Nymphadora Tonks sat rocking her son. She never imagined that she could feel this way about more than one person. When she had fallen in love with Remus, her heart had surprised her and now, little Teddy had her heart just as much.
She eased out of her rocking chair to move cautiously towards the window. Their house was protected, but these days there was too much danger in the world to not be cautious. Remus even made up passwords daily before leaving the house to do work of the Order of the Phoenix. He had begged her to leave that work up to him and concentrate on little Teddy. He knew that when the final battle came, she would be out there with him, but for now she was content to sit at home with her mother and little Teddy.
A flash of light entered the room that was shaped like a goat. The goat stopped in front of her and said in a husky voice “Message coming your way via House Elf.”
Just then a House Elf dressed in mismatched socks and a sweater that looked much like the ones Molly made for her children Apparated in front of her, which startled Tonks.
“Pardon me mistress! I have a letter from Hogwarts. I must return though!” said Dobby as he handed Tonks and envelope and Apparated again.
Dear Nymphadora Tonks,
I have heard Harry, Hermione, and Ron talk about you often at school, and I remember your husband, Professor Lupin from when he taught here. I also remember you from the battle at the Ministry of Magic. Gram informs me that you were once a Hufflepuff here at Hogwarts and I am writing to request your help. With Professor Snape being Headmaster and the Carrows teaching here, life at Hogwarts has become very difficult. There is a student in Hufflepuff who would like to join those of us who are hidden. This student has become the newest target of the Carrows, and I fear that she will not live long if we cannot safely get her out of the Hufflepuff Common Room and here with the rest of us who have fled from the Carrows’ wrath. Since we have no Hufflepuffs among our ranks yet, we do not know the exact location of the common room in order to go rescue this student. Could you please come and assist us with this rescue? The man who warned you about this letter knows how to reach me. Sincerely,
Neville Longbottom
These poor children! Tonks thought. I need to go help them if I can! Mom can watch little Teddy for me while I go assist in this rescue. The things we have had to rely on school children to do!
Tonks moved around the house gathering supplies she may need for this rescue. She would not need a disguise because she could morph herself into anyone she chose, but her wand was necessary, her lock set could come in handy, a few dung bombs may be of assistance, and she looked through her potions collection choosing a few that had come in handy against the Death Eaters in the past, and last she grabbed her Auror bag that had other useful items in it, stowing in her other supplies. She explained to her mother where she was going and why. Tonks realized that it was almost dark and she knew she needed to be at Aberforth’s tavern before sunset or there could be trouble.
Tonks Apparated to just outside Hogsmeade and moved quickly for Aberforth’s tavern. She was disguised in a dark cloak and had distorted her features so that no one would recognize her. Upon entering the tavern she was met by a grumpy bartender who looked her up and down and motioned for her to follow him to a back room. “So you are going to help them, are you? Well, let me send for Neville. The lad has guts I’ve got to admit.”
Tonks watched the dark haired girl on the portrait in front of Aberforth move deeper into the portrait, quickly returning with Neville.
“You came, and just in time,” Neville said. “We were just sitting down to make the final plans for our rescue of Susan Bones. Come and we’ll get this done!”
Tonks followed Neville into the portrait and before she knew it, it was midnight and time to get started on this rescue mission.
