, Andromeda heard the pop of Apparation from outside the cottage. She looked through the grimy cottage window and saw Remus' exhausted figure a few feet from the entrance of the cottage. She strode purposefully from the cottage door and out to greet him.

"Andromeda," he croaked. "Good morning." Andromeda eyed the shabby werewolf from where she stood. He was covered in mud and grime. His clothes were shabbier than ever, and they were nearly all covered in dirt as well. His hair, usually combed and swept away, was sticking out in different directions and was matted in some parts with mud. The dark circles under his eyes were especially pronounced. Andromeda often wondered what it was that her daughter saw in the shabby man, but Nymphadora had never been one for physical appearances. She valued kindness above nearly all else, and this man had provided the kindness Nymphadora so admired.

"Hello, Remus," Andromeda said coolly. "How was the moon?"

"The moon was fine," Remus rasped. "Fenrir brought more children today. We lost both of them." His eyes began watering, and dirt-filled tears fell down his face.

"I couldn't save them, Andromeda," Remus cried. "I tried, but Fenrir was too vicious."

Andromeda's stomach was in knots at seeing the despondent man before her. He had been growing thinner the last few months, and each time she'd seen him, he had greater sorrow in his eyes than the month before.

"Did you get their names?" Andromeda finally asked. "I can try to look into what happened."

"Morris was their surname," Remus croaked. "Their father was murdered by Fenrir just the other day. I brought him to St. Mungo's. Fenrir was so offended he killed the children."

Andromeda gasped. This must have been the werewolf Nymphadora had mentioned the night before.

"What of the mother of the children?" Andromeda ventured.

"No idea," Remus said. "I can only assume Fenrir killed her too," he added bitterly. His tears kept flowing over his unkempt facial hair.

"I can't keep doing this, Andromeda," Remus admitted. "But I can't leave the children. They're the only reason I stay." He was crying into the March wind, and Andromeda fought the urge to comfort him; Nymphadora had once mentioned that werewolves' senses of smell were powerful enough that the others would smell her on him.

"How many children are at the encampment, Remus? Were the other two from February kept alive?" Andromeda heard herself ask.

"There are ten now," Remus said. "The boys from February survived, and they're considered 'mine.' But they're not, Andromeda. They're not my children. I am not their father, and I don't want to be. Not the way Fenrir wants me to be."

"He expects you to parent these children?"

"Discipline," Remus said simply. "Discipline werewolf children as he does. It's abuse, Andromeda, plain and simple. I can't leave them on their own."

"Are there no other resources? What of their parents?" Andromeda asked.

"Fenrir said the parents begged for the children to be taken away from them once they were bitten, but I just don't believe that's true," Remus said, looking wretchedly unhappy. "My parents didn't want to give me up or have me die. I can't imagine these children are any different."

"Do you have any surnames, Remus? I remember Wakefield. I can track the mother down to see what I can do," she offered.

"Would you really?" Remus asked earnestly. "If I can reunite any of them with their parents, that would be reason enough to leave. I can't leave the children."

Andromeda's heart broke upon seeing Remus so concerned for the werewolf children; it was this moment that she realized why her daughter had fallen for the shabby werewolf wizard. His selflessness and kindness were just what Nymphadora found most attractive and lovable.

"If you provide their surnames, Remus, I will try," Andromeda promised. "I can start with Wakefield. Do you have any others?"

"Midgen," Remus provided. "Their daughter is Salome. She's fourteen, I believe." He furrowed his brow.

"Tuttle," Remus said. "They have a child called David. He's eight or nine. There are a few others, but they are tetchy about providing their surnames. Fenrir has told them all that their surname is now Greyback, and they are terrified of saying otherwise."

"I'll look into the papers as well, Remus," Andromeda promised. "I will help you reunite the children with their families."

"Thank you, Andromeda," Remus said, as more tears fell down his cheeks. "I cannot thank you enough."

"It's the least I can do," she said softly. "But that's not why I came here." Andromeda bit the inside of her cheek, as the conversation would be more difficult than she'd imagined, what with Remus' current emotional turmoil.

"Remus," she began gently. "What do you know of werewolves going after Nymphadora?"

Remus grew paler than he already was. "Not much," he said. Andromeda didn't enjoy being a natural Legilimens, but this was a moment in which she needed to know the truth. She pressed gently into Remus' thoughts and found nothing but anxiety and exasperation.

"What worries you, Remus?" she asked.

"Dora's been promised to me," Remus finally said in his hoarse voice. "Fenrir had Voldemort promise her to me as his beta, at Bellatrix's insistence."

"You believe she will be taken and brought to you as a prisoner?" Andromeda asked.

"I'm expected to make her a 'plaything,'" Remus shuddered visibly and appeared to be swallowing back bile. Good, Andromeda thought. The idea appalls him as much as it appalls me.

"You don't want to," Andromeda said flatly.

"Absolutely not," Remus insisted, with a horrified expression on his face. "I don't want Dora presented to me as anything except as herself."

"You think she will be kidnapped by a werewolf? How would they know to find her?" Andromeda asked.

"Fenrir," Remus said briskly. "He knows her scent and where she is. He does not stay with the pack at full moons. He has been going after Voldemort's targets, or for his own perverse pleasure to bite as many children as he can."

"That is why you have her at Hogwarts," Andromeda said. "I am quite glad I sent her away last night."

"She came to you last night?" Remus asked. "How is she?"

"Distraught," Andromeda said simply. "She heard about the Morris man through Dawlish and Proudfoot, and thought it had been you who was killed. Devastated when she thought it was you," she added.

Remus looked thoughtfully at Andromeda, before hanging his head guiltily.

"Is there no way you can improve communication with her?" Andromeda asked. "She's done nothing but worry for months."

"I have no access to an owl or Floo, and I can hardly talk to her without her scent betraying me," Remus said. "It's risky enough for me to come here after each full moon."

"I see," Andromeda said. "I told her about the Blood Magic Pendant."

"You what?!" Remus looked up at Andromeda with shock.

"My daughter is not herself, Remus," Andromeda said sternly. "She hasn't been herself since last summer. If this is what keeps her from coming to me in tears over your absence, I do what I must."

"Alright," Remus conceded. "Tell her every day how I am, if you'd like. I can hardly do it myself."

"Will you try to leave the encampment when you're able?" she asked.

"Yes," Remus replied quickly. "I haven't had any luck with getting the werewolves on our side. The children are all that keep me rooted to the place," he spat.

"I will help you with the children, Remus," Andromeda promised. "I'll come by next moon for more surnames, if you can get them."

"Thank you, Andromeda," he replied gratefully. "We will be in touch." He then pulled out his wand and cast the Patronus Charm twice, each bearing the same message. "I'm alive, do not reply," and sent one each to Dumbledore and Nymphadora.

"Thank you for everything, Andromeda," Remus croaked. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"You're welcome, Remus," she replied. "Come back safe, now." He nodded at her before turning on the spot and Apparating away with a swift crack!

…..

Dear Nymphadora,

He's is alive and well.

Your mother,

Andromeda.

Tonks was receiving daily scraps of parchment from her mother since March's full moon. She had lent Remus' owl, Lyra, to her mother, so that the Tonks family owl, Callisto, could alternate with Lyra for the journey from south London to Scotland every other day. This morning, it had been Lyra's turn to deliver the scrap of parchment.

"You must be getting good exercise," Tonks told the happily hooting screech owl. "I hope you've found lots of treats alone the way." She pet the owl, gave it a few bits of toast, and Lyra went flying back out to south London.

A rap-rap-rap at the door startled Tonks, and she strode to open the door to find Aberforth holding Ophelia, Tonks' cat.

"Has she escaped again?" Tonks asked in exasperation, taking the furry creature from Ab's arms into her own.

"I don't mind," Ab said gruffly. "Keeps rats out of the goats' way."

"I mind," Tonks sighed. "Brings dead rats to my pillowcase, the little beast." Ophelia was licking her claws happily on Tonks' bed. "At least she's happy."

"That Alfie bloke keeps coming by for you," Ab said slowly. "Anything I should know about?"

"Keep him as far away as possible," Tonks said coldly. "Under no circumstances do I want to be alone with him."

"Something I should be aware of?" Ab asked concernedly.

"I don't want to talk about it," Tonks said. "Nothing you should worry about," she added hastily, upon seeing Ab's reaction.

"If, err, you need to talk, I'm right downstairs," Ab said awkwardly.

"Thanks, Ab, but I'll be okay, I promise," Tonks said. "I can handle myself."

Ab only nodded in response and turned around to head back down to the bar. Now, it was time for Tonks to dress herself and begin patrolling with Alfie. She descended the stairs reluctantly and opened the door to Hogsmeade, where she was immediately greeted by an overexcited Alfie.

"Tonks, where have you been the last few days? Is your family alright?" Alfie asked, as soon as Tonks walked out of the Hog's Head, clad in her Auror robes and prepared for the day ahead. "You won't believe where I woke up the a few days ago. I've been dying to tell you."

"Mmm," Tonks mumbled noncommittally.

"The Shrieking Shack! I woke up there a few nights ago, must've had too much to drink," Alfie shared excitedly. "You should've been there, so spooky in there!"

"That's nice," Tonks said disinterestedly.

"You don't fancy a trip there before our shift?" Alfie asked suggestively.

"Alfie, let me make something very clear," Tonks said suddenly, looking at Alfie with rage coursing through her veins, and pointing her wand at him. "I have no romantic interest in you. I don't fancy you. I don't want to date you. I want nothing to do with you outside our patrol shifts. I have never, ever considered you as anything more than a colleague. If you ever make another inappropriate comment, question, request, or statement to me, I will hex your bollocks off and then turn you into the Ministry for inappropriate behavior. Do we have an understanding?"

"Where's this coming from?" Alfie asked in confusion. "I've never…I would never!"

"No," Tonks said, putting her hand in front of Alfie's face to stop him. "You just suggested I take a trip with you, alone, to the Shrieking Shack before our shift. You have heavily mentioned your interest in me, and you have asked if I was single. Never again," Tonks stomped her foot. "If I hear anything but professional language from you, consider it the last act you do as an Auror."

"Fine!" Alfie shouted. "As if I would be interested in you!" He huffed and stomped away, beginning their patrol without her. The rest of the day was spent in blessed silence, save for the occasional necessary remark from one Auror to the other. It was the first pleasant day Tonks had had while working with Alfie. Having spoken her mind, she felt better about the assignment than she had in months.

…..

April's full moon was quickly approaching. The month had passed in relative quiet, with Alfie now considerably subdued from attempting any socialization with Tonks. Days before the full moon, she received an unexpected visit from her mother.

It was a clear April evening and Tonks heard rapping on her door. Assuming it was Ab coming to bring back the rat-hunting Ophelia, she strode to the door with an exasperated sigh, which quickly turned into surprise upon seeing her mother.

"Mum! What are you doing here?" Tonks asked in surprise. "Is everything alright? Is Remus okay? You haven't gotten any new information, have you?" Tonks' mind reeled with the possibility that something may have happened to Remus since the morning update.

"Remus is fine," Andromeda said. "He asked for my help with a project. Might I come in?"

"It's messy as ever, sorry."

"I expected no less from you," Andromeda smirked. She strode through the threshold and set various silencing charms on the door and windows, including a few charms to repel others.

"How serious is this?" Tonks asked in surprise, as she felt the charms work their magic.

"Not serious for you or Remus, but it is a sensitive matter," Andromeda replied. "One I could use your assistance on."

"Okay…?" Tonks asked, perplexed with her mother's request.

"There are a few children Remus has come across in the werewolf camp, and he is seeking their families to reunite them," Andromeda began. "He does not have the means or resources to find where they are."

"That's so sweet of him," Tonks said in admiration. "Did you really agree to help?"

"I have a child, Nymphadora. If something had happened to you, even as severe as a werewolf bite, I am not heartless. I would want my child returned to me."

"Right," Tonks said abashedly.

"I would like for you to place the following children on the werewolf registry," Andromeda said, sliding the list over to Tonks.

"Mum, this is mental," Tonks said. "This will put a target on their backs."

"It will let their parents know they are alive and come looking for them," Andromeda countered. "With any luck, officials can find the children and return them to their families."

"What if their parents don't want them?" Tonks asked.

"I'm not certain," Andromeda admitted. "But for those whose parents do want their children returned, this will be a first step in helping them."

"Would it be too suspicious for Remus to just take them himself?" Tonks asked.

"Take a look at the names on the list, Nymphadora." Tonks scanned the list and found eleven children's names written in her mother's neat hand.

"He couldn't take care of eleven children," Tonks said softly. "It would be too noticeable."

"Will you help me, then?" Andromeda asked. "I do not ask much of you, but this seemed important enough to Remus to communicate with me. He did not want you involved, so if there is a way someone else in your department can do this, it would be helpful, I should think."

"I'll take it to Dumbledore," Tonks said. "He'll know what to do."

"Remus will appreciate your help," Andromeda said.

"Don't tell him I helped, mum. I don't want him thinking I had anything to do with this in case it endangers him. Please."

"If that's what you wish, Nymphadora."

"Thank you for helping him, mum, and the children too."

"It's my turn to help you, too." With several swishes of her wand, Andromeda cleaned Tonks' room of its messes and clutter.

"Thanks, mum," Tonks said gratefully. She hugged her mother tightly, before the older witch kissed Tonks on the forehead and swept out the door, undoing charms in the process. As soon as Andromeda had left, Tonks cast the Patronus Charm.

"Expecto patronum!" she cast, and the silvery wolf emerged from her wand. "If you're available, we need to chat," she spoke to the silvery wolf, and sent it on its way. Moments later, a silver phoenix emerged from the window, bearing a message: "Use the Floo to my office."

Delighted with the turn of events, Tonks dressed herself haphazardly in robes and stormed down the stairs of the Hog's Head, parchment in hand.

"Hey Ab, can I use the Floo to get to your brother?" she asked brightly. Ab grunted and handed her a small pot full of Floo powder. She grabbed a handful and stepped into the fireplace, calling out "Headmaster's office!"

Moments later, she was swiping off soot from her robes and nearly skipping into the Headmaster's office.

"Tonks, so very good to see you," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at her. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I have a favor to ask of you," Tonks said. Dumbledore sat in his chair and gestured for Tonks to do the same.

"How can I help you, Tonks?" She handed him the list Andromeda had just given her. Dumbledore looked over the names through his half-moon spectacles.

"These are all werewolf children who have been separated from their families," Tonks said. "Somehow my mum's been in touch with Remus and gave her these names. He wants to get them back to their families," she said rapidly. "He can't know I'm involved, so I'm coming to you for help. My mum suggested putting them on the werewolf registry to see if their parents come looking for them."

"I see," Dumbledore said quietly. "These children are all confirmed to have been bitten?"

"I'm not sure," Tonks admitted. "If Remus got these names from the camp he's at, I have to assume as much."

"I'll do my best, Tonks," Dumbledore said. "Have you heard anything else from Remus?"

"From Remus? No," Tonks sighed. "My mum knows more than I do."

"Is that so?" Dumbledore smiled in amusement.

"Weird, I know," Tonks said. "I'll never understand it. I thought she hated him and now they're…something."

"Something indeed," Dumbledore noted with delight. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Tonks. I'll do what I can."

"Thank you, Albus," Tonks smiled. "I appreciate everything you do for us."

"It really is my pleasure, Tonks. I hope I don't disappoint you."

"You won't," Tonks assured. "I'm off for now though as it's getting late. I'll see you soon, I hope."

"Goodnight, Tonks, and do wish my brother a good night as well."

"Will do!" Tonks said excitedly as she rushed back to the Floo, back to the Hog's Head for the night.