Entry tags:

remus/tonks

Fic: A Wonderful Gift (Remus/Tonks)
To: scarlett71177
From: margaret67

Title: A Wonderful Gift
Author: margaret67 (fic journal)
Recipient: scarlett71177
Pairing: Remus/Tonks
Summary: It’s Christmas Eve and Tonks is feeling miserable. She and Remus had a row a few days ago and aren’t talking – she is beginning to worry he doesn’t love her anymore. Is she right?
Word Count: 6,780
Rating: R (bordering on NC17)
Author Notes: Thank you to my beta’s, your help is greatly appreciated

~****~


I sigh as I reached for another file on my desk. I open the yellowing folder and thumb through it until I find a blank piece of parchment. I dip my pink feather quill into my ink bottle and blow my fringe out of my eyes as I lower my head and began to write.

Tuesday 24th December
Nymphadora Tonks – Ministry Auror

Continuing investigation: Severus Snape

Severus Snape was seen leaving Borgin and Burkes at precisely 1100 hours carrying a large brown package. Upon leaving the store he quickly made his way into Diagon Alley. His first stop was at Slug & Jiggers Apothecary where he purchased a new set of scales, unknown herbs, unicorn hair, dragon liver and a gold cauldron.

His next stop was at the Magical Menagerie where he purchased large quantities of rat tonic (intra-office memo sent to investigators trailing Peter Pettigrew)

Snape then-

“Tonks, what are you still doing here?”

“Oh bugger,” I say, as my hand slips, causing the nib of my quill to rip a large section of the parchment I am writing on. “Kingsley, you scared the life out of me.”

“You were never any good at detection were you? I could have been a Death Eater-“

“Kingsley, you are starting to sound like Moody, and I’m not in the mood.” Trying to repair the torn page, I place the tip of my wand on the parchment and utter an incantation – hoping it is the correct one.

“We still need constant vigilance-“ Kingsley begins to say but I cut him off as I swear loudly – the page I was repairing burst into flames. “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” he teases, walking to my desk and extinguishing the flames.

“I’m not kissing anyone with this mouth at the moment,” I say, picking up the soggy file. “Reparo,” I mumble, waving my wand over the file. It instantly repairs itself, and I set it down on top of my desk. I glance up at Kingsley to find him watching me closely.

“I’m on my way to Molly’s Christmas party – are you coming?” he asks, clearly wanting to change the subject, not that I blame him.

“Nope, not in the mood,” I reply, lowering my gaze.

“Will Lupin be there?” he asks.

“I don’t know,” I snap, glaring at my boss. Why does everyone assume I know what Remus has planned? I’m his girlfriend, not his social secretary. “He does what he wants,” I say, waving my hand dismissively.

“Er- well, I better go; don’t want to keep Arthur and Molly waiting, Merry Christmas Tonks,” he says, fixing a Santa hat lopsidedly on top of his head.

“Sod Christmas,” I mumble, shaking my head as I watch Kingsley scurry out of my office, not daring to even give a backwards glance. I sigh heavily sitting at my desk and burying my head in my hands. I roughly massage my eyes with the fatty pads of my palms and inwardly curse Remus bloody Lupin.

Remus.

All I wanted was to spend Christmas with my family. It was the first time in years we’d all be together, and I wanted to introduce Remus properly to them – he is the most important person in my life and I want them to know it, to witness it, to see how much he means to me, and how much I love him. But he wants to spend the day at The Burrow.

Didn’t we do that last year?

Wasn’t it my turn to be with my family?

We had a big row about it three days ago and I haven’t spoken to Remus since. We’ve crossed paths in the corridors, but other than sideways glances, we haven’t acknowledged each other – and it’s starting to worry me.

Usually when we argue, it’s over within minutes- we fight and immediately make up. But not this time – this time was different – we fought and I foolishly stormed out, and we’ve not spoken since. And now, I’m scared that our relationship is over – that we’ve bollocked up the best thing that’s ever happened to either of us. I waited so long to be with him – so many months of loneliness and heart ache were erased the night of Dumbledore’s death – Remus told me he loved me for the very first time, and as we sat on my settee and he slipped his hand over mine – I knew at that very moment that I could never love another man.

I reach for the picture of us on my desk, and I gently run my fingertip over the Muggle picture. It was taken only a week ago when we visited London and took a sight-seeing tour. I had never been on one and Remus was excited to take me. His parents used to take him regularly as a child but he hadn’t been for years.

We started off at Madame Tussauds (and I’m still not convinced some of the wax people weren’t real), and then hopped on a double-decker red bus which took us to Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (did you know a queen lives there?), Big Ben and finally to a museum.

We had such a wonderful day. Remus was my own personal tour guide, and I was surprised he knew so much about the different landmarks we passed – I felt stupid not knowing anything but he didn’t seem to mind. That night, he stayed at my place, and we made love the next morning. I remember thinking I had never felt so happy, but now I feel totally and utterly miserable.

I replace the picture and feel tears prickle my eyes – I should have known a man like Remus would eventually lose interest in me. I don’t read enough to have an in-depth conversation with him. He is always reading some book, wizarding, Muggle, old favourites, new discoveries – he would often encourage me to read with him, but I always had other activities I’d much rather be doing with him.

Our music tastes are completely different too – he tolerates the Weird Sisters but I can see him cringing sometimes when he thinks I’m not looking. I have never seen him wear the t-shirt I bought him for his birthday this year (and it was a collectors item) – it sits on the end of his bed and I wear it as a make shift nightgown when I stay at his place.

I swear far too much, am far too loud when we are out in public, and I think he is tired of waking with pink hair irritating his skin. Plus if he didn’t cook when he stayed at my place, he’d starve.

He is far too sophisticated and worldly for me – I’m surprised we have lasted this long.

I quickly wipe my tears away and stand. I need to talk to someone who understands our relationship. Mum has never liked any of my boyfriends, so I can’t talk to her. I don’t have any girlfriends I can ask (I’ve always felt more comfortable in the company of men – not too many women want to become Aurors). I think the only two girlfriends I have are Ginny and Hermione but I’m just not sure they understand the complex nature of my relationship with Remus.

Ginny may though -, I think biting my nail nervously. Harry pushing Ginny away certainly reminded me of Remus’ behaviour – stupid, noble men – why do they think we need protecting in the first place?

I sigh as I glance at my watch. I accio my cloak, purple gloves and orange scarf and rush from my office – heading towards the Apparition point. There is one person who understands us better than we do ourselves sometimes – Molly Weasley - I just hope she can spare me a few moments.

~*~

I arrive at The Burrow ten minutes later. I would have been there sooner but I was held up by one of the late night security guards. He seemed to think I fancied a dance with him and would not take no for an answer – I just hope someone finds him hanging upside-down from the ceiling before morning.

I take a deep breath as I walk towards the house. I have always loved the sound of snow crunching beneath my feet and as I walk I concentrate on the sound and feel myself relax a little. I reach the back door and kick my feet against the step, dislodging the snow from the bottom of my shoes. I push the door open and am instantly overcome with the intoxicating aroma of Molly’s cooking – if only I could cook like that I could invite Remus over for a romantic dinner, tell him I’m sorry and then shag him senseless.

I step into the house and remove my cloak, scarf and gloves. I place them on the back off the chair and head towards the living room in search of Molly.

“Tonks, what are you doing here?”

I smile as Charlie approaches me, a large goblet of mulled wine in his hand. “Wotcher, Charlie.”

“Care for a drink?” he slurs out, leering at me.

“No thanks,” I reply, shaking my head. “Where is everyone – I thought the house would be full of red-haired people tonight.”

“Fred and George have a new invention to show off, so everyone is in the front garden; we can join them if you like,” he says, stepping closer to me. “Or we could find a nice quiet place and I could show you one of my inventions.“

“Charlie, are you drunk?” I ask, biting back a laugh.

“No, are you?” he replies, again slurring his speech and taking a long sip of his wine.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I’ve been on duty all day.”

“Well,” he says, winking at me. “You’re not on duty now – have a drink with me.”

“I can’t, Charlie; I need to talk to your Mum and then go find Remus.”

“You know, I never really pictured you two together,” he says, and I feel anger wash over me – what did he mean by that? If he mentions anything about Remus being a werewolf, I won’t be responsible for my actions. He is still a loving, caring, sweet man – I never see the wolf inside him; I only ever see the man I am head over heels in love with. Or did he think I wasn’t good enough for Remus? I am sure he isn’t the first to think that.

“You both seem so different,” he says, bringing me back to our conversation.

“We are different,” I say, tartly. “But that just makes it more interesting.”

He laughs as he places his drink onto the kitchen table, sloshing it over the sides. I feel my face turn red as Charlie grins at me. I watch as his eyes sweep over my body and I instinctively cross my arms across my chest – only Remus is supposed to look there. He closes the distance between us and grasps me by the shoulders. I try to move but my feet refuse to budge. Oh sweet Merlin, he’s going to kiss me. I need to stop him.

“Of all the stupid ideas; they could have burnt down the house. I swear those two will be the death of me yet,” Molly says as she enters the house. Charlie let’s go of my arms and takes a step away from me.

“What happened?” he asks, as Molly enters the kitchen. His voice sounds somewhat more sober. Amazing how he’s able to do that just because his mother entered the room.

“Tonks, dear, how lovely to see you,” Molly says brushing past Charlie and hugging me. “Is Remus with you?” she continued, ignoring her son’s question.

“No,” I say, avoiding Charlie’s gaze.

“Oh, is he meeting you here, dear?”

“No,” I reply, shaking my head. “I know you’re busy, but I was wondering if you could spare me a few minutes; I need to talk to you about something.”

“I think that is my cue to leave,” Charlie says, flashing me quite the charming smile. He picks up his goblet and stumbles out of the kitchen, leaving us alone.

“Cup of tea?” Molly asks, smiling kindly at me.

“Yes please.”

“What time can we expect you and Remus here tomorrow?” she asks, placing a steaming mug of tea in front of me moments later. I wrap my fingers around the mug and pull it closer to me.

“I’m not sure I’m coming.”

“Why?”

“Remus and I had a row a few days ago, and we’ve not been talking,’ I say, staring intently at my drink. “And now, I’m scared he doesn’t love me anymore,” I whisper, choking back a sob - saying it out loud makes it seem so much more real.

Molly had her arms around me in seconds and I bury my head into her shoulder. “Don’t be silly, dear, Remus adores you; anyone can see that.”

“I think he is tired of me,” I say quietly as Molly moves from me. She removes a handkerchief from her apron pocket and gently dabs my eyes. I feel foolish letting her mother me like this but she understands just how much I love Remus – how much I need him.

“I watch you and Remus together and he doesn’t seem tired of you to me. He lights up when you’re around, and he’s happier than I can ever remember him being. He once told me that before he met you, he led a dull and sad life – but now it’s full of colour and happiness.”

“Really?” I ask, feeling my heart flutter in my chest. “He really said that, Molly?”

“Yes, dear, he did,” she says, cupping the side of my face and wiping away another tear. “Why don’t you go find him and talk things through – you’ll probably find he is feeling just as miserable as you are.”

“I hope so,” I say, hearing a loud explosion from outside, then raucous laughter. “What was that?” I ask, standing.

“Fred and George’s new invention,” Molly says, shaking her head.

“What is it?”

“Believe me, dear, you don’t want to know,” Molly says, shaking her head again. “I better get back out there; will you be able to see yourself out?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll see you and Remus tomorrow,” Molly says, hugging me. “Go find him.”

I watch Molly leave and I reach for my cloak, gloves and scarf. I slip them on and walk towards the back door. As I grasp the handle, I hear something hovering over my head. I glance up and notice a garland of mistletoe only inches from my head. There are footsteps behind me as I turn and feel my heart sink – Charlie’s walking towards me. “Merry Chrishmash, Nymp- Nympha- Tonks” he slurs. He’s even drunker than he was earlier.

I fumble for the door handle behind me, and I grasp it, as Charlie reaches me. Just as his fingers move around my upper arm, I push the door open and stumble backwards on the ice on the top step. I screech as I fall backwards, my arms flailing in front of me as I try to regain my balance. I wince as my back comes into contact with the snow-covered ground, and I swear loudly – but another loud explosion drowns out my string of profane words as I glare at Charlie.

“Don’t move,” I say, as he takes a step towards me. “Just leave me alone.”

“Let me help,” he says, holding his hand out to me as he gently sways left, then right, and I vaguely wonder how much he has had to drink and what Fred and George have spiked his drink with.

“I’m fine,” I say, gingerly pushing myself up onto my knees. I feel the cold, wet snow soak my jeans, and I once again glare at Charlie as a jolt of pain cascade down my leg as I try to stand. I slap his hand away as he tries to help me again. He looks away embarrassed as I regain my feet.

“Let me get my bum, er-Mum.”

“I’m fine,” I say, trying not to wince as I walk.

“I’m really sorry,” he says, swaying again.

“Don’t worry about it,” I say, removing my wand from my cloak pocket. I briefly aim it at Charlie and feel satisfied as he takes a step backwards – obviously worried about what I may do. “Go cast a sobering charm, Charlie, before you hurt someone else,” I say before concentrating on the courtyard at the rear of my flat as I Disapparate away.

I stumble as I land and feel another jolt of pain shoot down my leg. I gingerly walk toward my flat and try not to slip on the icy ground. As I walk, I look up at the small balcony outside my living room window. Before our argument, Remus had planned on spending the night with me, and whenever he arrived home before me, he would wait for me on the balcony. Tonight, it’s empty. As empty as my insides feel. I feel tears prickle my eyes again but I’m not sure if it’s from the pain in my back or my heart or a little of both.

Once I’ve showered and cast a Healing Spell on my back, I’ll go to Remus’ flat to try and talk to him. But deep down inside, I had hoped he would make the first move and be waiting for me.

I finally reach my flat and with numb fingers, place my key into the keyhole. I grasp the doorknob and turn it, stepping step inside. I drop my keys onto the carpeted floor; shrug off my cloak, scarf, boots and reach for the zipper on my jeans as I hear a noise behind me.

I turn quickly, wand at the ready, and feel my heart flutter in my chest as I notice Remus sitting in front of the large fireplace, reading one of his thick novels.

“Hi,” he says softly “I hope you don’t mind I came on in.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask, harshly.

He blushes as he stands and removes his reading glasses. He places them on top of the mantle and turns to face me. He looks so handsome in his black trousers and red knitted jumper (a gift from me last year) – I often wonder if he truly understands how very sexy he is. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I can leave if you want me to.”

“No,” I say quickly. “I- I don’t want you to leave,” I add, biting my lower lip.

“Good, because I don’t want to,” he says, holding out his arms to me, open, inviting.. I move as quickly as I can and bury my head into his chest as he envelopes me in. He smells so good - earthy and masculine. “I’m sorry,” he says, kissing my hair.

“Me too,” I say, tightening my hold on him. “We can go to The Burrow for Christmas lunch tomorrow, I don’t care where we go as long as we’re together.”

“No, I think we should go to your parents,” he says.

“We can go to my parents for Christmas dinner – that’s when they bring out the good food anyway,” I say. I feel his laughter rumble in his chest and I smile.

“Are you hungry?” he asks, holding me at arms length. “I noticed you didn’t eat all day.”

“Starving, I haven’t eaten since breakfast. We could go back to The Burrow, if you like; I’m sure Molly has more than enough to feed us,” I say, then regretting my suggestion as I think of Charlie.

“I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind,” he says, and I feel relief wash over me. “I have dinner in the kitchen.”

“You cooked?” I ask.

“No, tonight we are having a Lupin family traditional meal for Christmas Eve,” he says, grinning broadly.

“What is it?” I ask, feeling my stomach rumble. He chuckles when he hears it.

“Fish and chips.”

“Fish and chips?” I repeat.

“Yep, and we eat right off the paper.”

“Good,” I say as he walks past me. “Saves on doing any dishes,” I tease, grinning like a maniac. He laughs, and I close my eyes, feeling the goose bumps erupt over my skin, just from the sound of that laugh – deep, hearty and so very sexy. He is back in the living room within moments and as he walks up behind me, I jump because I feel his fingers move over my bum. “Remus, can we at least eat first,” I say, arching an eyebrow.

He laughs again and shakes his head. “Your jeans are ripped, what happened?”

“Oh,” I say, blushing. “Fell over at work,” I lie.

“Did you hurt yourself?” he asks, placing two wine glasses, a bottle of wine and the wrapped fish and chips onto the floor in front of the fireplace.

“My back is a bit sore.”

“Would you like a massage?”

“No, it’s not that bad,” I say, even though I would love a massage from him. He certainly has a way with those fingers of his.

“I don’t mind,” he says. He knows how much I love it when he massages me. He also can tell just by looking at me, that I’m lying when I say my back doesn’t hurt that much.

“Why don’t we eat first and then you can have your way with me,” I compromise.

“You mean give you a massage,” he asks, holding his hand out to me.

“That too,” I say, grinning. “I’ve missed you,” I sliding my hand in his.

“I’ve missed you, too,” he replies. He helps me onto the floor and as we kneel on the carpet, he cups my face in his hands. He gently runs his thumbs over my skin and I shiver slightly. “I love you,” he says, tilting his head slightly as he lowers his mouth to mine. His lips feel wonderful against my own, and I shiver again as I feel his tongue move along my lips before his tongue slips into my mouth – it feels like a lifetime ago that we kissed, and I know beyond a doubt I will never tire of kissing him; he is firm yet gentle, bold, but shy, and when he cups the back of my neck and holds me in place as he takes control - I want to melt into him. “Am I forgiven?” he asks, breaking our kiss.

“For what?” I ask, stupidly. My head’s spinning and my skin is tingling, and I’m feeling breathless.

“For hurting you - again?”

“I hurt you too, so I suggest we forgive each other and just enjoy being together again. Agreed?” I say, holding out my hand to him.

“Agreed,” he replies, taking my hand in his. He turns my hand and kisses the back of it, his lips linger on my skin, and even as I kneel, I can feel my knees go weak at the simple gesture.

He drops my hand and reaches behind himself. “Would you like some wine?”

“Yes please,” I say, crossing my legs in front of me.

“Dora, can you do something for me?” he asks, handing me my glass

I smile at the use of my shortened name nod my head. “Close your eyes,” he says.

“Why?”

“It’s a surprise,” he says, smiling softly. I take a sip of my wine and slowly close my eyes, my lashes fluttering shut as I watch him carefully. I laugh as I feel Remus wave his hand in front of me, checking that I’m not going to peek. I hear him whisper a few incantations and then feel his lips on mine. “You can open your eyes,” he says, breaking the kiss.

I gasp as I look around the room; we are now bathed in candle light and a large Christmas tree, ornately decorated with brightly coloured flashing lights. sits in the corner of the room. I notice there are many garishly coloured packages beneath the tree and I smile. “Are they all for me?” I ask rather coyly.

“Yes, but you can’t open any until the morning.”

“But Remus,” I whine, “that’s teasing.”

“You can open one,” he says, “but I get to choose which one.”

“That’s not fair.”

“It’s either that or no presents until morning,” Remus says rather smugly. He pours himself a glass of wine and offers me more..

“Fine, you win,” I say, grinning and holding out my glass.

“Happy Christmas,” he says, holding his glass towards me.

“Happy Christmas,” I reply, gently clicking my glass against his. “Now let’s eat.”

Remus grins as he unwraps the parcel of chips. I reach for a chip and wince from pain. “How did you fall over?” Remus asks a worried expression etched on his face. “I hope it wasn’t doing anything too dangerous.”

“No, I- er tripped on some water in the bathroom,” I lie.

“Why are the knees of your jeans wet?” he asks, frowning.

“The water from the bathroom,” I say, sipping my wine.

“Dora, what really happened?” he asks, touching my leg.

The man can read me like a book and knows exactly when I’m lying. I know he deserves the truth, not to mention I’m a bit worried Charlie will mention tonight’s incident to Remus tomorrow at lunch, and I don’t fancy having another argument, let alone at the Burrow – so I swallow nervously and reach for another chip. “I fell over at The Weasleys’; I went to talk to Molly about…something,” I add, avoiding Remus’ gaze. “I mistakenly stepped under some mistletoe, and I fell backwards as I tried to get away from it.”

“Who was trying to kiss you?” he asks, his voice low and controlled.

“It doesn’t matter; he was drunk.”

“Was it Fred or George, because they’ve always fancied you,” Remus says, angrily.

“They do not, Remus,” I say, shaking my head – I don’t think I’ve heard anything so absurd in my life.

“Yes, they do, Dora; they’ve mentioned how lucky a man I am to have snagged you. Did Fred or George try to kiss you?” he asks again.

“They said that?”

“Yes, Dora, they did. Now answer my question. Was it one of those two that tried to kiss you?” Remus asked, a bit of impatience in his voice.

I shake my head. “No, it wasn’t them.”

“Bill?”

“No – he is married to Fleur, remember.”

“Percy?”

“I’m not even sure if he was there.”

“Ron? Harry?”

“Remus, you are being stupid now,” I say, shaking my head again.

“Well, who was it?”

I glance at Remus and bite my bottom lip nervously – this isn’t going to end well. “Charlie,” I whisper.

“Charlie Weasley tried to kiss you?” Remus asks. I notice the wine glass in his hand is shaking as he tries to control his temper. He places his glass onto the floor and motions to stand. I grasp his wrist and shake my head. “Let go. Dora,” he says.

“No, Remus. We’re not going over there. He didn’t do anything to me, and he probably won’t even remember he tried to do anything to me, he was that drunk.”

“I promise I won’t hurt him…much,” Remus says. “I just want to make certain he realizes you’re quite taken.” I let go of his wrist and as he stands and walks from the living room. I notice his wand is on the floor near the hearthrug and I accio it. I hide it under one of the settee cushions and reach for some more chips – he isn’t going anywhere. “Have you seen my wand?” he asks, stepping back into the living room after a few moments.

“No.” I smile innocently.

“Nymphadora, where is my wand?”

“I don’t know,” I say, as I pop another chip in my mouth. “I’m ready for my massage now.”

“I’ll give you a massage when I get back.”

“You can’t go without your wand,” I say, struggling to my feet. “But go if you want; I’m going to have a bath, then go to bed. You can sleep on the couch when you get back,” I add. As I walk past him, he grabs my hand. I glance at him and he smiles back. That smile stops my heart each and every time he flashes it at me.

“I’m overreacting, aren’t I?” he asks a bit sheepishly.

“Yes,” I reply, nodding my head. “But I think you are terribly sexy when you are angry and protective,” I say, smirking. “So are you staying or going.”

“Staying,” he says.

“Good. Still want to give me a massage?” I ask.

“Yes,” he says, removing his cloak and tossing it onto the settee. “Lay in front of the fire, and I’ll get the massage oil.”

“Okay,” I simply say as I involuntarily shiver from the look he is giving me. I unbutton my shirt and slide it off. Unzipping my jeans, I push them over my hips and down my legs. I cringe as I notice the multi coloured Weird Sisters knickers I am wearing – I contemplate transfiguring them to something a little less garish. I walk towards the fireplace and transfigure a cushion into a soft rug. I lie in the middle of it and enjoy the feeling of the hot flames warming my skin.

“Nice knickers,” Remus says, as he rejoins me.

“Shut it,” I say, looking over my shoulder at him. I wince from the pain of twisting around.

He grins as he straddles my legs and leans forward. He kisses my shoulder then nibbles my skin. “Where does it hurt most?”

“My lower back,” I say, swallowing hard.

“Here?” he says, as he runs his hand gently down my lower spine.

“Yes,” I say, surprised that my voice sounds so breathy.

He mumbles a spell to warm the oil and pours some of the liquid onto my back and then begins to massage the liquid into my skin. The warmth of the liquid and his large hands, rough and calloused, feel wonderful against my skin, and I let out a long sigh. I turn my head and rest it onto my folded arms. I watch the golden, red flames dance in the fireplace and sigh again as Remus presses a little firmer to my back. “Dora, would you mind if I removed your bra?” he leans forward and whispers in my ear.

I shiver again, and shake my head, feeling his hands grasp the clasp on my bra. I can tell the material loosens and I slightly raise my body as Remus pushes the straps down my arms. I fling the garment aside and moan as Remus cups my breasts and massages them gently. The massage oil on his hands feels wonderful and I feel my nipples harden against the roughness of the palms of his hands.

I feel his mouth on my neck and as his teeth graze over my skin I feel goose bumps erupt over my body. He nibbles my skin and pinches my nipples – sweet merlin I love it when he does that.

He releases my breasts and kisses his way down my spine. My body feels as though it is heating from the inside out – his mouth feels wonderful and I let out a deep moan as he nibbles at the skin at the juncture of the back of my thigh and bum – I think he is trying to kill me.

He repeats the action on my other leg and by the time he is kissing his way back up my spine, I feel as though I am already undone. He helps me to roll over and as I reach for him, he grasps my hands and raises them above my head. “No touching,” he whispers, binding my arms in place.

He kisses me slowly and as he once again massages my breasts, he lowers his fully clothed body over mine and I enjoy the feeling of his rough clothes against my skin. Remus breaks our kiss and moves slightly down my body. He kisses each breast, and then flicks his tongue, rolling it around my taut nipples. He continues to nibble, moving onto the underside of my breast and I arch into him.

I feel him smile against my skin as he kisses and nibbles his way down my stomach and I push my legs apart, wanting him to touch me. He smirks up at me and massages the inside of my thigh. He grasps me behind the knee and nibbles on the skin on the inside of my thigh. He is driving me insane and he knows it.

He moves his mouth down the inside of my leg and I moan loudly as his lips and teeth graze the sensitive skin. His fingers touch me through my knickers and I feel my eyes flutter closed. I don’t think I have ever wanted him so badly. I want him now.

He lowers my leg and moves to lie next to me. I hook my leg over his hip, pulling his clothed body as close as I can. The roughness of his trousers rubbing against me as I snuggle into his embrace. “Touch me, Remus,” I say, breathless and needy as I move my head to try to kiss him.

He lowers his mouth to mine, pulling me close. He separates us slightly and moves his hand back between my thighs. I moan into his mouth as his fingers tease me through the slight material of my knickers. He deepens our kiss as his fingers plays with the waistband, moving inside and expertly touches me. I begin to rock my hips as his fingers find their way inside me; curling them slightly, he touches me in the spot that only he has ever managed to find. I tear my mouth from his as my orgasm surges through me. He peppers my face with kisses as he gently removes his hand; he pushes my knickers off and I feel the spell binding my hands released.

He kisses me one last time and kneels next to me. He pulls his jumper off as I reach for the belt of his trousers. I unzip them and move my hand inside and grasp him through his boxer shorts. He groans and as he pushes his trousers and boxer shorts down, I grasp him again and slightly raise up from the floor to take him briefly in my mouth. Remus groans as I slowly run my tongue along the length of him and cup his balls. He sits onto the floor and kicks off his pants as I move between his thighs. He leans against the settee and I spread his legs wide and lay flat on my stomach. I take him in my hand as I move my lips to the inside of his thigh. I take a patch of skin into my mouth and nibble gently as I begin to move my hand up and down, making sure to come into contact with the head of his shaft each time.

He feels warm and hard in my hand and my body is aching for him to be inside me. I glance up at him and find him watching me closely. I move from him and grasp his shoulders as he takes himself in his hand. I lower my body, but only take the tip of him inside. I slowly move up and down and as my mouth seeks his, I take him fully inside.

I stay still for a few moments then rock my hips to the left then right. Remus grasps my hips and begins to move me up and down. He pulls me hard against his body and I feel my eyes roll at the sensation. I take my own breasts in my hands and massage them as I ride him. I pinch my nipples as I feel him release my hips. Remus doesn’t generally last too long when we are in this position and as I hear a sharp intake of breathe and his moans – I know this time won’t be any different. I reach for his hand and gently suck on his middle finger, his eyes widen slightly as I move his hand down my body and between my thighs.

As he touches me I feel my body begin to pulsate around him - he feels so deep and I as my orgasm hits I cry out his name for the second time this evening.

I continue to move above him, making sure I take him as deep as possible – I want him to feel as good as he has made me feel. I hear him grunt my name moments later and as he cups my face and kisses me slowly – I feel like I am floating – I have never loved him more than I do at this moment.

~*~

“We need to fight more often,” he says, grinning and kissing my forehead. I laugh and rest my body against his. He wraps me in his arms around me and I kiss his chest. “Dora, I have something for you.”

“Already?” I tease.

He laughs and shakes his head. He reaches behind and grasps his cloak. He places it around my shoulders and them fumbles inside the pocket for something. He holds out a small box towards me and I clap my hands together in excitement. “Is this the one present I’m allowed to open?

“No, this is something else,” he said, a soft, endearing smile on his lips.

“Oh,” I say, glancing down at the box. A box, a small velvet box. Something that would contain…

“Open it,” he says, shifting beneath me. I look into his eyes, knowing that this is truly what I want, but surprised that this was actually happening. I look back at the box, and take it in my hand, carefully removing the lid. I gasp in shock as I look at a delicate diamond ring. It is absolutely gorgeous and terribly perfect. I glance up at him and blink back tears.

“Remus,” I whisper.

“I was going to wait until morning but I need to know now. Nymphadora Tonks, I love you, will you marry me?”

Mum always told me that when Dad asked her to marry him, she made him wait a week for her answer; she wanted to be sure that he was the right man for her. But I knew from the moment I met Remus that he was the right man for me. “Yes,” I say, beginning to tremble. There was no way I would make this man, this wonderfully patient man wait for my answer.

He smiles broadly as he removes the ring from the box. I hold my left hand out to him and feel the magical ring adjust to my finger as he places it on me. I stare down at it and bite my bottom lip.

“I’m sorry it’s not bigger,” he says.

“I think it’s perfect, Remus,” I say. “I love it and I love you,” I add, hearing bells ringing in the distance. “It’s officially Christmas Day,” I say, feeling happier than I can ever remember being..

“I suppose you want to open your presents,” Remus says.

“Well, it is Christmas morning,” I say, feeling giddy. “And just think, if I open my presents now, I won’t need to get out of bed early, it gives us a chance to do other things.” I grin evilly. “I’ll even wake you the way you like.”

“Can’t we just pretend it’s morning now?” he asks, grinning back.

“Remus,” I say, laughing and shaking my head. “You are insatiable.”

“You say that likes it a bad thing,” he says.

“I love you,” I say, suddenly serious.

“I know, Dora; I love you too,” he says, cupping the side of my face. “More than I ever thought I could ever love someone. I never thought I’d have this…gift…the gift of love. The gift of you.”

“Promise me you’ll always love me,” I say, feeling vulnerable.

“Nymphadora,” he says, kissing my nose. “I could never love anyone else. I love you with my heart and soul and I always will – they are yours and will be till the day I die.”

I move my mouth to his and kiss him deeply. I love this man with all my being and to know he loves me the same way – I feel like I have been given the greatest gift of my life.

~****~