The day the patronus came was just like the others since Teddy had been born. Remus had spent most of the afternoon with Teddy while Tonks napped. She'd been disappointed when the patronus appeared. She'd recognised it as Kingsley's instantly, and that always meant that Remus was needed for something.
She was hoping it would be little more than a radio show. Instead, Voldemort was at Hogwarts. Tonks gasped, hugging Teddy tightly to her chest. Remus turned to look at her, and Tonks broke down into tears. Remus gathered her and the baby closely.
"I have to go," he whispered.
It was more than he needed to say. They'd both invested too much in this fight for him not to go. If it weren't for Teddy, they'd both be there without any hesitation, but being left behind hurt more than going with him. If she was there, she'd be able to protect him. She wouldn't have to sit by and wonder what was happening.
"I know," she said.
He held her and the baby for several minutes. She could sense his reluctance to let her go, but eventually, he had no choice. He kissed her deeply and pressed a soft kiss to Teddy's temple. The baby didn't even open his eyes.
"You should stay with your mother," Remus said. He was worrying about her when he was about to head into battle. She touched his cheek, giving him a gentle smile.
"I will."
He nodded, hesitating. Tonks pulled him into another kiss, but that, too, eventually had to come to an end. Tears fell down her cheeks as she watched him leave.
Teddy never made a sound.