Summary: Tonks begins to unravel the mysteries of the tapestry while Remus learns more about his ancestor.
Heartstrings
Knockturn Alley
"He's gone," whispered Tonks. She and Moody had watched Lupin walk into the forest before his figure blended into the shadows that now covered the tapestry. Nightfall had come to the denizens of its world.
"No, he's just out of sight."
Tonks unconsciously rubbed the moonstone around her neck, but realized what she was doing when the faintest glow moved through the forest like a firefly in summer grass. "Wait, there he is. Do you think Remus knows we can see him?"
"Well, I--"
Before Moody could finish, they saw the pinpoint of light on the tapestry stop. For a moment the light flared and touched the moonstone around Tonks neck. Her sigh of relief was audible.
"Did you see that, Mad-eye? The flare?" Tonks looked expectantly at her mentor, but he just shook his head.
Moody put a hand on his young companion's shoulder and said, "No, lass, I didn't, but I think Lupin just let us know he's all right. In fact, that little bauble of yours will probably be a good way to monitor his activities. He'll likely be hiding in the day."
"I'll keep watch tonight, then," said Tonks. "We need to tell Dumbledore; he might know a way out of this."
"I'll visit with the Headmaster once I quarantine the area. The Dark Arts don't feel as strong as they were earlier."
"Perhaps it met its purpose when it captured Remus," sighed Tonks. She took a step closer to the tapestry. "I never should have brought him here."
"And he never should have gotten so close. We all made mistakes, Tonks." With that admonition, Moody summoned a large easy chair into position in front of the tapestry. "I don't want you closer than this chair, understand?"
Tonks merely nodded and sat in it with her legs curled up under her, reminding Moody yet again of the daughter who would have been her age. He waved his wand to set up wards, but his gruff tone hid his concern.
"I'll know if you take a step toward the tapestry, so mind you stay put."
When Moody left, Tonks felt the quiet envelope her. She leaned her head on her hands as she watched the steady progress of the pinpoint light on the tapestry. "Oh, Remus, why do you have to be so curious?"
Then she was startled as she saw several lights, probably torches, riding out from the Roman garrison. The twilight allowed her to register the creatures running ahead: a wolf pack. Mallus was leading a wolf hunt.
Tonks sat up and warily followed the progress of the hunting party in the dim tapestry. Shadows moved against the darker shades, but the hunt remained near the eastern edge whereas Remus had apparated to the northern edge before they entered. Tonks breathed easier when she saw the faint shadow that was Remus enter an even darker cave. Still, she maintained her watch until the hunt was over. Then she exhaled slowly as she settled into the comfort of the chair.
Her gaze turned to the cave that was Lupin's sanctuary. Once again she saw the flair of the Wolfshadow amulet and she smiled wistfully. "Sweet dreams to you, too, Remus."
- - - -
Moody stomped into the room with breakfast for the young woman the next morning. She stood by the easy chair with a frown of concern on her face.
"Lupin's still trapped? I figured I'd walk in to catch the two of you snogging." Moody was gratified to note the light smile that his words brought to Tonks.
"I only wish that were true. There was a hunting party out last night, but Remus found shelter in a cave and indicated he was safe. I drifted off to sleep a few times, but the amulet woke me when Remus began to move again. That's him there."
Moody saw a figure climbing up Holyhead Mountain. "Lupin obviously intends to survey the area for settlements."
Tonks nodded, but then she sank to the floor without a word and looked up forlornly at the tapestry.
"Now's not the time to be sitting on your rump, Tonks," admonished Moody.
"Yes, it is, Mad-eye. Look, do you see those lines along the bottom? They weren't there before. It looks like Ogham."
Moody stooped over to inspect the symbols at eye level. "Ogham? It does look like ancient Irish writing. It might be a clue as to who created the tapestry."
"Hogwarts has the Book of Ballymote, it's like a catalog of Ogham. We could cross-reference it with Tainted Tapestries by Raven Luhnnadek."
"You're beginning to sound like Lupin," huffed Moody. "Best you get started to Hogwarts then. Dumbledore said he wasn't familiar with this situation, but he gave us full access to their resources."
"But someone needs to monitor the tapestry and I have the amulet." Tonks stood up and confronted her mentor.
"The moonstone is only an advantage at night. Besides, who do you think is best for the job of constant vigilance?" queried Moody.
"You can't do it all by yourself, Mad-eye."
"Don't mistake me for some doddering old man, you impertinent pup. Besides, the faster you do your job, the quicker I'll finish mine. You can take night duty."
"Fine, I'll go play bookworm," responded Tonks. She hadn't been a Ravenclaw for nothing and her inquisitive mind enjoyed research.
"And don't get in trouble with Madam Pince." Tonks was walking to the exit when Moody added, "And if you do, don't tell her I sent you."
She stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Mad-eye, have you taken a fancy to the Hogwarts librarian?"
"Never you mind about the particulars of my love life," scolded Moody.
He could hear her light chuckling as sat in the easy chair. Moody took a long gulp from his hip flask as he studied the tapestry again. It was bad enough that Lupin was dragged through, but he certainly didn't want any wizard from the Roman occupation to come out. He watched as the Roman Centurion stood near a quarry. With a simple wave of his hand, the rock crumbled.
- - - - - - - - - - -
The Tapestry
3 days later
Remus Lupin had spent the last three days surveying the layout of Holyhead while resisting a strong urge to make his presence known. He was pleased to find that his magic worked within the tapestry and so had been able to get food and blankets from the Roman garrison without being detected. He had also spent a small part of each day spying on Mallus Lupinus.
The Roman garrison was building a road, but the uncharacteristically heavy snows had stopped the progress. Remus had discovered that Mallus and Opis were in essence the engineers in charge of the assignment and made a very efficient team. However, the events of the past few days had placed a strain on their relationship.
Mallus seemed to spend most of his time expending his temper by blasting away rocks in the quarry. Opis, however, seemed content to update records and sketch bridge designs in the privacy of his quarters. The optio could thus attend to his duties while ensuring the safety of his blonde hostage. He never joined in the wolf hunts that Mallus had initiated three nights ago.
Remus spent a lot of his time hiding in the cave to avoid detection, but he had not been idle. He had been systematically going through the catalog of his memory regarding the history of the Lupins. The tapestry would have been created in the millennium after the Roman occupation of Briton. He recalled the tale of an Irish weaver who had been abandoned by another ancestor. Just his luck that he, the last of his line, was having to deal with the fallout from all the scorned women in his forefathers' pasts.
"Venificus primo means prime pain in the arse," he muttered darkly. His stomach growled as if protesting this insult to his ancestors. Remus rose to see to his daily meal.
After his nightly forage in the Roman fort, Remus decided to check on how Oriana was faring with Opis. He peered through the window and listened.
- - -
"You don't have to do this," said Opis gently.
He was sitting at the table and again Oriana had cooked for him. In fact, in three short days she had transformed his quarters from a pigsty into a very comfortable, warm home. Each gesture of gratitude for not touching her was heart wrenching. He would have this woman tend his hearth, but the circumstances that threw them together prevented that from ever happening now. Damn, Mallus!
Oriana looked down and lightly bit her lip. In truth, she had lost any fear of Opis after the first night when he had not only left her alone, but put up a curtain so she would have some privacy. Of course, she had peeked around the edges to survey her host on several occasions and at various stages of undress. She wondered if his body felt as firm as it looked.
Each day she chided herself for peeping at her host. He had treated her most honorably. She also scolded herself for treating these quarters as if they were her home. Brina, as the eldest daughter, had never given her or her real sisters the liberty to organize the household or to make decisions on the meals of the day. In spite of her capture, Oriana for the first time felt free.
"It keeps me busy," she said, and then a small frown marred her expression. "Do you not like my cooking?"
"No, nothing like that," assured Opis. "It's better than I deserve."
His voice rang with sincerity and Oriana felt herself blushing. She offered the cup of broth to Opis. He reached for the crock and put his hands over hers to steady it. They looked at each other as if suspended in time for that moment.
"How disgustingly domestic," called the wry voice of Mallus Lupinus as he entered his friend's quarters without announcement.
Oriana's breath was caught in a squeal while Opis immediately rose and gently pushed her behind him. "What do you want, Mallus?"
"I'm going to kill her," said Mallus quietly as he leaned against the doorway.
"Then you'll have to kill me, too," said Opis firmly. He could offer Oriana no defense except for his life. He was not a wizard.
"Not her, her witch of a sister."
"Why would you want Brina dead now? You didn't kill her when you caught her sabotaging the road construction," said Opis reasonably.
Mallus was nodding his head and pointing his finger. "That was her first sin, bewitching me into keeping her in my bed."
The Centurion walked menacingly to the pair, but Opis maintained his stance between Mallus and Oriana. "And then she destroys our bargain by leaving me before I've grown tired of her."
The rage in his voice was clear. "Three days. Three days and still not a word from Brina. Does she not care that you're being ravished by Roman soldiers?"
Oriana's head peeked around Opis. "I let her know I was with Opis and not with you."
Mallus roared, "You what!"
Oriana fluttered her hands in the motion of a flying bird.
The gesture further irritated Mallus. He clutched the front of Opis' tunic while asking, "How could you let this happen? Ow!"
Oriana whacked at his hand with the wooden spoon she used for stirring the pot. "You leave him alone, you bully! Opis didn't know the owl had a message for my sister."
Both men looked at the blonde in disbelief. She dared to whack Mallus Lupinus with a spoon? And by the way Mallus was shaking his hand, it had stung more than his pride.
"Why you little--"
"Brina won't come to you if you kill her sister, Mallus," said Opis rather urgently as he moved to shield the woman. "Oriana is the innocent one."
"Innocent? She nearly broke my wrist. Damn Celts always waving their sticks at me," fumed Mallus.
He raised his hand to throw his power at Oriana, but Opis kept dodging in front of her even as she tried to stand clear of her protector. The synchronized movements of the two would have been amusing if Mallus hadn't been in such a snit.
"I didn't want you to hurt Opis," explained Oriana. She finally pinched her host on the buttocks and stepped quickly around him before continuing, "Now, if you're going to kill me, do it, otherwise, please sit down and join us for dinner and I'll tell you how to woo my sister."
"I have no intention of woo--"
"Brina carries your son, Mallus Lupinus. I certainly hope you have intentions," said Oriana primly. Even Opis looked up from rubbing his backside.
For once, Mallus was speechless. His hand dropped to his side and hung limply.
Opis rather enjoyed the way Oriana had put him in his place. For all his dalliances with women, Mallus had never left his lover pregnant, although not from good intentions on his part.
"Congratulations, Mallus. Now if we could just capture your bride instead of her sister. Master plan that was, by the way," said Opis in a gratingly cheery voice as he pulled out a chair and pushed the still stupefied Centurion into it.
"A son?" murmured Mallus. "With Brina?"
Oriana then began doling out the stew as she muttered to Opis, "A better matched pair on sheer stubbornness and pride I can't imagine."
"A son?" repeated Mallus. "And Brina never said a word?"
Oriana bit her lip and admitted. "Brina doesn't know it yet. I didn't see it until the day you caught me in the woods. I got lost in the vision and, well, I lose thought of where I am."
Opis then turned in surprise to Oriana. "You have the Sight? Then, are you a witch, too?"
Oriana just shook her head. It would be obvious to the men that she was an adopted sister given her fair coloring. "Not a very strong one, just household spells and the Sight when it deigns to show."
Mallus grunted his understanding, lifted the bowl of stew and downed its contents in one long, loud slurp. Opis and Oriana shared an amused glance as he set the bowl down and muttered, "I'm going to need something stronger than this."
Opis clapped his shoulder. "This news calls for a toast. Come on, you have the best wine in your quarters."
Mallus stood up abruptly and stalked out the door. Opis grabbed his bowl of stew and said, "Go on to bed. I'll try to get back before he drinks me under the table."
Outside the quarters, Remus smiled. He was now fairly certain that Brina's child was the son who would carry the Lupin name in the next generation. He again wondered if his presence had upset the course of time. He had to fight the strong compulsion to intervene. Tomorrow he would finally inspect the Celtic settlement.
And in a few nights, Remus hoped he would be out of the tapestry. He didn't want a confrontation with Mallus on a full moon.
- - - - - - - -
Hogwarts Library3rd Day
"Nymphadora Tonks, stop this instant." The Hogwarts librarian walked with quick efficient steps.
"Madam Pince, the Headmaster said I could have unconditional access--"
"To the library, not the infirmary. You're going to slip and fall from that perch."
Indeed, Tonks had somehow managed to hook one ankle over the ladder while one toe balanced on the narrow edge of a shelf. Only Madam Pince could summon books from these shelves and, after bothering her incessantly for the past three days, Tonks decided to find the last resource by herself.
Still, the Auror knew who was in charge here, so she moved her foot, but indeed it slipped on the ledge. Only the cushioning charm kept her from a bruised bottom. Tonks blinked twice to find that Fileas Flitwick had joined Madam Pince.
"Ah, Nymphadora, how nice of you to drop by to chat."
"Thanks for the cushion, Professor," said Tonks, now feeling completely like a first year caught in the restricted section. In fact, the situation did mirror an earlier effort to uncover restricted information about tooth fairies.
"Here, is this the book you were after?" asked Madam Pince. She held a volume titled Unraveling the Threads of Time.
"Yes, thank you, Madam," said Tonks demurely.
"Wonderful volume," said Flitwick as Pince sharply walked off. He indicated that Tonks open the book on the table while he climbed onto the chair. "The Headmaster told me about Lupin as soon as I returned from my holiday. I hope I can be of service."
Tonks smiled at her former teacher. People tended to underestimate Flitwick because of his size and easy manner. She began, "I believe we have a tapestry that was woven by Rhiannon ."
"Ah, yes, a very talented weaver. She was reputed to be able to weave a thousand charms into a single tapestry." Flitwick began turning the pages on the book. "But the one you described is a topographical map. Those might serve one of three purposes."
"And what are those?" asked Tonks. "Binding an innocent man?"
"In fact, yes, it's a way to eliminate someone without murder," said Flitwick as he flipped to a page depicting someone trapped. "But they were also used as a way to simply study the past."
"Like a time turner tapestry?"
"Yes, but the practice was quickly discouraged. Still, there's a time limit on the person who gets drawn in," said Flitwick, completely ignoring the unintentional pun. "A week was the minimum period and a month was the maximum."
Tonks visibly winced, "That still leaves Remus trapped during the full moon. This is not good. And this tapestry had the feel of Dark Arts emanating from it very strongly. What was the third purpose?"
"Ah," said Flitwick as the used his wand to fan the pages forward. "Here it is. I would say that the weaver created a tapestry that was intentionally set up to take the victim into a time of his forebears and there, unravel his own past. Quite ironic, actually."
Tonks was now tapping a finger against her lips. "You mean, Lupin might do something that could erase the future and him along with it?"
"Lupin might even have a compulsion to act against his future. Only the strongest wizards can fight it. Say, someone of Dumbledore's ability or a venificus primo, but we know none of those are left, not really."
"Er, yes, absolutely," murmured Tonks. She wondered whether Lupin realized the danger. Surely his hiding meant that he understood that his actions could upset the future, but did he know he might have to fight a compulsion to act against his own family?
"The full moon," she finally said clearly. "We need to get him out or make sure he doesn't harm anyone during the full moon."
Flitwick nodded his agreement. "Yes, Remus should be protected, but anyone who enters the tapestry will have to be connected to this world in order to come back. And it would be best if that person had a, well, intimate connection with Remus so that he could be brought back, too."
"Just how, er, intimate, exactly?" asked Tonks.
Flitwick smiled and patted her hand. "It's called the Heartstring Charm, my dear. As long as the heart is pure in its affection, that's all you need."
"Does it take a special talent to perform the charm?" asked Tonks.
"Yes, indeed, but luckily for you," said Flitwick without any arrogance, "I am at your service."
"Thank you, Professor," said Tonks in relief. "Let's go now and--"
"We can't be hasty, Nymphadora. You need the right clothes and we need to prepare for all contingencies, including getting some potions from Severus."
Tonks scrunched her nose at the thought, but Flitwick was right. Lupin needed the Wolfsbane potion now more than ever.
- - - - - - - - -
Knockturn Alley
4th Day
"Flit, good to see you, but I don't have time for duel at the moment," said Moody as he walked to Tonks and Flitwick. It was now the evening of the fourth day.
"We'll have to schedule one then. I think I'm getting a tad rusty," said Flitwick. He looked at the tapestry with admiration. "Brilliant work, quite marvelous. Well, let's get to it."
Tonks turned to Moody and said, "The Professor thinks he can send me into the tapestry to bring Remus out with a Heartstring Charm. The thing is, I need a strong anchor in this world."
"I'm familiar with it," said Moody with a nod. "Right then, Flit, let's begin. I'll serve as the anchor."
Flitwick seemed to inspect Moody for a long moment before he nodded. Indeed, he could sense the paternal attitude the Moody had for both Tonks and Lupin. The veteran would also know not to pull Tonks out before it was time.
Tonks was dressed in a long brown tunic and cloak. Her hair, likewise, was not flamboyant but a rather mousy brown. She stood beside Moody as dusk fell on the tapestry. The pinpoint of light that signified Lupin was stationary. She said, "There he is at the cave. Now would be a good time."
"Kneel in front of me and think about your ties to each other," said Flitwick.
"Amo pectis ligamen."
Flitwick placed his wand over Moody's heart and seemed to pull a fine red thread from his chest that he drew to Tonks.
"Amo pectis ligamen."
The Professor then drew a Heartstring from Tonks.
"Amo pectis ligamen."
With the last phrase, Flitwick seemed to throw the heartstring he drew from Tonks straight at the pinpoint of light that was Lupin.
Moody felt Tonks being drawn into the tapestry like a physical pain. Her form seemed to coalesce into a drop of water. The bead flowed down the string that disappeared into the tapestry.
Silence.
"Best make yourself comfortable, Al. You're not going anywhere for a few days," said Flitwick. The little Professor took a parcel out of his pocket and waved his wand. A light meal appeared before them as he said, "Just like old times."
- - - - - - - - - - -
The Tapestry
4th Day
Lupin was staring at the waxing moon and beginning to feel fretful. The compulsion to declare his presence to his ancestor was becoming quite strong. This would be very dangerous in his werewolf form. Was that the nature of the Dark Arts that was bound into the tapestry? Would he destroy his own line?
He closed his eyes and tried to squash the forlorn thoughts. Images of Tonks floated through his mind. He could literally feel these thoughts tugging at his heart. He opened them again to stare at the moon, but could swear he now saw her face even in that cold orb.
Then Lupin blinked. No, he very definitely was seeing Nymphadora Tonks' heart-shaped face. In fact--
"Ooof!"
"Wotcher, Remus," said Tonks brightly from the comfort of his lap. "Miss me?"
Lupin didn't know whether to be upset or overjoyed. But before he could say anything, they both heard the sounds. The wolves were howling nearby and behind them was the Wolf hunter, Mallus Lupinus.
TBC
Author Notes:
First a word about Flitwick. He was once a dueling champion at Hogwarts, so I gave him a history and tried to consider his relationship with a few of the characters. Hope it works.
I'm sure there are inaccuracies about the Roman occupation of Briton (my preferred spelling over Britain when referring to the tapestry), but the roads built were very important. A Centurion was an important officer and his optio was the second in command from my understanding. Mallus and Opis can and do fight, but primarily they are road builders.
Moody and Pince? I just found it odd and, well, amusing. Both do exhibit a good deal of paranoia and constant vigilance, though. I did intentionally allude to Moody's lost daughter, not form canon, but because it fit with the interactions between Moody and Tonks and his serving as anchor in this story.
Heartstrings are, well, corny I guess, but it fit the motif of the story. I'm certain I butchered Latin with the incantation, but then I freely admit to it. Hope you found it effective.
Lupin's ancestors weren't all good or all bad. They were simply human. Overall I see one generation of "baddies' followed by two generations of "goodies." Mallus has an interesting relationship with Opis, who serves as his conscience and keeps the man human. Muggles interacted with wizards, so I made Opis without powers.
Ogham is real, although various spellings are found. It isn't Celtic runes, but an alphabet rendered in a series of lines with slashes or dots from what I read.
And thanks for the encouragement. I realize the story could be more detailed, so I expect some will be disappointed, but I hope I'm giving hints of things like the development of wands, the use of owls and where the spell books began. Again, I'm not trying to explain all aspects of the wizarding world, just considering explanations.
Thank you for taking the time to read and I really get encouragement from your comments and reviews. I hope to have a short update posted in a week (Ch 3) then finish the story before Christmas.