Now onto the next chapter =)

Tonks walked along the halls of Hogwarts looking at the student bustling by as if the world was a happy, peaceful place. Tonks, on the other hand, knew that at the moment the world was anything but. She thought of that fact that a week ago she came so close to never seeing these halls again. Never seeing the kids she loved like family. Never seeing the Order members again or seeing Remus again.

Remus. They picked up their relationship like nothing happened, which Tonks was happy about. They both knew they hurt each other and said awful things but they forgave each other fully and completely. They did not see each other often the last couple days because Tonks had to go back to work but Remus was always on her mind.

"Tonks!" Hermione came running up to her. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Wotcher Hermione! Always for you my dear." Hermione grabbed Tonks' arm and pulled her into an empty classroom. "What's the matter?" Tonks could tell something was off, Hermione looked nervous.

"Ginny and Harry had a talk. They decided they are better off as friends. The funny thing is so did Ron and I." Tonks looked at Hermione in a mixture of shock, confusion, and wonder.

"I'm sorry?" Tonks did not really know what to say to the frazzled girl.

"The thing is, well, you and Remus are so great together."

"Ok. Thanks, I guess." Tonks was more confused than ever. She sat on a desk looking at the pacing Hermione who took a deep breath and turned to Tonks.

"I have a crush on Harry." This made Tonks almost fall over.

"Wow. I wasn't expecting that one. How, when, I mean." Tonks, for once in her life, was at a loss for words.

"Well I think I have always liked him it's just that recently I have started to really understand it. I just don't know what to do." Hermione sighed loudly and sat on the desk next to a baffled Tonks. "What would you do?"

"I would follow my heart. If you have feelings for Harry then tell him."

"But what if he doesn't like me back? I don't want to ruin our friendship, especially when he needs us right now." Tonks looked at the girl with sympathy.

"You can do what I did and eavesdrop on him. That's how I found out Remus felt that same about me." Hermione nodded.

"I don't think that will happen. I am going to do what I always do, not say anything and assess the situation. Thanks Tonks, you're a great listener." Hermione ran out of the room.

"Blimey. That was interesting." Tonks said holding her head which was now pounding from young teenage love.

Tonks left the classroom and made her way back down the hall towards the Great Hall for dinner. Professor Dumbledore invited all the Aurors protecting the school to eat meals with the students. Upon entering the vast room she spotted Harry at the Gryffindor table, alone.

"Wotcher, Harry! How are classes going?" Harry shrugged.

"Potions is better since Snape isn't there but now Defense Against the Dark Arts sucks because he is there now." Tonks laughed. "The best was when Lupin taught the class."

"I can imagine. He has such a nack for kids and teaching." Tonks smiled sadly. "I wish everyone would pull their heads out of their arses and allow him to teach again."

"One day Tonks, hopefully." Tonks nodded. She watched as Harry looked and scowled at someone walking by, it was Draco. "Harry you have to calm down when it comes to Draco. You cannot let him get you in even more danger."

"I know but there is something different about him this year, I know it." Tonks sighed.

"Promise me that you will stay away from Draco unless it is absolutely necessary." Harry nodded. "Well I better go up to the head table to eat. Talk to you later!" Tonks got up and made her way over to where Professor McGonagall was sitting.

"Tonks, how is everything looking?"

"Security is tight as can be." McGonagall nodded and started eating. Just as Tonks was about to eat Professor Dumbledore came walking up to her.

"Awww Tonks. I hope everything is well with the school and most importantly your health."

"Yes, everything is great." Tonks smiled back. She could see someone was behind Dumbledore but could not see who.

"Well I have invited another guest to join us for dinner and I see the only empty see is next to you, I hope you don't mind." Dumbledore stepped aside and there stood Remus smiling at a surprised Tonks.

"Well I guess he can sit next to me, if he has to." Tonks joked. Remus came behind the table and sat next to Tonks.

"Why thank you for your kindness love." Remus kissed the top of Tonks' head. "How was your day?"

"Boring, well kind of." Remus laughed. "Not that I mind seeing you but why are you here?" Tonks was curious because she had no idea why Remus would be at Hogwarts, unless something was horribly wrong.

"Dumbledore needed to talk to me." Tonks gave Remus a look hoping to convince him to tell her more. "I will tell you more later when we are in a more private place." Remus told Tonks to appease her, for a moment.

"And what else can we do when we are in this more private place?" Tonks asked with a smirk and a twinkle in her eye.

"That, my love, is for you to find out." Tonks smiled wide.

"It is later." Remus laughed so loud all the teachers around them cast them curious glances.

"So impatient."

"I blame you." Tonks pouted as Remus gave her another kiss on the head.

"Now what is with the Slytherin Green hair?" Tonks took a lock of her green hair in her hand.

"What color would you prefer Professor?" Tonks cocked her eyebrow at Remus who was in deep thought.

"Gryffindor Red." Tonks snorted.

"Figures." Soon her hair transformed into long, red, and curly locks. Remus fingered a lock smiling.

"Much better, though you do look good in everything love."

"Nice save." Both Remus and Tonks turned their head when they heard McGonagall snort at Tonks' comeback.

"Sorry." This in turn caused Tonks to snort.

The rest of the dinner pasted in happiness and laughter. Tonks knew she must savor these last few moments of peace because it was unknown to her and everyone when their worlds would be officially thrown upside down. The fight for their lives was just around the corner. Sooner than Tonks would have preferred she and Remus were off to her apartment, Remus insisted on walking her there. Once they arrived at Tonks' home, Remus broke her happy bubble.

"Nymphadora," Tonks rolled her eyes, "Dumbledore asked me to the castle tonight to talk to me about something that he needs me to do. Dumbledore needs me to go back underground with the werewolves." Tonks gasped.

"But the full moon is tomorrow night." Remus nodded.

"Yes I know but I need to see if I can turn some of them." Tonks sighed and turned around taking a deep breath.

"But Remus you know those monsters don't care about hurting anyone, they thrive in hurting others!" Tonks said. Turning around she saw Remus stand straighter.

"I am one of those monsters too." Tonks gave Remus an exasperated look.

"You know you are not a monster like them! You don't hurt people and kill others for the fun of it! Those monsters will rip you apart for fun!"

"Dumbledore…" Tonks reached her breaking point.

"DUMBLEDORE SHOULD NOT HAVE ASKED YOU DO THIS AGAIN, ESPECIALLY THIS CLOSE TO A FULL MOON!" Tonks could see Remus getting angry.

"WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO? SAY NO TO HIM? TELL HIM MY GIRLFRIEND SAID NO I CAN'T GO?" Tonks got in his face and spoke so calmly it almost worried Remus.

"Leave please. If you don't want to hear how worried I am about you then go." Tears of frustration started to well up in Tonks' eyes. "I love you but somehow that doesn't entitle me to worry about your safety yet you are fine with doing it to me."

"Nymphadora, please." Tonks shook her head, tears finally falling.

"Stay safe Remus. Come back to me, preferably in one piece." Remus nodded and started to move towards the fireplace to floo away. "Remus!" Remus turned around as Tonks came up and kissed him through her tears. "I love you."

"I know." Remus said softly and entered the fireplace leaving Tonks to cry herself to sleep.

Next thing Tonks knew there was banging at her door. Getting up she saw she had slept for ten hours. Rubbing her sore eyes she opened the door and saw Sirius standing there.

"So Moony was awfully moody last night when he came home." Tonks sighed and let Sirius in.

"That's because he can be a right git sometimes." Sirius gave a hearty laugh.

"When he left this morning for his, well you know, he seemed even shabbier than ever, downright miserable."

"Good." Sirius cocked his head at Tonks' short answer.

"And why is that my dear cousin?" Tonks sighed and sat down on the lumpy couch.

"After what we went through all those months you would think he would have learned to consider my feelings. I just don't understand. I am worried about his safety but he doesn't seem to care."

"He does Dora; you just need to give him time." Tonks gave a frustrated moan.

"How much time? By the time he comes around I could be dead!" Sirius stood pointing down at Tonks.

"Don't you say that Nymphadora Tonks! That man loves you and will get it through his thick head!" Sirius knelt in front of Tonks and took her hands in his. "It has been a long time since Remus has had anyone truly worry about him and be concerned about his feelings and safety." Tonks nodded. "Now I asked Dumbledore to talk to your boss and got you the day off. Now I propose we get blasted away at the Three Broomsticks." Tonks laughed.

"I could go for a large glass of Firewhiskey at the moment." Sirius laughed.

"That's the spirit dear cousin!" Sirius went to Tonks' cupboard and pulled out the full bottle of Firewhiskey. "Cheers!"

The next day Tonks awoke to a throbbing headache, thanks to two bottles of potent Firewhiskey. Tonks stepped over the passed out Sirius and into the bathroom where she had some hangover remedy in the cabinet. Feeling much better she went out to the living room and decided to wake Sirius up in a very Black way, by dumping water on him.

"BLOODY HELL!" Sirius yelled as the ice cold water covered his body. Tonks, on the other hand, found it very hilarious.

"Here is my peace treaty." Tonks handed Sirius his glass of the remedy.

"Thanks." Sirius mumbled. "When do you have to go back to work?" Sirius asked Tonks as she started to make some food.

"Tonight, I switched with Kingsley." Tonks looked out the window at the sky, the bright sun reflecting off her black, straight hair.

"Is that so you have a reason to look at the sky?" Tonks gave Sirius a sad smile.

"I miss him already." Sirius went and stood behind Tonks, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"And I assure you he misses you too." Tonks nodded.

After spending the rest of the day with Tonks Sirius left so she could get ready for work which was to patrol the castle tonight. Sooner than Tonks wanted she was off to Hogwarts. By the time she arrived at the school dinner was over and students were starting to wind down for the evening, doing homework and other mischievous activities.

"Hello Tonks!" Students would say as they passed by her. Wandering the halls at night at Hogwarts was a creepy and scary thing. There were many secrets in the halls at Hogwarts, some nice and some not so nice. The only light was from the large, bright, and ominous full moon in the sky.

Tonks made her way up to the Astronomy Tower. Leaning against the railing she looked out at the moon. She wondered where Remus was at the moment. Was he safe? Did his transformation go ok? The one thing Tonks hated the most was wondering. If Tonks listened closely enough she swore she could hear howling.

Deciding to get back to work she made her way back down to the main corridor. Once again Tonks could swear she heard howling.

"Blimey I need help, I'm going bonkers." Tonks said to herself shaking her head. A few students looked at her like she was truly bonkers for talking to herself.

Walking the corridor, zigzagging out the way of students Tonks' mind was wondering. Of course it was on Remus and the oncoming war. Tonks was drawn out of her thoughts because a student was pushed into her. Looking around she could see lots of students, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione looking out of a balcony.

"Wotcher! What is going on guys?"

"Something is coming." Hermione said pointing. Sure enough there was a large and dark mass making its way towards the castle.

"EVERYONE STAY HERE ESPECIALLY YOU THREE!" Tonks yelled to the students as she started running towards the castle doors. Kingsley and McGonagall met her there.

"What do you think it is Tonks?" McGonagall asked.

"I don't know. You two stay here. Keep any eye out." Tonks started to make her way out the door and into the night. Tonks did not want to light her wand, fearful of what was out there.

Slowly she made her way in the courtyard towards the stone bridge where the thing was headed towards. Tonks could feel the fear creep up her body.

"Blimey, you would think I was a newbie!" Tonks scolded herself.

Using the light from the moon she tried to make out the creature but it was easier said than done unfortunately but she could hear it. Finally she could make out a large animal running her way, towards the castle, at a great speed. Tonks gripped her wand tighter, ready to defend the castle.

In what seemed like a flash the creature was getting nearer and nearer. It was large and had dark fur. Suddenly it howled. Tonks felt her blood run cold; a werewolf was on the grounds.

As it approached Tonks looked closely at the animal. Once it was about twenty feet from her, it slowed to a stop. They were in a stare down. Suddenly the werewolf growled at Tonks and started to lunge for her. Tonks jumped to the side barely avoiding the feral animal.

Tonks threw curse after curse at the animal determined not to let it reach the school. She could hear, in the distance, the students on the balcony cheering her on.

Another howl drew Tonks' and the werewolf's attention towards the same direction the wolf came in, another was coming. Tonks grew even more fearful until she saw the werewolf she was fighting turn its attention to the other that was quickly approaching, growling at it. They were enemies, Remus was here.

Tonks watched in horror and relief as Remus quickly jumped on the other werewolf, the fight began. Tonks was afraid to throw a curse at the other werewolf in fear of hitting Remus. There was a lot of howling and biting. Tonks held her breath when blood started to soak the stone bridge. The other werewolf got the advantage on Remus and had him pinned down much to Tonks' fear.

"Remus!" Tonks screamed. The other werewolf jumped up and once again made a lunge towards Tonks. Tonks, in an attempt to once again dodge the creature, tripped and was pinned down by the large animal. Just as he was about to lunge for her neck Remus jumped up and tackled him off Tonks. Tonks quickly got to her feet, noticing that she had acquired a scratch, not a bite, from the wolf.

The fight once again became intense until Remus was able to tackle the other werewolf off the bridge. Tonks watched as Remus breathed heavily and turned to her. He stepped closer to her but fell before he could reach her whimpering. Tonks ran to him noticing his fur was matted in blood.

"Oh Remus." Tonks bent down and kissed the top of his head.

"Tonks!" Kingsley and McGonagall came running towards her. "We were going to come out to help but by the time we had the door open Remus showed up. How bad is he hurt?" Kingsley asked.

"I can't tell. It is too dark and there is so much blood." Once again Tonks could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. "He is hurt though and unconscious." McGonagall nodded.

"I am going to get Professor Dumbledore." McGonagall ran back to the castle.

"Kingsley get the kids to bed, I will be fine here." Kingsley nodded leaving Tonks and the unconscious Remus alone.

Tonks was petting Remus' head and constantly kissing his forehead letting the tears run down her face.

"Remus, I love you so much, you better be ok. If you die on me I am going to kill you!" Tonks sobbed into her matted fur.

"Here they are Professor. I didn't even notice Tonks was hurt too." Tonks looked up to see Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape walking towards them.

"Tonks, do you see any place in particular that he is hurt badly?" Dumbledore asked her softly.

"All over." Tonks said not looking at the man she blamed for this.

"And does your arm hurt?" Tonks this time did look at him.

"Yes it does but I guarantee that he is in more pain. He wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't sent him to be with them!" Tonks half yelled at Dumbledore. She felt bad yelling at him but she was livid.

"True but if Remus had not been here you could be the one bleeding and near death." Dumbledore reasoned with her. Tonks sighed knowing he was right.

"What are we going to do Professor? We can't bring a werewolf into the castle, even if it is Lupin." Snape said. Tonks gave him a dirty look.

"He can't go back to Grimmauld Place, he needs medical attention and so does Tonks." McGonagall reasoned.

"Yes, lets place a transformed werewolf in the Hospital Wing with the other students." Snape said in sarcasm. This prompted Tonks to give Snape an even dirtier look.

"We will compromise, Tonks can you levitate Remus up to the third floor? I believe you will find the Room of Requirement useful. Severus, he will be out of the view of children and Minerva, Poppy will be able to take care of the both of them." McGonagall nodded.

"After that battle Nymphadora can barely stand let alone levitate Lupin in his werewolf form." Snape argued.

"Severus, I have a feeling Tonks would not want anyone but herself to make sure of the safety of Remus especially in this delicate state." Tonks slowly stood and carefully levitated Remus.

Slowly but surely they made their way into the Room of Requirement. Poppy was waiting for them. It seemed like hours but finally Poppy and everyone else left Tonks alone with Remus who was still in his werewolf state, unconscious. Remus was lying on a very large bed and Tonks, exhausted from the nights events, fell asleep curled up next to her protector.