Disclaimer: Still own nothing.

A/N: I really enjoyed writing this one... it's a little bit fluffy. Kind of short, but I think the next chapter will be longer. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I appreciate the feedback!

Those meetings run far too late, thought Tonks, yawning as she hung up her cloak in the entryway of her flat. Even for 1 A.M., it was awfully dark. I'm sure I left the curtains open... Stepping softly down the hall, she held her wand ready, the hair on the back of her neck standing up. Whether from instinct or training, she knew something was definitely wrong.

A floorboard creaked near the window and she aimed in that direction. "Expelliarmus!"

Two unfamiliar voices, a man's and a woman's, swore as their wands arced through the air. Tonks flicked her wand and muttered the charm that would alert the others to her situation.

Before she could step toward the intruders, a voice behind her said, "Expelliarmus." The spell hit her in the back at close range, knocking her off balance. Falling forward, her head connected with the edge of a table.

Dazed and in pain, Tonks flailed for her wand, wondering what they'd do to her next. Death and torture didn't scare her, she'd prepared for that in Auror training; it was the Imperius curse that had her worried. If they made her attack the Order... Remus.

There was a crack, and then a familiar voice growled, "Stupefy." Her attacker collapsed. A series of cracks left her confused as to who was in her flat and which side they were on.

"Mad-Eye?" she croaked, certain he was still standing a few feet away.

"You're all right, Tonks," he answered gruffly. "Let's fan out and check the rest of the place." A chorus of affirmatives followed. Someone was kneeling beside her.

"Don't worry, it's me," murmured a hoarse voice she recognized at once.

"Remus!" she managed to choke out as he lit his wand and leaned closer. He pulled a handkerchief from his robes and pressed it to her forehead.

"You've got a nasty cut there," he said softly. "Other than that, how do you feel?" She mumbled that she was fine, earning herself a smile from her companion. "That's good. If you can stand up, I'll take you back to Headquarters." He pressed her wand into her hand and gently helped her to her feet. Tonks swayed on the spot, grabbing his arm for support.

"I- I'm a bit dizzy..." she muttered, trying very hard to stand on her own.

"That's to be expected. Don't over-exert yourself; I'll take care of it." He called down the hall. "Mad-Eye, I'm taking Tonks now." The Auror grunted something about vigilance, which they took to mean "OK."

Without another word, Remus pulled her to him and enveloped her in his cloak. She was stunned. How hard did I hit my head? she wondered. I must be hallucinating. Whatever was going on, it was wonderful. Tonks had never felt so safe in her life. Pressing her face against his shoulder, she could hardly believe her luck. He was so warm, so comforting. Her arms snaked around his waist, and she felt his whole body tense before his hold on her tightened.

"It's all right, Nymphadora," he whispered, and she didn't bother to correct him. "You're safe." They Disapparated and reappeared in front of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Much to his chagrin, Remus found he could not let go of her. Defying the rational instructions of his brain, his arms stubbornly refused to release the slender body they held tight.

At this point, Tonks was almost glad she'd been attacked, considering the compensation more than made up for it. She snuggled closer, her lips grazing his collarbone. The sensation sent a tremor through his lean frame.

Alarm bells were going off in his head. This could easily get out of hand, he thought. I must protect her. I must let go. They remained locked in an embrace. She tenderly kissed his neck, raking her fingers up the small of his back. Snap out of it, Remus! The girl has a concussion for heaven's sake! She doesn't know what she's doing! Tonks sighed happily, breathing in his intoxicating scent. She trusts you. You haven't any right to touch her... werewolf.

The thought made him feel as though someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over him. Frowning slightly, Remus pulled away from her and steered her toward the front door.

"Sorry about this," mumbled Tonks, wondering if her behavior had offended him. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye; his face was flushed and he was frowning. Bad Tonks, shouldn't have done that... "I'm horrible. An Auror who can't even defend herself, how pathetic."

"You were ambushed, don't blame yourself," he said, attempting to be aloof yet comforting at the same time. "It could have happened to any of us." Tonks rather doubted that Remus could ever be caught off-guard like that, but she didn't argue. Together, they entered the house in awkward silence.