Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor his magical world.

The Collaborator

Chapter IV

Tonks could not believe any of it. Standing in the same room with Karkaroff was one thing. Even the time travel, which still had her at a bit of a loss, was understandable. But, to think that she was considering adopting the Dark Lord was just mad.

She evaded Voldemort's eyes when she had admitted that she was considering adopting him. It was almost too much to think, but if she could prevent future tragedy by doing so, she knew she should. She turned to see the Karkaroff's eyes were gleaming. Tonks did not see that as a good sign.

"Honey," she said in a sticky-sweet voice. "Can I talk to you over here for a moment?"

Karkaroff glared at her, but complied nonetheless. "What?" he demanded.

"Igor," said Tonks sternly with a hint of mockery. "Don't take that tone with me. I know what you're thinking, so it would be in your best interest not to give me any more incentives to just kill you now. Got it?"

"Oh, it's crystal clear," sneered Karkaroff. "You going to take the future dark lord and raise him to a good little self-righteous bastard!"

"Keep you voice down and yes, that is exactly what I plan to do."

"That is the stupidest idea I have ever heard."

"Oh, silly me! I actually thought that saving countless lives was a good thing!" said Tonks feigning surprise.

"I won't let you do that," said Karkaroff commandingly.

"Won't let me? You have a large mouth for an ex-Death Eater without a wand."

Karkaroff just glared in response.

"Fine, look at it this way," said Tonks. "If we do this, your future self won't be hiding in some shack in the alps because you're to afraid of your master. You can be the Headmaster of Durmstang, all high and mighty, without being thrown in Azkaban. You can raise the children to be your little minions and all will be well in the world. How does that sound?"

"You wouldn't allow that to happen."

"No, I wouldn't, but it's a nice thought."

Before Karkaroff could give her a very rude hand gesture, Tonks bustled off, approaching Mr. Higgins.

"Sir, my husband and I would like to adopt young Tom Riddle," said Tonks promptly, before she could back out, seeing that she knew she was out of her mind. "What are the regulatory measures for this type of thing?"

"There is not many. You must be approved by Ms. Flynn, and myself of course. And then provide evidence that you have the means to take care of the boy."

"Such as?"

"A home and a job."

Tonks gulped; she had forgotten about both. She was sure that she could get a job, but a pace to live would be a bit more difficult. Mr. Higgins was eying her hesitantly. "Is something the matter?" he asked.

"Oh, it just, well, silly me. You see, we just moved here and do not have a place of our own yet. We were so excited to have a child that we jumped the wagon and here we are!" said Tonks.

"Well, how about you just spend the rest of the day with Tom, you know, so he gets used to the idea. Then you can come back when you have established yourselves," said Mr. Higgins.

"That would be wonderful."

Tonks turned back to Karkaroff, who looked like he wanted to throttle her. She gave him her most innocent look and patted him on the cheek. "It will be just fine, dear."

She then approached Voldemort, Tom, and knelt down in front of him. "Well, what do you say boy, would you like to come live with us?"

"Anything to be free from this hell," he muttered, most likely thinking the Tonks could not hear him. "That would be nice, Ms. Tonks," he said kindly.

Tonks eyed him carefully. He already was showing signs of deceit, trickery and arrogance. She wondered if she really could change him. After an internal debate, Tonks decided that she could, but she had to be stern with him at this point, show him that he could not be manipulative, that she was not someone to be taken lightly. "I am glad to here that Tom, but I must warn you, an old lady I may look, but my hearing is plenty keen."

Tom blushed. "Sorry, Ma'am."

"That's quite alright."

The rest of the day Tonks and Karkaroff spent time with Tom. It was a bit awkward since neither were used to trying to entertain children, especially without magic. They managed well enough because Tom was not a usual child. He was less emotional, and older in a peculiar way. Tonks was sure that Karkaroff was taking to him just fine and vice versa.

Next Tonks had to find a place to live and a job. For a job, she could try the Ministry, but they would probably want records and such. She could also try a Muggle job, although Tonks did not see that as a very good idea. As for Karkaroff, he could try to find a job teaching, but Hogwarts would be difficult to get a job at and he would probably just scare Muggle children.

Tonks sighed, this would all be problematical.

She and Karkaroff left the orphanage in the early evening, both a little confused.

"Fine, I'll help you raise the brat proper," said Karkaroff suddenly as they walked down an empty street.

"Thank you," said Tonks. "You know, you're not as evil as people think you are."

"Insulting me isn't going to get you anywhere," retorted Karkaroff.

"Sorry. Oh, Igor, you are so horribly evil it makes me shake in my boots!"

"Better," he said with a grin.

"What would your Death Eater mates say? You, Mr. Former Death Eater, are to help me, the Clumsy Auror, save the world."

"Let's just hope they never find out."

They turned right, hoping to get to the Leaky Cauldron before dark. Suddenly Tonks began to get woozy. Her vision blurred and she felt like she was going to fall through the ground. And she did. She started to sink into the cement. She could not do a thing about it. She could not struggle, scream nor even hear. She could hardly make out the fuzzy outline of Karkaroff next to her. He was sinking as well.

Together they fell through the darkness.

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A/N: So much for change; I meant for this story to be much more serious than it is turning out to be. Oh well, this chapter is more of just a transition chapter anyway. Thank you to everyone for reading this and an extra special thank you to everyone who reviewed. The next chapter won't be up for a couple of months (I apologize for the delay), but I think it will be much better.

Thank you,

---Perplexity

PS: If that didn't make sense, know that I am very tired despite the fact that it is nine in the morning and I have been up for nearly an hour and a half.