Whispers of Temporal Desperation
July 11th, 1998
Several months had passed since Remus stumbled upon the elusive time-turner and learned of Hermione's possession of such a device. In the quiet of their home, he pondered the missed opportunities, wondering why the trio hadn't utilized this time-twisting magic earlier to save those they cherished. Frustration gnawed at him, but Remus couldn't abandon the idea of bringing Sirius back from the shadows of the past.
The guilt weighed on Remus as he concocted his secret plan, knowing it could hurt Tonks, who loved him dearly.
"This is messed up," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair, as he sat at the table, contemplating the gravity of his decision. The morning was calm but felt empty. Tonks entered the kitchen, her morning robes draped around her, and observed him in silence before gently questioning, "Sweetheart?"
Startled by her interruption, Remus quickly composed himself, masking his inner turmoil with a forced smile. "You're up early," he remarked, glancing at her fatigued expression.
"I couldn't sleep when I noticed you were gone," Tonks confessed, taking a seat across from him. Concern etched her features. "Remus, this is the fourth night you've woken up early. Is something bothering -"
"Everything is fine, love," Remus interjected, taking a sip of his tea. "Just caught up in the daily grind, nothing more." He closed the door to further inquiry.
Tonks sighed, visibly annoyed but decided not to press the issue. "If you say so," she replied, standing up and leaving without another word. "Tonks, please, wait -" Remus called after her, but she had already retreated to their bedroom.
With a sigh, Remus covered his face, feeling the frustration mounting. "Merlin's sake," he muttered, adjusting his tie before slowly opening the bedroom door. "Tonks?" he spoke softly, finding her sitting on the edge of the bed, looking miserable. The subtle change in her hair color tugged at his heart.
Tonks remained silent, her eyes meeting his. For once, words eluded her, and she felt a sense of hopelessness. Remus joined her, putting an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug.
She closed her eyes briefly, then pulled away, locking eyes with him. "You've been acting distant and weird lately. What's going on? Did I do something? Am I the problem?" Her words cut through Remus, and he pulled her into a hug. "You are not a problem, Tonks. Don't ever think that. We're just experiencing a dark time, and it's taking a toll on all of us, including me," he reassured, a mixture of truth and evasion in his words.
Tonks sighed, accepting his explanation, though not entirely convinced. The war's impact was undeniable, but Remus couldn't bring himself to reveal the full extent of his inner turmoil. She did not deserve someone like him. Now, now he knew he had to go back, but how?