Learn to Fly

"Pass me that bottle of salamander blood, Dora."

Tonks handed Severus the bottle, a sulky look on her pretty heart-shaped face.

"I thought we were going to do something fun. I didn't come down here to play 'Potion Master's Assistant'."

Severus scowled and started muttering darkly to himself.

"Not my fault that half the bloody school's caught the flu. And it's not my fault that Madam Pomfrey gives out bloody Pepper-Up Potion like it's water."

Tonks smiled, clearly overhearing every word that was uttered.

"And I guess that the floor being wet isn't your bloody fault, either?"

Severus scowled in annoyance, but this only caused her to laugh.

"I didn't get around to clearing up after my last class."

He began muttering the instructions to himself.

"Salamander blood and turn off heat."

With a flick of his wand, the fire went out.

"Done."

"Good. Let's go."

"Let me label this first. Do you happen to have a quill?"

Sighing, Tonks drew one out of her robes and walked towards him. She was about half a meter away from him, when she slipped on the wet floor. Tonks collided with Severus and threw her arms around his neck to prevent herself falling. Severus gripped onto both her arms to steady her. After a few moments of realization, they froze. Feeling rather flustered, Severus started to stutter (something he hadn't done since he was ten).

"Um...D-Dora? A-Are you alright?"

Tonks looked into his eyes and smiled. He felt his stomach flip-flop.

What the bloody hell?! Where did THAT come from?

"Yeah, I'm fine. Did I hurt you?"

"Y-Ye-I mean, n-no...it was an accident and I-I...uh..."

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

At that, Tonks pulled his head down towards hers and kissed him full on the lips.

Severus's brain exploded with shock and before he knew it, she drew away. It took a few seconds before he could form a word.

"Dora?"

He had meant to sound questioning, but it came out as a bit of a squawk.

Tonks smiled sweetly at him.

"Yes?"

Yet again, he wanted to say more, but all he could come out with was, "Why?"

"Because I like you, that's why."

Severus stared into her eyes, trying to see any signs of bewitchment, but all he could see was the sweet and honest affection meant just for him. This caused him to pause, thinking quickly and analysing the situation.

"Are you sure you want this?"

As an answer, Tonks grinned and leaned in for another kiss. Severus was quick to respond. Sliding his hand down her arm, it came to rest on the curve of her waist.

After about fifteen minutes, they stopped, gasping for breath. Tonks kissed him again, nibbling seductively on his bottom lip. She then suddenly broke away and smiled.

"You better go take that potion to Madam Pomfrey. She'll be wanting it."

Severus nodded mutely, collected the potion and made to leave. When he reached the door, he paused, doubled back and gave Tonks a searing kiss. She just leaned into him, when he broke it off, grinning cockily.

"See you later, Dora."

He then strode out of the office into the hall.

Tonks gazed after him, smiling.

Well, so much for having nothing to do outside class.

*

With a week to go before exams, Alora was feeling hectic. There was no homework, but the pressure to study was immense.

Thank God for Dad and Draco.

Severus had provided Alora with several textbooks (many of which were not on the reading list) that explained her subjects in great detail. A little too much detail, she realised. Severus had obviously given her these books knowing that they held the answers, but she would have to read them cover to cover to get them. But if she ever had trouble understanding, he was always there to help her understand it.

Draco, on the other hand, helped her to study. Alora was half-annoyed and half-grateful that their study sessions didn't turn into snogging sessions, no matter how much they both wanted them to. It didn't help that Greg and Vince were there most of the time, limiting the time they had alone together. Draco seemed as determined as Alora to make sure she made it through her OWLs. He was also studying hard for his own exams, in which Alora helped him in anyway she could, even if it was only sorting his notes for him.

After about two hours of studying, Alora put down her notes and stretched.

"I need some fresh air. What about you guys?"

Draco, Greg and Vince dropped their notes enthusiastically. After sorting out their papers, they all headed out to the grounds, determined to enjoy the rest of the glorious sunny day outside.

*

The office door was locked. Inside, Severus and Tonks were snuggled together in Severus's roomy armchair, kissing rather passionately. After a while, Tonks pulled away and smiled at Severus. Severus smiled back and pulled her into a warm embrace, Tonks sighing happily and snuggling into his chest.

Before he could help himself, he blurted out what he had been thinking ever since she had entered his office. "You're beautiful."

Tonks blushed.

"You know, there are more creative ways to get into my pants."

It was Severus's turn to turn red. Holding her close, he murmured, more to himself than anyone else, "What are you doing with an old git like me?"

Tonks smirked.

"Because the old git can hold an intelligent conversation, has a wicked sense of humour and he's a great kisser."

To prove this, she leaned over and kissed him.

"He's not bad looking either," she added as an afterthought.

She rubbed his arm.

"Sev, I like you for who you are. Simple as that."

Severus eyed her over warily.

"Honestly?"

Tonks nodded, smiling.

Severus smiled back and kissed her surprised lips. It was rare for him to make the first move.

"I like you, too," he whispered against her lips.

Tonks smiled.

"Really?"

"Just said it, didn't I?"

Tonks giggled softly. When she finished, Severus fixed her with a serious look.

"Dora, if we're going to be this close, there's something I have to tell you. Can you meet me here tomorrow at four?"

Tonks nodded, confused by his sudden change of mood.

*

The next day, Alora heard her father call across the classroom.

"Miss Perry, you are daydreaming, yet again. Stay behind after class."

Alora closed the door after her classmates were gone and raised a curious eyebrow at her father.

"Ally, I need to talk to you about something important. Are you free this afternoon?"

She nodded.

"Good. Can you come to my office at three forty-five?"

Alora smiled.

"Sure, Dad."

*

Severus paced his office nervously. He was dreading what was to come, but it had to be done.

At three forty-five exactly, he heard a knock on his door.

"Enter."

Alora poked her head in and glanced at Severus. He nodded and she came in, shutting the door behind her.

"Hey. So, what's up, Dad?"

He motioned to one of the chairs and she sat down. Severus pulled up a chair and sat opposite her.

"Alora, you know I love you."

"Yeah. And I love you."

Severus smiled.

"And that you're more important to me than anything."

"Dad, what's wrong?"

A sudden look of panic flashed across her face.

"You're not sick, are you?"

Severus shook his head and reached over to smooth down his daughter's hair.

"No, no. I'm fine. But there is something serious I have to talk to you about."

He ran his hand nervously through his own hair and continued.

"Ally, you know no one could...uh...but could you...damn! How do I say this?"

Alora laughed.

"Dad, quit beating around the bush. It's not like you. Just spit it out."

Severus sighed heavily. He decided to blurt it out, damning the consequences.

"Alora, would it be alright by you if I started seeing someone?"

Alora paused and grinned.

"Yeah! It's about time, too!"

Smiling slyly, she asked, "Anyone I know?"

Before he could answer, someone knocked at the door. Severus quickly and quietly sat behind his desk. He took a quick glance at his clock and panicked.

Has it been fifteen minutes already?

"Enter."

Tonks entered the room and caught a glimpse of Alora.

"Excuse me, Professor. I can see you're busy."

Severus smiled.

Damn the consequences! Damn them all to hell!

"Please, take a seat, Dora."

Alora was shocked.

Since when has Dad been civil to the staff?

Tonks was shocked too.

Is he out of his mind? Why is he acting like this in front of a student?

"Alora, I believe you know Professor Tonks."

Alora nodded.

"Hello, Professor."

"Hello, Miss Perry. Professor Snape, can I speak to you for a moment?"

Tonks practically dragged Severus into a corner of the room.

"What are you doing? Do you have any idea-"

"Dora, she is the reason you're here."

He strode over to Alora's side and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Dora, I'd like to introduce you to Alora Perry. My daughter."

Tonks's jaw dropped.

"Daughter? You mean...ohmigod...Sev, you're a father?"

"Well, that's one term. I prefer 'dad'."

Alora looked between the two of them and it clicked.

"Oh -kaaay. I'll just be going now."

She headed for the door. Casually, she called over her shoulder, "Oh, and Dad?"

"Yes?"

Alora grinned cheekily.

"Nice one. She's cute. Just don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Severus gaped.

"Alora!"

She winked and shut the door behind her, giggling all the way up to the common room.

Dad couldn't have picked a better person.

*

As the door shut, Severus stared at Tonks, who had managed to close her mouth.

Need to break the ice. Need to break it!

"Sorry about that. She usually is more polite."

Tonks found her voice.

"You're a dad, then."

Severus nodded.

"So, err, where's her mother?"

There was a hint of jealousy in her tone.

"Dead. She's been gone for about five years now."

Sympathy flooded her face.

"I didn't know. I'm sorry."

Severus waved off her apology.

"Jes meant more to Ally than she did to me. We were engaged, she broke it off. Then eleven years later she contacts me out of the blue and tells me I'm a dad."

Severus sighed.

"She died of cancer. That's the only reason I know about Ally. If Jesika hadn't of gotten sick, I never would have known."

He glanced at Tonks.

"Ally was a surprise. But she's the best surprise I've ever had. I wouldn't have it any other way. You have to understand that Alora means the world to me. I couldn't have someone else in my life without them knowing about her. I hope you can accept this."

Tonks was stunned. This was the most honest speech she had ever heard him say.

No one could say no to that. No one could lie that well.

Smiling, she sat down, pulling Severus down with her.

"Of course I can," she whispered.

She began to kiss him but he pulled away.

"Dora, you can't tell anyone about her. You know what I do for the Order. If... the other crowd ever find out about her..." He broke off, shuddering.

Tonks stared solemnly into his eyes.

"I'll never tell."

Severus nodded then grinned slyly, sliding his hand around her waist.

"Now, where were we?" he mumbled against her neck.

Tonks smiled to herself.

I think it's going to be all right.