This chapter follows on from the previous three, but is significantly longer than its predecessors. I hope it wraps up this story arc nicely.

See Author's Note at the end for future story plans.

I share neither JK Rowling's work nor her opinions.

In the Department of Mysteries, a short, cloaked figure stood in a silent room. His only company, an imposing stone archway, inside which an ethereal veil blew in a non-existent wind.

The wreckage of the recent battle had been cleared and once the building had been deserted, Mundungus Fletcher had been dispatched by Professor Dumbledore to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Though the Prophecy had been destroyed, the Order was still on high alert for Death Eater activity at the Ministry.

Not known for his reliability, Mundungus was the only Order member available for this particular duty, so he grumbled to himself in the silence, counting the coins he had collected that day selling subpar cauldrons - not that his customers knew that.

With his back to the stone archway, Mundungus heard the disturbance before he saw it. In a roar of fire, the archway erupted and Mundungus spun just in time to see what looked like a body being thrown through the veil. It landed heavily on the dais, rolling down a few steps before coming to a halt, face down, a few metres away. Warily, Mundungus stepped closer, but jumped when a voice rang out.

"Dung?"

In a show of speed heretofore unheard of for Mundungus, he drew his wand and fired an Expelliarmus in the direction of the voice.

Arthur Weasley watched as the spell whizzed past him, then turned his focus to Mundungus, who appeared pale and shaken.

"All okay Mundungus?" Arthur asked.

"Arthur, good to see you," he grunted in reply. "All under control.

"That thing," he pointed at the body sprawled on the steps that had until now gone unnoticed by Arthur, "flew through the veil a minute ago, maybe one of the Death Eaters killed earlier. Should get Mungo's to retrieve him for burial, I suppose.

Before Arthur could even get a word out, Mundungus spoke again.

"Anyway, I'd best be off. Business to attend to, you understand Arthur," and he disapparated.

Arthur stared at the spot Mundungus had left and shook his head, before turning his attention to the figure on the steps. Carefully muttering a few spells to make sure there was no dark magic at play, he stepped forward. Within seconds, realisation dawned on him. He recognised the tall, thin figure and the brown wool jacket. As he drew closer, he took in the sandy hair and scarred face of Remus Lupin. The last thing he noticed, the most surprising thing, was the ragged but steady breathing.

—

"Remus Lupin."

Sirius, who had moved from his own bed when Dumbledore had strode in with Kingsley to stand protectively over Harry's, sat heavily into a nearby chair, shaking. Around him, Madam Pomfrey was peppering Kingsley with questions about Remus' whereabouts and condition, while Harry and Hermione were quizzing Dumbledore.

"Who's bringing him in Albus?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"Arthur Weasley," he replied calmly. "He notified myself and Kingsley of the situation not five minutes ago.

"I have also been in touch with Minerva and I'm delighted to say that she is well enough herself to leave St Mungo's and she is currently negotiating the release or transfer of Aurors Moody and Tonks who have not yet been briefed on the… current situation."

"Let me help, Albus."

Sirius had found his voice, but he was still terribly shaken. He waved his wand impatiently over himself, changing from the nightclothes Poppy had issued him with earlier.

"I'm free now, I can get to Hogsmeade, apparate to Arthur and help him bring Remus in. I need to see him."

"Arthur will have it under control Sirius," Dumbledore reassured him, assessing him with a soft but knowing smile, "and I think you would be better placed here. Auror Tonks is under the impression - as we all were - that Remus Lupin has died. I believe you are the best person to speak with her."

Sirius made to move, but Dumbledore held out a hand to stop him.

"We must wait until she gets here, Sirius. Minerva will take care of their transfer, as it were. The Prophet has yet to be printed so you're still, as far as the general public is concerned, a wanted fugitive."

Sirius could understand that, but it didn't mean he had to like it. He needed to do something - his whole body felt like it was vibrating with nervous energy. Then, he felt a hand on his arm. Harry's bright green eyes met his, and Sirius could see the fear, anxiety and hope that he was feeling himself mirrored back to him.

"Is he really okay Sirius?"

"He's alive, Harry, and if there's one thing I know about Remus, it's that his stubbornness is legendary.

"Your Uncle Moony always had a way of getting himself out of a tight spot," he quipped.

"Which, as I recall, was a talent honed by years of being corrupted by two scoundrels."

Minerva McGonagall's stern words were betrayed by the fond smile on her face as Kingsley helped her through the fireplace, where she had just arrived from St Mungo's. The only signs of her own recent injuries - five stunning spells directly to the chest - were a pronounced limp and an ornate wooden cane. Otherwise, she was as sharp as ever when she turned to face the Headmaster.

"Is it true Albus, he's alive?"

"Alive, but gravely injured Minerva. I trust your own recuperation is progressing nicely?"

She nodded tersely and continued; "Nymphadora and Alastor are both awake though not healed. They will be following me through shortly, once they find Alastor's leg."

She grimaced vaguely at the thought before her face softened, catching sight of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna in their beds.

"Professor Dumbledore, should we move elsewhere to allow the children their rest?"

Before Harry could even think to protest, Dumbledore dismissed Professor McGonagall's concerns.

"They all fought valiantly this evening Minerva, and I think the least we can do is allow them to see their comrades-in-arms returned in one piece… so to speak."

Whether she wanted to or not, Professor McGonagall didn't get a chance to respond as a silver weasel scurried in, standing upright in front of Professor Dumbledore. It opened its mouth and Arthur Weasley's voice echoed around the room.

"Arrived in Hogsmeade. We will travel with Hagrid the rest of the way. Remus is still unresponsive but stable. Prepare for burns and possibly some broken bones."

Madam Pomfrey didn't have to be told twice; she immediately set about preparing a work station nearest the private bed at the end of the room.

Sirius paled at Arthur's words. Maybe Professor McGonagall was right, perhaps it would be more prudent to send Harry and his friends away or to at least find somewhere else for the Order to reconvene. However, he found that he couldn't bear the thought of his Godson leaving his sight. Not that Harry was short of support this evening. While the adult members of the Order had listened intently to Arthur's message, Neville had slowly moved to sit at the end of Harry's bed, still watching the room warily. Luna was curled into a large chair between Hermione and Ron's beds, making space on the arm for Ginny's injured leg as the youngest Weasley kept watch over her still-unconscious brother from the end of his bed. The teenagers, all awake aside from Ron, were whispering amongst themselves.

The fire flashed green and Kingsley moved forward quickly to help Mad-Eye Moody through the fireplace. His magical eye, which had become dislodged during the fight, had been returned to its rightful location. Sirius noted that his leg had also been recovered. Although he appeared to lean heavily on Kingsley for a moment, Moody showed no other signs of injury as he quickly surveyed the room.

Clumsy at the best of times, Tonks was still suffering the effects of her aunt's treatment and Sirius had to almost dive to catch her when the fire turned green again. Hermione and Ginny's concerned gasps and Harry's uncertain call of 'Tonks?' were the only sounds as Sirius helped the young Auror get her balance. From a quick glance, it wasn't hard to see what had caused the teenagers' distress.

Usually vibrant and full of life, Tonks was conscious but very weak. Her once pink curly hair was dishevelled, knotted and a murky shade of brown, sticking out from under a bandage which was wrapped around her head. Grey eyes, a carbon copy of Sirius' own, had lost their silvery twinkle and were instead cold as concrete, surrounded by dark rings and bruises. She looked at Sirius, a gaze filled with confusion, anger and loss, and it was all he could do not to cry.

"He's okay Dora," Sirius whispered as he pulled his cousin into a hug.

"Remus came back to us. He's hurt, but he's alive. Arthur Weasley is bringing him here."

A sharp breath, then, soft crying. Auror Tonks was tough as old boots and arguably more powerful than Merlin himself. Tonks on the other hand loved fully and felt strongly. She had never lost anyone close to her, and although far from her first fight, this was the first time the war had hit too close to home.

"Poppy?"

Sirius felt like he stopped breathing for a second when he heard Arthur Weasley's voice call into the Hospital Wing. He and Tonks turned to face the door. The tension that had sat in the room since Dumbledore and Kingsley's arrival reached an unbearable level as Arthur levitated a large stretcher in front of him through the room to the private bed Madam Pomfrey had prepared.

As they passed him, Sirius caught sight of Remus' right hand - his wand hand - which was red and scorched. Tonks moved to follow, but Sirius kept his hold on her. The fact that she didn't protest told him more about her state than any words could, and he led her slowly to an empty bed, close to the room in which Remus was now being settled by Arthur, Madam Pomfrey and Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. He longed to follow, but Dumbledore was right. He was needed elsewhere at the moment. Remus was in good hands.

He got Tonks settled into bed, but she stubbornly refused to sleep until she had heard news of Remus. It delighted Sirius no end to see two of his favourite people so happy together - not that he would tell them that. It was merciless teasing only, on principle. It was a wrench now though to see his baby cousin look as shattered as he had felt watching Remus fall. He sat beside her for a while, explaining everything that he knew, and wrapped his arm around her to pull her close as she cried.

After some time, Arthur retreated from Remus' bedside and reassured the two that although he looked bad, Remus was settled and receiving the best of care.

Mad-Eye and Kingsley gestured Arthur over for an update and they fell into a hushed but urgent conversation. Sirius could vaguely hear Mad-Eye growl "Mundungus" and mused that even from a hospital bed, the former Auror could strike fear into the heart of Merlin.

After a few minutes, it seemed the debrief was done. Nodding at Moody, Kingsley bade the occupants of the Hospital Wing goodbye before stepping through the floo again. Arthur left Mad-Eye to rest and bustled quickly over to the group of teenagers, checking on Harry, Hermione, Neville and Luna before pulling Ginny protectively into a hug and gently brushing Ron's hair off his forehead.

"Tonks?"

Distracted, Sirius was as surprised as Tonks was to see Harry standing uncertainly at the foot of the bed.

"Harry, are you okay?" she replied, hastily wiping her face. She moved herself away from Sirius carefully, painfully and slowly pulled herself into a proper seated position. She made to stand, but Harry held out his hands to stop her.

"No please, don't get up. You should still be resting!"

"You're worse than my mum," Tonks snorted, before she froze.

"My mum… Sirius, mum and dad don't know I'm here but I don't… Can you… Will you…"

"I've got it, Tonks," Arthur called quietly from the other side of the room. "I have to go update Molly anyway so I'll call by your mum and dad later this morning."

This morning? Sirius peered out the window opposite him and saw that through the shutters, the sun was beginning to rise.

"Thanks Arthur," Tonks replied, some of the tension leaving her body. She turned back to Harry and held out a hand for him to hold.

"How are you feeling Harry?"

"Me?" Harry asked, shocked. "I'm fine, are you okay? I'm so sorry-"

"Don't even dare, Potter," Tonks said firmly, squeezing his hand. "None of this was your fault."

"But-"

"No," Tonks' hair briefly flashed red before returning to the dull brown. "Harry not one bit of this was caused by you and you certainly didn't want any of it to happen. We all accepted the risks of war when we signed up for the Order."

"We fought in this war before you were even born, Harry. You're not responsible for this, nor for our lives," Sirius agreed.

Harry swallowed and Tonks pulled him down to sit beside her. Sirius leaned forward and placed a hand on his back.

"Why don't you try get some sleep, Harry? It's been a long day and you were injured yourself," he soothed.

"I can't, not until we know that Prof- that Remus is okay."

"Well then budge over Sirius," Tonks released Harry's hand and shuffled herself back to the top of the bed. "We've got company!"

Seeing that the other teenagers were settling in to rest - though they hadn't done so until sure that Harry was being looked after, he noted with pride - Sirius moved to take pillows and blankets from the nearby empty beds. Tonks and Harry watched him, curious.

"Tonks, you've been a sprawler since you were born. God knows how Remus copes with it, that man likes his space."

Harry looked confused at both adults. Sirius' wink and Tonks' blush (which seemed to leak into the roots of her hair) gave him all the answer he needed and he beamed at Tonks, though the guilt in his eyes seemed to become sharper.

"So if we're all waiting here for Moony, I'm making us comfy," Sirius continued, dodging a pillow thrown by Tonks.

He pulled out his wand and, waving it over the bed, extended it before adding the pillows and blankets. He helped Harry get settled at the foot of the suddenly very large bed, before returning to his place at the top where Tonks leaned against his side. Despite their protests, Tonks and Harry were soon asleep.

—

What seemed like minutes later, Sirius was being gently shaken awake. He stirred sleepily, but the events of the past 24 hours rushed back to him and he flew into a seated position, his wand aimed outwards towards the perceived threat.

"I know you don't like porridge, but if you eat it and don't curse it, you can have a muffin after."

Tonks' words were light-hearted but the gentle yet firm hand on Sirius' wrist belied her concern. He met her eyes, took a deep breath and nodded almost imperceptibly before barking out a laugh.

"If you cooked it, I'm definitely cursing it," he laughed.

He surveyed the room and saw that everyone else - including Ron - was now awake and eating. Harry was sitting between Ron and Hermione's beds now, looking more rested but still troubled. Sirius smiled and winked before holding his bowl of porridge in a sloppy salute.

"It's past noon," Tonks yawned from a chair beside the bed, where she had her hands warming around a cup of tea. Sirius was pleased to see that the bags under her eyes had faded somewhat, and her hair had lightened - though it was still far from Bubblegum Pink. Sirius reckoned he didn't look much better.

"Ron woke up during the night and is doing really well. Madam Pomfrey is going to do another round of checkups but she's confident most of us will be discharged - on the promise of bedrest once we leave," she continued, raising the cup to take a drink.

"And Remus?" Sirius asked.

Tonks lowered the cup again and her eyes were so sad that Sirius almost regretted asking the question.

"Remus hasn't changed overnight and Madam Pomfrey won't give us an update beyond 'he's stable and in good hands' until we have eaten and been checked over. I tried to sneak in to see him, but she caught me."

"Only because you tripped over her trolley," Ron called across the room.

Hermione shot him a look, but it was the levity they needed. Tonks' hair flashed pink in embarrassment but she joined in the laughter of the others until Mad-Eye shushed them all and used his wand to pull a curtain around his bed.

That, and Sirius and Tonks' matching hand gestures towards the closed curtain were too much for the remaining patients in the Hospital Wing. Even Hermione was pressing a hand to her ribs and breathing deeply to try stem the giggles that burst out.

"Honestly!"

Madam Pomfrey swept back into the Hospital Wing and was met with cleared throats, snorts and pursed lips as they tried to hold in their laughter in the face of the angry Matron. She shot a cross look at the teenagers before rounding on Sirius and Tonks, who had the good sense to at least fake their remorse.

"I would have expected better from the adults in the room," she tutted.

"No idea why she'd expect better from me," Sirius muttered to Tonks. Her snort set everyone off again.

"Really," Madam Pomfrey blustered. "I leave for fifteen minutes - and Albus assured me the children would be fine in the care of the supposed adults here - and I return to what looks like a Cheering Charm epidemic.

"Seeing as you're feeling so sprightly, Mr Black, you won't mind if I get your checkup done first!"

Having spent enough time under Madam Pomfrey's feet, Sirius knew she wasn't really annoyed. It had done everyone good to have a laugh, and while Sirius' chest was still clenched with anxiety and adrenaline, he had wholeheartedly encouraged and enjoyed it. He followed Madam Pomfrey to a quieter part of the Hospital Wing, where she drew a curtain and began to run some diagnostic and monitoring spells.

"Food and rest is what you need, dear," she told him finally. "That heart rate is still a little on the higher side but stress will do that to you.

"You're healthy enough to leave, but Albus has recommended that you stay here, at least until Remus wakes," she continued. "He also mentioned Auror Tonks…?"

"Tonks is Remus' partner," Sirius explained.

"But Remus isn't-"

"Not his work partner," Sirius grinned, and he wished more than anything he had a camera to capture Madam Pomfrey's reaction. Usually curt and stern, the Matron's face lit up and her eyes were suspiciously bright. She'd always had a soft spot for Remus - most people did - but she had spent a lot of time with him as he recovered from transformations in his schools days. Sirius couldn't wait to get this memory into a Pensieve so he could watch Remus turn puce with embarrassment.

"In that case," Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat and tried to regain her professional manner, "I shall check over Ms Tonks now and update you both on Remus' condition."

Tonks was still unwell enough for Madam Pomfrey to be glad of Dumbledore's recommendation that she stay with Remus. This way, the Medi-Witch could keep a close eye on her too.

Once Tonks' examination was complete, Sirius was called back through the curtain to get a long-awaited updated on Remus. He sat on the bed beside Tonks as Madam Pomfrey explained that Remus was stable, but needed a great deal of rest. Whatever had happened to throw him back through the veil had caused burns to his hands and face, though they were healing well. The Stunner to the chest, and presumably the fact that he had truly died for a time, had thrown off his heart's rhythm, but that was now fixed and constant.

"Finally, and most surprisingly," Madam Pomfrey stated, "he came in with injuries that are consistent with a rough transformation; a dislocated shoulder, a fractured ankle and some badly bruised ribs."

"But the full moon isn't for another four days," Tonks questioned.

Sirius glanced in surprise at Tonks, whose blush spread to the tips of her hair. That she had already started tracking the full moons filled Sirius with a warmth he couldn't describe. He bumped her shoulder with his and smiled brightly, before turning his attention back to Madam Pomfrey.

"We're not sure what happened - that will be up to Mr Lupin to tell us when he awakes - but the bones should be reset and mended well by tomorrow. I've also been giving him Wolfsbane to try alleviate the stress of the upcoming transformation.

"I'm going to see to the children now, but if you would like to sit with Mr Lupin…"

They didn't have to be asked twice.

—

Remus looked sick.

Sirius hadn't been sure what to expect - the man had died after all - but somehow it still took him by surprise.

Underneath the angry red marks on his face (Madam Pomfrey assured them that they were already healing well) Remus was terrifyingly pale. The only sign that he was still with them was the slow but steady movement of his breathing. The covers were pulled right up to his chest, but his right arm lay over the blanket, wrapped carefully in a sling to hold his shoulder in place. Both hands were lightly bandaged.

Tonks let out a choked sob and Sirius pulled her in for a hug, letting a few of his own tears fall now too. Then something occurred to him.

"You've got the moon cycles down already. You really love him, huh?" he asked Tonks.

He felt her nod against his chest. She took a few deep breaths before extracting herself from Sirius' hold.

"He was supposed to come for dinner with mum and dad yesterday before… before everything."

A few more tears escaped and she brushed them away.

"Dad is keen but mum… you know what she's like."

"I sure do," Sirius laughed, "but I also know what Remus is like and he is almost infuriatingly loveable. Andy will act like a Black to scare him a bit but he's seen all that before. Merlin knows he dealt with me long enough."

Tonks snorted a laugh and took a seat by Remus' left side, avoiding his dislocated shoulder. She gently took his bandaged hand in hers.

"This was quite an extreme way to get out of dinner, Remus."

Sirius barked a laugh, still chuckling as the curtain behind him opened. Harry stood there, eyes widening as they landed on Remus. He stepped slowly forward and Sirius put a steadying arm around his shoulder. Harry looked at him and seemed even more shocked still when he saw the tear tracks on his Godfather's face.

"It's okay Harry," Tonks whispered, smiling. "He's going to be okay."

"I know it looks bad Harry, but he really is healing well. This isn't even as bad as some of his transformations in school," Sirius added.

This wasn't strictly true. Madam Pomfrey had warned both Sirius and Tonks that while his physical injuries were healing well, Remus' mental state could not be ascertained. No-one knew what effect his trip through the veil would have on him.

"I'm so sorry-" Harry began again.

"Harry James Potter, this is none of your fault," Sirius said sternly, hands on Harry's shoulders, turning his Godson to face him. "How do we get it through that thick skull of yours?"

"Unfortunately a genetic trait… incurable…"

Sirius froze and in turn felt Harry's shoulders tense under his hands as a hoarse but warm and familiar voice joined the conversation. Tonks nearly knocked over her own chair in fright.

"Sorry Harry," the voice continued. "You get that from James… encouraged by Padfoot too, I fear."

His eyes weren't open and his brow was creased - with pain or concentration it was hard to tell - but it was definitely Remus. Tonks felt a tentative squeeze of her hand and her other hand flew to her mouth as she began to cry again.

"Remus, mate," Sirius whispered.

Remus blinked his eyes open sluggishly to see Tonks sitting at his side; Harry and Sirius standing at the foot of his bed. His eyes closed again.

"Harry, can you get Madam Pomfrey please," Sirius asked, already moving closer to Remus. "Moony, are you still with us?"

Remus' eyes fluttered open again.

"Padfoot…" he whispered. The pain was more evident on his face now and talking seemed to take a lot of effort. "Is everyone okay? Dora?"

He tried to turn his head towards her, but hissed when it pulled on his injuries.

"Don't move Remus," Tonks stood so Remus could see her. She squeezed his hand gently, smiling reassuringly. "We're okay."

"You fell… You're injured?"

"Classic Remus, looking after everyone else while you're in a hospital bed," Sirius chuckled.

Remus was saved from replying by Madam Pomfrey tearing the curtain open. It was just then, seeing the delighted relief on the Matron's face, that Sirius realised just how perilous his friend's condition had been.

"Everyone out," Madam Pomfrey ordered. "I have a patient to see to! Auror Tonks, your parents have arrived."

"Dinner…" Remus trailed off. "Reschedule?"

Tonks laughed, and Sirius noticed that her hair had lightened again.

"I'll hold you to that, Lupin," she smiled, still sniffling lightly. She kissed his forehead and stepped away to let Madam Pomfrey work.

"See you in a while mate, rest up," Sirius patted the bed bedside Remus and followed Tonks out.

—

Madam Pomfrey had not allowed them to see Remus for the rest of the day, but she assured them that he was now firmly out of the woods and just resting. Tonks was dispatched home with her parents (though not before Andromeda had also fussed over Sirius and interrogated him on Remus). Mad-Eye had disappeared God knows where and Ginny, Luna and Neville had been allowed back to their respective Common Rooms. However, Ron and Hermione were instructed to stay a further night for observation. Sirius was tired and after attempting one too many times to get back to Remus, Madam Pomfrey threatened to bar him permanently from the Hospital Wing so he went home to gather some clothes for Remus and to sleep.

The next day saw him, Tonks and Harry sitting around Remus' bed. The Hospital Wing was now otherwise empty, Ron and Hermione having been given a clean bill of health that morning, and preparations were underway for that evening's end-of-year feast. Sirius had thought Harry would spend the day with his friends once they had been released from the Hospital Wing, but he had been here before Sirius and Tonks, patiently waiting for Remus to wake again. Nothing Sirius or Tonks said seemed to assuage Harry of his guilt and worry, so they just sat and quietly talked.

Shortly before noon, while Tonks steered Harry outside for a walk, Remus awoke. He seemed more alert this time, Sirius noted with relief. He shuffled closer to the bed and waited for Remus to fully come to.

Remus yawned, blinked heavily and turned to see Sirius watching him.

"The veil was less creepy," he quipped.

Sirius laughed, but to his horror, the laugh quickly turned to sobs. He tried to catch his breath but couldn't.

"Sirius!" Remus exclaimed. "Sirius, what's wrong? It's okay, we're okay."

Using the arm that wasn't confined to a sling, Remus pushed himself up and swung his legs over the bed. He stepped unsteadily towards Harry's vacant chair and sat heavily in it, pulling Sirius close. This seemed to startle Sirius enough to calm him somewhat.

"What's going on Padfoot?" Remus asked, concern lacing his voice as he ran his free hand comfortingly along Sirius back.

"What's wrong?" Sirius half-laughed. "You died, Remus. You saved my life, but you died."

"I'm back now Padfoot, I'm okay!"

"But you didn't know that would happen Remus, why would you do that?"

"Because I love you, you prat," Remus pointed out, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "And I love Harry. I didn't expect to die, but I pushed you away knowing that if I didn't do something, you definitely would.

"We lost you for long enough Padfoot. Harry needs you, and I couldn't put him through another loss."

The curtain opened and Tonks and Harry reappeared.

"You say that like you wouldn't be - weren't - a loss to him… to us…" Tonks said quietly.

Remus stood up shakily to greet them as they walked in and was surprised to suddenly be met with an armful of Harry as the teen flung himself into Remus' uninjured side.

"It wasn't my intention to go," Remus addressed Tonks directly as he spoke, his arm around Harry's shoulders. "I never wanted to leave. But when it comes down to protecting my loved ones, my family, I'd make the same choice every time.

"But I'm here now, we're all here and for now we're safe."

"For the record, we missed you a lot… Uncle Moony," Harry murmured.

And what could Remus say to that?

—

Remus was kept under close observation by Madam Pomfrey, particularly with the full moon looming in two days' time. However, now that the school had closed for the summer, she had relaxed her rules and allowed Sirius, Tonks and Harry to stay with Remus during the day. It was there, with snacks liberated from the kitchens by Sirius while Madam Pomfrey spent a day in Hogsmeade, that Remus learned what happened after he had fallen through the veil.

They were seated around the large fireplace. Remus sat on a couch closest to the fire, a blanket over his lap, while Tonks curled into his left side, still cautious of his healing bones. Harry and Sirius sat on a couch opposite them taking it in turns to outline the events in the Ministry.

They started with the good news - Sirius' newly-awarded freedom - and Remus suddenly remembered Prongs' congratulations. He decided to keep those revelations until later.

When he heard about Voldemort possessing Harry and taunting Dumbledore, Remus inhaled sharply in horror, quickly wrapping his arm around his protesting ribs. Tonks, a look of unbridled terror on her own face, moved to curl even closer to him to offer comfort and Sirius and Harry shared a smile. After a beat, Remus recovered enough to address Harry.

"How are you now Harry? I can't even begin to imagine how that must have felt."

The compassion in his former teacher's words and face was almost Harry's undoing. He had been asked several times how he was feeling - he was quite sick of the question to be honest - but no-one had acknowledged the loneliness, even the absurdity, of such an experience. Then, Harry reasoned, if anyone knew how it felt to be taken over by an unwanted dark force, it was Remus. Bolstered by Remus' support, Harry took a deep breath.

"It's a lot, honestly," he admitted, and glancing up to see Sirius' encouraging smile, he continued; "there's a bit more to it too".

Once Sirius had cast a silencing charm around them, Harry told Remus and Tonks about the Prophecy, giving them all the details that Dumbledore had shared with him the night of the battle. He told them about his mother's protection, how Voldemort himself had marked Harry as his equal and how one of them had to be responsible for the death of the other, in the end.

Shaking, though not due to his injuries anymore, Remus leaned forward and looked seriously at Harry.

"Thank you for telling us all of this Harry. I'm so proud of you."

Harry swallowed and blinked rapidly. He was so sick of crying.

"You don't have to do any of this alone, Harry," Remus continued. "I think I speak for all three of us," he glanced at Sirius and reached for Tonks' hand, "when I say that we're here every step of the way."

Tonks and Sirius nodded enthusiastically.

"You've been so brave for so long. You will l need to call on that bravery again I fear, but you will never do it alone. Let us help, Harry."

Harry merely nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

"Hang on," Sirius suddenly sat forward in his seat, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Lily's sacrifice - giving her life for you Harry - Dumbledore said that enacted a strong, ancient magic that protected you so long as you called her sister's house your home."

Harry nodded, confused as to why his Godfather's face suddenly shone with amusement.

He learned seconds later when Sirius held his arms out wide towards Remus and Tonks and said; "Hope you've got a spare room!"

"Null and void now that I've come back Padfoot," Remus said dryly.

—

On a rare moment alone - Sirius, Harry and Tonks seemed to be taking it in shifts to ensure that he really was alive - Remus told Madam Pomfrey how he had survived the veil.

Having seen him through some of his worst transformations, she understood the conflicting emotions he found himself sorting through. Although he was now in his 30s, he found as much comfort in her presence and support as he did then, but her insight in this instance left him speechless.

"See, even the wolf sees your value and your worth. Maybe it's time you did likewise."

—

The full moon came and went without too much incident. Having taken Wolfsbane over the past number of days, it would have been a calm enough affair anyway. However, it turned out that the wolf itself was still recovering from the week's events. So it curled up in the Shrieking Shack - Remus had point blank refused to transform in the castle when he hadn't taken a full week of Wolfsbane - and licked its wounds, with Padfoot standing guard nearby.

When the night passed and Remus returned to his human form once more, he was dazed and sore. The transformation itself had aggravated his injuries but as he lay in the recovery position catching his breath, he felt no additional damage. A faint 'pop' sounded nearby and he felt a blanket being draped gently over his body.

He turned over slowly to see Sirius' worried face hovering over him.

"Doing okay, Moony?" he asked.

Remus nodded, still too winded from the transformation to speak. Sirius seemed to understand - he'd seen Remus post-transformation enough times to know - so he hummed quietly as he helped Remus to get dressed.

Before they could even open the trapdoor to make their way back to the castle, they could hear a loud thump and some frantic whispers from down the passage. Sirius drew his wand but Remus breathed a laugh. He clumsily pushed Sirius' hand down.

"It's Tonks and Harry," he whispered. He listened again. "And Madam Pomfrey. Best go show them I survived the night."

Remus caught the pained look in Sirius' eyes at his words.

"Too soon?"

"Too soon."

—

Madam Pomfrey would deny it to the ends of the earth, but Remus Lupin was, and always had been, her favourite patient. So the scene that met her as she returned from lunch with Minerva later that day filled her with immense joy.

Remus was snoring gently in his bed, which was somehow several metres bigger than it had been an hour ago. Tonks had dozed off where she sat at the top of the bed, her hand splayed on Remus' chest as if to reassure herself that it still moved and he still breathed. She almost didn't spot her second favourite patient (again, she would deny it) ensconced as he was in blankets at the end of the bed. The messy hair he had inherited from his father looked even more dishevelled than usual as he slept peacefully at the foot of the bed. The final occupant of the room had fallen asleep where he sat, in a large armchair close to the end of the bed. Though he had escaped from his parents' influence at the age of 16, Sirius' strict upbringing was still apparent, and so it was that even asleep, Sirius' back was straight, his legs were crossed and his hands were placed elegantly in his lap. The only signs that he was was truly asleep were the slight tilt of his head as he rested it on his shoulder, and a hearty snore.

Professor McGonagall, who had accompanied Madam Pomfrey back to the Hospital Wing, transfigured a nearby jug into a camera, before snapping a photo.

"It never hurts to have blackmail," she smiled wryly, "particularly where Black and Lupin are involved".

—

Remus was allowed home that afternoon, though not before Madam Pomfrey made Sirius and Tonks swear they would force him to rest.

"Home" for now was 12 Grimmauld Place, which seemed to hold little power over Sirius anymore, since his freedom had been granted and publicised. The place was more cheerful than it had been for years, as was its owner, who had begged Remus and Tonks to stay at least for the summer.

That evening, after much deliberation and hours of fretting, Remus decided to tell the others about his experience beyond the veil.

"This isn't going to be easy," he stated, taking a deep breath. "There are parts you may wish to hear in private… and it might get upsetting."

Sirius, Tonks and Harry seemed to have a wordless conversation around him, coming to the same conclusion that they would all listen together to save Remus the retelling. Sirius fetched a bottle of Firewhiskey and four glasses (much to Remus' disapproval) and, pouring them each a small drink (subtly adding water to Harry's, he gestured for Remus to speak.

The moment he mentioned his mother, Sirius' eyes darkened. He hadn't been there to see Remus' grief, but he knew how close he had been to his parents, particularly his mother. He reached over the table and squeezed the scarred hand as it shook. Remus smiled gratefully. Anyone else might have assumed he had gone mad, talking of the dead as he was; but he knew that it had all been real.

He spoke about Lily and James, and their words for Harry and Sirius. Tonks was surprised to hear that they had spoken about her too.

"You and Lily would have made a formidable team," Remus smiled sadly.

"We wouldn't have stood a chance," Sirius laughed.

Tears were shed by them all that evening, but laughter echoed throughout the house when Remus told them what his dad had called Snape, and how James had put him up to interrogating Remus about Tonks.

He told them how it had been the wolf that had saved his life, and he knew he would never forget the dumbstruck look on Sirius' face at that revelation.

There were parts of his experience that he kept to himself, for now at least, as a plan was formulating in his mind.

—

Remus got the opportunity to enact phase one of that plan even quicker than he had expected. Tonks was at work and Sirius had taken Harry out for the evening, so Remus was home alone when the fire flashed green and two figures stepped out.

"Mr and Mrs Tonks," Remus greeted, setting down his book and standing to greet their guests. The dinner he'd had to postpone after his brief brush with death had yet to be rescheduled but there was no doubt as to who they were. Andromeda was strikingly similar to Sirius with dark, curly hair and silver eyes. Ted's heart-shaped friendly face had been inherited by his daughter.

"Remus Lupin," he introduced himself, shaking Ted's hand and kissing Andromeda on the cheek.

"I must apologise for cancelling our dinner," he began, but Ted stopped him.

"Dora told us what happened; how are you feeling?"

—

Remus and Ted fell into easy conversation over tea and cakes and as expected, Ted warmed to Remus immediately. He'd seen a kindred spirit, someone who was quietly confident, steadfast but intelligent and quick-witted; a perfect match for his darling Dora.

Andromeda on the other hand had watched Nymphadora closely over the past fortnight. In the first few days after the Ministry battle, her headstrong, independent daughter had been subdued, easy to startle. She had even lost her ability to morph for a time, an ability she'd had since birth. All because of this unassuming - somewhat shabby, Andromeda noted haughtily - man who was now inviting them to stay for a home-cooked dinner.

They hadn't anticipated running into Remus this evening; they were calling to check in with Sirius. Much to Ted's amusement this shock meeting was playing havoc with Andromeda's plan to dislike Remus on principle. Instead of the decadent robes and glittering jewellery she had donned for the dinner-that-never-was to intimidate the poor man, she was dressed in plain robes that now sported dustings of soot from their travel.

She tried to intimidate him with words, of course, but Remus' calm, level responses impressed Ted and completely baffled Andromeda.

Tonks had told them, with Remus' permission, what had happened at the Department of Mysteries that night, and how he had survived. That their daughter was in love with a werewolf was a surprise, but Ted in particular was not in the business of judging someone on their blood.

"I'm glad you're here actually, as there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Remus said a while later, setting food out on the table and, Ted noticed, looking more nervous than he had done all evening.

—

Less than an hour later, Tonks, Sirius and Harry landed home together to find Andromeda and Ted laughing heartily as Remus finished a story with a wide grin on his face. Harry smiled as he waved in to Remus but Sirius and Tonks stared open-mouthed.

Recovering from her laughter, Andromeda spoke to her daughter in her normal, clipped tone; "are you not going to greet your parents, Nymphadora?"

Still shocked by the sight that had greeted her, Tonks didn't even bristle at the use of her full name.

As Tonks, Sirius and Harry sat down to eat the dinner Remus had prepared for them, chatter resumed around the table. Ted and Remus were deep in a conversation about Hinkypunks when Andromeda announced that it was time for them to go.

If Sirius and Tonks had been shocked by Andromeda's earlier behaviour, it didn't compare to their wide-eyed awe when she took Remus' hand, kissed him on the cheek and made him promise to send her his recipes.

"I told you," Sirius put down his fork as he muttered to Tonks, "infuriatingly loveable".

—

Two weeks after Andromeda and Ted's visit, Remus and Tonks were home alone. Sirius was making up for lost time with Harry and today, he was taking him to the zoo. Harry pointed out that he had been before, but when he divulged the story of how he set a Python on his cousin, Sirius seemed even more enthusiastic.

Tonks had a rare evening off work and Remus had decided to cook her favourite meal - steak and kidney pie - as a celebration.

Remus had recovered well from the events of the previous month and with the support and company of Tonks, Sirius and Harry, he was happier than he'd been in some time. Something was off this evening though, and Tonks decided to broach it as she helped herself to seconds.

"There are some things I haven't told you about that night… with the veil…" he admitted.

She froze, fork halfway to her mouth.

"It's nothing bad, I don't think. I hope…"

Tonks had seen him look sad, angry, embarrassed, depressed, joyful - but never had she seen him more nervous than he was now. Worried, she rested her fork back on her plate.

"Why don't you tell me now?" she smiled, taking his hand in hers.

"My mum and dad, they spoke about you," he told her. "Mum said she loved your pink hair," he laughed.

A week after Remus' return Tonks had run downstairs (tripping on the last step) to show the other three that her powers had returned. Her hair had been a bouncy bubblegum pink since.

Tonks didn't know what to say to that, so she smiled and squeezed Remus' hand again, encouraging him to go on.

"They told me that they cannot wait to meet you - in many, many, many, MANY years," he laughed, "and my dad… my dad said not to waste time trying to change a woman's mind."

Tonks laughed at this too, though she could feel her emotions building. It was silly, but having Remus' parents' approval - even in this way - meant the world to her.

"I realised when I woke up just how grateful I am that you haven't changed your mind so far," he had avoided her eyes until now, but as he looked at her, Tonks could not doubt the sincerity of his words.

"I always felt lucky when people liked me, I was always convinced it was despite my condition. But you Dora, you were the first person who loved me from the beginning with my condition. Not in spite of it.

"I didn't see it at first, I know, but I'm learning," he laughed at the surprised look on her face, "you're an excellent teacher".

"You are powerful, compassionate, kind, clever, funny and generous. You brighten the very darkest of days and your love has made me want to be better, to be braver.

"But I'm going to go against my father's advice and ask you to change your mind one final time," he removed his hand from Tonks' and stood up.

Tonks stared at her empty hand and a bright, angry red leaked through her hair as she mentally prepared a rebuttal…

…until she looked up and saw Remus kneeling in front of her.

Stunned, her hair returned at once to the same dark blonde as her father's - her natural colour.

"Dora, my love. When I was beyond the veil, my mother reminded me that I had possession of her engagement and wedding rings, and told me in no uncertain terms that I should put them to good use."

Tonks was fully crying now, one hand over her mouth and the other on Remus' shoulder. He opened a small, black box and a gold ring set with a small, bright topaz gleamed out from it.

"I'm not going to tell you what I cannot give you; Merlin knows we've been through all that," Remus grimaced and Tonks snorted a laugh through her tears.

"What I can give you is a lifetime supply of steak and kidney pie, warm pyjamas to come home to after a night shift and help with the Daily Prophet crossword when you get too frustrated to work out the clues, but annoyed at the thought that it might defeat you.

"I can give you comfort, advice, support and love.

"I can give you myself, such as I am, for the rest of our lives."

Remus' voice shook with emotion as he spoke, so he took a deep breath before taking Tonks' hand off his shoulder and holding it in his own.

"So with that said, I'm asking you this one final time to change your mind. Please say that you don't want to be my partner anymore and that you'll do me the great honour of being my wife instead."

Remus had barely gotten the words out before Tonks flung herself into his arms. He threw the hand still holding the ring towards the nearest chair to stop them from keeling over.

"You scared the living daylights out of me," she laughed, though her tears continued.

She placed her hands either side of his face and kissed him, before looking at the ring he still held in his hand and turning her hair the exact shade of blue as the topaz.

"I would love nothing more than to be Mrs Lupin," she beamed.

Remus was now crying too and he stood up, pulling Tonks up with him. He removed the ring from the box and gently placed it on her finger, where she admired it before embracing her Fiancé.

—

"He's put us to shame, Moony Senior," James said, trying to hide the tears he had shed with Hope and Lily as they watched Remus propose to Tonks.

Lyall's proud smile almost set him off again, but he burst out laughing when Remus' father quickly pointed out; "he didn't lick that from a stone, James".

"True enough, Lyall," James replied. He threw an arm around Lyall's shoulders and led him towards the portrait hole in the Gryffindor Common Room.

"Tell me," he mused, "did I ever regale you with the story of how Remus charmed the Hogwarts hourglasses to swear when Slytherin earned points?"

That's a wrap for the Beyond the Veil story. I had toyed with the idea of Remus' lycanthropy disappearing after travelling through the veil, but self-acceptance sounded like a better option.

Thanks to everyone who has read, favourited, followed or commented.

Coming up:

It has been said that Remus and Tonks died in the Battle of Hogwarts because they were out of practice in the months leading up to Teddy's birth. How then did Molly Weasley, who was similarly kept away from danger, manage to kill one of Voldemort's most loyal followers?

Snape revealed Remus' secret to the whole school as a Hogwarts Professor so I find it hard to believe that he would have kept his word as a teenager. What happens when 'The Prank' goes wrong and Snape is hellbent on destroying the Marauders?

If you have any prompts, characters or ideas that you would like to see featured, let me know!