Chapter 37: A Gig at Diagon Alley and A Surprise Visitor

The next evening, Tonks was prepared to perform with her band, the Metamorphing Wolves. Tonks' band was mostly comprised of friends and family. Her boyfriend, Jason, played in the band as the drummer. There was also her cousin, Kayla who played piano well as her best friend, Arella Richards, who played guitar. Tonks was in better spirits than she was the day before. Tonks' job at Hogwarts was exhausting as was her task of looking after her cousins, Sirius and Cassiopeia Black and their son, Remus James, or S.J. She was frazzled by Cassiopeia and Sirius' numerous attempts to convince her to be their son's godmother. Tonks was also frustrated that she felt she knew the godfather, Remus Lupin, but she could not remember him. Tonks put all of those thoughts aside and decided to have a great time with her band.

Tonks changed her appearance for her performance that night. She changed her hair to a dark, nearly black color with multiple streaks of color through it. She wore a frilly, white shirt with capped sleeves. She wore a short, black shirt with fishnet stockings and her favorite pair of beat up combat boots. Just then, Jason came in the door.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said casually.

"Wotcher, Jason," Tonks greeted.

Tonks gave Jason a kiss as he entered. Jason looked at Tonks up and down and smiled. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Tonks said happily. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah," Jason replied. "We'll Apparate there."

Tonks and Jason Apparated and within seconds, they were at a club in Diagon Alley. Once Tonks and Jason entered the club, they immediately headed backstage.

"Tonks!"

A girl, who looked no more than fifteen, ran up to Tonks.

Tonks embraced the girl. "Kayla! I missed you!"

"I missed you, too," Kayla replied.

"Are you ready to play tonight?" Tonks asked.

"Yeah! I'm so excited!" Kayla replied.

"Good. Is everyone here?" Tonks asked.

"Yeah. We're all warmed up and ready," Kayla replied.

"Alright. Gather everyone around," Tonks said.

Kayla scampered away and gathered the rest of the band. The rest of the Metamorphing Wolves included Luna Ellewood, a guitarist. There was Kasey McGregor who also played guitar. Jackie Newton who also played bass. There was also a couple by the names of Tristan McGregor and Lucy Andrews. Lucy played flute and violin and Tristan was a drummer. The band was like an extended family as most of the musicians were related in some way or another. All of the band gathered as Tonks gave them a pep talk.

"Alright, everyone. Let's go out there and blow everyone's minds like they've been hit by a Stunning Spell. Let's go!" Tonks said energetically.

The band put their hands in. "Go, Wolves!" they shouted.

Tonks gave Jason a quick kiss before getting into position. With a new burst of energy, the Metamorphing Wolves were prepared to play. The crowd in the club cheered as the band started to play. Tonks jumped up and down the stage as she belted out the tune, Hurry Up and Save Me.

Show me your colors

Show me your colors

'Cause without you I'm blue

Hurry up and save me

Hurry up and save me

Hurry up and save me

Hurry up and save me

I just wanna feel alive

And I do when I'm with you.

Tonks belted it out the tune with all her energy. The crowd was dancing and clapping along. Tonks band played on well into the night hours. By the end of the night, the club was in a frenzy.

"THANK YOU, DIAGON ALLEY!" Tonks shouted.

Tonks band headed backstage to celebrate. The band members were embracing each other and giving high-fives as they celebrated backstage. Tonks jumped on Jason and hugged him.

"That was one of the best shows, sweetheart!" Jason said proudly.

"That was wicked!" Tonks said excitedly.

"You were awesome!" said another female voice.

"Wotcher, Arella!" Tonks said happily, embracing her friend.

"So, how have you been?" Arella asked.

"Tonight was brilliant! I feel awesome!" Tonks replied.

"I heard you were teaching at Hogwarts. How was it?" Arella asked.

"It was exhausting, but I learned a lot," Tonks said.

"And how's the Auror training going?" Arella inquired.

"I passed everything else, but I keep messing up on Stealth and Tracking," Tonks replied.

Arella laughed. "You're too clumsy for your own good."

"I know. I'm surprised I didn't trip on stage," Tonks said honestly.

"How have your cousins been?" Arella asked.

"Who told you?" Tonks asked, confused.

"Jason did," Arella replied.

Tonks' hair turned scarlet red, and her blood boiled. "Jason!"

Jason bowed his head. He knew he was in trouble. He did not say a word as Tonks glared at him.

He's gonna get it, Tonks thought to herself.

Arella was bewildered. "Did I miss something?"

"Long story. I just didn't want to think about my cousins tonight," Tonks said, annoyed.

"Why? Are they alright?" Arella asked in concern.

"They're fine, except for when they nag me," Tonks said bluntly.

"I heard they have a little boy," Arella said.

"Yeah, his name's Remus James, but I call him S.J. because he looks like his dad and they already have a friend named Remus and it drives me mad," Tonks said.

"Jason told me about how your cousins wanted you to be their baby's godmother," Arella said. "I really think you should."

"Oh, not you, too!" Tonks groaned. "I really need to think about this. I can't make a decision yet."

"Why not?" Arella asked.

"Because I don't think I can take care of him," Tonks said honestly. "I have to get my life in order. And I barely know the godfather. I just have too much on my mind."

"I understand, and I'm sure your cousins do, too," Arella said gently.

"Ha, wanna bet?" Tonks snorted. "Both of them drove me insane."

Arella smiled. "Well, that's what families do."

"I suppose so," Tonks replied. "I gotta go. I'll see you around, Arella."

"See you, Tonks," Arella said.

The two girls embraced and Tonks Apparated back to her flat with Jason. Tonks was still sore with Jason for telling Arella about her situation.

"You are a jerk, you know that?" Tonks said angrily. "I don't know why you told her."

"Well, she's your friend. I thought she'd wanna know," Jason replied.

"But I was hoping to get away from that decision for a while," Tonks argued. "I didn't want to think about it tonight. I wanted to forget about it for a while. Now I can't stop thinking about it. Thanks a lot!"

"It can't be that bad," Jason said.

"You try living with my cousins and having them nag you, then!" Tonks said indignantly.

Jason did not say another word.

Tonks just sighed. "I need to get some sleep. Good night."

Tonks went to her bedroom and slammed the door, further illustrating her anger. Tonks then lay in bed and drifted off to sleep, trying to clear her head.

Meanwhile, Sirius and Cassiopeia were adjusting to a day without Tonks. Grimmauld Place was empty, save for the small family. Sirius and Cassiopeia did not have any visitors for an entire day. Both of them were struggling as they tried to care for their son. Both of them knew they could not venture out, and without company, it was difficult to care for their baby. Baby S. J. would not stop crying. Sirius and Cassiopeia were at a loss of what to do. Cassiopeia came out into the kitchen with her baby as she desperately tried to soothe him.

"Well, well, well, listen to him," Sirius said with a smirk.

"He's been going on like this all day," Cassiopeia groaned in exhaustion. "I tried feeding him, I changed his diaper, and everything."

"Should we get Poppy down here?" Sirius asked in concern.

"No, he's not sick," Cassiopeia said. "I just don't know what's wrong."

Sirius held out his arms. "Give him here."

Cassiopeia laid her son in Sirius' arms. For a moment, S.J was quiet. However, it was only a moment before he started to wail again.

"Hey, little man, what's the matter? Do you just want attention?" Sirius whispered in his son's ear.

"I think he just misses Nymphie," Cassiopeia said.

"She's only been gone since last night," Sirius said, exasperated.

"I know, but he likes her and Remus, too," Cassiopeia told him.

"Is that it, little man? Do you miss your Auntie Nymphie?" Sirius whispered.

Just then, Sirius and Cassiopeia heard a noise. It sounded like a grumble.

"What was that?" Cassiopeia asked.

Sirius did not speak. Instead, he stomped over to a small cupboard and threw open the door. Cassiopeia watched as Sirius tossed out a small elf. The elf had an ugly face with misty eyes and his huge ears hug down to his shoulders. He was a miserable sight.

Sirius held the elf by the pillowcase he wore. "This is the noise we heard."

"Who is this?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Kreacher, my mother's house-elf," Sirius replied shortly.

"The master and this blood traitor pollute my poor mistress's house," Kreacher grumbled.

"Don't speak to my wife like that!" Sirius growled.

"Of course, Master," Kreacher said.

"Have you been spying on us?" Sirius demanded.

"Kreacher was watching," Kreacher said slowly. "Kreacher saw Master and the woman. Kreacher saw the brat in Master's old room."

"You're the reason my son is crying. You scared him!" Cassiopeia screamed.

Cassiopeia raised her hand to strike the elf, but Sirius stopped her.

"That brat is our son," Sirius said defensively. "And as he is a Black, you will obey him as you obey me. You will not speak a word against my family, or you know what will follow. Understand?"

"Of course, Master. Kreacher lives to serve the noble House of Black," Kreacher replied.

Kreacher ambled off, leaving Sirius and Cassiopeia with their wailing son. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Oh, what now?" Sirius groaned.

"Do you think that could be Dumbledore?" Cassiopeia asked.

"No, he would've told me if he was coming," Sirius said wisely.

"You don't think it's the Aurors, do you?" Cassiopeia asked fearfully.

"Stay back. I'll find out," Sirius told her.

Cassiopeia strayed back into the kitchen. She only hoped that whoever was at the door was someone good. She could not bear being sent back to Azkaban. Just then, Sirius startled her as he entered the kitchen with a smile.

"Cassie, we have a visitor!" Sirius announced happily.

Cassiopeia followed Sirius into the hall where she found their visitor and was overcome with glee. "Andromeda!"

A/N: Andromeda's there! YAY! I had to have a confrontation with Kreacher and have Cassie be a mama bear. Grrr! I do not own the song "Hurry Up and Save Me." Thank you so very much to my beloved readers. This story would be nothing without you. And, as always, thank you to my best friend, Roza Anne. You make this story fun. Thank you!