"The main thing the Death Eaters didn't know was the time of Harry's hearing had been changed. Dumbledore already returned by the time I got the letter." Tonks explained to a rather confused Snape.

"All in all it seems to have turned out rather nicely." Said Dumbledore causally. "Well done everyone and congratulations to Tonks and Shackleblot for the capture of three wanted Death Eaters. I'm sure the Ministry was happy to receive them." A more serious note crept into his voice.

"All that worries me now is the safety of Miss. Tonks. The question of, will they try again?"

Snape had an answer ready. "If I might?" Snape asked politely and Dumbledore yielded the floor to him.

"It is my understanding that the Dark Lord has many new assignments for his followers and the time for extracurriculars has passed. It is my belief the Dark Lord will not find the chance she may be useful significant enough to waste anyone on her capture."

"I'm insignificant? Thank you Severus." Tonks cut in jokingly. Despite the serious topic the mood remained blithe in light of their recent success. Snape ignored her. No one knew, including Tonks, how important this was to him.

"That does not mean she'll be forgotten. He has been informed of the failed attempt and it may be his wish, in the future to have access to her abilities. For now it appears she is untargeted."

Snape had given up on her. On the chance of ever winning her heart. Yet he couldn't forget Bellatrix laughing in the clearing. She had been so certain Tonks loved him, though she had also been certain she would show up alone. Bellatrix had been wrong, and he found there was no hope left in him for Dora. What he hadn't noticed was that Tonks and Lupin didn't sit together and during the entire meeting neither said a word to the other.

Even after the meeting ended and everyone else cleared out Lupin remained seated giving Tonks fair time to get away. He didn't want to talk to her again, not now. He just didn't think he could face her.

Dumbledore took the seat across from him. They sat in silence until Remus mumbled, "She left me."

Dumbledore nodded. Lupin's voice rose but only slightly and his eyes never left the tabletop.

"Why did you always pair them?"

"Are you blaming me?" Dumbledore asked calmly, folding his hands in front of him and sitting a bit straighter.

"No, of course not." Lupin sounded defeated the small amount of anger he could muster drained away.

"Perhaps you should." Dumbledore's voice was soft almost apologetic. "Perhaps I am to blame." Realizing for the first time that this had been Dumbledore's intent Lupin jumped up, allowing his voice to rise higher than before.

"Why? She was mine?" Dumbledore gestured for him to take his seat, which he did. It seemed impossible to stay angry with this man.

"You know this is untrue. If she were truly yours none of my interfering would have made the slightest difference." Lupin nodded, head in his hands.

"You know," Dumbledore went on. "you need to learn to accept yourself as you are before you can expect others to do so." He rose and placed a hand lightly on his shoulder a moment before leaving him to his thoughts.

It was just awful hurting Remus like she had. Tonks felt terrible and knew only one man could make her feel better. Back at the clearing when she had seen the fear in Severus' eyes she had assumed it was fear from being labeled a traitor but once he whispered in her ear she realized it was fear for her. That's when she knew she loved him.

After interrogating the captured Death Eaters and escorting them to Azkaban she had time to explain it to Remus before the Order meeting. He had taken it well enough, though she could tell it hurt him more than he let on. Now she needed to tell Severus.

Checking the library Tonks found it empty. His bedroom then, she figured. Knocking brought about no answer. Trying the door she found it unlocked. That seemed odd; she had always thought he would keep his privet space obsessively guarded. What puzzled her farther was the lack of personal effects. There was nothing but a carefully made bed and an unadorned dresser.

"Looking for Severus?" Tonks jumped as a voice spoke from behind her. "I'm afraid you won't find him here."

Turning she saw Dumbledore smiling serenely down at her, his blue eyes twinkled mischievously.

"He has returned to his home." Throwing up a hand to reassure her at the sight of her disheartened expression, he continued.

"But fear not, I know his address."