Lover's Flu
All these characters and their world belong to J.K.R.
Author's Note: The end of that chapter contains sexual innuendos and contact. If this offends you, please do not read this chapter.
Chapter 7
Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are. Remen
"Bill, I want to thank you again for doing this," Remus took the younger man's hand in a firm grip.
Bill returned an easy smile. "Hey Lupin, we're all happy for you." He sighed and shifted legs, "I'm glad Tonks finally got up the nerve to tell you about her 'crush'. I was getting a bit tired of being her sounding post. You're a great guy, but really, I've gotten sick of hearing her sing your praises every five minutes."
Lupin raised an eyebrow. Thankfully, Tonks was far behind him and in deep conversation with Molly, so he risked asking quietly, "I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Merlin's beard, Remus! Ever since this summer, she won't shut up about you!" He laughed, "Seriously, when I found you two in the garden after the Ministry battle, I had second thoughts about you— I'd never seen Tonks so upset and you walking away like that, very strange. After I raised some concerns, the witch wouldn't shut up about you and how it was her fault and how you were such a wonderful friend, a tortured soul, blah, blah, blah…"
Lupin felt his stomach do a flip flop. Nymphadora really did have a crush on him! Could it be, all this time and he didn't know? But why did she cry, why did she freak out when he kissed her? Remus stroked his chin, perhaps it wasn't the kiss, perhaps it was the suggestion he'd made. Was she a virgin? He turned back to look at her and thought it unlikely. Maybe she did like him, but was afraid of becoming physically intimate with a werewolf, afraid of his body. But she touched him so gently in the bath, she certainly wasn't afraid then.
"—you know what I mean," Bill finished, awaiting an answer.
Lupin hadn't heard a word, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I said it was rather lucky you two got stuck together with this flu. Really nothing to be embarrassed about," Bill repeated, popping the cap off a bottle of beer.
"Well, yes, I suppose. However, I consider the Order meetings to be a place for shared business matters, not personal love affairs."
Bill handed Remus a beer, "Privacy. Girls are mad about it. You tell your mate your girl friend is a great shag, which is a very good compliment I might add, then the girl finds out and well," he laughed, "there's hell to pay, you know?"
Lupin found it hard to agree on something he had little familiarity with. "Sounds like you're talking from experience."
"Yes, but that's another story. Anyway, Remus," Bill chucked and winked, "What ever you two are doing, that's none of my business."
"Hey, now!" Piped up a feminine voice, "What are you telling him Remus?"
He looked on the petit auror at his side; the small, colorful witch with rosy cheeks and a pink smile that had apparently romantically pined over him for the past six months. For gods' sakes, he didn't know what she saw in him, but when he looked into her eyes, he felt it. He'd been avoiding it all fall and denying it all weekend, but when he looked into her eyes, he saw love. Merlin's Ghost! Could it be?!
"I was telling Bill about those wonderful baths you give," Lupin replied, taking a risk.
Her eyes lit up and she smiled from surprise and embarrassment, "Remus!"
Bill laughed, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. What would Andromeda say?"
Tonks was taken off guard by Lupin's little trick. Something in him had changed, a light had switched on in his eyes, and yet, though she couldn't say what it was, the playful teasing of his voice and his smile entranced her with new possibilities. Tearing her eyes away from his, and back to Bill's laughing face, she answered, "It's certainly none of my mother's business or yours."
Then flashing another incredulous look back to Remus, she replied, "I think it's time we take our seats."
"Bill," Remus nodded and raised his beer in parting.
The oldest Weasely bowed slightly and replied, "Ready to defend your honor, sir."
Tonks and Remus sat in the back corner of the basement drinking, talking quietly and trying not to be noticed. Apparently, Molly had already informed Dumbledore of their situation, so he would not be offended by their 'hand holding' during serious discussions of Dark matters.
Slowly, the witches and wizards of the Order arrived. Lupin cast a reflection spell over himself and Tonks so that although they could be seen, no one would really take notice of them. The dark corner helped enhance the glamour. Once everyone was seated, and Dumbledore began his welcomes, Remus flicked his wand and removed the spell quietly.
"And that's all there is so say about that," Dumbledore paused, and with a silly grin on his face, announced, "Now Bill Weasely, I think you have something to share with us."
Bill stood up, "Thank you, sir. Actually, this isn't a usual Order announcement, but rather I'm speaking to you on behalf of my two friends and Order members. As you are aware it is winter and that means it's also flu season. My friends have had the unfortunate and," he paused and smiled, "fortunate opportunity to contract the Betoriallis virus… Lover's Flu."
A cacophony of whispers paired with a few giggles sounded from the small crowd. Bill continued motioning to the back of the room, "Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks, have been stuck hand- in- hand."
The audience simultaneously turned back to gawk at the earlier unnoticed couple, eyes wide with wonder and speculation. Someone yelled out, "Huzzah, Lupin!"
Remus raised his hand and smiled, Tonks blushed.
"The reason I'm letting you know is two fold. One, they did not want you to think they are neglecting their duties to the Order or the seriousness of tonight's meeting; two, they don't want to be bothered by a load of foolish questions and speculations, so they ask that you please respect their privacy once tonight's meeting has concluded."
His final words prompted the audience to turn back around to the front of the room with only a few muffled whispers. "Alright, sir. I think that concludes my say. Thank you."
"Well said, Bill." Albus replied, a twinkle in his blue eyes, "Now, to the first order of business…"
Finally, the meeting came to an end and Remus and Tonks decided to stay put until everyone had left.
Bill brought over two fresh beers, "I think that went well."
"Wonderful Bill. We're very grateful," Lupin replied pleasantly.
"Thanks again for all that, I really appreciate it," Tonks stood and gave Bill a hug.
"Just glad you two finally got it together. Cheers!" He concluded and disappeared into the crowd.
A few other people came up and said hello and recounted their own stories of the Betoriallis virus; some of them much more embarrassing than Lupin and Tonks' current situation. Other members just said hello and gave a wave, a few stared, but it was rare. Really, everyone seemed to taking the new relationship between Lupin and Tonks very casually, almost like they expected it and certainly, as if it were a natural occurrence that a thirty-seven year old, quiet, polite, out of work werewolf would date a twenty- three year old, colorful, fun loving ministry auror.
The paired couple were sharing a joint laugh over tonight's stories and enjoying their cold beers, when a dark shadow slithered over their bench.
"Well, well, well…" Severus Snape smirked, "Isn't this convenient. A metamorphmangus and a werewolf."
Tonks' eyes narrowed and there was no hiding her dislike of the big bat. "What do you want Snickers?"
Remus bit his tongue, not to laugh out loud at Nymphadora's teasing.
"Why you little brat," Snape answered quickly, voice low.
"Now Severus, Nymphadora is just teasing you." Remus shot her a warning look. She was as bad as her cousin. "What can I do for you?"
"It's more like what I can do for your, Remus. You're an out of work creature with few possibilities, so I doubt there's much you can do for anyone."
Remus smiled slightly, "Yes Severus, you've pointed that out before. Is this about the wolfsbane potion?"
Severus snarled. "Will you two be separated by Tuesday night or are you planning on eating Tonks for dinner?"
Always polite, Lupin replied, "Although I'm sure Ms. Tonks would make a most delicious course, we're suppose to be separated by tomorrow."
"Ooooh! But let's do try me as dessert, Remus." Tonks leaned over her friend's body, stroking his leg, "I've been told I'm quiet tasty, in more places than one." Her smile devious.
Snape grunted, "Disgusting."
"Once you've been with a woman, then let me hear your opinion," Tonks quipped.
"Alright you two." Lupin said firmly, then turning to Snape he asked calmly, "Should I come to Hogwart's around eight, Severus?"
"Yes," he answered darkly, then looking at Tonks, "but leave your trash at home." Then turning on his heel, he left.
Tonks quickly poked out her tongue at his back, "What an ass! I swear I don't know why Dumbledore turns him, he's such a dirty, rotten…" Pausing, "What are you looking at?"
Lupin smiled broadly, "You were very naughty, Tonks."
It took her a moment to remember her earlier antics, "Oh, the comments about me for dinner? Well, he started it." Then leaning her lips to his ear, she added softly, "I'm available tonight, if you're up for it." Her tongue licked his ear as she pulled away.
He was completely undone by her hot teasing and his male anatomy stiffed with desire, breathing quickened. "Do you know what you do to me," he asked quietly, craving clouding him mind.
Tonks smiled, truly innocent of her affect on the man, "No."
Remus surveyed the room, it was empty except for Mundungus Fletcher who was asleep on the front bench. "This," he took her hand and laid it on his hardened erection, need overtaking reason.
As soon as she had touched him, she pulled her hand back as if she'd touched a hot stove. Looking at him curiously, she tried to figure out what had changed. This certainly wasn't the same man who'd been in denial this afternoon. She was very aroused, and nearly for a loss at words, "Ummm.." breathing heavy, "that's very nice."
Remus reddened. Dear gods, what had he done! Sometimes he acted too rashly, and he was afraid that's just what he'd done this time. "We should go," he stood and turned from her.
"Wait," Tonks hopped up, and not giving him a moment to escape, pushed him gently against the wall. Dipping her head, she kissed his neck with force, his rushing pulse, booming against her lips.
Remus closed his eyes and allowed himself the momentary ecstasy of intimacy with a beautiful woman. Maybe it was the beer, more likely Bill's affirmation of Nymphadora's feelings, but whatever the reason, her lips felt incredibly good pressed against his throat.
Tonks, realizing that Lupin wasn't pushing her away, but seemed to be enjoying their first mutual tryst, continued with her seduction. Her hand toyed at his belt, then ran down the outside leg of his woolen trousers and massaged the large, solid flesh of his desire. Remus moaned as her fingers roved up his shaft and kneaded the head, back and forth.
"Oh god," he whispered, antagonized with the pain of sexual desire. It had been so long and if she did this much longer, it would be difficult to ascend to the kitchen with his dignity.
"You've got to stop," he finally muttered, his fingers tightly encircling her wrist; dark eye looked up fearful. He smiled lightly, confessing, "If you keep doing that, my trousers will develop a very suspicious stain."
Tonks smiled, so he liked it! "Maybe later then?" She offered
He stroked, her cheek, "Maybe later."
Tonks squeezed their conjoined hand with pleasure. She was afraid to say anything about what had happened, because it seemed like whenever they spoke about their feelings or about the kiss, Remus flipped out. Maybe a little seduction was better than words.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews. They really encourage me to keep updating.