Author's Note:
So I was writing this chapter, simply planning on having a normal, uneventful Christmas for them since they all needed a break...but then the story wrote itself...oh and by the way, in the later scene, the last scene with Remus, I (borrowed? based?)got the idea from Kuroida's A Year to be Remembered. Do read her story, it's very good. Anyways, I hope you enjoy! ^_^ And P.S., is it snowing anywhere else because where I live, it's snowing and it's NOT NORMAL for it to snow in bloody October!
Chapter 16 – Wolfsbane Can Work Both Ways
From their window, Tonks and Alexis could see the snow falling outside as students began leaving the school, heading off for the holidays. Tonks was about to leave for a very well deserved vacation as well, but unlike the students she wasn't taking a break from learning, she was taking a break from a very complicated mission for her work. The snow continued to fall, catching onto the edges of the glass on their window and Tonks was slightly distracted.
"Hey, hurry up will you," Alexis smirked, giving Tonks a reminding nudge. "We have to leave by six today. If we don't make it to Andromeda's dinner at seven she'll have our heads. Most importantly she'll have my head because I'm the older one and am supposed to be responsible in reminding you," she laughed.
"My mum's not going to rip your head off if we're late," Tonks sighed, smirking at her cousin as unlike Lexi who with a wave of her wand had all her clothes fold themselves, Tonks had to do so by hand. "In fact, I sometimes think she prefers you as a daughter over me."
"Don't say that," Alexis laughed. "See this is the kind of thing you say that annoys the living daylights out of her."
"It's true," Tonks laughed, making an odd look as she tried to figure out how to fold a jumper so that it was straight and neat. "By the way, how are we going to communicate with Padfoot while we're on break? What if something happens to him while we're away? Mad-Eye had the shifts changed so that while we're away, he, Silvia, and Rookwood would still be here and they'll leave when we get back."
"Don't worry. Remus will be here to make sure Padfoot behaves himself. And I've messed with the locators so that they all guide them to Pettigrew instead of Padfoot. Rookwood, though is an Unspeakable, is too daft to figure out how to do anything with the locators except use it correctly. Blimey, even Bode wouldn't even know how to take it apart."
"I shouldn't have even bothered to ask," Tonks smiled, giving up on folding her clothes and simply shoving them into her bag. "What do you suppose we say to my mum? She'd love to know what exactly is going on with her favorite cousin. And she never entirely believed that Sirius had gone mad you know."
"You're not suggesting we tell her that Sirius is hiding in the Shrieking Shack under our protection while searching for Peter Pettigrew, the real murderer and traitor, are you?"
"You're saying we shouldn't?"
"To be on the safe side, we shouldn't. If something goes wrong and your mum knows about this too, she could get in trouble with the Ministry as well. I don't think you'd want to risk that with your mother."
"True," Tonks nodded, trying to close the zipper entirely in her overstuffed bag.
"We can give her a surprise once we prove his innocence with the Wizengamot."
"Confidence, are we?" Tonks smiled, still struggling with her bag's zipper.
"I've re-looked everything over. As long as we catch Pettigrew and have at least one reliable source claiming that they believe in Sirius being innocent, which that source could be Dumbledore, we're good to go," she smirked. "Remus said so himself that Pettigrew can't resist Veritaserum and so his confessions will come out simply and easily. Also, if we have Snape's help on his statements in what he heard as a Death Eater, it will further help Sirius' case."
"What if the Wizengamot doesn't accept his statements and deem him as being under some sort of influence or saying his mind is warped by fear and then rule out what he has to say?" Tonks asked, her constant vigilance auror self surfacing.
"Tonksie, why did I become an Unspeakable when I can survive perfectly well as an auror?" Alexis sighed.
"Because Unspeakables don't have to run around and you want to be the biggest contradiction on the face of the Earth?" Tonks teased. Unspeakables are quiet most of the time, Alexis is not. Unspeakables are gloomy and brooding, Alexis is not. Unspeakables don't speak about the nature of their work, Alexis does all the time.
Her raven haired cousin mock scowled at her and sighed, shaking her head. "You're a brilliant auror but in my eyes you'll always be my silly little cousin," she sighed. "Unspeakables have access to the Thought Chamber," she nodded her head like speaking with a child. "You with me here? In the Thought Chamber of the Department of Mysteries, there is something, I don't really know how to explain to you, but that something is more truthful than any confessions, any truth telling serums. That's what the Wizengamot uses to make their final judgment in complicated cases."
"How come the Wizengamot never used this one Sirius twelve years ago?"
"Well they never gave him a proper trial and there were no other witnesses. And to use this, it requires quite a hefty load of paperwork. But…now you've got connection to the Department of Mysteries," Alexis smirked and winked. "And honestly Tonks, do you need any help with that?" she asked, watching as Tonks still struggled with the bag's zipper.
"No, no, I got this," Tonks huffed, determined to do something right.
"You're so stubborn. Just like how you won't let Remus know you fancy him just because you stubbornly think that he'll never have mutual feelings for you."
"What are you talking about Lexi?" Tonks huffed again.
"Sirius told me a lot of things when I came to check on him," the black haired woman smirked. "Including how you and Remus both seem to fancy the pants off each other but both are quote 'too much of a noble prat to accept that the other fancies them just the same', unquote."
"Who said I fancy Remus?" Tonks questioned, trying to morph away her blush but failing extravagantly at the feat.
"I'm your cousin. I know what's up when I see the way you two look at each other."
Tonks grumbled, still trying to hide her blush and asked, "How does Sirius know?"
"Well he and I were talking weren't we?" said Alexis, jumping up from where she sat on her bed as Tonks attempted to smack her upside the head. Tonks was using the excuse of hitting her cousin to hide her blush as she chased Alexis around the room, smacking her whenever she got the chance. The young woman really did deserve it to Tonks' eyes.
Students were leaving at different times through the Hogwarts Entrance Hall, all heading off to meet up with their parents for a holiday back home. The evening was quickly approaching as the sun began to set. In the background, she could hear the loud and low moaning chimes of the clock tower as it reached five o'clock in the afternoon. Alexis was smiling softly as she walked beside Marrick, talking with him animatedly. He had his bag hanging around his shoulders with the little belongings that he took with him to Hogwarts when they were first assigned that mission, and a bright, mirthful smile on his face.
"If I know you as well as I think, when you return from vacation, during that time, you'd cease the chance that Moody and Silvia aren't in the castle to full on work on whatever it is you and Tonks are up to, am I correct?" Marrick grinned charismatically as he leaned in closer to Alexis while walking close beside each other.
"I never thought I'd admit to this, but you do know me pretty well," Lexi replied, smirking. "And if I know you as well as I think, you're just going to go home and have a fine, non-rebellious vacation like the by-the-book person that you are. Am I correct?"
"Yes, but you're not as impressive as me because you're unpredictable while I'm not."
"Whatever," she laughed. "You're just going to apparate home right?"
"That's what I plan on doing. Moody's set up an apparition point right outside the ground doors for us so it's just a straight, short walk down the path," he nodded.
"Then I'll be seeing you off here," she spoke as they both exited the large doors to the Entrance Hall of the castle. The doors closed quietly behind her but she knew that Filch had left it unlock for the students coming in and out.
"You can't walk with me a little longer?" Marrick asked, taking her hand gently.
"Sorry, I still have to run back and find Tonks. My little cousin's gone M.I.A. on me yet again," she replied and managed a small smirk. "We have to leave by six before her mother's dinner at seven otherwise I'd get my head torn off."
Looking into her dark brown almost black eyes, Marrick laughed softly as the fluffy white snow fell on her straight, raven black hair. Her eyes seemed to have a small twinkle in them as she looked at him, and her smile was soft and genuine, one he wished he'd see on her more often, though her mischievous and sometimes childish grin was just as lovely.
"Happy Christmas Alexis," he smiled, leaning in and placing his lips on hers. Marrick kissed her softly but passionately, his hands cupping her face to his while hers got lost in his dark brown hair that had grown longer since he first returned to Hogwarts. The kiss made them warmer and the cold, fluffy snow that fell on them melted quickly within the heat.
Slowly, almost reluctantly, Alexis pulled back while a small and genuine smile was lighting up her face. "Happy Christmas Marrick."
"Please try not to get in trouble with whatever it is you're doing," he reminded her.
"Don't you trust me?"
"I do but it doesn't mean I can stop worrying. You're putting your job, maybe even your freedom at stake here. I have a feeling I know what you're doing, I just won't say it."
"I'm glad you aren't saying anything. Thank you."
"As I said before, I'd rather see you out here with a mischievous and trouble-bringing grin on your face than see you locked up in Azkaban with a completely mad and insane smile."
"You make everything seem so risky," Alexis laughed, beckoning him off. "Off you go less you'll be late. From what you told me, I don't think your mother would appreciate your late appearance very much for her own Christmas dinner."
He gave her one last smile for the night and turned to disapparated right on the spot. Alexis heard the tell-tale sign of apparition, a pop, and in an instant he was gone.
She took a long breath and pulled her thin robes tighter around her small frame as she crossed her arms. Alexis shook her head once so all the loose snow would fall off and she began re-entering the Entrance Hall. The doors were cold and heavy as she pushed them but after a moment, she finally got through.
The first step she took inside, Alexis was suddenly startled when she felt her entire body being hauled up by simple and traditional ropes, a net trap. She let out a surprised squeal and once the net closed around her, she was fighting with it, forgetting for a moment that she was a witch and so didn't even bother thinking about her wand.
"What the bloody hell?"
Then she heard the almost identical laughter of the two Weasley Twins sound from below. Alexis shifted and looked down to see the identical faces of Fred and George Weasley, grinning up broadly at her. "We never thought you'd fall for it Lexi," George spoke.
"But indeed you did," Fred finished, both smirking proudly.
"I can just hear Mad-Eye screaming constant vigilance right now," Alexis thought as she laughed and rolled her eyes. "A net? That simple?"
"It's the simplest of things…" George began.
"…that the brightest people fall for," Fred finished.
"Alright," Alexis sighed, still smiling. "Can you let me down now?"
"But that would be a wasted effort," George grinned.
"We planned on carrying you into the Great Hall to show the kids and boast about how we're better pranksters," Fred added, both twins crossing their arms at the same time.
"Hardly," she scoffed gently. "This isn't even considered a prank in my book."
"But…" before George could even counter, using wandless and non-verbal magic, Alexis had already cut the normal, non-magical ropes to the net. She fell down to the ground, landing gracefully on her feet with a smirk on her face as she looked at both twins. "See? What did I tell you George? Never prank someone older than yourself. Chances are they know more spells than you do and can get themselves out of the so-called prank."
"Yes we didn't think of that Freddie," George nodded, turning to his brother.
Fred shoved his hands deep into his pockets as he began to walk away slowly, looking for a moment like he was strutting. Alexis could see George give his twin an odd look and she was about to question herself when suddenly, Fred turned back and flicked his wand quickly, charming a mistletoe to grow above them at rapid speed.
"Bloody hell," George sighed, his face becoming beat red.
"Don't we already have enough of these for decorations around Hogwarts?" Alexis asked almost innocently. However, when she attempted to walk away, an invisible force held her back. She quickly caught on and began scowling at Fred.
"Freddie learned that from Professor Flitwick," George sighed, looking up at the mistletoe as he continued to blush madly.
Alexis was amused as she'd never seen a boy blush quite that badly. His cheeks were bright red, almost glowing. She thought she'd never ever see that look on George Weasley, someone who could so easily embarrass himself to bring smiles to others' faces. She smirked and looked at the young kid.
"Well what are we going to do?" Alexis asked conversationally.
"That mistletoe is charmed so that unless a kiss is made, it won't allow you to leave," Fred grinned mischievously. "Quite a good prank now don't you think?" he winked.
"And you chose to prank your own brother? I think this was quite unexpected to George as well," Alexis laughed as George continued to blush.
"I wouldn't say it's completely unexpected. I dropped hints to him earlier that I'd use this as a back-up plan," Fred grinned. "And it's not like he wouldn't enjoy a kiss from such a pretty Ravenclaw like yourself," he spoke lower towards the end, still grinning.
"Alright, a kiss," Alexis sighed as she placed her hand gently behind George's head, pulling him closer so she could reach him as he was taller than her. Her kiss was quick as lightning as she placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead like a simple act of friendship. George could feel her lips touch his skin and was about to rupture in his own blush. Alexis grinned as the mistletoe above them allowed her to move again. "That's still considered a kiss."
"Completely unfair," Fred huffed but his grin was still wide.
"You're awfully quiet George," Alexis pointed out as she began to walk away, purposely imitating the way Fred had walked or rather strutted earlier. "Get a move on to the Great Hall, I might just decide to turn around and charm a mistletoe over your head, this one making sure that you won't leave until the kiss is on the lips," she warned them teasingly while glancing back at the twins. She laughed softly when Fred and George turned towards one another with disgust.
Inside the Great Hall, the ceiling was charmed to make it look just like the weather outside, snowing, but without the cold and without the actual snow touching you. Tonks walked in, taking a minute to gaze at the marvel that was the high, magical ceiling of the Great Hall. She looked back down the Gryffindor table to see the kids, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, all sitting there, gathered around what looked like a very interesting game of Wizard's chess. Ginny spotted her first, and then Hermione and both girls waved. Tonks made sure her appearance and morph was still intact as she grinned broadly while making her way over to them.
"I thought you left already," Tonks smiled, her voice and body like that of a thirteen year-old, just like them. "And I'm guessing Ron's winning by the way," she laughed.
"Yeah but I'm making a comeback," Harry smirked. "And I never go home for the holidays. That would mean going back to the Dursleys."
"Harry usually comes over and stays with us for Christmas," Ron spoke up. "But mum and dad went to visit my brother Charlie over in Romania," he grinned.
"So we're all stuck here this year," Ginny faked a dramatic sigh.
Tonks smirked at the look she saw Ginny throw at Harry but she kept her mouth shut. "What about you Hermione?" Tonks turned and asked the girl with bushy brown hair. "You're not coming home for Christmas this year?"
"No," she sighed but she didn't look at all unhappy. "My parents have gone on a long vacation and won't be back until February," she replied.
"You're going home for Christmas right Tonks?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, with Lexi," she replied. "My mum's going to have our heads if we're late."
"That's what my mum always said to my brother Charlie if he doesn't come home," Ron spoke. "But he never was afraid of her. I guess it's because he lives so far away."
"Or maybe his love for dragons overrules all others," Tonks joked, remembering from school how she and Alexis would always tease Charlie that if it was legal, he would have married a dragon and brought one home to his mother.
"That's what Fred and George teased him about too," Ron spoke up. "They said they picked it up from some of Charlie's friends," he spoke excitedly.
Tonks grinned, remembering the many teases and jokes they'd said to Charlie and how he could laugh at each and every one of them humorously, grinning as he teased them back. Tonks had to admit to herself that she missed the bloke, her once closest friend that wasn't her family and he was her ex-boyfriend as well.
"Hang on Tonks," Hermione suddenly spoke up. "Did you know Ron's brother, Charlie? How did you know that he loves dragons?"
Luckily, Tonks knew better than to look surprised. She had completely forgotten about her disguise for a moment and could just imagine Mad-Eye Moody scolding her ears off if he had been there right then. "Oh Charlie knew Lexi and since he knew Lexi, he knew me," she smiled, coming up with an excuse. "But I don't think he'll remember us. It'd been a while and Lexi was always bad at keeping in touch with people. I am too," she added, hoping that neither Ron nor Ginny would decide to owl their brother and question about two girls by the name of Tonks and Lexi. No doubt Charlie would remember his old friends. Her cover would be blown.
Hermione seemed to have only believed in part of Tonks' lie as the brilliant young witch sat back and nodded, her looks seeming contemplative. Tonks could only hope the girl wouldn't question anymore. Then from the corner of her eyes, she suddenly spotted Alexis who was strutting in quite oddly, smirking at them all. Fred and George walked closely behind the raven haired Unspeakable, one of them blushing madly. Tonks still couldn't tell which was which, because once she thought she could finally tell them apart, they confused her all over again.
"You're in a happy mood," Tonks teased, raising an eyebrow at the funny way Alexis was walking. "Strutting around the castle like that," she laughed.
"Actually I'm imitating Fred," Lexi replied, smirking and pointing to the one who wasn't blushing and from then, Tonks concluded that the one blushing madly was George.
"George why are you beat red?" Tonks asked the young man, seeing that the four kids beside her were interested as well to why one of the Weasley twins was blushing that badly.
"The twins tried to play two pranks one me," Lexi announced. "But both of them didn't go the way they had planned it I'm assuming," she smirked, glancing at George who was uncharacteristically quiet.
"I don't know, the last one went way better than what Georgie had hoped," Fred smirked.
"Come on Tonks, it's almost six," Alexis told her and pulled Tonks to the side. "We have to leave by six because we can't apparate straight in to Andromeda's home, in case you've forgotten," Alexis replied in a hushed voice so that the other kids who were distracted in an animated conversation couldn't hear.
"Right," Tonks nodded, remembering that to get to her mother's house, they had to apparate to an alley down the street from the muggle like town house and the alley was a twenty minute walk for them. "I have to get my bag though. It's still up in our room."
"Alright," Lexi replied. "Go get your bag and I'll go speak with Rookwood to make sure that the locators don't all of a sudden do something unexpected while we're away."
"Aren't there three Unspeakables total including you? Why don't you speak with the third one as well, I think Bode was his name."
"Because Bode's in Hogsmeade," Lexi replied simply. "I'll check with him later. But personally, he just downright scares me and I don't want my holiday mood ruined."
"Whatever you say," Tonks sighed, rolling her eyes. "Do you think we'll have time that I could pay Remus a visit? The moon's coming up for him and I want to check to make sure he's alright. And I want to give him his Christmas present as well, from a friend."
"Friends," Alexis scoffed. "Tonks if you love the man just say it," she sighed.
"Don't make me smack you right in front of the kids," Tonks warned but her smile and slight blush gave her threat away as a tease.
"Whatever," Alexis smirked. "Go see him and tell him a Happy Christmas from me. You should have invited the professor over for a Christmas dinner with us. I'm sure Andromeda wouldn't mind an old friend of Sirius'."
"You know the more you talk, the bigger the risk of us getting caught and being suspected again?" Tonks replied. "I'll be quick. Meet me at the Entrance Hall and we can leave. We're able to apparate right when we get out of the door right?"
"Yep, now hurry up cuz," Alexis smiled and nudged Tonks away as she waved and gave the kids her holiday greetings and left as well. Alexis paused for a moment before she exited the Great Hall. She ceased that moment to glance up at the enchanted ceiling, smirking like a child again at the magical ceiling that looked like it was snowing, just like the weather outside. Hogwarts really was quite a magical place, in not just one way.
Tonks took a deep breath. Lately, she really had been visiting Remus way too often. She found herself standing outside his door more often than she ever thought possible and every time she stood there, she felt her heart racing, beating way too fast to be safe. Tonks took another breath to calm herself down, shaking her hands beside her to loosen up. She wondered why she was so nervous, why she felt so flustered every time she went to see him. There was a feeling of happiness within her as well. After some deep breathing, Tonks drummed her knuckles on the wooden door to his office and it surprised her that the door was ajar. It simply creaked open.
"Remus?" she spoke softly, taking a small step into the room.
"Hello Nymphadora." A soft voice followed by a very wan smile came as a reply.
"Wotcher Remus," she spoke, looking at the professor. Tonks was surprised. He looked downright horrible even though she hated to admit it. The bags under his eyes grew darker and his premature lines grew deeper. His hair still wasn't as grey as she'd remembered it, but Remus looked sick and very, very unwell. There was a sickly hue to him and he was paler than normal. He had traces of cold sweat on his forehead and his steps were shaky. Tonks wondered what was wrong and found herself stepping closer, gently holding his arm. "Remus, are you ok?"
"I'm fine Nymphadora," he smiled but his smile seemed wan and more tired than normal. "I'm stronger than I look," he replied in a very soft voice. "Though I admit I am feeling under the weather and it's not doing much good for the fast approaching full moon."
"Do you think you can get through the full moon? You look like you're running a fever."
"Like I said, I'm stronger than I look," he replied. "I have something for you by the way. But let me drink my fourth dose of wolfsbane first before I forget," he managed a small smile. Remus felt more comfortable around her now, knowing that she was his friend and that he didn't have to be afraid about his condition with her. He felt warm around her, accepted.
Tonks leaned on his desk and watched as he went over to his bookshelf where the black, slightly singed cauldron of wolfsbane was set. He took out a glass from inside and drank it all, quickly and in one take. Tonks was always amazed that Remus could down such a disgusting liquid without hurling it up. He swallowed hard and she noticed that he made a face, perhaps from the disgusting taste. He shook his head slightly and looked back up at her. Tonks noticed that his eyes looked blood shot. The soft blue looked more panicked, unsteady, and he looked as if he was practically dying for some peaceful sleep.
"Can't you add sugar or something to that to make drinking it more bearable?" she asked.
He shook his head slowly, his eyes becoming more panicked and unsteady. Tonks began to worry about him, but she didn't know how to put her worries into words and she was afraid that if she showed too much care, she'd make him feel uncomfortable like the other times.
"Unfortunately for wolfsbane, if I add sugar or anything else to it, it would make the potion useless. Though I admit if I could add sugar it would be a relief. My potion is getting a lot more terrible tasting lately," he nodded.
"Remus I have to say, you're one of the toughest men I know for being able to down that thing," she smiled softly. There were so many more reasons why she saw him as a strong man, but she knew better than to list them and make him feel uncomfortable.
He managed a small, genuine smile and took slow, shaky steps towards her. Remus picked up a small package wrapped in shiny silver and pink wrappings from his desk and handed it to her. "Happy Christmas Tonks. I've never really bought presents before, not in a while, so I didn't know what I should get. I hope you like it though," he spoke softly, shyly almost, but Tonks reminded herself not to be foolish and get her hopes up so that they could be crushed.
Tonks took the present and took out a small package of her own, wrapped in Honeyduke's gift wrap for the holidays, and handed it to Remus. She had an idea that he already knew what it was from looking at the wrapper as his wan smile turned into a mirthful, wolfish grin. She was more than happy to see that grin, more than happy.
Both Remus and Tonks unwrapped their presents carefully and gently as if the wrapping paper could feel pain. Tonks took out a rainbow colored scarf and grinned, looking up at him, her eyes meeting his blood shot but still soft and gentle blue eyes. Remus' present had been a very large bar of Honeyduke's best milk chocolate, his favorite kind. He smiled and looked up, his eyes meeting her soulful dark green ones.
"Happy Christmas," they both spoke at the exact same time, her voice and his blending together in perfect harmony. Then as if on cue, they both turned away to blush, once again in-sync with the other.
"This matches me so well," Tonks grinned, wrapping the scarf around her immediately and she felt her body heat and heartbeat rise as one.
"I'm glad you like it. Thank you, how did you know, this was my favorite kind?"
"Remus, you always have a bar of chocolate on you. You look happier when you're eating that kind as compared to the other ones," she smiled, gesturing to the very large bar of chocolate in his hands.
"Thank you," he spoke softly, warmly, soothingly.
She could only muster a smile.
After a long moment of comfortable silence and rising, racing heartbeats, Tonks forced herself to pull her eyes away from Remus. "I…uh…I better go," she spoke softly. "I have to meet Lexi in the Entrance Hall so we could both leave to go to my mum's. Have a nice holiday Remus, and do take care on the full moon. Are you sure you don't want me to come check on you the morning after?"
He shook his head, his expression still gentle. "That would be too much trouble. You should enjoy your well deserved vacation. Unlike the students here, this is work for you." He spoke with a soft and subtle finality in his voice. Tonks felt the need to not argue and just listen to the man for once.
"Write me whenever you can."
"I will, thank you," he smiled again. "I'll see you off at the Entrance Hall," he spoke, walking along beside her.
Tonks noticed that his steps were still shaky and she worried about him more. She forced herself to remember that he was stronger than he looked. However, that night's pre-moon symptoms were the worse from how she'd seen him before, and worry was unable to be held back. She smiled as he walked beside her and they slowly made their way down pass the second floor, the first floor, and soon they finally got to the Entrance Hall.
"Happy Christmas Nymphadora," Remus spoke again, his voice breathier, more wan.
She smiled and nodded at him, able to see Alexis approaching with her bag slung around her shoulder. Remus turned around and smiled wanly at Alexis who returned his genuine kindness with that of her own. Tonks wished her cousin was that nice and polite with her.
"Happy Christmas Remus."
"Happy Christmas Alexis."
"Tonksie, ready to go?" she asked, repositioning her bag around her shoulder.
"Yeah, take care Remus," Tonks smiled again and walked away with her cousin, slowly. Each step she took away from him, she felt a strong force pulling her back, tempting her desperately to look back at him. There was something wrong with Remus. He looked unwell, ill, and sick, even for pre-moon symptoms. There was something going on that completely deserved her worry. Tonks sighed and turned to Alexis.
Her cousin opened her mouth slightly and was about to say something, but they suddenly heard a thud sound from behind them before they could walk through the large doors leading out of the castle. Immediately, Tonks turned around. Her eyes widened with fear and worry when she spotted Remus on the ground, his face twisted in pain as his wounds seem to be…opening up. She instantly ran over to him, followed by her cousin.
"Remus," she called but he didn't answer her. He couldn't. He was in so much pain it seemed. He was tense and his body bent as if he was going to transform. Remus' many scars that crossed his body seemed to be opening up, slowly and painfully. "Remus, are you alright?"
He only let out an unwanted groan of pain. His eyes were shut tightly and he was trembling. Remus heaved a heavy breath and let out another scream, muffled by his own dignity to keep himself quiet and remain strong. Tonks held onto him as she turned to Alexis, hoping that the brilliant witch had some kind of answer.
"What's wrong with him?" Tonks asked in a very worried voice.
"I don't know," she replied, taking out her wand and running a check over him. "I suspect poison but I'm not skilled enough to identify which kind."
"Go get help!" Tonks almost screamed, her eyes becoming blurry with a mixture of tears in the corners and worry. She clung onto him tighter, supporting him as Remus continued to tremble. He tried so hard to hold back his groans and screams but they all slipped through, painfully. What he was going through seemed worse than any transformation.
Alexis had already run off and Tonks saw that she was going into the dungeon first. Sitting there, Tonks continued to hold onto Remus, her palms desperately covering up his many wounds that were opening up all at the same time. The faint scars across his face grew red and began to bleed. His arms were bloody everywhere as far as she could see. Deep, velvet blood seeped through his shabby robes on his torso and back. Tonks held onto him tightly as Remus continued to shake. He was shaking violently now, fighting back the pain in a futile effort. She had her wand out of course. Tonks was trying to close the wounds, but they were opening up too fast for her to close, and the ones she'd managed to close were opening up again.
"Remus, up you get," she gasped, attempting to pull him up to his feet. He clung onto her as well, his hands shaking, his arms shaking, his entire body shaking.
Soon Alexis returned from the dungeon, throwing the dungeon door open with a loud bang but that noise was drowned out by Tonks' endless worry for Remus. He was losing too much blood right now. Severus Snape glided quickly out of the dungeon with a hint of a panicked expression on his face. Alexis didn't have time to talk as she quickly turned and made her way up the staircase, perhaps searching for Madam Pomfrey. Snape ran over to Tonks and bent down, his one arm on Remus as he took out his wand and assessed what was wrong with the professor. Tonks looked up at him, her gaze speaking her mind.
"He's been poisoned," Snape spoke in a low voice with only a small hint of emotions.
"How?" Tonks asked, almost screaming at him.
"Too much wolfsbane," he spoke and threw one of Remus' arms around his shoulder, pulling the bleeding professor up to his feet. "We've got to get him to Poppy Pomfrey."
"What do you mean too much wolfsbane? You brewed the potion for him!" she shrieked now, unable to hold back as she and Snape helped a shaking and trembling Remus up the stairs, quickly and desperately. Tonks knew she had to thank Snape for helping. Usually the cold and dreary potions master wouldn't bother that much. She could see Remus' blood get onto Snape's black robes, just like it was getting onto hers.
"I meant the wolfsbane plant," he replied, seeming annoyed but still helping Remus up the stairs. "Wolfsbane can work both ways," Snape explained quickly. "It's a key ingredient in the wolfsbane potion. Too little of it and the potion won't work. Too much of it and it will poison the werewolf," he spoke, glancing at Remus and Tonks spotted a small trace of worry in his thought to be cold and emotionless eyes.
"But you brewed it. How could there be too much?" she asked him.
"I don't know but we better get Lupin up to Poppy quickly," Snape replied in a louder, sterner voice as his pace quickened and Tonks followed.
"Oh Remus," Poppy's distressed voice said. She practically flew down the stairs. "Alexis told me he'd been poisoned. What's wrong with him Severus?" she asked, glancing up at Snape.
"Too much wolfsbane."
Her eyes widened and the look on her face made Tonks' heart swell and drop. Whatever was happening to Remus right then, was definitely a very horrible, horrible thing. "We've got to get him to the hospital wing quick!" the healer spoke. "I'll take him there." She switched with Snape and supported a severely pained Remus who was beginning to writhe in the intense pain. "Severus, please go brew all the necessary potions and quickly."
Without another glance, Snape turned sharply and glided down the staircase back to his office in the dungeon. Tonks had to thank him, though he seemed to hate Remus, he wasn't completely heartless. Alexis was breathing hard and Tonks saw her cousin run down the stairs back to the Entrance Hall with her wand in her hand.
"Where're you going Lexi?" she breathed but she didn't stop.
"We've got to clean up the blood before any students see it. Get Remus up to the hospital wing. When I'm finished I'll alert Dumbledore and McGonagall," she breathed heavily, gasping to catch her breath and Tonks nodded.