"Wotcher, Remus!" Tonks' bright voice filled Remus' ears, as the afternoon sun streamed through the grimy window of his room at Grimmauld Place.
"D-Dora?" he gasped. "You're back?"
"I am!" She was sitting upright next to Remus' healing frame, and bent down to kiss him. The feeling of her lips against his spread heat all through his body. He had missed her more than he realized.
"How've you been?" Tonks asked. "I hear you've developed quite the friendship with my parents," she teased.
"It appears keeping you alive is one things we can all happily agree on," Remus quipped. "They've been inviting me to Sunday tea, though I fear I'm a poor replacement for their daughter."
"Nonsense!" Tonks retorted. "You're brilliant." He blushed at her praise. Good Godric, he'd missed his witch.
"How have you been?" Remus asked. "Have you seen your parents? They've been worried."
"I saw them for breakfast just this morning," Tonks replied. "I stayed the night with you last night."
"You did? I didn't notice."
"Sirius gave you Dreamless Sleep after you nearly died again yesterday," Tonks explained. "He must've given you a cauldron of it, as you slept over twenty four hours."
"Dosages are harder with werewolves," Remus explained. "It's harder to overdose with my metabolism, so Sirius is often generous with his…treatments."
"You were out cold this morning, so I popped in to see my parents," Tonks said. "I've only just gotten back."
"You didn't have to work today?"
"They gave me a couple personal days."
"Why?"
"I had a panic attack yesterday morning when I thought you were dying."
"You what?"
"The pendant you gave me works," Tonks answered. "It was burning hot just as I was sitting in the morning debrief. I didn't realize I was having a panic attack until I was being asked about my shifts at Azkaban and my speech was, err, slurred and choppy. They blamed it on nerves from being out for nearly a month nonstop there."
"Oh, Dora," Remus wrapped his bandaged arms around her. He felt sore, but the beautiful witch in front of his eyes needed the comfort more than he did. "I feel terrible for causing you such stress."
"Don't," she replied simply. "It wasn't fair, what they were asking of me. They finally found some new guards for Azkaban, so I won't have to go back. They're putting me on desk duty for a while."
"Are you okay with that?"
"No, but I have to be," Tonks said moodily. "I felt useless at Azkaban, but at least when I feel useless in the office, I won't be as cold."
"Oh, love, you're not useless at all. I admit I'm relieved to hear you'll be at the Ministry for now," Remus sighed. "You'll be safer there."
"It's what mum and dad said," Tonks grumbled.
"Did they say anything else to you?"
"Do you mean did they say anything else about you?" Tonks teased. Remus blushed; he did wonder where he stood with the Tonkses. Ted appeared to like him rather well; Andromeda appeared to waver among disinterest, intrigue, and disappointment.
"Dad likes you, you know that," Tonks began. "Mum has her moments," she said enigmatically. "Even I don't know how she feels about you, aside from the benefits and drawbacks of your furry little problem." Tonks smiled warmly at Remus. "All benefits for me, sweetheart."
"They did ask me one thing, though," Tonks began tentatively. "Would you like to move in with me?"
"Did they tell you to ask me to move in with you?" Remus asked sharply.
"They may've suggested it strongly," Tonks murmured. "Dunno why though, exactly. Thought it was peculiar, given my history."
"How do you mean?"
"The last time I lived with a boyfriend, it ended rather badly," Tonks explained. "My parents made me promise I wouldn't move in with someone 'til I was at least engaged."
"What happened?" Remus sat up, startled.
"He, err, left me," Tonks stammered. "With massive debt."
"He what?!" Remus cried. "Why did you never tell me this?" he asked.
"Remus," Tonks said sternly. "I was never hurt, physically, but it did take years to pay off."
"Will you tell me what happened?" Remus asked, as gently as he could.
"It was in my first year of Auror training," Tonks replied. "He was a Ministry worker too, in International Magical Co-operation, so he traveled a lot and made quite a bit of gold. I was just out of school and thought he was so sophisticated. Started out just fine and made me feel special. He asked me to move in with him and I didn't give it a second thought, especially since his place was really nice and he wouldn't let me pay rent, 'cause I was his girlfriend. That should've been a sign." Tonks exhaled heavily.
She continued, "I think it was my being a Metamorphmagus that really interested him, rather than me, you know?" Remus felt his blood begin to boil again; it must have been one of the wizards Tonks had spoken of before who asked her to change her appearance for them.
"At first, it was just hair or eye color, which I didn't care as much about," Tonks sighed. "Soon it was my bum, my tits, my lips, everything. I thought it was fine, sort of like dressing up for someone." Remus pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers, willing himself to stay calm as Tonks spoke.
"I'd been talking to my mum and dad about it, and they were horrified when they learned what he was asking of me," Tonks continued. "They suggested I talk to him about it. I did, but he wouldn't hear any of it. He said that if I was living under his roof with all my expenses paid for by him, then the least I could do was morph myself into whatever gave him the most pleasure."
Remus looked down at his hands; his knuckles were white with rage. "What did he do to you?" Remus' voice was even, but he felt the venom in it.
"I told him that he asked me to move in with him, and that I was willing to pay for my fair share of rent, and he laughed, saying I could never afford to live with him, with my trainee salary," Tonks explained. "I told him that if it was going to be like that, then I'd have to leave. 'Course, he didn't like that one bit," Tonks said bitterly.
"He left me in a right state," Tonks continued. "I went to work the next morning and by the time I came back home, my ex had left and taken his things, too. We dunno where he went off to, but with his connections, we figured he went out of the country. We learned I'd been named on the lease, I was financially responsible for the exorbitant rent. It's why I had to live with my parents after that, all the way up till last summer. It took years for me to pay that off."
"But that's not fair!" Remus cried. "It wasn't your fault!"
"We tried to get it overturned," Tonks said. "I'd signed the paperwork without knowing what it was because I was young and naïve."
"I'm so sorry, Dora," Remus whispered. "You didn't deserve any of that."
"No, I didn't," Tonks agreed. "But what's done is done."
"Is this why you're surprised your parents suggested I move in with you?"
"Yeah," Tonks said. "I figured they would want me to live on my own so I wouldn't have to rely on anyone else to pay for my rent or anything. You're different."
"Because I'm the one that can't pay the rent?" Remus suggested.
"I think that's part of it," Tonks admitted, looking embarrassed. "My parents have met you, though, and they know you'd never ask me to morph for you. They also know that you'd sooner flog yourself than intentionally hurt me."
"That's putting it lightly," muttered Remus. "I could never forgive myself if I intentionally hurt you." It wasn't just the man who would punish himself for hurting the witch; the wolf would punish itself for hurting its mate.
"It can't just be the money thing, can it?" Remus asked. "Surely they can't be suggesting I move in with you because I'm poor? It would seem as if I'm taking advantage of you."
"It helps that I can still pay for it all on my own, Remus," Tonks said. "My mum said that when she visited my flat to watch Ophelia due to your furry little problem, she was impressed with you."
"She was?" Remus was flabbergasted.
"She knows I can barely take care of myself," clarified Tonks. "When I lived with that ex, he was always buying me dinner at fancy restaurants. He never cooked for me. There was barely any food in that flat. My mum told me she was impressed with all the food you had here, and how you'd kept meals in the Freeze-Charmed Box for me. She said my flat was 'impossibly clean,' and it was clear if I'd been left to my own devices, I'd be surviving off takeout."
"What does that have to do with their interest in me moving in with you?"
"You take care of me," Tonks said simply. "You never ask for anything in return, even though you could. You keep me safe. My mum had no idea how brilliantly complicated your wards were. She really should've known, as your moon wards are bloody difficult to undo."
"Your parents think I can protect you?"
"I think they like that someone is always watching out for me," Tonks said softly. "My dad was surprised when you reached out to them a week after the breakout to see if they knew any more information about me. He figured you'd know more than they did, and was shocked you'd written to my mum in particular to ask after me. My mum's a intimidating witch and didn't exactly take a liking to you. What bloke in his right mind asks for a favor from someone so formidable?"
"One who isn't in his right mind and who's sick with worry," Remus provided.
"Exactly," Tonks smiled. "My mum figured that if you're willing to face your fears to figure out if I'm alright, then you'd do a lot more if you lived with me and didn't get home on time."
Remus thought this over. Andromeda was correct in her assessment; Remus would have knocked on Bellatrix's door if it meant finding a way for Dora to be safe. Writing a letter to Dora's parents had seemed like a pleasant task, compared to the possibilities of what he'd have to do to keep his girlfriend safe.
"So, what do you say?" Dora ventured. "Will you move in with me?"
Remus looked at Dora – his Dora – with her deep, twinkling eyes, her still-mousy-brown hair, her eyes filled with exhaustion, and knew what his answer would be.
"Yes," he grinned. "I'd be honored." Tonks beamed and kissed him soundly on his lips.
"I love you, Dora," Remus murmured.
"I love you too, Remus."
"I need to get you more clothes," Tonks stated, looking at Remus' pitifully small collection of shirts, jumpers, and trousers. Other than the pieces he'd been given at Christmas, everything was threadbare and shabby. Only his shoes – likely due to his previous job – were in decent shape. Tonks didn't particularly care for having her boyfriend dressed in the finest clothes, but it was a dreadfully cold February and she didn't enjoy the idea of him freezing due to the lack of appropriate clothing.
"Please don't," Remus replied. "I don't need to be any more of a charity case."
"It's not charity if it's your girlfriend," Tonks retorted. "Anyway, isn't your birthday coming up?"
"Not till next month," Remus groaned. "You can get me something for my birthday, if you insist, but please don't overspend on me. You already pay for the roof over my head."
"I asked you to move in with me," Tonks said sternly. "This is my choice and I want you here always. I don't care one bit that I pay the rent. Besides," Tonks continued. "You more than pay for your share by being my personal cook." She smiled broadly at Remus and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I feel as if I should be paying you to live here with all you do for me."
Remus sighed heavily. "I won't be winning this argument," he decided. "Please don't feel the need to expand my wardrobe, though. Having you is always more than enough."
"C'mon," Tonks said. "If we dally around any longer, we'll be late for the Order meeting."
Remus kissed her forehead and they went out the door of their flat to Apparate to Grimmauld Place together. They landed at the top step and let themselves in, only to find themselves in front of a very irate Sirius Black.
"Fucking Snivellus," Sirius seethed. "One more word out of that greasy wanker and I'll wring his neck by hand if I have to."
"What did Snape do to you this time?" Tonks asked, startling Sirius out of his fury.
"Tosser didn't do anything to me," Sirius replied. "Torturing Harry seems to be his new form of entertainment." Sirius huffed.
"Isn't he supposed to be learning Occlumency with Severus?" Remus asked.
"That's the torture I'm telling you about!" Sirius yelled. "Kid's not learning a damn thing and Snape's blaming it all on Harry!"
"Occlumency is really difficult, Sirius," Tonks soothed. "I can't imagine it's easy having Snape as a teacher. I barely tolerated him as Potions professor. I can't imagine what it's like to have him for this."
"I'll talk to Severus about this," Remus offered. "You two have never seen eye to eye."
"Good luck," Sirius grumbled. "Molly made me leave the kitchen until I 'calmed down.'" He raked his fingers through his hair.
"I've got Draught of Peace in my bag, if you'd like," Tonks offered.
"You do?" Remus and Sirius asked in unison.
"For Remus," Tonks cheekily replied. "I keep a few things on hand for him." She smiled sweetly at the two men; Remus looked taken aback while Sirius burst into laughter.
"I wouldn't want to take Moony's reserve," Sirius snickered. "This has me in a better mood already." Sirius kept barking laughter at Remus' expense.
"Oh love," Tonks said to Remus. "Don't look so put out. If you can carry my favorite chocolate with you, I can carry potions for you." He mock-glared at Tonks, but kissed her on the cheek before they went towards the kitchen of Grimmauld Place for the meeting.
"I don't deserve you," Remus murmured into Tonks' ear as they descended the steps.
Tonks beamed up at him, and quietly replied, "Of course you do. We deserve each other."
"Worse than fucking teenagers," Sirius grumbled. "Let's get down before I vomit."
Tonks smiled to herself, and the trio found their seats around the long table in the kitchen. Sirius had gone back to glowering at Snape; Snape had an unreadable expression in his eyes. The rest of the Order members had arrived, and so Dumbledore began the meeting.
"We finally have news of Voldemort's whereabouts," Dumbledore announced, as gasps were heard around the room.
"It appears that he still resides in his paternal family's residence in Little Hangleton for now," Dumbledore continued. "Though the Malfoys are expected to host him in their Manor beginning this summer."
"Why the Malfoys?" Tonks asked. Although she detested her uncle, Lucius, a small part of her had always hoped that her aunt, Narcissa, her cousin, Draco, and Tonks' own mother, Andromeda would eventually put their differences aside to be friendlier. Despite what Andromeda claimed, Tonks knew her mother missed Narcissa. If they were playing host to Voldemort, Tonks shuddered at the thought, there's a good chance Andromeda and Narcissa may never see each other again.
"That piece of the puzzle remains unclear, although we suspect it has to do with Abraxas Malfoy, one of Voldemort's closer colleagues," Dumbledore replied. "Although Lucius Malfoy is the operating Head of House Malfoy, it appears Abraxas continues to make decisions regarding the family's daily operations."
"It would be unwise to ambush Voldemort in either location, as we are under the impression that the escaped Death Eaters are constantly guarding him," Dumbledore explained. "Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange appear to be the exception; they are believed to be residing at Malfoy Manor at the moment."
"Is there any chance they will be able to escape?" Remus demanded, prompting Tonks to put her hand on his knee under the table, in an attempt to calm him.
"After Tonks' meeting with Bellatrix last month, it is unlikely Bellatrix or her husband will leave the Manor," Dumbledore clarified. "The Aurors came to Tonks' assistance rather quickly, and we believe that Tonks' role as an Auror puts additional pressure on Bellatrix to stay in place, as the risk of arrest is too great."
Tonks blanched; she had yet to tell Remus that she'd personally dueled with her aunt and suffered the Cruciatus Curse. She felt it better that he didn't know, but finding out in the middle of the Order meeting wasn't what Tonks had in mind. She glanced briefly at Remus, who was looking straight ahead stonily. Welp, this won't go well.
"Is Voldemort sending any of his Death Eaters to the Department of Mysteries?" Arthur asked. "Should we be expecting anyone?"
"No," Dumbledore replied. "The prophecy in question is one that can only be retrieved by either Harry Potter or Voldemort. If Voldemort sends in the Death Eaters, it will only be to ensure Harry hands it over. Voldemort, I believe, has no interest in retrieving the prophecy himself."
"As for now, our tasks remain the same," Dumbledore continued. "We will monitor the Hall of Prophecies, keep a close eye on developments in and around Little Hangleton and now, Malfoy Manor, and doing our best to support one another."
"Sirius, you'll put together the schedules?" Arthur asked.
"Sure, Arthur," Sirius agreed, frowning slightly. Tonks knew that Sirius wished to be out fighting, but at the very least scheduling patrol schedules gave him something to work on each week outside of spending his time with Buckbeak or Kreacher.
"It's so wonderful to see you, dear," Molly gushed at Tonks. "Is Remus feeding you well? You look a bit peaky."
Tonks chuckled; it didn't matter how she looked, Molly thought everyone looked thin until having been fed by the matronly witch's own cooking.
"Remus is an excellent cook, Molly," replied Tonks. Remus was still looking into the distance, seemingly unaffected by the compliment.
"Are you quite alright, Remus?" Molly asked, placing her hand on Remus' shoulder. Remus flinched and replied tersely, "Just fine, Molly."
Tonks mouthed to Molly, "moon," to explain her boyfriend's surly behavior. Though it had been over a week since the full moon, she hoped Molly hadn't memorized lunar calendars. The moon certainly wasn't behind his present moodiness. Molly seemed to accept the answer, and went off to serve the others in the room.
"Can we talk?" Tonks whispered to Remus.
"When we get home," he replied curtly.
"I want to talk now," Tonks insisted. "Please?"
"Not now," Remus snapped.
"We could go upstairs?" Tonks gently suggested.
"Don't make me say it again," Remus clipped. "Not. Now."
Tonks felt taken aback; Remus had never spoken to her in such a belittling tone, or given her such a message. She felt far smaller than she was, and felt the tears begin to well in her eyes. She looked up at Remus, but he remained staring ahead, refusing to meet her eyes.
Tonks nodded weakly to Remus' order and felt discomfort in her stomach; her anxiety was increasing and it felt as if a large cauldron had been placed on her chest. Her breathing became ragged and uneven, and her eyes began to glaze over. The sounds of the room became a faint buzzing. Her fingers and hands began to shake, although she did not feel cold. The room began spinning, and Tonks clamped her hands down on the seat in order to keep steady. Why did the room look so different?
Tonks faintly heard her name being called by a few voices, although it was difficult to determine who the voices belonged to. Was it Remus? No, he was upset with her. He wouldn't care for her. Molly, perhaps? But Molly was busy with serving others. Sirius? No, Sirius was busy doing the scheduling. He didn't need another task.
Noises continued around Tonks, but she barely noticed. She felt faint, lightheaded, as if she were to pass out at any given moment. She felt terribly uncomfortable; Remus was going to end things with her, wasn't he? She thought. She had upset him. He would end it with her.
A sort of pleasant sensation began at her back. Soft, smooth circles were being drawn on her back by gentle, warm hands. That felt nice. The noises started dying off, until there was only a soft murmur in Tonks' ear. The room changed again; it was no longer filled with people. The lights were dimmer too. It felt easier to concentrate. Tonks felt hear breathing begin to even. She took breaths in and out, slowly, gently, exhaustingly. She noticed her face felt wet and licked her lips; the taste was familiarly salty. Had she been crying? She'd hardly noticed.
Her hair was lanky and mousy brown again, much to her dismay. The room was coming back together, but not in the way she remembered. Furniture was toppled over; pieces of glass littered the floor and table. What happened?
"Wh-What happened?" Tonks managed to stammer.
"You had a panic attack," Remus murmured. "I'm sorry."
"Oh." Tonks paused for a moment. "Did I do this?"
"Yes."
"Is anyone hurt?"
"Not seriously."
Tonks hung her head. She felt embarrassed and ashamed. The panic attack she'd had at the Ministry when she thought Remus was dying had been far milder than this one; it had been years since her magic had lost its control so effortlessly, thanks to her own emotional outburst.
"Do they hate me?" Tonks asked in a small voice.
"No, love," Remus replied. "They don't."
"Do you hate me?" Tonks asked Remus, as she felt the tears begin to stream down her face again.
"Never," Remus affirmed. "I love you with everything I have."
"Even - even if I didn't tell you about Bellatrix?" Tonks ventured, tears still flowing from her eyes.
"I should never have snapped at you," Remus said softly. "I am upset you didn't tell me, but I could never hate you for it."
"I didn't want to worry you."
"I always worry about you."
"This felt different."
"It is different," Remus mused. "I am sorry my own reactions caused you not to share this with me." He sighed. "When you're feeling better, perhaps we can discuss it?"
Tonks nodded weakly. "Can we go home, please?"
"Of course, love," Remus promised. "We can use the Floo, if you'd like. I had Sirius set up a connection when I moved out." Tonks nodded again, and Remus took her into his arms, lifting her out of the chair.
"I'll take us home, Dora," he murmured, holding Tonks close to his chest. He managed to get a handful of Floo powder and tossed it in the fireplace, calling out Tonks' flat as soon as the two of them were ready. Tonks wasn't sure when it happened, but at one point, she lost consciousness.
"Dora, love," Remus called. "Can you hear me?"
"Mmph," Tonks' muffled voice managed a sound. "Timesit?"
"It's noon, sweetheart," Remus replied.
"Order meeting?" Tonks asked.
"That was last night."
"Oh."
"You had a panic attack and I took us home," Remus explained.
"Oh."
"How do you feel?"
"I don't want to talk to you," Tonks said. Remus paled.
"I understand," he said evenly.
"No, you don't," Tonks bit. "Please leave."
"Okay," Remus replied in a small voice. He hung his head and went around the screen. Tonks saw his hunched silhouette approach the fireplace and Floo to Grimmauld Place; she hadn't told him to leave the flat, but his absence provided her the ability to cry freely.
Tonks began crying in earnest, sobbing loudly into her pillow, which smelled like Remus. Everything smelled of him, or reminded her of him. She thought quickly and gathered a few of her things into her rucksack. She needed to get out of the flat – anywhere but where Remus would be.
Tonks approached the familiar door and steadied her breath. She knocked as a formality, and her very surprised father answered the knock.
"Dora, honey, what's wrong?" Ted asked, an bewildered look on his face. "Come in, come in," he ushered.
"Your mother is out at the moment," Ted said. "Do you need her?" he asked tentatively. Tonks shook her head and shuffled through the front door of her parents' home.
"Can you make tea?" Tonks mumbled the question, lip quivering.
"Already on," Ted replied. "Sit in the parlor, sweetheart. I'll be there soon."
Tonks sat in her favorite armchair in her parents' parlor and settled into the familiar comfort. Her father brought out tea and biscuits, and sat across from her in his favorite armchair.
"What happened?" Ted asked, in a gentle tone.
"Had a fight with Remus," Tonks replied.
"Did he do anything to you?" Ted asked sternly.
"No, not really," Tonks muttered. "He snapped at me."
"What did he say to you?" Ted demanded.
"I'd forgotten to tell him what happened with Bellatrix last month," Tonks began, as her father arched his brow.
"What happened with Bellatrix?"
"Please don't tell mum," Tonks said. "I don't need another breakdown."
"Does this have anything to do with your fight with Remus?" Ted asked softly.
Tonks dipped her head despondently and continued. "When the Death Eaters all escaped last month, I ran into Bellatrix and dueled." Ted's eyebrows were raised in shock. "I made it out, obviously," Tonks said. "It was a close call though. She used the Cruciatus on me," she said, as evenly as she could.
"Dora," Ted began, "this is extremely serious. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I already said I don't need another breakdown," Tonks said flatly.
"Go on, sweetheart," Ted beckoned.
"It happened fast and it was over when the other Aurors got there. Scrimgeour, the idiot, had assigned me to find Rabastan Lestrange with Alfie, and he didn't bother thinking that all the Lestranges might be creeping around their Manor. We ran into Rodolphus first and then Bellatrix," Tonks continued. Ted nodded solemnly.
"After Bellatrix and Rodolphus got away, I was reassigned to Azkaban, as you know," Tonks sighed. "I've been, err, doing favors for Dumbledore lately," she ventured, gauging Ted's reaction. He was far less startled by this than the account with Bellatrix, giving Tonks confidence to keep going.
"Remus does a few jobs for Dumbledore too, and we met with him recently," Tonks explained. "Dumbledore mentioned the events with Bellatrix, but I hadn't told Remus about it yet."
"Why not?" Ted asked, a quizzical expression in his eyes.
"I didn't want him to worry," Tonks said quickly. "The last time I told him about this, he got really upset."
"He didn't hurt you, did he?" Ted asked again, harshly.
"No," Tonks replied, sighing. "The first time it was just him being anxious. Yesterday was…demeaning." Ted glowered and crossed his arms over his chest.
"What do you mean by demeaning?" Ted's voice wavered slightly; Tonks rarely saw her father so angry.
"There were more people than just us at this…meeting, and I think Remus didn't want to make a scene, but I could tell he was angry. Really, really angry," Tonks mumbled. "I wanted to talk to him about it right after the meeting, but he said no, not till we were back at the flat." Ted's expression softened slightly.
"I asked him again, and he said no again," Tonks elaborated. "I asked him one more time, somewhere just outside the meeting, and he snapped at me. He told me not to make him say it again. I felt so small." Ted stayed quiet as Tonks began crying. "It just didn't feel…right. I had a panic attack right there in the meeting." Ted put his hand on Tonks', giving it a firm squeeze.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Ted said. "How bad was it?"
"One of the worst I've ever had," Tonks clarified. "I broke almost everything in the room with my magic. I lost all control of it." Tonks sniffled. "I never thought Remus would make me feel so small. He brought me back to our flat and when I woke up earlier, he was all kind and gentle with me, but I remembered how he made me feel. I told him to get out and I came here."
"Does this mean you ended your relationship?" Ted asked.
"No? I don't know," Tonks admitted. "I'm angry at him. I'm angry at me for reacting like that. I just didn't want to see him. He hurt me."
Ted sighed. "Do you want to stay here for a little while? You can stay as long as you like."
"O-kay," Tonks agreed. "I brought some of my things, anyway." She thought for a moment. "What are you going to tell mum?"
"What do you want me to tell her?"
"Tell her I had a row with Remus and needed some space," Tonks decided. "Can you send Remus a note for me?"
"You're sure you don't want to do it yourself?" Ted asked. "He might appreciate if it came from you."
"Fine," Tonks huffed. "Can you get me parchment?" Ted nodded and went around the corner to fetch parchment, ink, and a quill, handing them all to Tonks. She penned a quick note to Remus and left it with her father to send off with the family owl, Callisto.
"Are you angry with Remus, Dad?" Tonks finally asked.
"For upsetting you? Absolutely," Ted confirmed. "No one gets to treat you like that. For worrying about you? No. I think the lad is in over his head with you, and doesn't know what he's doing."
"You're taking his side?" Tonks asked incredulously.
"I'll always take your side, sweetheart," Ted assured. "If I lay my eyes on him again, he'll be getting an earful from me, but I don't think he meant to be cruel."
Tonks slumped her shoulders, thinking over his words. "You can tell mum about everything," she said, changing her decision. "Promise me you won't let her go completely mental."
"I can't promise anything of the sort, Dora," Ted consoled. "I'll talk to your mother."
"Thanks, Dad," Tonks murmured. "I'm going upstairs for a kip. Don't expect me to be up anytime soon."
"Alright, love, We'll see you when you're ready," Ted said. Tonks looked at her father warmly; thanking the fates or whatever existed for having him as her father.