That evening Remus sat alone out on the guard wall of the astronomy tower, looking over the darkened landscape surrounding Hogwarts. He�d come to the conclusion that no matter what happened with Raya, there was no way he could continue to be with Tonks. Remus was saddened by that revelation, not because it particularly hurt him, but because he knew it would hurt her. He�d sent her an owl just before coming outside telling Tonks of his intentions to break their marriage bond and his deepest regrets for what had happened.
Remus closed his eyes and sighed. What a way to spend Christmas. Forsaken and forlorn. He wondered if he would even be in the Christmas spirit again now that he had no one to spend the holiday with. The fluttering of wings interrupted his musings and Remus opened his eyes to see a tawny owl land beside him, dropping a hastily sealed envelope in his lap before taking off once again.
With reluctance, Remus tore the seal and pulled out the contents:
Remus,
I cannot tell you that I am surprised by your decision, but I am confused by your reasons. You gave me no indication of ever being unhappy, and had I known I would have given anything to change that. I love you, but you�ve hurt me deeper than you�ll probably ever know. To lose Sirius and now to lose you�It is unbearable.
If your wishes are to be with Raya then I shall not stand in your way. I warn you, however, to take heed. She is not what she seems to be.
I plan to return to the House of Black for the remainder of the holiday, at least until I find somewhere to go. This house was given to us by your parents, it is only right that it be yours.
My only regret is being blind to the fact that you were not as happy as I was.
The Former Mrs. R. J. Lupin
N. Tonks
Remus felt a pang in his heart at her closing remarks. The bitterness entrapped in those few words left a bad taste in Remus� throat. The envelope still felt heavy and, peering inside, he felt tears prick his eyes. A single gold ring lay coldly within the confines of the parchment. Remus pulled it out, holding it between his thumb and forefinger and read the inscription on the outer rim:
Oti kalon philon aiei
�Whatsoever is beautiful is loved always.� He said aloud, closing the ring in his palm. �I�m so sorry Tonks.�
�Remus�� A voice whispered from behind him and Lupin turned his head to see Raya standing there, her green cloak swirling around her in the icy breeze, her porcelain cheeks, reddened by the cold.
�Raya?� He breathed, moving to wrap her in his arms, brushing an errant strand of ebony hair from her face as he looked down at her. �What are you doing here?�
�I want to be with you, Remus.� She told him in a soft voice, her eyes shimmering with tears.
He smiled tenderly at her then, wordlessly, pressed his lips to hers.
To be continued...
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