Not but two days later Remus, Tonks, Mad-Eye and the Weasley's all stood in between the platforms waiting for the train to arrive. They saw the Dursley's from where they were standing, but made no move to approach them, not yet. The train rolled in, and a very glum looking Harry stepped out with Ron and Hermione close behind.
"He plays the part well." Tonks whispered in Remus's ear, who tried not to smile as he pushed her down. Harry did seem genuinely surprised to see them, as he walked over with his friends on either side of him.
"Hi." He began cautiously, taking in the sight of all of them standing there. "I didn't expect… well what are you all doing here?" He finally asked. His eyes stayed on Tonks and Remus the longest. Lily and James mentioned they'd all be living together. Remus didn't know how much Harry knew.
"Well," said Remus with a slight smile. "we thought we might have a little chat with your aunt and uncle before letting them take you home." Harry looked even more confused and maybe fearful at the idea.
"I dunno if that's a good idea." said Harry quickly.
"Oh, I think it is," growled Moody, who had limped a little closer, despite Tonks's warnings not to scare him; or anyone else for that matter.
Mad-Eye pointed back at the Dursley's making sure with Harry it was really them
"Not death eaters in disguise then?" Tonks stage whispered to Remus who had wipe his hands over his face several times to stop the laughter.
"Ah, Harry!" said Mr. Weasley, turning from Hermione's parents, who he had just greeted enthusiastically, and who were now taking it in turns to hug Hermione. Remus wondered what they made of the wizarding world, and the unusual bunch of people standing before them. "Well- shall we do it, then?"
"Yeah, I reckon so, Arthur," said Moody.
He and Mr. Weasley took the lead across the station towards the Dursleys, who were apparently rooted to the floor, even if there weren't any heightened senses in him because of what he was, Remus still could have felt their fear from a mile away.
"Good afternoon," said Mr. Weasley pleasantly to Harry's uncle as he came to a halt right in front of him. "You might remember me, my name's Arthur Weasley."Remus immediately wanted to know the story of that, and made a mental note to ask Harry later. Based on the face Tonks made she was doing the same. It must be something good to make the man turn such a deep shade of puce. Lily's sister looked both frightened and embarrassed; she kept glancing around, as though terrified somebody she knew would see her in such company. Dudley, the one Remus couldn't decide if he should hate or pity, seemed to wish he was invisible in that moment.
"We thought we'd just have a few words with you about Harry," said Mr. Weasley, still smiling, though the aggression in his tone was not concealed.
"Yeah," growled Moody. "About how he's treated when he's at your place."Uncle Vernon's moustache seemed to bristle with indignation. Possibly because the bowler hat gave him the entirely mistaken impression that he was dealing with a kindred spirit, he addressed himself to Moody, that was a mistake. Remus heard Tonks sigh to his right, watching as Petunia's eyes widened every time she looked at the pink haired witch.
"I am not aware that it is any of your business what goes on in my house-" Vernon was digging his grave.
"I expect what you're not aware of would fill several books, Dursley," growled Moody.
"Wait 'till you see what's on your couch." Tonks muttered. Remus, failing to conceal his smirking again, wondered if she even knew when she did that adorable 'mumble under her breath' thing.
"Anyway, that's not the point," interjected Tonks so everyone could hear; her pink hair finally seemed to offend Aunt Petunia more than anything else, so the woman closed her eyes tightly as if she couldn't stand the sight of her. Remus felt his lips smirk up a bit. "The point is, if we find out you've been horrible to Harry-"
"-And make no mistake, we'll hear about it," added Remus pleasantly, knowing that Lily and James would elaborate on the plan when the Dursley's walked in the front door of their home.
"Just trust us on this one." Tonks said, taking a step forward and setting her hand on Petunia's arm. Harry's face was priceless. Remus had to hold his breath watching Petunia pinch her eyes shut and shudder. "It'll be better for you if you cooperate." Vernon seemed unimpressed by Tonks, as he took a step forward and pushed her hand off his wife.
"Cooperate in what?" He asked icily, clearly trying to hide his fear. Tonks clenched her hand in a fist, as her hair turned a violent shade of red. Petunia chose the wrong moment to open her eyes. She let a small shout and closed them again. They all let Vernon squirm for a moment looking at Tonks's color changing hair. Remus rolled his eyes and stepped in front of the woman. "You'll know soon enough. Best be off. I hear traffic's terrible this time of day." He said kindly, pushing Tonks hand away as she reached to Vernon to shake.
They all bid their goodbyes to Harry, knowing they would see him in a few short hours, as they were all going back to the new flat to have a "Harry is free from Hell" celebration, as Tonks called it. He smiled at them, before walking out with his family. When they were gone the Weasley twins lost it.
"Did you see the way she looked at you?!" Fred shouted at Tonks, who was also doubled over in laughter. "Like if she closed her eyes hard enough you would disappear!" He slapped his knees, and even Molly let out a few laughs at the memory.
"It was very good." Hermione said, as she walked over to bring her parents to the group to introduce them to those they didn't know. Remus wondered if the Granger's knew what a talented witch their daughter was, they seemed proud of her.
"Ready to get the… things?" Tonks tugged Remus's hand grabbing his attention. He nodded, before gesturing to the Granger's
"Let me just introduce myself." He said. Tonks nodded, hanging back and talking to Mad-Eye, who in an unusual burst of kindness didn't want to scare the poor muggles in their first 'meet the wizards' experience. He shook their hands and praised their child, watching their smiles of appreciation grow as they looked at her. And then in an unusual burst of almost childlike excitement Hermione beckoned Tonks over. She shot Remus a quizzical look before walking over to stand by his side.
"And this is Tonks, mum and dad. She's been a huge help this year." Tonks smiled at them, shaking hands and thanking them for letting her know Hermione. Remus was surprised at how well they took in her appearance of bright purple shirt, and brighter pink hair. Fred and George were watching with mixed smirks and chuckles as Tonks struggled to get through casual small talk. Remus swooped in to save her.
"Right, sorry to break off so soon, but Tonks and I have to run. We've got some last minute things to do before the events of this afternoon, so we best be off." He grabbed her hand and waved to them all, before they tucked into a corner and disapparated from the station. She leaned into his side still laughing as they walked. He knew she was making an effort to be happier for his sake, and much to his gratitude it was working. He slipped his hand in hers as they walked, pulling her into the sweet shop that rested on the corner near their flat. He got various chocolates and pastries for the event later, and they slipped out, holding two cold coffees as they went to the next stop. Tonks insisted on getting this large sofa for inside their flat. She was so sure she wanted it she had sold her old sofa, so they had to get this one before they had company else there would be very limited seating.
Looking at it again, Remus had to admit it did have character. It was a deep red color that made him think of the Gryffindor common room, and there was a strange vine-like pattern tracing through the fabric. She had called ahead and told the shop owner they were coming, and when they walked in he seemed to know exactly what they were there for.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lupin I presume?" Remus felt Tonks go rigid standing next to him. He let the good mood roll, and responded with a casual "That's us."
He didn't miss the smile Tonks handed up to him. The shopkeeper smiled at them, his eyes lingering on Tonks hair (Remus's favorite shade of pink) before leading them to a back room.
"Here we are." He said pushing open the curtain. "Now, I've transfigured it to fit in your bag Tonks, but I didn't want to make it too small in case you couldn't get it back to proper shape so-"
"Wait wait wait." Remus said, looking at the man in front of them. "You're a wizard?" The shopkeeper looked at Tonks a knowing smirk on his face.
"My apologies Mr. Lupin. I thought your lady here would have told you why she wanted this couch. Yes I'm a wizard. Tonks and I were in Hogwarts together. The names Christian Sherwood." He held out his hand and Remus shook it, catching sight of a long pink scar that roped its way up the man's arm.
"Pleasure to meet you Christian. Sorry to say she didn't tell me anything about you or this couch other than the fact that she is completely convinced it's the perfect couch." Remus explained, scanning the man to see if he had any more scars that vaguely resembled the ones that littered Remus's own body from his time as a werewolf.
"Well it's a magic couch, for starters. But it was in her common room during her Hogwarts times. She said it would bring you all good luck and good memories… Or something like that." Christian said, rolling his eyes, seeming all too familiar with Tonks's antics. Remus laughed, wondering why Tonks had never mentioned this friend- yet not feeling the jealousy that so often accompanied hearing about Tonks's old male school friends. Something about this Christian guy was comforting.
"Tell him everything Christian. Might as well now." Tonks said, leaning her head against Remus's chest.
"Well Mr. Lupin-"
"Please, Remus." Remus corrected him with a smile. Christian looked at him joyfully and said.
"I'm a werewolf too. I work here because I can avoid prejudice. Own this shop myself so I can close whenever I need to, and have connections to the wizarding community so I keep my ties to magic. I live in the flat above this, pay rent every month, and make regular appearances in Diagon Alley to keep up with the news from our world. Tonks here had been one of my best customers since day one. She was the most supportive about me making the best of my condition, and the best of my love for antique furniture." Tonks laughed, clearly remembering some funny story Remus would be sure to ask about later.
"I never knew of another with Lycanthrope who chose to live humanely. But one day Tonks wrote me of you, without mention of your name, and I had wanted to meet you since. When she said you'd be moving to muggle London to be safe… I was so excited for her to get her hands on this couch." Christian continued. Remus felt his heart warm at the realization that Tonks loved all people the same, then at the statement that she was so proud of him and his choices she told other people. That she befriended another werewolf, and worked this hard to get the two to meet, because she understood how hard it was to stick out. All that and Remus realized the other whole point of all this was to show Remus it was possible, he just had to work for it. Christian was living proof of that. Remus struggled for a moment to find the words to say. He hoped the two people in front of him could see his gratitude, and know what he wanted to say. Tonks smiled at his, looking quite pleased, and Christian looked away, seeming to understand there was a moment between the two of them he didn't need to see.
"Okay then." Tonks said smiling brightly. "We have to get this thing home before Harry arrives." She picked put the doll sized couch and dropped it in her bag. "Thank you so much Christian. You'll be seeing a lot more of us. And I meant it about that tea time. Someone will always be home. Just knock on over!" She threw her arms around the man's neck, he returned the gesture tightly. Remus gave him a firm handshake assuring him they would be seeing more of each other. They walked down the sidewalk, hand in hand, and were just about to enter their apartment when Remus tugged Tonks's hand. She spun to face him, and he leant down, kissing her passionately. She didn't resist, but he kept it quick because they were in public.
"Nymphadora." He breathed, ignoring the fire in her eyes as he said her name. "I don't even know what to say." He shook his head. "Thank you." She knew there was so much more to it than that.
"Kiss me like that again. I don't think I got the message." She smiled at him, and it grew even wider as he leaned in again. He pulled away, and she laughed freely, pulling him into the most heartwarming hug she'd ever given him. To humor her he kissed her one more time taking his sweet time enjoying the feeling of her so close to him, this time her let her pull from him.
"Good God, Remus." She breathed, just as he felt a hand clap on his back. He turned to see James, Lily, and Harry standing there. Harry had the most devious yet knowing smile plastered on his face; Remus felt his own cheeks go red.
"Wow, Mate." James said, embarrassing the poor man more. Lily smirked at him, before looking at Tonks in a way that made Remus think they were very good friends, like two Hogwarts girls needing to discuss things 'later,' as they always said.
"He was just thanking me." Said Tonks, her voice thick with humor.
"Oh is that how we say thank you now?" James asked, finally letting loose and laughing. Remus groaned, covering his face with his hands before Lily said:
"James you never thank me like that. Why don't you try it some-"
"Noooo." Harry moaned, covering his ears with his hands, and walking over to stand by Tonks. "Help me!" He cried jokingly. She threw her arm over his shoulder and ushered him inside, playing along with his joke. They ran all the way up to the flat, Harry exploding into laughter when they pushed the door open. Lily and James were right behind them, wanting to see Harry's face when he saw his Hogwarts welcoming crew.
"Harry!" They all shouted when he pushed open the door. He jumped back in alarm, falling into James who held him straight, smiling at all the people who had come to welcome him to his new life. The Weasley's, Bill and Charlie included, the Grangers, Neville, Luna, Mad-Eye, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and even Dumbledore made an appearance, much to James's frustration, as they still had some disagreements to work through.
"Free from Hell!" Tonks shouted, while pushing in and moving everyone out of the way so she could put their couch where it belonged. She made sure the door was closed before taking out her wand and returning the couch to its normal size. Harry and his parents roamed around and thanked everyone for coming, Remus stood to the side and watched, a smile stuck to his face. He didn't think anything could make this moment sad. After a while Tonks slipped away from her conversation with the headmaster and stumbled over to Remus's side. She stood next to him, leaning against the door frame opposite him.
"Can you even believe this is real?" She asked him, watching their friends, well practically family, interact all together. He shook his head, he really couldn't. It felt like something out of a movie, like a dream he never wanted to end.
"Listen." She leaned in close to him, keeping her voice low, but her body language so that people wouldn't think they were having a serious talk. "Kingsley's been giving me some bad words for the way things at the office are going. Scrimgeour is being appointed the minister tomorrow." Remus worked to hide the shock he knew was present on his facial expressions.
"King is pushing for some easing on the werewolf stuff. If you get called in, do not panic, unless you hear from me first. We have reason to believe they are going to try and meet with Harry. If that happens Lily and James are going to have to come out to the ministry. We'll have to fight to keep in quiet. Mad-Eye is working on a plan to keep their being a live in the dark, but I don't know about this one. It seems a bit out of our hands." She kept her voice low, and he nodded along letting her know he was catching her words.
"It's almost easy to forget a war is starting." He said, sliding his arm around her waist.
"I know." She whispered, laying her head on his chest.
Though Tonk's words did somber Remus's mood a bit, they both were still able to enjoy the night immensely. None of the adults were sure how it happened, but the kids all ended up in Harry's room, so Remus, Tonks, the Potter's, the elder Weasleys, and Kingsley were all sitting in the living room; the other guests made their leave as the kids disappeared.
"What a week it's been." Kingsley said, as Arthur poured small shots of firewhiskey for everyone.
"What a year it's been." Tonks corrected, as Remus realized it was just about this time last year he had first met the young passed a cup to everyone, and looked around the room nervously. "Well…" He began looking to James, who sensing the need in the room stood to speak to their closest friends.
"You all will never know how indebted Lily and I feel to you. You saved our son on multiple accounts, you welcomed us home with open arms, and you've given us a family we never could have dreamed of knowing." He took a shaking breath, and glanced at the empty seat next to Remus, one everyone seemed to subconsciously leave open, as it was always saved for Sirius.
"We don't know what comes next; what these next few months bring, or what the second war will look like. But we do know this: we have the one thing that will save us all in the end- even if we lose some. We have the love that brought us here. That keeps us going. And if having you all here tonight is any example of what power love has… I know we can make it through this alive."
He held up his small glass with a shaky hand. "Here's to friendship, to love, to Sirius… and to unexpected family." Tonks gripped Remus's hand as cups around the room were lifted and echos of 'to Sirius, to family…' were chorused. They drank in one moment, and James sat again.
"Thank you, James." Said Molly in her gentle, mothering voice. "You stepped up when we needed someone to guide us." He smiled at her, and as if they knew the emotional moment had passed the kids all came back into the living room in one large group.
"Professor Lupin!" They shouted in excited tones as they came out. Remus glanced at Tonks so he could see the exuberant look she got in her eyes whenever someone called him professor.
"Ron wants to play quidditch. We need to learn counter curses for when Malfoy tries to jinx him." Ginny said, rushing over to the man, her eyes worried. Remus couldn't help but laugh, and a light hearted mood filled the room again as they began talking all things quidditch and the Malfoy family, and learning how to turn draco's hair as pink as Tonks.
It was well after midnight when Arthur and Molly finally realized how late it was and quickly bustled their family over to the fireplace to floo back home. Hermione would be staying with them one night before going back to stay with her parents for a while. Once they were gone Lily and James pushed Harry off to bed with assurances that he would thankful in the morning that he slept now; Remus knew that they were exceptionally tired themselves and didn't want to miss anything Harry said to them because of their exhaustion. After Harry's door was closed Tonks and Lily (mostly Lily) magically cleaned the house, before the two pairs walked off to their bedrooms. It was undiscussed, Remus noticed as he shut the door, but he and Tonks were naturally sharing a room with no questions from James and Lily. She had been sleeping in his room since nearly April at Grimmauld, but he didn't think anyone noticed.
They were able to form a routine the first few weeks of that summer, where Tonks left for work early in the morning, and came back just before dinner. Remus had managed to get an anonymous writing job with the Daily Prophet, that allowed him to respond to common spell questions from the comfort of their home without giving away his identity. Harry often saw Ron, and the other Weasley's as the two families frequently got together for dinner, and the Order was meeting every other week planning out their next steps as the war ramped up. Dumbledore was on the hunt for a new DADA teacher, as well as some mysterious artifacts; which he would not disclose to any order member.
It was the second week of July when a patronus came that changed everything in one moment for the friends who were growing careless in the face of a war that didn't seem to be as bad as they feared. Kingsley's silve Lynx bound into the flat, grabbing the attention of Remus, James, and Lily; who all grew immensely thankful Harry was at the Burrow.
Mad-Eye's quickly. The message wasted no time, and neither did they as all three apparated to the heavily warded house where Kingsley was waiting outside the gate the drop the wards and let them through. The look on his face caused Remus's stomach to drop, and he knew something terrible had happened.
"Tell me she's alive." He begged Kingsley. The man locked his eyes to Remus's and nodded once. A curt nod that didn't actually give any hope for her safety.
"Was it order work or real work?" James asked as they ran up the long winding path to actually get to Moody's front door where more wards were set.
"Order." Kingsley grunted, even though Remus already knew the answer. Tonks had called in sick to the office today so she, Bill, and Kingsley could check up on a tip from an unnamed friend of Dumbledore's.
"Stupid wards." Remus muttered as they performed the spells to get inside, and his heart beat faster and faster the closer they got to the door.
"Listen-" Kingsley began standing in front of the door. It took all of Remus's strength not to yell.
"Kingsley, I don't have time to listen." He made move to push passed the man, but Shacklebolt grabbed his arm.
"Lupin listen!" He hissed, and Remus stopped and stood straight, knowing he wouldn't get passed until he heard whatever Kingsley wanted to say.
"She will wake up, and you cannot panic. Bill is out too and-"
"How are you awake?" James asked him, breathing heavily with nervous anticipation as Remus was. Kingsley shot him a wearied look that made it clear he was not nearly as alright as he appeared to be, and the question was dropped.
"Please let me in now." Remus's hands were shaking, and Kingsley pushed open the door. Molly Weasley was sitting on the couch, Bill's head resting in her lap. Tonks was laying in a chair, Mad-Eye sitting next to her, a try of potions to the side. Her hair was brown, her eyes were closed, and a huge cut ran down the side of her face. He stepped closer to her, realizing the cut ran over the small pink scar that went from her eye to her cheek bone; the one he loved so much because she never tried to morph it away. She looked so small sitting in that chair, Remus thought, as he walked over and knelt to the ground in front of her.
"What happened?" He asked Mad-Eye, his voice a hoarse whisper, thick with the pain he wasn't trying to conceal.
"Cruciatus curse, for starters." Moody began, his normally sharp tone much softer than anyone was used to. "On both of them. Kingsley says Bill was given a potion that he couldn't make out through the imperious they had him under." James's head shot up to Kingsley's and Remus watched the unspoken apology and forgiveness exchange. "They wanted information on Dumbledore for some reason. And on where he was traveling next. They don't believe he isn't telling people." Remus tried to still his shaking hands.
"How long were they… you know?" He couldn't bring himself to say the words cursed, not when his Dora was sitting feet in front of him in the state she was in.
Kingsley, the only one who could really have known, shook his head. "It's all too blurry. I couldn't keep track I couldn't…" He clenched his fists in frustration and didn't say anything.
"How'd you get out?" Molly finally spoke from where she was seated, her face a mask of pain, Lily walked over and sat my her, setting a hand of comfort on her shoulder. Kingsley laughed, a mirthless chuckle that sent a chill down Remus's spine.
"Tonks." He gestured with his wand. "Stood, under the power of the curse. She shocked Lestrange so much he dropped his focus. That's all she needed to grab me and Bill. I was able to side-long us out here." Remus felt the warm swell of pride in his chest as he realized how strong she was.
She was going to be okay. She had to be.
But as the hours ticked on, and neither Tonks nor Bill moved, Remus felt his nerves growing tight. The full moon was in three days, so his emotions were even high than normal. But this didn't feel right. She had to be getting up soon. She had to be okay. Kingsley and Mad-Eye slowly re-entered the room, Remus hadn't even noticed they left.
"Lupin." Said Moody, causing Remus's head to snap in his direction. "Potter, come in here." James and Remus got up, albeit begrudgingly and walked with Alastor deeper into the house.
Remus felt his throat tighten when they came to the pensive.
"Can you handle this?" Remus was nodding before the question was even fully out of the older man's mouth. Together he and James dove into Kingsley foggy memories of what happened, both hoping to see something that could inform them of what really happened.
Remus and James were standing outside a dimly lit shop, against the walls, listening for the sounds of footsteps. Within minutes they saw Tonks and Bill walking their way.
'King said he'd be around here.' Tonks whispered to Bill, her hand holding her well concealed wand. Bill nodded, remaining quiet.
To James right someone shifted, both James and Remus turned at the sound, Tonks and Bill drifting back into the shadows to conceal themselves.
'Hiding in plain sight are we?' The high pitched voice of Bellatrix Lestrange never failed to send chills down Remus's spine.
'Just taking after you, Auntie.' Tonks stepped out, her face impassive. 'Trying out the dark side, you know?' Bill stepped out behind her, keeping his hand against the wall as if to make sure no one could get behind them.
'He just sent two?' Bellatrix asked, her face a sarcastic pout. 'I was hoping to have some more fun tonight.' She said, as eight more death eaters stepped out of the shadows. If Tonks and Bill were afraid they didn't show it, and even though he knew what was going to happen he still felt pride for that truth.
'Three, Bella.' He heard the brooding voice of Lucius Malfoy call out from the darkness, and watched as Kingsley, looking far worse for wear, and clearly already imperiused, was shoved out.
'Kill him.' Lestrange said, just as her husband stepped behind her in the shadows.
'Bella, let's not be foolish.' He rubbed her arms 'let's make this worth our while.' He smiled sadistically, a smirk in Tonks's direction that Remus figured would be branded into his brain forever. Remus turned his attention back to the young auror who was looking at her black fingernails as if this conversation was below her. Rudolphus looked at her for one more second before walking over to Kingsley and whispering something in his ear. Remus looked into Kings eyes as he struggled agained, the curse, as he fought his wand which seemed to be rising to Tonks's face of it's own accord. She still didn't look worried.
'Oh please.' she groaned looking at the Lestrange's. "Classic garbage. Imperius the good guys and turn them on each other. What you're too scared to do it yourself?" Even in the face of serious danger Tonks was the most selfless human Remus had ever met.
"She's taunting them so King doesn't have to perform the curse." James whispered, his tone conveying his shock. "So he doesn't have to deal with the guilt." Remus just nodded, and Bellatrix scream unintelligible words and dove for Nymphadora.
Tonks remained silent during the scuffle, which Bill and Rudolphus got involved in before the were pulled apart, and before Tonks was even fully on her feet Bellatrix had her under the power of the curse; Rudolphus had bill frozen with a charm, his eyes wide in shock was he looked at Tonks writhing on the ground. Bellatrix lifted the curse. Tonks gasped for air.
'Where's Dumbledore?" Another death eater asked from the shadows.
"What?" Tonks said, obviously confused. Without a second notice Bill dropped to the ground screaming in pain, and before she could try and help in Tonks was the same way. Remus couldn't count the seconds in his head. He didn't want to he realized had been silent when she finally started screaming. The cries of pain pierced his heart in a way he'd never felt pain before. Bellatrix lifted the curse.
'God Bill, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry.' Tonks whispered immediately, moving over to him before she was Crucioed again by none other than Antonin Dolohov. As Bill reached for his wand he was put under too, then just because they were having fun with it, they cursed Kingsley too. He dropped to the ground, grinding his teeth together in an effort to hold in the screams. The curse was lifted, and Remus heard Tonks's gasping breathes louder than anyone. Each Lestrange was holding Bill or Tonks, and they were facing each other. Remus wanted to close his eyes, but they felt glued open.
"Where. Is. Dumbledore?" Bellatrix asked again, making it clear this was the last time she was willing to ask. Bill opened his mouth, but before the reply could come Bellatrix ran the knife down Tonks face. It left a glowing blue trail in its path, before the blood started coming out, and Remus was beating his brain for every dark artifact and curse that would do that too a cut. The list was too long, the nausea was getting worse.
"Couldn't hear you dear. What was that?" Bellatrix asked Bill, laughing wildly as he fought against Rudolphus to get to Tonks. "Don't be foolish." She tutted as he pulled against the man.
Dolohov had enough and cursed Bill again, watching in grim satisfaction as he screamed. Tonks slowly crawling over to him, leaving blood dropping on the ground. A masked death eater stepped out and grabbed Tonks by the hair before pulling her back, and running their dirty fingers down the cut on her face, she groaned in pain, just as yet another death eater walked out and forced a dark colored potion down Bills throat.
It was this moment Kingsley finally was able to break the imperious curse, a talent Remus would have to commend him on later. He got the two death eaters closest to him knocked out, before the Lestranges and Dolohov had enough, and had all three order members under curse again. Even though he knew it was coming Remus felt a deep shock and surprise when Tonks stood up under the power of the curse and stood up. As Kingsley said it was enough to break the concentration of the three death eaters, and Kingsley made a mad dive for Tonks and Bill before the memory faded out and they were standing in Mad-Eye back room again.
James looked at Remus, unsure of what to say. There was a whole lot of Crucio's flying in that moment, and Remus could only hope Tonks would pull out this time as well as she did last time. Remus wasn't sure what to say to Kingsley as they walked back into the room, but the look on Kings face was enough. He felt guilt - and nothing Remus said was going to change that. They were not prepared for this, they went in on guard but not thinking anything of it, and now we were going to have to pay for that. What felt like hours later Tonks stirred in the love seat she was laying in. Her breathing became sharper, and she let out the softest groan before bringing her hands to her head. She gasped in pain when her hand touched the concerning cut on her face, and she sat up in alarm. The quick motion was clearly too much for her, and Remus rushed to her side to lay her back down as her eyes closed in pain.
Remus looked at Mad-Eye, unsure of what to do. She wasn't showing signs of normalcy - like talking. But she also wasn't showing signs of total insanity, she was feeling pain. Moody motioned his hand in such a way that told Remus to start talking to her.
"Tonks?" He began, she moaned again in his arms. "Dora, I need to know you're okay." She squeezed his hand once. It wasn't good enough. "Okay." He said, keeping his voice soft as he heard Molly and Kingsley talking to and about Bill.
"Tonks. I need you to think about what happened. Where are you?" James asked, walking toward them slowly. "Think about who you were with and what you were doing. What you last remember." Tonks didn't move for a moment, then her eyes hot open, the terror ripping down Remus's throat.
"Where's Bill?" She asked in a shocked whisper. "And King." James let out a deep sigh of relief, setting his hand on Remus's shoulder.
"They're here. They're okay." Remus said quickly, relaxing a bit as she set her head back down. She closed her eyes and winced in pain again.
"My face... is burning." She said, reaching her hand up to touch the cut again. Moody grabbed her hand and pushed it back down to her side.
"Dark magic, Nymphadora, don't touch it yet. I've got this potion for you to take…" He picked on from the many on the tea tray and handed it to Remus. "Can't figure out what she could have done to that knife, so we're going to narrow down options."
Tonks opened one eye slowly, still clearly dazed and in pain. "Will it hurt?" She said slowly, trying to process the question.
"Probably." Alastor answered honestly, before walking over to Bill to check on him too. She took a deep steady breath and looked at Remus.
"What have we got to lose?" Tonks asked sardonically, before grabbing his hand with the potion and bringing it to her lips. Remus cringed as she swallowed, and then she cringed as it went down. His eyes remained trained on her cheek, as he watched the cut hoping for some sign of visible progress. They waited, and waited; Tonks watching Remus's face the whole time. When he was ready to try the next one, the potion began to work. He saw the dark parts of the wound begin to close, forming a long red scar, similar to the many that covered his body. He hesitantly reached forward to touch it, breathing a sigh of relief when she said.
"That feels nice."
A few minutes later Bill was working his way to standing, his own wounds being healed over.
"Good heavens." Molly muttered as he stood, and she fanned her face trying to calm herself down. Lily and James watched everything happening, both remaining quiet as they did.
"You're alright then?" Moody said walking in with Kingsley holding two cups of water. Tonks nodded, slowly swinging her legs over the side of the chair and pushing herself up to her feet. She swayed unsteadily, but it was nothing worse than her normal inability to stand straight.
"We'll have to tell Dumbledore soon." James said, looking to Remus who nodded. "We know this doesn't change anything, but we need to be more on guard." Tonks made a face at the comment but didn't say anything about it.
"Go home then. Rest up, try and get to work tomorrow if you can." He looked at Tonks when he said that, knowing it would be harder for her. But she nodded, and leaning against Remus slightly they walked down the winding path that led to the apparition point. James and Lily were a few feet behind them talking to Molly and Bill, who was looking a bit better, though in need of a good nap or something of the sort.
"We'll see you back there - and for dinner?" Remus called to James and Molly respectively. Both nodded and hands were held up to wave as Remus held Tonks and sidelonged her back to their apartment. He wasted no time after getting in the door, pulling her aggressively to him before deciding that wasn't close enough. He picked her up, walking over to the couch with her and setting her on his lap. He held his arms around her tightly as if he was afraid she would disappear if he didn't. She remained quiet for a bit, letting him have his moment to hold her close.
"Remus." She finally whispered when she figured James and Lily would be back soon. "I'm okay." He shook his head to her, but loosened his grip so she could re-adjust herself.
"I thought you were dead. When that patronus came. When King came out…" He didn't know how to put into words what he felt.
"But I'm not." Said Tonks matter-of-factly. "And I know you don't want to hear it but these injuries are a part of what we do, and they're a part of my job, especially now that the ministry is trying to do something about his being back."
"You're right." Remus began, "I don't want to hear that." Tonks sighed in his arms, but set her head against his chest anyway. "Do you really feel alright?" Remus asked her after a beat.
"I think so. My head aches something awful. But I guess that's just a part of it." She said offhandedly.
"Dora, how did you stand up under the power of that curse?" asked Remus before thinking about whether or not he should.
"I don't know," Tonks began honestly. "I just knew that I didn't want to die yet, and that kingsley would feel really bad if we died, and that Molly already lost Percy, so let's try and make sure she doesn't lose anyone else."
"You amaze me." Remus said, kissing the top of her head. "And you'll be okay to go to work tomorrow?" He asked her.
"I have to be. If things get too bad I'll throw myself down a flight of stairs and say that I fell or something. Then they'll send me home on their own accord." She chuckled with Remus at her joke, both knowing that if she wanted an injury to send her home it would not be hard for anyone to believe she was hurt.
"I don't want you to die either." Remus added, standing up slowly and pulling her to her feet. "Just so you know." She rolled her eyes, testing the ground unsteadily, before following him into the kitchen where she sat on the counter as he prepared tea.
"Yeah that's good to know. I'm glad you don't want me dead. It would be a bit awkward if you did I guess." She smiled at him, and they heard the wards being broken on the door.
Remus and Tonks walked out, their wands raised.
"What was the name of the first year girl you sent to spy on Lily fifth year?" Remus asked as the door was pushed open. He saw James's eyes narrow in mock anger before saying.
"Hannah Albright." Lily glanced at him, one eyebrow raised before saying
"What did I say to you the night I found out about your lycanthropy?"
Remus couldn't help but chuckle. "That's actually kind of a hot secret to harbor." Lily's face turned pink as she remembered. They lowered their wands and Tonks smiled.
"We're going to have to think of a better way to do that. I could have killed you both before Remus even had the question of out his mouth." Said Tonks brightly. James huffed, but nodded in agreement, as they walked back into the kitchen to enjoy their tea.
A few hours later they went to the burrow where Harry rushed to hug a smitten Tonks, and his parents.
"Bill only told us a bit." He explained hastily. "But I just don't hug you enough. You're like my family." He explained to Tonks who smiled at him.
"Thanks Harry." She said after a pause, seeming unsure how to respond. Remus watched her handle the time with the Weasley's uncertainly, and just before they sat for dinner he pulled her aside. She didn't even wait to let him ask before she said.
"We're going to have to talk to my parents." He tried not to wince, and nodded. He'd met Tonks's parents once, and he didn't know how they would feel about him and Tonks being together. "I can't keep them in the dark about everything. They still don't even know where we're living."
"They know we live together then?" Remus asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I mentioned it. Mum didn't seem to mind but she did mention wishing we would come by more. Dad Made some comment about marriage and asking for a blessing but I didn't really listen much." He was wondering if marriage would come up between them. Though she didn't really state whether she wanted it either way. But she did mention it and that was something.
"Don't worry. I'll ask him before I ask you." Said Remus casually, not giving her a chance to answer as he led her back into the kitchen, thankful nobody said anything about their temporary absence. Dinner was full of laughter, and a casual avoidance of the truth that two of their own could have died if the previous night if things had gone differently. The night continued, and plans were discreetly made for the celebration of Harry's birthday coming up in just a few days time. Remus was certain nobody knew, but he was growing aware that the full moon was on the same night as Harry's birthday. He tried to quell his disappointment as the conversation continued, and was already forming a plan to make it up to the boy later on. The small amounts of money he received every time he wrote to that paper was beginning to add up since he didn't have to spend a great deal on living in the flat. As much to his chagrin Tonks insisted on paying for the rent herself being that she was no longer paying for her own. Remus mulled these thoughts over as they prepared to leave the Burrow, and continued to when they arrived back in their flat. Tonks, seeming to understand that he was lost in his own world of thought left him alone to his thinking, and slipped away to the kitchen. James and Lily were with Harry in his bedroom, as he talked to them about the next visit to the Dursley's which had to be done regularly in case they were being watched as closely as they believed they were.
"Remus." Tonks's gentle voice pulled him from his mind, and he looked up to her as she sat across from him on the specialty sofa, two mugs of hot chocolate in her hands.
He couldn't help but smile at her as he took one.
"You're disappearing into your mind, dear." She said, tucking her legs under her, and watching him closely. He nodded, knowing there was no use in lying to her.
"I'm thinking about a lot of different things. The Longbottoms, for starters. I just don't want to imagine… well you know." She nodded, her eyes grave, an almost humorous juxtaposition to her bright pink hair. "And about my job, and your job, and Harry's birthday and…" He didn't want to mention the full moon to her yet.
"Don't be silly. He'll understand that we won't be there that night. I'm figuring we could take him to diagon alley and help him get some school things. Or to that cool restaurant in London, and celebrate a few days later." Remus felt his surprise at her words, and she rolled her eyes. Still reading my mind. He smiled to himself with the thought.
"Remus. Of course I knew when the moon was. I have my ways, just like you do. And don't go thinking that Lily and James don't check all the time too." He didn't know what to say, so he chose instead to sip his hot chocolate, not able to quell the sigh of satisfaction as the amazing flavor slipped down his throat.
"Dora this is amazing." He said, wondering where the woman had gotten the ability to make coca this good. It was very in her nature to manage to burn even water when left to her own devices. She smiled proudly.
"I made a secret recipe." She declared, her huge eyes sparkling as she sipped her own mug with a smile. "You really like it then?" She asked, not even trying to hide her joy.
"It's great." He told her honestly, leaning over to place a small kiss on her cheek.
As he pulled away a regular barn owl flew threw the window right over to her. She acknowledged it with a huff, and before it flew away she said.
"Might as well wait." The owl did. "They don't listen do they? I told them, and you!" She was still talking to the owl. "Here. Take this back, and don't come back. I'll be by this week." She lifted her mug to the bird who dipped its beak into the chocolate before nipping her finger affectionately and flying back out.
Tonks took a minute to read the letter before looking at Remus. "My parents." She explained, even though he already gathered as much. "Sending me letters even though I warned them to stop doing that. Owls in muggle London, flying into windows. We're going to get a phone call or inspection or something." She tapped her cheek thoughtfully.
"I realize it's a bit short notice, but what do you say we go by tomorrow for dinner? I figure we'll be a bit busy the rest of the week what with the moon and his birthday, but I wouldn't put it past them to come break the door down if I don't go by soon…" He tried not to panic at the thought of finally having to meet her parents as what he was.
You're not a child. Suck it up and go!
"Yeah if tomorrow is alright with them I think it would be great. The sooner the better, and the farther from the moon the better." He added thoughtfully, wishing he didn't have to consider something as stupid as the moon when going to visit the parents of the woman he was becoming sure he would marry someday.
I'm so so so sorry this took so long! Exams have been crushing me, and studying philosophy is hard work. Please let me know what you thought, if you're still out there.
much love to anyone who reads
~Bea