One Day at a Time

One Day at a Time---Chapter 5

"All right, Fletcher, explain this unique timing charm you've seemed to develop; it might just prove useful," stated Mad-Eye Moody as he unpacked his dinner hamper.

"Now, the trick with 'em cauldrons is all in the engorgement charm; it's all in the timing. I call it me size-me-up, size-me-down charm." Mundungus Fletcher was apparently reveling in the attention from his rapt audience. It was not often that Mad-Eye Moody paid any mind to his ramblings. "You want 'em to look bigger than they is jus' long 'nuff to transfer the money an' Apparate out. Then they can go back to normal size."

"Well, managing that on a caldron is one thing," replied Mad-Eye considering this information, "It would still have to be tested on other objects. What do you think, Remus and Arthur, how well would this work on something else?

"I don't see why it wouldn't work out; we could test it out after dinner. There are enough odd items around here on which to experiment." Replied Arthur, he then continued, "What do you think Remus?" There was no response; Remus was looking down at his plate.

"Any thoughts on the viability of this charm, lad?" asked Mad-Eye who was now looking at Remus clearly wondering why he had not responded to a simple question.

Bill Weasley gave Remus a quick nudge with his elbow; apparently, Remus had been on the verge of nodding off at the table. Bill then continued in a joking voice, "Best really to answer them, even if you are a little tired of Dung's creativity, or my father and he will be at you all night with their ideas. Plus, it's never a good thing to keep Mad-Eye waiting when he has latched onto something."

"I am sorry; I am just a bit distracted with thoughts on my current assignment. What was the question?" asked Remus, chiding himself for having almost dozed off in front of everyone.

"Don't give it a second thought, Remus. Dung and Mad-Eye will work it out. You have quite enough to concern yourself with as our liaison to the vampire and werewolf communities." Arthur then changed the subject, for which Remus was grateful. He hated to be the center of anyone's concern. "Pass the potatoes, will you, Dung? I will never understand how all the food always manages to find its way to your end of the table."

"I'll get them for you, Arthur. They did not come out up to my usually standards I'm afraid, with so many last minute additions to supper tonight." said Molly as she retrieved the potatoes. Mundungus was back fully engrossed in conversation with Mad-Eye. She then cast a worried glance at Remus, "I think Remus agrees since he has hardly touched his plate."

"They taste just fine, Molly," replied Remus raising an eyebrow, reaching for the salt.

I hate it when Molly and the others try to mother me. Lately, it seems that every time I turn around someone is asking me if I am getting enough rest, or if they can fix me something to eat.

"Perhaps I could interest you in more stew, Remus?" suggested Emmeline Vance hopefully as she quickly rose to ladle some more onto his plate.

Not again! I am not starving. Wonder who else will leap on this bandwagon?

"Oh, and have some bread with that." Hestia Jones hastened to add, as she thrust a basket of freshly baked bread under Remus' nose. "Tonks made it herself; quite hearty and good for your strengAHHgth." Hestia's voice had risen oddly on her final words.

"I am sorry Hestia," apologised a blushing Tonks. Evidently, the talents of a Metamorphmagus did not extend to disguising acute embarrassment. "I must have kicked you when I uncrossed my legs."

What was that exchange all about? I should just count my blessings; Tonks distracted them, and she, at least, is not trying to force feed me.

Tonks then continued, shooting a brief look at Molly but speaking to Remus. "I'll take the salt when you are done with it, Remus; the potatoes are a bit bland."

Remus gladly passed the salt; he had over-seasoned his remaining food, having been distracted by the sudden concern with his diet. As he handed the shaker to Tonks, he couldn't help noticing the sideways glances passing among several of the dinner guests. Not all seemed to partake; Mad-Eye, and Dung were oblivious, still engrossed in their conversation. On the other hand, there was decided interaction among Molly, Hestia, Emmeline, and Tonks. In fact, unless Remus was very much mistaken, Bill and Arthur were exchanging knowing glances as well. This pattern continued, much to Remus' well-hidden dismay, throughout the remainder of dinner.

A reprieve was finally granted when Arthur suggested that he, Remus and Bill should meet in the parlour to discuss Charlie's progress in Romania, Bill's inroads with the goblins, and of course, Remus' outreach to the werewolf and vampire enclaves. Albus Dumbledore would be arriving shortly with Minerva McGonagall and they would expect a coordinated and thorough update regarding the Order assignments in these unique communities. Mundungus and Mad-Eye excused themselves as well, to test out their charm theory on several items in the rear yard. As the men departed the kitchen, the women finally had a chance to speak freely.

"That poor, poor dear. He just is not taking care of himself; he has always been thin but he is just not eating properly. He needs to keep his strength up; his hair is going greyer by the day," sighed Molly Weasley as she shook her head.

"Agreed, Molly, but I don't think pestering him or embarrassing him is the solution," replied Tonks, spilling what remained of the stew on the table as she helped to clear it.

"Scourgify" said Emmeline as she assumed her usual role of repairing Tonks' path of minor chaos. She continued, "Well, I have to agree with Tonks on that one; I don't think anyone responds well to nagging. The problem is that Remus is one of the most quietly stubborn people I have ever met. He'd waste away to nothing from lack of food and overwork before ever admitting to needing help."

"I can suggest it, but as you say, I doubt he'd listen. His independence and ability to keep going is what makes him so valuable to the Order. He is just not used to paying attention to himself. The sorry state of his robes is proof enough of that," replied Tonks as she now started to gather up plates having put down the stew.

"C'mon, Tonks," hinted Hestia, as she collected the used utensils, " Are you saying you have no influence over him at all? You two have been spending an awful lot of time alone together. Can't you suggest it to him on one of those evening walks by the water that you two have been taking?"

Tonks froze in place with the dinner dishes in her hands. She did not want to talk about the private conversations she and Remus had had about Sirius. She had been trying to put that anger and sadness behind her, "Well, Hestia, we haven't taken one of those walks for awhile, and I'd rather not talk about what we discussed on those occasions. Besides, I don't really have that much influence over..."

"Nonsense dear," interrupted Molly, looking over from the washing spell she had just begun, "You're the perfect one to make him realise he needs to take better care of his health. He really needs that gentle woman's touch; considering the relationship you share, which I must say is just wonderful to see...two people finding happiness together during times like these..."

Smash! Tonks dropped the plates she had been carrying on the floor.

"Reparo." muttered Emmeline with an amused gleam in her eye. "Molly, you and Hestia are about as subtle as a dragon perched on Big Ben. If Tonks had something to tell us, she would have mentioned it by now." looking at Tonks, she then quickly added, "Or you would have mentioned it to me in private, at least, wouldn't you?"

Tonks eyes flashed with ire, exasperation and utter disbelief. "Please tell me that you three are not suggesting what I think you are? You cannot possibly believe that Remus Lupin and I are anything more than friends! Of course I care about him, but he's like an older brother and....Good Lord, Hestia, stop giggling!"

"But you seem so comfortable with each other," said Molly sounding terribly disappointed, "You two make such a lovely pair."

"Admit it, Tonks; it's not like he is old enough to be your father. We have eyes, after all," quipped Hestia.

"Well then, you need to get some stronger glasses! We walk and talk and that is it; what we talk about is platonic. Hestia, your artist's romantic notions are working overtime; stick to painting lovers in your portraits. And Molly, I am no more interested in Remus than your youngest son is interested in pursuing Luna Lovegood! Really, we are just two different people who are too different..." Tonks struggled for words as her exasperation rose.

Emmeline played the peacemaker, "All right, all kidding and suppositions aside, the fact remains that we have a problem here. Remus is clearly quite literally working himself to death and with the full moon approaching next week, what are we going to do about it? Wolfsbane or no, the transformation takes a lot out of him and he can't be allowed to continue to go on this way."

No one noticed the arrival of the final two members of this evening's Order meeting. The figures had been observing the scene for some time; Minerva McGonagall's voice interrupted the discussion, "That is the most sensible and logical I thing I have heard any of you utter in the last five minutes. I wonder if the sorting hat did not misplace you in my house. You are displaying some remarkably Ravenclaw tendencies, Emmeline."

As Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore seated themselves at the now cleared table, they looked at the four women benevolently as if they were once again their Hogwarts' charges. The women shifted uncomfortably where they stood; it was more than just a little embarrassing to have been caught behaving like a bunch of gossipy teenagers by the heads of the Order.

As Albus Dumbledore spoke, they began to feel more at ease, "Your concern for Remus Lupin is quite admirable. I am not oblivious to the fact that he has been exerting himself to the breaking point for the Order. I also know that Remus needs to work and to be occupied; it gives him a sense of purpose and belonging." He then continued with a twinkle in his eye, "The problem lies in marrying the two ideas, and I don't mean to suggest that Nymphadora is the solution."

Tonks smiled in vindication as the rest of the room managed to look sheepish.

Everyone seemed to consider Albus' words as the last of the dinner remnants were cleared, washed, and put away. Their silence, however, did nothing to solve the problem at hand. Clearly, everyone was mulling over the problem in his or her own head. At last, as the tea was being prepared and the cake was laid on the table some ideas of substance surfaced.

"I think we are having so much trouble because Remus is not like the rest of us," said Hestia, "How do you get someone to accept help who does not want it?"

Emmeline supplied part of that answer as she set out the cups and saucers, "You would have to make him think that it is his own idea. Mind you, I have no clue as to how you'd accomplish that."

"He is unlike any of my boys in temperament," responded Molly, "Although, like Arthur, he does seem to always need to be busy. Only Arthur is not as organised as Remus is; he is not really what you would call a perfectionist."

Tonks spoke slowly trying to make her addition clear, "Well, the thing is, Remus needs to feel needed. As independent as he is, he likes to be...no, no he needs to be relied upon. He likes making a difference."

Minerva smiled at Tonks, "That is a very astute observation, Nymphadora. It took me awhile to piece that together when Remus was a prefect in my House. He never wanted special consideration due to his condition; he would not shirk his duties for any reason. If anything, he desired more responsibility than the other prefects; it was his way of proving to himself and to me that his lycanthropy was not a serious hindrance. At the same time, when he did on occasion overexert himself, I found that a direct approach from Madam Pomfrey or myself worked best."

Looking at all of them over the top of his half-moon glasses, Albus Dumbledore addressed the group. "I believe you ladies have Remus Lupin's best interests at heart, but I also believe that the direct approach suggested by Minerva is best. There may be a way to accomplish everything that you have suggested; I am actually in need of some specialised assistance just now at Hogwarts. As you know, our Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom is rather depleted at the moment."

Minerva gave a loud snort of indignation at Albus' last remark. Although Dolores Umbridge was no longer a fixture at Hogwarts, her recent presence was not forgotten.

Albus continued with a reproachful glance, " There is much to do to prepare for the first of September, and given the turmoil of last year, things are at sixes and sevens more so than usual. Despite popular belief, I cannot do everything with mere magic. Without question, Remus was one of the best Defence Against the Dark Arts professors Hogwarts has had in recent years; he would be doing me quite a favour if he came to Hogwarts to inventory the supplies and to ascertain what replacements are needed. I believe he would accept this request were I to ask him. Furthermore, the pace of work is much slower than his current undertakings; it would provide him with the opportunity to recoup his strength prior to the full moon. Certainly Severus can just as easily prepare the Wolfsbane Potion there as here when the time comes."

After Albus concluded Minerva added, "In addition, I will speak to Remus in regards to his health. Remus needs time to heal, and I do not just mean physically. I am certain that he knows this even if his does not readily admit as much out loud,"

Albus Dumbledore now stood as he spoke, "I believe we should proceed to the parlour so that we can begin tonight's Order business. Minerva and I will approach Remus quietly and privately at the conclusion of the meeting."

As the group gathered up the refreshments and moved to the parlour, Tonks hung behind and sought a moment alone with her old headmaster.

"Thank you, Professor. Remus and I have been helping each other get by this past month, but I know that I feel like I am finally ready for some time to be alone with myself and my thoughts. Remus, I am sure, could use the same time. Hogwarts will be good for him; I know you'll look out for my "big brother". It seems like you are always watching over all of us; I guess I just want to say, thank you."

Albus Dumbledore smiled warmly as he said; "We shall take things one day at a time Nymphadora. I cannot promise the result, but we will take things as they come, one day at a time."