Nymphadora,
I hope this reaches you happy, safe and well. We've had a bit of a scare her in Hogwarts, Sirius Black broke into Gryffindor Common Room. We don't know if he was looking for Harry. I know I promised to send word of any news I had of him, and sad to say this is all I've had. I'm not sure what to make of this, its an interesting situation. As always, let me know if you learn anything.
-Remus
Remus,
I've had no news to speak of. I'm worried about him, how he's doing, where he's living. I can only hope that he's alright. Thank you for writing to me.
-Tonks
Nymphadora,
He is safe.
-Remus
Remus,
How do you know? What happened? Remus, tell me he's innocent.
-Tonks
Nymphadora,
He's innocent, he's safe and in hiding. Please, do not worry.
-Remus
The only contact Tonks had had with Lupin was a few letters back and forth. She could barely even call them letters, they were more like notes, the kind she had passed to her friends back in her school days.
But now it was May, and she hadn't recieved a letter from Remus since the previous June. And Tonks was not a patient woman. She was tired of being left in the dark... her cousin was out there somewhere and she wanted to see him. And it had nothing to do with wanting to be around Remus, no not at all....even though being in his presence calmed her like nothing else could. No, that wasn't it. She HAD to see Sirius.
Tonks apparated a little away from the house, she wanted the extra time to think. What if he wasn't there? What if he wasn't innocent? What if Remus was angry that she'd come with no warning?
She stood in front of the front door, and truth be told she was petrified. She was either about to see her cousin that she hadn't seen in fourteen years, or about to disturb someone who probably didn't want to see her.
She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, her heart pounding in her ears. She was about to turn around and leave when the door opened slowly, revealing a cautious looking Remus.
"Tonks."
"Remus."
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I want to see him, Remus. Please. Where is he?"
"What was the name you called me as a child?"
"Excuse me?"
"Just answer the question Dora."
"Mr. Moony. And don't call me that. Where's Sirius?"
"I'll take you to see him. That was merely a test of your identity. Can't be too careful when harboring a fugitive. Only Dumbledore and I know of this place, he helped me with the necessary enchantments."
He chuckled and led her into the house. She recognized the small room where she had sat on her last visit. She smiled as she remembered his kindness towards her that day when she'd been so upset. The reached a small closet in the hall. She watched on, puzzled as Remus tapped the door three times with his wand.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Tonks gasped as he opened the door. Behind it stood a large, comfortable room. There were a few shelves scattered with books and two plush looking couches surrounding a low table scattered with parchment. At the very back of the room was a large fireplace with a roaring fire, an armchair on either side facing the fire. She could make out the profile of a man sitting in the left chair, staring intently into the flames.
"Padfoot, we have company."
The man in the chair spun his head to face the door confused. Tonks stood perfectly still as she stared at the man before her. Judging by the look on his face, he hadn't recognized her. She stepped down into the room and walked a few feet in so that the firelight was cast across her features. As she stood in the light, she changed her hair to her favorite bright magenta, the same color it had been when she had met Remus, all those years ago.
"Dora?"
The man stared in disbelief. He stood up and walked towards her as if she were something out of a dream. She took in his appearance. He looked worn and tired, but otherwise healthy. His eyes were still the same, sparkling and full of laughter, but now they had a deepness to them, as if they had seen more than any eyes should. He had definately changed in the fourteen years since she had seen him. But she didn't care, and she couldn't help herself when she threw herself into his arms.
"Sirius, oh Sirius! You're okay! You're free and really here!"
And then the tears came. Tonks really did hate crying, but being reunited with her cousin after fourteen years was overwhelming.
"Dora! Look at how much you've grown! You must be over twenty now! My God, look at you, you're beautiful."
Sirius wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, cherishing this contact with the only family he had. She beamed at him and allowed him to lead her her to one of the couches, sitting down next to her.
Remus smiled at the sight in front of him. Seeing Sirius had made her so unbelievably happy. And seeing her had made himself so unbelievably happy. He again felt that strange attachment to the girl sitting on the couch, now happily chatting with Sirius. And at that moment, he knew there was something special about her. Something that made him want to get close to her. He didn't understand it, and truth be told, he was somewhat afraid of it. But seeing no other options, he accepted it. And he knew that starting today, he'd be seeing a lot more of the girl sitting in front of him.