Chapter 26: Struggle

The two remaining marauders could only stare, unable to find it in them to communicate in their respective state of shock. One of them lay on the table, sobbing in hysterics. His handsome face was splattered with blood and his expression seemed frozen in trauma. The other remained huddled in the floor, staring into space. His hand trembled violently and his wand clattered to the floor, shattering the tensed atmosphere.

Remus swallowed and Sirius choked back a sob. The Azkaban escapee cried out incoherently. His face contorted in pain and despair, the exact expression Remus had always imagined Sirius to wear in the face of dementors.

"It's my fault!" Sirius spluttered, his fist banging the wooden table he was on.

Remus seemed unable to find his voice. He couldn't console Sirius. A monstrous part of him, that frightened him, hated Sirius for being alive; hated him for being alive when Nymphadora could very well not be at this moment. Another part was glad he had his best friend back; alive, if a little unhinged.

Without warning, the door to Grimmauld Place opened with a loud crash against the wall of the corridor. Remus' instinct that he'd built in his time in the Order pushed him to stand, snatch up his wand and confront the newcomer but he couldn't. He remained huddled up on the floor, like a frightened child.

Kill me, whoever you are… Remus thought dully.

"Sirius," Mad-Eye's raspy voice was heard. If Remus hadn't known better, he'd have thought he was a gasp, "where's-"

"It's my fault!" Sirius howled, still trapped in utter despair.

"Remus," Mad-Eye ignored Sirius altogether and turned to the saner man in the room.

Remus somehow, found the strength in him to shake his head slowly, "she's not here," he croaked, meeting his eye.

Mad-Eye seemed to freeze up as Remus did. His whirling magical eye stopped and fixed itself forward, "Albus-" He started but Remus burst out in fury.

"The plan failed!" Remus hated himself for sounding weak, "Dumbledore's plan failed and Nymphadora is still there," Fury ebbed away to be replaced by sorrow as he spoke the words.

Without another word, Mad-Eye began to mutter under his breath, sending his patronus on its way. Remus could see the lines of worry forming on Alastor Moody's face. He truly did care for Nymphadora, his protégée. Remus almost chuckled at the thought of Mad-Eye screaming how emotional attachment would kill them all one day; which brought about the motto, constant vigilance. And here he was, so emotionally attached to his own mentee.

Remus seemed to regain motor functions of his limbs. He reached for his wand and stowed it away in his pocket, ignoring Mad-Eye's disapproving look. He walked numbly up to Sirius. The poor man now had his head huddled under his arm, still sobbing.

"Sirius-" Remus gripped his arm firmly, trying to yank it away.

"Nymphadora…" Sirius managed through his sobs and Remus winced as if he'd been slapped.

Mad-Eye glanced their way before limping over nosily, shoving Remus away and pulling Sirius' arm from his face roughly. Remus was just about to protest but Mad-Eye seemed to be examining him so he kept his mouth shut.

Moody studied Sirius carefully. He raised a hand and forcefully opened Sirius' eyes, peering into them. He waved his wand twice in front of Sirius, testing his vision, and Remus noticed he had problems focusing.

"He's been poisoned,"

"Weak," Snape muttered and got his hard earned slap to the arm. The strength surprised him and he stumbled back.

Nymphadora Tonks lay on her stomach, his body frail and weak but her eyes burned with fury. Her torso was slightly turned so she could get a good range on him. Pain laced its way up her body and burned on her back. She winced, refusing to cry out. Instead, she gave up and fell back on the mattress, face down so her whimpers were muffled.

Cautiously, Snape approached her again, in his hand some crushed plants wrapped up in cloth that had magical healing effects.

"I have to remove it," Snape said monotonously, dabbing around her wound with the cloth.

The juice of the plants seeped out onto her wound. As it came in contact with the wound, it sent slight spirals of smoke twirling up into the air. It seemed to hiss as it burnt the gaping wound into sealing itself. Tonks whimpered into the pillow.

"Just get it out," Tonks groaned as Snape touched the hilt of the knife that had its sharp end embedded into the flesh on her back of her shoulder. At the end of the hilt, the black crest was carved into it, merged with the Lestranges crest that was faintly visible in the background.

"It's deep," Snape commented, abandoning the small sack of plants for a vial of potion, "drink," He ordered.

Tonks rolled her eyes, cringing as she drank. The effect of pain relief was instantaneous. She collapsed back onto the soft mattress, sighing inwardly. However, the sound of fabric ripping got her attention. When she felt something cold touch her back, she yelped, twisting away but instantly regretted it as pain stabbed at her.

"What are you doing?" She twisted her neck around as best as she could to see Snape holding his wand.

"I have to remove your clothes," Snape replied and shot her a withering look.

Tonks hid her horror and instead, decided not to say anything. She buried her burning face into the pillows, grumbling as the fabric was completely cut clean and it fell limply at her sides. AtleastI'monmystomach… Tonks thought.

Tonks hardly recalled what happen with how everything was occurring at the same time. Bellatrix had pulled out his knife just as Sirius acted.

Sirius had safely apparated to everyone's horror but Tonks had not. Her Aunt had embedded the knife into her shoulder and her arm buckled under the pressure and pain of the stab, losing grip on Sirius' arm just a split second before he disappeared with a loud crack.

She cried out in pain and crumpled to the floor, clutching her bleeding shoulder as best as she could to stem the blood flow.

Tonks glanced around, gritting her teeth against the pain. Everyone was in shock; staring blankly at the space Sirius had apparated. If Tonks didn't know better, she'd have thought they were muggles who had just seen a wizard apparate. But she did know better. She knew that it was nearly impossible to apparate from the riddle's mansion. Death Eaters who are adept at casting anti-disapparition wards were specially assigned to make sure the wards were up at all times.

They never fail.

Till now.

Voldemort roared in fury with no words at all. Bellatrix was smirking down at her, seemingly proud with herself but the Dark Lord was furious; too furious to notice or praise her for her 'accomplishment'.

Voldemort only had to shout the names of the death eaters assigned to the wards and they appeared.

Tonks noted their unkempt attire and terrified expression and then the furious expression that seemed to be carved into the Dark Lord's face; she instantly felt a stab of pity for them. This would be an execution, no doubt. The Dark Lord was not known for any sort of anger management, even if it is to torture. If he wants them dead now, they will be; and so, they were.

She cringed as their bodies collapsed to the ground before her with a flash of green.

Tonks was admittedly surprised when she heard that the wards on the Riddle Mansion were placed not by Voldemort, but by death eaters. She'd thought the Dark Lord to prefer to take care of such issues himself, but apparently, this minor detail was not worth his attention; no one would be insane enough to assassinate Voldemort at this point when he is the strongest with everyone at his beck and call.

It took a while, as usual, for Voldemort's anger to subside; only barely for him to speak coherently now.

"Severus," He hissed and instantly, Snape was seen, practically gliding into the hall. His expression was rigid; revealing no emotion.

For a moment there, Tonks felt a tremor of fear for him. After all, she was certain he'd helped Sirius somehow.

"My Lord," Snape bowed at the waist.

"Heal her, now," Voldemort gestured to Tonks' impatiently.

"My Lord?" Snape's brows furrowed in confusion. Tonks would admit, she was impressed with his acting; either that, or he took great displeasure into treating her back to health.

"Nurse her back to health," Voldemort hissed, "now that things have changed… Nymphadora will have to do for now,"

Tonks shuddered and cringed as her shoulder was jostled a little.

"Yes, my lord," Snape nodded stiffly. Wordlessly, he grabbed Tonks' upper arm in a vice-like grip and yanked her painfully to her feet. She cried out in pain and instantly shut herself up, refusing to show any weakness. He all but dragged her out of the hall and to the steps. Once they were out of sight and that the door had slammed shut behind them, Snape hoisted her unhurt arm over his shoulder and supported most of her weight till they were out of the mansion.

Without hesitation, he apparated both of them away from the mansion and to Spinner's End.

Upon arrival, she threw up magnificently over Snape's robes and shoes but he ignored it and hoisted her into the house, letting her lay on her stomach in the room she occupied.

"Relax," Snape ordered stiffly as Tonks cried out into the pillow. Her shoulder burnt, despite the effect of the pain relief. She had wanted him to completely put her under but he needed her awake; he needed to know if she fainted, or died for that matter. She glanced back to see, to her dismay, that Snape only had his hand around the hilt, and the knife remained deeply embedded in her flesh, fresh blood oozing out as her wound was cut against with every slight movement.

"Easy for you to say," She gasped out.

"Relax," He ordered in that professor baritone voice. Tonks rolled her eyes before burying her face into her pillow completely; cutting off her oxygen supply. She thought of Remus; how he must be worried sick about her when he saw that only Sirius had returned but not her. She imagined he must feel horrible but as much as Tonks feel for Remus, she will not contact him, lest he is already completely out of his mind and charges recklessly to Spinner's End to rescue her.

Without warning, Snape yanked the knife out. The sickening squelching of flesh was heard momentarily. White hot pain seared into her skin.

She screamed.

Remus slouched in the chair by Sirius' immobile form. They had fed him a calming draught before feeding him the sleeping potion. Even in his sleep, the poor man was mumbling about how sorry he was and how it was his entire fault that his beloved baby cousin didn't make it out.

Each time he mumbled her name, Remus felt a stab of pain at his heart, front center.

Mad-Eye was right, Sirius was poisoned.

This poison was not lethal but it dulled his senses, particularly his sight. It made him slow and virtually impossible to focus on anything at all. His emotions, once triggered, will be out of control but his memory will be clearer than ever.

Both Mad-Eye and Remus was utterly puzzled as to how Sirius came to be in possession of his wand. They had settled on the fact that Snape might have snuck him the wand but both were unconvinced. In the end, they settled on waiting for Sirius to wake, with a clearer head.

As Remus watch Mad-Eye force the potion down Sirius' throat while he held Sirius down, he was tempted to take it; dozen of sleeping potion so that he could just sleep and never wake up.

There was no nightmare like such with Nymphadora's fate unknown; with the possibility of her being dead more likely than others. Both Mad-Eye and Remus acknowledged that fact as they locked eyes but both refused to voice it, only to speculate the cruel fact.

Remus had intended to wallow in misery in the kitchen and wait for Nymphadora to appear but he found himself with Sirius instead. The saner part of him reasoning that he would want to be the first to know any news about Nymphadora from Sirius.

He gazed thoughtfully at Sirius, wondering what horrors he had seen and what exactly had happened while he, Remus Lupin, sat helpless.

Remus…

His head jerked up to the sound of his name. He would recognize it anywhere, the voice and the tone. The way the voice caressed his name, the soft whisper that was so tender it could only be love at work.

There she is.

She was standing by the open door, a bemused expression on her face.

"Nymphadora?" Remus could barely believe his eyes. She looked healthy, her dark eyes, so dark they were almost black, twinkled. Her pale cheeks were now rosy. She was wearing her Auror robes.

"Remus," She spoke his name and he relished in the sound of it

"You-" He stood and paused, unable to find his voice momentarily, "are you okay? We were so worried for you. How did you get out?" He babbled nonsensically.

She laughed and it sounded like music to his ears, "Remus, I'm fine. More than fine actually," She looked down, smiles gone. She bit her lips, "Remus…I'm dead…"

Remus froze.

"W-what?" He mumbled numbly, "N-no…"

Tonks forced a smile, a weak smile, "I am but I'm alright now. Believe it or not, it's perfect here. It's better…" Her voice trailed off.

Remus swallowed the lump in his throat, chanting inside his head for him to keep his calm; panicking now will do no one any good, although his heart seemed to have already stopped.

"Dora…" He took a step closer to her. She looked so real, warm and close enough to touch, "what did they do to you?" He hesitated to ask, afraid to hear the answer.

She averted his gaze, "Worst than death,"

"Dora," He reached out, "I- I'm sorry," Remus breathed, feeling utterly useless. He had sat as the woman he loved suffered. And that pain was only second to knowing that his love was no longer breathing and that her heart was now still.

She smiled at him, a warm and genuine smile, "I love you, Remus,"

"I love you too," He choked out and his eyes widened as she took a step back, departure in her every gesture, "Don't go," Horror etched in his eyes.

"I can't stay," She whispered, tears running down her cheeks. In a moment of impulse, Remus covered the distance between them in two long strides, breaking into a run as he made to throw his arms around her. He needed to feel her warmth against him, embrace her petite frame in his arms to know she was safe and happy.

He fell through her like she was nothing. His hands grasped nothing but air.

The ground rushed up to meet him and his head reeled from the impact of his jaw smashing against the hard wooden floor but pain meant little to him. He jumped up and spun around to see that she was no longer there.

His heart throbbed with her absence, "Dora? Dora!" His eyes searched wildly for her but the room was empty save Sirius who was still on the bed.

"Remus!"

He staggered, almost falling out of his chair. Remus blinked his eyes open, glancing to Sirius' sleeping form on the bed to Mad-Eye who stood beside him, a hand on his shoulder. Moody was a hard faced man but Remus could see a tinge of worry in his eyes.

In Tonks' absence, they seemed to have found an odd comfort in each other, knowing that the other felt the same way. Mad-Eye loved Tonks like a daughter and the pain of losing Tonks was akin to physical pain for the both of them.

In the past, Tonks had told him that Mad-Eye wasn't hard to understand once he got to know the man and Remus kept silent about his doubts. Now, he could truly comprehend what she meant.

"Bad dream?" Mad-Eye growled.

Remus nodded stiffly, "Dora…" was all he could say before he leaned forward, burying his face into his hands.

"The Dark Lord wants to meet you,"

Tonks stirred, blinking away sleep from her eyes, "Tell him to sod off," She muttered, not even moving for fear of jostling her shoulder. There was no reply. She sighed, opening her eyes to see Snape standing by her bed. His arms were folded across his chest, his lips pursed, "you have horrible bedside manners," She groaned.

"As I've been told," Snape retorted dryly and Tonks grumbled as she got up gingerly.

"How many days have I been out?" She asked as she tested her weight on her feet cautiously.

"2," was the reply.

Tonks rolled her eyes. Trust Snape to give her an extra dose to keep her out for 48 hours, "I'm hungry," She complained and Snape left the room. She smiled inwardly in triumph. Snape's hovering can be annoying sometimes; as is his other habits.

She dressed, wincing every now and then as her heavily bandaged shoulder. Tonks made to reach for the bedside table for her wand but then remembered she doesn't have it. The incidents of the past few days came rushing back to her and she recalled that Voldemort now knew of the order's plot. As puzzled Tonks was as to why the Dark Lord had not instantly kill her on the spot, she was more troubled with why Snape had not attempted to plan her escape yet.

Her answer was apparently waiting downstairs for her.

The burly death eater, Yaxley was sitting downstairs on the couch. He was asleep, snoring loudly with his mouth open.

Tonks snorted in disgust as she made it to the bottom of the stairs.

A hot meal was on the table, consisting of stew and some bread; simple, but they will fill her stomach for now. Tonks slumped heavily into the chair. Her shoulder still hurt but her arm was not completely unusable. Once again, Tonks couldn't help but feel impressed by Snape but she did not voice it.

She began eating. Yaxley's snores can to an abrupt stop as the death eater stirred from his nap. Snape was standing by the table, with his arms crossed as usual but he was staring at Yaxley with disdain. Obviously, he was not welcomed in the Snapes' home.

"Are you done?" Yaxley boomed, getting up from the couch.

"No," was Tonks' blunt reply.

"No matter," Without warning, he hoisted her from the chair by her injured shoulder. Tonks yelped as terrible pain shot up her arm.

"Yaxley, if you would want to take responsibility for maiming Nymphadora after she has finally been healed just enough to walk, be my guest," Snape droned, "I am certain the Dark Lord will most definitely-"

Yaxley grunted and let go of Tonks instantly. She dropped back down into the chair, gingerly cradling her arm.

"You're bleeding," Snape pointed out.

"I wonder why," Tonks muttered through gritted teeth. Then she felt Snape's hand on her uninjured shoulder. She followed his lead, standing on unsteady legs.

"Snape, don't push it," Yaxley growled, "We have to leave, now,"

Snape paused, barely glancing back at Yaxley, "then I will be glad to explain to him of the incident which delayed our arrival,"

The burly death eater glared but Snape took no notice.

Tonks soon found her bandage changed by means of magic before she apparated sidelong Snape.

The Riddle Mansion was as dreary as she last remembered it. As usual, the two death eaters as situated at the gates. Yaxley nodded to them as he passed and they nodded back but Tonks noticed they kept their eyes on her.

As she climbed the steps, Tonks felt resignation. She was tired of resisting. There was no way out, she could see that now. No one could rescue her. The Order would be risking too much to do so and Tonks herself wouldn't like them to take the risk for her; even if it means her death. As Mad-Eye always said, this war is bigger than just one man. She was not worth losing everything.

"Welcome home Nymphadora," Voldemort greeted. She noted, with bemusement, his cheery mood and instantly knew that he already had something planned and was confident that it would work splendidly. Her stomach plunged sickeningly, threatening to throw up her meal.

She didn't reply but Snape and Yaxley, at her sides, bowed respectfully. He waved them to the side and they retreated from her. She glanced around to see, thankfully, that only three of them and the Dark Lord were present. Tonks was certain that even if she was to be tortured, she didn't need an audience.

"Come," He beckoned eagerly to her. Nagini hissed at her and Tonks eyed it with disdain as she walked robotically to Voldemort.

He placed his hands on both of her shoulders.

"Do you know how special you are?" Voldemort whispered. For once, Tonks had no idea what this was leading to but her heart told her, this wouldn't be good, "I am sure, you know, that it would be a great pity to just let you die for nothing. Such a talented witch, bestowed with a unique ability and powerful bloodline,"

"I am not," Tonks heard herself say, "You're mistaken. I'm just a witch."

"But you are powerful," Voldemort seemed unfazed by her defiance, "you have seen the power you hold,"

"I will not practice Dark Arts again," She stated calmly.

"Is that so?" His crimson eyes twinkled with amusement. Without waiting for her reply, he spun around, walking towards Nagini, "You will serve me, Nymphadora Tonks. I will be your master and you will be most faithful to me and me only," He hissed to Nagini and slowly, the snake began slithering towards her. Tonks' instinct told her to run but she stayed put, "Sirius Black resisted the Imperius Curse. Curious, don't you think?"

Tonks tore her gaze from the snake to see Voldemort looking at Severus and Yaxley.

"Yaxley?" He asked, his voice coy; dangerous.

"My Lord?" Yaxley's deep voice boomed.

"Why is Sirius Black able to resist the Imperius Curse?" Voldemort asked again, impatient this time, "Is it in the blood? Severus," He turned to Snape. Tonks felt Nagini coil its body around her.

"It is not possible for Sirius Black to have resisted the curse, my Lord," Snape replied simply; calm.

"Not possible," The Dark Lord muttered the words, as if testing them before turning on Tonks abruptly, "Let's test that theory,"

He lifted his wand, a slight smirk on his face.

Tonks' breathing quickened as she summoned her magic that began to bubble in her, ready for the release. Wandless magic was not common among wizards and witches and they have been proven to be exceptionally difficult to see through but with Dark Magic, it made it easier for Tonks. This would be her final stand.

"Do not resist, Nymphadora," Voldemort warned and Tonks hesitated.

"You can't take away my will," She hissed, using her anger to fuel her magic. Tonks was well aware how dangerous this will be; uncontrollable but she was willing to take the risk in exchange for her freedom.

To her surprise, Voldemort lowered his wand, amused as he waited; as if placating a child. Instead, he hissed at Nagini and the snake retreated from Tonks.

She knew her efforts will be futile, "Please…" Tonks' breath hitched.

He laughed, "Come to your master," He raised his wand, "Imperio,"

Nymphadora Tonks was gone.

Remus was absolutely convinced Severus Snape exist to make his life a living hell. The man showed up for the meeting last night but hardly commented about Nymphadora. When questioned about it by Remus himself, Snape merely stated that it will be safer for everyone if the Order remained ignorant about her.

Kingsley, with the help of Remus, had dutifully covered up for Tonks by sending it weekly reports about werewolf findings with her identity. At the moment, the Head of Aurors was none the wiser.

No one has seen Sirius but Remus for two days since he woke. Sirius had shut himself in the attic, barely eating or drinking and only doing so when Remus chugged them down his throat.

On more than on occasion, Remus had asked Sirius about the location where he was held prisoner but Sirius had no recollection or even memories that told him where he was. Although, the rational part of Remus told him even with the location of Nymphadora, he couldn't possibly swoop in to rescue her; it would be suicide mission that would result in nothing but his death.

On the night of the full moon, the despair Remus' felt seemed to be passed on to the wolf. He hardly felt any resistance in the poor animal in the night. Remus felt its resignation and depression as he himself felt these days. They spent the night in his room that was warded off, thinking of a certain lively young witch which made their heart swell.

Sirius had explained to Remus his escape after taking 4 bottles of fire whiskey. It was only under the influence of alcohol was Sirius able to talk about that incident without breaking down. Snape had poisoned Sirius but it wasn't lethal. This poison ensured that Sirius' mind would be disconnected from his body by making him almost delirious. This does not guarantee that the Imperius Curse will not work but it will definitely lessen the effect enough so that Sirius would be able to avert it. Since the curse won't be able to get a good grasp and thus control over Sirius' mind, it ensure the success of the plan.

It was quick and almost flawless but both of them were left wondering the painful question; what happened to Nymphadora?

Remus entered Grimmauld Place, considering to inform Sirius of his arrival but remembering him in this state, Sirius couldn't even careless if Voldemort himself marched in to kill him, Remus headed for the kitchen.

He had just returned from Order duty. Despite that the full moon just passed, Remus felt he needed to do something before he was driven mad. Dumbledore consented. He was assigned with Emmeline to watch out for any Death Eater's gathering in a muggle neighborhood. Two hours was wasted on nothing but rumors once again. He sighed, shedding his robe and resting in an old creaky wooden chair.

He missed Nymphadora dearly. He still fondly remembered the time both himself and Nymphadora was assigned to guard Harry over the last Summer Holiday. Remus remembered the way she had stared at him and then quickly looked away awkwardly when she found out that he was aware of her staring. He loved the way her pale cheek flush pink as she blushed. Remus had to fight the impulse to touch her burning cheek to feel the warmth for himself.

Remus was admittedly caught off guard. He had expected Sirius' cousin to be quite the looker, considering the Black does have a reputation in the looks department, as Sirius so often put it. What he saw however, was beyond what he could prepare himself for.

He would never forget the way she stumbled into the kitchen, flustered with the din she had caused. Her hair was a lovely shade of violet at that time, windswept but still beautiful. Her grey eyes, which she never morphed, shone with anticipation and excitement. Her fumbling hands seemed to not know where to sit and her two left feet was impossible. Despite her drawbacks, she was perfect.

He stared with amusement and admiration as she seemed to burst with energy. He chuckled as she flared up at Sirius. Never in his life had Remus ever found anger an attractive trait in a woman, till now. He loved how her eyes burn with fury, her lips pursed at the victim and her hair turning tomato red.

As Sirius retorted rudely at him, Remus found himself going an extra mile to see her smile; whether in his words or in his gestures. However, he knew he had never gained nor wanted much attention, especially from women, but this time, he yearned for hers and felt his disappointment growing as she took little notice of him.

To conceal his disappointment, he read the daily prophet. The news was somehow not as interesting as the little ball of colour sitting opposite from him. A stab of pain was felt in his chest as she shuddered away from him and Remus accepted it gracefully. It was completely understandable. The daily prophet was his sanctuary once again.

But Nymphadora Tonks wasn't what he thought she was. No words could describe how he felt as she overcame the thought of his infliction and made an effort to befriend him. By the end of the dinner, Remus found himself deeply in love with this woman; intrigued but in love.

That isit! Remus growled at that thought. He glanced around the empty kitchen before picking up his robe, which was slung over the back of his chair, and leaving Grimmauld Place.

He half jogged to the apparition point. Whipping out his wand, he apparated with a crack.

Emmeline Vance POV

"Stupid," I murmured to myself as I walked briskly from the apparition point. I was exhausted and disappointed. When I heard about my assignment; guard duty with Remus Lupin, I was thrilled. Remus was responsible and the last time we were on duty together, he was good company. This time, however, he was depressed. There were no other words to describe him. His shirt was crumpled and his hair was too long and he needed a shave. He hardly spoke to me.

I grumbled as I walked up the steps to my house, cursing about how I had made a fool of myself by my many attempts to initiate a conversation which that man hardly appreciate or even notice.

"Ms Vance, good evening!" My neighbour, Mrs. Cook greeted. She was older than me by a few years with 2 kids who both went to Hogwarts. Though, we were only mere acquaintances.

"Good evening," I forced a smile before pulling the robes tighter around myself and opening the door to my house. Instantly, a tingle shot up my arm from my wand as soon as it touched the handle. It didn't hurt but it warned me. Someone had been in the house when I was out, or was still.

I froze at the doorstep. We have been warned by Dumbledore that Voldemort might target Order Members and that explained why I placed wards around my house. Hesitating whether to get help, I lingered at the doorstep, leaving the door wide open in case I needed a quick escape. I lifted my wand, muttering a silent Lumos.

I stifled a scream as I saw a silhouette of someone lounging on my couch. The person stood and with a mild wave of his or her hand, the door slammed shut behind me and I felt a chill as charms were placed on the door.

The lights flickered on, blinding me momentarily.

I sighed in relief, "Tonks, you scared me!" I lowered my wand slightly as I glanced that she does not have her wand; that gives me a slight advantage if a fight should break out. I stepped forward, cautious. I had never truly trusted her since she joined you-know-who. Double agent or not, no one will know when she truly decides to join the other side, "Why are you here?" I asked.

Without her wand, I felt a rush of magic surge from her and I was slammed back against the wall. I groaned as my wand slipped from my grasp. She didn't have her wand and yet the magic released was overwhelming.

"What are you doing?" I shrieked as she stepped forward. I got a proper look at her. Her hair was straight black, a rare colour she wore, her stance rigid. Something about her was wrong and off but I couldn't put a finger on it. I struggled against invisible bounds that held me immobilized against the wall, off my feet.

Her lips parted and a small furrow appeared between her brows. I glimpsed her hands trembling at her side, "Emmeline," She whispered; her voice shaky. She looked at me. Then I realised. Her eyes were glazed over, one of the more obvious signs of the Imperius curse.

"Tonks, listen to me. You can't let him control you!" I said desperately, struggling more violently against the invisible bindings. There was nothing stopping her now. With a single thought from the person controlling her and I could be dead. In her eyes, I glimpsed no wavering of what she was sent here to do and I felt dread fill my stomach. If only I could distract her, I could send a patronus for help or maybe stun her; just to give me enough time-

"Don't try anything," Her voice was now firm, coming out as a hiss. My eyes widened in horror as I looked away hurriedly. I growled, since when did she learn legilimency! "Look at me," Her hand grasped my face from by my chin and I grimaced as I was forced to look at her. I felt a strong probe and my weak defenses shattered.

I was never a skilled Occlumens; there was neither the need nor time to train every single member of the Order that, there was already less skilled Legilimens as it is.

My eyes rolled to the back of my head and I felt a strong pressure on my skull, threatening to shatter my sanity as Tonks roughed her way into my mind, hungrily scoping out everything she can find.

I got a glimpse of what she took, groaning with everything she tore from me.

I felt a falter as Remus' face glimpsed pass and before I knew it, everything stopped. I fell to the ground, landing badly and twisting my ankle. With years of practice, I swiftly picked up my wand and pointed it at her.

Tonks' face was contorted with pain, "No," I heard her whisper.

I watched warily, my guard up this time if she should attempt to attack me. Then, in a momentary decision, I decided that it would be best if I stunned her and brought her to Dumbledore; he'll know what to do. If there was anything the Order Members had in common, even to our enemies, we would never want to hurt them unnecessarily; apprehending them would of course be the best case scenario seeing that Tonks wasn't after my life yet.

I casted a silent stunner, hoping to catch her off guard but she wasn't an Auror for nothing. I watched her draw her wand at an impossible speed in horror. She then parried away my stunner. It was obvious I had underestimated Tonks.

She froze awkwardly after parrying away the spell then she uttered a single word, "Kill," It sounded oddly like an echo of what she'd heard, a question but I didn't stop to consider that. I let loose a flurry of spells, rushing for escape; for my life.

I made a mad dash for the kitchen where there was a backdoor available for me to make an escape; just enough for me to run out of my wards to disapparate. I glanced back to see her easily blocking or ducking my spells and ran faster, knowing I would never defeat her.

A momentary pause in my barrage of spells was all Tonks needed to cast a leg locker. I crashed to the floor, grimacing. Tonks' face contorted in pain again but her wand, aimed to me, was never lowered.

"Confri-" I started but my wand was instantly out of my hand and in hers. Her face was now oddly blank, devoid of any emotion whatsoever, "Tonks…" I muttered, feeling the fear creeping back into my chest, haunting me.

She steadied her hold on her wand and without hesitation, "Avada Kedavra,"

To be continued…

A/N: Firstly, forgive me for jumping out of my usual to make an Emmeline POV! I thought it was an interesting idea and simply tried it out, I hope it worked okay. Please tell me in the review! Also...Hopefully, none of you readers out there are big fans of Emmeline... :x

Some references to previous chapter here would be to Chapter 5 where Remus met Nymphadora at Grimmauld Place. Another slight reference would be Chapter 6 (where they were on duty together)

So, the question about how Sirius was able to overcome the Imperius Curse is in this chapter. I hope it isn't much too ridiculous, this is a magical world after all –mixed with a little common sense (:
I am aware I left you all hanging again, mostly with what Remus is up to this time (: Anyway, till next time!

Thank you for all your wonderful reviews! They really give me motivation and ideas to continue this fanfic!

On a side-note: Replying to every single review is getting quite hectic, especially if I hardly have time to finish every chapter. So, I would only reply to those who have questions for me to answer but I will read every single review three times, at least! I hope you guys don't mind this new arrangement or feel neglected. Feel free to leave me a review telling me 'no' to this new arrangement if you're not alright with it! (:

Thank you to Clumsy Cayenne, HP, Ms N Nelson, Nymphadora-Remus4ever, Paardenlaura, , newRLNTfan, Shadowmaster2323, Sarah15, tt crews, Lupinesence and V for your amazing reviews; praises or criticism, they are all greatly appreciated!

Ms N Nelson: Thank you! I laughed so hard at that! You made my day!

Tt crews: Sorry for the confusing part there! It's the same night. Sorry! I think you got the Imperio thing right on the second insight. (: About Dora's mark…whatever I say, it will be a spoiler so if you want to know the answer, private message me! Thank you so much!

PLEASE LEAVE ME A REVIEW FOR THIS CHAPTER (: