A/N: Well, I KNOW this is going to get you guys going. Review! Visit my LJ! Email me!

disclaimer: JK own these wonderful characters and I don't.

As days, nights, and weeks crept by, the members of the order lay low. When it came time for the full moon, and time for Remus to sequester himself, he made the decision to go back to the shrieking shack. The others argued, most vehemently Tonks, but he insisted that it was best.

The time he'd spent with Greyback had given the wolf inside him a taste of freedom, and he suspected that this change would be difficult, despite the Wolfsbane potion brewed by Snape. As it was, this close to the full moon, he was irritable and on edge.

The other members of the order finally agreed to abide by his decision, and Tonks relented sullenly.

He didn't know if it was morbid curiosity that made her so eager to see his change, or something else entirely that he was afraid to name.

As he prepared to leave the Burrow, Tonks cornered him on the stairs. He tried to keep his distance from her, as her scent was stronger to him now, but she advanced on him until he was backed up against the wall.

"I don't like it." She told him.

"I don't either," he replied with a shrug, "but it's the way it has to be."

"Why? You've said yourself that the potion makes you a harmless wolf."

"That was before, Tonks." He said quietly.

She cocked her head to one side. "Before what?"

He didn't answer. He didn't have to, really.

"Before you lived with Greyback?" She asked astutely.

"I couldn't take the potion when I was there." He replied carefully.

She nodded. "Did something happen?"

He grimaced. "I don't really remember much, Tonks." He did remember waking up one morning covered in blood. Only some of which was his own. He'd had a cold sweaty moment of terror before he'd spotted the remains of a large rabbit nearby.

"You're a good man, Remus." She told him softly. "You couldn't..."

"You can't be sure of that." He cut her off.

She moved in then, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tight. "I am sure of it."

God. The feel of her against him, however innocently she meant it, made him want to throw his head back and howl.

Later, he would tell himself that it was because it was so close to the full moon, and because his control was already frayed. His hands came up and slid into her hair, fisting around the brown strands and tugging, pulling her head back.

Her eyes widened as they met his, and her lips parted. What little sanity he had left made him wonder what she saw in his eyes, but the thought was quickly lost when he bent his head, claiming her mouth in a fierce kiss.

It was as if the world around them fell away. She pressed herself against him, her hands sliding up his back.

Even though her body was plastered against his, he pulled her closer, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other dropping to the curve of her hip.

She made a helpless sound, and in response, he growled softly. Then one of her hands was slipping under his shirt, blazing a trail of fire over his skin.

He couldn't get enough of the taste of her, he was devouring her lips, breathing deep of her scent. His hands were rough on her, dragging her close, as if he could assimilate her into his being.

Then there was a cough. A very polite, soft clearing of the throat.

They parted, gasping for breath, staring at each other as if they were each a strange new breed.

Molly stood at the foot of the stairs, a parcel wrapped in brown paper in her hands.

"I packed some things for you to eat, Remus." She said amusement on her face.

"Thank you, Molly." He said his voice not quite steady. "I'll be leaving shortly."

Molly placed the package on the bottom step and waved a hand at him. "No hurry. You and Tonks go back to… well." She turned and went back to the kitchen.

Remus shoved his hands in his trouser pockets to keep from reaching for Tonks again. "Tonks, I…"

"Don't you dare apologize, Lupin." She ordered, fisting her hands on her hips.

"I just don't…"

"You kissed me, remember?" She told him.

"Yes, I know." He said quickly.

She glared at him mutinously.

He sighed. "Oh, sod it." He grabbed her and hauled her close for a quick hard kiss, then released her, turning and jogging down the stairs. He picked up the package from Molly and disappeared into the kitchen. He did not look back, and Tonks was too stunned to call to him.

A moment later, she heard the door open and close, and knew he had left.