Chapter 5: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

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Later that night after dinner...

"I'm sorry about my family."

Her brown eyes met his silver ones. Their expressions were both tense but he managed to smile.

"It's alright, your parents are fine...and well your sister..." he smirked.

"Is a nightmare!"

He shook his head. "It's alright though. You can't choose your family anymore than I can..." his voice trailed off. For a moment they were both reminded of everything that they couldn't be or have.

Out of reflex, she looked behind her before grabbing his hand. "I'm still sorry Steven."

He laughed almost sadly. "Don't call me that anymore, nobody's listening."

The brunette nodded and a few of her wavy curls fell across her face. "I know, I'm just being extra careful...you know we can't be seen together...S-" she stopped herself from accidentally calling him by that name again.

He smiled then and held her by the chin. His grey eyes were completely forlorn for a moment as he stared at this girl who held his heart. "Hey someday soon, I promise we won't have to hide like this."

With that, and not caring that 'someday soon' was still not today, he leaned down and kissed her-completely unchastely and completely uncaring of who saw them on the crowded train platform.

For a moment she struggled against him but she relaxed into his arms as he pressed her into him and whispered sweet nothings, his breathe hot in her ear.

"I promise my love soon we won't have to hide."

She gave the tiniest of nods and he kissed her again.

Meanwhile Back at the Tonks residence...

"NEVER EVER behave like that again!" Andromeda screeched at her oldest daughter as soon as she closed the door on Steven and Hermione, and her face stopped smiling artificially.

"Sorry mum, but I told you I don't trust him," Tonks said for what must have been the fifth time, but no one seemed to be getting her side of the argument.

"Oh yes!" Andromeda shouted almost hysterically, "Because Steven just happens to be the nicest man that ever walked through these doors!"

"Ha! I'm sure dad would love to hear that!" Tonks laughed over her shoulder as she went to the living room to collect her metal purse so she could leave. Andromeda followed behind her.

"I think you know what I meant," Andromeda said crossly.

Tonks had been crouching over the sofa to find her purse but she stopped short and looked back up at her mother. She knew what her mother was trying to imply. Still it hurt, and she wanted to hear her mother say it directly.

"So what you're saying is, I haven't brought anyone nice through these doors?"

Andromeda crossed her arms and raised a dainty eyebrow. "You know the type of boys you've brought home, Dora. I don't think I need to remind you that most of them looked like they were high on something or just came off the street!"

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Yes, that would be just my type, mum." She tried to laugh it off as she grabbed a pinch of Floo powder so she could leave as fast as possible. "You know maybe you're right, maybe I should bring Sirius home next time!" she said mockingly, "A bit of incest would go nicely along my track record for dating junkies and deadheads?! Actually I think Sirius is a bit of an alcoholic these days, on top of being a fugitive, so that's even better for me right?!"

"Dora you know that's not what I meant!" she pinched her nose and Tonks knew that meant her mother was probably getting a headache, "I'm just waiting for the day you'll bring someone at least somewhat respectable through these doors!"

Tonks smirked as she thought how her mother would take it if she ever brought the werewolf Remus home. "Don't worry mum, I'm working on it. Think you'll be pleased with who I bring next, so wotcher!" she winked at her mother's horrified expression and skipped through the fireplace with a dash of floo powder.

Andromeda managed to call after her. "Just remember Dora if you do anything to embarrass me, you embarrass yourself first!"

Oh believe me mum, Tonks thought bitterly, I just wish I could stop embarrassing myself...but it's kind of hard not to when I have the personality of a clumsy landmine.

Tonks grimaced as she remembered she had to meet up with both Sirius and Remus early the next day to sort out their plan.

Bugger. Why do I always have to get myself in these situations?

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A/N: Short and sweet chapter and then the next chapter will be back with Sirius, Tonks and Remus trying to figure out how they're going to break into Malfoy Manor! **and some devious planning** Please review if you are interested, I'm starting to wonder here,...but thanks anyways :-)