Chapter 17 – Tonks's Fate

Harry rushed over and threw his arms around Remus. They hugged each other tightly, like father and son.

Harry pulled back and stared at his godfather. Remus's face was drawn. Fresh lines seemed to have appeared across his face, and his eyes looked sad. Harry's throat tightened.

"Is it Tonks?" Harry asked, his voice cracking with emotion.

Remus shook his head slowly. "I don't know. Dumbledore asked me to come here. He didn't say why."

Harry looked around the room. Professor McGonagall had disappeared, leaving Remus and Harry alone in the office. Harry returned his gaze to Remus.

"You should sit down," Harry said, ushering Remus to a chair. "You look pale."

Remus smiled softly. "Aren't I supposed to take care of you?"

Harry smiled. "We take care of each other."

Remus nodded and sunk into the chair. He put his head in his hands. Harry stared at his godfather. As much as Harry cared for Tonks, he suspected that Remus's feelings for her ran much deeper, although Remus had never admitted it to Harry. Harry's heart ached for his godfather as he sank into the chair beside Remus.

They sat silently, their still bodies belying the frantic pace of their minds. They had both been summoned, and now could do nothing but wait.

Harry stared at the scarlet quill on Dumbledore's desk. The deep red of the feather seemed to burn brightly as the light of the afternoon sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow into the room. Harry felt anything but warmth as his stomach clenched painfully once again.

A flash in Dumbledore's fireplace caused both Remus and Harry to jump. Two revolving figures appeared, one seeming to carry the other.

Dumbledore stepped forward with Tonks in his arms. Harry's mouth went dry.

Tonks was in bad shape. Harry could see a deep gash near her left temple, which seemed to go down to the bone. Her right cheek was scratched heavily and the white of her right eye was red with blood. Her left arm was strapped across her chest and was bent at a funny angle. There was blood all over her robes.

Remus rushed forward as Dumbledore set Tonks gently on her feet. She swayed slightly, gripping Dumbledore's arm with her right hand. She turned her gaze to Remus and smiled, painfully. "Hey, Wolfman," she said, her voice barely audible and scratchy.

Remus's eyes filled with tears as he stared at Tonks. He turned to Dumbledore. "What do we need to do?"

"I believe Minerva has prepared my guestroom for Tonks. Madam Pomfrey is waiting there to tend to her. Harry, if you could help Remus take her upstairs."

Harry stared at the staircase that rose behind Dumbledore's desk. He had always wondered where it led. He was about to find out.

Remus scooped Tonks up into his arms, ignoring her protests that she could walk. Harry followed behind.

Professor McGonagall met them at the top of the staircase. "This way," she said.

Harry followed them down a narrow hallway. The walls were a dark mahogany and were bare of any pictures. McGonagall led them past several doors before opening a door on the right.

This room was startling bright compared to the dark hallway. A four-poster bed took up nearly the entire room. It was covered in a thick white quilt, and at least a dozen pillows. Madam Pomfrey was waiting beside the bed.

"Put her here, dear," Madam Pomfrey instructed Remus, turning down the covers on the bed and shifting some of the pillows aside.

Remus walked over and gently placed Tonks on the bed. He stepped back to let Madam Pomfrey do her work. She worked quickly, mending the broken arm and the deep gash across the temple. She ordered Harry and Remus to turn around as she removed Tonks's bloodied robe and replaced it with pajamas. She then fed Tonks several potions and cleaned her scratches before stepping aside.

Madam Pomfrey turned to Remus. "I'll be back early this evening to check on her. Try to keep her comfortable, and don't let her do anything unnecessary."

Remus nodded and thanked Madam Pomfrey as she left the room. He turned to Tonks.

"How are you doing?" he asked, sitting down softly beside her.

Harry stood awkwardly near the door, not sure why Dumbledore had sent him up with Remus, and feeling as though he were intruding on a private moment between Remus and Tonks.

Tonks smiled. "I'm fine. Just a few scratches."

Remus shook his head, his eyes filled with tears. "You gave us quite a scare."

Tonks reached up and caressed Remus's cheek. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

Harry really felt like he shouldn't be there.

Remus ran his eyes over her bruised and scratched face. "Do you feel like talking about it?"

Tonks shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. "Not yet."

Remus nodded and ran his fingers lightly across her unscratched cheek. "How about some sleep?"

Tonks nodded, blinking her tears away. "Sleep would be nice."

Harry backed slowly towards the door.

Remus leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I love you, Tonks."

Harry froze.

Tonks grinned at Remus. "So this is what I had to do to get you to admit it."

Remus laughed softly, and then kissed her again. "Sweet dreams."

"Only of you," she replied, closing her eyes and smiling.

Remus walked past Harry and out the door. Harry followed him out, closing the door softly behind him. Remus took a few steps down the hall, and then fell to his knees.

Harry ran forward and crouched beside Remus on the floor. Remus was holding his head in his hands. Harry put his hand on Remus's back, consolingly.

Remus's shoulders shuddered as he took a ragged breath. He lifted his pale, drawn face to Harry's. "I thought I had lost her."

Harry's throat constricted as he stared into his godfather's eyes and saw pain, fear, and relief. Harry's throat burned. He fought to find his voice.

"Tonks is going to be okay," Harry said hoarsely.

Remus nodded, staring at the floor. "I don't know what I would do without her."

Harry smiled. "I thought there was something going on with you two this summer."

Remus smiled at Harry. "I have no idea what she sees in a shabby old bachelor like me."

Harry grinned at Remus. "Old? No. Shabby? Yes. What is she thinking?"

Remus shoved Harry lightly.

Harry laughed, and then said seriously, "You're one of the kindest and most generous people in the world, Remus. She sees that."

Remus shook his head. "Whatever it is, I consider myself lucky." Remus rose to his feet. "Let's find somewhere a bit more comfortable to sit."

Harry stood up and followed Remus back down the hallway. Remus paused at an open door on the right and peered in.

"Ah, Remus," Dumbledore said. "Please come in and sit down."

Harry followed Remus into the room. It was a small room, with three couches set in a U-shape in front of a large fireplace. The room was inviting and comforting. Dumbledore stood in front of the fireplace with McGonagall.

"Minerva and I have some business to attend to. Please make yourselves comfortable," Dumbledore said, pointing to the couches. He studied Remus over his half-moon spectacles. "How is Nymphadora, Remus?"

Remus cleared his throat. "She will be fine. She's resting right now."

Dumbledore nodded. "She's been through more than most could survive. It will take some time."

Harry swallowed hard as he glanced at Remus, whose lips were pressed into a thin line and his forehead was creased deep with worry.

Dumbledore inclined his head toward Remus and Harry. "Please excuse us. I will be back shortly." Dumbledore walked toward the door, but paused beside Harry.

"I'll leave him in your capable hands," Dumbledore said softly to Harry, nodding his head in Remus's direction.

Harry nodded. "Yes, Professor."

Remus had already moved to one of the couches where he sat silently staring into the fire. Harry moved to the couch opposite of Remus and sat down.

"Can I get you anything, Remus?" Harry asked.

Remus shook his head. "No, thanks."

They sat silently once again. The fire crackled and popped merrily. Harry stared into it, finding the gentle flicker of the flames soothing. His thoughts moved to Remus and Tonks, and the conversation he had witnessed between them.

Harry looked at Remus. "So, that was the first time you told Tonks you love her?"

Remus's eyes darted to Harry in surprise. Remus ran his hands through his hair. "Yeah," Remus sighed. "I wish I had said it sooner. It shouldn't have taken something like this for me to say it. I don't know why I never told her."

Harry watched his godfather with interest. Harry would never claim to have any expertise in the area of love, and he was intrigued by Remus's openness with him.

Remus continued. "I guess I was scared. Scared of what, I'm not sure. I've lost so many people that were close to me, I guess I thought by denying my feelings for her it would hurt less if I did lose her." Remus's voice began to shake. "Nothing prepared me for this. When Dumbledore told me that she had been taken …"

Harry's eyes burned as he listened to Remus. Harry had his own pain and losses, all of which Remus shared. Harry, however, could not imagine losing someone he was in love with.

Remus shook his head. "I was so grateful that Dumbledore was there. He has a way with words that no one else does."

Harry nodded his head, thinking of the many times Dumbledore's words had comforted him. "That he does."

Remus looked at Harry and smiled. He leaned forward, "So … when are you going to get a girlfriend?"

Harry's mouth dropped open as he felt his face burn. "Oh…I…er…I don't know."

Remus prodded. "Anyone in mind?"

Harry shrugged, his face feeling as though it were on fire.

Remus nodded, "And her name is?"

Ginny.

Harry shook his head in shock. Bloody hell! What are you thinking, Potter? Have you gone completely mad? Where is this coming from?

Harry swallowed and answered Remus.

"Parvati."

Remus raised his eyebrows and smiled. "I remember Parvati. She's a very nice girl."

Harry nodded, pushing his aberrant thoughts of Ginny aside. "I've been spending a lot of time with her lately."

Remus leaned back on the sofa, folding his arms behind his head. "I'm happy for you, Harry." He then frowned. "It's funny though. I've always thought you'd get together with --"

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Dumbledore said, gliding into the room. He glanced at Harry and Remus. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Remus shook his head. "No, Professor. I've just been harassing Harry about the women in his life."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Harry. "Is that so?"

Harry shot a glance at Remus as his face turned red once again.

Dumbledore sighed. "I'm sorry to put an end to your fun, Remus. I'm afraid the news I bring will be a stark contrast."

The room fell silent. Remus and Harry leaned forward in their seats, their eyes on Dumbledore. Dumbledore settled himself on the couch facing the fireplace.

Dumbledore took a moment to survey Harry and Remus before beginning. The usual sparkle in his eyes absent.

"I must warn you. The events of last night are among the worst I have ever heard. It is difficult enough to know, and even harder to tell."

Harry and Remus nodded and swallowed.

Dumbledore began. "As you know, Remus, Nymphadora and Kingsley were assigned to investigate the lead the Ministry received about a possible meeting place for Voldemort and his Death Eaters."

Remus nodded.

"This meeting place was said to be an abandoned warehouse in a muggle neighbourhood. If Voldemort wanted to remain in hiding, a muggle-surrounded warehouse would be the last place we would look. When we realized this, we thought it was brilliant on Voldemort's part. Rather than suspecting the information to be wrong, we credited him with being so clever as to gather his followers right under our noses."

"When Nymphadora and Kingsley arrived, they found the building not abandoned, but full of muggles. It was a three-story office building. On a normal day, the area would be fairly abandoned at that time of day. It just so happened that the company was holding a family supper for its employees in a sectioned-off area in the street. Therefore, dozens of muggles were present for the company's celebration."

"From what Nymphadora and my other sources were able to tell me, no one stood a chance. While there were not even a dozen Death Eaters there, they did more than enough damage. They set fires all over the building. They levitated cars, uprooted trees, and blasted walls open at whim." Dumbledore paused, swallowed hard and took a ragged breath. "They tore children from their mother's arms and tied the children together in the middle of the street, as they sent curses at their parents ... They spared no one. It is in fact surprising that there were any survivors."

Dumbledore paused. He seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure, a very unusual sight.

"Nymphadora and Kingsley got as many muggles to safety as they could. They were both, however, captured. My understanding is that the Death Eaters used them as an example to demonstrate their power to the muggles. They tortured Nymphadora and Kingsley for sport and for prestige. After the Death Eaters had finished with Kingsley and Nymphadora, they were taken away. No one is sure where they were taken. Nymphadora was found in an alleyway near the Ministry of Magic only an hour ago. Kingsley is still missing."

Harry was horrified. It was worse than he had imagined. He had never believed that people could be so cruel. He thought of Tonks, who lay in a bed down the hall, physically and mentally broken. And Shacklebolt … he was still missing. Was he still with the Death Eaters? Was he still being tortured? Was he still alive?

Harry was startled by a fierce groan by Remus.

"I feel so helpless!" Remus exclaimed.

Harry's body shook. He had never seen Remus in such a state. Remus's eyes were blazing, and a fierce power seemed to exude from him. If Harry had not known and loved this man, he would have been terrified of him. Harry stared at his godfather.

"We all feel helpless at times such as these. It does not do to dwell on the anger, Remus. If your heart is full of anger, your mind is full of waste. Do not cloud your heart and mind with anger. Remus, you have more experience than most when it comes to controlling your emotions and actions. I hate to ask more of you, but you must focus that energy into determination and will. Do it for yourself. Do it for Nymphadora. Do it for Harry."

Remus leaned forward, his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees. Harry watched as Remus's shoulders began to shake. Harry couldn't stand to see his godfather in such pain. He stood and walked to Remus's side and sat down. He put his arm around Remus's shoulders. Harry did not say anything. There was nothing to say.

They sat there for some time. Harry sat beside Remus, observing Remus's eventual steadying of breath. Remus took a deep breath and then sat up straight. He clapped his hand on Harry's knee.

"Thanks, Harry."

Harry nodded. "That's what I'm here for."

Remus swallowed. "I'm glad."

Harry smiled. "Me too."

Remus turned to Dumbledore who had been staring thoughtfully into the fire.

"Forgive me, Professor," Remus said. "I hope you don't think me ungrateful, but I must ask, why was Tonks brought here? St. Mungo's would have been much closer."

Dumbledore nodded and smiled at Remus. "First thing, ungrateful and Remus Lupin will never go together. As far as St. Mungo's, I'm not sure if everyone can still be trusted there. Voldemort has demonstrated that he has increased his factions already, and there could be many more people under the Imperius Curse. I knew Poppy would be able to treat Nymphadora. I thought it best to treat her here in my quarters, rather than the hospital wing. We don't need any overly curious students interrupting her rest."

Remus nodded. "Of course, Professor."

A slight twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "Remus, we've moved well beyond the professor-student relationship. Please call me Albus."

Remus smiled. "I don't know if I could ever get used to that."

Dumbledore nodded. "I expect Nymphadora will need to stay here for a few days before moving back to headquarters. Remus, you are, of course, welcome to stay."

Remus smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Profes – Albus."

Dumbledore smiled, and then moved his gaze to Harry.

"Harry, I must compliment you on your maturity and composure. I had hoped you would be a comfort for Remus, and I was not disappointed. We all need our family in times like these."

Harry swallowed. "Yes. Thank you, Professor."

Dumbledore continued. "I also asked you to be here because you, more than anyone else, need to know what the Death Eaters are capable of. I do not plan on sharing the details of the attack with any other students, nor most of the staff. I apologize if you find the information difficult to bear, but I think it's best for you to know the enemy completely."

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."

Dumbledore frowned at Harry. "How was your first week back at school?"

Harry shrugged. "It was fine."

Dumbledore nodded. "Not too busy?"

Harry shook his head. "Not at all. I managed just fine."

Dumbledore turned to Remus. "You should have seen him in the training room, Remus. Harry did remarkably well."

Remus smiled. "How was it Harry?"

Harry glanced at Professor Dumbledore. He returned his gaze to Remus and replied, grinning, "Brilliant. I got to jinx Snape."

Remus laughed out loud. "I imagine he didn't take that too well."

Harry smiled. "No, he didn't."

Suddenly, Professor McGonagall strode quickly into the room. "I'm sorry to intrude, Headmaster. There are three students in your office demanding to see you."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "I imagine there are two Weasleys and one Granger?"

McGonagall glanced at Harry and nodded curtly.

Dumbledore turned to Harry. "I'm sure they would be satisfied with seeing you, Harry, instead of me. I expect they are looking for some answers."

Harry nodded and stood. "Yes, Professor. I'll go."

Remus stood and hugged Harry. "I'll see you soon."

Harry nodded. "See you soon. Take good care of Tonks."

Remus smiled. "I will, I promise."

Harry exited the room and walked down the dark hallway to the top of the staircase. He paused and took a deep breath. Telling his best friends what Tonks had gone through was not going to be easy.