Chapter 3: Memories And Curiosity.
Remus entered his office prepared a cup of coffee and sat down behind his desk still absorbed in his thoughts.
'What was Dora trying to hide? And why wouldn't she tell ME?' He thought sipping his coffee.
Remus knew Tonks well enough to believe a word she said. He had been with her long enough to recognise all her expressions. And today, moments ago, in her eyes, today's light blue eyes, he saw extreme fear...something he hadn't seen in a long time...something he hadn't seen in more than three years...
FLASHBACK
Remus walked towards the stairs in Number 12 Grimmauld Place. It was late night and everyone was in his or her rooms, sleeping...at least pretending to sleep; Remus knew better. He could sense the tension and fear in the house...the fear of losing your life, but most of all the fear of losing your loved ones. Tomorrow the final battle will take place...tomorrow the fate of the world will be decided.
As Remus reached the bottom stair, he detected someone's presence in the living room. Glancing at the room, he noticed Tonks sitting on the sofa, her head bent low, before continuing on to his destination, the kitchen. He had decided that it was no use tossing and turning on the bed when sleep was miles away, so he came down for a cup of hot chocolate, and now that he had company, he decided to take one for her too.
"Dora," he said when he was by her side.
She looked up to meet his eyes with her chocolate brown eyes, her natural eyes, eyes that hid no emotion.
"I didn't realise anyone else was up." she said.
"Do you really believe everyone else is sleeping?" He asked taking a seat beside her.
"No." she said matter-of-factly.
"Here, I brought you some hot chocolate." Remus said handing the cup over to her.
"Thank you."
They sat there in silence, words not needed to express their feeling. Both were afraid for the next day, yet content with having each other by their side, before Tonks broke the silence,
"I wished this never happened. The world would've been so different."
"There's no point dwelling over things that don't exist Dora, it'll only hurt you more." Remus replied staring straight ahead, while sipping from his cup.
"But I am afraid Remus," Tonks said her eyes moist, looking down in her lap when her cup was balanced. "Molly and Arthur have been like my second parents. All the people in the order...they're--they're like my family. I am afraid that something might happen to them. I am afraid of losing them Remus...I am afraid of losing...you." Tonks finished, her tears now falling freely.
"It's not necessary that we'll die Dora. True, the Dark Side has more followers than us, but we have something they don't. We have love and faith, and we'll always back each other up. We'll always help each other...always." Remus said looking over to Tonks, sliding his hand over hers, and caressing it.
When Tonks sobbed harder, Remus put down his cup on the end table, and held Tonks' chin and gently pushed her head up to meet her eyes.
"We have to do this Dora, to avenge the death of those innocent people we loved, to avenge the death of our families. We need to trust ourselves and stop this to prevent future innocent deaths. It's not certain we'll die...perhaps we'll live." Remus finished kissing away Tonks tears.
Tonks hugged Remus and said, "Remus...if-if something happens to me tomorrow...I-I want you to remember...th-that I love you."
"I love you too Nymphadora," Remus hugged her tightly as if his life depended on it. The thought of losing his nymph was piercing a hole through his heart, like an arrow. "I love you too."
END OF FLASHBACK
Remus had made up his mind. Whatever it was that Tonks was hiding from him, he will find out and he will make sure that whoever caused that fear dies a torturous death.
With that thought fresh in his head, he left the office to find Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Tonks hesitantly opened the letter. She knew what it was; she had received two more like that.
"Your time is near." A cold, cruel voice said before Tonks heard a high- pitched laughter and the letter burst into flames.
Tonks let out a shriek.
'What the hell am I afraid of? I am a former Auror for Merlin's sake,' Tonks thought as the flames on her desk extinguished.
'But I wonder who could be sending me these letters. I never caused anyone any harm...none that I know of. But then...who could it be?' Tonks thought, her heartbeat anything but normal.
'Calm down Tonks.' Her rational side fought. 'As you said, you are a former auror. There's nothing to be afraid of,'
True, she did not have anything to be afraid of. She tried to calm herself but the fear would not leave.
After all, who wouldn't be scared after receiving three threats all of a sudden...
'I just hope the guys figure it out soon...'
A/N: Chapter 3 up, 4 on the way
Keep reviewing. And thanks for all of you who did.
Take Care.