Walking was still difficult, and Tonks wasn't terribly happy with having to do it at any length, but going back to the Ministry - back to work - was more important than whether or not she was comfortable.

She could feel others stare at her as she limped heavily through the atrium, avoiding looking at the statues in the middle of the fountain. Remembering the battle where Sirius died was never pleasant, and she always made a point of avoiding it at all costs. Instead, she looked ahead toward the lifts, and her stomach turned to ice when she saw Dolores Umbridge standing there.

Brilliant, she thought. Five minutes into her day, and it was already ruined.

Hobbling up to Umbridge, she tried to ignore her as she pressed the proper button. She shoved her left hand in the pocket of her trousers, somehow certain that if Umbridge saw her wedding ring, she would make the instant connection, and then she and Remus would both be royally screwed.