Summary: Remus and Tonks help Mallus on his quest for a phoenix feather and unicorn hair. More action than humor.
Needlepoint
The Tapestry
Day 5
"How far to this pretty bird you want me to pluck?" asked Mallus.
"The phoenix is nesting a western ledge on the mountain about two miles away," replied Brina.
Remus scanned his recent mental map of the countryside and asked, "Is there a grove of trees just south of it? I know where it is then."
"We might have trouble. I saw Madoc with a group of hunters out this morning heading in that direction," said Brina. She turned to Remus to explain, "Madoc considers himself the chief hunter, mostly because he's useless at farming."
Turning back to Mallus she further explained, "Madoc was quite upset when you dealt with the wolves last winter. You left him no trophies he could show off."
"Big nose, bad breath and hopefully bald?" asked Mallus as he tried to remember the locals, an issue he usually left to Opis.
"Yes, that's him. The hair never grew back after you singed it."
Mallus just shrugged, "He seemed too proud of his red hair. Opis thought I was quite restrained not to kill him."
As Mallus spoke Brina turned to the hut with a sweep of her wand. The structure and its content shrunk into a knapsack. Brina was beautiful and inventive and when she looked at Remus, Tonks found the glimmer of admiration in his eyes. Tonks bit her lip as the old pang of inadequacy filled her heart.
"So that's how you were able to evade me," said Mallus as he rubbed his chin. The shrinking hut made Brina quite mobile.
"Actually, no, Bram helped me," said Brina before she sliced her left palm with a knife. Crimson drops dotted the snow and attracted the unique creature flying to Brina.
The thestral landed and began licking her palm. "This is Bram."
"Is it a horse or a lizard?" asked Mallus as he inspected the leathery wings on the thestral.
"Bram is a reliable mount," said Brina as she sealed the cut. "The elder say they're a bad omen, but he's brought me nothing but good luck."
"The hunters might have had another purpose for being out today," said Tonks as she brought the discussion back to the task at hand.
"I hope not. This quest will quite boring without a bit of diversion," said Mallus.
"Let's meet at the grove of trees first and check the position," suggested Remus. "It's what Opis would recommend."
"Well, I've only tamed Bram, but we can take turns using him," offered Brina as she approached her faithful steed.
"That won't be necessary. Tonks and I can get where we need without your mount," assured Remus. He had come to the conclusion that neither Brina nor Mallus could disapparate.
Mallus quirked an eyebrow in disbelief. He didn't think there was anything Remus could do, other than lure a unicorn, that he couldn't do better. He helped Brina mount then got up behind her. "Don't make us wait too long."
Once they were out of sight, Remus turned to Tonks. "I'll apparate us to the ledge to reconnoiter, then meet them at the rendezvous point. Ready?"
Tonks squeezed his hand lightly. They disapparated with the low toned pop that designated Remus.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Within five minutes the thestral was approaching their rendezvous point and landed so that the grove blocked them from view of the hunting party at the base of the phoenix nest.
Remus and Tonks stood waiting patiently, although she did wave at them calling brightly, "What took you so long?"
"How did you--" began Mallus.
"We think the hunters are after the phoenix," interrupted Remus. In fact he and Tonks had helped two of their hunters back down the ledge. "The phoenix nest looks complete, but the plumage is still bright. It's nesting on a chimney rock at the top of the ledge."
"I'll handle these men from here," said Mallus with a smirk as he set off in his long gait.
"Other than Madoc they were mostly boys," said Tonks. "Some look as young as twelve."
"Mallus, Mallus!" Brina waved her wand and his boots became stuck to the ground.
"Woman, you are testing my patience," said Mallus as he dislodged her spell.
Still, it gave Brina time to catch up. "Let me speak to them first. And put your hood up so they don't recognize you."
Brina and Mallus continued arguing as they walked through the grove to the hunters. Remus didn't say a word to Tonks, but took her hand. In the next instant they were crouching behind an outcropping just above the hunters.
- - - - - - - - - -
Mallas walked beside Brina and kept the hood of his cloak up. They could tell from his posture that he didn't like the current plan.
"Madoc, what are you doing here?" Brina's tone was quite brittle.
Madoc ceased fussing at the youths who had failed to get further than ten feet up the ledge to return her greeting.
"Ah, if it isn't Brina, the brightest witch of her age," Madoc scoffed at the woman. "Thought you'd get a phoenix feather, didn't you? Well, my uncle has claimed that phoenix as his own and he's not sharing."
"The phoenix has come to the Celts for rebirth. It does not belong to your uncle," insisted Brina. "I'm the one who set out the proper twigs for his nest, I'll have you know."
"And just how do you plan to get to the phoenix, Brina? What are you willing to do for one of its feathers?" Madoc asked with a leer.
Brina put an arm out in front of Mallus to block his advance. She then turned to Madoc saying, "You no longer have any claim on me or my sister, Madoc."
"So it is true. The Romans did abduct my bride," said Madoc.
"Oriana has been a guest at the Roman garrison," admitted Brina.
"Guest? You mean Oriana has been defiled!" Madoc raised his voice in his fury.
Mallus shook off Brina's arm and pulled back his hood. His tone was falsely cheerful as he said, "You have no claim to the phoenix or the sisters. Go make yourself happy with a wild boar and forget about them all."
"Don't think I'm afraid of you, Centurion. I have a powerful wizard at my beck and call." Madoc waved his spear in anger. "The phoenix feathers belong to my uncle. And as to the sisters, I'll kill Oriana for letting a Roman touch her, just like I should have killed that slut."
He pointed his spear at Brina, but dropped it quickly when it burst into flames. Mallus waved his hand again to send all the wooden shafts on the hunters' weapons burning. Not satisfied with disarming the party, Mallus then took a quick step forward and punched Madoc in the jaw.
"Take this pig back to his sty before I really lose my temper," said Mallus as the man teetered backwards.
Madoc wiped the blood from his lip and opened his mouth, but the wizard made a cutting motion across his lips. Madoc immediately clutched at his mouth and tried to speak again, but nothing but mumbling came out.
Mallus stooped over him and warned, "I'm satisfied to just rip out your tongue. Next time you anger me, I'll tear out your heart. Now go."
Madoc's companions led him away, but the Celt threw several glares back at Mallus. Brina chimed, "Why, Mallus, Opis would be proud of your restraint."
Tonks and Remus had been appalled at the violent response from Mallus, but Brina's acceptance indicated that such brutality was common in this world.
"Oriana was supposed to marry him?" asked Tonks as she and Remus emerged from their hideout. She shuddered at the thought.
Brina looked up in surprise to find them there, but replied, "Actually, Oriana became a replacement for me because the eldest of my true sisters is only ten. His uncle insists he marry a witch from my family."
"He still seemed persistent in his interests," observed Remus. He missed the sharp glance Tonks threw his way. His comment led her to believe he was another interested party.
"When I came home Madoc made it clear he didn't want a Roman's woman to wife," explained Brina, "although he was still eager to get me in his bed. I've been hiding from him as much as from you, Mallus."
"And so I saved the two sisters from a fate worse than death, but do I get any thanks for my trouble?" asked Mallus.
Brina rolled her eyes and then warned, "Have a care, Mallus. His uncle is a powerful wizard."
"So am I," reminded Mallus with his usual arrogance.
The party didn't leave their defensive positions until the hunters had disappeared from sight.
- - - - - - - - - - -
"We better hurry to the phoenix," prompted Remus. He turned to Tonks and said, "Are you ready?"
Tonks stared up at the phoenix for a moment then pulled out the mirror she carried to check on her appearance. Her hair lengthened and then turned into the matching reds and golds. She cocked her head slightly at her reflection, then feathered the locks. It was a brilliant job if she did say so herself. She waited for some comment from Remus, but all of his attention was on Mallus.
"So your Tonks leads me to the phoenix and then I pluck a feather?"
"No, Mallus, you have to ask it for a feather; you can't just try to take it." Remus was being very patient in dealing with his impetuous forebear.
"Are you saying I have to beg a bird for a feather that's going to be torched soon anyway?" Mallus crossed his arms and huffed at the absurdity.
"Just pretend I'm Opis and let me coach you on what to say. And this time, follow the plan," suggested Remus. He turned to Tonks and just said, "Start climbing. We'll easily catch up."
Tonks reined in her disappointment when Remus failed to say anything about her hair. Instead he turned to Mallus again and said, "Leave your sword here."
"What kind of soldier would I be without my sword?" replied Mallus.
Tonks, now quite irritated, called back, "Lose the phallic symbol or I'm changing my hair into bright pink."
Mallus saw Brina glaring at him with her arms at her hips and her toe tapping in impatience. As he removed his sword, he said, "I expect abundant gratitude for fulfilling this demeaning quest."
"Be careful with the feather on the way down," said Brina as Mallus began his climb. She pulled a stool from her knapsack and sat primly to wait. Really, the view from her angle was quite nice. She clearly remembered why she had seduced Mallus in the first place.
- - - - - - - - -
The phoenix was alert to the invaders as Tonks led the men to a wide ledge. His nest was on a narrow chimney formation that extended above them. His bright plumage indicated that he was still capable of a quick flight away if he sensed danger. Tonks' hair made the phoenix remain where he was, though he cocked his head to the side as he inspected the creatures. The moonstones indicated that two of them could be trusted.
Mallus knelt on one knee by Remus and Tonks when they reached the ledge. He spoke in his normal tone when he asked, "What now? I could conjure a spear I suppose."
The phoenix flapped his wings as if he understood the words. He was clearly agitated and stood up with his wings at full span.
Remus quickly turned to Mallus and ordered, "Apologize to him and make sure he doesn't feel threatened."
Mallus looked like he would refuse, but Tonks just smiled at him wickedly and pointed to her hair. Mallus remained kneeling, but spread his arms wide with palms open. "Forgive me for I spoke out of turn, Phoenix. I vow to turn my weapons against myself before I would harm such a noble creature."
Mallus then bowed his head slightly to the bird who now settled back to sit on the nest.
Tonks whispered, "I didn't think you had it in you."
"Opis has rubbed off in spite of myself," murmured Mallus. He had deliberately mimicked the tone Opis used to pacify his father.
Remus then coached, "Tell him that Brina sent you, that she was the woman who left the twigs for his nest."
Mallus stood up cautiously. He cleared his throat and said, "Brina is honored that you have used the twigs she offered for your nest. She is my--"
Mallus frowned as he tried to think of a word until Remus said, "Mate."
"Brina is my mate and cannot come to you because she carries our, uh, offspring. She sent me in her place." Mallus ended with the phoenix emitting a satisfied squawk.
Remus took this as a good sign. "Make your request, but offer something else for its nest in exchange."
"Noble bird, we offer you this woman, pathetic specimen though she is, in exchange for but a single feather from your brilliant plumage," said Mallus in all sincerity.
Tonks opened her mouth to protest, but found it covered by a hand. Remus was holding her and whispered, "Wait."
She nodded and he removed his hand. She willed herself to remain still as the phoenix suddenly flew at them, but instead of attacking, he hovered above Tonks just long enough to emit a honk of rejection. The noise punctuated Tonks' feelings of inadequacy until the phoenix nabbed a bit of her hair in its beak. He dropped it and cawed again as he returned to his nest.
"He doesn't want her, he wants her hair?" asked Mallus.
"That's how I'd interpret it. Tonks, if you don't mind?" asked Remus.
"Perfect, a bald Tonks won't be able to turn her hair pink," said Mallus as he smirked at the turn of events.
"I need to spell it so the colors stay," said Tonks in a forlorn tone, but she winked at Remus.
Remus spread the fingers of his hands and raked them across Tonks' scalp. She heard him murmur, "Brilliant work here, Tonks."
She held back a smile when the bright bundle fell into his hands. The shorn woman then waved her wand and chanted, "Conservo."
"Thank you, Tonks. Mallus, you need to take this up to the nest. The phoenix won't come get the hair."
Mallus grumbled, but took the offering and thrust it through his sword belt. Remus and Tonks watched as the made the climb up the chimney rock in short order.
"How is he doing that so quickly?" asked Tonks.
"He's using an adhesion spell to prevent a fall, but I bet he's unaware of it. I think he's holding an image in his mind of an insect crawling up a wall," responded Remus.
Mallus got face to face with the phoenix and stretched out the red and gold locks. The phoenix took them in his beak, then jerked his head quickly. The hairs became magically interspersed in the twigs that made his nest. He blinked his eyes in appreciation of his art.
"Now if you would give me a feather, I will leave you to your rebirth," Mallus said quietly. Being face to face with the creature made him realize indeed how noble it was.
The phoenix moved closer to Mallus who felt compelled to pat the bird's feathers. He used the gentle touch with which he would stroke Brina's hair. A cooing sound came from the phoenix and as Mallus completed his last stroke of the wing, he found a single, long feather in his hand.
Mallus carefully placed the feather in the empty sword sheath, but before he lowered himself, he said to the phoenix, "If my family does survive, Phoenix, they will be bound to serve your needs."
The phoenix bobbed his head and then in the next moment, his feathers lost their brilliance and his head began to droop. Its rebirth was imminent.
- - - - - - - -
Mallus' good mood dissipated as soon he reached Remus and Tonks. The woman was not bald, but rather sported spiky pink hair. She grinned at him. "Wotcher, Mallus."
"I'm cursed, " he muttered.
"Oh, no, that wasn't a curse, it was a greeting," assured Tonks.
"No, I mean your hair. I'm cursed," moaned Mallus.
"It will take a few days for the phoenix to complete his cycle," said Remus. "You go ahead to the unicorn site with Brina. Tonks and I will set protective wards here and then meet you."
"You seem to know quite a bit about this island, Remus."
"Gathering information is my special talent."
- - - - - - - - -
An hour later they met at the snow covered the grasslands near the sea. Some green shoots could still be seen protruding through the white blanket. A unicorn ran through the field as her white coat shimmered in the sunlight.
"A perfect specimen, and she looks like a mare," said Brina.
"The horn looks sharp," observed Mallus. He wasn't as drawn to the beauty of the animal so much as to its speed and power. "That mare would be deadly if she chose."
"She's beautiful," sighed Tonks. She whispered to Remus, "I snuck out to the Forbidden Forest during fourth year when we were studying them. I still remember the wonder at being able to touch one. " Then she frowned before adding, "Are you able to even approach a unicorn, Remus? I mean, you know?"
"I went looking for them, too, in my youth." Remus spoke so that Brina could hear. He seemed to be selecting his words carefully when he added, "The unicorn let me touch him."
"Good, so you have some experience with this, but this time, you must follow the ritual," said Brina as she turned to Remus.
Tonks frowned at the look that passed between the two. There was something in the undertone of Brina's voice that made her suspicious and she quickly dampened the twinge of jealousy. "I didn't know there was a ritual to this."
Remus explained, "I want the unicorn hair, so that requires a purification ritual."
"What do you have to do?" asked Tonks with suspicion. There was something about this that Remus was hiding, she could tell.
"The unicorn must be approached with a cleansed body, pure thoughts and in white garb," said Brina. She put her knapsack down and enlarged it to the normal sized hut with a wave of her wand. She rummaged through the hut for a moment, then came out holding a full length white tunic with long sleeves.
"I think we can make this work." Brina held up the tunic in front of Remus with one hand and waved her wand with the other. "That should fit."
"I'll go get cleaned up," said Remus when she handed the garment to him.
"You need to remove all facial hair as well," said Brina. It was not a request. "You'll find all you need inside the hut."
Remus just nodded, but before he entered, Tonks grabbed his arm.
"Wait." Tonks looked at his face and bit her lip for the briefest moment before she pulled Remus down to kiss her. He hesitated a moment before responding, then brought his arms around her.
"I don't think Tonks is frigid," whispered Brina to Mallus, who just nodded. The woman was too peculiar for his liking, but the mutual attraction between Remus and Tonks was evident. What was preventing their consummation?
Tonks released the kiss, but was still troubled by the look in his eyes. She walked away from Mallus and Brina to be alone to think while Remus saw to his ablations.
Remus soon emerged wearing the white tunic. Moreover, he was also clean-shaven and had neatly trimmed his hair. His resemblance to Mallus was remarkable now. Tonks noted that he kept the Wolfshadow amulet around his neck.
Tonks approached Remus, but he put his hand out to halt her when she was at arm's length. She frowned a little, but didn't say a word as she took a step forward and reached out to touch him. She stroked his cheek with the back of her hand and traced his lips. Her fingers lingered as she traced the phantom mustache and she seemed a bit sad.
"Do I look that bad?" asked Remus gently.
"No, I've just grown accustomed to your face. It will take a while to adjust," admitted Tonks. She shook her head, "My changes never seem to faze you."
"The person inside stays the same," assured Remus. He caught her gaze and said simply, "Remember."
Remus took two steps back from Tonks and looked away from her. His attention was focused on the waxing moon that appeared in the darkening sky. She could see his chest rise and fall in the slow steady breathing that signified meditation.
Brina walked up behind Tonks and whispered, "Remus can't be distracted by carnal thoughts now. Best you move away from him."
Tonks allowed Brina to lead her away, but was still concerned about the unspoken threat she felt. Surely approaching the unicorn would be less dangerous than their other tasks?
Then they all heard a distant howl. Mallus was already leaping onto the thestral when he cried, "Wolves!"
"Mallus, you're not going wolf hunting now," said Brina.
"These wolves sound hungry--and riled. Don't let anything stop Remus," called Mallus as he took to the sky on Bram the thestral.
Remus completely ignored the ruckus and kept his eyes fixed on the sky above him. After several minutes he said, "It's time."
- - - - - - - - - -
Tonks watched as Remus walked out to the field where they had sighted the unicorn. The howl of the wolves became distant and she was confident that Mallus would see to them. She focused all of her attention on the scene before her.
Remus walked with measured step, unhurried and very graceful for such a tall man. The moonlight made the snow glisten around him and his pale face took on an ethereal quality, both placid and fragile. The white vestment seemed to shine with a light of its own, just like the moonstone at his neck. Tonks thought she had not seen a man more beautiful than he was at that moment.
When he was about fifty yards away, the unicorn appeared with her white mane gleaming She trotted forward and stood still facing Remus. He bowed at the waist to the creature and walked slowly to her, stopping just in front of her. He didn't reach out to touch her until the unicorn came to him and nickered lightly at his shoulder.
His long, slender fingers stroked the silken mane and Tonks felt envious that he could still contact the majestic beast. She remembered the soothing touch of his hands and again pushed back the twinge of jealousy. First Brina, now a unicorn? She continued to be mesmerized as the long fingers made their glide along the body and brushed through the silken tail.
"He got it! The unicorn granted him the hair," murmured Brina in muted excitement.
Tonks scanned the scene and focused on his right hand that clutched the silvery hair. Remus looked at it and she could barely hear him chant, "Defero Brina."
The silvery strand suddenly appeared in Brina's hand. Tonks released her breath and said, "It's over."
"Not yet. He has to pay the price," said Brina.
"What do you mean by a price?" Tonks felt the hackles on her neck rise when Brina didn't answer her.
Tonks' saw that Remus now stood in front of the unicorn and seemed to be gazing directly into her eyes. He took a step back as the unicorn swung her head to him and then tore open the tunic at his chest. Then the unicorn lowered her head and placed her horn exactly over his heart.
The horn took on a distinctly metallic sheen. It looked like it had been cast out of silver, but Tonks knew Remus could use the precious metal. She'd seen him drink from the goblets at number twelve several times. The she remembered that he did avoid the silver knives.
"Brina, what is the price?" repeated Tonks with a sense of foreboding.
"It should just be a drop of blood." Brina's voice lacked confidence.
Now the wind carried Mallus' voice as he cursed the wolf pack that was converging on them. The whistle of the flames as Mallus attacked served as an eerie soundscape to the scene before them.
The unicorn seemed frozen in place for a moment as if waiting for permission from Remus. He closed his eyes and the silver horn suddenly punctured his chest. The blood ran in a single stream along the twists of the unicorn's horn. It pulsed with the rhythm of his heartbeat before it became absorbed as it touched the unicorn's forelock.
"NO!" cried Tonks. She clutched at the moonstone around her neck, but her feet were paralyzed until she saw Remus open his eyes and his gaze flicker to her. "Remus!"
The unicorn seemed to quickly release Remus, yet his body fell to the snow in an interminable moment as the mare sped away. Tonks apparated to his position and knelt by his fallen body. Why wasn't the snow red with his blood?
Tonks was relieved to register a pulse, although it was weak. She was also surprised to find his chest intact except for a new, star-shaped scar above his heart, just another one to add to the morass that littered his body.
Working solely on intuition, she pressed her hand over the scar and waved her wand chanting, "Evanesco argentum."
The witch saw silvery sparkles being lifted into the night only to vanish with the wind. She pulled Remus' torso onto her lap and felt his breathing was still shallow. She clutched him to her as a sense of helplessness filled her, but blinked when Brina called her name.
Tonks looked up to find both Brina and Mallus standing over them. He had finished off the wolves just as he heard the heart wrenching cry.
"Tonks, let me take him," said Mallus. For once his tone wasn't demanding.
Tonks shook her head and drew Remus protectively to her. "Don't touch him."
"Remus is my blood," said Mallus firmly. "Only I can save him now."
Tonks blinked a few times as his words sunk in. She had probably neutralized the silver poisoning, but if Remus had experienced the equivalent of a cardiac puncture, then his best chance at surviving came from donor blood.
"Do you understand, Tonks?" asked Mallus carefully. Remus seemed quite attached to his Tonks and Mallus didn't want to hurt her to help Remus, but he was prepared to do so.
Tonks acquiesced by letting Mallus pull the body from her arms.
- - - - - - - - -
Tonks waited outside the hut with Brina. After ten minutes, Mallus stood at the entrance looking a bit pale, but quite pleased with himself nonetheless. "I think he looks better."
"Here, drink some of this," ordered Tonks as she drew another bottle out of her pack. She noted Mallus' suspicious look and said, "It will help you recover. I assume you somehow gave Remus some of your blood?"
"I just put my hand over his heart and willed blood to transfer," said Mallus before taking a long swig of the restorative. He scrunched his face and made as if to spit it out.
"Swallow." Tonks had her wand pointed at his throat and Brina knew better than to intervene. When he made the disgusted face that indicated the brew was down the gullet, she asked, "How did you know that would work?"
"I never think about how I do magic; I always assume it will find a way to work my will." The response was arrogant and self-centered, but honest.
Tonks nodded, then offered him a morsel of food. "Remus would have done the same for you, but thank you for saving him."
Mallus was clearly skeptical of the brown square that was her token of gratitude, so Tonks added, "Trust me, you'll like the taste."
"It's delicious," admitted Mallus once he popped it into his mouth. "This must be special magic."
"It's called special dark chocolate. Here, have another piece," said Tonks. She was about to snap off a piece for Brina when Mallus surprised her.
The Roman broke the chocolate piece in half and offered it to the Celtic witch. Tonks smiled at the courtly gesture from the taciturn wizard.
"I've never tasted anything like this," said Brina, then squinted her eyes as she took note of an injury on Mallus' forearm. "Mallus, how did you get that burn mark? Did a spell backfire?"
"It wasn't just wolves I fought. They were being controlled by a wizard, a short man with one eye larger than the other."
"That would be Druce, Madoc's uncle. You've riled him," said Brina.
"I defeated him," corrected Mallus.
"Don't be too sure. We'll need to set watch tonight..."
Tonks left the two to their latest argument and entered the hut. She had to see for herself that Remus was all right.
- - - - - - - -
The figure looked pale, but the breathing was steady as the man lay on the pallet on the floor. She appreciated Brina's magic and attention to details. There was no fear of being cold or uncomfortable in this abode.
"Remus?" Tonks touched his forehead and his eyes opened. "You need to drink this."
Remus nodded and did what he could to help Tonks prop him up so he could ingest the potion.
"I know it tastes horrible. I had to threaten Mallus with my wand before he'd drink it." Tonks was rewarded with a light upturn of his lips. "Here, it's a perfect time for a bit of chocolate."
She placed the square into his mouth knowing he would just let it dissolve and then got one for herself. The silence was peaceful, but then Remus asked a question that made her angry.
"Did Brina get the unicorn hair?"
"Yes, Brina got the hair." Tonks blinked back the tears looming in her eyes and tried to control her temper.
"That's good."
"Good? What's so good about seeing you skewered through the heart in order to pay the price for Brina's whims?" Tonks didn't mask the distress in her voice and neither one noticed the pair of faces peering at them through the entrance.
"Tonks, you're the one who suggested I should help."
"Help, yes, but this habit you have for self-sacrifice is difficult to witness," replied Tonks.
"It's not--"
"You knew about the blood price," accused Tonks.
"Yes, but the unicorn sensed my tainted blood so things got--extreme."
"Extreme? Cardiac puncture and silver poisoning are downright deadly, I'd say," shouted Tonks, but lowered her voice when she saw him wince. She shook her head and said, "Remus John Lupin, only you could manage to get skewered by a unicorn through the heart and say it just got extreme."
"It's not self-sacrifice, Tonks. If Mallus doesn't succeed in winning Brina, then everything unravels. And if I die in this world, that's a small price if I can save my forefathers. Think of all the generations that have lived in almost two millenia."
"Don't you dare start thinking like that! Your life may not be important to you, but it's damned important to me!"
"Tonks, this tapestry may be a magical Mobius strip. The end and the beginning are continuous and there is always something that has to feed the cycle. My death might be the price for my existence in the first place."
"No, I refuse to accept that. I'm not going back empty handed and I have no intention of bringing back a corpse." Tonks squeezed his hand and sighed. Remus needed rest, not another argument. "I better let Moody and Flitwick know that you're all right."
As soon as she stood and turned her back, Remus said, "It might be better if you let Flitwick pull you out now. I'd understand if you decided to walk away from any heartache I would cause you."
He watched her leave without another word to him and just stared at the ceiling afterward. How much of Remus Lupin could one woman take?
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Is everything all right?" asked Brina. Mallus just stood silently by her side, but if Tonks had looked, she would have seen an amazed expression on his face.
"Remus will recover. Excuse me, I just want to be alone for a while," said Tonks as she walked off.
The night around her was beautiful and she thought about Moody and Flitwick watching the tapestry. She focused on the moonstone and willed it to signal two flashes so that their Watchers would know they both were all right. She then held her wand in her fingers as she considered Remus' suggestion that she should leave. Or was it a request?
"Damn it, Remus, you're not getting rid of me so easily." Her voice rang in the night. Even seeing him die in this world was better than never knowing his fate.
She rubbed her forehead as she thought about the present conundrum. If Remus didn't interfere, then his entire family for generations was lost and his own existence would fade. If he did intervene, he could lose his future life, but save his family.
"Why can't it be a win-win situation?" asked Tonks as she looked at the sky. She huddled in her cloak and wondered if this feeling of desperation was what the Order had faced during the first war. Death would come to the Order of the Phoenix in the second war. Was she prepared to face it?
"No, I'm not going to live with the expectation that everyone around me will die! I'm going to hang on to hope for the both of us, Remus," she said. "Depression is a waste of energy and keeps you from fighting. And Nymphadora Tonks is never one to shrink away from a fight."
Her breathing was heavy as the sound of her words faded into the night. She composed herself and walked back to the hut. She found Brina and Mallus standing outside and speaking quietly to each other.
"I'll take first watch tonight," Tonks offered as she approached.
"No, I--Remus drank some of the broth I made for dinner, but he seems restless. I asked if he needed anything, but he just said he can't rest well without you," said Brina. "Mallus and I will take turns keeping watch over the two of you. Go on, there's a cup for you on the table if you're hungry."
Tonks entered the hut and pulled of her cloak. She drank the broth and just stared at the curtain that blocked where Remus lay. She took a deep breath, walked slowly to the curtain, and pulled it back.
Remus was just staring at the ceiling, but he immediately turned his eyes to her. Tonks didn't say anything as she kicked off her boots and took off the and tunic. She pulled back the blanket and slipped in beside him. Before she settled against him, she asked, "Do you have any pain in your chest?"
"Not anymore," he replied.
"Get some rest, Remus," Tonks said as she lay her head on his chest. She listened to his heartbeat for a moment and added, "I expect you to be well for our third lesson when I get you back to my flat. Just remember that."
"Yes, Nymphadora," he sighed, but a smile curled his lips when she pinched him for his transgression. His steady breathing soon indicated he had finally found rest.
TBC
Author Note:
First a note to other authors: It's been great to come back from break and find so many Lupin/Tonks stories that I need to catch up on. I write fanfic because I enjoy reading it, so thanks for keeping me entertained.
Regarding the present chapter. Madoc was created to be an obvious bad guy with no redeeming qualities, so if you got the impression he has only one dimension, that's intended.
Information about the phoenix is in part based on lore (fragrant twigs for a nest), but I don't recall any indication that they're attracted to reds and golds. Likewise the unicorn is part lore, including the idea that it can be vicious. There's more to that interlude between Remus and the unicorn than will be disclosed in this story. Anyway, the unicorn becoming the most lethal aspect of the quest was an idea that appealed to me. I hope I made it plausible.
Defero (to send) and conservo (to preserve) are not a canon spells. Evanesco is canon for a vanishing spell and argentum is silver.
Oh, yes, and Remus will be clean-shaven from now on. (Since I'm using the DT appearance, I'm sure some of you will not mourn the passing of the moustache).
Welcome to all new readers or first time reviewers. And to the faithful reviewers, thank you for giving me the reinforcement to continue playing in the universe. I appreciate you support.
Chapter 6 should wrap up this story and will be posted in about a week. It should be lighter in tone than this chapter. Hope everyone had a good holiday break.