Chapter 28: Gone

Remus climbed the steps wearily, his joints creaking from sitting at the table too long; caught up in a conversation with Alastor Moody. It was when the retired Auror finally decided to leave did Remus went about what he had intended to do initially.

In his hands, he was holding a hot plate of pasta and a cup of coffee.

Remus had no doubt that Sirius had not had anything apart from fire whiskey for the whole day. That man even skipped Order meetings. He was worst for the wear since he got out of captivity.

"Sirius?" Remus called as he paused outside the attic door. From inside, he heard a squeak from Buckbeak and without waiting for Sirius' answer, Remus nudged open the door. The lock had long broken with years of handling.

Buckbeak was huddled in a corner, gazing around the dirty floor lazily. The man in question was sprawled on the floor, his face down and in his hand was an empty bottle of fire whiskey. Remus sighed, putting down the food by the door. He bowed to Buckbeak and when the hippogriff did so in return, Remus crouched down by Sirius' immobile form.

"You've finally drunk yourself to death, haven't you?" He sighed, slipping an arm under Sirius' to tug him up but the man resisted.

"Leave me alone!" Sirius wailed, shrugging off Remus' hold on him and continued being sprawled on the floor.

Remus huffed in annoyance, getting back up, "So that's what you're going to do?" He folded his arms across his chest; a gesture unlike something he would normally do but taunting might get Sirius back up and that was what Remus was willing to try, "Lie there forever? Is that going to help Nymphadora? To drink yourself to death so you can avoid the guilt-"

"Shut up!" Sirius jolted up from the floor, tossing the empty bottle at the wall. It flew pass Remus, brushing his shoulder, and shattered on the wall. Remus flinched, "You have no idea what I went through. She was with me! In my arms…" He gazed down at his empty arms, hysterical, "she was crying, absolutely sobbing her heart out. She begged me to get her out of that horrid place! Look what I've done!" He was screaming now, like the deranged murderer the whole of Britain thought he was, "I failed her! I failed everyone I love most! I let James and Lily down, I let Nymphie down! And Harry…" His voice trailed off and the poor man huddled over, hugging himself as he broke down.

Remus felt a dull throb as he was reminded of James and Lily; his best friends whom he had lost. He closed his eyes momentarily before slipping his arm under Sirius' to yank him up, "Come on, you're drunk," He muttered but Sirius jerked out of his grip violently, inching away.

"No…" Sirius looked up, his eyes unfocused; he was drunk but Remus knew through the alcohol, Sirius hurt, "I know, Remus… I remembered what happen. Nymph…" He hunched over and sobbed quietly.

Remus cringed. His friend was crumbling and Remus was helpless. He had already given whatever comfort he could to poor Sirius but there was a limit to what a man can give when that man was hurting. Remus had lost whatever Sirius did; the people they loved. Looking at Sirius now; a man hollowed out with grief, Remus always hurt as he did. Remus only learnt to control his emotions better.

"Nymph," Sirius muttered, yanking at his stringy hair that was in desperate need for washing.

"Sirius…" Remus sighed, running his hand through his greying hair. He did not need this right now. He knelt down by his sobbing friend, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it, "you didn't fail James and Lily…it was Peter-"

"I told them…" Sirius choked back a sob, "I said, "James, use Peter instead. The more I thought about it, no one would ever suspect him. You and Lily would be safe with him as Secret Keeper."."

Remus froze. This was first time Sirius had truly related to him what exactly happened, how Peter had come to be secret keeper. James and Lily had always been a forbidden topic between them; an agonizing topic. Remus had only known the vague story, not probing Sirius for more than he was ready to give.

"And you know James. He trusted me. He said yes." Sirius turned to Remus, a crazed expression in his eyes, "I killed them. And Nymph…she trusted me. She was counting on me!" He jabbed a finger at his own chest.

"Sirius…" Remus squeezed his shoulder, pulling Sirius into a firm hug. The broken man was trembling, his body racked with sobs. In true honesty, Remus didn't know how to help him. The only solution he saw was to bring Nymphadora back safe and sound; which both of them was helpless about.

Sirius sniffed, the tears ceasing and he patted Remus on the back in silent thank, "What is going to happen to her, Moony?" Sirius struggled to get the words out coherently.

"I don't know," Remus mumbled.

Tonks shifted, becoming animated once again as she heard a soft pop a distance away.

Not yet. The voice hissed at her.

Tonks froze, slinking back into the shadows. She awaited an order which never came so she set out, in an attempt to fulfill what she was ordered to.

Her icy exterior cracked and she grimaced as her mentor came into view. He was looking right at her, his wand grasped in one hand and his staff in another. Tonks didn't expect anything less from Alastor Moody; he did have that magical eye and was renowned for his paranoia.

A sharp mental prod stabbed her; a reminder and Tonks felt herself crumbled back into the dark of her mind. Tonks didn't feel nervous or scared; she felt nothing that she was not supposed to feel.

Her target, however, was on the edge.

His bulky frame was tensed under his thick robe. His wand was held inclined at an awkward angle that implied hesitation but Tonks knew he could obliterate her at a single trigger so Tonks played it out. She was confident she will get her chance; just as her master was confident in her.

She had learnt her share of dark magic but she was no match for Mad-Eye in a fair fight and Tonks knew her odds. Few were matched against the experience Auror.

Thus, Tonks decided to play it quietly; her face blank, her eyes studying Mad-Eye cautiously, exactly how he was with her.

Alastor Moody's natural brown eye was fixed on her but his magical blue eye swerved in his socket, disappearing into the back of his head. He was doing a quick assessment of his surrounding. Tonks knew exactly how Mad-Eye worked which was probably why her master remained silent. The Dark Lord was letting her act it her way as the mission was already carved into her head. Kill Alastor Moody.

Her unblinking stare faltered and her eyes blurred up as her mind clouded up with misery and despair, then confusion as it became a blank slate again. These happen so quickly, Tonks couldn't find it in her to catch up to the advancement.

"Nymphadora?" Moody spoke, his voice was achingly familiar; raspy and rough, hoarser than usual. His wand twitched in his hand as he raised it by a fraction more; a warning. Tonks wanted to approach but took the warning as such and instead, stood her ground

He doesn't care for you. The voice suddenly crooned to her.

Tonks frowned, her hands trembling; feeling a silent objection deep down but terror stopped her from retorting back to her Master.

"Nymphadora, answer me!" Moody barked; his wand now trained on her, his last warning. For a while there, Tonks was almost absolutely sure he would blast the life out of her if she didn't reply him.

Yes…he will. The voice goaded her.

No. She frowned as this new revelation that came up in her mind. He wouldn't kill me…She heard herself thought. I can't do this. Her knees are growing dangerously weak beneath her.

No. Her Master was furious and Tonks shuddered in genuine fear that she felt blossoming in her chest. You will kill Alastor Moody-

"Nymphadora?" Her mentor's strident voice broke through the chaos in her mind; like cutting through water.

She heard the concern, the unexplained fondness he had had for her since the day she was attached to him as mentee. Suddenly, Tonks was absolutely sure he cared for her; he would never hurt her, ever. He loved her; just like how her own father, Ted Tonks, had always loved her.

The domination Voldemort had over her, that had been pulled taut, snapped. Tonks scrambled for orientation, "H-help me," Tonks heard herself croak out pathetically; tears running down her face. It was maintained only for a moment before the presence of her master returned, stronger than ever; overwhelming her.

Fool! The voice sneered.

She collapsed and her mind clouded over before darkness claimed her.

Tonks was moving but she wasn't on her feet. It took a while for her fuzzy mind to register the feel of someone close to her; carrying her. Her head was resting on a rough fabric that was warm and oddly comfortable. Low mutters rumbled near her ear, sending thundering waves of headache into her.

She frowned in distress and stirred, her head lolling away from its snug position. Tonks glimpsed wood before it was replaced with momentary darkness and then light. Warmth tickled her body as she was brought out of the cold and into the house.

Her head was throbbing with a weight she couldn't explain. Her ears were pounding with the rhythmic familiar thumping of Mad-Eye's prosthetic leg against his wooden floor. Thankfully, she was placed down eventually.

Tonks took a while to take in her new surrounding with her sense of touch. She then realised she was placed gently into the large old arm chair that had always been 'hers'. Every time she came, the chair was wordlessly vacant for her to fill. Occasionally, Mad-Eye would sit in it, his brown eye staring into space but otherwise, he steered clear of it.

Tonks didn't understand but didn't probe; she liked the idea of having 'her' chair in her mentor's house.

As usual, the large arm chair sunk in to fit her frame snugly but the comfort was loss on Tonks as she recognised the weight; the heavy presence of her master, once again regaining in stubborn control of all of her save a rebellious part that refused to collapse.

"Nymphadora?" She felt a large warm hand pat her right cheek; to sober her. It was anything but gentle. However, Tonks had come to recognise the fondness that came through that simple gesture.

She blinked.

The sight of Moody up close stabbed at her heart. Tonks could feel her Master struggling to suppress her emotions that went in the way of the mission time and again. Somehow, Tonks found the strength in her to ignore her Master; remaining in control of herself.

Moody looked older. There were minute differences. The extra lines that imprinted themselves between his thick brows, his mouth seemed pulled down permanently now and more lines accompanied that change as well. All these unnoticeable changes tugged painfully at her heart strings. The throb in her head got more intense as she felt heartache.

Tonks then glanced to see Moody's wand still in his other hand, again not pointing right at her but inclined. A part of Tonks felt hurt.

She felt the rude invasion, inserting thoughts into her mind, He doesn't care for you. He cares for his own. He deceived you-

No… Tonks shot back.

Don't defy me! The voice hissed at her, harsh and then she felt it; the warning and a reminder of the punishment that awaits her. She flinched instinctively.

"You're under the Imperius curse…" She heard Moody mutter before backing away hurriedly, almost frantic; his wand pointed straight at her.

"I-I…" Tonks squeezed her eyes shut, struggling. Tonks' hand began to reach for her wand.

Kill him now! The voice screeched as her fingers closed around her wand. She could feel rage, frustration and desperation; all the foreign feelings that weren't her own. Tonks wanted so badly to give up. Her body was tired, her mind was crumbling but her heart remained strong, pushing her forth every time.

That was the true Hufflepuff she had inside her, it outshone all other values she had, fighting back; unyielding, resilient.

"Go away…" Tonks murmured to Mad-Eye. She stumbled as she was instructed to stand, her wand already in her hand.

"He has used it on you more than once, hasn't he?" Moody spoke, his brown eye narrowing, "Nymphadora, you know how it is! You know how it works!" His tone was sharp, fierce; sounding acutely like when she was back in training.

She did know.

With more times an Imperius curse was used, it would be rendered less effective and eventually, the victim would be able to defy the curse, break free of that control on their own accord.

That was why she fought at all; Tonks knew the Imperius curse was not fool proof. Mad-Eye himself had taught her and she remembered.

"Use your mind," Moody growled. He had taught her that too; how to resist an Imperius curse. He had spent about 3 days teaching her the specific details of every unforgiveable; completely neglecting the training module the ministry assigned but he felt it was worth it. And he was right; he's always been right.

As far as Tonks was concerned; she had worshipped Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody since she signed up for the career as an Auror. He was a legend in that department; his performance of apprehending Dark wizards, phenomenal. Till today, that admiration remained.

Kill him now! The voice shrieked. Tonks jumped, startled. She shuddered, her wand slipping from her grasp and clattering to the floor.

"Good girl!" Tonks heard Mad-Eye bellow in the background. His praise was heartfelt as throughout her attachment in training to him, she had gotten few; making complements and praises all the more precious to her.

More of her was coming back. Tonks could feel herself; her emotions, her thoughts. They were rapidly overriding the looming presence that terrified her.

No! Tonks heard a deafening roar in her ear before it faded slowly. She glimpsed her wand soaring through the air and landing neatly in Moody's grasp.

Her mentor was watching her like a hawk. As the last of Voldemort fade away, leaving almost a sore spot. Tonks fell back into the couch, letting out a small sigh. Moody hesitated to approach; his wand held before himself.

"Nymphadora?"

Tonks let out a breath she didn't she had been holding as she stared at the wrong end of the wand. She clenched a fist and looked down in disbelief as her body obeyed; she was herself again.

"Look at me," Mad-Eye growled impatiently and she did. With a few glances and more experiences than Tonks could imagine, Moody approached with his wand. She could see the satisfaction in his eye.

"Sorry," She croaked out, despising the pathetic tone in her voice. Tonks watched him relax a little, his wand still held out defensively, his posture guarded.

"How are you feeling? What happened?" he barked, demanding but she identified the concern again, easily this time. They made him stumble over his words slightly; something that he attempted to cover up by adding volume. Tonks hid a small smile, bemused at her mentor's elaborate attempts to conceal his own emotions.

As he spoke, Tonks began to register her emotions, marveling at the feel of them after being neglected of them for so long. Then realisation crashed on her and she was made aware of an aching feeling; guilt. "I killed her…Emmeline…" tears clouded her vision, making everything before her swirl about in barely recognisable shapes.

Mad-Eye grunted, sitting down in a stool opposite her. He had gotten closer but his wand, as well as hers remained in his grasp, "You-know-who wanted to kill her." It wasn't a question, "why?"

Tonks sobbed, "I don't know. He wanted me to do it. And I did it. That was all I thought-" she couldn't continue as her sentence broke off into sobs. It wasn't the first time she'd killed but no matter how many times she did it, Tonks was sure it wouldn't make killing any easier for her. Each time she did it, guilt weighed in her, "I'd do anything he asked! Anything!"

Without another word, she felt herself cuddled in her mentor's rough embrace. She buried her face into his coat, not caring if it made her look like a little girl; Mad-Eye did that to her sometimes.

"I almost killed you!" She cried, muffled. He hushed her squeezing around her shoulders.

"Like you could, even if you tried," Raucous guffaws from Mad-Eye filled the house, accompanied with some relieved laugh in between. It wasn't like him; it sounded clumsy. But something warmed in her heart as she heard him say that.

Tonks gave a watery smile, tugging on the pockets of his robe to get a firm grip on him lest he pulled away. She wasn't ready yet. She let her sobs fade and her mentor held her throughout. Soon, a sense of fatigue washed over her, leaving her drowsy in such a warm and comfortable position; her face buried in Mad-Eye's robe, her body slumped forward in the arm chair which she sat in. For a moment, Tonks was certain she never want to leave this position; the security she felt was tantalizing.

She managed a soft protest in the form of a whimper as she was jostled; Mad-Eye pulling away, "How do you feel?" He lowered her back into the arm chair.

"Tired," She muttered, "Head ache," she reached a fist to pound her temple but Mad-Eye muttered some spells and it faded.

"I had best bring you to Albus. Here is not safe. You-know-who will not rest now that you have broken out of his control," Mad-Eye slipped his arm around her back.

"No," She leaned away in weak protest, "He'll come here either way and you-"

"Let him come," Mad-Eye gave a mighty tug on her arm and she rose from the seat reluctantly. He had just about dislocated her arm from its sockets by the amount of force he used.

"No," Tonks frowned, "he'll kill you…" She opened her eyes.

"Quiet now," Moody grunted; an order. She felt herself got pulled from the chair, leaning heavily on Mad-Eye. Her body felt like ooze, her legs can't even straighten themselves.

Her mentor brought her to the door, his wooden leg clonking along on the floor rhythmically; washing a sense of reassurance over her.

Suddenly Mad-Eye stopped in his track. His body tensed and he yanked her back. Tonks yelped in shock as she crumpled to the floor; away from the door, knocking her head against the floor. Her head was ringing.

The door burst open and splinters flew in every direction; most missing her as she remained huddled on the floor. Tonks scrambled unsteadily to her feet to see men hoarding their way in. There seem to be about 10 of them; some with wands, some without.

At one bleary glance, Tonks recognise them; werewolves.

Tonks turn to observe the duel that commenced. To her horror, she could see a large splinter lodged in Mad-Eye's arm. Blood was oozing out and seeping into his robe. However, he seemed oblivious to the pain.

Mad-Eye stealthy decapitated half a dozen of werewolves with spells from the end of his wand. The ones with wands rapidly fought back. Sparks flew, making Tonks disorientated with the chaos. She grasped blindly for her wand in her tired, cursing as she remembered that Mad-Eye still had her wand.

By this moment, Mad-Eye was surrounded by more than 3 werewolves, all armed with wands. 2 of them were approaching her cautiously with lecherous smile marring their scarred faces. She could make out the yellowy teeth and smell the nauseating bad breath as they approached her.

Tonks frantically back-stepped away from them.

One werewolf screamed in pain as he was hit in the back, crumpling to the floor; unconscious. She looked up to see Mad-Eye glancing in her direction. Tonks wanted to mouth her silent thanks but he already looked away.

Tonks felt her heart stop as a werewolf dove at Mad-Eye, knocking him over while he was distracted by the rest. She watched in horror as the werewolves neared onto Mad-Eye as he was overwhelmed with their numbers when the fight got physical.

The protest died in her throat as a thick sinewy arm wrapped around her neck and torso, immobilising her easily. Tonks loathed herself for being weak.

"Stop!" A dreadfully scratchy voice barked from near her ear. Tonks swallowed as her body urged her to retch at the stench.

Everyone looked up, including Mad-Eye. The side of his neck was cut and bleeding. His arm hung limply from his shoulder, blood dripping onto the floor now. Moody looked roughed up but otherwise unharmed. Tonks struggled but Greyback was stronger. She tried wandless magic but without concentration, strength and some sort of emotion catalyst, she was unable to.

"Surrender, old man," Greyback growled, "or," He paused and Tonks felt his lips against her neck. They opened and she felt sharp teeth press painfully into her neck, "Say goodbye to her,"

"Greyback," Mad-Eye spat as he stood, surprisingly steady despite his wooden leg.

"Alastor Moody," Greyback smiled, his face still pressed close to Tonks' neck. She leaned away, smelling his rancid breath, "so, what's the deal?"

Mad-Eye stared; neither attacking nor backing down. Tonks could saw his magical eye disappear in its socket to examine each werewolf surrounding him. He was probably considering the situation and Tonks decided to give him time to.

She spoke, "What do you want?" Tonks said through gritted teeth, trying not to breathe.

"Why, you, my dear," Greyback chuckled, his grip on her tightened, "you will pay for what you did the last time,"

"I didn't know you were so petty," Tonks replied smoothly and he laughed.

"I have much more use for you than that," He whispered and Tonks stiffened, struggling, "now now, let's not get rough," Tonks saw him smile as she stilled. She could feel something sharp dig into her lower back. Greyback then looked up at Mad-Eye, "so what will it be old man?"

Mad-Eye didn't reply again, merely staring and taking in the situation.

"I can't help but notice you have taken quite a liking to little lovely over here," Greyback said, "I could bite down you know," He taunted, "I know where, just so she can bleed out in less than 3 seconds once it cracks."

Tonks noticed a shift in Mad-Eye's posture; one of hesitation.

"No," Tonks spoke, expecting to be silenced but she wasn't. Greyback merely let her say her piece like this was all just a sick game for him, "Don't doubt yourself. You can kill them."

"Yes," Greyback smiled, "of course Auror Moody can do it. But by the time he is done with us, you will be cold and dead," He ran his face on her supple skin, humming.

Tonks caught a slight twitch in Mad-Eye's wand hand and in a heartbeat, the wands clattered to the floor. And with it, Tonks' heart fell in and turn cold with dread.

The werewolves laughed, jumping into action. Without his wand, Mad-Eye was close to nothing unless he could conjure wandless magic which required a lot, even from experienced wizards like Mad-Eye. Either way, Tonks could only watch helplessly as Mad-Eye was mauled by 4 werewolves. Two grabbed him. One ruthlessly dug his fingers in and yanked out his magical eye with a grin. Another send a right hook viciously across his face.

Tonks struggled, twisting around to face Greyback, "What do you gain out of this?" she demanded, "What do you want?" She shrieked.

"I want you to fight for us," Greyback breathed, not letting her go.

Tonks almost laughed, "I am nothing. I can't help you-"

"Then you are wrong. The Dark Lord trained you himself. I'm sure that didn't go to nothing," Tonks stiffened as she felt his hands begin to roam around her body. Fury bubbled up in her, fueled when she glimpsed Mad-Eye's unconscious form, help upright by two werewolves.

"You're right, Greyback," She hissed, "It didn't go to nothing," Tonks willed her magic. It surged out of her, overwhelming and uncontrollable. It knocked Greyback away and off his feet; including everyone in the room. Tonks instantly felt the depletion in her strength; her knees became jelly again, unable to hold up her weight. She felt the room spin; the floor rapidly approaching. Her world turned black before she could hit the floor.

~The Following Day, Evening~

Remus stared blankly at each order member gathered there, nodding numbly at them; almost not registering their identity. They still have not gotten over Emmeline's untimely death which brought the Order's moral even lower than it already was. Remus sat waiting impatiently for Dumbledore to turn up so that the meeting could commence; something in Remus' gut tell him Snape will have more for them tonight.

The Potion Master was sitting in his chair opposite Remus, rigid and pale; his dark eyes staring at Remus.

It was unlike Remus to defiantly stare back but at moments, Remus found himself doing so; locking eyes with Snape just to spite him.

Sirius was sitting beside Remus, his knobby fingers knotted together firmly. Remus glimpsed him twisting them viciously, refusing to meet anyone's eye. He was feeling guilty and seemed to be under the false impression that everyone was putting all blame on him but that wasn't the case in the least.

Molly practically spoon fed him the moment he emerged from his one week long isolation from the world. Sirius was all skin and bones.

It took Remus more than a few hours to convince Sirius that he had to pull himself together if he truly wanted to help Nymphadora and Sirius decided to give it a try.

The Order was mainly surprised beyond words when they saw Sirius but stumped as to what to say to him upon taking in Sirius' appearance. He looked like a man on his deathbed. Remus was initially worried if Sirius could pull himself to his feet much less attend the meeting.

From the corner of his eye, Remus glimpsed Sirius sitting up straighter, his grey eyes brightening up; attentively. Remus turned and saw Dumbledore walk into the kitchen, taking a seat at the head of the table.

"Should we wait for Mad-Eye and Kingsley?" McGonagall spoke as Dumbledore took his seat.

The wizard shook his head in negative, "we will begin. Minerva if you would kindly inform them of the brief content of the meeting later?" McGonagall nodded.

"Sirius, nice of you to join us," Dumbledore smiled at Sirius kindly, "we terribly miss your presence," The man in question only nodded, barely hearing Dumbledore's pleasantries but anxious to get on with it; as was Remus. Dumbledore gestured to Snape who stood.

Remus blocked out the information which hardly interest him; such as where the death eaters will be raiding next. Remus knew Dumbledore would never assign tasks to Remus at this point; he was evidently too emotionally 'unstable'. He appreciated the headmaster's concern but Remus was antsy to be doing something; like getting Nymphadora out, for example.

When Snape looked to be sitting back down, signifying the end of his report for the evening, Remus was on the edge of his seat, his mouth open to voice his protest on lack of information on the most crucial matter at hand.

"What about Nymphadora?" Sirius snapped, beating Remus to it. Snape narrowed his eyes at Sirius, as if he was regarding a puny insect.

"Severus, we would all appreciate it too if we were given an idea about Nymphadora's situation," Dumbledore finally spoke and Snape nodded stiffly.

He started speaking, albeit reluctantly, "Nymphadora has been tasked to gain information about Order movement from Emmeline Vance and to kill after," Snape paused as various reaction appeared around the table. A few suck in a nervous breath, others hissed in fury. Remus heard 'treason' among the midst. For a moment there, he felt his heart skip a beat as he toyed with the idea of defending Nymphadora.

Remus didn't know what had happened to the Order. In the past, they were such a united and committed bunch, fighting for the force of good and now, they were nothing more than a bunch of confused wizards and witches fighting amongst themselves; getting suspicious of each other.

"Please continue, Severus," Dumbledore spoke, hushing the Order instantly.

Snape looked straight at Sirius as he spoke, "she had been under the influence of the Imperius Curse."

Remus could've sworn he saw a look of shock flit across Dumbledore's face.

"Of whose control?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"The Dark Lord himself," Snape replied simply, "Driven by frustration; Nymphadora didn't comply and the Dark Lord resorted to this."

Everyone was silent as they mulled over what Snape said.

"Is there a way to extract Nymphadora?" Dumbledore asked and Sirius and Remus both allowed a rare smile to creep upon their faces.

Snape hesitated, "It will be difficult," He continued, "The Dark Lord gives Nymphadora nothing but his full attention. To this moment, there is not a time she is left alone or placed under the watch of anyone. The Dark Lord thinks very highly of her and will be most reluctant to let her be for now."

"Can't you just give her whatever you gave me and get her out the same way?" Sirius grumbled, cutting across Snape's next sentence.

Snape curled his lips in distaste, "It will not be easy Black. The Dark Lord will not be fooled twice,"

"What if she was intercepted on her next mission?" Remus suggested calmly, the cogs in his brain finally turning at the thought of finally able to do something in help of Nymphadora, "You said Voldemort-" Everyone but few around the table flinched, "-sent her out for Emmeline. Is he sending her for another?"

Snape hesitated to reply.

"Severus," Dumbledore started, "it will be crucial to remove Nymphadora from this mission. It has become too dangerous for her to continue undertaking it."

Snape frowned, "It will be much more dangerous if we take her by force. The Dark Lord will not rest till Nymphadora returns to him. We will be back where we started."

"Yes, but nothing is more important at the moment than Nymphadora's safety," Dumbledore replied calmly, "We cannot afford to lose another member,"

"She has been tasked to kill Alastor Moody yesterday, at nightfall," An eerie silence engulfed the room. Suddenly Moody's absence hung over them.

"And?" Sirius probed, his hand curled in a fist on the table.

"She has not returned since," Snape said, deadpanned.

Remus could scream, honestly but to prove himself sane so that Dumbledore could once again trust him, Remus didn't. Instead, he spoke, as calmly as he could manage, "I should go to Alastor's house," He stood.

"Nymphadora might still be controlled," Dumbledore said, a furrow forming between his white brows; clearly disapproving

"I can get through to her," Remus replied firmly.

"This won't be that simple, Lupin," Snape sneered. Remus turned to Snape and glared.

"I know, Snape, but I am going," Remus shot back and jogged out of the kitchen, swerving around the various order members. Dumbledore didn't agree but he didn't object either. Remus felt this would be his chance; he would be able to see her, help her. His heart swelled with joy.

As Remus made a dash for the door, he could hear a commotion behind him in the kitchen; namely Sirius' voice. Remus would bet anything his friend would try to follow and he would receive the protest of everyone in that room. Remus grasped the handle and yanked open the door, almost running headlong into someone else.

Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Remus," Kingsley greeted, his face grim, "where are you-"

Remus interrupted him, anxious to check Mad-Eye's house as soon as he could, "To Alastor's house. The rest will explain-"

Kingsley gripped both his shoulders firmly, holding him in place so Remus couldn't make a dash pass him, "The place is wrecked. He is not there. No one is."

To be continued…

A/N: Happy Christmas to y'all! Hope this Christmas present was satisfactory! With regard to this chapter, I'm admittedly nervous about the portrayal of Mad-Eye. In the books, he seemed to only be portrayed as paranoid which wasn't much for me to work on. In this and later chapters, I definitely intend to explore the emotional side of him which I hope I do not overdo! Please give feedback!

Once again, thank you so much to all my lovely reviewers from last chapter! Your reviews mean so much to me! Thank you to Gnorbert and the dragon, Furionknight, LoopyLuna13, SevIlyRemuDoraAlways, Sarah15, tt crews and HammersNStrings! You guys are awesome!

Tt crews: Not sure if the questions are rhetorical but I'll answer them in case they aren't. (if they are, feel free to ignore this!) Tonks joining Voldemort is actually forced by threats and such. So to keep her safe, Tonks had to join under the pretence of being on a mission (Since Tonks would never have joined if Dumbledore told her it's for her safety). If Tonks was able to provide information to the Order, it would be bonus but since Voldemort was so caught up in training her and not fully trusting her yet, Tonks' mission is (as it is now) a complete failure. But that was what I thought when I phrased it such that this is a mission. I realised this is kinda complicated but I hope that clear things up a bit!

Gnorbert and the dragon: Welcome aboard! Glad you loved it!

Please review! They are great antidote to lack of motivation in writing and such!