Chapter 2: I See a Bad Moon Rising*
* Bad Moon Rising, (1969). John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The summer heat rippled in waves across the Hogwarts grounds. Tonks arrived at the edge of the Great Lake. Remus had suggested they meet there before her appointment with the Headmaster. The secluded spot offered privacy behind a large boulder that made it a favorite among the students. She smiled. 'He must be thinking of having a quiet moment together before I go up to the castle.'
Tonks had been thrilled when she was selected to head up the Auror team assigned to protect the village and school. Remus had beamed with pride when she told him the news and they had celebrated with a wonderful night together at the Three Broomsticks and breakfast in bed.
She had regained consciousness two days after the battle, head sore and angry as hell that her vile aunt had bested her in battle. She was released from the hospital a week later and had been allowed to return to work by the Medi-witches at St. Mungo's, but much of her time had been spent catching up on the mountains of paperwork that had mounted up while she was out. There had been a lot of explaining to do to her supervisors about her injuries as well. With the help of Kingsley and Dumbledore, she was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, and no mention of the events were documented in her employee record.
A rustle in the tall summer grass behind her made her turn. Her smile widened. Remus Lupin was walking towards her from the direction of the castle. "Hullo you." She slid her arms around him, finding immediate contentment in his arms. "How was your meeting with Dumbledore?"
"Hello, Nym." He returned her embrace, holding her closely to him as if wanting to etch the feel of her against him into his memory forever.
"Oi! What's this?" She kissed him briefly, her smile faltering, suddenly unsure of herself. "This is supposed to be a hello kiss, not a goodbye." Tonks tried to read his amber eyes but he wouldn't meet her gaze.
"I've been given a new assignment, Nym. It seems there have been several werewolf attacks already this summer. The most likely culprit is Fenir Greyback. Funny enough, he is the werewolf who infected me as a child," Remus said sourly. "Dumbledore thinks he has traced the location of the pack. The werewolves were a big problem for the Order and the Ministry during the last war. Many of them found it easy to be swayed by Voldemort's promise of power after years of oppression and discrimination by wizards. I may be able to convince some of them to join our side, and if nothing else, I may be able to limit some of the attacks on civilians.
"He's sending you to Greyback?" Tonks' hair changed to a vivid red.
"Now Tonks," he pleaded, taking in her quickening heart and breathing. The petite Auror was winding up for a row. "Dumbledore is right. I'm the perfect person for this mission, and if there is a chance we can bring any of them to our side, I have to try."
"Yes, Hagrid was keen to try convincing the giants last summer, and he was lucky to come back in one piece!"
"Think of the lives that could be saved."
"You're right Remus," she sighed, seeing the truth in his words. "I know you need to do what's right. No one should have to go through what you do every month. This war can't last forever, can it?" She brought her arms back around him, reaching up on her toes. He met her halfway, capturing her lips with his. The butterflies in her belly sprang to life and warmth flowed to her fingers and toes. But something was wrong. There was sadness in his kiss, as if it would be their last. Tonks pulled back just enough to finally meet his eyes. "Remus? What is it? There's more - I can tell. It's written all over your face."
"Nymphadora, this assignment, being with my own kind-."
"Your own kind? What are you on about? You're a wizard Remus, a powerful one. We are your own kind!"
"Please, let me finish."
"Remus, I've seen reports on Greyback's work. He's a monster! He's nothing like you. He attacks even when the moon isn't full!"
"Tonks, do try to see reason! I won't have access to wolfsbane. It has reminded me of how dangerous my condition really is. If it wasn't for Dumbledore and Maya persuading Severus to make the potion for me, I would never be able to afford it on my own with no work."
"Money is not an issue. I've told you before."
"No! Tonks, no matter what inroads Dumbledore is able to make, werewolves will always be seen as dangerous beasts and rightly so, because that is exactly what we are. Being with me will only ruin any chance you have of a successful career in the Ministry, not to mention your reputation."
"My reputation?" Now there was genuine anger in her voice, and the Auror's eyes turned a steely grey.
"Tonks, I'm a werewolf and far too old-,"
"Too old for what exactly? I don't seem to remember you having difficulty keeping up last night?" Remus blushed at her reference to their intimate evening. "It's twelve years Remus. It's not like you're old enough to be my father!"
"Just the same, Tonks, I think it would be wise, better for both of us, if we just made a clean break of it."
Tonks couldn't believe what she was hearing! "You're throwing me over? You can't mean that. I can see it in your eyes, Remus. It's killing you!"
"It's not a matter of what I want. It's a matter of what's right," he sighed.
"Remus, you love me. No one could have said those words the way you did and not meant them. And you know I love you! Since the day I ran into you in Diagon Alley. People that love each other the way we do, it doesn't get more right than that!"
"It's too dangerous and it's not fair to you, Tonks. While I'm gone you should take some time and consider other options that are likely to make you far happier than I ever could."
Tonks felt her heart break into a million pieces at the look of sorrow and devastation on his face. "Are you telling me I should see other people?"
"It would be for the best."
"Remus Lupin, I haven't been on a date with another bloke since our first Order meeting. I'm not about to start now. You are the only one for me."
Remus squeezed his eyes shut attempting to block out the anguish in her voice and the pain in his own heart. "I'm so sorry, Nym."
Before Tonks knew what was happening, Remus was standing in front of her, the sun at his back. He cupped her face with both of his strong hands, running his thumbs over her cheeks as if trying to memorize the feel of her skin. The pain in her heart that she saw mirrored in his eyes constricted her chest, and she couldn't breathe. He brought his lips to hers, kissing her softly. Tears sprang from beneath her closed eyelids and trailed down her cheeks. She tried to deepen the kiss, her last attempt to keep him with her. He relented but the heartache that was in the kiss made her soul ache. And then he was gone, leaving cold emptiness where the warmth of his touch had been.
Tonks opened her eyes in time to see him step away from her.
"Goodbye, Nymphadora. Please be safe. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you." He turned and walked in the direction of the main gates.
"Remus!" she called after him, unable to will her legs to move.
He could hear the tears in her voice, could still taste them where his lips had touched hers. He did not turn around. He couldn't. If she saw the tears in his eyes it would only make him stay. And no matter how much it hurt him to do it, he had to leave. It was for her own good.
δδδδδδδδδδδδδδδ
In the first weeks of the summer holiday, Severus was called to the Dark Lord several times. Although he never returned with evidence of the punishment he received in that first summons of the summer, he looked tired and spoke little to anyone but Dumbledore. Maya didn't need Severus to tell her of Voldemort's movements, however. During the first week of July, the temperature continued to climb, as did the signs of Voldemort's return. It started with disappearances. Then Amelia Bones was found dead. The Dark Lord was striking at the Ministry by first attacking the Chief Judge of the Wizengamot. The next strike came directly to the Order of The Phoenix when Emmeline Vance's mutilated body was found on Downing Street, where she had been guarding the muggle Prime Minister at the time. The hurricane in the South Country was said to be the work of giants and witnesses had seen Death Eaters running from the sight of the Brockdale Bridge collapse in London.
The front page of today's Daily Prophet proclaimed that Harry Potter was The Chosen One, destined to rid the wizarding world of He Who Must Not Be Named, and announced that Cornelius Fudge had been sacked and replaced by Tonks' department head Rufus Scrimgeour. According to Severus, the new Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Pius Thicknesse, was under the Imperious Curse. The first weeks of July had set the wizarding world into chaos.
Maya knew that Severus was forced to take part in at least some of these attacks to maintain his place in Voldemort's inner circle. He did not confide in her though and she didn't push. He had been tense and distant since that first summons of the summer. The Dark Lord had placed him in charge of Peter Pettigrew. The former marauder had betrayed James and Lily Potter's location to the Dark Lord and framed Sirius for the crime.
Not completely trusting the worm, the Dark Lord chose to place him under the watchful eye of Snape to keep him out of trouble. Maya knew very little about Severus' home at Spinner's End, other than it had been the shabby place where his father had taken them when he had been too ashamed of his magical wife and son to remain in his family's village. She knew Severus hated it there and the more time he spent there with Pettigrew the darker his moods became. Severus had spent the last week in Yorkshire, as Pettigrew seemed to require constant supervision.
Maya returned to Severus' chambers late one night to find him sitting in his favorite armchair, staring into the fire, brandy in hand but untouched. "Dumbledore said you weren't at dinner. I thought you were still away."
He was silent a long time, but the muscles at his jaw tightened. "I was not in the mood for company when I returned."
Maya waited to see if he would continue, there was no point prodding when he was like this. Instead, she called for Dougal to bring tea and sandwiches. Severus didn't speak again until she was halfway through a cold chicken sandwich.
"My absence at the Department of Mysteries did not go unnoticed. The Dark Lord saw the value in my remaining at Hogwarts and the mission was given to Malfoy, but Bellatrix snatches at any shred of ammunition she can and there are plenty who are eager to follow her lead."
"Are you worried?" she asked flatly.
"No, but I must not underestimate her. Her jealousy has only grown since I took her place on the Counsel of Ten. She now openly questions my every move in an attempt to win back favor with the Dark Lord."
"She's been doing a fine job of discrediting herself lately."
"Perhaps, but it's just one more thread in an already impossibly complex web of intrigue and deceit." He paused for a moment and then picked up his tea from the tray. "There are rumors that Draco Malfoy will be taking the Mark soon."
"But he's so young?"
"Only a year younger than I was," he said darkly. "What he lacks in age and wisdom he makes up for in enthusiasm. "
"Youth and foolishness do frequently go hand in hand."
Severus was silent for a long while, lost in his thoughts while he finished his tea. Maya stood and stretched. "I'm turning in." She brushed his hair back from his face with gentle fingers. He let out a deep breath at her touch and took her hand in his, placing a kiss at the inside of her wrist.
"I will be returning to Spinner's End at the week's end. It looks as if I will be spending most of the summer there." Maya nod and gave his hand a squeeze before leaving him to his thoughts and heading off to bed.
δδδδδδδδδδδδδδδ
In his absence, Maya split her time between becoming more acquainted with the gamekeeper Hagrid and patrolling the grounds and village. She was lost in thought, sitting under a magnificent Beech tree, watching the Giant Squid snatch at swallows as they skimmed the lake when she felt a peck at her elbow. She had come to the lake to dip her feet in the cool water and to distract herself from the oppressive July heat.
"Hello, you. What have you got?" she said to the small brown owl as she took the neatly folded parchment from his beak. He promptly took off in the direction of the owlery. It took her only a moment to recognize Dumbledore's elegant script. She stood and dusted herself off towards the castle. She made her way quickly through now empty castle and in no time found herself in front of Dumbledore's office door.
She gave a soft knock to the large door and then pulled it open. "Headmaster, you wanted to see me?" she said.
"Yes, yes Ms. Ladon come right in, Ms. Tonks is already here," she heard him call from his place at his desk.
"Wotcher, My," Tonks said. Her usually bubbly voice was thin. The two friends had not had much time to really catch up since Tonks was released from St. Mungo's, because Tonks had spent the little free time she had with Remus Lupin.
"Hi Tonks, I thought you were on guard duty all day in Hogsmeade setting up the perimeter?" Maya asked. Tonks hair looked unusually dingy instead of her bright pink.
"Looks like our assignment is going to be expanded a bit," she said, looking from Maya to Dumbledore. Maya was convinced more than ever that something was wrong with Tonks, but it would have to wait until they were alone.
"Indeed, Ms. Tonks is correct. I've asked the minister to provide extra security to the school this year. The Aurors will make regular rounds of the grounds, castle, and Hogsmeade station in addition to the extra security that the minister has requested in Hogsmeade itself," Dumbledore explained. "I would like you to join the Aurors in the security of the castle, grounds and for Hogsmeade weekends. I have explained to the new minister that I have hand picked certain staff to provide security to the school. I would like you to organize that team, Maya, as Hogwarts Head of Security. Primarily this entails arranging patrol schedules with the professors and coordinating with the Ministry security detail. As Ms. Tonks here is to head the Ministry's security detail I'm sure there will be no difficulties with cooperation, though I suggest you continue to conceal your identity."
"But what about Remus? Tonks always pairs up with him. And he certainly knows more about the castle than I do." Maya asked more out of confusion then in refusal of his request.
"He's sending him to the werewolves," Tonks said hollowly, not taking her eyes from the window behind Dumbledore.
"What?"
"Professor Lupin will be on a special mission. Greyback was a great supporter of Voldemort last time and we need to sway as many of the werewolves away from his influence as possible. Remus is able and willing to fill this unique post. Will you agree to join the additional security detail at Hogwarts, Ms. Ladon?" Dumbledore asked.
"Of course." She watched Tonks for a reaction. No wonder she looked like something was wrong. 'This must be killing her,' Maya thought. "I can start whenever you like."
"Excellent. Since you're mostly settled here, I'd like you to begin immediately so that we may start to make the preparations for the new term." Before he had finished speaking, Tonks was up and out the door. There had been tears in the witch's eyes as she was leaving.
"I'll talk to her," Maya said, moving for the door herself.
"One last thing, Ms. Ladon."
"Yes?"
"Severus has sent news."
"You've heard from him?"
Dumbledore nodded. "It seems the Death Eater Grady learned from his American informant that the Dragon was seen in Boston last year, and may be a woman."
"Putnam," Maya muttered. "The fact that he hasn't named me means he's not confident. He'll have a hard time believing that I could be responsible." She paused. "Severus? Is there any indication that he was recognized?" She felt stupid for asking, but given the circumstances she couldn't help herself.
"Times are precarious. He has given me no indication that his situation has been compromised." Dumbledore gave her a sad smile, obviously reading her apprehension and self-recrimination. "I understand that Voldemort keeps him very busy these days," was the only explanation he offered. "This does mean that your position however is more complicated. I feel that it's even more important that you must not be seen. I'm afraid you will be spending much of your time keeping your identity hidden."
"I understand." Maya gave Dumbledore a quick nod that was all too similar to Severus' and slipped behind the office door as she made her way down the stairs to find Tonks.
It didn't take Maya long to find her young friend. She was sitting by the lake, hidden from view by a large boulder. Maya had considered the spot for her own thinking earlier, but the beech tree looked so much more inviting.
Maya approached quietly so as not to startle the Auror. Tonks looked up but didn't speak. Maya sat next to her and removed her shoes and socks, putting her feet in the cool water.
"Come on. Off with the shoes. I have a feeling this session of girl talk is going to take a while and it's hotter than the fire under Morgana's cauldron out here," Maya said, easing her feet into the icy lake.
Tonks said nothing at first but complied with her request by taking off her own heavy boots and socks, wiggling her small feet in the lake. Suddenly she spoke, "He met me here before I went up to see Dumbledore. We had dinner at the Three Broomsticks last night and it was lovely, almost like before Sirius." She hesitated. "Anyway, at least he told me to my face, you know? Stupid mission! Stupid man! He's not like Greyback and the others, but he started on about how this mission got him thinking and about how it really is too dangerous for me to be around someone like him anyway and even without the lycanthropy he was too poor and too old to make me happy. Maya when have I ever cared about those things? I love the things we do without money, the way he makes me feel like I'm clever and funny and pretty, not a clumsy oaf Hufflepuff. I already have a flat and food and stuff, I don't need him to support me. He's still in his thirties for Merlin's sake. The way he talks you'd think he was Dumbledore's age. It's only twelve years, you know," she finished, having run out of steam, throwing a sizable pebble into the lake for emphasis, making a resounding plop that echoed how she felt.
It was several minutes before the Auror spoke again. Maya watched a thestral chase a raven from the tree tops, which only made her think of Severus. "Maya, he said he thought we…that I should start seeing other people so that if someone more suitable came along I would be free to explore all of my options. I told him I loved him. He just looked at me like it was breaking his heart." Tonks put her head on Maya's shoulder while her feet splashed in the cool water. Maya could hear her sniffle and put an arm around her friend.
'And men say that women are fickle?' Maya thought darkly, completely perplexed by the opposite sex. "You know how men can be with their pride," she said, giving Tonks a squeeze. "Especially the noble ones."
"Yes, well I don't see Severus running off anytime soon," Tonks said bitterly.
"We're not exactly perfect, Tonks. We've never called what's going on between us a relationship. I haven't seen him in almost two weeks. He's been off on an assignment with no word. He hasn't pushed me away exactly but I think there was someone else, someone before that he's not really over. I've heard him talk in his sleep. He sometimes says a woman's name, 'Lily.' She must have been very important to him but he's never mentioned her," Maya confided, feeling a little better just for having voiced her fears out loud.
"Merlin," Tonks whispered, "but no, it couldn't be-"
"Tonks, who? Do you know who she is?"
"No, it can't be. There are loads of women named, Lily right?"
"Tonks, you're killing me here. If you know something you have to tell me!"
"Harry's mum, she was Lily Potter, Lily Evans before she married James Potter."
"Yes, but-."
"Remus and Sirius told me last year that Lily and Snape grew up together in the same muggle neighborhood. They knew each other before they got to Hogwarts. They were really close friends until they had some big row. Sirius and James suspected that Snape fancied her but the two never made up and then she started dating James," Tonks said, hoping she was wrong.
"Well, it certainly explains a few things. Lily 'sodding' Potter," Maya said with a sigh. "The bloody woman's practically a saint. How am I supposed to stand up to that?"
"Dunno," said Tonks, "but I'm not great for relationship advice right now, am I?"
"Sorry, Tonks," Maya said guiltily. "We'll get through this, I promise. Besides, Remus will come 'round. Everyone knows that he's crazy about you. He won't make it a week before he's at your door taking it all back." Maya gazed across the lake, hoping that the noble professor would not make a liar out of her. In the back of her mind, thoughts about her own tenuous romance hung like ominous storm clouds on the horizon of her own new relationship.
