Tonks had not been prepared to stay the evening with Remus. After she woke up the next morning in bed with him, she wasn't displeased about it by any stretch of the imagination.

The sun lit the room and she was able to see with clarity since they'd stumbled in last night. They were able to see well enough to find his bed and pull each other's clothes off.

But now she could see him, and the numerous thick, white scars that marred his skin. She'd traced them with her fingers the night before, she'd felt his body tense at the touch. He'd been slightly less tense when she followed them with her lips. He did seem altogether unbothered when her mouth found a place on his body that was entirely devoid of scars.

It had been an eventful evening.

"Your hair is brown," he said quietly, his fingers gently tracing the length of her arm.

"So are my eyes," she said looking up at him.

"It suits you," he said.

"It should. This is how I look without all the magic," she said. "Think I should try it out more often?"

"But how would I find you in a crowd?" he asked.

Tonks laughed. And he kissed her, and it was such a relief that they could just kiss and she didn't have to think about whether or not it was all in her head. The last thing they'd said to each other before she fell asleep was "I love you." None of this was in her head.

The smell of coffee is what finally roused them from bed. Tonks had found her shirt and was just pulling her trousers back on when Aurora knocked on the door to check on her dad. Thankfully she left quickly.

She kissed him goodbye about a million times before she finally disapparated home to shower and change her clothes. She'd had a meeting with her boss that morning and spent most of her afternoon keeping an eye on things in Surrey until Dumbledore left with Harry and Aurora.

And then she went back to Remus' flat.

Remus looked tired when he let her in.

"So, when you're on a date, is it weird to sit on the same side of the table as your partner?" Tonks asked.

"As opposed to across from them?" Remus asked.

"Exactly. That's what normal people do, yeah?" she asked.

"I suppose," he replied.

"Your daughter and her boyfriend are weird, but I suppose you knew that," she said. She reached into her satchel and pulled out a file. She sat it on the table. She turned around to him, but he was still standing near the door. "Is everything alright?"

He nodded and made slow steps toward her, motioning for her to sit. "We should talk."

Tonks had planned on saying the same thing, but the way Remus said it filled her with dread. She didn't sit. She'd been dumped and rejected enough times to see it coming a mile away.

"What's happened?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Nothing's happened."

"Then why does it sound like you're about to take back everything you said to me yesterday?" she asked.

"I'm not taking it back. I meant every word I said to you," he said. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, but still stood a distance from her. "I just don't think you understand what you'd be getting into."

Tonks wanted to laugh, wanted to cry. She felt her chest constrict.

"And what would that be? Explain it to me," she said.

"I'm older than you," he said.

"No shit. As if you don't constantly remind me," she said.

"I don't work," he said.

"I know," she said.

"I'm… You know what I am," he said pulling his hand away.

It always came back to this. "You're a werewolf?"

"Yes," he said. "You say it as if it's not a big—."

"It is a big deal, Remus. Of course, I know that. Of course I know it affects every single aspect of your life. I know it affects the way people treat you and the way they treat people who care about you. I've seen it," she said. "I listened to Aurora get worked up about the foul way Umbridge treated her just for being your daughter. People bring up your father's research constantly, but never by name. And—."

"And what would it do you to and your career being involved with me?" he asked. "Have you considered that?"

"Are you suggesting I can't take care of myself?" Tonks asked. "I'm a 24-year-old woman who's a Lead Auror in an office where the person closest to me in age is Kingsley. You think I got here by caring what people say or think or do to me?"

"You haven't experienced it nearly to the degree where you could understand," Remus said. "My daughter has a scar on the back of her hand that says 'half-breeds don't belong'—."

"Merlin, Remus, I know! I know about all of it," she said. "I've spent months looking at this every which way that I can. I'm not throwing myself into this without thinking like some teenage girl."

"Maybe I didn't consider what you'd be getting into either," he said.

This was unbelievable. Tonks felt her heart absolutely shattered in her chest. She was hurt and confused. She didn't know what to say or do.

"I have a daughter that I can barely care for on my own," Remus said. "A daughter, who, by the way, isn't much younger than you. What would she think?"

Tonks almost laughed. "Well, maybe you should ask her." She moved past him to the door. She needed to get out of here. She felt like she was going insane.

"Tonks, wait," he said.

"No, I need to go," she said.

"I don't want to leave things like this," he said.

"Remus, last night you told me you were in love with me. You pulled me back into your room and convinced me to stay the night with you. And this morning," she started, but the words were stuck in her throat. She shook her head. "You don't get to dictate how I handle this. I mean, I don't understand. What changed?"

"Nothing changed," he said. "Everything that I feel about you, none of that has changed… I just don't want to ruin your life."

He didn't want to ruin her life. As if saying all this to her wasn't ruining her.

"I need to go," she repeated. This time, Remus didn't try to stop her as she marched out of the door. Once it was closed behind her, she walked, as if compelled, to Grimmauld Place. She marched into the dining room where Sirius and Theo were sitting, having a drink, probably sitting up waiting for Harry and Aurora.

Sirius greeted her and Tonks fully intended to go off on a tangent about how his stupid friend completely blindsided her. But the words wouldn't come. She sat down beside him at the table and tried to get her words out, but instead, she started to cry.

"Has something happened?" Theo asked.

Sirius put a hand on her shoulder. She looked over to him. He was frowning.

"Remus?" he asked. Tonks nodded. His frown deepened.

Harry was exhausted, and as he walked through the front door at Grimmauld Place with Rory after bidding goodnight to Dumbledore, he couldn't help but feel like he was finally home.

"Thank goodness I took that nap after dinner otherwise I dunno how I'd be standing," Rory said.

Harry agreed. He wanted to talk about Slughorn and what Dumbledore wanted from him, but he was too tired. She'd be leaving in the morning, but would likely see her in a few days. In the meantime, he was looking forward to seeing Sirius and getting some sleep.

But they opened the door to the dining room and were greeted by Theo and Sirius sitting at the table with Tonks. Usually, Tonks had some vibrant hair color or creative hairstyle, but tonight, she had short, mousy brown hair that stopped at her shoulders. And it was clear that she had been crying recently.

"Hi," Rory said quietly.

Everyone quickly shook off the awkward tension in the room.

"Finally. We were wondering how late Dumbledore was going to keep you," Sirius said getting to his feet. He greeted Harry and Rory with a hug. Rory walked over and hugged Theo as well.

"Are you alright?" Rory asked Tonks.

"Oh, I'm fine," Tonks said dismissively. "I've just had a very long day. A long week. And I haven't slept since god knows when."

"Do you want to stay the night?" Theo offered.

Tonks laughed humorlessly as she got to her feet. "I appreciate the offer, but no. I would rather not—."

"Understandable," Sirius said. "Get some rest. We'll chat tomorrow?"

"Sure," she said. Sirius hugged her. "Thank you."

"Anytime. Always happy to lend an ear," Sirius said.

Tonks walked from the room and Rory stared after her. When the front door closed, she turned to Sirius.

"Is she alright?" Rory asked. "She didn't seem like herself."

"She'll be alright," Sirius assured her. "How are you two?"

"Tired," Harry said.

"That Slughorn guy sure is a character," Rory said. "He taught when you were at school?"

Sirius nodded. "I was one of his favorites, unfortunately."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "You were one of his favorites and that was bad?"

"Slughorn was not shy about playing favorites. He even had a little club he invited all his favorite students to. They'd have parties and dinners," Theo said. "It was all very—."

"Elitist. Annoying. Dull," Sirius grumbled. "I'm sure he'll love you two."

"I think Dumbledore is counting on it," Rory said with a roll of her eyes. "Who knows why though."

Harry gave Rory a gentle pat on the back. He was impressed that she'd waited until Dumbledore was gone to start complaining. He thought it was likely that her dad had instructed her to try to behave which was the only reason she did anything sometimes.

"Simmer down," Sirius said. Then he looked her over. "Is that not what you were wearing when I dropped you off earlier?"

Rory and Harry both looked at her appearance. She still had her skirt, but she was wearing one of Harry's flannels and his sweatshirt.

"It rained," Rory said quickly. "And Harry's cousin knocked me down in the street and stole our umbrella when we were walking back to his house from the cafe. I got drenched and Harry lent me something dry to wear and I didn't hit anyone even though I really wanted to."

Theo chuckled and Sirius shook his head.

Harry was glad that Rory had spoken up because his brain had short-circuited. He knew there was a perfectly innocent reason for Rory having different clothes on now. It had been because Dudley knocked her over in the rain. All of the things that happened afterward in his room when he gave her the change of clothes were unrelated.

"I'm sure your dad will be very proud of you for not hitting anyone," Sirius said. "I on the other hand am a little disappointed."

"Are either of you hungry?" Theo asked.

"I think I'd actually like to shower and go to sleep," Rory said.

"Harry, do you mind if we chat before you run off to bed?" Sirius asked.

"Of course," Harry said.

Rory kissed his cheek and she ran off to bed. Harry's face burned with heat.

"I'll just grab you a plate, Harry," Theo said. She walked down to the kitchen and Harry sat down at the table.

"How was your afternoon?" Sirius asked, sitting across from him.

"Good," Harry said. "I mean, aside from Dudley being an idiot, but that's not unusual."

"Good," Sirius said. "I'm glad Aurora didn't hit anyone."

Harry shrugged. "I think she was too upset to hit anyone, honestly. I think she expected them to care about me, even a little. When they didn't she just… I dunno. It made her sad. I didn't expect that."

Sirius gave him a pitying smile. "Last summer, she was in here fighting tooth and nail trying to get you out of there, so you could be somewhere you felt safe. Loved. I think you underestimate how much she cares about you."

"I keep noticing," Harry said with a sigh. "Sometimes I feel like I don't—."

"Like you don't love her the same?" Sirius laughed. "I'd like to remind you that just a few weeks ago, you were prepared to face Voldemort all on your own to save that girl. I think you can call it equal."

That was true. He still could not recall a time he'd ever been so afraid. Not when he'd faced Voldemort in the past. But the thought that he might lose her that night. Even thinking of it now made his stomach turn.

"But, I actually wanted to talk to you about something less bleak," Sirius said. "What are your plans for next summer? After you turn 17. Do you think you'll stay with your aunt and uncle?"

Harry scoffed. "I would rather sleep on the sidewalk than continue living there for a single second longer than I need to."

Sirius laughed. "I expected that to be your answer, but I wanted to be sure."

"I was hoping," Harry started slowly, "that I could just stay with you."

The grin on Sirius' face made Harry's heart feel ten times fuller than it ever had before.

"Yes, yes, of course," Sirius said. "Which is why I wanted to talk to you. I left home, this place, when I was 16 years old. To be honest, I never wanted to step foot in here again. I'm glad Dumbledore and the Order can make good use of it, but… I don't have many good memories here. Hardly any from before you and Aurora ever set foot in here. So I'm leaving Grimmauld Place."

Harry was surprised. "Really? Moving?"

"Yes. I've already got a place. Plenty of space and fresh air," Sirius said. There was a wistful look in his eye. It made Harry happy to see Sirius finally getting to enjoy his freedom. Finally getting out of this house and going somewhere, anywhere, without fear of consequences. "Anyway, it's not as large as this place, not that I need or want this much house. But it does have a room for you in it. For you to make your own for as long as you like."

Harry felt his heart jump into his throat. Tears welled in his eyes, but he was not going to let himself cry. Sirius was finally getting what he deserved, what he wanted. Something that had been taken from him on the night Harry's parents had been murdered. But Harry was finally getting something too. The life his parents meant for him to have when they'd gone.

Thankfully Sirius seemed to sense Harry was overwhelmed. He rose from the table, walked over to Harry, and hugged him.

"Thanks," Harry said.

"Take it you're good with that then?" Sirius asked.

Harry managed a laugh. "Yeah."

"Good," Sirius replied, giving him a gentle pat on the head. "I should mention, though. Theo will also be staying with us."

Harry had assumed so but felt weird asking. Rory had told him that she had no idea what the nature of Theo and Sirius' relationship was and that when she'd asked Sirius about it he'd told her "I actually have no idea what's going."

But, Sirius and Theo had a lot of history. A long, complicated history. Far be it from Harry to judge or even offer any interjection about how they navigated it. He had his own relationship to worry about after all, and all things considered, it was decidedly less complicated than anything Sirius had going on.

Theo emerged from the kitchen and sat a tray of food on the table for Harry. She excused herself to bed and Harry stayed up chatting with Sirius until he finished eating. He felt full and exhausted as he walked from the dining room and headed down the hall.

He was about to turn to go upstairs when he saw light pouring out of Rory's bedroom door. He walked down the hall to her room. She was sitting on her bed running a brush through her hair.

"Hey," he called out to her.

She looked up at him and smiled. "You're still up?" she asked with a yawn.

"Heading up now," he said. "Was just chatting with Sirius."

"Told you about the new house then?" Rory asked. Harry nodded. "I didn't think it was possible to feel so happy for another person until all this started happening for him. And for you."

"I'm just kind of tagging along," Harry said with a shrug.

"And aren't you just over the moon about that?" she asked. "And so is he. Besides, the less time you have to spend in Surrey, the better."

"Is there anything I can do to make you stop stressing about me living there? Dumbledore already chewed them out for it today," Harry reminded her.

"I'll let it go the second you turn 17 and are permanently out of that house and not a moment sooner," she said with a huff. "And as far as Dumbledore is concerned, it's too little too late."

Harry heard footsteps coming down the hall and saw Sirius approaching them.

"You two never run out of things to talk about do you?" Sirius asked.

"Harry was just telling me you told him about the house," Rory said. "I thought you might hold out until breakfast."

"You know I can't keep a secret," Sirius said. He clapped a firm hand on Harry's shoulder and pulled it away slowly. "You two don't stay up too late."

Harry nodded and Sirius walked off. He watched Sirius go down the hall and listened to him walk up the stairs. Then he turned back to Rory.

"Weird," Harry said.

"What?" she asked.

"He just… Left us alone," Harry said.

"Ah, so he did," Rory replied pulling her hair up into a messy bun.

"You don't seem surprised," Harry said.

"Well, I had a chat with my dad this morning, and I'm assuming he also had a chat with Sirius," Rory said. "The gist of it is that they're going to lay off."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"My dad said he raised me to make responsible decisions and he's trusting me to make responsible decisions so long as I respect the boundaries here at home," Rory said.

"Oh," Harry said dramatically. "So what you're saying is that you're not going to drag me off to the bathroom right now then? I should just go to bed. That's the only reason I stopped by."

Rory rolled her eyes and he watched heat flood her golden cheeks.

"I'm going to bed," she said. "Can you turn my light off before you go?"

Harry chuckled as Rory climbed under her blankets. He turned her bedroom light off and walked over to her bed. He sat down beside her on the bed and kissed her.

"Thank you," he said.

"For what?" she asked.

"For getting angry for me," Harry said. "For being happy for me. For just… Being. Being with me."

She kissed him. "I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. Why would I? Everyone else sucks except for you."

Harry thought he sucked plenty. Rory promised never to bring up Cho or their break up to throw in his face, and she hadn't. But Harry thought about it often. He often wondered how he could ever let himself get so frustrated and angry with her that he'd do something like that.

She laid down and closed her eyes. Harry knew he should get up and go to his bed. Kiss her goodnight and see her in the morning. Instead, he laid down beside her. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too," she said. "What is it?"

"I just keep thinking… You're it for me," he said.

Rory chuckled. "What?"

"You don't believe in marriage, but if you did, I'd marry you tomorrow."

Rory laughed. "I hate to break it to you, Harry, but we're 15 and even Wizards don't allow that sort of thing without parental consent, which I promise my dad would not give you."

"And if he did?" Harry teased.

She laughed again. "I think if the world turned upside down and my dad ever agreed to something like that, that I only decided just a few hours ago that I was open to the idea of sex, so maybe you're jumping the gun on the whole marriage thing."

"Maybe I'm just a crazy person," he said.

"You are," Rory said. She scooted closer to him. There was a blanket between them, but Harry still held her as close as he could. "And one day, after we've graduated from school and you're accepted in the Auror program, I might consider cohabitating with you indefinitely."

"I look forward to it," he said.

She smiled at him. Her eyes were so tired, they were barely open. She kissed him again and pressed her face into his chest.

"Can you stay until I'm asleep?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said.

Harry didn't know which of them fell asleep first.