TO MY READERS,
I am so sorry for the extremely long wait. I finally got a full time career, and it is literally taking up my life. I had a dream about this story last night. I was like, "OMG I need to update this." So I pulled out my laptop and went to writing. Again my most sincere apologies, and I hope it is worth the wait. I will be updating soon. Please favor, follow, and review! This is the best way to keep me motivated.
Chapter 10 - When the Blame Grew to Heavy
Two weeks had passed since that night in Snape's chambers. Both Snape and Tonks couldn't help but reflect on what transpired that night. Tonks wanted to know if Snape's mysterious love was in fact Lily Potter. The thought of it being even remotely true was surreal, but seeing as though they were actually getting along, Tonks refrained from bringing it up. That night they were drinking, and Tonks figured the alcohol clouded his judgment. Snow began covering the grounds at Hogwarts. Christmas holiday was fast approaching; both Snape and Tonks have been busy since that night. They never got the opportunity to speak much, but when they would check-in with one another, the encounters had a different friendlier vibe.
Tonks woke up to loud banging at her door. She jumped out of bed quickly and opened the door. It was Proudfoot and she could tell he was cross.
"Tonks you're supposed to help patrol the grounds today." Proudfoot said directly, he didn't even notice that Tonks wasn't wearing trousers. She was only in her purple knickers and Remus' grey cardigan.
"I totally forgot I told Kingsley I would cover for him today. I'll be right there." Tonks said frazzled.
He looked down and was astounded. "Hurry and put your bloody pants on." He stated as he scurried off.
Tonks ran to her closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and a jacket. She slipped on her boots and rushed out the door.
Tonks walked down the stairs and noticed that it was the students day out at Hogsmead today. Overcome with excitement, she walked outside the Three Broomsticks in search for the Golden Trio. She notices Professor McGonagall in front of Honeydukes and walks over to her.
"Morning Professor!" Tonks shouts out.
McGonagall greeted Tonks with excitement. "Tonks, I'm surprised to see you here this early. What brings you out here patrolling Hogsmead?" McGonagall was delighted to see Tonks.
"Kinsley asked me to cover his duty this morning." Tonks answered her politely.
"That explains why I cannot find him. I needed to ask him a question, but no matter. How is night patrol going?" Before Tonks could answer her, McGonagall's shouted, "Mr. Davis, I would refrain from sticking my tongue on that flagpole! Do keep in mind that it is SNOWING!" She turns back to Tonks and comments, "these kids."
"Night patrol has fine; it's just a bit boring though. Is there any particular spot you would like me to keep an eye on today?" Tonks asked.
"Not any in particular, but you could just help keep an eye on Harry. I think the three of them went into the Three Broomsticks."
"Will do professor." Tonks turned and headed back in the Three Broomsticks. She was happy that it was at least warm in there.
When she walked in the front door, she looked around for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The Three Broomsticks was extremely crowded. There wasn't an open table in sight. She did happen to notice there was a seat available at the bar. Tonks decided she could keep an eye on them at the bar and maybe that way she can do it discreetly. After all, Harry would probably get angry at the fact that Tonks' was looking after him like a child, but they had to keep Harry safe at all cost. Besides, if there were to be an attack, Harry would doubtfully be the main target.
Tonks figured she was going to be there awhile, so she decided to order something. "Rosmerta, one Butterbeer, please."
Tonks had been sitting there for at least an hour and a half. The only thing that she saw was Slughorn talking with Harry, Ginny was in the corner snogging some boy, and Ron looked like he was getting angry at the bloke that was all over his sister. Tonks was contemplating leaving when all of the sudden, Rosmerta placed a shot of Firewhiskey in front of Tonks. Tonks was alarmed by that action and immediately state, "I didn't order this."
Rosemerta laughed, "I know you didn't…"She pointed her head to the left, "but he did," and walked away. Tonks looked down the crowded bar looking to see who the mysterious man was. After maneuvering her head through the crowd, she spotted the only person familiar. To Tonks' surprise, the man was none other than Severus Snape. Noticing an empty seat beside him, Tonks headed over by him while carrying her drink with her.
Once she sat down she was about to thank him for the drink, but he beat her to the chase and Snape smooth voice remarked, "You're welcome." Tonks didn't know how to respond to that, but all she knew was that Snape arrogance was sort of attractive. She couldn't help, but smile at his jester.
"So you just assume I'm going to thank you for this and drink it, huh?" Tonks remarked.
"Why wouldn't you?" Snape questioned while looking into her eyes.
Tonks was thrown off when he made eye contact with her. She felt uneasy, but mustered up her courage and stated sarcastically, "I don't know, maybe because I'm working."
"Come off it Dora, everyone knows Ministry workers are knackered on the job most of the time."
"True, but that's not the point." Snape was right, most Ministry officials worked with a couple of drinks in them, or a hidden decanter in their desks. Tonks didn't know what was coming over her. Why couldn't she just drink the bloody drink and be finished with this. Even though she hadn't realized it yet, deep down Tonks enjoyed these conversations with Snape.
"No… the point is Nymphadora… you're in need of a pick me up, so drink the drink and accept my gift before I change my mind." Snape commanded coldly while taking a sip of his own Firewhiskey. She blushed and placed the glass to her lips and drank the Firewhiskey in defeat. She wanted to start a conversation with him, but didn't know what to talk about.
About that time Horace Slughorn comes staggering up to Snape. He slurred, "Merta, one glass of mead for friend Severus here, please!" Slughorn placed his hand on Snape shoulder, clearly making Snape uncomfortable by his friendly touch. "You weren't at the Hogwarts staff meeting last night, but I wanted to invite you in person. The Hogwarts staff Christmas party will be held the 20th after the Slug Club party; However, I will need your assistance for both if you're up for it? Yours too, Miss Tonks."
"Well considering the fact that Nymphadora and I will both be patrolling the grounds that night, it looks like we'll have no choice." Snape didn't look remotely excited. He looked as though he would rather attend a Death Eater meeting that to attend such a party.
Tonks; however, was extremely excited, so excited that she rejoiced, "I would love to go!"
"That's the spirit, Tonks! Merta, A glass of mead for Miss Tonks, as well! Remember that the party is semi-formal, so look you're best." He staggered off drunkenly, and he left the Three Broomsticks.
"Do you reckon he is wasted enough to forget his own party plans?" Tonks chortled.
"It doesn't make a difference to me… like I would attend such an event." Snape rolled his eyes while he sipped his mead.
"Why wouldn't you? I heard his parties are the best! Sirius told me all sorts of stories about Slughorn's wild parties."
Snape rolled his eyes and sipped his mead and opined, "Did he now?" Snape's question was defiantly rhetorical.
"Don't be such a party pooper." Tonks joked with him. She was excited because she had something fun to look forward to. Who cared if Snape went or not, all she cared about was getting to attend a legendary event. Slughorn's parties were notorious, and she was getting to finally attend one.
Out of nowhere, Professor Slughorn came back in the Three Broomsticks in frenzy. "Professor Snape… a…a… student has been… GRAVELY injured."
Without hesitation, Snape bolted out of the pub like smoke, and I looked around for Harry. My heart stopped when I noticed that the Golden Trio was nowhere to be found. Out of panic, I ran after him.
As I ran toward the crime scene, Proudfoot and Dawlish stopped me. Dawlish spoke hurriedly, "Tonks, we need to search Hogsmead for the culprit. The girl was cursed by a necklace that someone gave her. We have already questioned the witness, and she claimed they were in the Three Broomsticks when the girl returned from the lo with the package that contained the cursed necklace."
Tonks felt sick to her stomach as she thought, Oh my god… I was the one guarding the Three Broomsticks. It's entirely my fault.
Meanwhile Snape was aiding in the infirmary with the other professors. They were using every spell imaginable to cure the cursed girl. He was also blaming himself for what transpired.
As day turned to night, both Tonks and Snape were worn-out. The culprit still remained unknown and the Aurors continued searching for any evidence form the attack. Both Tonks and Snape felt deep regret and shame. They were inside the Three Broomsticks the whole time the incident occurred.
Tonks was on her way back to her room to change before duty. While opening the door, a sudden bright light bounced through her window.
A large sliver doe gracefully leaped through the window and landed two feet in front of her. She had never seen this Patronus before and was curious who conjured it. A deep familiar voice filled the room, and Tonks knew exactly who the sender was.
"Nymphadora, there is an urgent Order meeting at 10 o'clock tonight. We will proceed to our duty when the meeting concludes" Snape's voice informed urgently.
Tonks turned to the clock and realized that she didn't have time for a nap. "Ughhh…." She grunted with annoyance. She removed her dirty clothes and made her way to the bathroom. She grabbed the shower facet and turned on the water. While she waited for the water to heat up, she walked over to mirror. The reflection in the mirror was almost unrecognizable. She didn't look anything like her usual self. It was obvious that her skin was pale and her body was a lot slimmer. Noticing the protruding bones in her back and stomach, Tonks realized she couldn't remember the last time she ate a well-balanced meal.
Overwhelmed with many emotions, Tonks punched the mirror; shattering it into countless bits in the sink. Looking down at her injured hand, Tonks couldn't help but loathe herself. She had let a man destroy her dignity, identify, and her confidence. She also got so lost in amusement that she allowed a girl to get injured on her watch today. Everything Tonks held most dear, she lost. All this time she blamed Remus for her pain and suffering when she was at fault all along. Overcome with hate, Tonks sat on the floor with her hands over her eyes and wept loudly. Her cries of sorrow were muted by the sound of running water from the shower. The day had been stressful and tiring, it sent Tonks over the edge. Suffice to say that she had finally hit rock bottom. Overall she needed to let out her built up emotions because sometimes the best way out is straight through the pain. Looking into the pieces of mirror scattered all over the floor, she noticed her reflection. Her hair was a deep, dark red. Deep down she felt that the realization that it was her who was the source of her pain helped her find herself again.
After Tonks gained her composure, she stood up and stepped in the shower. The water trickled softly down her slim frame. She thought to herself, No more. She washed her blood stain hand and tried to erase the dangerous thoughts. The water eased her mind and body. The relaxation aided her to think straight. After she was relaxed and clean, Tonks stepped out of the shower and dried off. Before she got dressed, she looked at the clock and noticed that she was right on schedule. Once she let out her bad thoughts and grieved, she gained a small piece of self-respect. Tonks thought to herself, "I am better than this." and with that mentality, she got dressed in her normal punk clothing, her hair a dark red, and headed to the Order meeting with confidence. What Tonks didn't know was that she gained enough confidence that brought her powers back in full swing.
Tonks had made it to the gargoyle entrance to the headmaster's office. She was right on time for the meeting, but others would consider that late. She walked up the staircase and heard the drones of many voices conversing from the inside. When she opened the door, it seemed as though everyone was accounted for apart from her.
Dumbledore turned his attention to her, "Ahh… Nymphadora, so glad you decided to join us. Come in and take a seat." Tonks blushed almost instantly as everyone starred in her direction, they obviously noticed her change in appearance. Molly gave her a big smile. Tonks looked around the crowded room. She didn't spot any seats available. "There is an open seat over there next to Remus." Dumbledore informed her.
Tonks heart dropped rapidly at the sound of his name. As she made her way over to the open seat, she kept her head down to avoid the stares. As soon as she sat down awkwardly, she looked up and across from her was no other than Severus Snape. Snape couldn't help but gander at her. The shade of red in her hair was unavoidable. All Snape could think about was Lily. His soul felt like it was torn in half. That shade of red couldn't be more identical. The only thing that was keeping Snape collected was how Remus was struggling to avoid looking at her. It was amusing to Snape because Tonks looked confident, and that she was over Remus. Meanwhile, desperation and lust filled Remus' features. Lupin's eyes met Snape's, and Snape couldn't help but smirk at his thoughts. He couldn't help thinking, paybacks a bitch.
Please leave me some motivation! REVIEW or at least favor if you like it.
