The Time Between
A Lupin/ Tonks Fanfiction
As always, theses characters, plots, settings, and most everything else belongs to J.K. Rowlings.
*~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Chapter II: Tonk's London Flat
Tonks tossed aside her yellow covered, 'Dark Arts for Dummies' paperback with a sigh and stretched her mother's soft, multicolored afghan from the tips of her toes to beneath her chin. If she was truly going to learn more about the dark arts, she'd need to find information from somewhere much more menacing than Florish and Blotts's how-to manuals. Just as she was allowing her mind to wander back to the battle, which 'The Daily Prophet' was now dubbing the 'Return of the Darkness', someone rapped softly on the door to her flat.
Instinctively grabbing her wand, "Who is it?" Tonks yelled in her most threatening voice.
"Put your wand down, Nymphadora. It's Remus," his warm voice commanded.
With a flick of her wand, the door opened to reveal the dishevel professor, idly leaning against the door frame. His still young face looking more tired than normal.
"Remus, why do you insist on calling me that?" Tonks questioned, not moving from her comfy roost on the sofa.
Remus smiled pleasantly, pale hazel eyes boring though her, "Because it is your name, Nymphadora. Now, may I come in?"
Tonks laughed, rolling her eyes. "There is no righting you, is there? Yes, come in! As if you need an invitation." She finally sat up, making room for him on the sofa since it was the only chair (besides some milk crates) in her studio flat.
Before he sat down, he revealed a small box from within his worn trench coat, "A gift for the invalid."
Tonks' face beamed as she accepted the small box and quickly removed the lid. "Wotcher, chocolate! I should have known," she smiled and leaning forward, gave Remus a swift kiss. "Thanks Remus! If I'd had this early, I wouldn't have needed to have gone to St. Mungo's."
"Chocolate certainly has its medicinal effects, but I think St. Mungo's was definitely provided a more accurate cure." Remus removed his coat and sat down besides Tonks, adjusting his trousers, and straightening his thin jumper. "So how are you feeling?"
"They just released me this morning. I'm alright."
"Yes, I went to your room to be told by the mediwitch you'd been released." He crossed his legs and relaxed as Tonks bit into a chunk of dark chocolate, "I turned up at your parent's house next, but they told me you were here, alone."
Tonks sighed between bites, "As much as I love my mum and dad, there's only so much I can take. Especially my mum, she was driving me batty yesterday! Sometimes she handles me like I'm a defenseless child and that's not the way I want to be treated right now. Just because I'm a bit banged up, doesn't mean that I can take care of myself."
Remus knotted his brow, "Your parents are very worried about you, Nymphadora." His pale eyes looking deep within hers, "And so am I."
Tonks froze, mid bite, as she suddenly became aware of Remus's intense gaze. As if, when he was looking at her, he saw past her greasy brown hair and scattering of unmorphed freckles, and deep within her core; into the very soul of her being. Releasing a soft gasp, she broke eye contact. He'd never looked at her this way before; the way a man looks at a woman. A shiver ran up her spine.
"Are you alright?" Remus questioned, laying a hand on her arm and moving closer.
"Oh it's just the medicine," Tonks said quickly and sat aside the box of chocolates. "The healer has me taking this ghastly potion for internal bruising and what- not."
Remus grimaced, which only made Tonks ramble more.
"And I've been assigned on bed rest for three days and instructions for no heavy lifting, no running, no silly wand waving, no morphing, and perhaps the worst, no alcohol for the next week."
"Ah, yes, a true test of endurance," Remus replied, releasing his hold on her.
Tonks smiled and an awkward moment of silence fell between them. It occurred to her in that finite moment, that she and Lupin had never been alone. It had always been Sirius who had filled the moments of silence with ridiculous remarks or humorous jabs. A sudden lump arose in her throat, and she forced her mind to turn away from her cousin's memory. She didn't want to cry again in front of him.
"Where were you when I woke up? Mum and dad said you had some business to take care of. Did it concern the Order?"
Remus was taken off guard. "Well, not really. Dumbledore wanted me to handle some legal matters concerning Sirius's estate and some paperwork regarding the upcoming trials for Malfoy and Dolohov."
"I read about that in this morning's 'Prophet'", Tonks felt a constricting sadness creeping into her heart again, "When is it going to take place?"
Remus's face grew pale, his eyes distant as if he, too, were thinking about their lost friend, "This Friday at noon."
"Perhaps, we could go together," Tonks replied as her small fingers wound around his.
Remus looked upon her thoughtfully, and Tonk's chest felt another strange flutter as his reflective eyes rested on her. "I'd like that, Nymphadora. I think Sirius would, too," Lupin responded quietly.
It was then that she realized Remus's thumb was stroking her palm. The intimate gesture, however unintentional, only reinitiated the flutter in her chest and a hungry warmth in her- oh my! Tonk's eyes grew big as she realized that the yummy warmth which was now creeping up her limbs was originating in her female parts and she liked it!!
She looked at Remus, but he was obviously unaware as he had laid his head against the back of the sofa lost in thought. His very nice, slightly graying head with its patrician nose, firm chin and gentle lips. Tonks wanted to slap herself; what was she thinking! This was her friend, her buddy, her mate; this was Remus Lupin, school teacher, confirmed bachelor, member of the original order which had to make him at least ten or twelve years her senior.
His long, slender, firm body, relaxing against her sofa, eyelids shut, graceful fingers stilling in her hand. Tonks leaned forward, and looked at him as if he were some exotic animal at the London zoo. Scuffed wingtips, brown woolen trousers patched in numerous places, gray sweater slightly moth eaten; Tonks leaned closer, oxford shirt fraying around the collar, hair a bit overgrown, but even though his overall appear was worn and dog- eared, his clothing was neat and clean. Inclining forward, she smelled a mingling of Lemongrass soap, salty aftershave and chamomile tea. Smiling at the odd mixture, she again found herself very aroused and even more curious.
Sensing that he had fallen asleep, as he was often known to do, Tonks became bolder in her analysis. Crawling up on her knees, she bent over his reclining male form to take an even closer look at his resting face. She had looked on him a thousand times before, even thinking on several occasions that he was very attractive, but this was as close as she'd ever gotten. If Sirius had ever caught her looming over Remus with such a microscopic attempt to discern his features in an attempt to understand their effect on her nether regions, he would have teased her endlessly. But the realness of Sirius's death seemed far behind her at this moment, replaced by the magnetic and often dangerous draw of the opposite sex.
His face was smooth, creased by two laugh lines that framed his thin mouth. His nose was perhaps larger than normal, but it seemed to fit his long face and high cheek bones. As she moved closer, Tonks realized that even his eyebrows and bearded stubble were graying, but his lashes, which were thick when his eyes were closed, was the only facial hair not tainted premature age.
It was then, as her nose hung only an inch away from his, that his eyes fluttered open, his voice course,"What?"
"Wahhh!" Tonks, with her usual clumsiness, yelped in surprise and fell face forward into Remus's lap.
Even though he made somewhat of an attempt to catch her, her chin hit his shoulder, then she rolled over with a plop; her butt smacking against his hips.
"Are you alright?" Remus questioned amused.
Tonks' cheeks burn a violent shade of violet, as she struggled to remove herself from lap. Yet as she squirmed, trying to regain her dignity and her balance, Lupin's body heated. Her sweet, musky scent penetrated his sleepy scenes, her long tangled hair brushing against his lips. And although, she was probably completely unaware of it, the wiggling of her round bottom against his groin was beginning to flare his male instinct.
Putting his hands on either side of hips, he hastily heaved her off his person. "Need I ask what you were doing?"
Her cheeks still burnt a crimson pink, "I think it would be better if you didn't know."
Remus just looked at her curiously.
"Umm, so you are staying for dinner, right?" Tonks asked making her way to the kitchen area. Remus agreed and thus, Nymphadora rung out for Chinese. When she returned to living room area, Remus had her yellow 'Dark Arts for Dummies' in hand and about six large volume manuscripts scattered around the area rug.
"Oh, no!" Tonks put her face in her hands, trying to hide her chagrin. "I thought I'd hidden that underneath the sofa!"
"Was this issued by the Ministry or is it an official auror text," Remus asked bemused.
Tonks regained her seat by his side and her tone turned serious. "The other night at the battle, I realized something of profound importance. Being a great auror or a great wizard isn't simply about knowing your spells, it's about knowing you enemy."
Lupin nodded, encouraging her to continue and noticing for the first time her dark twinkling eyes held a maturity beyond her twenty- five years.
"Before the other night, I thought I was damn good auror. My spells and counter spells are strong, and when I go into battle, I'm never afraid, except," Tonks paused to catch her breath, her dark brows tensed, "when I saw all those Deatheaters in the chamber, when I saw the madness in Bella's eyes, that's when I realized my knowledge of dark arts is infinitesimal. I have the power Remus, but I don't have the knowledge, and without that, I'm not sure I have anything and that's the one thing that makes me afraid."
It was the first time that Remus had ever seen fear in Nymphadora's black eyes and he wanted to reassure her, wanted to tell her that he would never let her be afraid. "That is why I'm going to teach you everything you need to know about Dark magic." He lifted a very heavy, dusty volume off the floor and placed it in her lap, "So you will never be afraid again."
Four hours later, after several readings, debates, spell technique practice, black magic history lessons as well as two boxes of Moo Shu chicken and five egg rolls later, Nymphadora yawned and fell back against the sofa. Her back ached hauling around the heavy books and her mind throbbed with new knowledge. It was near midnight and the flickering of the candles on their make shift, milk crate tables were starting to twinkle like stars to her sleepy eyes.
"And that's how why kissing the hem's of Voldermort's robes is so important for his followers." Remus continued, legs crossed, still engaged in teacher mode, "It's ironic that even though Voldemort detests the old magic, he uses it constantly in his own rituals."
"That's pretty amazing, who knew that a kiss could hold so much power," Tonks said absent mindedly staring at Remus's lips.
Remus shuttered as he felt Tonk's eyes comb his body and he wondered for about the millionth time what it would be like to kiss her soft, full lips. Perhaps that was what she was thinking as well. It was then that Tonks yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Remus sighed, turning back to his books, on second thought; she was probably just extremely tired.
"I suppose that's enough study for one night," Remus said, tapping each of the thick volumes with his wand, popping them back into miniature blocks no larger than coins.
Tonks sat up, quickly grabbing his upper arm, "Wait." She beckoned.
He turned to her, the woman who was so dear to his heart, whose ripe lips were only inches away from his. How he desired more than ever to touch her long, dark, tangled, unmorphed hair; to caress her pale, heart shaped face which was dotted with miniature freckles; to place his lips on each eyelash, and feel her feminine warmth flutter against him. He closed his eyes, wishing away all his desires, but knowing that wishing would never banish her sweet image which burned like an engravers needle into his mind, searing his dreams, firing his pent-up desires.
"What?" Remus asked impatiently, knowing there were some things that could never be; chastising himself for his school boy fantasies.
Tonks bit her lip, and then asked softly, "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Lupin was completely taken aback. "No, of course not." He turned from her, putting his mini-books into his pocket, voice irritated, "You know that."
"Good," Tonks replied before very ungracefully, and very un-lady like, pushing him back against the sofa and kissing him.
For a moment, he couldn't respond. The shock of her sweet beauty against his worn form was too much for him to comprehend. Was Nymphadora Tonks really kissing him, or was this another dream? It lasted only a moment, but somehow as she began to pull away from him, realization backhanded him in the face. Somehow he managed to lift a numb hand, cradling her face and with gentle force, bringing her lips down against his for a second attempt.
This kiss last much longer. Her mouth parted and the tip of her tongue skimmed his thin lips. His body trembled in response as her honeyed mouth, parted his with wet lips and her tongue licked against his.
They were both breathing heavily, as she finally pulled back, her black eyes twinkling with pleasure. "Was that okay?"
"Yes." He said in a whisper. More like, hell yes! But Remus Lupin was not use to seducing women or, as in this case, being seduced by a woman. Making love to a woman, although he thought a lot about it and spent perhaps even more time trying not to think about it, was not his forte. He was a confirmed bachelor, right? For god's sake, who'd want to snog a werewolf! But then again, Nymphadora Tonks, with swollen lips and flushed cheeks, looked very happy about just snogging him.
Tonks relaxed, shoulders slumping, she smiled broadly. "Good. I hope it wasn't too forward. I know you're old fashion and all, but the entire time we've been talking about the magical powers of kissing, well," she cocked her head to the side, donning a silly another silly smile, "I couldn't stop thinking of kissing you."
Remus looked at Nymphadora like she had two heads. Then finally, stuttered, "Well, it was a good kiss."
Pulling her afghan to her chest, she reflected on his flustered demeanor, "I thought so, too."
He stood and began to put on his coat, still not making eye contact. It was then that Tonks began to suspect that she had upset him and he was probably just too polite to say anything.
"Remus," she stood up, helping him with his coat. "Can we have another lesson tomorrow?"
"Of course," he answered firmly. "Same time then?"
"Yes and thank you for today." This time she leaned forward on her toes, giving him a swift, platonic kiss on the cheek. "I'm feeling better about things already."
He gave her a crooked, almost sad smile. "Goodnight, Nymphadora."
Her heart ached, as she interpreted his cool farewell as a sign of disinterest. "Goodnight, Remus."
*~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
More soon!
Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews! Hope this answers some of your questions. Elvencherry07: It's still 3rd person, but the beginning of Chapter I, which was mainly Tonk's POV, was suppose to be unsettling. I'm not brilliant at writing these things, but I wanted the reader to feel the same confusion, struggle and helplessness that Tonk's probably felt after awakening. It would probably be easier if I paid to have fanfiction.net and was able to use italic and bold fonts. Unfortunately, I'm cheep. Youknowwho8881: It's rated R for what's going to happen eventually. :)
A Lupin/ Tonks Fanfiction
As always, theses characters, plots, settings, and most everything else belongs to J.K. Rowlings.
*~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
Chapter II: Tonk's London Flat
Tonks tossed aside her yellow covered, 'Dark Arts for Dummies' paperback with a sigh and stretched her mother's soft, multicolored afghan from the tips of her toes to beneath her chin. If she was truly going to learn more about the dark arts, she'd need to find information from somewhere much more menacing than Florish and Blotts's how-to manuals. Just as she was allowing her mind to wander back to the battle, which 'The Daily Prophet' was now dubbing the 'Return of the Darkness', someone rapped softly on the door to her flat.
Instinctively grabbing her wand, "Who is it?" Tonks yelled in her most threatening voice.
"Put your wand down, Nymphadora. It's Remus," his warm voice commanded.
With a flick of her wand, the door opened to reveal the dishevel professor, idly leaning against the door frame. His still young face looking more tired than normal.
"Remus, why do you insist on calling me that?" Tonks questioned, not moving from her comfy roost on the sofa.
Remus smiled pleasantly, pale hazel eyes boring though her, "Because it is your name, Nymphadora. Now, may I come in?"
Tonks laughed, rolling her eyes. "There is no righting you, is there? Yes, come in! As if you need an invitation." She finally sat up, making room for him on the sofa since it was the only chair (besides some milk crates) in her studio flat.
Before he sat down, he revealed a small box from within his worn trench coat, "A gift for the invalid."
Tonks' face beamed as she accepted the small box and quickly removed the lid. "Wotcher, chocolate! I should have known," she smiled and leaning forward, gave Remus a swift kiss. "Thanks Remus! If I'd had this early, I wouldn't have needed to have gone to St. Mungo's."
"Chocolate certainly has its medicinal effects, but I think St. Mungo's was definitely provided a more accurate cure." Remus removed his coat and sat down besides Tonks, adjusting his trousers, and straightening his thin jumper. "So how are you feeling?"
"They just released me this morning. I'm alright."
"Yes, I went to your room to be told by the mediwitch you'd been released." He crossed his legs and relaxed as Tonks bit into a chunk of dark chocolate, "I turned up at your parent's house next, but they told me you were here, alone."
Tonks sighed between bites, "As much as I love my mum and dad, there's only so much I can take. Especially my mum, she was driving me batty yesterday! Sometimes she handles me like I'm a defenseless child and that's not the way I want to be treated right now. Just because I'm a bit banged up, doesn't mean that I can take care of myself."
Remus knotted his brow, "Your parents are very worried about you, Nymphadora." His pale eyes looking deep within hers, "And so am I."
Tonks froze, mid bite, as she suddenly became aware of Remus's intense gaze. As if, when he was looking at her, he saw past her greasy brown hair and scattering of unmorphed freckles, and deep within her core; into the very soul of her being. Releasing a soft gasp, she broke eye contact. He'd never looked at her this way before; the way a man looks at a woman. A shiver ran up her spine.
"Are you alright?" Remus questioned, laying a hand on her arm and moving closer.
"Oh it's just the medicine," Tonks said quickly and sat aside the box of chocolates. "The healer has me taking this ghastly potion for internal bruising and what- not."
Remus grimaced, which only made Tonks ramble more.
"And I've been assigned on bed rest for three days and instructions for no heavy lifting, no running, no silly wand waving, no morphing, and perhaps the worst, no alcohol for the next week."
"Ah, yes, a true test of endurance," Remus replied, releasing his hold on her.
Tonks smiled and an awkward moment of silence fell between them. It occurred to her in that finite moment, that she and Lupin had never been alone. It had always been Sirius who had filled the moments of silence with ridiculous remarks or humorous jabs. A sudden lump arose in her throat, and she forced her mind to turn away from her cousin's memory. She didn't want to cry again in front of him.
"Where were you when I woke up? Mum and dad said you had some business to take care of. Did it concern the Order?"
Remus was taken off guard. "Well, not really. Dumbledore wanted me to handle some legal matters concerning Sirius's estate and some paperwork regarding the upcoming trials for Malfoy and Dolohov."
"I read about that in this morning's 'Prophet'", Tonks felt a constricting sadness creeping into her heart again, "When is it going to take place?"
Remus's face grew pale, his eyes distant as if he, too, were thinking about their lost friend, "This Friday at noon."
"Perhaps, we could go together," Tonks replied as her small fingers wound around his.
Remus looked upon her thoughtfully, and Tonk's chest felt another strange flutter as his reflective eyes rested on her. "I'd like that, Nymphadora. I think Sirius would, too," Lupin responded quietly.
It was then that she realized Remus's thumb was stroking her palm. The intimate gesture, however unintentional, only reinitiated the flutter in her chest and a hungry warmth in her- oh my! Tonk's eyes grew big as she realized that the yummy warmth which was now creeping up her limbs was originating in her female parts and she liked it!!
She looked at Remus, but he was obviously unaware as he had laid his head against the back of the sofa lost in thought. His very nice, slightly graying head with its patrician nose, firm chin and gentle lips. Tonks wanted to slap herself; what was she thinking! This was her friend, her buddy, her mate; this was Remus Lupin, school teacher, confirmed bachelor, member of the original order which had to make him at least ten or twelve years her senior.
His long, slender, firm body, relaxing against her sofa, eyelids shut, graceful fingers stilling in her hand. Tonks leaned forward, and looked at him as if he were some exotic animal at the London zoo. Scuffed wingtips, brown woolen trousers patched in numerous places, gray sweater slightly moth eaten; Tonks leaned closer, oxford shirt fraying around the collar, hair a bit overgrown, but even though his overall appear was worn and dog- eared, his clothing was neat and clean. Inclining forward, she smelled a mingling of Lemongrass soap, salty aftershave and chamomile tea. Smiling at the odd mixture, she again found herself very aroused and even more curious.
Sensing that he had fallen asleep, as he was often known to do, Tonks became bolder in her analysis. Crawling up on her knees, she bent over his reclining male form to take an even closer look at his resting face. She had looked on him a thousand times before, even thinking on several occasions that he was very attractive, but this was as close as she'd ever gotten. If Sirius had ever caught her looming over Remus with such a microscopic attempt to discern his features in an attempt to understand their effect on her nether regions, he would have teased her endlessly. But the realness of Sirius's death seemed far behind her at this moment, replaced by the magnetic and often dangerous draw of the opposite sex.
His face was smooth, creased by two laugh lines that framed his thin mouth. His nose was perhaps larger than normal, but it seemed to fit his long face and high cheek bones. As she moved closer, Tonks realized that even his eyebrows and bearded stubble were graying, but his lashes, which were thick when his eyes were closed, was the only facial hair not tainted premature age.
It was then, as her nose hung only an inch away from his, that his eyes fluttered open, his voice course,"What?"
"Wahhh!" Tonks, with her usual clumsiness, yelped in surprise and fell face forward into Remus's lap.
Even though he made somewhat of an attempt to catch her, her chin hit his shoulder, then she rolled over with a plop; her butt smacking against his hips.
"Are you alright?" Remus questioned amused.
Tonks' cheeks burn a violent shade of violet, as she struggled to remove herself from lap. Yet as she squirmed, trying to regain her dignity and her balance, Lupin's body heated. Her sweet, musky scent penetrated his sleepy scenes, her long tangled hair brushing against his lips. And although, she was probably completely unaware of it, the wiggling of her round bottom against his groin was beginning to flare his male instinct.
Putting his hands on either side of hips, he hastily heaved her off his person. "Need I ask what you were doing?"
Her cheeks still burnt a crimson pink, "I think it would be better if you didn't know."
Remus just looked at her curiously.
"Umm, so you are staying for dinner, right?" Tonks asked making her way to the kitchen area. Remus agreed and thus, Nymphadora rung out for Chinese. When she returned to living room area, Remus had her yellow 'Dark Arts for Dummies' in hand and about six large volume manuscripts scattered around the area rug.
"Oh, no!" Tonks put her face in her hands, trying to hide her chagrin. "I thought I'd hidden that underneath the sofa!"
"Was this issued by the Ministry or is it an official auror text," Remus asked bemused.
Tonks regained her seat by his side and her tone turned serious. "The other night at the battle, I realized something of profound importance. Being a great auror or a great wizard isn't simply about knowing your spells, it's about knowing you enemy."
Lupin nodded, encouraging her to continue and noticing for the first time her dark twinkling eyes held a maturity beyond her twenty- five years.
"Before the other night, I thought I was damn good auror. My spells and counter spells are strong, and when I go into battle, I'm never afraid, except," Tonks paused to catch her breath, her dark brows tensed, "when I saw all those Deatheaters in the chamber, when I saw the madness in Bella's eyes, that's when I realized my knowledge of dark arts is infinitesimal. I have the power Remus, but I don't have the knowledge, and without that, I'm not sure I have anything and that's the one thing that makes me afraid."
It was the first time that Remus had ever seen fear in Nymphadora's black eyes and he wanted to reassure her, wanted to tell her that he would never let her be afraid. "That is why I'm going to teach you everything you need to know about Dark magic." He lifted a very heavy, dusty volume off the floor and placed it in her lap, "So you will never be afraid again."
Four hours later, after several readings, debates, spell technique practice, black magic history lessons as well as two boxes of Moo Shu chicken and five egg rolls later, Nymphadora yawned and fell back against the sofa. Her back ached hauling around the heavy books and her mind throbbed with new knowledge. It was near midnight and the flickering of the candles on their make shift, milk crate tables were starting to twinkle like stars to her sleepy eyes.
"And that's how why kissing the hem's of Voldermort's robes is so important for his followers." Remus continued, legs crossed, still engaged in teacher mode, "It's ironic that even though Voldemort detests the old magic, he uses it constantly in his own rituals."
"That's pretty amazing, who knew that a kiss could hold so much power," Tonks said absent mindedly staring at Remus's lips.
Remus shuttered as he felt Tonk's eyes comb his body and he wondered for about the millionth time what it would be like to kiss her soft, full lips. Perhaps that was what she was thinking as well. It was then that Tonks yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Remus sighed, turning back to his books, on second thought; she was probably just extremely tired.
"I suppose that's enough study for one night," Remus said, tapping each of the thick volumes with his wand, popping them back into miniature blocks no larger than coins.
Tonks sat up, quickly grabbing his upper arm, "Wait." She beckoned.
He turned to her, the woman who was so dear to his heart, whose ripe lips were only inches away from his. How he desired more than ever to touch her long, dark, tangled, unmorphed hair; to caress her pale, heart shaped face which was dotted with miniature freckles; to place his lips on each eyelash, and feel her feminine warmth flutter against him. He closed his eyes, wishing away all his desires, but knowing that wishing would never banish her sweet image which burned like an engravers needle into his mind, searing his dreams, firing his pent-up desires.
"What?" Remus asked impatiently, knowing there were some things that could never be; chastising himself for his school boy fantasies.
Tonks bit her lip, and then asked softly, "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Lupin was completely taken aback. "No, of course not." He turned from her, putting his mini-books into his pocket, voice irritated, "You know that."
"Good," Tonks replied before very ungracefully, and very un-lady like, pushing him back against the sofa and kissing him.
For a moment, he couldn't respond. The shock of her sweet beauty against his worn form was too much for him to comprehend. Was Nymphadora Tonks really kissing him, or was this another dream? It lasted only a moment, but somehow as she began to pull away from him, realization backhanded him in the face. Somehow he managed to lift a numb hand, cradling her face and with gentle force, bringing her lips down against his for a second attempt.
This kiss last much longer. Her mouth parted and the tip of her tongue skimmed his thin lips. His body trembled in response as her honeyed mouth, parted his with wet lips and her tongue licked against his.
They were both breathing heavily, as she finally pulled back, her black eyes twinkling with pleasure. "Was that okay?"
"Yes." He said in a whisper. More like, hell yes! But Remus Lupin was not use to seducing women or, as in this case, being seduced by a woman. Making love to a woman, although he thought a lot about it and spent perhaps even more time trying not to think about it, was not his forte. He was a confirmed bachelor, right? For god's sake, who'd want to snog a werewolf! But then again, Nymphadora Tonks, with swollen lips and flushed cheeks, looked very happy about just snogging him.
Tonks relaxed, shoulders slumping, she smiled broadly. "Good. I hope it wasn't too forward. I know you're old fashion and all, but the entire time we've been talking about the magical powers of kissing, well," she cocked her head to the side, donning a silly another silly smile, "I couldn't stop thinking of kissing you."
Remus looked at Nymphadora like she had two heads. Then finally, stuttered, "Well, it was a good kiss."
Pulling her afghan to her chest, she reflected on his flustered demeanor, "I thought so, too."
He stood and began to put on his coat, still not making eye contact. It was then that Tonks began to suspect that she had upset him and he was probably just too polite to say anything.
"Remus," she stood up, helping him with his coat. "Can we have another lesson tomorrow?"
"Of course," he answered firmly. "Same time then?"
"Yes and thank you for today." This time she leaned forward on her toes, giving him a swift, platonic kiss on the cheek. "I'm feeling better about things already."
He gave her a crooked, almost sad smile. "Goodnight, Nymphadora."
Her heart ached, as she interpreted his cool farewell as a sign of disinterest. "Goodnight, Remus."
*~ ~ ~ ~ ~ *
More soon!
Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews! Hope this answers some of your questions. Elvencherry07: It's still 3rd person, but the beginning of Chapter I, which was mainly Tonk's POV, was suppose to be unsettling. I'm not brilliant at writing these things, but I wanted the reader to feel the same confusion, struggle and helplessness that Tonk's probably felt after awakening. It would probably be easier if I paid to have fanfiction.net and was able to use italic and bold fonts. Unfortunately, I'm cheep. Youknowwho8881: It's rated R for what's going to happen eventually. :)