She didn't know how she got herself into these situations.

Nymphadora Tonks was standing opposite her aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange, with her wand pointed between her aunt's eyes. This was it.

Harry Potter was facing Voldemort. Dumbledore was dead. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were dueling with Draco Malfoy. And Tonks had her aunt disarmed, at wandpoint.

"Aww, is wittle Tonks afwaid of her Auntie?" Bellatrix was speaking in that taunting baby voice. "What's the matter? Can't do it?"

"Oh believe me, I could," Tonks spat, "But I don't want to, just yet."

"Just say it. 'Avada Kadavra.' You know you want to. Imagine it: You'll bring down the Dark Lord's most loyal servant. Think of the glory!"

Tonks scowled. "I'm not a killer, unlike you!" She spat.

"Too bad. I really thought you were tougher than your mother." This was meant to make her lose her cool. Even Tonks could see this. "But then again...You could join us. The Dark Lord would be willing to forgive your unfortunate parentage if you pledge your loyalty."

Tonks gave a derisive snort. "Like I'd join you! But than again, my mother always said you were crazy!"

"Too bad. But I suppose it doesn't matter anymore. When the Dark Lord discovers that I was disarmed by a child, he'll kill me. So you might as well get that over with. Save him the trouble."

"Y'know, Auntie, it's not to late to turn back. These people aren't like V...Voldemort." At this, Bellatrix and Tonks winced. "They can't forgive you, but you can start to atone for everything. I know I'd take you back."

Bellatrix sighed. "It's too late for me. No one wishes that I could go back and stop some of those things more than I do. But when I was young, I let the Dark Lord in. And once you do that, It's like an addiction. There is no turning back. But it's better this way. Once I'm gone, I'll be free, and you'll be a hero. Just do it!"

Tonks didn't answer.

"Do it!" Bellatrix said more forcefully.

"NO!" Tonks screamed. "I'm sorry, but I can't kill my own family. I'm not you."

"I know." Bellatrix was almost whispering. "That's a good thing. But your dooming your family. That's worse than death. Give your aunt one last wish."

"My aunt died long ago." Tonks was crying. "I'm sorry..."

Bellatrix braced herself for death, but it never came. Instead, her niece whispered something, and Bellatrix's legs snapped together, and her arms went to her sides as she fell over. The Full Body Bind.

Tonks stood over her aunt's rigid form. "Whoever you are," she whispered, "you'll live to see the end of your precious Dark Lord. To give the aunt I knew and loved..." Her voice broke. "Peace."

The End