22nd of September 1995

Gwen stood in front of Snape, cupping his frowned face with her palms. He removed her hands from himself with a gentle move, looking her straight in the eyes.

"I should've guessed you'd come here," he scoffed at her coldly.

"Of course I came, what's wrong with you? I don't see anything on your head, so stop talking nonsense, and tell me what happened," Gwen said resolutely. Snape moved away, and put his shirt back on.

"I was in London to attend a meeting. But when Lucius, and I came there, we got attacked," he said grudgingly, stretching his arm. A quiet gasp left his mouth in a sign of discomfort. "And the funniest thing, I think they were one of them. The Death Eaters."

"Why would they attack you? I don't get this," Gwen stepped closer to Snape, who was still stretching his arm.

"I don't know, but knowing Lucius, he has already informed the Dark Lord about that," Snape scoffed, and frowned because he still felt pain when he moved his arm.

"Can I help you somehow?" Gwen asked, noticing the signs of pain on his face.

"No. Oh, and one more thing. They know we know each other. Lucius, and Narcissa couldn't deny it when they were asked," Snape sighed, looking annoyed. "That's why you shouldn't come here tonight. Did perhaps that little brat Malfoy saw you?"

"Yes, but he knows he must keep his mouth shut when it comes to me, so don't worry about him," Gwen sighed, and Snape scoffed again.

"You're really naïve, and rash. I guess it's the effect of Black."

"I don't care what you say, Sev, I really don't. You are my friend, and of course I came to see you. Now tell me what did they do to you?" Gwen had her arms crossed now, looking at Snape waiting for some answers.

"Badly performed curses. Amateurs. If I hadn't had to take care of Lucius, I would've taken them all down with two hits," Snape muttered under his breath, but still loud enough for Gwen to hear him.

"He is really good for nothing, next time use him as a shield," Gwen joked, trying not to laugh. Snape now looked at her with disbelief, but soon after burst into laughter with her joining him.

"Perhaps I should, yes," Snape sighed. "However, I think Dumbledore won't let any apparition from here tonight."

"Oh… I haven't really thought of that," Gwen admitted. She really haven't thought about that when she decided to come to Hogwarts tonight. Snape sighed loudly. He expected this.

"I'll ask Minerva to set you up some of the guest quarters, then. I'll escort you tomorrow to that… house. And you're already dressed for what? A sleepover?"

"I'm a bit sick, so I stayed in the bed the whole day. And I didn't have much time to change," Gwen sighed. "But I reckon this look really fits me, what do you think?"

She made a few mannequin moves, and noticed Snape's robes on the chair next to him. In a few fast moves she pulled herself out of her robes, and put his on.

"Or do you like me better in your clothes?" she laughed, and he did too, only under his breath. "I'm staying here with you. It's not the first time, and I'll take the couch."

"You're the devil, Gwen," Snape scoffed at her. "And I won't argue with you."

"Good, because I'm not here for arguing. Besides, we haven't spent some time together in a while now," Gwen smiled widely now. She was right though.

"Alright, and tomorrow during breakfast you're out of here. I don't want that Umbridge bitch to see you here."

"Yeah, what's wrong with her?" Gwen jumped happily on the couch placed near the fireplace, unzipping her boots, kicking them aside. Snape was always annoyed with her when she was like that. Careless. But it somehow amused him too.

"Oh, I don't know… Everything," Snape sat next to Gwen, and told her about Umbridge. After that he went to the kitchens to get them something to eat, and they shared a dinner. Gwen suddenly remembered Sirius being ecstatic about making his first curry. She felt sorry she wasn't at Grimmaulds to eat with him, and she hoped that Tonks stayed for dinner. Sirius felt useless closed up in the house, and the only thing that kept him from pure alcoholism was having Gwen, and Remus there. Even though she could leave the house if she wanted to, she chose not to because she was afraid for Sirius to break out. But that night she slept at Hogwarts, in front of the warm fireplace in Snape's bedroom. Snape didn't even offer her his bed, because he knew she would never agree to that. And he didn't want to hear her complaining about him being hurt. He had enough of the night already.

Meanwhile, Tonks did stay for dinner. Sirius was nervous because Gwen left, but the fact he's not alone soothed him. His curry did burn a little, but he charmed it to be delicious. Even though Gwen told him to cook without magic, she wasn't here, so why bother following her rules? Tonks was nervous too, but not because of Gwen. She was still worried about Remus, and she really hoped to get some advice from Gwen. Tonks was sure that Snape was fine, and that Gwen can take care of herself, so she wasn't worried as Sirius was. The only thing lingering in her mind was Remus not talking to her.

"So, how would you grade my first curry?" Sirius grinned after they finished dinner.

"Oh… Magically O because you charmed it well. Culinary hmm.. A. I love that burnty aftertaste," Tonks licked her spoon before placing it on a plate.

"Maybe I'm secretly very talented at cooking, imagine!"

"Oh yes, rich boy ex-con turning his life upside down by becoming a master chef," Tonks said mockingly, and Sirius started laughing with his significant laughter. Tonks morphed herself to look like one of the Daily Prophet journalists. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present you Sirius Black." Tonks clapped to finish her act, and Sirius was choking on his laughter.

"Thank you, thank you," Sirius gasped with laughter, and Tonks joined him. They laughed for a minute or two, when they finally got a hold of themselves.

"So, what happened on your Auror duty? Was I mentioned?" Sirius eyebrows popped a few times.

"Surprisingly, no. We were after some Death Eaters. Caught some bastards too. Oh, I was made second, and Kingsley and I totally kicked some nasty dark arse there!" Tonks cheered herself.

"Wow, who knew you'd turn up to be a kick arse auror!" Sirius smiled at her. "That Kingsley is a bit too calm. During the first war, James and I placed a bet if we'll ever see him smile. He laughed at some jokes, sure, but never smiled."

"Oh, Kingsley can smile! After the raid we had, we went for some drinks. He got a bit drunk, and he was smiling all the time."

"Drunk smiling does not count!" Sirius proclaimed. He figured Tonks will give him some valuable information. Maybe that was the night when she's sent that patronus. "Where were you then?"

"Oh, Glasgow. It was on Sunday," Tonks didn't suspect a thing. "In fact, when we got to our rooms, I think he fell asleep instantly. He snored so loud it was almost unbearable."

"Really?" Sirius played as dumb as he could. Of course Remus jumped into wrong conclusion. Exactly what he thought.

"Totally. Remus is nothing comparing to Kingsley," Tonks said, alluding to the comment Sirius made about Remus when she stayed there for the first time.

"Moony is not the worst, I know. I just said that to involve him in a conversation, because he was so distracted. Probably thinking something rather stupid about himself."

Tonks face suddenly became serious. Maybe she should talk to Sirius about Remus' behaviour. And she knew Sirius already knows everything about Remus.

"I really don't get why he thinks so badly about himself," Tonks sighed.

"Tonksie, Moony is used to people avoiding him, or rejecting him from a moment they find out about his condition," Sirius face was now without a smirk, or grin. Steady. "He has a hard time trusting people."

"I guess…" Tonks sighed again, now more sadly. She didn't want to tell Sirius straight forward what Remus told her. It felt like she's betraying him, and she didn't want that.

"I noticed him being even more silent, and isolated after your last mission," Sirius smirked. "What happened there, hm?" He however didn't have any shame.

"Really?" Tonks lowered her look now feeling worse than before. She really did fuck things up. "I think there's a big misunderstanding between him and me."

"Care to elaborate?" Sirius asked, holding his wine glass now, taking a small sip.

"We were talking. And he told me some stuff, you know," Tonks said still looking at her lap. "I thought he's uncomfortable, and that he doesn't want to talk anymore about a certain topic. So I started talking about myself."

"Oh…" Sirius still played dumb, even though he already knew that. And it turned out he really was alright. Remus' attitude complicated this whole thing unnecessarily.

"Yes… I noticed it straight away. But I thought he was embarrassed, or something. And now he's acting so strange…" Tonks sighed again.

"How do you know? You weren't here for the past week," Sirius now enjoyed playing dumb. Tonks bit her lip because she trapped herself now. She couldn't lie because Sirius would now, and that meant she could only tell him the truth.

"Well, I've sent him a patronus on Sunday. And he didn't sent anything back. I felt like an idiot, really."

Sirius started to laugh now, pretending, but the small part of him was really amused.

"I'm sorry, but it seems you were a bit impatient with him. Do you know what his patronus is?" Sirius asked Tonks, and Tonks realised she doesn't have a clue. And he saw hers a few times now. "Exactly, Tonksie. It's a wolf. He was convinced it was a werewolf for two years, but it's just a regular wolf. He hates it."

"I haven't even thought of that. You think he doesn't want me to know that? I mean… I don't know. If we're going to work together, I should know stuff like that," Tonks now curled on the chair.

"Mhm… Work. You know, he is a great bloke, Tonksie. He really is. But don't be hard on him. What did you talk about?" Sirius now wanted to see what will Tonks say. He was testing her in a way. If she doesn't say, that means she cares for Remus, and his trust.

"Oh… I'd rather not say," Tonks said determined, fidgeting with her sweater sleeves. "You know everything about him, and you're quite the blabber mouth. I don't want to know things he didn't tell me himself. Alright?"

"That's fair. But I want to know what do you think about him?" Sirius was persistent. Tonks sighed. Maybe if she tells Sirius what exactly she thinks, he will try to help her. However, she decided to hide the truth a bit.

"Well… I think he is rather funny, and interesting. I like working with him, and I would like him to trust me. You know, business matter."

"Again you with business, and work. This has nothing to do with that, and you know it," Sirius grinned again, and it reminded Tonks about her mother. That's how she grinned when she was right, or when her plan got realised perfectly.

"Well, I like hanging out with you here, too," Tonks admitted, and shrugged. She felt a bit embarrassed to say things like that. She must've sounded so miserable. "Don't know, I don't want him to dislike me. And my tongue is sometimes faster than my mind."

"Oh, Tonksie, don't feel bad. I love having you here!" Sirius nudged her gently, and she smiled at him. "And according to Moony being all giddy during our meetups, I reckon he does too. Talk to him when you see him. Straightforward. That's the best way with him, you know?"

"I guess," Tonks sighed.

"Don't look so worried, c'mon. Let's play some cards, hm?"

"Sure," Tonks smiled shyly. She and Sirius played cards, and talked about various subjects, but mostly making fun of people they knew. Sirius made a remark about Hestia, and Kingsley, but Tonks didn't say anything. She'll share that information with Gwen only. And the information about what she said to Remus while he carried her into her room. She can't talk to Sirius about that. He was too much of a tease, and she figured he would smother Remus with stupid comments. So, she'll have to wait. For Gwen or Remus, whoever comes first. They figured how late it was just around 3 o'clock, and Tonks agreed to sleep there. It was the first night there were only the two of them in the house. No Remus. No Gwen. When Tonks laid in her bed, she thought how she almost misses hearing Remus' snoring in the room next door.

23rd of September 1995

Tonks woke up exceptionally early. It was almost 9 o'clock, and she laid quietly to see if she'll hear Remus now. To her disappointment, she didn't hear him. But she heard Gwen humming while passing next to her door. Tonks jumped from her bed, and opened the door a bit too sudden.

"Gwen," she said, whispering loudly, and Gwen flinched. "Come 'ere!"

Gwen nodded, and entered Tonks' room.

"I didn't know you were here, good morning," Gwen greeted Tonks with a smile.

"Is Snape okay?" Tonks asked. She saw how worried Gwen was yesterday, and she didn't really want Snape to be hurt, or something.

"Yes, he is. I couldn't apparate back yesterday, though. Listen, I was just going to get some coffee. Want some? We can finish our talk if you want," Gwen was glad to see Tonks here. Because she really did want to talk to her some more.

"Sure, but where are the two tall gits?"

"Well… The tall, dark-haired princess is sleeping soundly in his room, and the tall wolf-queen decided not to sleep at all, so he went to the Diagon Alley right after reporting in. Hestia told me he was awfully quiet."

Tonks now felt even worse. Remus is now avoiding her, feeling miserable, and it's all her fault. And she really needed a shower.

"I'll go and take a shower, and you make us some coffee. Deal?" Tonks asked.

"Deal, I'll meet you here, then," Gwen said, and left the room. She was, again, barefoot, but now at least her feet were clothed in some fuzzy socks. Tonks picked some clean clothes – Aerosmith hoodie, and a pair of dark blue stretched jeans. She hurried to the bathroom, and removed her clothes quickly. The shower was not long, but she felt better after it. She morphed her hair to be peach pink with teal tips, short, and pointy. When she entered her room, Gwen was already there, placed on her bed with two coffee mugs in her hands.

"Right on time!" Gwen said, and Tonks joined her on the bed. "Oh, and one more thing. Muffliato." Gwen waved her wand, and cast a spell Snape taught her a few years ago. It was useful spell, and she liked his spells. They were useful, and practical. Once she even defended herself with his Sectumsempra curse, and she did that rather successfully.

"Oh… What does that do?" Tonks asked, unaware of the effect of the charm she just witnessed.

"It's in case someone comes here to eavesdrop on us," Gwen handed the mug to Tonks, who took a sip instantly. She burned her tongue, but she didn't care.

"I've been dying to tell you this since it happened," Tonks started. "You know the night of the full moon? Well, Remus carried me to the bed. I guess Sirius carried you, hm. Anyway, while he did that, I made a stupid drunk comment. I was teasing him."

"What did you say?" Gwen asked.

"Oh… that he's dreamy," Tonks felt her cheeks blushing, but she couldn't help herself.

"Really?" Gwen smiled now, making the approving face.

"Yes. It was stupid, Gwen, really stupid from me to say that. And he told me some stuff on the last stakeout, and I guess I acted differently than he expected me to act," Tonks shrugged.

"I noticed he's a bit more moody, and gloomy, than usual. We were reading in the library just the other night, and he didn't even comment on Sirius childish notes he wrote with disappearing ink on some pages," Gwen concluded.

"I think it's connected to what I did on the stakeout. Combined with that slip… Oh my, he must've been thinking I'm a mental case," Tonks cried a bit, and took another sip of coffee.

"No, Tonks, just talk to him when you see him. And besides, maybe he didn't understand the drunk you. Talk to him, and it'll be fine."

"What do you think about him?" Tonks asked Gwen, hoping Gwen will understand why she's asking.

"Well, I think he is a great friend, a smart bloke, quite funny, but too quiet. He has so much to say, but he opens up so hardly. And I had some experience with those types of people. Being straightforward is the best thing you can do with them. And I hate pretenders, so I guess that's why we get along so well," Gwen sighed, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Gwen… is the one you're talking about Snape? I mean he is quite… closed," Tonks didn't know how to describe Snape without sounding insulting. Her first association was friendless, but it seemed Gwen really was his friend.

"Well, yes. Sev is similar with Moony in that, I guess. They both don't trust people easily, and they have to feel comfortable around people to start talking, or whatever," Gwen said, knowing Tonks will ask more about Snape. Gwen kind of guessed she owed Tonks an explanation, since she abandoned her yesterday.

"I see… And he is comfortable around you? He rather seems so," Tonks said curiously.

"I guess he is. But not comfortable enough, apparently. He says we're not even friends," Gwen scoffed a bit.

"That's bollocks. I saw you two interacting with each other a few times now, and he doesn't act like that with anyone else," Tonks said, not really sure how will Gwen understand this. Maybe she'll say more about Snape. Maybe Kingsley was right.

"Well, I guess so, too. But he insists for some reason," Gwen shrugged. "There are a few things I don't understand about him, Tonks, and don't even ask me what. Because I couldn't verbalise it, anyway."

"So you think Remus is complicated as that too?" Tonks decided not to pick on Snape topic anymore.

"Well, maybe even worse. Because he thinks he doesn't deserve anything. Severus, on the other hand, made a choice to be cold. Remus just grew to live with feeling hated all the time. I can't imagine how hard that must've been," Gwen sighed once more, and took another sip of her coffee. "You should definitely talk to him, and I mean it. He is used to rejection, so maybe he'll get the acception even harder. Not trusting, remember?"

"But he believes you accepted him, right?" Tonks asked, now feeling like she is once again left out.

"Yes, but I'm in a different position. We're sharing this living space together, and I don't see him as any different than me, or Sirius. You're, however, a special category," Gwen mocked Tonks a bit, but just for the laughs. She didn't think anything bad, just that Tonks is different. Both by abilities, and to Remus, than Sirius and she.

"I'm not different. At least I don't want to be," Tonks sighed. "Look, all my life I was different, and special. But I don't want that. I'm just Tonks. And I see him as equal, just Remus. You're just Gwen, and Sirius is just a bloody prat. But aren't we all, really?"

Gwen laughed a bit at Tonks' words.

"Sure, and I understand you because we share that thought. But be sure to explain that to Remus in a way he won't think you're pitying him, or feeling sorry for him. I'm sure you'll make him listen, and understand your words just right, eh?" Gwen nudged Tonks a bit, who was curled on the end of the bed.

Tonks thought about Gwen's words, and realised she's right. If she just blurted things at Remus, he would most definitely found himself endangered somehow. And he won't want to talk anymore. So there is no point in taking that approach. She will have to think about something soft, but yet direct enough for him to understand that she really does accept him the way he is. She wasn't afraid of him not even a single bit. Moreover, she now wanted to spend time with him more than ever.

It was Tonks' day off, so she decided to spend the whole day with Sirius, and Gwen. To be more honest, she wanted to catch Remus, and talk to him. In fact, since she was on an away raid, she got the whole week free, so she knew he'll catch him in some point. But Remus wasn't there even in the evening. While Sirius, Gwen, and Tonks had dinner, they didn't even notice Remus sneaking into the house. He thought that Sirius, and Gwen are having dinner alone, so he decided to just hide in the library, or his room. Anywhere, just to be alone.

Gwen did the new schedule. Some new names were added on to watch list, and she purposely made a plan for Remus, and Tonks to go to another stakeout tomorrow. It was a stakeout mission, but with a possibility of trailing the suspected Death Eater. Gwen explained that to Tonks during dinner, and noticed Sirius' worried face because Remus wasn't there. Their peaceful meal was interrupted by Kreacher stumbling into the dining room, cursing under his breath.

"What is it, Kreacher?" Gwen asked him. Kreacher kind of respected Gwen, and he would mostly talk with her normally, without insults. However, Sirius' mother didn't. She would usually throw a blood traitor every once in a while, just to remind Gwen of her pure-blood.

"Kreacher is dissatisfied because the half-breed kicked him out from the library. Kreacher just wanted to clean up a bit," the elf said quietly, but all of the present ones heard him just right.

"Remus is here?" Tonks jumped a bit, knocking over her glass of pumpkin juice. "Oh…"

Tonks sighed, but Gwen already made the juice vanish with a swift wave of her hand.

"Just go," she winked at her, and Tonks stood up, heading to the library.

"Did you…" Sirius started the sentence.

"Yes, and I guess we told her the same thing," Gwen smiled at Sirius.

Tonks was running up the stairs, managing to skip one or two steps while doing so. She didn't even trip, and she was way too excited. She wasn't usually this rushed. She found herself in front of the closed library door, and stopped for a second or two. She didn't really have a plan, and she really didn't know what to say to him, but she knew she has to talk to him. She opened the door without knocking, slowly. Remus was so buried in his book that he didn't even notice her entering.

"Remus," she said softly, and he flinched a bit too hard at the sound of her voice. He expected Gwen, or Sirius to sneak up on him, but not her. He took a quick, but thorough look at her. She looked thinner than usual, but it was hard to estimate that since she wore baggy clothes. "You're here." Tonks now smiled widely, and brightly.

"Tonks… What are you doing here?" he said, closed his book, and put it on the coffee table.

"I slept here yesterday. Gwen went to see Snape, and I stayed with Sirius for dinner, and some company," Tonks didn't want to talk about that, but it was a start.

"Gwen went out? Did something happen?" Remus asked, and stood up, moving closer to Tonks. He was now worried that something happened to her too. He was, however, surprised that she didn't flinch, or move backwards. Instead, she moved two steps closer to him.

"Well, Snape was attacked. It's nothing, and he's fine, but Gwen rushed immediately to see him. You missed Sirius' first curry, and it was pretty good," Tonks now looked straight at Remus, whose look was focused on everything, just not her.

"Sirius, cooking? Miracles do happen, then," Remus said under his breath, turning away from Tonks, and sitting in the armchair again. She's fine, obviously.

"So, how are you?" Tonks asked, and she sat in the corner of the couch that was closest to Remus.

"I'm alright, you?" he answered shortly. He really didn't want for her to ask him about the patronus, but he knew that can't be avoided.

"Well, I was on the Auror mission, but of course you already know that. I was so pissed when Kingsley told me about it. I reckon they could give us some notice, not just… A note that we're going there like right now," Tonks said, now fidgeting her sleeves in her fingers. She was way to nervous. She really didn't get why. Remus was quiet, so she decided to go on. "And it was supposed to be a week, but Mary and Audrey found another trace, so we stayed a bit longer."

"Mission went well?" he asked, not really sure why.

"Yes, oh my… In the night I've sent you the patronus I had my first mission as Kingsley's second! It was dope," she now looked at him straight in the eyes, as she caught his look. She wanted to know if he purposely ignored her.

"Congratulations," he said shortly, trying to control himself. He really controlled himself not to do, or say something stupid, or even running away from the room. She broke the peace he hoped to have, but somewhat he didn't really mind her presence. Melancholic melody of Dazed and Confused filled the room, as they both sat quiet.

"I'm sorry!" both of them said it at the same time. He gestured her to start first. Ladies first, always. She was, once again, surprised by his manners.

"No, please, you first," she said. "I feel like I'll fuck it up even more with my non-coordinating brain, and tongue."

"Very well," Remus said. "I should've sent you something after you've sent me the Patronus. I thought you don't really want to talk to me, after the last stakeout. And don't worry, I completely understand if you want to work with Kingsley on Order missions, too."

"What are you talking about? Why would I want to work more with him? You think he's not sitting on my head enough in the Ministry?" Tonks was confused with the question, but remembered Sirius' words, and Gwen's too. She needs to make this right, make him understand that her view of him didn't change a bit.

"Well… I figured you… After what I… Oh bloody hell," he cursed himself under his breath. How, and why does she mix his brain like this? It's not like he didn't know what to say. He knew perfectly well, but the words came out just wrong.

"After you what? After you shared something that wasn't easy for you with me?" Tonks lifted her eyebrow, and Remus was speechless. He wasn't sure what's happening, but the more he looked at her, the more sure he was that he really did jump into wrong conclusion.

"Tonks… Nymphadora…" he said, and sighed.

"Don't Nymphadora me! Do you really think I wouldn't want to work with you just because you told me something that happened 30 years ago? I don't understand how you got that vibe from me," Tonks said, but she was bolder now. She didn't look away, and she found herself mesmerized by Remus' eyes.

"I didn't say that," he said shortly.

"Remus, listen to me now. I don't think you're a freak, a monster, soulless, or whatever the fuck you think you are," Tonks exclaimed a bit too loudly, and sounded harsh. That wasn't being no hard on him. She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

"No need to apologise," Remus said flatly. "I'll always appreciate your thoughts, even if I don't necessarily agree with them."

"Right," Tonks was flustered a bit, but knew she must keep talking. "I really didn't want to turn out that way. I thought you're not comfortable enough to tell me the whole story. That's why I stopped you."

Remus' face was now frozen, along with his body. Her fierceness left him in awe, as he looked at her face, looking a bit scared. She bit her lip nervously, and he found that very tempting. An image of him kissing her, laying on top of her on that couch. She smelled like fruits, so she must've taste sweet too. Kissing her.

"Stop staring at me, and say something… Please," Tonks said, because the silence was unbearable.

"I didn't feel uncomfortable at all, Tonks," he pulled out a half-smile, and Tonks let out a loud breath of relief.

"See, I'm an idiot. I'm sorry. I'll never ever do that again," she lowered her look. She did feel a bit embarrassed.

"No, don't apologise. I appreciate the thought, really," Remus voice was steady, but he sounded honest. "Someone once's said to me I'm the master in jumping into wrong conclusions, so I guess you don't know who you're dealing with."

Tonks looked at him for a few seconds, and then burst into heartfelt laughter.

"You see? How could I ever think badly about you?" Tonks sighed, and Remus stayed quiet. "Anyway, Gwen set us up with another mission. Stakeout, maybe finally some action."

"She didn't say anything to me," Remus frowned. He was still surprised by the image that was still lingering in his mind. She seemed sincere, and he couldn't help himself but trust her. He said it point blank, he appreciates her thought, no matter how wrong he thinks they are.

"Come on, you must eat something. We just ate, but I'll keep you company," Tonks jumped from the couch, and Remus gave up. He thought she was wrong with thinking he's normal, but he couldn't hide the fact that her affection, and attention made him extraordinarily happy. He never felt like that. Not even while at Hogwarts. Tonks stretched her arm to help him get up, and he accepted it. The touch of her smooth, warm skin gave him goosebumps. Of course, she didn't know that.

"Alright, but you must tell me all about your Auror mission, hm?" Remus smiled at her, standing right in front of her. She seemed so tiny, and he again felt the urge to kiss her. Or at least hug her. But he can't do that. He shouldn't do that.

"Deal," Tonks said, she let go of his hand, and turned to exit the library, with him following her. "This went well. Quite well, actually," Tonks thought while they were descending to the dining room. Sirius and Gwen were still sitting in the dining room, now sharing a glass of wine.

"Oho, look who finally showed up. See Gwen, I told you he's not dead, or kidnapped," Sirius nudged Gwen, who rolled her eyes, and clapped his hands.

"Padfoot, what a coincidence, I was just telling Tonks what a prat you are," Remus said with a sarcastic grin on his face.

"Oh la-la! You're talking about me? I'm flattered," Sirius waved his hand funnily.

"Yes, we talk about you all the time. In fact, we don't talk about nothing else. Just you," Remus raised an eyebrow with a sarcastic look, and Tonks tried not to burst into laughter behind him.

"Really?" Sirius said being too serious.

"Sorry, but no. I know it's hard to comprehend such things with your head stuck in your rear end, but the world, once again, doesn't not revolve around you," Remus stuffed his hands into his pockets now. "But I've been telling Tonks what a prat you are, don't worry."

"O-ho! I haven't heard a comeback this hard from you in a while now. Gwen, open the champagne, Moony is back in the house," Sirius clapped a few more times. Remus rolled her eyes, but Tonks decided to get back at Sirius. He really was a prat sometimes. She morphed her hair to look like Sirius', and put a beard on her face, not morphing it, and clapped mockingly a few times, and Gwen into a loud laughter at that scene. Tonks morphed herself back to her previous self, and laughed at the sight of Gwen kicking Sirius in the shoulder, gasping for air with laughter. Remus started to laugh too, and soon all of them made an ancient house filled with laughter.

30th of September 1995

It was a week after, and Tonks and Remus were on another stakeout. It was the different house, but the task was as boring as it could get. Tonks spent the whole week on the stakeouts, since she was off from her Auror job. Kingsley, however, announced that there will be more of those missions, and that they will be travelling again soon. Tonks liked her Auror job, and it was exciting doing those kind of raids. But, she couldn't deny that she liked Remus' company too. Since the talk they had, he seemed more relaxed. But Tonks still haven't heard the rest of the story. Remus was more talkative, and he joked more with her, but he didn't mention any of the personal topics. She hoped he will because she really wanted to know the rest of his story. Even though she was impatient by nature, she decided to listen to Sirius and take it easy.

"So, Remus, you're pisces in zodiac. I guess that's why you're so gentlemanly," Tonks licked the spoon with which she ate the chocolate pudding. She didn't get to buy chocolate, so she made one of her puddings. Neither she or Remus needed any comfort, however. Remus looked at her, and laughed under breath.

"And you're leo, that's why you're so… colourful," he pointed at her pink hair, now flat and shoulder length.

"Could be, could be," Tonks smiled. "But how do you explain then Gwen's not colourfulness. She's a leo too."

Remus totally forgot about Gwen, and her birthday. He was too amused with Tonks speaking those things. When he laughed at her jokes, or when he listened to her, it began hard to concentrate on the world outside of that bubble. He longed for her, but knew he can't really have her. Remus figured he will have to get used to that feeling. He was, once again, sure that she is now the top thing he wanted, but still knew he can't have. Was that love? He wasn't even sure what that infatuation meant, but with every moment he spent with her he felt more full than ever.

"Well, she is… Not so colourful, I guess," Remus said, smiling.

At that moment Tonks jumped, and nudged him to look in front of him. The Death Eater they were watching just went out of the house. In almost midnight? There was definitely something going on. Tonks quickly placed the boxes with food in her bag, and stood up, taking Remus' hand.

"You ready?" he asked her.

"Let's see what you're made of, professor," Tonks winked at him, and started walking in front of him. Of course she will be in front. She's the smaller one, and this was he protects her back. And nothing can happen to her. Nothing. The sense of protectiveness towards her grew with every day they spent together. Remus felt the need to keep her close, and he felt a bit anxious when she told him about Kingsley's plans.

They followed the hooded figure through the narrow streets, trying to not look suspicious. The figure led him straight to the Diagon Alley, which was just a few blocks away.

"I think he's leading us straight to Diagon Alley, or Knockturn," Tonks said quietly, and Remus nodded, now walking next to her, but still a step and a half behind. They walked silently, trying to be as subtle as they could. Both of them were happy that their mission took place in the centre of London, so there were people around them. Still, Tonks' hair was quite recognizable, and Remus thought of that after a few minutes of walking. Tonks murmured an incantation, and waved her wand. The almost invisible strain of light flew towards her target. It was tracking spell, but they can't get too far. But just in case they lose a sight of him for a second or two. It was the spell she learned from Moody, and was quite proud to master it.

"Tonks, your hair. Morph it, it's too bright, and flashy," he spoke softly, and she instantly made her hair chocolate brown.

"Ordinary enough?" she asked mockingly.

"You can never be ordinary," he whispered, not really sure she'd hear him. A part of him really wanted her to hear him, though. Tonks heard him, but decided to stay quiet. Actually, he wasn't quite sure she heard him right, or that maybe he wasn't sarcastic. It was his specialty after all. He opened the door of the Leaky Cauldron for her, waiting two minutes. They entered the pub, which was crowded, considering it was Saturday evening. They passed through the crowd completely unnoticed, and snuck in the back. The Diagon Alley wasn't so crowded, since all the stores were closed, but still it held some people. Remus now looked at Tonks, wanting to see what does her spell do. He was quite sure it was Moody's tracking spell, so he didn't ask anything. However, he wanted to be sure. Tonks waved her wand, and a small trace of almost invisible line appeared in front of her. Remus didn't see it, though. But he believed she knows what she's doing. He trusted her.

"This way. Knockturn, I bet," she said quietly, and grabbed his hand. She let him go after a few seconds of walking holding his hand. He was so flustered, that he didn't even resist. They stepped into the small passage that connected Diagon and Knockturn Alley, and she, of course, was the first one to pass through it. Remus noticed a few dodgy, crooky looking wizards. Someone who he would expect to see in a company of Mundungus Fletcher. They followed Tonks' trace, but they got behind the corner a bit too suddenly, since their target was not so far anymore. Tonks grabbed Remus hand again, and they continued to walk, passing by the Death Eater. She led them to the small passage nearby. Still, they both felt watched.

Tonks figured they can't go anyway from this alley. The only way out was the same one they came in, or to enter one of the houses. She noticed Remus looking carefully at their target, and he cursed under his breath.

"What?" Tonks asked.

"I think he's coming to check up on here," Remus gritted.

Tonks pushed her back against the wall, and pulled Remus close to her.

"Tilt your head," Tonks whispered, and Remus did. He was so surprised by the position he found himself in now. Her body was pressed to his, and he felt her fruity scent more than before. He did tilt his head, as she said, thinking about how he wants to kiss her again. But he gathered his thoughts quickly because now she needed to be safe now. To someone who passed by the alley, it would seem like they were kissing. And that's not the most unusual thing to see in the Knockturn Alley, really. But it wasn't the Death Eater who came to check up on them. It was some hired cronie, who fell for their trick instantly. He turned, and left, and Tonks let out a deep breath, right to Remus' neck. He felt the goosebumps one more time just because of her being… Her. And there.

"Let's try this," he grabbed her arms, and gently switched their position. Since she was smaller, she was harder to notice, and if there was someone who he knows, they would be in danger.

"Oh, I see," Tonks said, and wiggled her nose as she morphed her face not to resemble her anymore. Remus was stunned by her ability once again. But this time he really wanted to have her looking like herself. Pressed against him. She leaned a bit.

"Yaxley, Bedsworth, Acker," Tonks said quietly when she recognised all of the group that stood so close, yet far from them.

"Oh… I know Yaxley, but…" Remus really didn't know any Bedsworth or Acker. He wrapped Tonks' small of the back with his right arm, and rolled her so she was pressed against the wall again. This was he was more in control, and she really made him feel things he didn't want to feel in that moment. Lust. Desire. And the adrenaline of a mission was already pumping through his body. They couldn't possibly hear what they were talking about, but this way Snape could maybe find something out because he knows who to ask.

"Bedsworth worked in the Ministry. Improper use of magic, I think. And Acker is in one of the Scrimgeour files. And Moody's too," Tonks said a bit too quickly, but she was excited she could help with her knowledge of people. Since she was a metamorphmagus, she remembered people's faces rather well. The names weren't her strong suit, but both of those people were on Moody's list for a long time. The group left after ten minutes, and Remus finally let Tonks out of his arms, who were pressed against the wall in a line of her shoulders.

"Finally, something interesting happened," Tonks said, while they stepped into the Diagon Alley. She morphed her hair back now, and ran her fingers through it. Remus was now a bit less tense, and he enjoyed just watching her move. She really was the prettiest when she was herself. And he found what her closeness far more interesting than the Death Eaters.

"You know, you morphing… It's so amazing, yet so terrifying," Remus said with a smile on his face.

"Why terrifying?" Tonks asked, pouting. "I know I'm amazing."

"Because…" Remus almost told her that she's the prettiest not morphed, but knew she can't just blurt that out. If she wasn't scared until then, she would definitely be after hearing his thoughts. "Just don't morph in front of me if it isn't necessary?"

"Alright, I'll let you slide for now, but you owe me an explanation for this," Tonks smiled widely, and Remus nodded. "So I guess our mission is over for tonight."

"I guess so, yes," Remus sighed, not quite ready to finish the night.

"Walk me home?" Tonks asked, and jumped a bit.

"Sure," Remus nodded, and smiled at her.

Tonks' apartment was a half an hour walk away from there, but the night wasn't so cold. Grimmauld Place was not far from there, and it only took Remus a ten minutes of walk. And that's nothing, because the moments they spent together meant much more. Tonks owl, whom she named, Jammie, was now at her home too. While she was away, Gwen took care of it at the Grimmaulds.

"You know, that bloody owl of yours really bites," Remus complained mockingly.

"I know, I thought it that. I'm not sure is it a male or a female, so it's it," Tonks was half skipping in her clunky boots. Remus certainly walked quicker than her, but she didn't mind.

"I should've guessed that," Remus smiled at her.

"Yes, you should've. Seriously, Remus, it's your fault," Tonks stuck her tongue out goofily.

"Nobody's fault but mine," Remus' voice was melodic, singing the song they both knew. "How come you went to the stakeouts for the whole week? I meant you wanted to spend some time, I don't know, doing your own thing."

Tonks laughed at his choice of words, which was quite poor for his usual eloquent him.

"Well, I really don't have the need to hang out with any of the Ministry colleagues, and I went to my parents twice, so… And besides, I like drinking coffee in Gwen's little potions lab. It's so charming, and it has a nice view."

Remus caught Tonks and Gwen giggling, and talking about something rather amusing just the other day. Gwen was preparing the Wolfsbane, since the full moon is inevitably coming, and Tonks was sitting on a window bench, drinking coffee from the biggest mug she could find. Remus couldn't know what they were talking about, but he interrupted them in a really steamy conversation about Gwen's sex life. Tonks liked talking with Gwen about everything, because Gwen always had some cynical, or funny comment. And the way Gwen talked about her previous partners made Tonks emphatise with her. They had similar experiences, if they counted out Gwen being engaged, and Tonks' morphing.

"I figured that, yes," Remus nodded. They continued walking, and Tonks felt so light. Like she was floating, but didn't really understand why. The conversation she had with Remus was not so serious, and it amused her. And so did him, since the smile haven't left his face for almost the whole walk. They got to her building, and Tonks stood in front of Remus now, smiling.

"Thanks for keeping me company," Tonks said, lowering her look. She felt her cheeks burning, not sure why since she hasn't done anything embarrassing. Not yet, anyway.

"It's a pleasure, really," he smiled softly, and removed a leaf that fell on the top of her head.

"Well, then… See you tomorrow?" she lifted her look up, and now looked straight at him. He was so taller than her, and she found that so… alluring.

"You know Gwen is expecting you for her Sunday lunch, right?" Remus asked Tonks, even though he already reminded her. The fact was that she didn't really need to be reminded.

"I know, I know. See you, then," she said, stepped a step closer, stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. "Good night."

She turned, and headed to the entrance of the building. Of course, this hasn't gone smoothly, since she tripped on the first stair. She wasn't quite sure why she just did what she did, but she felt the strange wave of warmness while she was going up the stairs. When she entered her apartment, she let out a loud breath, and closed the door with her back. Her legs failed her, and she slowly dropped her behind on the floor. Maybe Gwen was right… What if her type really is Remus Lupin?

In front of the building, Remus still stood frozen for a few seconds before his palm flew to a place Tonks just touched with her lips. His heart skipped a few beats, and now beat too fast. Good thing he has a ten minute walk in front of him. Because if Sirius saw him in this state, he would never leave him alone again. Even if he wanted, he couldn't deny the effect she had on him. Not only he couldn't deny it. He couldn't help himself but to enjoy every second of her attention, and presence.

Oh hey!

So both Tonks and Remus now are aware of their attraction for each other. But what now?

What will happen next?

Who is getting out of the Grimmauld Place again?

Will Sirius ever get his head from his rear end back?

The most curious event will happen soon, too! Stay tuned, and let me know what you think xx