Take it slow. That's what I told myself. But I also wanted to get things going to make up for lost time. So I decided to take an accelerated slow path, or a slowed down fast track. Either way it was a pleasant surprise when I found myself snogging Tonks under a tree that Friday. I suppose I should back up and explain how we got one, under a tree and two, snogging.

Tonks kept me from going to work that day. "You're still peaky." She insisted while bringing me some oatmeal for breakfast. She had been rather protective while I was ill but I had a sneaking suspicion that Tonks wanted another day with me. Tonks had been kipping on the couch but moved herself into my bed a few days after the full moon. She did so under pretense of keeping a closer eye on me. After breakfast Tonks asked if I wanted to go on a walk.

"Together?" I asked thickly.

"No, I thought I'd head towards the store, you towards the park and we'd meet up here in an hour." Tonks was smirking. "Of course we should walk together." I felt Tonks' hand on my leg. "I have to protect you after all."

"I'm the damsel in distress?" I raised an eyebrow while sitting up in bed. "Could you see me in those ridiculous getups they wear?" By the twinkle in her eye, she could see me in one of those dresses. I was grinning impishly. "Corsets aren't my cup of tea. You on the other hand would be quite ravishing in a set of armor. I'd just need a can opener."

Getting out of bed was a relief as I had been kept there for a few days. Tonks threatened to tie me to the bed if I was too active. I thought that I'd get a lot more action tied to the bed than walking around the house, but I kept that to myself. When Tonks handed me a hat and scarf she claimed to have knitted, I considered asking her something only the real Tonks would know incase she was only a Polyjuice Tonks, but I noticed that her smile was too eager to be anyone else. "When did you learn to knit?" I asked feeling grateful that she did as a burst of wind hit my face.

"Oh, it was some Auror training I picked up." Tonks said causing me to laugh. We were walking with our arms linked and fingers intertwined. I felt as if I hadn't even transformed that week. Tonks seemed quite content also. "It's Christmas in a week." Tonks said suddenly. "Do you want to come with me to my parent's for Christmas Eve?"

We stopped near a park. "I'd love to." I said in a breathy voice. I tried to block out the part of me that thought this was a bad idea and listened to my quixotic voice instead. Both voices were drowned out when Tonks pointed out mistletoe growing above us in a tree. I was willing to bet that a simple Priori Incantum would show her wand culpable in conjuring the plant, but I wasn't really concerned with how it got there. I was more concerned with the kiss that I should deliver.

Taking Tonks into my arms and giving her a kiss that landed somewhere between passionate and tender was better than any remedy tried that week. I couldn't tell you how long we were there snogging. Tonks came to her senses before I did and suggested we go back to my flat. My heart was racing. Even for an accelerated slow path it seemed we were going too fast. It took all of my resolve, but I didn't put the moves on that night. I was more than mollified with cuddling and gentle kisses.

"Weren't you scheduled for Duty tonight?" I asked before our evening faded into sleep.

Tonks nodded. "Arthur said he'd cover for me. He said I'd be more help with you than rotting my brains out down in the bowels of the Ministry." Tonks' finger was tracing down my stomach.

I let out a quiet 'hmm' and kissed Tonks again. I didn't realize how much I missed falling asleep with Tonks till I dozed off with her head nuzzled against my neck. She was comfortable, much like a favorite sweater but she was also new to me like a recently released broom. I wanted to know her intimately and, if she gave me the chance, take some of the mystery out of her smile.

Our restful sleep was shattered in the early hours of the morning. Kingsley 's voice carried into the bedroom and his body quickly followed. Neither of us had enough time to yell a quick 'In a minute!' or cover our mostly naked bodies. Kingsley looked neither surprised nor upset at the sight of our grab for the covers. He was too grave to register any other emotion. I placed a hand on Tonks' knee and she grew still and she saw Kingsley 's face.

"There's been an attack—"

"Is Harry…?" I started my eyes widening.

"Arthur Weasley was attacked by a snake while on Duty this morning. He's in St. Mungo's right now. The circumstances are… strange." Kingsley's voice was steady and soothing, which helped soften the blow of his next line. "Harry saw the attack in a dream-like state. We don't know how he saw it. It's quite unheard of…"

"What can we do to help?" Tonks asked, her eyes gleaming with tears. Her knees were drawn up to her chest. "I should have been on Duty." She said in a low whisper full of guilt.

"There's no sense dwelling on who could have been where last night… you were helping me out." Kingsley made a very slight cough but didn't interrupt me. I thought I saw his mouth twitch. "The best thing to do now is keep up the fight against Voldemort. People, friends of ours, loved ones, those are the ones we'll loose in this battle. You could spend a life time scrutinizing how things could have been different, but it'd slowly kill you. The best you can do is look at the positive. Arthur is alive and we were able to get him to help in time."

Tonks rested her head on my shoulder which seemed to be a sign to Kingsley that he could go on. "Tonks, if you wouldn't mind, the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione need another escort to St. Mungo's today. They're leaving in a few hours. You and Mad-Eye will be the security." Tonks nodded. "I'm sure Moody'll want to go over a few dozen plans with you, so, you'll probably want to go to Grimmauld Place as soon as you're dressed."

After Kingsley left a few minutes later, Tonks got up and dressed quickly. "I should go… You know how Moody gets." I smiled and said a quiet 'see you later.' I couldn't help noticing how nervous Tonks looked. I attributed it to her near miss as the snake's victim.

I went to Grimmauld Place a few hours later. I missed the group leaving for St. Mungo's. Sirius told me so as he tackled me into a hug. "Moony, I've missed you." Sirius released me from his hug and tussled his hair. He looked as if he had been up for a week or so. "I heard you've been taking advantage of my cousin, playing sick to get some attention. Nice move even if it's a bit overdone."

I smiled, feeling relieved to see Sirius in such high spirits. "Have you talked to Harry? How is he?" Sirius' face fell slightly as he told me about Harry's dream and his reaction to it. "He was the snake? What does that mean?"

"I don't know. Dumbledore didn't seem surprised by the information. I don't think anything surprises him though. I could jump out of a cupboard starkers asking for a broomstick and he wouldn't bat an eyelash." Sirius let out a forced laugh.

"It would seem they're connected somehow…" I started quietly. Sirius shook his head wordlessly. "I know we don't want to think that, but…"

"But nothing! Any connection between them isn't Harry's fault or responsibility." Sirius' voice was at a dangerous growl. I decided it was best to back off.

"Nymphadora invited me to her parent's for Christmas Eve." I said quietly. "I don't know what to bring for presents."

"So you're together again?" Sirius' brow was raised inquisitively.

"No… yes. Yes. Unofficially. Or I'd like to be at least." I sounded about as certain as a directionally challenged thestral

"Kingsley said you were intertwined in bed this morning." Sirius was smirking now. "Naked as gnomes too." I was blushing fiercely. This seemed to cheer Sirius up again.

I sighed, feeling rather tired. "We weren't intertwined in bed." I managed a smile before admitting to being mostly naked in bed. "But, why did Kingsley tell you about this morning?" I raised my eyebrows in anticipation of an answer.

"He didn't jump into details at first, but Moody asked." I busied myself making a cup of tea for a few moments.

"Seems odd that he'd be interested." I murmured.

"They worked together at the Ministry." Sirius said getting some crumpet from a cupboard.

"I thought he retired before she started. It didn't seem like they knew each other when Tonks joined up with up. Cup of tea?" Sirius shook his head.

I sat down and took a slow sip from the cup. "If it'd make you feel better, I'll break into the Ministry and read his personnel file."

"I—you don't have to do that. It's just odd, that's all." I fidgeted with the cup feeling a prat for my unfounded jealousy.

"You know what I find odd?" I looked up, seeing a hard look on Sirius' face. "Your potion this month. Tonks came by and talked to me about her suspicions." I cleared my throat to interrupt, but Sirius plowed on. "Tonks and I will make it from here on out. Did she tell you that she went to Snivellous' room? You might want to detox her before you share a bed again."

"Oh come off it. I'm sure people have been there before and survived."

"Speaking of surviving, it's nice to see you out of bed, Remus." Kingsley was standing in the doorway. He had a smile on his face. "They made it safely to St. Mungo's."

"That's good to hear." Sirius said with a smirk. "I'm going… upstairs. I think I heard Buckbeak." Perhaps he had noticed the annoyed look on my face. Kingsley wore a slightly embarrassed look on his face which told me he noticed the grimace on my face.

After Sirius rushed out of the room, I opened my mouth but Kingsley beat me to the pitch. "I'm sorry. I was out of place to tell everyone that you're with Tonks. I realize you're a private person and wouldn't want to advertise…"

"It's not that. Just, we're not together. Not really." Kingsley 's eyebrows made a move towards his forehead. "Well, we'd both like to be…and I'm working on making it happen…"

"What's stopping you?"

I sighed wondering how much Kingsley knew about Tonks and I. "There are a hundred little things holding me back. Nothing to do with her or our desire to be together. I don't want Nymphadora to live with the same stigma that's followed me my whole life." I hoped that would suffice as a 'why I haven't gone for it' explanation.

"Seems like a valid concern, but… I'm sorry if this is over-stepping a boundary… why are you sleeping with her if you don't want a relationship. I don't have anything against friends having sex, but she wants to be more than your friend. I mean, if you're just looking for a decent shag—you shouldn't take advantage of her like that." Kingsley 's concern for Tonks seemed brotherly and from what I knew about a brother's protectiveness, I had to clear the air quickly.

"We're not sleeping together…just sleeping in the same bed. We've fooled around, but no sex. Not yet at least." It occurred to me that Tonks would be utterly mortified if she knew I discussed this with Kingsley . "I have a plan, but I'm not sure how to execute it. I could use some help, actually."

Kingsley looked a bit uncomfortable. "What kind of help?"

"Nothing… weird, just some set up…" I told Kingsley what I needed and how he could help. Kingsley agreed to help. He said it wasn't everyday he heard an idea that… unique. "Do you think she'll like it?" I was a bit nervous as I hardly acted out my romantic ideas and didn't know how they played out when unleashed upon the world.

"I'm sure she'll love it. She's not exactly sappy, but she's sentimental."

Sirius wandered back down the stairs. "Did I miss the awkwardness?" He asked plopping down.

"No, you bring it with you." I said sardonically. We all shared a good-natured laugh at his expense.

Upon Sirius' request, I made a Christmas Shopping trip in Diagon Alley. He said that he'd finance it and I could do the shopping, that way the gifts would be from the both of us. Harry's gift was the easiest. I bought a handsome Defense Against the Dark Arts book set. I picked out a boxes of sweets for Ron and Hermione. I bought a nice set of self-cleaning tumblers for Arthur and Molly and some vintage firewhiskey for Sirius. I even bought some new socks for myself. The hard part was deciding what to get Tonks and her family.

Sirius said not to get Andromeda anything. He had a picture he wanted to give her. I had a brilliant moment and went on the hunt for an Elton John vinyl record for Ted. Tonks always talked about him being a fan, she even carried her large pillow named Elton John around with her when staying with me. Once I had Ted 's gift in hand I had to find a gift for my Nymphadora. Everything seemed inadequate, too pricy, too intimate to by from Sirius and me. There was some nice perfume outside the Apothecary, but Tonks didn't wear perfume. There were some very sexy night-things, but Sirius would strangle me if I got that as a 'from us' gift, not to mention she's open it in front of her parents. I spent hours wandering around Diagon Alley. Thankfully, I had been bright enough to go back to Grimmauld Place and give Sirius the gifts I already had, otherwise my arms might have fallen off from the weight.

It was nearly time for most of the shops to close when I dashed into Madame Malkin's. I knew dress robes would be a ridiculous gift, but they carried shirts and other articles of clothing in there too. Relief swept over me as I picked out her present. I wasn't sure if it would work, but it felt like a safe risk. I scampered back to Grimmauld Place in time to get some dinner.

Christmas Eve was a bit nerve-racking for me. I tried to play it off with Harry and the kids. I left under the guise of having Order business. I felt flushed as I met Tonks at her flat so we could Apparate to her parent's house together. She straightened out my sweater and kissed my nose before saying that I looked great. We left for her parents with our hands interlocked.

Ted and Andromeda, both of whom were dressed festively, greeted Tonks and me with enthusiasm. I wondered if Tonks told them about our recent ups and downs. Their behavior suggested that they still believed us to be a happy couple. Andromeda cooked up a delightful meal that outshone the one she prepared on my previous visit.

"'Dora says you've been busy lately." Ted said in a nonchalant voice that didn't match the piercing stare from his usually friendly eyes. I wondered if he knew how upset I'd made Tonks.

I looked up from the bite I was about to take. "'Dora " was a new moniker to me. I quite liked it. "Work's been hectic. They've had a lot of cataloging and research that they wanted done last year." I gave a rye laugh. "Nymphadora has been the only person to get me through the past few months." I smiled warmly, knowing that my statement was completely true. She was my light at the end of the tunnel during my week in bed. Tonks was also the smile that occasionally played across my face when I felt down.

Ted's curiosity about my absence dissipated and was replaced by his reminiscent retelling of Nymphadora as a child. He did an animated reenactment of Tonks refusing to wear a frilly dress for Christmas dinner at her Aunt's house (Ted's sister, naturally). "Then she pulled the skirt over her head, showing her knickers and all for the world to see and ran around the house shouting at us." Ted was tearing up from laughing. Andromeda's face glowed red from behind her hand. Tonks held her head high and laughed along.

"No one in their right mind would wear that dress. It was hideous. The skirt had ruffles and bows." Tonks twisted her face up in disgust.

"It did match your hair, dear." Andromeda smiled fondly at her daughter. "I think it was a nice teal color at the time." Tonks rolled her eyes. "Oh well, I know you could have matched your hair to anything, but you were such an obstinate child. It was best to buy something in a color you sported of your own free will."

The good-natured laughter continued into opening presents. I was beyond thrilled with a tea set that Ted and Andromeda had for me. It was very ornate looking and would be a welcome replacement for the cracked set I had. Ted was tickled pink at the Elton John record I got him. Andromeda seemed to appreciate the photo of her and Sirius as kids. I was quick to add some comforting words about Sirius' path in life. I knew I couldn't tell her of his innocence, but I thought reminding her of their former relationship would soften the tone she used when she said his name. Indeed, her voice was barely audible as she confessed that she still had a hard time believing him guilty, even after all these years.

It was Tonks' turn to give me her present. She was beaming at me as she passed me a lumpy looking package. I opened it feeling some trepidation as to what it might contain. A wave of dubious shock washed over me as a green sweater unfolded in my lap. I let out a quiet 'wow' and held up the warm looking garment for Ted and Andromeda to see. "Did you make this?" I asked Tonks while holding back the urge to look for tags.

Tonks screwed up her face into a critical expression, "Why? Are the sleeves uneven?" We both let out a burst of laughter. I reached for the box which contained Tonks' present. She opened it with the care one would think to be reserved for a newborn baby. I was pleased to hear a delighted 'Oooooh' escape Tonks' lips as she saw her present. She held up the Weird Sisters shirt, bra and panties for her parents to see. I felt myself bush as Andromeda admired the bra. Perhaps that was too intimate to give in front of her parents, but if they disapproved, their faces did not show it.

We left a short while later. Tonks and I stayed at her flat that night. I was introduced to a new delicacy... Well, I considered it a divine treat at least. I chided Tonks as she pulled out a bag of marshmallows. "What are those for?" I asked with my eyebrows raised. She smiled and said they were for roasting. "That's a very muggle thing to do, you know." I was smirking at the idea. We could certainly heat them with a quick flick of the wand, but I agreed to try roasting them. I regretted teasing Tonks for roasting marshmallows as I found it both a delight to do and even more enjoyable to eat. I found the sticky residue left on my fingers to be most satisfying as I couldn't quite get it off between marshmallows. I deemed the experience gooey and good before we went to bed.

Christmas morning with Tonks was most enjoyable. We breakfasted together (I even roasted some marshmallows for her) and I set off for Grimmauld place. I had to stop by Kingsley's place to go over our plan one last time. If Tonks didn't leave her flat on her own, he was to request that she deliver information to Grimmauld Place and then set up a thing or two for me in her flat. I was extremely grateful that Kingsley acquiesced to help in my plan for seducing Tonks.

Our trip to St. Mungo's was quite eventful, from my point of view at least. Arthur was in a room with two other occupants, one of which was a newly bitten werewolf. I meandered over and introduced myself. The fellow was called John Thomas Whitmore. I held in a smirk at his name and focused my efforts on letting him know that it is quite possible to carry on a normal existence as a werewolf. "I bet you don't have a wife and kids to drag into this." John snarled at me. "Me old lady hasn't been to see me once since..."

"I'm sure it'll take some getting use to." I said cutting across him. "I'm not married, to answer your question. I... I am involved with someone and..." I felt hypocritical giving someone a pep talk on the werewolf dating scene when I had been avoiding it most of my adult life. "I feel it's quite possible for werewolves to find mates for themselves." I finished optimistically. I could tell that John Thomas wasn't open for hearing anymore encouragement from me. I left him in peace telling him to Owl me if ever he need support.

I was on my way back towards Arthur's bed when Moody gripped my arm and said hoarsely, "I'd like a word with you Lupin." I followed Moody out of the room without raising any objections. The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione hardly took notice of us leaving. Moody steered me into what seemed to be an unused supply closet. "I've been hearing things... unsettling things." My mind instantly thought of Harry and his strange dream-vision. You can imagine how much of a shock it was to hear, "I don't like the sound of how you're treating Tonks," come from Moody's scarred mouth. I made to reply but words were hushed immediately. "I know it's none of my business what she gets up to, but she's a damn good woman and you better rethink your actions with her."Before I could form a reply, Moody left me with a bewildered expression on my face. I spent a few moments alone with abandoned cleaning supplies and collected myself. I didn't make any allusions to my strange interlude with Moody. I preferred to pretend it didn't happen.

Needless to say, I was glad to return to Grimmauld Place. All thoughts of Moody were pushed out of my mind as I entered the kitchen. I was a bit taken aback to see Tonks and Sirius in a state of uncontrolled laughter and giddiness that suggested they drank their way through several flagons of mulled mead. I had a feeling that I was the subject of their joking and merriment as their laughter seemed to increase upon my arrival in the kitchen and their inability to meet my eyes. "Perhaps you should head home." I suggested to Tonks suppressing a wolfish grin. "I'll escort you." Tonks needed help getting into her jacket she was still laughing uncontrollably. Harry, Ron and Hermione took her behavior for intoxication and gave her wide berth as we passed to leave. I imagined they suspected her clumsiness would increase in a state of such intoxication.

The cold air seemed to bring Tonks to her senses and she mentioned having a bit of a laugh with Sirius. I smiled benignly. That could have been the understatement of the year. We weren't really walking at that point but standing in the gently falling snow. Tonks looked as if debating something. I was trying to push out the words I had to say to make my plan work. I idly brushed some snow out of Tonks' bright hair and asked if I could stay with her that night. While I had stayed over many times, Tonks seemed to understand that I meant 'stay over' in every possible lewd way. She leaned close to me and whispered yes while gently biting my ear. My short fuse was lit by her simple lustful gesture. Before I quite realized what we were doing, Tonks and I were snogging passionately in an alley near her flat. I didn't quite remember apparating there either. We continued snogging into the building and in the elevator. I felt quite rude for not realizing there was another person in the lift with us. While he yelled at us as we got off on Tonks' floor, I couldn't help but feel he was somewhat amused by our lechery.

Once we were within in the confines of Tonks' apartment, we pulled apart for a brief moment. We were both out of breath from our nonverbal dueling. I took Tonks by her hand and led her to the bedroom. A smile broke across my face as I saw her eyes widen with excitement. Kingsley followed my instructions to a T. He had laid out vibrant pink rose petals in a path to the bed and scattered a deal of the petals on top of the bed. Tonks attacked me with her mouth and as we undressed in an excited furry of clothing and kissing I felt a mounting pressure in my chest. What if I didn't live up to her expectations? Our relationship had been dripping with sexual tension from the beginning. I started to doubt if I could make this good enough to make up for the months of no action in this department. My uncertainty was washed away as I leaned into Tonks, asking her if she was sure about this. She let out a low sounding, hissing 'yes' that calmed my anxieties and allowed me to enjoy our blissful oblivion that others would crudely refer to as sex.