FIC: Masks and Mirrors, Chapter 2

[mrstater]

Title: Masks and Mirrors, Ch. 2 - Family Reunion
Author: MrsTater
Rating: R
Summary: As Remus and Tonks rebuild their relationship, a dangerous Order mission only she can undertake dredges up the same old problems -- as well as an entirely new set when the family she was born into clashes with the family she has made for herself within the Order of the

Comments

[drumher]

Whoa. I'm feeling a little tense after reading this. Probably not the best way to start off on a monday but damn, girl...that was well worth the wait. I liked that you didn't write Ted Tonks as the more accepting of the two parents. Most fics I've read have him warming to Remus immediately and acting as a buffer between Tonks and Andi (Don't call me Andi, Ted LOL!). Having him equally polite added to the tension.

Remus was his usual unflappable self, which came in handy to keep Tonks from hexing her parents into next week. I wouldn't have blamed her, tho'. Still, those few moments when his disappointment or doubt showed through were heartbreaking. I'm not sure I'd leave Ted and Andi alone in the flat to fly off and fix the security wards. Can't you just see Andromeda going through the medicine cabinets and such?

I do hope Remus and Tonks get a little time to themselves before you throw them into the next life threatening situation.

Excellent work, as usual.

[mrstater]

Mondays really should be fluff days, shouldn't they? I'll try to remember that for the rare occasions I have fluff chapters, LOL. ;) And here you were thinking it wouldn't be Ted and Andromeda showing up

[drumher]

And here you were thinking it wouldn't be Ted and Andromeda showing up!

Me and my suspicious mind. Yeah, I was thinking along more dire and dastardly lines, not believing that the Tonks' would directly aparate into their daughter's flat. Still I wonder if Dung could pull off a trifle...

Can't imagine mine being terribly supportive of that if he didn't know the guy!

True. And really, all they know of Remus is what they've read in the papers and we all know how factual that is. One would hope that with time, they'd loosen up a bit. Maybe go to the pub for a pint and play some darts together.

(because it's always pretty clear in the books, isn't it, even if Harry doesn't notice?)

Yes! Like when he mentions Greyback to Harry and clenches his fists or drops his briefcase when Harry brings up Sirius or his parents in PoA. There's so much going on behind those blue eyes. I love how Tonks can read him so well and the observations she makes.

What will she think of the Wolfsbane Potion ingredients?Indeed! Or Tonks' collection of nail

[sugarannie]

You know what's funny? Only two days ago, I read the first chapter again, and thought that I hope there'd be another one soon...and here it is.
I liked this chapter(especially the Viola part was cool), and hope the next one will be here soon:)

[mrstater]

Oh, that is funny! Well I'm glad I had an update for you. And I promise to let the next one come much sooner!

I'm very glad you liked the chapter, and the Viola story. I have a lot of fun with backstory details. :)

[cae_prince]

This installment has had me feeling a little out of breath, from the emotional roller-coaster ride. One can feel the tension really cresting here - and I know it hasn't even reached its peak. This was awesome!

One thing that has struck me most about Remus, through the three books, is his ability to maintain a cool head, unruffled and calm - something only Dumbledore - I believe - was capable of. Remus is definitely great to have around during a crisis - and I'm glad that it stands out so clearly in this piece. His dependability just leaps out from every word you've put into his mouth here - and also in Tonks' perception of him.
You've brought out Remus' multifaceted character so vividly - that while reading the story, I literally can feel the character, if that makes any sense. Did I mention my heart literally thudded down into my stomach when I read his reaction to Ted's and even at the end Tonks' comments. All through the story, Remus certainly held his own but he still needs a hug after this

[mrstater]

The emotional rollercoaster of this chapter, I think, is what made it such a difficult one to write, and in the end I wasn't even sure if it came through, so I'm really really relieved and pleased you felt what both Remus and Tonks, especially Remus, since it's not from his POV, were feeling. Thanks especially for your comment on his reaction to Ted's comment -- that was the part I was most concerned about conveying that he'd heard, and felt very deeply, and there wasn't a lot of room to convey it

[t_a_n_g_o]

Great work! Looking forward to more!

[mrstater]

I'm so glad you like the fic so far! Thanks for your your note. And I promise not to let so much time pass between updates.

[jenulus]

I could feel Tonks' frustration sitting like a ball of lead in my own stomach. Now that's the sign of a good fic. :)

I especially loved the part where Tonks spills the wine of Remus' shirt, her mom starts in on her right away and then we learn that Remus heard it all. Very realistic and heart-breaking.

And I also loved the subtle parallels you drew between the two couples-- Ted calling her Andi and her quick correction, the parental objections to the relationship... all very well done.

[mrstater]

Oh, thank you very much! This chapter was pretty intense to write, but I wasn't sure if that really came through emotionally. I'm really pleased to know you felt Tonks' frustration and feel her parents' reactions are realistic. I do like when Tonks comes from an accepting family, and I think it's convincing given who she is, but I wanted to explore the other side of that. Because Ted and Andromeda can't have had it easy, and they might well be closed off and cautious. Especially in regard to their only child!

And I'm especially glad you liked Andromeda's line about not being called Andi. It was one of the first things that popped into my head for this chapter, actually. I plan to play more with how Tonks is like and unlike her mother.

Thanks very much for your lovely feedback!