Summary: Tonks discovers that Lupin's bloodline comes with a price.

Nymph vs Wolf
True Colors

Tonks' Flat
January 12

Remus Lupin was having a very nice dream. Instead of escorting Harry and his friends to catch the Hogwarts Express, he and Nymphadora Tonks were escorting a girl who was obviously their daughter. She had her father's long legs, but her mother's bright spirit shone through her eyes. He heard the voices of two little boys as well, but couldn't see them. Just as Tonks was about to speak their daughter's name, the image evaporated as a loud pop sounded outside the door to Tonks' flat.

Tonks left his embrace and the comfort of the bed in an instant. She flew to her front door before Lupin could quell the dream-induced paralysis. As he shook off the stupor, he could hear Kingsley Shacklebolt's deep voice in her living room. He quickly tugged on his clothes while he tried to clear his head.

Lupin met Wimples at the doorway to the bedroom, but the were-rabbit merely sat there with his ears cocked as if to listen to every word.

"...from all accounts only ten have escaped, but that includes your aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange." Kingsley's deep voice resonated in the quiet room. He turned from Tonks to Lupin when the Auror spotted the tall man out of the corner of his eye. "Remus, I didn't realize I'd find you here."

Lupin just shrugged as he walked toward them, although he noticed that Tonks was blushing. She stammered, "I--he, we--"

"I take it that the impossible has happened again? An escape from Azkaban?" inserted Lupin. He should have thought before making his presence known, but there were more important matters at hand than their compromising situation.

"Ten of them, all Death Eaters. We're calling all Aurors in," explained Kingsley. He kept his questions to himself and bit back a smile at this romance.

"I better go to Headquarters," said Lupin as he walked to the sofa where he had left his jacket.

"Remus, one of them was Dolohov," said Kingsley.

Lupin tensed at the name and looked up sharply. "I'll be careful."

"What's going on? Why would Dolohov be after you?" queried Tonks.

Kingsley was the one who gave her the details. "Dolohov was the only Death Eater convicted for the deaths of Fabian and Gideon Prewett, specifically because Lupin wounded the man and served as an eyewitness at his trial."

"Dolohov has a wicked lashing spell, but not much wit," said Lupin with a shrug.

"You know, it's not very comforting to think you're the target of a witless killer, Remus," observed Tonks.

At this point Wimples made his entrance and looked up at Kingsley with wide, innocent eyes. Kingsley dropped to one knee to pet the bunny. "Who's this little fella?"

"Say hello to Wimples," said Tonks. Kingsley accepted the information with a nod and discreetly turned his attention toward the furball so that the couple could talk.

Tonks walked to the sofa while Lupin tugged on his shoes. "How many of these Death Eaters are likely to have your name on the top of their To Do list?"

"Probably all of them," admitted Lupin, "but you're the one going into the line of fire; don't worry about me."

Tonks squeezed his arm and whispered, "I know how to do my job." She walked to her room calling, "I'll be ready in one minute, King."

The door closed and the two men stood in silence for a moment as Wimples hopped back into his top hat. Lupin raked a hand through his hair and said, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention finding me here to anyone."

"It saved me the trouble of reporting to Order Headquarters," assured Kingsley. "But watch your back and make sure Sirius doesn't do something reckless."

"I'll make sure he doesn't go hunting," assured Lupin. "Send word when you can."

Kingsley nodded as Tonks rejoined them. They left the flat together and before disapparating, Tonks whispered, "I'll see you later."

It was several days before Lupin next saw her.

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

January 16
Grimmauld Place

Order Headquarters had gained a pervasive level of gloom since the breakout at Azkaban. Even the ridiculous assertion in the Daily Prophet that Sirius Black was somehow the agent on the outside who had engineered the escape had little effect on the somber mood of the current residents of number twelve.

It was two in the morning and although both men had gone to bed, neither one was sleeping. When Mrs. Black's portrait began ranting as the front door opened, it took little effort to get her under control and to greet their visitor, albeit in their dressing gowns.

"Nymphadora?" Lupin helped her rise from where she had tripped on the troll foot umbrella stand. He noticed she also had a duffel slung over her shoulder and a small crate with her.

"Wotcher, Remus, Sirius," replied Tonks as she caught sight of her cousin walking toward them.

"Any news?" asked Sirius.

Tonks shook her head and explained, "We've got an odd trail. The best we can determine is that they split up, but Scrimgeour thinks the Dementors helped them escape."

"So does Dumbledore," acknowledged Lupin, "but all of the Dementors are still at Azkaban, aren't they?"

"Yes, the Dementors are still there, but Aurors are being sent to there to reinforce security," confirmed Tonks.

"No!" said Sirius emphatically. He grabbed Tonks shoulders in a firm grip and insisted, "You can't go there, Tonks. You'll be a prime target, they'll drain someone like you. Don't go!"

"Sirius! Calm down, she's not being sent as an inmate," said Lupin firmly as he in turn put his hands on Sirius' shoulders. He could see that the man was holding his little cousin just a bit too firmly. "It's her job, remember?"

"It's a duty I'm trained for, Sirius," said Tonks gently.

Sirius realized he was overreacting and loosened his grip. He took a deep breath and said, "Right, I know, I know."

He moved off and shook his head, but Tonks didn't hesitate to make her request. "Sirius, I have a favor to ask of you and Remus. We're being deployed to Azkaban for periods of at least six weeks. I need to leave Wimples with you, if that's all right."

The two men finally took note of the crate and Lupin could hear the familiar snarl from the were-rabbit. Snerf, snerf.

"Of course," said Sirius immediately. "How much trouble can a little bunny be?"

"We refer to him as Tonks' furry little problem," said Lupin. "He's the were-rabbit, remember?"

"Does that mean he'll chase Kreacher? I like him already," said Sirius as he bent to peer at the vorpal bunny. "I'll take him downstairs; he'll be safest in the kitchen."

Lupin turned his attention to Tonks as Sirius walked away. "You're leaving now?"

"I have to be at the Ministry by six this morning," said Tonks, but then she seemed to hesitate as if she didn't know what to say next. Lupin and Tonks stood there awkwardly for a moment.

"Remus, a word?" called Sirius from the stairs that led to the kitchen.

Lupin was a bit annoyed by the summons, but he walked to his host. The conversation proceeded in hushed tones.

Sirius spoke in earnest. "Moony, you take Tonks up to your room and don't come out until she has the best damn happy memory you can give her."

"Sirius, look, our relationship isn't like that," said Lupin quietly.

"What!" Sirius disbelief carried his voice to Tonks to glanced at them with a frown, so Sirius lowered his voice again. "You haven't? Don't you remember your basic contraceptive spells?"

"Of course I do, but that's not the point," whispered Lupin defensively. "I can't just--"

"Hell, yeah you can!"

"I'm not going to bed Tonks just because she's going away. I won't treat her like some, some--"

"Someone you love?" insisted Sirius. "A fresh memory, Remus, something good to call a Patronus, a memory that will make her feel secure and happy."

Lupin grew still. Tonks would be surrounded by Dementors and the ability to summon the Patronus could save her sanity. A fresh memory, a good memory. Lupin shook his head. "It's not a simple--"

"Don't make it complicated, Moony. Now is the time, for her own good," pleaded Sirius. From his crate, Wimples seemed to snarl at Lupin to reinforce this. "It's not the act, it's the intimacy, understand?"

Lupin sighed, but only said, "I understand that you think this would protect her."

Sirius nodded, then turned to walk down the stairs to the kitchen as he commiserated with Wimples. "No wonder you snarl at him, the clueless git..."

Tonks had not heard the details of their discussion, but she could see that there was some point of contention between the two men. She began, "I'm sorry about dumping Wimples off on you, but I didn't want Gisella, my landlady to--"

"Wimples will be no problem," assured Lupin as he approached Tonks and took her hand in his. He could at least take Tonks up to his room, so he led her up the stairs in silence.

Once in his room, Tonks moved self-consciously and let her duffel fall to the floor. She wanted him to hold her for a little while. She wanted him to kiss her, to touch her, and this time, she didn't want him to stop. If she had that one memory! But it wasn't something she could demand and she was no good at seduction.

Tonks didn't realize that the expression of her eyes called to him in a way no other woman could. The warmth, the sincere desire that burned there was the strongest temptation she could offer.

Lupin moved awkwardly as he tried to make up his mind. One thing he did know was that there was no way he could prevent himself from touching Tonks, so he removed her cloak in silence and just held her for a moment. The tension left their bodies as they melted into the embrace and soon they shared the inevitable kiss.

He finally drew back and considered what he should do. They slept together regularly, touched each other intimately, shared what pleasure they could in each other's body, but had not taken the step to consummate their relationship. It would be unfair, wouldn't it? He would have to walk away and it would be so painful--or would it be worse to wonder?

"I--you--Tonks, if we do this, it's not because it's the promise of a future," Lupin finally said as he leaned his forehead against hers.

Tonks whispered, "Can't we just forget who we are and just give in to what we are? Just a man with a woman?"

"That's all it can be," said Lupin as he cupped her face. He didn't want to lie to her.

"That's all I need right now," she replied before she kissed him. She felt his surrender as he pressed her into the bed.

For the next few hours, they were completely free of any task except to see to each other's pleasure. It was a precious memory that they gave each other, a simple act they had not shared with any other. He was not a man who could make love without loving. He wouldn't say the words, but his body betrayed the depth of his feelings simply from the way he touched her.

Three hours later, Tonks left her slumbering partner and made her way to the door. As she got to the bottom of the stairs, she heard her cousin.

"So, d'you think you can summon a wicked Patronus?" Sirius asked quietly.

Tonks turned around with a gentle smile and nodded. As she walked out the door, Sirius prayed that her memories would save her from the despair of Azkaban.

Tonks walked away from Grimmauld place confident of one thing: Remus loved her. Whether he would ever admit this with words, whether they would have a future together, was still unknown, but he did love her. That's what she had needed.

Two months would pass before she would grace their presence once again.

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

February 14
Azkaban

The Auror made her rounds in silence, although the cold air seemed to add a hollow whistle as it blew. Everything was cold here and one could tell when a Dementor was in proximity. She looked to her left and saw the figure gliding in her direction.

"Wotcher, Grimly," Tonks called stubbornly.

Her wand was always in hand ready to call her Patronus and her recent memories of her time with Lupin accelerated the summoning. She wanted the Dementors to know she was aware that they followed her as closely as they guarded the prisoners.

The Dementor changed direction and disappeared around a corner. The wind died down and she could hear the whisperings of the prisoners.

These whispers were more disturbing than any ranting because they revealed the internal hell that had replaced their daily life. No one would listen, so why bother raising your voice? No one could follow your thoughts, so why share them? No one was there for you, so why not create your own world? But the world the prisoners created was bleak and hopeless if one paid any attention to the whispers.

Particularly disturbing was when Tonks realized she had begun to whisper to herself. "No! I will speak, I will sing, I will rant, but I will be heard."

Two Dementors loomed ahead of her at the end of the corridor. She called in a friendly voice. "Ah, the Gruesome Twosome! Out for a romantic stroll? Lovely."

Just what the world needs, Dementors mating. Tonks shook her head and continued her surveillance. At least she was getting a lot of exercise and her constant vigilance meant she wasn't as clumsy as she used to be. But for all of her outward spunk, she could feel the toll that Azakaban was taking on her usual optimism.

Tonks frowned as she remembered her initial mistake in coming to the fortress. In those first days, she had defiantly worn her pink hair--or light blue or kelly green--any color that was bright would do. But that had called undo attention from the Dementors and one night, she had been ambushed by two of them.

She had the presence of mind to call her Patronus then, but when she reported the incident as proof that the Ministry was losing control of the Dementors, she had been the one reprimanded. Two more weeks had been tacked to her time at Azkaban. She had also been ordered to keep her hair color subdued, so she kept it to her normal brown.

Tonks took a deep breath and thought about the calendar tacked above her bed in the dormitory. It wasn't imbued with magical properties that added flair to the dates, but she needed no reminder for February 14. If not for the escape of the Ten, she would have had someone of her own to give a Valentine to, but instead she had no way to contact him for only official communications were allowed even among the Aurors. She felt the dark mood descending and blinked away tears.

"Playing with Dementors; that is where we sent her," sang Tonks. "Losing her bravado, incommunicado."

The last note echoed in the corridors.

"Singing like a loon, mostly out of tune. Wish I had my valentine, just to kiss him one more time..."

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

February 14
Kensal Green Cemetery

Remus Lupin walked at a steady pace through the tombstones of the Victorian cemetery of Kensal Green. He was surrounded by notable artists, writers and even royalty in these hallowed grounds, but at the moment, his concern was with the living.

He had not intended to become a target, Lupin told himself, but he had never credited Antonin Dolohov with intellectual aptitude. The escaped Death Eaters had been very careful, but Dolohov had been tempted by an opportunity to settle an old score when he had seen Lupin running an errand at Knockturn Alley.

The Professor had known immediately that someone was following him, but not whom it was until he had led his pursuer to the cemetery. He had just walked to the tomb of Leigh Hunt which had a large, rectangular tombstone embossed with a vase.

"Lupin!" Dolohov appeared with a swagger, confident that he would get his revenge. It had been a fluke that Lupin had bested him at their last encounter. "I've waited a long time for this! I'm gonna make sure everyone you know marks this as a special day!"

"Antonin, it's Valentine's Day. People already mark it on their calendars," said Lupin calmly.

Dolohov frowned. "Well, uh, they'll mark it as your death day, too!"

Lupin repelled the purple light that flared from Dolohov's wand as he took cover behind the monument. The spell zigzagged around him, but Dolohov followed quickly with another volley as he chased Lupin through the cemetery.

Lupin felt a sense of irony as the stone angels bore witness to the chase. In fact, he felt a bit guilty when he saw Dolohov's spell cut the hands off of the angels that adorned Mary Gibson's tomb. Still, he had to concentrate on repelling the spell that would rip him from the inside.

Luckily Dolohov was weak and Azkaban had done little to improve his strategy. The Professor smiled as he led the man to his trap. He made his stand by a tomb upon which a headless angel perched. He prayed it was not an omen.

Lyonesse blood had some advantages, but for this he could draw on his legacy without paying a price later. Lupin focused on calling his spell without wand or spoken word, but just with a thought: manus terra.

"Lup-aaah!" Dolohov suddenly felt the ground reach up to grab him as if the grass had become two large fists. One captured the right hand that was wielding his wand while the other wound tightly around his knees.

"Lu-pin," corrected the Professor as he approached the wizard cautiously, but voices soon alerted him to more adversaries.

"There they are!" called a woman's voice.

Lupin could see three Death Eater's coming his way. He knew he wouldn't be able to take his prisoner with him and that reinforcements wouldn't arrive in time. It was time to abort.

"Lupin! You stay here and fight me, you coward!"

But Dolohov's taunts were made to empty space as Lupin safely disapparated. He found himself at Tonks' empty flat and sank into her sofa. He shouldn't have taken the chance with Dolohov, but his missions had been so frustrating of late, it had felt good to act.

Even with the escape from Azkaban, it was difficult to convince people that it was time to take action against Voldemort's return. He wiped his face with a hand and leaned his head back for a moment. He was tired and he wished--he wished that the flat were not empty.

"Nymphadora Tonks, I miss you," murmured Lupin. She would have been able to brighten his moments; she would have understood his motives in drawing Dolohov to the cemetery.

But he should get accustomed to the emptiness again. Surely when she returned from Azkaban, Tonks would see that she needed more than he could offer. Azkaban was just a foretelling of the bleak life she would have with him.

Lupin opened his eyes and spied the magic calendar on the wall. Valentine's Day. The rosy hearts floating around the date reminded him of the pink-haired Auror.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Nymphadora," sighed Lupin. He closed his eyes and let his memories of their last time together fill the dark moment. And in the darkness he could admit, "I love you."

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

March 19
Grimmauld Place

Nymphadora Tonks let herself in the door to number twelve. All was silent in the house because she opened the door quietly and had entered with caution. The two months at Azkaban had dampened her clumsiness. Now it was a wet and dreary afternoon in London, but nothing deterred her from her goal as she walked with deliberate movements.

Tonks was familiar with Lupin's habits, so she walked softly to the drawing room and just stood leaning against the doorway for a moment as she spied him asleep in his favorite chair. A book had been left open on the arm of the chair to mark his spot.

His pale skin attested to the fact that last night had been a full moon, so she wasn't surprised to catch him napping. His hair was longer; he'd obviously been neglecting keeping it trimmed. Her gaze traced the scars on his face and that made her think about the scars on the rest of his body as she walked to him in silence.

Tonks knelt by the chair and took his hand in her own. He had such beautiful hands and she could hardly believe she was touching him now. She splayed her fingers and let them run along the edges of his fingers. She let her fingertips follow the contour of his wrist and that's when she felt him move.

Lupin's hand closed, effectively capturing hers. His eyes fluttered open and gazed into hers. Slowly, his hand reached out as his body leaned forward. "Nymphadora?"

His voice was disbelieving and she closed her eyes as his fingers touched her brown hair. His lips touched her cheek and he inhaled her scent for a moment before tilting her chin up to kiss her. His arms drew her up onto his lap. When the kiss ended, she buried her face in his neck and laughed in delight.

"You can't imagine how good you feel, Remus." Tonks was rewarded by a very satisfying squeeze.

"You really are back? I'm not dreaming?" asked Lupin as he scanned her face. Then he idly lifted a lock of her hair and asked, "Your hair, why is it brown?"

"It's my natural color," admitted Tonks as she reached out to touch a strand of his hair. "A bit more chocolate than yours, though. Scrimgeour insisted I not provoke attention with my hair color."

She scrunched her face and soon the typical pink hair appeared. Lupin's broad smile made her giggle and so it was that Sirius and Wimples came upon them. The vorpal bunny lost no time leaping around the room in his delight.

"You! Why didn't you tell us you were coming home?" asked Sirius as he entered. He immediately reached out and rubbed the top of her head briskly.

"Ouch! Because I didn't want to be ambushed," replied Tonks, but she leapt out of Lupin's lap and gave her cousin a big hug.

Sirius finally let her go only to have Wimples jump into her arms. She rubbed his soft fur for a moment, then placed him on the floor. "Wimples wasn't a lot of trouble I hope?"

"The little faker was a model guest," began Lupin as he stood up. "He barely even snarled at me."

"Although he did give Kreacher a merry chase, very entertaining," added Sirius.

"Wimples has discriminating tastes," agreed Lupin. "He did wear us out last night when we transformed, though."

"Wimples slipped into the tower room when Snuffles brought Moony to play with Buckbeak." Sirius then used hand gestures to illustrate his next point. "The furball was ricocheting around the room faster than we could nab his ears."

Wimples cocked his ears rather jauntily at the description, but Lupin added, "Well, he has no tail to speak of, so the ears are the only target."

Wimples seemed to deflate a bit and turned his head to look at his little puffy tail. Tonks reached down to pet the bunny and said, "I'll have to bring him to play tag with you boys more often."

"Oh, Remus had a much more dangerous game of tag while you were go--" Sirius stopped when Lupin placed his hand over his mouth. He threw a disgruntled look at the man.

"Who were you playing tag with exactly?" asked Tonks.

Lupin immediately said, "No one interesting."

"Dolohov," explained Sirius in a rush as he shifted out of Lupin's grasp. "And assorted Death Eaters."

"What?" asked Tonks as she confronted Lupin. She was standing on her toes and had her hands on her hips.

"It was just a little game of cat and mouse at Kensal Green," said Lupin calmly.

"Yes, but who almost ended up being the mouse?" asked Sirius. He turned to Tonks and said, "Remus almost had Dolohov until the Lestranges showed up. Wish I had been there."

Tonks rubbed at her temples with one hand while she pointed at Lupin with her other. "This is exactly the sort of thing I expected to happen if I'm not around to watch your back."

"I can take care of myself, Nymphadora," assured Lupin as he put his hands on her shoulder. "I didn't set out to bait Dolohov; I just took advantage of his stupidity."

Tonks looked into his eyes and registered his sincerity. She nodded, then suddenly yawned widely. "Merlin! I didn't realize how tired I was."

"Come on, I've got your mail in my room and then you can take a nap. We're having an Order meeting in a few hours," said Lupin as he lead her out of the room. Tonks threw a little wave to Sirius and Wimples before leaning into Lupin as they walked.

Once in his room, Tonks let her robe fall off her shoulders and kicked her shoes off as she just fell backward on the bed. "It feels so good to be normal."

"Even in this gloomy house?" asked Lupin. He smiled at the witch who was wiggling her toes and let her mail fall by her side.

"Any place without Dementors is the happiest place on earth," asserted Tonks as she rolled over to scan her mail.

Lupin sat down beside her and leaned over her shoulder. He murmured, "How about one with looming lycanthropes?"

His voice sent a shudder through her. How she had missed him! She smiled as she opened a pink envelope. "Loom away, by by all means. Oh, look! I think our second date is back on."

Lupin frowned lightly. "I read about Steinhauer's injury in the last Quidditch match. I didn't realize it would have postponed his wedding."

"Gretchen says that Otto's mum wouldn't let him get married with a black eye, so they moved the wedding to--" Tonks suddenly sat up and barely missed knocking into Lupin's chin. "Remus! It's on the twenty-first!"

"But, Spring equinox,"Lupin murmured. "I planned to spend the next few days at Wolf Rock."

"Can't that wait? You promised to go to the wedding as our second date and I've got a week off before I have to report for duty here," said Tonks before turning to scan the letter again. "We'll need to leave by noon tomorrow because Gretchen wants me there for the rehearsal dinner. I knew it! I'm supposed to make sure Otto behaves."

Lupin frowned as he sought the words to explain why he should go to Wolf Rock when a blinding headache suddenly fell on him, "Tonks, there's something I need to tell you. I--"

He got no further before Tonks kissed him.

"Say yes," she commanded when she let him pull away.

Lupin looked at the woman and let his arms fall off of her shoulders. He looked a bit confused for a moment, but in a rather timid voice echoed, "Yes?"

"Yes, so we'll go to Heidelberg?" asked Tonks. "You'll go to the wedding with me?"

"Uh, yes, of course," he muttered as he gave her a rather shy smile.

"Great," said Tonks through another wide yawn. "Mm, you know, I think it's all catching up to me."

She leaned against Lupin who kept retreating until his back was against the headboard of his bed.

"You're going to nap?" asked Lupin rather tentatively.

Tonks smiled, although her eyes were closed. "Aren't you going to join me? I know I interrupted your nap earlier and you said the meeting wasn't until tonight."

"I, uh, certainly," said Lupin.

The man sat quietly as the woman's soft breathing continued. He told himself to relax in the strange situation as his eyes scanned the room. It was not the room from the lighthouse that he remembered, but he did recognize some of his favorite books on a shelf. The Scholar smiled in relief.

He was reluctant to move the woman sleeping against him; the gentle smile on her face was so like his sweet wife's. He merely summoned a book and began reading. He wondered what exactly the woman would expect of him and blushed at the thought. He made up his mind to be evasive with the woman and put his mind to his reading. The Scholar had very little time and there were so many books! He sighed in contentment.

But in the depths of the Scholar's mind, a rather lanky man walked with measured step as he found himself in a labyrinth of tall hedges. Lyonesse lives was a blessing that required a price and this year, the payment had begun early.

- - - - - - - - - - -

"Remus?" Tonks sat up in the bed and stretched. Lupin wasn't in the room, so she decided it must be time for the Order meeting. How considerate of him to let her sleep! She hopped down the stairs and straight to the kitchen, but Lupin wasn't there, although Molly and Arthur welcomed her warmly.

In fact, Order members continued to appear and greet Tonks, but Lupin didn't join the company until the meeting was about to begin. Tonks frowned when she noticed he had his nose in a book as he took his seat close to the exit. She murmured to Sirius who sat next to her. "I never knew Remus wore eyeglasses."

Sirius turned his attention to the entry, but instead of responding, Tonks could hear the low hiss of his voice. Emmeline Vance entered wearing a heavy cloak. She glanced quickly at Sirius before deliberately turning her back on him.

Tonks squeezed Sirius' arm and quietly asked, "All right there?"

"Never let them see you hurting, Tonks. Remember that," murmured Sirius. She could see him straighten his shoulders and adopt that arrogant tilt to his chin that was a Black trait.

Tonks could sympathize with Sirius for try as she might, she couldn't catch Lupin's eye before the meeting began. During the meeting, Lupin's attention was either on Dumbledore or surreptitiously on his book. When they adjourned, Tonks was beginning to feel quite disheartened.

She had made up her mind to confront Lupin, but she was waylaid by Bill Weasley just as she saw the Professor disappearing up the stairs with that blasted book.

"Tonks, are you going to Otto and Gretchen's wedding?" asked Bill. "Fleur was worried that she wouldn't know anyone there."

"Er, yeah, in fact, I'm taking Remus with me," admitted Tonks quietly.

Bill quirked an eyebrow at this, but decided to save the teasing for later. "Perfect, she'll really feel comfortable with both you and Remus to talk to. I have to be Otto's best man, so we won't be sitting together during the ceremony. We'll meet you at the hotel then."

"Sure, Bill. I'm glad you and Fleur can date openly now," said Tonks.

Bill leaned in to Tonks and said, "And are you and Remus testing the waters?"

"More like carefully wading," murmured Tonks. "But I'm sure Remus will also be happy for the company at the wedding. I'm supposed to play watchdog for Gretchen. Look, I better find Remus before I leave. See you."

Tonks quickly went upstairs, but found the bedroom empty except for her cloak. She donned it and as she was going downstairs, met Sirius who was carrying a very contented Wimples.

"You haven't seen Remus, have you?" she asked.

"No, I thought he was upstairs with you," replied Sirius.

Tonks just shook her head but then Wimples began to wriggle out of Sirius' arms.

"Wimples!" cried Tonks.

She ran after the vorpal bunny with Sirius behind her. The were-rabbit didn't stop until he came to a door to a closet in the hallway and began scratching at it.

Tonks looked at Sirius. "What the hell?"

Sirius just quirked an eyebrow and pulled open the door. "Remus, come out of the closet."

To Tonks' surprise, Remus Lupin's body tumbled onto the floor in front of them. The closet had been small, so he had been leaning against the door to fit in the cramped space. His wand still held its lumos spell and a book was clenched tightly in his hand.

The man looked up, clearly flustered, being careful to close his book and set his eyeglasses back on his nose properly. The Scholar spoke with a soft, apologetic voice. "I didn't want to disturb anyone with my reading."

"Reverting to old habits, Moony?" asked Sirius as he offered the man a hand and hoisted him up. He turned to Tonks and explained. "He used to hide in closets at Hogwarts every spring. One time he went missing for two days."

The tall man rose and dusted himself off, but refused to meet Tonks' gaze. "That's right, just an old habit."

"Peeves was the only one who could find him for us sometimes," said Sirius with a shrug. "Well, it's been quite a night and I need a good, stiff drink. Good night."

Sirius left them in awkward silence. The Scholar stood there wishing he could just get back to reading, but the woman seemed to expect something from him. He scratched his head, then leaned forward abruptly and pecked her quickly on the cheek. "Good night."

Tonks felt awkward as he said good night to the wall just beyond her shoulder rather than to her. He walked away before waiting for her response.

Tonks shook her head, but rather than chase him, she collected Wimples and walked away to deal with her confusion. Had she just been given the brush off? Or was she still paranoid after Azkaban?

- - - - - - - - - - -

Once she entered her flat, she let Wimples out of his carrier and said, "Remus was probably still tired from the full moon last night."

Wimples twitched his whiskers.

"He would have felt bad if I asked him to stay with me and had to say no."

Wimples shook his body as if she were still missing the point, but she just pet his head and said, "And what would you know about men? You're a were-rabbit."

As she got dressed for bed, she wondered about Lupin's odd behavior. He had welcomed her warmly enough, but then he seemed to be avoiding her. Did he regret their new level of intimacy? Or had he simply lost interest now that they had--Her face began burning as she remembered. Did he think she was a tramp now? No, she couldn't believe it.

But Lupin had been reluctant to pursue this relationship all along. Wouldn't this be the perfect time to make their separation permanent?

But his kisses had been so tender, she thought as she got into her bed. As if sensing her disquiet, Wimples abandoned his top hat and hopped next to her to sleep.

"You weren't the bed partner I had in mind," muttered Tonks, but she pet the soft fur of the vorpal bunny. "Looks like your not my only furry little problem, eh?"

Tonks sighed and closed her eyes. "Remus Lupin, show your true colors."

- - - - - - - - - -

In Pscyhe - Remus was walking through the maze of hedges whose green corridors seemed to be constantly shifting. He was determined to regain control of his body and in this, his years of lycanthropy actually gave him an advantage. The night at the Shrieking Shack he had lost control as much from having relied on the Wolfsbane during his months at Hogwarts and had let his mental discipline slide. But after that fateful night, Remus worked to maintain his grasp on himself and reality through his own mental effort and not just rely on the potion. -

- Remus lifted a hand and the corridor in front of him quit shifting. Good. He continued in this manner until the labyrinth became stable. It was now a matter of finding the center that held Wolf Rock and paying his respects to the Scholar. The soul was so familiar to him that Remus smiled as he finally approached the vestige of the spirit sitting in the shade of the lighthouse as he read a book. -

- "You surprised me this year," began Remus, but the Scholar ignored him and continued reading. Remus sat down beside the man and let his mind touch the other. He sighed as he collected the events of the past day and patiently said, "I need my body back now." -

- The Scholar finally looked up at him with annoyance, although his voice was quiet. "So soon? But I haven't even finished the book." -

- Remus reached out and gently removed the book the Scholar was holding. "I think I, I mean you, er, we hurt Tonks' feelings." -

- "Tonks? Your woman." The Scholar sighed and looked directly at Remus for a long moment as he read his thoughts. But when he spoke, his tone sounded petulant. "You don't think you can have a life with her anyway. Logically, you should let me stay and keep pushing Tonks away." -

- Remus considered this for a moment. "Be that as it may, I also promised her I'd give her a chance to show me what being together would be like." -

- The Scholar huffed in irritation and seemed about to argue, but he blinked for a moment and said quietly, "Tonks smiles like my wife did." He looked up at Remus and added, "I miss her." -

- "Then go back to her," urged Remus. "I thank you for the help you gave me, but there is nothing for you here now, unless these books are more precious to you than your wife?" -

-The Scholar seemed to hesitate, but then he stood and let the book fall. "No, there is nothing more precious than one you love." -

The headache was excruciating, but Remus Lupin soon found himself lying on the floor of his bedroom with a book lying open by his side. He sighed in relief. The Scholar's presence had been so strong this time. Surely he'd paid the price for calling on Lyonesse? No matter, he could deal with the Scholar easier than the other. He dragged himself up to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

March 20
Grimmauld Place

Remus Lupin woke up tired and sighed when he found himself alone in the bed. His head began throbbing when he lifted it, so he carefully lay back against his pillow. The price he paid each year for drawing on his legacy was to host the spirit of his ancestors on the day of the Spring equinox. The possession by ancestral spirits was not something the family revealed to others. In fact, no one except Dumbledore knew about the debt he paid every year if he used the healing of the Lyonesse bloodline.

This visitation had come early. He had vague memories of the Order meeting, but he cringed when he remembered the Scholar's actions after the meeting. The Scholar was a familiar manifestation and not so at odds with his normal behavior that he couldn't usually explain him away. But the persona was stubborn, logical, and always intent on catching up with his reading. And horribly shy! Remus wasn't quite sure how his ancestor had managed to sire a son. Obviously the Scholar's wife had been a very special woman.

"Oh, no." Remus murmured the words when he remembered the Scholar had committed him to travel to Heidelberg with Tonks to attend Steinhauer's wedding.

The Scholar himself wouldn't be such a difficult price to pay. In fact, he was the spirit Remus usually channeled with the equinox. There had been another manifestation, though, who had begun to appear after Remus had graduated from Hogwarts and his father had died. The Scamp was like a Marauder unleashed, full of mischief and always ready for a new adventure. Remus remembered that the first time the Scamp had appeared, he had barely regained control in time to prevent the Scamp from going home with some strange woman he had chatted up at a bar.

Remus took a deep breath and sat up. He hated to disappoint Tonks, but he would be safer locked in the cell at Wolf Rock for the next few days. He should have anticipated that the manifestations would begin early this year given how frequently he had called on the healing powers of Lyonesse.

He rose with determination and was just getting out of the shower when he heard her voice.

"Remus, you've got fifteen minutes to pack before we need to leave," called Tonks as she came up the stairs. The Auror had decided she was going to act as if there was nothing wrong between her and the Professor. She was just a bit touchy from her time at Azkaban.

Remus dressed quickly and was just buttoning his shirt when Tonks opened the door and smiled brightly at him. "Wotcher, Remus! Are you just getting up?"

"Tonks, I--" That's as much explanation as the man gave before clutching his head as the pain washed through him. He bent over and took several deep breaths, but when he looked up at Tonks, he smiled charmingly at her.

"Remus? That's not funny," said Tonks as she laughed and slapped at his shoulder. "Don't pull the headache routine to get out of this date."

"I wouldn't think of it, luv," said the Scamp glibly. What luck! No need to search for a woman when there was a willing one on your doorstep. He took her in his arms as the passion clearly flared in his eyes and dipped her backwards for a kiss.

Thunk.

When the woman lost her balance, the momentum carried the Scamp forward and right into her knee. His pale face attested to the attack on his manhood.

"Oh, Remus, I'm so sorry!" Tonks was kneeling beside him, fretting over what to do when their host intruded on them. Sirius had been intending to say a quick farewell before he caught them with their bodies tangled together on the floor.

"Honestly, you two, it's rude to cavort so loudly," began Sirius, but then got a close look at Lupin's pained expression. "Moony, it's supposed to feel good, not like you're on death's door."

"I--I--knee--I--" Tonks could only stutter.

Sirius rubbed his eyes as understanding dawned. He waved his wand to relieve his friend's pain and walked off in disgust as he mumbled, "Amateurs! Work on this during your trip or I'll forever be ashamed to associate with you."

Tonks was still kneeling by Lupin who was now sitting up and taking a deep breath. She touched his cheek and asked, "Are you sure you'll still go with me?"

The Scamp could smell her light perfume and feel the warmth of her body. In response, he followed through with the kiss, this time making sure to keep his movements simple. But soon Tonks felt herself being pressed onto the floor.

"Wait, er, we need," began Tonks.

"Yes, need," agreed the Scamp as he began trailing kisses along her throat. But when one hand began slipping under her shirt, Tonks broke the kiss.

"We don't have much time before we need to catch the boat. Come on, I'll help you pack," said Tonks as she rose.

"Why don't you pick out what you want me to wear--or not," said the Scamp suggestively.

Tonks turned to look at him in surprise. He was definitely flirting with her, but not in a normal Remus sort of way. "Let's see, how about your dark suit?"

Tonks wound up doing most of the packing while she continually dodged kisses and caresses. "Remus, it's not like you to be so, er, frisky."

"I'm full of surprises, luv," admitted the Scamp, then quickly turned to hide a frown.

The woman really was clumsy. The Scamp had bumped his nose on her head and been elbowed as he tried to nibble on her ear. He had just missed having his eye poked when she waved her wand to execute a packing spell. The clothes had sort of crawled into the duffel she was packing at that.

"Well, it looks like we're all set. Let's go!"

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

March 20
Heidelberg

Tonks and Lupin arrived at their hotel in Heidelberg and barely had time to drop off their bags before being summoned for the city tour arranged by the wedding party. Gretchen was pleased and Otto looked pale as soon as he set eyes on Tonks. They were introduced to a company of five young women, including the statuesque Maid of Honor named Heidi, and seven men who were part of the wedding party. Bill and Fleur arrived shortly thereafter, so the rest of the afternoon was spent seeing the highlights of Heidelberg.

The Scamp controlling Lupin's body found the day rather bright, so he covered his eyes with dark sunglasses. He was immediately attracted to the young blonde companion of Tonks, the Fleur Delacour girl, but she quickly invoked a repellent charm around her to keep the men at bay. Try as he might, he couldn't shake off the feeling that approaching Fleur would be like stepping into a venomous tentacula.

This is soooo boring, thought the Scamp as he scanned the company, so of course he had to liven things up. He began by covertly casting a charm that made the bodice of the young fraulines' dresses just a bit tighter. He was rather pleased by his handiwork and the men in the party seemed to appreciate his efforts.

But then that Tonks woman ruined it by reversing the spell. In retaliation, the Scamp had to escalate his magic. He cast an itching spell that set all of the lovely Bridesmaids wriggling and reaching, especially Heidi. Actually, she seemed to be enjoying an excuse to wiggle. The Scamp was rather pleased with the outcome--until Tonks again realized what was happening and countered his spell.

Luckily for him, the hapless groom, Otto Steinhauer, seemed to be the main suspect. The Scamp smiled at this outcome and continued his wizardry. An opportune breeze that would make skirts flutter up to reveal shapely legs seemed innocent enough, as did the occasional wiggle of the floor to create a stumble.

The spontaneous release of buttons was probably a bit much, but the Scamp made sure that was an individual attack. It took some time before Tonks caught onto that one and in fact, she would glare at Otto who returned a perplexed expression. The Scamp spent quite a bit of time smirking about Tonks' inability to discover the true culprit. Then he made the mistake of striking at Heidi again and clearly aroused Tonks' suspicions. That ended that escapade.

As they sat on a boat during a dinner cruise on the river, the Scamp had to make sure that a couple of the more buxom women, including Heidi, were splashed with setzer water. He frowned when Tonks was there with wand at the ready to dry them off. Furthermore, rather than glare at Otto, she looked directly at him. The Scamp really needed to ditch her if he were to have any fun at all.

But then the Scamp made a surprising discovery that brought Tonks back into his favor. It appeared that Fleur was upset by all the attention Heidi was giving to Bill Weasley. The maid of honor kept insisting on photographs of the wedding party, which included Bill but excluded Fleur. In order to make the other woman laugh at the situation, Tonks would exaggerate Heidi's features and make her face a caricature while her hair reflected her personality with rather wild colors.

Tonks was a Metamorphmagus! The Scamp couldn't believe his luck. Here was a woman who could become any of his fantasies--and he had an infinite number of those. He slid along the bench to initiate his conquest of Tonks again, but found the witch to be stubbornly unresponsive to pleasing her man.

"Can't you just do it a bit blonder and, you know, perkier?" pleaded the Scamp. His hands were raised chest high in clear indication of what he wished were perkier.

Tonks swallowed her disappointment. It was the third time Lupin had made the request during their tour of Heidelberg. She had thought that Remus liked her pink hair and was satisfied with her natural body. While at Azkaban, she had been convinced that Remus did love her, but now she blinked back her tears of disappointment. It was as if she had been dealing with a stranger since her return. Was he acting like this to get rid of her?

Still, she took a deep breath and scrunched her face. "How's this?"

Fleur giggled at the outcome. "Eet eez like a bouquet!"

Indeed, Tonks' hair carried every color of flower, including yellow. The Scamp gave a tight smile and his leg began to bounce in irritation. He needed to get away from the Love Boat and take care of his own needs. It was obvious that Tonks wasn't interested in doing what was necessary to keep him happy.

When the boat docked, the Scamp disappeared into the night while Tonks was preventing Fleur from turning Heidi into a toad for grabbing Bill and planting a kiss on his mouth.

Freedom! It would take little effort to pick a few pockets, find a good pub, and chat up a willing woman. The Scamp was grinning at his resourcefulness. But the Scamp didn't realize how quickly an Auror could cast a tracking spell. He could run, but he couldn't hide.

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

Fleur and Tonks left Bill in front of the room he was supposed to be sharing with Lupin. As they entered their own room at the hotel, Tonks was fretting. The rehearsal was about to start and Bill, as best man, was a necessary presence. Gretchen had also insisted that Tonks be there to make sure Otto behaved himself.

"I'd rather be out looking for Remus than policing the rehearsal for Gretchen," muttered Tonks. She waved her wand and a map of Heidelberg appeared like a hologram in the air. A bright green dot that indicated Lupin's general location was flashing.

"Transfer the persequor spell to my wand. You protect my man and I weel look for yours," offered Fleur.

"Fine, I'll cast a lasso spell to keep Heidi's hands off of Bill for you."

"I weel tie Lupin with rope and leave him on zee ground outside the hotel with zee garbage," said Fleur with confidence. "He deserves no better for making you worry."

Tonks laughed at the image of Fleur delivering Lupin in that manner. "I'd hate to think of him out in the cold completely immobile. Just find Remus for me and send a signal. I think he's finally showing the strain he's been under this past year."

"Lupin is not acting like Lupin, I theenk," offered Fleur, then suddenly gasped. "He eez not suffering imperio?"

Tonks was flabbergasted. Had Lupin been drawn to Kensal Green so that a Death Eater could cast an Imperio spell? "I hadn't considered that, but I know that Remus has developed a strong will because of his lycanthropy. If anyone could fight being controlled by another, it would be Remus."

"Bien, you can bring Lupin to theez room to take care of him," said Fleur. "I weel stay with Bill and guard him tonight."

"Guard Bill? Against what?" asked Tonks with a puzzled frown. Bill Weasley was a curse-breaker; he needed no bodyguard.

"Against any sneaky beaches," explained Fleur.

"Beaches? Oh, oh, right, yes, you do that," agreed Tonks.

Tonks was amused by the vicious way Fleur was slapping her wand against her palm. She wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the Delacour wrath. She also envied the other girl because the Auror was changing into a dress while Fleur slipped into her track suit. Fleur even did the proper stretches athletes performed before running a race.

Just before they parted ways, they slapped the palms of their hands together.

"Bonne chance," they called as they saw to their duty.

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

Fleur Delacour had an easier time than Tonks did that night. The blonde was completely focused on her task and soon tracked Lupin to a series of pubs that were by one of the old stone bridges of Heidelberg. Fleur nodded in satisfaction when she found him at a bar called Vetters. She watched him for about an hour before Tonks apparated by her side.

"Whew! I'm glad that's over. Here, you better apparate straight to the hotel lobby. The liga spell won't last much longer on Heidi," explained Tonks. "But don't turn anyone into a toad."

"Ha! I weel be like Moody and bounce her like a ferret!" The gleam in Fleur's eye was a bit disturbing, but at this point Tonks figured Bill could sort things out with her better than she could.

"You do that," agreed Tonks, "and thanks for the help."

The bar was very crowded and Lupin successfully used various groups of patrons to avoid her. At least she dislodged him before he put any more moves on that redhead sitting beside him. But then Lupin managed to dodge out of Vetters before Tonks could confront him. In fact, Lupin managed to ditch Tonks for about half an hour before she realized he had left a doppelganger.

Tonks was soon on his track and walking into Napper Tandys, an Irish pub in Heidelberg that actually served Guiness. That was the Scamp's downfall for he was more interested in enjoying his pint than in flirting with the women next to him. Again, the bar was crowded and Lupin was strategically using Muggles to prevent Tonks from using her magic, or so he thought.

But then Tonks surprised him by sitting down at a table across the room but in his line of view. She ordered her own pint and lifted the mug in salute before taking a big drink.

The Scamp smiled. So, the girl was giving up? Perfect. He took a long drag of his own mug and sighed in contentment. Actually, the beer was much stronger than he remembered. Was it the Christmas brew, he wondered.

Another pint passed down his gullet when Tonks shoved aside the rather buxom brunette who was sitting beside Lupin, clearly inebriated. The brunette remained giggling on the floor.

"Aye, that washn't nishe. She's my chance for a bit of hic," exclaimed Lupin as he squinted down at the woman who had been at his side. He then looked up at Tonks and added, "You know, you look better affer a few pints."

Tonks blinked at the insult. This behavior was so unlike Remus that she began to consider he was indeed under Imperio. That was the only explanation that gave her hope.

"Remus, I'm tired of this game," said Tonks slowly, "so, I'll make you a deal."

Here Tonks surreptitiously refilled first his mug then hers with a covert flick of her wand. Lupin quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head to look at her. "Keep talking, hic, I'm lishning."

"If I finish my mug first, you come home like a good boy," began Tonks. She ignored his grimace and reeled him in. "But if you finish your mug first, I promise you I'll become your wildest fantasy."

Lupin didn't waste any time agreeing to the contest, he just picked up his pint, winked at Tonks, and began swallowing the brew. Tonks lifted her mug as well and drank down with a mighty thirst. The water felt good going down.

The Scamp didn't fare so well. It only took five seconds before he suddenly put his mug down, still half full, and sort of slumped forward. His cheek was pressed against the tabletop as he looked up at her and accused, "You cheated!"

Then his body shuddered as he was attacked by a fit of hiccups. Hic, hic, hic.

"No, I merely enhanced your experience," corrected Tonks as she showed him her empty mug. She then put one of his arms over he shoulder. She couldn't apparate until they were out of the Muggle bar.

"You're an hic-il woman." The Scamp could barely set one foot in front of the other. "You hic brew more potent."

They were now outside, so Tonks turned to her charge and said sweetly, "Remus, I don't know what's gotten into you, but you're safer out cold for the night than bar hopping in Heidelberg."

The sound of the apparation was the last thing the Scamp heard.

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

In Psyche - Remus Lupin swam against the current as he tried to regain control of his body. All around him was an infinite sea. The Scamp was more fluid in all aspects. Chasing him was like trying to catch a fish that would constantly dart through your fingers. But the Scamp's own habits proved to be his downfall. As the Scamp swam away, Remus was able to focus sufficiently to register what was happening to his body. -

- Guiness! Of course the Scamp would indulge in his favorite past time. Remus was finally able to catch the Scamp as his movements became more sluggish. Through the liquid, Remus was able to register, if vaguely, that Tonks had somehow managed to enhance the potency of the beer. -

- "Got you!" called Remus when he grabbed the other man by the scruff of his neck as he was carried by a wave. -

- The Scamp just laughed for moment before saying, "Lotta good it'll do ya, mate. The body out there's completely soused." -

- "Thanks for the added headache. Just sleep it off," suggested Remus as he towed the body and swam to a solid that had appeared. He looked up and saw the features coalesce into Wolf Rock. His ancestor would be safe enough. -

- "Here. You should be able to find your way back now," said Remus as he carefully set the man down. He shook his head and added, "I can't believe you were my forefather." -

- "And I can't believe you're from my seed," muttered the Scamp as he rolled over to get comfortable. "At least you've finally found a woman, but, like the fool you are, you don't intend to keep her, do ya? Ah, I never kept mine, either. She kicked me out of Wolf Rock a thousand times." -

- "I'm not surprised," said Remus, but before he walked away, he turned and asked, "And who was the mother of your children?" -

- The Scamp chuckled then emitted an all out guffaw. He pointed a finger at Remus. "She was just like your woman!" -

- Remus suddenly laughed and shook his head. Another equinox was over. -

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

March 21
Heidelberg

Nymphadora Tonks sat down beside the long body still slumbering in bed. She carried a glass full of a vile detoxicant, but she felt no remorse as she pinched the man's nose closed and then dumped the contents down his throat.

Gasping and coughing followed, only to be replaced by a loud, low toned moan.

"Oooooooh." Tonks took pity and cast a spell to relieve the headache as well.

Lupin's hands were cupping his head. He mumbled, "Where are we?"

"Still in Heidelberg," said Tonks as she set aside the glass and took a long look at Remus who was closing his eyes. "Who are you?"

Lupin opened his eyes to find her pointing her wand at his throat. He gingerly put his head back on the pillow before answering her question. "I am now myself."

"Now?" Tonks pressed the wand against his throat. Lupin had too much influence in the Order, would be able to get too close to Dumbledore if her fears were realized. She said the word she most dreaded as an explanation. "Imperio?"

Lupin blinked, but soon understood why she would think that. It certainly explained the wand at his throat. "No, not imperio, but Lyonesse."

Tonks moved the wand away and bit her lip. She knew that cases existed where an ancestral spirit kidnapped the body of a living family member. "Muggles call it possession or channeling."

"Yes," said Lupin. He closed his eyes and Tonks thought he had drifted off again when she heard his voice. "The price I pay for the healing power of Lyonesse is to host the spirit of my ancestors for a time. The year's dues are paid at the Spring equinox."

Lupin opened his eyes and looked at Tonks. She had a pensive expression on her face as she digested this news. She asked, "How many spirits can take over?"

"Only one at a time, but--" Lupin hesitated for a moment. "So far it hasn't been any of the, well, the evil ones."

Tonks threaded her hand carefully through his. "Are you all right now or will, will the Scholar or the Scamp be back?"

Lupin smiled and tightened his clasp. "It's funny you should call them that; that's how I've always labeled them." He exhaled slowly and offered his best guess. "This was the earliest this has happened. Typically it's just a day, just the equinox, but that's why the cell was built into Wolf Rock. If necessary, one could always spend the day safely locked away. What's harder is coming back, but I've gotten better at it over the years."

"So this year you had to pay the price for surviving the silver screening and for saving Arthur's life." Tonks nodded to herself. Of course, she could understand why Lupin didn't tap the healing powers if he could avoid it. "You don't like giving up control, do you? So you develop fastidious habits and curb your emotions."

Lupin nodded, then continued his explanation. "The first time the Scholar showed up, I was just as scared as on the full moon. It would take me a week to find my way back when I was a child, but as I got older, I gained more self-control. By the time I got to Hogwarts, it was just a few days after the vernal equinox that I lost. By the time I graduated, I could deal with the Scholar in a day. But then the other began showing up, the Scamp."

Tonks looked averted her gaze and he could see her clearly blushing as she voiced her question. "So, was, er, am I really your first?"

"As much as I was yours," replied Lupin as he reached out to touch her face. "I don't know why the Scamp keeps coming back. I always wind up frustrating his plans."

Tonks laughed and added, "He's a rather distractable fellow."

"Ah, yes, the Guiness," agreed Lupin. "The Scamp does like his brew."

"And I thought the Blacks had an interesting bloodline," said Tonks.

Lupin's voice suddenly sounded harsh. "It's not just the lycanthropy that makes me a freak, so that's why I never told Sirius or the others about Lyonesse."

"Remus! Don't you--you saved others from the torture of silver screening. You saved Arthur's life! You're no more a freak than I am," insisted Tonks, but then her shoulders slumped. "But I guess people have been calling me a freak all my life, too."

"Nymphadora, you're a woman of unique talent and I am truly sorry for anything they said, anything they did, that hurt you."

A soft laugh fell from her lips. "I thought you had decided to push me away again. They were doing a good job of not being you."

"I promised you three dates," said Lupin simply. They were silent for a moment and Lupin could now take note of the dark circles under Tonks' eyes. "You look tired. I'm sorry, you should have been relaxing and resting."

"It's not all about you," said Tonks quickly. "I really don't care to be used like Gretchen's watchdog. Bill will make sure Otto makes it to his wedding."

Tonks suddenly giggled, so Lupin asked, "What is it?"

"Fleur, she," and here Tonks bursts into laughter. After a few moments, she sobered up to explain, "Fleur managed to, uh, accidentally cast a spell on Heidi, the maid of honor? You know the one that kept trying to snog Bill? Or do you remember anything?"

"It's fuzzy, but I seem to recall a statuesque blonde dressed in green."

"That's the one. Well, last night after we got in, Fleur zapped her legs boneless by mistake. She caught Heidi trying to steal into Bill's hotel room and assumed it was a thief."

"It sounds like a very deliberate mistake," observed Remus.

"I thought Fleur showed a lot of restraint. Heidi looked rather silly flopping around on the floor, but it's nothing that Skele-gro won't fix. The point is that Fleur felt obliged to take her place in the wedding party and Gretchen readily agreed to use Fleur as a proxy. I think Gretchen was worried Heidi would go after Otto next."

"Ah, so what exactly are you saying?" asked Lupin.

"I'm saying, Professor, that I'd rather spend the next few days," began Tonks as she traced the buttons of his shirt, "recovering at Wolf Rock."

"But, Wimples--"

"Fleur and Bill will check in on him for me," said Tonks.

"I ruined our date," said Lupin with a sigh. "I wasn't even trying to this time."

"I know, but we did tour Heidelberg and go to a pub. And we still have St. Mungo's ball," reminded Tonks. "So, do we go to Wolf Rock?"

"Yes."

"And do I get a ride on the skiff?" asked Tonks as she kissed his left cheek and nuzzled his ear.

"Oh, yes."

"And a dip in the hot springs?" She kissed his right cheek and nibbled on his ear.

"It's been a while since they were visited by a water nymph," agreed Lupin as he finally cupped her face. He kissed her lips gently and Tonks had no worries that he was quite satisfied with a rather clumsy, pink-haired witch.

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

March 21
Wolf Rock

The creaking of the walls of the lighthouse brought him a sense of security, but the woman's body against his filled his heart with warmth. For a moment, Remus could pretend that she was not just his lover, but in fact, that she was his wife. He smiled as he remembered that the Scholar and the Scamp had both recognized their wives in Nymphadora Tonks.

He breathed in the scent of her hair and caressed her bare shoulder as he tried to burn an imprint of the sensation into his memory. He was foolish to let this happen again, but then his biggest mistake had been to collide with the fairy floss torpedo in the first place.

He stretched a little and heard Tonks' little moan of complaint, so he brought his arms around her again. Bossy thing, even in sleep, but there would soon come a time when these moments would be nothing more than a memory and the stuff of dreams. He felt himself drifting back into slumber.

Tonks breathed deeply and a smile touched her face as she recognized Remus beside her. She dreamt she was standing by him on Platform 9 3/4 as the Hogwarts Express was leaving. They were waving madly and calling goodbye, but it wasn't Harry Potter and his friends who poked their heads out of the window to call a last farewell.

It was a lanky girl of about thirteen and her eleven year old twin brothers calling, "Goodbye, Mum, Dad!"

And in her dream, she and Remus were holding hands as they waved back.

End of Chapter

Minor edits.

Author Notes:
I was hoping to have this up by Valentine's, but needed to tweak it a bit before I was satisfied. We are now up to spring of 5th year of HP and I hope you enjoyed the little Valentine detour in the story. I have no one but myself to blame for the Tonks' little ditty at Azkaban.

Yes, they finally Did It, but not they weren't drunk, swept away by passion, or promising a future to each other. What was more important than the act was that Lupin would have to love a woman before he would let things go this far. But yes, they are now lovers because I thought that part of Tonks' loss in HBP was knowing exactly what Lupin was denying to them.

The manus terra and liga spells were not canon. I thank HP Lexicon for approximate dates and information on Dolohov. Regarding the Patronus. It wasn't the sex, but the fact it expressed love, security, that made the memory a good one for a Patronus.

The bars in Heidelberg are based on real names, but that's about it. Kensal Green is a real cemetery as well and the tombs described were generated from images on the web.

Thank you for reading. One more chapter should do it unless I find the final plot line too complicated. I hope to finish before the end of March. Hope you enjoyed it.