I was going to divide this chapter but laziness got the better of me. Please read and review. As always thank you, DoraLupin86, RhodaBush and Guest. I'm thinking of writing a Severus/Lily story, tell me what you think .

Chapter 25

The world didn't make sense. She hurt; her brain and heart hurt, there was nothing. People didn't make sense to her. She was in the infirmary, at Hogwarts, being examined by Madam Pomfrey. She was well of course. The only injured had been Bill. Molly and Fleur applied some salve to the redhead's wounds.

Harry explained, in painful detail, how Severus… The train of thought was too painful to pursue.

"He begged him. He said, he said, "Severus, please" but that bastard killed him. Snape killed Dumbledore." Harry said with such hatred.

Nymphadora cried silently. Remus looked at her with something akin to pity and hope.

"He was the one who told Voldemort about the prophecy. He's always worked for Voldemort."

"No, he would never… he's always been on our side. He's good." It was the first time she spoke after they had all gathered in the infirmary.

Kingsley and Moody looked at her with calculating eyes. "Tonks. We have to talk."

"Not now."McGonagall stated firmly. Nymphadora looked at the older witch. It made sense, now that Dumbledore was dead, she was headmistress.

Could she also be the new Order leader? Tonks cried silently in her bed. She cried for Severus. There had to be an explanation, he was innocent. He was good; her Severus would never kill Dumbledore.

An hour later McGonagall was finally satisfied with the castle's security and the fact that all the children were back in their rooms safe and sound. The Order, at least the elite gathered in the headmaster's office.

Moody, Kingsley, Athur, Molly, McGonagall and Remus sat around a conjured table. They all looked somberly at the empty desk. Minerva hadn't had the heart to occupy that chair yet. It was all too recent.

"Tonks, did you know about Snape's plan? Do you know where he is?" asked the new headmistress.

The young auror shook her head and answered somberly, "No, and there has to be an explanation."

"We have to use veritaserum." Moody said openly. It hurt her, Mad Eye was her friend.

"I didn't know. Severus would never hurt the headmaster. He would never betray us." Nymphadora said stoically.

"He killed Dumbledore. There is no explanation for this."Arthur interjected.

Nymphadora looked at their faces; they were all convinced of Severus's guilt. "Something was going to happen. He wanted me to escape to America, about a month ago. He said that I was no longer safe in England, that it would be best for me to go to America." She thought that this would sway their opinion of Severus. It did nothing of the sort.

"He's planned this, alongside Malfoy," Moody growled and then sat next to her. "Look at me girl." She did so, her eyes watered.

"He's innocent. I know it." She repeated.

Remus shook his head. "He's not. I warned you about this Dora. He used you, Dumbledore and you placed your trust in the wrong hands."

Moody nodded. "How long has this liaison lasted?" This was an interrogation. She felt hurt. First they thought she was aware of the attack, they had already decided that Severus was guilty.

She needed to be inside the Order. She was so confused, Severus had to be innocent. Nymphadora contemplated lying, being quiet and telling the truth. Maybe if she told the truth things would make sense. Maybe if she was honest things would click into place and she would be able to understand why her Severus had hurt her this much. Why did Severus kill the headmaster? Why didn't he trust her? She cried silently.

"Two years, but we were together while I was in Hogwarts." She said with a cleansing breath.

"That bastard, I'll kill him with my bare hands." Kingsley immediately thought the worst.

Nymphadora shook her head and pleaded with him. "It's isn't what you think. He didn't know it was me. We met a muggle pub, he was shocked and I pursued him."

"Don't you see? He's been manipulating you since you were a teenager. That sick fuck." Remus growled without even looking at her.

McGonagall looked at him with reproachful eyes. "When was the last time you spoke?"

"Ron's birthday; Severus was upset. He said that it would happen soon and that I should be protected."

"He cares for you then." Molly said with sad eyes. Nymphadora nodded, she needed other people to tell her that now. Right now, she needed reassurance that she had not imagined the love words, the caresses and the looks Severus gave her. She needed the validation of other people and Molly did that.

"Molly please, Snape is a master spy. I think we can agree that he deceived Nymphadora." Moody said coldly.

"Think, did he say anything about his plans with You Know Who?" She shook her head, this hurt so much. What if they were right? What if Remus, and Moody spoke the truth? No it couldn't be, Severus loves me. She chanted in her head as the Order evaluated and discussed the motives the death eater had when he seduced and lied to her.

In their minds it had all been a plan. Nymphadora Tonks had been lied to; she was the poor, clumsy girl who had let the big bad death eater bed her.

McGonagall spoke again. "Alastor is correct in one count. Severus is a master spy. He deceived us all. We will move past this." She looked at Moody with pained eyes.

"Alastor, we have to secure headquarters. I trust you to do that for the Order. Remus there is no point on going back with the werewolves. We haven't achieved any progress in that front. Kingsley you will continue with your work at the ministry. Arthur, if you please we have to bury Albus." Her voice broke.

"You'll have to arrange the funeral; I'll have a meeting with the board tomorrow morning." The witch said with finality. She was their leader then. Nymphadora stayed rooted in her seat. Kingsley and Moody left, so did Arthur.

Molly tried to lift her from the chair. She didn't want to stand up; in that moment she had a crazy impulse. "Minerva please, you have to agree with me. He couldn't have, you know Severus. He would never harm Dumbledore."

Remus huffed, "Enough Dora. Why can't you understand that he's nothing but scum? He's a traitor, a profiteer who is only looking out for himself."

She shook her head and ignored his words. "He's not like that. He doesn't believe in blood purity. He's a half-blood. He watches football and swears when Manchester United loses. He loves Indian take out and wears jeans and old t shirts. He cares about Harry. Minerva please, he's your friend." She cried desperately, someone had to believe in Severus besides her. She felt cold, because try as she might, there was slight voice in her head and didn't trust Severus. Countless times she asked him about the future and he remained quiet closed off. Was the Order right? Had Severus planned it all?

She waited for Minerva or Molly to side with her. Neither did.

"I thought I knew him. We were both wrong Nymphadora. He's a coward who chose the easy path, just like years ago. He betrayed us." Minerva said bitterly, sad resignation tinged her words.

The young woman shook, "No." She moved to the door.

Molly apparently sensed her intentions. "Where are you going Tonks?"

"I'm going to find Severus. He'll explain, I'm sure of it." Remus held her wrist when she tried to leave the office.

"No. He's dangerous and you mean nothing to him." He said with decisiveness.

"It's best if you stay here tonight, it's for your safety." McGonagall said finally.

The young auror looked at the woman and repeated. "I have to see him. He'll explain…"

"I won't let you Nymphadora. You'll stay in the castle until Albus is buried. Think about your safety." The professor thought Severus would harm her. She already believed the worst about on him. How could this woman, who for all intents and purposes loved Severus, too believe the worst of him?

All the fight left Nymphadora when Remus tried to lead her out of the office. "No." and then she looked at the professor again. "We have to check his quarters." It was the last attempt to make sense of things. Maybe Severus left something, this couldn't be planned.

"Very well, Molly and I will go with you." McGonagall said and stood up. "Remus could you please help Arthur and Hagrid," it wasn't a question. The man struggled for a few seconds. He didn't want to leave Nymphadora's side. She was oblivious to Remus' support. She wanted to go into his quarters and find something that would explain this night.

The women left the office and headed to the dungeons. The castle was quiet, but awake. She knew that even though children and professors alike were in bed they were all awake, still in shock.

They reached the wall. Minerva paused, she tried some spells. She didn't think they had the password. Nymphadora stepped up and whispered. "Vulpecula." It was a little joke. Severus had changed it last March.

The two women looked surprised. It dawned on her once again that they thought she was insignificant in Severus' life. She looked around and immediately went to his desk.

McGonagall went through drawers and Molly checked the other spaces. She didn't find anything, not even the journal she had given him last Christmas. There wasn't anything which at least meant that this had to be impulsive or that it had been planned many months in advance.

"I found something." Molly shouted from the living room." Tonks rushed past the professor to the small living room.

The Weasley matriarch had a small wodden box in her hands. "It was hidden between two slabs behind one of the book shelves. Almost impossible to spot, but I raised Fred and George." The woman seemed satisfied with herself.

They tried to open it but the box was enchanted. "Let Ms. Tonks try." Minerva had been surprised by their quick entry and believed they would be fortunate again. She wasn't mistaken.

Nymphadora had seen one of those boxes before. She had her jewels in there. She didn't want to open this in front of these two women but she had no other choice. Once she touched the wood the small latch gave up.

"Put it here." The professor transfigured a table and elongated it. "Open it."

Tonks did so, inside there were papers and pictures. Most of them were of Lily Potter and him growing up. Teenagers holding hands and grinning at a camera, these were muggle, not one of them was magical. There was one that really took her by surprise. It was Severus holding a six month old Harry, next to it was a letter.

"That's Lily's handwriting."

Dear Sev,

Thanks for coming over the other day. Harry loves the cat you bought him. You shouldn't have. I think you did it to vex James, I told you he was allergic. It was nice to talk to you. Seriously, I wished you and James could get along. Harry loves you. He likes your nose. Yes, I'm giggling, it is funny Sev. Even if you don't think so; have you thought about being Harry's godfather? Yes, Sirius will act as the other godparent. I don't understand why you can't get along. You three are adults now and I would love for you to be a part of Harry's life. Take care and be careful.

All my love

Lils.

Dear Severus,

We've gone into hiding. Thank you so much for alerting us. I know you feel guilty about the prophecy. Dumbledore told us, don't. If it weren't for you we could have been dead already. James chose our secret keeper. I trust his judgment but I'm scared, I have a bad feeling about this. Remember when we were twelve and we kissed. I said I regretted it because you made a face. I didn't regret it. I'm glad it was you. I'm glad that you are my friend. Severus you will always be my dearest friend. I want you to take care of Harry, please Sev, for our friendship. Take care of him. If something happens to me please make sure my boy is fine. I know you can do it. I know you'll love him like your own.

All my love

Lils.

There were more than twenty letters written by Lily Potter, there were more mementos and a lot of pictures with Harry in them. Harry when he was a toddler in the park. He was a small child but he was smiling when he was in the swings. Harry's school pictures, artwork and other childhood things.

McGonagall and Molly kept digging through the box that seemed to have an expandable charm. They briefly read through the letters but seemed uninterested. They found more letters, this time they were hers. Nymphadora felt violated. There were pictures too. One with her winking cheekily at him with her Christmas elf costume, another with her just smiling openly at him, all of their letters were there. He had saved them all.

"He saved all these letters, please; you can't still believe that he's guilty." Minerva looked at her.

"These letters and things only prove his wickedness. The wretched man that he is, he betrayed again. He doesn't deserve your tears girl. Accept the truth, it is staring you in the face. Severus Snape is a traitor, a twisted human being who only cares about his wellbeing and power." Nymphadora was angry.

"Leave." She opened the door and showed the two women to the exit. The headmistress was taken aback and quietly stepped out. Tonks was glad the woman made this concession.

Once they were at the door the older woman addressed her one last time that evening. "Make no mistake Ms. Tonks, I will concede this attitude tonight because you have taken a nasty shock but by tomorrow I expect you to be well put together. You need to choose between the Order and Snape." The woman said primly and left without a second glance. Molly hugged her and then left too. The redhead understood that she needed privacy.

Nymphadora cried then. She cried more than she had ever cried. She felt the acute loss of balance and her place in the world. She undressed and went to his wardrobe. She wore one of his old shirts and slipped into the bed. She felt unprotected, unbalanced, and so confused. She wanted Severus to explain.

She didn't get her explanation, it had been days and she had been treated like a prisoner. A well cared for prisoner. The Order came to the unanimous decision that she was just another victim. Snape used her, probably for sex and information. More sex than information since the Death Eater had access to all information concerning the Order.

They were all too busy with the funeral and trying to capture Snape, Tonks had been interrogated and it was painfully obvious that the girl was infatuated with the traitor and had taken the betrayal hard.

That afternoon during the funeral Nymphadora wore black, a simple dress and looked in the mirror. It took a lot of strength to change her hair to a bubble gum pink. The headmaster always loved that color on her and gave her ten points the first time she wore it to the Great Hall. It had been three days and not a word from him. All the Order seemed hell bent into pitying her and making sure she was on their side.

"It is a nasty shock as Minerva said, but dear you have to move on." Molly said during the service.

She smiled watery, Fawkes still sang. "Molly, I don't want to talk about it. It hurts so much."

"Tonks, if he approaches you. If he comes to you, you have to let the Order know." Molly said firmly.

Nymphadora nodded sadly, "I doubt that he would. It's been three days and he hasn't contacted me yet."

She started to lose hope. The day after Dumbledore's death she had returned to her flat in hopes of finding Severus there. She even went to Spinner's End. She was sure Remus had followed her but lost her when she became a seven year old boy. Nothing, he had disappeared. There was no sight of Severus Snape. The ministry and the Order looked for him immediately after the headmaster's death.

"You'll come home with us dear. You shouldn't be by yourself. The war will come to a head now that Albus is dead." Molly tried to convince her.

She lied, "I can't Molly. I'm moving with my parents. It's for the best." She wanted the funeral to be over. Remus smiled and kissed her cheek. "Dora." He held her hand and didn't let go. It was uncomfortable, but she accepted the support.

It was a beautiful service but she didn't remember much of it. Once they buried the wizard. The Order gathered once more in the headmistress's office.

They all looked at the sleeping portrait of one Albus Dumbledore. "It takes a few weeks for the portrait to activate." Minerva said as explanation.

"Harry has a mission. Albus left something for him to do. The boy has remained quiet about the whole affair. Our goal will be to protect him and help him."

"He's the chosen one and we will allocate all our resources to help him." The woman continued.

"There are dark times ahead and we have to remain together. We will meet once a week in an undisclosed location." The meeting dragged on until they decided that Harry would go back to his muggle relatives until he was of age. The Order decided to place the Dursleys in protective care before Harry turned 17. They would decide a date next week. Moody of course was in charge of logistics.

"Tonks, you and Kingsley will be our eyes in the ministry. I have to ask; have you decided?" The woman asked.

"I choose the Order." She said firmly. She was sure the headmistress wouldn't trust her with important knowledge but at least she would be included in the Order. She once told Severus that she wanted to fight. It was all she had now, the drive to see You Know Who defeated.

They were all dismissed thirty minutes later. She started the trek to Hogsmeade when Remus caught up to her. "Dora, we have to talk."

She looked back and stopped. "I want to apologize. I shouldn't have treated you like I did." Remus started.

She cut him. "You don't have to apologize. I still think Severus is innocent." She knew Remus would never tell the Order.

He looked tired and weary. "Dora what can I do? What can I say to make you see the truth? Severus is unworthy of your trust, your love." He said anguished.

She hugged him, "I know you care for me. I know you love me but I could never love you like you want me to. I love Severus, and even if he did kill the headmaster I'm afraid that I would still love him." That last part scared her because it was true. She would never forgive him but her heart would always be Severus's.

Remus looked devastated and she hated to see his pained eyes. "I love you and I will be here for you." He said and then disapparated. She walked around and then suddenly she noticed. Someone followed her. She entered Zonko's and changed her appearance to an old lady. The person still chased after her and then realization. There was only one person who could be following her. Severus Snape had finally deigned himself to give her an explanation.