Chapter 20: Insecurity

Tonks stirred; the dream, or rather the memory, still vivid in her mind. She was young then and not taken much notice of Remus who was just another person asked to babysit her in her mother's absence to 'take care of some matters'. That was the first and last time he babysit her; then known to her as Moony despite the proper introduction of addressing him as Remus.

He was well-mannered and did not mind for her to call him Moony, an old nickname his friends gave him. Before the brief mention from Remus, she had completely forgotten about him; Moony, the only babysitter who happily played along with her role-playing apart from Sirius.

Thinking about it made her smile.

She groaned a little as she shifted and attempted to stretch. As she cleared up her mind, fuzzy from sleep, she could feel a gentle caress on the side of neck. Tonks turned her head towards it and opened her eyes to see Remus. He was perched on the side of her bed, his eyes fixated on her. His fingers were barely brushing against the scar on her neck; exposed as her hair fanned out on the pillow.

"Bellatrix will not get away with this," Remus muttered, a dangerous edge to his usual soft voice, his fingers running from the tip of her scar down to where it ended.

She shivered in bated anticipation, "How'd you-"

Gentle eyes shifted from the scar to her eyes, he smiled as she spoke, "I know. So you needn't explain yourself. I can only imagine how it's like for you as it is."

Tonks sighed as his hand gently cupped her cheek.

"You hide more than you let on you do…" Remus said gently.

"Sorry," Tonks muttered, shifting so she was facing him on the warm bed. Then she remembered. Her eyes widening, she jumped up, startling him, "What time is it?"

Remus smiled, "In time for work," He stood and stretched a little, flinching as his knees popped from sitting for probably too long. "I'll leave you to wash up," Remus said before leaving the room. She sat there, listening to his soft footsteps down the stairs. Tonks' hands flew up to pat down her hair, suddenly self conscious of her horrendous appearance in the morning.

Tonks huffed in frustration and dragged herself off, throwing aside the cover to find herself in Remus' room. She was still wearing what she wore at dawn but her boots were removed and placed neatly at the side of the bed. She pulled them on, leaving the laces haphazardly untied and shuffled to the bathroom.

She was right; she looked like the merpeople found in the lake. Tonks sighed, morphing her hair into silky blond so she could neaten it just by running her fingers through it. She smiled at the dream, grinning as she thought about his startled and anxious expression as she'd leaped off the couch. He'll be a good husband… She let her thoughts wander, a wonderful father…

"Morning," Sirius grinned. Tonks was taken aback to see that her handsome cousin was back. He was cleanly shaven; his curly hair looked like it has been combed. His black robes looked new and even chic. He looked much better than the last time she saw him.

"Morning, handsome," She replied, sitting down, "did you happen to see my cousin?" Sirius cleared his throat.

"Sorry Moony," He grinned towards the kitchen where Remus emerged, holding two cups of hot chocolate.

Remus shot him a lopsided smile as he leaned over and placed the hot chocolate in front of Tonks, "I know you probably need coffee now but-"

"Hot chocolate is just as good," Tonks smiled, turning her head quickly to peck him on the cheek. He looked startled but pleased.

"Ohh… So some people have been busy last night…" Sirius smirked, that mischievous marauder grin showing, "I've missed a good show!" He lamented dramatically.

"Nip it, Padfoot!" Tonks snapped, pelting dried bread on Sirius. A smile played on her lips as she sipped the hot chocolate, moaning as the sweet and warm drink flowed down to her stomach.

"Moony does make the most delicious chocolate…He is more responsible than me…" Sirius held his chin contemplatively, the mischievous look in his eyes betraying his serious expression, "but I'm more handsome! And…I'm more fun!" He protested, looking up like a child.

"And more childish," Tonks grinned, glancing at Remus. He too had a slight smile on.

"Oi! I resent that!" Sirius scowled, "I am a mature-" Both Tonks and Remus cleared their throats, coughing deliberately.

"Oh, so you cleaned yourself up to impress me?" Tonks bit her lips, smiling. Sirius turned to her in what looked like a lovesick git.

Sirius spread his arms theatrically, "You have no idea how much I pined for you my-"

"Stop," Tonks stuck her tongue out in disgust.

Sirius laughed, "You have no idea how Moony do that," He playfully glared at Remus.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind if that were the case. A little Gilderoy Lockhart is good but just…not on you," Tonks stood, finishing up her hot chocolate and helping herself to two biscuits on the table. She walked around to Remus and hugged him briefly, "Off to work," She mumbled into his ear, mildly pressing her lips to the soft spot below his ear.

"Careful," He muttered as they separated. Tonks smiled at both him and Sirius before waving mildly and leaving the kitchen in a rush.

Behind her, she heard Sirius gagging. It echoed around the house followed by a loud smash, which made Tonks smile.

"Maria Rinn, you say," The clerk looked up at her behind her thick round glasses.

Tonks nodded, her head held high, "I'm here on Scrimgeour's orders,"

The clerk scribbled down her name swiftly, "On what purpose you say?"

"I didn't but Scrimgeour wants to do a check on the security…" Tonks spoke, swiping back her blond curly hair haughtily.

"Aurors…" Tonks heard her mutter, "here at least once a month waving their badge around…" The clerk looked up finally, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid no one is allowed-"

Tonks growled in frustration; whipping out her wand and casted a confundus charmunder her breath. Without a backwards glance, Tonks walked right into the Department of Mysteries. She was going to do a reconnaissance on the place. She had been on guard duty here more than a handful of times and so she knows the outside very well but the inside, she's not so sure.

She was greeted with the sight of thousands of prophecies, lining the shelves. Tonks made quick notes of the area, the rows and how the death eaters should be planned so that they would get that prophecy but at the same time, Harry and his friends wouldn't be completely trapped.

Her reflection caught on a reflective glass and Tonks paused. In the glass reflected the face of an older but beautiful woman. Her eyes were blue, her hair light blonde, and her face ending sharply at the chin; unlike her usual heart-shaped face. She noticed the eye bags she'd left out and instantly morphed them away.

Tonks wandered deeper, her wand at the ready. Then she saw a door, Tonks opened it with her wand to find that this led to the halls where the veil is. She closed the door again swiftly with a wave of her wand; not getting your prints on evidence was the number 1 rule as an Auror. Then she froze, hearing voices getting closer and closer.

Instantly, she ducked behind a shelf.

Proudfoot and Gumboil walked into view. Tonks stopped breathing as they stopped just a shelf away from her.

"What do you think happened?" Gumboil asked, glancing around.

Proudfoot began walking down the row, "I say we Aurors will step up the security,"

The hit-wizards laughed, "I think we'll be idiots lettin' y'all take this,"

"Keep babbling, Gumboil," Proudfoot growled and Tonks rolled her eyes. There always was some sort of an animosity between Aurors and Hit-wizards… She didn't even know why they worked together.

She stood and began to move, behind her Gumboil continued, "Well, it did get invaded on the Aurors' watch!"

Suddenly, her foot nudged the edge of a shelf, causing a glass ball to roll off the ledge, smashing to the ground. Tonks muttered, cursing.

"Who's there?" She heard Proudfoot demand.

Tonks rolled her eyes, morphing back, "it's me," She began walking towards them.

"Nymphadora Tonks?" Gumboil narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Great…he knows me…

"They told me to come up to help," Tonks said, sheepishly feigning to try and fix the shattered ball when all she hoped was this wasn't the prophecy Voldemort wanted. A glimpse at the label told her so.

"They sent you?" Proudfoot rolled his eyes and Tonks glared at him, offended.

"Well? Is there anything up here?" She demanded.

"Not unless that wizard is as clumsy as you are…" Gumboil muttered. Tonks turned her glare to him but turn on her heels and left nonetheless. She got what she needed anyway.

They went their separate ways with the Hit-Wizard as they went to the lift, "Haven't seen you around, Tonks," Proudfoot spoke.

"I've been really busy," She said light-heartedly, "with family and stuff, y'know."

Proudfoot nodded, "Your family will have loads to deal with, with the recent Azkaban outbreak and all. Half of your mother's side is free again." Tonks would've punched him senseless if the lift hadn't arrived, bringing Shacklebolt with it. Proudfoot nodded to Tonks and Kingsley before taking the lift down.

Tonks made to enter as Kingsley left but he angled his broad shoulders slightly so they got in her way and Tonks got the message.

"Let's take a walk Tonks," Kingsley's deep voice boomed and Tonks nodded, still glaring where Proudfoot has gone down. They began walking and when there was no one, Kingsley turned to her, "what were you doing there?" He hissed, his dark eyes looked worried and angry at the same time.

Tonks rolled her eyes; of course Kingsley will figure it out. The last thing this Auror is was stupid. He was experienced, smart and most of all, professional. "I needed information…" She muttered.

"About what?" Kingsley demanded.

"You'll find out King, just…" Tonks paused, "stay out of my business alright?" She said irritably.

"I just hope you're not doing this for you-know-who," He muttered in a low tone.

Tonks shot daggers at him, "You know perfectly where my loyalty lies," her tone was sharp, like her mother's.

"I do," he nodded, "with Remus," His reply surprised her. Stupid Sirius… "Just bear this in mind Tonks, whatever you're doing for you-know-who, we'll step in, Remus will step in,"

She scowled at him, "Who the hell do you think I am, Shacklebolt!" She growled, "Stop being so bloody paranoid…"

"Watch yourself Tonks," He warned before walking off. Tonks stared after him. He's right though…Fighting against the Order wasn't something she could bring herself around doing. She had to find Snape and perhaps ask him for some sound advice from experience; leaving out the Remus part…

She scowled at Kingsley's retreating back as he disappeared down the dark corridor. Tonks glanced around her before walking briskly back to her cubicle. The Auror office was never neat. Tonks rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at a wanted poster of her deranged Aunt screaming at her. It was pasted on the wall of every cubicle on Scrimgeour's order after Mad-eye suggested it before his retirement.

Tonks could hear murmurings and laughter everywhere. The Auror department was the last place anyone can find some peace and quiet, it was a place for a close knitted department to relax. The warmth she used to feel to this place was nothing now. Her being a spy for Voldemort, no matter how much of an act that is, made her paranoid with the side she's on the whole while.

Now she knew what it felt to be a spy… you feel on the edge, like there's no where you belonged, like at anytime, both sides could come at you after blood… There was no where Tonks felt comfortable, not here, not at the Riddle mansion, sometimes not even at Grimmauld; with the grim reminder of her Black bloodline roaring in her ears. It gave her a headache.

She couldn't relax or feel proud for herself about whatever noble things people she loved tried to convince her she was doing. She felt uncomfortable, jumpy and scared.

This is what she is and always have been, she just doesn't realise it; an outcast. Tonks leaned forward, dropping her head on her folded arms on the desk.

Spinners End was somehow comforting to her throbbing head. The rain soothed her mind even as her red hair hung in pathetic tendrils, framing her heart shaped face, hollowed eyes and sullen lips. She was a shell compared to what she was.

She knocked and Severus opened the door.

"Severus," she croaked out, trying to speak but unable to. She couldn't even make herself raise her head to meet his eye. Without a word, Snape opened the door wider for her to enter. Away from the wind and rain, Tonks stood drenched. She didn't want to walk any further. Tonks muttered a spell and dried herself. Severus walked to the kitchen and brought out 2 steaming mug of coffee.

She sat down and took a sip without checking it. Snape was a coffee person, Remus was a tea and chocolate person but Sirius was an alcohol person but Sirius brought her the most comfort in her younger days. A hug chased away the tears; a peck on the top of her head brought a toothy grin.

Amused at the irony, Tonks chuckled, grimacing as it came out like a bitter laugh.

"What's so funny?" Severus asked, sounding least of all interested at all.

"Nothing," Tonks bit her lips, "you wouldn't find it so,"

"Try me,"

Tonks chuckled, shaking her head, "No. I'm not here to share a joke," She sipped the coffee, puckering her face, "It's bitter…" She realized.

"You didn't say that just now," Snape rose to the kitchen, returning with a few packet of sugar which Tonks thought he didn't have.

"I didn't realize that just now," She scowled, adding them before sipping, "I went to the ministry. And I got the plan up,"

"Will the Dark Lord be pleased?" Snape asked, his voice surprisingly not as cold as she thought it would be.

Tonks didn't hesitate to nod, "The order…" She bit her bottom lip, "They'll be there, won't they?"

Snape nodded curtly, taking his coffee. But we can't stop them by telling them. It would ruin the plan…The Dark Lord will know of her alliance with the Order. Snape didn't have to say that to let Tonks hear it. She sighed heavily.

"You're worried," Tonks looked up when she saw him shift to the edge of his seat towards her. His eyes were surprisingly concerned.

Her eyes widened, "Severus-"

"Morph," He told her earnestly.

"What-"

"Your eyes. Green,"

Tonks frowned, puzzled but did so. Whatever he was doing didn't concern Tonks; she just wanted the advice from him and be on her way. The first pair of green eyes that she thought of was of Harry's. His striking eyes captivated her attention upon the first meeting. She heard Snape suck in a nervous breath.

"Severus," She muttered, "I don't want the order to be involved…" She shifted uncomfortably with the way Severus looked at her, it was almost love, adoration.

"Would you rather the ministry?" He asked, his eyes staring into hers intensely.

"No," She shook her head quickly, the nerves getting to her. The way he looked at her was making her uncomfortable. Tonks shifted in her seat again, sighing as she tried to get rid of the nervousness.

"Am I making you nervous?" Severus spoke softly but it was layered with a sharp Slytherin tongue, almost threateningly soft, unlike the soothing warm softness to Remus's.

Tonks stared back into his dark eyes; seeing love in his eyes was not something she could take. Suddenly, Snape shot forward, covering her lips with his, his hand on her cheek. Tonks' eyes widened and she froze, her wand drawn but stayed in her hand unmoving.

His nose was brushing her cheek, his thin lips kissing hers, coaxing her; like a snake would egg its prey into its reach. His hands were anything but gentle.

Tonks drew back, shoving him away roughly with a hard push against his chest. She raised her left hand, slapping him on his cheek, hard.

Snape looked shocked, his dark and normally narrowed eyes widened. Tonks glared at him, grabbing the first thing she could find; the cup of coffee and tossed its contents into his face, drenching his face and hair with coffee. Thinking up of a dark curse she could easily perform to give him the worst pain possible, Tonks raised her wand but hesitated upon seeing his stunned expression, his eyes never rising to meet hers.

Instead, Tonks turned and practically ran out the door, slamming it behind her. She apparated in the first secluded spot she could find.

As Tonks walked up the steps to Grimmauld, she was tearing her lips away with the back of her hand. She couldn't get rid of the coffee smell on her lips; she couldn't forget the feel of his lips on hers, his chin and nose touching her face. Tonks was about to have a panic attack; her eyes starting to swim with tears until the door flew open

"Good evening," Remus greeted with a lovely smile. He was in a good mood and Tonks couldn't hate herself more when the smile slipped and disappeared. A look of worry filled his eyes. He reached out tentatively to her, "Nymphadora?" His voice was low, soft and gentle; sending warmth tingling down her body. His hands rested on her arms and began rubbing them warm.

Tonks sucked in a breath of air and looked him in the eye, "Good evening," She gave up on forcing a smile and instead, leaned forward, placing her head on his chest.

"Everyone's already here," Remus whispered, placing a comforting hand on her back, he began rubbing soothing circles.

Tonks sighed.

"You sound tired," Remus said. Tonks pulled back, looking up at him. He smiled, leaning down to kiss her but she drew back the slightest inch instinctively. That was all the hint Remus needed. He withdrew, his smile faltering but not leaving his face; gazing at her as if trying to say he understood. Tonks instantly missed his touch as he dropped his hand from her back.

"Remus…" Tonks lifted her hands and scrunched a fistful of the front of Remus's cardigan in both of her hands. She pulled him closer. Tonks felt him press a hesitant but tender kiss to the top of her head.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Remus asked calmly. Tonks hesitated. Severus kissed her… It sounded unbelievable even as she thought it.

"I-" Tonks started, halting abruptly. She huffed, withdrawing to engage eye contact. She had to see his reaction, "Remus-" She said but a pop in the background stop her. She turned to see Snape. He was wearing his normal black cloak. Tonks didn't miss that he'd cleaned up. Snape had the same blank expression on his pale face as he swept past Tonks and Remus to enter Grimmauld Place. Tonks flinched away from him as he passed her.

She stared after him and then turned to Remus to find him watching her.

"Is Severus bothering you?" He asked, his hand touching her arm. His expression was tender with worried lines appearing deeper.

"We-we kissed…" She muttered, watching him carefully. Remus' expression was contained and Tonks could tell whatever he was feeling was bottled up. She looked down in shame, the feel of his lips fresh in her mind.

"May I ask why?" His voice was calm; so Remus-like.

"He kissed me," Tonks replied, feeling her heart almost jumping out of her mouth, "I didn't want to…" She frowned, confused. She could've sworn she saw a flash of rage in his eyes but Remus smiled. He gently cupped her face in his hands, "Remus?"

"Then I have nothing else to fear, apart from how you feel now," Remus' reply was quick and that had a calming effect on her.

"Fine," Tonks almost laughed upon realizing that was what she worried most; Remus' opinion. He nodded, gazing at her.

"Oi! Cousin!" Sirius' appeared in the doorway, startling Tonks. She'd almost hexed him, regretting she hadn't when she saw his cheeky smile, "are you two done snogging? Everyone is waiting for you and it's hard to explain without…y'know…" Sirius waggled his brow.

Tonks glared at her cousin who was standing behind Remus. Remus had an amused smile tugging on his lips.

Feeling bold, Tonks slipped her hand into his. Tonks watched him with a questioning and curious look.

"Yes, I don't mind if they know if you don't," Remus replied.

"I don't," She leaned in, kissing him full on the mouth.

"Ewwww!" Sirius jumped back but Tonks took no notice. They didn't bother when he ran back to the kitchen like a frightened child. She chuckled her amusement before turning to Remus.

Remus was taken aback for a moment as he froze but soon, he tilted his head and pressed his lips on hers, deepening the kiss. Tonks felt herself float, right out of her body and into the clouds. Her spine tingled as he ended the kiss, pecking her at the corner of her lips with a smile on his.

"You're always surprised," Tonks mumbled, savoring the feel of his lips on her skin, his hand on her back respectfully.

"Look at you," He replied, "Young, beautiful. It gives me full reason to be," He reasoned simply.

"You're just handsome, professor," She leaned in, biting her lips.

His eyes flickered to her lips but quickly looked back up, "Everyone's waiting," He reminded in a whisper that didn't hide the sigh in his voice. Grinning, Tonks grabbed the front of his shirt, kissing him again full on the mouth briefly but firmly. They parted and Tonks bit her bottom lip, walking to the kitchen with her hand in his.

The meeting was quick, brief. There was nothing much to report. There wasn't much happening involving death eaters or particularly dark spells being sighted. It was the normal activities they have been keeping surveillance on.

Both Tonks and Snape knew it was because they were preparing something big but reporting it would risk allowing Voldemort to know that Tonks was a spy. The order had to be caught unaware but still knowing in the end, to play the heroes; and that was the part Tonks dread most.

When it was Tonks' and Snape's turn to say something, they both sat there. On a normal occasion, one of them would've stood to speak on behalf of the both of them but neither moved an inch. Tonks' Black streak refused to nudge him and instead, she stared blankly.

"We have nothing to report," Snape spoke after a moment of awkward silence. His voice was calm and it sickened Tonks.

The Order continued the meeting. Tonks concentrated on lacing her fingers through Remus' which was on his lap, under the table, as he listened intently to the speaker. She saw him glancing to their hands but he kept his attention on the meeting, the corner of his lips tugging up as she brushed his palm playfully. He grasped her hand firmly, ending the distraction. She had to tilt her face down so her hair falls in a neat curtain around her face, to permit her to smile in amusement.

When the meeting ended, Tonks instantly turned to Remus, openly directing her full attention to him. She wanted to see a flicker of emotion race through his eyes then disappear, the secret smile he'd always have when he found something humorous but hid it, the look he gave her with his eyes; all that make her love him even more. .

"Remus-" She started but paused when she realized he seemed to be distracted with something. Before she could turn to regard what was distracting him, he stood.

"I'll be right back Nymphadora," he assured and disentangled their fingers and left. Tonks nodded curiously. She loved the way he said her name. His voice made it sound all better all of a sudden.

She watched after him as he disappeared behind the kitchen door which he'd closed on his way out.

Tonks smiled as Arthur shared a joke and everyone around the table burst into laughter, the loudest being from Sirius who roared with laughter, slapping the table.

Her cousin deserves to be happy. He didn't deserve to be trapped in this hellhole. Sirius wasn't so bad, he just wanted company and when he didn't get what he wanted, Sirius drank; the concept was simple but Tonks' smile widened as she saw the tea sitting in front of him. His laughter was true, right from the belly and his cheek, flushed from laughter was finally visible when he got rid of all the facial hair that made him look like a dreg.

The door opened and Remus reappeared, his lips pinched into a thin line; he was upset but Tonks didn't ask even as her curiosity threatens to burst from her mouth. She watched him walk around the chairs to sit by her.

"Tonks? Are you staying for the meal?" Molly asked.

"Yes," She hollered across the kitchen, her eyes fixed on Remus. His lips hinted a smile but never showed it.

Dinner was satisfying for Tonks. She watched Sirius devour his meal with a vigor she'd not seen in her cousin in a long time. All the time, Sirius was involved in the conversation with Arthur and Kingsley, Mad-Eye occasionally throwing in remarks about neglect on the Ministry's part. Tonks kept quiet, watching Remus who sat being the listener rather than actually participating in the conversation.

Soon, the rest cleared out of Grimmauld Place, leaving Mad-Eye, Remus, Sirius and Tonks in the kitchen; the only ones who can afford to stay late having no further commitments. Tonks was glad; they were the people she loved.

"Cuz," Sirius started after shoving a spoonful of ice cream which Remus had bought for him, into his mouth, "d'think Andie would want to see me?" He started tentatively.

Tonks shrugged, "Mum is unpredictable but she misses you,"

Mad-eye said, "Sirius, you shouldn't leave Grimmauld if unnecessary."

Sirius scowled at Mad-Eye.

Tonks turned to her mentor, "For as long as I've known you, you've always been a spoilsport,"

"Does anyone bother about Constant Vigilance anymore?" Mad-Eye said roughly, taking a swig out of his flask which Tonks wish wasn't liquor.

"I do, but I'm just sayin', you're a spoilsport," Tonks grinned, morphing her hair orange, knowing Mad-Eye hated it most. She waited in barely quelled anticipation for him to lash out at her verbally about the hair but he rolled his magical eyes to the back of his head for surveillance before turning away.

She know he know she hated when he made his magical eye disappear and he did that most. It was only fair; she annoyed him and he revolted her with his eye. They chatted leisurely for a while more before Mad-Eye stood, getting ready to leave. Tonks followed, casting glances to Sirius and Remus to tell them she wasn't leaving.

"You aren't mad at me, are you?" Tonks asked cautiously. He'd once lashed out at her as an ambush when she'd done the exact same thing she was doing now; wringing her hand, following him docilely in a way that would make other mentor jealous. He claimed it was a test but she'd rather believe that he was trying to scare the piss out of her.

Mad-Eye didn't reply but continued to the door, turning before he could open it, "Constant vigilance lass, never let your guard down, you never know who or where your enemy is," he ranted off in his usual lecture. Somehow, something annoying became soothingly touching to her now; making her crave the love that only parents could offer to their child.

Tonks felt tears rush to her eyes and she hugged him, not fazed that he didn't respond likewise but happy when he didn't reject it, "I will, you too," she muttered.

Mad-Eye nodded grimly and left, apparating with a soft pop. She entered the kitchen to find Remus and Sirius grinning at each other from across the table, the mischievous Marauders' grin Tonks'd come to recognize. She watched them warily as she sat down.

"You do realise you're the only one who gets away with teasing him don't you?" Sirius said; a grin on his lips.

"I didn't," She denied.

"Oh yeah…because Mad-Eye loves orange," Sirius smirked.

"Shut up," Tonks scowled, "so what if I do get away with it?" She challenged.

"Nothing!" Sirius shrugged, "no need to get defensively Cuz," He leaned forward, that glint in his eyes, "so, what do you say?"

"What?" She replied rudely, not taking his teasing nicely.

"About the visit to Andie's," Sirius said, "I really want to meet her," His puppy dog eyes kicking into play. Tonks was not affected by that, her Black streak allowing her to kick puppies; especially the ones named Sirius.

She looked across the table to Remus who was already looking at her. He nodded.

"Alright…but with you as a dog," Tonks said impatiently.

Sirius grinned, "Yeah, because Andie loves small animals," Tonks rolled her eyes, recalling a time Andromeda threw out her pet goldfish onto the streets when Tonks toppled the bowl by accident, sending the goldfish flopping on Andromeda's favourite couch.

Remus chuckled upon seeing Tonks' expression. He loved the sparkle of youth in her grey eyes, the way her lips twisted up in a mischievous smirk every time she got the best of someone. She tossed her lengthy red hair over her shoulder as it got into her face as she spoke. Remus didn't hear her, he saw her. The cut on her cheek was half healed and he kept an eye on it in case there's an infection; Nymphadora neglected these small things. The scar on her neck was barely visible except to people who especially looked for it. She wore her hair long now and he knew it was because of that.

There was a speck of mud on her sleeve, her boot soles were also covered in mud. There's a small leaf in her hair, a small cut on her thumb; probably from a paper.

She was precious to him. The wolf, which took over his higher order thinking in moments of fury, growled at the thought of Bellatrix and especially Snape coming anyway near her to hurt her in anyway possible. However, Remus absolutely refused to expose Nymphadora to that; a wolf's fury that was so potent, he was convinced it will hurt her, one day. He dreaded the day he'd lose himself; the man, and lash out at her in anger. She deserved so much more and he just couldn't comprehend how he could get so lucky.

Snape was practically gliding down the corridor, his footsteps making no sound to human ears but his inner nature snarled at the soft thuds of his weight on the wooden flooring of Grimmauld.

"Severus," He heard himself call. Snape turned and regarded him with wary eyes.

"Lupin," Snape sneered, crossing his arms over his chest. The haughty gesture made him glare, the wolf threatening to pounce, growling.

"If you ever go near Nymphadora in that way…" Remus warned, taking a step forward.

"Believe me, Lupin, I merely found Nymphadora's talent…useful. I am not in anyway attracted to her," Snape smirked.

The wolf snarled, "She's not yours to use,"

"And Nymphadora's yours to?" Snape raised both brows.

He furrowed his brows just slightly, "I would never claim ownership of her. She is her own to have," I don't deserve her that way.

"Your protective nature amuses me, Lupin. Nymphadora is not a weak witch that needs your protection," Snape sneered.

I'll still give it to her… "Just stay away from her," He heard his voice turn dangerous, his hands clenched into fists. He felt he could bring down walls with this fury; the nerve of Snape to use Nymphadora like that!

"I will try my best, if she doesn't come looking for me," Snape narrowed his eyes and regarded his hostility before turning to leave. He glared after Snape; just one moment of recklessness was all it takes for Remus to let the wolf have him right there; tearing him apart limb by limb just like how he should have years back.

To be continued…

A/N: References, references. I deny any ownership of the story. Some of the lines (if you readers out there think you've heard them somewhere before) are from any movie, show or story I've watched and read but can't remember where I've heard them. So I sincerely apologies to anyone I've 'copywrited'!

Lots of romance going on between Tonks and Lupin here so a huge thank you to all my Tonks-Lupin shippers readers who held on till now. And apologise if Snape made you uncomfortable by kissing Tonks but it was a small hint at the Snape's touching background.

Last line is the reference to, when in the book, Prongs saved Snape from Remus due to Sirius's prank-gone-wrong. ;) Maybe some of you think its out-of-character to have kind Remus think that but who knows? People are unpredictable and more so for animals XD

And last thing, I'm so bloody excited for the last movie! I'll be watching the last installment tomorrow so it better be good. I don't know about you but I'm getting emotional thinking about not having to think about the next movie anymore!

Anyway, enough babbling…

Thank you to all my readers and especially the reviewers for last chapter!

DMSTonks: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like the way I portrayed Remus! Oh, I can't promise it will be revealed (about what Mad-Eye and Remus talked about). I hope you enjoy these romantic parts too! About Sirius, this is hush and secret, but yeah, last time I checked, this is AU ;)

Starxedlovers: Thank you! Yes, you'll have to wait to see how it turns out and I'm so sorry for the long wait as I just had to add in some of these few side stories in the time between the raid and now.

PhoenixDownAt20: Thank you so much!

Angelic94: You always leave me awesome reviews! ^^ I'm really really glad you liked that part; it was stressful to write that! Yep, you should definitely keep them crossed for Sirius but the raid won't be anytime soon so unfortunately, you'll have to wait and see! Glad you liked the dream and flashback, I had fun writing it! Thank you so much!

HammersNStrings: Thank you! Remus will but that will be behind the scenes of course! ;) Thanks again for the lovely review!

Leave me a review to tell me about this chapter! (: