AN: Only my second fanfic ever! I thought it would be interesting to show different points of view, because I often thought during the HP books that most Muggles had a simpler, less prejudiced view of the world because of their ignorance. (Unlike Uncle Vernon!)
Remus
Why in the name of Merlin had he let her drag him Christmas shopping? Of course, it was not as though he could have said no, seeing as he had to pick up the Defence books he and Sirius had decided to get Harry. But Tonks was buying presents for everybody, and she seemed to not have much of an idea of what to get most people, instead deciding to browse. Because of this, Remus felt as though he had been lugged through every shop in Diagon Alley.
She had finally decided on a model Firebolt for Harry, a Snitch necklace for Ginny and a huge book for Hermione, but she had refused to buy Remus and Sirius's presents in front of him, saying it would ruin the surprise.
And now she was pulling him down a street in Muggle London, an excited smile lighting up her face. He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and hunched his narrow shoulders against the cold, thinking she could just Apparate him back to Grimmauld Place (which was starting to sound almost like heaven), and that would be a suitable enough Christmas present.
They rounded the corner and emerged into a large square that was filled with Christmas shoppers. A group of carollers were in the middle of the square, in front of the biggest Christmas tree he had ever seen. Little stands selling hot drinks and food had popped up everywhere.
'Wait here,' Tonks ordered him. 'I'll be back in a second.' She disappeared into the crowd, and even Remus's sharp wolf eyes couldn't spot the telltale flash of pink in the throng.
A few minutes later, she reappeared, holding two steaming foam cups and a paper bag.
'Now, this is why I brought you!' Tonks said proudly, and his heart softened as he took the proffered cup of hot chocolate. 'Wait!' she squeaked as he lifted the cup to his lips.
He lowered it and looked at her inquisitively. 'You haven't poisoned it, have you? Do I need to take a leaf out of Mad-Eye's book and start drinking from a hip flask?'
She grinned. 'No.' She held out the paper bag. 'You put these in it.'
He rummaged in the bag and withdrew a white, rounded fluffy thing which he believed was a Muggle sweet called a marshmallow, slightly singed at the edges. He examined it. 'It's been toasted,' he said, unnecessarily.
'Mhm.' Tonks nodded, popping one in her mouth. 'Makes them melt.' She closed her eyes in bliss, so he popped his in his mouth, feeling the sugary sweetness pool in his mouth.
'I think I'd still prefer plain hot chocolate,' he said. 'Although these are quite nice on their own.'
'Such a spoilsport! And I thought, as a Marauder, you'd try it … but it seems I was wrong.' Her dark eyes gleamed mischievously.
Not one to back down from a challenge, Remus reached into the bag and popped two marshmallows into his hot chocolate. Smirking, Tonks followed suit. He took a sip, feeling the now almost unnatural sweet taste slide down his throat.
'Mmm,' he hummed contemplatively. 'I think I still prefer it plain.'
Tonks grinned. 'Me too.'
'It's rather nice, though.' He took another sip, rocking back on his heels and glancing around the square. If he admitted it to himself, he was feeling rather shy and nervous. This was the first time in a while that he had been alone with her, which had been a blessing and a curse, given his ever-growing feelings for the young witch. 'Remus?'
Her voice startled him out of his reverie. 'Nymphadora?'
She scowled. 'Thanks for coming today.'
'Well, I was completely miserable until you bestowed me with hot chocolate. You've redeemed yourself.'
'Git.' She smacked him, causing him to drop his cup. 'Oh, for the love of Merlin! You can't take me anywhere,' she mumbled, looking annoyed and embarrassed as she ducked her head.
He curled his fingers under her chin and tilted her face up to his. 'Nymphadora,' he said quietly.
'Don't call me Nympha–' He cut her off with a soft kiss. His lips tentatively brushed over hers, unsure. His heart leapt as she responded to the kiss and her hand came up to trace his jaw. Instantly his kiss became desperate, not caring that they were surrounded by holiday-goers. His hand found the small of her back, tugging her closer, and her fingers wound through his hair, tugging gently as she kissed him back just as passionately. She tasted like chocolate and the remnants of the marshmallow, and as she smiled against his mouth, he realised that for the first time since leaving Hogwarts, he was finally home.