Disclaimer: All the usual stuff.
A/N: Because of reader response, I've decided to make this a multi-chapter story. Please bear with me… I want to make this a good story. Enjoy! Oh, and please review….I want to improve my writing, but I need some constructive criticism! Remus' thoughts and dreams are in italics.
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"Daddy, Orion hit me!" Remus looked around in confusion until he saw a little girl tugging his sleeve.
"No, I didn't! Daddy, Lyra's lying! She broke the tower I made with my blocks," the little boy trailing after her yelled.
"I didn't do it on purpose," the girl cried tearfully. She clutched a doll to her chest and used its small hands to wipe away her tears
"You're just a stupid girl..." her brother pressed on.
"Orion Lupin! What have I told you about calling your sister names? You're not getting any dessert tonight, young man." A heavily pregnant Tonks entered the room and scolded her eldest child. Her rounded stomach caused her to waddle more than walk, yet, she was more beautiful at that moment than Remus had ever seen her. Her face glowed with happiness and contentment, despite her children's current squabble.
"Mummy, Daddy said that you should be resting. Right, Daddy?" The little girl looked readily at Remus for confirmation her soulful hazel eyes widening innocently.
"Did we wake you, Mum? I'm sorry!" the little boy apologized sincerely, momentarily forgetting his anger. He was a replica of his sister, both had wavy chestnut hair and small button noses, though his hair was cropped short and his nose with a bit larger than hers.
Tonks gazed down at her son affectionately and said, "Its okay, Orion. I had already woken up anyway." Orion crossed the room and tried to hug his mother. His efforts were quite comical, for his small arms could not cross Tonks' immense tummy.
Tonks smiled serenely at her son, then looked up and saw Remus staring. Her expression changed to one of confusion and she asked, "Remus dear, are you okay? Why are you looking at us like that? Remus… Remus…Remus…"
"Remus, wake up! Minerva just sent a Patronus. The Order is having a meeting in half an hour."
Remus woke up from his dream to find Tonks standing beside the bed, poking him. The last vestiges of his dream left him as he gazed at her, though he desperately wanted to remember it. Tonks was too distracting, wearing only an old Oxford shirt of his, partly unbuttoned. The sight of her skin tempted him.
Tonks must have been able to discern his thoughts, for she said, "Remus, get your mind out of the gutter! I see that glint in your eyes. We don't have time right now."
Even as she protested, she flushed. Even without his acute werewolf senses, he could tell that she was getting aroused. Pulling her down on the bed, he grabbed her about her waist, letting his hands slide under the shirt and onto her naked hips.
"No," he whispered into Tonks' ear, causing shivers to run up and down her spine, "Trust me, we have time for this."
He kissed her passionately, his fingers caressing her waist and hips, tracing random patterns on her skin.
"Remus, we don't have time," Tonks protested weakly between kisses. Though she was trying to dissuade him, her hands had wandered south to squeeze his firm arse.
They remained locked in a steaming embrace until a silvery Patronus wandered into the bedroom. Recognizing it as Molly's, Remus reluctantly released Tonks and accepted the message.
"Apparently, everyone else is already there. Molly is a bit worried that we haven't arrived yet. Let's go." Remus rose off the bed and padded to the bathroom starkers. He knew that Tonks appreciated being mooned by him and was probably stifling laughter behind him. "As soon as this meeting is over, we'll pick up where we left off," Remus muttered to himself as he quickly took a shower and changed.
When he returned to the bedroom, Tonks was strapping on her trainers. "Ready then?" she inquired.
"Just let me grab our cloaks." Remus walked over to the living room and retrieved them from the hook beside the door.
"Allow me." After slipping her cloak about her shoulders, he took her arm and, with a light pop, Apparated both of them.
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The somber members of Order of the Phoenix sat quietly in the basement kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld Place when Remus and Tonks entered. The absence of Dumbledore, Emmeline, and Sirius was pronounced. The room seemed emptier than it had been in years, and the emptiness weighed heavily on everyone's hearts.
"Good night ladies and gentlemen; I am glad that you all replied so promptly to my message. Let's begin shall we?" Minerva McGonagall looked older than Remus had ever seen her. The wrinkles on her face were more pronounced and her eyes appeared bloodshot. Even her usually tight bun had a few wisps of hair escaping from it. He knew that she was a strong woman, but the stress everyone could feel was starting to affect her.
Under the table, Remus found Tonks' hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. She looked at him and smiled briefly before giving her attention to McGonagall again.
"Albus left me in charge of Hogwarts, but not the Order of Phoenix. I doubt I will be able to manage both without help. We need to appoint a new leader and a new secret keeper. Severus knows our location," Remus scowled, thinking about the spy-turned-traitor, "and will be able to reveal it to anyone in five days," she finished.
Remus observed as the remaining members of the Order glanced around the kitchen table at each other. He noticed that Kingsley Shacklebolt was staring directly at him. Inwardly, Remus cringed as he returned Kingsley's look. He knew what Kingsley was going to do.
"What about Remus, Minerva? He's an accomplished wizard and more than intelligent enough for it," Kingsley suggested.
Remus wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. How could I lead the Order of Phoenix? Remus felt Tonks squeezing his hand, reassuring. What did I do to deserve her? he thought as he glanced at her and got a small smile in return.
"Yes," Arthur agreed. "I agree, I think Remus would be best."
Remus ventured a glance around the table. Everyone was looking at him, scrutinizing him closely, hope beginning to show in their eyes. Across the table Hestia Jones was whispering to Dedalus Diggle and nodding vigorously. Alastor Moody hobbled over to Minerva at the head of the table and exchanged a few words with her. After this, Minerva held up a hand, and the room fell silent.
"I think that is a good idea, I think you'll do wonderful as the head of the Order, Remus. What do you think about it?" Minerva's eyes locked with Remus'. It took all his reserve to return her gaze and not squirm in his seat. He hated to be the center of attention, and everyone's eyes seemed to be probing him, imploring him.
"I don't quite know what to say. Do you really think I am the best choice? Won't my . . . handicap affect my responsibilities if I accept this position? I will be out of commission two or three days every month," Remus responded honestly. He didn't think he'd be the best for the job and hoped that the Order wasn't just giving it to him out of pity because he couldn't keep a job and needed something to do.
"Already thought about that Lupin," Alastor's gruff voice retorted, "I'll be helping you."
"How about Remus and Moody be co-leaders? An even distribution of responsibility," Tonks stated. She looked around the table and continued, "If anyone of them should get hurt, the other would be there and know all the plans."
"Good idea, Nymphadora." Minerva replied gently. Tonks cringed at the use of her given name, bringing a slight smile to Remus' lips. "Do we all agree?" Minerva continued, looking expectantly at Remus.
"Remus, you can do it. I have faith in you," Tonks whispered to him. Remus closed his eyes and thought about her. He thought about all his friends that had given their lives in the war –James, Sirius, Lily, and all those he didn't know. He thought about Dumbledore, the kind wizard that gave him a chance – his mentor. Then he thought about Harry, the sixteen-year old who had the weight of the Wizarding world on his shoulders, Harry's friends, all the Weasley children, the children who went to Hogwarts, all of those who needed the help of the Order. This isn't about me anymore.
Remus opened his eyes, and answered, "Yes, I accept. I'll do the best I can. I won't let you all down."
Molly beamed at him and said, "No, of course you won't, dear."
Reassured slightly, but unsettled by the amount of trust now put on him, Remus moved from his position beside Tonks to join Alastor and Minerva at the head of the table.
"Perhaps it would be best if you were Secret Keeper, Alastor," Remus began. "Then I'll plan strategy and research. Minerva, you were Albus' confidante. Do you know more about what he was doing out of school all those times?"
"Wouldn't it be better if I planned strategy, and you were Secret-Keeper, Remus?" asked Alastor, taking a swig from his trademark flask.
"Alright," Remus conceded. "How about you, Minerva?"
Sadness, anger, and guilt flashed in McGonagall's eyes as she declared, "Albus didn't tell me anything more than what he told everyone here. I suspect, however, that Harry knows exactly what he had been doing. They spent hours in his office for extra classes and training."
The kitchen continued to get louder as everyone tried to add their piece, all struggling to be heard. Remus worked to control the din and continue the meeting.
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It was after midnight when an exhausted Tonks and Remus returned to Tonks' flat.
"Remus, if you have to move to Headquarters, then I'll move too."
It had been decided that Remus should live at the new Headquarters fulltime as anywhere else wasn't considered secure enough.
"Nymph, I understand that you want to be with me. But don't you think that we're rushing things a bit?"
Tonks snorted. "Where do you come off saying that? We've loved each other for years. You know this. We spent practically a year apart. I want to spend every moment with you now that I have you in my clutches!"
"In your clutches?" Remus' lips twitched in amusement before he continued, "I assure you that I'm not going anywhere. I'm quite content 'in your clutches'. I just think that living at separate places will help us. A little space apart should help the relationship."
"Remus, shut up before I hex you! We've had all the time apart that I can stand. I'm moving with you to headquarters, and that's final!" Tonks stood defiantly facing him, her hands on her hips.
Remus attempted to placate her, "I didn't think you were that set on it, Tonks. There's no reason to be that mad."
"Well, I've learned you don't get what you want if you're not determined to get it. Last year I was all miserable and completely unlike myself, and I don't want to be like that again!" Tonks took a deep breath as she calmed down and reasoned with him, "Be sensible about this Remus."
"Okay," Remus relented, "I would prefer that we live separately for a while, but I don't want to hurt you again."
With a shriek, Tonks crossed the room, leapt in his arms, and kissed him hard on the lips.
"But what about the children, Nymph?" Remus questioned as soon as they caught their breath.
"What children, Remus?" She removed her arms from around his neck and looked at him in surprise, "I thought you thought we were moving too fast by moving in to-"
"No, I mean Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley children. I suspect that they may be spending a part of the summer at Headquarters. What sort of impression will we be setting for them, their old professor and their favorite Auror sleeping together?"
"Don't be so old-fashioned, Remus. I'm sure no one will be scandalized because we're live together. As a matter of fact, Molly expects it. When she hugged me goodbye earlier, she said, 'Don't worry dear, the children and I already cleaned the main bedroom on the third floor. Remus' old one won't be large enough for the both of you.' "
Remus smiled and kissed Tonks again. "I'll never be able to do anything on my own again, will I?" he asked.
"Nope, I'll be right here at your side. I love you, and you know that."
"I'd like you to show me …"
Remus watched as Tonks' visage brightened. Her full lips curved up as she smiled seductively and asked, "You're not too tired?"
"Not for this."
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A few hours later, Remus lay holding a slumbering Tonks in his arms. He watched the sky lighten slowly and lazily flicked his wand to make the curtains close so the sunlight wouldn't bother Tonks' sleep.
Once more, just at the edge of sleep, he realized that they had forgotten to use a Contraceptive Spell again.
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You likes? You don't likes? Please let me know! Big thanks to gijane for all her help! And kudos to Kat my beta for correcting my horrible grammar!