In Marauders Power Company's temporary workshop by the lake, Remus Lupin was packing Tonks's luggage.
Outside the tent, the magical fluctuations left by the intense drill not long ago had yet to dissipate completely.
Inside, however, the Alchemical Furnace kept things quite warm.
Lupin was carefully folding a freshly ironed Auror uniform, his movements gentle.
During the competition, one had provided technical support while the other supervised security, and they had spent every day together.
Tonks had seen Lupin's confidence and command as Chief Engineer, while Lupin had grown used to her constantly changing hair color and the way she occasionally knocked over parts in her clumsiness.
"I have to go back to the Ministry."
Tonks broke the silence, sounding a little dejected.
Her lively short hair was gray-blue today.
"The Ministry of Magic is very interested in your company's new products. Director Scrimgeour wants me to return and submit a detailed technical assessment."
She meant the Home Patronus System unveiled at the launch, as well as the various prank traps that had given the Hogwarts students so much trouble during the drill.
Lupin nodded silently.
He picked up a compass, his fingertips trembling slightly as they touched its cold brass casing.
"Take care on the way."
He finally spoke, his voice gentle.
"I will."
At that, they both smiled.
Looking into Lupin's gentle eyes, Tonks suddenly felt a surge of courage.
She abruptly stepped forward and threw her arms around him.
This embrace was completely different from those polite pats on the shoulder before.
She distinctly felt Lupin's body stiffen, his chest firm and warm beneath his wizard's robes.
She could even smell the scent of old books mixed with wind and snow on him, and her mind went blank.
After just a second, she quickly let go.
Her