3. We Have Seen Better Days

-Timon of Athens

Jared King had called all of the Aurors to an early morning meeting, and Tonks was not very happy about it. She valued her sleep, and she didn't want to have to start the day off by listening to another tirade about Dementors and Sirius Black being loose. It was the last day of October, and Sirius Black was still loose. Was an early morning meeting really going to change that?

But in the end, she had to attend it, so she pulled on her robes, morphed her hair straight and cherry-red, and made her way to the Great Hall, where the meeting would be conducted. On the way, she saw Dawlish at the end of the hallway.

"Wait!" she called, striding quickly to where he was. "Wotcher, Dawlish. How are you?"

"Fine," he yawned. "What's Jared going to tell us, do you know?"

She shrugged. "Protect the students. Be on the watch for Sirius Black. Don't let the Dementors in the castle. Really, I don't see how this is going to help us be any more efficient. And why does it have to be so early in the morning?"

"Exactly," complained Dawlish. "I don't get enough sleep as it is."

"I know," she sighed. "We really could've had this meeting at any other time. During the day. Or, heck, even in the night, we could've all done that and been okay. Would it really kill Jared King if this meeting wasn't in the morning?"

Dawlish launched into a tirade of how boring Jared King's meetings were, and she listened empathetically, walking with him until they reached the Great Hall. Robards and Jared were waiting there as Tonks and Dawlish joined.

"Morning, Tonks," Robards greeted, stifling a yawn.

"Hi." She glanced at Jared, who was pacing the length of the Hufflepuff table. "We're just waiting on Larson, then?"

Robards nodded. "Yeah."

Dawlish seated himself at the Hufflepuff table next to Robards. Tonks sat down across from him, and in a few minutes, Richard Larson rushed in.

"Apologies," he said as he entered. "Ah, everyone's here, good, shall we get started?"

Jared nodded swiftly as Larson sat down beside Tonks. "Good morning, Nymphadora," he greeted sweetly.

"It's Tonks," she said through gritted teeth. For whatever unfortunate reason, Larson believed that he could get away with calling her by her first name because he was 'special' to her. How badly she wanted to slap his face.

"Let's get started, then," Jared interrupted, taking the seat beside Larson. "Sirius Black update? Not needed. We still haven't found him. Larson? What's the status of the Dementors?"

"They're getting uncomfortable, sir," Larson replied, shifting in his seat. "They're growing more anxious and restless by the day."

"There's a Quidditch match coming up soon," Tonks interjected. "We'll have to make sure they don't get loose then."

"Larson, I want you on that," Jared said crudely. "Restrain those darn things during that darn Quidditch match. Dawlish, how are the grounds looking?"

"Fine, sir," he replied feebly. "No sign of Black."

"We know," Jared snapped. "We know there's no sign of Black. Any sign of anything else? How can you make sure you've been monitoring the entirety of the Hogwarts Grounds?"

"We've put up Dark Detectors," began Dawlish, but Jared cut across him.

"Dark Detectors?! What are you, three? We're highly trained Aurors here, we can't rely on Dark Detectors! We need to make sure that there's no way that Black can get inside!"

"Mad-Eye uses Dark Detectors," Tonks interjected in a cold, clipped tone. "We don't need to rely on them, but they're always good to have."

"Nobody asked for your opinion," spat Jared. "Mad-Eye's off his rocker, everyone knows that. And look how much that got him. He's lost an eye and a leg. If we want to keep all of our appendages, then we're not going down his path!"

She glared at him but didn't say anything.

"Robards, what's the status in the castle?" Jared continued harshly. "What's going on inside?"

"We haven't found anything of suspicion," Robards declared. "The students aren't helping Black into the castle, and they've steered clear of the Dementors other than that incident on the train. The staff should know how to banish the Dementors, just in case they get to the students. Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, is exceptionally skilled."

Her heart gave a little flutter.

"We need the Dementors under control!" snarled Jared. "We can't rely on unreliable Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers to cast itty bitty Patronus Charms! Like a group of silver rabbits could expel Dementors!"

"I don't know what makes you think he's unreliable," Tonks snapped, glaring at Jared. "Robards just told you he's exceptionally skilled. I know he's capable."

"Shut up!" bellowed Jared, his face turning red. "I don't want to hear another word from you!"

"Fine," she replied coolly.

"We'll take care of the Dementors, Jared," Larson assured. Of all of them, Larson was the best at calming Jared down. They were both spoiled brats anyway.

"Yes," he said, breathing heavily. "Y-yes, you and... Dawlish." He pointed his finger at the latter. "I need this done."

"Yes, sir," squeaked Dawlish.

Another half an hour passed, with nothing really being accomplished. They revised defense strategies, what to do if Sirius Black was found in the castle, and where else to look for him. After Jared had finally finished yelling at them, he dismissed them, and the four of them quickly left the Great Hall. Nobody, not even Larson, was going to stay behind with Jared King after a meeting.

"Terrible," Robards muttered to Tonks as they made their way down the corridors. "I'm going down to the dungeons to deliver something to the Potions Master. Coming?"

"Sure," she agreed, since she had nothing else to do. "Have you watched any classes recently?"

He nodded. "I watched a Charms class the day before, two Transfiguration classes last week, and a Defense Against the Dark Arts class yesterday. That Lupin guy's really good."

"I've heard," she responded as indifferently as she could.

"Have you seen any of his classes?" Robards asked.

"No, actually." It was true. She hadn't yet seen any of his classes, even though it had been two months since term had begun. She was very impressed with him, without a doubt; he was smart, and kind, and witty, and above all, respectful of her and what she did. But the truth was that she, tough and no-nonsense Auror-in-training, was reduced to a nervous mess whenever she was around him. He disarmed her, he really did, and she would get positively flustered if she was to attend one of his classes. And because of that, she hadn't yet gone for one.

"Hmm. Well, you really should. He's a darn good teacher."

"I'm sure of it," she replied. "He's a really nice guy too."

"Have you interacted with him?" Robards asked.

"Yeah," she answered noncommittally. She had talked to him quite often in the past two months, so it wasn't like she was scared of interacting with him; she could be normal enough when it was just him and her. But in a classroom setting, she was supposed to be professional, and that was going to be hard if there was an attractive Professor teaching...

Rubbish. She couldn't let that bother her. Just because she had a hopeless crush on the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor didn't mean that she could evade the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Because this was absurd, really, how easily she could be penetrated through.

"What's that smell?" Robards asked, making a face.

She stopped and sniffed. "I'm not sure." Upon glancing around, she realized that they were in the dungeons. "The Potions classroom is somewhere nearby, probably ingredients for it."

"Ah," he said, as they continued walking. "Whatever it is, I feel sorry for the students. That smells awful."

"Mmm." Her heart had started to beat rapidly, and she knew very well why. Her best subject had been Potions, and she was very good at recognizing the scent of certain ingredients. And she could clearly make out the scent of monkshood.

Also known as wolfsbane.

Why in the name of Merlin would someone be making Wolfsbane? Snape, no doubt. It was way too complicated for students to brew, not even at N.E.W.T. level. And it was too dangerous and complicated a potion to brew just for fun. Which meant that it was being made for someone.

There was a werewolf in the castle.

Was she scared of werewolves? Yes. Beyond the shadow of a doubt. She had been shown pictures of werewolves during Auror training, and though she hadn't ever met one, she had learned that they could be particularly vicious.

"I've got to deliver this," Robards said, looking apologetic. "See you."

"Bye," she managed as he strode into the Potions classroom.

Well, there was a way to figure out who the werewolf was. She would start with the staff. If any of them were absent, then that would be her answer. If not, she'd ask each and every one about any possible absent students. That would narrow it down to a few, and from that point, she could question each individually. The full moon was around the corner, after all, and she would have to keep an eye out for whoever it was.

To think that there was a werewolf in the castle… she didn't know what to think. Did Dumbledore know? Did the other Aurors? It was probably not a good idea to inform Jared King about it, no matter who the werewolf was. But still… what should she do about it when she figured out who the werewolf was?

Talk to the person, her conscience offered. You don't want to jump to conclusions. Talk to that person first.

That sounded like a good idea. She would talk to the werewolf first about his or her lycanthropy, and then she would go to Dumbledore if she felt it was necessary. Maybe he knew. Maybe he didn't. If he didn't then it was definitely something that needed alerting. It could be relevant to the Black case.

Maybe she should ask Remus. He was an expert on Dark creatures, that much was apparent. Students had acclaimed him highly, even many of the Slytherins. He would probably know what to do. A part of her buzzed with enthusiasm at the prospect of going to him for advice.

Later that night, Tonks had just settled into her bed when she heard screaming from outside. She bolted upright, grabbing her wand from the bedside table, and cautiously walked towards the door, not bothering to get dressed. After she swung it open, she saw people frantically running towards Gryffindor Tower.

That's where Harry was. Could this have anything to do with…

She sprinted to Gryffindor Tower, clutching her wand tightly, where there were several students crowding the way to the portrait hole… which was empty.

"What's going on?" she demanded furiously.

"The F-Fat Lady!" a second-year squeaked. "She's g-gone!"

"How come?" she inquired impatiently. "What happened?"

"Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."

She swung around. It was Peeves, carelessly floating around, looking delighted at the prospect of worry.

"Did you say Sirius Black?" she asked.

"Ooh, yes," Peeves cackled. "That's the one!"

She glanced around apprehensively. Sirius Black? In the castle?

"What's today's date?" she muttered. Then she realized.

October 31st.

The day Lily and James Potter died.

She swore so loudly that several students turned around to look at her. But she didn't care. Was this some sort of act just to spite them? A revenge streak? Remorse, maybe? It couldn't be pure coincidence that Sirius Black had broken into the castle on the exact day that Lily and James were killed.

Tonks marched over to where Dumbledore was standing, along with Professors Snape, Lupin, and McGonagall. "Headmaster!" she called.

Dumbledore turned towards her. "Yes, Miss Nymphadora?"

"Send everyone to the Great Hall," she stated urgently. "We need to conduct a thorough check of the castle."

He nodded. "I do believe that is in order. I will attend to the students; would you mind alerting the rest of the Aurors?"

"Yes, sir," she said. "I'll let them know."

She traveled back to the Aurors' quarters and banged furiously on Robards's door.

"Gawain!" she called. "Get over here!"

He opened the door immediately. "What happened?"

"Sirius Black. We need to do a search of the castle. Gryffindor Tower."

"What?!" he yelped. "Sirius Black? But… who's on patrol?"

"Jared and Dawlish," she grumbled. "You go alert them, I'll get Larson."

He nodded and left.

She pounded on Larson's door. "Richard! Open the door!"

He opened the door, his hair mussed. "What's going on?" he asked groggily.

"Sirius Black was sighted in the castle," she explained impatiently. "Hurry up, we need to conduct a search of Hogwarts. We need to look through everywhere. Come on."

He sighed. "Fine. You take the dungeons, Nymphadora, and I'll see to Gryffindor Tower."

"Tonks," she corrected hotly. "Hurry up, then."

A couple of hours later, the entire castle had been searched, but to no avail. Sirius Black wasn't at Hogwarts. All of the students had been transported to the Great Hall, where they all were pretending to be asleep in big purple sleeping bags. Tonks sighted Dumbledore and Snape in conversation at one end of the hall, and Lupin at the other, leaning against one of the walls and glancing around cautiously. She strode towards him.

"Hi, Professor," she greeted once she had reached him.

"Hi, Tonks," he said with a small smile. "No luck?"

"No luck. I don't know if anyone's noticed, but today's the day Lily and James died," she explained. "That can't be a coincidence."

Something in his smile turned sad. "I know. I knew James… personally. Nice outfit, by the way."

She glanced down at her electric-blue pajamas and sighed. "You should be glad I'm putting your protection over my choice of clothes, Professor."

He cocked his head to the side. "I said it was nice. I have no problem. Personally, I think you look very scary right now."

"Is that because of my outfit or the menacing look I'm giving you right now?" she countered.

He smiled. "In all honesty, you look quite adorable."

Had anyone else said it, she would've hexed them like there was no tomorrow. But it was Lupin, and she rather liked him. Instead, she blushed magenta.

"Th-thank you," she stuttered, when she managed to find her voice. She suddenly noticed that his face was pale, and he looked even thinner than usual. He looked rather ill.

"Are… are you all right?" she asked nervously.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Thanks."

He said it politely, but she couldn't help but feel that there was more to it than that.

"So," she began, in an attempt to make things less uncomfortable, "how're you liking Hogwarts? Enjoying your post as a Defense Professor?"

"Yeah," he replied. "It's always been my best subject. Dumbledore was very kind to offer me the post."

"Definitely. What did you do before this?"

His smile faded. "Nothing much. I move around a lot between jobs."

"Oh." She instantly felt bad. "Sorry, Professor, I didn't…"

"It's okay," he replied kindly. "You're curious. You're a young Auror, and I don't expect anything different. And please, call me Remus."

"Okay."

"By the way, are you going to tell me your first name now?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

She sighed. "I can tell you, but you can't call me that. Okay?"

He frowned. "Why not?"

"When you hear it, you'll know."

"Okay, then, let's hear it."

She took a deep breath. "Nymphadora." She shuddered.

"But that's such a beautiful name! Nymphadora. Why don't you like it?"

"It's so feminine. And long. And stupid. I much prefer Tonks."

"It suits you, though."

She grimaced. "Ew. No. I don't think so."

"Well, can we compromise? I think it's weird calling you by your last name. It gives me the entire teacher-student vibe."

She snorted. "Fine, then. You can call me Dora, but nobody else calls me that, except for my father, so not in front of anyone else."

His expression softened. "If you'd rather me not, Tonks is just…"

"I want you to," she assured him quickly. "That's why I suggested it."

"Okay, Dora," he said, smiling. "It has a nice ring to it, actually."

Tonks realized that he was still looking quite gaunt, so she took a step backwards. "Thank you. I think I'll head back to bed now," she explained sheepishly. "Good night, Remus."

"Good night, Dora."

She beamed at him as she made her way back to her room, trying her hardest not to think about Remus and how lovely and infectious his smile was.

A/N: Looks like someone's in love! How will Tonks take it when she realizes that our favorite DADA Professor is a werewolf? Stay tuned for chapter 4!

Everyone who's followed and favorited and reviewed, you guys make my day. Seriously. Thank you soooo much!

If you're enjoying it, let me know. If you have a suggestion, let me know. Anything at all, let me know. REVIEW :)