A/N: And here, anvil-sized hints are dropped about what's wrong with Tonks in the form of blatant denial and a certain bushy-haired brunette. If you all don't figure it out, I think you'd need a Kwikspell Course in Literary Analysis :P

Lupin searched the Burrow for Tonks. It didn't take long for him to hear her sobs coming from the first floor bathroom. He knocked. "It's just me, Dora. Can I come in?"

"Yeah," she said.

Lupin opened the door and found her sitting on the bathroom counter. Shattered bits of glass from a broken mirror were scattered on the cracked tile floor.

"Reparo," Lupin said, pointing his wand at the bits of glass.

He scooted her legs over and climbed onto the counter beside her.

"Honey, what's wrong?" he asked, wiping a tear away from her cheek.

She sniffed. "Do they ever shut up?"

"It's only Fred and George. You don't really take them seriously, do you?"

"Not usually. Lately, though, yes."

"You're so stressed out right now, sweetie. That's all."

"Maybe that's it. I've been touchy lately, and I'm sorry."

He hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. "Dora, these past few weeks have been insane. You've got nothing to apologize for."

She put her head on his shoulder. "Why do you always make everything better?"

"Because I love you and can't stand to see you hurt."

"I love you, too. And I know we'll be okay."

He squeezed her hand. "I know."

Just then, Tonks saw herself in the mirror. "Bloody hell! I look awful!" she gasped.

Lupin smiled. "That sounds more like Dora! Why don't you clean up a bit and meet me outside?"

She hesitantly returned his smile. "See you later."

Lupin left and Tonks tried to remove the black streaks of makeup running down her cheeks. She had always sworn by Muggle makeup, but at times like this, she wished it was completely waterproof.

She had just finished reapplying her makeup when there was a knock at the door. She opened it. Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood before her.

"Wotcher, kids! What's up?" she said in what she hoped was a cheerful tone.

"We're sorry that we're related to such insensitive gits," said Ron without preamble.

"Or practically related, in Hermione's case," Ginny added.

"Don't worry about it. I overreacted, and I know that," said Tonks.

"No, you've put up with it better than most. That's why they always go after you," Hermione said.

"Yeah, next time just curse them."

"Ron!" said Hermione, astonished.

"Well, they'd stop if they got a good Stinging Hex or something put on them."

Tonks laughed. "I think they're just stressed about Harry and everything. I can definitely understand that. I've been touchy and sick all week. At least I haven't stopped eating yet. Now that would mean trouble!"

Ron chuckled. "Well, we should get going, then. See you later, mate!" He and Ginny left.

"I'll be all right, Hermione. You can go join the others."

"No, it's not that. It's…"

"Go on," Tonks prompted.

"May I ask you something really personal?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Hermione shifted her feet and bit her lower lip.

"Hermione, you can ask me anything you want."

"When did you and Remus first, you know…" she paused, "sleep together?"

"Well, we were in a sort of time warp for three weeks plus about a week in real time, so like a month I guess."

Suddenly, Tonks realized what Hermione was asking. "Oh, no," she clarified. "I'm not pregnant. I'm just sick, and stressed, and grouchy because of it."

Hermione gave her a long look. "Well, if you're sure…"

"Hermione, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Really."

"Okay, I'll see you later then."

Hermione headed outside. The meeting would be starting soon, Tonks realized. She unlocked the door and walked toward the stairs to the living room. As she was halfway up the stairs, Fred and George were coming down.

Please don't let me fall Tonks thought. Not in front of them at least.

Her prayer seemed to go unanswered as she fell face down over the stairs. The ends of her hair flashed red when she looked up and saw Fred and George's feet. A bruise was forming on her chin.

"Go on, have your laugh. Poor old Mrs. Lupin can't get up the stairs, right?" Tonks spat.

"We weren't going to laugh, mate," said George.

Both offered her a hand. Grudgingly, Tonks allowed them to help her up. She regarded them suspiciously.

"We, uh…" Fred looked at his feet.

George took over. "We were bloody awful to you, mate. Truth is, we should be fighting Death Eaters. Not,"

"A dear, sweet old lady?" Fred supplied.

"Why, you!" Tonks made her hair flash red, but this time she was teasing.

"Seriously, though, we're sorry."

Tonks smiled at their sincere expressions. "And I'm sorry for being touchy," she added.

Fred slapped her back affectionately. "Now that that's settled, let's go kill us some Death Eaters!" he said cheerfully.

Each twin took one of Tonks's arms and led her upstairs. When the three of them entered the room, everyone fell silent.

"It's okay, guys. We know how dashingly gorgeous we are. Feel free to look!" said Fred with a grin.

"You can't have Tonks, though," George added. "She's married."

"Aww, are you sure, Tonks?" Charlie called. "Would you reconsider for a lonely old man?"

"Don't worry, Charlie. If you put some of my hair in Polyjuice Potion and drank it, I'm sure you could find one!" Fred called back.

Tonks, Fred, George and Charlie laughed.

"Are you following this?" Ron muttered to Hermione.

"It appears that they've made up."

Fred and George steered Tonks over to the couch next to Lupin.

"Here's your monster back, Moony," said George.

"Safe and sound. You can have her for good!"

Lupin's expression was a combination of confusion and amusement. "Why thank you, boys. I hope my monster didn't hurt you too badly."

"There may be some bruises. Keep her under control next time!"

Tonks docilely climbed onto Lupin's lap and rested her head on his shoulder, grinning.

"I'll try," Lupin answered mildly.