Not Going Anywhere

by hmweasley

Tonks has been proving herself since she first revealed that she'd be an Auror only to be faced by sceptical classmates. Years later, a full-fledged Auror, she's supposed to be past that, but joining the Order of the Phoenix is another reminder of just how inexperienced she still is. Luckily, she's not ready to give up yet.

45. Chapter 45

"I'm glad that everyone was okay," Andromeda said from across the table.

Tonks sighed and sat down her newly empty mug of tea. She'd been dreading this visit, but not because she had to rehash everything that had happened at the wedding. Andromeda had reacted with the quiet curiosity and worry that Tonks had come to expect from her. The other information that Tonks had to share would be different.

"Me too," she said. "I can't work anymore, but at least everyone is safe."

Andromeda sighed and leaned back in her seat. "For now," she said. "I've lived through this once. This is still only the start. There will be more to come." She regarded Tonks for a moment. "But I guess I don't need to tell you that. Your friends in the Order will have already. Remus was far more involved in the last war than I was. I was too busy keeping you safe. You'll be out there fighting the whole time instead I suppose."

Tonks swallowed. It was the perfect opening and yet the absolute worst one at the same time.

"Actually, Mum," she said, the shakiness in her voice quickly gripping Andromeda's attention. "I have something to tell you."

Andromeda stiffened as if she immediately expected the worst. Tonks felt bad that she'd primed that result in her mother. It wasn't the first time she'd come home with news that had sent her mother into a fit.

"What is it?" Andromeda asked, her hands tightening around her tea.

Tonks took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant," she said.

For a moment, there was silence. Andromeda stared at Tonks before flicking down to her stomach like she might see something there that she hadn't before. It was no use. There were no outward signs yet. Andromeda covered her heart with her hand.

"I thought for sure that you would commit to fighting in the war," she said slowly. The whole time she spoke, she watched Tonks closely. "I admit that this was the last thing I suspected."

Despite the atmosphere, Tonks couldn't help but laugh. "I didn't quite expect it either. This wasn't planned, but… I am excited. Or however much I can be excited when my child will be born into this world."

Andromeda nodded, a sudden faraway look in her eye. "That was how I felt when you were born," she admitted.

She leaned forward, gathering Tonks' hands in hers. "But we'll do the best we can," she promised.

Tears stung at Tonks' eyes. "Thank you," she said.