* carry me through the n i g h t; { DOM }

[ALICE MARIE WOOD]

sing me to sleep tonight.

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Flashes of white light and chanting of spells. A new body formed, a reincarnation forming out of the tips of wands of the Paper Angels. Remus Lupin, they had murmured, watching a young boy form. Tapping the wand to his forehead, they fabricated fake memories to create his past life. Guilt seared through her.. this was the only thing she disagreed with in the Paper Angels. Didn't they have a right to know who they were, the reason they were there? They reincarnated a werewolf. Would that be dangerous? Would he eventually discover who he used to be, or would it all just be a crumpled memory...

Alice woke with a start. This memory tended to play in her head often. She felt terrible for the way they reincarnated the former wizards and witches. She knew it was for the greater good, to help defeat You - Know - Who once and for all but she just wished they could tell them who they really were. Namely Dominic, he was her friend, and she couldn't shake the guilt. She wanted him to know who he was.. but she wasn't the leader of Paper Angels. Victoire was, and she somewhat hero-worshiped her. She had a sense of admiration for the girl; she couldn't disobey orders.

As much as she tried closing her eyes and drifting back to sleep, she couldn't shake the guilt and ended up tossing and turning for a total of fifteen minutes before double checking if her roommates were awake and creeping quietly out of the dorms in her nightgown. She didn't care at this point if any prefects had caught her; trouble was nothing new. They should be sleeping by now, too. Alice tiptoed out of the common room, finding her way out of the castle and avoiding any noises or voices she heard. She was a sixth year; detention wasn't a problem. She just wanted to watch the stars and think. Was that too much to ask?

Alice crept out of the school, hoping Filch wouldn't hear her and found her final destination -- the courtyard. She often visited the beautiful scenery to think, watching the sky and hear the wind whisper past her. She swung her legs under her, sitting in a bench in the shadows. Perhaps someone else as insomniatic as she would join her?

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[DOMINIC OVID TONKS]

The night wasn't quite young, but Dominic hardly cared. He was thankful, though, that everyone was asleep in their dorms so that he was able to have the commons to himself for once. There was a pile of papers resting on the coffee table in front of the couch, where he was perched- rifling through whilst holding a calendar in his left hand. He needed to be prepared for every single full moon; to be able to sneak away from the school and into the Forbidden Forest before anyone could possibly see him. Yes, he had his instincts of when the moon would soon be full, but he needed to be aware of it far earlier than the day before. Therefore, he was taking advantage of his new calendar, filled with pictures of wolves, ironically. It was the only one he could come up with in a short notice- what a coincidence. Once the calendar had each moon phase marked throughout the duration of the twelve months, he sat back and looked at today's date.

Luckily, it was in the process of a waxing phase, being a silver crescent in the sky. To be honest, he didn't have a favourite moon phase. Mainly because he knew that the full moon would always return to haunt him. Right now, he was full-on hating the moon. Suuuuure, it was pretty. But it wasn't a good thing in his life. Dom began to grind his teeth as he began picking up all of his things; stacking papers back up and then loading it all into his arms. He really didn't want any of his peers finding anything and getting nosy. If someone found out.. well, who knows what would happen? Sure, Ravenclaw students were pretty decent, but they still gossiped. A ton. That was something he didn't like participating in, because it felt like he was betraying the person that was being talked about. It made him feel nauseous and guilty. Even if he wasn't the one saying the words filled with curiosity and wrongful doings.

He couldn't think about these issues any further. It bothered him too much for his own good, really. So, he hurried to his dorm to shove the stack of information back under his bed before covering it with a pile of random clothes. If anyone looked beneath his bed, they would only think that he was too lazy to wash his clothes. And that was a far better thing that if they were to know the truth. Dominic didn't quite hate himself, but he hated what he became once a month. It was like heightened PMS.. but for a guy. He couldn't control it and he moral values were swept away from him. Sighing, he left his dorm and common room with a quicker pace, needing to get out of the school. Suddenly, he had needed space. And air. Despite his grim thoughts of the moon, he couldn't help but be in love with the outdoors. It made him feel less caged in life. Of course - he had to be sure that no one would notice him wandering the halls at this time of night. But then, no one was around. He supposed Filch had to sleep sometime.

Dominic slipped out of Hogwarts with ease. It wasn't difficult and he almost thought that they left the everything unlocked to let students out in the middle of the night. Or else, someone had already unlocked it themselves. He couldn't be sure. But as soon as he hit the outside air, he wanted to run-- and he would've too, if he hadn't spotted a person. His vision was decent in the dark, so he could make the person out to be female- mingling alone in the courtyard. Immediately slowing his pace, he walked over to her and realized that it was none other than Alice Wood. A very decent friend that he cared for, simply because of her good nature and genuine personality. " Alice! " He spoke in an excited whisper, moving closer to wrap her in a hug. That's who he was- affectionate and caring. Plus, he enjoyed hugs. Not from everyone, but from those like this girl here. " What're you doing out here.. so late at night? You never know what could be lurking about.. " He glanced around them then, checking the shadows to be sure that no one else was, indeed, around.

[ALICE MARIE WOOD]

sing me to sleep tonight.

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Alice's eyes glittered as she glanced up at the moon. Crescent, looking like a boy could sit on it and go fish in the Black Lake. Of course that wouldn't happen; there was no fishing line long enough and no fish willing to fly that high. Still, she appreciated its beauty along with the twinkling stars hanging above her. She picked a stray dandelion from the grass beneath her feet, turning it between her fingers and admiring the beauty of such a weed. It still looked like a flower, but was seen as a pest and plucked out of gardens. She was a pest to many, but she liked to think she looked like a flower. Her thoughts made her giggle lightly to herself -- she was comparing herself to a weed! How freaking poetic.

Alice often talked to herself in her mind like this, making similes and listening to herself rather than someone else. It happened frequently when others were talking; she would listen to her own words rather than another's, in most cases. Usually if they were grown ups, then she'd fail to listen. She was sixteen; what more was a teenager supposed to do? Sure, she was a witch, but that didn't prevent her from being an adolescent.

While looking at the sky and breathing in the night, she thought of Dominic. Would he have any memories of his past life? Would she be the one to spoil it for him? Inner conflict, a mental battle between what she had to do and what she wanted, made her mind pulse. She couldn't sell the Paper Angels secret, and surely he wouldn't believe her. Who else would believe they were actually someone else, that their memories were all fake? It'd be denied at first, of course, but maybe after he heard stories about Remus Lupin and realized lycanthropy didn't run in the Tonks family, he'd understand. That wouldn't happen.. she couldn't leak the secret. It would betray the Angels' cause; she didn't want to let Victoire down, her idol. She valued her membership and wanted to please people above anything. She promised, and she could never break one of those. She was a Hufflepuff, after all. The loyal.

Alice heard pavement, then grass crunch behind her. She fumbled around her night gown for her wand, finding a pocket and grasping ahold of it. She thought of a charm, a fix, a spell, anything, that wouldn't blow her cover. Frankly, she'd only been good at Charms, earning an O in the OWL and low marks in the rest. For a split second, she was fearful; what if it wasn't a student nor a teacher? A possible creature released from Hagrid's hut? She'd never liked the giant spiders...

She'd heard her name, and whipped her head around instantaneously, jumping from her seat. She saw a familiar figure bound towards her and wrap his arms around her small figure. " Oh my God, Dominic! I was about to hex you to oblivion! Don't scare me like that! " The brunette curled her arms around the taller fifth year, pouting slightly. She felt warmth start in her heart and spread to her very toes. She always felt this way when she was around him - one of her closest friends and confidant. She could talk about nearly anything to him, even if he was a year under her; he was caring and calm, always there to comfort her. And that's what she loved about him. " I could say the same for you. " She stuck out her tongue at him playfully, trying to keep quiet to not wake anyone else. " Er, I couldn't sleep very well. Tossing and turning and all that. Yourself? "

Funny how he'd just been thinking about him, even dreaming about him, and he'd just show up. Fitting.

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[DOMINIC OVID TONKS]

Always being cautious, he had to check every shadow that surrounded them. He didn't like eavesdroppers, so it only made sense that he'd be on high alert. His eyes shifted from one spot to the next. Well, it's because he was a private person. Sure, he loved helping others and he would use his experiences to help guide them, but he didn't reveal much about himself to the naked eye. And, when he was with someone he knew, he felt extremely vulnerable to anyone that might be listening it. Silence was wrapped around everything, including them- besides their breathing and voices. Oh, and his previous footsteps. Everything else was still, but that didn't mean that there was someone there, waiting. Dominic then realized how paranoid he felt. Was he that afraid of what was in the darkness? No. He could match whatever it was. Although, the thought of someone having followed either of them.. well, it bothered him. Why would someone follow Alice? Or himself for that matter? So many questions with a lack of answers. But that's what he received when asking rhetorical questions. There was no way to know if anyone else was around, unless they revealed themselves. But - he was confident in his hearing. And nothing else seemed to be interested in their conversation. A wicked plus for them. And quite honestly, he enjoyed his time alone with Alice. It wasn't sexual or anything, it was pure friendship.

For some reason, he felt like he could be entirely and completely real around Alice. The urge to tell her everything and anything was constantly there, but his conscience continued to refuse him from doing so. And, he couldn't understand why. He wanted to, but something stopped him every time. It could possibly be his own paranoia or something else. Honestly, he had no clue. Either way, though, Alice had always been there for him, for as long as their friendship had started. They had a special closeness that he held very dear. It was something he surely cherished and would never wish to lose. It was valuable- in all senses. She helped in; not in the ways he helped her, but by keeping him human. There was a burning passion between them that kept him alive. Every hug of theirs was like fire and he enjoyed it, because he felt like an actual person and not a beast. Yes, that was how he saw himself. As an ugly and terrible creature. Because that's what he was, exactly. Every single full moon, he turned into something that he never wanted to be. The worst feeling, though, was that he didn't even know how he ended up like a werewolf. He had already searched the entire library and asked professors a zillion questions without them becoming too suspicious.

So far, however, he hadn't found much information. There was hardly anything on werewolves-- unless it was all in the restricted section. However, that made him quite curious. Why would there be information about species in a place where students would need permission? What about research? He knew for a fact that the used to teach about Lycanthropy way back when. Wait. How do I know that? Dom was confused again. How in the hell would he know if they had taught about werewolves before? He hadn't attended Hogwarts before he was born and he certainly hadn't spoken to anyone about it. Had he heard it in passing? He couldn't be sure. This only made him more worrisome and pathetic. If he couldn't find a sliver of information, what was he going to do? There was no way he could live his life as a werewolf. He had to find a cure.. and he's been searching for one for as long as.. Well, that he didn't know either. So many questions with no one to ask. And this bothered him even more so. But, the subject was becoming boring in his own mind. He'd re-processed everything a million times before, what made this time different? He never got anywhere. Dominic was a failure, he knew that. No one would love him- so that meant no future family. No one would hire him- so zero chances of a job. What the hell was he supposed to do after graduating?

It was then he shouted at himself in his mind, to shut up. He had more important things to think about. Like, Alice for starters. He had scared her by mistake. Which he hadn't had the intention of doing. Or, he did.. and just didn't realize it. " Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.. I just saw you and couldn't help but wander over to you. " Honesty was his favourite policy. Plus, he couldn't outright lie to people. Sure, he could walk around it - if completely and utterly necessary. But it wasn't necessary in this case and he was being truthful. He was drawn to her. So, of course he'd end up next to her. " The same to me? " He laughed softly. " I can take care of myself. I'm not afraid of what might be waiting for me. I worry about you, though. If I snuck up on you, imagine some slimy Slytherin doing so, Sweetheart. " He could understand her point, though. He was out wandering just as much as she was. But it was different in his mind- because he didn't want to see her harmed. At all. Oh, no. That would stir up his tolerant behavior. Afterall, he was an extremely territorial and protective person. He fought for what he cared about. Alice was one of those people he would jump in front of a forbidden curse for. He frowned then, when she mentioned her restless sleeping. " Not sleeping well? Anything wrong? " Concern layered over his face as he looked down at her, ignoring her inquiry toward him. She was more important. And he kept his arms around her, not really feeling like letting go.

[ALICE MARIE WOOD]

sing me to sleep tonight.

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Alice swung her legs beneath the bench, content. Taking note of his
shifty eyes, she tilted her head in curiosity. He seemed scared of
something or someone... Why should he? It was the middle of the night, and Hogwarts was yet more heavily protected since the Battle of Hogwarts. Her parents told her stories about the Death Eaters and how easily they took over Hogwarts after Dumbledore died. He died for a good cause, his parents taught him. Severus Snape, a noble potions professor, killed him so Draco Malfoy, only a sixth year like her, wouldn't have to. And she admired that Snape. She wished she could be brave like him. She'd never risk becoming untrusted, becoming criticized, for anything. Instead, Alice counted on Dominic -- or should she say Remus?-- to do that for her. He was so kindly protective and she appreciated it so. She felt safe around him and secure; she loved his alpha male tendencies. Thus, his visible paranoia created a panic for
her. " What? Is something wrong? " Her voice dropped to a whisper (Alice was terrible at whispering; it was more like talking quietly) and her eyes flashed with anxiety. She trusted his 'wolflike' instincts, per se. The safety around him was only diminished at the hand of a full moon. Alice knew she should avoid him at all costs. For someone she felt so guarded around, she had never feared someone more than she had while she heard his howl in the Forbidden Forest.

The perky girl continued to feel guilt. The poor boy must be so confused--he didn't really know who he was, he didn't really know how he got there, and he didn't really know his purpose. She, most of all the Angels, wished she could tell him. She wished she could tell him that all of his past, all of his thoughts, weren't real. This was not real. She wanted to tell the truth so badly; she felt like she was being so dishonest, creating a web of lies and she was the spider. She sighed lightly, glancing at her bare feet, giggling lightly to break the silence as she forgot to bring shoes. Silly her.

The sense of reality and feeling of completely being herself was emphasized around Dominic. Sure, she was obnoxious and too perky, but he didn't mind that at all. He really accepted her for who she was, and she always had this unexplainable sense of relief around him. She knew he wouldn't criticize her due to her sensitivity; he knew her more than anyone else. Perhaps that was partly the reason she was so infatuated with him -- she found him to be so close to her, she interpreted his actions as something more than they actually were. For example, the simple, friendly hug he was currently giving her and holding for longer than normal gave her a chance to inhale his cologne, making her heart flutter and mind falter. She couldn't believe how much of a hopeless romantic she was being.. she hadn't even known if he requited her feelings. Would it even have made a difference if he did?

She tilted her head at the boy, noting his eyes glassy and deep in thought. She wasn't a very deep person, but was willing to hear him out. Alice knew she would do whatever it took to make him feel better about whatever was occupying his mind. Often, with people she knew well (and she'd known much about Lupin before they reincarnated him -- quite the bright wizard, she noted), she could read their emotions easily. His confusion was easily detected, even for those who didn't know him... and she wanted to relieve that. Believe me, she was willing to make Dom feel better. That's what friends did, right? She was such a lighthearted person to talk to, always trying to help, but for Dominic especially. Little did she know, Alice was helping Dominic more than she could see. She was helping him to be himself -- not just Remus. If she had only realized, she'd be ecstatic...

" Oh, no, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I just would have pissed myself and thrown a random spell at you, " she teased. For him, she was easily forgiving. How could she say no to those honest eyes, with which he could express the littlest of joys, the littlest of tears? " I can take care of myself too! " She insisted, pouting childishly. Her eyes widened. He had just called her sweetheart. Sure, he could mean nothing by it and just be using it as an endearing term for a friend. But to Alice, it meant the world. To Alice, he was practically confessing his undying love for her. For her misinterpretations, she couldn't stop the slight blush on her cheeks and wide, toothy grin. Ignorance is bliss, eh?

" You. " Alice covered her mouth in a flurry, nearly spilling exactly what was causing the insomnia that night -- his real self -- but instead, she chose to shut her loud mouth for once. She'd be kicked off of Paper Angels for sure.. she had to keep her loyalty. Alice struggled with the ultimate question -- whose loyalty was more important? Dom's or the Paper Angels'?

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[DOMINIC OVID TONKS]

Whilst being paranoid, Alice caught on to his shifty eyes and cautious moment. Of course she would. She was one of the few that could actually read him, because of how much time they spent together- or so that's what he believed. There was just something about how she knew him so well. It even scared him a tad, because of how he had a secret that she didn't know. There was another side to him that he was afraid to tell her about. But, despite that, she knew of his regular side. His personality, expressions, thoughts.. Well, some thoughts. She couldn't read his mind and would often ask, because of how well he did hide himself. It was almost as if he felt he had to hide himself from the world, because he didn't wish to be vulnerable. In this day and age, in this school, and in this world - vulnerability was something everyone preyed on. And, they would most certainly eat him alive. Which is something he wanted to avoid, at almost any cost. It wasn't worth everything, but it was worth quite a bit. Hell, he wasn't even sure if he was accepted by the Headmaster of the staff, considering how unknown things were. He didn't know any of the werewolf rules. Which made it all that much worse. Dominic struggled internally, each and every day.. all because of one thing that he had to deal with. Something that he couldn't just get rid of with a mere spell or even medicine. Of course not. That would've been far too easy.

When Alice asked if something was wrong, he smiled - more to himself than her. Shaking his head, he responded with, " No, no. Nothing's wrong. " Taking his attention from the shadows, he looked down to her eyes, his smile brightening. " I promise. Everything's all good, " he reassured. No need to worry her with his own annoying paranoia, right? She deserved to have a paranoia-free time. Leave that to him, because he certainly had enough of it. With Alice, he felt like he always needed to protect her.. Even when she wasn't in danger. Her safety mattered, not his. If he was out on his own, he wouldn't even have been so cautious as enough to listen for anyone breathing around him. They could just come after him. He would've been fine. But when she was involved, it made the situation entirely different. She was significant. Her kindness, her friendship, and her overall amazing personality was one-of-a-kind. Dominic cherished what he had with her. And when she giggled, he couldn't help but think about her adorable qualities. " What has you all giggly? " He asked curiously. It had been somewhat of a random laugh, so it made him intrigued. Well, most everything she did interested him, because of how well they truly got along. He felt as though he could trust her with a lot of things. Not something he felt with just anyone, either.

Dom chuckled at her idea of protecting herself. So cute. " Pissed yourself, eh? That would've been a sight. As for a random spell - You may want to plan ahead. You never know who or what you might be up against. I'm pretty sure a spell like fixing someone's tie isn't going to help your case of trying to keep yourself safe. You know? " It was something he pointed out because it was truth. If it had been anyone else and she'd thrown a random spell at them, she could've put herself into more danger. She needed to keep in mind exactly what spells she could use and when- because a lot of the time, the one pursuing her could take advantage of the slip-up. " You can take care of yourself, really? Well. It doesn't honestly matter, because I still worry about you. No matter what, Alice. I can't help it. " Truth. He had to speak it because he felt compelled to.. not that he minded or anything. She deserved nothing less. And then after he had asked if she wasn't sleeping well - if anything was wrong, she revealed that it was him.. and then she covered her mouth. This made his eyebrows raised. Certainly unexpected. He would never have predicted that outcome at all. Dom was shocked. " You're not sleeping because of me? Why for? We both know I'm nothing special. Unless I'm tormenting you in your dreams or something. If so, I apologise, " he semi-joked. " But, in all seriousness, what's been going on? What's bothering you, m'Dear? " Genuine worry plastered on his face still, he moved a strand of hair from her face as he frowned ever so slightly.

What could she possibly have been dreaming of him for? He truly felt as though he was indeed nothing special. But everyone else was. They each had an inner light of their own. He just had himself, and that was enough for him. Dominic was the one that had been keeping her up. For this, he felt bad.. even if he was unable to control her inability to sleep. It wasn't either of their faults, but there was something going on in her mind that made her unconsciousness restless. That isn't what he wanted at all. Sleep was very important to the body because it saved energy, kept people sane, and helped clear you mind (most of the time). With the thoughts of a person bothering you all the time, it's a wonder how someone could actually get a piece of successful rest. He didn't often because he was too busy thinking, worrying, and contemplating. Which was entirely different than being bothered by nightmares.. dreams.. visions.. etc. Poor Alice, he thought. Perhaps, he could help. But he wasn't exactly sure as to how he could aid her. " You can tell me, you know that. I won't judge you, nor will I jump to conclusions. You know my thinking process and I'm willing to accept whatever it is that may be bothering you. I care about you.. and I want to help you. To sleep. Without having to be bothered by me. " Dominic nodded again, leaning to rest his forehead against hers. Their closeness was still alive and real - sending tingles down his body, but he ignored it. Just wishing to be there for her. She seemed to need him, so that's what he was going to be. A person for her to lean on, to depend on, and to ask for help from. And that's exactly what he wanted to be for her.

[ALICE MARIE WOOD]

sing me to sleep tonight.

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From what Dom knew, Alice was just a very close friend that likely knew him better than he knew himself. He had no idea how accurate this statement actually was. Although the naive girl had befriended him since the beginning and wouldn't have given it a rest if he ignored her, she remained one of the few people that knew of his previous existence.. one of the few people who assisted in creating him. For at first, Alice was filled with worry that the poor boy couldn't have someone to go home with at Christmas or a more comfortable place than Hogwarts to live in. She was scared the spell would go terribly wrong and he would be stuck in the werewolf part forever. Thank goodness she was only right in the first part, but it was the least of her worries; the moral danger she was putting herself in was far greater than his family. She was scared that, somehow, she would accidentally spill to him that "oh, by the way, you were once a great wizard who died in the Battle of Hogwarts!" No, of course that wouldn't do. Alice wouldn't, as much as she wanted to, as much as her heart tugged on her sleeve.

Alice may have known him from the pages she had read about Remus Lupin and him dying beside his lover, a Metamorphagus (which she found so romantic, of course) and thought she would take the opportunity to get to know this new boy. After all, why not? There was no rule against that, she thought. And so she did. She got to know him inside and out (not to the point of mind reading, that would be silly) and he became one of her best friends, even if he was a year younger. They just... clicked. After learning yet more about him, she figured out how amazing he truly was -- beyond the part about him being 'the undead' or whatever -- and became infatuated with him. With the idea of being with him. With the idea of him dying by her side in battle ... but all of that was just a daydream that she could never really make a reality. He would be dangerous. He wouldn't love her; they were too close of friends for anything more to happen... right?

Dominic's reassuring smile made her eyes brighten. She knew she would be okay, as long as he was around. She knew she had a safe haven with him, a sanctuary that she could always return to. His protection was all she needed, whenever she would be offended by someone being upfront or an insult, or even a wild Centaur attack, she'd know he'd be there. He just had this instinct or connection or something that gave him a sense of protection that relieved her of her being a 'damsel in distress'. " Um, what ?" She raised both brows, snapping out of her trance and deep thought. " Oh, nothing.. it's just that I forgot to wear shoes out here. Now my toes will be all soil-y. " She fake-pouted, then chortled again. She could be so awkwardly silly at times.

" Well, I.. You know I'm not very good at spells! Whichever one did come to mind would at least distract them for a bit.. Especially if I were to attempt to fix their tie. Perhaps they would thank me instead of eat me. " Alice found cannibalism quite the curious subject. She wondered if human was a Muggle delicacy. At the mention of Dom worrying about her, she couldn't help but let her mind overanalyze the statement. He worries about me which means he cares. So that must mean he likes me too!

If every single conclusion Alice drew proved to be correct, she would be the happiest little witch in Hogwarts.

Too bad her mouth leaked and she ended up making him worry again.

In all honesty, it wasn't him tormenting her in the dreams.. it was the aftermath that haunted her. She shouldn't have gotten too close to him or she would never feel this way and she'd be getting enough sleep. He tucked a hair behind her ear and even if it made her cheeks colored even further, she shook her head and her voice dropped low. " I just can't tell you, Dom.. " She needed to be trustworthy, especially with the loud mouth of hers.

The way Dominic was so sweet to her made her stomach fill with butterflies and made her breath catch in her throat. She was in way over her head, she knew that. Once she had gone so deep, there was no means of getting out. Him being so unaware of the whole scheme behind him was making her scared to the bone. He didn't know why he was here. He didn't know his life was a lie.. God, it sounded terrible if she put it like that. That made it sound like ... the truth. " I know you won't judge me. You never have.. " With that, she gave a sad smile. " But I really.. can't tell you right now. You don't bother me.. quite the opposite, really.. but. I.. " And just like that, he made her tongue tied.

" I'd trust you with my life. I really would.. " She felt his forehead press to hers and stole glances at his lips for obvious reasons. " I just.. " She swallowed the lump in her throat, and instinctively leaned in and pressed her lips to his. Within the split second she did it, she regretted it.

Maybe then he'd stop asking what was keeping her awake..

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[DOMINIC OVID TONKS]

There had always been something about the girl in front of him that peaked his interest, curiosity, and muse. She was one of the core inspirations of his thoughts, but he wasn't sure as to why or how. And whenever she looked at him, he felt as though she was looking into his soul. This scared him, honestly. He was used to people looking at him as if they truly knew him - inside and out. However, Alice didn't know him completely.. and he never wanted her to know the biggest thing about him. Not because he was ashamed, but he didn't wish to scare her away from him. Around the full moon, he was difficult to handle, but other than that, he always put others first. It was his "giving back" so to speak. He would never want to hurt Alice, but he knew that there was always a risk if they were to catch each other at just the exact moment of where she could be harmed. Dominic desperately hoped that day would never come. She was one of the most important people in his life, and he wasn't ready to change that. Why scare her off? Yes. He should be warning her, but there was something warning him about telling her. What was the issue? He'd told four other people.. but he couldn't tell Alice? Even when she was closer to him than most of his best friends. (Of course, they'd never know that because he wouldn't do that to him. Plus, it was a different type of friendship - as everything else is. It was those differences that made the friendships worthwhile.

Miss Wood was a magnificent person that he loved spending time with. Did he have "feelings" for her? Well - he didn't know. And he didn't know if she had feelings for him. He was extremely oblivious that way. You see, he doesn't know how to read subtle hints or even blunt ones. He's the type of guy that needs it spelled out in order for it to make sense. That was one of the problems with his thick skull.. Dom had issues understanding if a girl was into him or not, because he couldn't fathom the idea. Him? A monster? However, they didn't realize how much of a monster he was.. and he really didn't wish to show them. So, he could honestly say he loved Alice.. even if he thought it to be only by friendship. Alice's smile, laughter, and bubbly personality always helped to improve his moon, even if unintentional. And that was the best part.. No matter what mood you're in, there's always something about her that cheers you up almost instantly. Dominic wasn't the same. He was more of the reserved type.. Sure, he was genuine, kind, and outgoing. But, he wasn't the type to brighten someone's mood with only a smile. That was her job and they both knew it. " Ah, I see. Would you like to sit on one of the benches? Or stand on my feet to keep yours from getting more.. 'soil-y.' " He offered with a grin. There was something about soil-y feet on Alice that was rather amusing. But, nonetheless, he'd figured he'd offer. She might already be tired of standing, so it's not like they had to continue doing so. He certainly wasn't opposed to having a seat beside her.

And he laughed again. She was far too silly to be serious for her own good. Alice's self-protection would be a fail, no matter how many times she'd try to do it by herself. " I highly doubt they'd thank you, rather than eat you. Just because you fixed their tie doesn't mean that they'll be grateful. And.. not being good at spells isn't an excuse. You know I'm here. I can always make time for you, too, and you know that. " had been his reply. Of course, that was true. He wanted to make time for her, because that would mean he'd get more time with her. And that's something he always wanted. At that point, her voice changed when he answered her.. There was much to it, but there was something she couldn't tell him, how he wouldn't judge her, and how he didn't bother her. " Then what could possibly be bothering you this much? To not trust me.. to not wish to tell me.. whatever it is. You know you can tell me anything.. " He whispered, only worrying further because she didn't usually act like this.. and he wanted to comfort her, to keep her from getting worked up.. because something was off. And, as usual, he was clueless. Most of the time, he felt like a complete dolt, because he didn't know certain things. It was usually a disadvantage, too. " If you trust me with your life.. then why not with something like this..? I can try to help you, Alice.. I want to be here for you. I promise. " Dom spoke softly, staring at her, trying to figure her out and whatever it was that was so obviously getting to her.

To words of " I just.. " and her lips were against his. Shock, astonishment, warmth, confusion, and butterflies ran throughout his entire body. Dominic had never felt like this before.. or so he thought. It was a "new" experience that caused his heart to pick up its pace as he kissed Alice back. Hidden messages were in between their lips, but he couldn't possibly decode them. Hardly. Pulling her in closer, he broke the kiss of a few seconds later.. Sure, he'd love to keep kissing her.. but so many questions formed within his mind. Were they "dating" now? If not, then he kissed a girl that he wasn't in a relationship with.. Something that resembled dread dropped to his toes. Frowning a bit, he moved his hand to hold Alice's cheek, " W-why did you kiss me? " Was all he could get out at the moment. She had rendered him utterly speechless for once in his life. He actually didn't have words for a few moments.. due to the fact that he was still overly startled. That was certainly the unexpected. " ..You like to complicate things, Alice.. I've always known that about you.. Was this to complicate.. or to tell me something? " Awareness of how the kiss truly affected him seemed to grasp his shoulders.. and his heart.. and his mind. Dom looked away for a moment, took a deep breath, and slid his gaze back to Alice's eyes. " If it was trying to tell me something.. message received.. and I want to return it.. If I might as well be so forward to admitting that. " Adrenaline set into his bones, because of how she put herself out there.. and he was doing the same..

[ALICE MARIE WOOD]

sing me to sleep tonight.

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Ever since her initial decision to get to know this reincarnation rather than the others, Alice had always been fascinated with Dominic. His movements, his thoughts, his self-image, his whole entity was just so complex and deep for her to ever interpret. She liked to learn his quirks and every detail he thought was his life. Even if he thought he was a distant member of the Tonks family with gaps of memory missing, it was still so.. charming. He was so reserved yet protective of her; even if he was the one she should be fearing. His werewolf form was too dangerous to even think about, and it made her shiver at the mere thought of it. She had a fear for feral animals -- Care of Magical Creatures had never been her strong suit -- and being up close and personal would just freak her out even further. She made a mental note to check the sky each night before venturing out in the courtyard. Howls from the Forbidden Forest made her shudder and kept her awake.

She only wished she could tell him who he really was..

How would he react, anyways? Disbelief? Denial? Anger? Would he be mad at her for not telling him in the first place? She couldn't though. She just couldn't betray her cause.. she wanted to be the good guy, not the one to hurt her best friend. The one she liked.. the one she maybe even loved.. No, no, that was silly. She couldn't love someone, not yet. Alice was very much so in love with the idea of having a boyfriend, especially him. The inner hopeless romantic wanted to follow her mother's path and meet her true love and future husband at Hogwarts.. she unknowingly released a sigh of longing. She had been daydreaming about a boy who was literally a few inches away from her. How ironic.

The way that Dominic locked eyes with her, even if he was just allowing her to stop her feet from dirtying, was positively hypnotizing. She felt captivated in his deep set eyes, lost in the best way possible. He held her attention -- but not to his words, she only picked up on the select few to her ear.. "Oh no, it's fine. I like stretching my legs instead of being cooped up in my bed." She gave him a half-smile, as she was only half-listening. Her eyes traced over his features.. his sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and scruffy hair all made her eyes widen. She hadn't taken a moment to truly appreciate his.. beauty? Or were boys handsome? He was truly quite attractive, namely to her. To Alice, Dom's eyes were the most mesmerizing feature of all. She could always melt into them, search through the cloudy gray for a feeling or thought.. And it worked every time. His eyes were so expressive and she was just absolutely beaming.

Alice scrunched her nose at the boy in front of her, prodding a finger at his chest. "If I fixed up your tie, you'd definitely be thankful! Anyone would! I can be very helpful, even to the enemy." She had a mock-smug grin on her face, followed by a series of giggles. "You can't fix my badness at spells, Dom! You can try to teach me all the hexes and words you want, but I just won't get it. Why else am I failing nearly half my classes? Even with your help?" She pouted at the younger boy opposite her. Alice would always appreciate the time he had set aside for her and only her. Similar to now. When it was just them, she had always felt a bit closer to him than when she was around other people. And of course, our lovely little Hufflepuff always wanted to be closer to him.

Upon him asking what was wrong, she continued to shake her head. "I really want to tell you, believe me. I trust you with everything! You know that. Aren't you hiding things from me too, Dom?" She had an uneasy expression, mouth curved into a frown. "You might.. get mad at me." When she had murmured those words, she realized she could be talking about two secrets she had been hiding (not so very well) from her best friend -- her alliance with the Angels and her feelings for him. She chose the latter to spill while she kissed him straight on the lips. No warning, just the element of surprise and her stomach doing flips.

The shock that ran through her bones was more than expected. Her breath hitched as he kissed back, feeling her heart rate hasten. She didn't expect that... She thought he would ask her what she was doing or get angry or something other than this reaction that put her in a state of pure bliss. Of all things Alice had thought before coming here, this definitely wasn't on her list. And he tugged her closer. What's going on? Her mind couldn't even comprehend the emotions she was feeling. Awe, euphoria, guilt.. Her body was nearly pressing against him and she felt her cheeks color. She was nearly as confused as he. Dominic's hand caressed her cheek and her blush darkened. He had an expression of.. discomfort? Was that what that was? Oh no, am I a bad kisser? God, what did I get myself into.. She bit her lip and averted her eyes.

"I.. I, um.." Alice gulped, her lack of nerve taking over. Why did she? To stop him from asking? She.. she could only think of one thing. A half-truth. "I didn't mean to.. complicate. I did it b-because.. I like you. After much hesitation, she spilled the beans and flinched, awaiting him to freak out or get angry or whatever he.. whatever might happen.. She couldn't predict his reaction at all.. For once, Alice was nearly speechless. He was staring right into her eyes again, making her heart pulse and palms sweat. Oh, lord help her.

"You.. what?" Alice tipped her head to the side. What was he... Oh my God. He was trying to tell her he liked her, too! How had she not known!? Her eyes searched his for any remnant of dishonesty.. she could find none. He actually.. wanted her. "Dominic.. are you saying that you want to be with me?"

Alice had never been so thankful for her insomnia.

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