Summary: After Arthur's attack at the Ministry, we find Remus diminished and Tonks rather childish as they fall victim to magical glass. LOOOOOOOOOOONG!

Nymph vs Wolf
Dimensions of Magic

December 18

Nymphadora Tonks yawned widely as she updated the numbers in the annual report known as the Aurora Annus Nuntio Totus or AANT. Her days were spent conducting follow-up interviews of both perpetrators and victims. Her nights of late had alternated between guard duty for the Order and staying at the Ministry to make corrections or adding notations to the AANT.

The only good thing about her current situation was that it didn't interfere with time she could spend with Remus Lupin. He had been sent on a mission the day after the Grimball and had been gone for the past ten days. She had been hoping the Grimball would prove to Lupin that they could be seen together in public, but instead he thought they needed to resume their caution around Scrimgeour.

She was now slumping at her desk amid several stacks of parchment, but quickly came alert when she heard the rap on her office door. "Yes?"

"Excuse me, Miss, but I was told you needed some facts verified pertaining to lycanthropes for your annual report." Lupin poked his head inside her office and smiled. One could barely see the top of the woman's pink hair given the columns of parchment in front of her.

Although she had declared she loved him, while Lupin was away, the old insecurities had reared their head. The Professor had worried that Scrimgeour would convince Tonks to avoid him altogether given the outcome of the Grimball. He was relieved when he heard her delighted tone of voice.

"Wotcher, Remus!" Tonks rose and quickly approached him. She stood there for a moment struggling against kissing him, but instead dragged him into her office and firmly closed her door. Then she poked his shoulder and said, "I thought you were still out on mission?"

"I came back when I got an owl telling me I needed to verify some facts for the Auror statistics," said Lupin. "And then Sirius mentioned you were the one gathering the information, so I thought it was safe to drop by."

"It's my punishment for being a dancing hazard at the Grimball. I got assigned the follow-up interviews for the AANT so that I could learn proper decorum and comportment for an Auror," said Tonks in a voice that mimicked her superior. She reached out with a hand to tangle with his and moved to lean against her desk. "Then Scrimgeour got the bright idea that I needed to learn patience as well, so I also get to write the final draft. My biggest problem is trying not to doodle little ants on the parchment ."

"You did say this was a punishment," said Lupin and was rewarded by a swat on the shoulder at his pun, but she also gave his hand a light squeeze. "When do you finish here?"

"I'll be done with this in thirty minutes--if I don't have any more interviews," said Tonks archly.

"How about I go wait at your flat and come back tomorrow for my official debriefing?" offered Lupin.

"That would be perfect, but are you sure Sirius should be alone? Something's happened between him and Emmeline. He's been rather depressed."

"She used the C-word on him," explained Lupin, but when Tonks quirked an eyebrow, he quickly added, "Children."

"Children! You're kidding, I mean, they're not even engaged or, or living together or--"

"According to Sirius, Emmeline has suddenly decided she wants a child and has designated your cousin as the best candidate for the father. And she's not doing this to trap him into marriage. She wants a child, but no ties to the Black fortune or family name or--"

"Sounds more like she just wants a sperm donor," sighed Tonks. "Poor Sirius."

"He doesn't know whether to be more upset about losing his convenient sexual outlet or the fact that Emmeline thinks he'd simply father a child with her and walk away." Lupin shook his head. "Personally, of the Marauders, only James Potter was father material."

Tonks cocked her head simply observed, "I think you're selling yourself short, Remus." But the last thing she wanted to do was scare the man away with talk about babies, so she asked, "At least Sirius had the sense to break things off with her."

"Yes, and he felt better after we talked. Of course, I began by emptying the bottle of fire whiskey I found him drinking when I got home," admitted Lupin. "I sent him to bed before I came here, so he'll be fine."

"You know, I wish he wasn't alone so much, but even when I go visit, he prefers solitude. He's still paying the price for Azkaban," sighed Tonks. "But on a brighter note, guess who's looking for a shop for rent in Diagon Alley?"

Lupin leaned forward and guessed correctly. "Fred and George Weasley? I remember you said you ran into them at Zonko's in October when you were following a lead on a case."

"Yeah, I was a very tall, rather old woman for that one, but the two were definitely making firm plans on setting up their own joke shop. So when I had to interview Dung the other day, he confessed he was keeping an eye out for vacant properties in exchange for a small finder's fee. After I inspected the places he had in mind, I convinced him to take a very small fee and to only offer two of them. The others were, I don't know, tainted somehow."

"Molly and Arthur will thank you for that, after they kill Fred and George."

"I was going to keep quiet about it unless they asked me specifically," admitted Tonks, "although I did tell Bill. He thinks he can arrange a loan for the boys once they're out of school."

"I agree, the boys should take the responsibility of telling their parents about their enterprise," said Lupin. He stood up and said, "I won't keep you any longer. We can talk more when you get back home."

"All right then. Er, wait. There's something--" Tonks seemed to have lost her line of thought as she looked into his eyes before declaring, "You really are too bloody tall."

Her rambling had sufficiently perplexed the Professor so that he now stood perfectly still. Tonks rose to her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on his lips. She drew back a bit shyly and then suddenly straightened as she remembered her original intent.

Tonks darted around her desk and pulled a bag from under it. Offering it to Lupin, she asked, "Would you mind taking these radishes for Wimples?"

"Done," said Lupin, but as soon as he turned his back on her, he reversed direction, pulled her abruptly to him and kissed her mouth thoroughly.

"Very well done," murmured Tonks when they broke apart.

He gave her shoulder a light squeeze before leaving the office, this time without detour, but mumbling something about walking to her flat so the cold air would clear his head.

Tonks chuckled at the way she could befuddle the Professor, but wound up bumping against her desk as she regained her equilibrium. She returned to her labor in a much brighter mood but soon was interrupted again.

"You! Girl! Hello!"

Tonks stiffened and looked around.

"This is urgent Order business. Pay attention now."

Tonks finally rose and approached the portrait hanging on the wall. "What's wrong?"

"Casualty in the guard. Snake bite. Hurry!"

Tonks ran to the nearest floo as she simultaneously sent her Patronus after Lupin. She emerged in the hall near the door that was guarded by Arthur Weasley. Her stomach lurched when she saw the blood pooling under him. Only her previous training as a Healer prevented her from panicking or losing her supper. His pale face and shallow breathing was not a good sign. Furthermore, if Arthur were found here, it would endanger the Order as well as his job.

First she had to staunch the bleeding or Arthur's job at he Ministry would be a moot point. She placed her hand on the wound and chanted softly. There was no change in the blood flow. She took a deep breath and thought about sending another Patronus after Lupin when she saw his lanky form stepping out of the floo.

Within moments Remus Lupin was at her side. Although the sight before him reminded him of Molly's boggart, he kept his voice calm. "What happened to Arthur? Tonks, are you hurt, too?"

"I'm fine, but Arthur has a snake bite," said Tonks. "Remus, I need to staunch the bleeding and close the wound more or he won't survive the floo to St. Mungo's." Tonks took a deep breath before continuing. "If he had some of your life energy, the bond you have to Lyonesse..."

Tonks' voice dropped off. Lupin would need a lot of faith in her abilities to agree to the spell that would capture the essence of the healing powers Lupin carried from his bloodline. If she miscalculated, she would fail to save Arthur and Lupin would be left as a lifeless husk. "I don't think you could transfer enough to Arthur without losing consciousness. Will you trust me to cast the transfer spell?"

Lupin frowned for a moment before nodding his assent. The Weasleys had become a surrogate family to him over the last few months. This wasn't a sacrifice, it was a completely selfish act on his part because he was confident that Tonks would succeed. "Do it."

He put his arms around Arthur's shoulders and focused while Tonks chanted the song that would transfer part of his life energy into Arthur. "Dono vivificus vigoratus."

While Tonks chanted the spell, Lupin focused on his mantra: Lyonesse lives. He knew he would pay the price later, but it was a small penalty if he could sustain Arthur's life just long enough to get proper help. A sense of relief swept him as he saw the blood literally flowing back into Arthur's body.

"His color is better," said Tonks with relief then inspected the wound. "It's still bleeding, but less than before. The wound is closed enough so that we can move him. How do you feel?"

"Like the morning after a bad full moon," admitted Lupin.

He didn't have the energy to protest when Tonks then shifted the transfer spell to share some of her life energy with Lupin. It was the same she had offered when he had expended his own fighting the manticore in Grimmauld Place, but it was enough to bring some color back to the Professor.

Lupin levitated Arthur and put his arm around his shoulder. "I'll get him to St. Mungo's and give them some story about Arthur helping me search for a serpent. Update the Order. "

"I'll get Mad-eye and King here to search, then get Bill so we can tell Molly," Tonks promised before she watched Lupin move to the floo with Arthur.

"Well?" The question came from the portrait on the wall.

Tonks didn't bother looking up. "Arthur's been transported to St. Mungo's. I'll do a sweep of the premises and summon more help."

The Auror took a deep breath and blinked away the tears looming in her eyes. She had to attend to her duty.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

St. Mungo's

Tonks and Bill escorted Molly to St. Mungo's and were met immediately by Remus Lupin. The Professor looked wan, but his calm voice offered Molly more reassurance than she gained from listening to the Healers. But Tonks could see that Lupin was at his limits as well, so as soon as Molly and Bill went to see Arthur, she turned to Lupin.

"You need to get some rest. There's nothing we can do for Arthur at this point and Bill is here for Molly," said Tonks.

"What about the children?" asked Lupin as he raked a weary hand through his hair.

"They're waiting with Sirius at number twelve, even Harry," said Tonks. "Do you want to go to them?"

Lupin shook his head as he put an arm over her shoulders. "I'm no good to anyone right now. I don't want to be another burden on Sirius. Merlin, I wish I were pint-sized so you could carry me."

"Just hold on and I'll get us home," assured Tonks.

They apparated outside the door to her flat. Tonks opened the door and for once, Wimples wasn't snarling at Lupin. Instead he scampered ahead of them to her bedroom as Lupin continued to lean on Tonks before he collapsed onto the bed. The Professor remained completely oblivious when Tonks undressed him or when, after the tired witch finally curled up beside him, Wimples plopped himself across his ankles.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tonks' Flat

Twenty hours later, Lupin began stirring when he felt a familiar body lying on top of him. "Shove off, Wimples."

He twitched a foot to get the were-rabbit to move off of his ankles, but Wimples decided to hop onto his chest. Lupin opened his eyes to find the vorpal bunny twitching his whiskers at him and bending an ear to tweak his nose.

"Wimples! Don't poke at Remus," admonished Tonks. She was dressed in a t-shirt and pajama shorts, but was carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a potion. Her pet jumped off of his chest and watched the two with interest as Tonks helped Lupin sit up.

"What time is it?" Lupin asked as Tonks levitated the tray in front of him. "Any news about Arthur? Did you find any signs about who did this?"

"It's ten o'clock at night and Arthur is over the worst of it." Tonks smiled at all the questions because they obviously indicated he hadn't noticed his current state of undress. "Now drink up that potion and I'll tell you the rest of the story. Yeah, I know, it tastes like pea soup, so don't make that face at me."

"Are you referring to the legume or the--"

"Drink it up," warned Tonks sternly. As he made a face and gulped it down she said, "Really, Remus, sometimes you're like dealing with a little boy."

"That was truly putrid," said Lupin with a shudder. "And a little boy wouldn't have my vocabulary."

"I can't argue with that. Now drink the broth. Molly made it, helped keep her mind off of Arthur, in fact."

"Mm, that's good, masks flavor of the potion," said Lupin as he brought the bowl up to sip the broth.

Tonks sat cross-legged on the bed beside him as she informed, "Now I'll answer your questions. We didn't find a sign of how the intruder got in, but Mad-Eye's betting that it was the pet snake, Nagini."

"That would make sense. Did they buy our story about Arthur helping me hunt a serpent?"

"Yes, in fact, Scrimgeour has added another item to your list of sins," said Tonks. Then she mimicked Scrimgeour's voice as she said, "Lupin's enthusiasm for studying the Dark Arts almost cost Arthur his life."

"I'll accept his bad opinion of me if it means we drew off suspicion about guarding the door," said Lupin with a sigh. He finished off the broth and after setting the bowl on the tray, rubbed at his left shoulder. Suddenly he jerked and upset the tray. Tonks caught the mug that had contained the potion and luckily the bowl was empty, but it managed to land on top of Wimples' head.

"Where's my shirt!" Lupin demanded as he realized he was wearing nothing but boxers. He immediately submarined under the covers.

Tonks was trying not to laugh at how upset he was, especially with the covers drawn up to his nose. Instead she focused on the crockery that was hopping off her bed. She reached over to retrieve the bowl from Wimples before he leapt to the floor as she tried to think of what to say.

"Remus, calm down, no one but me has seen you here," began Tonks as she remembered the volley of visitors that had arrived when he recovered from the silver screening. "Sometimes the transfer spell produces a symmetrical effect on the donor. I stripped you down to your boxers so that I could monitor you."

Lupin was controlling his breathing. He knew it was irrational, but the drain on him had brought back old fears about his body. "Fine, now can I have--what are you doing?"

Tonks slipped under the covers and was trying not to blush as she took off her top.

"See? Payback. Now will you settle down so we can both get some sleep? I'm tired. If you're up to it tomorrow, I'll interview you for the annual report or it can wait until the day after."

She didn't know where she got the courage to do this, and her heart was beating rapidly, but once she snuggled against Lupin and felt the skin to skin contact, she sighed happily and said, "Good night."

Lupin immediately surrendered when he felt the warm skin against his chest. His arms came down around her. He only had the energy to caress the smooth skin of her back, but suddenly he didn't feel like a morass of scars. He could only describe it as feeling whole.

The next time he woke, Lupin was alone, but his clothes had been laid out neatly except for the vorpal bunny nestled on top of this jumper. Wimples lifted his head as if he noticed Lupin staring at him and merely yawned.

Lupin smiled wickedly, "Get comfortable while you can, Wimples. I know what you're getting for Christmas."

- - - - - - - - - - -

December 21
Ministry of Magic

"Do you have any more questions?" asked Remus Lupin rather formally. He sat in an interview room with Nymphadora Tonks at the insistence of her superior. They had covered the issues involved with the silver screening in detail. He knew that Scrimgeour was probably monitoring them, but it was interesting to see the rather stoic, emotionless persona that Tonks presented.

"I believe I have all the information I need for the report," assured Tonks with utmost formality. She cleared her throat and added, "I do need to review your statements regarding the recent incident in which you endangered Arthur Weasley with your pursuit of knowledge of the Dark Arts."

"Ah, that," said Lupin with a frown. "I truly regret what happened to Arthur, but hunting accidents are a customary risk when investigating Dark Creatures."

"We understand the need to take risks, but jeopardizing the well-being of another is rather callous," said Tonks without looking up. Her tone conveyed nothing but censure, however.

"I had every intention of going alone, but Arthur was concerned, so I agreed to his company."

"I see from our records that you were in Cornwall when it happened."

"We tracked the Vipera hemophilus into the Royston Cave at Hertfordshire where it slipped into another tunnel. I left Arthur at the entrance with instructions to get help if I didn't emerge within ten minutes."

"You didn't stop to think you were putting him in danger?" Again, Tonks' voice conveyed disapproval.

"I failed to anticipate that the serpent would double back and attack Arthur."

"And why would this Dark Creature attack Arthur Weasley and not you?"

"I can only assume that it targeted a man who was clearly human and untainted by lycanthropy."

Tonks finally looked up and nodded. "Mister Weasley declined to press charges against you for reckless endangerment, but henceforth we recommend that you avoid any more activities that imperil Ministry employees."

Lupin nodded. "I'll go hunting alone in the future."

"Well, then, this seems to be everything. I'll escort you out of the building."

Lupin rose and said, "That won't be necessary."

"Scrimgeour thinks it is," murmured Tonks under her breath as she tapped the sheets of parchment on the desk. She gave Lupin a false smile. "I insist."

Lupin merely nodded, but as they left the Auror offices, he could see Tonks beginning to relax. As they walked to the atrium, she murmured, "Sorry 'bout that. Will I see you later?"

He quietly said, "I have to return to my mission. I won't be back until Christmas."

"I'll be with family, but," Tonks looked at the floor and asked, "can I see you that evening?"

"I'll be there," assured Lupin as he opened the door. In a louder voice he said, "Miss Tonks, Happy Christmas."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Grimmauld Place

Lupin quickly apparated to Grimmauld Place and walked to number twelve. It felt uncomfortable to leave Tonks this way, but the interview was just another chance for her to see what they would have to face together.

He sighed as he made his way up to his room to pack, but as he was gathering his things, he heard a loud crash above him. He would have ignored it except for the fact it came from the room currently assigned to the twins.

"Fred, George, what's going on here?" asked Lupin as he apparated in front of their door.

"Nothing." "All's well."

As he heard scuffling on the other side, Lupin reached to open the door only to find it warded. Not bad, but not enough to keep a Marauder at bay. He opened the door to find two ghostly white figures kneeling in front of a box. The twins looked up at him and blinked their eyes.

"Gentlemen," began Lupin as he recognized the powder that layered them from head to toe, "cooking should be confined to the kitchen."

"We weren't cooking," said George as he coughed out a puff of flour.

"We were just looking," added Fred, "but the chest was booby-trapped."

Lupin stepped back as the boys shook their heads and sent a fine swirl of powder around them. He flicked his wand efficiently to remove the white dust. "Well, there's no sense in making more work for your mother. What do you have there?"

"We found it in here," began Fred. "We were just curious," added George.

"You know there are a lot of Dark Arts hidden in this house," said Lupin as he dropped to one knee to peer into the box. "You should have let one of us inspect it."

"We're not children, Professor." "We're of an age to fight for the Order, especially after what happened to Dad." "If Tonks can be in it, we should be, too." "We're bigger than she is and not as clumsy."

Lupin took note of their disgruntled faces. "Tonks is on the petite side and definitely clumsy, but just because she makes sure she's always cheerful around the lot of you, don't forget that she's an Auror."

Fred and George looked at each other with a bit of guilt. George began with, "Don't get us wrong, Professor, we like Tonks and all, but it's just--"

"I've seen that clumsy girl take on a fire demon, a lethifold, a variety of maleficent plants, and a manticore. And that was during her days off," said Lupin. "I assure you that her agility didn't compromise those situations because, unlike you, she's been trained to face these dangers."

"We know she's a feisty one, Professor, we didn't mean any disrespect."

"It's just, well, we could have been guarding the door instead of Father," ended Fred. "It's not fair. If only Mum would let us leave school so we could--"

"Get killed?" asked Lupin calmly. "Look, I've taught both of you so I know that you are brilliant wizards, but have you considered that the Order needs you at Hogwarts to help Harry?"

Fred and George looked at each other as if the thought had never crossed their mind. "But we've always helped Harry. We don't have to be in the Order to do that."

"We're part of the DA at Hogwarts because we want to be fighters."

"The Order doesn't need fighters; we need defenders. We don't need rash young men jeopardizing our chance to finally deal with Voldemort," explained Lupin. "But Harry Potter does need all the friends he can get, friends he can count on."

"So you're saying that we're more valuable to the Order as students at Hogwarts?"

"For the time being, yes, just as Tonks is valuable to us in the Auror offices," said Lupin. "Although I would encourage you to continue making your plans for your joke shop in Diagon Alley."

"How did you know about that?" asked George. "It was Dung, wasn't it? He can't keep his mouth shut."

"He did mention that he's keeping an eye out for certain properties to become available, but that was after Tonks pinned him on it," said Lupin. "Just be thankful that your mum avoids him like the plague. Your secret is safe from her."

"How did Tonks find out?" asked a bewildered Fred.

Lupin smiled. "Do you remember that tall, gray haired woman you met at Zonko's in October?"

"You're kidding." "That was Tonks?"

"That's why she's an Auror and you're still at Hogwarts," said Lupin with a smile as he closed the lid on the box. "Now, I'll just take this chest out of harm's way. I'm sure you two have several ideas to develop for your future enterprise."

Lupin levitated the chest and left the room.

"Fred?"

"Yes, George?"

"Let's go play with the toys he didn't confiscate."

"You mean this magnifying glass?" asked Fred as he pulled it out from under the mattress.

"Of course, and this prism," added George as he removed the crystal.

The twins were soon absorbed in uncovering the secrets of their new treasures.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christmas Day

Lupin opened the front door of Tonks' empty flat. He knew he was early, but he had something for Tonks and was getting anxious about giving it to her. He had not seen her since their less than friendly interview at the Ministry. Although she had invited him over, a part of him wondered whether her wish to see him now was to tell him she had come to her senses about him.

He paused for a moment when he entered because a rainbow colored sausage vaulted in his direction. Or rather, it sort of teetered to him before losing balance and flopping over.

Snift, snift. The high pitched snarl was the best the were-rabbit could do in his present situation.

"I see you got your Christmas present." Lupin addressed the vorpal bunny in a rather sympathetic tone.

Wimples was sheathed in a rainbow jumper and looked like a fat sausage about to burst from its casing. His ears suddenly drooped as if he realized it was no use trying to threaten a werewolf when one resembled a multicolored caterpillar lying on its back.

Lupin knelt in front of him and asked, "She didn't quite estimate the size of your tummy right, did she? I must admit, I haven't seen such a miserable sight. Here."

He flicked his wand and the whole jumper unraveled. Wimples took several deep breaths atop a nest of yarn as Lupin walked to the sofa to sit and wait for Tonks. He pulled a box from his pocket and was fidgeting a bit when he heard the familiar pop of an apparation. Lupin tucked the box away as he waited for her to enter.

Nymphadora Tonks threw her door open. The bells on the pointed toes of her shoes rang out as she ran inside to change out of the outfit she had been forced to wear when she visited her parents for Christmas.

Ching, ching, ching. Splat!

She stumbled over Wimples and landed on her knees with the pointed red hat she was wearing falling over her eyes. She shoved it off her head only to find Lupin watching her with a bemused expression.

"Remus!" Her face was soon flush with embarrassment.

"Tonks, why are you dressed--"

"Granpa Tonks!" blurted the young woman as she sat back on her haunches. "Ever since he saw Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on the Muggle telly, he has to dress up as Father Christmas, I mean, Santa Claus, but he can't be a proper Santa Claus unless he has an elf and so every year Mum sews a new outfit for me to wear, so it's not my fault that I look like a refugee from the North Pole, besides which all my little cousins would be very disappointed if Santa didn't show up and I have a lot of little cousins because every other pregnancy on the Tonks side of the family is twins and, and, well, I can't help it if Tonks breed like rabbits! No offense, Wimples."

Wimples merely cocked one ear as if to remind his mistress that he obviously wasn't engaging in such lecherous activity. That's when Tonks noticed he was nesting on what had been his Christmas present.

"Wimples! You're supposed to wear the jumper not sit in it," admonished Tonks.

But her pet bounced away quickly and jumped into his top hat with the threads trailing behind him. They watched as the last bit of yarn swirled into the hat and disappeared.

"It'll make a fine nest," assured Lupin after he cleared his throat. There was no way he was going to admit he had been the perpetrator, but he did move forward to help her to her feet.

"I suppose it was a rather snug fit for a jumper," admitted Tonks. She fingered the hem of her elfen skirt and sighed. "I was hoping to get here before you saw me in this. I think next year I'll have Alice, my little twelve-year old cousin, be the elf."

"You look fine, but now you have me wondering who dresses as Rudolph?" queried Lupin as he held her hand.

"My father," said Tonks with a sudden laugh. "My cousins all think its a costume, but he actually uses a spell for antlers, ears and glowing red nose."

"Do the little cousins have to dress up?"

"The little ones get to dress as cherubim, makes me wish I were four years old again," said Tonks with a pout. "But how did it go at number twelve? And how was Arthur?"

"We had a merry time and Arthur was in good spirits today. He had a roommate, a man who suffered a werewolf bite during the last full moon. I spoke with the fellow, but I'm not sure it did much good."

"I wonder what's worse? Being bitten as a child or as an adult," murmured Tonks.

"I've never really known a life without lycanthropy," said Lupin. Then a name escaped his lips that he had not mentioned in years. "Fenrir Greyback."

"Fen--You were bitten by Fenrir Greyback?" asked Tonks. The man was the very essence of everything negative associated with lycanthropes.

"It was a long time ago," said Lupin. "And I don't want to think about it."

Tonks then bit her lip and shyly recommended, "Then maybe you should kiss me instead?"

It was odd how his heart skipped a beat at her words. He leaned in to kiss her, but suddenly they drew apart and burst out laughing.

Ching, ching, ching.

The bells on her toes had begun jingling because Wimples had decided to pop out of his hat and attack them.

"Wimples," said Tonks with an exasperated sigh. The vorpal bunny hopped about merrily, then scurried into the kitchen to forage. Tonks shook her head. "Look, I need to change out of this, but we're continuing where we left off, so get comfortable. And I have a present for you."

Lupin shrugged out of his jacket and relaxed on the sofa. Tonks soon returned wearing a blue sweater dress with long sleeves that had been pushed up to her elbows and her feet were bare. The material clung nicely to her body as she moved toward him carrying a package. She hesitantly offered it to him. "I thought, well, here."

Lupin smiled diffidently as he accepted the present and pulled the box out of his pocket again. He cleared his throat and said, "I have something for you, too. It's not much, really, but..."

He ended with a shrug. Tonks was well aware that he had no money to spare on presents, so there really wasn't anything left to say.

The sat by each other feeling a bit self-conscious as they unwrapped the gifts. Lupin was the first to reveal his acquisition. The deep red and gold was perfectly alternated in stripes. "A Gryffindor scarf."

"I made it a bit long," said Tonks as Lupin continued to pull the material out of the wrapping, "but then, you are a tall man, so, uh..."

Her voice fell away and she looked down, but Lupin chose to express his gratitude physically with a soft kiss. "Thank you. It's perfect."

Tonks was smiling brightly as she turned her attention to her own package. She would have been happy with a chocolate frog, but the box contained a hemp bracelet adorned with sea shells, all of them the same shade of pink as her hair. "Remus, this is so pretty. You don't think I'll smash them or tear the band?"

She sounded quite anxious as she voiced her doubts, but Lupin pulled the bracelet out of the box and clasped it over her wrist. "It has a preservation spell, young lady, so I dare you to do your worse. Besides, I've never made a bracelet that's broken."

"You made this?" asked Tonks as she held up her hand to inspect it.

"It doesn't really take much skill and I'm an old hand at it, although I haven't made one in ages," said Lupin as he took her hand and stared at the bracelet. "Mum had a veritable rainbow that I made for her, a different color for each year I was at Hogwarts. She was buried with them."

Tonks was touched by the depth of the gesture. She squeezed his hand and said, "I am truly honored to wear this, Remus."

He smiled at her wistfully. He had lost his mother and he would inevitably have to lose Tonks when their three dates were completed, but it had felt so right to make it for her. It was a harmless enough memento, but he knew that each shell represented a lost chance to say--

"I love you," whispered Tonks as she leaned forward to kiss him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

December 26
Grimmauld Place

Lupin took the steps up to his room at Grimmauld place two at a time in the early morning while the rest of the house still slumbered. His thoughts were filled with the lovely sensations he now associated with Tonks. And he was feeling rather self-satisfied at the thought of how she responded to his touch.

He sighed, then recognized the flash of light that seemed to be emitted from the floor above him. He decided to walk quietly up to the twins' room. He intended to surprise them, so he opened the door without announcement and stepped into the room.

The twins heard the door creak open and oriented to it. The magnifying glass Fred held in his hand moved with him as he turned. Simultaneously, George raised his wand and the lens caught the light from his lumos spell. The beam then fell directly onto Lupin.

The twins moved quickly to cover the lens, but when they looked at the door, Lupin was gone! They looked at each other then slapped a hand across the other's mouth to prevent their mutual screams. On the count of three they withdrew their hands.

"Bloody hell, Mum's not gonna be happy with us," said George.

"Mum? I'm more afraid of Sirius. We just fried his best mate," moaned Fred.

"Boys?" The disembodied voice directed their attention toward the door.

"Professor Lupin?" asked Fred as he looked up.

"Are--are you in the spirit world?" added George.

"Or--hey, if he's invisible, we can corner the market--"

"I'm down here." There was a clear note of irritation to Lupin's voice.

Fred and George looked down to the floor and laughed in relief until they saw the frown on Lupin's face. "Professor, we're really sorry about this."

"I understand, gentlemen, but I recommend you get Sirius in here NOW." Lupin then added, "And have him contact Tonks."

"Yeah, right, we're on it."

"Uh, but you better move so that we don't, er, step on you."

Lupin crossed his hands over his chest and, with as much dignity as a man shrunken to a hand-sized doll could muster, moved out of their way.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"Oh, he's so cute!" squealed Tonks as she gazed adoringly at the miniature Professor.

"Amazing, isn't he?" said Sirius as he quickly rubbed Lupin's head.

"Stop that! I am not a toy," chastised Lupin.

"Oh, he's getting ruffled," quipped Tonks, but she pushed a book closer to where Lupin stood on the desktop and said, "Here, sit down and relax. Now Fred and George said the light hit this lens and shrunk you?"

"Yes, and if this a minimocular lens as I suspect, I won't regain my proper size for a week!"

"Well, we can't leave him here," said Sirius with a wicked grin. "He'll be chased by Crookshanks and would make a tasty morsel for Buckbeak, not to mention Snuffles."

"Are you kidding? It's Molly and the girls we need to worry about. He's so adorable, they'll want to play with him like some doll," said Tonks. Her grin matched Sirius' for pure evil intent, especially since she reached out to ruffle Lupin's hair again.

Lupin batted away her hands. "You two are enjoying this far too much."

Tonks bit her lip, but then suddenly said, "It is quite a dollema."

Lupin rolled his eyes as the two cousins snickered. He actually stomped his foot to get their attention.

"Oh, he's getting short-tempered methinks," chirped Sirius.

They quit chuckling when they found their mouths suddenly taped shut. Lupin smiled up at them and said, "I might be less of a man than I usually am, but no less a wizard. Remember that."

The cousins nodded to him and remained looking duly chastised when he released them.

"You have to understand, Moony, I spent our youth wishing I had your height," admitted Sirius as he rubbed his mouth. "Enjoying the novelty of looking down on your is hard to resist."

"At least I can't complain about you being too tall," teased Tonks. "You can recuperate at my flat, unless you're afraid of Wimples?"

"Perfect," said Lupin as he slumped. "I've had dreams about this."

"It's not so bad, Remus," consoled Tonks. "You'll just have to put up with the short jokes for awhile. Hm, and I better take this with me while we're at it and this, too."

Tonks reached over to procure not only the magnifying glass, but also a prism that the twins had left on their desk.

"Take care of my little friend, Tonks," said Sirius. "I need to go release Fred and George from the levicorpus spell I used on them."

Tonks turned her attention to Lupin and sized him up. "It's probably best to save your magic until we get to my flat. For now I think you'll fit nicely in my pocket."

She reached for Lupin and carefully tucked him into the breast pocket of the Oxford shirt of her Auror uniform. "Comfortable?"

Lupin found the contour on which he rested to be rather cushy, but he leaned forward and let his arms hang over the top of the pocket, cleared his throat and said, "This is fine. Let's get some things from my room, then we can go."

Tonks made short work of packing for Lupin. "It's best if you wait to shrink these until you need them. Hm, let's see--oops! Well, they're not folded, but at least they're in the duffel. These books, too?"

"Just the brown one," said Lupin from his perch in her pocket. "The Opus Oculum is an exposition on magical lenses."

"You know, I should have a talk with Fleur. She spent quite a bit of time studying crystals and what not at Beauxbatons. She might know a way to speed up reversing the effects."

"Madame Maxim showed me their collection of crystals and lenses; it was quite impressive," agreed Lupin with a nod. "Well, I suppose I'm ready. Let's go."

- - - - - - - - - -

Tonks' Flat

Tonks entered her flat and set the prism and lens she had confiscated on kitchen shelf. She waved her wand in front of them, then said, "The magnifying glass has a magical aura, but not the prism. I'm definitely going to find Fleur and bring her over."

"That's a good idea, but if she treats me like some doll--"

"I won't let her get her hands on you, don't worry," assured Tonks. "You're my toy."

"Don't get any funny ideas," warned Lupin, but as he looked up, he could see her grin. She definitely was Sirius' cousin.

"I take very good care of my toys, Professor," proclaimed Tonks as she pointed to the teeniest ceramic tea set he had ever seen. It was on a shelf by her kitchen window. "I've had this one since I was as tall as your kneecaps, er, when you're your regular height."

"You know, when I get my height back, I'm going to spend a lot of time looming over you and enjoying it," said Lupin as Tonks walked to the sofa.

She carefully removed Lupin from her pocket and set him down. "I suppose you can use magic to take care of anything you need, but be careful and don't overextend yourself."

He promptly sat on the edge of a cushion and said, "I'm good at improvisation."

"I just need to meet with Scrimgeour about the AANT," said Tonks as she turned her hair a violent shade of purple. Scrimgeour hated it that way. "I'll chase down Bill and Fleur during lunch, but then I should be back early."

She leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on the top of his head before she left.

Lupin tapped his fingers on the edge of the cushion for a moment as he waited. As if on cue, Wimples hopped out of the kitchen and went directly for him.

Snerf, snerf, snerf.

There was a rather victorious ring to the snarling, but Lupin held his ground as the vorpal bunny gave a mighty jump to reach the sofa.

"Fleur's coming," sang Lupin.

Wimples was scratching at thin air as he tried to turn his body toward the door. He landed on the floor with a thud, but then scurried as fast as his legs could take him and leapt into his top hat.

"Size doesn't matter, Wimples, brains do," murmured Lupin to himself in satisfaction.

He apparated into the kitchen and set about to make some tea and toast. It was a simple matter to levitate the teapot to the stove, but it did require some energy. However, as he was waiting for the water to boil and the toast to crisp, he took note again of the little ceramic tea set. It was just the thing.

Soon Lupin was sitting cross-legged on Tonks' kitchen counter with an empty box of biscuits serving as a table while he enjoyed his tea and toast. He was reading the Daily Prophet where it lay open on the kitchen floor with the distance being perfect for reading. He lifted his tea cup and thought the next week could pass rather comfortably.

Lupin spent the day testing the limits of his magic given his diminutive size. Apparation was no problem. The success of summoning, levitating, and shrinking spells depended on the relative size of the object. After reading up on lenses in the tome he had brought with him, conveniently shrunk to one quarter of its size, he decided to take a nap.

He was leaning back against a cushion, but couldn't get comfortable. So he apparated into the bedroom to settle down to sleep on Tonks' douvet. He was just getting comfortable when he heard the familiar sound.

Snerf, snerf, snerf.

Wimples had leapt onto the bed and was looming over Lupin. The Professor suddenly sat up and called, "Fleur, how good to see you!"

Pooft! Wimples left a halo of fuzz in his wake as he fled the bedroom to hide in his top hat.

"Ah, Wimples, you've never heard of a wolf crying wolf?" Lupin snuggled comfortably into the bedcovers that still carried Tonks' scent and was soon fast asleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lupin was having an afternoon cup of tea as he read another passage about lenses. He was comfortably propped on the sofa when his nemesis once again made an appearance.

Snerf, snerf, snerf.

Lupin said the magic word, "Fleur."

But this time the vorpal bunny was not going to be fooled. His snarl gained menace and his eyes grew feral as he stalked toward Lupin. This time, he would not be tricked!

"Wimples, you should really hide while you have the chance. Fleur really is coming."

Lupin's calm tone of voice made the were-rabbit stop in his tracks for a moment, but then he shook his body and continued his approach.

Lupin shrugged his shoulders just as the door opened.

"The lapin!" Fleur moved fast and clutched the hapless pet to her. "How fuzee you are, how plump!"

Lupin was just shaking his head as Wimples managed to wriggle out of Fleur's grasp and vault into his top hat.

"Wimples is rather shy," explained Tonks as she followed Fleur into the room. "So, what do you think?"

She pointed to Lupin who was looking up at the women from his perch.

"A poupee mignonne! A doll!" squealed Fleur.

Before Fleur could reach out to touch the Professor, Tonks collected Lupin and said, "Yes, we know. Any idea how to speed up his recovery?"

"Would you please not talk about me as if I'm not here?" asked Lupin. He had propped an elbow on Tonks' fingers and was leaning against it.

"Oh! Eet speaks!" squealed Fleur, then quickly collected herself. "Pardonnez-moi, Professor Lupin. Of course you speak, eet eez just that you are so tiny. Bien, let me see the lens magiques."

Tonks tucked Lupin into her pocket and led Fleur to the lens and prism on the shelf. "He was shrunk when a light from a lumos spell hit the magnifying glass. I also confiscated the prism, but we can't get any magical aura from it."

"Oui, but sometimes one must test with proper lumiere," said Fleur. She seemed intent on studying the lens.

"I was wondering if we added another lens on top of this one," began Lupin. "The Opus Oculum describes several instances where that was effective."

"But we must have the right feet--" began Fleur.

"Feet?" asked Lupin as he looked down at his toes. Tonks couldn't complain about boats now.

"Feet, oui, er, the right combinaison of lenses," said Fleur.

"Oh, yes, the right fit," said Lupin.

But before they could initiate their scholarly debate, Tonks inserted, "Look, why don't I set Remus here while I go change? Scrimgeour was smoking a smelly pipe during our meeting and I can still smell it on me."

Lupin and Fleur nodded and began their discussion of magical optics. Tonks quickly ditched her clothes and changed her hair. She was soon wearing a pink t-shirt, blue jeans and pink hair.

She could hear the two enthusiastically discussing prisms as she approached the kitchen. Fleur had her back turned to her as she said, "...reveal secrets of the prisme."

Fleur then called a lumos spell and the light fell upon the prism just as Tonks was entering the kitchen.

Fleur's demonstration ended abruptly when she heard the giggle behind her. She turned around slowly and exclaimed, "Mon dieu!"

Lupin likewise stared in disbelief. "Nymphadora?"

"Tonksie!" squealed the four-year old as she quickly climbed atop a kitchen stool and grabbed Lupin. "Dolly!"

"Now, just," Lupin croaked as he tried to draw a breath.

"Tonksie, no, you squeeze Lupin. He cannot breathe," said Fleur as she gathered her wits.

"Oh," said a disappointed little voice, but she relaxed her grip. She didn't want to hurt her doll; he was too special. "I sorry."

"It's all right," assured Lupin as he closed his eyes. Perfect, just what he needed, a child who wanted to play dolls.

Fleur clucked her tongue and shook her head. She retrieved Tonks' wand and blue jeans. Luckily for Tonks, the t-shirt fell like a dress on the child. Fleur made a quick adjustment with her wand and had Tonks in denim dungarees with a large pocket on the bib.

"Just put your, eh, doll in your pocket. He weel be cosy, no?" Fleur sighed in relief when the little girl complied.

But as soon as the task was done, another squeal escaped from Tonksie. "Bunny!"

The child scampered away after Wimples, who had decided to make a cautious appearance in light of all the commotion. Luckily the vorpal bunny reached the haven of his top hat before Tonksie reached him.

"Oh, bunny doesn't want to play." Disappointment was clearly in the little girl's voice.

"He's just shy, Tonksie, and now isn't the time to play," said a hoarse masculine voice. "We have a problem, actually, two problems."

Tonksie's head began swiveling as soon as she heard the voice, then she realized the source. "Dolly talks!"

"Tonksie, zee doll eez Remus Lupin," said Fleur as she approached the child. She kneeled beside her, ascertained that Lupin was all right, and added. "Don't you remember him?"

Tonksie bit her lip and her eyes were shining with tears. "Remus? He's mine. Don't take him away, please? Please?"

"Non, I weel not take him away, but Remus is not reely a doll. He eez our friend and needs help," explained Fleur patiently.

"Fleur will help both of us, Tonksie," assured Lupin from his berth in her bib pocket.

The child wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. She knew something was wrong, but the important thing was not lose Remus. The very thought of it made her feel incredibly sad. She took a deep breath and said, "I behave."

"Bien, are you hungry? You can eat while we wait for Bill; he should be here soon," said Fleur as she walked to the kitchen.

Tonksie skipped along behind her until she heard a voice.

"Tonksie? Would you mind walking, please? I don't bounce too well," explained Lupin, who in fact was looking a little green. He could always apparate, but he didn't want to make the little girl cry.

Tonksie stopped in her tracks. "I sorry."

She then walked very slowly, carefully placing one foot in front of the other. From his berth, Lupin merely propped his cheek against his palm and sighed. It was better than bouncing.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Bill!" Fleur said his name then flew into his arms babbling about poupee and petite fille and the lapin.

"Easy, luv, easy. From what Tonks told us, I assume Remus is the poupee and the lapin is Tonks' pet, but who is the petite girl?" asked Bill as he rubbed her shoulder.

A high pitched squeal then erupted from the bedroom, followed by a stream of giggles. Fleur merely pointed behind her and said, "I made Tonks into a leetle girl."

Bill looked over Fleur's shoulder and gave her a light squeeze before approaching the bedroom. He swung the door open and understood the source of delight.

A little girl with pink hair was jumping on the bed. She was taking measured hops as the bunny led her atop the mattress in a circle.

"Tonksie, be careful. You almost fell off the bed," called the miniature Lupin from where he sat on the edge of the nightstand.

"I sorry," called Tonksie over her shoulder before falling on her seat, only to quickly bounce up and follow Wimples again.

Bill and Fleur entered the bedroom and walked toward Lupin. "Hello, Bill. I'm glad Fleur has reinforcement."

"Quite an exuberant child, isn't she?" asked Bill with a nod to the child.

"Oh, yes, her bedroom antics are quite energetic," said Lupin, then slapped his forehead and said, "I mean, the bouncing. She really likes to bounce."

Bill just kept looking curiously at the miniaturized Professor while Fleur blinked several times trying to determine what this conversation was about. Men! They had a language all their own.

"Weasley, get your head out of the gutter," Lupin finally muttered.

"Sorry, mate, I just don't often see you flustered," admitted Bill with a knowing smirk. He threw another glance at Tonks and said, "She reminds me of Ginny."

"Tonksie has la joie de vivre," said Fleur. Then she sighed before explaining, "She was changed into leetle girl when light from my wand fell on a prisme."

"And Tonks said you were shrunk when my brother's lumos spell struck the lens they were playing with." Bill was now leaning down to inspect Lupin. "Have you tried reversing the lens?"

"Yes, but it didn't work. Fleur and I think we need to create a corrective lens," said Lupin. "Fleur, do you have it with you?"

"Oui, a slope, not smooth on top," said Fleur as she pointed to the irregular curvature of the lens.

"Yes, I see what you mean," said Bill as he inspected the glass. His eyes turned to the bed again where Tonks and Wimples were now taking turns leap frogging each other. "But what about Tonks? If I were her I'd hate to have to go through puberty again."

Fleur removed the prism from the pocket of her robe. "I was testing the prisme and, poof, Tonks becomes petite."

Bill frowned. "I've not heard of a prism affecting one's age."

"There was nothing documented in Opus Oculum," said Lupin. "I wish there were some way for Fleur to recreate the effect while we observed. If only we had a test subject..."

Lupin's voice fell off as the three adult heads all turned to look at the vorpal bunny romping with Tonks. Wimples looked up from where he sat atop of Tonks' tummy tickling her with his scampering back feet. He twitched his ears suspiciously at them and suddenly made a dash to the door.

"Bunny! Stop!" cried Tonksie as she saw her playmate hopping away.

She managed to snatch his ears and he dangled off the bed. Luckily for all involved, were-rabbits had very strong bones and rather elastic bodies. His own bobbed up and down as gravity pulled on his tummy and Tonks firmly gripped his ears.

"Let me take him for a minute," said Bill as he swooped down on Wimples. He and Fleur hurried out the door with him.

"Where bunny go?" asked Tonksie as she slid on her tummy off the mattress and bounced her head lightly before flipping over.

Lupin apparated directly to her. "Did you knock your noggin?"

"Kiss it," prompted Tonksie as she rubbed the top of her head. She bent forward so Lupin could fulfill her request.

Lupin complied, then said, "We can go check up on Wimples if you pick me up and put me in your pocket, but you have to promise not to obey everything I say."

"Can I put you on my head?" asked the girl with a big smile.

"No, I'm safest in your pocket," said Lupin gravely.

"Oh," sighed Tonksie in clear disappointment, but she carefully picked up Lupin and tucked him gently into the pocket of her bib.

"They're probably in the kitchen," said Lupin as he directed his ride.

Tonks scampered to the kitchen where Bill waved them to him. "The rabbit's nibbling on an apple. Fleur is going to try to recreate what she did before."

"Tonksie, stay very still so we can watch this closely," said Lupin.

The little girl nodded solemnly and sank to her knees.

"Er, Tonksie? You can breathe," added Lupin.

He felt the gust of wind as Tonks released her breath, but his attention was soon focused on Fleur. She held up the prism and illuminated her wand. The prism caught the light and a narrow beam struck Wimples.

The vorpal bunny suddenly became one quarter of his size and much fluffier as he assumed a juvenile form. Wimples looked up suddenly and blinked his eyes.

Tonksie squealed in delight and cried out, "Bunny!"

She was about to run to him when Lupin asked, "Tonksie, put me on the counter so I can talk to Bill and Fleur, please? That way you can play with Wimples."

Tonksie agreed with a giggle and was soon cuddling the young bunny to her chest while the adults discussed their findings.

"Again, a child," said Fleur.

"The prism clearly refracted a beam of light," said Bill.

"It was blue! The light from Fleur's wand, it's blue," said Lupin. "But what does that mean? And how does a blue light make one younger?"

Bill cocked his head to one side. "You know, Father had a Muggle book at the Burrow on an area of study called optics. Let's see if I can remember. Muggles talk about light having features of wavelength."

"That's right, blue is a short-wavelength while a long-wavelength is--" began Lupin.

"Rouge!" exclaimed Fleur. "A red light! Of course, Madam Maxim had a prisme that worked only for a green lumos wand. But it only kept legumes from going bad, except for zee peas. Nothing could keep zee peas from going bad."

"I'm not surprised," murmured Lupin. "So we need to find a prism that responds to a red light and someone who can actually summon a red lumos for a wand."

"I go to Madam Maxime immediately," said Fleur. "Beauxbatons has the premiere collection of crystals and lenses, no?."

"That sounds good, but who gets to babysit in the meantime?" asked Bill. Fleur just looked at him sweetly.

"Gringotts eez closed," reminded Fleur and indeed, only goblins were allowed into the building during the week between Christmas and New Year's to take care of the annual accounting.

"I have to visit Dad," insisted Bill.

"We cannot impose on your maman," said Fleur, "and I'm sure your papa weel understand."

"Oh, no, I've spent too many years babysitting for Mum," began Bill. "I had six little hellions to wa--"

"Yuck!" proclaimed Tonksie when she saw them kissing. Little Wimples was now sitting atop her head and also appeared disgusted with the display of affection as he covered his eyes with his ears.

"It's not so bad when you get older. Trust me," said Lupin sagely as he watched Fleur leave with a triumphant look on her face. She knew how to win an argument with Bill.

Lupin then noticed Tonksie's new coiffure. He thought she was too young to appreciate the pun, but he felt compelled to say, "That's an interesting head of hair you've got there, Tonksie."

Tonksie giggled and alternated pointed to the bunny then her head. "Hare hair, hare hair."

"What have I done?" murmured Lupin. He certainly hoped Fleur would hurry back.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

December 27
Tonks' Flat

Bill and Lupin spent the day supervising a little cyclone called Tonksie. The child's exuberant curiosity had made the day a trial for the men. It had been clear early in the day that Tonks' small flat would be destroyed if the child were not separated from the vorpal bunny. Their romping resulted in a broken lamp, a new creaking to her sofa, and the bed springs had to constantly be repaired. Lupin had practically exhausted his reparo spell until Bill had taken over repairing duties.

Then Tonksie had decided the kitchen would be perfect for making potions of her own special concoction. Somehow Lupin knew that Wimples was behind this since the endeavor required several apples. Lupin had at least convinced the young one to abort her enterprise after a combination had unexpectedly layered all in close proximity with soot.

The Professor's offer to read Tonksie a story had begun well enough, but after two hours his voice was hoarse and her thirst for another story had yet to be quenched. Bill had sighed in relief when it was time to prepare lunch for he had been coerced into acting out all the characters of the story, a talent he had acquired when taking care of Ginny.

A trip to the park required that Bill climb a tree to rescue her. Only Lupin, who had been carried safely in her pocket, had prevented Tonksie from climbing any higher. The Professor didn't even want to think about the trip to the Muggle toy store. Who had come up with that brilliant idea? Oh, yes, well, at the time it had made sense to suggest it.

Tonksie had finally settled for an afternoon nap, but only if Lupin was beside her on the pillow. As he watched her eyes drifting shut, he wondered what would happen if they couldn't reverse the spell on her. It made him feel very old indeed, although it would be a bittersweet thing to watch her grow up this time. Then a rather alien thought appeared.

Would this be what having a daughter with Tonks would be like? He sat up quickly and looked at the child. He had never dared hope a woman could love him, let alone allow himself to think he could have a family. But he would have to let Tonks go before it came to that. He watched the innocent face slumbering and felt the well of sorrow at what he would miss. He closed his eyes and drifted off quickly.

While Tonksie was napping, Bill had also fallen asleep on the sofa. But the respite didn't last long and soon the men had to deal with Tonksie's efforts to redecorate the flat. Again, Lupin was convinced that Wimples was the mastermind as the child was painting silhouettes that had a rather lepine appearance on all the walls. Lupin was directing Tonksie in washing her hands thoroughly in the loo when the door burst open and Fleur called out.

"Bonjour, mes amis." Fleur was breathless as she entered and soon found Tonksie throwing herself at her and hugging her legs. "Bonjour, Tonksie, did you keep theez boys out of trouble?"

Tonksie nodded gravely. "I made them work hard aaaall day long."

"Amen," said Bill as he leaned over to brush a kiss on Fleur's cheek. "Any luck with the lenses?"

"Would someone retrieve me from the sink?" called a small voice. "I don't have it in me to apparate."

"Oh!" squealed Tonksie as she ran back to retrieve Lupin. She returned with the Professor properly tucked into her bib and sat carefully on the sofa. There was a spot that made a funny creaking noise now and she liked to sit on it. Wimples soon hopped up to sit on her lap.

Fleur removed a box from her robes. "I have good news and bad news. Madam says theez should work for Remus."

She quickly assembled a series of lenses and showed them to Bill, who nodded in approval. "That looks like a good fit. What about the prism? Is that the bad news?"

Fleur bit her lip and explained. "Madam did not have a rouge prisme. She sold one thirty years ago, but now eet can be found in Knockturn Alley."

Lupin and Bill exchanged a look, then the Professor asked, "You're not talking about the red light district of Knockturn Alley, are you?"

Tonksie looked up at the adults in confusion. "Red lights? I like red lights. Can we go see red lights?"

"In a minute, Tonksie," said Bill. "All right, so if I go get this prism, we still don't know of someone whose lumos has a red flare."

"Madam said that, ahem," here Fleur cleared her throat and was clearly blushing. "Madam Maxime says that Madam Dubois would be able to create a rouge lumos and she, too, is here in London."

"And did Madam know where we could find this witch?" asked Lupin, although he was certain he knew the answer.

"At Chez Desir in Knockturn Alley, where we will also find prisme. Madam Maxime spoke with her, but, was uncertain she would aid us."

"Yes, I know where Chez Desir is," said Bill, then saw the dark look that Fleur threw his way. "On account of Charlie. Honestly."

"Fleur, even I know where it's at although I've never frequented the establishment," said Lupin.

Bill released a heavy sigh. "It looks like we need Remus back in proper form before we pursue a cure for Tonks."

"We get to see red lights?" asked Tonksie hopefully while Wimples perked up his ears at her question.

"First we need to get Remus back to his normal size," said Bill. "Ready, mate?"

Lupin spoke gently to the little girl. "Tonksie, would you set me on the floor in the middle of the room? And stand behind Fleur until she says it's all right."

Wimples hopped off her lap and Tonksie slowly walked to do as he bid. She knelt on the floor and gently removed him from her pocket, but as she put Lupin to stand on the floor, he could see the crocodile tears looming in her eyes.

"You go away now?"

"No, I'll still be here, only my normal size, like Bill and Fleur," said Lupin.

The child blinked her eyes and asked in a tremulous voice, "I don't carry you any more?"

"Er, no," began Lupin, but when he saw the first tear spill over, quickly added, "but once I'm normal, I'll be able to carry you, all right?"

"You carry me?" asked Tonksie in wonder, then suddenly giggled. "Promise?"

"I promise," echoed Lupin as he placed his hand over his heart.

The girl was appeased and skipped to Fleur while Bill set up the lenses. "Ready? One, two, three."

Lupin regained his normal height in an instant, but immediately bent at the waist and had to take deep breaths. "Merlin, it hurts."

"Remus! Okay?" cried Tonkie as she ran from Fleur to see to him. She put her little hand on his and looked so very concerned.

"I'll be fine," assured Lupin as he continued to take deep breaths.

"Quite a stretch, eh?" asked Bill.

"Just like at full moon," admitted Lupin as he lifted himself to full height. That's when he noticed that Tonksie was clutching his little finger.

The child looked up in wonder and said, "You taaaall."

Lupin chuckled and said, "And that's as it should be."

"Madam Maxime will be so pleezed she could help you," said Fleur. "But you must be hungry, I think, no?"

"Come to mention it, yes," said Lupin.

"We have time to eat. Madam Dubois said to visit before nine when the house opens," said Fleur.

"Fine, we'll have supper then see about our foray into Knockturn Alley," said Bill.

"Yay!" squealed Tonksie, but the adults exchanged a cautious look.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Knockturn Alley

The odd company didn't seem too out of place in Knockturn Alley. Lupin walked beside Bill with Tonksie riding on his shoulders, wrapped in his Gryffindor scarf against the cold. Fleur was on Bill's other side and carried Wimples, who was looking rather feral by the time they reached the middle of the street.

"Where are red lights?" asked Tonksie in a very loud whisper.

"You'll see them soon enough," said Lupin. "First, we have to meet Madam Dubois."

"Oh," said the child with disappointment.

As they approached the door to Chez Desir, a rough looking man lumbered to the door and beat on it with a closed fist. He kicked at it suddenly, then stepped back, ripped the t-shirt under his leather jacket and wailed, "Stella! Stella!"

The company could hear a muffled, masculine voice on the other side of the door calling, "Madam Dubois, it's that drunken sod asking for Stella again! Want me to take care of him?"

A large, burly man opened the door and beside him stood a beautiful Titian haired woman who glared at the intruder. "Stan, go away!"

At her nod, the bodyguard quickly shot a spell at Stan. As he flew over the top of the trees the woman called, "And this time stay in Manchester!"

The woman straightened her robe when she caught sight of the odd group waiting on the other side of the street. Her bodyguard aimed at them with his wand, but the woman halted him and called, "Did Olympe Maxime send you?"

"Yes, Madam Dubois," said Lupin as he moved forward. There was something decidedly familiar about the woman, but he knew he had never met her professionally. "This is Nymphadora Tonks, who actually should be about twenty years older than her current appearance."

Tonksie ducked down as if she could hide behind Lupin's head from her perch on his shoulders and one of her ankles kept twisting. Her voice very faintly could be heard to say, "Hi."

Lupin patted the girl's leg gently and continued the introductions. "This is Fleur Delacour, a Beauxbatons alumnae, and Bill Weasley."

"Blanche Dubois," said the woman, then she dismissed her bodyguard with a nod. "Come in, have a seat." She eyed Bill appreciatively and asked, "You're Arthur Weasley's boy, aren't you?"

Bill turned red as he admitted, "Yes, Arthur Weasley is my father."

"His brothers dragged him here for his bachelor party! Poor git was mooning over his bride the whole night and wouldn't touch anyone, but Arthur always says hello to me when he sees me on the street. Not like some others," said Blanche with a tsk. "Well, come in and let's see if we can do business."

The adults exchanged a look. No one had thought to bring any money. They all exchanged a shrug and followed Blanche inside. They needed to find out what it would take to gain her cooperation.

As soon as they stepped into the lobby, Fleur gasped and pointed to the prism. It was in the shape of a pyramid and hung suspended over the bar in the back of the room. Lupin frowned as he thought about a similar crystal that his parents had purchased. It was before their trip to New Orleans when he was a child.

"Yeah, that's the prism you need," said Blanche. "So, how much are you willing to pay for this service?"

Bill spoke quickly and tried to be as charming as possible. "Madam, all we ask of you is a simple lumos spell. Surely that is a trivial thing for one of your talents?"

Blanche smiled and said, "You should never rely on the kindness of strangers."

Lupin put Tonksie on the floor to stand beside him. "You're not a stranger, though. We've met before, in New Orleans."

Blanche looked Lupin up and down, then noticed the little girl clinging to his pant leg. "I think you're mistaken--"

"My parents brought me to you over thirty years ago after I was first bitten," said Lupin and an angry tone entered his voice. "You said you could help, but you were a fraud, a squib! Come on, let's go. Madam Dubois isn't capable of performing even a lumos spell."

"But the prisme," said Fleur as she pointed to the crystal pyramid.

"Accio." Lupin didn't even use his wand to call it to him.

"You can't take that!" said Blanche. Her face was flushing now.

"Yes, I can," said Lupin. "The price my parents paid for your worthless consultation was this crystal."

He heard Bill and Fleur gasp behind him, but it was the little whimper from Tonks that he registered. He put a reassuring hand on her head. He didn't want to upset the child.

"Look, fine, I admit I'm not great with magic, but I am no squib," said Blanche. She seemed to deflate as she sank into a chair. "Sit down."

Bill and Fleur took the loveseat while Lupin sat in an armchair and put Tonksie on his lap. The child nuzzled against his chest. Seeing red lights was not as much fun as she had hoped.

"The crystal, it helps me cast my spells so I can keep my beauty, but I can, too, call a lumos spell all by myself." Blanche glanced at Lupin and a flash of guilt actually crossed her face. "I remember you now. A tall, pale, sickly boy. I didn't think you'd survive the year."

"Lucky for me you're no better seer than you are sorceress." The words were spoken in Lupin's normal affable tone, but the expression in his eyes exuded nothing but loathing.

"Enough with the guilt! Look, maybe we can have an exchange of services here," said Blanche. "I have the red lumos."

"I have the crystal," reminded Lupin.

"And you have a girl there that you want back as a woman, I'd wager," said Blanche as she finally put the pieces together.

Tonksie shoved herself as close to Lupin as she could possibly get. "Can we go home, Remus? I don't want to see red lights anymore."

Her little voice actually served to relieve some of the tension in the room. Lupin visibly relaxed and said, "We'll hear what she wants first, then we can go."

"I heard about what happened to Arthur," began Blanche. "I can tell you where to find the serpent so that a proper antidote can be made, unless you want your father to drink that vile potion all his life? All I want is that crystal back."

Fleur put a hand on Bill's arm as he tensed. He turned to Lupin and said, "It's your crystal, Remus. Father wouldn't want you to be duped again for it."

"I don't want him to have to take a potion for the rest of his life," Lupin said quietly. He turned to Blanche and directed, "First, you turn Tonks back to normal."

"But I want to keep the crystal," said Blanche.

"Only after we've collected some venom from the serpent," insisted Lupin.

"Fine, go snake hunting first, then I'll cooperate with the child, but not until I can keep the crystal."

Bill and Lupin exchanged a nod. "Fine. Fleur, you stay here with Tonksie while we see if this serpent is real."

"It hunts at night in Knockturn Alley behind the Malificent Menagerie. Every ten days or so, they find some animals all bled out, dry as a husk."

"We need to create a lure for the snake," said Bill as he rubbed his chin.

Lupin and Fleur looked at the vorpal bunny in her lap. He was a juvenile, but the red eyes and the extended incisors looked wicked. Snarl, snarl.

"I think we have the right decoy," said Lupin as Fleur extended the were-rabbit to Bill.

For his part, Wimples seemed quite alert and willing to go on the hunt given how his snarling deepened.

"Bunny! Wimples mine," cried Tonksie with concern.

"Wimples will be fine, but we have an important job for him," assured Lupin. Again, another cost to his line from Lyonesse, but as irritating as the vorpal bunny could be, the fact that Tonks loved him made it worth the eventual sacrifice.

Bill and Lupin rose with the Professor setting Tonksie firmly on the seat beside Fleur. "When we get back, everything will be fine. Be a good girl for Fleur."

Tonksie nodded. She would be good, absolutely. That's why as soon as Blanche showed them to a private room where they could wait, she ran away.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Knockturn Alley
Malificent Menagerie

"From Harry's dreams earlier this year, it was clear that Nagini gets to hunt freely at night,"said Lupin as they entered the alley. "Voldemort is too arrogant to think that anything will attack his viper."

"Remus, if this is Nagini and we can kill the damned thing--"

"And have Voldemort down on us before we can get Tonks back normal?" asked Lupin calmly. "I understand how you feel, Bill, but Dumbledore specifically warned against any rash action. I can protect Wimples and at least collect some fresh venom. At best, the beast will lose a fang."

Lupin smiled at Bill who returned it in kind. His training as a curse breaker allowed him to understand patience. "Fine, but when the venom's extracted from the fang, it's my trophy."

"I certainly want no part of it," said Lupin. He took Wimples from Bill and said, "Ready?"

Wimples snarled, but not at Lupin. His challenge was directed at a point ahead of him. The Professor released him and the were-rabbit hopped to the center of the alley.

Just before Lupin and Bill used a disillusionment charm, they saw a small body bundled in a Gryffindor scarf. It was sliding down an old metal tube that leaned against the wall at the far end of the alley. The sound of little feet slapping the pavement confirmed it was Tonksie!

Things then seemed to move very slowly, although the sequence of events occurred in the next instant. Lupin felt the blood in his face draining as she ran to them. Out of a hole in the wall just in front of her, a serpentine form emerged.

"Remus!" Her squeal of delight summoned death because the snake turned swiftly from targeting the fat little furball in the middle of the alley to strike at the child behind it.

Bill and Lupin raised their wands, but not before Wimples jumped on the back of the snake and used his long incisors to rip at its hide. The snake turned to strike at the were-rabbit.

Tonksie would have screamed, but she suddenly stood still, numb with fear. Then she got angry, very very angry.

"Go 'way, snake!" she bellowed.

Lupin and Bill felt the air crack around them as Nagini whipped through the air and out of the alley, wriggling against the force of the child's anger. The air then became very still and the three of them converged on the spot where Wimples lay.

"Bunny!" wailed Tonksie, but she tripped on the ends of the scarf as she tried to get to Wimples.

Lupin snatched her up while Bill gently turned Wimples on his side. They could see Bill shaking his head and wiping his face.

The Professor carried her to them, but cautioned, "Don't touch Wimples yet. Let me go first."

Bill looked up, but said nothing and merely pointed to the bunny. "You're not going to believe this."

There between his paws was a very long fang. Lupin heard Tonksie gasp, but everyone began laughing when the Wimples, completely bereft of any feral qualities, shook his head and twitched his nose at them.

"Looks like I get a new trophy," said Bill as he called the spell that preserved the fang safely.

"You can pick him up now," said Lupin as he put the child on the ground. She lost no time cuddling her bunny.

"Let's get Fleur and be done with this," Bill said as he clasped Lupin's shoulder. He was satisfied with this level of revenge, but more importantly, the odd adventure resulted in helping his father regain full health.

Lupin nodded and scooped up Tonksie and the vorpal bunny. Ah, the power of a woman's wrath. In some things, size really didn't matter.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Knockturn Alley
Chez Desir

"I am not for sale," insisted Fleur as another man tried to grab her. She hexed his arm so that it was boneless and walked away in satisfaction as his arm began flopping about. He was lucky that was all she had left limp.

Fleur had spent the last half hour looking for Tonksie in the building, but without luck. Now the house was open for business and Madam Dubois had no time to help her. Fleur couldn't believe the child had gotten out the door, but when she saw Lupin enter with the child in his arms, she felt distressed.

"I thought Tonksie was still in zee house! Gabrielle would never have left,"said Fleur as she thought about the times she had watched her little sister.

"It's all right, luv, Tonksie is fine. Let's just find Blanche and finish this," assured Bill.

"But I am horrible to lose a child like theez," said Fleur.

"Believe me, I've lost every single one of my younger siblings at one point or other, some of them multiple times," assured Bill with a grimace. "Fast little buggers, the lot of them."

"We need to find Blanche before before things get too busy," said Lupin as more men walked in and eyed Fleur rather salaciously.

"The room is back here," said Fleur. They were soon at an ornate door and found Blanche finishing the application of her make-up.

"Well, am I fraud or did you get the venom you needed?" asked Blanche.

Lupin put Tonks on the floor while she was still holding Wimples, then removed the crystal pyramid from his pocket. "The crystal is yours, but first we need to test it on the bunny."

Blanche nodded and asked, "All I do is cast my lumos spell?"

"I'll aim the prism," assured Lupin. He then turned to Tonksie and directed her. "Leave Wimples on the floor and go stand with Fleur. We're going to see if Blanche can help you."

Tonksie hesitated, but Wimples began to struggle against her. She took it as a sign that he wanted to be on the floor.

The rest seemed rather simple given all they had gone through to get to this point. Blanche illuminated the tip of her wand while Lupin captured the red flare at its tip with the prism. He adjusted the angle so that the light went through the crystal and directly struck Wimples.

Snerf, snerf, snerf.

"Yes, I bet it does feel good to get back to normal," said Lupin. He then took Tonksie by the hand and knelt beside her. "You see what happened to Wimples?"

"He got bigger."

"Yes, and he's older, too, the age he's supposed to be. That's what will happen to you, too." Lupin ruffled the pink hair one last time. He unwound the long scarf that had kept her warm and put it over his shoulders.

"Will, will you still be my friend?" asked Tonksie as she rubbed a toe into the carpet.

"Always," assured Lupin, then he leaned forward and gave her a fatherly kiss on the cheek. This was the closest he would come to having a daughter of his own. He felt a new ache in his heart at the thought that he would miss her.

"Fleur, you might want to change her clothes back so she'll be properly covered," directed Lupin.

Then he stepped back, held the crystal in his hand, and nodded to Blanche. The transformations was almost instantaneous, but for one moment, Lupin could see both the child Tonks had been and the woman she was now. Then the image faded and the pink-haired woman before him suddenly blushed.

"Oh, Merlin, why am I standing here in my t-shirt and knickers?" Tonks was quickly pulling up the blue jeans pooled at her feet.

"It's a long story," said Lupin as he walked to her, "but I'll tell you on the way home."

"All right," said Tonks, but she didn't take two steps before fainting into his arms.

"My little girl grew up too fast," murmured Lupin to himself, but the weight he carried was no burden.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

New Year's Eve
Tonks' Flat

"I sound like a little brat," said Tonks as Lupin regaled her again with tales of her younger self.

It had taken two days for her to recover and she only had vague memories of their latest adventure. They had decided to spend a quiet New Year's Eve together and had been dancing to the songs on the Wireless. Tonks wore the pink bracelet on her wrist and it matched her hair and dress perfectly.

"You were a very charming brat. In fact, you were quite adorable," said Lupin, but at her pout added, "You are adorable."

"I'm glad everything's back to normal," sighed Tonks. The song ended and the countdown to the New Year began.

"But now we're in a new year," said Lupin as he tightened his embrace on her. He had expected to be alone again, but it seemed they had just a little more time together.

"I hear there's a time honored tradition about kissing someone to welcome the New Year," said Tonks.

Lupin frowned. "I don't care what the tradition is, I'm not kissing Wimples, even if he did serve as a decoy during our last mission."

Tonks laughed and slapped his shoulder, but her violent tendencies melted away when he countered her attack with a kiss. That was the most proper start off a new year. At that moment, it seemed the new year was filled with promise and any heartache was far away.

End of Chapter

Minor edits.

Author Notes:
Sorry for the long delay in posting this chapter, but it was rather long and I want the story arc within a chapter complete before I feel comfortable. However, I have been enchanted with the idea of Lupin as doll-sized, here a very small doll. Wouldn't we all be clamoring for one? Then I was intrigued by the idea of Lupin realizing that he would want a child of his own as he does when Tonks becomes a little girl again.

This is my version of events in the Order of the Phoenix that explain how Arthur got help after his snake bite and why we don't see much of Lupin at number twelve during the holidays. The AANT is obviously not canon, nor are the healing spells that Tonks' casts.

I enjoy putting Tonks in weird outfits, so the Christmas elf was a must. Having Tonks as a child was fun to consider and I think we would all agree that she would be energetic. Again, the situation allowed me to play with Bill and Fleur. And here I want to thank all who offered suggestions on the French and Mee Yah in particular. I used her advice to edit the chapters.

The Blanche Dubois connection is clearly a reference to A Streetcar Named Desire. I couldn't resist once I decided to use Dubois, to thanks for putting up with it, even if it made you groan. Couldn't be worse than the line: "We were just curious," said George...

Also, there is nothing in canon about the color of the lumos spell. I assume we typically see a sort of white light at the tip, so for the purpose of this story, I created the color as an individual difference. The prisms and lenses had some valid science behind them, but again, I used them liberally.

Thanks for waiting and reading. I know it's long, so I hope you found it worth your wait. Hope to update by Valentine's Day.