Disclaimer: The characters still J. K. R., not mine unfortunately.
Summary:
It's June on the Order of the Phoenix, and some people in Grymauld Place receive an alarming message from Snape. Harry Potter and his friends are in danger and they need to be rescued. In the middle of all that Remus and Nymphadora must face their feelings for one another.
This chapter is initially from Tonks Point of view but in the end it's from Lupin's perspective.
A Bit Of His Past
Chapter II
Don't Say It, PleaseNymphadora Tonks stood at the door of number 12, Grymauld Place and distractedly rang the bell, waiting in the calm and warm nightfall of June for someone to open it. She had received an urgent Patronus from Dumbledore just about an hour ago. She and a few of other Members of the Order Of The Phoenix were supposed to gather here, on the Head-Quarters, that same evening to talk about the strategy they had to follow now that the Headmaster was out of Hogwarts. She still couldn't believe that Dumbledore had left the castle and that the school was now in the hands of that horrible woman, Dolores Umbridge.
Finally the door fell open and there he was, a friendly smile and sad eyes looking into her face. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Remus Lupin, the man she had been thinking just before the message arrived. Well actually she had been thinking a lot about him lately. To tell the truth he didn't much left her thoughts from the time when they first met each other, but ever since he gave her that special book over Christmas, the thoughts including him increased ten times. And right then, feeling him so close, she didn't want nothing more than to just kiss him again, like she had done on Christmas day! But she knew better then to do it once more, especially outside the house; just by staying there they might be at risk. Anyway he probably wouldn't like it that much or would he? She shook her head slowly. Well Tonks didn't want to think about it just now, and in any case she wouldn't push her luck again at least until she found out how he felt about her. The truth was that she wouldn't fancy being rejected by the man she cared so much about.
"Hi Nymphadora, are you going to come in or do you prefer to stay outside?" he said with an amused expression on his endearing face. She blinked a few times while trying to put herself together and smiled back a little embarrassed. Only then she noticed she had been staring at him but shrugged the thought smartly. She wasn't one to get embarrassed easily.
"Hi Remus!" she said smiling openly at him now " You see, I don't know if I want to come in and stay locked in that creepy house for a couple of hours, boring myself to death with receiving instructions from Dumbledore, while I could very well be outside fighting a bunch of Death Eaters or… or even Voldemort himself."
"Very amusing, Nymphadora!" he retorted not smiling and looking very worried all of a sudden "Now seriously you better come in, outside it's not safe and you know it."
"Of course I know that, but that's exactly why I want to remain here!" she saw him getting increasingly pale and smiled inwardly at it. She knew how much he worried about her security and always had enjoyed needling him about her liking for dangerous situations; he always got so upset at her boldness.
"Enough talking Nymphadora, and please…"
"Are you sure you don't want to come with me for a walk?" she added smiling broadly "No one needs to know, will be back in… let's say a couple of hours when the meeting is finished!" he actually laughed at that and his eyes brightened immediately making her heart leap with joy.
"Well Nymphadora, as much appealing as your invitation is, I must unfortunately decline it!" he answered jokingly "Right now Dumbledore needs us so come in already!" he finished pulling her inside. He closed the door behind them and she sighed dramatically.
"Well if I really must to, but please don't call me…"
"Nymphadora, yes I know!" He completed her sentence laughing brightly and she laughed with him.
Tonks enjoyed the sensation of having fun with Remus Lupin, it almost looked like the old days, before Christmas, when they used to have fun together, it had been such a long time. Back then they were just like the best of friends, though she had wanted to be so much more than that. But then, after she had impulsively kissed him he, not only acted like nothing had happened but also started to get away from her. Of course she had tried to make him talk about what had happened over Christmas but he wouldn't let her and she did not insist on it, afraid as she was of loosing his friendship. But the thing was that nowadays she found it very difficult to talk to him never mind touching him, like she so desperately wanted.
Tonks followed him through the corridor regretting having ringed the bell when she heard old Sirius mum's howls, things weren't going to be easy after that and, to make it worth, she had to trip on that stupid Umbrella's stand. She instinctively grabbed Remus' arm for balance but the harm was done. The cries increased, getting louder and louder as they approached the portrait. But, although she could clearly distinguish the words Werewolf and half-breeds, she was far too dizzy with his warmness to even feel embarrassed at Moody's reproach, when he finally had got the curtains closed. She really didn't care about that when she was holding Remus' arm, and better than that, he wasn't flinching or pushing her away, he had just let her remain where she was, half-supporting her weight whenever she tripped. And she was tripping a lot that evening; bless that old house full of secrets hiding before her feet. She looked at him anxiously while they walked in absolute silence. Things seemed to be settling down between them again and she thought briefly if he was ready to talk about their newfound relationship.
"I told Dumbledore you shouldn't have come!" he said suddenly while guiding her cautiously into the kitchen where he sat her at the table "You must be too tired with this last week, I mean extra Auror work, watching over the Department of Mysteries at night…" while he talked he filled a cup of tea and offered it to her gently.
"Thanks!" she said sweetly, accepting the drink and relishing secretly on his worries for her, after all he had been still alert of all her steps, taking care of her, though from a considerable distance. "You know you shouldn't worry that much about me. I think I can handle myself, though I truly appreciate it when you prevent me from falling down every two steps I take!" she said smiling teasingly and he seemed to be controlling himself not to burst out laughing at her joke.
"This is serious Nymphadora!" he retorted while he sat next to her "Now drink the tea and stay put, Kingsley and the others must be arriving at any minute." he finished inspecting her face intently.
"I'm fine, Remus!" she protested weakly for she was much enjoying having him so close.
"Are you sure you are all right?" he asked in obvious disbelief "You look pretty tired to me!" she was indeed very tired but she wouldn't let him know about that, her pride wouldn't let her. But she felt the most amazing stirring running trough her very veins at his soft, meaningful words. She took a sip of her tea, trying desperately to control her heartbeats. He was so gentle, so sweet, so… utterly attractive. She examined his endearing features searching for any sign of response to her feelings. She studied his soft and tired eyes, the line of his handsome face and she felt the urge to run a hand through his prematurely greying hair. She wanted so much to just kiss him with all the force of her passion, he was so close searching her features for every sign of exhaustion, if she moved her head forward right then he wouldn't have time to withdrew, it would be so plain easy…
"Hey, Tonks!" Sirius had just entered the room and she jumped slightly on her chair. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you two, just go on and pretend I'm not here, after all it would not be the first time, right?" she gulped her tea quickly ignoring her cousin's amusing remark and looked sideways to Remus who seemed not to have noticed what it had been about to happen. Anyway the magic had gone, thanks to dear Sirius. "Buckbeak's much better now, Remus." Sirius finished suddenly grim.
"Good!" answered Remus smiling sadly also ignoring his friend's commentary. They were both getting used to Sirius making fun of them about the kiss she had given Remus over Christmas.
"What happened to the Hippogriff?" she asked, barely interested but wanting desperately to bring herself down to earth and steadying her accelerated breathing.
"Kreacher had happened! It was him, that looney attacked Beaky, can you believe it?"
"Well I always thought he got a huge problem, you know that!" she said trying to sound calm "The Elf's not normal, always talking alone; he's absolutely creepy."
"I totally agree with you, but as I was saying about you two…"
"Where's Dumbledore?" asked Kingsley entering the kitchen with Moody and saving inwardly the situation for Sirius seemed not willing to stop teasing them.
"His not here yet!" said Tonks very quickly still trying to regain control of herself, specially after her dear cousin's last attempt but Remus was absolutely calm "How was your day at work, I haven't seen you all day long!"
"Oh, I heard of Sirius's being sighted somewhere near Oxfordshire so I had to go and check out, you know." answered Kingsley with a bored expression. "It was a deplorable working day if you ask me."
"I believe you!" she said laughing along with the others "And… oh, by the way, I almost forgot Kingsley, Scrimgeour asked me to remember you about your report concerning the last sightings of Sirius and he was on a hurry so you better rush." said Tonks and they all laughed again at that.
"Anyway, I'm right here now and I do appreciate some help at the moment!" Sirius said smiling indulgently at them "Buckbeak must eat now, will you help me with these, Tonks?" he asked handing her a bag full of dead ferrets and he gave Lupin a provocative look when he opened his mouth surely to protest "Oh it's just some ferrets and a few steps to the attic, it's not going to kill her!"
She didn't dare looking at him, afraid of finding annoyance in his eyes, especially when she heard Kingsley laughing. But when the door closed behind her she heard Remus' sharp commentary about Kingsley minding his own business. And the last words she distinguished were still from an angry Remus who was telling Kingsley he should follow his example and take care of her at work instead of having so much fun about his concern. She felt the urge to get back there and hug him tight for being the most adorable man she had ever met but she controlled herself and, smiling slightly, she followed her cousin to the Attic tripping several times in her way up the stairs.
She admitted now it had been a mistake kissing Remus in front of Sirius but she had done it on a whim and hadn't think about the consequences right then. But the fact was she did kiss Remus in front of her cousin and now Sirius was always tormenting them about it all the time, misjudging Remus' worries about her. She didn't mind about it all that much but Remus did found it a little bit embarrassing judging by his shy reaction to it.
Once in the attic she sat the bag on an old chair and folded her arms distractedly.
"So he's alright then!" she said smiling at the sight of the poor creature clicking his razor-sharp beak roughly.
"Thanks to me yes!" But you wait, when I put my hands on Kreacher…she laughed cheerfully.
"All right then! Well I'll let you with it, Sirius! I most certainly won't fancy watching the poor Hippogriff eating those dead things." she faked a sick face while Sirius kneeled in front of Buckbeak.
"No problem, you just go down there and kiss Remus instead!" he made a dismissive gesture of his hand but did not hide his large smirk.
"Maybe I will!" she joked with a bright laugh, not looking back so that her cousin wouldn't see how much she really wanted to kiss his best friend.
Sirius might truly enjoy himself while pestering them about what had happened but he certainly didn't know how she felt about Remus, he couldn't possibly know. Remus was… Oh, she loved him so much! He was ever so nice to her. She felt instantly fascinated by him when they first met, maybe at the very first sight; and she had found out a long time ago that she had fallen desperately in love with that gentle, although sometimes aloof, man. He was definitely the most interesting man she had ever met, mature, intriguing, thoughtful, warm and kind. Besides he was strong, powerful, incredibly handsome and charming and made her feel dizzy every time he looked at her. And she couldn't help feeling proud of him, on their meetings with the Order; he was so calm, astute and prudent. He was always helpful about finding the best solution for each problem and everybody seemed to listen to his advice.
Besides they got along very well and Remus never once made fun of her. He laughed at her jokes but worried a lot about her clumsiness. And the best of all, he didn't treat her as a silly young girl like Moody sometimes did. He respected her and her work and he took her opinions very seriously.
She started to feel very attached to him and… and then he had given her that book and… she couldn't bear it any longer, she had had to kiss him. Of course she had done it on a whim but the fact was that she needed to know how it would feel, how he would react at that. And she liked his reaction; she was so sure he had been thrilled, stunned, but thrilled all the same. He might not love her the way she loved him but he liked the kiss nevertheless and that was a step forward, which was all that mattered for now.
When she was halfway down the stairs she saw Moody limping hurriedly towards her.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Something happened to Potter and his friends, you better come with me!"
Moody took her to the meetings room, where everybody was now waiting for Dumbledore to arrive. When he made her enter Remus came immediately to her.
"I asked you not to call her, Moody!" he said looking at him very annoyed.
"She's got the right to know, Remus! And I only left Sirius out because Dumbledore doesn't want him to leave the house!"
"What happened?" she asked starting to feel worried.
"Don't say a word and let me speak for you!" Remus whispered while he was sitting her on the chair next to his.
"What… why… what are you talking about?"
"Don't ask, just do as I say and don't go!" he said anxiously.
"Don't go where, what happened?" she insisted starting to feel a little annoyed at all that mystery.
"Snape sent us a Patronus, Tonks!" interrupted Moody, impatiently "Potter believes Sirius is prisoner of You Know Who on the Ministry of Magic and he probably went there with a couple of friends to rescue him!"
"But Sirius is upstairs feeding Buckbeak!" she said biting her lower lip.
"Of course he is, you and I know that but Potter doesn't, you know what that means?" asked Moody.
"Voldemort wants to catch him and deceived him!" she said furrowing her brow.
"Yes he was tricked and we must save them before it's too late." added Kingsley vigorously.
"Anyway I think we are the most fit for the situation" said Moody "and we must go now if we want to save Potter, is everybody in?"
"Everybody is in what?" asked Sirius entering the room "I thought I heard you talking about Harry. What's going on?"
"Well…" Moody told him everything ignoring the glares Lupin was giving him.
"Are you incapable of remain silent, Alastor?" asked Lupin through greeted teeth "I thought we had agreed Sirius would not be involved in this. You're not talking to the right people!" he seemed incredibly bad tempered all of a sudden.
"Now, how were you planning to deceive him?" Moody asked brusquely and Remus did not answered, he seemed very angry with Mad Eye, ever since he and Nymphadora had entered the room, which caught her by surprise. Remus was always so kind to everybody, no matter what. "Besides we need help, the many we are, the best chances we get. And just so you know I did not called Sirius because of Dumbledore's orders but now that he's here, the harm is done and we need him. Or… do you really think that you, Kingsley and I are enough for a crowd of Death Eaters?"
"We can contact the others, we have to actually!" Remus retorted angrily.
"They are all busy and anyway we don't have time." Moody and Remus were glaring at each other, and she couldn't decide which one of them was more annoyed at the other.
"Wait, wait, wait!" interrupted Sirius "Let me straight this out! Harry leaved the school thinking he was going to rescue me? And where is Snape now, hiding somewhere so that Voldemort can't find him?"
"Probably!" said Tonks with a low laugh.
"Snape said he is going to search for Harry in the Forbidden Forest, where he and certainly his friends had gone." answered Remus tiredly.
"Sure, he went there to certify himself that Harry got caught, and that's for sure! Well I'm coming too!" informed Sirius determined.
"You can't!" said Remus firmly "Dumbledore has forbidden you…"
"Dumbledore will not stop me from rescuing Harry, Remus, he can't forbidden me to do it." Remus remained silent but Tonks could sense he was getting strangely irascible; all the time sending her worried looks.
"Snape asked you to stay here and warn Dumbledore of what's happening so…" said Kingsley sensately.
"Oh, he said that, did he, that Snivellus? Well I'll go!" said Sirius very loudly as to make himself clear.
"Snape's right on this Sirius!" stated Lupin steadily.
"And since when do I listen to Snivellus?"
"It's for your own good Sirius, your security is at stake!"
"I'm going with you, there is no way I'm staying behind like a coward while you lot rescue Harry… and that's my final word, Remus." Sirius finished brusquely for his friend seemed to have yet a word to say about it.
"Fine, I can't stop you anyway, right?" Remus said resigned.
"That's right you can't!" replied Sirius happily.
"But she's not going!" Remus continued pointing emphatically at Nymphadora, his breathing heavy, his eyes shinning with determination and she looked at him mouth agape "I…I mean she can't go it's too dangerous and…"
"What, why can't I go?" she asked completely dumbfounded.
"Because you can't, Moody shouldn't have warned you on the first place." Remus retorted suddenly in a firm tone of voice. "And I've just told you it's too dangerous, you're not in condition to…"
"She's an Auror!" interrupted Sirius smirking sarcastically and Kingsley actually laughed at that.
"Yes, Sirius is right, Remus" said Moody in agreement "She's an Auror, and one of the best, if you really want to know!" Tonks appreciated the unexpected complement, specially coming from Mad Eye Moody but she was too taken aback to make any remark "And in case you haven't noticed she's here to fight and she is as Member of the Order as you are!" Remus looked at them gloomily, it was obvious he had been left without anything to say to argue that. And she was by now far too interested in his protests to say anything at all.
"Well!" he said as though suddenly a brilliant idea had come to his mind "If you go Sirius she must stay and tell Dumbledore what's happening!" at that she found her voice again.
"I want to go Remus and I'm not staying here!" she said loud enough for waking Sirius' mum "Do not even think about it for one second, there is no way I'm staying behind waiting for Dumbledore to arrive!" she finished with a stern look on her face.
"I thought I told you to remain silent!" he told her firmly through gritted teeth and gave her a warning look "You're tired, your reflexes aren't on their best today so you better stay." Although she was flattered by his concern, even though his words were making her feel amazingly well she was not about to stay behind. But she didn't have the time to tell him this because Moody interrupted her thoughts.
"She's just fine Lupin!" he said at once "She's young and a few sleepless nights will not weaken her, there's nothing to worry about"
Remus remained silent once more and Tonks didn't know what to think. Why was he so upset about her work? she thought a little annoyed for she agreed with Moody about not being weak at all. She knew for sure he believed in her capabilities so… It wasn't like he had feelings towards her and certainly not the same feelings she had towards him. Then why was he reacting like that, unless… Well she had been thinking lately on why he had given her a very special gift, she felt her heart warm at the mere thought. And she was sure he had liked her kiss and actually he had been acting quite differently towards her ever since she kissed him over Christmas, she smiled inwardly with the recalling. And after that she had caught him observing her many times, a strange expression on his face, though he had concealed it well.
But anyhow they still remain just friends, at least to him, wasn't it? Well at least he was still the same friendly man, he had never complained when they went on missions together but somehow he was a little bit more distant, like he was trying to avoid her when it wasn't strictly necessary to be in her company. She felt very sad about that, she wanted to be near him, though she was getting the wonderful impression that he was running away from her because he liked the kiss probably a little to much. That felt good, she had loved that man probably from their first talk with each other about a year ago, he was everything, she ever wanted and so much more. And though she had ever thought he would never look at a girl like her because he was so mature she was starting to think that maybe, just maybe…
His gift, his precious gift… that had been just so… Sirius said he wouldn't give the book to anyone and he gave it to her, that had been so…
"Then, if neither of you is willing to stay who's remaining here to alert Dumbledore?" asked Kingsley worried and interrupting the rambling of her thoughts.
"Kreacher can stay to tell Dumbledore!" suggested Sirius determined.
"Yes!" she said with a sigh of relief "Kreacher's the right choice!"
"Well I still think you should stay Nymphadora and…"
"You're not using you're impartiality here Remus!" observed Moody his blue eye rolling madly "I know you care about her, we all do, but you can't protect her forever." he said grudgingly.
"We must go now!" interrupted Nymphadora because Remus seemed to have a response to that and she didn't want him to find any strong reason for her to stay "We have to go, Harry, Ron, Hermione and the others they took with them are in danger, remember? And we are wasting time here discussing who must and mustn't go!
"Your absolutely right, Nymphadora!" said Moody showing a sudden respect for her steadiness over Remus's pleads for her to stay "We better go, Potter and the others are risking their necks, right now."
After that they all left the room hurriedly without a word but Remus grabbed Tonks firmly by the arm and pulled her back when they were just outside the door. He was steadying her in place but the shivers that ran up her arm at his touch made her almost stumble against the wall.
"Stay here!" that was an order but she was not about to obey.
"No, I won't!" she planted her feet firmly on the ground as to show her resolution.
"You can't do this, Nymphadora it's too dangerous!"
"No it's not, you heard them I'm an Auror! You always believed I was a necessary member of the Order of the Phoenix, what happened to that… and why is it that you care, anyway?" she said softly "Tell me the truth, why is it that you don't want me to go?
"I don't want you to get hurt, that's why!"
"So? I don't want you to get hurt either! But that's a risk we're taking being in the Order, plus I'm an Auror; you know what that means? I'm not afraid of risking everyday!" she paused thinking hard "Look I want to help Harry, I want to fight, if I didn't I would not have become an Auror don't you think? I would not persist of making part of the Order!"
"Can't you see? You can't go and rescue the youngsters Nymphadora, it's too dangerous, there are going to be Death Eaters and probably… probably Voldemort, you just can't!"
"But… but Remus" she was smiling indulgently, feeling so perplexed that she didn't even corrected him about her name. "I-Am-An-Auror, what do you think my job is? Do you think a bunch of Death Eaters is going to stop me? Look I am no child; I'm not playing games here! I join the Order of the Phoenix for a reason, to try and stop Voldemort and there is no way you're going to stop me from rescuing…
"This time we might have to fight Voldemort himself, haven't you heard me!" he stopped her middle sentence.
"So what, you think I'm not capable enough to fight Voldemort?"
"It's not that, I know you are an excellent professional, it's just that… you and Sirius should stay, that's all!" she remained silent trying to gather her thoughts, this was just so amazing, the way he was fighting to assure her safety.
"Why do you care that much about me?" she said trying desperately to understand "I mean, you didn't try to convince the others to stay! You accepted Sirius' decision without putting a fight, at least I'm not seeing you insisting with him to stay."
"I can't stop him!" he replied dryly.
"You can't stop me either, you know?" she said stubbornly, raising her eyebrows defiantly.
"No I can't!" he slowly agreed sounding desperate and she peered into his eyes, they were full of worry, care, anxiety and… and… her breathing came out a little faster with the increasing of her heartbeats because of what she had seen and she moistened her lips trying to maintain her resolution.
"So, you haven't answered my question, why do you care?" she said very softly, though she already knew the answer for that she was hoping to hear it from his lips.
"Nymphadora I…" she was getting dangerously close to him and he backed out instinctively.
"Is it maybe because…" gathering all of her self-confidence she kissed him softly and ever so slowly, almost featherlike and he took in a ragged breath "… you and I are…" she made it to kiss him again but he withdrew just in time to prevent her lips to touch his.
"Don't say it please!" he whispered desperately, his eyes pleading.
"Why, does it make it any untruthful!" she asked firmly searching his face for the answer but he lowered his eyes.
"No but…"
"Then why, answer me, why can't I go and help rescue Harry, the son of one of your best friends?" she lifted his face within her hands, so that she could look deep into his eyes "Because if you don't give me a strong motive… well I will go all the same but at least I could ponder your reasons. I mean it's very sweet of you. I also care about you… a lot if you want to know, but… please try to understand, I must go, all of us must, Harry needs us!"
"I know but…"
"Why Remus, tell me!" he did not answer right away and she could sense him thinking furiously to find an appropriate response to that. She waited anxiously not daring to smile at his hesitance.
"I don't have anything to say!" he murmured clearly unhappy while he took her hands gently from his face. He closed his eyes briefly and than lifted them up to the old ceiling. Her expectations fell to the ground and she felt like yelling at him for being such a calm and under controlled person. How could he say something like that when she could see in his eyes, right then, she could feel it in her very heart actually that he liked her, loved her even.
"Then there is nothing else to discuss Remus, I'm going, end of conversation!" she took a step forward but he grabbed her hurriedly by the arms steadying her again on place.
"No wait!" he said hastily "Don't do this to me, Nymphadora! I don't want you to go because…" he paused and she waited patiently praying secretly that he would say it out loud but when he said nothing she smiled sadly.
"We better get going, the others are waiting for us!" she made it to leave again but his grip on her arms increased a little bit, preventing her from set off.
"Because… because…" his eyes were glassy, lingering on her face, he stopped longingly in her eyes and then without a warning he wound up kissing her. The ground vanished from under her feet as she closed her eyes and let the feeling wash over her. Finally he was kissing her and it was the best thing ever, it was simply overwhelming, his tenderness. She corresponded immediately, throwing her arms around his neck for she was afraid to fall down from the force of what she was feeling, of what he was making her feel. He then grabbed her face between his hands and caressed her cheeks softly, tenderly, endearingly really and she felt tremors running up and down her skin. He kissed her with such intensity that made her almost falter and she clang to him in a desperate attempt to make them melt together. She had never felt anything like that before, all the warm and sweetness of that kiss were making her blood boil and it was killing her.
But then he pulled back abruptly, looking abashed about what he had just done. He was breathing heavily, his eyes shining strangely in the weak light that was bathing the room and she moaned in protest while she was trying to pull him back but he stopped her with obvious difficulty.
"I'm not going to stay here while you risk your life!" she whispered after a brief moment when she had been trying to catch her breath, absolutely stunned and still clutching the front of his robes that she had grabbed to prevent him to run away. He nodded miserably and closed his eyes for a split second.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have done that!" he said in a very low voice releasing himself gently from her grip. She wanted to say he had just done the right thing but a sudden cough brought her to the cruel reality.
"When you two have resolved your… issue, we have to get going!" leave it to Moody to interrupt them right then, she thought angrily for he was looking at them and it seemed he disapproved of that kind of actions in such a delicate moment. Remus looked at her apologetically; probably ashamed of getting her caught in such a situation like that one and then turned his back to her in order to leave.
"Wait Remus I…"
"Don't say it!" he commanded sadly, without even looking back.
"But I do, and so do you thus it doesn't make sense to just ignore what…"
"We must go!" he interrupted striding in heavy paces past Moody and leaving her behind.
"Are you coming or not, Nymphadora?" Moody asked between upset and worried.
"Yes!" she said through greeted teeth "And don't call me Nymphadora!"
She was very angry with her colleague right now. It had been their first shared kiss, and they had to be interrupted, by no other than Moody. He was the one who less seemed to appreciate their relationship.
Well she had to thank Sirius for being so discrete about what had happened. But the thing was that her dear cousin hadn't kept his mouth shut always making remarks about the kiss, and somehow a few members of the Order seemed to know about what had taken place on Christmas day. She didn't know for sure, how many people were aware of what had happened but, by the look of things, sooner or later everybody would know.
She knew for sure that Molly and Arthur were happy about it, probably imagining what could happen next; Kingsley found it one of the most amusing things in the world but Moody seemed to be a bit worried. But of course being, as he was, a paranoid he was always worried about everything. She deduced he probably was concerned about them neglecting their duties to the Order because of what they felt for one another; or that they both might be at risk if they worried about each other in every mission; or any other nonsense that was always crossing his mind, who knew. Anyway despite all that he seemed to find it a little bit funny nonetheless, but right then he wasn't satisfied, not at all.
"… She must go if she wants to…" Sirius was saying to Remus when she joined them in the corridor and suddenly he paused and looked from Tonks to Remus sniggering openly "Now that I think about it, what were you two doing alone out there? Remus how were you convincing her to stay, were you…"
"Right now we don't have time for jokes, Sirius!" Remus interrupted when he sighted Tonks on the threshold of the door.
"Don't you dare putting her down because of me!" Sirius continued while he laughed extremely amused, not at least intimidated by her presence. "First of all it's not my business and anyway I don't have anything against it, in fact it would be very nice to have you in the family.
"Shut up, Sirius!" Remus said brusquely. Sirius' laughing increased to the double at his best friend's annoyance but she felt like hugging him when she heard her cousin talking like that. She liked it very much though the only thing she felt right then was the warmness Remus had left on her lips.
If Remus Lupin thought he would escape her, he was terribly wrong. She wasn't one to give up and she would fight to the end for his love. He was going to be hers no matter what, she decided with a smile. After all the fact that he couldn't fight the urge to kiss her was saying something about Remus Lupin, the man who always got a grip upon his actions, and feelings by the way.
They apparated in front of the vandalized cabin, which gave entrance to the Ministry and Remus guided the others quickly into the tiny cubicle; they haven't got much time. He was trying very hard not to think of what had just happened but it was very difficult since he was still feverish about it. He had kissed her, oh and the way she kissed him back it had been so sweet and intense and so… perfect. He shouldn't have done that, he repeated to himself reproachfully though his heart was still roaring in wonder with her response and he wanted nothing more than to turn back time and kiss her over and over again. But worse than he's daring was that she almost had said it, she almost said she loved him and he almost confessed he felt the same way and none of them should do that.
But right then he didn't want to think about it, he must keep sane and he wouldn't if he kept thinking about Nymphadora. He must fight for him, for her and for Harry, Ron, Hermione and the others.
Seconds later they were inside the Ministry running to the elevators and descending to the Department of Mysteries where, he was sure the group of students would be. He had been convinced that there must have been a guard inside the Ministry but Nymphadora assured him the man was a little bit careless on his duties, specially when he thought nothing strange was going to happen in such a beautiful night like that one.
When they arrived to the circular room, which would lead them to the Department of Mysteries itself, they looked at each other and to the many doors, trying to decide which one would lead them to Harry. It was everything dark when the walls around them started to move. He felt Nymphadora's hand on his arm when the candles, running fast, made the room speed on a blue blur. The only thing he noticed though was that her warm hand was sending waves of heat up his arm. As soon as it stopped Lupin chose the front door. He entered the room with his wand at ready and Nymphadora followed his tracks breathing very close to him with her wand also in her hand. He tried to ignore her closeness, which was making him shiver slightly and as soon as his eyes got familiarized with the bright light inside the room he perceived that they were on the right way.
"They were here!" he murmured astonished.
"Yes and they were not alone!" said Nymphadora bypassing him and inspecting the room with her accustomed Auror's eyes. "They had a fight here, look at this mess!" she finished freeing herself from the grip of Remus' hand when he tried to pull her back to him.
"Nymphadora!" he called out all his senses alert.
"Don't worry, there's no one here anymore!" she said unnervingly calm, stepping over the broken clocks and time turners while she inspected the ground before her. "Oh Merlin, someone's hurt, look there's blood on this cupboard!" she said pointing at it. "Let us hope it is a Death Eater's."
"If they touched any of them I'll…"
"Let's search over there!" said Remus interrupting Sirius, now more than worried about the kids, and he tried another door.
"Oh my, this must be the prophecies room!" said Nymphadora with a low whistle and hurrying trough the shelves full of glass globes. Remus was getting extremely nervous about her daring and grabbed her arm again.
"They are not here!" grudged Moody watching them intently and Remus freed her arm immediately as it had burned him. He could sense Moody had not approved their acts of that same evening but right then he had more urgent things on his mind to worry about.
"Do you think Harry's got the Prophecy?" asked Kingsley stepping forward.
"That's not important right now, is it?" answered Remus still watching Nymphadora intently.
"Let's go back!" said Sirius leading the others to the way out but, as soon as they re-entered the room of time, a wailing figure came running towards them and five wands pointed to it immediately. Remus arm flew on its own accord into Nmphadora's direction to protect her. But the person was just a creepy Death Eater whose head had become a baby's returning to normal once in a while. Remus felt the girl behind him shudder in horror and let her go, breeding freely when the creature disappeared through the door of the prophecy.
Hurriedly they got back to the circular room, which once more rotated. Remus chose another door and there they were, when he pushed the door open he saw Harry… and Neville but he couldn't see the others. Lucius Malfoy, who was nearest Harry, pointed his wand in astonishment but Nymphadora hexed him without a hint of hesitation and Remus couldn't help but admiring her professional skills, though adorably clumsy she was. Immediately Dolohov sent a jinx at Nymphadora and without even thinking he pulled her out the way. Remus was terribly afraid for her security but… the fight had begun with the Members of the Order descending the steps of the room and he had to rescue Harry.
Anyway unknown people were attacking him and he trusted her skills. So he hexed Dolohov in retaliation for trying to get Nymphadora and sent him flying backwards with the force of his spell. He then descended the steps so that he could join the others on the ground. Bellatrix Lestrange was sending jinxes in all directions and when she saw him she tried to hex him. He blocked the spell easily but not after he heard Nymphadora screaming his name in a way that made his heart leapt in amazement for the way she worried for him.
"Remus!" she called out again this time in relief and he couldn't help but to turn around to watch her starting to descend the steps, a determined look on her beautiful face, sending furious hexes against Bellatrix.
He couldn't be more terrified and flattered at the same time by the passion he could see in her small and amazing black eyes. He hesitated but she seemed to be doing very well maintaining Bellatrix occupied in trying to defend herself against her niece's fury and retaliating ever since she could, but Nymphadora wasn't letting her do much. That was his girl he thought feeling very proud of her so he muffled his preoccupation and concentrated on what he had to do, save Harry and the others. Kingsley was fighting two Death Eaters at the same time when he bypassed him trying to reach Harry but Mulciber came on his way and he fought him fiercely. He must got rid of him, the soon he did it, the soon he could save Harry and bring Nymphadora out of there.
When Remus saw that Harry was being attacked by Dolohov he ran towards him but Mulciber didn't gave him the chance and Rabastan also appeared. He got down to protect himself against a jinx that flew in his direction, coming from anywhere near him, and then he hexed Mulciber. Rabastan did not prove very difficult to knock out of combat and when Lupin saw Lucius Malfoy attacking Harry and Neville again he made Rabastan fell and ran onto the boys direction, jumping so that he came between them and Malfoy.
"Harry take the others and RUN!" he said and started fighting Lucius Malfoy with all his strengths. Suddenly Malfoy slithered away from him and started to scream along with others.
"Dumbledore!"
Remus looked up and there he was, Albus Dumbledore, and he was utterly furious. The chaos began all of a sudden with everybody screaming or trying to run away but Dumbledore wouldn't let them go, of course. Only Sirius and Bellatrix were still fighting by now. Suddenly she hexed him and, with a stunned look, he flew behind the veil that was in the room. All of a sudden Remus understood where they had been fighting, this must be the death room. His best friend had just… just vanished in front of his eyes and he hadn't done anything to stop it. He had never felt so shocked in his life. He had seen it… and… and… Harry ran calling for his Godfather.
"Sirius, Sirius!" of course the boy wouldn't fully understand what had just happened. Remus was feeling numb and hopeless but call out his last strengths and grabbed Harry, pulling him back and steadying him in place when he was preparing to run.
"There is nothing you can do Harry…" he said sadly, still facing the veil.
"You go there and get him, save him, he only passed to the other side!" Harry said, sounding desperate and Remus closed his eyes helplessly.
"It's too late, Harry!" he said not recognizing his own voice.
"We still can save him!" Harry was fighting violently to get himself free but Lupin did not let him go, he would not loose two people in the same day; that was the last thing he needed.
"There is nothing you can do, Harry… nothing… he left us!" Remus was trying to convince him that his Godfather had died but Harry was not about to believe his words and continued calling out for Sirius while fighting furiously to break free, but Remus wouldn't let him go. It was painful watching this boy denying the dreadful truth; he was also still astounded by what had happened. It was being difficult enough for himself and he felt horribly for Harry.
The Jinxes went on all of a sudden and he grabbed Harry dragging him away from there but he was still fighting to follow Sirius through the veil. Dumbledore made it to reunite the best part of the Death Eaters that were now tied up by invisible ropes. Remus was still grabbing Harry by caution despite he had stopped fighting and helped Neville, freeing him of the spell someone had put him under, while he talked to him soothingly. He was in an unbelievable pain while he dragged the two boys away from the veil intending to find the others. He had lost his remaining friend… he was left alone again; he had nothing left except for… Nymphadora. He wanted so much to have her in his life, he needed her right there soothing his pain but he couldn't, he wouldn't do this to her, he…
Remus was shook out of his thoughts when Harry pulled violently, getting finally free from the limp grip he had on him and ran after Bellatrix, who had apparently just fled away.
"Harry no…" Remus called out "Harry!" but the boy was beyond comprehension, right then. He ran after him but Dumbledore stopped him.
"I'll go! People need you here!" Remus agreed silently, he still wanted to follow Harry but suddenly his eyes fell on a small figure fell on the ground and his heart sank in horror. It was…
"Nymphadora!" he called out feeling his heart hammering hard on his chest and he ran to her blindly, ignoring everything else around him. It was all a blur around her body, she was all he could see and he heard no sound except for his accelerated and heavy breathing and his aching heartbeats. Not her please, not her!
He fell to his knees at her side pushing inwardly Moody aside and touched her pale face with his shaking hands. She was warm and he could feel her pulse. A warm relief wash over him replacing the cold fear that had overwhelmed him. He felt the blood, which had frozen in his veins, running freely again and warming his shivering body, he had never felt so frighten in his whole life.
"Nymphadora!" he whispered desperately "Nymphadora!" he called louder shaking her gently but she remained unconscious so he lifted her head delicately from the ground.
"She is alive and she's fine!" granted Moody "Hey Remus, she is fine!" he said louder since Lupin was completely out of control. But he stared at his colleague still half-hallucinated by fear and did not answer; he just picked her up gently from the ground.
"Kingsley, let's found the others, you stay here!" he said to Moody when a bunch of people from the Ministry started to arrive. With Neville's help they found Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna Lovegood but he was too worried about the girl he had in his arms to pay much attention on their complains. "You take care of them!" he said before he left them with Kingsley and disapparated to Saint Mungus with the most precious thing he had ever had in his life, his only hope of ever being happy… the girl he must never ask for himself.
A/N- Once again I want to thank everyone who reviewed my first chapter, Mute Mockingbird, Immi, Elastigirl, Alli-Baby, Lorelai the Voldermort Slayer, Godsgracie12, Loonyluppykelly and a special thanks to Kara (Courtney) who's giving me so much support. I hope all you lot had also enjoyed this chapter. It's because of all of you that this story continues, the ones who liked it and even asked me to go on. Now if you please read and review. Meanwhile I'll be busy with the next chapter.