By the Way…
By: Sinead Usagi
Chapter Two: The Phone CallTonks leaned against the glass wall of the phone booth, with the receiver to her ear, listening to the soothing hum of the dial tone. Telephones, a Muggle item, always reminded her of home, because after she entered into the wizarding world at eleven, she had never used one again unless she was back home. She took a deep breath, and dialed.
Why, you may wonder, was an accomplished witch like Nymphadora Tonks using a grimy, battered old public telephone when she could easily communicate with the people she knew using easier, and frankly, more sanitary methods?
She didn't quite feel like being cold and sending an owl with her message, nor did she feel like sticking her head into a fire. She was too queasy to Apparate to the residence, and this message had nothing to do with the Order, so using a Patronus was definitely out of the question.
First ring.
Come on, pick up...
Second ring.
Doesn't anyone pick up the phone anymore?
Third ring.
Just pick up the-
"Hello?" an out of breath woman's voice chirped.
"Wotcher, mum, it's me." Tonks said evenly.
She heard a small gasp of surprise on the other end, and then, "OH! Hello me! I was wondering when I would hear from you!"
"Sorry, it's just been hectic. You know... considering everything."
There was a sound of exhaling before Andromeda spoke again. "I know, honey. I just wish you would check up with us more often. I do worry about you, being in the fray of- of this war. I was an adult during the last one too, and, well, things seem quite worse now."
Tonks felt a pang of guilt. She had been avoiding her parents, even though she knew it wasn't right. The thought stiffened her resolve.
"Mum, I'm so sorry. I promise to make more of an effort now. In fact, I think I'll be home for dinner on Friday evening."
Her mother brightened considerably at this. "Nymphadora, that is wonderful!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "Your father will be so pleased. I haven't set the table for three since his sister was over a few weeks ago."
Tonks felt the knot in her stomach tighten. "Actually, better set it for four. I'm bringing someone I'd like you to meet."
Tonks grimaced a little bit as she visualized the wide, cat-like grin that was, indeed, unfolding on her mother's face on the other end of the phone.
"Oh, yes?" she asked slyly. "Would this someone happen to be a handsome man?"
Tonks took a deep breath. "Well, yes, he is mother. Which is fortunate because wearegettingmarried." She said this last part very fast and then had to jerk the phone away from her ear at the loud bang and shriek that followed. She waited for Andromeda to pull herself together and pick up the phone.
"Mum?" Tonks asked uncertainly. "Are you okay?"
A heavy, unsteady intake of air was her reply. "Yes, dear. Yes. I am okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. I am okay." Andromeda seemed to be reciting a calming mantra to herself.
"Well, if you're sure..." Tonks said, and glanced at her watch. "I really can't stay long. I can answer questions on Friday and hopefully by then you won't be so hysterical."
"I'm not hysterical!" her mother cried, and Tonks jerked the phone away from her ear again. "I'm overjoyed! Wait until I tell Ted! Oh, our little Nymphadora is getting MARRIED!"
Tonks began softly banging her head against the glass, as if this would somehow make her mother less embarrassing.
"Oh! What should I cook?" Andromeda asked, suddenly, all business.
Tonks stopped trying to knock herself unconscious. "Well, he likes steak. Er- really rare. As rare as can be. Best not even bother cooking it. You can cook mine though, I would appreciate that. But, there is one thing—"
The scribbling of a pencil and then, without letting her daughter finish the sentence- "What about dessert?"
"Chocolate. Whatever strikes your fancy, as long as it is chocolate." Tonks grinned sheepishly as she said this, glad Kingsley wasn't around to laugh at her sentimentality. "But, I just want to mention that—"
Interrupting: "Wine?"
"Anything red is fine. We aren't picky. I—"
Before Tonks could get another word in, her mother was speaking again.
"You'll be over at five on Friday, then?" Andromeda asked, but it was more of a statement than a question.
"Actually I was thinking more around si—"
"Five it is," she said, and that was final.
Tonks sighed with endearing exasperation. "Alright, see you then. I do have to get back to work now. I just need to tell you that he's—"
"—dying to meet us, I'm sure!" Andromeda said delightedly. "Now go back to work you lovely girl and try not to fill your head too full of fancy!"
Tonks, with another great sigh, gave up, and laughed for her mother's sake.
"Alright, dear. Just one more thing before you go."
"Yes?"
"What is his name?"
Feeling stupid for not having said it already, Tonks replied, "Remus. Remus Lupin."
A/N: If you are reading this you are officially cool. Anyway, more is on the way. Read and review and all that jazz- you know how it goes!
Bailz: Your reviews are like music to my ears. Thanks for reading, I hope you like this chapter too!
Andrea: Thanks for all your help! And thanks for reviewing! You rock!
TRISH: I've continued! I hope you liked this chapter.
LupinsLady: Thanks for reviewing! I've updated pretty quickly!