Chapter 1: A Triangle is Formed

Summary: Lance Proudfoot has been in love with Tonks since they met in Auror training and finally takes his shot. Remus is secretly jealous, but still denies his love for Tonks. She's sick of his stubborn nature...will Tonks choose Proudfoot?

Author's Note : Okay, I made up Proudfoot's first name...and in this fic he is Tonks' age...because I looked in HP lexicon and it didnt make reference to his age...

Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Harry Potter!

It wasn't a particularly busy day at the Ministry of Magic that day, the wind was howling and maple leaves swirled outside the window. Kingsley Shacklebolt was not the only person in his office paperwork-ing, Lance Proudfoot sipped his lukewarm coffee trying to complete the mount of report papers piled on the desk before him.

'I love her, Kingsley!' Lance Proudfoot exclaimed suddenly, getting up from his chair.

Kingsley looked up in surprise.

'Proudfoot, what are you--'

'I can't help it anymore! I can't hide these feelings I've had since...since--'

'For who?' Kingsley asked, eyes wide open.

'Nymph...no Tonks...she hates being called that--'

'Lance,' Shacklebolt interrupted with his deep voice and a hesitant expression on his face. 'Why... didn't you tell her before?'

'Well, I was going to tell her...but all she talks about is that Lupin,' he replied nonchantly. Kingsley straightened his robes. 'I don't know what she sees in him, I mean really, he is...twice her age!'

'Not quite...but she still loves him.' Kingsley tried to look unknowing.

'Yeah well, she keeps telling me that he won't return the feelings and I just...she doesn't deserve to be treated like that...and--'

'But Remus wants the best for her.'

'The b-best for her? Letting her eyes swell up in tears? He really is mad!'

Kingsley shot him a serious look. Lance paused.

'What I'm trying to say...is that there aren't any complications with me...and I hate seeing her upset all the time! She can't metamorph because of that dunderhead!' He pause again and continued. 'I'm going to tell her how I feel.'

'I don't know if--'

'What Kingsley? Shouldn't I tell her that I've been in love with her for four years?' Poor boy, if only he knew.

'It's just that I don't think she--'

'But I have no strings attached like Remus! I think it's the perfect time to make my move! I mean she's really--'

'Vulnerable...and what a perfect time to take advantage...yes..' Kingsley acknowledged. He's going to fall flat on his head.

'No! It's not like that! I love her! And I'm going to tell her over dinner tomorrow!' And he left Kingsley's office at once.

Kingsley sighed.

'Proudfoot, if you only knew that Remus would murder you if you tried.'

Nymphadora Tonks reached into her back pocket for her wand when she realised she was in the Muggle world. She kicked herself mentally and unlocked the front door to the house before pushing it open. It was dark outside and Andromeda Black was excitedly conversing with someone over the phone,

'Oh yes, yes Janice...I did in fact...but they were ordered and--'

'Wotcher, Mum,' Tonks chirped, trying to sport a genuine smile on her face. Here eyes were swollen red from tears, black rings formed under her eyes from stress working at the Ministry. Her mousy brown strands of hair were unbrushed and framed her pale heart shaped face, pink lips protruding from her skin's surface. Yet, Andromeda was busy chatting on the phone and only managed to greet her daughter by raising her hand in acknowledgement. Tonks rolled her eyes and replied with an annoyed call,

'Blimey, I'm good Mother! Thanks for asking!'

'See, I knew I had sent them over! Didn't I tell you! I'd like to see what Jeffrey has to say about that!' Andromeda chortled confidently.

Tonks grunted quietly as she hooked her coat on the stand and muttered to herself,

'I guess asking if Dad's home would be irrational...I'm so irrational...that's why I'm in love with Remus...' The topic of Remus again. I can't spend one day without thinking of Remus. Why am I so--

Knock knock.

Tonks came out of her mental self conversation and glanced over at her mother who was candidly gossiping.

'Is she really?...And we all thought she was getting married!' Andromeda exclaimed as if not noticing the loud tapping on the door. Tonks groaned and trudged to the door. She turned the knob and put on that fake smile again,

'Hi Dad...oh...not Dad...' Lance Proudfoot's dark blue eyes twinkled as they met Tonk's confused brown ones.

'Good evening Tonks,' he greeted with a warm smile on his face.

'Uh...what's up Proudfoot...what does the Ministry want?' Tonks replied sceptically, smile fading. Lance smiled.

'Nothing from work...it's Friday night...' He nervously raised his eyebrows.

'Yeah...' she said nodding as she leaned on the door, confused and arms in akimbo.

'Let me take you out for dinner,' he said breathlessly. Tonks' eyes dropped in stark realisation of his intentions.

'Lance, I-I...but y-you...Remus is--'

'As friends!' he lied, scratching his chin.

Tonks' eyes darted everywhere before she nodded hastily. It's not like Remus would care anyway.

'Um,...sure...I'll just...um get my coat.' Lance took a sigh of relief and smiled.

Just as Tonks had left the house, a spotty grey owl tapped the door with its beak. Tied to its leg was a note,

Tonks,

I need to see you. Headquarters. Now.

Remus.

Author's Note: Just an experiment...hope you liked... one way to let me know...reeeevieww!! (plz)