Tonks' heart dropped when the patronus entered the kitchen. Her fork clattered to her plate, her dinner forgotten. She didn't notice Remus' hand taking hers beneath the table.
The patronus was noncorporeal; it could have been anyone's. Yet the energy it exuded was familiar. Tonks knew it was her mother's before the familiar voice was filling the kitchen.
"Nymphadora," she said softly, tears colouring her voice in a way that Tonks had never heard before. "Your father is dead, killed by Snatchers." She took in a long, shaky breath that the patronus relayed. "Do not come home. It's not safe. I will meet with you later."
The silvery mist of the patronus evaporated into the air, filling it with its anguish.
Tonks collapsed against Remus' chest, almost toppling out of her chair. Remus held her tight, keeping her as steady as he could.