A/N. Wow. Here we are, the final chapter. It only took 4 years. Thanks so much for those of you who have been reading since the beginning and for those of you who have joined us along the way! It seems fitting to end this on chapter 31 as that is my age. I really hope you've enjoyed reading this fic as much as I have enjoyed writing it and reading your reviews and comments.

Here we go - the final chapter of Protection Detail.

Chapter 31 – Protection Detail

Freedom. Earth, hunger, fear. Humans. Blood.

At the cry of its own kind, the wolf ran towards the sound. Faster and for longer than it had been allowed to in many months. A deep hunger rumbled from the depth of its stomach, up the creature's throat and out of his long, canine jaw.

Flesh, meat. A desperate need. Instincts for survival. The scent was overpowering. One lethal paw raised, ready to stun his prey. Easier to kill.

Pain. Claws. Beak.

The wolf ran once more, away from the danger. No food was worth more injury. Locked away so long, the wolf was too hungry to fight. Too weak to win.

Finding small game, the wolf ate enough to satiate himself for now then licked and gnawed at the painful wounds.

Sleep. Scents fading, hunger receding. Imprisonment on its way once more.

Bones stretching then compressing tightly then stretching past anything that the body should be able to bear.

Exhaustion, fear, agony.

Remus could feel every single bone, muscle, ligament and sinew in his broken body. Thank Merlin he could also feel magic working throughout, healing him slowly.

The pain was to be expected, though he hadn't felt it this badly since starting at Hogwarts with regular access to wolfsbane. The wolf had been largely dormant for almost 10 months; there were bound to be consequences for such a lengthy incarceration.

How could he have been so foolish, so irresponsible. Forgetting to take the potion, so consumed by trying to prove Sirius' innocence and his feelings for Tonks.

Tonks – well that was over before it had even really begun. Surely she would have heard. He'd transformed, on Hogwarts grounds, putting students and other staff in harm's way. He was a dangerous liability. Still, perhaps it was better she knew that now. She could walk away before he really had a chance to hurt her – emotionally or physically.

Remus shifted, his back crying out for movement but screaming in protest the moment he obeyed. He felt a hand squeeze his own. A hand in his, as he woke from a transformation. It had only happened once before, many years ago as a schoolboy, when his friends had worked out his little secret. Remus had woken to Sirius on one side and James the other, both clasping his hands in their own. Peter had been there too, stood at the foot of the bed– it had taken him a little long to get over his fear.

But this time, the hand in his didn't belong to James or Sirius…

"Hi." Said a voice much higher and melodious than either of Remus' oldest friends.

"Hi." He croaked.

"I'm so glad you're awake. I've been so worried about you." He opened his eyes slowly, not trusting his own ears. Her heart shaped face came steadily into focus. Pale, and worry stricken, eyes swirling will concern.

"Tonks, I'm so sorry."

She shook her head, "Sorry for what? You're safe. Madam Pomfrey says you can even get out of bed as soon as you feel able."

Remus blinked, was he dreaming or had Tonks simply not been filled in on the events of the full moon. "I should have taken the wolfsbane, I had been taking it all week, I was in my room with the map and I saw that Sirius had left the Shrieking Shack and I didn't think, I just… I'm so sorry."

Tonks, her face showing no anger or fear, only compassion, stroked his cheek gently, "Remus, it was unfortunate, but everyone who knows you, knows you would never intentionally hurt anyone. Everyone is fine. You're fine."

Suddenly Remus sat up, bolt right on the hospital bed, ignoring the cries of his broken body, "Sirius…"

Tonks stood and placing her hands on his bare chest, pushed him back down slowly. "I told you, everyone is just fine. Sirius is at the Ministry with Kingsley…"

"WHAT…" Remus tried to sit up once more, but Tonks was ready for it this time and stopped him.

"Let me finish." She smiled. "Sirius is at the Ministry with Kingsley waiting for his official release papers. He faced the Wizengamot yesterday, they heard from Dumbledore, Harry, Hermione and Ron and then Sirius…"

Remus stared at her, more certain than ever that this must surely be a dream, "And they believed him?"

Tonks shifted in her seat, "Yes, well – there were some who refused to, but Sirius consented to being questioned under veritaserum – he said he would rather that than go back to Azkaban whilst facts were checked. There were still the odd few in the wizengamot that felt Sirius might have known some methods of resistance against the potion, but it was also used on Pettigrew and as the stories matched… Sirius went from Mass Murderer to victim, one whose feet Fudge has been kissing ever since. He'd probably kiss any part of him Sirius asked him to at this point…"

Remus laughed, ignoring the searing pain he felt in his ribs, "Can it be true Dora. Is Sirius really free?"

Tonks nodded and smiled.

"I want to see him. I have to…"

Tonks squeezed Remus' hand. "Kingsley is bringing him back here as soon as everything is crossed and dotted. Harry and the others have been visiting you as much as Madam Pomfrey would let them. I think Hermione has a bit of a crush on you – you know. Though I guess they were all gushing about how great you are, so maybe that isn't fair."

Remus closed his eyes, "I'm sure any respect they had for me will be utterly destroyed after the other night."

Tonks stroked two fingers gently down the side of Remus' face. Opening his eyes, he looked into hers, the kindest smile dressing her face. "This was after that night Remus. They've been here loads. They are smart kids, kind kids, decent kids. They aren't going to blame you for something you have no control over. Harry bought you some chocolate, said he knows you always like to have some on you. Ron bought you something from Zonkos and said I probably shouldn't let you open it until you're feeling much better, so it'll probably shoot some sort of gunk on you. And Hermione bought you some books from the library and has been bringing you a newspaper every day. So, tell me again how they'll have lost all respect for you…"

Remus felt the tears spilling over onto his cheeks, but he did not move to wipe them away. He didn't want to lose the feeling of Tonk's hand in his own.

In a lighter tone, Tonks continued, "I'll tell you what, much as I like them – they aren't half nosy!" She laughed, her cheeks colouring a little. "It's so weird, being a metamorphmagus. I forget that people I've been watching out for, seeing for months, have no idea who I am! They were very interested in what my relationship to you was."

Remus had assumed this was coming. This was where she'd gently tell him their agreement to give it ago was no longer on the cards. "What did you tell them?"

Tonks smiled, "Well, Ron assumed I was some sort of family member, but Hermione, astute that girl, noticed I was holding your hand and asked if I was your girlfriend."

Remus felt as though all the air had been sucked from his lungs, "Sorry…"

Tonks nudged his chin with her fingers, forcing him to look at her. "I told her yes. Sorry – I just, well I didn't want to get into the whole – we're going to try and make it work, because we both really, really want it to, speech, I thought that might be a bit much for your students."

Remus stared at her beautiful, smiling face. "You mean, you still want… after everything…"

Tonks smiled, "Mmm, he was right. I went to the Ministry yesterday, to see Sirius but he told me he was fine, and I should get back to you; said you'd have a hard time believing I still wanted to be with you after a transformation. Nothing has changed Remus." Standing, Tonks lent down and brushed Remus' lips with her own.

The room was fairly full, though not as packed as Remus had hoped it would have been. Noticing those who were absent served as a stark reminder of just how many of the Order had fell in the first war. Still it was a testament to Dumbledore that so many would come at such short notice. Remus knew Dumbledore had been corresponding with most of them since Harry had stopped Voldemort from obtaining the philosophers stone two years ago.

Remus looked around the basement kitchen he was sat in, the scuffed, oak table they were all seated around was worn from generations of use. The peeling paper on the walls showed the neglected state of the once grand house. Remus had initially been shocked when Sirius had suggested the house as headquarters for the newly reassembled Order of the Phoenix, but he had to admit, it was probably the last place anyone would expect. The house was teeming with dark energy, from books to boggarts, ghouls to gruesome elf heads adorning the walls throughout the landing; Number 12 Grimmauld Place was as far from everything the order stood for as was possible.

Looking at their host, the owner of the most noble and ancient house of Black, Remus knew it pained him to be here. Sirius had left the house when he was 16 and had never returned – until now. Though free, Sirius was still unable to offer much help to the Order at present. He was too recognisable, now that the wizagamot knew about his ability to transform into an Animagus. And, still concerned about negative publicity should Sirius speak out about his lack of trial all those years ago, Fudge was still in contact with him nearly every other day – though Sirius had insisted that contact be via Kingsley – that way Fudge didn't need to know about Grimmauld Place.

If Remus allowed his eyes to scan the room quickly, Sirius almost looked like his old self, laughing with Bill and Arthur Weasley. His black mane of hair now washed and brushed, tattered Azkaban cloths replaced with somewhat dated, but still clearly high-quality items of clothes. Though to those who had known him before, he was still emancipated and though he laughed liberally, free to be the god father Harry had never known, the laugh had yet to reach his eyes.

As Remus' eyes continued to take in those around him, Molly Weasley, Dedalus Diggle, Emmaline Vance, Professor McGonagall; he felt gratitude once again that he had somewhere he belonged, a common cause he could strive for. No one here every treated him any differently because of his lycanthropy – after all a fairer world, a world without prejudice – that was what they were all willing to lay down their lives for – if it came to that again. Remus prayed to whatever deity was listening that it wouldn't.

His eyes stopped roaming as they found what they had been looking for. Pink spikey hair atop a heart shaped face. Those talking to her were enraptured by whatever anecdote she was regaling them with. How could they not be? Remus thought, a smile spreading across his face. Who could look upon that face and feel anything but delight and wonder? Delight that she existed in his world at all, wonder that she willingly wanted to be a part of it. Wanted to be with him. Looking at Sirius and Tonks, stood with their backs to each other as they entertained those around them, Remus knew that if it came to a fight, he would have something Voldemort never could, connections, friends, relationships - a life worth fighting for.

The meeting began almost as soon as Dumbledore arrived and ended about 30 minutes later. The purpose had been to give the address to those who needed it, thank those who had fought alongside the Order in the war for returning and welcome those, like Nymphadora and Kingsley who had joined their ranks. After chatting amiably with people for a few minutes and seeing Tonks head up the stairs out of the basement kitchen, Remus excused himself.

"Er, where do you think you're going?" Sirius caught his arm as his foot hit the first step.

"Well, erm, I… I have some errands…" Remus looked around, flustered.

Sirius smiled widely, "Sure you do. Well just make sure you and your errand are home by 11pm. Don't let that sweet little face of my cousin fool you, she turns into a banshee at the stroke of midnight."

Feeling the blush spread up his neck and creep onto his cheeks, Remus felt like he was back in fifth year, being caught sneaking in from a date with a Ravenclaw he had hoped to keep a secret from Sirius and James. Hoping desperately to avoid their teasing. It hadn't worked then and, Remus thought with a chuckle, it clearly wasn't going to work now either.

"I want all the gory details when you get back."

Remus rolled his eyes. "Sirius, a gentleman never kisses and tells."

Sirius barked out a loud laugh, "So you admit this errand will involve some kissing then! Get away with you." Remus turned to leave, stopping as Sirius called to him once more.

"Mate; just have a good time yeah. Believe her when she tells you she's keen. You're not bad you know, when you let your guard down. Some might even say quite loveable - in a nerdy, bookish sort of way."

Remus smiled, knowing the brief conversations they'd had since Sirius' liberation had gone a long way to healing both of them, but aware that many more hours of honest communications were still needed. Though in that moment, Remus felt as if no time had passed. Here was Sirius Black, Remus' constant cheerleader. Winding him up no end, but reminding him, every so often, usually just when he needed to hear it the most, that he, Remus Lupin, werewolf and wizard alike were worthy of love, friendship and everything else good that the world could offer.

"Thanks Sirius. I've missed you friend." Remus hugged Sirius before turning quickly and running up the stairs to greet Tonks, awaiting him by the front door.

"Are you ready to go then? You do still want to go out right?"

Remus approached Tonks, picking his cloak up from the hooks by the door. He swung it round his shoulders and smiled and her.

"Yes. I definitely still want to go out."

Tonks smiled, as they stepped into the evening sun, she asked "So, do I get to know where we're going or what we're doing on this outing?"

Remus placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked together to the alley at the end of the row of houses on Grimmauld Place. As they slinked into the alley way, Remus pulled gently on Tonk's elbow, his other arm settling on her waist.

"Well, it occurred to me," he started, smiling down at her eyes, which today were a vivid shade of blue, "that we went about this all wrong."

The bright blue eyes darkened, resembling a storm gathering on the horizon, "This…you mean us?"

Remus nodded, "Mmm, you see I was thinking. Thinking about how things might have progressed between us if – well if I hadn't made such a hash of things this past year – if I'd told you about my friendship with Sirius upfront, told you I was a werewolf; or better still, if I wasn't a werewolf at all…"

Tonks' features relaxed a little, but he could still feel tension in her arms, "I would have asked you out. On a date."

Eyes brightening slightly, her lips twitched at the corners, "Is that so? How soon after meeting me?"

Remus pursed his lips, "I'd have given it a week or so – after all werewolf or not, I am still considerably older than you – I wouldn't have wanted to look too lecherous."

Tonks laughed, her eyes now the colour of the brightest blue sky at the height of summer, "Remus, anyone who has spent a single day with you would know you are not remotely lecherous."

Remus smiled, "Thank you. Well, at any rate. I wanted to rectify my utterly idiotic mistake of not immediately seeking out your favour and asking you to go on a date with me. So, will you?"

Tonks pushed the fringe covering his right eye back behind his ear and beamed at him, "I'd love to. Where are we going?"

Remus looked up, avoiding her gaze "We aren't going anywhere fancy I'm afraid…but I hope it will be something we can mark and remember as our first official date."

Tonks pulled his chin down, "Remus, we're stood in a grimy alley way in the middle of London and I've never felt happier. I don't want fancy. I just want you."

Remus held her gaze, "That I give to you wholeheartedly Dora. For as long as you want me."

Brushing her lips with his own, he tightened his grip around her waist. Tonks pulled herself up onto her tip toes and snaked her arms around his neck, her fingers kneading in his hair as their kiss deepened.

There in a smelly, dingy alley way, with the arms of Nymphadora Tonks wrapped around him, Remus felt the layers of the protection detail he had guarded his heart with for decades begin to tumble. There to stop him from falling, they had served him well. But as he looked at Dora, felt her, smelt her, tasted her; he thought for the first time in his life, that falling, might not be so bad after all. As long as there was someone there ready to catch you.

The End…

Maybe.

That's a wrap folks! Please do let me know your thoughts on this chapter and the fic as a whole. Thanks for every fav, follow and review. I have started playing with an idea for a sequel... but in the meantime have some other Remus/Tonks stories as well as a Teddy centric (but still featuring Tonks and Remus) fic almost done - so if you want to read more from me, remember to follow me :) Stay home if you can, stay safe.