As she wipes her boots on the threshold, Remus plasters on a platonic smile. Clearing his throat, he calls, "Nearly late again."
Tonks jumps at his voice and beams unabashed. "Remus!"
He doesn't know why her customary hug surprises him this time. It's so close, her coat buttons dig into his chest. A strand of pink hair tickles his cheek, and for one stupid second, he wonders if he could kiss her.
Remus pulls away abruptly, distancing himself as the confusion clouds her face. Sirius barks that they're beginning, and he turns to swallow his guilt in the dark stairway.