New chapter, i've been super busy lately, i finally had time to finish this today. updates may be infrequent for a bit, my computer has to go i for reimaging. but i'll try my best to get a few chapter up. :) this is just a little breather chapter, the heavy stuff is coming very soon. Disclaimer: not mine.

When Tonks entered Remus's house it was to an air of eerie quietness. Unusual, since she knew Remus would be home. Not even Bethan, perched on top of a living room cabnit which she seemed to think belonged to her, made so much as a hoot. Instead she stared down at Tonks with an air of mild disinterest.

Stranger still was how cold the house was. It seemed to her that it was only a bit warmer inside then outside where the temperature was at least minus 2. For a moment she stood in the living room thinking and staring at the fireplace mantle. Remus had added new pictures since his parents death, one which had been taken at Lily and James wedding of the four Marauders laughing together, had been taken when they weren't paying attention. Another had been taken by Sirius a week ago at Christmas. He had snuck up on her and Remus as they shared a rather prolonged kiss under the mistletoe. The Tonks in the picture kept swatting at the camera with one hand, before smiling cheekily and winking as Remus realized what was going on and smiled slightly.

Suddenly she realized where Remus probably was and hastily left the living room and thudded up the stairs. Sure enough as she pushed the bedroom door open with a slight creak, she found him asleep, one arm hanging over the side of the bed. The arm was the only part of him that was visible. He seemed to have cocooned himself in every available blanket in the house.

Laughing quietly she removed her boots and crossed to the bed where she gently pulled the layers of blankets back until she found him. For a moment she simply looked down at him as he breathed steadily undisturbed by the cool air now touching him. He looked completely relaxed and younger than his almost 21 years. The sight made her smile; lately he had been looking much older then he actually was. Judging how much space there was she quickly lifted the dangling arm and climbed in beside him pulling the blankets back over them so the light of the room was shut out.

The arm that was now draped over her tightened as he pulled her closer and a slight smile appeared as he slowly opened his eyes.

Tonks smiled back and leaned in to kiss him. "Wotcher babe. Good sleep?" she asked softly after a few minutes of leisurely kisses.

He nodded, still half asleep. "Of course it's better now that you're here." He yawned and tried to squint at his watch, which was on the arm that was wrapped around her.

"Is it really that late?"

She simply nodded and resumed peppering his stubble covered cheek and neck with lingering kisses. "I know you're tired." She said wrapping both her arms around him so that they were close enough for their noses to touch. "And I know you're probably feeling the beginning effects of the moon what with it being tomorrow and probably just want to sleep but I was wondering if you would do me a favour."

"What type of favour would this be?" he asked raising a brow and causing her to giggle.

"One that will probably make you want to get as knackered as possible afterward." She took a breath and said quickly. "My mum has been bugging me for the past week, sending an owl a day actually, practically demanding me presence at my Dad's muggle relative's new years thing." She rolled her eyes and he smiled slightly seeing where this was leading. And of course he wouldn't say no, no matter how tired his body felt.

"I've avoided it for the past three years, I don't even know them that well, but she says I have to make a appearance this year. Which is ridiculous really cause I know she hates going. And she casually slipped in that bringing you wouldn't be remiss. So what do you think? You up to facing my crazy Muggle relatives for a bit before we head over to James and Lily's?"

She stared anxiously into his eyes, hoping that he wouldn't say no. She really didn't know these people very well, expect for her uncle and cousin and the prospect of going in alone was nauseating. When she saw the laughing look in his eyes she knew she didn't have to be worried. He would do it.

"Well I suppose it's a good thing we're going to James and Lily's tonight, knowing Sirius he'll have every alcoholic beverage known to man there."

She grinned. "Exactly."

An hour later they apparated into an alley behind a bookstore in London. It was one that Lily had dragged Remus to after discovering his interest in Muggle literature. It was also four blocks from Ted's brother's where the gathering was.

"Right so my Uncle, I think I've told you about him before, he's not that fond of magic, so if he asks you how we met, just say you're my cousins friend or that we went to school together. That's it. It's not that he doesn't approve of magic, not like that sister of Lily's, but he's more comfortable not knowing too much. He's ten years older than Dad so he was already grown and moved out when my Dad got his letter."

Remus nodded trying not to laugh at how fast she was talking.

"He's got a daughter, Matilda. If she's there, I suggest you keep the conversation brief. She thinks every man who can form a coherent sentence wants to shag her." She rolled her eyes. "She's a man eater. I haven't seen her in a while, I think the last time was when I was 14 and she was 18. She had this boyfriend then, one of those brooding musician types. Dad says that she put him in therapy, poor bloke never had a chance."

"So stay clear of Matilda. Any other relatives I need to be warned against?" he asked as they crossed a street and rounded a corner onto a cul-de-sac.

"My great aunt Cynthia. She always shows up at these things and the woman is the biggest prude. Once I got my morphing under control, mum wouldn't let me in the woman's presence without making sure my hair was the dullest it could possibly be, which means my natural colour of course. And she's always commenting on everyone else's faults. According to her I'm the plainest looking girl she's ever seen."

Again Remus resisted the urge to laugh. "What is she going to say when she see's you now?" he asked as they stopped outside of a prim looking suburban home. Her hair as usual was a vibrant pink and she had taken to wearing it in spiky disarray, claiming that it was more convenient for work. He suspected that something had happened in the first week of training but never asked. She had also swiped what appeared to be Sirius leather jacket and was wearing some sort of black stretchy pants, which he had to admit he wasn't all that adverse to.

Tonks snorted and pushed the ever-stubborn fringe back so that his eyes were visible. "She'll probably call me a tart like all your neighbours, and then ask what a respectable looking man like you is doing with me."

Remus shook his head. He knew he looked like a junkie or at least like he was severely ill. There were bags under his eyes and a paled cast that always appeared just before the full moon had taken over. Even his cloths were suffering at the moment, although Dora had assured him that no one would care if his jeans had a hole in the knee.

"When have my neighbours ever called you a tart?" he asked as she pulled him toward the front door.

"Well maybe not a tart, but that old woman who lives on the opening of the lane told the bar maid in the weasel that she thought I was a scarlet woman. You know what she was really thinking though." She took a steadying breath, flashed him a huge smile and knocked on the door. Through the frosted glass of the door they could see someone coming down the hall to answer. "Here we go," she muttered as the door swung open.

"Nymph!"

Remus watched with amusement as the tall blond woman swept Dora into a hug and she tried not to let her disgust show at being called Nymph.

The woman pulled back, a large smile lighting up her pretty face. "Come in, come in." she waved her hand quickly and once they had stepped inside she surveyed Tonks again.

"Just look at you, all grown up." If she had a comment on the hair colour or state of dress she didn't share it. Instead she continued to smile happily.

"Remus, this is Elaine, my Uncles partner. Elaine this is Remus Lupin." She didn't say what their relationship was, all her relatives probably knew already.

Elaine smiled even more if that was possible. "It's very nice to meet you Remus." Then instead of shaking his hand as he had expected Elian hugged him as well. Over her shoulder he caught Dora's look as she mimed blasting herself and he gave her one of his own that clearly said behave, which only caused her to laugh. She quickly covered it with a cough as Elaine straightened up and directed them to shed their coats and then led them into the living room.

Andromeda and Ted were there, as were a man who had Ted's hair and eyes, if not his build, an old woman knitting and a young woman who had a look of boredom on her pretty face. When she saw them come in that changed to interest.

"Dora." Andromeda got up to embrace her daughter and Remus was just able to catch the whispered. "Did you really have to darling?" And Dora's quick, "Yes mum, I did."

"Nymph, how are you?"

Tonks went to greet her uncle and father as Andromeda turned to Remus. Taking in his appearance she pursed her lips in worry. "Are you quiet alright Remus? I don't mean to be rude, but you look…"

"Like crap?" he smiled and she nodded the barest smile touching her lips. "I've been feeling a little off lately, nothing contagious though I assure you. It'll be gone in a few days."

She nodded again seemingly appeased. "Come meet everyone. Dora, introduce Remus." She scolded as Tonks extracted herself from her father's arms.

"Oh, right." She smiled sheepishly. "So um, this is Remus Lupin my boyfriend. Remus this is my Uncle Randy,"

Randy smiled affably and shook his hand.

"My great aunt Cynthia," the old woman glanced at him over her knitting and gave the barest sniff before turning away.

"You've already met Elaine," Tonks said ignoring the look her great aunt was now giving her, "and this is my cousin …"

"Matilda." The young woman said as she stood and seemed to glide over to him. She extended her hand and shook his briefly, a feline smile appearing on her face.

Tonks raised a brow and eyed Matilda with contempt. "Right, so that's everyone. Remus come sit." She grabbed his arm and pulled him over to sit on the couch beside Cynthia, who dropped her knitting and eyed them both. Everyone else had gone back to their previous conversation and Matilda slunk over and sat in the chair opposite the couch, crossing her long legs and eyeing Tonks and Remus.

"That's an interesting shade of pink." Cynthia said, her eyes narrowed. "What possessed you to dye your hair Nymphadora? Honestly how your mother could allow it." She shook her head. "Young people today always looking outrageous."

Tonks smiled her usual bright smile, and replied. "It's nice to see you too. I'm doing well if you must know, how's your arthritis?"

Matilda smirked and Cynthia narrowed her eyes even more. "You and you're cheek." She turned to Remus then and asked berserkly "So, what is that you do young man? Where are you from?"

Matilda laughed. "What she really means is how did you get your self involved with our Nymphie?"

Non-pulsed, Remus smiled and said, "I'm currently studying and on the side do some tutoring."

He winked at Dora and she smiled, lacing her fingers through his. Everything he had just said was true, but just barely. He was still studying dark creatures and defensive techniques but most of his time was taken up by the order. Lately he had been teaching Mundungus how to cast a corporal patronus, seeing as he had failed to pay attention to that particular lesson in school.

"I live on the coast. As to the last question Matilda," he nodded at her briefly, "Dora and I met at school. Andromeda's cousin Sirius is one of my good friends and we became acquainted after I met Dora in the library and found out they were related."

"What he's not telling you," Tonks interjected with a wicked gleam in her eye, "is that I pursued him relentlessly for years and finally caught him at a weak moment."

Remus smiled at her, the exhaustion in his eyes briefly masked by laughter. "Indeed."

Elaine had exited to the kitchen and now returned to say that it was time to eat. They all exited to the dining room, where Cynthia, with Matilda listening avidly, continued to comment on Tonks' hair, cloths, personality. Nothing was safe. A few times Andromeda or Ted would interject, and Tonks would give them a grateful look, but Elaine kept distracting Andromeda and Ted was in discussion with his brother, and as soon as they was busy again Cynthia would start in. Finally as dessert was being served and Remus was contemplating a third glass of wine and wondering how drunk Dora was planning on getting that night and if he should just discreetly suggest to her that they leave, Cynthia asked the one question that Tonks had been expecting, but hoping would never come.

"So, Nymphadora, now that you've bagged yourself a young man when are you getting married?"

All conversation ceased then and She could feel every eye on her. Even Remus was watching her, an unreadable look in his eyes. The only thing that made the situation minimally bearable was that Matilda had excused herself for a smoke.

"I," Tonks took a breath, and avoided looking at her mother whom she knew wanted to know the answer to the question even more than Cynthia.

"Probably not anytime soon." Remus said as he rubbed her leg soothingly under the table.

Across the table Ted nodded approvingly. "They're still young, no rush eh? Better to do everything you want to now and then start a family."

Tonks was staring at her plate. She was grateful that her dad and Remus had interjected; she had no answer that she could give. It was like her normally quick brain had shut down.

She looked up and still avoiding looking at Andromeda she glanced at the clock. "Remus and I should probably get going. We promised a friend that we'd stop by." She stood and Remus followed quickly.

Goodbyes and happy new years were exchanged and Tonks hugged both of her parents. Ted whispered something in her ear and she nodded, giving him an extra squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.

Andromeda watched them and when Tonks came to her and Remus shook hands with Ted she tried to say something. Tonks shot her a look. "Not now mum ok? Please, we've been over this already."

Andromeda changed tact's and said instead, "Come by for dinner tomorrow?"

Tonks avoided her eyes again as she muttered something about Remus being busy.

"Just you then. Please darling?" Andromeda knew something was wrong. She had observed her daughter and Remus throughout dinner and when Cynthia had asked if they planned on marriage, both had tensed as if it was a painful subject. Yes, she decided as Dora promised she'd stop by and she and Remus left, something was definitely going on.

"That was bloody horrible." Tonks cursed as soon as the door was closed behind them. Matilda was sitting on the front step and glanced up at them.

"Making your escape? I don't blame you." She took a drag off of her cigarette and smiled and again Remus was reminded of a cat. "You should come visit me sometime Nymphie." She glanced at Remus. "You too. It would be fun."

Tonks didn't say anything just stomped down the steps and started striding across the lawn, leaving Remus to catch up.

"It was nice meeting you Matilda." He said courteously. His mother had always told him to try and be polite no matter the situation. Matilda winked at him. "You too handsome. You better catch up with Nymphie, she looks like she's ready to murder someone."

She laughed as Remus strode off after Tonks who was now a quarter of the way down the street. Tonks said nothing as they rounded the corner and walked further down another street. Just as Remus was about to say something she asked, "Should we apparate yet? Behind that house looks like a good spot."

He put a restraining hand on her shoulder. "About what your aunt said,"

She shook her head. "It's fine Remus, lets just get to James and Lily's."

He shook his head and leaned in so they were looking into each other's eyes. "It's not fine Dora. Anything that upsets you is not fine. Come over here." He steered toward a curb and they sat. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed. "I just couldn't think of anything to say you know? My mum has been laying hints since we got back together and now she wants me to come to dinner tomorrow. And I know she's going to bring it up. What am I supposed to say? I mean I could say we've never discussed it, which would be completely true cause we've never. But then she'll demand to know why after four years it's never come up." She laughed without humor then. "I can just see it, yeah mum the thing is we've never discussed it because it's impossible, against the law practically. Why? Oh did I forget to mention that Remus is a werewolf? Must have slipped my mind, pass the potatoes please."

They sat in silence for a few minutes and the he asked, "Is that what you want?"

She raised her head and looked at him. She hadn't missed the hesitation behind his question.

"No. I mean yes, but, Merlin this isn't coming out right."

He smiled and waited for her to keep going. "I want to be with you Remus, it doesn't matter if we're not married or don't have a legal document saying that we're bonded. Do I want that one-day? Yes I do, but if that never happens than I'll be ok with it, because I love you and that's all that matters. Not what my family thinks, not what my Mum wants us to do. Just that we're happy."

Remus seemed to be thinking. He gazed into her eyes, which seemed more gray then usual, and a resolve came over him. "We need to tell your parents."

She frowned as he stood and pulled her to her feet. "Tell them what?"

He glanced up at the moon, which would be full in less than 24 hours. She stared at him then catching on. "Tell them?" she asked unsure. "Are you sure?" she looked at him searchingly. He nodded and started steering her across the street to a dark spot they could disapparate from. "It's time Dora, we knew that it would happen eventually and since I plan on being around for a long time, I think it best if they knew. If we don't tell them they'll think we've been hiding it."

"We have been." She sighed, "Why now though? You've always been against it before."

He looked into her eyes then and the look there confused her. "Because you're right Dora. I want to be with you forever, or as long you'll keep me around." He smiled when she rolled her eyes. "And your parents know me well enough now to make their own decision. Hopefully they won't just see the stigma. Not being with you last year gave me a lot to think about and I've been considering this for a while."

And with that he turned on the spot and with a crack was gone. Feeling confusion and not a small amount of hope that he meant what she thought he did, she too disapparated. When she landed Remus was holding the door to James and Lily's house open for her.

"Finally," Sirius was sitting on the couch already on his second glass of fire whisky. "What took you guys so long?"

James came down the stairs then and flopped down beside him. " Jeeze Padfoot, next thing you'll be asking is where they were and who they were with. You sound like my mum."

"Better yours then mine," he muttered into his glass. Tonks and Remus sat exchanging a look. Sirius had been strained since learning of his brother's death four weeks ago. He tried to act as if it wasn't affecting him badly, but they all knew he was grieving. When the order had first found out, Sirius had said that his brother had died the day he joined the Death eaters. He hadn't even gone to the memorial his parents had, had, instead choosing to spend the evening with Andromeda.

"We had to go to a thing at my Uncles." Tonks told him as Peter and Lily came out of the kitchen, both carrying glasses which they handed out.

"The Muggle one?" Sirius shook his head and downed the glass of whisky. "Of course the Muggle one, the others would sooner blast you then have dinner with you. So what did they think of our Moony?"

Remus rolled his eyes, but Tonks grinned. "They thought he was crazy for being with me of course. It was perfectly horrible."

"Well we've been telling Remus he was crazy for years, I guess others are finally starting to notice." James said wrapping an arm around his wife. Lily snorted. "If he's crazy then you two are lunatics. I guess that means that Peter is the only normal one.'

"Wormtail's not normal, he just hides his lunacy well. Remus used to be able to but Tonks is a bad influence."

Tonks gave them a mock glare and downed her firewhisky, not even coughing as it seared her throat. "Lily, you might want to leave the bottle here. I think I'm going to need it."