So I am getting stuck on HBP, just like I knew it would. I had two ideas for it- either stick to canon(with added Sirius) or alter the timelines a little. I'm leaning towards the latter, to be honest, so that I can work certain DH ideas that I have.
So while I did in fact say in one of the more recent chapters that HBP will be more canon compliant- that is a lie. I have changed my mind. It won't be anything like Draco actually killing Dumbledore or Dumbledore not dying, those events will play out as the book states. The final book would have been so different if Dumbledore lived, could you imagine?
"We are being spied on." Greyback said, pacing. "I have my suspicions, and I am willing to give the spy a chance to step forward."
The October moon was a week and a half away. It would be Remus' second moon with the pack, and already he was struggling. To sneak off to provide updates to Dumbledore... well, it was no surprise that Greyback suspected.
Greyback kept pacing, the fire casting an orange glow around him. "No one?" Greyback asked. "Would you rather I voiced my suspicion? The punishment will be worse, I assure you."
Still, no one spoke. Remus knew he was pushing closer to the edge. If Greyback outed him, he'd have no choice but to flee for the hollow tree that concealed his wand. If he admitted it, he would have even less time to flee for himself. If he stayed silent, Greyback could move away from him and he'd have a few extra seconds.
Greyback finally stopped pacing. Unfortunately, he was too close to Remus to give Remus a chance to leave. He looked at Remus, who was sitting on a fallen log. "It's time you all learn what happens to those who betray the pack."
Tonks was exhausted. She was patrolling Hogsmeade, with Savage patrolling up closer to the school. She didn't understand why there were Aurors there to begin with. If the school came under attack, Dumbledore and the rest of the teachers could easily send for help and defend the students while the Ministry responded. To have four Aurors aimlessly wandering every day and every night 'just in case' was a waste of everyone's time. The most exciting thing she had seen was Mundungus getting into an argument with Madam Rosmerta.
As she passed the Three Broomsticks, someone called to her.
"Auror Tonks, I was hoping you were on patrol. It saves me the time of sending one of the others for you." Madam Rosmerta said. She was standing in the doorway, rag in hand. "Someone's here, they're looking for you."
"Who?" Tonks asked. "I really should carry on patrol-"
"It's Remus Lupin, love. And he's not in good shape."
Tonks followed Madam Rosmerta into the pub. "I gave him room four, he hasn't said what's happened to him, just that he needs to see you."
Remus was too tired to get up from the chair when the quiet knock came at the door. He waved his wand and the door swung open. He continued staring into the fire, willing the pain to leave. Greyback had severely beaten him, even having other werewolves join. Remus knew he was a bloodied, bruised mess right now, but he didn't have the energy to use healing spells on himself. And she was the first person he thought of.
"Oh, Remus."
"She found you, then, did she?"
Tonks walked around the back of his chair and knelt in front of him. "Remus, what happened?" She asked, lightly brushing a finger over his bruised cheek.
"Greyback." Remus said. "He found me out."
"Why did you come here? Why not go to Sirius or someone in the Order?"
"You are in the Order."
She sighed. "Remus, I can't stay long, I'm supposed to be patrolling. Sirius could fix you up as well as I could- maybe better-"
"You were the first person I thought of and I'm afraid I don't have the energy to Apparate again." Remus tried to smile at her, but winced instead.
"Oh, Remus." She said quietly. "I'll just get Dawlish to cover me. I'll be right back."
She left the pub, Disapparating as soon as she was outside. She reappeared in front of the Auror house, striding inside. "Dawlish?" She called. He appeared in the sitting room doorway.
"Shouldn't you be patrolling?" He asked.
"Cover for me? There's an emergency I need to attend to."
He sighed, rolling his eyes. "You owe me one."
"I'm sorry." Remus said, as she waved her wand over his wrist. He winced as the bone mended itself- he hadn't realised it was broken- and the skin from a particularly nasty cut began healing.
She leaned back in the chair she was in, sighing. "Remus, I don't know what you're apologising for. In my opinion, Dumbledore should apologise. He knew that Greyback knew you've spent all these years with wizards- of course Greyback would find you out-"
"We knew it would happen." Remus said. "We were just aiming for a later date."
She looked at him. "You knew? And you still went?"
Remus nodded. "The Order needs insight into the werewolves-"
"Greyback could have killed you, Remus!"
"I know-"
"Then why?" She asked.
"You."
She frowned. "Me?"
Remus nodded, reaching for her hand. "I wanted to stay away from you, and volunteering for dangerous missions was doing the trick."
"I don't know. You volunteered for this one and here you are. With me." Tonks said.
"I realise that."
They stared at each other in the glow of the fire. "You should sleep." She said. "Go back to London tomorrow."
She rose. He rose with her, taking her arm and pulling her towards him. "Thank you, Nymphadora." He said. He stepped toward her, cupping her face in his hands. He leaned down, pressing his lips firmly to hers.
