August 31, 1995

That Thursday, as she returned home from work, Nymphadora was surprised to find Grimmauld Place filled with people. Coming in the front door, she notices the lights are on in the kitchen downstairs and hears commotion. Curious, rather than heading up to her room to relax before dinner like normal, she heads downstairs. In the kitchen, she finds Molly hanging up a banner that read Congratulations Ron and Hermione – New Prefects.

"Wotcher, Molly," she greets. "Need help with that?"

"No dear," she replies, getting down off a chair and stepping back to admire her work. "Looks lovely, don't you think?"

"Yeah, it's brilliant," Nymphadora replies. "I must've missed some big news while I was away at work."

"Oh yes, it's just wonderful, isn't it?! Ron…a prefect!" she gushes, beaming from ear to ear. She walks over to a large pile of parcels on the table. "I've got to head up and drop these off in their rooms – would you mind watching the stove, dear?"

"Sure, Molly."

Nymphadora takes her spot at the stove, unsure of what she was supposed to be watching for. Almost as soon as Molly leaves the kitchen, three more figures enter. Kingsley, Sirius, and Remus make their way into the room, also admiring the banner. Nymphadora quickly darts her eyes to the floor, remembering she was supposed to be pretending she and Remus had broken up. He had sat down and told Sirius the other day, and from what he said, Sirius took the news well. It was apparent that they had mended their friendship and were acting like nothing ever happened.

Moments later, Molly reappears, this time accompanied by Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and Ginny. As the kids disperse and begin enjoying the party, Nymphadora realizes she doesn't quite know what to do with herself, as she would usually talk with Sirius and Remus during Order events like this. Once Molly comes and relieves her of her stove duty, she strikes up a conversation with Kingsley. During which, Mad-Eye arrives. As Molly begins discussing the details of what's inside a writing desk upstairs, Kingsley notices her odd behavior.

"Did something happen?" he asks.

"Happen with what?"

"You, Sirius, and Remus," he replies knowingly. "You three are always pal-ing around. It's odd that you would choose to talk to me."

"Don't be silly, Kingsley."

Thankfully, the arrival of Arthur, Bill, and Mundungus prompts Molly to call for a toast and cuts this conversation short. After a sip of butterbeer and a round of applause, Nymphadora makes her way over to speak to the new prefects directly.

"I was never a prefect myself," she states as the group begins to sit for dinner. "My Head of House said I lacked certain necessary qualities."

Out of the corner of her eye, she notices Remus listening to the conversation.

"Like what?" Ginny asks.

"Like the ability to behave myself," she replies, causing Ginny to laugh. She also notices the smallest twinkle of a chuckle in Remus's amber eyes from across the room. They sit, where the conversation of who used to be a prefect continues. Unsurprisingly, Sirius reveals that he and James were not made prefect. What did surprise her though, was the revelation that Remus had been a prefect in the hopes that he would control his friends. She smiled at the thought. Soon, she had become swept up in Ron's lengthy discussion about his new broom.

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Hours later, long after the situation with Molly and the Boggart had been resolved, Nymphadora found herself alone in her room. She had been really shaken up after hearing what Molly had seen during her encounter. The reality of the situation they were in had finally hit her – this wasn't just some fun thing to do after work. This was actually an incredibly serious burden that they all were taking on. Lives would be lost, regardless of what Remus had told her. Just as she let herself begin to get overwhelmed with these emotions, there's a quiet knock on her door. Standing, she is unsurprised to see Remus on the other side.

"Dora," he says, quickly stepping in as she closes the door behind him. She notices he's carrying a plate with him. "I, uh, brought you some cake from the party. We didn't really get to eat it after what happened."

He extends the small plate topped with a slice of chocolate cake on it. She smiles, taking it and attempting to push her anxious thoughts of a few moments ago away.

"Thanks, Rem," she replies. The pair sit on her bed together and as she eats, he begins undressing to go to bed. "How was Molly when you left her?"

He sighs. "Arthur was taking care of her, but she was still pretty shaken up. It can't be easy, yanno, living in these times with so many people you could lose."

She nods silently, finishing up the last bit of cake.

"You're on guard to take the kids to King's Cross tomorrow?" he asks, leaning back to relax against her pillows.

"Yeah," she replies, setting the plate down and joining him. "Mad-Eye wants someone to be in disguise and, well, who better than me?"

He chuckles. "Do you think that's why he asked you to join the Order?"

"Oh, you're doubting my Auror skills?" she jokes, propping herself up on her elbow to meet his face. "Think all I'm worth is my abilities?"

"No, of course not," he smiles. "I suppose it doesn't matter why he asked you to join. Just glad that he did."

He leans in for a quick kiss. "Now, I'm going to bed. That situation with Molly just exhausted me."

She feigns a sigh of disappointment, eyeing him cheekily.

"Oh, shove off," he chuckles, grabbing her and pulling her close to his chest in a warm embrace. "You got plenty last night."

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