Chapter 8: Who? Me?

Tonks's days in the hospital passed quickly. By the end of the week, she still whined about hospital food and whimpered when the disgusting smelling potions were brought to her.

Lupin left on the third day after he was assigned to her, thus having Charlie standing in for it. Tonks's couldn't stop thinking what the werewolf version of Remus was doing. Constantly through Charlie's incessant stories of what happened at the order (after putting an imperturbable charm on the doors), Tonks kept wondering if Remus was sleeping, or if he was hunting. Tonks stopped and shuddered when she began wondering what he ate.

He surprised her when Remus took back his duty as her guard on the next afternoon following the full moon night. Charlie looked bitter to leave because he had to stand in for Tonks's duties but left nonetheless without kicking up a fuss.

Remus looked worst for the wear. There were dark eye rings surrounding his eyes, his lips turned down in a permanent grimace as he moved or spoke to her. His movements were stiff but still more than capable of working as the security which Tonks didn't need.

"Don't you need to get to your duties at the order?" Tonks demanded, sitting in an upright position on the bed, with a soft squishy pillow supporting her back; placed there considerately by Remus.

Remus sighed heavily. That made him look and sound older than Dumbledore… Tonks thought.

"You already asked me that…" He looked at her wearily.

"Sorry," Tonks said but he smiled, shaking his head in amusement as her haughty tone carried anything but an apologetic one.

"You're not," Remus said, grimacing again (a common aftermath of a smile after a full moon which Tonks noticed), "about 2 to 3 days after a full moon, I'm not much of a use on two legs as Mad-Eye without his magic."

"Are you in pain?" she asked again as he grimaced upon finishing the sentence.

"I'm fine." Remus looked up, not smiling this time but his tone was soft enough.

"It looks like I'm stealing the bed from you." Tonks pointed out, squinting as she changed her hair from vibrant pink to soft purple.

They fell into a comfortable silence again as Remus decided not to reply, looking out the window.

"I'm getting out of here, in a day at most." Tonks told him as she lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling.

"Is that a promise? Or is that an order?" Remus arched an eyebrow.

"It's me swearing to get out of this…" Tonks groaned, turning to bury her face into the pillows, most of her wounds already healed.

Her ribs were as good as new; her grazes left nothing but pale smooth skin in their place, her head causing trouble now and then but nothing major and her shoulder, aching once in a while with a stringy scar left in what used to be a burning gaping gash.

"You almost fainted on your last trip to the washroom,"

Tonks scoffed, "That was what I get for staying in bed for a week."

"6 days."

"Whatever."

:~:~:~:~

"What?" Tonks put a stop to her whistling as she looked up from packing.

Remus Lupin was standing across her at the side of the bed, smirking. He shrugged, "Nothing,"

Today was a glorious day, in Tonks's calendar. She was finally out of the 'hell' just like how she'd promised herself. Charlie had been assigned duty again on the time she was discharged. So Remus would have to escort her to the flat to put her stuff down then they were going to attend the Order Meeting which was scheduled such that Tonks could attend, much to her delight.

Tonks ignored him, continued with shoving her belongings into the bag. In five short minutes she was done. Heaving the bag off the bed, Tonks headed for the door only to have it snatched from her grasp in less than a few seconds.

"Give that back," Tonks demanded.

"I will, once you get back to your flat." Remus was standing by beside her, her bag in his hand. His eyes was pale blue and the silvery flecks were back…Tonks realized, tearing her eyes away from him before she could faint again and prove the Mediwitch right about not discharging her. The Mediwitch had been less than willing to but there was little one could do to stop Tonks when she'd set her mind on something. Remus told her it was a 'black' trait but he stopped mentioning it when Tonks's flared up at him, her hair turning positively tomato red with anger.

"Fine," Tonks glared at him, deciding this wasn't worth her attention, "Do it your way." She jutted out her chin and walked to the door, shoving it open and practically bouncing down the corridor.

They made it out into the streets of London.

"Can we get a drink?" Tonks turned to Lupin.

He was already looking at her, folds formed between his eyebrows as if he's thinking really hard about something, "If you want to," The solemn look never leaving his eyes.

"Alright, let's go." Tonks grinned, slipping her arm through Lupin's and apparated without another word.

They appeared in an alley, as usual. Tonks dragged Remus along as they walked. She was eager after spending seemingly forever at .

Remus was throwing a reproachful look at her but Tonks barely acknowledged it, knowing he was probably a little ticked off when she sidelong him without his permission.

"Pick up the pace, will you?" Tonks retorted, slipping her arm away from him and moving ahead, entering the Leaky Cauldron. It was nearly empty but that was not surprising considering Voldemort's untimely return.

She found a vacant table for two at the corner of the bar and sat down in the chair facing the door. Just as she settled, Remus walked in, glancing around before sitting down opposite her.

"What would you like?" He asked, his mood already improving.

"Firewhiskey," Tonks replied, in a celebratory mood.

Remus waved to the barkeeper, Tom, "Two butterbeers please." He called, receiving a friendly nod of acknowledgement from Tom.

"I said Firewhiskey!" Tonks scowled.

Remus ignored her as Tom came to set their drinks down on the table.

Tonks huffed, digging in her pockets.

"Here," she said, holding out four sickles for Tom, appalled to see Remus Lupin holding them out likewise.

"Er…" Tom glanced at both of them as they stared.

"Take it," Tonks hastily shoved the four sickles into his hand and Tom went back to the counter.

"I can pay." Remus said to her in a low tone as she reached for her butterbeer, taking a sip.

"My treat," Tonks replied, "Take it as thanks for putting up with me for the last few days."

"I'm not 'putting up' with you…" Remus muttered as he too took a sip at his drink.

"If you're saying I'm good company, you're the first." Tonks grinned.

"No, I'm not saying that either but you're not unbearably a bad company either," Remus smiled.

"Thanks, Professor," Tonks rolled her eyes.

:~:~:~:~:~

After the drink, they quickly dropped off Tonks's belongings at her flat before apparating, individually this time, to Grimmauld Place.

Tonks couldn't hear anything from the kitchen so they must've been quite ahead of time. Remus was trailing right behind her. The old place looked the same from the last time she came here, except more dingy and dirty. Tonks was genuinely starting to wonder what Kreacher is doing these days apart from mopping around and complaining about presence of the Order.

Now I need to watch for the- Tonks thought, mentally preparing herself but she was a tad too late. Her toe clipped on the troll-leg umbrella stand, threatening to send her sprawling. Tonks groaned, her knee and half healed shoulder jarring from the impact as she shot them out to cushion her fall.

"Tonks-" She heard two voices call out simultaneously before one prominent one covered them all.

"FREAK! ABOMINATIONS! HALF BREEDS! BLOOD TRAITORS!"

Upstairs, Walburga Black's portrait went off again.

She felt a gentle hand on her back, trying to help her up from behind but someone in front helped her up instead.

"Cuz!" She heard Sirius's laugh as she was pulled into her cousin's embrace.

"Good to see you not decomposed yet!" Tonks laughed, grimacing as Sirius's hand unintentionally patted once on her shoulder.

Tonks heard Remus run up the stairs hastily and soon, the portrait was quiet.

"Good to hear auntie is still as perky as ever." Tonks commented, pulling away from Sirius, who made a face at her statement, "Where is everyone?"

"You and Moony are half an hour early. But don't worry, they're filing in." Sirius grinned, "Come on, it's so good to have you back!"

"Aw Sirius, I didn't know you to be the sappy type." Tonks said sarcastically.

"You don't know a lot of things about me," Sirius smirked, "For example, how actually devilish attractive-"

"Stop," Tonks moaned, covering her ears and started for the kitchen, ignoring the cusses Sirius's muttered at her.

She sat down on the wooden chair and sighed, reaching back to touch her shoulder.

Tonks heard some conversation but couldn't catch the words before she heard the chuckles, followed by a loud smack then Remus and Sirius filed into the kitchen, the latter dropping unceremoniously into the seat at the front of table. Remus sat down in a more dignified manner than Sirius, pulling out a chocolate bar from his pocket and digging in.

"Tonks!"

She turned, hearing a cry from behind her. There in the doorway, Ginny Weasley grinned.

"Wotcher Ginny," Tonks grinned, "How'd you know I'm here?"

"Tonks…" Fred walked in behind Ginny.

"Everyone in Grimmauld place-" The other, presumably George, followed behind his twin.

"And outside Grimmauld place-" Fred cut in.

"Heard your arrival." Both of them smirked at her.

Tonks scowled.

"Hi Tonks," Ron entered and she immediately shifted her expression to a small smile for the youngest of the brothers, and apparently the nicest.

"Where're the others?" Tonks asked, peering around Ginny.

"Out, on a mission," Fred said glumly, "That includes Bill…"

"And Charlie," George winked.

"Shut it," Tonks snapped, inducing a snicker from all three Weasley boys present. Remus looked towards the fire, devouring the last of his chocolate bar.

"Oh, Tonks, how are you? Mad-Eye said you got hurt," Ginny sat down in a chair to her left.

"I'm fine, see? As healthy as a hippogriff," Tonks grinned, "Mad-Eye exaggerates."

"Do I?"

Tonks groaned and turned to find her mentor towering behind her chair, both his magical eye and normal one staring at her.

"Wotcher Mad-Eye!"

Mad-Eye grunted and turned to Ginny, "Get upstairs Kids, meeting's about to start."

Fred's and George's face both puckered, Ron scowled and Ginny looked at her.

"Go on," Tonks patted her shoulder. Sighing, Ginny left the chair, following her brothers out and upstairs.

Mad-Eye walked nosily to the other side of the room to allow space for the rest of fill in. Bill followed after him, smiling at her. Charlie walked in after, sitting down beside Tonks. Arthur had a grim look on his face as he too took a chair with Molly, Emmeline, Elphias and Dedalus.

The whole kitchen seemed to have sunk into a different atmosphere from just now. It was quiet as everyone sat around the table, staring at the table with a grim and solemn look on their faces.

"Mad-Eye?" Tonks spoke, puzzled.

Everyone turned to her.

"What's going on…?" Tonks continued, her voice dropping in volume as she squirmed under the stare, "Is someone hurt?"

"No," Mad-Eye replied and turned towards the door.

Tonks turned just in time to see Albus Dumbledore enter, "Hello Nymphadora," His eyes twinkled behind his half moon spectacles, "Good to see you in better health."

"Good to see you too sir…" Tonks muttered, anxious to get on to more important business.

Albus walked to the other end of the kitchen at the counter and took a seat, "Severus will be joining us soon, and may I know the report of the raid? Alastor?"

"It wasn't a success," Mad-Eye started, "Many of them were there, with some newcomers. Snape was there."

"Yes," Albus nodded, prompting for Mad-Eye to continue.

"We've gotten to them on the surprise attack and would've if Snape hadn't stepped in-"

Tonks let the rest of the report drown away. So that's what made everyone look grim and upset. It was the betrayal of Severus Snape, Dumbledore's most trusted and only spy within Voldemort's private army.

"No one was severely injured in the raid." Mad-Eye concluded his report.

"Thank you Alastor," Albus inclined his chin, "As we all know Severus has a place to secure by the side of Lord Voldemort," Some of Order members cringed.

"He defended them with his life." Arthur spoke, his fists clenched and placed on his lap.

"Yes, Voldemort shall know of his contributions," Albus replied well mannerly, "It has to appear to us that we were betrayed for Voldemort to think that Snape is on his side."

"What if he is?" Sirius spoke, his voice tight.

"Sirius, I can assure you, Severus will never betray the Order."

"But…" Sirius objected.

"He has never rendered any of you significantly injured and just that he has proven himself to us."

"Well…maybe he can't-" Sirius growled, looking around the table for supporters.

"Sirius," Remus cut in, "we have to trust him. This isn't a time to argue amongst ourselves."

Sirius opened his mouth to argue but the door opened smoothly and Severus Snape walked in, as haughty and as confident as ever. In his stiff hands, he held a parchment.

"Ah, Severus, so nice of you to join us," Albus leaned back into his chair, looking not at disturbed with the tense debate they were having.

"Headmaster." Severus greeted in a low tone as he took a chair.

"I believe the meeting ended early? Anything to report for today?"

"Yes," Everyone has their eyes trained on Severus Snape as he stood, opening the row of parchment.

"The dark lord has been aiming to recruit more Death Eaters, seeing that he has lost a significant number of them after his downfall at the Potters," Tonks caught a hitch in his voice as he mentioned the Potters but he continued smoothly, "A list was made of worthy and trustable people to recruit. We have a few students on the list…"

"Yes, I will look into that Severus, thank you," Albus spoke as Snape paused.

Snape nodded curtly, continuing, "and the Dark Lord has also made it known that he also wants to recruit Ministry workers under his allegiance-"

"But none under the order?" Sirius interrupted, wringing his fingers impatiently.

Snape glared at him, "I was getting to that part Black if you would keep it quiet-"

"Oh yes, of course, I'm waiting," Sirius retorted, leaning back into his chair and crossing his legs.

Snape pursed his lips before continuing, "We were assigned people to recruit…"

Tonks chewed on her lips as she listened idly. It was boring to hear her old potions master droning off in a long list of names; more work for the order to prevent those crucial recruitment. She looked across the table. Sirius was rolling his eyes and shaking his leg under the table. Remus was looking and listening intently to Snape. His hands were clasped together as he leaned forward, folds forming in between his brows. Then Tonks looked into his eyes to find them already on her.

A breath hitched in a throat as they locked eyes.

Remus looked disturbed and a tinge of frustration but they vanished for a moment to be replaced with curiosity and puzzlement. Then his lips twitched in a small smile to her. Tonks blinked, looking down at the old wood, morphing her blush away. She hurriedly looked up towards Snape, trying to concentrate on the report.

"…William goodwill and Nymphadora Tonks," Snape looked up, rolling the parchment back up with the flick of his wand.

Everyone turned again to look straight at her for the second time in the meeting. Some of the eyes were suspicion, others were plain surprise.

"W-what?" Tonks gaped, her jaw dropped. She blinked, wondering if there was something wrong with her ears.

Snape turned to Dumbledore, "The Dark Lord specifically demanded for her to be brought to him."

"Is there a way you can find out what he wants with Nymphadora?" Dumbledore asked politely, his eyes not leaving Tonks.

"I will do what I can."

"Voldemort is aware of Tonks's participation in the Order?"

"Yes," Snape replied, "Bellatrix seemed to have objections against a recruitment of 'an abomination'." Tonks tensed.

Everyone jumped as Sirius slapped the table, causing mugs to topple over, "Shut. That. Hole. In. your. Face." Sirius seethed.

"Your love for your cousin is touching Black-"

"Sirius." Albus spoke, raising a wrinkled hand and gesturing for him to take his seat again.

Remus reached over, yanking on Sirius's coat roughly and forcing him back down. Sirius glared at Snape, crossing his arms over his chest.

"As I was saying," Snape stared at Sirius for a while before turning back to everyone in general, "The Dark Lord is impressed with Nymphadora's…undying fealty for the Order. Her skills as an Auror, a metamorphagus and her black bloodline, however 'tainted' it may be, only makes her possible allegiance with him more tantalizing for the Dark Lord."

Dumbledore looked at Tonks thoughtfully, "Yes, having what is the best and what he can't have has always been a hobby of Tom's."

"Albus." Mad-Eye spoke, both his eyes shooting the headmaster a meaningful look.

Dumbledore turned to face Mad-Eye for a while before sighing, "Yes, Alastor." He turned back to Snape, leaving everyone wondering what was the unsaid conversation, "Severus, if you have anything to add."

"I have none headmaster." Snape replied, taking a seat.

The rest of the meeting went away in a flash for Tonks.

She still couldn't believe it. Voldemort wanted her, an average clumsy Auror, into his inner circle. Yes, she was loyal; probably why she was in Hufflepuff but she was sure there're others out there who are also as loyal and probably even ready to grovel at his feet on his command. It's just, why her? Why now?

Tonks began thinking what she did to make her just more special to Voldemort than others. Did Remus Lupin not match up to her in Voldemort's eyes? Did Alastor Moody, the great Auror and very skilled wizard, not appeal to him? What about Sirius Black, a loyal, probably a skilled wizard and a fierce friend?

No matter how much Tonks pondered about it, she couldn't figure what it is. Sure, she was a metamorphagus, so? Why can't Voldemort just import one? Is there really no other metamorphagus in the world that happens to be an Auror and is not a backstabbing idiot?

"Nymphadora, I'd like to have a word with you,"

Tonks blinked, looking up to see the Headmaster standing. Everyone seemed to be fidgeting and some ready to leave. She realized the meeting was over.

"Ok," She hurriedly replied, glancing across the table to see Remus looked at her with a worried expression. Tonks jumped as Charlie squeezed her hand; she'd forgotten he was there, "I'll be fine." She muttered to him before leaving her seat, staggering as her toe caught on the leg of a chair on her way out.

Dumbledore walked all the way to the door before stopping.

"Yes Professor?" Tonks stopped, feeling her stomach churn.

"I'd like to have the memory Nymphadora, if you may allow me to have it, of your encounter with Lord Voldemort."

"What?" Tonks frowned, saying stupidly.

"Voldemort didn't start out a monster Nymphadora. He was a boy in a muggle orphanage, so lonely and angry. Then he came to Hogwarts for us to teach him magic. He began to realise he was not the ordinary witches and wizards. He couldn't quench that hunger for power over others. And he found he could talk to snakes." Dumbledore paused there as Tonks took it in.

"He was different," Tonks breathed out, feeling her stomach squeeze, threatening to throw up its content, "It's in his blood."

She looked up to see her old Headmaster nodding slowly.

"You're saying, I could be bad?" Tonks felt her brows knit together and her lungs struggled to suck in air.

Dumbledore shook his head, "He sees something in you Nymphadora, which I would never believe in."

"And what is that?" Tonks felt her voice choke.

"From what Severus says," Dumbledore eyed her cautiously, his tone careful, "I think Tom sees the potential in you, in his inner circle. A powerful and fiercely loyal subordinate. There is nothing he'd want more than that. What he couldn't seem to find."

"He has tons." Tonks countered.

"Apart from dear Bellatrix, there is no other as loyal to him." Dumbledore told her and Tonks found herself at dead end with no argument for that. He was right, only her deranged aunt is that loyal to him, the rest were either dead or ruled by cowardice in dire situations, "That is just a hypothesis. From your memory, I will see if that is true."

Tonks sighed, nodding. Wearily, Tonks drew her wand and extracted the memory. Dumbledore already had an empty vial open.

"Thank you Nymphadora,"

"Tonks." She corrected, finally remembering to amidst all the chaos in her head.

Dumbledore chuckled, "Good day." He opened the door and stepped out, apparating away.

"Yeah…good day…" Tonks muttered as she stood in the doorway.

"Tonksie?"

Tonks sighed inwardly, closing her eyes as she felt Charlie place his hand on the small of her back.

"Tonks? Are you alright?" She felt Charlie snaked both his arms around her waist.

"Weasley, not here…" Tonks murmured, gently prying his hands away

"Weasley again?" Charlie's hand fell to his side, "Alright, I'm sorry. I won't push it again,"

"Okay, Charlie, I'll see you alright? Later, after dinner, then we can talk." Tonks offered, turning to face him.

Charlie nodded earnestly, "Sure."

"Come on, time for dinner?"

"Yeah." Charlie nodded, staring behind her distractedly. Tonks sighed, placing her hands on his shoulders, she kiss him on the cheek. She felt his hands wound around her waist again, holding her in so she couldn't pull away.

"Charlie…seriously," Tonks muttered.

He chuckled, letting her go, "If I didn't know better, I'd thought you were trying to pull the joke." Tonks forced a smile before sliding pass him to get to the kitchen.

Her mind was still heavy as she shuffled towards the kitchen.

"Watch that umbrella stand,"

She turned to see Remus Lupin standing on the stairs, waiting for her to pass.

Tonks found herself returning his smile, "I had it," She replied. As if to elaborate her point, she weaved pass the Troll-leg umbrella stand, all the time not breaking eye contact with Remus Lupin.

As she got safely pass it, there had to be a damn protruding door ledge, sending her to the ground and into Sirius.

"For Merlin's sake Tonks!" Sirius cried, his rear clashing into the cold concrete floor with Tonks landing harmlessly on him.

"I'm sorry," Tonks smiled sheepishly.

Sirius smirked, "Just my luck baby Cuz, rebreak any bones yet?"

"Nope." She grinned.

"Good, can you get off me now?" Sirius patted her hand which on his stomach.

Remus entered the kitchen, chuckling, "You had it alright,"

"Shut up," Tonks muttered, getting up in embarrassment.

"Tonks, are you staying for dinner dear?" Molly hollered from the counter.

"Yeah, sure!" Tonks called, stepping off Sirius with Charlie's help.

"Here, sit." Charlie pulled out a chair for her and Tonks gratefully sat in it, eager to not get into any trouble again.

"Hi Elphias, Emmeline," Tonks smiled as she found herself faced with both of them.

"Hey, Tonks," Emmeline murmured, averting her eyes, "We're be going now. See you guys soon,"

Tonks watched as they hurriedly left Grimmauld place, Elphias right behind Emmeline.

"So what?" Tonks demanded to the rest of the people at the table as some looked at her while others stared after the departure of Emmeline and Elphias, "what?" Tonks raised her voice, staring at Bill. Even he had a contemplative look on his face.

"Tonks…" She heard Remus mutter from somewhere she didn't bother to locate.

Tonks stared as she still received no reply from the rest of the order. She pinched her lips together, "Molly, thanks, I'd better be leaving."

"Tonks dear? Are you sure?" Molly emerged from the kitchen behind the counter.

"Yes, see you," Tonks choked out. She hurriedly got up, weaving pass the chairs and heading out the door, trying to hold in her tears.

She knew she was stupid. She'd let herself think she'd found a place where people would accept her for who she is; that the order was where she'd supposed to be. No, no one trusts me. Because Voldemort had to come along to make her life miserable! As if the fact that half her family was or still is death eaters wasn't enough and that she really needed someone to come along to try to unleash her potential!

Tonks found angry tears forming at the corner of her eyes as she took her coat off the hook at the door.

"Tonks,"

She turned, her wand out, "Leave me-"

"Tonks,"

"Remus," Tonks muttered, lowering her wand, "I'd be going now, bye." She turned, slipping her coat on hastily as she opened the door of Grimmauld Place. It was dusk, the sun was just setting.

"You need a drink?" Remus asked.

"You should get back inside." Tonks replied without turning. She discreetly brought up her hand, wiping away the angry tears.

"Let's go for a drink." He stated, placing his hand on her good shoulder and guiding her into the alley for apparition, "May I?" He extended his elbow towards her.

Tonks nodded, swallowing as she took his arm.

She barely saw his wand before she felt the squeeze and they were in the alley where they apparated from Leaky Cauldron.

Tonks dropped her hand from his arm and walked aside him to the bar. She had no idea what she was doing. She needed a break, away from everyone so she could think straight and so she could properly cry her heart out for the all the damndest experience she'd had in the last few days. There was no one now; she had been labeled the traitor along side Snape for whatever reason she couldn't figure it out.

"You alright?" Remus asked as he pulled the door open for her.

"I'm just fine." She muttered, stepping into the bar, not surprised to find it almost empty. People rarely come out in the night now that Voldemort is said to be back. They'd not believed Harry Potter but they'd also rather not take any chances.

"Tom, two hot chocolate please." Remus said to the idle barkeeper.

He led her to the table they sat at this morning. Tonks quietly slumped into the seat facing the door again.

"You're awfully quiet."

"Remus, I-" She paused, feeling her tears choked her up. Tonks took a moment to swallow before continuing.

But Remus raised a hand, stopping her, "Shh, it's okay..." His voice drop to a gentle whisper.

Tonks looked up, meeting his eyes.

His pale blue eyes seemed lighter in the soft yellow lightings as they looked at her. She could see the light dance off his eyes as he gazed at her. Tonks was surprised to find them prying and concerned for her.

"They don't trust me, do they?" Tonks broke the eye contact.

"Well, this is a first time an order member is specifically requested to join the Death Eaters," Remus admitted.

"So what?" Tonks growled, "I didn't ask for this!" She raised her voice.

Tom glanced up once from making the hot chocolate. Tonks looked towards him once before looking down at the table.

"I know," Remus said softly. He reached out his hands across the table toward hers but paused abruptly as Tom, the barkeeper approach, placing two cups of chocolate drink on their table before leaving. Tonks didn't see Remus pay as her eyes never left his but she reckoned he did as Tom lumbered away quickly.

She sucked in a nervous breath as his hand stayed just an inch at most away from her own. Her heart palpitated heavily on her chest and her eyes didn't know where else to look but where they already were; his eyes. Oh no...Tonks thought, no, don't do this to me…not now…she groaned inwardly, feeling a panic attack coming along.

"I don't know what is it that I did," she choked out, "I-" She stuttered to find the right words to say.

Then his eyes left hers, glancing to his left, towards the door. His free hand shot up gesture for her to keep quiet as he shrunk to the corner of his seat, against the wall. He removed his hand and shifted his cup to it was at the corner too.

Tonks looked up to see Scrimgeour huddled over the bar counter with another Auror she didn't know personally. She watched as Scrimgeour muttered to Tom the barkeeper.

The blood to seem to drain from Tom's face as he heard what Scrimgeour said, which Tonks couldn't hear. Then she ducked as Scrimgeour turned around to glance across the bar, missing her at the corner. She got up upon hearing the bell at the door twinkle. Scrimgeour was gone with the Auror at his heel.

"Look, this isn't a good time to talk about this," Tonks started to get up, anxious to leave before her tears overflowed. He was surprised but gave her a small smile, not hiding the hurt he felt.

"Alright, I understand," Remus smiled, staying where he is.

Tonks frowned, puzzled, "What? What do you understand?"

"It wouldn't be a good idea now, for Scrimgeour to see…" Remus explained, his smile strained, "But I really don't mind, Tonks, you should get going."

"Remus," Tonks sighed, staying where she was instead of leaving like she planned to, "No, I don't care if Scrimgeour see us together. You're my…friend." She muttered as she plopped back down into the seat.

"Don't stay on my account," Remus started to get up, "Come on, I'll get you home."

"No, I don't want to go home!" Tonks snapped, glaring down at the wood.

"Okay, then we'll stay here," His voice said to her well-mannerly, "Tonks, I'm listening."

"I told you, I don't want to talk about it." Tonks said curtly, reaching for her hot chocolate and taking a sip.

"Sirius proves that having Black blood doesn't necessarily make you bad," Remus spoke, his tone softer, "and your mother,"

She looked up sharply and scowled.

"No legilimency," He stated.

"Sirius has never been bad. He believed differently from all other Blacks. I thought I could be like him but…look how that turned out. Less than a year in the order and I'm causing more trouble then I'm helping," Tonks scoffed, "and my mother just rebelled against her family for my dad. If it wasn't for him, she'd probably be just as bad as Bellatrix."

"Love changed her," Remus stated, "Y'know why Harry became the boy who lived?"

Tonks frowned, "Everyone knows that story. He survived the killing curse straight to the face."

"Yes, I mean why."

Tonks shrugged, "He's just special?"

He shook his head, smiling, "Lily's love for Harry was what protected him that night."

"Is-is that even possible?" Tonks asked incredulously.

"According to Dumbledore, it's old magic. But it's there. Lily's undying love for her son was what saved him that night," Remus told her, his eyes gentle in the low light, "It protected him ever since."

Tonks nodded, averting his eyes.

"Tonks, love makes anything possible and Voldemort can't love."

His eyes…Tonks groaned inwardly as her infatuation with his eyes surfaced again. She didn't understand it. He's just a regular guy, not particularly good looking at first glance and as far as she knew, he'd never gain any personal attention from any ladies; guess no one looked hard enough, who would do that with a werewolf?

"So don't let him make you think otherwise about yourself," Remus leaned forward, "You're so young,"

"Why are you out here?" Tonks blurted.

"I couldn't leave you angry," Remus looked away.

"Was it that obvious?" She raised an eyebrow.

"No, I'm good with seeing things, seeing you're angry and hurt."

Tonks leaned back in her seat, "I'm not anymore, I have a knack of bouncing back real bloody quickly. Or so Mum always says."

"Good," Remus smiled, "It'll be a nice change in the order with you around."

"Wasn't such a fun place to be huh?" Tonks grinned, winking at him.

He chuckled, "Not since…" Remus's smile faded, "Honestly, I can't recall."

"Why don't we eat something?" Tonks smiled, waving Tom over and they both other some biscuits, "You're a good listener." She took a generous bite out of the chocolate biscuit.

"I have been known to have a talent in that aspect,"

Tonks looked up to see him looking at her, "thank you."

"You're very welcome."

To be continued…

Thanks to people who read and especially those who review last chapter!

Twilight-Vamp-3: Thank you!

Hope06: Thank you! I did want to picture Tonks that way and Remus is just being Remus = sweetheart :D

Yreva13: Thanks for the feedback :D

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