"Remus" Tonks said gently from the doorway. He turned an anxious look plastered on his face and she smiled at him. "It's all going to be ok"
"Right" Remus replied, "I just told Hermione I was her father and she walked away, probably hating me. And now, Nora is coming back. This is just a little too much at once."
Tonks seemed a little uncomfortable for a moment and then asked very quietly, "Do you still love her?"
Remus hesitated as if not sure how to answer and then he shook his head, "No, not at all" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Ok" Tonks replied. Tonks whipped her head around when there was a knock at the door. "Do you want me to go?" she asked.
"No" Remus said. He brushed past Tonks and made his way to the front door. He paused frightened for a moment what the simple act of opening the door could mean. He pushed his fears to the side for the sake of Hermione and opened the door.
"Hello Remus" Nora said softly, fidgeting nervously. He nodded at her unable to find the words. She looked like she hadn't aged a day. Nora looked at the ground and absent-mindedly twisted a piece of her unruly brown hair around her finger.
"Nora, come in" Remus said breaking the silence. He picked up her bags from the porch and she followed him inside.
"Nice place" Nora commented. Tonks came out of the kitchen and Nora raised an eyebrow. "Nymphadora?" she asked sounding a little shocked.
"Wotcher!" Tonks greeted, extending a hand to Nora. "Actually I go by my last name only," Tonks said good-naturedly. "It has been a long time Nora, I am surprised you remember me"
"Are you two…?" Nora trailed off.
"Engaged" Remus finished for her. "We are planning on getting married in about six months"
"Congratulations" Nora told them, "I am really happy for you, both of you"
She touched Remus's hand and he recoiled quickly. "Are you hungry Nora? We already ate this evening but you are welcome to anything. I could make you something, anything" He started to babble. Nora shook her head.
"No, Remus I am not hungry" Nora cut him off. She sat down and tired to catch his eye. "So, you told her?" Nora asked. "You told Hermione about you being her…"
"Father" Remus spat. "Yes, She knows. Hermione didn't take it as well as I hoped"
"Why? "Nora asked.
"Because for the past 4 years I have been in her life, a teacher or a friend" Remus explained, "Now her friend had to tell her he has been keeping big truth from her. It must be hard to rust someone in that situation"
Nora nodded, "I guess it is too late to go to her now?" she asked.
Remus nodded and the two x-lovers sat there in silence.
"Well, Nora" Tonks started, "We have a guest bedroom, you are welcome to it for tonight"
"I couldn't impose" Nora said, rising to her feet.
"Ok, goodnight, see you around" Remus replied as he tried to guide Tonks upstairs. Tonks gave her boyfriend a harsh look then turned back to Nora. "Really, it is no imposition. Please, I insist"
Nora looked between Remus and Tonks for a moment then smiled, "Sure, that would be lovely" she relented. "Will you take me to her tomorrow?" Nora asked him.
"First thing" Remus promised before he headed to bed. Leaving Tonks and Nora to themselves.
"Good morning Hermione" Mrs.Weasley greeted, as Hermione sat down at the table. Hermione smiled politely but didn't respond verbally. She hadn't slept much the night before, unable to forget what Remus had told her. She ate quickly, hoping to get some reading done on werewolves then take a small nap before lunch.
"Morning all" Remus said as he came into the kitchen. Hermione's head snapped up and she regarded her father quietly then nodded curtly.
"Remus" she sniffed before going back to her breakfast.
"Hermione" Remus started, "There is someone here to meet you, they are waiting in the living room."
Hermione had no idea who or what he was talking about. She sighed heavily then followed her former professor to the living room. Hermione gasped when she saw the mystery guest. She was about Hermione's height, with curly brown hair and rather large front teeth. The woman looked at Hermione, tears were forming in her large, brown eyes.
"Nora?" Hermione asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Nora nodded and approached her daughter, "Hermione" she said tearfully, and "I-you-" she trailed off. "I missed you so much". She then threw her arms around Hermione's neck. Hermione stiffened for a moment but soon melted into the hug and began to cry right along with her mother.
