A/N Once again (this must be getting boring now!) sorry for the slow update. This time my flash drive, which stores all my stories has stopped working. It's a disaster, or it would be if the back up facility on this site didn't work so well. I had my first few stories on my PC, though in what form, who knows, so that's ok, so I had to back this one up back to my pc, and I struggled to find a minute to do that. The trouble was, I couldn't finish the story until I had.

Anyway, thanks as ever, to all my reviewers and readers. This really will be the final chapter of this story. I have been asked if the story will have a sequel, but unless inspiration hits, I think not. It will however, have a prequel, because I have decided that I will be writing the first part of this, i.e. the James/Lily/Remus issue as a story in its own right. I intend to do that as soon as possible, so watch this space. I have a title for it. It will be called A Moment of Madness. I also have a plot in my head for an AU James and Lily fic, and perhaps even another James and Lily one-shot.

Anyway, enough of my rambling, on with the story. As ever, please read and review.

CHAPTER SIX: TOGETHER

Nymphadora Tonks walked backwards until the backs of her legs touched the side of the bed. All the time she moved, she never loosed her hold on Remus's hands or took her dark eyes from his own grey orbs. She marvelled at how coordinated she was, walking backwards easily, without tripping or falling over herself. Normally Nymphadora Tonks was a clumsy, graceless creature. Now, the intense gaze of the man she loved with all her heart made her feel like the most graceful, beautiful woman in the world. He made her feel like that.

Remus Lupin held on to Tonks's hands as she stepped backwards, each step taking her closer to the bed. He found himself completely unable to take his eyes off her. An intense surge of love rose up inside him, now mixed with another feeling. As he looked down on her, he knew that what they were about to do was right. He knew he wanted her, not just physically, but in every way. He knew he loved her, knew he wanted to give her everything he was capable of giving, even his body. His heart began to thud in his chest at the thought that he could see the same feelings echoed in her eyes.

Soon Tonks's legs came into contact with the side of the bed and she stilled. She stood Remus's hands still in hers, their gazes still locked together. It was as if they were trying to absorb one another through their eyes. Soon she sensed that one of them would have to make the next move and she slipped her hands out of Remus's, thinking it would have to be her, but she was taken aback for a moment when suddenly Remus's hands slipped down her arms until he came to just above her elbows, where he gripped firmly but gently and pulled her body against his, dropping his lips to hers and kissing her with such passion she almost felt faint. It took a second for her to respond, but soon she did, moaning softly, the pressure of their lips, joined together, smothering the sound. Remus Lupin was holding her to him so firmly she could feel his body's reactions to her through his robes. She thrilled in her ability to make him respond to her so easily, so, edging even closer, she deliberately pressed her body against him, smiling to herself as his body responded more, making him gasp and groan 'Nymphadora!' in a voice low with desire. His moan of her name in a tone that she had never heard him use before convinced her that he wanted her every bit as much as she wanted him. She knew that the way he was making her feel, even with such a simple act as kissing, could never be matched with anyone else. For Nymphadora Tonks this was it, the only man she would ever love was here, in her arms, and he wanted her.

The two exchanged kisses over and over, completely wrapped up in the new feeling of being together, with no barriers, fears or regrets between them. Soon however, the need to breathe caught up with them both. Reluctantly, they edged their lips apart, still holding each other close. Remus caught his breath and stroked Tonks's cheek lovingly, 'I do love you, you know that, don't you?' he asked, his eyes burning with all the feelings he had tried, and failed, to hide for so long. Tonks smiled brightly and ran her hand through the hair at the nape of Remus's neck. 'Yes, I know you do, I've known for a long time, even when you kept pushing me away I knew you loved me really'. Remus Lupin sighed heavily and took Tonks's heart-shaped face in his hands again, 'You never gave up did you, even after all the times I pushed you away, tried to deny my feelings for you, you still came back. I don't understand why you did it, but I'm glad you did', he smiled almost sadly at her, his eyes full of regret for all the time he had wasted. Tonks kissed him softly on the lips before she replied, 'I kept coming back because I love you Remus, it's simple. I just love you, and once I knew for sure you felt the same, nothing was going to stand in my way, even you' she grinned cheekily, drawing a low rumble of laughter from him. 'Well you're persistent I have to give you that!' he laughed. She suddenly became more serious, 'I would never have given up really you know, even if you'd come up here and told me you couldn't be with me I still would have waited for you'. Remus Lupin had to swallow hard before he could reply, moved by the depth of feeling in her words, the tears built in the back of his throat. Finally finding his voice, he spoke, 'Well you don't need to wait any more Nymphadora. I'm here and I love you….so much', then he kissed her softly once more.

Within a moment the kiss, which had started off so gentle and tender, became deep and passionate once more, as the two were lost in each other again. After a breathless moment Tonks inched her way from Remus's lips. She gazed into his eyes again before she lowered her hands to the hem of the long Weird Sisters t-shirt she had put on earlier when she had come upstairs for a lie-down. She was also wearing a pair of ankle-socks with silver stars on them. She wished for a moment that she could have been wearing something more attractive than the casual outfit she usually slept in at Grimmauld Place, but, judging by the look in Remus's eyes he didn't appear to mind. His eyes locked with hers again and suddenly he seemed to be holding his breath. 'Are you all right Remus? Is this all right really, because if it isn't we can stop. We could just go to bed to sleep if you like?' She thought she might be moving too fast for him, he might want to stop, even if his eyes were beginning to glow. Remus shook his head, breaking into a slight grin, 'I think you're stealing my lines Nymphadora', then he straightened his face, looking at her intently. 'Are you sure you want this, because, as you say, we can stop if you don't'. He waited for her answer, almost feeling nervous again. He wondered for a moment how he would feel if she did want to stop. Now that they had sorted everything out between them he knew he wanted her completely, it felt right. He hoped she felt the same. He was pulled from his thoughts as Tonks began to pull up the t-shirt she was wearing. It was moving higher and higher up her legs. It had started below her knees, but now it was almost at her thighs. 'I do want this Remus, more than anything' she said softly, before once more, she began to pull the t-shirt higher.

Remus Lupin watched as Nymphadora Tonks moved towards revealing herself to him. His heart began to hammer so hard it felt like it had shifted from his chest to the back of his throat. He swallowed hard to try to stem the wave of feeling that was beginning to overwhelm him. He knew, as he watched her, he had never wanted anyone in his life as much as her. His breath caught in the back of his throat as the t-shirt between Tonks's hands rose higher, above her legs, now gradually revealing the pale skin of her slim stomach to his eyes. He ached to reach out and touch her, but stopped himself. He didn't want to risk rushing her, scared that if he did, he would offend her. However, Tonks suddenly seemed to have other ideas. Holding the t-shirt halfway up her ribcage, she looked deeply into Remus's eyes, her gaze so full of longing it made his heart thump faster than ever. Then, to his amazement, Tonks spoke, her voice husky as it had been earlier. 'If you like, you could help me….you could help me take this off'. She took a breath as she finished. It was as if she had struggled to put the words together at all.

Remus wondered once more at the young woman, whose intense gaze reflected his own love and desire. He could still hardly take in that she wanted him as much he wanted her, but as he watched her, he could clearly see the evidence that she did in her eyes. Knowing that he wanted her, knowing that he loved her more than he would ever be able to express, Remus stepped closer and enclosed his hands over hers, the t-shirt held between them both. Locking his gaze with hers once more, he nodded. Slowly the two raised their hands together, bringing the t-shirt higher over Tonks's body. They eased it over her head and then away altogether. Tonks threw the garment to the floor, where it landed softly. She lowered her arms to her sides and stared into Remus's face, waiting for him to respond.

Remus Lupin stood, arms now at his sides, and took in the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Nymphadora Tonks was standing in front of him, almost naked. He wondered for a moment why he didn't feel nervous at this point. The thought of seeing a woman in this way, after so many years, the thought that soon she would expect him to show himself in the same way, probably should have unnerved him, or embarrassed him in some way. However, as he gazed on her, he felt completely comfortable. An incredible peace had suddenly washed over him, he knew now that he was ready to show this remarkable woman just how much he loved her.

Remus continued to allow his eyes to focus on Tonks. He looked deeply into her eyes, which were cloudy with longing. He took in her body, her pale skin, which appeared as smooth as silk. Remus's gaze took in Tonks's perfect figure. Her body was obviously trim and slim, as an Auror she had to be fit. However, her muscle tone didn't make her look masculine, as some might suspect. Instead, the toned form her body took was feminine in the extreme, her slim frame accentuating the curves of her breasts and hips. Remus Lupin suddenly understood what people meant by an hour glass figure. As far as he could see, Nymphadora Tonks was the most beautiful hour glass he had ever seen. Edging closer, he smiled softly at her, 'You're so beautiful' he whispered, his voice catching in his throat. His body was aching for her, his heart thumped loudly in his ears. Tonks smiled wryly, 'I'm not beautiful, you're just being kind to me'. Remus Lupin shook his head firmly, before he reached out and took her face in his hands; he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs, feeling her shiver in response to his touch. He stared deeply into her eyes, 'I'm not being kind to you at all. I'm telling you; you're a very beautiful woman Nymphadora'.

Tonks's face lit up in an expression of pure joy, no one else had ever told her she was beautiful, no one else had ever looked at her the way he was looking at her, like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. She sighed contentedly before she eased closer into Remus's arms, closing the gap between their bodies. 'Show me how beautiful you think I am Remus' her voice was hardly louder than a whisper.

Remus Lupin didn't need to be asked twice, he took Nymphadora Tonks into a firm embrace, her body brushing against his robes. He gently pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. Soon however, he knew that kissing her wasn't enough any more. He wanted her; he loved her more than anything. He took his lips from hers and, looking into her eyes, he waited for her to nod to indicate she was ready for him to go on. She smiled lovingly and nodded. Remus's heart continued its thumping as he slowly raised his hands and took Tonk's face between them once more. He gently kissed her lips again as he began to slowly brush his fingertips over her face and down, along the elegant contours of her neck. As his lips left hers, he allowed them to follow the path his fingers had taken. Tonks moaned in response and stepped back again, before beginning to lower herself down on to the bed. Remus felt her move and instinctively put his arms around her and supported her as she eased herself to the bed. Soon she was on her back on the bed, Remus laying over her. She moaned as their bodies touched, hers almost naked, his still fully clothed. She gasped as Remus raised himself a little and began kissing her neck again, nipping softly as he went.

Tonks moaned deeply as Remus's hands and lips continued to worship her. She sensed that he was completely wrapped up in her, that he was holding off from taking anything for himself until he had shown her the depth of his love. Her breathing was becoming ragged as Remus's lips travelled along her neck to her exposed chest. She could hardly believe that this was the man she thought was shy. Now, far from shy, he was taking control, kissing her chest attentively, while in between kisses he was whispering words of love and telling her once more that she was beautiful. She shivered under the intensity of the feelings flowing between them. Never before had she experienced anything so intimate with another person. Though she knew that this wasn't her first time by any means, it was her first time with this man, the first time with someone she knew she was in love with, the man, she knew, she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. She moaned when she felt Remus's lips and fingers moving slowly closer to her breasts. She arched her back into him, the sensations he was causing on her skin driving her mad. She almost wished he would move a little faster. He was slow and loving, but still intensely passionate, but she longed for him to touch her where she needed him most. She felt her body shudder and heat rise within her when he carefully placed his hand over her left breast, covering it, then he suddenly looked up into her eyes again. He sighed. 'Your heart is racing, I can feel it, are you sure you're all right?' he asked softly. Tonks nodded, seeing the concerned look in his eyes. 'I'm fine', she sighed, almost wishing he would stop being so concerned and just touch her, 'my heart races like that all the time when you're around'. Tonks resisted the temptation to roll her eyes at the corniness of what she had just said, she mentally chided herself for sounding so girly, but Remus didn't seem to mind. He was smiling at her, a smile full of love and happiness. Then, with one last loving smile he lowered his head and began to kiss her breasts.

Remus Lupin was totally absorbed by the woman lying beneath him. He wanted make up for all the lost time, he needed her to know he felt as deeply for her as she did for him. Still, he could hardly believe what he was doing, touching her, kissing her, giving so much of himself. For years he had pushed away most of his emotions, fearing that if he allowed himself to let go, he would be hurt, or other people would end up hurt because of him. Now, for the first time in years he felt completely free to show his feelings.

Just for a moment Remus allowed his mind to wander to the past. Remus knew that at school Sirius had got the reputation of the ladies man, and for the most part it was true. There was a succession of girls who followed him around, dancing to his every tune. He would be aloof to all of them in public just in case any of them worked out that he actually involved with all of them….at the same time. Sirius had only really changed his ways when the Potters went on the run. Life suddenly seemed to hit Sirius Black on the nose at that point. He was never the same care-free person again. Remus couldn't help but wonder if Sirius had ever known anything like this, the feeling of wanting someone, but also the knowledge that you love someone completely and they love you back as much. Somehow he thought not. Remus's heart ached for his friend. Sirius Black had missed out on so much in life, and now he was gone. Sometimes life could be cruel, and Sirius had been dealt the cruellest of hands.

James Potter, on the other hand, had a certain reputation at Hogwarts, but it was mostly talk. He would flirt with girls, smiling and messing around with his hair, but he never got involved with any of them. James only ever wanted one girl, and in the end he had got her. Remus could now understand the depth of James's love for Lily. He could see why James said many times, even before the trouble with Voldemort began, that if anything parted him from Lily he would die.

Remus realised now that this was exactly how he felt for Nymphadora. He knew that whatever happened, he could never be without her now. This was it, forever. He knew that soon he would be asking her to be with him forever, but for now he was caught up once again in her. She was moaning as his lips and hands moved over her breasts, caressing them, learning how she liked to be touched. She arched her back and whimpered with pleasure when he teased a nipple with his tongue before taking it into his mouth and sucking on it. He moaned in response to the sounds she was making, marvelling in the knowledge that he had pleased her. He caressed the other breast with his hand, deliberately trailing his finger over the tender skin beneath her breast, drawing more moans from her. He didn't know how he knew how to touch her to make her respond so strongly. He was acting on instinct alone, guided purely by the sounds she made as she moaned and sighed, or arched her back and shivered as he caressed her with his hands, lips and tongue.

Hearing her respond so passionately pushed Remus on. He knew in his heart that he couldn't stop now. The intensity of the feelings inside him was like nothing he had ever known before. His first experience with a woman had been a sordid, rushed thing. It was simply a case of two bodies taking from each other, or rather, one taking and the other giving it away for money. This was a tender, beautiful thing, and, as difficult as it was for him to control himself and not rush, he was determined to savour every moment. This was all about her, giving himself to her, not holding back anything. He had done quite enough of that. Now he moved from Tonks's breasts, and placed gentle kisses and caresses over the skin of the rest of her torso. He absorbed the sight of her again, her perfect skin, her feminine figure. He caressed her almost flat abdomen, drawing a deep moan from her as her skin fluttered in response to his gentle touch. Then he dipped his tongue into her belly-button and she began to writhe on the bed and breathe heavily, closing her eyes as waves of sensation overcame her. Remus looked up and saw her eyes closed tightly and the beads of sweat on her brow, he felt her body shuddering beneath him. Again he could hardly believe that he was drawing such responses from her. He wondered how much more he could do. Collecting his thoughts, he decided there was only one way to find out. Easing himself off her body, he knelt beside her on the bed, at her feet.

Nymphadora Tonks was utterly lost in the sensation of Remus's hands and mouth as they moved over her body, each touch and kiss overwhelming her senses. For so long she had longed for this, dreamed of this moment when he would love her, when he would allow her to show her love, with her heart, body and soul. She felt like she was teetering on the edge of the abyss, but she wasn't afraid. Instead she longed for Remus to carry them both over, to join their minds and bodies irrevocably as one. She clamped her eyes shut under the intensity of the kisses and caresses Remus was passing over her body, almost overpowered by the feeling of him discovering her breasts and abdomen, before she almost lost control completely when he dipped his tongue into her belly-button. She gasped and writhed, caught up completely in the moment. Then, after an intense minute, where her body shuddered, almost convulsing with pleasure, she opened her eyes as she felt Remus move away. She looked up at him to see he was sweating as much as her, panting as if he'd run for miles. His eyes were dark with desire. A triumphant glow began in Tonks's heart, washing over her whole body. She believed at last that he had finally dropped his guard. He wanted to belong to her; she could see it in his ardent gaze. She couldn't find the strength to speak, instead she lay, her breathing ragged as she waited for him to make his next move.

Staring into Tonks's eyes Remus reached out and slipped a sock from her foot. He eased it slowly away and threw it aside before repeating the same on the other foot. Then with slow deliberation, he picked up a foot in his hands and raised it. Tonks seemed to sense what he was about to do, she began to breathe heavily again, arching her back in an attempt to get closer to him. Casting her a smile, Remus knew he couldn't make her wait any more. He raised the foot so that the sole was facing his lips and then he began to kiss it. He heard Tonks release a sigh and took it as his cue to go on. Starting at her heel, he kissed her foot, not missing out any of the sensitive skin. As his lips rose higher, Tonks began to wriggle her toes and moan, pushing her foot closer to him. He knew what she wanted, so carefully he kissed up the length of her big toe, before he reached the top when he took the toe into his mouth and sucked. Tonks arched and whimpered in response. Remus knew he had pleased her, so he slowly did the same with each toe in turn, kissing and sucking, until she was shuddering and moaning incoherently.

After kissing her foot, Remus changed position. Sitting forward, he began to slowly kiss and caress his way up Tonks's legs, inching himself higher and higher up her body as he went. Tonks groaned loudly, as he caressed her calves and knees. She shivered as he brushed his hands over the underside of her knees, before moving once more and beginning to softly kiss her thighs. Tonks gasped, this new feeling causing an ache to begin low in her body. She didn't know how much more of this she could stand. Remus had literally reduced her to nothing more than a bundle of nerve endings which seemed to be stretching tighter with every kiss and brush of his hands. He was so close to the part of her body where the ache was throbbing, an ache she knew only he could take away. She felt her control slipping further and further away with each delicate touch he was bestowing on her body. She could hardly believe how reverent he was, each touch and kiss worshipping her, showering her with his deepest feelings. Soon he stilled once more, meeting her gaze. She knew what he was going to do next. She decided to help him. Shaking with need, she took Remus's hands from her thighs and placed them around her hips, then looking into his eyes, she moved with him as he began to slip away the final item of clothing she was wearing.

Remus gasped as the most intimate parts of Tonks's body were revealed to him. Now she lay, completely naked. She was incredible to him. He marvelled at her femininity, he loved her for the way she had given herself up completely to the intense feelings rushing through both of them. Now he knew it was time for him to do the same. Easing himself off the bed, he stood, his eyes locked with Tonks and began to remove his own clothes. He concentrated on her, knowing only too well that if he stopped at this point, the thought of what he was doing would be too much, and his anxiety over his scars would ruin things. He was determined not to allow that to happen, he wanted her too much for that. He slipped off his robes, letting them fall to the floor, then he undid the buttons on his shirt before allowing it to fall. All the time Tonks was watching, on her side on the bed, facing him expectantly. She smiled at him reassuringly, knowing this would be difficult for him. 'I love you Remus' she whispered softly. As she said the words Remus saw the truth of them in her eyes. He looked down at the scars across his chest and shoulders, some from his schooldays, when he spent the full moon in the Shrieking Shack, first alone and then with the Marauders, other scars were fresher, from more recent transformations, though these were not as deep as the older injuries. It dawned on him that even now, with his scars on full view, she still wanted him; she was still looking at him with those deep soulful eyes. She still loved him. The thought gave him strength. Inhaling a breath, he silently removed the rest of his clothes. He stood at the side of the bed, allowing Tonks to look at him.

Tonks cast her eyes over Remus's body. He was skinny, just as she knew he would be and he had scars over his chest, arms and shoulders, some which showed up red and angry, others that had faded over time to white jagged lines. The smattering of hair on his chest was greying, as was the rest of his body hair. However, as she watched him, taking in every inch of his body, she didn't see his flaws. All she saw was the man she loved, the man she wanted to be with for as long as he'd have her. She reached for him and with a deep sigh he moved back to the bed, into her arms. 'I love you so much Nymphadora' he said softly before he kissed her.

The couple lay together, their bodies entwined, exchanging kisses and tender caresses. Soon the weight of emotions between them engulfed them both. The kisses became more passionate, the caresses more intimate. Both wanted to give to each other, needed to show the depth of their love. Tonks kissed each and every scar on Remus's body. She was tentative at first, afraid of hurting him, but when he assured her the scars didn't hurt now, she grew in confidence, kissing and licking each scar, wanting to please him as he did her. She lay on top of him, listening to him moan as she touched him. She heard him gasp as she kissed and nipped all the way from his lips to his belly button where she dipped her tongue and passed it around, just as he had done for her. He emitted a groan and shuddered, arching his back, his hips rising from the bed. Then, when he could think, he held her while he rolled over, bringing her beneath him.

They lay looking into each others eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Their hearts raced in time, they were breathing in and out rhythmically together, as if they were already joined. Then, with a look of pure adoration in his eyes Remus reached and kissed Tonks deeply, their tongues dancing together, drawing them closer. They were wrapped up in each other. In that moment it was as if they were the only two people in the world. They went on, kissing, touching, unable to get enough of each other and then, Remus moved and entered Tonks's body with his own. Tonks sighed and held on to Remus for a moment, adjusting to the new feeling of his body within hers. He looked down on her, worshipping her with his gaze just as he had with his hands earlier, overwhelmed by the feeling of her all around him. Soon they began to move, their bodies easily finding a rhythm that suited them both. They moved together perfectly, as if this was what they were both meant for. As they moved, they kissed and caressed, each whispering the others name. They expressed their love in words while their bodies expressed it in a way that made them feel as if time was standing still. They were together, in that moment nothing else mattered.

Tonks sensed the edge of the abyss drawing near. She knew that any moment now she would fall and Remus would be there, catching her, holding her and taking her to his own fulfilment. She felt her nerve endings tightening as Remus moved within her. She felt like she was floating somewhere with him, taking him with her to a world they had just begun to discover. The edge loomed closer and closer, all Tonks was aware of was Remus as he moaned and told her he loved her over and over, all the while his body moving within her, pushing her further to the edge that was now within her sights. Then suddenly the world seemed to stop as she felt herself falling. 'Remus!' she cried out urgently, arching into the waves that crashed all around her. Soon she felt Remus's arms tighten around her exactly as she had known they would. He cried out, arching into her, holding her to him as close as he could before moaning her name, he came down from the ecstasy she had taken him to. Gasping for breath he collapsed over her, his head resting on her breast. Tonks held him close, trying to catch her own breath, while the last echoes of the feelings he had aroused in her began to slowly die away. Soon Remus tried to move, convinced he was crushing her under his bodyweight, but Tonks held him close, revelling in the sensation of his sated body resting over hers. Still intimately joined, the two fell into an exhausted but deeply contented sleep.

Much later Remus and Tonks began to stir. They could tell that night had begun to fall again. They both knew instinctively that they could never go back after the events of that day. The previous night had brought down all the barriers between them. Now all that was left was them and their future together.

Remus realised Tonks was awake and moved off her before he lay on his back and drew her close to him. He smiled softly when he realised that her hair, which had gone a mousey brown over recent months, was now a vivid bubble-gum pink once more. She sighed contentedly, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand. 'Do you think it's wrong to be so happy?' she asked suddenly, her eyes cloudy with concern. Remus looked down on her quizzically before he understood. 'Dumbledore?' he asked, though he already knew the answer. She sighed and nodded, her cheek brushing his skin. Remus sighed and then he remembered the night before. Professor McGonagall's words came back to him, 'Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world.' Remus smiled lightly, 'I think Dumbledore would have been pleased for us. Even Sirius would have told me he was glad I've stopped being a stupid prat and 'taken you into my bed' he looked up and winked at her as he spoke in his best Sirius impression, his eyes bright with laughter. Tonks grinned wickedly, 'Actually Professor Lupin, if you recall, this is my bed'. Remus rolled his eyes, 'So it is, still, that's OK, we'll make it mine next time'. He grinned broadly, looking much younger. Tonks sat up and turned towards him, suddenly serious, 'So there will be a next time then?' she asked tentatively, suddenly feeling apprehensive. She needed to know he wasn't going to change his mind again.

Sighing deeply Remus reached for her and pulled her back down into his arms, stroking her back tenderly, 'Of course there will. Nymphadora I love you, I know I messed around and I know, God forgive me, I hurt you, but I swear, I won't do that any more. I don't know how I can convince you…' he broke off, but then he knew. The time had come. 'I don't know how to convince you' he continued, 'except this'. He rose from the bed and walked around to her side, where with his heart hammering, he knelt. Tonks looked at him in bewilderment. There he was, naked as the day he was born, kneeling at the side of her bed! She sat up and looked at him with quizzical eyes, 'Remus what are you doing? Come back to bed' she said, while her heart began to thump for a reason she couldn't work out. Remus looked into her eyes and reached out, grasping her hand in his. Tonks's eyes widened and she swallowed, unable to say anything. Remus took a deep soothing breath and his lips formed the words he had wanted to say for so long. 'Marry me Nymphadora'.

For a long time afterwards Nymphadora Tonks tried to work out how she had managed to stay on the bed when he asked that question, or rather, when he made that statement. She was glad she was sitting because she knew that if she'd been standing, she would now be in a heap on the floor. Remus Lupin had just given her the shock of her life! She tried to pull herself together. Maybe, now they'd slept together he felt obliged to marry her. He was old-fashioned enough to think like that! She fixed her eyes on him; he was still looking at her, waiting almost with baited breath, for her answer. 'Remus, you don't need to worry, we don't need to get married just because we've slept together' she said, tenderly stroking his hand with her own. Remus sighed heavily, his shoulders drooped. He lowered his head; suddenly it seemed as if a pattern on the carpet was fascinating to him. 'I suppose I knew you'd say no, I shouldn't have asked, it's too soon, I've rushed you, I'm sorry' he sounded sadder with every word he uttered. He was ashamed with himself. He had got the woman and now, by being stupid, he knew he'd ruined it!

Tonks heard the sadness in Remus's voice and his apology and could hardly believe it. Maybe she had misunderstood. Perhaps he wanted to marry her. Maybe he hadn't asked because he felt obliged at all! The thoughts raced around in her mind before she collected herself, speaking to the top of his head, his face was still turned towards the floor in shame. 'Remus why….why did you ask me?' Her voice cracked as she spoke. The sight of him looking so ashamed broke her heart. Remus replied, still concentrating on the carpet, 'Because I love you, and because I just want to be with you Nymphadora. I know I was stupid before, but I knew, even when I was pushing you away, I wanted to be with you. I wanted to spend the rest of my life loving you, but it doesn't matter, I'll get over it, after all, it's my fault, I pushed you too hard'. He sighed as he finished.

Now it was Tonks's turn to feel ashamed. She had misunderstood him and assumed he had asked because he felt obliged when he had actually asked because he wanted to be with her! She hoped she could undo the damage before it was too late. She sighed before she could speak. 'Ask me again Remus' she said softly, unable to speak louder for a lump in the back of her throat. Remus turned his head up to face her swiftly, his eyes wide with surprise. 'What did you say?' he asked, as his heart turned over in his chest. Tonks sighed and swallowed hard, 'I said ask me again…please' she replied, her voice beginning to shake. Remus could hardly believe his ears. Hope rushed through him. Maybe he hadn't ruined things after all! Gathering his thoughts, once again he took her hands firmly in his and looked deeply into her eyes. 'Nymphadora would you please do me the honour of becoming my wife?'

Nymphadora Tonks allowed herself a moment to absorb the words. Then, rising to her feet, making him shuffle back on his knees to give her room, his eyes fixed on her anxiously, waiting for her to reply, she reached for him and he stood in front of her, almost holding his breath in anticipation. She leaned towards him and instinctively, he took her into his arms. She reached up and put her arms around his neck. Then, her eyes full, she uttered one word. 'Yes'.

It took Remus Lupin a second to understand what Tonks was saying yes to. When he did, he reacted immediately. He pulled Tonks to him and kissed her, a kiss that made both of them breathless. They eased apart a moment later, 'You mean it, really?' Remus said incredulously. Tonks nodded excitedly, happiness coursing through her whole body. 'Yes I mean it! Oh Remus I love you!' She threw herself into his arms, kissing him deeply before she eased away from him a little. 'I think we should wait a while before we tell anyone, perhaps after Dumbledore's funeral, when people have got over the shock of that a bit'.

Remus gazed at her, loving her more by the second. Even amid their happiness, she was still thinking about other people. He nodded, 'Yes, I agree. But you will go to the funeral with me won't you? The last funeral I went to was James and Lily's. I don't want to go to Dumbledore's by myself. I don't think I could stand it'. Tonks nodded, her eyes shining with tears. 'Of course I'll go with you, after all, I am your fiancée now' she smiled weakly at him, bringing a smile to his own lips. 'I love you Nymphadora' he whispered tenderly before he picked her up in his arms and placed her back on the bed. He got back in with her and took her into his arms again, knowing that he would be able to do this for the rest of their lives. They would have good times and bad times, there were things they still had to overcome, but now Remus knew they would make it. They were together, they loved each other. Nothing else mattered.

THE END

A/N Ah well, that's it. It was a long chapter, though not unnecessarily long I hope. I wanted to make it sound as intense as possible, not just sexually, but emotionally. Read and review, let me know what you think. More from me in a new story soon.