Harry Potter's not mine!

Valentine's Day Gone Wrong

"Remus, stop pacing, you are just wasting your energy."

Remus, ignored his friend Sirius as he has been doing for past 30 minutes and continued pacing. He couldn't sit quietly when Tonks' life statement was being written somewhere. He was waiting for news, just any news that she is fine. Finally when he started feeling a bit dizzy from continued pacing, he took the chair next to Sirius.

"I just don't understand why they won't let me go and see her."

"Because, Moony, you are in league with Dumbledore. There will be people from her office, your being there won't do any good to her career as an Auror or to the Order. And besides, Kingsley and Mad-eye are there with her."

"I know." he sighed.

An Order meeting had been scheduled tonight. He and Sirius had been sitting in the kitchen, chatting idly when a disgruntled looking Emmeline had stumbled in the kitchen with shawl askew and pale faced. They have immediately caught that something was wrong. Then she had told them something that had left Remus feeling as if the ground beneath him has imploded.

Tonks had been on a surveillance duty tonight for Order near an old shed. They have got a tip off about Death Eater activity. The source of tip off was not too reliable therefore, they have not paid much attention to it, and instead of sending a pair, as usual, Tonks had volunteered to go alone, as it was a rare chance that anything would happen.

But apparently they were wrong. Emmeline told them that she had been ambushed by two Death Eaters, when Remus asked her more about Tonks' condition, she said she doesn't know except that it's quite critical. Then she had hurried out saying that Kingsley and Moody were with her, and that she needs to inform others.

Ever since, Remus and Sirius have been waiting for news anxiously. It was all so very suffocating for Remus that it pained him even to breathe. Just few days ago, on Christmas, he had got the same news that she was hurt. That time she had escaped the attack through some trick of fate but apparently she wasn't lucky enough this time.

It was Valentine's Day today. It had held never much importance for Remus, may be because he hardly had anyone to celebrate it with, even though he did had someone to celebrate it with this time, it didn't mattered much because he didn't need a day to express his love for Tonks. Tonks too, was not any believer in the day but she had told him that since she had someone this time to enjoy it, she wanted to. Therefore they had decided that after the meeting they would spend together an quiet evening somewhere.

And now his whole world was turned upside down.

Just when his back started getting uncomfortably warm due to heat emanating from fireplace behind him, they heard the front door opening. They both immediately sprang to their feet and met Kingsley in hallway.

"How's Tonks?" Remus breathed the question before Kingsley could even register his presence.

"She's fine now, Remus, let's move to kitchen to discuss." he whispered in the fear of waking Mrs. Black. Remus nearly fainted from relief on hearing this.

He sat on chair this time with distinct calm that he had been lacking for past hour. Now he was anxious to get more news about her and even more anxious to see her again.

"What happened Kingsley? And when can I- we can see her?"

Kingsley took a deep breath and exhaled it out slowly. He laced his fingers in front of the table. He was taking his sweet time and it was making Remus uneasy. Just when he was about to ask him again, Kingsley spoke.

"She made a stupid mistake, Remus. Something, which is not expected from an Auror and an Order member. She acted on pure impulse, she is even lucky to be alive now."

Remus felt a bit defensive on behalf of Tonks. He furrowed his brow, clearly indicating his confusion. Beside him Sirius spoke with restless energy.

"What are you talking about, Kingsley?"

"Well, you know she was on surveillance duty tonight, right? Well, apparently, when she was there, waiting, she saw two Death Eaters enters the assigned spot. She told me later, that it was appearing from their stance as if they were waiting for something. And, then after five minutes, another Death Eater, apparated there, inside directly with some middle aged man. She stayed there and watched and what she gathered from it was that man had been brought for some questioning, because according to her he was looking death scared."

"Then what happened?" Sirius interrupted again, when Kingsley paused to breathe.

"Well, apparently that man didn't know much or maybe he was unwilling to tell. The Death Eaters started torturing him, the cruciatus curse and that's where Tonks made an idiotic mistake." Kingsley's tone showed anger at the end and Remus understood where this was going.

"She entered the place, in order to save the man, regardless of of strict orders from Dumbledore that we are only supposed to watch and if something seems dodgy or wrong, we must first call for more back up and then act, but she in her hastiness, forgot all this, and entered there, where clearly she was outnumbered. She took one Death Eater by surprise and stunned him from behind. This gave a distraction to the man being tortured and he apparated right away, but then she was left to struggle with two Death Eaters and apparently one of them was-"

"Bellatrix Lestrange" Remus whispered with a fright that traveled down his spine on the idea of face to face with that evil woman.

"Yes." Kingsley confirmed gravely."But then, how did she escape? How did you found Tonks?" Sirius inquired.

"Well, you see, that area had been apparently reported to witness some Death Eater activities. I don't know how we missed this. But maybe they have been using the place for past one-two times. And that place was already under watch of Ministry. Which means that in case any Unforgivable performed in that area, the ministry will be alerted immediately."

"But then why didn't you or Mad-eye knew about it, when this mission was being assigned to Tonks?" Sirius asked with irritation etched on his face and all Remus could do was swallow and force himself to listen.

"You know how it is with Ministry these days, they don't want to bring any attention to the fact that suspicious activities are being reported, it was hushed up. But when alert came, by luck, I and Mad-eye were already there, and we immediately grew alarmed that Tonks was on the mission that time, we apparated right away with two-three aurors."

"Upon seeing as, The Death Eaters apparated before we could even blink but the damage was already done, Tonks was lying there unconscious."

"Where was she hurt?" Remus asked in a quiet voice. He had grown numb all over.

"Her arm, Remus, it's... in a state. Bellatrix, that-that- woman, blasted it off-"

Remus winced and felt a little sick at stomach.

"What?" Sirius replied, dumbstruck. "You mean, she lost-"

"No, no, her arm and hand is still intact" Kingsley continued gravely "but she caused alarming damage to it, apparently, her nerves ruptured, I don't know much in medical terms, but the healer said that had she been brought a little late..." he left the statement unfinished, and Remus was sure that he doesn't need to hear more about it.

"But she's fine now. When I came here, she had started to gain consciousness, Mad-eye asked me to come here and inform you people, and if everything goes fine, he will be bringing her in an hour here."

"She's really lucky, after the rash step she took. Bloody Bellatrix." Sirius shook his head as if unable to wrap his head around the whole idea.

Remus felt, that if he would move even an inch he would either end up throwing or thrashing the furniture. Therefore he remained still. He felt angry, very angry at Bellatrix for hurting his love and even angrier on said love for acting so ill-advisedly. He wasn't sure if he could face her right now, or she might have to face the wrath of his irrational or may-be-rational anger.

Minutes ticked, and people started arriving. But he remained where he was. People threw apprehensive glances towards him, normally he would politely greet them, but today it was different, he needed to sort the turmoil and fury going inside him, before she arrived. Slowly, almost whole kitchen table was filled, they were discussing the latest attack on Tonks, and the atmosphere was abnormally tensed. They were waiting only for three people now, Alastor, Albus and Nymphadora.

After few minutes, the kitchen door creaked open and Remus heart skipped a beat even though he didn't raise his head. He heard, rather than seeing, Tonks, Mad-eye and Dumbledore sitting. Tonks sat across him after two seats, the only place empty for her. He wanted to look up, see her, reassure himself that she was fine and even convey the message to her that he was with her and was glad to have her back, but he didn't. He was afraid of what Tonks might see at that time in his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see, her left forearm, heavily bandaged, and he resisted the urge to cradle her hand in his arms. He could also see in his periphery, that her eyes were set on him, as if pleading him to look at her.

He ignored it.

Sirius startled him by placing a hand on Remus' shoulder. He jumped a little.

"You alright, mate?" he whispered in an uncharacteristically soft voice. He could only nod his head.

The meeting started and it was one of the most serious meetings of Order. Not a single chuckle, or joke or a crack on ministry. Dumbledore started with telling everyone what had happened with Tonks, and then all hell broke loose.

Everyone present on the table started admonishing and repremanding her, how it was so foolish of her to march right into Death Eaters without any back up, without any disguise and now the Death Eater will know that she is in order and also how she was lucky enough to be alive. Dumbledore with a grave expression, Moody with his furious and gruff voice telling her that he expected more brain from his own protégé, Molly tsked, Arthur, Sirius, Emmeline all with their share of chiding, even Snape sneered at her that young children such as her without brain must not be allowed to be in Order. He felt offended on behalf of Tonks. Tonks was far from brainless but he kept quite because somewhere he did agreed with others if not with Snape. What surprised him more was that whole time, Tonks maintained her silence, the maximum she did was nod her head.

When meeting was over, slowly people started ticking by the door, no one stayed like every time they would after meeting. He has still not looked Tonks in the eye. When only Tonks, Sirius and he were remained at the table, he got up stiffly, and started preparing tea, just to do something. Sirius, unlike himself, has judged the tension and had kept his mouth shut.

Good.

Because he himself doesn't know how long can he control his flaring temper. He moved to pick up a tea cup when a fragile hand grabbed his rough ones.

"Here, let me help you." Tonks said in a weak voice, which he convinced himself is because of her physical injury.

He pulled away his hand as firmly and gently he could, without looking her in the eye. He had wished that she would ignore him today.

"I think you have caused enough trouble for today." words escaped his mouth before he could stop. Out of corner of his eye, he saw Sirius straightening up and he heard Tonks' sharp intake of breath.

"Why are you saying so?" she asked whispering.

"Really? You need to ask me?" he spat at her angrily. "Today because of your STUPIDITY I almost lost the person I love most in the world." he said accusingly and tried to keep away the edge off his voice but he failed miserably. He could feel his voice and temper rising.

Because that's what he does when he gets scared out of his wits about something- he channelizes everything into his anger.

"Nymphadora I think it would be better that we talk tomorrow. I don't want to say something that I am bound to regret later." with that he turned his head abruptly and busied himself in tea. For a few moments everything was quiet but his blood was boiling just like the water in the kettle. He would almost give anything to throttle Bellatrix for causing so much agony to Tonks.

Tonks, as stubborn as she was, instead of doing as he had said, moved forward and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Remus, I am fine now. No harm done. And I am an Auror-"

CRASH!

He had thrown the teacup he was unnecessarily holding in his hand, on the floor. And it startled the hell out of Tonks. He knew she has never seen him so angry. His chest was heaving with effort to calm himself down.

"That's your problem Tonks. For you, every dangerous situation starts with 'I am an Auror' and every dangerous situation ends with 'I am an Auror'. For how long have you been an Auror, Tonks? Two years? And how many Death Eaters have captured singlehandedly, Tonks? Just because you have been trained under Alastor Moody, doesn't make you Alastor Moody! Or just because you ever captured some petty thieves doesn't mean you could handle Death Eaters, all on your own. Even Moody would not have acted the way you did today! And you weren't in disguise. Now that maniac woman probably knows that you are in the order. More reason for her to target you! "he snapped angrily at her. He hardly ever snapped at anybody, because, for people it was always easy to blame his behavior on his affliction, therefore, he mostly remain as calm as could. Therefore, there was part of him that was nagging him that of all the people to snap at, he had chosen the woman he loved.

But once he started, it seemed that all rational part of his mind has gone to mow grass.

She had paled at his comment and was staring at him wide eyed and even Sirius was as rigid as he could be.

"What do you know about Bellatrix?" he asked her pointedly but never gave her time to answer. "We were there at first war, and we saw her wrath first hand. She is a heartless woman. She killed people with such ease as if it deciding what to have in breakfast. She killed our friends and tortured them. What age were you of at that time? You would have probably been eight. A MERE CHILD!"

"Remus-" Sirius interrupted, warning in his tone.

"Shut up Sirius!" he shot back at him. "You are the one cooped up in this house, yet even you, the rash and arrogant Sirius Black-"

"Hey-" Sirius tried to interrupt indignantly.

"-are not so stupid as to jump in the hide of Death Eaters."

"Could you please tell us Auror Tonks, as to why didn't you called any one of us via patronus, if you were so adamant to save that person's life?"

For a moment she just stood there, but then she swallowed and spoke in a voice so low that he could hardly hear.

"Patronus- it's... It's bright... It would have given me away at... Such dark place."

"And your jumping there, didn't gave you away?" he questioned her sarcastically, but she won't meet his eyes anymore.

"How did you know, the man they were torturing weren't one of them? Death Eaters aren't exactly one for friendships, they won't hesitate to turn against their own! You were extremely lucky, that, that area was under surveillance and Mad-eye and Kingsley acted fast, or you wouldn't have come alive out of it. It's about time you grew up Tonks!"

They stood there, for what felt like ages but in reality, only about few seconds. The only thing that disturbed the night was his harsh breathing, crackling of fire and Kreacher muttering from somewhere up.

A sniffle startled him out of his reverie. He looked at her, and saw her pale face shimmering with flow of tears; she hardly made any noise except for occasional sniffle.

"Tonks-" Sirius started.

"Go home Tonks." but he interrupted him. His voice was lower than before but wasn't devoid of the edge. He turned his back to her.

This time, she did listen to him. He heard her hurried footsteps, once stumbling near the door and then slamming the front door.

For a moment he just kept staring at the opposite wall. He knew, after his anger will fade, that he will be disgusted with himself for the way he had talked to her. He resumed his place on the chair and placed his head in his hand. He saw a little movement from Sirius' side.

"Don't Sirius!"

"What? What did I do?"

"Whatever it is you are planning to say, don't."

Sirius shrugged and went back to sulking.

But, after few moments Remus felt a tingle all over his body. And he felt- he won't say happy but he felt less upset, all of a sudden.

"What did you do, Black?" he asked Sirius suspiciously.

"Two cheering charms." he replied placing back his wand, without even bothering to look at him.

"That was uncalled for."

"And what you just did was uncalled too!"

He sighed, now that cheering charm was taking place, his anger has faded a little. He felt a headache coming.

"Listen Remus, I have no intention of interfering in Lover's quarrel-" Remus made a choking sound "-but there are few things, I think you should know."

"What? That 'you hurt her, I break your neck' elder brother speech?"

"No! I wasn't a much of a big cousin to her or a friend to you or a godfather to Harry when I was sitting in Azkaban for past 12 years, was I? I merely wish to state an observation about you two."

"Go ahead."

"Today, all that you have said to her, you have just preyed on her every insecurity." he said solemnly, without any trace of humor.

That got Remus' attention. "What? What insecurity?"

Sirius sighed exasperatedly as if he had been given a daunting task of explaining something to a child.

"You are always on about that how you are unsuitable for her, how you are a werewolf, and dangerous and poor?"

"That I am."

"Don't interrupt in between." Sirius snapped. "Anyways, I was saying, you are so busy in wallowing in your own squalor, that it went unnoticed by you that may be she is posing similar insecurities."

"What, that even she thinks that I am unsuitable for her?" Remus asked worriedly. It wasn't a comforting thought."

"No, you dumb-head! Just like you have some qualms about yourself, she has too. She thinks she is not enough for you."

Remus frowned. He didn't like wherever this conversation was going.

"She feels that you are settling for less. She sees as you this intelligent, brilliant, professorial person, who has this reputation about him among his peers, where everyone listens to you with respect-" 'never thought I would be complementing you this way, he mumbled under his breath' -"but Merlin knows we all feel so about you. Everyone in the Order may be with exception to Snivellus, but we all, even the kids look after you for guidance. You are this voice of reason for us. The calm and intelligent Remus Lupin. You are this impromptu leader of the Order after Dumbledore."

"As much as I appreciate your feelings about me, Black, what does this all has to do with-" he made a hand gesture pointing towards the door, from where Tonks had stumbled earlier.

Sirius also knew that Remus didn't believe half of things he was telling him. But anyway, he had to try.

"Yes. Now she feels, that, in front of you, she's just some newbie. She also sees you as her senior but she doesn't measures the seniority in terms of age but in terms of experience. There's love between you two, but she respects you too for your behavior. She thinks that she is just some pink haired, silly novice, with far less knowledge than you in any aspect of life. She feels she's not the type of girl, a man like you, could take her to meet his parents with pride. And all that you just said to her Mr. Lupin, must have caused her every insecurity, float to surface."

Remus rubbed his forehead with his palm. He raked his hands through his hair, and then tugged the hair at the nape of his neck with one hand. It was too much information to take in one day. He slowly took a deep breath in and then let it out slowly.

"Don't you think... " he started slowly and deliberately "I would have known about it, if she felt the same way? She's my girlfriend."

He was still adamant to believe that it was all figment of Sirius' imagination.

"As I said, you are so busy of thinking how you are unworthy of her that you hardly notice that she might be harboring same ideas. Just like you think that her insecurities are rubbish, she thinks too, that your feelings, that you are old poor and dangerous is rubbish too."

"She said all this to you?" he asked skeptically. Some how her taking suggestion from Sirius wasn't a very comforting thought.

"Not in exact terms, no. Never directly, but she would often make some side comments absently or even in front you, but you always shook it off as joke. But that's what Tonks do. She jokes. But under that humorous layer, there are things needed to be observed."

"When did you become so observant?"

"It's not like I have some better work to do. All I can do is observe. I observe the fungus on elf heads down the hall, I observe how Ginny sneaks glances towards Harry, I observe how Ron and Hermione banter with each other, I observe the pattern of Dumbledore's robes, and then I also observe that how you are wholly dedicated to Tonks, yet you think you are unworthy, I observe how Tonks is so compassionate towards you, yet she thinks you are settling for less." he said all this in a monotonous and sardonic tone as if reading from a book.

He shook his head. "I never thought, I would be taking relationship advice from you."

"First time for everything."

"Yeah... And first time... I have talked to her like that..." Remus mumbled quietly.

"Frankly, I haven't seen you this angry since that Snape's incident in sixth year. Go to her, Moony. You know, or else neither will you sleep peacefully today nor will she."

He nodded."But, how?"

The prospect of even looking her in the eye was disheartening. Will she forgive him? Or had he messed up finally, everything?

"What face will I show to her?"

"The same one you have been wearing for past 52 years."

"I am 35! Will be 36 next month."

"Well you surely don't act like one soon-to-be-36-years-old."

For past two hours he had been tracing the wood pattern of the table. He knew, he was just stalling time. Even when the cheering charm had worn off, the anger had not returned. Now he felt bone deep regret and guilt.

I think you have caused enough trouble for today-just because you ever captured some petty thieves doesn't mean you could handle Death Eaters-It's about time you grew up Tonks!"

All that he had said kept reverberating in his head and he felt ashamed with every passing second.

The way he had talked to her...

For most part, he was scared and frightened of what she will do now. Will she be able to forgive him? Or had he done an irreparable damage? He sighed. Sitting here, won't help anyone. Sirius was right. Until he won't talk to her, he won't be able to sleep peacefully. And if what Sirius has said, (about her thinking that she was unsuitable for him), was true, then he will have hard time convincing her.

After 15 minutes of gathering courage he found himself standing in front of her door. He would have knocked the door, if there wasn't a possibility of her slamming the door in front of his face, therefore he simply unlocked it. Wards on her flat allowed entry only to Order members and her parents. He walked in quietly. The only source of light in her flat was light of half moon coming from her window.

Her rabbit came hopping towards him, when it saw him and started scratching his shoe. He had been at Tonks' flat a few times, and rabbit has come to recognize him. The odd thing was that her rabbit's name was rabbit. He bent down and patted rabbit on head lightly. Its fur was pure white and was gleaming in the moonlight.

"She is fine, is she?" he asked while scratching its head and it just simply licked his fingers. He got up and moved forward. Talking to a rabbit won't help matter. When he reached the doorway, he could make out her curled up into a ball, with back towards the door, sniffling and her shoulders were shaking.

He swallowed.

"Tonks?" he said quietly so as not to startle her. She did become still for a moment, otherwise there was no other response. He sat on edge of her bed and leaned forward.

"Dora.." he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, half expecting her to shrug it away but she didn't. Instead she buried her face in pillow more prominently.

What should he say? I am sorry? I am sorry coming from the same mouth that had insulted her, sounded lame. He placed his other hand on her head, tucking her hairs behind her ears. Her injured arm was carefully laid on her side, only her fingers were peeking a little from the bandage. He caressed them a little.

"I am sorry. I know after what I said, sorry is not enough. I was horrible towards you. But, love, please understand, I was scared as hell after I got the news and it got converted into something ugly. I am-"

He stopped mid sentence because she had jerked away his hand from her shoulder, then winced because movement probably caused her pain and then he winced because she had winced. He heard a muffled 'Go away' from where her lips should have been buried in the pillow.

He bowed his head in shame. What to do? He took off his shoes and laid down next to her, molding her body into his. He leaned forward and placed his cheek next to her's.

"Forgive me, Dora? Please?" he caressed side of her face with his lips. She still hasn't stopped crying. His attempts until now have failed miserably. "Please say something. Shout at me, slap me, curse me, but please say something." he said sounding desperate. He hated seeing tears in her eyes.

"What for are you apologizing for? It's not as if you said something wrong. You were right. I am just a silly naive girl." she finally spoke. And as relieved as he was to hear her voice, even muffled, his heart further sank when he heard her words, realizing that Sirius was right.

He shook his head which was difficult as his head was on her's.

"Everything I said was untrue, horribly untrue. Only people I love with my life and heart can make me so angry, but it's no excuse, I made a mistake, I have hurt your feelings and I would do anything you want me to. As being silly naïve girl, you are far from it. My anger made me say things that I won't imagine in my dream. I hold you in high respect. I believe that you are wise beyond years. You are intelligent and beautiful and one hell of a duelist. You are wonderful, fierce and strong and brave. And you are my sweetheart." he kissed every inch of her face and neck that was visible and he could reach. He just wished that she could hear the sincerity in his words.

"I was angry because of Bellatrix. No scratch that. Angry won't even cover it. I was raging inside. That woman-"

This time again he stopped in mid sentence not because she had shrugged away his hand but had rather pried him away from herself and had sat on the bed straight. He mimicked her position and looked her in the eye with apologetic expression. Her whole face was red from crying, her hairs were sticking to her wet cheeks, her eyes were puffy and wet. He tried to touch her face but she pushed his hand away. He let it fall in his lap and tried to listen whatever she wanted to.

"You think I don't know who Bellatrix is? I might have been eight when she went to Azkaban, but no one knows her better than me. She's my aunt in case you forgot. Blood relation." she almost spat the words 'aunt' and 'blood relation'.

He closed his eyes in realization. Of course she was her aunt. He so often forgets that she is a half Black. She is so kind and considerate that it is impossible to associate her to that maniac family.

"Convenient isn't it, to forget Remus?" she looked at her accusingly.

Then she continued in melancholic tone."I might have been six or seven. She tortured my mother, right in front of my eyes. We were defenseless. It didn't last long though, Mad-eye interrupted her process of teaching my mother what happens with blood traitors. Still, it had long lasting effect on my mind. I would have been her next target had Mad-eye not came at right time."

"Dora-"

"Let me complete Remus. Yes, today may be I made a mistake. But when I got my Auror status, I took an oath to protect. Even if in today's world, the oath is just a rubbish formality for corrupted officers, but not for me. Never for me. That was why I joined the Order. To fight. To protect." she took a deep breath and then continued.

"Today, when I entered there and when I started losing, you know what I thought?" her voice grew somber and quite. "I thought I was going to die, because there was pain such pain and blood... All over, my blood. I knew my life was slipping. I tried to fight, but all in vain. I thought how my parents will feel when they would to be told that their daughter was killed by her own aunt, by my mother's sister. My last thought was... You. I thought, after everything has happened with you, to you, you won't be able to live if something happened to me. I knew that you have learned to love again, because of me, for me. I was scared that you will be left to identify bits of me after Bellatrix was done with me, you will be left alone again and I wouldn't be able to do anything. I was scared that I won't be able to see you again." her voice grew quiet and he swallowed.

There was feeling of wretchedness in pit of his stomach. Her words fanned the flames of despair in his heart. He felt nauseated at the thought of her alone and struggling, thinking that it was last moment of her life. And at a time of such pain, she worried about him. He rubbed his face warily. His hands have gone cold.

"When I gained consciousness, I was in hospital. and that time, I just wanted to be with you. They wanted me to stay for a day for observation. But I won't have it. Mad-eye helped in my discharge to avoid fuss. When I reached headquarters, all I wanted was to hug you. But you won't even look at me. I listened to everyone and yet stayed quiet. I knew I have made a mistake."

"Your anger was justified. But timing was horrible. At that time, I was emotionally exhausted and vulnerable and I needed your warmth and comfort. But you chose exact that moment to go berserk."

"No what I said, was unacceptable and awful."

She just nodded and her eyes grew soft. The guilt grew into self-condemnation. She was so sweet. He had been horrible towards her yet she was ready to forgive him. He tentatively moved forward and hugged her seeing if she would push. She didn't and but didn't gave any response either. He buried his face in her neck.

"You are too forgiving. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have acted the way I did-"

"No, Remus, you are human, you have every right to be angry. I don't want you to control your emotions or bottle them up just so that I don't get hurt. At other time, I would have listened and would have waited for you to cool down. But as I said, I was feeling weak, and I needed you."

"You are too good to me."

"And you are too hard on yourself."

He lightly pressed his lips to her. Again the same reaction. She didn't push but didn't react either. He looked at her with confusion and question but not accusation. She bit her lip and out of habit, he freed her lip from her teeth with his thumb.

"I am just overwhelmed right now and a little upset." she looked down.

"It's alright I understand, you have every right to be. What can I do for you?"

"Nothing, just go back home. I am fine."

"I am not leaving you. How's your hand?" he took her arm and cradled it to his chest. "Is it hurting?"

She shook her head. "They have numbed it. Don't feel much."

"Are you hungry? Have you eaten?" he asked, knowing full well her habit of escaping meals.

"I don't need to be fed Remus, I am fully capable." she still looked a little miffed.

"Of course you are. I just want to help. I will be back." he kissed her forehead with intention of cooking something for her.

After fifteen minutes, he had cooked decent pasta, with whatever meager ingredients were in her kitchen. Just as he was about to plate the pasta, he remembered something. Had everything gone right, today at the same time, they would have been having some nice dinner, celebrating Valentine's Day. Suddenly he got an idea. He took out his wand, enlarged the plate and assembled the pasta in a heart shape using both fork and wand. He then outlined the heart delicately with tomato sauce.

It was looking decent. He then conjured a red rose. It would have to do.

When he entered the room, she was lying on her back and staring at the ceiling. When she saw him entering she sat up, supporting herself with uninjured arm. He presented her the plate and rose with a bow.

"Happy Valentine's Day, m'lady."

When she looked at the plate, she smiled. It wasn't her usual, cheerful smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"Thank you. And Happy Valentine's Day to you too. I nearly forgot in this hassle."

He sat next to her took a bit of pasta in spoon and offered it to her.

"I can feed myself Remus."

"Yeah but your arm is currently out of order."

"I am not a left-y, Remus and you know it." she took the spoon from him.

"It was worth a try." he said and just watched her eating, more like, ravishing the pasta. The whole plate was empty nearly in ten minutes. She then leaned forward and pecked him on lips, something he wasn't excepting.

"Thank you, it was delicious."

He smiled at her for a moment, still a little nervous about how he had almost messed up everything, has broken the peace between them. He took her good arm and placed her palm directly above his heart.

"Next time, I do something like this, slap me across my face."

He made sure she took all her potions, given by healer. Within minutes, she was asleep. He was propped up on his elbow, stroking her head until she was sleeping peacefully. He will have to talk to her about whatever Sirius had told him. He will work on whatever doubts she was harboring in her heart. He lay down next to her, placing his hand on her stomach, mindful of her arm. She still was paler than usual, but she was beautiful. He kissed her temple and succumbed to sleep.

Next morning, she was bit subdued, so he waited for perfect opportunity to talk to her. She had got the day off due to injury and he was free from Order work, so they spent the day together in her flat. He helped her in her chores but watchful that he doesn't makes her feel invalid.

By evening she back to her cheerful self. He carefully broached the subject, Sirius had brought up. At first she was hesitant to answer but after little coaxing she opened up her heart for him to see, to known. He did his best to satisfy her that she was perfect, for him anyway. After about hour of discussion she finally looked as if a burden has been uplifted from her heart. He knew from personal experience that self-doubt takes time to vanish completely but he promised himself from now on he would do everything in his power to ensure her.

For now, he was content to be in arms of his beloved.

Review?

After this chapter, there are two more to come, then there will be an epilogue!