Turmoil

"It'll be all right..."

Molly sat down beside her and put an arm around Tonks, whose face was full of worry. "We all know the Dark Lord's target is the Ministry of Magic. Remus is actually safer having left the country. Don't worry, Tonks..."

Tonks gave a subdued response and said nothing more.

Harry racked his brains but found that he truly could not think of anything comforting to say. All he could do was sit there stiffly beside her.

The fluorescent lights cast a soft yet bright glow over the entire room. Perhaps sensing their low spirits, George and Fred moved more quietly, no longer shouting as they explored the room. Ron, who was fiddling with the game cartridges, glanced at them and silently turned down the volume.

At some point, Ginny had sat down beside him and quietly taken his hand.

The room was not particularly quiet, yet Harry felt strangely at ease.

Looking at Tonks's dejected expression, he suddenly remembered something. He blinked twice, and his formerly dim eyes brightened.

Without a word, Harry recalled the way Tonks and Professor Lupin usually interacted. He felt a little annoyed with himself. After spending so long at school, he had somehow failed to notice something so interesting. He wondered whether Professor Lupin could still keep that calm, gentle expression when he was in love.

The next time they met, he would definitely have to tease him properly.

Clear footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. The heavy solid-wood door creaked softly as the group who had gone out to talk pushed it open and entered. Their eyes settled on Harry. Moody nodded and said in a deep voice, "Harry, we've already spoken with the Dursleys. You can spend the summer there without worry."

"I... I understand." Harry reluctantly let go