She could see them from across the castle's ruins.
Remus was fighting hard to defend himself, dueling with all of his might, and Dolohov was matched in his efforts, bearded face twisted into a snarl.
She was not even conscious of her rapid movement through the devastation that once was Hogwarts, Tonks simply had eyes for him. Her Remus, her Lover, her Beloved, her Inamorato. Her Everything.
And very suddenly, she was by his side, wand outstretched, sending streak after streak of colored light towards the opposing force that dare threaten the life of the man she loved.
Dolohov was struggling now. Two skilled Order members would be a challenge to anyone. His cold, black eyes became all the more dangerous, flashing and reflecting green in the light that burst forth from his wand.
Remus blocked the killing curse with a cry of anguish. It was aimed for Tonks, and the very thought of what would've happened, had it succeeded, was too much for his worn heart to bear.
"Expelliarmus!"
The shrill cry came from their right, and neither had time to react, wands flung from their rightful hands into the bloodied fingers of a cackling Bellatrix Lestrange. Her dark eyes glinted with madness and malice, and as Tonks looked into them, she moved closer to Remus without a word. She knew she was going to die.
The Death Eater's blood-red lips pursed, and slowly twisted into a perverse smirk. Dolohov stood behind her, leering.
"The werewolf and his filthy half-blood pet will die together. " Bellatrix's voice was a harsh whisper. "How fitting."
The werewolf's voice was a whisper, too, but Remus' voice was soft, and filled with nothing but love. Love and remorse.
"Forgive me, my love." Amber eyes filled with precious tears as he turned to his Only. "I only wished to protect you."
"I know." Dora's voice ached, ached with the pain of her heart. "I love you. I love you, Remus."
Bellatrix raised her wand to point at her niece, Dolohov mirroring her action with a wand pointed at Lupin.
"I am, as I ever was, and ever shall be, yours." Remus stared into the indigo eyes before him, allowing gentle tears to cascade down his cheeks.
"I'm scared, Remus." The auror swallowed, once again seeking the comfort she always could find in his unwavering gaze.
A gentle, steady hand takes the trembling, petite one beside him. Like an ocean's breeze, his whisper was soothing and warm.
"Then we'll be scared together."
Twin flashes of green, and he is, as he ever was, and ever shall be,
Hers.