Redamancy - R. Lupin

Chapter 22 - Louring

Louring - (adj.) darkened by clouds.

E V A N G E L I N E

"Now that we're all here, let the meeting begin," Dumbledore started, hands clasped on the table in front of him, knowing eyes scanning the table before speaking, "as we are all aware, Bellatrix Lestrange, along with a number of other high-ranking Death Eaters. It is believed that they have resumed their old ways. There are a few previously abandoned hideouts that need to be investigated. The first of which is down Knockturn Alley," he scanned the table again, narrowing his gaze on Evangeline before continuing, "I have already selected the two individuals who will be investigating the first hideout."

"Evangeline and Tonks, you will be the two to go."

Remus, who was sat in his usual seat beside her, tensed up, slipping his hand into hers and squeezing tightly, his jaw clenched. Evangeline was far less tense than him, nodding eagerly, eyes lit, "when do we leave?"

Tonks, across the table and sat next to Elio, flashed Evangeline a confident grin and reaching a hand over the table, "Hufflepuff power, am I right?"

Evangeline high-fived her, catching the rolling eyes of Snape. Sticking her tongue out at him, she looked over to an amused Dumbledore. "To answer your question, Evangeline, you leave in thirty minutes. It is imperative we stop them as soon as possible. You," he pointed to her, "will shift into a bird, preferably a crow. There will be multiple windows around the building, choose which one you believe will keep you covered but also give you a view of the inside. Tonks," he turned to her, "you will be on lookout. We don't know how many people know how you look, so please choose an unassuming disguise. The both of you are to not initiate contact. Evangeline, you are to gather intel, and Tonks, you are to be a look out. Is that understood? I do not want either of you to end up injured, or worse."

"Yes, of course, we understand," Evangeline responded, squeezing Remus's hand excitedly.

Tonks echoed her statement, turning and whispering hurriedly to a smiling Elio. Evangeline could see the relationship blossoming between them and was more than pleased to finally see them so close. Elio's expression was softer than she usually saw it, leaning on his palm as he listend to Tonks babble.

The rest of the meeting was rather uneventful, Dumbledore informing everyone of the Ministry's continued involvement at Hogwarts, as well as Umbridge's attempts to take over as Headmistress, something he was trying his best to prevent.

As the meeting concluded and everyone went their separate ways, Tonks made her way to Evangeline and Remus. High-fiving Evangeline again, her grin wide, "are you excited, Goldie? This is going to be so fun!"

"I wouldn't call it fun," Remus grumbled, snaking his arm around her waist.

"She'll be fine, I always look out for her, ever since we were in 1st year," Tonks assured, her tone confident and light.

"Um- Are you mental? I was the one who's been looking out for you," she corrected, eyes narrowed at her.

"No, I was-"

Remus cut her off by holding his hand up and turning Evangeline to face him, "just be safe, alright? I don't want you to get hurt like last time."

"I'll be okay, I promise. It's just an intel mission, nothing too dangerous," she assured, stepping up on her tip-toes to press a gentle a kiss to his lip.

Remus sighed as she pulled away, reaching his hand up to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear, "I'll stay up and wait for you."

"I expect nothing less," she giggled, giving him a smile and another kiss before turning to Tonks, "ready, Tonks?"