DISCLAIMER: Don't own it blah blah blah J.K.Rowling blah blah blah don't sue me blah blah etc.

Author's note: Here's number six, they seem to be getting longer, woo! I have to say I'm having fun writing the letters, though it'll be more fun when I pull the rug from under you all! Hehe.

I'm thinking of changing the title since it doesn't seem to fit anymore and I'd really appreciate some suggestions based on what you've read so far. I was thinking 'All About Chemistry'

Also, I actually have a rough idea of where this is going now, and I've planned the ending. What happens in between though is as much a mystery to me as it is you. Anyway, more r&r please!

There goes my gun: how many? lets let Tonks figure it out shall we?

Rider-of-Rohan23: Would I make it that simple? Knowing how fun it is when you're all confused? I think not ; ) As to the soliloquy, go for it! Maybe when it's up we can link to each other's work or sommet. I'll be very impressed if you manage it, I can't seem to do them without it turning into some kind of social rant or the character becoming me, lol.

Deadly-Viper-Assassin: Typical? Maybe so far, let's see what you make of the next few. And I rarely know what's going on.

Analia's Broom: Thanks a lot! And I can safely say that it's not Ron :P

BlackHorntailJunior: Glad you liked it, it was sort of a self-parody, takin the mick out of my awful attempts to write code.

Abesapien: hehe, thanks, keep reading!

Trevor-bruttenholm: Oh I know! Chapter eight is going to be so much fun to write with all the other characters turning up. I just love the Weasleys! I've already started writing some of their bits, though I know I should do number seven first, lol.

Mirror, Mirror

Chapter Six: A Secret Reply

Tonks was stunned. She read it over and over again, not quite believing that this was meant for her. The closest thing she had ever had to a secret admirer was when someone sent her a valentine's card during her sixth year at Hogwarts. She never did find out who it was from, probably just a practical joke from a Slytherin, she had thought at the time, but you never know.

Tonks did not however, think this was a joke. It was very serious, and Tonks wasn't used to being serious. It was refreshing. So was the genuine honesty of R. She was touched by him, at least she hoped it was a 'him' she thought, feeling slightly concerned. His words had reached a part of her she never knew existed, though he clearly knew of it. It was the part of her that longed to be loved, and to love in return, and now it could at last.

This was ridiculous, she told herself, she couldn't feel something for a man who had written her one single letter professing his love for her and declared nothing about himself. She didn't even know his name. Or maybe she did.

Tonks pondered 'R' for a moment. Who did she know who's name began with an R?

Well there was Remus of course, and a small part of her wished it had been him, but it seemed too obvious.

Hagrid was a Rubeus wasn't he? Tonks reckoned she hadn't spoken to him more than five times during her years at Hogwarts and had only met him a few times since. Besides, wasn't he seeing a French woman now?

Hmm.

There was also her aunt Bellatrix's husband, Rodolphus, and his brother Rabastan, but they were a little too far fetched.

And Ron would just be ridiculous.

She did recall a Reggie, he was a clerk that popped his head in occasionally at work, but as far as she could tell, he was probably gay.

The only other R's she could think of were either dead relatives or Quidditch players, and some of those were dead as well.

Tonks decided to gain a little more information on him. She walked over to the small desk, pulled out some parchment and began to write.

Dear R,

Thank you for your letter, it made a perfect day even better. I am quite flattered by your words, no-one's ever shown interest in me that way before, never. I've always been a good friend, like a sister, or at the other end, a potential shag.

That said, I couldn't possibly fall for someone that has told me nothing about themselves, other than the fact that they fancy me. So, mysterious R, I would like to know all about you. What line of work are you in? What do you do in your spare time? etc. This seems only fair as you seem to know all about me.

I eagerly await your reply.

Not yours just yet,

Ymp

P.S. I base relationships largely on chemistry, so we will of course, have to meet eventually.

Tonks put down her quill and examined her letter. Her handwriting was appalling, she wrote so much neater in a biro, but they weren't in abundance in a wizarding household. She picked up a fresh piece of parchment and wrote the letter out again. Still no good. By her sixth draft, she realised just how stupid she must have looked had anyone been watching, and decided to leave it at that. She folded the paper carefully and dripped a little pink wax onto it. She waited a moment for it to solidify, then turned it over. She took up her quill again and wrote 'R' in her purple ink. Then, for some reason, the picked it up and kissed it. She wasn't wearing lipstick, but she felt sure he would know.

Tonks put the letter back on the desk and proceeded to get dressed, thinking about the day ahead of her. She would have to find some way of sending her letter without the others knowing. She could use Hedwig, but only if the other two weren't around. Otherwise she'd have to send it when she went into Diagon Alley for her mother's birthday present. She knew she'd left it late, but she really hadn't been in the mood to go shopping lately.

Tonks emerged from her room a few minutes later, dressed in her favourite torn jeans, a white t-shirt with the words 'witch not bitch' emblazoned across the front in pink, and a green army jacket. She'd picked up the t-shirt and jacket from her favourite muggle part of London; Camden. It was great for her type of thing. She pondered visiting today, but decided against it as she'd have to take the tube so as not to arouse suspicion, and she really didn't have the time for that.

She hurried down the stairs to find Harry and Remus in the kitchen preparing lunch. Had she really been that long? Remus gave her a despairing look as the two disappeared into the sitting room with their plates of sandwiches. As she went to make her own, she noticed Hedwig fly in through the open window. She sighed with relief, she wouldn't have to sneak around London after all. She put down her plate and took out her wand.

"Accio letter" she whispered and watched it fly into her waiting hand. She attached it to Hedwig, whispering her thanks and asking her not to tell Harry. The owl chirped. Tonks seemed satisfied with this and handed her a small treat before she flew off again. Tonks quickly finished making her peanut butter sandwich and joined the her friends in the other room. When the incessant munching began to cease, Tonks opened her invitation to the two of them.

"I'm popping into London in a bit, either of you want to come?" She asked, swallowing the last morsel of bread.

"I will," Harry said, he was starting to feel some of Sirius' chlostrophobia. "What are you going for?"

"Mum's birthday present" She replied, "Friday remember?" She looked over to Remus. He seemed unusually quiet, well compared to the morning anyway.

"You gonna join us Reme?" She hoped he would, he could do with some fresh air before the full moon on Sunday.

"Ah, no, no, I have ahem things to do," He replied hastily. He was definitely behaving oddly, even Harry seemed to notice it. She decided not to press him, he was clearly not it the mood for it.

"I'm gonna go grab my coat, I'll see you in the hall in ten minutes?" Tonks saw Harry nod, looking a little puzzled, as she headed back upstairs. She was halfway up when she realised she was already wearing her jacket and went back down again. Her mind hadn't quite been on planet Earth since she first read R's letter. As she stood in the hall waiting for Harry, her purple eyes came across the Black family tree tapestry, lingering on the two burnt holes. One where Sirius' name once was and the other which used to read 'Andromeda Black'. She stepped up to it and traced the holes with her fingers. She knew what her mother would like. It seemed so obvious, Tonks couldn't believe she hadn't thought of it before. Her's would be the perfect gift.