(A/N: PLEASE go to my profile and read my summaries of the stories I'm working on. I want to know which ones you all think I should finish first. Thanks for your help! Thnks again to Luna Longbottom for being my butt-kicking beta! (Her words, not mine though I agree.))
After about a week at Grimmauld Place Tonks started getting some of her strength back. She could now walk to the bathroom and back without assistance. Most of the time Tonks slept, waking up to eat or to talk to whoever came to call but several things had happened while she was recuperating. Charlie and Bill Weasley and Harry had come to Grimmauld Place for the rest summer and there had been a birthday party for Harry, which Tonks hadn't been able to attend. Dolores Umbridge had been sentenced to five years in Azkaban for sending Dementors after Harry and attempting to use the Cruciatus curse on him. An all too short sentence in Tonks' opinion. Because the dementors had deserted Azkaban right after the battle at the Department of Mysteries all the Death Eaters that had been captured by Dumbledore had escaped and then, after attacking Tonks, the Lestranges, Dolohov, and Malfoy had been recaptured and had escaped a second time.
Tonks was pretty happy under the circumstances except for the fact that Sirius was gone. She missed him terribly. The only person that could come anywhere near filling the hole in her heart was Remus. Remus, James, Sirius, Lily, and even Peter had always been part of her family, regardless of the fact that only Sirius was related to her by blood. Remus hadn't kept in contact with her after Sirius went to Azkaban but Tonks found that somewhat understandable. He'd wanted nothing to do with anyone related to the Blacks and Tonks figured she would have done the same thing if she had been in Remus' place. He was and always would be a part of her life, whether it was as a friend or something more as two of the house's other occupants were currently speculating…
Hermione and Ginny were sitting in their room discussing random topics and eventually they came to the subject of Tonks.
"Do you think she has a boyfriend?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure," replied Ginny. "She's pretty enough and even if she weren't she's got a great personality. She's so much fun! Some guy would be pretty foolish not to ask her out."
"She's been spending a lot of time with Professor Lupin lately…" Hermione trailed off.
"Do you think she could be going out with him?"
"I don't know. If she were going out with someone they'd most likely be in the Order. How else could she explain going out on assignments if it wasn't for Ministry?"
"That makes sense," said Ginny. "Lupin and Tonks get along really well and he's always teasing her about her name and she doesn't blow up at him about it like she does with most everyone else…but do they really like each other or are they just really good friends? I mean they must have known each other when she was growing up and when he was still pretty young since Lupin was friends with Sirius," Hermione and Ginny winced when Ginny said Sirius' name. They both still missed him terribly though not as badly as Harry, Remus and Tonks.
"And Sirius was her cousin," Hermione added.
"Should we ask?" Ginny asked grinning mischievously.
"Yes, let's," Hermione agreed, an identical grin spreading across her face.
Hermione and Ginny came to Tonks' door and found it slightly ajar.
"Let's look in and make sure she's awake before we knock," Hermione whispered.
Ginny nodded.
The girls looked into the room and froze. Tonks had her face buried in Lupin's chest, her shoulders shaking so much that it was obvious she was crying. Lupin was stroking her hair with on hand and had his other arm wrapped around Harry's shoulders. Both men had tear streaks on their faces and Remus seemed to be murmuring words of comfort to her.
Ginny and Hermione pulled back stunned.
"Whoa…" Ginny whispered. "I'm glad we didn't knock…"
"Yeah," said Hermione. "I take back what I said about boys having the emotional ranges of teaspoons…"
"Let's come back later," Ginny suggested.
Hermione and Ginny quietly made their way back to their room.
The next day Hermione and Ginny were about to knock on Tonks' door when Charlie opened it and stepped out.
"Hi, Ginny, Hermione. Coming to see Dora?" He asked, giving them a smile.
Hermione and Ginny exchanged looks at Charlie's use of a nick name for Tonks.
"Hi, Charlie," Ginny greeted him. "Yeah, we were coming to talk to Tonks."
"I won't keep you then. Don't tire her out too much," He smiled again and walked down the hallway.
Hermione looked at Ginny. "I've never heard anyone call her anything but Tonks…Do you think she might be dating Charlie instead of Lupin? He was in there alone with her…"
"Well, that may be, but I'm pretty sure they were friends at Hogwarts," Ginny said. "Maybe she went by Dora then."
"We'll never know unless we ask."
The girls shrugged and went in to see Tonks.
"Hi, Tonks!"
"Hi, Hermione. Hi, Ginny. Good to see you." Tonks smiled at them.
"Are you okay, Tonks?" Hermione asked.
"We saw you crying with Harry and Professor Lupin yesterday and we were worried," added Ginny.
"Much better now, thanks for asking," Tonks replied. "We were talking about Sirius. Harry and Remus come in a few times a week so we can help each other work through losing him. We found out it works a lot better when we're with other people. Some days we laugh and some we cry. Yesterday happened to be a crying day."
"You mean Harry actually talks about his feelings?" asked Hermione, eyebrows raised.
"Yeah, he does," said Tonks. "Surprised Remus and me, too. It took us a while, but he finally seemed to realize that it would help."
Hermione and Ginny nodded in understanding.
"Hey, Tonks?" Ginny asked suddenly. "Do you like Charlie?"
Hermione had been planning on being more subtle but she figured asking directly worked too, as it guaranteed them some kind of answer.
"Yeah, sure I like him. He's great. Why?"
"No, I mean really like him," Ginny persisted.
Tonks snorted. "Bloody hell! No! He's like a brother to me. What gave you that idea?"
"It's just we thought you'd be a cute couple. We figured you were at least friends. You were in the same year at Hogwarts, weren't you?" Hermione said. "We heard him call you 'Dora' instead of 'Tonks' like everyone else and he does tease you a lot."
"He teases me like a brother would," said Tonks. "Like a nice brother. Not like Fred and George," she added at the skeptical look on Ginny's face. "Like Charlie and Bill to you. We spend a lot of time together because we were friends at Hogwarts and we hardly get a chance to talk anymore because Charlie's in Romania. We did date for a while but we decided to break it off when Charlie left for the dragon reserve and I went into Auror training. We didn't think a long-distance relationship would be good for either of us," Tonks explained. Then she smiled mischievously. "Besides we're both off limits now."
"What!"
"He's already dating someone and so am I." Tonks grinned, her cheeks flushing a bit.
"Oh, Tonks! Please tell us who!" Ginny begged.
"Weeeeell," said Tonks, drawing it out and enjoying the looks on the girls faces.
"Oh, please tell us, Tonks!" Hermione asked.
"Oh…okay!" Tonks grinned. Ginny and Hermione cheered but soon got quiet waiting for Tonks' answer.
"Well, Charlie's dating Hestia Jones…"
"That's great for them!" Ginny exclaimed. "But I can't believe he didn't tell his own family!"
"I can," said Hermione. "The twins would tease them both horribly!"
"Good point," Ginny conceded. "Don't tell Mum either. She'd be even worse!"
"What!" asked Hermione and Tonks together.
"She's been after Charlie to settle down and have a family for ages now," Ginny explained. "She'd be trying to marry them off after the first date."
All three laughed.
"What about you, Tonks?" Hermione asked.
Tonks blushed and mumbled something.
"Come on, Tonks. We won't laugh!"
"Remus," came the quiet reply. Tonks blushed a deep shade of pink and suddenly became very interested in the quilt.
Hermione and Ginny's grins broadened and they both made little squealing noises and each gave Tonks a hug.
"That's great, Tonks!" Hermione congratulated her.
"Yeah, it's wonderful!" Ginny said.
"How long have you been dating?" asked Hermione.
"We haven't actually gone on a date yet," said Tonks. "He asked me when he brought me up here after I came home from St. Mungo's. Remus wants me to go to dinner with him when I'm well enough."
"Oh, that's so sweet!" exclaimed Hermione.
"Have you kissed yet?" asked Ginny with an evil grin.
"Maybe," said Tonks with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe not."
"Tonks!" Ginny begged. "Tell us!"
"Please," wheedled Hermione.
There were more squeals from Ginny and Hermione.
"Is everything okay up here?" asked Charlie poking his head around the door.
The girls looked at him for a second and then all three collapsed into fits of giggles.
Charlie looked very confused which only made them laugh harder but he had the sense to know they were talking about something 'girly' and, knowing he didn't want any part of it, he left, shutting the door behind him.
Charlie entered the kitchen still wondering what Ginny, Tonks, and Hermione were giggling about. Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Hestia Jones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Harry, and Ron were sitting around the table talking. Everyone looked up from their conversations seeing the bemused look on his face.
"What's up, Charlie?" asked Emmeline.
"I'm not sure," he replied. "Hermione and Ginny are in Tonks' room and they were…well, I wouldn't call it screaming exactly…"
"Squealing the word you're looking for?" Hestia supplied, smiling at him.
"Yeah! Anyway, they were squealing and I went to see what was going on and they just looked at me and started laughing. It looked girly so I left."
"That's what you're supposed to do," said Emmeline. "If something looks 'girly', as you put it, men are supposed to leave."
Molly and Hestia nodded in agreement.
"Squealing sounds pretty serious," said Hestia. "Looks like we're missing out on something. Let's go up and see."
Hestia and Emmeline stood up. "Coming, Molly?" asked Emmeline.
"I need to start lunch. You two go ahead." Molly walked into the kitchen.
As they left the guys exchanged looks, shrugged and started talking about the chances the Chudley Cannons had to win their next match against the Ballycastle Bats.
(A/N: This story is going to be five chapters and will be posted by Sunday. If you want a sequel you'll have to review! Thanks to my awesome reviewers from all three of my stories! (I don't know what happened to the font size.))
Reviews for Headquarters:
Scared-of-mimes – I really like Tonks meets the Order fics. I just like Order fics! I don't particularly like the name Dora either, but I needed a nickname and it was either that or Nymph which I don't like at all.
Jen – I'm glad you liked it. I liked your idea about Tonks and Sirius getting to know each other again so I wrote Catching Up. I do have a few more fics started with Tonks in them, but it'll be a while before they're posted.
Vindicated16 – Glad you enjoyed it! I'm working on another "Tonks joins the Order" fic, but I'm not sure when it'll be posted. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the British aspect of it!
Kandy916 – I had fun creating Tonks' "natural form". I think Headquarters will remain a one-shot, but I am working on more Tonks stories.
xMissxUnderstoodx – I'm glad you liked it. I'm glad it was 'British' enough. I'm glad you like my one-shots. I'm working on more!
Elistar – Thanks for the review. I always liked the idea that Tonks believed that Sirius was innocent. I'm glad you liked the reunion scene. I had fun writing it.
Mressi – Thanks for the review! I'm happy that it made you smile.
Delumacar – I'm glad you like it. I'm not planning a sequel, but maybe a prequel where the Marauders and Lily babysit Tonks.
Theno.1bee – I'm happy that you like it. Can't wait to see your humor fic! I love Tonks/Remus, Ron/Hermione, Harry/Ginny, and Neville/Luna.
Reviews for Catching Up:
Scared-of-mimes – Thanks for the review. I agree it is strange, but I had fun with it. I really like Tonks and Remus too. Sirius is also a favorite of mine so I liked using those three in this fic. I really like Charlie/Tonks, but only when they're in Hogwarts. After it's gotta be Tonks/Moony!
Vindicated16 – I'm happy you liked it! It does seem a lot like something Sirius would do, doesn't it?
Mollisk – I'm glad you though it was interesting – it was meant to be. This will only be a one-shot, but I do have some other stories I'm working on. There's a full list on my profile.
Kandy916 – Thanks for the review! If Sirius had asked me that I would have probably told him to shut up and go away…in so many words…but if Tonks had said that then I wouldn't have had much of an ending. This is probably going to stay a one-shot, but I've got several other stories I'm working on.
Mrscribble – Thanks for reviewing! I liked Matchmaker!Sirius too. I think it'd be so funny to watch. He'd either embarrass everybody (like in my fic) or he'd make a mess of everything and embarrass himself.
Starnat – I'm glad you liked it! I had a lot of fun writing it.
Hopeforthefuture – I'm happy you liked it! There wasn't really a point to it. It was really a pwp.
Elistar – I'm glad you liked it! I'm I thought the mischief fit with the Marauders too. I think a lot of people smirked at the end – me included!
Mressi – Thanks for the review! Glad you thought it was cute and funny – it was meant to be! I'm happy you liked it!
Reviews for Laughter, Tears, and Mystified Men:
TeenTypist – I'm glad you like it. To tell the truth I forgot why Remus came back. I meant to add it in, but I can't remember what it was. I like your idea about the wards though. The Death Eater's breaking in to Tonks' home was essential to the plot, but I figure if Sirius can get into Gryffindor Tower (PoA) without doing anything illegal (besides being and Animagus) then four Death Eaters can get into Tonks' flat. And, like you said, Bellatrix is smart even if she is insane.
TeenTypist (your second review) – Thanks for the review! I'm updating fast because I leave for camp on Monday and I don't get back until the 15th. I want to post it before I leave. No one's going to be reading fanfiction on the 15th. Everybody's going to be waiting for HBP. The entire story (five chapters) will be posted by Sunday. I'm glad you liked Remus carrying Tonks home. I thought it was cute too.
Sinead Usagi – I'm glad you like it! There will be more posted very soon. I do have a bit of plot planned, but not too much. I'm not sure whether I should write a sequel though.
Luna Longbottom – I am not replying to your entire insane review, mainly because I'm seeing you tonight anyway. I'm sorry I forgot to thank you for being my beta! Thanks so much!
Lupinsmoon12391 – I'm glad you like it! There is actually a lot of squealing in this story. I had fun with it. I love to squeal and I do it often so don't feel like a little girl. There's a little squealing in the third chapter and a bit more in the fourth. The next chapters are longer; I just couldn't resist leaving that first cliffie. I love Lupin/Tonks too. It's my favorite! There is a nice little Lupin/Tonks scene in the fifth chapter. If enough people like this story and I decide to continue it into the trio's sixth year there will be several more Lupin/Tonks moments along with Ron/Hermione, Harry/Ginny, and Neville/Luna.
Lupinsmoon12391 (your second review) – Like I said Lupin/Tonks is also my favorite ship. I'm glad you like the way I've written them so far. That means a lot. The fourth chapter is my favorite I think, though I like bits of all the chapters. I hope you like it! This story should be all posted by Sunday as I'm leaving for camp on Monday. I won't be back until the afternoon of the 15th and I figure that no one's going to read fanfiction when HBP comes out. You'd have to be crazy to read fanfiction over HBP!
LupinLovesTonks – Thanks for the review! You'll see more very soon. The entire story (five chapters) will be posted by Sunday. By the way, I love your stories. I really like A Mother's Love. Brie is awesome!