Tonks still wasn't sure how she made it back to her room. Why the hell was Narcissa there? Was she watching the whole time? Tonks felt a shiver go down her spine. Well, she told herself, at least she wasn't dead.
Without ceremony, she walked up to her room. She needed a shower, and quick. Habit forced her to grab her vial of Codsworth's Complete Contraceptive Control Potion. She stared at the vial in horror. It was empty. She had used the rest of her stock the last time she and Severus had been together. Severus promised he would have more the next time he saw her.
Quickly she changed out of Celeste's clothes and flooed over to Severus' bedchamber. Since she was upset, she misjudged the timing and fell flat on her bottom when she left the network.
"Dora?" she heard Severus say and he came over to help her up.
"Doyouhavethebirthcontrolpotionready?" she muttered as she took his hand and got to her feet.
"Pardon?"
"Is it ready?" she asked quietly.
"Dora, I don't understand what you're asking," Severus said, looking worried.
She looked at him. "Is the birth control potion ready yet? I need some, please."
Severus closed his eyes. "I thought that's what you were saying. The potion needs two more days Dora."
She sat on his small couch. "Damnit," she said under her breath. "Nothing's open! I don't want to risk it."
He sat down and put his arm around her. She pushed him away, "Please don't touch me until I have a shower."
He stood up. "Of course," he said formally. "Why don't you use mine now?"
Tonks got up and ran into the bathroom. As she turned on the shower, she thought she heard the door slam outside. Ten minutes later, she emerged from the steam, feeling much better. Putting on his robe, she went into the main room. Severus was not there.
She settled herself on his couch when he suddenly came into the room, holding a small vial.
"Here," he said, putting the vial in her hands.
The potion was green, the normal color for birth control potions. Holding her nose, she drank it in one gulp. "Thank you," she told him. "Where did you find it?"
"Poppy keeps some on hand in the hospital wing just in case. She doesn't go around broadcasting it. Don't want the students breeding after all."
Tonks giggled. "I better be going. May I keep your robe for tonight?"
"You don't want to stay the night?"
Feeling Malfoy's hands on her body, she shook her head. 'Not tonight."
88888
Tonks was at the Ministry, doing something she hadn't done in a long time. She was making a potion. Not just any potion, she was brewing her own batch of veritaserum. Too many warning lights had gone off in her head, she wanted to know once and for all that Severus was on her side.
She sighed, hating that there was any doubt in her mind. She knew in her heart, that she would willingly trust Severus with her life if it came down to that. "He's not going to like this," Tonks said out loud.
"Who's not going to like this?" she heard a voice behind her. Tonks gave a little jump, not expecting anyone. "What are you making?" Kingsley asked.
"Wotcher, Kingsley. Veritaserum," she replied, taking an once of pressed ivory.
"Why don't you just buy some?" he asked.
Pouring the ivory into her cauldron, she said, "I'd rather do it myself."
"Suit yourself," Kingsley chuckled. "I prefer the version of the apothecary. See you later, Tonks."
"Bye," she told him.
Veritaserum was a complicated potion to make. Tonks started the potion at seven in the morning and would be working until five, just in time to go to the Malfoy's for tea. She was prepared, having dressed in Celeste's clothes already.
Hours passed and the potion was ready. Quickly she bottled the potion and carefully put it in her robes. Making sure no one was watching, she morphed into Celeste and apparated to the Malfoy Manor.
She looked at the large, gray brick house. Well, mansion was more like it. It was very imposing, with torches lit and gargoyles watching over the manor. Slowly, Tonks walked up the drive. The lawn was impeccable.
She found herself in front of a large mahogany door, with a large brass knocker of a serpent. It took a great deal of effort just to raise the knocker. She lifted it and let it pound once against the door. A minute later, a stoic looking man answered the door. He had one eyebrow raised, clearly asking what her business was at this house.
"Celeste Lipman to see Narcissa Malfoy," she said in a clear voice.
He nodded. "Follow me."
The butler had quite a pronounced limp, so they walked slowly. He led her into a large open room, the walls covered in portraits. "You may wait here," he told her.
He left the room quietly. Tonks decided to look around. The room itself was gorgeous. There was a brick fireplace at one end. Suits of armor lined the walls. Tonks looked up and saw that every single portrait in the room was staring at her. She walked towards the fireplace. By far, the largest painting in the hall was hung above it. The picture was of the current Malfoy family, Lucius, Narcissa and Draco. Great, Tonks thought, Lucius even leers at me in a painting.
Almost ten minutes passed. Tonks was surprised that no one had received her yet. Debating whether or not to go for the butler she heard someone yell, "Fuck you! My son is still in Azkaban!"
Lucius Malfoy responded, "That's because the chicken shit isn't man enough to get himself out."
"If he's that way, Lucius, it's because you're the one who taught him everything," Narcissa said coolly.
Tonks heard footsteps and then a loud clap, followed by a whimper. Lucius had clearly slapped Narcissa in the face. "I'm beginning to doubt he's my son," Lucius said menacingly.
"You'll fuck anything that moves, why shouldn't I be the same way?" Narcissa replied.
Another slap. "You make me sick," Lucius said. Tonks then heard footsteps coming towards her. She decided to stay where she was.
"Celeste, my dear, I've delighted you could make it for tea," Lucius said, eyeing her up and down. "I regret I will not be joining you this evening. Have a wonderful tea." With that, he grabbed Tonks by the waist and gave her a long, lingering kiss.
Picking up some floo powder off of the mantle, he spread the powder, stepped into the roaring flames and yelled, "Malfoy's hideout."
A few minutes passed and Narcissa entered the parlor. "I'm very sorry to keep you waiting, Celeste." Tonks looked at her carefully. She could see the red welt that was forming on Narcissa's cheek. It was so much like the one Malfoy had given her months ago, she almost wanted to reach out and hug Narcissa. That feeling of good will quickly left though.
Tonks decided not to pretend she hadn't heard the conversation. "It must be hard, knowing Draco is still in Azkaban," she said as they started walking.
Narcissa looked at her sharply. "I don't usually talk about my private affairs, Celeste. But yes, knowing he's still in there hurts. He should be let out soon we think; our lawyers are working on his release."
Tonks nodded. "That's good."
They entered a smaller room, with a table right in the middle. A house-elf entered, carrying a tray of sandwiches. Tonks sat down at the table. "How do you like your tea, Celeste?" Narcissa asked.
"Honey and lemon," Tonks replied. The house-elf quickly went to work, fixing the teas the way Tonks and Narcissa liked it. Tonks watched the elf carefully, making sure nothing extra was added to her tea, one could never be too careful. Mad-Eye would be proud, Tonks thought to herself.
Tonks and Narcissa talked about inconsequential things for most of tea. Tonks knew Narcissa would get to the reason of the invitation eventually.
After dessert had been finished, Narcissa put down her cup and saucer and looked Tonks in the eye. "Do you love my husband?" she asked.
Tonks was taken aback, she certainly hadn't been expecting that question. "No," she said quickly. "Why do you even ask?"
"I was curious. So he's just a shag, then?"
"As I told you the day I escaped Azkaban, Narcissa, all Lucius is to me is a way to gain power," Tonks said casually.
"I see," Narcissa said, letting a silence fall between them.
"He's a difficult man," she said eventually.
"I know," Tonks answered back.
"I can certainly see why he chose you though, Celeste. You're young, beautiful, exciting, just what a man like Lucius would want." Slowly, Narcissa slid her hand over the table and started stroking Tonks' hand. "Just what anyone would want."
Was Narcissa making a pass at her? Tonks felt a foot travel slowly up her leg. Tonks decided to play along and see where this was heading. "Thank you," she said, trying to look embarrassed.
Narcissa suddenly stood up. Tonks followed suit and stood as well. Narcissa walked behind Tonks and put her arms around Tonks' waist. "If you're looking for power, you might have gone to the wrong Malfoy," Narcissa whispered in her ear.
This is my aunt! Tonks thought wildly. She had to get out of this right now. A hand made its way to her breast. "So much is going on now, Celeste. Planning the attacks, worrying about my husband, a woman needs relief now and then."
"Are the attacks set? Are they soon?" Tonks asked casually.
"Only three days from now, on Friday. Oh Celeste, they are going to be wonderful," Narcissa turned Tonks around and kissed her neck.
"This is a sight I could watch all day," Lucius said, coming into the room.
Narcissa broke away quickly and looked at her husband. "I decided to see what all the fuss was about," she said with a sly grin on her face.
"Celeste, you'll have to excuse us, we have more to discuss," Lucius told her.
"Of course," Tonks said a little too quickly, "I'll let myself out. Thank you for tea."
Tonks walked as fast as she could without causing suspicion out of the manor. As soon as she got outside, she apparated to Twelve Grimmwauld Place. Scrunching her nose, she changed into herself and ran upstairs to her room.
She changed quickly and flooed over to Severus' bedchambers. This time, she landed on her feet.
"Dora?" Severus asked.
She ran to him and gave him a long kiss. "Mmm..Dora," Severus said quietly.
Tonks knew she had to ask him now. "Will you do something for me?"
"Anything," Severus said quickly.
Tonks took out the veritaserum from her robes. Severus nodded when he saw the vial. "I knew you would ask that of me sooner or later," he said, going into the bathroom. When he returned, he held a small glass of water. He took the vial from Tonks and poured two drops in.
"I don't have any resistance to the potion, so two drops are plenty," he told her.
Tonks sat on his bed, and Severus did the same. She took his hands, and saw the glazed look in his eyes and knew the potion was working. "Are you loyal to Dumbledore?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Have you ever betrayed him?"
"No."
Those were the only answers Tonks needed to hear. She giggled, thinking of all of the questions she could ask him, but wouldn't. "Do you love me?" she asked out of the blue.
"Yes."
Tonks held his hands for another fifteen minutes while the potion wore off. She pushed back some of the hair that had fallen in his face. "Thank you," she told him.
"It had to be done, Dora. I understand."
They kissed for a few moments, when Tonks suddenly remembered a more pressing concern. "Severus," she cried, "We have to speak to Dumbledore. I know when the attacks are going to take place."