Chapter 2 Different

"You look like hell?" Sirius said that next morning as he joined Remus at the breakfast table. Although, Remus had the previously night off, he did not get an ounce of sleep. He couldn't get Tonk's comments out of his head.

"I'm fine!" Remus demanded, "Why does everyone think I am incapable at doing this job? Do I need to remind you that I was able to this job the first time around? I am still capable of doing it now."

"I know that mate, I was right by your side the first time. And no one thinks you can't do this job." Sirius reminded.

"You sure don't show it. None of you do. And don't pretend you guys don't talk behind my back."

"What are talking about? I don't appreciate you snapping at me!"

"Just leave me alone Sirius?" Remus insisted.

"Find then." Sirius rushed out the room. Lupin clasped his hands over his face, completely overwhelmed.

"That was stupid?" Another voice said behind him.

Lupin looked up to see the last person he wanted to see, "Leave me alone Tonks."

"This is breakfast table and I am having breakfast. If you are looking for a place to hide… I'm guessing you were terrible at hide-and-seek as child." Tonks teased.

"Why? Looking for a playmate?" Lupin mocked.

"It's kind of rude of you to push people away. Your problem is that you are too proud."

"Why do you care about my attitude, we're not friends?"

"You don't think we're friends?" Tonks said irritated, "We're both apart of the order? We both have a high sense of sarcasm. I am sure we could find a lot more things we have in common."

"Most people don't really like to be… er… around me." Remus muttered, trying to divert the conversation.

Lupin had the best luck with making friends. Most of his friends were dead, in trouble with the law, or school students. But he never thought of making new friends. Who would want to be friends with him?

"Because you're different?"

"Yes?" Remus said frustrated.

Tonks, ignoring his tone of voice, said "I am different, but I hope you don't hold that against me."

"Are you trying to be rude or insensitive, or are just stupid?" Remus said foully.

"Neither. I am just saying I know what it's like… not being normal."

"I am really offended by your comment. Your problems are nowhere in comparison with my problems."

Tonks tried to apologize but Remus interrupted her, "do you not think Tonks? Do you not think before you speak or do you just say the first thing on your mind? I mean how thick can you get? This is why you are child. And no child needs to be a part of this order."

"I have just as much right to be a part of the order just as you do." Tonks sweet voice took a more serious tone, "I may say the first thing that comes to my mind, but I don't say anything that not true. I am sorry that you have met people in your pass that judge you, but I wish you could other people a chance… I rather take risks rather living alone for the rest of my life. What are you scared of?"

"Scared?" Remus wasn't really expecting this kind of meaningful response from Tonks. Deep down he knew that he was tired of being lonely, but he wasn't sure he was ready to open up. But before he could say anything, Arthur and Kingsley walked into the room.

"Are you getting more memos about departmental codes and ethics?" Arthur wallowed.

"Yes, I've gotten more this month then what I have gotten last year." Kingsley said.

"Good, I thought it was just my department. I am sure Cornelius is getting more and more suspicious by the day."

"Don't worry, he has no proofs. It's all talk."

"What's that you got there Tonks?" Arthur sat down next to Remus.

"Molly made a bit porridge. I was going to get seconds, would you fancy some?"

"Yes please." Both Kingsley and Arthur insisted simultaneously.

"No problem." Tonks got up. Remus felt a bit sad when she left; he didn't mean to be rude before. It was easier for him to be angry at others than to be honest with himself.

Arthur and Kingsley were both too deep into their conversation to realize that Remus was dead silent. Remus could not get over the fact that he was completely rude to Tonks and apparently he was the only one to notice that Tonks had not returned with their food after twenty minutes had gone by.

He felt even more stupid when he let himself get excited when the kitchen door swung open, and his heart rate quickly plummeted when he saw that it was Mrs. Weasley entering with the food and not Tonks.

Chapter 3 Preview: What happens when Remus runs into Tonks on his night off?