the_debt_of_time

made a mental note to put a Sticking Charm on the bag as well so she would not be in
danger of losing all of their supplies.
As she leant down to retrieve the bag, she overheard Remus and Tonks in the
kitchen. Though she was not one to normally eavesdrop—especially on her friends—she
could not help but be a little curious when she heard her name spoken. Desperate to know
whether or not they were genuine about wanting to help her, Hermione listened.
"I'm sorry about that," Remus muttered. "Sometimes Hermione can just―"
"No need for that," Tonks insisted in a loving tone. "We've been through this for a
year. Ever since you told me the truth. It's nothing to be ashamed about. It's definitely
nothing I need to worry about."
Hermione could hear the smile in Tonks's voice. For some reason, it filled her with
ease despite not knowing the specifics of the conversation.
Remus's tone, however, was tense and worrisome as he asked, "You're certain?"
"As certain as I am that I'm your mate," Tonks said firmly. "You think she's going
there to get the—?"
Remus sighed. "It's possible. Though I doubt her reasons are the same as mine."
"But you're sure that it's close?"
"Close." Remus sounded uneasy. "If we survive this war, then maybe. Only time
will tell, I suppose."
"You worry too much."
"You know I love you, right?" Remus asked with quiet fervour.
"I know," Tonks replied. "It's okay, love. There are some things you can't help, and
this is absolutely one of them. You didn't plan how all of this turned out. We can't help
how we feel."
"But you know I love you, right?" he asked again.
Tonks laughed. "Yes, Remus, you love me, you'll never leave me, I'm your mate; I
get it."
Hermione could tell that the conversation was something that had occurred more
than once. At the sudden silence coming from the kitchen, she blushed as she realised that
she was intruding on a very private moment between the couple. Stepping into the
fireplace, Hermione tossed the Floo powder and whispered, "The Burrow," before
disappearing.