Just wanted to say thank you to every one who has reviewed - it really does inspire me to carry on :) And a many thanks to HORRORheart who's reviewed every chapter! round of applause for them :D

Decided it was time to see how Tonks was faring :D

hope you like this chapter

Chapter 4

Tonks was cleaning the dinning room of the Malfoy's. It was a large room, with a long wooden table running the length of it. She had been set with the task of cleaning and making the table. It appeared that the Malfoy's were to have guests later. Tonks sighed as she went over to the cabinet at the end of the table and removed the various pieces of expensive silver. She had always hated house chores.

She started to set places when she realized she didn't know how many people were actually going to turn up. There was then a small pop and Tonks turned to see Dobby the house elf carrying several pieces of candelabra.

"Hello Dobby," Tonks said to the elf.

Dobby glanced around the room first before answering, "hello," he squeaked in reply.

Tonks turned back to the table, "Do you know how many people are coming?" she asked. "I don't know how many spaces to set."

"Eight," Dobby replied.

Tonks raised her eyebrows, "Quite a doo then. What's the occasion?"

Once more Dobby glanced around the room, almost as if he was terrified that they were being watched, even when it was obvious no one else was around. "I believe they're celebrating the fact that young master Malfoy got his acceptance letter to Hogwarts."

"Oh," Tonks replied. She shook her head. That would mean that Harry and Ron would be old enough to get their letters of acceptance. But like they would ever receive them. She was pretty sure enemies of the state would not be allowed into Hogwarts, regardless of their magical powers. Tonks sighed, "I'm missing everything stuck here," she said. Probably more to herself than Dobby.

Dobby used magic to light the various candles he'd placed all over the table with a snap of his fingers. "Do you know who's coming Dobby?" Tonks asked whilst glancing his way. Hoping against hope that her estranged aunt would not be attending.

Dobby, almost reading her mind replied with, "Bellatrix won't be able to make it."

Tonks breathed a short sigh of relief. "That's good news."

They both finished decorating the table, and when they were finished the sun had gone down and the normally dark and gloomy room looked even darker and gloomier than usual, Especially with the floating chandelier's.

"It looks like Dracula's den," Tonks muttered to herself when leaving the room.

She then made her way to Lucius' study where she promptly knocked on the door. "Yes," he replied, in a way that suggested he knew it was her.

Tonks opened the door and stepped inside. She bowed to Lucius, whilst imagining what fun it would be to throw him out of the window. "I've set the table Master," she said.

"Very well," he replied without even facing her. "You'll help out Dobby later in the kitchens and serve our guests. I've left some appropriate clothing for you in your…shed…" Tonks groaned to herself.

"Thank you," she said although even a squirrel could have probably heard the sarcasm lacing her voice. She then left the room before Lucius could even call her back and possibly punish her for her 'insolent tone.'

Tonks made her way down stairs and out into the garden towards her 'home.' She opened the door and collapsed on the camp bed in the corner, staring at the dress draped over the chair in the corner.

"No way," she mumbled to herself. She stood up and picked up the dress, staring at the material, or perhaps the lack of. It was a tight black dress that was way too short to be appropriate, and had a much too low neck-line.

"What's wrong with jeans and a tank top?" she questioned. She sighed heavily and lay down on her bed, staring at the ceiling. "How pissed do you think Lucius would be if I took a pair of scissors to it?" She asked out loud to no one in particular.

***[:]***

Tonks sighed heavily for what must have been the three hundredth time that day. She was, greatly against her will, wearing the black dress and was, also against her will, holding a silver tray with appetizers on it whilst weaving in and out between the guests.

It was like she was stuck in some weird dream, no, nightmare. She'd counted the amount of Death Eaters present and it was sort of mind blowing. There was Rodolfus, Dolohov, Rabasta, Greyback and…Wormtail. Whenever Tonks got the opportunity she bored evils into the back of his head because of the betrayer he was. Because of him, many innocent people had died, and that had nearly included Lily, James and young Harry.

And then there was Greyback, he looked like he'd gotten into a scrap recently, and Tonks found herself thanking whoever had given him a black eye. But Tonks wasn't just noticing him because of his new facial accessories. He also appeared to be staring at her twenty four seven. Whenever Tonks turned around she knew that Fenrir was looking her way, and it was highly unsettling. She felt like walking up to him, bringing the silver tray down on his head and yelling 'what is your problem!' at him.

Tonks smiled to herself at this mental image she had just conjured up for herself. However, her smile faltered when she realized that Greyback was making his was straight over to her. He stopped right in front of her, a grin plastered to his face. "Hello." He said.

Tonks just stared back in a very unfriendly way. She had specific instructions not to talk to any of the guests. That didn't mean she couldn't stare them down disapprovingly. Fenrir took some of the various appetizers and stuffed them into his mouth. He nodded as if approving, "nice grub," he said. "Did you make this?" Tonks still didn't answer. "Ah, not allowed to talk, are we?"

Tonks could think of a lot of things she could say at this point but seeming that Lucius was in hearing distance, it was wise not to voice them out loud. Instead she pushed past Greyback and continued to circle the room, tray in hand.

Finally Tonks was allowed to leave the room as the guests took their places. She disappeared into the kitchen where she sat down at the table. Dobby would be taking their various courses through. The Malfoy's had learnt a while ago that Tonks was probably one of the clumsiest people on the planet and it was not a good idea to trust her with plates of food. For once she was thankful for her two left feet. Actually, it wasn't the first time she'd found herself thanking her inability to keep her balance.

She thought back to her love/hate relationship with the dreaded umbrella stand troll foot. Although, as much as she hated the fact she tripped up on it practically every time she entered Grimmauld place, she had always loved the fact that once she'd tripped up, Remus would be there to catch her. However embarrassing the situation was at first she'd come to love the fact he was always there to catch her.

Tonks rubbed her eyes; it was never a good idea to think of the past. Practically everything reminded her of her past life and it was painful. She took a deep breath and decided to occupy her mind with something else. She started to eat some of the untouched appetizers of the tray she had been carrying.

Tonks wasn't exactly starved at the Malfoy's. They did feed her. But it was never anything nice. When was the last time Tonks had had some bertie botts every flavour beans? Or even chocolate…? Oh damn, she'd done it again, she was thinking of him…

Tonks angrily stuffed a salmon appetizer into her mouth and walked over to the window. What would she give to get out of here? She stared out into the darkness and could just make out the gate surrounding the grounds of Malfoy manor. She had tried several times to escape but to no avail, all she received was a few cruciatus curses.

It was nigh on impossible to cross the gate, or the wall that circled the grounds. The amount of spells and jinxes that surrounded it would probably stop an unwanted bumble bee from getting in. It was probably as well protected at Hogwarts. The only way in or out was through that gate...

There was then a pop and Dobby appeared in the kitchen. "Hello Tonks," he said. This time without checking the room for any unwanted listeners. The Malfoy's never came down into the kitchen.

"Hi Dobby. How's the party up stairs?" Tonks asked whilst leaning against a counter.

"It sounds pretty boring," the elf replied. Tonks snickered slightly, "They're all talking about how many mudbloods they caught this week."

Tonk's features fell; her Dad had been a so-called Mudblood. Right up until the point where he'd been caught by Rodulfus Lestrange and killed. "It's not right," she muttered.

Dobby shook his head, his ears flapping, "Dobby agrees, too many innocent people have died already. Dobby does not like what his Master and Mistress do."

Tonks half smiled, "Many people don't agree with it Dobby."

"Like your friends," said Dobby.

"Yeah, just like my friends." Tonks had told Dobby all about the people in the Order. Of course nothing incriminating which might be passed on to Lucius, because as much as Tonks liked Dobby, he was the Malfoy's slave and had to follow their bidding. Even if that meant telling them what he knew about the Order.

No, she only told Dobby about her friends in the Order and…Remus. Dobby had been the only person to talk to in this hellhole. "I have to get out of here Dobby," she said.

Dobby looked up at her with his saucepan eyes, "You can't leave without help," he squeaked slightly, "Master will catch you."

Tonks turned to Dobby, "Help would be appreciated."

"Dobby can't Miss Tonks!" His big eyes filled with fear at the thought. "Master would kill Dobby, Dobby would have to punish himself greatly." Tonks knew it was useless to ask Dobby to help her to escape. How many times had she asked him now? Must be over a hundred.

There was then a ringing and Dobby vanished with a pop again, he had been summoned.

Tonks sighed and continued to stare blankly out of the window.

It wasn't long until Dobby came back, "Master requests you serve drinks Miss," said Dobby.

Tonks rolled her eyes, not again. Dobby gave her a new tray with champagne glasses on it. She took it and regretfully made her way up stairs.

The guests were now in the front room, and Tonks got a certain sense of déjà vu as she weaved in and out of the crowd of people, handing them drinks. She was almost ecstatic when the tray became empty and she was able to leave the room. She opened the door and left the room, silently slipping away, wanting to get back down to the kitchen as soon as possible. However half way down the corridor she heard someone following her and turned to see the last person on this planet she wanted to see right then. Fenrir Greyback. He was smiling again. That sort of crooked creepy smile that sent a shiver down her spine. What on earth did he want?

"Where are you going?" He asked. "Oh I forgot, you can't talk."

Tonks stared back at Greyback, "I wanted to get as far away from you lot as possible," she replied. Not really caring if she was allowed to communicate with him or not.

"Oh, so she does talk," he said whilst raising an eyebrow. He stepped closer to her, "Funny, last time I was here, you were with Bellatrix?" He cocked his head to the side, "What happened?"

"Why would you be so interested?" Tonks asked.

Fenrir chuckled slightly, "no real reason," he said, stepping closer to her. Tonks had the sudden urge to step away but decided to stand her ground; she didn't want to look intimidated. "You are a pretty little thing, aren't you," he said, whilst lifting up a hand to her face. Tonks immediately shied away but Greyback seemed unfazed by it. "I can now see what he sees in you…probably why he wants you back so desperately."

Tonks stared back at him, was he talking about Remus? "Have you seen him?" she asked, Once again talking before thinking through what she was going to say.

Greybacks smile grey wider, "Why would you be so interested?" He mimicked her words from earlier. Tonks scowled at him. He laughed slightly, "I'm sure he wished he hadn't run into me right now…" he said. "Nobody crosses me and doesn't regret it…"

Greyback then grabbed Tonk's arm and twisted it behind her back, pushing her up against the wall. The metal tray she'd been carrying clattered to the floor. "Where can I find him?" He growled, his grip tightening on her arm.

Tonks didn't answer though; she kept her jaw clenched in an attempt to not cry out from the now throbbing pain in her arm. However, this only caused Fenrir to tighten his grip on her wrist and twist it harder. Tonks hissed slightly in pain. "It's quite simple really," he said, "all you have to do is tell me where I could find Remus…or his little brat…"

Tonks stared at the wall, "What?" she said.

However Greyback ignored her question and merely slammed her into the wall again. "It's not like you owe any loyalty to him, is it?" His face was centimeters away from her ear. "How long have you been stuck here, hmm? Six years is it? And has he tried to rescue you? Hasn't been doing too well has he?"

Tonks smiled to herself, "I thought you said earlier that he was desperate to get me back? Besides, even if he didn't, I would never give him up to you."

"Shame," said Greyback and twisted her arm further up her back. Tonks couldn't help but cry out this time, the pain was overwhelming and Greyback didn't stop. He continued to push her arm further up her back. Tonks pressed her forehead against the wall and shut her eyes tight shut.

There was then a loud resounding crack and Tonks screamed out in pain as her arm was broken. "Maybe next time," Greyback breathed into her ear, "you'll think about it more next time I ask." He then let go of her and she sank to her knees. Tonks painfully removed her arm from around her back and then cradled it. She turned to see Fenrir Greyback disappearing back into the front room.

This wasn't good news. Fenrir had said something about next time he asked…that meant he hadn't given up on her yet, despite her stubborn answer. But that wasn't what Tonks was overly concerned with at the moment. She couldn't stop thinking about what Greyback had said… "…where I could find Remus…or his little brat…" And Tonks hoped so much that she hadn't misheard or misunderstood. She hoped it with all her heart.

***[:]***

"Snap!" Teddy yelled. He'd been playing a giant exploding snap game with Harry, Ron, Fred, George and Ginny for ten minutes now and the pack had still not exploded.

"That wasn't a snap!" Ron protested and then looked at the last two cards, both two's. "Okay," he muttered, "maybe it was." Teddy stuck his tongue out at him.

Ginny shook her head, "Just because you suck at this game Ron."

Fred and George chuckled slightly, "I don't think Ron likes losing to a six year old," said one of them.

The tips of Ron's ears started to turn bright red, "Am not," he said, "you two aren't exactly doing brilliantly, are you?"

Fred and George shrugged and Ron looked pretty smug until Harry placed a card down and George slammed his hand down to yell "snap."

"I think," said Fred, "I'll take a leaf out of Teddy's book," and he stuck his tongue out at Ron, who scowled considerably.

Harry couldn't help but laugh, "It's only a game Ron," he said to his best friend, but he didn't seem that comforted by it.

They continued to play until Harry yelled snap and the cards blew up in his face. He was instantly covered in black soot and his hair became, rather miraculously, even more messed up from the force of the mini explosion.

Everyone burst into hysterics. Teddy was laughing so much he fell of his seat, which seemed to make people laugh even more. Including Harry who had had to remove his glasses because of the layer of soot covering them.

Once everyone had finished their laughing fit Harry stood up and announced that he was going to find someone with a wand that could make it possible for him to see out his glasses again. "I'll come with you," said Ron whilst standing up and following Harry out of the room.

Teddy turned to Fred and George, "another game?" He asked.

"Sorry Ted," said George.

"But we have important stuff to be getting on with," ended Fred.

"and-" said George.

"-we don't want our hair-"

"-Turning out like that-" They also both left the room.

Teddy stared blankly after the two twins, "how do they do that?" He asked turning to Ginny.

"I have no idea," she said, "It's Fred and George, what more of an explanation do you need?" Teddy shrugged. "I'll play another game with you if you want Ted," she said, and he grinned from ear to ear.

The snap game does seem a bit random now that i've read over it - oh well - i wanted to lighten the mood after the whole Greyback incident. And it will carry on next chapter. :D

Please read and review because it really does make my day :)

I was asked how old all the kids are in this as well - and if you didn't pick up on it this chapter Harry and Ron have just turned eleven and would be attending Hogwarts if Voldemort didn't rule. The age gap between everyone else hasn't changed from JK's version either - i hope that helps :)

Millipher Steerus xx