𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. ʀ. ʟᴜᴘɪɴ

fifty-two

"You know, I just realized Harry and his friends don't know. About what happened with Hope," Evangeline said as her and Remus stood by their daughter's grave.

"I imagine they know about Damien."

"All over the bloody papers," Remus muttered.

"I'm surprised they haven't written. Maybe they've finally decided to keep their noses out of our business?"

Remus chuckled, "or they're investigating themselves. Only the gods know."

Evangeline's smile faded as she turned her attention back to Hope's grave. Brushing some of the dirt off the top of it, she placed a small bouquet of flowers next to it. 

"We just can't catch a break, huh?" she quietly asked. 

Remus knelt beside Evangeline, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. She drew in an uneven breath, brushing a finger over the necklace draped over the stone. 

He placed a light kiss on her shoulder before helping Evangeline stand up. The two walked back inside and Remus made his way to the kitchen, putting the kettle on. 

"I'm sorry, Remus, about what happened with Damien. I'm sorry for scaring you and for what might happen. You know I wish I was being more–"

"Don't," he said, "it's happened, I'm not angry with you. What matters now is just getting through it, with you preferably still being able to sleep next to me every night and not behind bars."

Remus took two mugs out of the cabinet and Evangeline walked to him, wrapping her arms around his right one. She placed her chin on his shoulder, "I love you."

He brought his left hand to her face, brushing his palm over her cheek gently. Placing a kiss on her forehead he muttered, "I love you," against her skin. 

"I am glad you stood up to him. For you and Mary."

"Me too."

A knock at the door interrupted the two, "I'll get it," Evangeline said, Remus getting out a third mug with a sigh. 

Evangeline opened the door, slightly surprised to see a certain pink-haired Auror on the doorstep. 

"Can I come in?" Tonks asked. 

"Of course."

Tripping over the door still, Tonks made her way into the home and Evangeline lead her into the kitchen. Remus placed three mugs on the dining table, Tonks taking a seat. 

"What are you doing here?" Remus questioned. 

"First things first, I'm not here," she said, shooting the two a look. 

Evangeline sat down, "what's going on?"

"I've been talking to everyone in the Auror office, I want you to know that we're all willing to take the stand and defend you should we be able to. You've made a good impression on all the Aurors, just thought you should know that there are some people who have your back."

"Have you heard from my lawyer?"

Tonks nodded, "Merlin, I really shouldn't be saying anything. But yes, I have. Your biggest threats at the moment are Damien, the Minister, Rita Skeeter, and that pink bitch."

"Umbridge?" Remus asked. 

"Yeah. Her," Tonks bitterly said, taking too big of a sip of her tea, causing her to hiss. "Bloody hell that's hot."

"The Quibbler's been nice to you," Tonks said, "the press doesn't totally hate you..."

"So I've been told."

"Look," Tonks started, "I'm here to let you know that you've got support. It may not be much, it may not do you any good in the long run... but there are people who are willing to defend your name that you've worked so hard to earn respect on. I do think you'll be alright in the long run. Maybe not career wise... but I really don't believe they'll lock you up. The entire Auror office hates Damien, and I'm sure there's more people out there that would prefer him in a coffin."

"He's got power in the Ministry," Evangeline said.

"He does," Tonks said, "but so does Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Shacklebolt?" Evangeline questioned.

"He's also got a lot of power in the Ministry. You know he's one of the best Aurors the Ministry has ever seen and frankly, the Ministry does like him. He's been advocating for your innocence. You've got a shot."

"Shacklebolt did much of my training when I was younger. Nice to know he still believes in me," she fondly said. 

"A lot of us do."

a/n:
hi im so sorry for the lack of updates and the short chapter, i've been swamped with moving and other super fun (lie) stuff. i promise longer chapters are to come!

also, to all walking dead fans and rick grimes whores (me), i have a book published that is being updated called for the time being, should y'all care to check it out ;)