The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart. - St. Jerome

Heart to Heart

March 1997

Roger sighed as he moved through the quiet town, glancing around. All was well and quiet in Hogsmeade. Well, quiet at least. He glanced over at Tonks, who was walking next to him, noting that she was uncharacteristically silent. Usually he would have to remind her that they were there to watch the town, not chit-chat. Which meant that she was definitely not well. Her normally bright hair was a dull brown and her eyes had lost a bit of the spark that was usually there.

She had been depressed for some time now, but the past week the two had spent guarding Hogsmeade had been stifling with her melancholy. He admitted that he almost missed her annoying enthusiasm. He would take it over whatever this was.

Not to mention, if she was too busy caught up in her thoughts, there was no way she could do her job properly. More than anything, he didn't want to have to worry about Tonks getting hurt because she was distracted.

"Out with it, Tonks," he said with a sigh. She looked over at him and then returned to looking around the town.

"Out with what?" she asked. Roger came to a stop and looked over at her.

"Whatever this nonsense is. You've been mopey for ages," he said. "And as much as I enjoy the quiet, I'd rather have you focused on our mission than whatever it is that's been bothering you."

She stared at him a moment, a bit shocked. Roger Abbott would often give her unsolicited advice on her choice of apparel or tripping over herself. Anything related to her job as an auror. But never had he attempted to get her to talk about her personal life.

"What do you mean?" she asked, attempting to cover for herself. Roger just stared at her, a knowing look on his face.

"It's obvious," he said. "You've been down for months now. Are we going to talk about this or are you going to keep it bottled up until you explode eventually and ruin a mission?" Tonks sighed as she looked away and began walking down the street again.

"Surprised you haven't figured it out by now," she said, her countenance making it clear that she was unsure about discussing it.

"I know that I'm, well, I'm likely not the sort you want to talk to about this, but I can be a rather good listener," he offered. Tonks snorted. "What?"

"Not from what Sam says," she replied. Roger rolled his eyes.

"It's my daughter. Of course, she doesn't talk to me about those sorts of things," he replied.

"Not sure I want to bring this up with you," she said, glancing at him. "Not sure you want to hear it."

"Fine, don't talk about it," he said with a huff as he pulled the collar of his cloak up. That was the last time that he tried to help.

"It's Remus," she said. Roger stopped and looked over at her as Tonks started fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Remus Lupin?" he asked, his eyebrows rising in surprise. That he had not expected. Tonks was young and vibrant. And loud. A damn good auror, but sometimes rash. Lupin was responsible. And quiet. And very much not the sort that he would expect his younger partner to fall for. Perhaps opposites did attract.

But now the months of furtive looks and glances, quiet arguments when they thought no one was watching, Remus volunteering to go spend time with the werewolves - it all made sense.

Tonks was in love with the man.

"You know another Remus?" Tonks asked, slightly irritated, though more than likely she was embarrassed.

"How long has this been going on?" he asked, wondering just how he would have missed it now that it was so obviously clear to him.

"Well, nothing's been going on, if you must know," she said. "And that's precisely the problem." She glanced around the street, obviously not wanting to meet his eyes. "He thinks I deserve better…"

Roger wasn't quite sure how to respond. He thought Remus was as good a man as any, even if he found the couple unconventional.

"What, Abbott?" she asked, seeming put out that he hadn't said anything.

"I… nothing," he said.

"You're clearly thinking something," Tonks said with a huff. "It's written all over your face."

"I'm not completely sure what to say," he admitted.

"You think he's right," she said. "It's never going to work…"

"No, I… well… it's a bit… unexpected," he said. "You're rather different…" Tonks sighed.

"He thinks that it's too dangerous," she said. "And that he's too poor. That my family would never accept him. And, and, what he doesn't see is that none of that matters to me."

"I suppose he might have a point with the dangerous bit-"

"Please, we all know that as long as he takes his potion, I'm in no danger," Tonks said. "And there's a good chance that he wouldn't pass it on…"

"If you would let me continue," Roger said. Tonks stared at him. "He never said he didn't feel the same, did he?"

"No… he didn't. Just that it wasn't a good idea," Tonks said. "And I know for a fact that he volunteered to go to the other werewolves just to get away from me."

"Look, Tonks. It's obviously complicated. And the times we're living in… but, if you love him - truly love him - then you should have faith that it'll work out," he said. Tonks just stared at him a moment before laughing harshly.

"Who would have thought that tight-laced Roger Abbott would be giving me advice on love," she said. Roger frowned.

"I am married," he said. Tonks laughed again and shook her head.

"Have faith that it'll work out," she said to herself as she turned and started walking again.

"I know I'm not the romantic sort, but… I do have a bit of experience in difficult, complicated relationships," he said. Tonks eyebrows rose as her cheeks turned a little pink. She had nearly forgotten that he was previously married to a muggle woman. She glanced at him as he took a deep breath.

"It wasn't easy for us - me and Amanda," he said. "My family, although they didn't agree with pureblood politics, it was difficult for them to accept me and Amanda at first. They thought it would be too dangerous with the war going on… and to an extent, they were right. But we loved each other very deeply and we were happy. Very happy."

Tonks frowned slightly as she took a step towards him.

"You chose to be together… even with everything," she said. He nodded.

"I sometimes wonder if it would have been better if I had just walked away," he said with a sigh. "If she would have gone on to have a happier life if I had never… If she would have lived… but then, I wouldn't have Sam. And even with the pain of losing Amanda and Zach… I wouldn't trade the time I had with her - with all of them - for anything."

Roger smiled slightly, his thoughts turning to Amanda and the happy moments they had had with Sam and Zach. They had had five years as a happy family. And while he loved Celeste and was happy he found her, a part of him would always hold on the wife and child he had lost.

"I am sorry that you lost them," Tonks said softly.

"Thank you," Roger said. "But what I said still stands. If you really love him, then you must have faith that things'll work out the way they are meant to." Tonks smiled slightly.

"Thanks," she said before starting to walk again. "Really."

"Don't mention it," Roger said. The two continued walking in silence, looking around the town.

"So… you really think it'll work out?" Tonks asked softly. Roger resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Sometimes he forgot how young Tonks really was.

"I think… that you should talk to him," he said. Tonks did roll her eyes at that.

"Slightly hard to do since he's out on assignment," she replied.

"But he won't be forever. And when he comes back, you should remind him of your feelings and that you love him regardless of everything," he said. "And… if it would help… perhaps I could speak with him." Tonks looked over at him, her eyes wide as she started smiling.

"You would?" she asked. Merlin, what was he getting himself into? This was not the sort of thing he did.

"I can… try. Not sure what good I can do, but sometimes people just need to talk things out," he said.

"Thanks, Abbott," Tonks replied. They returned to their silent jaunt, but Tonks had a bit more of a bounce to her step. It was good to see, though Roger worried he had jumped into the deep end with this.

Blimey, what was he doing?

Sam sighed as she leaned back on the sofa, taking a sip of her tea as Finn sat next to her with his own mug. It had been a long day, but with Oliver out at Hogsmeade, she wanted to spend some time relaxing rather than at home in the empty apartment worrying about him.

"How is everything going?" he asked, looking over at her. Sam sighed.

"It's maddening, but still exciting," she said. "Though I am rather happy to have a night off from it all. I'm about spent and it doesn't help that Oliver's been putting more nights in at Hogsmeade."

"Surprised they let you off," Finn said with a chuckle. "Seems if you're not in rehearsal, you're off doing some interview or photo shoot. Or off doing something for the Order. I'm actually surprised that you're still working there."

"The life of a new principal. I was sent off with strict instructions to rest after I turned my ankle today," she said with a slight roll of her eyes. "And you're part of all of it too…"

"Yea, but I'm just part of the ensemble. You're the bloody star," Finn shot back with a grin. Sam just rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. "Feel like I hardly see you as it is with all your private rehearsals."

"I feel like I hardly see anyone… even Oliver," she said. "But speaking of relationships, how are things with Ellie?" She leaned towards him as a starstruck look came across his face.

"Brilliant," he said. "I swear… she's the woman I've been waiting my whole life for, Sam."

"Certainly not being a bit overdramatic, are we," she said, now grinning.

"Shut it. We were forced to live through you and Oliver's honeymoon stage. Now it's your turn to suffer," he said.

"Thank Merlin, Moira and Adrian didn't force us through that," Sam replied. "If they were anything like you and Ellie, I would have hexed all of you."

"Again… you weren't forced to watch you and Oliver," Finn said, staring at her.

"Surely we weren't that bad," Sam said, pulling her legs up on the sofa, curling them underneath her. Finn snorted.

"I'm glad I wasn't in Gryffindor. Heard you two were snogging every chance you got in the common room," Finn said. "Granted you were snogging just about anywhere else including the courtyard."

"We were not!" Sam shouted as she laughed.

"Not according to Luce and Alicia," Finn replied.

"Please. Lucy was liplocked with Michael practically more than she was in class," Sam shot back. "Not to mention she's dated half the reserves league since we've graduated."

"She's still searching for love," Finn said. "Aren't we the lucky ones?" Sam chuckled softly.

"You know Luce - she always lands on her feet," Sam said. "But seriously… back to you and Ellie. Even in Hogwarts you were never this enraptured with anyone."

"What can I say? Ellie is a special woman," he said, smiling. "And we're good. I finally met her parents." Sam's eyes widened.

"Getting that serious?" she asked. Finn shrugged, but the starstruck look was starting to come back into his eyes.

"Really, she's like no one I've ever met, Sam. Talented. Kind. Gorgeous," he said.

"Humble. Bright. Funny," Sam continued for him. Finn blushed a bit.

"Can't help it. I'm mad about her. I think I've found the Sam to my Oliver," he said. Sam did roll her eyes at that.

"You did not seriously just say that," she replied. Finn snorted.

"It's been no secret that we've all been jealous of you guys for years now," he said. "All of us looking to find what special something that comes so easily to you two."

"You of all people know that it hasn't always been a walk in the park," she replied.

"I know, but still… you two were just made for each other. Fights and all," he said. Sam just chuckled and shook her head. "Face it… you two really are the it couple. How many times have you two been in Witch Weekly now?"

"Only because they thought they saw me running around with an engagement ring after Valentine's Day," she said with a huff. "I don't know where they got that from. I don't even wear rings."

"Surprised he didn't propose, to be honest," Finn said. Sam frowned slightly but tried to quickly cover it up. Unfortunately, Finn caught it. "What's this?"

"Nothing," Sam said quickly.

"Out with it, Sam. I know your tells," Finn said. Sam sighed.

"It's not that I don't want to marry him," she started. "It's just… with everything going on, I can't help but think now would be the completely wrong time." Finn studied her a moment before speaking.

"Look, I've known you and Oliver a long time. If you don't think it's the right time, then it's not the right time," he said. Sam stared at him a moment. "Seriously, Sam. Don't rush into it just because Witch Weekly and everyone else says you should. It's you and Oliver in this relationship and that's all that matters."

Sam smiled, looking down at her tea mug.

"And here I thought you asked me over for advice on Ellie," she said, glancing up at him. Finn chuckled.

"We both know who gives the advice in this friendship," he replied.

"So you like to remind me," she said, smirking. Finn rolled his eyes slightly.

"Only when you need it," he said.

"I don't think I need it that often," she scoffed. Finn just looked at her a moment. "Seriously, Finn!"

"I'm just saying you two have had a few rough spots lately," he said. Sam sighed and nodded. "And you two have seemed to work through them all. But you do know that I'm here for you when you do need to talk about it."

"I appreciate it," Sam said.

"But… I could use some help with Ellie," he said.

"I knew it," Sam said, grinning.

"Just… I'm not sure what to get her for opening night," he said.

"What? Mister Romantic is at a loss?" she asked, chuckling.

"Really, Sam! What do you get the perfect girl?" he asked, his face slightly stricken.

"Thought a large bouquet would be good," Sam said. "It's what Oliver gives me."

"Everyone gives roses. I have to give her something more special," he urged.

"Like a ring?" she asked with a smirk as she took another sip from her mug. Finn's face started losing color.

"I? What? No!" he sputtered. Sam chuckled.

"See how you feel," she said. "Really Finn, she's going to love whatever you give her. If flowers aren't enough, try a necklace. Or a bracelet. Anything. Just make sure it's from the heart." Finn nodded slowly.

"Thanks, Sam," he said, smiling at her. She just shrugged and smiled at him.

"What are friends for?"

Antonius looked around the darkened study, calmly sipping wine as he and Nott waited on Rowle to get there. The man was constantly late, which irritated him to no end. But he was good at procuring information. And they needed information in order for his personal plans to set off.

Not to mention, the Dark Lord had entrusted him with overseeing the plans that had been long in motion. Big things were going to happen. And they were happening soon.

"I'm so sorry," Rowle said as he shuffled in and made towards the table. Antonius shot him a glare before calmly putting his goblet down and sighing.

"Just… tell me that you were successful," he said, the irritation heavy in his voice.

"Yes, sir. Finding where they live was easy enough. But there are many advanced protection charms," he said quickly. "It will take time to figure work arounds. But it's not impossible. It's not the fidelius charm."

"And the Abbott girl?" Flint asked.

"She keeps a busy schedule. And I still haven't figured out what she does a few nights a week. But for the most part it's the dance company and then home," Rowle said. Antonius nodded slowly, looking into the flames in the fireplace. "Are you intending to snatch her first?"

"Have you paid any attention whatsoever to anything I've said so far," Antonius sneered, his dark eyes flying to Rowle. The man sputtered slightly before staring down at his hands. "There is a process. Steps. We cannot simply pick her up off the street."

"Yes, sir," Rowle stuttered.

"Besides, I intend to… have a bit of fun," he said, an evil smile appearing. He then looked over at Nott.

"I will need you to help with the protective charms," he said.

"Yes, sir," Nott said. Antonius sighed and lifted the goblet to his lips again.

"Now we should make ready," Antonius said. "We want our guests to feel welcome when they arrive."

For some reason I love writing from Roger Abbott's perspective. I imagine it can't be easy with Sam as a daughter and Tonks as a partner.

.2019 - Thank you!

Camryn Kissel - Both very good questions, and both... you'll have to wait and see. ^_^

Thanks everyone for reading, following and reviewing!