WHO: Tonks, Remus Lupin, Andromeda Tonks, Severus Snape, and Kaleigh Nott
WHAT: Tonks and Andi see something with their own eyes
WHERE: Flourish and Blotts
WHEN: Monday afternoon
RATING: F for fluff? It's cute so read!



There were two things Remus Lupin loved in the world. Actually, there were more than just two. Harry, chocolate, tea... But the two big ones, at least at that moment, were Nymphadora Tonks and books. And, by dragging Tonks to the book store with him, he got the best of both. But he really couldn't help it. They'd had lunch in Diagon Alley and they were close to Flourish and Blotts. His beloved copy of Three Wishes by Isabelle Dunkenton had finally given in and fallen apart on him. He needed a new copy, and soon, or he'd possibly break down. That might have been an exaggeration and it wasn't as if he didn't have about a hundred other books, both wizard and muggle, but they were already close by, they didn't need to be back up at the school for a while, and he really could use one.

It did, of course, occur to him that he could probably have sent a polite owl to Tonks' mum and have her send him a copy. But that didn't compare to walking into a bookstore. For Remus, there was something warm and comforting about being surrounded by both new and old books, with the musty smell of leather binding and fresh sheets of parchment. With Tonks' hand in his, he found himself having to be more dragged around the store rather than walking through it like normal people. He kept getting sidetracked, pausing to look at new titles or to lovingly read the book flaps of old favourites.

Which seemed like as good a time as any for Andromeda to rescue her daughter. Andromeda did understand the draw to the books, but she also knew some people couldn't possibly stand and look at the same row of titles forever. It was a relatively slow time anyway, after lunch but not near enough to dinner time. As it was, she'd mostly just been standing around and talking to Kaleigh once the new stock had been shelved and the counters had been dusted. She waved Dora over to the two of them, smirking as she did. "It seems you've been... How should I put it... Hijacked?"

Tonks was a smart girl and she certainly appreciated a good book then and again, but Andromeda was right. Tonks loved Remus with her entire heart, but she just didn't have the patience to stalk every single book. She tended to pick her selections by pretty displays that caught her eye and personal referrals. Hence, she was okay with leaving Remus for a few seconds to join Andromeda and Kaleigh. She kissed Remus' cheek. "Be right back, darling. Take your time." Joining the women, she hugged Andromeda with one arm and grinned at Kaleigh. She didn't know her mother's new co-worker very well, but she liked what she had seen the last year. Now if Narcissa Malfoy was more like Kaleigh Nott, Tonks might have been more willing to accept a lunch invitation…

"Thanks, Mum! Love the man with everything I got, but…" She shook her head, laughing. "I think I could be naked and he'd not notice if I was standing next to a shelf of books."

Kaleigh actually blushed, but smiled as well. She didn't know much about Nymphadora, but as Andi's daughter and someone who clearly cared about Kaleigh's beloved nephew, she won Kaleigh's trust and respect without much else needed.

Andromeda rolled her eyes at even the thought of her daughter prancing around naked for any man, even one as goodhearted as Remus. As much as she knew it had to happen, she still had no urge for her little girl to go and grow up. "You were starting to get that look that your father sometimes gets in here. My only way to solve that one is to send him to the Quidditch section and hope he doesn't get lost on the way. Poor thing, you'd think I tortured him." She shook her head and sighed. "At least he'll be preoccupied for a few minutes. Girl time? I think so."

Tonks didn't notice, but Kaleigh's eyes flickered sadly as Andromeda spoke about Ted. Kaleigh herself wasn't even aware of it though whenever someone mentioned her husband, her mind would float to Angus. She missed him. It was nearly a year later and she was doing her best to move on, but there were days she almost believed he'd walk in the door and wrap his arms around her. Merlin, she missed the comfort of those arms. "Quidditch," Kaleigh said with a laugh, "Teddy never played, but whenever Angus brought him here, that section was their first stop."

Tonks chuckled at both women's tales. "All part of the reason we love those sillies, yeah?" Instinctively, she touched Kaleigh's arm. "Theodore's simply brilliant from what I hear. You two did a lovely job." She batted her eyes at Andromeda. "Nearly as good a one as my parents, right, Mum?"

"And we raised her to be so modest, too," Andromeda said adoringly, reaching out to chuck Dora's chin lightly. "I certainly hope Teddy doesn't have quite the ego Ted and I apparently instilled through our parenting skills."

"No, sometimes I wish he did," Kaleigh confessed. "He's get knocked down pretty hard..." She gripped the locket she wore with photos of Teddy and Angus. "And your daughter is just confident. It's lovely to see." She couldn't help thinking of Narcissa. The women had admitted she wanted to meet her niece, but so far it hadn't happened. Kaleigh felt guilt for being there that moment.

"See? Confident, not cocky, Mother!" Tonks grinned wickedly and planted another kiss upon Andi's cheek. "So how are you young, vibrant, and beautiful ladies doing today?"

In an exaggerated voice, Andromeda whispered to Kaleigh, "Her birthday's over. It's still too long till Christmas. What do you think she's gearing up for?"

Kaleigh's eyebrows rose in feigned thinking. "Hm, maybe she wants you to do her laundry?" She winked teasingly at Tonks.

"And here I'm getting ganged up on!" In exaggeration, she threw her head back and called, "Hey, Remus, love, did you hear that? Ganged up on!"

"Mmm? What? That's lovely," was the rather spacy reply from the section on Magical Theory. The sad part was, he was even worse in a muggle bookstore.

Andromeda had to cover her mouth to stifle her laughter. "Well... At least your Knight in Shining Armor is well read. He can use that to plot some device to get you out of danger the next time you call for help." Leaning against the store's counter, she grinned. "And to answer your question, we're doing just fine."

"I don't love you!" Tonks called back to Remus before turning back to her mother and Kaleigh. "See? I'm going to test that naked theory one day."

"Somehow, I think even your distracted boyfriend would notice a beautiful girl like yourself in the nude." Kaleigh tried her best to be young and hip, but her rosy cheeks told another tale. When the bell on their door sounded, she reddened even more. What if the customer heard and---- "Severus? Oh, why hello!" Oh, brilliant.

At that, even Remus' head popped up. Seeing Severus out in public was fascinating in itself. It did amuse him, though. The younger students who thought he might be part vampire would certainly be interested to see him so early in the day. "Oh, hello, Severus," he offered, finally wandering over to where the women were standing. And wandering was an appropriate term for the drifting, book browsing walk he was doing in that direction.

Andromeda had noticed Kaleigh's blush, and lifted curious eyebrows. "Anything I can help you with, Severus?" she offered. The man might not have been her favourite of the younger students back in school, but he'd always been polite to her as an adult, at least. Besides, it was her job.

Severus hadn't heard anything, but he did notice them all looking at him oddly. Well, couldn't he shop for crying out loud? "I came to browse. See if any new releases caught my attention. I could use a good one." His books were his companions, but he'd never admit such. "I didn't realize I'd be intruding on family afternoon."

"Oh, Professor Snape! You aren't; don't be so grouchy." Tonks couldn't help calling Snape 'professor' still. In private, when talking to Remus, she managed Severus, but it was bloody hard when the man was standing in front of her.

"I'm not grouchy for pity's sake." Severus shot her a deathly glare though he was wearing the blasted robes she sent for Christmas. Not on purpose of course. And not because he had wanted to talk to Kaleigh about Teddy.

"Nope, you are just as charming as always." Kaleigh actually grinned before walking away from the desk to spare Severus a kiss on the cheek. "Lovely to see you."

Did she really have to do that? And in public? If Snape was a flushing man, his cheeks would have been bright red! As it was, he merely nodded. "Likewise, Kaleigh. You as well, Andromeda."

At Kaleigh's gesture, Remus seemed to finally snap out of his book induced daze. Glancing sideways at Tonks, he lifted his eybrows, trying to send a silent message to her. One that clearly, or not so clearly, if she didn't catch on, said 'see?'

Andromeda, on the other hand, was an affectionate sort who might've done the same if she and Severus were as close as the two of them were. "Good afternoon, then? I actually put aside a few books on the latest postions experiments for you, if you're interested." While many of her customers did enjoy the art of brewing, Severus Snape was one of the most skilled she knew, and anything she could do to help with that was fine with her.

Oh Tonks saw alright and she also noticed her robes. She shot Remus a satisified smirk.

"Yes, yes, thank you, Andromeda. You are always so helpful." Severus wasn't comfortable talking to them all at once. Not one bit. He also finally noticed Remus. "Lupin. Hello."

Remus sighed. It shouldn't be so hard to try and stay on that man's friendly side. Then again, if his suspicion was right, he probably didn't notice much of anyone when Kaleigh was in the room. So he just smiled and gave him a nod. "Good to see you. How's your afternoon been?"

"Fine. I caught some second year trying to sneak into the Forbidden Forrest. He's been dealt with too my satisfaction." Severus accepted the books Andromeda showed him and began looking through them. Seemed he wasn't going to get Kaleigh alone, after all.

"Oh, poor child," Kaleigh teased. "You didn't terrify him, did you? I swear this man is against a smack on the rear but not against completely scaring a child." Yet, even as she spoke, her eyes shone with admiration for the man. Once she had understood the true nature of his actions, her respect had increased tenfold.

Tonks had gone over to Remus, nudging him pointedly. "See what he's wearing," she whispered.

Remus likely would have interrupted with some comment about scaring children being just as cruel in some ways, but Tonks' whisper in his ear stopped him. Glancing up, he noticed Severus' wardrobe and had to turn away, under the guise of examining a book behind him. "I don't believe it," he whispered, not just to her but in general. "I honestly don't. He dressed up just to come in here today, you know he did."

"Secrets don't make friends!" Andromeda chided, leaning over the counter and browsing a random book she'd had on hold for someone. A mystery novel. By that bloke who kept refusing an in store appearance. She wasn't pleased.

Tonks looked at Remus, grinning. "Hmmm." Looking back over her shoulder, she added, "Aw, Mum, it's just about what to have for dinner. Beef or pork?"

"Beef, it cooks faster," Andromeda advised, though she had no idea why it mattered. She also had a very good idea that their conversation had nothing to do with food.

"Mmm, beef, right." Remus was very clearly distracted again, though this time it wasn't book related but getting too involved with a coworkers personal life. "More recipes... Yeah."

Andromeda lifted her eyebrows, surprised at his reaction.

Tonks stifled a laugh. Her boyfriend wasn't the best liar, was he? "Mum, come here, would you? I have something to ask about...this." She held up a random book.

"About The Art of Blending Potions in Your Cheese?" Andromeda asked skeptically, glancing at the book. She gave Kaleigh a puzzled expression, but excused herself as she stepped over to her daughter and the oddly uncomfortable Remus. "Might I ask why it is your trying to pump cheese full of potions?"

"Oh, Mum." Tonks rolled her eyes and held a finger to her lips. "Don't you notice something a bit odd?" She nodded toward where Kaleigh and Severus were having a whispered conversation of their own.

"Severus Snape is out in the daylight? Honey, I told you years ago those rumours weren't true, you know better than that." Sighing, Andromeda shook her head and plucked the book from Dora's hands, attempting to look at least somewhat convincing.

But Remus shook his head, surprised she was missing it. At least now Tonks was getting to see it in person, too. He was starting to think he was completely mental. "Don't you see? Look how he's leaning towards her? Have you ever actually seen him talk to anyone that way?"

"In pretty green robes to boot! Those are the ones I bought, remember?" Tonks had merely made a face at the vampire theory she once had. "Mum, honestly, look!"

What they were seeing was still completely invisible to Andromeda's eyes. All she saw was Kaleigh and her good friend Severus apparently discussing one of the books she'd put aside for him. Though maybe... When she looked closer, it did seem...different. "Well, now he knows he doesn't have to stay in hiding anymore. Maybe he just realizes he needs to dress a bit nicer?"

"Not on his own," Remus replied, shaking his head. "He dressed poorly in school, too, that's not from the hiding, I don't think." Flashes of memories from that time of their lives, of James and Sirius taunting Severus for his appearance, flickered through his mind, but he pushed them away. If Severus wasn't mentioning it, he certainly wouldn't.

Tonks exhaled an impatient sigh when her mother didn't get it. "Mum, I know you've been with Daddy forever, but come on here..." She smiled at Remus and linked arms before kissing his nose. "Someone was dead on the money."

Remus didn't reply to that, only flushed a rather wicked shade of pink at the tender gesture under her mother's watchful eye.

Carefully, Andromeda watched the two. Maybe it was the subtle hand gestures, or maybe it really was the posture. But a moment later, she clasped her hand over her mouth to cover her gasp. "I... But... Really?"

Ever so slowly, Remus nodded. "That's what we think, at least."

In their corner of the store, Kaleigh had her hand resting on Severus' arm. She had been talking to him about Teddy and while she was sorry he wasn't confiding in his Head, she was grateful he had at least spoken to Remus. "I'm sure he's just a bit uneasy with sharing all that with you, Severus. I mean he's always respected you so much; he probably doesn't want you to think less of him. Not that you could over such a thing, but that's how my silly boy thinks sometimes." She smiled gently, patting the man. "Don't give up, yeah? You might as well be part of his family after all these years.

Severus returned her smile with a tiny one of his own. He inclined his head though a rather grateful look appeared in his eyes. "I will give him his space and only hope he returns to me one day." It was all he could do.

"Yes, really," Tonks hissed, watching the whole display. "Do you think she...you know?"

The two of them seemed to have some plot in mind concerning the pair, but Andromeda stepped back and really thought. She considered Kaleigh a good friend now, after the time they'd spent together and worked together. "It's been less than a year since she lost her husband," she reminded them. "She was inconsolable not all that long ago."

"I realise that, Mum, but that wasn't my question. Some would run away screaming if they thought Severus Snape fancied them. Is Kaleigh Nott one of those? I mean..." Tonks tried to word her next thoughts carefully. It was rare, but sometimes she did try and censor her speech. "She is accustomed to a certain...life." She looked toward Remus for help.

But Remus was used to reading about relationships, not talking about them. Having Tonks was a huge step in itself. Chewing his lower lip, he finally gave up and shrugged. "Angus was wealthy, that's hardly a secret, love. And Severus... Well, a teacher's salary isn't menial, but it won't support the Nott manor, no."

Andromeda considered that as she thumbed through the book in her hands absently. "I don't know," she said hesitantly, watching them. "I don't think Kaleigh's the sort to let that kind of thing get to her. She's an elegant woman either way. And polite. I certainly doubt she'd run screaming."

"Hmmm." Tonks continued watching the pair while trying not to be too obvious. "He cares about her son. That has to help..." She was definitely getting that look in her eyes.

"Dora, honestly. Her husband's barely cold in the ground!" Andromeda gave her a stern look, worrying at what Dora might actually have in mind.

"Nearly a year, Mother," Tonks insisted stubbornly. "That's quite cold if you ask me." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Everyone deserves a little happiness and that pair might be higher in the line than some. What's so wrong with at least considering it?"

Remus glanced sideways at her, unable to help his smirk. "So does that mean when I snuff it, you're going to go off and search for happiness right away?"

Though she smiled agreeably, Andromeda was still putting serious thought into the idea of Severus and Kaleigh. Kaleigh and Severus. Hmm.

Slapping him in the arm, Tonks groaned. "First of all, he was in Azkaban for awhile before that if we want to get technical. Second of all, she has to move on as hard as it might be. And, come on, who ever thought of Severus Snape fancying ANYONE?"

"I did," Remus said quietly, thinking of the hopeful glances he used to shoot in Lily's direction. "He's not heartless or anything. I think he just waits for something special, is all."

"Kaleigh is that," Andromeda agreed. "I still don't know. He's a good man, I think he's proven that. But she's had a hell of a year, she's not going to just dust herself off and walk away from it all with a smile on her face and a potions master on her arm."

"Says who? She's always proven she's capable of making her life better all on her own. If it was Narcissa Mal---" Tonks clamped her mouth shut. She really hadn't meant that. "I'm sorry, Mum," she said quietly. "I didn't mean it like that."

Andromeda's face clouded over. She noticed the hand Remus placed gently on her daughter's arm, but it wasn't enough to completely soothe her nerves. Narcissa hadn't mentioned meeting with Dora again, but she knew she wanted to. Who wouldn't? Andromeda personally couldn't wait until the school year ended and she might have a chance to meet Draco. "Narcissa has done plenty for herself," she argued, though her voice remained quiet. "As I know Kaleigh has. But she loved Angus, dearly, and there's his memory to consider. It's not proper, less than a year and all."

"Proper? I didn't say to marry the man!" Tonks ignored the comment about her aunt. She was thinking on the meeting, but it would take letting go of a great deal of resentment. "When will she ever truly be ready, Mum? And you've said it yourself; she's in that house all alone."

"I didn't mean I wanted her sharing it with another man!" Andromeda protested, looking rather horrified by the idea. No, she wasn't the most chaste woman around, but she did still believe in some good old fashioned propriety.

"Shh," Remus urged, glancing in the direction of the pair in question. Their conversation had grown quiet for a moment and he didn't want them overheard. "I still don't know why we can't just let them figure this out themselves," he said quietly to Tonks. "If it's meant to happen, won't it?"

Tonk actually grinned at her mum and hugged her. "Oh, you." Letting go, she cast Remus a smirk. "Oh, men never need help in that area then?"

"Well clearly," he reminded her, nudging her gently. "I didn't even help myself, let alone him!"

"It's easier when you're on the outside looking in," Tonks responded, undaunted. "Mum, please, all you have to do is watch Kaleigh a bit when she's talking about Severus. Don't you want her to be happy? Them to be happy?"

Well of course she wanted her friend happy. She just wasn't sure that setting her up with someone so soon was really the way. "I'll listen," she agreed hesitantly. "But I'm honestly not comfortable with this."

"Eh, don't feel badly," Remus comforted with a grin. "She roped me into this, too. She's awfully persuasive."

"It's better we feel it out than just run into it OR just let it go." Tonks glanced from on to the other. "It could be a loss to them either way. But, think about it. What if it's possible? How can that be a bad thing?"

"See? She's doing it again," Remus sighed. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to see if either of them give some sort of signs. But I swear, other than relaying messages, I'm not getting involved in this. I'm not sending letters for secret meetings or anonymously delivering flowers."

Gratified, Tonks beamed. "All I ask."