CHAPTER 11
SURPRISES
Ron was currently engaged in a vicious chess match with his only sister in the Gryffindor common room, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers who thought that they were about to witness Ron Weasley's first defeat in almost four years by none other than his baby sister, who seemed to have inherited his flair for chess.
While the two siblings battled for the chess champion title, cheered on by most of the Gryffindor sixth and seventh years, Harry and Hermione were sitting on the sofa in Hermione and Ron's private room, clearly wanting to avoid having to take sides in the clash of the two red heads.
"So Ginny tells me that you two are getting pretty serious.'' Hermione said as she sat down beside Harry on the couch, two glasses of pumpkin juice in her hand, she handed one to Harry as she sipped her own.
"Yeah we are, I love her so much that it hurts when I'm away from her.'' Harry admitted happily, taking a large swig of juice.
"That's so sweet Harry, I'm so happy for you, for you both.'' Hermione said, smiling as she looked across to a framed picture of her and Ron laughing on the table beside the sofa. "I never knew you could be so romantic.''
"It must be Ginny she brings out the best in me, makes me want to be the perfect boyfriend.'' Harry admitted, "I've never felt this way before, about anyone.''
"You deserve to be in love Harry, more than anyone I know, and I know that you and Ginny are meant to be together.'' Hermione said.
"Speaking of meant to be, how are things with you and Snugglebunny?'' Harry asked cheekily.
"I don't know how you found out about that but I swear if you say it again I will have to hex you so bad that you won't be able to sit down for months.'' Hermione said laughing. "But since you asked, things are going great with me and Ron.'' Hermione replied emphasising Ron's name.
"I always knew that you two would end up together, your so perfect for each other, you're like the perfect pair.'' Harry said thoughtfully in between sips of his juice.
"I didn't, I thought we'd spend years just arguing and fighting, I'd never have thought that we could last almost a whole year without killing each other, but all of Ron's little flaws, make me love him even more. We've even talked about getting married.'' Hermione confessed.
"What? When?'' Harry said shocked, almost choking on his drink when he registered what Hermione had said.
"Oh, no time soon, but in the future, after we both have jobs and a home. Ron wants us to have a huge family
"And what do you want?''
"I want that too, I'd love to spend the rest of my life with Ron."
"Don't you ever feel that you want to see other people before settling down for the rest of your life?'' Harry asked quietly.
"No, why do you?'' Hermione asked her brows furrowed in concern, if Harry loved Ginny as much as he claimed why would he want to see anyone else.
"No, that's what scares me. I'm seventeen and I've met the girl of my dreams whom I'd be more than ready to stay with for the rest of my life. I couldn't even think about seeing anyone else after Ginny, they'd never be as good as her; no one could take her place." Harry answered honestly. "I was just making sure I wasn't the only one who felt so madly in love that I'd stay with the same one person forever."
"You're not, I never thought I'd want to settle down. My career has always been so important to me, but now if Ron asked me to give up on a career and stay home to look after our children I'd do it in a shot, that's scary.'' Hermione stated.
"But Ron would never ask you to do that, he knows how important work is to you, it's one of the things he loves about you.'' Harry retorted defensively.
"I know he wouldn't, I know he respects me and my ambition that why I love him so much.'' Hermione replied. "So do you and Ron talk about things like this then?'' Hermione asked curiously.
"Me and Ron talk about lots of things Hermione Granger, things that you will never know about.'' Harry stated simply. "You know it's really great to talk to you.'' Harry said seriously.
"I know, it feels like we haven't spoken for ages.''
"Probably because we haven't, well not properly anyway.''
"We should definitely do it more often. I feel really close to you.'' Hermione confessed. "Your like the brother I never had."
"And your like the little sister I never had, I've never had a real family, but I like to think of you and Ron a my family.'' Harry said sadly.
"What about Ginny?'' Hermione asked inquisitively.
"She's not family…….. Yet.'' Harry said mischievously, winking at Hermione, who gasped, through a smile.
"Mr Potter, are you suggesting what I think your suggesting?'' Hermione asked.
"Maybe.'' Harry said wickedly.
"Maybe what?'' Ginny asked as she walked into the room and went and sat down on Harry's lap, and smiled as he promptly wrapped his arms around her middle.
"Maybe, I'm thinking of asking Millicent Bulstrode to be my girlfriend instead of you. You know we have been together for a very long time.'' Harry said jokingly.
"You better be joking.'' Ginny said as she hit Harry's leg.
"Of course I'm joking angel, I love you, it's just I can't help but be attracted to Millicent, I mean where else could I find a girl that's almost a foot taller than me and twice as wide?'' Harry retorted.
"That's nasty.'' Ginny scolded, "she's probably a lovely girl." But she was interrupted when Ron burst through the door of their room, with his arms above his head, a huge grin plastered across his face.
"The Gryffindor chess champion has arrived.'' He said announcing his entrance, ignoring Ginny as she groaned. "And what gift does the handsome chess champion get from his beautiful girl, for defeating the evil red head.'' Ron asked, smiling at Hermione.
"He'll get a slap if he doesn't sit down and stop being so bigheaded.'' Hermione said sharply, although she was smiling. She looked up at the disappointed look on Ron's face and gave him a quick kiss before returning to her seat, blushing. Ron grinned happily, then looked at Ginny.
"God Gin, as if there aren't enough seats here, Harry doesn't want you and your wide load sitting on him.''
He just managed to dodge a slap from Ginny, and laughed as he heard Harry muttering to Ginny that she definitely wasn't fat and that he didn't mind her sitting on him.
Ron walked over to Hermione and at down on her lap, pretending that he couldn't find a seat. She squealed as he sat on her and promptly pushed him off with great difficulty, then let him sit in her seat as he sat on his lap.
The rest of the day was spent discussing lessons, and their plans for what they wanted to do after they left school, punctuated by an occasional game of Wizards chess or Exploding snap.
Minerva Mcgonagall was Hogwarts most renowned Transfiguration teacher, she had been the most advanced in her class when she had attended Hogwarts in her youth and had mastered some of the most complex spells before she had even received the post of Transfiguration teacher. Her cool intellect and logical way of thinking, only served to further her expertise in the area of Transfiguration, some of the most complex magic around. This was one of the reasons that she had been chosen to help further protect Hogwarts and Hogsmeade devising a warning system, a system that would alert them to the arrival of any Death Eaters in the area.
It had been her idea to use an old forgotten branch of Transfiguration called 'Minutage Transfiguration' a type of transfiguration that was timed, the transformation would only occur at a certain time, or under special circumstances, it was because of this, that the branch of magic had long since been forgotten. But Minerva knew that it would be necessary to catch the Death Eaters off guard, to give them the advantage.
She had recruited Sirius as her assistant, the boy who had been top of his year at Transfiguration with no effort at all; he just seemed to have a natural flair for it. They walked down to the very borders of Hogsmeade where a large row of trees had been planted to mark the border that no Muggles could pass or see through, therefore have no knowledge that Hogsmeade even existed. It was these trees that were going to play a pivotal role in her plan; they were going to enchanted with an extremely intricate spell, that would leave no visible difference to the tree, show no sign of a spell at all, until a cloaked and masked Death Eater walked past, then the tree would turn into a huge wailing siren, with flashing orange lights, alerting everyone to the presence of Death Eaters in Hogsmeade and giving them time to prepare for attack, making the Death Eaters lose the element of surprise. This immensely complicated spell was to be placed all around the borders of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, protecting the school and the village from every corner.
Sirius's brow was creased in concentration as he cast the spell again, he had never seen or experienced this type of magic before, few wizards had, and it was taking all of his energy just to keep concentrating on the spell. All thoughts of Harry and his reaction upon finding out that Sirius was back at Hogwarts had been replaced by the long and difficult words to the spell, and all the happy thoughts about Destiny and her reaction on finding out that they no longer needed to worry about Harry finding them flew from his head as he struggled to re-enact the exact wand movements that Minerva had shown him earlier. It was going to take many days before the whole perimeter of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts were fully protected but it was worth it if it meant that just one life would be saved.
Tonks stormed down the Charms corridor in a mad temper, she had been searching everywhere for Remus but she couldn't find him anywhere. She scowled as she remembered her conversation with Sirius a few nights earlier, he had probably told Remus that she was on the lookout for him, and he had probably gone into hiding like the coward he was. There was just one problem, Tonks didn't fully believe that Remus had said those awful things, why would he?
She thought that she knew him, she thought that he was kind and sweet, shy but in a good way. He never thought he would be the type to go lying to his mates about who he slept with, especially if he didn't even sleep with them. Was he trying to ruin her reputation? Make people see her as some slut who jumped into bed with practically anyone. What made her more angry was the fact that he didn't even have the decency to come and see her and apologise, instead he had hidden away from her, like a coward, preferring to avoid her than show a scrap of decorum and apologise like a man.
She stopped and stared out of one of the windows along the corridor, the sky was pitch dark and cloudless, the moon shone out brightly, like a beacon, it's silvery glow casting mysterious shadows along the ground. Tonks looked up at the bright moon, it was full and hung, suspended in the air, like a glowing crystal ball. She sighed as she stared up at it, locks of her now curly brown hair framing her heart shaped face. Sadly realising that she wasn't going to be finding Remus anytime that night, she turned around and went back to her room.
Ginny and Harry lay together in bed, Ginny wearing another of Harry's shirts and Harry in only a pair of deep green boxers. Ginny lay with her head resting against Harry's bare chest, her arm tracing patterns across his taut stomach. Harry's fingers were tangled in Ginny's fiery red hair.
"I can't believe that Professor Hounding is actually Sirius.'' Ginny exclaimed.
"I know I'd never have guessed.''
"We probably should have with his name.'' Ginny said laughing.
"What do you mean?'' Harry asked confused.
"Professor Hounding.'' Ginny said, noticing the still puzzled look on Harry's face. "Hound as in dog.'' She said smiling.
"Oh yeah.'' Harry said. "Can't believe we missed that now.''
"Honestly, I'm certain that you and Ron share a brain, you're both as dense as each other.''
"I resent that.'' Harry stated indignantly but laughed it off. "Gin, do you think that you'll still be with me when we leave school?'' Harry asked seriously.
"Of course, I love you, I want to be with you forever.'' She replied. "Why, don't you want us to be together when we leave school?''
"Of course I want us to be together, I love you angel, I always will, I can't imagine being with anyone else, and I know that we are really young and everything but I know already that I'll never meet anyone that I love more than you. I want us to be together forever. I've never felt this way before, about anyone, it's indescribable.''
"I can't wait until forever.'' Ginny whispered as she smoothed Harry's chest. "I know our love is a love that will last forever. True love never dies.''
"I'm glad you feel that way because there's something I need to know.'' Harry started tentatively. "See I've always wanted to be part of a real family, a family like yours and I was wondering if you wanted to start our own family.''
"I'd love to, I can picture us now, old and married, loads of children and grandchildren. Ron and Hermione our next door neighbours, bickering in their rocking chairs, while Hermione knits some House Elf clothes.''
"Sounds perfect.'' Harry sighed contently. "But I didn't say anything about us getting married.''
"Oh…. I just…I thought.'' Ginny stuttered nervously. Had she just gotten too serious for Harry? Was she going to scare him away?
"I was only joking angel, of course we'll get married, the sooner the better in my opinion.'' Harry said raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh and why is that Mr. Potter?'' Ginny asked, understanding perfectly what he was implying.
"To be able to have proof of our love of course.'' Harry said feigning hurt.
"Mmmmm…ok then.'' Ginny replied as she snuggled closer into his chest, breathing in the scent that was unmistakeably Harry. The smell that comforted her when he was worried, the smell that filled her with warmth and happiness and the smell that she was going to spend the rest of her life savouring.
*********************************************************************
Lupin crawled out of bed, the sheets had been tossed unceremoniously on to the floor, he walked slowly over to the mirror, and every step he took worsened the already throbbing headache that he had. It was always this way after a transformation, the pain that had ripped through his body as he changed into a monster, the terrifying feeling of having your mind and consciousness slip away from you to be replaced by that of a beast. The feeling of emptiness and loneliness as he paced the room, hungry for meat and flesh but unable to get any, cursed through his veins every time. The only thought that comforted him that morning was that it would be a whole month before the next transformation, a whole month before he would need to taste the atrocious Wolfsbane potion again, feel it burn his throat as the thick liquid trickled down his throat. He pulled on a set of his most tattered robes over his faded jeans and white shirt, and ran a hand through his sandy brown hair.
He stepped out onto the landing and his heart soared, there she was walking down the corridor, her hair was straight today and red, she hadn't seen him yet and he took the opportunity to watch as she slowly made her way down the corridor, he smiled to himself as she stumbled but righted herself. He would happily transform every week if he could only see her in the morning; she was like a breath of fresh air to him, the reason that he made himself get out of bed in the morning.
Tonks looked up and saw Remus standing, watching her walk towards him, she quickened her pace determined not to let him get away from her, they needed to talk urgently. She walked over to him quickly and caught him around the wrist tightly, noticing how thin he was, but not commenting, instead she pulled him into an empty classroom and slammed the door shut behind her. She placed a silencing charm around the room and turned to face Remus, her hands on her hips, clearly wanting to give him the chance to apologise. She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited.
"What?'' he asked uncertainly as he glared at him. Even though it was clear to him that she was very angry with him he couldn't for the life of him figure out why, and even though he knew he shouldn't be thinking it he couldn't help it, she looked insanely beautiful when she was angry.
"What!'' She shouted. "What! You have the nerve to stand here and pretend like you haven't done anything.'' She screamed.
"I haven't.'' He insisted.
"Bullshit, you know what you've done and you're too scared to admit it.'' Tonks said in a dangerously cold voice. If there was one thing that she hated more than Dark Wizards it was liars.
"Honestly Tonks I haven't got a clue what you are talking bout.'' Remus claimed adamantly. Surprised by her colourful language.
"So you didn't tell Sirius that you slept with me?'' Tonks asked sarcastically. "I must have imagined it.''
"You must have because I would never say something like that about you.'' Lupin said, raising his voice, how could she think that he'd do something like that to her? When he cared about her more than anyone.
"So, you're saying that you'd never say that about me but you'd say it about someone else? What's the matter aren't I good enough for you?" Tonks questioned angrily.
"No that's not what I said and you know it. You're twisting things.'' Remus argued.
"The only thing that's twisted around here is you. Who would go around lying to his or her mates about sleeping with someone? Why would you even want to do that?''
"I've already told you, I never said anything of the sort, I wouldn't do that to you Tonks.'' Remus said quietly, hoping to calm down the mood of their conversation.
"Then why did I have that idiot cousin of mine come up to me asking me when did we start shagging?" Tonks questioned, her voice quieter before but still has hard.
"Probably because I smelt like your perfume when I spoke to him, remember when I stopped you falling, he probably got the wrong idea. He always did have a dirty mind. All I know is that I'd never lie about that. And I'd never want to damage your reputation by saying that we had slept together.'' Remus said calmly, almost sadly.
"Promise me you didn't say that.'' Tonks whispered.
"I promise you. On my life I'd never want to hurt or embarrass you like that. I didn't say it.''
"Ok, I believe you, I'm sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusions, I was just so angry with you.'' Tonks admitted.
"I don't blame you, if someone had been spreading rumours saying that I was sleeping with a man that was fifteen years older than me I'd be pretty angry too.'' Lupin said jokingly.
"I wasn't angry because it was you he thought I'd slept with, it was because I thought that you'd been lying about me, and that hurt me so much. I probably wouldn't have minded if we had actually been shagging.'' Tonks said blushing. She looked up at Remus who had also blushed. "Well I'd better be going.'' She said, and Remus nodded, she turned and walked to the door and unlocked it, just as her hand was on the handle of the door, she felt someone grab her wrist and pull her around sharply, she gasped but it was lost as she felt a pair of lips meet her own and a pair of hands wander down to take their place around her waist. She reached her arms up and wrapped them around his neck as she closed her eyes and slowly moved her lips beneath his. He deepened the kiss; letting his tongue massage hers and feeling her tongue brush lightly over his lips sending jolts of electricity racing through his body.
The feel of her lips against his was intoxicating and a feeling that he never wanted to forget and would love to experience everyday for the rest of his life. He moaned as her hands reached up into his hair and she played with the hairs at the nape of his neck, she nibbled on his lip slowly and seductively causing the slight throb in Remus' crotch to double in force and wanting. As they pulled apart Tonks moaned at the loss of his lips, she slowly opened her eyes and saw Remus smiling down at her. He smiled, she looked more beautiful that he had ever seen her, her cheeks were flushed and her lips were red and swollen from the kiss.
He waited anxiously for her reaction, what she would say next, but she didn't say anything, instead she pulled him back to her, crushing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, that he happily returned, letting his hands once again find their way to her waist, where he let them wander over her back, feeling the muscles of her back contract as she arched herself into him, closing the mall distance that separated them.
He could've quite happily gone on kissing her for the rest of the day, for the rest of his life. Tasting her peppermint lips and smelling the smell of her coconut perfume, but it wasn't meant to be. The beeping of his watch broke their kiss and he grinned apologetically at Tonks as he reached into his robes to silence the alarm that was signalling the start of first lesson, without realising it they had both missed breakfast.
"I have to go.'' Remus sighed sadly. "I have a class to teach.'' Tonks moaned, she wanted him to stay with her all day, kissing her the way he had just kissed her, moving his gentle hands over her back, making her feel as though she were the only person in the world, she knew she was being selfish. She knew that there was a class waiting for him at that very moment, she knew that she had work to be getting on with but she didn't care all she wanted right now was Remus Lupin.
"I don't want you to go.'' She said pouting.
"I have to, but I'll come and see you tonight after dinner, we can pick up were we left off.'' Lupin said smiling. Tonks grinned, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Sounds great.'' She said as she smiled at him, her straight red hair was falling over her shoulders, her flushed cheeks glowing with happiness. Remus looked over her and grinned.
"I'm sure no one will mind if I'm five minutes late.'' He said, moving swiftly over to Tonks and kissing her once again, this time slowly and tenderly, wanting to savour every moment with her, every moment that was so special to him. Five minutes passed and Remus reluctantly pulled away from her, hating to lose her, and the feeling that she gave him as they kissed. "Until tonight.'' He said as he gave her a roguish smile and a wink and left the classroom, leaving her alone and wanting more.
Tonks smiled to herself, she had finally gotten her wish, she had finally got Remus Lupin to kiss her, and boy did he kiss her. She had never been kissed like that before, never with so much raw and unadulterated passion, never been kissed so hard that it left her feeling giddy, and never been kissed so soft and tenderly that it felt as though her lips were being brushed over with a soft feather. Remus Lupin certainly was full of surprises and Tonks smiled to herself as she thought about what new secrets she would discover about him when he came to see her that night.
A tall, mysterious man paced the hard, polished wooden floor, taking pleasure in listening to the hard noise of his shoes as they hit the floor rhythmically. He sighed a heavy sigh through his snake like nostrils, his red eyes glinting evilly in the iridescent firelight. His hands were clasped together behind his back and his brow was furrowed. Wormtail was late; he was supposed to be there five minutes ago. Lord Voldemort did not tolerate lateness from anybody, even if it was the one person who would help him with the final stage of his master plan.
At last Wormtail burst into the room panting deeply, having obviously run all the way, not eager to displease his master again.
"So, sorry master…I…. I…. was held up.'' Wormtail stuttered as he fell hard to his knees and crawled forward ready to pay his respects to his master, the man that he betrayed his closest friends too, the man who he readily give up the love and friendship of everyone he knew just to get close to.
"How do I know that you weren't passing information about our plan to the other side you worthless idiot? Once a traitor always a traitor.'' Voldemort spat as he pulled his robes out from the reach of Wormtail.
"I…. I can't go back…they'd kill me.'' He replied, his stutter becoming pronounced as it always did around his frightful master.
"Wrong answer Peter.'' Voldemort hissed menacingly. "What about I'd never betray you master or you're the only one I serve now my lord.''
"You're the only one I…. Serve now master.'' Peter muttered quietly, knowing that it was too little, too late. Voldemort laughed, a high-pitched cackling laugh that froze Wormtails blood and sent a thrill of fear up his spine.
"Very good Peter.'' Voldemort said mockingly, he would have tortured anyone else instantly, but he needed Wormtail to be alert and responsive to tell him exactly what he wanted to know. That was the advantage of having a rat a as servant, they could get places that most people could not, which was very useful for finding out information that nobody else was supposed to know. "Now, what have you found for me?''
"I found out that the old entrance is not in use and is guarded by only one, old man, who thanks to Malfoy is now effectively under the Imperius curse, and will be quite willing to let us in when we arrive.'' Wormtail announced proudly.
"So everything is in place?'' Voldemort asked, controlling his emotions, the last thing he needed was for Harry to find out about his plan and spoil it all when it was all going so perfectly.
"Yes master, we're all set to go when you are.'' Wormtail replied.
"Well done Peter, I will let you go this time without punishment, but let me warn you, never be late ever again. Or else.'' Voldemort spat as he turned his back on Peter, letting his muttered thank you's and grateful mumblings wash over his head, concentrating solely on the up and coming task that would be sure to let every one in the wizarding world know that Voldemort was back and was greater and more terrible than ever before.
Lupin happily walked to the room that he knew Nymphadora Tonks would be waiting for him in, usually the day after he transformed all he could think about was getting to sleep as fast as he could, but that night sleep was far from his mind, and instead thoughts of a pretty witch with shocking pink hair filled his mind, he could see her smiling at him whenever he closed his eyes, which he liked to do a lot while he was apart from her, not wanting to forget a single feature on her perfect face. Of course this lead to him walking in to a lot of people and walls, but he didn't care, he ignored the curious glances he got as he walked to her room, quickening his pace with each step he took.
When he finally reached her door, he reached up and knocked firmly. He heard her call to him from inside and he walked in, not knowing what to expect.
Whatever he expected it certainly wasn't what he saw, he looked around at the pink walls, and glanced at the bed that was decorated in pink and lilac ribbons, covered with about twenty stuffed animals. The curtains were frilly and had white lace around the edges; the only thing that he would've expected was a heavy pair of boots, at the foot of the bed. He smiled that was the Tonks he knew, he didn't realise that she was so girly though. As he carried on looking around the room he saw Tonks standing in the doorway leading to the bathroom, watching him curiously, their eyes met and for a moment, nothing else in the world mattered, they forgot about Voldemort, about the war, about their differences. All that mattered was that they both knew how they felt about each other, and knew that those feelings were returned, they were the only things that mattered right then.
"I like your room.'' Lupin said nervously, breaking the silence, hoping that Tonks had not seen the disgusted look on his face when he saw all of her stuffed animals, including a huge stuffed unicorn, with a glittering horn.
"I think it's disgusting. I've tried to change it a million times, but whenever I leave it just changes back to this.'' Tonks said eying the room distastefully.
"I didn't think that stuffed animals were really you're thing.'' Lupin said laughing as he crossed the room to stand in front of her.
"Oh, those are actually mine.'' Tonks said, inwardly laughing at the embarrassed look on her face.
"Oh…sorry… I didn't know…I suppose they're alright.'' Lupin stammered.
"I was only joking.'' Tonks said, "they actually scare me, it feels like they're always watching me.'' She admitted laughing at the relieved look on Lupins face. "Well apart from this one.'' She said, walking over to the bed and picking up a small, tattered teddy bear. "My dad gave me this one, before he…you know.''
"I know.'' Lupin replied quietly as he watched Tonks clutch the teddy to her chest. "I had a teddy when I came to Hogwarts, I thought I wouldn't make any friends and my mum gave me the teddy to look after me.'' Lupin said smiling as he remembered his mother telling him that he didn't have to worry about anything because his teddy would always look after him.
"That's so sweet.'' Tonks gushed, placing her bear done onto the bed, closing the distance between her and Remus. "But I do believe we didn't plan on meeting to discuss teddy bears.'' Tonks said mischievously.
"No we didn't did we.'' Remus replied, his grin widening, as he lowered his lips on to hers once again, kissing her softly and lovingly, wanting to hold her close to him and never let her feel hurt or sorrow or anything that this war was bound to bring to them both. But there was something on his mind, something that he had to tell her, before they got too serious. He pulled away unwillingly from her soft lips, the scent of coconut fading in his nostrils. "We need to talk.'' He said sadly.
"Uh Oh this can't be good.'' Tonks said apprehensively. "Whenever anyone's said that to me before it usually ends with them saying "We can still be friends.''
"It's nothing like that.'' Lupin replied, smiling in spite of the situation at Tonk's light hearted manner and her beautiful voice. "Although you might be saying that to me once I've told you.''
"What have you done?'' Tonks asked worriedly.
"Nothing, it's just that…well…its not that easy to say…so I'll just…Here goes.'' Remus said, not knowing how to tell her.
"Just tell me Remus.'' Tonks said nervously.
"I'm a…I'm a…''
"A werewolf, yeah I know.'' Tonks said happily, "I thought you were going to tell me something bad.''
"But that is bad, I'm a monster, I don't deserve you.'' Lupin said sadly.
"Do you want me to leave you now.'' Tonks asked.
"No.''
"Well shut up and kiss me, I don't care that you're a werewolf, your still Remus to me, it's just once a month.'' Tonks said, untroubled by the fact that the man she was getting into a relationship turned into a beast every month. "I turn into a raging monster once a month too, I don't care, I like you Remus I like you a lot.'' Lupin blushed understanding what Tonks meant by saying she turned into a monster every month. He smiled as he walked closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I like you a lot too Nymphadora Tonks.'' Remus said, trying to keep a straight face.
"You won't like me if you call me…. That…Again.'' Tonks said slapping Remus playfully on the arm.
"I promise I'll never call you that again Nymphadora.''
"Hey…'' Tonks started to say, but she was cut off by Remus pressing his lips down onto her own, she forgot what she was about to say as she lost herself in his kiss, tracing her fingers up and down his spine, hearing the low growl in his throat as she grinded her his against his. His hand slipped up under her cotton T-shirt, stroking her breasts, getting turned on more and more as he heard her moan from his gentle touch.
They stayed that way for a long time, each enjoying the others presence, the warmth of another body beside them, the touch of lips against lips, skin against skin. Reluctantly Tonks broke away, knowing that any moment she would give in to temptation that had been tugging at her conscience most of the night. "I think you should go now.'' Tonks said, kissing him softly on the lips.
"But I don't want to go.'' Remus said, "I want to be with you.''
"I can't, not now, it's too soon.''
"I understand, I'll go, but I'll be dreaming about you.'' Remus said quietly in between light kisses over her neck.
"I'll be dreaming about you too.'' Tonks said throatily as she felt Lupins hand in the small of her back, pulling her closer to him, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him gently away.
"Now go, you randy old dog.'' She said laughing.
"Hey less of the old you.'' Lupin said indignantly as she opened her bedroom door, gesturing for him to leave. "One more thing before I leave, I want us to be a couple, you know a like Sirius and Destiny, well not quite like those too, no one wants to be like those two, talk about strange. Did you know that Sirius like Destiny to act like his professor while their having sex, and to shout stuff like, Detention Mr Black, you've been a very naughty boy?'' Lupin asked laughing at the look on Tonk's face.
"That sounds like fun.'' She said mischievously, as she kissed Lupin lightly again on the lips. "I'll have to remember that. But what were you saying before that?'' She asked, knowing exactly what he had said.
"I was wondering if you wanted us to be a couple. I know I do.'' Lupin asked shyly.
"I'd love to Remus.'' Tonks said happily, as he leaned into her for another kiss, pulling away sooner than he would've liked to, as he felt Tonks bring her hands up to push him away again.
"I know, I'm going.'' He said as he started to walk out of the door. "See you in my dreams.''
"See you.'' She whispered, watching him walking backwards and blowing kisses to her, before he finally turned the corner. She sighed heavily, and smiled to herself. He certainly was full of surprises.
(A.N Ooooh, what is Voldie up to now????? I know obviously but you don't so to find out you'll all have to leave me review, lots of them. PLEASE!!! I hope you all liked this chappie; I know I did, Lupin and Tonks Ahhhhhh! So please Read and Review, hopefully the next chapter will be up on the weekend. Hopefully, bearing in mind that I'm working, but hey what's more important a job or Harry Potter? Stupid question, obviously Harry Potter!!!
Bye Thank you all love ice princess12 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x)
SURPRISES
Ron was currently engaged in a vicious chess match with his only sister in the Gryffindor common room, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers who thought that they were about to witness Ron Weasley's first defeat in almost four years by none other than his baby sister, who seemed to have inherited his flair for chess.
While the two siblings battled for the chess champion title, cheered on by most of the Gryffindor sixth and seventh years, Harry and Hermione were sitting on the sofa in Hermione and Ron's private room, clearly wanting to avoid having to take sides in the clash of the two red heads.
"So Ginny tells me that you two are getting pretty serious.'' Hermione said as she sat down beside Harry on the couch, two glasses of pumpkin juice in her hand, she handed one to Harry as she sipped her own.
"Yeah we are, I love her so much that it hurts when I'm away from her.'' Harry admitted happily, taking a large swig of juice.
"That's so sweet Harry, I'm so happy for you, for you both.'' Hermione said, smiling as she looked across to a framed picture of her and Ron laughing on the table beside the sofa. "I never knew you could be so romantic.''
"It must be Ginny she brings out the best in me, makes me want to be the perfect boyfriend.'' Harry admitted, "I've never felt this way before, about anyone.''
"You deserve to be in love Harry, more than anyone I know, and I know that you and Ginny are meant to be together.'' Hermione said.
"Speaking of meant to be, how are things with you and Snugglebunny?'' Harry asked cheekily.
"I don't know how you found out about that but I swear if you say it again I will have to hex you so bad that you won't be able to sit down for months.'' Hermione said laughing. "But since you asked, things are going great with me and Ron.'' Hermione replied emphasising Ron's name.
"I always knew that you two would end up together, your so perfect for each other, you're like the perfect pair.'' Harry said thoughtfully in between sips of his juice.
"I didn't, I thought we'd spend years just arguing and fighting, I'd never have thought that we could last almost a whole year without killing each other, but all of Ron's little flaws, make me love him even more. We've even talked about getting married.'' Hermione confessed.
"What? When?'' Harry said shocked, almost choking on his drink when he registered what Hermione had said.
"Oh, no time soon, but in the future, after we both have jobs and a home. Ron wants us to have a huge family
"And what do you want?''
"I want that too, I'd love to spend the rest of my life with Ron."
"Don't you ever feel that you want to see other people before settling down for the rest of your life?'' Harry asked quietly.
"No, why do you?'' Hermione asked her brows furrowed in concern, if Harry loved Ginny as much as he claimed why would he want to see anyone else.
"No, that's what scares me. I'm seventeen and I've met the girl of my dreams whom I'd be more than ready to stay with for the rest of my life. I couldn't even think about seeing anyone else after Ginny, they'd never be as good as her; no one could take her place." Harry answered honestly. "I was just making sure I wasn't the only one who felt so madly in love that I'd stay with the same one person forever."
"You're not, I never thought I'd want to settle down. My career has always been so important to me, but now if Ron asked me to give up on a career and stay home to look after our children I'd do it in a shot, that's scary.'' Hermione stated.
"But Ron would never ask you to do that, he knows how important work is to you, it's one of the things he loves about you.'' Harry retorted defensively.
"I know he wouldn't, I know he respects me and my ambition that why I love him so much.'' Hermione replied. "So do you and Ron talk about things like this then?'' Hermione asked curiously.
"Me and Ron talk about lots of things Hermione Granger, things that you will never know about.'' Harry stated simply. "You know it's really great to talk to you.'' Harry said seriously.
"I know, it feels like we haven't spoken for ages.''
"Probably because we haven't, well not properly anyway.''
"We should definitely do it more often. I feel really close to you.'' Hermione confessed. "Your like the brother I never had."
"And your like the little sister I never had, I've never had a real family, but I like to think of you and Ron a my family.'' Harry said sadly.
"What about Ginny?'' Hermione asked inquisitively.
"She's not family…….. Yet.'' Harry said mischievously, winking at Hermione, who gasped, through a smile.
"Mr Potter, are you suggesting what I think your suggesting?'' Hermione asked.
"Maybe.'' Harry said wickedly.
"Maybe what?'' Ginny asked as she walked into the room and went and sat down on Harry's lap, and smiled as he promptly wrapped his arms around her middle.
"Maybe, I'm thinking of asking Millicent Bulstrode to be my girlfriend instead of you. You know we have been together for a very long time.'' Harry said jokingly.
"You better be joking.'' Ginny said as she hit Harry's leg.
"Of course I'm joking angel, I love you, it's just I can't help but be attracted to Millicent, I mean where else could I find a girl that's almost a foot taller than me and twice as wide?'' Harry retorted.
"That's nasty.'' Ginny scolded, "she's probably a lovely girl." But she was interrupted when Ron burst through the door of their room, with his arms above his head, a huge grin plastered across his face.
"The Gryffindor chess champion has arrived.'' He said announcing his entrance, ignoring Ginny as she groaned. "And what gift does the handsome chess champion get from his beautiful girl, for defeating the evil red head.'' Ron asked, smiling at Hermione.
"He'll get a slap if he doesn't sit down and stop being so bigheaded.'' Hermione said sharply, although she was smiling. She looked up at the disappointed look on Ron's face and gave him a quick kiss before returning to her seat, blushing. Ron grinned happily, then looked at Ginny.
"God Gin, as if there aren't enough seats here, Harry doesn't want you and your wide load sitting on him.''
He just managed to dodge a slap from Ginny, and laughed as he heard Harry muttering to Ginny that she definitely wasn't fat and that he didn't mind her sitting on him.
Ron walked over to Hermione and at down on her lap, pretending that he couldn't find a seat. She squealed as he sat on her and promptly pushed him off with great difficulty, then let him sit in her seat as he sat on his lap.
The rest of the day was spent discussing lessons, and their plans for what they wanted to do after they left school, punctuated by an occasional game of Wizards chess or Exploding snap.
Minerva Mcgonagall was Hogwarts most renowned Transfiguration teacher, she had been the most advanced in her class when she had attended Hogwarts in her youth and had mastered some of the most complex spells before she had even received the post of Transfiguration teacher. Her cool intellect and logical way of thinking, only served to further her expertise in the area of Transfiguration, some of the most complex magic around. This was one of the reasons that she had been chosen to help further protect Hogwarts and Hogsmeade devising a warning system, a system that would alert them to the arrival of any Death Eaters in the area.
It had been her idea to use an old forgotten branch of Transfiguration called 'Minutage Transfiguration' a type of transfiguration that was timed, the transformation would only occur at a certain time, or under special circumstances, it was because of this, that the branch of magic had long since been forgotten. But Minerva knew that it would be necessary to catch the Death Eaters off guard, to give them the advantage.
She had recruited Sirius as her assistant, the boy who had been top of his year at Transfiguration with no effort at all; he just seemed to have a natural flair for it. They walked down to the very borders of Hogsmeade where a large row of trees had been planted to mark the border that no Muggles could pass or see through, therefore have no knowledge that Hogsmeade even existed. It was these trees that were going to play a pivotal role in her plan; they were going to enchanted with an extremely intricate spell, that would leave no visible difference to the tree, show no sign of a spell at all, until a cloaked and masked Death Eater walked past, then the tree would turn into a huge wailing siren, with flashing orange lights, alerting everyone to the presence of Death Eaters in Hogsmeade and giving them time to prepare for attack, making the Death Eaters lose the element of surprise. This immensely complicated spell was to be placed all around the borders of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, protecting the school and the village from every corner.
Sirius's brow was creased in concentration as he cast the spell again, he had never seen or experienced this type of magic before, few wizards had, and it was taking all of his energy just to keep concentrating on the spell. All thoughts of Harry and his reaction upon finding out that Sirius was back at Hogwarts had been replaced by the long and difficult words to the spell, and all the happy thoughts about Destiny and her reaction on finding out that they no longer needed to worry about Harry finding them flew from his head as he struggled to re-enact the exact wand movements that Minerva had shown him earlier. It was going to take many days before the whole perimeter of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts were fully protected but it was worth it if it meant that just one life would be saved.
Tonks stormed down the Charms corridor in a mad temper, she had been searching everywhere for Remus but she couldn't find him anywhere. She scowled as she remembered her conversation with Sirius a few nights earlier, he had probably told Remus that she was on the lookout for him, and he had probably gone into hiding like the coward he was. There was just one problem, Tonks didn't fully believe that Remus had said those awful things, why would he?
She thought that she knew him, she thought that he was kind and sweet, shy but in a good way. He never thought he would be the type to go lying to his mates about who he slept with, especially if he didn't even sleep with them. Was he trying to ruin her reputation? Make people see her as some slut who jumped into bed with practically anyone. What made her more angry was the fact that he didn't even have the decency to come and see her and apologise, instead he had hidden away from her, like a coward, preferring to avoid her than show a scrap of decorum and apologise like a man.
She stopped and stared out of one of the windows along the corridor, the sky was pitch dark and cloudless, the moon shone out brightly, like a beacon, it's silvery glow casting mysterious shadows along the ground. Tonks looked up at the bright moon, it was full and hung, suspended in the air, like a glowing crystal ball. She sighed as she stared up at it, locks of her now curly brown hair framing her heart shaped face. Sadly realising that she wasn't going to be finding Remus anytime that night, she turned around and went back to her room.
Ginny and Harry lay together in bed, Ginny wearing another of Harry's shirts and Harry in only a pair of deep green boxers. Ginny lay with her head resting against Harry's bare chest, her arm tracing patterns across his taut stomach. Harry's fingers were tangled in Ginny's fiery red hair.
"I can't believe that Professor Hounding is actually Sirius.'' Ginny exclaimed.
"I know I'd never have guessed.''
"We probably should have with his name.'' Ginny said laughing.
"What do you mean?'' Harry asked confused.
"Professor Hounding.'' Ginny said, noticing the still puzzled look on Harry's face. "Hound as in dog.'' She said smiling.
"Oh yeah.'' Harry said. "Can't believe we missed that now.''
"Honestly, I'm certain that you and Ron share a brain, you're both as dense as each other.''
"I resent that.'' Harry stated indignantly but laughed it off. "Gin, do you think that you'll still be with me when we leave school?'' Harry asked seriously.
"Of course, I love you, I want to be with you forever.'' She replied. "Why, don't you want us to be together when we leave school?''
"Of course I want us to be together, I love you angel, I always will, I can't imagine being with anyone else, and I know that we are really young and everything but I know already that I'll never meet anyone that I love more than you. I want us to be together forever. I've never felt this way before, about anyone, it's indescribable.''
"I can't wait until forever.'' Ginny whispered as she smoothed Harry's chest. "I know our love is a love that will last forever. True love never dies.''
"I'm glad you feel that way because there's something I need to know.'' Harry started tentatively. "See I've always wanted to be part of a real family, a family like yours and I was wondering if you wanted to start our own family.''
"I'd love to, I can picture us now, old and married, loads of children and grandchildren. Ron and Hermione our next door neighbours, bickering in their rocking chairs, while Hermione knits some House Elf clothes.''
"Sounds perfect.'' Harry sighed contently. "But I didn't say anything about us getting married.''
"Oh…. I just…I thought.'' Ginny stuttered nervously. Had she just gotten too serious for Harry? Was she going to scare him away?
"I was only joking angel, of course we'll get married, the sooner the better in my opinion.'' Harry said raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh and why is that Mr. Potter?'' Ginny asked, understanding perfectly what he was implying.
"To be able to have proof of our love of course.'' Harry said feigning hurt.
"Mmmmm…ok then.'' Ginny replied as she snuggled closer into his chest, breathing in the scent that was unmistakeably Harry. The smell that comforted her when he was worried, the smell that filled her with warmth and happiness and the smell that she was going to spend the rest of her life savouring.
*********************************************************************
Lupin crawled out of bed, the sheets had been tossed unceremoniously on to the floor, he walked slowly over to the mirror, and every step he took worsened the already throbbing headache that he had. It was always this way after a transformation, the pain that had ripped through his body as he changed into a monster, the terrifying feeling of having your mind and consciousness slip away from you to be replaced by that of a beast. The feeling of emptiness and loneliness as he paced the room, hungry for meat and flesh but unable to get any, cursed through his veins every time. The only thought that comforted him that morning was that it would be a whole month before the next transformation, a whole month before he would need to taste the atrocious Wolfsbane potion again, feel it burn his throat as the thick liquid trickled down his throat. He pulled on a set of his most tattered robes over his faded jeans and white shirt, and ran a hand through his sandy brown hair.
He stepped out onto the landing and his heart soared, there she was walking down the corridor, her hair was straight today and red, she hadn't seen him yet and he took the opportunity to watch as she slowly made her way down the corridor, he smiled to himself as she stumbled but righted herself. He would happily transform every week if he could only see her in the morning; she was like a breath of fresh air to him, the reason that he made himself get out of bed in the morning.
Tonks looked up and saw Remus standing, watching her walk towards him, she quickened her pace determined not to let him get away from her, they needed to talk urgently. She walked over to him quickly and caught him around the wrist tightly, noticing how thin he was, but not commenting, instead she pulled him into an empty classroom and slammed the door shut behind her. She placed a silencing charm around the room and turned to face Remus, her hands on her hips, clearly wanting to give him the chance to apologise. She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited.
"What?'' he asked uncertainly as he glared at him. Even though it was clear to him that she was very angry with him he couldn't for the life of him figure out why, and even though he knew he shouldn't be thinking it he couldn't help it, she looked insanely beautiful when she was angry.
"What!'' She shouted. "What! You have the nerve to stand here and pretend like you haven't done anything.'' She screamed.
"I haven't.'' He insisted.
"Bullshit, you know what you've done and you're too scared to admit it.'' Tonks said in a dangerously cold voice. If there was one thing that she hated more than Dark Wizards it was liars.
"Honestly Tonks I haven't got a clue what you are talking bout.'' Remus claimed adamantly. Surprised by her colourful language.
"So you didn't tell Sirius that you slept with me?'' Tonks asked sarcastically. "I must have imagined it.''
"You must have because I would never say something like that about you.'' Lupin said, raising his voice, how could she think that he'd do something like that to her? When he cared about her more than anyone.
"So, you're saying that you'd never say that about me but you'd say it about someone else? What's the matter aren't I good enough for you?" Tonks questioned angrily.
"No that's not what I said and you know it. You're twisting things.'' Remus argued.
"The only thing that's twisted around here is you. Who would go around lying to his or her mates about sleeping with someone? Why would you even want to do that?''
"I've already told you, I never said anything of the sort, I wouldn't do that to you Tonks.'' Remus said quietly, hoping to calm down the mood of their conversation.
"Then why did I have that idiot cousin of mine come up to me asking me when did we start shagging?" Tonks questioned, her voice quieter before but still has hard.
"Probably because I smelt like your perfume when I spoke to him, remember when I stopped you falling, he probably got the wrong idea. He always did have a dirty mind. All I know is that I'd never lie about that. And I'd never want to damage your reputation by saying that we had slept together.'' Remus said calmly, almost sadly.
"Promise me you didn't say that.'' Tonks whispered.
"I promise you. On my life I'd never want to hurt or embarrass you like that. I didn't say it.''
"Ok, I believe you, I'm sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusions, I was just so angry with you.'' Tonks admitted.
"I don't blame you, if someone had been spreading rumours saying that I was sleeping with a man that was fifteen years older than me I'd be pretty angry too.'' Lupin said jokingly.
"I wasn't angry because it was you he thought I'd slept with, it was because I thought that you'd been lying about me, and that hurt me so much. I probably wouldn't have minded if we had actually been shagging.'' Tonks said blushing. She looked up at Remus who had also blushed. "Well I'd better be going.'' She said, and Remus nodded, she turned and walked to the door and unlocked it, just as her hand was on the handle of the door, she felt someone grab her wrist and pull her around sharply, she gasped but it was lost as she felt a pair of lips meet her own and a pair of hands wander down to take their place around her waist. She reached her arms up and wrapped them around his neck as she closed her eyes and slowly moved her lips beneath his. He deepened the kiss; letting his tongue massage hers and feeling her tongue brush lightly over his lips sending jolts of electricity racing through his body.
The feel of her lips against his was intoxicating and a feeling that he never wanted to forget and would love to experience everyday for the rest of his life. He moaned as her hands reached up into his hair and she played with the hairs at the nape of his neck, she nibbled on his lip slowly and seductively causing the slight throb in Remus' crotch to double in force and wanting. As they pulled apart Tonks moaned at the loss of his lips, she slowly opened her eyes and saw Remus smiling down at her. He smiled, she looked more beautiful that he had ever seen her, her cheeks were flushed and her lips were red and swollen from the kiss.
He waited anxiously for her reaction, what she would say next, but she didn't say anything, instead she pulled him back to her, crushing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, that he happily returned, letting his hands once again find their way to her waist, where he let them wander over her back, feeling the muscles of her back contract as she arched herself into him, closing the mall distance that separated them.
He could've quite happily gone on kissing her for the rest of the day, for the rest of his life. Tasting her peppermint lips and smelling the smell of her coconut perfume, but it wasn't meant to be. The beeping of his watch broke their kiss and he grinned apologetically at Tonks as he reached into his robes to silence the alarm that was signalling the start of first lesson, without realising it they had both missed breakfast.
"I have to go.'' Remus sighed sadly. "I have a class to teach.'' Tonks moaned, she wanted him to stay with her all day, kissing her the way he had just kissed her, moving his gentle hands over her back, making her feel as though she were the only person in the world, she knew she was being selfish. She knew that there was a class waiting for him at that very moment, she knew that she had work to be getting on with but she didn't care all she wanted right now was Remus Lupin.
"I don't want you to go.'' She said pouting.
"I have to, but I'll come and see you tonight after dinner, we can pick up were we left off.'' Lupin said smiling. Tonks grinned, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Sounds great.'' She said as she smiled at him, her straight red hair was falling over her shoulders, her flushed cheeks glowing with happiness. Remus looked over her and grinned.
"I'm sure no one will mind if I'm five minutes late.'' He said, moving swiftly over to Tonks and kissing her once again, this time slowly and tenderly, wanting to savour every moment with her, every moment that was so special to him. Five minutes passed and Remus reluctantly pulled away from her, hating to lose her, and the feeling that she gave him as they kissed. "Until tonight.'' He said as he gave her a roguish smile and a wink and left the classroom, leaving her alone and wanting more.
Tonks smiled to herself, she had finally gotten her wish, she had finally got Remus Lupin to kiss her, and boy did he kiss her. She had never been kissed like that before, never with so much raw and unadulterated passion, never been kissed so hard that it left her feeling giddy, and never been kissed so soft and tenderly that it felt as though her lips were being brushed over with a soft feather. Remus Lupin certainly was full of surprises and Tonks smiled to herself as she thought about what new secrets she would discover about him when he came to see her that night.
A tall, mysterious man paced the hard, polished wooden floor, taking pleasure in listening to the hard noise of his shoes as they hit the floor rhythmically. He sighed a heavy sigh through his snake like nostrils, his red eyes glinting evilly in the iridescent firelight. His hands were clasped together behind his back and his brow was furrowed. Wormtail was late; he was supposed to be there five minutes ago. Lord Voldemort did not tolerate lateness from anybody, even if it was the one person who would help him with the final stage of his master plan.
At last Wormtail burst into the room panting deeply, having obviously run all the way, not eager to displease his master again.
"So, sorry master…I…. I…. was held up.'' Wormtail stuttered as he fell hard to his knees and crawled forward ready to pay his respects to his master, the man that he betrayed his closest friends too, the man who he readily give up the love and friendship of everyone he knew just to get close to.
"How do I know that you weren't passing information about our plan to the other side you worthless idiot? Once a traitor always a traitor.'' Voldemort spat as he pulled his robes out from the reach of Wormtail.
"I…. I can't go back…they'd kill me.'' He replied, his stutter becoming pronounced as it always did around his frightful master.
"Wrong answer Peter.'' Voldemort hissed menacingly. "What about I'd never betray you master or you're the only one I serve now my lord.''
"You're the only one I…. Serve now master.'' Peter muttered quietly, knowing that it was too little, too late. Voldemort laughed, a high-pitched cackling laugh that froze Wormtails blood and sent a thrill of fear up his spine.
"Very good Peter.'' Voldemort said mockingly, he would have tortured anyone else instantly, but he needed Wormtail to be alert and responsive to tell him exactly what he wanted to know. That was the advantage of having a rat a as servant, they could get places that most people could not, which was very useful for finding out information that nobody else was supposed to know. "Now, what have you found for me?''
"I found out that the old entrance is not in use and is guarded by only one, old man, who thanks to Malfoy is now effectively under the Imperius curse, and will be quite willing to let us in when we arrive.'' Wormtail announced proudly.
"So everything is in place?'' Voldemort asked, controlling his emotions, the last thing he needed was for Harry to find out about his plan and spoil it all when it was all going so perfectly.
"Yes master, we're all set to go when you are.'' Wormtail replied.
"Well done Peter, I will let you go this time without punishment, but let me warn you, never be late ever again. Or else.'' Voldemort spat as he turned his back on Peter, letting his muttered thank you's and grateful mumblings wash over his head, concentrating solely on the up and coming task that would be sure to let every one in the wizarding world know that Voldemort was back and was greater and more terrible than ever before.
Lupin happily walked to the room that he knew Nymphadora Tonks would be waiting for him in, usually the day after he transformed all he could think about was getting to sleep as fast as he could, but that night sleep was far from his mind, and instead thoughts of a pretty witch with shocking pink hair filled his mind, he could see her smiling at him whenever he closed his eyes, which he liked to do a lot while he was apart from her, not wanting to forget a single feature on her perfect face. Of course this lead to him walking in to a lot of people and walls, but he didn't care, he ignored the curious glances he got as he walked to her room, quickening his pace with each step he took.
When he finally reached her door, he reached up and knocked firmly. He heard her call to him from inside and he walked in, not knowing what to expect.
Whatever he expected it certainly wasn't what he saw, he looked around at the pink walls, and glanced at the bed that was decorated in pink and lilac ribbons, covered with about twenty stuffed animals. The curtains were frilly and had white lace around the edges; the only thing that he would've expected was a heavy pair of boots, at the foot of the bed. He smiled that was the Tonks he knew, he didn't realise that she was so girly though. As he carried on looking around the room he saw Tonks standing in the doorway leading to the bathroom, watching him curiously, their eyes met and for a moment, nothing else in the world mattered, they forgot about Voldemort, about the war, about their differences. All that mattered was that they both knew how they felt about each other, and knew that those feelings were returned, they were the only things that mattered right then.
"I like your room.'' Lupin said nervously, breaking the silence, hoping that Tonks had not seen the disgusted look on his face when he saw all of her stuffed animals, including a huge stuffed unicorn, with a glittering horn.
"I think it's disgusting. I've tried to change it a million times, but whenever I leave it just changes back to this.'' Tonks said eying the room distastefully.
"I didn't think that stuffed animals were really you're thing.'' Lupin said laughing as he crossed the room to stand in front of her.
"Oh, those are actually mine.'' Tonks said, inwardly laughing at the embarrassed look on her face.
"Oh…sorry… I didn't know…I suppose they're alright.'' Lupin stammered.
"I was only joking.'' Tonks said, "they actually scare me, it feels like they're always watching me.'' She admitted laughing at the relieved look on Lupins face. "Well apart from this one.'' She said, walking over to the bed and picking up a small, tattered teddy bear. "My dad gave me this one, before he…you know.''
"I know.'' Lupin replied quietly as he watched Tonks clutch the teddy to her chest. "I had a teddy when I came to Hogwarts, I thought I wouldn't make any friends and my mum gave me the teddy to look after me.'' Lupin said smiling as he remembered his mother telling him that he didn't have to worry about anything because his teddy would always look after him.
"That's so sweet.'' Tonks gushed, placing her bear done onto the bed, closing the distance between her and Remus. "But I do believe we didn't plan on meeting to discuss teddy bears.'' Tonks said mischievously.
"No we didn't did we.'' Remus replied, his grin widening, as he lowered his lips on to hers once again, kissing her softly and lovingly, wanting to hold her close to him and never let her feel hurt or sorrow or anything that this war was bound to bring to them both. But there was something on his mind, something that he had to tell her, before they got too serious. He pulled away unwillingly from her soft lips, the scent of coconut fading in his nostrils. "We need to talk.'' He said sadly.
"Uh Oh this can't be good.'' Tonks said apprehensively. "Whenever anyone's said that to me before it usually ends with them saying "We can still be friends.''
"It's nothing like that.'' Lupin replied, smiling in spite of the situation at Tonk's light hearted manner and her beautiful voice. "Although you might be saying that to me once I've told you.''
"What have you done?'' Tonks asked worriedly.
"Nothing, it's just that…well…its not that easy to say…so I'll just…Here goes.'' Remus said, not knowing how to tell her.
"Just tell me Remus.'' Tonks said nervously.
"I'm a…I'm a…''
"A werewolf, yeah I know.'' Tonks said happily, "I thought you were going to tell me something bad.''
"But that is bad, I'm a monster, I don't deserve you.'' Lupin said sadly.
"Do you want me to leave you now.'' Tonks asked.
"No.''
"Well shut up and kiss me, I don't care that you're a werewolf, your still Remus to me, it's just once a month.'' Tonks said, untroubled by the fact that the man she was getting into a relationship turned into a beast every month. "I turn into a raging monster once a month too, I don't care, I like you Remus I like you a lot.'' Lupin blushed understanding what Tonks meant by saying she turned into a monster every month. He smiled as he walked closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I like you a lot too Nymphadora Tonks.'' Remus said, trying to keep a straight face.
"You won't like me if you call me…. That…Again.'' Tonks said slapping Remus playfully on the arm.
"I promise I'll never call you that again Nymphadora.''
"Hey…'' Tonks started to say, but she was cut off by Remus pressing his lips down onto her own, she forgot what she was about to say as she lost herself in his kiss, tracing her fingers up and down his spine, hearing the low growl in his throat as she grinded her his against his. His hand slipped up under her cotton T-shirt, stroking her breasts, getting turned on more and more as he heard her moan from his gentle touch.
They stayed that way for a long time, each enjoying the others presence, the warmth of another body beside them, the touch of lips against lips, skin against skin. Reluctantly Tonks broke away, knowing that any moment she would give in to temptation that had been tugging at her conscience most of the night. "I think you should go now.'' Tonks said, kissing him softly on the lips.
"But I don't want to go.'' Remus said, "I want to be with you.''
"I can't, not now, it's too soon.''
"I understand, I'll go, but I'll be dreaming about you.'' Remus said quietly in between light kisses over her neck.
"I'll be dreaming about you too.'' Tonks said throatily as she felt Lupins hand in the small of her back, pulling her closer to him, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him gently away.
"Now go, you randy old dog.'' She said laughing.
"Hey less of the old you.'' Lupin said indignantly as she opened her bedroom door, gesturing for him to leave. "One more thing before I leave, I want us to be a couple, you know a like Sirius and Destiny, well not quite like those too, no one wants to be like those two, talk about strange. Did you know that Sirius like Destiny to act like his professor while their having sex, and to shout stuff like, Detention Mr Black, you've been a very naughty boy?'' Lupin asked laughing at the look on Tonk's face.
"That sounds like fun.'' She said mischievously, as she kissed Lupin lightly again on the lips. "I'll have to remember that. But what were you saying before that?'' She asked, knowing exactly what he had said.
"I was wondering if you wanted us to be a couple. I know I do.'' Lupin asked shyly.
"I'd love to Remus.'' Tonks said happily, as he leaned into her for another kiss, pulling away sooner than he would've liked to, as he felt Tonks bring her hands up to push him away again.
"I know, I'm going.'' He said as he started to walk out of the door. "See you in my dreams.''
"See you.'' She whispered, watching him walking backwards and blowing kisses to her, before he finally turned the corner. She sighed heavily, and smiled to herself. He certainly was full of surprises.
(A.N Ooooh, what is Voldie up to now????? I know obviously but you don't so to find out you'll all have to leave me review, lots of them. PLEASE!!! I hope you all liked this chappie; I know I did, Lupin and Tonks Ahhhhhh! So please Read and Review, hopefully the next chapter will be up on the weekend. Hopefully, bearing in mind that I'm working, but hey what's more important a job or Harry Potter? Stupid question, obviously Harry Potter!!!
Bye Thank you all love ice princess12 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x)