It was a cold late Saturday afternoon, Tonks's least favorite kind of day. She preferred warm spring days over chilly fall ones. But it was a Saturday. And so she found a smile pulling on her face. She'd finished her classes for the day and had nothing to do after dropping her books off at the apartment.

She was bundled up in her favorite yellow and black scarf, and teal colored beanie. She supposed she could say hello to some of her neighbors. The Weasleys have been begging for her to come over for dinner sometime. She'd received enough texts from Charlie and Ginny, Charlie's youngest and only sister. The first snow of the month came, littering the streets with white dust. She sighed, studying the snow that flittered softly to the ground, before giggling and catching a flake on her tongue. Such a silly thing for someone of her age to do, yet something she'd enjoy forever. 

She found herself wandering down the street, walking past a few apartment buildings and stores filled with customers. Children were dancing and playing in the snow, laughing loudly. People shoveled snow from the sidewalks. She smiled at a woman gripping the chubby hands of her two children, who looked at the snow in wonder.

Tonks felt her phone vibrate as she walked into front of the coffee shop, ruining the gentle moment. See pick it up and glanced at who was calling. Remus. What could he possibly want? She answered the phone, pressing it against her ear.

"Hello?" a voice on the other end spoke, questioning and unsure, "Tonks?"
"Hey Remus." she released a breath.
"Hi, I'm so sorry if I'm bothering you or anything and it's not urgent or anything, I was just wondering if you could stop by the coffee shop?"
"Oh sure, I'm right outside." she handed at the shop window, waving as Remus slowly looked up. Tonks laughed as he apologized and flushed red.

She walked inside the shop, the little bell that tinkled to signal her arrival jingled gently. Tonks smiled. Her heart fluttered and her nose took in the warm scent of coffee. She sat down at the counter, pulling off her beanie and scarf.

"You want something to eat or drink?" Remus asked her, "It's on the house."
"Ugh," she groaned, a grin on her face, "stop giving me free drinks, you're losing money for this business."
"I don't think James, Sirius, or Peter mind." Remus raised an eyebrow, seeming to silently laugh at her, "After all its what they do. Have you seen James around Lily? Or Sirius around every girl that walks in?"

Tonks found herself laughing. She asked for a hot chocolate (without the bubbles, thank you very much) and slid a five dollar bill across the counter. Remus send her a confused look.

"A tip," she laughed, "for the nicest barista in the world."
Remus laughed, "Thank you. But I couldn't."
"You're the only person that doesn't flirt at a shop, with the exception of my cousin." she joked.

He shot her a look before gratefully taking the money and putting it into the cashier. She grinned and sipped the hot chocolate he set out on the counter for her. Remus sipped his own.

"So what'd you need to see me for?" she asked, setting down her cup.
Remus blushed then bashfully smiled at her, "It was kind of lonely in here. There aren't any customers and Peter's getting his lunch."
"He'd rather not eat here?"
"Nah, he prefers fast food joints."

They laughed. Tonks found herself grinning at him. They chatted about new books coming out and catchy songs from broadway musicals. They ended up making fun of Sirius. She laughed as she and Remus had a balancing competition, seeing who could hold a bagel on their heads the longest. (She lost, due to her clumsiness.)

"Any plans for Thanksgiving?" she asked, out of breath from her giggles.
"No, I'll just be at my apartment this year."
"Don't you have family that'll spend it with you?" Tonks asked, her voice filled with pity and care for this man.
Remus sighed, "My parents were only children, and they'd passed away."

He straightened up and started wiping down the counter like he usually did. Remus must've sensed the pitiful looks she gave him, because then he added, "It's fine, they've been gone for a while now."
Tonks didn't want to say anything that'd offend him, but her tongue slipped, "Why don't you spend Thanksgiving with my family? With my parents, Sirius, and I?"
Remus seemed taken aback by her invitation, "I—um..." he stuttered, his eyes not meeting hers, "It'd be lovely, but I wouldn't want—"

The doors to the shop swung open. Remus and Tonks looked at each other in confusion. Who'd be coming in now? People were still at work, and it was way after the usual lunch break. Tonks set down her cup of hot chocolate before turning around. Remus stood up straight.

"Afternoon, Severus," Remus smiled with fake cheerfulness, "What can I get you?"
"Look at that," Severus grinned coldly, "It's the sick freak and his girlfriend. How lovely."

Tonks swiftly rose from her seat, her cup of hot chocolate in her hand. She didn't know exactly what she was going to do with it, but it was her chosen weapon for the moment. She felt a gentle and comforting hand on her upper arm, calming her and keeping her from rushing forward and slapping Snape across the face.

"You work here now?" Snape asked, "Why shouldn't I tell the management what you really are?"
Tonks saw Remus grit his teeth, "They already know, and couldn't care less."
"What's stopping me from telling the young lady here?" Snape raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his oily face.
"Severus, I beg of you." Remus seemed to be shaking in fear, but he had calmly responded.
"Remus, what—" she interrupted.
"Yes, Lupin. I'd like to hear." Snape cut in.
She and Remus simultaneously glared at him, "This doesn't concern you. I must ask you to leave."

Remus was shaking, his hands trembled. She saw the fear shining in his eyes, hidden by a mask of calm. His hand gripped her upper arm tighter out of nervousness she assumed. Tonks had never hated Severus Snape more. She gripped her cup of hot chocolate then tipped it, spilling every droplet of hot water onto Snape's black velvet coat.

I meant for this thing be a more character development kind of chapter, but I'm not sure what it is for the moment.

So how's your day been? Any Christmas preparations? My tree came out kinda sucky, but it's okay.

Question of the day:
Soooooo Christmas traditions you wouldn't mind sharing?
- So I've got a huge extended family, and to get and give presents they've got to call out names like "[name] this present's from the [name] family! Go say thank you!" It's silly but hilarious because half the time, you're thinking "who's that for? what'd you say?" I love my family.

Love you all,
-Abby