Remus sighed as he stared at the pink-haired witch. He could feel his defenses crumbling but knew he couldn't give her the life she deserved. "I…" But he was forced to stop when she spooned the peas in.
"You were going to still argue about having a job weren't you?" She asked.
Remus swallowed as he nodded, but then replied. "It's the truth and we both know it."
"First, you don't have to have a job since I make more than enough for us to live on," Tonks said. "Especially since I'm getting a raise with my new job."
"Tonks…I can't, I won't..."
"Let me tell you about my new job shall I?" Tonks said as she cut off Remus. "One of the main reasons she wants me is because I can talk to Harry without having to go through Dumbledore," The last she said hesitantly because she was concerned about Remus' loyalty to Dumbledore.
"Is that what she told you?" Remus asked with concern on his face.
"Yes, but she also was pleased with some of my suggestions and said I was one of her best Aurors.."
"So the Ministry wants to know where Harry is or what he's doing?" Remus voice carried a hint of suspicion.
"No, it's not like that Remus. Ever since Harry killed that Death Eater and Yaxley was discovered Madam Bones has been very concerned about him. She's told Dumbledore off several times about trying to control where Harry goes."
"That's because she doesn't understand how much danger Harry is in," Remus explained. "You've got to let Albus know about this offer. He'll be glad to have an insider on Amelia's staff.
"NO!" Tonks exclaimed a little forcefully. "She knows. Madam Bones knows I am in the Order. She knows all about the Order. She told me that her brother was a member."
"He was," Remus said after a couple of seconds of reflection. "Edgar was his name. His whole family was killed. So is Madam Bones trying to get back at Dumbledore because her brother died?"
"No, but she made it perfectly clear that if I didn't place my loyalty to her above Dumbledore, she'd fire me."
"You'd give her information on Harry and the Order?" Remus asked with his voice developing an edge to it.
"I don't have to," Tonks explained. "Haven't you seen it? Harry doesn't trust Dumbledore either."
"That's just Harry being frustrated with Dumbledore because he has to stay locked up."
"I…I don't think so," Tonks replied. "Sirius is doing it too. In fact Harry and Hermione suggested they have other reasons to not trust Dumbledore."
Remus sighed. "Tonks, you have to trust that Dumbledore knows what he's doing. I know it's difficult sometimes, but he's always seen what needs to be done. Do you really think Madam Bones is better than Dumbledore?"
"Then why didn't Dumbledore provide his Pensieve to prove Sirius innocent? Or that Voldemort was back? I didn't know he had one, did you?"
"I'm sure he had good reasons."
"A good enough reason that left my cousin and your best friend in peril of a Dementor's kiss?" Tonks asked. "Tell me, if you knew he had a way to convince the Ministry that Sirius was innocent, wouldn't you have argued for him to do it?"
"He still knows what's best," Remus argued.
"Does he? What does he do with the information you get for him?"
"I…I don't know," Remus replied honestly. "I'm sure he has reasons for needing it."
"Madam Bones wants that information as well," Tonks said gently. "She…she thinks it would help her deal with the...the ones who are aligned with Voldemort."
"That's what this is all about?" Remus said more strongly. "You want me to betray Dumbledore so you can get ahead in your new job?"
"NO!" Tonks cried. "I want you to…to see that Dumbledore isn't the only one fighting Voldemort. I…wanted," She took his hand in hers and continued in a softer voice. "I wanted us to work together. Madam Bones promised she'd pay you and you'd probably have a job when it's all over. Don't you see? This is your chance…our chance."
Remus pulled his hand away from Tonks as he stared at her. Slowly he shook his head. "No. No I won't betray Dumbledore. I owe him too much," He swallowed then continued. "I…I think you should go."
Tears welled in Tonks' eyes as she continued to stare at Lupin. "Remus…"
"You need to go," Remus repeated as he took the napkin from under his chin and placed it on the table.
"Remus.." Tonks tried again but Remus just turned his head away from her.
Tonks swallowed hard as she picked up the tray and moved away from the bed. Her hair seemed to lose its shine as it switched from pink to brown. When she had opened the door, she turned back and through a strained voice that conveyed her fight to keep the tears from falling, she said, "I love you Remus Lupin. No matter what, I will always love you and I will keep hoping that someday.." she couldn't finish the sentence without losing her composure. She turned and fled out the door pulling it shut behind her.
When he heard the door close, Remus turned and stared at it for several minutes as he envisioned the pink-haired auror. "I love you too," He whispered finally.
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