CHAPTER 4: REVERIE INTERRUPTED
The gift, a poignant reminder of those he had lost, evoked a bittersweet surge of emotions in him.
"We took it when you were at Grimmauld Place; I thought you would like it... Harry! You're crying. Sorry, I didn't want to remind you..."
"No, don't worry. It's a wonderful gift; I love it. It's good to have a memory of both," Harry reassured, his eyes fixed on the photo where the old wizard smiled, and his godfather playfully mussed up his hair.
Tonks, moved by his emotions, sat up from the bed and drew near, embracing him for support. As their bodies gravitated towards each other, an unspoken connection pulsed between them. Lips nearly touching, they surrendered to the magnetic pull of the moment, thoughts and feelings momentarily eclipsed by the presence of the person in front of them. The distance diminished until their lips finally met in an extraordinary and passionate kiss—a visceral expression of the emotional burden they both carried. In that kiss, sadness, fear, and desperation transformed into a shared moment of passionate connection.
Harry, instinctively, drew Tonks even closer, holding her by the waist, while she, in response, ran her hands through his hair, creating a tangled mess. The fabric of her dress cascaded to the floor, leaving her practically naked.
Gazing at her, Harry exclaimed, "By Merlin, you're the most wonderful thing I've seen in my life!" The compliment painted her cheeks with a blush.
The kiss deepened, and Harry's hands ventured, cupping her breasts. Tonks, sighing with pleasure, surrendered to the sensations that coursed through her. No one had ever elicited such a response with so little effort. Gradually, they found themselves lying on the bed, consumed by the intensity of the moment. Harry, with a gentle touch, began to lower the straps of her bra, and the sensations that unfolded made Tonks feel not only incredibly good but also remarkably secure, allowing herself to be carried away by the undeniable connection between them.
He discarded the garment, pressing a tender kiss on her bosom, eliciting a soft moan of pleasure from her. Tonks reciprocated by removing his shirt, a dance of desire unfolding between them. Soon, they found themselves intertwined on the bed, their bodies merging into an intimate tableau. It was as though they had discovered a cosmic harmony, an undeniable connection that spanned the ages. Each move was met with a mirrored response, a flawless synchrony that bordered on the surreal. Together, they traversed the realms of ecstasy, convinced they had delved into madness only to ascend to newfound bliss.
Naked and reclining side by side, hands tightly entwined, their expressions radiated profound peace. Gazing into each other's eyes, smiles played upon their lips, and a kiss sealed the unspoken understanding between them. Words seemed superfluous in that moment; their connection transcended the need for verbal affirmation.
"I can't fathom how you managed it, but I feel a happiness long absent," Harry confessed, his eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and contentment.
Tonks reciprocated with a smile, "I share the sentiment. Harry, it's strange, but I sense a transformation within me. It's as if I've discovered a missing piece, a sense of completeness."
Understanding passed between them, sealing their bond further. They engaged in another exchange of kisses and caresses, the promise of repeating their newfound bliss lingering in the air.
A subtle noise, reminiscent of a crack, disrupted their reverie. Instantly alert, they sprang to their feet, wands in hand. Harry positioned himself protectively in front of Tonks, his eyes fixed on the door. Tonks, surprised yet comforted by his instinct to shield her, couldn't deny the reassurance it brought.
However, in the art of dueling, Tonks held the upper hand. Duty compelled her to shield Harry, not the other way around. "Harry, it's probably better if I—"
"I won't allow them to harm you again," he declared, his gaze unwavering and resolute, freezing her in place.
The determination etched across his features held a command so potent that no sane person would dare challenge him in that moment. In the realization that they stood exposed, both of them naked, she hastily seized her dress, draping it over herself with swift precision before donning her robe in a single, fluid motion.
"Harry, this is the guest room. They'll target the bedroom first. Get dressed," she instructed, positioning herself by his side, wand at the ready for whatever peril might unfold.
Suddenly aware of his undressed state, he fumbled to dress, grateful for the oversized pants, a hand-me-down from his cousin. Pulling on his shirt, buttons left unattended, his attention was yanked back to the imminent threat as the door exploded into fragments. Shards flew in every direction, one grazing Tonks and injuring her shoulder. Through the shattered entrance, hooded figures with white masks emerged — Death Eaters.
Harry, fueled by a surge of protective rage at the sight of Tonks wounded, raised his wand, instinctively casting the first spell that sprang to mind. "EXP... Expelliarmus!"
The spell's force was so potent that the Death Eaters were hurled to the far side of the house. Yet, the impact extended beyond the intended targets; the entire vicinity surrounding the bedroom door, along with the dark wizards, was sent flying, creating a massive circular hole in the wall. Tonks, shaken but unharmed, marveled at Harry's display of power. It was a spell of unparalleled strength, affirming his status as an extraordinary wizard.
Harry pivoted, his gaze locking onto her face. "Are you okay?" Genuine concern radiated from his eyes, a comforting reassurance that enveloped her in its warmth. "Yes, it's just a cut," she replied, extracting the wooden fragment from her shoulder, the wound instantly springing a fresh bout of bleeding. "Damn it, you're not okay. If you keep bleeding like this, you'll faint." With a swift motion, he brandished his wand and aimed it at the injury. "Ferula!" A magical bandage materialized, winding carefully around her shoulder.
Glancing over Harry's shoulder, Tonks observed the defeated Death Eaters strewn across the floor, their movements almost nonexistent. "We should leave; reinforcements will come soon," she urged, gesturing towards the incapacitated dark wizards.
"Alright, but I'll help you." Harry assisted her to her feet. The question lingered in his eyes, "How did they find us?"
"They probably recognized me and tracked down my house," Tonks explained. Harry's confusion was evident. "My address is in the Auror headquarters; they likely have a spy who informed them." She handed him her wand, and together, they exited the house, vigilant of any lingering threat from the fallen Death Eaters.
Once outside, they surveyed the quiet street, ensuring no other adversaries lurked nearby. Fortunately, the coast was clear.
"We need to get out of here quickly. Can you Apparate?" "No, I haven't taken the exam yet." "I'm a bit weak to Apparate both of us." "Then we'll fly," she declared, producing a miniature broomstick from her pocket and enlarging it with a wave of her wand.
Mounting the broomstick, Tonks assisted Harry in doing the same, securing herself to him with care and precision. With a forceful kick to the ground, they ascended into the inky night sky. Tonks nestled her head against his chest, despite her injuries and weakness, reveling in an inexplicable sense of euphoria. How could one person exude so much tranquility and security? Not even her proximity to Lupin had induced such a profound feeling of well-being. The sudden awareness struck her like a jolt. "Merlin, I'm falling for Harry. How is this possible? We've only been together for a moment. Everything has been based on how we feel. It's not possible to fall for him. I mustn't."
Harry, too, grappled with similar thoughts, though his convictions were more resolute. He had never experienced anything like what he felt for her. He would willingly sacrifice his life to ensure her safety. "Tonks, where are we heading? Grimmauld Place?"
"No, they might be following us. It's better if we take a detour. I know a place where we'll be safe, but it's a bit far. The Shrieking Shack." "Do you think you can handle the journey?" "Don't worry, as long as I'm with you, I'll endure anything." Tonks couldn't help but question her own words. Am I crazy? she pondered. However, Harry, hearing her declaration, felt a surge of happiness like never before.
"In which direction? Guide me." She pointed north, and they soared in that direction. As weakness overcame her, Tonks succumbed to a deep sleep. Observing her for a moment, Harry, concerned, accelerated the broomstick.
After an hour, Harry felt the stiffness in his muscles, and worry crept in for Tonks. She barely stirred, and the bandage was soaked in blood. Concerned for her well-being, he decided to land near a small town to seek help.
As they touched the ground, Tonks stirred awake. "Have we arrived?" "No, but I thought it would be better for you to see a doctor."
"Danger looms; they could track us down, and..." "Tonks, you're bleeding profusely. Seeking medical attention is essential. Look, there's a quaint clinic nearby; they have the means to treat you. Once you're patched up, we can resume our journey." "Harry, they're Muggles!" she exclaimed, eyeing the nondescript building skeptically. "It's a risk we have to take. I've been tended to by them before, and it didn't harm me. A simple treatment for you should be safe until we locate a Mediwizard." They stepped into the clinic, where the receptionist's eyes widened at their unconventional attire. "Oh my stars, what happened?" "We were on our way back from a costume party, and she took a nasty spill, getting impaled by a piece of wood. The bleeding won't stop," Harry explained, weaving a fictional tale with ease. The receptionist, though not entirely convinced, reluctantly allowed them to proceed. Sharing the same fabricated story with the on-call doctor while he attended to Tonks' wound, Harry noticed her growing concern. The doctor, discovering several splinters embedded in the injury, found their account plausible. Excusing himself momentarily, he stepped out to retrieve necessary forms for them to complete. Taking advantage of the privacy, Harry approached Tonks. "Nymphadora, I'm sorry. I vowed to keep you safe, and I've let you down." "Why? You couldn't have predicted where those wood fragments would end up. Besides, you're the one shielding me. It's usually my duty to protect, not the other way around."
The boy mulled over the comment, a discomfort settling within him. "I don't want anyone risking their lives for me anymore," he declared. Just as she was about to respond, he added with determination, "If I'm the chosen one, I'll fight my own battles." It was a stance she couldn't argue against.
"Fine, but here's the deal—don't call me Nymphadora. I'm not a fan," she retorted.
"How about Nym?" he quipped.
"Nym?" She pondered for a moment. "Not bad. Okay, Nym it is."
Their banter was interrupted as the young doctor returned to the room with a handful of forms. "You'll need to fill these out; it's mandatory for every accident case," he informed, handing the paperwork to Harry.
Harry took a moment to peruse the forms, his pen dancing over the pages as he thoughtfully filled them out. Once done, he handed the completed forms back to the doctor, who seemed to be more focused on Tonks, sporting a constant smile. Harry caught wind of this and found no amusement in it. The doctor scrutinized the papers before speaking.
"Alright, Miss Evans," the doctor addressed Tonks.
"Excuse me, what did you say?" Tonks questioned, a puzzled expression on her face.
"Evans, isn't that your last name?" Harry nodded subtly toward the doctor.
"Yes, of course, it's just that I hadn't heard it before," Tonks replied.
"Everything is fine; she just needs some rest, and she'll recover. Before you leave, I'll give her an antibiotic, and she'll be good to go."
At the mention of the antibiotic, Tonks promptly sat up on the bed. "What do you think you're doing with that?" she said, pointing and simultaneously reaching for her wand with the other hand.
"Relax, it's nothing; it's just a quick injection," Harry reassured, stepping closer and gently holding her hand to prevent her from grabbing her wand.
Despite his attempt to calm her with a reassuring gaze, the sight of the needle approaching her arm didn't sit well with Tonks. Her eyes widened with apprehension. "You'd think you've never had an injection before," the doctor joked.
"She doesn't like needles," Harry hurriedly explained, understanding the need to diffuse the tension.
Tonks felt the small prick, and just like Harry, she squeezed his hand tightly. A moment later, the needle was removed. She looked at the small point left on her arm in amazement.
"Well, that's it. Wait for a moment, and you can leave. Rest, and it would also be advisable to eat something more. I've noticed you're very pale, and I don't think you want to get sick. Although I'd be delighted to take care of you," the doctor said, approaching her with a smile.
Harry was on the verge of reaching for his wand, ready to cast a spell at the flirtatious guy in the lab coat, but Tonks intervened as she addressed the doctor.
"I appreciate it, but I don't need your care. I prefer a different kind of attention," she replied with a serious face.
The smile vanished from the young doctor's face and reappeared on Harry's. They exited the room, making their way towards the exit and bidding farewell to the nurse who had kindly accompanied them to the door.
Once outside, they strolled down the street, and upon reaching an alley, they mounted the broomstick, continuing their journey with a bit more calmness. Amid the flight, Tonks turned to Harry with a question.
"Why did you call me Evans?"
"It's the name I put on the form. I thought if they were looking for us and knew who you were, they could find us quickly. So, I used my mother's last name for you." This revelation brought a radiant smile to Tonks' face, and she hugged him tightly.
They arrived in Hogsmeade before dawn, their entry into the Shrieking Shack going unnoticed in the early morning hours. The place brought a pang of sadness to Harry's heart, reminiscent of his godfather. Sensing his emotions, Tonks gently caressed his face.
In one of the rooms on the upper floor, a cursory search revealed what appeared to be a ravaged bed. Nevertheless, it was sufficient for both of them to lie down and find some respite. Tonks, weakened by the day's events, succumbed quickly to sleep. Harry, however, remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye over her as she rested. It struck him that, despite the time he had spent with her, he hadn't truly seen Tonks. Her appearance was ever-changing, a chameleon adapting to various disguises for missions. It was like encountering a different person each time, yet with the underlying features of someone familiar—a member of an expansive family.
Meanwhile, at the Leaky Cauldron, Ron and Hermione grew increasingly anxious. Over an hour had passed since Harry was supposed to join them for their meeting, and there was no sign of him. Concern etched their faces as they exchanged worried glances.
"Surely, he's betrayed us and gone alone," Ron asserted with a hint of frustration.
"I don't think so, Ron," Hermione replied, her gaze fixed on the window. "You know he always keeps his promises, and besides," she added, pointing to the sky, "there's someone else waiting for him out there—Hedwig. She's been circling in the sky for a while, as if looking for someone."
Ron approached the window, observing the owl in the distance. "So something must have happened." Deciding to investigate, he exited the pub and called out, "Hedwig, come here!"
The owl, recognizing her owner's friend, gracefully descended to perch on Ron's arm. As soon as she landed, she began to move restlessly, displaying a palpable happiness at finding a familiar face.
"Calm down, Hedwig. You know what's going on with Harry," Ron soothed the excited owl, and she paused in her movements. "I understand you're waiting for him too." Exiting the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione joined them with a letter in hand.
"She can find him and deliver this letter," she said as she securely tied it to Hedwig's leg.
"Well, you know what to do. Find him and give him the letter. If you see he's injured or can't find him, come find us, okay?" Hermione instructed the owl with a reassuring tone.
In response, Hedwig gave a small peck on Ron's finger, a gesture that seemed to signify understanding, before gracefully taking flight. She circled the duo one last time, disappearing into the vast London sky.
"Hermione, don't you think it's a bad idea to send Hedwig?" Ron expressed a lingering concern.
"Only she can find him right now, and if something happens, we'll know. In the letter, I just wrote that we're waiting for him at the agreed-upon place and to let us know if there's any change," Hermione reassured, her gaze lingering on the spot where Hedwig had vanished.
The two friends shared a comforting embrace before making their way back into the Leaky Cauldron, a sense of anticipation and worry lingering in the air.
Back inside the Leaky Cauldron, Ron and Hermione took a seat at their table, exchanging concerned glances. The atmosphere in the pub seemed to echo their unease, with a hushed tension that accompanied the low murmur of conversations. "I hope Harry's alright," Ron muttered, his eyes flickering to the entrance as if expecting his friend to walk through the door any moment. Hermione nodded in agreement, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of what might be happening to Harry and Tonks. The minutes stretched on, each one feeling longer than the last.
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