"Tonks?" Remus stared at the woman in a mixture of shock and horror. "What are you doing here?"

"What? Did you think I'd just wait at home?" she replied with a derisive snort.

"Well, no" he sighed with resignation. "But where's Teddy?"

"I left him with my mum. He's fine," she grinned up at her husband.

"Yes, I know that, but-"

"You think I can't take care of myself? I know what I'm doing," she snapped.

"I know that. You'd probably do better than me," he relented.

"Wise decision."

He lost her soon after that; in the heat of the battle it wasn't easy to keep track of everything that was going on, but he didn't doubt her skills. She'd be fine.

She'll be fine.

He repeated it like a mantra. The thought kept him going; kept him grounded.

She'll be fine.

He threw a spell at a masked Death Eater who had managed to corner a student. He didn't wait to see if the spell met its target; he didn't have time for that. He just had to trust in his own abilities and move on.

He ran through the corridors of the castle, dodging spells from both enemy and ally alike, trying to work out where he'd be needed most.

The Great Hall was too crowded, really; trying to help there could easily become more of a hindrance.

The grounds seemed somewhat emptier; or, people were more spread out, at least. Less chance of accidentally injuring a friend, and the flash of bubblegum pink was only an added incentive.

There was no guarantee it was her, but who else could it be?

The pink disappeared around a corner; he ran faster.

She'll be fine.

He skidded around the corner, and yes – oh, thank Merlin – it was her. The crushing weight in his chest was alleviated somewhat.

She's fine.

He let out a sigh of relief. He knew he should be worrying about himself right now – Tonks was more than capable – but it was a lot easier when he knew she was-

Falling.

She's falling.

She's-

He sprinted towards her, faster than he'd thought himself capable, but the flash of green – no, no, no – was unmistakable.

Someone was screaming – probably him – but he couldn't see through his tears.

His throat was raw; the crushing pain in his chest was unbearable; he couldn't keep his legs steady enough to hold himself up.

He sent spells in every direction; any direction – she was- – no longer caring who he hit, as long as something made contact.

It didn't matter anymore.

Nothing mattered.

She was just lying there; she could have been sleeping if it wasn't for the battle still raging on around her, oblivious.

He could still see the flash of green – the flash of green-

He didn't even try to defend himself.