War In Shades Of Pink

Chapter 9: Full Moon

NOTES: I don't own the characters. They're all from the "Harry Potter" series. I just try to fill in the gaps with my own imagination.
English is not my first language, so I apologize for any error or mistake.

The silver moonlight filtered through the small, dusty windows of a cabin at the edge of a clearing near Grimmauld Place, illuminating the dark corners with an ethereal glow. Tonks sat on an old mattress, her legs drawn up to her chest, watching Remus finish the last vial of potion. His expression was grave, as always, but she could sense an additional tension in his shoulders, as if he were battling something far beyond what he could bear.

She had almost insisted on spending the night with him. She wanted to be by his side during this difficult time. The thought of him spending another full moon alone was unbearable.

"It's all right, Remus. I'm here," she said softly, trying to hide her own concern. "You've been through this many times, but I'm here now. Everything will be fine."

He nodded, yet the look he gave her—full of fear and uncertainty—made her heart clench.

"Dora, you don't have to do this," he said, his voice hoarse. "The potion doesn't always work as well as it should. I don't want you to get hurt. If something goes wrong..."

"Remus, I'm not going anywhere," she interrupted firmly. "You don't have to face this alone. I know the potion isn't perfect, but I trust you. We'll get through this together."

He took a deep breath, nodding slowly. His eyes, even in the shadow of the impending transformation, were still the same—filled with tenderness and an unmistakable fear.

"I love you, Dora," he murmured, his fingers beginning to tremble as he set the empty vial aside.

"I love you too, Remus," she replied, moving closer and taking his hands, feeling the tremor grow. "Now, go on. Do what you need to do. I'm right here."

Reluctantly, he released her hands and stepped back, his breathing now heavier. Tonks watched the first signs of the transformation begin: his skin and bones stretching, muscles contorting. Remus fought to maintain control, despite the excruciating pain, biting his lip to stifle a cry, but the sound that emerged was more of a muffled snarl. He buckled, falling to his knees as his body contorted, until, with one final spasm, he transformed completely.

The wolf now before her was large and imposing, yet, to her relief, the eyes still belonged to Remus. He was panting, his fur bristled, but when he looked at her, Tonks knew he was still there. Cautiously, she approached, kneeling before him.

"Hello, big lad," she said softly, extending her hand. "It's me. It's all right."

The wolf sniffed the air, seeming agitated. Tonks understood that the potion helped keep his human mind intact, but it was a fragile balance, and anything could shatter it. She slowly extended her hand, allowing him to sniff her fingers before gently caressing his muzzle.

"It's all right, Remus," she murmured, feeling her heartbeat slow a little as he leaned his head against her hand. "Just one more night, and then we can go home. I'll be fine here."

For a moment, everything seemed under control. Remus, even in wolf form, was calm, eyes closed as she stroked him. However, suddenly, something changed. A tremor coursed through the wolf's body, and his eyes snapped open, filled with a ferocity that was not his own. A deep growl resonated from his chest, and before Tonks could react, he lunged forward.

His claws grazed her arm, and she felt the searing pain of a deep cut. She cried out in shock and agony, instinctively retreating, clutching her bleeding arm. The wolf backed away as well, a sound of confusion and distress escaping his lips. His eyes looked terrified, recognising what he had done.

"Remus, no!" Tonks exclaimed, her heart racing with fear. She was breathless, the pain in her arm throbbing, but she knew she had to stay calm, or they would lose control of the situation. "Hey, hey, it's me, Tonks. Your Dora. It's all right."

Slowly, she retreated, raising her free hand in a placating gesture. The wolf glared at her, still growling softly, but he did not advance. Tonks took a deep breath, feeling tears stream down her face—not from fear, but from sadness and empathy for him.

"Remus, it's me, my love," she repeated, her voice trembling but resolute. "You're all right. I'm fine. It's just a scratch. Nothing serious, okay?"

The wolf whimpered lowly, a sound of pain and regret that tightened her chest further. He moved back slightly, as if trying to maintain distance to avoid hurting her again, but his eyes remained locked on hers. Tonks reached out her hand once more, hesitantly.

"Remus, you're not a monster. I know it's hard, but I'm here. You can do this. I believe in you." She stepped forward, despite her throbbing arm and the blood still trickling. "Come on, don't make me talk to myself all night."

She smiled, trying to ignore the tears still falling.

"And, just to point out, this has been more dramatic than the first time we tried to dance together."

The wolf made a sound that was almost a whimper, and she realised he understood her. He edged closer, head lowered, until he was near enough to nuzzle his snout against her hand, as if seeking forgiveness. Tonks sobbed, her uninjured hand gently stroking his head.

"It's all right," she whispered, her voice choked. "I'm here. We'll get through this together, as always."

The wolf lay down beside her, seeking comfort, and Tonks leaned down, wrapping her uninjured arm around him. She felt the warmth of his body against hers, and despite the fear and pain, a sense of peace settled over her. The tears continued to fall, and she could not hold them back.

"You're stronger than you think, Remus," she murmured, fingers entwined in his fur. "I know you are. We will manage."

She stayed there, holding him, quietly crying until exhaustion overcame her and she fell asleep. The wolf remained still, watching her with the human eyes that still held the same sadness and love as always. When he tilted his head to rest beside her, a single tear rolled down his lupine face, mingling with his dark fur.

Even in his wolf form, Remus's eyes remained the same—filled with pain, but also with a love so profound that it transcended any barrier. He nestled closer to her, trying to protect her as best as he could, even now.

The night passed slowly, but Tonks did not move away. They faced the remainder of the transformation together, and although pain and fear still lingered, there was also hope. She believed in him, and that was enough to help him resist the darkness.

When the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, Remus returned to his human form, body weary and pained from the transformation. He looked at Tonks, still asleep, her eyes swollen from crying, and felt the weight of all that had transpired. Yet, at the same time, a wave of gratitude and love surged within him, so strong that it seemed impossible to contain.

He lay down beside her, careful not to touch the wound on her arm, and embraced her gently.

"I love you, Nymphadora Tonks," he whispered, knowing she could not hear him, but saying it nonetheless. "Thank you for believing in me, even when I can't."

And with that, he closed his eyes, exhausted, but with a heart a little lighter, knowing that despite everything, they were together. And for now, that was enough.