A/N: Hello all, sorry it's been a while but I have very nearly finished this story (only two more chapters to write!) I've written the end, it hurt me to do but it's done. After this chapter there are approx. 10 more to come, certainly no more! Now might also be time to tell you that this is going to be a trilogy. I always planned on writing a sequel, (and it will beway shorter than this!) but the idea for the third installment came to me as I wrote some of the final chapters. I can't say how long it will be, as it is still in the planning process.
As for this chapter, well it was originally planned to be set in the MOM, from Kingsley's POV. However, it was too close to 9/11 for my liking, and missed out all the details that I've now added to this rewrite, so I decided against it. Plus, I'm not so good at writing Kingsley, dunno why that is, I just don't seem to be able to put him across as well as he could be. Just a random bit of back-story for ye.
Anyway, enough babbling.Thanks for your constant support and hope you enjoy :)


Remus sat alone in the cool kitchen of Grimmauld Place, sipping at his lukewarm tea, and reading the Daily Prophet. Things had been rather quiet for the past few months, but instead of settling him, it made him uneasier. It was a sure sign of things to come. He lowered the paper with a sigh and rose to discard his beverage down the sink. Sitting back down he gave another sigh. Remus liked silence, but he had to admit that he was rather lonely. As if on cue, he heard the front door open then close, and a voice called from the top of the kitchen stairs.

"Good morning, Lupin." It was Hestia Jones, her black hair plaited neatly and her usual pink cheeks even rosier as she struggled to carry a wad of books and parchment. Remus crossed to give her a hand, taking the pile from her and placing them on the wooden table with a dull thud. She smiled at him appreciatively.

"Is Kingsley about?" she asked, taking a seat opposite him. Remus shook his head.

"No, I think he's a work. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I was supposed to meet with him. He'll show up." The pair sat in an uncomfortable silence for a brief moment.

"So," Hestia spoke up. "How's Tonks doing?"

"Good, good," he replied and the woman nodded.

"When's she due?" she enquired.

"September 19th."

"Ahh, not long now then," Hestia said with a smile. Remus had to disagree, thinking that five months was a rather long time.

"I'll be pleased when the mood-swings are over, I'll admit that." Hestia gave a little laugh at the man's honesty. "I made her a hot chocolate the other day and she began to cry because there weren't enough lumps in it. Honestly! So she made me make her another one with lumps in. Women!" he sighed shaking his head. "There's never any pleasing them. No offence."

"None taken," Hestia replied. "And what with Harry in your care now, and Hermione Granger living here, this house will soon be full."

"Yes, and I'll be wishing for a moment of peace and quiet like this."

As soon as he'd finished speaking a cool, prim but rather loud female voice filled the room from an unknown source.

"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC," the voice rang out. "THE MINISTRY IS UNDER ATTACK. WE REQUEST THAT ALL CITIZENS STAY CALM AND REMAIN IN THEIR HOMES. THANK YOU. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT…" the voice began to repeat its message. Hestia gave a worried glance at Remus.

"What's going on?" came Hermione's frightened voice as the girl skipped down the steps.

"We don't know," Remus and Hestia said together.

"Did you hear that?" she called over the loud message as it began to repeat once more.

"Yes we did, Hermione. It's ok."

"It's not ok, she said there had been an attack!" the girl persisted.

"We must send word to Dumbledore," Hestia shouted.

"No doubt he already knows…Oh we get the picture! Is there any way to turn this thing off?" he grumbled in annoyance. "Quietus!" he shouted, and the woman's voice was immediately altered to a hoarse whisper. "Women," Remus mumbled again.

Hermione took an anxious seat next to her old professor as they waited for news.

"Alrigh' there, what's goin' on?" Mundungus Fletcher sauntered casually down the stairs. His tone was not that of concern, on the contrary he sounded merely curious.

"We don't know," the two witches and wizard mumbled as the scruffy man took a seat at the table.

"Somethin's goin' down at the Ministry. 'Bout bloody time those political snobs got what was comin' to 'em!" he said almost gleefully. Hestia scowled at him.

"Some of our friends are among them Dung!" she hissed.

"And they've been doing a good job keeping you out of Azkaban," Hermione pointed out dryly. The wizard gave a shrug and put his feet up on the table, lighting a cigarette. The front door gave a bang from above, causing Hermione and Hestia to jump. Mrs. Black began to shriek and was left to do so as a fretful Molly Weasley descended the stairs, followed by her twin sons and her eldest, Bill.

"What's going–"

"We don't know," came the chorused reply.

Though stricken with fear, Molly still managed to push Mundungus' feet off the table in an authoritative manner. The front door could be heard once more. Once again they expected Dumbledore, and once again they were wrong. Minerva McGonagall hurried urgently down the steps, followed by Snape and a worried Tonks.

"Minerva, what's happening?" Mrs Weasley asked as soon as the Professor's feet reached the kitchen floor. The teacher took a deep breath before addressing the group that had gathered.

"I'm afraid there has been some sort of explosion at the Ministry."

"An explosion?" Bill asked urgently but his mother silenced him with a raised hand. Professor McGonagall continued.

"I'm not entirely sure what is happening. Albus is there right now, of course. My guess is that it was a terrorist attack of sorts. A gas explosion, they're telling Muggle officials."

Gas explosion. Remus was immediately reminded of the night the Potter's died, Sirius was imprisoned and Pettigrew…he had killed the Muggles and faked his own death. Remus went white and turned to Tonks, who had also gone very pale. Her knees buckled underneath her. She fell and was caught by the quick reflexes of Bill, who stood next to her.

"Whoa, steady Tonks." Bill moved her to a chair and set her down slowly. He looked to Hermione, who was observing the scene in horror, and she quickly fetched a glass of water. It was placed in front of Tonks but she didn't touch it, she was trembling too much to do so. Bill rubbed her back slightly, and then looked across to Remus. The man was also shivering.

"What's going on?" Bill asked.

"It's him, I know it is. It's all my fault," Tonks was whispering. A look of confusion passed along the group.

"What is Tonks?" McGonagall asked in uncertainty. Her colleague gave a hiccough and opened her mouth to speak.

"Don't Tonks," this came from Lupin, much to everybody's surprise. Tonks raised her head to look at him, tears welling in her eyes.

"I have to Remus," she whispered, though everyone present could hear. "They have to know. It's my fault."

"Keep your mouth shut!" Remus insisted with a hiss. Tonks lowered her head in shame, giving a small sob to the table.

"Will somebody explain to me what is going on?" Molly Weasley exclaimed shrilly. Tonks remained silent, as did Remus. However, a small voice spoke up from the corner.

"Peter Pettigrew," Hermione announced timidly. All eyes fell on the girl, and Remus glared at her angrily. She looked to her feet in embarrassment. Tonks gave another sob as she heard the name.

"What do you mean, Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked her student, but it was Tonks who spoke up.

"Pettigrew came to me and told me that I was to join Volde… You-Know-Who, or that I'd pay a price. Don't you see, this is a message, a warning! I have to go, I have to be there." She rose shakily from her chair and wobbled slightly. Bill put out a hand to steady her.

"Don't be ridiculous Nymphadora," Molly snapped. "You can't go to the Ministry. Especially if what you are telling us is true." Tonks spun to her.

"I have to Molly, this is all my fault. I have to help them. Kingsley's in there, and Moody maybe, I don't even know–"

"And Arthur and Percy are in there too!" Molly shouted at her, silencing her. "You're worried, we all are. But blaming yourself and running off to get yourself killed isn't going to do anybody any good. So sit down and stop feeling sorry for yourself." The woman took a loud breath, her face pink. Tonks chewed at her nails and sat back down with a huff. Remus was watching her, she knew, but she refused to meet his gaze.

"Why didn't you tell anyone, Tonks?" Professor McGonagall asked quietly. Tonks gave a shrug.

"I told Remus," she mumbled into her fingers.

"And Miss Granger too it would seem," Snape spoke up dryly. "All the important people, I see."

Tonks glared at him. "Fuck you, Snape!"

The Order members sat in a nervous silence. Hestia Jones began to tap her fingers on the wooden table, much to everyone's annoyance. Tonks was watching Dung closely as he inhaled his cigarette deeply. The temptation was too much and she reached for his unguarded cigarette case.

"Hey!"

"Tonks, don't be stupid."

"What are you doing!"

Tonks didn't listen to any of their protests, she simply put the cigarette in between her lips and struggled with Dung's Muggle lighter. When it refused to ignite, she gave a growl of annoyance and cast it aside. The vagabond leant towards her and flicked the end of the cigarette lightly with his finger, causing it to light. The breathed her thanks and took a long drag. Remus was staring at her furiously. Tonks smirked at him, and blew out the smoke in his direction, almost mockingly.

"What on earth are you doing girl? Put that out immediately!" came a voice from the top of the stairs, causing Tonks to startle and drop the cigarette.

"Oh, shit!" she exclaimed, then spun around to see the owner of the voice. "Mad-Eye!" She sprung up in relief. "You're ok!"

"Of course I'm ok," he said with a hint of indignation. "Wasn't even in the building at the time. I've just spoken to Albus, Minerva. He's on his way." The man made his way down to the kitchen and gave Tonks a playful squeeze on her shoulder. He bent down to pick up her discarded cigarette and stubbed it out.

"By all means, kill yourself with these things. Be my guest, but not when you're carrying that little one, do you hear me?" he chided fatherly. Tonks nodded.

"Have you seen our dad?" Fred Weasley spoke up. Moody turned and blinked at him as if he had only just noticed the red haired boy was there.

"Yes lad, he's fine." Molly gave a cry of relief.

"And Percy? Alastor, you've seen Percy?" the mother asked anxiously.

"Ah, no I'm afraid not Molly. But not to worry, I'm sure he's fine." This did nothing to comfort Molly at all and she broke down into tears, rambling about her guilt for not making up with her estranged son. Bill and the twins comforted her.

"And Kingsley?" Tonks persisted. Moody hesitated.

"I've not seen him, Tonks." The woman bit her lip, and ran her hands over her face. She felt tot tears stinging her eyes. Kingsley Shacklebolt was like an older brother to her. He had always looked out for her, and even put his job on the line to protect her during the incident with Bellatrix Lestrange. And now she had endangered his life, possibly killed him. Tonks felt sick with worry. She threw herself back into her seat and held her head in her hands.

The group waited silently for Dumbledore to arrive. It felt as if they were collectively holding their breath. The Headmaster finally arrived at Grimmauld Place flanked, much to Tonks' relief, by Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley. The red-headed man moved to hold his emotional wife.

"It's ok Molly, it's ok," he soothed.

"What… about…Percy?" she stuttered through staggered breaths.

"I've seen him. He's fine, he's fine," her husband assured her. Fred and George exchanged looks of relief. As much as they thought Percy to be a git, they were thankful that their older brother was safe.

Tonks rose from her seat once more, and threw herself onto Kingsley, sobbing hysterically into his shoulder.

"I've missed you too Tonks," he joked, flashing Moody a glance of bewilderment.

"I thought you were dead," she wailed, hitting him rather hard on the chest. The man winced slightly.

"Well, I'm clearly not. Merlin, Tonks get a grip," he teased, ruffling her short hair affectionately. The Order members fell silent for Dumbledore.

"There have been many casualties," the Headmaster announced. "And many Ministry workers injured. St Mungo's is struggling to keep up with its admissions. Madam Pomfrey has opened the Medical Wing to treat those with minor injuries." He took a calming breath. "A team of Auror have investigated the floor in which this incident took place, interestingly the Department of Muggle Relations, and they have reason to believe that this was no accident." He paused, surveying his listeners. "Does anyone have anything they would like to tell me?" The old man's pale blue eyes fell on Tonks and she cringed inwardly. As she was about to confess all to her employer, Remus spoke up, shocking all.

"Yes Professor, we have reason to believe that Peter Pettigrew is behind this attack." The elder man studied his friend briefly.

"And what makes you suspect this, Remus?" he enquired. Tonks opened her mouth to speak once more, but was again beaten to it.

"Pettigrew approached Tonks and threatened her. When she didn't comply with his wishes, he made it very clear to her that she would pay. And, if I might add Professor, a 'gas explosions' such as this is nothing new to us." Lupin and Dumbledore locked glares importantly before the Headmaster nodded in understanding. He then turned to Tonks.

"Anything you wish to add, Tonks?" He raised his grey eyebrows questioningly. Tonks licked her lips.

"Well… yes. Peter…Pettigrew, he… he told me that if I didn't join the Death Eaters then Hogwarts would be in danger. He said that students would suffer, that Harry would suffer! I really don't want to believe him, but I don't think he was bluffing Professor…I think we should send the students home and close the school." A stunned silence followed. Dumbledore placed a hand on Tonks' shoulder, in an almost patronising fashion.

"My dear girl, do you not think that that would be following their orders? Do not allow Peter to mislead you. To send the students home would be foolish. Where better to protect them than Hogwarts? I assure you Tonks, they are perfectly safe." He smiled down at her, but this was of no reassurance to Tonks.

"But Professor, maybe you should think about higher security at least–" Tonks began but Dumbledore cut her off with a raised hand.

"Do not worry about the school Tonks, it's not good for you in you're condition." Tonks held back an infuriated response and gave a sigh of resignation. Dumbledore addressed the room.

"We will be on our guard, as usual. And we will be investigating into this attack. But for now, I think it's best for us to remain calm and clear our heads. Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape." His two teachers followed him to the steps. Turning to the remainder of the group he nodded curtly. "I will be in touch."

That man is useless sometimes! Tonks thought in frustration, as the room dispersed. Hermione made her way quickly to her room, to avoid confrontation with Lupin. The Weasley's said their hurried goodbyes before returning to the Burrow.

Kingsley and Moody held back, and sensing the tension between Tonks and Lupin, they quickly decided to take their leave.

Kingsley passed Tonks on his way to the stairs.

"Whatever you believe, this wasn't your fault T," he whispered to her. She swallowed hard and tried to smile at him but failed. He took her hand briefly, gave it a reassuring squeeze, and then followed Moody silently up the stairs.

Remus rose from his seat and crossed to the sink, but for no apparent reason. He stared into the grimy water, watching it ripple as he placed his hands on the sideboard.

"Remus–" Tonks began hesitantly. The man didn't turn to face her.

"Go back to work, Tonks." His tone was harsh, but hearing him call her Tonks hurt her more than anything. Tonks closed her eyes wearily.

"I don't even know why you're mad at me," she pointed out quietly.

"I'm not mad–" he began with a snap, then took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'm not mad at you…I'm mad at him." Tonks frowned.

"Peter?" She saw her friend nod. Rising from her chair, she crossed over to the sink to be with him.

"I used to know him," Remus said quietly as he felt Tonks' arm snake around his waste. "I thought I knew him so well. But I'm constantly being reminded that I didn't know him at all. How could I have? … He was a good man Tonks." He looked down at her, her eyes watching him closely. She kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"I know," she whispered. Remus rested his head against Tonks' shoulder, the smell of smoke still lingered in her hair. He let a troubled sigh escape through his lips.

"He was a good man, and now…now I don't even know what he has become."