Chapter 4

The next two weeks passed in a blur. There were constant Order assignments and Ministry shifts for Tonks. Remus was away most of the time on one of his secretive Order missions that he took every once in a while. However, whenever they were both at Grimmauld Place, they mysteriously found themselves alone more often then usual. Molly no longer insisted on doing the dishes, and usually Tonks and Remus would wash them, along with playing and splashing water at each other. Sirius completely abandoned their late night reading or conversation in the library. In fact, the whole Order was acting a little strangely around them, as if they all knew something that the two of them didn't.

Whenever Tonks and Remus did not see each other for more than a few days, they became slightly less cheerful than in the previous few months. They both were content enough in their lives and their time not spent together, but, somehow, when they were together, even if just in companionable silence, all their senses seemed sharper and the world seemed to have a little more clarity and meaning in it. Remus felt slightly guilty for feeling this way. He knew that Tonks fancied someone, as Kingsley tried to find out whom at practically every meeting, but she made him feel alive as he hadn't since his Marauder days. Tonks, for her part, reveled in this sensation, but she worried that Remus did not feel the same.

One day, December 1, Remus was done with his mission for a time, and Tonks did not have guard duty. They were lounging comfortably in their normal places, Remus in has armchair and Tonks spread out on the sofa. Remus pretended to be reading, but he was really just watching Tonks as she closed her eyes and breathed gently. She was also furtively watching him through almost closed eyelids.

Suddenly she spoke, "I finished reading Jane Eyre. It really was excellent."

Remus chuckled a little. "I don't know how you found the time."

She just shrugged. "Little snippets here and there." She paused and bit her lip in her characteristic nervous gesture. She said, more softly than before, "I thought the story was very compelling, actually. I liked that Mr. Rochester, even though he was flawed like everyone else and had a terrible secret, and Jane, who…had more spirit and wisdom than her years, were ultimately able to make their relationship work." She stalled again, as if she weren't sure if she should continue. However, Remus was watching her contemplatively, so she practically whispered, "They complemented each other."

It was Remus turn to pause. "Well, I agree that it was a nice, romantic story, and the ending was sweet…However, I always thought that it was unfair that Jane wasted her life taking care of an old man."

Tonks looked oddly affronted. "Who said that she was wasting her life? She loved him, and they made each other happy. People always make sacrifices for the ones whom they love. Some are just slightly larger than others."

Remus sighed, "I still think that she probably resented him." Under Tonks' withering glare, he qualified, "Only a little bit. But that's the sort of hurt that festers over time and eventually tears people apart." Remus didn't know why he was being so insistent, but he felt that they're conversation had a deeper meaning than simply discussing a novel.

"I don't think you give Jane or Mr. Rochester enough credit. They didn't jump headlong into a commitment; they knew each other for quite a while before they even thought of each other at all romantically. They found a connection through common ground, not just some silly infatuation." The conviction that radiated from Tonks as she spoke startled Remus, and he didn't want to dare to hope what she really meant. Tonks herself barely considered the implications of her words, but she did know that they were right.

Remus sighed. "Yes, I didn't question the fact that their love was true. I just don't think that it's always enough." Tonks thought that he looked horribly sad and wistful as he spoke.

Neither knew what to say next, but Tonks felt that she should lighten the mood. "Well, at least they don't have to think about Death Eaters and a mad Dark Lord trying to conquer the world." She knew that her attempt at levity was very weak, but she was rewarded with a small smile from Remus.

"Yes, although I dare say that they're lives must get unbearably boring." They smiled at each other again. It seemed that they did that a lot these days. "Well, it is getting late. I think I'll head for bed."

As he stood up, Tonks said, "That sounds like a good idea." However, as she was standing, she tripped over the rug and was going to fall flat on her face. Fortunately, Remus caught her, but he didn't remove his arms from around her waist once she was steady. There had been a few times during the preceding weeks that they were standing this close and that she thought Remus might kiss her, but he always let go at the last minute. This time felt different.

They stood silent for what seemed like hours, but was really less than a minute. Ever so hesitantly they both moved their faces closer together. Finally, their lips touched. There were no proverbial fireworks because this kiss was so much more sweet and real. They broke apart slowly as color rose to their cheeks. They both smiled sheepishly, again. Then, they kissed a second time, a deeper, longer kiss, but still gentle.

When they stopped, Tonks finally spoke. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

Remus looked at her, confused. "What about the bloke that you fancy?"

Tonks laughed at loud at his response. "You arethe bloke that I fancy." Remus just gaped at her. She found this too endearing and kissed him again.

"Do you really mean it ?" Remus asked in wonderment.

Tonks considered responding with, "What do you think?" but he still looked so shocked that she decided she should be sincere. "Yes I do."

Remus suddenly smiled brightly. "That's good because I fancy you, too." Their lips met again, and they did not break apart for some time. "I think I really do have to go to bed now, or else I will never leave." Tonks nodded reluctantly in assent, and they separated. As they stood at their bedroom doors, Remus said, "Good night, Nymphadora. Have sweet dreams."

Tonks responded, smiling shyly, "I'm sure I will." As she closed her door, though, she couldn't resist adding, "And don't call me 'Nymphadora,' Remus." He just smiled as they closed their doors in unison.

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Both Remus and Tonks did in fact have sweet dreams, but, when they awoke in the morning, neither was quite sure if they had actually kissed at last. Remus went into the library to think, and shortly afterward Tonks entered, closing the door behind her.

"Wotcher, Remus."

"Good morning, Nymphadora." They both smiled sheepishly. They were both standing a little awkwardly, when Remus stepped over and placed a kiss on her mouth. She was surprised at his forwardness, but she soon responded. "I guess last night wasn't just a dream; I feel relieved."

"That is a good thing," Tonks said.

"Well, I guess that means that I should ask you for a date." Remus looked hopeful, as if he were still half-expecting that he was in a very realistic dream. Tonks nodded emphatically. "Are you busy this Friday? I don't have any Order work."

"That sounds lovely, Remus," she replied, absolutely beaming.

"Excellent. Shall we go downstairs now."

"Just a minute." And she kissed him soundly. They had a tacit agreement that they wouldn't tell anyone, especially Sirius, quite yet because they knew that they would never hear the end of it. They walked downstairs holding hands until they came to the door of the kitchen.

"Wotcher, Sirius, Molly."

"Good morning." They both could barely contain their grins, for it had been a very good morning indeed.

"Morning. Hey, Tonks, do you have any plans this Friday? I thought you could keep your dear old cousin company."

"Sorry, Sirius. I have a date." She didn't dare look at Remus. She couldn't resist adding, "He's a great bloke."

Sirius looked a cross between bewildered and put out. "A date? It's been a long time. Why don't you just ditch him."

"I'll have you know that I like him a lot. I don't think he would appreciate that." Sirius shrugged and looked furtively at Remus. She chance a look at Remus' mouth; it was admirably composed into a shape that expressed only mild interest.

"Is this "great bloke" anyone we would know?"

"You might," Tonks answered evasively. She was thoroughly enjoying her cousin's internal search for whom she might mean.

Molly chimed in, "It's nice that you're taking a break, dear. You deserve a little fun." She clearly wanted butter Tonks up a little, so that she would tell her the identity of her mystery man.

"Thanks, Molly." By then breakfast was ready. Tonks got up when she finished. "Everything was delicious, as usual, Molly. Bye, everyone. I have to go to work." Molly waved, Sirius nodded, and Remus just smiled at her.

"Well, Molly, I concur, but I have a lot of Order work to do. Have a good day." Remus managed to escape before Sirius could interrogate him about whom he thought Tonks was going out with. He didn't think that he could contain his boyish grin must longer.

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That Friday evening Tonks was at her guestroom at Grimmauld Place getting ready for her date with Remus. She constantly chided herself for her nervous butterflies. She knew that she and Remus never had trouble making conversation and were almost always at ease with one another, but she also knew that something had changed. They had never been on a date together. Therefore, although she rarely cared about her appearance, besides the shade of her hair and the shape of her nose, she was fussing over every single detail of her outfit. Remus was in a similar predicament, although with fewer options. He finally gave it up as a lost cause and settled on what he had worn that day.

They had decided that Tonks would apparate to the Three Broomsticks and that he would meet her there a few minutes later. When Sirius saw her, he grumbled, "I still don't see why you couldn't have asked this bloke for a raincheck?" Remus was also standing there and he just grinned at her in manner that could only be termed appreciative. He knew that Sirius was going to be either very amused or very angry when they finally told him that this Friday was Remus and Tonks' first date.

Tonks just smiled. "I've been looking forward to this." This statement only caused Sirius to break into more muttering. "Well, I'd better be going. I'll probably see you guys tomorrow." She left, waving at them.

Sirius was still whispering darkly. "I hope that chap doesn't get up to any funny business. You never can tell."

Remus could barely repress a laugh. "I don't think you have worry about anything. She makes him sound like a nice bloke." Sirius looked at him incredulously and took a swig out of the firewhiskey bottle that he was holding. Remus was slightly concerned about Sirius' state, although it did make it easier for him to leave. "Well, I hate to leave you here, Padfoot, but I'm going to go to that new jazz club that I mentioned."

Sirius only muttered something like, "Yeah, yeah. At least one of us should have a good time." He just waved and retreated into the kitchen.

Although Remus felt a little guilty, his nervous anticipation about actually going on a date with Tonks far outweighed his negative emotions. He apparated to the Three Broomsticks and was met by Tonks, who was waiting near the entrance. They walked in and got a booth. They had soon ordered their food. Their conversation was not flowing quite as smoothly as usual, but everything was going rather well, considering how anxious they both were. When Tonks rested her elbows on the table, Remus did likewise and then took her both her hands in his. They simply looked at each other and smiled.

"I'm having a really nice time, Remus."

"So am I, Nymphadora." Tonks thought that he had entirely too much mischief twinkling in his eyes.

"Our being on a date does not, in any way, shape, or form, give you a right to call me 'Nymphadora.'"

"I thought we already established that I could call you 'Nymphadora.'" Damn, she thought, he's got me there.

"Well, you don't have to be so smug about it." She was about to stick her tongue out at him, but their food arrived. Meals at the Three Broomsticks were always decent and dependable, even if they weren't spectacular. Tonight's fare was no different. As their hands were occupied with eating, they became more relaxed.

After they left the restaurant, though, Tonks nerves returned with a vengeance. She was in no hurry for the evening to end, but she didn't want to go back to Grimmauld. Her own flat was horribly cluttered, and she didn't know how Remus would react to her inviting him to her flat so soon. However, she didn't really feel that there was another option. "Um, Remus, do you want to come to my flat for a while?" Remus was slightly startled, but the idea was not unappealing.

"Sure," he said with only a little hesitancy. He couldn't resist adding, "Nymphadora."

She laughed out loud, completely nullifying her subsequent protest. "Git! Maybe I should rescind my offer." Her face told him that she had no intention of doing any such thing. Tonks used side-along apparition to take them both to her home because Remus had never been there before. It was, as Remus expected, a riot of color. The main living area's walls were neon pink and orange. There was slightly worn yellow couch and a small kitchen space. He could see that the door to her bedroom was slightly ajar, but he couldn't tell what it looked like.

"Your flat is lovely, Nymphadora. It's just as I pictured it," he said sincerely. She peered up at him, as if looking for sarcasm where there was none.

"Thanks. Do you want some cocoa or something?" One of Tonks' old boyfriends probably would have taken the "or something" much more suggestively than she meant it, but Remus just nodded, looking completely content. Fortunately, Remus was still holding his wand because the mugs that she was bringing down fell, and he used a quick hover charm to keep them from breaking. "My hero," Tonks swooned in a mock dreamy voice.

"I'm glad to be of assistance." He also volunteered to carry the cocoa over to the couch, and there were no further mishaps. They sipped their drinks in silence for a while. Then, they paused and simply gazed at each other. Slowly, Tonks brought her face to Remus' and they kissed softly. "Mmmm, you taste good." Tonks just smiled at him, and forgot about the hot chocolate. When they broke apart some time later, they were grinning goofily.

"That was a nice way to end the evening."

"I heartily concur. I do hope we can do this again, the whole evening…Soon." She was very pleased by his enthusiasm.

"I would love that, Remus. How about Wednesday?" They had come to be standing near her door. Remus just kissed her for an answer.

"Eight o'clock?" She nodded. "Since you asked, I think you should pick the place?" She smirked, and he took that for a yes. They kissed a last, lingering kiss. "Good night, Nymphadora." She didn't even bother protesting.

"Good night, Remus. I can't wait to tell Sirius about my date with the "great bloke."" He laughed and kissed her hand, before walking down the hall.

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The next day Molly had a full day of cleaning and Christmas decorating planned. Tonks arrived bright and early to find breakfast already on the table.

"Wotcher, everyone," Tonks greeted the group, which included the two eldest Weasley children and Kingsley.

"You seem exceptionally chipper this morning, Tonks. Sirius tells me that you had a date with a "great bloke" last night," Kingsley said with an air of amusement and expectation.

"I did, as a matter of fact. It could be the best date I've ever had." Although her gaze only flickered to Remus for a fraction of a second, she was not exaggerating for his benefit.

"I can only assume that he's the guy you've been fancying. Do we finally get to find out who it is?" Kingsley looked at Charlie.

"No, and you know what happens when you assume, King," Tonks scolded in a mock stern voice as she wagged her index finger at him.

"Are you going out again?" Sirius inquired, although he did not look pleased at the idea. He would hate to be proved wrong about her feelings for Remus.

"Yes, I am. And I'm looking forward to it with great anticipation." Molly thought there was something a little odd about the emphasis that she was placing on her words, but she thought nothing of it. "In fact, I might want to move it up if he's available. Maybe to Monday." She hoped Remus would get her message without her being too obvious.

"Only three days between a first and second date?" Remus raised his eyebrows slightly. He admirably managed to contain a huge smirk.

"Is there something wrong with that?" she asked pointedly.

Charlie answered her. "No; we just want to know who the bloke is."

"That's for me to know and you to find out." She grinned wickedly.

"Besides, Monday is a lovely day to have a date; it gives you something to look forward to," Remus added. Tonks took this to mean that he accepted her change of day.

Conversation turned to other topics, and then, Molly had them cleaning all day. It passed uneventfully, except for the constant shrieking of Walburga's portrait from the noise of the cleaning.

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The next two weeks passed very quickly. Remus and Tonks enjoyed their blossoming relationship, despite the fact that they did not have much free time together. Moreover, they were heartily amused by Sirius and Molly's increasingly blatant attempts to get them alone together (they had not yet told anyone that they were dating). Sirius even hung charmed mistletoe, which did not let two people move before they had kissed, in the all the doorways and pushed them together. They both played along because they were not quite ready to admit their secret.

Then, their holiday mood was shattered when Arthur Weasley was attacked while on guard duty at the Department of Mysteries in the week before Christmas. Everyone was extremely worried about him, but he was well enough for visitors within a few days. One day, Remus and Tonks decided to go during her lunch break.

"Wotcher, Arthur," Tonks greeted gently. He smiled at her customary welcome.

"Good afternoon, Arthur. I hope you'll be back on your feet soon."

"Thank you both for coming. It's always nice to have company. I'm feeling much better already. Although, if Molly has anything to say about it, I daresay I won't be walking for a month." They were heartened by Arthur's humor. "Oh, and Remus," he dropped his voice to a whisper. "I think you should go and chat with that chap in the other bed. He's recently been…bitten."

Remus understood exactly what other must mean and followed his advice. He told the man that, while terrible, his condition was not the end of the world, that he should try to live a normal life. Remus told him heartfeltly that there were people in the world who would overlook it and still be his friends. The man took this encouragement dubiously, but he seemed grateful nonetheless.

As they were leaving, Tonks stopped Remus in front of St. Mungo's and looked up at him. "I know this may sound stupid, but I never realized how close to home the risks could really hit. I mean, of course I know that our work is dangerous, but this is the first time that I actually imagined one of us dying."

"You could never sound stupid, Nymphadora. I understand exactly how you feel. In the first Order, that is how James and Sirius and I felt when the Longbottoms were tortured. It's alright to feel scared; in fact, it would be the height of folly no to, but we just have to keep fighting because we know the cause is just."

She smiled. "Thanks, Remus. Now I have to get back and 'fight the good fight' until five o'clock," she smirked with obvious sarcasm at the antics of the Ministry. "Ciao!" He smiled at her quickly regained cheerfulness as he apparated.