Authors Note:

WARNING: HALF BLOOD PRINCE SPOILERS! Do not read if you don't want the plot spoiled… but come on! It's been months. :P Kidding. Thank you all for the lovely reviews that made me smile... I just love reviews:P Enjoy!

Parents to Be

Chapter 3: The Calm Before the Storm

Nymphadora lay on her back, with her head tucked in Remus's lap. He was so warm… She felt peaceful here, listening to the sound of his voice as he told her about his day at work. He was her protector. She was safe. Safety, she thought, a rare luxury now that there is a full fledged war going on in the wizarding community.

Remus and Nymphadora had been married the January after Professor Dumbledore's funeral. It was a small wedding, with close friends and family only. At that time, the wizarding communities were on the verge of war. So when the Dark War commenced on March 4th with the Death Eaters' violent invasion of Hogsmeade, the Order was nearly ready with an army of their own. Doors were blasted apart; chunks of debris were strewn across the roads. Many witches and wizards were injured and even more were killed by either the Death Eaters themselves or by falling debris. This little battle lasted less than twenty four hours.

Only a few days after this, on the seventh of March, Nymphadora had found out that they were pregnant. She was overjoyed, naturally, yet terrified at the same time. When she finally got hold of Remus, who was working overtime setting up plans of action in the Order, he smiled at her and promised to protect them. Yet, she could see the sadness and fear behind his eyes.

Tonks awoke with a start. Her head was no longer supported by her loving husband, but by a mossy green cushion. She slowly sat up and struggled to her feet.

"REMUS?" she called, "Now, where are you?" She muttered under her breath, walking towards the kitchen and looking into rooms as she passed.

Nymphadora soon walked passed the desk in the living room, and noticed with a glance that there was a note laying there. She picked it up and fear took hold. He had left her. And the note said nothing about meeting up with someone so that there would be less of a chance of an ambush.

She collapsed on the floor, sobbing with an overwhelming grief. He was gone, and had left her alone. How could this have happened? Just as a new wave of sobs rushed over her, she heard a noise behind her. Spinning around with an agility that must have been difficult with such a protruding stomach, Nymphadora came face to face with the culprit.

"Nymph? What's wrong?" Remus questioned anxiously, tossing the bags he was carrying on the couch and embracing his wife in his protective arms.

"I… I th-thought that you were… were g-gone!" She spluttered, renewed waves of tears streaming down her face at the last word.

"I was only gone to get groceries." He whispered softly in her ear. "I will never leave you. No matter what."

"You can't say that!" She burst out angrily, pushing him away, tears streaming rapidly down her cheeks. "More and more people are disappearing, Death Eaters are roaming free… and you didn't even say you had someone with you!" She exclaimed, brandishing his note.

Remus reached out towards her and pulled her close to him. "It's alright, I'm home now. And besides, Arthur was with me." He comforted. Kissing her lightly, he pulled back and looked at her until their eyes met. He stared lovingly at her puffy red eyes and reached out to brush away the long curled raven hair from her face. "I love you." He whispered. Winking, he added "Mrs. Lupin."

She smiled at him. Everything was alright again. Life was good once more… For now, at least.

So...? What did you think? Mood swings a la pregnant lady, lol. Hmm... let's have a guess at the gender of the baby and why! I think it will be fun xD (Of course, I already know this, but we can see what you all think!) Well, talk to you all soon!

G'night,
Eternalstupor