Hey, sorry for the delay, we've had no electricity or heat for the past week and a half! Thankfully it is now all sorted. As an apology for the delay and because this chapter is pathetically short, I will post chapter 4 later tonight. Just to answer a question that has been asked... the reason the chapter titles have quote marks are because they are generally all quotes from the chapters themselves.

Chapter 3 – 'Naïve optimism or assured professionalism'

"…I can't tell you how delighted I am to have you co-ordinating this protection detail Nymphadora" Albus Dumbledore had the usual twinkle in his eye, "I'm sure I don't have to tell you how inconvenient it will be to have the Dementors on school grounds until Black is found, I worry that they will not be a deterrent to just him, but also to the students."

Though Dumbledore always looked calm and as though he had everything under control, Tonks could see just how unsettled the idea of having the Dementors within the grounds of Hogwarts was making him.

"I can assure you the team and I will take every precaution. Kingsley and half the ministry are working around the clock, Black surely will not avoid detection for much longer."

Dumbledore smiled at her, she thought perhaps he was smiling at her naïve optimism, which she hoped would come across more as an assured professionalism.

"And you will personally be responsible for keeping an eye on Harry." It wasn't a question. "I'm not suggesting that he should be monitored 24/7 but particularly if I'm away from the Castle at any time or Harry's Aunt and Uncle decide to let him go on the trips into Hogsmeade."

Tonks smiled once again, she couldn't quite believe how much faith Dumbledore and Kingsley had in her, but it made her fit to burst at the seams. "Yes, I'll be discreet Headmaster, but I'll make sure to check in on Harry each day, particularly if he leaves the castle."

With that Dumbledore clapped his hands together rather excitedly, "Well then, I'm sure I need not have worried, it seems you have everything in order. I've set aside 2 rooms for you in the teacher's quarters, one for you and one for whichever Auror is on duty. Will this be sufficient?"

Tonks nodded, "I will be staying on site until the situation is resolved and I have a team of 3 other Aurors who will be working shifts, so 2 rooms will be perfectly fine Headmaster thank you."

Dumbledore stood and Tonks followed, "Well then, the staff have all been informed of an Auror presence and instructed to co-operate with your team fully. We can meet again tomorrow evening to discuss any suggestions you have about tightening up security."

Tonks was now at the door, "Thank you headmaster, which will give us plenty of time to do a perimeter search and ascertain the level of security already in place."

"Perfect," Dumbledore held open the door to his office as Tonks stepped out onto the stairs, "Oh just one more thing Nymphadora, whilst I am immensely honoured to be able to say I was once headmaster to one of the Ministries finest Aurors, please do call me Albus, or Dumbledore if you prefer."

Tonks couldn't help the grin that spread across her face, "if you insist Dumbledore, but then you must call me Tonks."

I have recently been attending professional meetings with my old headteacher and it is amazing how you instantly feel 12 years old again! So I completely feel for Tonks here. Anyhoo, as I promised chapter 4 will be up later tonight and finally - for a Tonks/Remus fic - our favourite Professor will be making an appearance!