Beginnings

[ragdoll]

Title: Beginnings
Author: ragdoll
Rating: PG-13 (for smooching and language)
Pairing: Tonks/Bill
Warnings: Erm, I wrote this so beware?
Disclaimer: The sandbox belongs to JK Rowling, Warner Bros, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Raincoast et al. I'm just playing there.
Summary: The title says it all. (Part 1 of a serial)


It had been a very long week. The Order had had its respective hands full trying to find the cause or the cure to a magickal virus that had been spreading throughout Hogwarts, leaving its victims in total delirium. Oddly enough, very few of the Slytherins had contracted it, leading to suspicions that they were somehow involved. In the end, it had turned out to be a correct assumption - the illness had been spread by one of the more enterprising albeit unwitting seventh years, the antidote contained in food stuff sent to those unaffected by their parents. The crisis had been averted but whoever was ultimately responsible was still at large.

Needless to say, Tonks was exhausted. She returned to her flat practically in a stupor, stripped off her work clothes, struggled into a well worn Holyhead Harpies tee-shirt and rumpled drawstring yoga trousers and promptly fell asleep. She hadn’t had any dinner but she was too tired to even consider eating. If she woke up later, she’d rummage through the cabinets for some food.

The soft knock at the door woke her from her slumber. She glanced over at her security system but none of the sneakoscopes or other devices were sounding which meant the visitor, whoever it was, had to be friendly. Or at least not out for blood. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and called "Who is it?"

"Tonks? It's Bill. Bill Weasley," came the reply.

"Bill? Oh, blimey! Just a mo'!" She shot out of bed, concentrating quickly on Morphing herself into a slightly more presentable state while attempting to smooth out the wrinkles in her clothes with a quick spell. Hoping she didn't look too awful, she padded from the bedroom to the sitting room and opened the door.

Bill stood on the other side, holding a bottle of wine in his hand, looking for all the world like a errant schoolboy called into the head mistress's office. Despite that, he seemed to have dressed up for the occasion. Tonks didn't know if she was relieved or worried to see that his apparent apprehension mirrored her own.

"Hi," Bill said, leaning casually against the door frame. "Are you busy?" He gave her a sidelong glance, suddenly looking dismayed. " I didn’t wake you, did I?"

"Erm, no. Not at all." Tonks replied, quickly, wondering how disheveled she looked. "I was just, erm, doing some reading." Hopefully he'd accept the lie. She supposed she would have been reading if she hadn’t felt the need to become one with her mattress instead.

Bill grinned, blue eyes twinkling. "I'd never have taken you for a scholar, Tonks.” He studied her features carefully. "Are you certain I'm not disturbing you?"

"No, of course not! Just being a boring old Auror at the moment." She gave him a nonchalant shrug although her heart was hammering in her chest at the sight of him. "C'mon in...pardon the mess." She ushered him into the cluttered room, nearly tripping over a pile of books in the process. “See, I do own books.”

“Point taken - my apologies.” He took a look around the sitting room and determined it wasn't particularly messy, just lived in. "You know boring is hardly a word I'd use to describe you."

Tonks felt herself starting to blush. "Damn! And I was working so bloody hard at it too. I mean ya can't really work for the Ministry and be interesting, can ya?" She winked, flashing him a cheeky grin, then pointed to the wine bottle still clutched in his hand. "Is that plonk for anyone in particular or should I put it somewhere safe for ya?" She was stunned to see him looking at her bashfully. Bill Weasley, bashful? Was that even possible?

"Actually, I was thinking a bit of celebration would be fitting given recent events."

"Celebration? Have I missed out on something exciting around here?"

"I was thinking that solving the case of the mystery ailment was cause enough."

Her grin grew wider. "Cheers. I'll drink to that. Not that I really need a reason for a bit of a booze up, mind."

"Good. Got any clean glasses or should I conjure us up a pair?"

She pointed to several mismatched glasses sitting on the sideboard. "Clean enough, I think. Unless you’re fussy -- I'm shite at householdy spells, you know."

Bill picked up a glass and examined it. “I think we’ll manage - booze should kill anything living in there at any rate, don’t you think?”

"Cheeky,” Tonks screwed up her face as if she were insulted but her eyes were twinkling with mirth. “Still not sure who was behind the attack, of course," she continued. "Got some theories though."

He looked up at her. "What are they?"

"Right, you weren’t at the meeting because you were out with her…” The word came out more harshly than she’d intended but the truth was she didn’t care very much for Bill’s girlfriend at all. “Snivell, erm, Severus sussed out that someone fairly high up in the Death Eaters ranks had sent out cakes with the antidote in them to a chosen few."

"Let me guess, all Slytherins?"

"Got it in one. We're still not certain just how it all got started but there's a good chance one of my dear old Aunties had a hand in it. And you know wherever those two harpies go, You-Know-Who is usually lurking somewhere nearby."

"Nothing new then. But at least we managed to head them off at the pass."

"Here's hoping. I'm still a bit paranoic about things but I s'pose that's why I'm an Auror. Mad-Eye's had too much of an influence on me." She concentrated and turned herself into a carbon copy of Moody.

Bill laughed then said lightly, "I think I like you better the other way."

Tonks nodded and turned herself back.

He gave her an appreciative looking over. "Yes, I definitely like you like this."

She tried to ignore the compliment and continued. "So far, the antidote seems to be working though."

"I'm really quite impressed with Snape for this one. He did a great job of stopping it."

That caused her to let out a snort of derision. "It would take a lot more out of him to impress me but that's cos I think he's a greasy tosser."

"Well, he is," Bill conceded "But he's good at what he does. Always has been."

"True enough though I hate to admit it." Tonks laughed.

"You would," Bill said with a wink. "I've noticed you're extremely stubborn."

"It's a family trait, you know."

"Indeed."

"Put the blame on Sirius if you’d like," she continued. "I learned all me worst habits from him - he was the closest thing I’ll ever have to a big brother." She tried hard not to dwell on thoughts of her beloved cousin, the loss was still very painful although it had been months since he’d died.

"Oh, believe me, that means you're allowed to blame him for nearly everything. Sort of like Charlie blames me for all his faults. So do Fred and George. And Ron. It's what older brothers are for. I'm intimately acquainted with the system." Bill chuckled, then looked directly at her, his blue eyes locking on her brown ones. "Not that I can see any faults in you whatsoever."

There was an awkward pause, Tonks finally breaking the silence by turning her attention to the bottle of wine. "That's starting to look very good. Shall we pop the cork?"

Bill opened his mouth to say something, then shut it, a roguish smile playing on his lips. "I'd make an off-colour comment but I'd never embarrass a lady."

"Lady? I don't see none of them around here," Tonks retorted.

"I'd say I'm looking at one right now," Bill replied, giving her another intense look. Tonks stared at him in curiosity and to her surprise, this time he was the one to look away, suddenly feigning fascination with the wine bottle. "Erm, so why don't we have that drink?"

"Why don't you do the honours? I'm more likely to spill it all over the floor..."

"Ah, you’re not that bad. But if the lady insists…" He opened the bottle with a word, pouring with practised ease, then handed her a glass. "To our health."

"Cheers." Tonks clinked her glass against his, realising that her hands were shaking. She took a quick sip, hoping the wine would steady her nerves. "So, y'know I saw your friend Fleur Delacour at the Ministry the other morning..."

"Really? How was she?" Bill sipped his wine and eyed her over the rim of his glass.

"She's all right, I think. Don't think she's very fond of me though."

"Hmmm," he said noncommittally.

"Dunno what happened to her but something had turned her blue. Cursed object or something, I heard."

He choked on his wine then swallowed quickly. "Blue? She must've been livid!"

"Too right," she replied trying not to look smug. "She didn’t seem to pleased about it."

Bill took another swallow of wine in order to hide his amusement, then said casually, "You know, I get the feeling you were though."

Tonks felt herself blushing furiously. "Well, you know, erm, veela girls--they've got unfair advantages, haven’t they?"

"Hmmm. I suppose. But not where it really counts."

"Oh, I don't know about that," she said peevishly. "A veela walks into a room and every bloke in the place stops what he's doing, just winds up staring at her with his bloody tongue hanging out. Doesn't give us ordinary birds a chance, does it?"

"Mmm. I guess not, but good looks aren't everything.” He turned red as he realised the perceived insult. “I just meant - well, I'd much rather have a Nymphadora Tonks fighting beside me than a Fleur Delacour any day. Even if I am a pathetic man who’s prone to the tongue lolling phenomenon."

"So I've noticed," she sniffed. "Still, I s'pose it's better to be considered just a mate than nothing at all, eh?"

Bill cocked an eyebrow, looking a bit miffed. "You know it's completely unfair that there aren't male veela. We men are getting a rather bad reputation through no fault of our own."

"Yeah, I s'pose it isn't your fault they have magickal powers what make the lot of you turn into complete planks, is it?"

"Women don't need magic to do that to me. Well, nothing more than the usual feminine charms, I mean."

“Tell me something I don’t know. I remember you at school, Weasley. Always had a proper entourage of giggling girls following you about, didn’t you?”

He grinned at her sheepishly. “That wasn’t my fault, you know. Besides, I meant the affect certain women have always had on me. Not the other way round - I’ve no control over what silly girls do, have I?”

"Didn’t see you ever discourage them though. I’d have thought you’d known about it though - I’d have thought she’d have sent you an owl begging for your help in un-blueing herself."

This caused him roll his eyes in exasperation. "I think the reality of my relationship with her is far different than what most people think."

"Oh, spare me. She fancies you something awful - and she puts on a lot of airs and graces as far as you're concerned. You trying to tell me you're not 'er deevoted boyfriend ze talented curse-breaker?" She delivered the last words in an outrageous French accent which made Bill laugh. “Ze one ‘oo sends her flowers and showers ‘er wiz pressies?”

"Well, she and I date--but I'm not completely enthralled by her to the exclusion of everyone else the way most people assume. At least some people.” He gave her a pointed glance before continuing. “Fleur and I have some things in common--and a lot more that we don’t."

“Oh, so opposites attract?”

“Actually, I meant that it widens the distance between us. I’m not sure I can ever really satisfy her.” Bill frowned as he saw Tonks’ trying to suppress a smirk. “I meant with material things…not…that. No, she likes that just fine, thank you.”

“As if you’d tell me otherwise?”

“If you’re interested in my prowess in the bedroom, Tonks, all you have to do is ask. I’m more than willing to discuss it,” he teased. “If you ask nicely enough, I might even provide demonstrations.”

“I’m more than aware of your reputation, Weasley. You don’t have to brag about it to me,” she retorted.

“I wasn’t trying to…” he said in frustration. “I just don’t think she’s fond of my family and there are things she wants that I probably can never give her. She can be a lot of fun but she’s not…well, it’s not like we’re engaged or anything. Happy now?”

Tonks nodded, trying not to look pleased by the disclosure. "That's good to know. I think."

"I thought you might appreciate that. After all, I'm not in her room with a bottle of wine, now am I?"

"For all I know, you’ll be off to her digs with another bottle as soon as you’ve buggered out of here,” she snorted.

“Oi, I’m not like that!” Bill was blushing again, the tips of his ears bright red.

“Ha. I distinctly remember you juggling several girlies at once when you were at school, Head Boy.”

"Well, it’s possible that I’ve grown up since then," he insisted, sounding miffed. "It’s not like I still think you’re still pulling all sorts of stunts the way you used to."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, feigning innocence.

"Hmmmmm...I distinctly remember a certain someone nearly getting expelled for broom racing in the corridors..."

"Couldn't possibly been me. I'd never do such a thing," Tonks said lightly, drinking more of her wine. "You must be confusing me with someone else entirely."

Bill shook his head and said soberly, "I don't think I could ever confuse you with someone else, Tonks. You're one of a kind."

"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were flirting with me," she mused.

"What if I am?"

"You know, Weasley, you may be able to charm the pants off your little veela and half the female population of England but some of us are immune to that sort of thing," Tonks replied with a hint of annoyance, putting her now empty wine glass down on the sideboard a little too fast. The stem snapped in two. "Oh, bugger all!" She shook shards of glass off her fingers and grimaced.

"You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" he asked in concern, reaching for her hand.

Tonks jerked it away from him. "No," was the terse reply.

"Did I say something wrong?" Bill looked at her, puzzled.

"Only if you define 'wrong' as being an absolute big headed wanker," she snapped.

"Hey, what did I...?"

"Just because you're pretty and you're clever and you're charming doesn't mean that every bird you meet is just going to fall at your feet swooning over you, Bill Weasley," Tonks continued, not letting him get a word in edgewise. "I'm certainly not."

"I knew it!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up in a grin.

"Knew what?"

"That you fancied me!"

"I never said that!"

"Ha! You've just admitted that you think I'm pretty and charming and clever," Bill countered. "Most people think I'm pretty sexy too."

"Hardly!"

"So you don't think I'm sexy?" he asked with a pout.

Tonks glared at him. "Save that sort of talk for your girlfriend. I'm not interested."

"Hmmm, I think you're jealous."

"And I think you're a bloody egoist. A big pompous self-absorbed git." Tonks frowned. "Is that why you came round? Just to get your ego...or other bits...stroked? Take pity on the poor lonely Auror, give her a bit of plonk, say a few nice words, get yourself a bit of slap and tickle out of it?"

To her surprise, he looked hurt by the accusation. "It wasn't like that at all."

"Uh huh."

"I came round because I wanted to celebrate and...alright, I did want to see you but not because...at least not that..." He threw his hands up in frustration. "This is not fair -- no matter what I say now, I'm doomed, aren't I?"

"Could be."

"Fine. Alright. I'll just go then."

"You probably should." She crossed her arms over her chest, avoiding his gaze. She hadn't meant to react like this but it felt like he was toying with her...and for what purpose? He had a girlfriend...he could protest all he liked but there was no way in hell she was going to compete with Fleur Delacour for his affections. It wasn't like Bill actually fancied her anyway -- she knew his sort; he just liked the thrill of having every woman within reach panting over him, regardless of whether he was interested in them or not. It was just a game to him, one that she wasn't going to play it.

"Look, I don't know what I've done wrong but I'm sorry. I really am." Bill placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her heart to start racing again. "I only wanted to have a nice evening with you. There were no ulterior motives. I just...wanted to see you. That's all."

She could feel his fingers brushing the ends of her spikey hair, gently caressing the crook of her neck. She turned to face him, her expression softer now. "S'alright, mate."

"I don't want you to be angry with me," Bill replied. "I suspect Nymphadora Tonks would be a formidable enemy."

"Too right."

"Well, then I'll have to be careful to stay on your good side, then won't I?" he said with a smile. Somehow his hand had found its way from her shoulder to her chin; he tilted her face up to his and asked "Forgive me?"

"I'll think about it,” she replied petulantly.

"Can I do anything to convince you of my sincerity?" His face was suddenly closer to hers. She found she didn't mind it at all.

"We'll have to see...." Her words were cut off as his lips brushed against hers, the kiss sweeter than she'd ever have expected from him. Bill put his arms around her, pulling her close when she didn’t resist. It seemed to last for an eternity, yet ended far too soon.

Finally, Bill pulled his lips from hers, and said in a daze, "I...I, erm, should probably go," Work in the morning. Goblins aren't too keen on lateness..."

"Yeah, wouldn’t want you to get any grief from those goblins," she breathed, unsure of what was suddenly happening between them. "I've got to get to work early and all that. Meetings..."

Bill nodded, his hands still firmly on her waist. “Right. I wouldn’t want you to miss those.”

“Kingsley would never forgive me,” she said.

“Wouldn’t want you to get on his bad side. Wouldn’t do.” He didn’t move away. Neither did she.

“Ah, I’m used to it. I drive him spare most of the time,” Tonks murmured.

“I could see how you’d do that to a man,” Bill replied, one corner of his mouth quirking up into a smile. He leaned in and rubbed his nose against hers, gently kissing her again.

“Charmer.” Tonks was still too stunned to say much more. What could he possibly be playing at? He had to be delirious, it was the only explanation. “You did take Severus’s antidote, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes.” Bill continued to hold her close. “But I’m not ill, Tonks. I swear. I just…well, I wanted to. You are an incredible woman.”

She finally pulled away, reluctantly, removing his hands from her waist, taken aback when he kept his fingers firmly wrapped around hers. “You should go. We’ve both got things to do in the morning.”

“I know but…” The look he gave her was sincere, all of his brash pretense gone. “I’d like to take you out sometime.”

He was just full of surprises tonight, wasn’t he? “And what about that fro..erm, Fleur? What do you think she’d say to that?”

“She wouldn’t be invited.” Bill’s smile faded as he realised Tonks didn’t seem to be amused. “I’ll, I’ll deal with her. Just think about it. Please?” He drew her hand up to his mouth and kissed her palm. “No expectations or anything. I’d just like to spend some time with you. Have some fun.”

There was something in his eyes that hinted at just what kind of fun he was hoping for - and yet she found herself nodding in agreement. Despite everything, it wasn’t as if she hadn’t ever wondered what it would be like to have him starkers and writhing in her bed. She’d just considered him unreachable, assumed he just saw her as a mate or a little sister, not…a woman. “I-I’ll think about it. Owl me about the details, yeah? Unless you change your mind, I mean.” She still wasn’t certain this wasn’t some strange aftereffect of the virus or perhaps too much wine.

“I’m not going to change my mind. I swear.” He kissed her hand again, then let go. “I’ll owl you tomorrow. And keep doing it until I get a definite yes. I can be as stubborn as you, you know.”

“Good, I’m looking forward to it.” Tonks grinned. “Seems to me blokes like you need a challenge from time to time.”

“You won’t get any arguments from me on that score,” Bill grinned back at her, “I will owl you tomorrow, love. If I don’t, you’re more than welcome to come into Gringott’s and hex me to Kingdom Come.” He let her lead him to the door, then touched her cheek tenderly. “See you soon.”

“Right,” she said, still smiling. “I’ll have to start brushing up on my hexes.”

“You won’t have to. I promise.” Bill kissed her cheek then Apparated out of there before she could say another word. Tonks closed the door, then hugged herself, still somewhat shocked by the turn of events. She didn’t know what the future held but she was starting to expect that it might include Bill Weasley.