Tonks and Lupin: Until the Very End

5. Plans

The next morning during breakfast Tonks got an owl from her parents, wanting to know where she was, having just returned from their trip and heard the awful news about Dumbledore.
She sent her Patronus to their house to let them know she was safe and would be there soon.
Then she helped Lupin clean up the last of breakfast.
"Thank you so much for letting me stay here these past three days, Remus." She said gratefully.
"It was my pleasure." He said kindly.
She smiled up at him.
"When are we going to tell them about us?"
"Dora are you-"
She kissed him before he got any farther. She smiled against his lips when he pulled her closer.
After a few minutes, she pulled back.
"Yes." She said, looking into his blue eyes. "I have never been more sure." She said breathlessly.
He smiled slightly, stroking a lock of her bright pink hair.
"I love your hair this way." He said.
She looked into his eyes, and found she couldn't speak for the tears now blurring her vision and clogging her throat.
"I love you so much." He whispered, wiping away a tear.
Still unable to find her voice, she kissed him, slow and sweet.
And wrapped her arms around him, vowing she would never let him go.
                                                    ~~~
Tonks Apparated outside her parent's protective enchantments, her mum, Andromeda Tonks, looked out the window on the door when she heard the crack of someone Apparating.
Tonks waved, and her mother came to the gate to meet her.
Lupin had decided to come along later, Tonks having invited him for supper.
She met her mother at the gate,
"What nickname did your father give you when you were little?" Her mother asked.
"Dora. Only Dad, Remus, Mad-Eye, and sometimes you, call me that." She answered.
Her mum sighed in relief.
"Where did you and Dad get married when you eloped together?"
"At a little church in Godric's Hollow." her mother replied, smiling at the mention.
Her mum and dad had been forced to elope because her dad, Ted Tonks, was Muggle-born and her Black family relatives (including her sisters Bellatrix and Narcissa) were not...er - welcoming.
So they were now black-listed. No pun intended.
Tonks relaxed and walked through the gate towards her home.
"I'm so sorry you couldn't get home Dora. Where were you staying?"
"I stayed over at Remus's place." Tonks replied casually as they made their way through the white-painted wooden front door and into the entry.
Her mother looked over at her suspiciously, and Tonks hastened to reassure her and quickly explained the predicament that had brought about said events.
"I would have stayed at Molly's, but she's been up at Hogwarts with Bill and I didn't want to cause more trouble for her. And Remus was a perfect gentleman." She said.
Her mother did not comment, simply nodded.
"Mum, I would have had to stay in Diagon Alley if it weren't for him."
Her mother's eyes widened a touch, and she seemed to rethink her disapproval, "You're right, of course." she said briskly.
"He's a good man mum." Tonks said firmly, stopping and looking her mother square in the eye.
"I know that. I just... worry, that's all." Andromeda said, smiling at her daughter.
"You don't have to worry about me." Tonks said, trying to reassure her.
After all, Remus should be the least of her worries about me. She thought darkly, thinking of the Order, the Ministry and their charming bloodthirsty relatives.
Her mum smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "I'm glad you're home."
They walked into the kitchen to see her father drying dishes, a task he often took up for her mum.
He smiled when they walked in.
"Dora!" He said, "I'm so glad you're alright." He crossed the kitchen and hugged her; she hadn't realized how much she'd missed her father.
"Wotcher dad." She greeted happily as she let go of him.
"Hello 'Dromeda." He said, kissing his wife.
He led them into the sitting room so they could talk. Tonks started at the beginning with the watch duty Kinglsley, Bill, Lupin, and she had been assigned at Hogwarts the night Dumbledore had been killed. Her parents looked very tense as she started to describe the battle, so she left out the details to spare them as much worry as possible.
Tonks then went on to tell them the rest of the story of what happened the night Dumbledore died, though she glossed over the bits involving Lupin and their rather sudden engagement. Though really, it wasn't that sudden, it's just that her parents didn't know the whole of their history or the extent of it.
She wasn't sure whether or not her mum and dad would approve, but she knew that they were aware of how sad she'd been last year and why.
She was hoping that they might be sympathetic though; her mum and dad had fallen in love, though the family despised Muggle-borns, her mum had fallen for him. But Ted Tonks had definitely NOT been welcomed by the Blacks, and rather than even try (for that could have been extremely dangerous to her father) they had eloped.
They loved each other very much, and Tonks knew they both knew how it felt to love someone that other people said you weren't really 'supposed' to love.
They had always been kind to Lupin, and she hoped that the knowledge that he was involved with her wouldn't blind them with prejudice because of worry.
She and her parents spent the afternoon together, doing chores and talking. Her mum always cleaned when she got back from a trip - she was notoriously tidy, a trait Tonks had not inherited.
They were taking off a couple of the enchantments so they could come and go more easily, when Tonks suddenly remembered...
"Oh! I forgot to tell you! Remus is coming for dinner." Tonks exclaimed. "He's not coping very well with Dumbledore's..." She couldn't say it; it still felt as though it was all a bad dream. "He's having a hard time and I thought it'd be nice to get his mind off things for a little while." Tonks finished.
"Poor fellow." Her dad said, shaking his head sadly.
Her dad had always rather liked Lupin, something for which she was glad of, especially now.
"I never knew Dumbledore all that well at school, but I know what a good man he was. What happened is just awful." Her dad said.
"Of course he's welcome," Her mum said graciously, looking sad herself, "but I haven't the slightest idea what we're having!" She exclaimed.
Her mum looked suddenly stressed.
"Mum, I cooked for him, and he ate it, I'm sure whatever you make will be perfect." Tonks said reassuringly.
Her mum shot a smile over her shoulder at Tonks, already making her way to the kitchen.
"Now Dora, your food isn't that bad." Her dad said kindly.
"Do you remember that cake?" Tonks asked, laughing.
The year she was thirteen, her mum was sick on her dad's birthday. They took her to St. Mungo's and Tonks visited, but wasn't allowed to stay for very long on account of where her mum had been in the hospital, and a no more than one visitor rule.
She was sent home, and Tonks had been determined to make them something nice for when they got back...it hadn't quite turned out the way she had hoped.
Her dad was smiling, "Yes, I remember. It was very sweet of you." He said, chuckling.
Tonks rolled her eyes, only her father would be nice enough to say that about that meal.
They went into the kitchen where her mum already had pasta on the stove. Tonks smiled, remembering cooking with Lupin.
She set about helping her mum - though not with the sauce.
She did put on an apron though; she couldn't remember how many robes she'd ruined while cooking, and didn't care to add to the large number.
Her father had gone outside, saying something about some bricks on the shed being loose.
When supper was nearly ready, Tonks's mum spoke up,
"Dora, would you go and tell your father it's time for supper?"
"Yes, mum." Tonks said, preoccupied with thoughts of how they were going to break their engagement to her parents.
She looked out the window as she walked past it to the front door, what she saw made her fall over the coatrack near the door.
Blast, I will never own any bloody coatracks. She thought, aggravated.
Lupin was outside talking to her father.
She couldn't see Lupin's face, but she saw her father's. He looked sympathetic and he was smiling slightly.
She thought she knew what they were talking about.
She turned around and walked back the way she had come. Her father knew dinner was almost ready, they would be in in a moment.
"They'll be here in a minute." Tonks told her mum.
"They? Did Remus arrive then?" She asked conversationally.
"Yes, yes. They're out there discussing something, I guess." Tonks said, not really wanting to say anything about her engagement till she knew her father's reaction.
She felt nervous suddenly, but an excited sort of nervous. A few butterflies were doing summersaults in her stomach.
Her father and Lupin entered as she was setting the table.
"Wotcher." Tonks greeted.
Lupin smiled at the familiar greeting, walking in her direction.
Her dad smiled at them, and turned his back tactfully to "check the sauce".
"Can I have a quick word, Dora?" He asked quietly.
"Sure thing." Tonks said, curious.
"I'll be right back dad." She said before following Lupin out the door into the yard.
"I talked to your dad about...about us, and he gave us his blessing." Lupin said, sounding relieved.
She'd told him it wasn'g necessary to ask, but Lupin had wanted to "do things right", as he'd put it.
For a second, she ran the words through her head...then the significance of them became clear.
"We can get married?" She asked.
He nodded, his eyes happy as he watched her expressions.
She threw her arms around him, smiling as she hugged him.
He held her close, and she felt so happy all of a sudden, happier than she'd been in a long time.
"I can't believe it." She whispered.
"I love you." Lupin whispered back, kissing her hair.
"I love you too." She replied.
For a wonderful moment they stood there, happy in each other's arms; then Tonks sighed.
"We'd better get back." Tonks said a bit reluctantly.
"Dora," He said, and she turned back to him.
"I like the apron." He said, wrapping his arms back around her and tugging the strings, grinning mischievously.
She grinned, and kissed him.
He kissed her slowly and passionately, his arms tightening around her and hers round his neck. Tonks was in danger of losing track of time when Lupin pulled back and took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
"Sorry." He said, a bit breathlessly. "Your parents are waiting."
He looked as though he really would have rather stayed right where they were.
As much as she would have preferred that too, she smiled softly and took his hand, and they walked back inside together. Neither of her parents were to be found in the kitchen.
Lupin looked at the sauce,
"Looks like it's ready. I'll get Ted." Lupin said.
Not thinking, she had grabbed the sauce to take to the table right as her dad and Lupin re-entered. Her father smiled when he saw her, though his eyes were a bit damp. Lupin's warm eyes met hers.
Tonks tripped over the loose board in the floor and she fell, cringing as she waited for the sound of the saucepan hitting the floor.
It didn't come. Lupin had it floating in midair. Once again his speed surprised her; he held no wand and had not said a word.
He was good.
She rubbed her shoulder as she stood up, a sheepish smile on her face.
Her father was laughing, and she shrugged, seeing the humor in the incident as she joined his laughter. Lupin chuckled; it was good to hear him happy. Her heart softened at the sound.
"Nice save." She said, using his words from the other day when she'd somehow caught his pancake batter.
"I have my moments." He said, obviously remembering. They shared a smile at their inside joke.
Her mother came running into the kitchen. Having been in the cellar getting jam for the bread.
"Dora are you alright? I heard a crash." She asked, worried.
"I'm fine, mum." Tonks replied, laughing again.
"And so is dinner, thanks to Remus." Tonks said, nodding to Lupin who, having retrieved the sauce from mid-air, was setting the sauce on the table.
"Hello Remus." She said kindly. "Thank you for saving the sauce." She smiled.
"Anytime, Mrs. Tonks." Lupin said politely.
"Goodness, Remus, please call me Andromeda." Her mother said quickly.
"Thank you." He said with a grin.
"Please, sit down. Let's eat while it's still warm." Her mum said, gesturing to the table laden with food. Her mother always cooked too much, but she seemed to enjoy it.
They talked and laughed over their supper, sharing stories and avoiding heavy topics. Out of courtesy for Lupin, they did not speak of Dumbledore's death.
Lupin caught her eye many times over the meal, and she found herself smiling more than she had in over a year.
They had all finished and were sitting around the table talking when Lupin looked at her, raising his eyebrows; She nodded.
"Dora and I..we, well we have something we'd like to tell you." Lupin said, mostly addressing her mum. He looked nervous; she took his hand under the table, and he gave it a gentle squeeze before continuing.
"I've asked Dora to marry me, and she's said yes."
Her mother looked astonished.
"I've already talked it over with your husband," Lupin said, looking in her dad's direction. "And he's given us his blessing."
For a minute her mother sat still, unmoving and Tonks began to fear what she might say. Would she disapprove? Not that that would keep her from marrying Lupin, but she didn't want to have to make that choice.
Then her mother smiled, her eyes filled with tears, and got up to hug them.
As did her father.
"Congratulations." Mum said, seeming unable to say any more.
"Thanks mum." Tonks said, hugging her.
She was very surprised that her mum had taken it so well. Her expression was a bit off, but all in all, Tonks was very relieved with how it went.
Her mother hugged Lupin also.
Looking at them both and seeing the jubilant smile on her daughter's face, her mum smiled genuinely.
They went into the sitting room, her mum leaving the dishes for once.
"When were you two thinking about doing the wedding?" Her mum asked, looking excited. She did love to plan things.
Tonks looked at Lupin, who shrugged, smiling. He looked happier than she'd seen him since before Sirius died.
"Soon." Tonks said with a grin.
                                                        ~~~
That night found them walking, hands entwined, outside under the stars.
Tonks felt more content than she had since...well she didn't care to remember when.
They stopped walking when they met with the fence surrounding her parent's property.
Tonks gazed at the stars twinkling above them; so far away, and so peaceful despite the coming chaos.
Lupin was staring at her, a soft expression in his eyes; she looked up at him, about to ask a question, but when she looked into his eyes, she stopped. He put his arm around her, drawing her close to his side. She leaned her head on his shoulder, happiness and peace filling her. And suddenly, the war seemed less scary. As long as Lupin was here, she would be okay, would have her own ray of warmth on even the coldest days. Everything would be alright as long as they were together.
An owl hooting broke the silence.
Lupin looked at her, that joking look that she loved so much on his face. The expression she imagined he must have worn often as a young Marauder.
"I have learned a very important thing about you this week, Dora." He said, his eyes twinkling.
"What's that?" She asked, puzzled.
"Never trust you with sauce." He replied, chuckling.
She glared at him, turning her hair red, feigning anger for a moment. But she couldn't keep it up; she started laughing along with him.
"I always knew you were smart Remus." She joked back.
She turned her hair back to pink with a thought.
He tucked a lock of it behind her ear, and kissed her hair.
"Remus...thank you for making me happy." She said softly.
His eyes filled with that tender look, and he kissed her gently before pulling her back into his arms.
She gazed happily out into the beautiful night, wrapped in Lupin's arms, completely content.
                                                           ~~~
Tonks and Lupin decided on a June wedding.
As spring was ending and summer broke out all around them, Tonks couldn't help but think it was the most beautiful one she'd ever seen.
It was getting into mid-May now and Tonks and Lupin were happier than they'd ever been.
Outside their small place of happiness, though, things were looking very bleak.
Voldemort was only increasing in power and support.
The new - well, he'd been in the post nearly a year now, Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, was a hard-faced, stubborn man, who didn't take well to being told that he couldn't have what he wanted.
Tonks was dubious of her boss.
He was a strong leader, but what the whole of the Wizarding community did not realize was that this also came with a price.
A stubborn man, while able to be stubborn about what was right, was equally stubborn even when he was wrong. He still hadn't gotten over Harry refusing to tell the Wizarding world that the Ministry was "doing a good job". Tonks was downright proud of Harry though.
The Aurors were seeing a lot of work, though they rarely caught anyone, no thanks to a few of the Auror's who had gone over.
Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Arthur Weasley had been doing some investigating on the sly and it was becoming clear that Voldemort and his twisted followers were trying very hard to infiltrate the Ministry. The thing no one else seemed to notice was that it was working. Several had already been promoted, including Dolores Umbridge, who was to be the head of the newly created 'Muggle-born registration' office. Tonks was afraid this was nothing but an excuse to get rid of Muggle-borns, but was trying not to jump to hasty conclusions.
She was on her way to a meeting of the Order to discuss news and try to plan for more recruiting, all of this information running through her mind.
She hoped someone coming had some good news; goodness knows she didn't.
They had been meeting lately at the Burrow, because it was large enough to fit everyone during meetings. Though poor Molly had a time of it feeding everyone, though she did insist on doing so. Tonks was going early to help her.
She sent her Patronus through the invisible magic enchantments surrounding the place; as they had been using it for meetings, they had placed stronger protection than ever over it so no one could come uninvited. They had to be let in by one of the Weasley's.
Molly stepped out of the door, coming quickly towards her.
"Wotcher Molly." She greeted.
"Hello Tonks." She replied, looking rather disheveled.
She stopped just inside the enchantments, "Who was my first thought for Bill to marry when he was younger?" She asked, though she had seen her Patronus, one could never be too careful these days.
"Me. Sorry to have disappointed you." Tonks replied, grinning.
"Well that doesn't disappoint me." Said a familiar voice behind her.
She spun around, pointing her wand at Remus Lupin.
"What was one thing you said you could never trust me with?" Tonks asked, smiling a bit at the memory.
He smiled, "Italian sauce."
She sighed in relief and lowered her wand, turning back to Molly.
"What did you know about me all last year that no one else did?" Tonks asked.
"I knew that you were - well are - in love with Remus Lupin." She said, smiling.
Lupin looked surprised at hearing this, but he was smiling.
She let them through the enchantments and they entered the new Headquarters.
"Speaking of, there's something we'd like to tell you." Said Lupin once they'd reached the kitchen.
He looked at Tonks and she grinned and turned back to her friend.
"We're getting married!" Tonks announced.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Molly cried, embracing each of them.
There was a tearful smile on her face when she let them go.
"Arthur! Come in here a moment!" She called.
Arthur Weasley came running into the kitchen; he looked worried something was wrong. Upon seeing them, relaxed and smiled.
"Hello Tonks, Remus." He greeted.
"Tell him!" Molly exclaimed, dabbing her eyes.
"Tell me what?" Arthur asked, curious.
"Remus and I are getting married." Tonks said happily, looking up at Lupin's face, which mirrored her happiness.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations!" He exclaimed, hugging Tonks and clapping Lupin on the back, grinning hugely.
"Thank you, Arthur." Lupin said.
"I really am so happy for you both!" Molly exclaimed.
"I've got to get back to the cooking." Said Molly apologetically after a few more minutes of excited conversation.
"I'll help." Tonks volunteered, following her.
Arthur and Lupin also followed, standing out of the way and starting to discuss news.
"How is Bill doing?" Tonks asked.
"He seems to be feeling better. His wounds are healing, though slowly. But he came home yesterday.
Fleur is sitting with him now, although she'll join us for the meeting so she can fill him in." She said, looking relieved.
"I'm so glad he's alright. And that he's home." Tonks said, not even allowing herself to think of how awful Bill's attack could have ended up.
She pulled herself back to present.
Tonks helped Molly with supper for the Order and her family. Tonks taking care not to drop anything.
Things were nearly finished when Kingsley and McGonagall arrived outside. Lupin and Arthur went to let them in.
As soon as they had left the kitchen Molly started happily talking about Lupin and Tonks.
"When are you two having the wedding?" She asked.
"Mid-June, I think." Tonks replied, smiling at the thought.
Molly smiled at seeing the blissful look on Tonks's face.
"I'm so happy for you dear. And so glad Remus finally saw sense." She said.
"Thank you Molly." Tonks said earnestly.
The conversation was cut off with the entrance of Minerva McGonagall and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
After their arrival the other members came along quickly.
Mundungus Fletcher, Dedulus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Hestia Jones, Mad-Eye, and Hagrid all arrived within half an hour.
Fleur came downstairs as the Mad-Eye and Hagrid arrived.
The meeting started at the Weasley's long table. They all shared the news they'd collected. Most of the news was bad news.
Voldemort had gained power in several crucial areas, along with success at recruiting the giants.
News on their side was sparse. Tonks, Kingsley, and Arthur shared what information they had gathered from inside the Ministry, all of which was bleak and alarming.
Once everyone had shared intelligence and updates, they all started discussing their suspicions about what they thought Voldemort might try to do next.
As they were discussing this, Tonks could not help but think of Harry.
He had information directly from Dumbledore about Voldemort, and Tonks had the sneaking suspicion that he knew what Voldemort was up to.
He was too young to join the Order, but on the information side of things he'd be bloody perfect.
A long silence had fallen while Tonks was thinking those thoughts; no one seemed to have any ideas or good leads.
Mundungus, Dedulus Diggle, Hestia Jones, and Elphias Doge all left shortly after. Fleur, McGonagall, Mad-Eye, Hagrid, and Kingsley all remained, along with Tonks and Lupin.
Molly broke the silence, "I'll get supper then." She said, her voice sounding tired.
Tonks and Fleur stood and followed her, helping bring out all the food.
Tonks was trying her hand at levitating a bowl of mashed potatoes into the dining area. She was carrying two other dishes of food in her hands.
It wobbled alarmingly as it floated through the door of the kitchen.
Tonks had just walked through the doorway into the dining room when it began to fall.
She made to grab for it, but remembered the dishes in her hands and watched helplessly as it flew towards the floor.
It stopped half an inch above the wooden floor.
She gasped and looked up to see Lupin staring at it; he had caught it just in time, and was keeping it there.
He stood and walked over, keeping his eyes on it so it wouldn't fall.
He bent and picked it up when he reached her.
He straightened and met her eyes, laughing.
She grinned sheepishly and they carried the food to the table.
Fleur had noticed the exchange and was smiling knowingly.
Molly also had noticed and was wearing a similar expression.
When Tonks sat back down next to Fleur she spoke, "I theenk that you two weel be very good for each ozzer." She said.
Tonks smiled, "I think you're right."
She said, looking over at Lupin on her other side. His face had an off expression, but before she could ask him what was wrong, Kingsley spoke: "Molly and Fleur apparently have something they're happy about. Please share it - we could all use a piece of good news." He sounded tired also.
Lupin looked at Tonks and smiled a bit; she took his hand under the table, and turned back to their friends.
"Well there is some good news - I'm not sure if it's the kind you'll be wanting to hear-"
"Nonsense Tonks, we've all been waiting for this to happen. I believe Fred and George even have a private bet standing." Arthur said, chuckling.
"Remus and I are getting married." She said, happy once again at just saying the words.
Cheers, congratulations and drinks ensued.
The kitchen was full of merry laughter and discussion for the rest of the meal. Tonks couldn't stop smiling; her heart was warmed by all her friends' warm reception to the news.
Fleur had gone upstairs after dinner and brought Bill down with her, and he was standing next to Tonks and Lupin, leaning on Fleur and, though he looked a bit rough still, talked animatedly after giving Tonks and Lupin hearty congratulations.
They were all standing about discussing the weddings that would happen over the summer: Tonks and Lupin's and Bill and Fleur's.
"I for one, would like to say thank you to the two happy couples, for giving us something to be glad about." Kingsley's deep voice said heartily.
"Hear, hear!" Everyone echoed.
After a few more minutes of happy chatter, people began departing.
"I really am sorry to be going, but I must; the Minister wants me around as much as possible for the sake of the Muggle Prime Minister." He said apologetically.
He came over and patted Lupin on the back and hugged Tonks,
"Congratulations, you two." He said, looking much less tired than he had when he'd arrived.
He congratulated Bill and Fleur, and then made his way out the door.
A little while later, McGonagall and Hagrid also departed.
"Are you sure you won't stay?" Molly asked.
"Got ter, though I'd rather no'." Hagrid said, clearly enjoying the happy atmosphere.
"I'm afraid I must get back to Hogwarts - I believe Filius and Pomona are indeed capable, but..." She trailed off, though they knew what she meant; she was working on fortifying Hogwarts during the summer vacation, so that it would be as safe as possible for the student's return come September.
She walked towards Tonks, Lupin, and Fleur.
"Congratulations Mr. Weasley, Miss Delcour. It's so wonderful to have some happy news at such a time." She said.
She said kindly to Bill and Fleur.
"Thank you Minerva. Does this mean you forgive me for all the trouble I put you through when I was at Hogwarts?" Bill asked, eyes twinkling.
Tonks laughed out loud, remembering that she'd been involved in some of those adventures.
"Yes, I think I've finally been able to do that." She said dryly, and Tonks was amazed to see she was joking.
She grinned at the older woman as she congratulated Fleur also.
"Zhank you." Replied Fleur.
McGonagall turned to Tonks and Lupin next, as Fleur began speaking quickly in her heavy accent to her fiancé.
"I am so happy for you." McGonagall said, hugging Tonks. Tonks was really surprised, but after she got over the shock of it, she was very touched.
She even hugged Lupin; Tonks was grinning happily at seeing this new side of McGonagall.
"I wish Albus could have seen this - he would be so happy for you both. And especially you, Remus; a good man like you deserves how happy you'll finally be with our wonderful Nymphadora." She said kindly.
Tonks wondered what McGonagall must have seen poor Lupin go through when he was young.
She wished she could have been there for him then. Also she wished she could thank Lily Potter for helping him when she couldn't.
She congratulated them again, and departed, looking really happy, for McGonagall.
Hagrid walked up before leaving also, "I'm so happy fer the two of yeh. It seems like not tha' long ago when the two of yeh were just gettin' ter Hogwarts..." He trailed off, giving them both a bone-crushing hug, and wiping his eyes as he squeezed out the door.
Mad-Eye, Tonks, and Lupin remained. Fleur was staying with the Weasley's so that she could see Bill while he was recovering.
Mad-Eye donned his traveling cloak a little while later, he also walked up to them before leaving.
First he addressed Tonks,
"Well Dora, congratulations. I see you finally got him to stop being an idiot." He said, as much of a grin on his face as Tonks had ever seen. "I'm happy for you. Both of you." He rested a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentler than usual at seeing Tonks's glowing face.
Then he turned to Lupin,
"Now, you know I've always liked you Remus, know you to be a good man. But listen carefully.
Two years ago, I told you that if you were a git to her, you'd have me to answer to. That hasn't changed.
Don't break her heart or I'll make sure you regret it." He growled. "Congratulations." He finished.
Now Tonks was laughing; only Mad-Eye. She hugged him, not caring that he wasn't exactly a hugging sort of person.
He patted her on the back awkwardly before she let him go.
"Thank you Mad-Eye."
Lupin was grinning too, "Thank you...if I ever broke her heart again I reckon I would deserve whatever you did to me Mad-Eye." He said good-naturedly.
Mad-Eye patted him on the shoulder.
"Always knew you were a good man." He repeated gruffly.
He congratulated them again and walked out with Arthur.
They visited with the Weasleys for a while before Tonks said she'd better get back before her parents started worrying about her. She'd told them she might stay the night somewhere if the meeting went too late, because she didn't want to wake them or frighten them.
They thanked Molly and Arthur for the meal and Fluer and Bill and all of them for their well wishes, and bade them goodbye, with promises that they would visit them soon.
Lupin's expression was still strained and Tonks had a feeling of dread building in her.
Once outside the magical barriers surrounding the Burrow, Lupin stopped.
"We need to talk." Lupin said his voice worn, tight.
"Not here." Tonks said, glancing back at the Burrow. She had a bad feeling about this, but she wasn't giving in without a fight.
Lupin looked at her with sad eyes for a moment before holding out his arm. She took his arm firmly and they Disapparated to Lupin's cosy house.
Tonks was already tense; she thought she knew the nature of this "talk" and she didn't like it one bit.
She followed him inside wordlessly. He stopped once inside and turned away from her; stubbornly, she went around him and stood directly in front of him, daring him not to look at her.
He sighed and silently admitted defeat, looking up into her eyes.
The amount grief she saw there was surprising.
"What is it?" She asked, reaching out a hand to touch his face.
He tried to pull back, but she continued to reach forward till she caressed his face gently.
He stared into her eyes for a moment.
His face crumpled, and he looked down, away from her eyes again.
"Remus," She said quietly, tilting up his face so she could see into his eyes.
"Oh Dora...we can't...I don't know why I...shouldn't have..." He mumbled, searching for the words he needed.
"We can't get married Dora. Don't you see?" He said, hushed agony in his voice.
Tonks groaned, her temper flaring up and she walked away from him, pacing.
"No, I don't see! I don't understand! Can't YOU see Remus?"
"See what?" He asked, sounding nearly exasperated, though utterly miserable, and still not looking at her.
"That I'm the lucky one in this - you are the best man I've ever known! I don't know why you can't see what everyone else does!" She said desperately. "Why can't you see what I know to be true?" She asked this question softer.
"I love you, and I don't want to be without you, I'm not happy without you Remus, and I never will be. I thought you'd realized that! Does this-" She shot her werewolf Patronus around the room "-mean nothing to you?" She yelled. She winced, hadn't meant to yell, but she couldn't help it.
He watched the Patronus until it faded, then turned, staring into her eyes sadly.
"I'm no good for you." He said quietly.
"WILL YOU NEVER SEE?" Tonks yelled, throwing her hands up in the air.
He turned again, walking across the room, standing by the fireplace, a hand resting on the wooden carved dove on the mantle.
Tonks briefly considered leaving, but she knew that if she couldn't convince him tonight, they would never be having a wedding.
"See what?" He asked tiredly.
She walked to where he was standing, and waited to speak until he looked up. She was waiting for a few minutes.
When he finally met her eyes, she answered his question.
"That I love you. That I would do anything for you. I'm not asking anything of you, Remus, but just to let me love you."
He blinked rapidly a couple times.
Cupping her face in one of hands, "Dora please, at least hear me out-"
"NO!" She said forcefully, "I've heard all of this before, Remus and guess what?" She asked loudly.
"I STILL DON'T CARE!"
Her hair was flame-red as she shouted at him; she hoped it would help get the message across.
His lips tugged up a bit at the corners at the sight of her red hair.
But his eyes grew sad again when he met her fiery gaze.
His eyes and the guilty, sad expression on his face disarmed her, and her temper left her as quickly as it had come, replaced by the familiar sadness.
She closed her eyes, "Please, just let me, Remus." She begged in a low voice.
"Oh Dora, please don't..." He asked, guilt prevalent in his tone.
"Remus, if you don't love me, just say it right now."
He looked up at her then, shocked.
"How could you even think that?" He asked, angry. "Do you think I lied to you, is that it?
Dora, I love you more than anything I've ever loved in my life; don't EVER question that. I fight you on this so hard because I love you! I just want you to be happy, have a good life."
"I AM! How many times do I have to tell you? I am happy Remus! I'm happy with you! There's not one single person on this earth that could make me happy like you do, or make my life better, because life's best with you! You may as well get used to me being around because I'm not going ANYWHERE!" She yelled.
"I just want you to be sure; are you?" He asked.
"How many times are you gonna ask me that question? The answer's still the same." She said, exasperated.
"You're honestly ok with my issues- you've never seen me during the moon cycle-"
"Remus, listen carefully and try to understand…
I. Do. Not. Care." She said, slowly and firmly. "Just please let me love you; let me help you when you're suffering. You can't get rid of me so I hope you get used to that idea after a while." She said almost desperately.
He studied her face as she spoke, and the look on his face changed, growing softer, and by the time she finished, he was staring down at her with the tenderest expression in his eyes, and it took her breath away.
"Thank you."He whispered.
"For what?" Tonks asked, puzzled at this turn of the conversation.
"For loving me." He said softly.
"You make me insane, you crazy, beautiful man." Tonks said, exasperated that it had taken him so long to realize what she'd been telling him for over a year.
She kissed him, and his lips were exultant on hers. He tangled a hand into her still red hair, and the other wrapped tightly around her waist, both of them pulling her closer. She moaned, kissing him passionately, wrapping her arms securely around his neck. The kiss deepened and she smiled against his mouth; a deep noise came from the back of his throat. She kissed him harder, reveling in the victory she'd finally won.
After a beautiful, immeasurable time, they broke apart, staring happily into each other's eyes as they caught their breath.
She flicked her hair a bit and it went back to pink. Lupin smiled softly, running his hand through it gently.
She closed her eyes, and sighed happily. She wished she could stay there; that they could fall asleep talking and sitting together, but Tonks couldn't, she knew. Her parents would worry sick. She couldn't even think up a good excuse.
She tried to think of one, but at that moment, warm in his arms, she didn't really care how many - or how few - she thought of; she wasn't going anywhere.
                                                        ~~~
Tonks woke to find herself on the couch with Lupin. She vaguely remembered nearly falling asleep standing in his arms, and him carrying her over to the couch.
She was lying across the couch with her head on a pillow in Lupin's lap, a blanket draped over her. He was asleep, his head leaned sideways resting against the side of the couch, one of his hands resting on her hair.
He looked so peaceful.
She smiled a little.
She was contemplating returning to sleep when a crash in the other room sounded; making her jump and sending chills down her spine.
Had someone gotten in? How?
She stood up quietly as possible, taking out her wand; the noise had awoken Lupin as well, and he mirrored her movements.
They looked at each other for a moment, sharing a sort of unspoken communication. The kitchen opened around one side, so each of them would take a side.
They crept along quietly, keeping a sharp eye out for any other uninvited guests.
Tonks felt anticipation and adrenaline running in her veins as she rounded the corner.
The sight that greeted her eyes, however, had her frowning in confusion.
An owl had attempted to fly through the window and had obviously not succeeded. It was sitting on the ledge looking rather disgruntled, for an owl.
Tonks laughed and looked over at Lupin, who looked very relieved.
A closer look at the owl made her sigh. It was her parent's owl.
She went to open the window and Lupin stopped her.
"Wait! Do you recognize it? It could be an Animagus." He said quickly.
She studied the owl for a moment,
"It's my parent's owl, I'm sure of it." She said.
"Alright." He said, sounding relieved.
The note was hastily written in her father's hand:
Dear Dora,
Your mother has been worried sick since she woke up and found you hadn't come home. Please send a message back by owl letting us know if you're alright. Don't be specific about your location in case the owl's intercepted.
With love,
Dad. (Who's helping Arthur with equipping Sirius's motorbike behind Molly's back)
She hated she'd made her parents worry, but she wasn't sorry that she was still here with Lupin.
She was glad he'd put authentication that it was him-one could never be too sure these days.
"Is everything alright?" Lupin asked.
"Yes, they just want to know if I'm safe." She replied.
She wrote back a quick reply:
Dear dad,
I am safe and among friends, I'm so sorry I worried you. I will be home soon. Please tell mum not to worry.
You don't need to worry either.
I'm in good hands.
I love you both very much,
Your daughter,
Tonks. (who hates being called Nymphadora and is engaged to the werewolf Remus John Lupin)
She tied the letter to the owl's leg and he flew away.
She closed the window and turned to find Lupin watching her across the kitchen, an odd expression on his face.
"What is it?" She asked, feeling suddenly self-concious.
"Did you know that you talk in your sleep?" He asked, his eyes half-amused, half-tender.
She groaned and dropped her forehead into her hand.
He laughed, and walked across the kitchen; a hand tilted her chin up so that she was looking into his eyes.
"Should I even ask what I said?" Tonks asked, not sure she wanted to know.
He grinned, "Yes, you should."
"Fine. What did I say?" She asked, playing along.
"Well, first you asked why I didn't trust you with sauce; I suppose you were having an Italian food nightmare." He said, his eyes dancing with laughter.
She laughed out loud.
"Is that all?" She asked, prematurely relieved that she hadn't said anything totally embarrassing.
"Not quite." He said, clearly enjoying himself.
She groaned again and he chuckled.
"You said my name, asked me not to leave, said you were sorry and that you loved me."
His eyes grew soft as he said this, and he reached a hand up to touch her face.
Her cheeks tinted pink, coordinating with her hair and she looked away from his eyes.
She remembered the dream - which had pretty much been an echo of last night's events.
He waited till she finally looked up at him, and then spoke,
"I didn't really understand the sorry part." He said, "But the other parts I did well enough...I am sorry that I did this to you." He said quietly, regretfully.
She entwined his hands in hers.
"It's alright Remus, we're together now and that's all that matters."
She said, closing her eyes and leaning her forehead against his.
"I love you." He whispered, looking into her eyes.
"I love you too." She said softly.
The kitchen slowly filled with early spring sunshine as they stood quietly together.




                                       ~~~