Chapter 23: Department Of Mysteries
"Tonks? I thought you're on a mission," Kingsley asked as she bumped into him at the atrium, literally.
"Yeah, I am. Just gotta drop this kid off," Tonks gasped as she steadied herself from falling flat on her face, "I found him and healed his wounds. Look likes werewolf work," She said in a hushed tone.
Kingsley glanced at the boy, nodding, before putting on a grin at her that was only all too familiar for Tonks.
"Oh no Kingsley," Tonks shook her head firmly, "I'm off paperwork now. Don't you dare…"
"Come on Tonks," Kingsley sighed. The fact that he hated paperwork was known throughout the whole ministry but the truth that Tonks had been often bribed into finishing them for him was a well-kept secret.
"Get Peters to do it! He's the underling now!" Tonks hissed.
"He doesn't do them as well as you do," Kingsley protested, intent on convincing Tonks as she entered the lift.
"I don't care!" She scowled.
"Tonks, come on," Kingsley nudged her as the lift kicked off. Tonks grasped the side rails frantically, maintaining a firm grip on poor Jason.
"No Kingsley, I really have to go," She said meaningfully and she does. She'd earlier received Snape's patronus to inform her of the meeting Voldemort had called about the break in to get the prophecy from the Department of Mysteries.
Kingsley sighed and nodded, "Guess Peters will have to do," he winked at her and exited the lift.
Tonks painstakingly explained her lie to the woman before leaving Jason with them.
"Where are you going?" Jason asked, wide blue eyes staring at her. His small hands were clinging onto her hand, impossible to pry away. Tonks felt tears coming to her eyes at the thought of leaving the boy so soon.
"They will bring you back to your parents Jason," Tonks ruffled his hair, "I promise I won't let the bad men get you ever again sweetie," She kissed him on the top of his head. She made that promise and intended to keep it.
"Tonks, will I see you again?" Jason asked, clutching onto her robe with wide fearful eyes as she got her hand out of his grasp.
"Maybe Jason. Anytime you want to see me, I'll be here." She smoothed out his hair, "Come to ministry and ask to see me, Tonks from the Auror Office,"
Jason smiled and nodded, satisfied. Tonks swallowed the lump in her throat and stood to leave, handing Jason to the woman behind the desk.
Then before she could regret it and run back and do something crazy, Tonks apparated to the Lestrange Mansion.
The place was eerie. It was worst than the Riddle Mansion. Everything was black and so, rich. Tonks was granted entry without hesitation at the gate and she entered the room, her head held high. Most of the death eaters were already there. Tonks realized only the ones involved in the raid were there. She took her usual seat at the right of the seat at the top of the table, by the Dark Lord. He hasn't arrived yet.
Bellatrix, Lucius, Dolohov, Rowle, Yaxley, Jugson, Rookwood and Jensen were all there; most of them staring at her in disdain, particularly her aunt.
Tonks stared back at every one of them, her eyes lingering on Augustus Rookwood. He is the Unspeakable that Voldemort appointed as deputy head in this mission as he knew the Department of Mysteries best. The Dark Lord really did have minions and spies everywhere, Tonks' shuddered at the thought of the Order Of Phoenix fighting against such force.
Without warning Bellatrix lashed out with a curse at her. Tonks furrowed her brow and deflected that spell swiftly with her wand, the spell missing her face by inches.
"Bellatrix," Lucius hissed. As much as Lucius hated Tonks, he was always the voice of reason; keeping out of trouble unlike Bellatrix. Tonks guessed that was why Lucius always headed mission, not her deranged Aunt who seemed like Azkaban had effectively unhinged her.
Her Aunt seemed to not have heard Lucius Malfoy. In fact, Bellatrix stood up looking quite mad as she shot spell after spell at Tonks.
Tonks deflected every one of them. She was no match for her Aunt, yet and Tonks hated herself for that. The spells kept coming and finally, Tonks couldn't deflect both in time. She ducked down and the spell hit the tall chair backing, turning it to a deformed melted mess.
Everyone around the table roared with laughter and some clapped. Bellatrix cackled.
"Nymphie has lost," She sang and laughed again.
Tonks wiped the blood from her wound, which was caused by a stray spell from Bellatrix that she was unable to block, and stood. This was it. Defeat was one thing but humiliation was a whole other story. Both bloodlines in her boiled at that thought and Tonks found herself on her feet, glaring at her Aunt.
"What is it Nymphie? Mummy forgot to teach you manners? Or is that mudblood father side of you boiling?" Bellatrix cackled.
"I didn't lose!" Tonks roared; firing spells of her own at her Aunt. Bellatrix lazily fended them off with flicks of her wand. Tonks smirked as her blasting curse caught Bellatrix in the side. Enraged, Bellatrix went on the offense. Tonks could hear the laughter from the table. She was obviously not welcomed here and Tonks wondered how long she could last before Bellatrix finally kill her.
"Avada Kedavra!" Bellatrix howled the spell through her laughter and Tonks dove to the side, landing painfully on her knees as the spell set a curtain on fire. Before she could crawl to her feet, Bellatrix locked her neck with the crook of her arm and yanked her up to her feet. She was stronger than Tonks had thought, "Crucio!" Bellatrix cackled. Tonks cried out in agony, not being able to bring up her mental defense prior.
Bellatrix yanked her hair back painfully.
"Listen here Wrench, you tell your blood traitor mother and Mudblood father, one day, I will get them too," Bellatrix hissed into her ear, "and you know what? Maybe I will spend time killing old Mad-Eye too. I will make them all scream, and beg, just like you will…"
"No!" Tonks found herself screaming and flailing quite uselessly in Bellatrix's firm grip. She clenched her teeth, her eyes glaring at Bellatrix, her hair turning a fiery red. Tonks screwed her eyes shut. Without warning, she morphed.
Bellatrix yelped in shock as Tonks became a younger, shorter and smaller version of herself. Her Aunt lost her grip on Tonks and she sagged to the ground, diving for her wand.
Tonks smirked to have gotten the better of Bellatrix; doing one thing she knew no one can, to morph.
"Why you little bitch," Bellatrix shrieked, "Freak! I knew nothing can come out good from that mudblood father-"
"Don't talk about my father!" Tonks growled, "Do you know how sad you are, Aunt Bella? You've never made your own decision, always having lived under all the expectations of pure blood. What do you know about love? What do you know about family?"
"How dare you!" Bellatrix raised her wand and Tonks did likewise, "Avada-"
She stopped short as Voldemort stepped into the room, looking quite amused at the scene. He practically glided pass them, sitting in the chair at the tip of the table with Nagini at his feet.
"My lord," Tonks and Bellatrix both bowed as the Dark Lord passed them.
"Rookwood?" Voldemort spoke, ignoring the duel he'd interrupted.
"My Lord, Avery lied. Bode is not able to obtain the prophecy. It can only be taken by the person whose name is set upon it, as you've said my lord," Rookwood said. Voldemort glared at Rookwood for a moment before he waved his wand so quickly that it was hardly visible. A few death eater cringed as Rookwood crumpled to the floor in a mild moment of pain.
"My Lord, it will be a success, I assure you," Tonks spoke, confident ringing in every word. Voldemort turned to her and nodded, a smirk set upon his serpentine features.
"Very well Nymphadora, I look forward to your performance," Voldemort replied.
"My Lord, I can definitely lead this better than this abomination-" Bellatrix leaned forward, eager to please. Tonks rolled her eyes in disgust.
"Ah Bellatrix, you've always been my most trustworthy death eater," Voldemort said silkily, "but Nymphadora has potential and I will allow her to prove herself in this mission,"
Bellatrix smiled sweetly but glared at Tonks and Tonks rose to the challenge, glaring back, ignoring the blood trickling down onto her lap from her hand.
"Speaking of which," Voldemort turned to Nymphadora, "You have displeased our werewolf friends, Nymphadora," He said, his voice laced with displeasure but somewhere deep inside, Tonks heard a tinge of amusement and mockery. No doubt Greyback had voiced his hate for Tonks to the Dark Lord.
"My Lord, I am disgusted at their ways and Greyback had obviously disregarded his respect for wizards," Nymphadora replied, pushing down her fear at her insolent reply, "I merely reminded them of who's truly the one leading; you, my Lord." Tonks spoke what she thought the Blacks would say, and acted how the Blacks will act; it wasn't difficult.
Voldemort smiled, "You truly are the descendant of the Noble House of Blacks that have served me well in past years,"
Bellatrix snorted but Tonks bowed, accepting the 'praise' modestly.
"You really are one of a kind, Nymphadora," Voldemort lunged forward and Tonks froze as she felt cold fingers lifted her chin so she looked into his bloodshot eyes. Tonks instantly brought up her defense against legilimency, "but displeasing Greyback will risk our alliance with the werewolves. I trust you will take a more subtle approach next time. With that, you will, from now on, be helping me win alliances with beast and wizards alike; I believe your metamorphagus abilities will prove most useful,"
Tonks shuddered but smirked; finding that it was most effectively in masking how she truly felt. "I am most honored my Lord," She replied and Voldemort, seemingly satisfied, released her and sat back into his seat.
The morning went away in a flash and Tonks found herself concealing her bleeding arm as she stumbled up the steps of Grimmauld Place. Tonight was the raid and she needed to see Remus.
She opened the door of Grimmauld and closed it quietly behind her. Tonks was feeling rapidly dizzy and she found herself unable to heal her hand before she apparated.
"Sirius?" She called, blinking a couple of times as her vision blurred. She leaned on the wall.
"Nymphie?" Tonks could see the blurry outline of her cousin running down the corridor to her, "are you alright?" She felt Sirius' firm hold on her arm, "come on, to the kitchen so I can get a better look," she heard him say. Leaning heavily on her cousin, Tonks found herself slumped in the chair and Sirius sat opposite her. His wand was out and he seemed to be muttering spells frantically.
She felt a sting on her hand and Sirius jolted up from his seat, disappearing behind her for a while before returning and forcing a bottle's content down her throat. Tonks didn't resist and she let Sirius get a grip upon her jaw to tilt her head up.
"Here, something to replenish your blood." He murmured and Tonks downed the lot. She slouched in her chair and sighed as her head stop spinning. Grimmauld Place kitchen come into focus as she blinked. She sat up, shaking her head from side to side. Tonks saw her favorite cousin sitting across from her, his fingers tented in front of him and his grey eyes studying her contemplatively.
Tonks took a while to find her voice, "What's up?" She spoke cautiously.
Sirius' brows furrowed for a moment before he stood up, "that's it! I'm getting you out of here, we'll go to France! Or Germany!" She glimpsed a crazed look in his eyes.
"You're crazy," Tonks rolled her eyes.
"No, I'm not!" Sirius scowled, "I'm getting you out of here with me! This is the last time I'm letting everyone treat my baby cousin like a piece of pickle for sacrifice."
"Siri…" Tonks forced a smile, "Dumbledore knows-"
"He doesn't know! He's not here, is he? He doesn't have to see you and take care of you when you crawl back after being tortured by that crazy woman. I do! I see what she does to you. And I won't let it happen again…" Sirius muttered, "It's the least I can do."
Tonks frowned, rushing around the table. She threw her arms around his neck. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist, sighing.
"I'll be just fine, Sirius," She muttered. Her cousin smelt acutely like fresh laundry instead of booze, to Tonks' delight, "Alive, I promise."
"Tonksie…Cuz…" Sirius sighed, "don't throw your life away for this…it's not worth it."
Tonks huffed, pulling away, "You encourage Harry to go into the fight Sirius and you're trying to get me out of it?" She crossed her arms across her chest.
"You're…different," Sirius averted her eyes, "you're my baby cousin, and Harry is a tough kid, he's-" Tonks' heart warmed at the soft loving tone as Sirius spoke about her.
"Not James, Sirius," Tonks interrupted, "I want to make sure you're seeing that clearly. And I'm all grown up now…heck I could even take you down and haul you into Azkaban if I wanted," She rolled her eyes.
"I just don't want you being a double agent, Tonksie…it's dangerous," Sirius gazed at her thoughtfully, his eyes clouded with worry. For a moment there, Tonks could've sworn she saw the same look Sirius gave her when she is a small kid; that worried gaze only a brother who truly loves you could give, "don't do it anymore,"
"I am an Auror and part of the family Sirius and I will do something," Tonks stated firmly, "stop worrying. And after all these times, I'm still alive aren't I?"
"Not for long if you keep this up," Sirius muttered, "Moony will definitely back me up on this,"
"Where is Remus anyway?" Tonks asked, ignoring his comment.
"Out, getting some food." Sirius slumping down in the chair sullenly, looking acutely disappointed.
"I'm happy you're not drinking," Tonks sat down beside him.
Sirius smirked, "I guess I've too decided to do something with my life," He shrugged.
"Hmm, Padfoot, sayin' that," Tonks couldn't stop the smile, "I never thought I'd live to see the day,"
Sirius barked a laugh. They heard the door open and footsteps down the hall. Instantly, Tonks jumped out of her chair, throwing the kitchen door open to see her love standing with his arms full with grocery.
"Dora," Remus' eyes brightened up and Tonks jumped into his embrace. Remus absentmindedly dropped the grocery, welcoming Tonks into his arms.
"Wow, you two lovebirds look like you've been apart for years," Sirius commented with a snigger.
"Bugger off Sirius," Tonks muttered into Remus' shoulder. She missed him; for some reason she couldn't fathom.
"Seriously," Sirius chuckled at his pun, "when was the last time you two met again? Wasn't it this morning."
Tonks nodded truthfully, reluctantly pulling out of Remus' embrace to help him pick up the grocery, their fingers interlocked.
"That long huh?" Sirius whistled; ignoring the glares both Remus and Tonks shot him.
The moment the grocery hit the table; Tonks wanted nothing more than to spend her time with Remus, right up to the moment of the mission. She pulled him up the stairs, ignoring the wolf whistles Sirius was doing behind their backs. The moment the door to Remus' room shut behind her, she pressed her lips to his and kissed him fervently, her fingers tugging on his hair gently.
Remus chuckled, hugging her around her waist firmly as he spun them around.
"Dora…" Remus sighed as they fell over onto the bed. Tonks grasped the front of his shirt in both fists and buried her face into his chest. Remus smiled, smoothing her hair with one hand while the other rubbed comforting circles on her back, "are you alright?" He asked; his voice tender.
"I love you," She muttered, pressing herself closer to him.
"Dora…" Remus was really getting worried now. He kissed the top of her head, "can we talk-"
"No," Tonks interrupted, enveloping his mouth with hers, effectively silencing him.
He moaned appreciatively at the back of his throat as Tonks pressed kisses along his jaw line.
"Hm, you shaved," Tonks smiled, propping herself up on his chest.
"I figured I should," He shrugged and Tonks snuggled up to him, feeling him snake his arms around to embrace her, "Dora…Sirius knows what he's saying…" Remus started, knowing he's treading on quicksand here. If there was anything Tonks valued most was responsibility and loyalty; he could very well be insulting one of them.
"Remus…not you too," She pouted playfully.
"I'm serious about this, Dora…" Remus sighed.
"No," She shook her head, grinning, "You're Remus."
Remus chuckled, despite himself, "You're incorrigible," He teased, placing his hands on the curve of her waist.
"Sirius Black's cousin," Tonks grinned.
"Yeah," Remus agreed with a smile on his lips, "Sirius Black's cousin."
Suddenly, all the humor was gone in the room as Tonks gazed at Remus thoughtfully. Remus, being a sensitive man to others, quelled his amusement and watched her somberly.
"I'm fine, Remus. This is war…" Tonks mumbled, "I want you to be careful. You need to watch out for yourself, not me,"
Remus rubbed her back, "I just…thought I should do something for you," He finished pathetically, scrambling for a better way to put this.
"Just stay alive for me," Tonks splayed her palm on his chest, above his heart, "take care of yourself, no matter what, please."
"Dora…" Remus frowned, puzzled, "did something happen?" He reached up and Tonks realized her eyes were filling with tears.
"No," She replied hurriedly, "nothing happened…" Tonks looked straight into his eyes, seeing the flicker of hesitation, suspicion that she wasn't telling him something; he was right.
Remus brushed away a strand of mousy brown hair and tucked it behind her ear with a slight smile playing on his lips. He caressed her cheek with the back of gentle fingers, "I will, for you," He smiled.
Tonks nodded, pressing her ear to his chest, listening to the steady heartbeat, allowing it to lull her to sleep; giving her the rest before the mayhem begins.
She'd left on Snape's patronus, apparating to the riddle mansion; where they'll be setting off to the ministry.
The hall was filled with Death Eaters. The ones that were supposed to accompany her there were there; watching the Dark Lord eagerly. She took her seat beside Snape, ignoring him purposefully. Tonks still hadn't got around forgiving Snape for that kiss.
It was apparent to Tonks that Voldemort was now inserting the memory of Sirius being held at the ministry into Harry's head. She muttered a silent apology to poor Harry, he must be worried sick.
The last time Harry had dreamt and unintentionally entered Voldemort's thoughts was when Nagini had attempted to steal the prophecy only to meet poor Mr Weasley; who happened to be on duty for the ministry, covering duty for a sly moron from Magical Law Enforcement.
Arthur had been badly injured, hospitalized for a week or so. Tonks hadn't had the time yet to visit the poor man but Remus had assured her that he would go and would send her well wishes.
That was also the moment where Voldemort realized the strong mental connection between Harry and himself; but hadn't dared make a false move till he was absolutely certain of his decision. Tonks was impressed and understood how the Death Eaters could thrive under such leadership.
When Snape was assigned to teach Harry Occlumency, Voldemort was aware but made sure Snape left the door open for him in case he had to use that connection for his plans. And this was the time, when Tonks had suggested, and regretted, to trick Harry and lure him to get the prophecy for them.
However, since Tonks was in-charged of this mission, she assured herself with the knowledge that she held the power now to make sure Harry and his friends remain safe throughout this encounter.
She hadn't thought about how she was going to make sure Voldemort do not get the prophecy without losing her cover. This is a fine line she is walking on and Tonks intend to take every step with extreme caution and of course, vigilance.
They waited, giving Harry sometime to get to the ministry; however he was going to get there. Tonks was aware of how clever those kids can be and she was absolutely certain they can find a way, assuring Voldemort of that.
The scout informed them that Harry Potter and his friends (Tonks winced at this news, knowing there are more kids involved than she'd have dared to think), have arrived at the ministry on thestrals and were entering the ministry by muggle means
Tonks decided to get there by half apparition form. It can give them to time to get accustomed to each other; hopefully sufficient for them to trust each other, and time for Harry to make it to the Department of Mysteries and to find the spot.
All the while, Bellatrix smirked at Tonks, convinced her wretched niece will fail and thus be punished by the Dark Lord.
Tonks set off from the Riddle Mansion first, rising at high speed in a puff of white smoke, tailed by black ones. She ignored the sneers she'd received, as always during this display.
They went on foot from the atrium with Rookwood and Tonks leading shoulder to shoulder to the Department of Mysteries.
Tonks silently split them up in pairs; Lucius with Bellatrix to face them and openly take the prophecy from them, Rookwood with Jugson, Dolohov with Rowle and Yaxley with Jensen. Tonks had taken the last pairing as a personal joke; knowing how the harsh death eater will give Jensen a run for his money.
"And where will you be?" Lucius demanded, his smooth voice sneering.
"Where you'll all end up," Tonks replied. Lucius narrowed his eyes and made to question her more but Tonks gestured for them to close in on the kids. When the Death Eaters moved into action, Tonks morphed her features away. She improvised. Her hair was changed to a straight black, her heart shaped face morphed away to that similar to Andromeda; thus Bellatrix. All in all, in her Bellatrix-lookalike outfit she now owned, Tonks held the aristocratic beauty that all Black women had.
Tonks could hear Bellatrix taunting Harry. Her laughter sent shivers running down Tonks' spine, making her shudder. She still couldn't believe that she's finally here now, going up against her Aunt; her childhood worst nightmare. Tonks would not deny being fearful of Bellatrix but she will not cower to her either.
A fight was about to break out when Neville was unable to quell his anger upon Bellatrix's mention of his parents. Tonks gripped her wand, almost throwing herself out there to shield the kids but Lucius calmed the situation, egging Harry to give the prophecy.
Harry spoke and for a moment, Tonks heard resignation in his voice. Her heart skipped a beat. This wasn't going as planned. Tonks had banked her hopes that Harry will hang on and fight; this way, in the chaos, hopefully she could make sure the prophecy will not reach the hands of Voldemort.
"Now!" Harry shouted to his friends. Tonks smiled as she saw Jensen get hit square in the chest by a stunner from Ginny. He fell back, unconscious. Tonks stood over him, rolling her eyes as she attempted to wake him by a prod of her toe. But the moron was out cold. Tonks sighed, walking purposefully to where she'd planned for Harry's only route of escape.
She didn't want to go into half apparition, her white form; so different from the others will stand out to the kids like a sore thumb and the last thing she wanted was for the kids to know she is working as a double agent or to think she's the enemy.
Tonks reached the door leading to the room that contained the veil; Merlin knows what the Unspeakable are playing at with that veil… Tonks unlocked it with a wave of her wand and ran towards the battle. She had to look like she was contributing, for the last thing Tonks wanted was for Lucius to tell on her.
She jogged down the rows of prophecies. This is chaos but going exactly as she planned. The death eaters, being the stronger and more skillful lot are pushing the kids towards their only escape.
"Stupefy!" Tonks shouted, her spell missing Hermione's shoulder by inches as she ducked. It hit Rookwood in the face, sending him reeling. Tonks smirked, ducking to the side as Hermione recovered, grabbing onto Ron's hand and ran. Then Tonks heard a slight shriek.
Thinking quickly, Tonks morphed herself. She waved her wand over her clothes vaguely, changing it to a jacket and jeans. She smirked, running towards the scream. Just down the row is Ginny sitting on the ground with Dolohov pointing his wand at her.
"Ginny!" Tonks shouted. Both Death Eater and Ginny looked, "Stupefy!" Dolohov dove to the side, unable to parry the spell away in time.
"Harry!" Ginny cried in relief, scrambling to her feet. Tonks ran forward, pulling Ginny along by her hand.
Tonks rapidly shot spells behind her, pretending to mutter them in case Ginny got suspicious. They hit the half apparition form flying after them and Tonks muttered 'thanks' to virtual Mad-Eye whom always tortured her with target practices with twigs.
They turned the corner, bumping straight into Neville and Luna. Ginny let out a stifled scream.
"Where are Hermione and Ron?" Ginny asked frantically. Tonks then glimpsed more Death Eaters, in half apparition form approaching.
"Come on!" She barked, hoping she sounded acutely like Harry. The others nodding and they ran down the row, towards the door she'd unlocked for them.
Tonks shot two more stunners behind her, now she needed to vanish from sight before the real Harry bumped into them.
She inconspicuously casted a disillusion charm. She was never good at them but it was worth a try and the kids are none the wiser.
"Where's Harry? Luna, Neville!" Ginny cried anxiously as she turned to find 'Harry' not there. Tonks slipped behind two shelves of prophecy.
"Ginny, here!" The real Harry called, cutting across the alleyway with Ron and Hermione behind him.
Ginny looked confused for a moment before they glimpsed 2 more death eaters heading their way.
Tonks recognized them to be Dolohov and Rowle.
"Reducto!" Ginny cried. Tonks shook her head, muttering a quick prayer before casting a Protego around herself. Dolohov and Rowle were casted away by the spell. The magnitude of it sent shelves of prophecies collapsing upon them. The shelves collapsed over Tonks, rendering her harmless; protected by her spell. She half apparated the moment she heard a satisfying click of the closing of the door she unlocked.
Sending green sparks into the air, Tonks flew over the rumble of shattered prophecies and collapsed shelves. The rest of the Death Eaters regrouped, following her lead.
"Where the hell were you?" Rookwood snapped as he flew forward by her.
Tonks shot him a glare; the infamous Black glare; capable of making the bravest bloodhound cower. Rookwood faltered just slightly.
"They're now at the veil, if you shut up, we might just get there in time," Tonks said sharply.
She blasted the door aside and flew through it, followed by the rest. She purposefully fell back behind the clouds of black as Harry and the rest looked up.
"Get behind me!" Harry shouted and they did. Tonks felt something close to admiration for his Gryffindor spirit but it quickly faded as Bellatrix swooped down, grabbing Neville. The rest of them followed suit. Tonks felt a sense of dread as each of them took a kid, handling them less than gently.
Tonks knew there was nothing else to do but confront Harry. She made sure her morph was still up.
Lucius was by the veil, standing by Harry whom was still curled up on the ground, holding the prophecy close to his chest.
Tonks landed by him, shooting him a meaningful look and Lucius looked away, letting her take this.
Harry stood, slightly limping. She watched pitifully as he glanced around frantic to see his friends held hostage. Bellatrix was gripping a fistful of Longbottom's hair, her wand poking painfully into the side of his neck. Tonks glanced over at her, worried her deranged Aunt might just do something stupid.
"You really want your friends to die for you?" Lucius taunted.
Harry seemed to be much more open to the idea of giving the prophecy now that his friends aren't safe by him. Tonks knew at that moment, as she wanted to do nothing more than turn around the hit Lucius in the face for putting Harry in this position, that she was not cut out for this stuff.
"Harry," Tonks spoke, taking a step towards him. He looked at her, glaring as he took two steps back, "give me the prophecy, and I assure you, they will return to your side, safe and sound." She held out her hand, "not a strand of hair missing,"
Harry's eyes narrowed behind his glasses and something akin to familiarity flashed in his eyes.
"You want to know the connection that you feel, Harry. I know you do," She spoke, her tone soft, "all you have to do, is give me the prophecy and we can all work it out."
"Enough! Crucio!" Bellatrix shrieked and Neville fell to the floor, writhing.
Harry turned and looked; eyes wide with horror. Tonks will never forget the look he gave her as he placed the prophecy in her palm; a look filled with resignation and hate.
Tonks then glimpsed a flash of white above. Harry looked. Sirius Black formed behind Lucius. She watched with a hidden smirk as Sirius threw a punch at Lucius, sending him to the ground. What she didn't see coming was Harry's elbow, smashing into her face. Tonks winced, stepping back, her grip on her wand unyielding. Sirius made to go for her too but a glance at her and he knew. Sirius smiled.
The Order was starting to file in.
Tonks watched with dread as 5 other white apparition fog engulfed the place, one driving away the death eaters from the children. Her heart swelled as she laid her eyes on Remus. Kingsley and Mad-Eye appeared upon the edge of the platform. Arthur was also present, helping the kids away.
Tonks glimpsed Sirius grab at Harry to pull him behind the outcrop of rocks as Bellatrix, her trigger-happy aunt started shooting unforgivable towards the platform at them. She rolled her eyes, ducking as a jet of green skimmed her above the head. Tonks had a feeling Bellatrix was intentionally misaiming. To return the favour, Tonks swiftly shot back two more jinx at Bellatrix who took flight, smirking at her.
"Black!" Lucius snapped and he and Sirius engaged in a duel. Dolohov and Jensen climbed onto the platform. Harry rashly ran out from his hiding spot upon seeing his godfather in danger, sending stunners at them. Tonks wiped the blood from her nose away with the back of her hand, running to assist Sirius and Harry when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, sending her sprawling on the floor.
She cursed as she hit the floor, her wand still blessedly in her palm. Keeping up her morph in battle was a tough thing to do, requiring extreme concentration and will. It was why Tonks preferred to go into battle as her true form; she was obviously paying the price for going against her better judgment now.
"Concentrate…" She muttered, scrambling to her feet to face her opponent. Her heart stopped. Remus stood opposite her, his wand raised, his eyes burning with a fury to protect his best friend and Harry to the best of his ability.
The spell stopped at the tip of her tongue as she froze, unable to even raise her wand at him, much less utter a spell. She could only watch helplessly as Remus fired spell after spell at her and Tonks parried them away, ducking when she got desperate. She marveled at his skills and speed. He really is a skilled duelist.
"Bill, now!" Tonks heard Mad-Eye's gruff voice bark; a voice she'd recognize anywhere. She glanced over to see Bill apparate away with all the kids. A moment of distraction was all Remus needed however. She attempted to scramble away but her legs were deadweights; theleglocker… Tonks was frantic; she looked up to see herself at the wrong end of Remus' wand.
He will not kill me, Tonks knew, even if he thought she was the enemy. A bad headache was all she was going to get.
She looked up. Remus was puzzled; she recognized the look in his eyes.
"Reducto!" She took the chance and blasted the floor. Tiles flew up into Remus' face. He hurriedly parried them away but it was enough time for her utter the counter curse to the leg locker and flee.
"No!" Tonks shouted across the room, watching helplessly as Yaxley's spell hit Mad-Eye square in the chest but the old Auror already had one death eater laying unconscious at Yaxley's feet. She shot two curses across the room, missing Kingsley barely. Yaxley was hit in the back and he stumbled forward, confused.
She yelped in pain as a spell ran right into her arm. Tonks backed away, realizing that she's faced with Harry Potter. He was glaring at her, nostrils flaring in anger and Tonks realized she still had the prophecy in her hand and that Harry wanted to destroy it. She didn't know what she was going to do so she smirked; the habit she took up in times of desperation.
"Harry, no!" Sirius yanked his godson back firmly by the shoulder, "She's-"
Harry didn't wait for Sirius, he ran towards her, sending a strong stunner at her but it went wayward, hitting the ground by her feet. Tonks lost her non-existent balance. She winced as the small of her back took the brute of the fall.
"Lucius!" She shouted, sending the prophecy to him with a wave of her wand. The blond was only too pleased to be able to take the credit for it when he gets to present it to the Dark Lord.
Tonks jumped to her feet, wand raised to parry away a stunner from Harry. His eyes were blazing with fury.
"Harry!" Sirius gripped him by the arm, willing Harry to see reason.
"Avada-" Bellatrix was perched upon the top of the stairs, her eyes gleaming at Sirius' back with crazed ecstasy.
Tonks' eyes widened. She raised her wand and Sirius watched her in horror. She sent one bolt of black towards them swiftly.
Sirius ducked, pulling Harry down with him.
The spell hit its mark before the unforgivable curse could be casted, sending Bellatrix reeling over the steps. Tonks watched, satisfied as her Aunt lay unmoving at the base of the stairs.
Tonks glanced down to see Sirius smirk at her and nod. She made to return likewise but froze as she felt a familiar shiver run down her spine.
She shuddered and spun around quickly with her wand in hand. She gasped.
Lord Voldemort stood upon a tall outcrop of rock.
To be continued…
A/N: Firstly, you guys are awesome! 100 reviews now! Thank you so much to all my awesome reviewers! This chapter, as you've read, follows the Order of Phoenix movie very closely. And I will not apologise for this awesome cliffhanger! (: I hope you all enjoyed it!
TheDrawer: Thank you so much! Hope this is soon enough!
Just a Cute Idea: I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you!
Rita23fantastica: Thank you so much! Glad you like it!
TheMaraudersAreTOTALLYAWESOME: Thank you! I'm glad someone mentioned that poor boy!
A Bookish Sort of Person: Thank you! Glad this is worth the wait!
HammersNStrings: Thank you! Not much of them two here but I hope you like it all the same! Hahaha, sorry, but voldy is not to be gotten rid of that easily, or where's the story? (:
DMSTonks: hehe, perhaps? ;) Thank you! I didn't think of that but we know there's plenty of opportunity for that! Thank you so much for that! Romance for Harry Potter is actually difficult to write without getting it all mushy and over the top. You'll just have to wait and see about the Mark. Thanks so much for the review!
Noaj8121986: Thank you so much! You'll have to wait and see!
Anon: Haha, hope this is long and good too!
PLEASE REVIEW! They make me write much faster!