THE INNER WITCH
Through the window, the half-moon shone its light on the sleeping auror. Nymphadora Tonks hugged the pillow against her as she lay in Lupin's bed. She realized that part of her pleasure was derived from having access to the Werewolf's habitat. Her mouth curled into a smile. It was clear that Lupin did think of her as a woman. The question now became, was she a woman that he wanted?
The thought fluttered in her consciousness and seeped into her dreams...
Her head snuck around the door to peek at her target. The man was alone with his attention clearly on the book he was reading. It was a perfect time to test a new look. But who should she be? Tonks had the power to become any man's fantasy, she told herself. She just had to pick the right image to project.
The man had refined tastes, although his poverty didn't allow him indulge in the finer things. Perhaps she needed an upscale look? That was it. An upscale, drippingly feminine facade! She scrunched her face and shifted her appearance. This should do!
Tonks gave her head a quick toss and sauntered forward with determination. She was pleased with her elegant stride and relieved at the absence any stumbling. She should be the epitome of confident femininity.
"What's a pretty girl like you doing in this morbid house?" Lupin asked with a light smile when he saw her, although he barely lifted his head from his book.
Her lips curled into a confident smile as she approached, although she would have preferred his complete attention. He was reaching a hand absently out to touch her. He seemed to move ever so slowly. One more inch and he--
Began scratching her on the head?
"Where did you come from, girl?" Lupin asked without moving his gaze from his book as his fingers tangled in the hair.
Tonks tried to talk, but instead emitted a low howl. She stopped in surprise and moved back, finally noticing she had not two legs, but four. And what was that wagging behind her?
Her eyes swung to the darkened window and the reflected image made her stomach turn. She scurried into the hallway to try to regain her wits when she ran full steam into an enormous black dog.
"Really, Tonks, a poodle?" Her cousin Sirius appeared as Snuffles, but he was able to talk. "Too fluffy, too, I don't know, white, although I must say the coiffure is impeccable."
Tonks surveyed her coat and scrunched her nose. She looked like caricature of a French poodle, but she still couldn't talk.
"Try again, Tonks. Go on, you can do it," encouraged Snuffles. "Perhaps you should go for something less sophisticated. Moony is a man of simple tastes, after all. Just be yourself."
Tonks closed her eyes and tried again. Snuffles nodded his approval and used his nose to prod her into the room.
Tonks entered quietly, but with her usual happy energy. This time Lupin set the book aside and smiled indulgently at her.
"Looking for company?" he asked as his eyes followed her progress into the room.
Tonks blinked, quite happy that she had his full attention. She didn't even notice something was again amiss in her excitement.
"Come on, then, up you go," said Lupin as he put her onto his lap and settled back to read his book. But one hand was rubbing her shoulders soothingly and a sigh escaped her. Then she saw her reflection in the window again.
Remus Lupin was sitting on the chair, reading his book, but petting the black and white dwarf dog that sat on his lap.
"Perfect," thought Tonks. "My inner self is a Welsh corgi."
But then Tonks the corgi shrugged and settled against the warm body. She closed her eyes to enjoy the soothing rhythm of strokes.
TBC
Author Notes: Welsh corgis are "dwarf dog", expression is intelligent and interested, but not shy or vicious, good affinity for children, can make good watch dogs (ideal for auror training and all that constant vigilance). For an example, see Ein from Cowboy BeBop.
Short chapter, I know, but Remus and then Sirius will be next, both with their own dream in a chapter. Thanks to all who've taken the time to review. I like sharing a laugh.