Though Tonks opposed it fervently, Charlie insisted on going to see Professor Dumbledore immediately. He caught McGonagall in the hall, and badgered her until she took him to see the headmaster. Tonks followed along, unhappy with Charlie's obsession with the matter.
As they neared the office, Tonks tried one final time to sway Charlie. "Is it really that important? Is this necessary?"
He stopped short, his eyes suddenly angry and glaring. "Yes, Dora. It is." He looked at McGonagall, who was halfway down the hall already and began to stride after her. Tonks struggled to keep up with his long paces. "That… man," he spat the word, "is dangerous."
"Not quite as dangerous as you would think, Mr. Weasley," came a gentle, aged voice from behind. Tonks and Charlie spun to see Professor Dumbledore smiling down at them.
"Professor, I…" began Charlie.
"Oh, I know why you're looking for me," said Dumbledore happily. "I hope you don't mind that I eavesdropped a bit. It's a nasty habit of mine, I'm afraid." Tonks beamed up at the headmaster. She had always had a great respect and fondness for Dumbledore.
"And as I said, Mr. Weasley, Remus Lupin is hardly a threat. Why, he studied at school here just a few years ago, and led a perfectly normal life. In fact, Miss Tonks, he was never seen without your cousin Sirius." He chuckled to himself lightly, as though remembering those bygone years.
"Professor Dumbledore, with all due respect, that was a good while ago. Werewolves only grow more dangerous and violent with age. Take Fenrir Greyback for example."
"Oh, Weasley, I don't think Remus would care for being compared to Greyback."
Charlie made an impatient noise. "That's beside the point, Professor…"
"Is it?" Dumbledore asked, his dreamy expression exchanged for a much sharper one. "You are lumping him in with a group of people he does not care to associate with. How would you feel if I said all Gryffindors are reckless and impatient?" A snort of laughter from Tonks distracted him momentarily. "Have I said something, Miss?"
"Oh, it's just that all Gryffindors ARE reckless and impatient."
"Ah well, perhaps a comparison within your own house would hit home, Miss? All Hufflepuffs are useless and dumb-witted?" Tonks bent her head, pride bruised. "As I was saying, students, Remus Lupin will offer no harm to you or anyone else for that matter. I assure you that every precaution that can be taken to ensure thus has been taken. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a bit of gardening to do." And with that, Dumbledore had brushed down the hall and out of sight.
Charlie looked unconvinced, though didn't seem to want to argue the matter. He remained silent the whole way as he walked Tonks back to the Hufflepuff door.
"Well… bye…" she muttered, put out by her boyfriend's behavior. She turned to the painting of the fruit basket, trying to hide her disappointment.
Suddenly Charlie caught her wrist and spun her to face him. Tonks looked at him, startled by his behavior. His eyes were fierce as he grabbed her head and pulled her into a kiss. She started to struggle, but decided she preferred his violent kissing to his dejected silence. The kissing progressed, and before she knew it, he had her up against the wall, seemingly desperate to get her as close to him as possible. Her fingers ran through his red hair, and down his muscular back. His tongue was almost rough in her mouth, and his pressure on her body was painful, but she didn't stop him. She wanted more.
"Excuse me…" came a timid voice from beside them. They quickly pulled away, shame-faced and panting, and looked for the speaker. No one was around, which confused Tonks for a moment until she saw the fruit basket, the banana's eyes wide and slightly traumatized. She smiled sheepishly at it. "Are you coming in, Miss?" it asked politely.
Before she could answer, Charlie spoke for her.
"No." He grabbed her hand again and led her back up the stairs.
"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed, knowing full well it was almost after hours.
Charlie turned around and kissed her passionately once more, effectively silencing her. When he pulled away, he took her hand in his own and kissed it gently. He looked up at her, ginger hair almost blending in with his freckles in the low light.
"Stay with me tonight."