Tonks was quietly washing dishes in the sink, her hand mindlessly splashing warm soapy water in Remus's direction as she worked. Things weren't settling down after the battle at the Department of Mysteries. Something was off about her since she came back to headquarters. Tonks held out a plate for him to dry. Remus took it as she quickly yanked her hand away before he could touch her. It seemed like she always did that when he tried to hold her hand. He silently wiped the dish off with a rag.

She was too quiet all of the time and it was making Remus nervous. She wouldn't talk, she wouldn't give him any sort of physical affection. She was usually just as clingy as he was, but now he found himself alone in his own room more often than not. Tonks was completely spacing out from the world around her.

The doubt and guilt was creeping into his mind, gnawing away at him when he was alone long enough to let it get to him. Remus was mentally scolding himself. Here he was, a Gryffindor by every sense of the word, and he wasn't even brave enough to keep to himself. Since Sirius had come back, since his accident, Remus felt like a dam had broken inside of him and all his years of loneliness had leaked out. It scared him to think he might not be able to contain it again. He felt like he was trying to fight against a current to regain control over himself. That feeling of being absent and mindless, the sense that something bad was lurking just behind his shoulder, waiting for him to lower his guard, that fear of losing anything else that he held precious was worse that any of the emptiness and loneliness he spent years fighting off. More than that even, he was too afraid to tell her about his upcoming mission.

She went to hand him another, but it slipped and crashed, breaking in the sink. Tonks sighed, cursed under her breath, and flipped off the water to search for her wand. "I'm sorry." Tonks nudged him out of the way.

"Tonks-"

"I've got it." She interjected.

"Is everything okay?" Harry's voice drifted into the kitchen. "Did you break something?"

"Oh, wotcher Harry. We've got it, I think." Tonks said. "I'm about done and then we'll drive you back home. Have you packed up your things?"

"Are you sure you can't just... forget to take me?" Harry asked nervously. "I can't stay any longer?"

"I wish you could stay longer, but Dumbledore said no way." Tonks waved her wand and caught the fixed bowl in her hand. "It'll be just a few weeks though."

"Why?" Harry grumbled. "I don't understand the point of all of this anyways. I just want to stay here with Sirius and you all-"

"Harry, we aren't even sure how much longer it's going to be safe for us to stay here." Tonks blurted out.

Remus was impatient throughout the entire story of what had gone down at the Ministry, but the Order was falling into a dangerous position. The story that the papers told of infamous Sirius Black luring a group of school children to the Ministry where he and a band of death eaters waited to attack them before interference by Ministry officials. It left out the parts about the Department of Mysteries, of Harry's unusual and unexplained visions, of the rise of Voldemort... it left out the part about the prophecy. Harry's nightmares were worsening each night and Remus could hear him wake up in the middle of the night crying or pacing the kitchen. The thought of him returning to the Dursley's was painful, especially knowing Sirius wouldn't be there to comfort him. Remus felt awful listening to him plead with Dumbledore to let Harry stay but there was nothing they could do to change his mind. Speaking of Sirius, he spent most of his time nowadays sulking around with a heavy boot on his foot that could signal his arrival from the top floor. He was humorous about it at least, playing it up to be as dramatic as he possibly could, but it was all simply a front to cover up whatever it was that happened at the Ministry that night. Sirius refused to go into details about any of it. Even Tonks refused to give many more details other than her near fatal fall off a set of stairs after taking a hit from a stunning spell, her last memory before waking up in a hospital.

"Why wouldn't it be safe?" Harry asked nervously.

"For the most part... it's because of my aunt, Bellatrix. Technically she's a bit older than Sirius and we're wondering if her birthright is going to give her the ability to get into the house, since Sirius's name got burned off the family tree." Tonks said. "She's absolutely mad, but she's cunning. She knows without a doubt that we're here and I wouldn't put it against her to try and break in."

"Why all of a sudden?"

"We're guessing it might have something to do with her dispute with Sirius." Tonks shivered. "And the way she came at me it's like... I can't describe her fighting style. There's something not-normal about it, like the dementors really rewired her head."

"The death eaters are also looking for their own headquarters." Remus added in. "Kingsley's been making a record of all of the places they've been headed and Voldemort doesn't seem to be settling anywhere as of now."

"Then if he's on the run and I'm in danger, why do I have to go back to the Dursley's? I'd be safer surrounded by a hoard of aurors than a couple of muggles."

"You wouldn't." Tonks told him. "It's... way more complicated than that." She nudged Remus with her arm. Of all the people uneasy about the new arrangement, Remus had been quiet, but was certainly the most panicked. Losing the protection of the house meant losing any certainty he might've had that he was protected.

"I was almost kissed by a dementor last summer!"

"Wouldn't the death eaters assume you would be with the aurors?" Remus chimed in. "Voldemort expects you to be afraid. He expects you to arm yourself. The muggles have always been our safest option." They weren't allowed to go into much more detail with the boy and Remus was hoping he would step down.

"Besides, you aren't completely alone. You act like we won't have eyes on you at all times." Tonks said. The tone in her voice shifted to be more friendly.

"I'd rather be around here with you." Harry grumbled. "You all are a much better family than the one I've got."

"And we'd much rather have you here than with the Dursley's." Remus told him. "You'll be back in a few weeks, won't you?"

"Yeah." Harry sighed. "But can I come back before the summer's over? Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia don't exactly like me doing my homework at their place and I need to do some potion work. I can't brew anything at their place and on top of that, they'll shred up my essays if they find them."

Remus could tell Tonks was looking at him. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Harry." Her voice was heartbroken.

"It's okay." Harry shrugged her off. "Where is the Order going to go?"

"We'll likely be meeting at the Burrow for a while." Remus said. "We're still talking about where Sirius will be located until we know it's safe. As of right now, it looks like Sirius and I might be headed to my parents' old house."

"Do you know where Sirius is now?"

"You could try knocking on his room and seeing if he's in there?" Remus suggested.

"We'll be leaving soon, so make sure your stuff's in the hallway." Tonks threw in.

"Can I come with you?" Remus asked. "Unless I'm just going to be in the way, then I'm perfectly content staying here for the time being-"

"No, of course you can come. I'm taking my dad's car. Sirius was coming too, but I'm afraid I can't transfigure his cast and he'll get stuck or mess up his leg even worse." She said. "Don't worry, I seriously don't think Emmeline will care all that much."

"We'll have to come straight back or else Molly'll come after us." Remus said in a low voice.

"Are you afraid of Mrs. Weasley?" Harry asked.

Remus was startled that Harry was still there. He laughed. "I wouldn't exactly say afraid per say-"

"I think we can agree that we have a lot of respect for Mrs. Weasley, but Remus and I don't exactly have the cleanest record of behaving around here, isn't that right?" Tonks said.

"I figured it out!" A voiced shouted from upstairs. Sirius came trampling down the steps in his heavy boot.

"Figured out what?" Tonks called back.

Sirius came falling into the kitchen. "I can get it off!"

"Sirius, please don't, you're going to botch it up and your leg's going to stick out forever." Tonks scolded him. "It's broken, love, leave it alone."

"No, watch, I can take it off and then-"

"I thought Molly was extra careful to make sure this didn't happen?"

"I figured out how to get it off. What, did you think I'm that incompetent at charms, Moony?"

"Sirius, please don't turn into a dog in the middle of the kitchen to demonstrate. No one needs to see that." Remus sighed. "It's not going to heal properly with you transfiguring all the time."

"If I can take it off, then can I still go with Tonks to privet drive?"

"Then go in the bathroom and figure it out, will you?" Remus shook his head and Sirius limped out pitifully. "And I'm going with you!"

"Wait, really? They're letting you go? Isn't this official Order business?"

"Sirius, why don't you go get your foot figured out please so we can go?" Tonks said.

"It's practically healed anyways!" Sirius replied.

The car ride was vaguely nauseating, just like apperating was. Tonks was a surprisingly decent driver, but she wasn't that great at not stomping her foot on the brakes to slow it down. Remus had to admit that Ted Tonks had a decent taste in music. Sirius was in his dog form and Remus could hear him panting the whole way. Cars always made Snuffles nervous.

It was an confusing feeling. None of them said very much for most of the ride, save for Tonks who seemed like she was having a conversation with herself or no one in particular. His watch told him it had been about an hours drive to Surrey, but time was moving in an unnatural way. The radio was fading in and out of static occasionally and Harry would mumble things to Sirius while he petted him to calm him down. Time felt like it was moving slower here. Remus found himself somewhere between sleep and wake. There was an unfamiliar sense of an old memory of nostalgia.

"Am I boring you to death over there?" Tonks asked.

"No, I'm alright." Remus said, rubbing his hand over his face. "I miss the sunshine."

"Yeah, I wish we had cleaner windows, but I don't think that grime's ever going to come off." She sighed. The car jerked unsteadily as she made a turn. "Wish it didn't rain all the bloody time."

"No, I meant that I miss seeing the sunshine. It's not the same anymore." Tonks was listening quietly. "I didn't realize what I took for granted. Sunshine, the Christmas lights, fireplaces... they're all the same now. It's all just... light. You could show me a grand chandelier and I wouldn't know any different." He felt her reach out touch his arm to comfort him. "You might want to put both of your hands in the steering wheel."

"You have such little faith in me." She chuckled. The car was beginning to slow down.

"Maybe when you get a better sense of the indicators, we can talk about driving with one hand."

"Oh please, we could be in Bristol right now and you wouldn't even know it." She said. Tonks parked the car against the curb, only managing to hit it once, a significant improvement thus far.

"I can walk myself up to the door." Harry said. "You don't have to get out."

"It's fine. I'd love to meet them." Tonks said cheerfully, unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Would you really?" Harry asked dryly.

"Are you going to behave, Nymphadora?" Remus asked. She elbowed his arm.

"On my best behaviour." She nodded. "Sirius, you can come too."

"I don't think they'll let him in the house." Harry said.

"We won't stay long." Tonks said.

Remus was glad to stretch his legs. Tonks helped Harry with his trunk as they walked up the front steps. Harry was dragging his feet like a funeral procession.

"Professor Lupin, I'm sorry in advance if they say anything about your, er-"

"I'll be alright, Harry." Remus said.

The door opened before they even got all of the way there. "Harry!" A woman's voice snapped. "We weren't expecting you so soon. We thought we were supposed to get you from King's Cross. And who are-"

"There was a slight change of plans." Tonks said. Remus could hear how strained her smile was through her voice. "We had to come early."

"Right." The woman sounded stiff.

"They're friends of mine, Aunt Petunia." Harry said. "From the school."

"Friends. Yes, right, of course." She said. "The dog too?"

"Of course." Tonks replied. "This is Remus, and I'm-"

"And does the dog have any manners at all? It's stepping on all of my hostas! Have you no control over it?"

Remus whistled. "Snuffles, stop it."

There was a loud rustling and the woman gasped. Tonks let out a laugh. "I'm sorry—Snuffles, get out here please."

The woman scoffed. "I would think that your kind of people would at least be civilized to know how to use a leash on your mutts."

"I'm very sorry. He's usually more well behaved around people." Remus said. "Harry, be looking for our word. We'll be getting in touch with you as soon as we hear from D-"

"Perhaps we don't want you talking to our nephew." Petunia said.

"That sucks, I supposed." Tonks replied. "Anyways, it should be before September. There'll be plenty of time to get ready for next year. Oh! And remember what I said earlier, about checking up on you. We'll be keeping an eye on you, alright, kiddo?"

"He doesn't need any of you lot to be 'checking in on him'."

"Maybe not, but we'll still be doing it anyways." Tonks nodded. "Alright Snuffles, let's head back home now."

Sirius came bounding out of the flowers. He let out a bark. "Bye." Harry said sadly. "See you guys soon." Remus didn't know what to do. He stood frozen in place until the front door slammed shut and Tonks had to take him by the arm and lead him back to the car.

Tonks slammed the car door behind her. "Hmph." The engine roared to life.

"What were you expecting?" Remus asked curiously. "You think those muggles would've taken any more kindly to woman with pink hair and a man with scars all over his face?"

"It's not pink."

"Hmm?"

"Not pink." She said smugly. He felt her push herself up over the console and kiss him on the mouth. "Any other guesses?"

There was an annoyed whine from the back seat. Remus closed his eyes. "Blue?"

"Hmm." She picked him on the lips and sunk back in her seat. "You can be so unimaginative sometimes." Her voice teased.

"Are you two done shagging up there?"

Tonks let out a loud shriek. "Bloody— Sirius! What in the seven hells is wrong with you? Where are your pants?!?"

"Hang on, I threw some in the back, give me a second to find them-"

"Why do you even have pants? Someone will spot you! You have to change back now!" Tonks exclaimed.

"Oh, stop screaming."

"Sirius, you're going to get yourself killed." Tonks said firmly. Her voice was a kind of harsh Remus had never heard before. "I'm not joking. Change back now."

"Why are you so paranoid? I could be anyone right now. No one knows who I am. No one's going to be lurking in the windows." Remus heard a zipper pull. "It's fine."

"Sirius, you just attacked a bunch of school children at the Ministry." Tonks protested. "If people weren't out looking for you then, they sure are now."

"I didn't-" Sirius got quiet. "Right. I'm sorry."

Tonks was quietly fuming as she pulled away from the curb. "How's your leg?" Remus asked, looking over his shoulder.

"Stiff, but alright." Sirius shook out his hair with his fingers. Remus felt him throw a wet leaf at him. "Hey Tonks, do you want to pull your seat forward a bit?"

"Not really."

Remus sat back in his seat. "Tonks, I should probably tell you about my mission tonight."

"Your mission?" Tonks asked. "You're going on a mission? Already?"

"Wait, Remus, are you being serious? Dumbledore's sending you out? When?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight?" Tonks said in astonishment. She stomped the break too hard and the entire car jerked. "Remus, why didn't you say something sooner? I'm not so sure you're ready to go, Remus, you've not been in combat for almost a year now."

"I know." Remus choked.

"Who are you going with?"

"I'm not going with anyone. I'm meeting up with one of our allies that's undercover with Greyback's werewolves." Remus said stiffly. "I don't know who it is."

"But I thought they were hunting you." Sirius chimed in. "Remus, what's going on? Why are you agreeing to this?"

"Because the werewolves are planning something. I need to beat them to it, whatever it is." Remus said. "Things are getting bad again, Sirius, and I can't just wait for it to happen. I can't just wait for them to come and find me."

The car lurched again. "Remus, if you go out there they are going to massacre you. Do you hear any of the words coming out of your mouth? You can't possibly be going by yourself." Tonks said. "I need to go with you."

"You could get hurt. I want you to stay at headquarters." Remus said quickly.

"I could always get hurt." Tonks replied. "But don't you think this is a bit of a suicide mission?"

"I won't be completely by myself."

Tonks paused. Remus felt a firm grasp grab ahold of his arm. "The last time you went out there, they found out you were the mole and you nearly died. The last time you went out there, you nearly had your face shredded off and you lost your eyes."

"Maybe losing my eyes was supposed to be a good thing." Remus said defensively. "I thought you always told me that I'm more than my own eyes."

"And I think that's absolutely true, but they're still very vital if you plan on going into combat!" She said. "Remus, please don't go. I've got a really bad feeling about this."

"I know that you're nervous, but-"

"I'm not nervous, Remus, I'm worried you're severely underprepared!"

"I have to do this, Tonks."

Her mouth was hanging open. Her attention was drawn back to the dashboard. "I can't believe you." She muttered.

AN: I'm sorry it's been over a month. It's been a hard month and I don't feel like writing, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things. I'm sorry that I'm bad at writing subplots. I'll be starting the next chapter soon.