Did any other Tonks/Snape shippers get the "Clandestine Affair" nod?
I'm so clever slaps forehead
Anyways, on with the show
Chapter 12
The SUV stopped in front of a darkly lit doorway. On either side of a narrow red carpet, a few lanky and hungry looking photographers paced, puffing smoke as they walked. When they saw the SUV, however, they leapt to attention, removing lens covers and perching themselves for the best shot.
That got a definite eyeball from me.
"Look at them. Vultures, I tell you" I scolded
"Brody" nodded
"Yes, they are like jackals, ready to make off with the fresh kill. 'Jenny', can we get something straight before we enter the club?"
I looked at him and for a moment, a pure Tonks expression shone through. Sev tisked at me.
"You are going to have to watch that, 'Jen'. I don't think its in Mrs. Lopez emotional vocabulary to make a face like that. Getting back to the subject, I know I have been quite forward with you this evening. I know this is out of character for me and if you are offended by anything I have said, I apologize. To be perfectly honest, I'm terribly nervous. I'm sure you are aware of my non-adventures with the opposite sex during my Hogwarts years. After Hogwarts, I had no dating life outside of what I was forced to do in the service of the Dark Lord. Ever since Albus told me about this little "job", I've been tied up in knots. Part of me wanted to run screaming from this, but a part of me was a little excited. I've always been envious of those that live in the spotlight. Plus, and don't let this go to your head, Nymphadora, but I was excited about getting to spend time with you. There are not many in the Order that have your talent for concealment and disguise. Plus you seem to get so much enjoyment out of your lot in life. I'm envious, Tonks. I'm envious and I want to learn. As Albus is constantly telling me, I won't be employed at Hogwarts forever. Basically what I'm getting at is this. I'm not easiest person to get along with, but you seem to always have a witty comeback and don't usually resort to violence, although I have seen your face at times and I apologize for making you want to throttle me. I need your help, Tonks. I need your help to become the man that I never quite evolved into. I know this seems strange that I'm throwing all this information at you right now, but…"
What? Huh? How? Wait!
"Severus, I really want to hear the end of what you have to say, but can we finish this when the paparazzi isn't plastered to the window. I don't want them to overhear us talking out of character."
I put my hand on his knee, moved towards him and grabbed his chin with my other hand.
"I do want to hear the end of what you have to say, Severus, I'm very serious about that" I whispered.
Then I did something very odd.
I kissed him.
Not a full on music-swelling-hot-and-heavy-clay-throwing-stars-aligning kiss, just a slight peck on the lips with a little bit of a linger.
His eyes, just moments ago flitting around and full of self-torment, were calm and focused on mine.
"Alright, alright. To be continued." He whispered.
Then he gave me a very rougish smile
"You ready to knock 'em dead, Jen?"
"You bet, Adrian baby"
I gave him another peck on the nose (he really started blushing then) and pushed open the door.
The noise hit us like a wall of sound.
"JENNIFER! JENNIFER! JUST A QUICK PICTURE!"
"JENNIFER! WHERE IS MARC?"
"ADRIAN! ANDRIAN! HAVE A LOOK THIS WAY!"
"JENNIFER ANTHONY LOPEZ AND ADRIAN BRODY! WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ON THE RECENT THREATS SURROUNDING YOUR STATUS AS "MUGGLE" CELEBRITIES"
Ugh, the Fly woman has returned
I felt Severus stiffen under my arm as he heard the familiar grating voice. I started thinking and trying to send him a quick message, using my lack-luster Legimens skills
Don't stop, just smile and keep moving. Get into the club as quickly as possible
I think he got the message. We paused for a few photos then moved into the club very fast. Bouncers at the door checked our cards and we were escorted into the foyer.
Wow.
I tried to look like this was old hat for me, but I couldn't help but gawk. The décor and lighting of the club was fabulous. The dance floor was full of the beautiful people (which for the moment, I was and I had to act like it) dancing as if their lives depended on it, making what I had on look like a full set of Quidditch robes.
Apparently, I was blocking the door as the tip-top of the London social scene tried to get in.
Then, we were ambushed
"MRS. LOPEZ! MR. BRODEY! LET ME BE THE FIRST TO WELCOME YOU TO CHINA WHITE, THE PREMIERE IN LONDON AFTER HOURS ENTERTAINMENT! MY NAME IS BARNABY AND I'LL BE YOUR PERSONAL MATRI-DE THIS EVENING. PLEASE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING (and I really think he meant anything) I CAN GET FOR YOU THIS EVENING, JUST LET ME KNOW. NOW I WILL LEAD YOU TO THE VIP AREA. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE THERE THAT YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW, AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEM, PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO? EH?
Was this guy some sort of gay pimp-butler?
This was getting a bit too much.
"Thank you, but we'll find it on our own. Just up the stairs, is it? Thank you darling. Come Adrian."
I grabbed Snape's hand and attempted to head upstairs without falling.
I failed.
At about the seventh step up when the heels from Mt. Everest decided to strike. I knew I was falling backwards and I knew that this would hurt. I didn't know if anyone could see up my skirt, but I was guessing that they could.
I expected a swift and hard handshake from the beautiful marble floor, when strong arms grabbed me about the waist and half flipped me into an upright position. I looked up and Severus was flashing that smile that was quickly starting to give me funny feelings in my stomach. The lobby staff clapped as well as the patrons entering the bar.
Taking me firmly by the elbow, we walked up the stairs together, to what I hopped would be a less clumsy evening.
