Nymphadora Tonks sat crossed legged on the old, dusty, settee settled in the living room of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. Sitting across the room from her was Remus Lupin, a tall, thin, handsome but rather shabby man with light brown hair that seemed to be graying prematurely. In a chair parallel to Remus' side was Sirius Black, he had scraggly black hair and grey eyes that Tonks herself inherited from the Black Family.
It had been almost three weeks since Tonks had become a member of the Order. Three weeks since she'd met Remus and reunited with her long lost second cousin Sirius. Tonight they had been chatting and laughing when Bill Weasley , the eldest child of Molly and Arthur Weasley entered the room.
"Goodnight Remus. G'night Sirius," Bill started, eyes shifting to each of the men. His eyes stopped when he noticed a small framed woman with bright pink hair and a cheery smile. "Well if it isn't Nymphadora Tonks." He smiled. "I haven't seen you in ages."
Tonks bounced up happily and gave Bill a hug. "Wotcher Bill, it's been too long!" she released him from her grip and then slapped him hard on his shoulder.
"Ouch!" Bill wailed. "What was that bloody for?"
"For using the 'N' word." Tonks stated.
"The 'N' word?" Bill asked. "Oh, you mean 'Nymphadora'"? Tonks sent another blow to his shoulder causing Bill to wince.
"You know well enough that it's Tonks." She stated.
"Right—sorry," Bill replied. "Anyways I better get going. Mum and Dad will worry if I don't get to the Burrow soon, and truthfully I'm afraid if I stay any longer I will completely lose the feeling in my arm." He turned back to Remus and Sirius and bowed his head. "Goodnight gentlemen." Then he redirected his head towards Tonks. "Goodnight Tonks." He winked "I'll see you again soon." With that he was gone, leaving a blushing Tonks standing in the middle of the room.
"Ey Moony, looks like my little cousins got herself a crush." Sirius laughed. Remus just nodded slightly.
"I do not!" Tonks screeched. "Bill is just an old friend. I went to Hogwarts with his brother Charlie." She explained. "And you," she pointed her finger at Remus.
"Me?" Remus raised an eyebrow.
"Yes you," Tonks stated. "Don't agree with him." She said, now pointing to Sirius. "And just so you know I happen to like someone else." She smirked.
Remus felt his heart sink. He knew he shouldn't but he himself had a crush – on Tonks. She was so bright and cheery and she like a small few accepted him for who he was—or more like what he was, but what could he expect? He after all was an old, poor and dangerous man.
"Who?" Sirius demanded, becoming more interested in the conversation. He scooted to the edge of the chair, sitting like an eager child waiting in suspense to hear the next part in a thrilling story.
"That," Tonks stated calmly "Is for me to know … and you to find out." She smiled and then looked at a disappointed Sirius and yawned. "Weee—l boys, I think it's about time I turned in. G'night" With that, she left and headed upstairs. Sirius and Remus sat, waiting for her to make it all the way up the stairs before speaking again.
"Who do ya think it is Moony?" asked Sirius.
"Who do I think what is?" said Remus.
"Who so you think Tonks' crush is?" Exclaimed Sirius.
"It's none of our business Padfoot … If Tonks wants to tell us she will." Remus felt his voice cracking slightly. He didn't even want to talk about Tonks having a crush, especially since he knew he didn't have a chance.
"Well I determined to find out" stated Sirius. "If my cousin fancies someone it's my responsibility to make sure that person is – suitable—for her." He stood up and stretched.
Remus chuckled. "Since when did you start caring about responsibility?" he asked, also standing up.
"Since about – fifteen minutes ago." Answered Sirius. "Well I'm gonna have to sleep on this 'crush' thing." He walked over to the doorway. "You coming Moony?"
"In a minute Padfoot … you go on ahead." Remus gave a slight smile and Sirius left. He turned his head to the dimming light in the ashy fireplace which soon was extinguished with a flick of his wand. He let out a small sigh and headed up to bed.
Remus made his way to his down the hall, stopping at the door before his room. The door was the only one to be cracked. He looked inside. The light of the hall shined a light onto the owners face. It was Tonks. Remus noticed how peaceful she looked when she slept. Again he sighed. If only he were able to love her. That's when he decided—in his mind … he could love her.
"Sleep well my love" Remus whispered into the opening of her door and then made his way to his own room.