It was a breezy Saturday; the sun was spilling though the windows, giving off a warm glow, and students were bustling around eagerly, handing each other presents for the new year.

It was rather warm, considering it was wintertime, but the sun was filtered by the soft trickling snow anyway. Spring was on its way, they could all feel it. They were practically holding their breaths for it.

Meanwhile, Tonks ("Don't CALL me Nymphadora!") was walking around the hallways, continuously changing her hair colour-- white to grey, grey to gold, gold to blue, blue to a slick shade of purple, and then finally a solid bubblegum pink.

People stared at Tonks, who seemed undoubtedly oblivious to the eyes that were on her. She was a strange but hilarious Metamorphmagus; she never did any wrong with her ability whatsoever.

Perhaps that was why Remus Lupin, one of the Marauders fancied her.

All the while the Marauders were walking down the hallways the other way, whistling and laughing. Lupin glanced up, his eyes settled on Tonks, completely still.

As her figure shrunk into a small dot, it was apparent to the remaining Marauders that something was up with their little werewolf man.

Although they didn't know it, Lupin's particular fondness for Tonks had been progressing for a while now. She was in fifth year too, and she was a Metamorphmagus, and she was funny, and it was hard to believe that she was still single.

"Remus, are your eyes stuck to a permanent state or are you staring at Nymphadora Tonks?" Sirius joked, elbowing Remus, whose eyes snapped up to Sirius.

"No," he said firmly, but his face was a deep shade of crimson that evidently proved the right answer. Sirius rolled his eyes and ruffled Remus's hair.

James smirked at his friend. "Admit it. You want to snog Nymphadora Tonks," he laughed. "You admire her. Just admit it."

Peter nodded appreciatively and violently, egging Remus on. "We won't tell a soul, Remus, not a soul!"

Remus scowled. "I don't like Tonks, okay?" he said furiously; his voice was so cold and stern that even Sirius scooted back, looking faintly frightened.

"But that's the point!" Sirius insisted, to which Remus responded with a sassy roll of his eyes and a flush to his cheeks. "You looove Tonks."

"I do not!" Remus persisted, now more annoyed than ever. A few students turned their heads to snicker at them. "Look, I don't need you guys hollering my somewhat existent fondness for Nymphadora Tonks!"

A moment of stunned silence.

"'Somewhat existent fondness'?" repeated James, smirking maliciously at Remus, who flushed. "Ah, you let it slip this time."

"....But we still won't tell anyone, we solemnly swear," added Peter quickly before Sirius could add on.

James smiled. "It's just a matter of time before Sirius falls for Marlene McKinnon too. And who knows about Peter?"

"I do not like Marlene McKinnon. She's awful," mumbled Sirius, unamused and crossing his arms across his chest. "Awful--"

"Awfully pretty," Peter said helpfully, smiling at Sirius, who frowned in return. "Everyone knows you fancy her. At least a bit."

Sirius furrowed his eyebrows together. "Maybe. Beneath all my troubles and concerns. Maybe my nonexistent love is there. Perhaps. If you look deep enough."