Chapter 15: False Alarms and the Subduer

"NYMPHIE!"

The scream made Tonks fall out of her bed. It sounded as if Cassiopeia was being murdered. With her wand ready, Tonks hurried to Cassiopeia's side. Cassiopeia was breathing hard, and her face was covered in sweat. "Not again!"

"Don't tell me, more contractions?" Tonks asked.

Cassiopeia nodded wordlessly. She was pale and terrified. "I think it's another false alarm. A Braxton-Hicks, like yesterday."

"Can I kill Sirius when I see him?" Tonks asked.

"Be my guest," Cassiopeia said with a groan of pain.

"Good, because his child has made it so I can't sleep," Tonks complained. "And I have papers to grade."

"You're not carrying it," Cassiopeia said pointedly, "You don't feeling kicking all day and night."

"I'd gladly be the one to punish him for sticking me with his pregnant wife," Tonks said vengefully.

"Just be thankful I'm almost there," Cassiopeia said, breathing hard.

"I only hope he comes before the baby does," Tonks said.

"I do, too. I'm not going into labor without him," Cassiopeia said firmly, "You know, you are an Auror. You can chuck Sirius in Azkaban."

"I'm only in training," Tonks said, "I'm not an Auror yet. I keep failing Stealth and Tracking."

"You always were dead clumsy," Cassiopeia chuckled. "Still, you have the power to chuck him in Azkaban. I'm about to do so myself."

"No, I want him to be with you," Tonks said earnestly.

"I was only kidding," Cassiopeia said. "I want him with me, too."

Cassiopeia sat up and rubbed her round belly. "You are scaring me, little one. You can't come out yet."

"Do you really think that the little one will listen?" Tonks asked.

"What do you mean?" Cassiopeia asked, perplexed.

"I mean it's the child of Sirius Black," Tonks replied. "Sirius has never behaved himself. And as he is my cousin, I should tell you that neither have I. It's a family trait, I'm afraid."

Cassiopeia was rubbing her belly. "I only hope the little one stays in there until it's time. These false alarms are making me nervous."

"And they are depriving me of a good night sleep," Tonks said, yawning. "I'm going back to bed."

Cassiopeia opened her mouth to say something, but Tonks had already thrown a chocolate bar at her.

"Let me go to sleep," Tonks groaned as she collapsed back to her bed again.

"No! AHHHH!"

Once again, Tonks tumbled out of her bed to Cassiopeia's side. Tonks was trying her very best to get used to Cassiopeia's screaming. She had already managed to deal with Cassiopeia's constant cravings. Tonks only hoped that Sirius was safe.

If he's not safe, I'm going to kill him, Tonks thought to herself.

Tonks knelt by Cassiopeia's side and tapped her shoulder. "Aunt Cassie, Aunt Cassie, wake up."

Cassiopeia awoke with a scream. Her eyes were filled with tears. "They were taking away my baby, Nymphie. They took Sirius and made me…watch them hurt him."

"Aunt Cassie, it was only a dream," Tonks said, trying her best to comfort Cassiopeia. "Sirius is coming for you and the baby. I promise."

"I know he is," Cassiopeia said.

"Please, go back to sleep," Tonks pleaded. "You and the baby need sleep."

Cassiopeia nodded and slowly her eyes closed again.

I'm going to kill Sirius, Tonks grumbled to herself as she collapsed back to her bed.

The next morning, Tonks was dead tired. Her chore of taking care of a pregnant Cassiopeia was wearing her down. By the next morning, Tonks had big, black circles around her eyes. Tonks felt her mouth was going to get stuck from yawning so much. Tonks was extremely jealous of Cassiopeia as she headed to teach Transfigurations class. Cassiopeia was lucky to be sleeping while Tonks had to teach.

Tonks was on her best behavior for Professor McGonagall. In one of her previous classes, Tonks was chastised by McGonagall for not wearing the proper attire. This time, Tonks had shown up in her proper uniform. She was too tired to be yelled at on this day. Time seemed to go by so slowly.

Tonks watched the clock. "Is it going slow on purpose, or is it just me?"

Tonks sat down with her head on the desk while the students did an assignment.

"Professor Tonks," said a student.

Tonks jumped awake, lifting her head from her desk. "Huh?"

"Here's my assignment," the student said.

"Oh," Tonks said lamely.

At the end of class, Tonks was dead on her feet. "I need an energy drink."

"What?" McGonagall asked, perplexed.

"An energy drink," Tonks explained. "It's a drink the Muggles make to help them get more energy and stay awake."

"Very well," McGonagall said. "You'll be needed in Defense Against the Dark Arts again, Ms. Tonks."

"Again? Professor Lupin is out again?" Tonks asked.

"Yes, and apparently there was a dispute with Professor Snape teaching the other day," McGonagall explained. "Don't be late."

When Tonks hit her break, she immediately snuck out to her office and found a can of Monster energy drink that she had hidden away. Once she had a chance, Tonks chugged down the energy drink as if her life depended on it. As soon as the sugary drink sloshed down her throat, Tonks felt revived. Of course it was nothing compared to a good night sleep, but it was the least Tonks could do. Quickly, Tonks checked on Cassie.

"Cassie, are you alright?" Tonks asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," Cassiopeia answered.

"Alright," Tonks said, "I have to get to teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. I will be back later. I'm going to lock the door. Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"We'll be fine," Cassiopeia reassured her, rubbing her belly.

Tonks nodded and closed the door. She waved her wand, and the door locked behind her. Tonks then hurried to her Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Once she got there, the students were all giggling. It was clear they were all happy to see her instead of Professor Snape.

"Good afternoon," Tonks greeted. "I am aware of your lesson with Professor Snape about Animagi and werewolves. However, I'd like to continue where I left off about Animagi and Metamorphmagi."

At this, the students let out a sigh of relief.

Tonks paced around the room. "Now, who can tell me how one can become a Metamorphmagus?"

Instantly, Hermione's hand flew up in the air. Everyone else remained clueless.

Tonks then changed her appearance to that of Professor Snape. "No one?"

The student's burst out in raucous laughter at Tonks's caricature of Snape.

"Ms. Granger, you have already given answers. Please put your hand down," Tonks said politely.

Tonks went red in the face and lowered her hand. Harry then put his hand up.

"Yes, Harry," Tonks said.

"You can't. They're born, right?" Harry asked.

"Correct. Ten points to Gryffindor," Tonks said.

"Now can anyone give an example of a Metamorphmagus?" Tonks asked, pacing around the room.

Again, everyone was clueless. Hermione's hand flew up again.

"Ms. Granger, I am not calling on you," Tonks said firmly.

Harry then raised his hand. "You."

"Correct," Tonks said smiling. "Another ten points to Gryffindor."

"Now, about Animagi," Tonks said. "Who can tell me how to become an Animagi?"

Once again, Hermione eagerly raised her hand.

"Ms. Granger, please let the other students have a chance," Tonks said.

Ron raised his hand. "I know you have to be trained to do so. And you have to report what kind of animal you are to the Ministry."

"Excellent," Tonks cheered. "Five points to Gryffindor. Now, can anyone give me three known Animagi?"

Harry raised his hand. "Professor McGonagall, Morgan Le Fey, and Falco Aesalon."

"Very good," Tonks said. "Another five points to Gryffindor. I believe that is all the time we have for today. I am not giving you homework as I am just a substitute. I'll leave that for Professor Lupin."

All of the students cheered at the mention of this. Tonks was wildly embraced as their substitute Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The students loved her as much as they loved Professor Lupin.

Tonks hurried back to her office to check on Cassiopeia. As soon as she reached her door, she heard faint screams. Tonks burst inside and hurried to Cassiopeia.

"Aunt Cassie, wake up," she said, tapping Cassiopeia's shoulder.

"I wish these nightmares would go away," Cassiopeia groaned.

Tonks shuddered. She didn't tell anyone, but she had nightmares too.

"Nymphie, what's wrong?" Cassiopeia wanted to know.

"I have nightmares, too, Cassie," Tonks said. "About the children I killed."

"Children?" Cassie said, perplexed.

"Cassie, I kill werewolves as a service to the Ministry," Tonks sighed.

"But children? And I'm trusting you with mine!" Cassiopeia gasped.

"It was an accident," Tonks said. "I killed the Alpha and the children went after me."

"Oh," Cassiopeia said, her voice unreadable.

Tonks shivered as she continued. "I didn't even know they were children till they returned to their original form. One of them was only three years old. I mean, who turns a three year old?"

Cassiopeia shook her head. "I don't know. Ah!"

"He looked at me before he died and he was crying," Tonks said, her own eyes filling with tears.

Cassiopeia cried as well. "I'm sorry, Nymphie."

"Who would do something like that to a child?" Tonks asked in disbelief. "And I ended his life…no one in the Ministry knows because I told them the Alpha killed them. I had to lie."

Cassiopeia was sobbing harder. "I'm so sorry, Nymphie. I completely misjudged you!"

"I have a policy," Tonks explained. "I believe I told you that. I won't harm children, pregnant women, or innocents. I made that policy because of that day."

Cassiopeia listened, but she tears were still streaming from her eyes. Tonks thought for a moment if Cassiopeia had gone mad.

"Hey, stop crying. Sirius will murder me if you get too upset," Tonks said gently.

Cassiopeia mopped her damp eyes with her sleeve and rubbed her belly. "I can't help it. Being pregnant is messing with my head."

She's definitely gone mad, Tonks thought to herself.

"That Remus guy," Tonks said slowly. "Do you know why he's sick all the time? He's not a werewolf, is he?"

"I'm afraid he is," Cassiopeia said. "But don't kill him. I couldn't bear it if I lost him, too."

Tonks was perplexed. "Is he bad, evil? I mean, would he kill innocent people?"

Cassiopeia turned red. "He's not evil! Don't even think that!"

"Then he has no reason to fear me," Tonks said simply. "If he is as innocent as you say he is then there is no reason for me to kill him."

Cassiopeia breathed a sigh of relief. She was satisfied she would not have to be parted from her husband and her best friend. "Good. Ahh!"

"Do you know why I started killing werewolves?" Tonks asked.

Cassiopeia nodded. "I know. I read about your attack."

Tonks nodded. "I was trying to find him, and I failed. I was thirteen when I first killed one of them."

Cassiopeia smiled. She was quite proud of her cousin. Tonks had grown into a strong witch. "I'm impressed. "

Cassiopeia clutched her stomach and groaned in pain from the baby's constant kicking. "Oh baby, please go to sleep. You've been kicking all day."

In turn, Tonks was very impressed with her cousin. From what she remembered of her cousin Sirius, she knew only a brave and possibly mad woman could bear his children. Tonks was too young to know what bearing a child was like, but she knew it was difficult and draining. Seeing Cassiopeia moaning and groaning with her baby made her respect for her cousin grow.

"I'm surprised you don't want to kill Sirius for doing that to you," Tonks said, eyeing Cassiopeia's bulging belly.

"On the contrary, I wouldn't have it any other way," Cassiopeia said earnestly before groaning again. "Ahh! Come on, baby, please?"

Tonks laughed. "You know, I think I'm going to give up on killing Sirius and let you handle that because, well, I think it's funnier."

Tonks had seen her share of pregnant woman from her short time in St. Mungo's. Cassiopeia was no different than any of the mother's she had seen.

"I'm NOT killing my husband! OW!" Cassiopeia growled.

Tonks held up her hands, as if in surrender. "I never said you were. I meant it in a metaphorical term. I know you wouldn't kill him."

"You shouldn't joke about that," Cassiopeia said sternly, stroking her belly. "Oh, if only I could make this baby settle down. Where's Sirius when I need him?"

Tonks had always thought talking to an unborn child was silly. She thought Cassiopeia talking to her belly was laughable. However, Tonks was willing to do anything to make Cassiopeia comfortable until the baby was born.

Tonks laid her hand on Cassiopeia's round belly. "Hey, you silly child, if you don't calm down your mother will never be able to sleep."

Apparently, the baby had calmed down. Tonks could tell by Cassiopeia's sigh as she removed her hand from her belly.

"Thank you," Cassiopeia said, putting her hand to her stomach again and sighing. "I wish I knew if it is a boy or girl."

Tonks only shrugged. "Wouldn't know. I have no children."

Cassiopeia sighed wistfully. "I wish Sirius was here."

Tonks only rolled her eyes. She had never been in love and a part of her was relieved due to listening to Sirius and Cassiopeia.

"I have no care for him," she said nonchalantly.

Suddenly, there was a rap at the door. Tonks and Cassiopeia turn pale with fright.

"Oh no," Tonks gasped. "Cassie, hide!"

"Oh God," Cassiopeia gasped in terror.

"Hide somewhere!" Tonks said.

Cassiopeia struggled to her feet and hobbled over to a nearby cupboard. Terrified, Tonks opened the door.

Please don't be Snape, she said anxiously.

Much to Tonks's relief, Remus stood before her.

"Oh, it's only you," Tonks said in relief before turning to Cassiopeia. "Cassie, it's only Remus. You scared me."

Cassiopeia hobbled out from her hiding place. "Merlin's beard, Remus! Now you got the baby acting up again!"

During this time, Remus was helping Tonks take care of Cassiopeia and her unborn baby. His assistance was most welcomed by Tonks, who found taking care of a pregnant woman was much more difficult than it seemed.

"Sorry?" Remus said lamely.

Tonks glared at him. "You should be. Cassie, go to sleep."

"I can't," Cassiopeia said.

Tonks went to Cassiopeia's side to calm down the baby. "Hey, you silly child, calm down. It's only Remus. How about now? Can you sleep?"

"Not while my husband is all alone on the run, I can't," Cassiopeia replied.

"Cassie, go to sleep. You need it," Tonks pleaded.

"I can't stop thinking about Sirius," Cassiopeia said anxiously. "What if he gets caught? I can't sleep thinking about it!"

"The biggest threat to him is me," Tonks reassured her. "And I won't kill him, alright? Now go to sleep. I need to talk to Remus."

Cassiopeia sighed. "Alright. Good night, Remus."

Cassiopeia then lay down on her bed of cushions and was silent.

Tonks turned to Remus. "So you're a werewolf."

Remus was baffled. "Who?..."

"Cassie," Tonks answered. "And the being sick every full moon. It kinda gave it away. Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up a bad subject if I did."

"Well, I'm used to it by now," Remus said. "How is Cassie? She's huge."

"She's fine," Tonks replied. "Have you ever heard of the Subduer?"

Remus nodded. "I am familiar, yes."

"A female is going around killing werewolves, and the Ministry does nothing about it," Tonks said. "They think she's doing a service to society."

"Well, I can't really say," Remus said timidly.

"What do you mean?" Tonks asked. "Do you think killing bad werewolves isn't a service?"

"Depends on the werewolf," Remus said.

"Want to know a secret?" Tonks asked.

"Alright," Remus replied.

"I'm the Subduer," Tonks whispered.

A/N: Thank you to my lovely readers. Your reviews mean so much to me. You make writing this story fun. And as always, thank you to Roza Anne, you make this story worth it. Keep reading and enjoy!