Asinus Protego (3/?)
Title: Asinus Protego (3/?)
Author: godricgal
Rating and Warnings: R for sexual content
Prompts: Chance, "I've been able to see them ever since my first year here. They've always pulled the carriages. Don't worry. You're just as sane as I am."
Word Count: 5521 words
Summary: Just days after Dumbledore's funeral, when Remus and Tonks are working to rebuild their relationship in the wake of their reconciliation, an anonymous tip off, brushed off by the Ministry, piques Tonks' curiosity. Can she and Remus get to the bottom of the mystery before it's too late?
Author's Notes: Nothing much to say here except I hope you enjoy this latest chapter and, of course, so very many thanks to mrstater for all her help with this and everything else.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 |
Asinus Protego, Chapter 3
Tonks sat alone at the kitchen table, admiring her engagement ring, tilting it from side to side and watching the kaleidoscope twinkles shimmer across the surface of the diamond. She couldn't take her eyes off it. The toast and mug of tea that Remus had placed in front of her before he'd left once again for Hogwarts to fetch the note that pertained to the Forest of Dean, sat untouched, the tea steaming less vigorously than it had been when Remus had placed a soft kiss on her lips, before backing away, an expression of unguarded reluctance marking his face.
Her cheeks ached from the grin which, despite the troubling investigation she would have to step up today, had refused to budge since she'd woken.
Engaged. Mrs. Remus Lupin, she would become.
She still felt inextricably entwined within the little world that only consisted of her and Remus. His proposal had been as romantic as any she could imagine; their celebration afterwards, as intensely emotional as it had been rather mind-blowing physically.
And then this morning, she'd woken to the warmth of Remus' body curled close behind her, his soft kisses on her neck, his hands splayed on her stomach and breasts, and his ring of promise around her finger. They'd barely shifted positions as Remus' hands softly explored her body, stirring delicious tension within her, and they made love with his arms wrapped firmly around her, his chest pressed against her back and their legs entwined, bodies moving slowly together; it had been relaxed and sleepy, and everything that morning sex should be.
It had reminded her waking of up the morning after they'd first made love, at the pink hotel in a room with a view across the Menai Straits. She'd opened her eyes to a vista of sparkling blue ocean and also to Remus' eyes, no less bright than the water beyond as it shimmered in the early morning light. Just as she did now, she'd felt enraptured then, consumed by joy and wonder at the magic -- of the variety which could not be learnt -- they'd discovered together, and continued to discover, day by passing day.
They'd only been able to drag each other out of bed this morning with the promise of a shared shower. Kissing and giggling, they'd somehow made it into the bathroom, where Remus had spun the tap on and stepped into the shower basin, pulling her with him. For what seemed like forever but in reality was not nearly enough time, they'd stood holding each other under the soft rain of warm water, its rhythm the only sound she could hear but for the beating of Remus' heart, so peaceful, so still, as she rested her head against his chest. Then Remus had stepped back, taken a soapy sponge, and run it carefully, deliberately over her body, across each curve of her breasts, his eyes intent on every movement he made -- a promise, a reminder of what he could do to her and how he could make her feel.
So it had been with palpable regret -- on both sides -- that Remus had left her to eat breakfast alone, though he had been typically insistent on making it for her, a thought which prompted her to pick up the slice of toast in front of her, because she liked the thought of wasting his effort about as much as he liked her spending money on gifts for him.
Money was one problem they still needed to work though -- she had never laboured under any illusions that it wasn't a serious issue -- and not in the sense that they would come up short financially. Their problem was the much trickier case of finding an arrangement that allowed Remus to keep his head held high.
Two years ago when, on the shores of the Serpentine in Hyde Park, after just six short weeks together, Remus had let slip that he loved her, practicality had been a background concern. She had a man in her life, a wonderful, kind and sexy man; it was exciting and new, and while love may be blind, it never blinded. It had simply been a concern she could store away until the time came, because when the time did come it wouldn't matter; she was certain that they would find a solution.
Now, munching on the last of her toast, Tonks was pondering over whether Remus would mind her buying a new dress for the wedding, as well a new pair of trousers and shirt for him, when she heard Luna making her way down the stairs, bouncing, apparently, judging by the excessive squeaking of the floorboards to her hum of a song Tonks felt rather lucky not to have heard before now.
"Morning, Luna," Tonks said as the girl waltzed into the kitchen.
Luna looked up, as though surprised to see someone else there, but her face almost immediately relaxed into a friendly smile. "Hello, Miss Tonks."
"Just call me Tonks, Luna, I'm not one for formality over breakfast. Can I get you something to eat?"
"Some toast would be nice, if you have any bread that's not made by gnomes." Luna plopped into the seat she had taken last night at dinner.
Bread made by gnomes? With a slight laugh, Tonks wondered if Luna headed up the gnome section of SPEW, though, she thought that was a bit of a stretch for Hermione. "You're against gnome-labour?" she asked, even thought she was fairly sure there was no such thing; she was engaged, she could humour the girl.
"Oh, no, I'm allergic to them," Luna replied matter-of-factly.
Tonks shook her head, and busied herself with the breakfast things, relieved that toast was the one meal she only buggered up four times out of ten. Luck was on her side this morning and a few minutes later the toast was browning nicely under a glow of heat from her wand.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked Luna.
"I did, thank you, except I thought a Doxie might have been buzzing around."
Finally, a creature that Tonks had heard of. "We do have trouble with them here, every now and again. I'll get Remus to have a look later. We're going to take you to stay somewhere else tonight, though, a place you definitely won't have to worry about Doxies." Tonks reached across the table to place a plate of toast in front of Luna, whose face had adopted an expression of wariness.
"Where?" she asked. "I've heard about those places you Ministry people have--"
Tonks had not, and cut her off. "You know the Weasleys, I believe."
"Oh, yes," Luna said, not looking entirely as relieved as Tonks had expected. "I think they're my friends. You know, at least Harry said he was and Ginny and Ronald are friends with him so…" She trailed off, frowning.
"Well, I'm going to take you to their house, The Burrow, as soon as you've eaten and packed up. You'll find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley much better hosts than Remus and me. Proper food, for one thing," she said with a note of self-reproach about last night's forgetfulness, "and much cosier."
"I like Mrs. Weasely," Luna said, "she's always been very kind to me."
"They're a wonderful family, I have a lot of time for them."
Tonks took a deep breath and resumed her seat at the table, opposite Luna. Before he'd left, she and Remus had decided that Luna ought to be told of their suspicions about her father as soon as possible. Remus had tasked Tonks with the job, and met her protest that she couldn't handle Luna like he could with a single phrase of faith, that brooked no argument.
"Luna, while you're finishing your breakfast, there's something else I need to tell you."
Luna said nothing, but looked up at Tonks with interest as she chewed her toast methodically.
Drawing another breath, Tonks said, "Some of the things you said about your father have given Professor Lupin and me cause for concern. Just the day before yesterday, we got wind of a possible case that seems like it might be related to whatever happened to your father."
"Miss Tonks, I'm sure he's just gone hunting. Really, so much fuss."
"Luna, this is serious, listen to me, and you don't have to call me Miss. I think your father may have been placed under the Imperius Curse." Tonks moved her hands under the table and clenched them together in her lap to stop her fingers squirming in frustration.
"No, he can't have been," Luna said definitively, although Tonks could see the concern and doubt in her conviction rising behind her eyes. "He's just a little under the weather."
For the first time, Tonks began to wonder if Luna's strange stories were a self-preservation method to hide behind until life really did get dirty -- but then in the face of a truly dangerous situation, as she'd proved at the Ministry battle, her true strength rose to the surface, enabling her to meet and match the peers she fought along side.
"I'm sorry, Luna, really, but I'd never suggest such a thing as Imperius if I weren't sure. From what you told us, all the signs point toward your father is being controlled by the curse."
"Very good, Nymphadora. I'm mildly impressed."
The kitchen door slammed shut, and Tonks froze at the familiar, sneering voice behind her, which she'd hoped to hear again only so she could silence it forever. Then, she leapt from her chair, toppling it in the process, and spun, brandishing her wand, to face Severus Snape.
"Luna get behind me," she hissed, heart thudding with determination not to let on to Snape, beyond the upturned chair, that his appearance had rattled her -- especially in Luna's presence. That didn't stop her from flinging at him, "You bastard! What nerve have you to turn up here?"
"Lower your wand, you silly girl," Snape replied, sounding bored. "I take no pleasure in seeing you, but neither have I come with the intent to harm you."
Though Tonks noticed that Snape had made no move for his wand, she did not lower hers. "Why have you come, then?"
"I must speak with someone from the Order, and since you are here, and it seems you already know a little of what I have come to impart..." His hard black eyes flicked over her shoulder, to Luna, who'd moved to right the chair Tonks had knocked over. " You will, I suppose, do."
Tonks felt wrong-footed, at a loss for how she ought to respond. "What makes you think that anyone is interested in what you have to say?" she said, trying to buy herself time, stepping to put her body more in front of Luna's.
"Because it is in the best interest of your cause."
Our cause, Tonks thought, not his.
"You must realise I cannot trust you."
"Of course I do, do you take me for a fool?" he said, reaching into his robes. Seeing Tonks' grip tighten on her wand, he raised one hand in surrender and said coldly, "I am going to lay my wand on the table, and then I would like you to listen to what I have to say."
He did so, and Tonks immediately Summoned it.
Still she did not lower hers, but instead gave it a quick wave and muttered a spell. Her enormous, beautiful Patronus erupted from the tip, carrying a short missive: Grimmauld, now. The silver wolf bounded enthusiastically towards the kitchen door, and out the corner of her eye, Tonks noticed Luna watching it with interest as it shimmered through the wood.
Tonks thought back, almost with satisfaction to the night, outside the Hogwarts Castle when Snape had called her new Patronus weak; she hadn't taken it well that night -- still too raw, too hurt, too confused and alone from Remus' departure. Now, though, head held high, there was nothing he could say -- nothing -- that would dent her pride or take as a slight on Remus, for it didn't matter what Snape thought. She and Remus were united, and that, at the end of the day, was all that mattered to her. She could rise above Snape, despite the contempt she could see gleaming in his eyes.
"I will not, however, give you any information in the presence of a non-Order member, especially one so pea-brained as this idiot. Who knows what ludicrous tales she would spin."
Indignation bubbled on Luna's behalf; the girl might be a little on the odd side, but she had, so far, proved herself loyal, and certainly had earned no such insult. But this was Snape -- Snape who took pleasure in verbally knocking people to their knees. She opened her mouth to speak, but Luna beat her to it-
"Oh, you can trust me, Miss Tonks," Luna piped up, leaning forward from her position behind Tonks. "I won't say anything. Hello, Professor Snape."
"Be quiet, Luna," she said calmly, even as she wondered at Luna's seemingly thick skin. "Snape, please, take a seat." Her tone was one of false politeness.
"I have no time for games," he said, not moving to obey. "Whatever you may think of me, I come on a most urgent matter and I must return to The Dark Lord soon."
"You murdered our leader, our friend," Tonks countered. "I should be calling in the rest of the Aurors, sending you to Azkaban where you belong." Keeping her voice from cracking, from revealing her two minds to him, was a desperate battle. She could not give in, allowing him the upper hand. This time, she commanded him, " Sit."
To her intense surprise, Snape obeyed this time, and she wasted no time in conjuring magical bonds to secure him to the chair. "You owe an explanation for your presence, Snape, not just your sheer gall for turning up here, but why we should trust a word that comes from your lips."
Snape opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get so much as a syllable out, she silenced him, not wanting to hear another thing before she could compose her thoughts, seek guidance from Remus about the best course of action because first and foremost, a murderer sat before her, a traitor, a Death Eater.
At that moment, Kingsley Shacklebolt burst through the kitchen door, his wand raised. "Tonks, what on earth…?"
Tonks watched his eyes fall to Snape, bound in the chair.
"You bastard," he spat.
"That's what I said--" Tonks began, but before she knew what was happening, Kingsley was striding toward Snape with a raised fist. Her cry of "Kingsley, no!" coupled with the sharp strike of Kingsley's fist connecting with Snape's jaw.
Tonks pulled him back by one arm, but he struggled with her, and looked back over his shoulder. "Tonks, what? This traitor mur-"
"I know, please, I need to talk to you, come here." She pulled him away, stepping backwards to the opposite wall without taking her eye off either Snape or Luna, who was standing, looking quite shocked, a few feet away.
Kingsley himself looked shocked, though Tonks could understand why he'd lashed out like that, she would have expected a similar reaction from Remus, had he been here -- which was why she was so relieved that he wasn't. Kingsley didn't have the same history and hadn't been subject to the same contempt from Snape as Remus. It hadn't half been satisfying to see Snape's head roll back from the force of Kingsley's punch, though, and the slight trickle of blood that was now making it's way down Snape's neck and into the opening of his robes.
In an urgent whisper she said, "I hate the bastard as much as the next person, but he says he has information and I've got this feeling we should listen to him. He knows something about Luna's father and that might mean he knows something about the Onocentaurs. Remus has uncovered precious little information from other sources; we have no choice. Please, can you guard him while I take Luna to the Burrow? I'm meeting Remus, there, and I can tell him what's happened and let him decide how he wants to proceed. It's Snape, Kingsley, you know it's his call, Order leader or not."
They held a quick, whispered conversation; Tonks told Kingsley the few details she had. Then she stepped back, watching Snape who was eyeing them with amused, if distainful interest. "Luna, quickly, let's run up and pack your things, we're leaving now."
Cutting a deep circle around Snape, Luna crossed the room to Tonks, who ushered her towards the kitchen door, casting a look of what she hoped was gratitude at Kingsley and a hard glare at Snape before she closed the door behind them.
As they made their way through the house, Luna, for once, seemed at a loss for words. Tonks was on guard, checking open doors as she went, keeping her wand stiffly by her side, increasingly unnerved by Snape's sudden appearance, and trying to swallow anger and indignation that he should present himself in the manner he had. It was hardly the way any of them had expected to cross paths with him again.
Tonks helped Luna pack the meagre supplies she'd brought the night before, then they made their way back down to the hallway. Before she opened the door, she turned to Luna and took both of her shoulders, fixing her with an serious, but earnest look. "Luna, I need you to promise me something."
"What's that?" Luna asked.
"I need you to promise me that you won't mention what has happened this morning to anyone, until Remus -- Professor Lupin -- or I tell you it's okay. It's important for people's safety that they do not know Snape has emerged, do you understand? There is a lot of emotion flying about and it wouldn't do to let that rule actions in snap decisions."
"Like that man did down there, you mean?" Luna asked.
"Kingsley, and yes, like that, or worse, when Snape isn't restrained. We know what he's capable of. Do I have your word?"
"Yes," Luna said, "I promise."
"Thank you." Tonks said, giving Luna's shoulder a squeeze. "Now come on."
A few minutes later, Tonks was rapping sharply on the back door of the Burrow.
"Who's there?" Molly's voice shook through the door.
"It's me, Molly, Tonks. I have Luna."
"Tell me, dear, what colour was the scarf I knitted you last Christmas?"
Tonks felt a rush of affection for Molly, remembering the pile of gifts she'd woken up to in that lonely hotel room last Christmas, not only the scarf, but a pair of matching gloves, the traditional jumper, a stack of mince pies, which she'd later shared with Remus, and a selection of homemade cherries and strawberries, dipped in chocolate.
"It was purple, with green stripes."
The door cracked open and Molly's round face, slightly pink-cheeked, appeared in the doorway, a warm smile greeting them. Her eyes lingered on Luna, and Tonks knew she was thinking about that poor child, alone without a mother and her father missing. Molly know the basic details of Luna circumstance; what she didn't know was that Luna was taking it all remarkably in her stride.
"Hello Molly," Tonks said. "You remember Luna, of course."
"Of course. Hello Luna, come on and make yourself at home," Molly said in a mothering tone.
Tonks urged Luna inside with a guiding hand on her back and followed her in the door, which Molly shut firmly behind them and turned to give Tonks a quick embrace. "Can I get you anything -- tea, pumpkin juice? A little something for breakfast."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, but Miss Tonks made me breakfast not long ago. Is Ronald around, or Ginny?" she asked. Molly arched her eyebrows at Tonks in amusement, no doubt at the notion of Tonks making breakfast for anyone, or playing hostess.
"They're not up yet, I'm afraid, dear. Go and make yourself comfortable in the living room, while I have a word with Tonks, and then I'll see about getting them up. There are some books that might interest you, or turn on the wireless if you'd like." Molly pointed towards the cosy room through the kitchen and Luna, with a cheery "thank you." Trotted off in that direction.
Tonks walked to the kitchen table and collapsed in a chair, heavy under the weight of this morning's shock.
"Something happen, dear? Besides this nasty business with Mr. Lovegood." Molly studied her carefully.
"You could say that," Tonks replied ruefully. "I need to speak to Remus, he's not here yet, I take it." Tonks noted a frown of concern ghost across Molly's features, so she added cheerfully, "But don't worry, Remus will sort it."
"Oh, course he will, dear, he always does. He's not here yet, but I'm sure he will be soon. Are you sure I can't get you a cup of tea?"
"Actually, tea would be lovely, thank you, Molly."
As usual, the chance to entertain, to provide, sent Molly springing into action, her wand directing the kettle onto the stove, where it began to whistle almost immediately. Clearly Molly had been prepared for their arrival. "A biscuit, perhaps? Or I have some tea cakes."
"Just tea, please. Remus made me breakfast before he left for Hogwarts."
"So how are things going with Remus? Well, I hope." Molly said as she levitated a mug of steaming tea in front of Tonks, who wrapped her hands around it immediately, enjoying the heat spreading through her fingers, despite the warmth of the Burrow's kitchen.
"It's going well, very well, in fact," Tonks replied softly, her eyes flickering self-consciously to the ring on her finger.
A gaze Molly apparently followed. "Nymphadora Tonks," she said, her voice rising in excitement. "Is that what I think it is?"
Tonks' mood immediately lifted, along with her eyes to Molly's, as her thoughts drifted fully back to her new status as Remus' fiancé; it was a timely reminder that whatever should happen, she would always have that to hold onto. She could feel her eyes shining wide and bright and a grin that wouldn't be alien on a giant spread across her face. She didn't need to answer, as Molly rushed to her and Tonks just stood in time to avoid tipping the tea all over the table as Molly pulled her into a crushing embrace.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you," Molly said, when she pulled back, holding Tonks at arms length. "And I can see you're happy. You dear girl, you deserve it, and so does Remus."
And then, Molly's eyes lit up in mounting excitement. "Oh, now, what'll we do about a wedding? We'll have to plan something lovely."
Tonks had been afraid of this, but didn't want to hurt Molly's feelings. "Actually--"
She was interrupted by a knock at the door, a knock that she knew to be Remus'. Molly gave her a look that seemed to say not to worry, we'll pick this up later. Which didn't have the reassuring effect Tonks though Molly had intended; several times this morning it had crossed her mind that it would be difficult to persuade Molly that a small, private wedding really was what both of them wanted.
Then Molly, having completed the security procedures she could never neglect, no matter how sure she was of the visitor's identity, was pulling Remus inside, and folding her arms around him, exclaiming, "Oh Remus! Tonks has just told me, well, I noticed the ring, congratulations!"
"Thank you, Molly."
Over Molly's shoulder Remus found Tonks' eyes and held them. His face still bore a distinct mark of understated joy. His blue eyes shone, his face was relaxed so the lines seemed less defined, his smile was small yet expressive and Tonks knew it had nothing to do with Molly's exuberant felicitations, and everything to do with her.
With a pang, Tonks realised that she was about to share with him half a burden she'd rather carry herself, and add weight to the lightness of his expression; but that was what they'd promised to do: work together, even if it hurt, because it would be easier in the end. Even so, she felt her own face cloud over slightly, and saw Remus frown in response.
When Molly released him, once again bustling about with the tea things, not even bothering to ask because he never refused tea, Remus ambled over to Tonks, stopping only when he stood very close to her. He put a hand at the back of her head, pulling her closer to place a gentle kiss on her temple.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
With a significant glance in Molly's direction, Tonks relied, "I'll tell you in a minute."
"But you're okay?" Remus said, massaging the back of her neck gently.
"I'm fine." She leaned against him briefly, wishing that the time alone which she would soon have to beg Molly's pardon for would be more pleasantly occupied than with talk of traitorous murderers.
At that moment, Molly handed Remus a mug of tea, which he accepted with a grateful smile and quiet thanks.
"May I see the ring properly, Tonks dear?" Molly asked as Remus slipped his arm around Tonks' waist, pulling her to him.
With a brief, but slightly coy smile up to Remus, who returned it and gave her a slight squeeze, Tonks held out her hand to Molly, who took it in both her plump, dry hands. "It's beautiful," she breathed, "where ever did you find it, Remus? Quite unique, I'm sure."
"It was my mother's," Remus replied, and Tonks was sure she could detect a measure of pride in his voice.
"And I'm sure she could have been no happier at your choice of bride to wear it, Remus. I wish you both the best of happiness," Molly said, touching Tonks greatly, and Remus too, if the straightening of his posture and his hand, pulling her ever-more securely against his side were any indication.
"She would have been delighted, thank you Molly," he said softly.
Humbled, Tonks added her own thanks.
"Now," Molly said, all business again, "I believe you had something you wished to talk to Remus about, Tonks. Why don't you both take your tea into the garden and take advantage of the peace and quiet before the rabble wake up?"
Tonks was grateful that she wouldn't have to interrupt Molly in full wedding planning mode when, even if she had wanted her wedding planned, time did not permit. Stepping away from Remus, she plucked her mug from the table and then, taking his hand, led him into the garden.
It was a bright morning, though still a little cool as the sun worked to burn the last of the dew from the leafy haven of the Burrow's garden. Birds called merrily to each other from the trees, their song accompanied by the percussion of branches swinging in the breeze, and the light tinkle of water from the pond.
Remus' fingers were warm between hers; their palms and wrists touched, and she found it a focal point for comfort as she struggled to find to words to tell him what she needed to.
Dumbledore had given Remus the chance to live the life of the true wizard he was, when others would have consigned him to the shadows, shunned him. Dumbledore had paved his path to education, to acceptance amongst peers, had given him a job, and, they both knew, had led him to her. It seemed that ultimately, the here and now, in the wake of the oath of engagement, was where both their lives had been leading to converge; the reverse fork, where two paths become one and the future maybe a path un-trodden, and into the unknown, but at least they knew the direction they had to follow.
Tonks knew Remus had always held Dumbledore on a pedestal; they worked together, yes, but Remus would always defer to him, out of respect and unshakable trust -- and out of humility. Unlike the relationship she and Remus had, which was one of equals, of open trust in a working partnership -- both at work and home, his love for Dumbledore was for a protector, a parent, a mentor.
And now Remus was at the top, the one everyone turned to: Order Leader, respected and trusted by citizens within his enclave, confidante to worried parents and frightened members in need of bolstering, and while she knew he found strength, comfort and counsel in her, she knew that, at the end of the day, he was still simply a man in mourning.
But within the hour, Tonks would have to take Remus into the Grimmauld Place basement to face Snape, which she knew, leader or not -- and through strengthened her place at his side -- would take a heavy toll on his heart.
"I'm sorry I had to leave you this morning. I didn't want to," Remus said, drawing her out of her thoughts.
They stopped walking of one accord and turned to face each other. "I know you didn't," she said softly, running the back of her hand down his faintly stubbled cheek. "I didn't want you to, either. Something happened, though, this morning, and I'm actually glad you weren't there." She paused, still unsure how to proceed.
Remus features darkened. He must have sensed her hesitation when he said, "What is it, love? Tell me."
She took a deep breath. " Snape turned up."
She watched him take sharp intake of breath in shock. "He didn't hurt you?" His gaze travelled over her, urgently. "Is Luna all right?"
"No, no. Nothing like that. Luna's fine. Brave kid, seemed totally un-phased."
"Did you catch him?"
"Not exactly," she said slowly. "Although I do have him tied to a chair at Grimmauld. Kingsley's guarding him."
Eyes flashing, Remus asked how that had come to pass, and she explained to him, in more detail than she'd been able to with Kingsley. But Remus, too, was distressed, as Kingsley had been, and Tonks guessed that he would have come to physical blows with Snape, as well. He kept interrupting with hissed expletives, and asking how Snape dared…
"Remus, listen to me. He says he has information about the Lovegood case, that might just mean he has intelligence on the Onocentaurs."
"He murdered Dumbledore! Why would he help us now? He is no longer on our side." His voice was low and tight, his posture tense; fist clenched at his side, jaw set. Her heart reached out to him as she thought about the contrast of his angry countenance now to the defeat he'd exhibited, if only momentarily, in the hospital wing at Hogwarts at the news of Dumbledore's death.
"I know, love, I know," she said as soothingly as she could, trying to calm him. "And later, we can talk about that and decide what to do, but right now I need you to help me talk to him, to get whatever information we can out of him, if it's the last thing he does before a life in Azkaban awaits him." She tilted his chin up with a gentle hand to meet her eyes, seeking to reassure him that they could do this together. "I need you," she repeated.
Their gaze locked and held. He nodded, once.
Fiercely, they embraced each other in vice-like grips. Tonks' head fell to his chest and his to her shoulder, she felt his breath hot on her neck, and then his lips traced her skin as 'I love you' rumbled up from his chest.
She whispered back to him, letting him take his time to come to terms with what and who they were about to face. She whispered to him of her faith that he could do this; that they must lean on each other and face Snape impassively to gain the upper hand, and use Snape for everything he was worth.
When she felt him relax, she loosened her arms around him, and leant back. She watched as he rose tall on his frame, shoulders back, the posture of one determined. His eyes spoke of readiness to face the unknown, and admiration welled up in her to the point of bursting. Pride leaked out from her every pore as she prepared to take her place beside him in what would be a most difficult encounter.
They broke apart fully, and turned, their hands naturally slotted together as they started to walk across the garden and back toward the Apparition point.
It was uncertain what they might discover when they returned to that makeshift holding room in the Grimmauld kitchen, but in one thing she had unwavering faith:
Together, they would get to the bottom of this mystery, and then... then Snape would face his judgement.
Author: godricgal
Rating and Warnings: R for sexual content
Prompts: Chance, "I've been able to see them ever since my first year here. They've always pulled the carriages. Don't worry. You're just as sane as I am."
Word Count: 5521 words
Summary: Just days after Dumbledore's funeral, when Remus and Tonks are working to rebuild their relationship in the wake of their reconciliation, an anonymous tip off, brushed off by the Ministry, piques Tonks' curiosity. Can she and Remus get to the bottom of the mystery before it's too late?
Author's Notes: Nothing much to say here except I hope you enjoy this latest chapter and, of course, so very many thanks to mrstater for all her help with this and everything else.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 |
Asinus Protego, Chapter 3
Tonks sat alone at the kitchen table, admiring her engagement ring, tilting it from side to side and watching the kaleidoscope twinkles shimmer across the surface of the diamond. She couldn't take her eyes off it. The toast and mug of tea that Remus had placed in front of her before he'd left once again for Hogwarts to fetch the note that pertained to the Forest of Dean, sat untouched, the tea steaming less vigorously than it had been when Remus had placed a soft kiss on her lips, before backing away, an expression of unguarded reluctance marking his face.
Her cheeks ached from the grin which, despite the troubling investigation she would have to step up today, had refused to budge since she'd woken.
Engaged. Mrs. Remus Lupin, she would become.
She still felt inextricably entwined within the little world that only consisted of her and Remus. His proposal had been as romantic as any she could imagine; their celebration afterwards, as intensely emotional as it had been rather mind-blowing physically.
And then this morning, she'd woken to the warmth of Remus' body curled close behind her, his soft kisses on her neck, his hands splayed on her stomach and breasts, and his ring of promise around her finger. They'd barely shifted positions as Remus' hands softly explored her body, stirring delicious tension within her, and they made love with his arms wrapped firmly around her, his chest pressed against her back and their legs entwined, bodies moving slowly together; it had been relaxed and sleepy, and everything that morning sex should be.
It had reminded her waking of up the morning after they'd first made love, at the pink hotel in a room with a view across the Menai Straits. She'd opened her eyes to a vista of sparkling blue ocean and also to Remus' eyes, no less bright than the water beyond as it shimmered in the early morning light. Just as she did now, she'd felt enraptured then, consumed by joy and wonder at the magic -- of the variety which could not be learnt -- they'd discovered together, and continued to discover, day by passing day.
They'd only been able to drag each other out of bed this morning with the promise of a shared shower. Kissing and giggling, they'd somehow made it into the bathroom, where Remus had spun the tap on and stepped into the shower basin, pulling her with him. For what seemed like forever but in reality was not nearly enough time, they'd stood holding each other under the soft rain of warm water, its rhythm the only sound she could hear but for the beating of Remus' heart, so peaceful, so still, as she rested her head against his chest. Then Remus had stepped back, taken a soapy sponge, and run it carefully, deliberately over her body, across each curve of her breasts, his eyes intent on every movement he made -- a promise, a reminder of what he could do to her and how he could make her feel.
So it had been with palpable regret -- on both sides -- that Remus had left her to eat breakfast alone, though he had been typically insistent on making it for her, a thought which prompted her to pick up the slice of toast in front of her, because she liked the thought of wasting his effort about as much as he liked her spending money on gifts for him.
Money was one problem they still needed to work though -- she had never laboured under any illusions that it wasn't a serious issue -- and not in the sense that they would come up short financially. Their problem was the much trickier case of finding an arrangement that allowed Remus to keep his head held high.
Two years ago when, on the shores of the Serpentine in Hyde Park, after just six short weeks together, Remus had let slip that he loved her, practicality had been a background concern. She had a man in her life, a wonderful, kind and sexy man; it was exciting and new, and while love may be blind, it never blinded. It had simply been a concern she could store away until the time came, because when the time did come it wouldn't matter; she was certain that they would find a solution.
Now, munching on the last of her toast, Tonks was pondering over whether Remus would mind her buying a new dress for the wedding, as well a new pair of trousers and shirt for him, when she heard Luna making her way down the stairs, bouncing, apparently, judging by the excessive squeaking of the floorboards to her hum of a song Tonks felt rather lucky not to have heard before now.
"Morning, Luna," Tonks said as the girl waltzed into the kitchen.
Luna looked up, as though surprised to see someone else there, but her face almost immediately relaxed into a friendly smile. "Hello, Miss Tonks."
"Just call me Tonks, Luna, I'm not one for formality over breakfast. Can I get you something to eat?"
"Some toast would be nice, if you have any bread that's not made by gnomes." Luna plopped into the seat she had taken last night at dinner.
Bread made by gnomes? With a slight laugh, Tonks wondered if Luna headed up the gnome section of SPEW, though, she thought that was a bit of a stretch for Hermione. "You're against gnome-labour?" she asked, even thought she was fairly sure there was no such thing; she was engaged, she could humour the girl.
"Oh, no, I'm allergic to them," Luna replied matter-of-factly.
Tonks shook her head, and busied herself with the breakfast things, relieved that toast was the one meal she only buggered up four times out of ten. Luck was on her side this morning and a few minutes later the toast was browning nicely under a glow of heat from her wand.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked Luna.
"I did, thank you, except I thought a Doxie might have been buzzing around."
Finally, a creature that Tonks had heard of. "We do have trouble with them here, every now and again. I'll get Remus to have a look later. We're going to take you to stay somewhere else tonight, though, a place you definitely won't have to worry about Doxies." Tonks reached across the table to place a plate of toast in front of Luna, whose face had adopted an expression of wariness.
"Where?" she asked. "I've heard about those places you Ministry people have--"
Tonks had not, and cut her off. "You know the Weasleys, I believe."
"Oh, yes," Luna said, not looking entirely as relieved as Tonks had expected. "I think they're my friends. You know, at least Harry said he was and Ginny and Ronald are friends with him so…" She trailed off, frowning.
"Well, I'm going to take you to their house, The Burrow, as soon as you've eaten and packed up. You'll find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley much better hosts than Remus and me. Proper food, for one thing," she said with a note of self-reproach about last night's forgetfulness, "and much cosier."
"I like Mrs. Weasely," Luna said, "she's always been very kind to me."
"They're a wonderful family, I have a lot of time for them."
Tonks took a deep breath and resumed her seat at the table, opposite Luna. Before he'd left, she and Remus had decided that Luna ought to be told of their suspicions about her father as soon as possible. Remus had tasked Tonks with the job, and met her protest that she couldn't handle Luna like he could with a single phrase of faith, that brooked no argument.
"Luna, while you're finishing your breakfast, there's something else I need to tell you."
Luna said nothing, but looked up at Tonks with interest as she chewed her toast methodically.
Drawing another breath, Tonks said, "Some of the things you said about your father have given Professor Lupin and me cause for concern. Just the day before yesterday, we got wind of a possible case that seems like it might be related to whatever happened to your father."
"Miss Tonks, I'm sure he's just gone hunting. Really, so much fuss."
"Luna, this is serious, listen to me, and you don't have to call me Miss. I think your father may have been placed under the Imperius Curse." Tonks moved her hands under the table and clenched them together in her lap to stop her fingers squirming in frustration.
"No, he can't have been," Luna said definitively, although Tonks could see the concern and doubt in her conviction rising behind her eyes. "He's just a little under the weather."
For the first time, Tonks began to wonder if Luna's strange stories were a self-preservation method to hide behind until life really did get dirty -- but then in the face of a truly dangerous situation, as she'd proved at the Ministry battle, her true strength rose to the surface, enabling her to meet and match the peers she fought along side.
"I'm sorry, Luna, really, but I'd never suggest such a thing as Imperius if I weren't sure. From what you told us, all the signs point toward your father is being controlled by the curse."
"Very good, Nymphadora. I'm mildly impressed."
The kitchen door slammed shut, and Tonks froze at the familiar, sneering voice behind her, which she'd hoped to hear again only so she could silence it forever. Then, she leapt from her chair, toppling it in the process, and spun, brandishing her wand, to face Severus Snape.
"Luna get behind me," she hissed, heart thudding with determination not to let on to Snape, beyond the upturned chair, that his appearance had rattled her -- especially in Luna's presence. That didn't stop her from flinging at him, "You bastard! What nerve have you to turn up here?"
"Lower your wand, you silly girl," Snape replied, sounding bored. "I take no pleasure in seeing you, but neither have I come with the intent to harm you."
Though Tonks noticed that Snape had made no move for his wand, she did not lower hers. "Why have you come, then?"
"I must speak with someone from the Order, and since you are here, and it seems you already know a little of what I have come to impart..." His hard black eyes flicked over her shoulder, to Luna, who'd moved to right the chair Tonks had knocked over. " You will, I suppose, do."
Tonks felt wrong-footed, at a loss for how she ought to respond. "What makes you think that anyone is interested in what you have to say?" she said, trying to buy herself time, stepping to put her body more in front of Luna's.
"Because it is in the best interest of your cause."
Our cause, Tonks thought, not his.
"You must realise I cannot trust you."
"Of course I do, do you take me for a fool?" he said, reaching into his robes. Seeing Tonks' grip tighten on her wand, he raised one hand in surrender and said coldly, "I am going to lay my wand on the table, and then I would like you to listen to what I have to say."
He did so, and Tonks immediately Summoned it.
Still she did not lower hers, but instead gave it a quick wave and muttered a spell. Her enormous, beautiful Patronus erupted from the tip, carrying a short missive: Grimmauld, now. The silver wolf bounded enthusiastically towards the kitchen door, and out the corner of her eye, Tonks noticed Luna watching it with interest as it shimmered through the wood.
Tonks thought back, almost with satisfaction to the night, outside the Hogwarts Castle when Snape had called her new Patronus weak; she hadn't taken it well that night -- still too raw, too hurt, too confused and alone from Remus' departure. Now, though, head held high, there was nothing he could say -- nothing -- that would dent her pride or take as a slight on Remus, for it didn't matter what Snape thought. She and Remus were united, and that, at the end of the day, was all that mattered to her. She could rise above Snape, despite the contempt she could see gleaming in his eyes.
"I will not, however, give you any information in the presence of a non-Order member, especially one so pea-brained as this idiot. Who knows what ludicrous tales she would spin."
Indignation bubbled on Luna's behalf; the girl might be a little on the odd side, but she had, so far, proved herself loyal, and certainly had earned no such insult. But this was Snape -- Snape who took pleasure in verbally knocking people to their knees. She opened her mouth to speak, but Luna beat her to it-
"Oh, you can trust me, Miss Tonks," Luna piped up, leaning forward from her position behind Tonks. "I won't say anything. Hello, Professor Snape."
"Be quiet, Luna," she said calmly, even as she wondered at Luna's seemingly thick skin. "Snape, please, take a seat." Her tone was one of false politeness.
"I have no time for games," he said, not moving to obey. "Whatever you may think of me, I come on a most urgent matter and I must return to The Dark Lord soon."
"You murdered our leader, our friend," Tonks countered. "I should be calling in the rest of the Aurors, sending you to Azkaban where you belong." Keeping her voice from cracking, from revealing her two minds to him, was a desperate battle. She could not give in, allowing him the upper hand. This time, she commanded him, " Sit."
To her intense surprise, Snape obeyed this time, and she wasted no time in conjuring magical bonds to secure him to the chair. "You owe an explanation for your presence, Snape, not just your sheer gall for turning up here, but why we should trust a word that comes from your lips."
Snape opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get so much as a syllable out, she silenced him, not wanting to hear another thing before she could compose her thoughts, seek guidance from Remus about the best course of action because first and foremost, a murderer sat before her, a traitor, a Death Eater.
At that moment, Kingsley Shacklebolt burst through the kitchen door, his wand raised. "Tonks, what on earth…?"
Tonks watched his eyes fall to Snape, bound in the chair.
"You bastard," he spat.
"That's what I said--" Tonks began, but before she knew what was happening, Kingsley was striding toward Snape with a raised fist. Her cry of "Kingsley, no!" coupled with the sharp strike of Kingsley's fist connecting with Snape's jaw.
Tonks pulled him back by one arm, but he struggled with her, and looked back over his shoulder. "Tonks, what? This traitor mur-"
"I know, please, I need to talk to you, come here." She pulled him away, stepping backwards to the opposite wall without taking her eye off either Snape or Luna, who was standing, looking quite shocked, a few feet away.
Kingsley himself looked shocked, though Tonks could understand why he'd lashed out like that, she would have expected a similar reaction from Remus, had he been here -- which was why she was so relieved that he wasn't. Kingsley didn't have the same history and hadn't been subject to the same contempt from Snape as Remus. It hadn't half been satisfying to see Snape's head roll back from the force of Kingsley's punch, though, and the slight trickle of blood that was now making it's way down Snape's neck and into the opening of his robes.
In an urgent whisper she said, "I hate the bastard as much as the next person, but he says he has information and I've got this feeling we should listen to him. He knows something about Luna's father and that might mean he knows something about the Onocentaurs. Remus has uncovered precious little information from other sources; we have no choice. Please, can you guard him while I take Luna to the Burrow? I'm meeting Remus, there, and I can tell him what's happened and let him decide how he wants to proceed. It's Snape, Kingsley, you know it's his call, Order leader or not."
They held a quick, whispered conversation; Tonks told Kingsley the few details she had. Then she stepped back, watching Snape who was eyeing them with amused, if distainful interest. "Luna, quickly, let's run up and pack your things, we're leaving now."
Cutting a deep circle around Snape, Luna crossed the room to Tonks, who ushered her towards the kitchen door, casting a look of what she hoped was gratitude at Kingsley and a hard glare at Snape before she closed the door behind them.
As they made their way through the house, Luna, for once, seemed at a loss for words. Tonks was on guard, checking open doors as she went, keeping her wand stiffly by her side, increasingly unnerved by Snape's sudden appearance, and trying to swallow anger and indignation that he should present himself in the manner he had. It was hardly the way any of them had expected to cross paths with him again.
Tonks helped Luna pack the meagre supplies she'd brought the night before, then they made their way back down to the hallway. Before she opened the door, she turned to Luna and took both of her shoulders, fixing her with an serious, but earnest look. "Luna, I need you to promise me something."
"What's that?" Luna asked.
"I need you to promise me that you won't mention what has happened this morning to anyone, until Remus -- Professor Lupin -- or I tell you it's okay. It's important for people's safety that they do not know Snape has emerged, do you understand? There is a lot of emotion flying about and it wouldn't do to let that rule actions in snap decisions."
"Like that man did down there, you mean?" Luna asked.
"Kingsley, and yes, like that, or worse, when Snape isn't restrained. We know what he's capable of. Do I have your word?"
"Yes," Luna said, "I promise."
"Thank you." Tonks said, giving Luna's shoulder a squeeze. "Now come on."
A few minutes later, Tonks was rapping sharply on the back door of the Burrow.
"Who's there?" Molly's voice shook through the door.
"It's me, Molly, Tonks. I have Luna."
"Tell me, dear, what colour was the scarf I knitted you last Christmas?"
Tonks felt a rush of affection for Molly, remembering the pile of gifts she'd woken up to in that lonely hotel room last Christmas, not only the scarf, but a pair of matching gloves, the traditional jumper, a stack of mince pies, which she'd later shared with Remus, and a selection of homemade cherries and strawberries, dipped in chocolate.
"It was purple, with green stripes."
The door cracked open and Molly's round face, slightly pink-cheeked, appeared in the doorway, a warm smile greeting them. Her eyes lingered on Luna, and Tonks knew she was thinking about that poor child, alone without a mother and her father missing. Molly know the basic details of Luna circumstance; what she didn't know was that Luna was taking it all remarkably in her stride.
"Hello Molly," Tonks said. "You remember Luna, of course."
"Of course. Hello Luna, come on and make yourself at home," Molly said in a mothering tone.
Tonks urged Luna inside with a guiding hand on her back and followed her in the door, which Molly shut firmly behind them and turned to give Tonks a quick embrace. "Can I get you anything -- tea, pumpkin juice? A little something for breakfast."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, but Miss Tonks made me breakfast not long ago. Is Ronald around, or Ginny?" she asked. Molly arched her eyebrows at Tonks in amusement, no doubt at the notion of Tonks making breakfast for anyone, or playing hostess.
"They're not up yet, I'm afraid, dear. Go and make yourself comfortable in the living room, while I have a word with Tonks, and then I'll see about getting them up. There are some books that might interest you, or turn on the wireless if you'd like." Molly pointed towards the cosy room through the kitchen and Luna, with a cheery "thank you." Trotted off in that direction.
Tonks walked to the kitchen table and collapsed in a chair, heavy under the weight of this morning's shock.
"Something happen, dear? Besides this nasty business with Mr. Lovegood." Molly studied her carefully.
"You could say that," Tonks replied ruefully. "I need to speak to Remus, he's not here yet, I take it." Tonks noted a frown of concern ghost across Molly's features, so she added cheerfully, "But don't worry, Remus will sort it."
"Oh, course he will, dear, he always does. He's not here yet, but I'm sure he will be soon. Are you sure I can't get you a cup of tea?"
"Actually, tea would be lovely, thank you, Molly."
As usual, the chance to entertain, to provide, sent Molly springing into action, her wand directing the kettle onto the stove, where it began to whistle almost immediately. Clearly Molly had been prepared for their arrival. "A biscuit, perhaps? Or I have some tea cakes."
"Just tea, please. Remus made me breakfast before he left for Hogwarts."
"So how are things going with Remus? Well, I hope." Molly said as she levitated a mug of steaming tea in front of Tonks, who wrapped her hands around it immediately, enjoying the heat spreading through her fingers, despite the warmth of the Burrow's kitchen.
"It's going well, very well, in fact," Tonks replied softly, her eyes flickering self-consciously to the ring on her finger.
A gaze Molly apparently followed. "Nymphadora Tonks," she said, her voice rising in excitement. "Is that what I think it is?"
Tonks' mood immediately lifted, along with her eyes to Molly's, as her thoughts drifted fully back to her new status as Remus' fiancé; it was a timely reminder that whatever should happen, she would always have that to hold onto. She could feel her eyes shining wide and bright and a grin that wouldn't be alien on a giant spread across her face. She didn't need to answer, as Molly rushed to her and Tonks just stood in time to avoid tipping the tea all over the table as Molly pulled her into a crushing embrace.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you," Molly said, when she pulled back, holding Tonks at arms length. "And I can see you're happy. You dear girl, you deserve it, and so does Remus."
And then, Molly's eyes lit up in mounting excitement. "Oh, now, what'll we do about a wedding? We'll have to plan something lovely."
Tonks had been afraid of this, but didn't want to hurt Molly's feelings. "Actually--"
She was interrupted by a knock at the door, a knock that she knew to be Remus'. Molly gave her a look that seemed to say not to worry, we'll pick this up later. Which didn't have the reassuring effect Tonks though Molly had intended; several times this morning it had crossed her mind that it would be difficult to persuade Molly that a small, private wedding really was what both of them wanted.
Then Molly, having completed the security procedures she could never neglect, no matter how sure she was of the visitor's identity, was pulling Remus inside, and folding her arms around him, exclaiming, "Oh Remus! Tonks has just told me, well, I noticed the ring, congratulations!"
"Thank you, Molly."
Over Molly's shoulder Remus found Tonks' eyes and held them. His face still bore a distinct mark of understated joy. His blue eyes shone, his face was relaxed so the lines seemed less defined, his smile was small yet expressive and Tonks knew it had nothing to do with Molly's exuberant felicitations, and everything to do with her.
With a pang, Tonks realised that she was about to share with him half a burden she'd rather carry herself, and add weight to the lightness of his expression; but that was what they'd promised to do: work together, even if it hurt, because it would be easier in the end. Even so, she felt her own face cloud over slightly, and saw Remus frown in response.
When Molly released him, once again bustling about with the tea things, not even bothering to ask because he never refused tea, Remus ambled over to Tonks, stopping only when he stood very close to her. He put a hand at the back of her head, pulling her closer to place a gentle kiss on her temple.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
With a significant glance in Molly's direction, Tonks relied, "I'll tell you in a minute."
"But you're okay?" Remus said, massaging the back of her neck gently.
"I'm fine." She leaned against him briefly, wishing that the time alone which she would soon have to beg Molly's pardon for would be more pleasantly occupied than with talk of traitorous murderers.
At that moment, Molly handed Remus a mug of tea, which he accepted with a grateful smile and quiet thanks.
"May I see the ring properly, Tonks dear?" Molly asked as Remus slipped his arm around Tonks' waist, pulling her to him.
With a brief, but slightly coy smile up to Remus, who returned it and gave her a slight squeeze, Tonks held out her hand to Molly, who took it in both her plump, dry hands. "It's beautiful," she breathed, "where ever did you find it, Remus? Quite unique, I'm sure."
"It was my mother's," Remus replied, and Tonks was sure she could detect a measure of pride in his voice.
"And I'm sure she could have been no happier at your choice of bride to wear it, Remus. I wish you both the best of happiness," Molly said, touching Tonks greatly, and Remus too, if the straightening of his posture and his hand, pulling her ever-more securely against his side were any indication.
"She would have been delighted, thank you Molly," he said softly.
Humbled, Tonks added her own thanks.
"Now," Molly said, all business again, "I believe you had something you wished to talk to Remus about, Tonks. Why don't you both take your tea into the garden and take advantage of the peace and quiet before the rabble wake up?"
Tonks was grateful that she wouldn't have to interrupt Molly in full wedding planning mode when, even if she had wanted her wedding planned, time did not permit. Stepping away from Remus, she plucked her mug from the table and then, taking his hand, led him into the garden.
It was a bright morning, though still a little cool as the sun worked to burn the last of the dew from the leafy haven of the Burrow's garden. Birds called merrily to each other from the trees, their song accompanied by the percussion of branches swinging in the breeze, and the light tinkle of water from the pond.
Remus' fingers were warm between hers; their palms and wrists touched, and she found it a focal point for comfort as she struggled to find to words to tell him what she needed to.
Dumbledore had given Remus the chance to live the life of the true wizard he was, when others would have consigned him to the shadows, shunned him. Dumbledore had paved his path to education, to acceptance amongst peers, had given him a job, and, they both knew, had led him to her. It seemed that ultimately, the here and now, in the wake of the oath of engagement, was where both their lives had been leading to converge; the reverse fork, where two paths become one and the future maybe a path un-trodden, and into the unknown, but at least they knew the direction they had to follow.
Tonks knew Remus had always held Dumbledore on a pedestal; they worked together, yes, but Remus would always defer to him, out of respect and unshakable trust -- and out of humility. Unlike the relationship she and Remus had, which was one of equals, of open trust in a working partnership -- both at work and home, his love for Dumbledore was for a protector, a parent, a mentor.
And now Remus was at the top, the one everyone turned to: Order Leader, respected and trusted by citizens within his enclave, confidante to worried parents and frightened members in need of bolstering, and while she knew he found strength, comfort and counsel in her, she knew that, at the end of the day, he was still simply a man in mourning.
But within the hour, Tonks would have to take Remus into the Grimmauld Place basement to face Snape, which she knew, leader or not -- and through strengthened her place at his side -- would take a heavy toll on his heart.
"I'm sorry I had to leave you this morning. I didn't want to," Remus said, drawing her out of her thoughts.
They stopped walking of one accord and turned to face each other. "I know you didn't," she said softly, running the back of her hand down his faintly stubbled cheek. "I didn't want you to, either. Something happened, though, this morning, and I'm actually glad you weren't there." She paused, still unsure how to proceed.
Remus features darkened. He must have sensed her hesitation when he said, "What is it, love? Tell me."
She took a deep breath. " Snape turned up."
She watched him take sharp intake of breath in shock. "He didn't hurt you?" His gaze travelled over her, urgently. "Is Luna all right?"
"No, no. Nothing like that. Luna's fine. Brave kid, seemed totally un-phased."
"Did you catch him?"
"Not exactly," she said slowly. "Although I do have him tied to a chair at Grimmauld. Kingsley's guarding him."
Eyes flashing, Remus asked how that had come to pass, and she explained to him, in more detail than she'd been able to with Kingsley. But Remus, too, was distressed, as Kingsley had been, and Tonks guessed that he would have come to physical blows with Snape, as well. He kept interrupting with hissed expletives, and asking how Snape dared…
"Remus, listen to me. He says he has information about the Lovegood case, that might just mean he has intelligence on the Onocentaurs."
"He murdered Dumbledore! Why would he help us now? He is no longer on our side." His voice was low and tight, his posture tense; fist clenched at his side, jaw set. Her heart reached out to him as she thought about the contrast of his angry countenance now to the defeat he'd exhibited, if only momentarily, in the hospital wing at Hogwarts at the news of Dumbledore's death.
"I know, love, I know," she said as soothingly as she could, trying to calm him. "And later, we can talk about that and decide what to do, but right now I need you to help me talk to him, to get whatever information we can out of him, if it's the last thing he does before a life in Azkaban awaits him." She tilted his chin up with a gentle hand to meet her eyes, seeking to reassure him that they could do this together. "I need you," she repeated.
Their gaze locked and held. He nodded, once.
Fiercely, they embraced each other in vice-like grips. Tonks' head fell to his chest and his to her shoulder, she felt his breath hot on her neck, and then his lips traced her skin as 'I love you' rumbled up from his chest.
She whispered back to him, letting him take his time to come to terms with what and who they were about to face. She whispered to him of her faith that he could do this; that they must lean on each other and face Snape impassively to gain the upper hand, and use Snape for everything he was worth.
When she felt him relax, she loosened her arms around him, and leant back. She watched as he rose tall on his frame, shoulders back, the posture of one determined. His eyes spoke of readiness to face the unknown, and admiration welled up in her to the point of bursting. Pride leaked out from her every pore as she prepared to take her place beside him in what would be a most difficult encounter.
They broke apart fully, and turned, their hands naturally slotted together as they started to walk across the garden and back toward the Apparition point.
It was uncertain what they might discover when they returned to that makeshift holding room in the Grimmauld kitchen, but in one thing she had unwavering faith:
Together, they would get to the bottom of this mystery, and then... then Snape would face his judgement.