Summary: A dragon, a Roman senator and a hawk. Who is the deadliest adversary?
Tying the Knot
The Tapestry
Day 6
The night had passed without further attack from either wolves or unicorns, so by three in the morning Mallus had declared the night watch was no longer warranted. Unfortunately, the pregnant Brina had decided sleep was more important than sex when Mallus had entered the hut and made his announcement.
Tonks and Remus, on the other side of the curtain, had fallen immediately back into sleep as Mallus' grumbling gave way to the steady breathing of slumber. But now with dawn breaking outside the hut, the sounds from the other side of the curtain indicated that Mallus and Brina's mating ritual had begun.
"Oh, bloody hell, would you put a sock in it?" groaned Tonks from where she lay beside Remus on the pallet. She turned her hair into a rainbow of color just out of spite and made as if to rise.
Remus clutched her to him before she could get up and waved his hand in the direction of the moaning couple. He spooned his body around Tonks again once things were quiet and murmured sleepily into her ear. "It's like sharing a flat with Sirius, except I never had a woman of my own in my bed."
She felt a grin lighting her face. She asked quietly as she settled against him, "You wouldn't rather have Brina?"
"Why would I want Brina? She's like my primal mother."
"But Brina is bright, beautiful--"
"Bossy."
"I can be bossy."
"Yes, but you're cute when you're being bossy, more like a Welsh corgi nipping at one's heels."
"Remus, you just called me a dog," said Tonks as she turned. She growled deep in her throat and began biting his ear lobe.
"Ah, but I fancy Welsh corgies," he said with a chuckle. He turned to muzzle her mouth with his fingers so that all she could do was emit the unmenacing growl. "And you know how to laugh--at things around you, at yourself, at me."
"Are you now calling me a clown?" Her question was clear although muffled.
"That depends. Is it better than the line about corgies?" Remus moved his hand from her mouth.
"No, Professor, you're still in the dog house." This time she began nipping at his throat.
"Wait, wait," said Remus, although he wasn't complaining about the attack. Tonks stopped her antics as he pressed her back onto the pallet and looked into her eyes.
"What I'm trying to say is that you bring color to my gray skies, Nymphadora. You are the dawn, all rosy and golden after a long, dark night with a light that brings cheer to a weary heart." He traced the moonstone at her neck and continued, "You have become Aurora personified, but most of all, you are a promise of something good waiting in the new day and I deeply cherish that promise."
"You really should kiss a woman when you're waxing so poetic about her."
"As my lady wishes," he whispered before he kissed her. There was no desperation in their contact, only the comfort of finding their safe haven in this uncertain situation.
After he pulled back, she traced his lips and asked, "Does shaving a moustache make men all gushy and romantic?"
He didn't respond, but nuzzled her neck chanting in a sing-song voice, "My Aurora, Nymphadora..."
Tonks began to giggle when he continued the ditty at her nape while his fingers strummed in rhythm at her waist. "...Nymphadora, my Aurora..."
"Or is it just the potion I gave you last night wearing off and making you a bit loopy?" she managed to ask through her laughter when she pinned his hands.
"Huh? I suppose it is," said Remus. "And here I thought I'd finally gotten the poetry right."
- - - - - - - - -
Tapestry
The Coast
"Down there, that looks like dragon droppings," said Remus as he and Mallus scanned the area. He had taken Mallus with him to search for the dragon by apparating to strategic vantage points along the coast. They now stood on a cliff overlooking the sea.
"Off on a morning hunt, I'd say. See the way the rock over there is slashed? Claw marks," declared Mallus. "I bet that's his favorite perch."
Remus nodded in agreement and set off three green sparks. Tonks should be able to direct Brina, who was on the thestral, here in no time. "Best wait for them to catch up."
Remus was about to settle back on the rock when Mallus spoke again. "I was at the top of a ridge about a week ago. I felt powerful, immortal, as if my line would extend for generations after me. That was before I knew Brina was pregnant, before you fell into our lives."
Remus stiffened at his words. "Tonks and I are here to help you win Brina."
"And why is it so important to you, Remus Lupin? Oh, yes, I heard the little chat you and Tonks were having last night. I'm still not sure what to believe."
Remus hesitated. "I am a distant relation--"
"Whose very existence depends on my success in protecting my family." Mallus sat down and indicated that Remus should join him. "Do you know my story?"
"Only what details Opis told us of--your father, your immediate family."
"The wizards of my--our family traveled with Alexander's army. Did you know that? They were stronger fighters than wizards, though. When Alexander died and the world became fractured again, they followed Ptolemy into Egypt and helped protect Alexandria. That's where they learned about controlling their magic, where they married witches through successive generations. Then the Romans came and destroyed it all. They took the wizards into their service and the name Lupinus was generated. Now here I am, the last of my line."
Remus shook his head. His past began with Mallus. "I didn't know all that. Thank you for telling me."
"I won't fail you, Remus," said Mallus. "I will protect my family."
Remus was quiet for a while, then said, "This is one of my favorite places to watch sunsets. If you go a mile in that direction, you'll find a large cavern already built into the cliffs. Large enough for a wizard to build a home, well protected and hidden from prying eyes."
"I understand," said Mallus without looking at him. "So, eventually my sons will turn out like you?" He scoffed, "You're more like Opis than you are like me."
"Is that such a bad thing?" asked Remus as he felt a lump of disappointment rising in his throat. Mallus reminded him of his grandfather.
"Ha. Without Opis I'd be dead ten times over," admitted Mallus. "Don't get me wrong, I've saved his hide in battle and on assassination attempts more than I can count--Oh, you wouldn't know about that, would you? Senator Dacien Novius likes to use his own son as a decoy when politics get dirty. I would have killed Dacien years ago except for Opis stopping me. His heart is too gentle. I just hope the times you live in allow for a man like that to live freely."
"I'm willing to fight to make sure they stay that way," replied Remus. Both men were quiet again until Remus said, "Let me show you the vanishing trick."
"Do you think you should?" asked Mallus cautiously.
"Typical of our line, Lupins do it differently from other wizards...." began Remus.
- - - - - - - - - -
"There be dragon," said Mallus as he pointed to the large green reptile that perched on the high cliffs at the seashore. Tonks and Brina had caught up to the men and the dragon had obliged by finding his perch.
"He's magnificent! His heartstrings should work beautifully," said Brina in delight.
Tonks, now with brown hair, looked up and whistled. The Welsh Greens of her time were one of the smaller dragons and did not have ferocious reputations unless abused. This one, however, could never be described as docile. The wingspan was enormous, sufficient for carrying a man on a horse. "Mean and green."
"Mallus, you're on your own on this one. Violence is clearly called for if you're after the heartstrings," said Remus.
Mallus just smirked, "I hope you like dragon meat for lunch. I'll be back in a minute."
He urged the thestral into the sky and flew at his target who had also taken flight. The dragon was as ill tempered as his adversary and sent flames rolling straight to the Centurion.
"Good work, Bram," said Mallus as the thestral quickly spiraled them out of harm's way. He quickly maneuvered behind the dragon's head then drew his sword.
Mallus called his magic into the sword he wielded and rammed it with force into the skull of the dragon. The skull seemed to implode upon impact. Mallus had to hover above the dragon as the body writhed on its downward plunge.
"Tonks, lend a hand here and help me cushion the fall. The impact could damage the internal organs," called Remus suddenly. He was still a bit weak to accomplish the task alone. "Fifty meters apart, you face north. Now."
They apparated quickly to their coordinates and moved in symmetry with their wands to create a cushion for the dragon's body. The dragon was still writhing when Mallus landed. They moved quickly to his side.
"That was magnificent," said Tonks with clear admiration.
"Three minutes. It took you only three minutes to slay a dragon." Remus felt like a boy proudly greeting his kinsman.
"Wolves aren't the only thing I hunt," said Mallus as he preened a bit. He was clearly enjoying the praises, but had to suddenly move out of the way of the tail as it whipped forward. "How long do you think it will thrash around?"
Remus shrugged lightly, but then Brina reached them and said, "See if you can get the heart before it stops beating!"
Mallus immediately took his sword to slice through the chest cavity. Tonks stepped back quickly, but Remus appeared to be taking measurements of the dragon by using his wand.
"And we should collect the dragon's teeth," added Brina as she scurried forward. She tapped her chin then added, "And the dragon claws, too. Best take some of the scales and it wouldn't hurt to get some dragon wing--"
"Don't stop now, Brina. How about the fire organs?" asked Mallus sarcastically.
"That would be wonderful. Better get them after you pull out the heart--and save some dragon's blood. It will be good for Remus. Some spleen would be marvelous and, oh, it was a male, wasn't it?"
"No, no, you can't expect me to extract the dragon b--?"
"Yes, in fact, I do." Brina's tone didn't encourage argument.
At that point Tonks looked away, although she heard Remus saying, "We'll help with the dissection."
"Wait one moment. Where do you get that 'we' are interested in butchering a dragon?" asked Tonks.
"You can help Brina pull the teeth and claws. An accio should do the trick, but it has to be one at a time."
"You've done this before, haven't you?"
"Well, yes, but this is a great chance to study a Green Giant. They were hunted to extinction so that only the smaller species survived in Wales. Think of the opportunity to advance our knowledge!"
"Do you have to look so gleeful about it?"
"I am not gleeful."
"You're rubbing your hands and you have a grin on your face. I think you're still rebounding from the potion."
"Then I might as well take advantage of it," said Remus. Then he turned to the Roman and called, "Be careful where you strike, Mallus! You'll get squirted by the g--"
Tonks winced when she saw Mallus drenched in green goo, but then she shrugged, "Remus is right. I didn't even know dragons had gall bladders."
The company set to the delightful task of harvesting the dragon. Remus soon took charge of the dissection by making precise incisions with his wand while Mallus dismembered the dragon for the locals who came to claim the meat in exchange for fish and sundry foods. Brina actually saw to carefully extracting the heartstrings which left Tonks to pull teeth and claws from the dragon.
"It looks like you have a friend, Mallus, " said Tonks as she noticed a hawk hovering nearby. It was a golden brown, but it was the markings on the tail feathers that had caught her attention. They resembled eyespots.
"Here," said Mallus to the hawk as he tossed a bit of the dragon meat to it, then he said as he pointed behind her, "It looks like you have a little friend of your own."
Tonks turned around and saw a small, blue, flying creature trying to steal the contents of her backpack. Tonks zapped the pixie's fingers with her wand and said, "Go away, you little blighter!"
The pixie would retreat for a moment, only try to distract Tonks by throwing the extracted dragon teeth at her or buzzing annoyingly at her ear.
Tonks finally waved her wand and zapped the pixie on the bottom, only to have the it swoop down to pinch her in kind. She heard Remus chuckling and glared at him. "What is so funny?"
"I didn't realize Cornish pixies used to extend this far north," said Remus with a shrug.
"Got it!" Tonks smiled in victory as her freezing charm hit the pixie who, rather than floating suspended in air, fell into a snowbank with a plop.
The day seemed bright and peaceful as the group sat around eating lunch, though they opted for the fish the local Celts brought over the dragon meat. At the end of it, Mallus threw one last bit of dragon meat to the friendly hawk and sat down by Brina.
"Phoenix feather, unicorn hair, dragon heartstrings and sundry bits. You're mine now, Brina."
"Not so fast, Mallus. We'll do this properly at the sacred grove at sunset. I already owled Oriana about it." Brina collected her specimens, waved her wand to reduce everything to fit and leapt on the thestral. "At the moment I have preparations to see to. I'm sure Remus and Tonks can help you get back to the garrison. Don't be late!"
"Wait! Brina! Brina, you get--AUGH!" Mallus turned to Remus with a sour look. "You should wise up and find a docile little weakling that you won't have to chase around."
"What would be the fun in that?" asked Remus as he saw Tonks wrestling with the Cornish pixie again.
They were in a tug of war over the backpack. Tonks tumbled into the snow as the pixie let go of the straps and cackled eerily in delight. But when Tonks rose, her skin was blue and antennae sprouted from her head in the semblance of a giant Cornish pixie. Tonks snarled with her sharpened teeth and the real pixie fled in fear with a squeak.
Tonks shook her head and resumed her typical appearance. "That's better. Are we ready to go?"
- - - - - - - -
Tapestry
Roman Garrison
Opis looked at the faces around him. Oriana squeezed his hand as he faced a surly Mallus, a weary Remus and a very skeptical looking Tonks.
"The good news is that Brina and Mallus will be wed, so let's join in a toast." Everyone raised their goblet of wine and drank. "Now for the bad news. The Senator is due to arrive this evening--"
Tonks cringed as she saw the wine spew all over Opis. Luckily Oriana just tilted her wooden spoon at her husband and the mess disappeared.
Remus pounded Mallus on the back while the man recovered his breath and asked for him, "You're certain about this?"
"Yes, the fair weather lately has allowed him to quicken his pace." Opis then turned to Mallus. "The good news is that we can use this so that he won't go after Brina. He won't be interested in a dead woman."
"Neither am I. I won't put Brina in danger, Opis."
"How about Tonks?" asked Opis and both Romans turned to look at the witch. "It shouldn't be dangerous if we time things just right."
"Tonks shouldn't--" began Remus.
"Wait." Tonks crossed her arms over he chest. "If I'm the bait, I want final say in this plan. No offense to you, Opis, but Mallus has a habit of not following your instructions."
Mallus rolled his eyes. "Just don't tell me I have to marry her as part of this ruse."
"Don't worry, we'll spare Tonks the ordeal of serving as your bride. Can you match Brina's features exactly, Tonks?" asked Opis.
Tonks merely scrunched her face in response. The sculpting was very subtle, but the effect was very successful. She used the haughty tone that characterized the witch as she removed the Wolfshadow amulet around her neck. "Take this, Remus. It will make me stand out."
Remus accepted the moonstone and patted her hand before he slipped it in his pocket. "I think she'll pass."
Mallus was frowning at the twinge of jealousy he had felt in that moment. He rubbed his forehead and said, "I can't speak for Brina. She flew off to make preparations for our wedding."
"I've got her owl. She'll know what we need her to do once I send her my reply," said Oriana.
Opis smiled at the ease in which everyone fell in with his plans.
- - - - - - - - -
Tapestry
The Grove
Two hours later, Opis greeted his father, Senator Dacien Novius. He had estimated where best to intercept the carriage on the road to the garrison and began his role in earnest. Beside Opis rode a cloaked figure with hood drawn over the face.
"Opis, what are you doing on the road? Don't you have garrison duties to attend to?" Senator Dacien looked down his patrician nose at his son.
"I'm seeing to a more sacred duty than playing soldier, Father. You've heard rumors about the Celtic witch that Mallus kept? Her name is Brina."
"So it is true," said Dacien. "Why didn't you keep me informed of this liaison?"
"Have patience, Father. I wanted to surprise you with a way to control Mallus when you came in the spring. He's gotten more belligerent since we've come to Briton. I encouraged his romance with Brina," said Opis with a smirk.
"I've been throwing women at him since he was fourteen and he's never turned one down," said Dacien. "Never kept one, either, damn him."
"But you never gave him a witch for a lover. I'm certain we can use Brina as insurance for Mallus' continued loyalty. They have a tryst tonight and I know where. I thought I'd capture Brina tonight once Mallus leaves."
"And how do you know she won't use magic against you?"
"Because of this." Opis pulled down the hood of his companion and Dacien could see a lovely blonde-haired young woman with a rope around her neck. It was tied in a hangman's noose and Opis held the end of the rope in his hands. She kept her eyes downcast and refused to look in the direction of the Senator.
"This is Oriana, Brina's precious sister, but one with very weak magic and foolishly trusting."
"You lied to me. I thought you wanted to help Mallus and Brina," spat Oriana.
"She's a perfect hostage--and I intend to keep her," said Opis as he used the back of his hand to rub Oriana's cheek. The woman shuddered at his touch and tears streamed down her face in her distress.
"These are rather devious tactics," said Dacien smoothly.
"Wizards aren't like the rest of us, Father. They're vile creatures who need to be controlled to serve our needs," said Opis as he stroked the blonde hair. "Some, like Mallus, are work horses, others, like Oriana here, are pets."
"Very good. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Opis."
"You should never underestimate me, Father," said Opis with a brilliant smile.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Tonks waited with growing impatience inside Brina's hut. It was at the edge of the grove and the smoke rising gave indication of activity within. She knew Remus could see it from his vantage point and the thought gave her some comfort.
"It's time, Mallus. Come on," she whispered. As if in answer, a horse and rider appeared. The tall man could only be Mallus.
Tonks used the skills she had developed in Auror training and held the tip of her wand as a focus point. Her view was that of a telescope as she scanned the area. The woman followed the progress of horse and rider.
The sunset turned golden as a hawk became silhouetted against the horizon. Tonks followed the flight of the raptor absently, then she suddenly gasped when it turned. "That's no ordinary hawk, that's an animagus."
- - - - - - - -
Mallus approached at a light canter, but then became confused. He saw Brina emerge from the hut before he had dismounted. This wasn't part of the plan. Or was it Tonks? He sped up to get to the woman. He reached her side and said urgently, "Brina?"
"Mallus, the hawk--"
Suddenly the horse reared at the appearance of the raptor. The talons ripped at the horse and its call sounded like sinister laughter.
"Brina!" Her name was ripped from his throat as the horse's hoofs came down on his bride.
Mallus tugged at the reins, but his magic worked against him and they snapped in half. He literally choked the horse to get it to back away from the trampled form beneath them, but the hawk made another descent.
The Roman jumped off the horse then literally wrestled it down with an armlock on its neck. He barely registered the snap of its neck. Mallus was too intent on obliterating the hawk. Instead he found himself facing Druce, who was raising his wand. The old man was blown back several feet by the force from the Roman wizard.
Mallus looked stunned for a moment as he saw the carnage below him. A body length away lay the burnt corpse of the Celtic wizard, little more than a husk remained. His magic had broken the horse's neck and the faithful animal lay dead. But the focus of the nightmare was the woman lying at his feet.
Mallus dropped to his knees, but hesitated in touching her. This wasn't the plan at all. Brina was supposed to 'die' when she tried to escape with Oriana. Was this Brina or Tonks? Surely Remus would have protected Tonks. It had to be Brina. His wife, his son were gone?
"How unfortunate. She would have been an excellent hostage, I see."
Mallus stiffened as he recognized the voice of Dacien Novius. He looked up at the man with unrestrained hatred. Opis stood by the Senator and had a horribly shocked look on his face.
Dacien's eyes barely flicked to the woman. If Mallus could find pleasure in one Celtic wench, there would certainly be others. "Opis, get him back to the garrison. I'll take Oriana in my carriage. One sister might substitute for the one lost."
Dacien walked away as Mallus watched that retreating back. He was about to attack the Senator when he felt Opis squeeze his shoulder. "We should leave now, Mallus. This didn't turn out the way I planned, but Father is right. One woman does substitute for another."
Mallus felt Opis turning his head slightly to view the hut where he caught a pinpoint of light from the tip of a wand. Brina! He contained his relief, but wondered if Remus would soon take his place in his grief.
- - - - - - - -
Remus apparated to the broken woman as soon as it was safe. There was no visible sign of breathing and he knew that he would not be able to detect a heartbeat. But was it because of the potion or a real fatal injury by the horse?
Brina stepped out of the hut and asked, "Can she be alive? I saw the horse was trampling her."
"I know," said Remus tersely. He had chanted the lamina spell to protect Tonks as soon as he had assessed the danger, but without the moonstone at her neck, he was uncertain of its efficacy.
The plan had been for Brina the Hostage to fall off the horse when she tried to escape with Oriana. A potion would have simulated death while allowing Tonks to remain in Brina's form.
Remus sighed in relief when he found an empty black potion bottle in her hand. He cringed at the sight of her precious face, but pulled a small red bottle from his pocket and dripped the antidote into her mouth.
"Are you sure that will work? Wouldn't a mending spell--?"
"Be quiet, Brina," said Remus curtly. He ignored Brina and focused his attention on Tonks. "Come on, Nymphadora, you know you hate it when I use your first name. Please, Nymphadora."
"Don't. Call. Me. That." Tonks didn't open her eyes, but got the words out painfully. She scrunched her face once at the real pain and the bruises disappeared as she took her natural form. "Damn, that hurt."
"I tried to protect you with the lamina--."
"You did, but I knew an unbroken body wouldn't be convincing. It's the morphing that hurt." Tonks allowed Remus to pull her up to sitting position.
"You're very scary when you improvise, Nymphadora Tonks," said Remus as he squeezed her shoulder. Part of him wanted to shake her for not just abandoning the ruse.
"Ouch," said Tonks as she flinched at the pressure. Remus loosened his grip, but she patted his hand and said, "I knew what I was doing. I couldn't see the shell around me, but I recognized the sensation."
"How did you know it wasn't a real hawk?" asked Brina.
"I remembered the pattern of the fletching on the hawk this morning. It had seemed too friendly then. Then when the same one turned up here, I assumed it was an animagus."
"I'll need to let his family know where to find his body. Druce used to be a great leader among my people." Brina sliced her hand to call Bram. "Tell Mallus I'll be there later as we planned."
Remus picked Tonks up in his arms as Brina mounted the thestral and flew off.
"Remus, I'm perfectly capable of standing," protested Tonks.
"Quit grousing. I won't be deprived of holding you, not after the scene I just witnessed."
Tonks put her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. "Protest revoked. Carry me away, Professor."
- - - - - - - - - -
The Tapestry
The Garrison
Three hours later Remus and Tonks waited for the company to arrive. Remus had informed the others that Tonks was well, but resting until their meeting. Opis and Oriana arrived first with Brina and Mallus shortly thereafter.
"Tonks, I am so sorry that things didn't go as planned," began Opis.
"No one expected Druce to attack Mallus, Opis," replied Tonks. "So, how successful were we? Did Dacien buy it?"
"You improvised brilliantly," said Opis. "There's no doubt that Brina and the baby are now safe. Father was lamenting the fact we didn't capture her before Mallus arrived."
"I assume my sleeping potion was effective on Dacien?" asked Brina.
"The potion worked beautifully. I left Father snoring in his room."
"The Senator fell face down in his soup," said Oriana as she twiddled with the rope in her hands. She had been the one to make the hangman's knot and was playing with knots.
"Pity you had to save him, but he is your father after all," said Mallus. He had his arm around Brina's shoulder and for once, the witch was leaning into him as if she needed the comfort.
"Now that Brina is safe, when can we expect the nuptials?" asked Remus. He was anxious to see the two bound.
"I think that in a week--"
"A week?" Oriana stood up and said, "Brina, after you made Mallus chase down all those things--and, and, not only that, but you told me Remus put his life in danger for that unicorn hair and, and Tonks was almost trampled by a horse and, and my poor husband had to act like he was mistreating me! I mean, you should keep your word and, and waiting any longer just isn't right!"
"Oriana, are you trying to tell me what to do?" asked Brina sharply.
Oriana didn't answer except to stand and lasso the couple about the shoulders with the rope she still carried in her hands.
"Oriana!" Brina was surprised and would never act against her sister. She sat there in exasperation.
The blonde cinched them together tightly and then coiled the rope around their hands and knotted it.
"If a handfast was good enough for me and Opis, it should be good enough for you and Mallus," said Oriana insistently, but then she retreated behind her husband's back with only her eyes peering over her shoulder.
Tonks and Remus exchanged a quick glance and a nod, then took out their wands as a clear sign of protecting Opis and Oriana. But the bemused look on Mallus' face clearly indicated that he was not upset at the turn of events.
"Opis, you have a most useful wife," said Mallus to his friend.
"Thank you, Mallus, I have found Oriana to be an excellent helpmate." Oriana stood up taller behind Opis now that she knew her hair wasn't going to get singed by Mallus. His attention was completely on Brina now.
"Ha! I have you now, Brina." Mallus clasped his bride's hand and said, "My wife, my son, my future."
Brina regained her composure and quirked her eyebrow. "Mallus, my husband, who do you think taught Oriana the tricks with ropes?"
Mallus waved his free hand and the rope coiled into Brina's hands. He rose with his bride and said, "Meeting adjourned. I have to attend my bride on our wedding night."
"Remember the pl--" began Opis.
"Plan, I know, stick to the plan. We'll meet at the quarry in the morning." Once they stepped outside, Mallus turned to Brina and said, "I want to show you our new home in the cliffs by the sea."
"Mallus, I don't want to spend my wedding night riding a--well, not on Bram."
Mallus smirked. "Remus showed me a trick today. I think you'll like it."
The couple disapparated with a low toned pop.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Tonks was lying beside Remus on the pallet in their assigned quarters. Remus had set an imperceptible charm that made people overlook the room, so for the moment they were warm and snug in each other's company. They were reclining with their backs against the wall as they spoke.
"I feel sorry for Opis. He kept apologizing for the plan failing, although it worked out in the end," said Tonks. She yawned widely then said, "Just one more day and we can go home."
"We've accomplished the ultimate goal of seeing Brina and Mallus wed. Now we just need to make sure Mallus can disappear without wizard hunters on his trail."
"I think I understand how you're family became so secretive. It's practically inbred, isn't it?"
"We Lupins do have our quirks," agreed Remus. His voice was sound particularly hoarse.
"How are you feeling, Remus? Do you want to drink some of the Wolfsbane potion?"
"No, I can wait until the morning. Right now you're the best prescription for getting rest," admitted Remus.
"Come here," said Tonks as she moved to settled his head against her bosom. She stroked his hair and felt him relaxing against her.
"Thank you for coming into this world. I don't think the weaver of the tapestry counted on someone willing to do that. So many things would have gone wrong without you."
"You weren't keen on having me here, Remus, even last night," reminded Tonks.
Remus sighed and rubbed his cheek against her. "I get confused between what I want for you and what I need from you. It's a habit that grows out of thinking I need to protect people from me."
Tonks hugged him tightly, then chuckled at the memory of the nuptials. "I can't believe the stunt Oriana pulled on them."
"She's certainly clever with knots."
"And very good with a lasso," murmured Tonks as she sleep overtook her. She found her favorite position against Remus and was soon dreaming. Neither one realized the way they, too, were clasping their hands as they slept.
TBC
Author Note:
There are several details to Mallus' disappearance that I couldn't afford to rush, so, there will be one last chapter. Hope to post it in a week.
The lamina spell I've used before. It transmits a protective shell around the person. The telescoping trick with the wand is not canon, but I thought it would fit with something an Auror could be trained to do. The Cornish pixies are based on their appearance in the Chamber of Secrets movie. Dragon anatomy: I doubt they have gall bladders. The Death and Undeath potions were not given a name, but with Snape's talents, I'm sure he'd be able to cook one up.
Thank you for keeping up with the story. I enjoy the warm feeling I get when I know others are sharing the fun of peeking into this world.