Now that Dix had cleared her to visit Remus in Salford, Tonks cheerfully informed her boss that she planned to spend her next day off duty away from the village.

"Not until after the match, you won't," Dawlish replied. "The Auror Office memorandum specified that all available personnel are to provide security."

"If I'm not on duty Saturday, I'm clearly not available—"

"I can alter the schedule," Dawlish said warningly.

Tonks didn't try to argue anymore. "Fine. I love Quidditch."

On the day of the match, the sky was clear and blue. Tonks' mood was nowhere near as sunny. Her git of a boss had assigned her to patrol the Slytherin end of the pitch!

She vented her anger to Jerry on their stroll to Hogwarts, kicking rocks and leaves off the path in emphasis. He nodded sympathetically and patted her arm as they neared the school. "Maybe it won't be that bad. Harry Potter might catch the Snitch quickly."

Tonks gave his shoulder a friendly shove in response. "They were right to assign you the Hufflepuff section. You're an eternal optimistic, aren't you, mate?"

"You sting like a bumblebee," Jerry said. "I suppose it goes with your scarf."

She pulled the yellow and black fabric off and hooked it around his neck. "Thanks for reminding me. I don't want to give the little vipers an excuse to use me as a target for their venom."

"Okay."

Tonks kept walking toward the pitch until a thought halted her steps. It was still early. Why not patrol the changing area—see Ginny? She and her favourite pen friend hadn't done much corresponding this term. They could snatch a few minutes to catch up.

She caught a glimpse of fiery hair and jogged over to meet the girl approaching the stadium with a friend. "Ginny!"

"Tonks!"

They almost toppled over, hugging. "It's so good to see you!" Ginny cried. "Are you here for the match?"

"I can't wait to see Gryffindor's finest Chaser in action."

Ginny glanced back at the brown-haired girl standing a short distance away. "Demelza's a Chaser too," she said in an undertone.

"Eavesdroppers never hear well of themselves," Tonks whispered. She grinned. "At least I never have."

Ginny looked at her teammate. "Go on ahead," she said with a smile. "I'll catch up."

"All right. I'll set out your Quidditch robes." The frost-laden grass made crunching noises beneath Demelza's feet.

"Nice of her," Tonks said. The expression on Ginny's face caused her to add, "Or is it?"

"I think she's nice." Ginny shrugged. "But I've thought that before only to learn my new friend hoped I'd fix her up with Harry." She laughed shortly. "If she's using me, we'll see how good Demelza really is at dodging Bludgers."

They walked in silence toward the changing rooms until Tonks said, "So...does that bloodthirsty tone mean He-Whose-Inner-Eye-Also-Needed-Spectacles is finally coming round? Are you seeing each other?"

"No. I'm going with Dean Thomas." Ginny smiled tightly. "That's why I haven't owled. I knew you wouldn't approve."

"I'd never judge you," Tonks said. "Merlin knows I had a Mr. Right Now before Mr. Right came along."

Ginny's stiff posture relaxed. "Was he a good kisser?" she asked, sounding embarrassed.

It was Tonks' turn to feel awkward. Evan Rosier the second had been a Slytherin snake—and diabolically clever at French kissing. "Let's just say he helped refine my technique," she said. "Girl's got to do it somehow, right?"

"Right." Ginny stopped near the door to the players' entrance. "Here," she said, taking off her scarf. "I want you to have this so you can think of your Mr. Right and wish me luck."

"You don't need it," Tonks said firmly. "All you need is to wait for the right time to make your move." On and off the pitch.

Ginny hugged her. "Take it anyway—and thanks."

"To get it back you'll have to owl." Tonks wrapped the scarlet and gold scarf around her neck, playfully wagging a tasselled end back and forth.

"It's a gift—and I'll owl because I've missed my friend."

Ginny's parting words gave Tonks a warm feeling that didn't fade until she joined the crowd heading for the stands and heard Slytherins muttering about "the nerve of that Auror witch." She glanced down and made a face. If there was one thing worse than patrolling the Slytherin end of the pitch wearing a Hufflepuff scarf, it was sporting Gryffindor colours!

Hastily, she began casting nonverbal charms learned during an otherwise useless Magical Law Enforcement seminar on riot preparedness.

Before the match, she ignored taunts while protective spells ensured spitballs and other projectiles bounced or slid harmlessly off her person. Tonks could have used a Concealment Charm to hide the scarf, but her Black Streak made her flaunt it instead.

The barrage of abuse tapered down once the teams mounted their brooms. It was then that a new annoyance began—the commentating. She inwardly added her jeers to those rising from the stands. Whoever was speaking was an idiot. When Tonks heard a boy say that Zacharias Smith was a typical Hufflepuff—second rate—it triggered a memory of the day she had presented her Head of House with a petition to change Hufflepuff's colours.

"Yellow and black is the worst colour scheme at Hogwarts!" she declared forcefully. "It virtually dooms us to last place every year! Who can be competitive in yellow? It's too nice!"

Sprout glanced down at the petition. "Pink and black isn't?"

"Hell, no!"

Back in seventh year, her "cheek" had earned Tonks a steely look and detention. Today it got her visual daggers when she caught the eye of a Slytherin girl glowering at her scarf and quipped, "Want to trade up?"

Shouts of "Harper lost the Snitch!" drowned out whatever comment the girl made in response.

Nearby, a first year boy shouted angrily, "We would've won if Vaisey wasn't injured and Malfoy too sick to play!"

The spell-amplified sound of a crash drew everyone's attention toward the commentator's podium. Tonks didn't even look. She walked away from the students craning their necks to see what had happened.

She felt like slapping the heel of her palm against her forehead. Why hadn't she been suspicious from the beginning? Remus, when she'd once confided her feelings of pity for her cousin, told her that Draco wasn't an innocent victim of his father's ambition. The boy had faked an injury during Remus' time at Hogwarts and insisted that the Slytherin/Gryffindor match be rescheduled—at his team's convenience.

Draco had cleverly used an "injury" to benefit his team before—why not now? What was more important than Slytherin winning the match?

She veered in the direction of the teachers' box and found members of the staff were already picking their way across the lawn to return to the castle. "Do not openly address me," Snape said through his teeth when she neared. "Go to my office."

Tonks walked past him as though she were still patrolling. What's Professor Snarky's problem? she thought irritably.

Someone tugged the end of her scarf. It was Savage.

"I saw Connelly wearing Hufflepuff colours and now here you are decked out like a Gryffindor. What a cute couple you are." Savage smirked. "Do you trade knickers too? Bet Connelly likes your thongs a lot less than you do his boxers."

She cast a silent Petrificus Totalus. "I don't know if you're missing your ex-girlfriend or bitter you haven't found a replacement," Tonks said, "but I've had enough of you. One more inappropriate comment and I'm going to file a complaint with the Auror Office." She smiled nastily. "D'you remember Tim Spall? He was in your training class. Had a nice career until he harassed the wrong witch. Be sad if you ended up like him, guarding bodies in the morgue." She released him from the binding charm and strode away.

Snape said "Enter" before she knocked.

"Watching the door? I'm flattered," she leaned back against the wood panel, not in the mood to sit and chat politely. "Did you think Savage would gossip if you spoke to me?"

"Students."

"Oh." That made sense. Tonks said, "Speaking of students, what's wrong with Draco Malfoy?"

"He's ill."

"With what?"

"An illness."

"Suspicious, isn't it?" she said. "Draco gets sick and doesn't try to reschedule the match the way he did before?"

Snape curled a lip. "Perhaps he no longer attempts to pull strings because his father no longer has influence with the Board of Governors."

"So he's in the hospital wing?" Tonks reached for the door handle. "I'll drop by, see how he's doing."

"Draco is resting in his dorm."

She looked at him incredulously. "Do you really believe that?"

Snape's eyes flickered toward a desk drawer. "The castle's magic interferes with surveillance objects outside designated areas, so I have no way of ascertaining his current whereabouts."

"Can't you ask a house-elf?"

"If I want the inquiry reported to Dumbledore."

Tonks exhaled noisily. "Isn't there anything you can do?"

"There is something." Snape regarded her speculatively. "It requires your cooperation."

"Meaning...?"

"You are Draco's cousin. The same blood flows through your veins."

She tried to get her head around what he was implying. "A blood tracing spell? Isn't that Dark magic?"

"Do you intend a Dark purpose?"

"No."

"You have my answer." He lifted a brow. "Are you willing?"

Tonks picked up a letter opener off the desk and pricked her skin. She wordlessly held out her hand, sorely tempted to say, "Sure. I've always wanted to give you the finger."

A few minutes later, after a spell and a Disillusionment Charm, Tonks followed Snape up the main staircase. "How come I'm the Invisible Sidekick and you're the one charging up the steps?" she grumbled.

"Seniority."

He kept climbing until they reached the seventh floor. Tonks saw his nostrils flare; his features tighten. She said, "He came here? Why?"

"Draco no longer confides in me, but I will endeavour to find out." He made to descend the staircase.

She said, "I know about the Room of Requirement."

Snape paused. "The door will not appear. Our need to discover would be considered merely a want."

There was a resentful edge to his tone. Tonks almost laughed. "Found out the hard way, did you, Professor?"

He continued downstairs without answering.

Remus had just finished making the bed with clean sheets when he heard Nymphadora call his name. He retrieved the communication mirror from the bedside table. "Hullo, love," he said.

"Gryffindor won the match and I'm finally on my way!" She blew him a kiss. "There's so much I want to tell you. See you soon!"

Soon...

The word brought a smile to Remus' lips. How many times when they were apart had he told himself that every passing day would bring them together that much sooner? Too many to count. He glanced around the tidy, spartan room and realised what was missing. Flowers.

He couldn't afford long-stemmed red roses, but he could scrape enough Galleons together for a small bouquet or a single, perfect rosebud. Something to symbolise the colour and beauty she brought into his life.

Remus chuckled over his romanticism: an ironic quality for a man who prided himself on facing harsh realities. Downstairs, he found Will and Lillie stretched out on the sofa, playing Tonsil Quidditch. The match looked too close to call, although Lillie was currently on top. Using a spell to lower the volume on the MegaMaggot orb spinning on the side table, Remus went into the kitchen and put on the kettle.

"Any chance of sandwiches to go with that tea?" Will called.

How the boy had heard the whistle over pounding bass was a mystery. Remus checked the coolant cabinet. "I can fix bacon and tomato."

The music abruptly halted. "Brilliant! I'm starved."

"So that's why you've been trying to eat me up." Lillie giggled.

"I'm a hungry wolf," Will said. "And you're tasty."

Remus almost asked them to give the orb another spin. "Do you want your bread toasted?" he called, placing rashers of bacon in a pan. A spell grilled them in seconds. He set the meat aside and cooked another batch.

Will and Lillie joined him in the kitchen. "Yeah," Will said. He took the knife Remus offered and began to slice a tomato.

Lillie brought out plates and cutlery. "Isn't Nym supposed to be here?"

"Soon." Need and longing welled up, clenching his muscles. Remus smiled. He was a hungry wolf too.

Will said, "Good. She always brings food."

A chime announced that they had a visitor.

"I'll get it!" Lillie headed toward the front door. A few seconds later, Remus heard her cry, "Mum! What are you doing here?"

"Where is he?" Delia Bowen's voice was a growl. Remus put down the rack of bread he'd toasted and strode into the other room.

"You!" Lillie's mother spat. "This is all your doing, Lupin." Her bear like eyes glittered dangerously.

Will charged out of the kitchen. "Don't blame him. I'm the one who's taking Lillie to Inverness with me." He looked sheepishly at Remus. "We were going to tell you over lunch."

"It's my decision to make, mother. What do I have to lose? A crap job? I can be a shopclerk anywhere." Lillie's ponytail swung as she lifted her chin defiantly. "If you think Remus gave us the money for a flat, he didn't. It was Dad. He's being supportive—unlike you!"

"Does your father know he's paying to keep a werewolf? He's always been prejudiced."

Lillie's expression turned gloating. "Daddy's partner is a Healer for magical creatures. Adrienne respects Will for wanting to make something of his life so Daddy does too." The girl's face scrunched up. "You're the one who's prejudiced against Will, and I can't stand living with it anymore!"

Delia's face lost all colour. The lines bracketing her eyes and mouth seemed to deepen.

Remus suddenly realised that hurt was responsible for the tears in the woman's eyes as much as anger. He felt sorry for her. "Look," he said. "I've made tea. Why don't we all sit—"

"Always the gentleman, the professor with all the answers," Delia said bitterly. "Keep your tea, Lupin. I'll talk to my daughter in private, when she returns home."

Lillie crossed her arms. "If I return home."

"You'll return," Delia said sharply. "I have your Orpheus Orb collection."

Delia marched to the door. The ward chimed at the same instant she jerked the handle.

Nymphadora stood on the doorstep, brightening the dull landscape with her smile and short red cloak. "Wotcher," she said, "We weren't introduced at the party. I'm—"

"Little Red Riding Hood, complete with her basket of goodies." Delia flashed Remus a contemptuous look and stomped off.

"I would've shared," Nymphadora said, entering the flat. She handed Will a sturdy jute shopping bag. "Oh well. More steak for you." After a round of greetings, she hugged Remus. "Are you ready to go?" she asked after a brief kiss.

"We were just about to eat," he said, wondering what his nymph was up to now.

Nymphadora sighed dramatically. "You forgot our plans? I made reservations, so give Will your share. We can't be late."

"Don't worry, Professor. I'll make sure no food goes to waste," Will said, grinning wolfishly.

"I'm sure," Remus opened the door. "After you, my love."

She gave him a sultry look as she brushed past him. "You're such a gentleman."

Behind them, Will sniggered.

Once they were outside, Nymphadora took his hand as they began to walk. "What's so funny about you being a gentleman?" she said. "I think it's sexy."

Remus lifted her hand to his lips. "Delia used the word in a derogatory manner."

"And she's divorced and bitter? What a surprise." Nymphadora kissed his palm. "Forget everyone else. I love you, I missed you, and if several of your neighbours weren't watching, I'd snog you."

"Since when have you cared about discretion?" Remus asked, amused.

"Since I realised indiscretion could harm you." Her fingers squeezed his. "I'll do anything to keep you safe. Even behave myself." She winked. "At least until we reach our destination."

"Our destination?"

"Someplace we can be alone, where we don't have to share a bathroom with teenagers who sing duets in the shower."

He chuckled. "A cheap Muggle hotel near the train station?"

"A posh Muggle hotel with a view of the water and room service."

Remus knew he should have protested the waste of money, but the look on Nymphadora's face told him she was determined to have her way, and he couldn't help wanting to give it to her—and more. He didn't have flowers, but there something else to give.

He let go of her fingers to curve his hand around the base of her neck, enjoying the way her eyes widened in surprise. Her lips parted when he covered her mouth with his, opening in the same way she opened her heart: freely and passionately. Heat surged through his body. Desire burned hot, turning to ash any faint, remaining inhibition about public displays of affection. He breathed in the scent of her skin and made a noise of satisfaction deep in his throat, giving himself over to the kiss and his love.

A/N: The Quidditch match at the beginning of November (ch 14 HBP) was pivotal in many ways, so I couldn't help wanting to weave Tonks into the backstory, and give Ginny's "refine his technique" comment about Ron during the party afterwards a less witchy slant. :D Draco faking an injury happened in PoA. As for "Tim Spall" being homage to the actor Timothy Spall who plays repugnant characters so well, maybe it is and maybe it is! (As is "Adrienne" for reader adrienne06052(actually two, considering Healers of magical creatures remind me of Operamuse)

Jute's a natural fibre (a tropical cousin of the European lime) and shopping bags made of it are sturdy, reusable, and far better for the environment than plastic. (Not that I'm an eco-nut who thinks humans are a virus, lol, just a writer who thinks an English witch toting a polythene bag would be OOC, and if less Muggles toted them it would be a good thing, too. :D)

I intended for this chap to end on an angstier note, foreshadowing the blue Christmas ahead, but in the end chose romance over conflict. I wish I still had the choice to use a dash to separate povs since FF doesn't support a double, double space, but they've taken it away, so I have to make do with a line now. Feh.

The readers who chose to review the last chapter and make my days less angsty, ;), were…40/16, adrienne06052, alix33, Alone All Along, Calenmarwen, Carnivalgirl, EllaQueenB (who I wrote as "QueenBee" last chapter, lol, I changed it!) , ElspethBates, flutterby162, Freja Lercke-Falkenborg, GraceRichie, ishandtwofourths, Kates Master, MollyCoddles, Moontime, Mrs. Hermione Jane Weasley, obliviate36, Operamuse, Slipknot-3113, siriuslycoco, siriuslycrazy4snuffles, sofia666, sunny9847, tambrathegreat, xLupinxLoverx, your nightmare, and Ziroana.