Chapter Four

Still don't own anything. Still have no idea what will happen in book 7. Still in love with Remus… I mean… ummm….

Remus gave Tonks that sly smile that made her heart feel like she'd just eaten a handful of Peppermint Toads. She rejoiced at being able to control herself to give him a semi-witty reply. The likelihood that she would stutter or accidentally let out a nervous snort was increased twofold when she was in the presence of Remus.

"Yes, I know that. How could I forget?" He looked right into her eyes and sighed. That sigh summed up all the emotions she'd been feeling lately. The despair, the disappointment, the utter anguish.

"I… I…. How are you?" She managed to say.

"Well. Let's see… I've just spent the last two weeks in the dirtiest slums in Great Britain. So I can honestly say I've been better."

"Oh Remus. Just let someone else handle it. You need to be somewhere safe."

"Is anywhere safe anymore?" He said bitterly. Tonks had worried about him everyday, and seeing him now in the unflattering light of the fireplace showed her how tired he was. His hair was more grey than she remembered, and his features more worn. But he was still able to smile a little. Just a little.

"I'm sorry Tonks. I don't mean to be so depressing. How are you?"

"I'm-" But before she could answer her stomach let out a rumbling that she was sure shook the very foundations of the room. Immediately she turned a bright red.

"Hungry?" Remus offered.

"No!" He raised his eyebrows at her. "Ok, yes." He chuckled "It's not funny! I just haven't really had time to eat lately."

"Well, we'll have to change that won't we?" Remus said after a moment.

Tonks looked up at him, but he pretended no to notice and remained staring at the other side of the room.

"How?" Tonks asked.

"We can start by finding a decent meal as soon as this meeting is over, if it ever begins that is."

Tonks could hardly believe that he'd just said what he did. Could it be that Remus was finally giving in? Could it be that the man that had been haunting her dreams at night and thoughts during the day would ask her, the girl with no coordination what-so-ever, to have dinner with him? Her heart felt like it was about to explode, but in a good way, if that was possible.

"Unless you don't want to. I understand if you already have plans." Remus had now turned red. Tonks realized that the few minutes she had spent congratulating herself had made him think she didn't want to be with him.

"NO! I mean… I'd love to have dinner with you."

"Really Tonks, you don't have to be nice to me. If you don't want to-"

"I want to." Tonks said firmly. Remus had no idea how much she meant that.

For a moment their eyes met and Tonks had to restrain herself from leaping onto Remus in front of the entire Order. The door swung open and they were forced to break contact to see if Dumbledore had arrived yet. They were all disappointed to see the Weasley twins waltz through the door.

"Evening everyone!" Fred, or possibly George, shouted. The twins made their way across the room. Tonks realized that the only empty seats were beside her and that her wonderful conversation would have to be cut off by the twins. She cursed herself for not moving those extra chairs earlier.

"How's the Ministry? Still loony?" Asked George.

Tonks didn't get a chance to reply because Fred had just tripped into her knee and she now felt the full effects of the bruise she had received that morning.

"For the love of-" she began.

"Sorry Tonks. Wasn't paying attention."

"FRED! How many times have I told you-" Came the agitated voice of Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh mum, give it a rest!"

Mrs. Weasley had made her way over to the twins, no doubt in attempt to steer them to different seats in order to give Tonks and Remus more privacy.

"Why don't you too come over here. Your father would like a word with you."

"OY! DAD!" George yelled.

"George!" Molly hissed, but it was too late. Arthur was already coming to their side of the room and Tonks was beginning to wish she could throw herself in the fire.

"Everything alright back here?"

"Mum said you wanted to talk to us." said Fred.

"Molly what are you talking about?" Arthur was obviously confused as to why his wife would suddenly come up with this outrageous lie.

"Oh never mind." Molly looked around at all the faces staring expectantly at her and changed the subject quickly. "Why Remus, you look red. Let me see if you have a fever. I told Dumbledore it wasn't a good idea to send you away for so long. It's just no healthy!"

"Oh no, no. I'm just warm from the fire," Remus said as he swatted her hand away.

"Are you sure? You look slightly sweaty."

"I'm FINE Molly." Remus gave her a look in hopes of silencing her, but instead Mrs. Weasley gave Remus and Tonks a significant look and said "Ohhhhh!"

"What is it mum?" Asked Fred.

"NOTHING!" Molly said in a way that made it clear that it was definitely not nothing.

"Remus! I've been meaning to ask you…" Arthur, now realizing what was going on, started talking to Remus about recent trouble with anti-werewolf charms that had been confiscated in a desperate attempt to change the subject.

"Boys, I heard you put up some offensive signs on that… store of yours. I know you wouldn't be stupid enough to make yourself easy targets." By her tone Molly was about to start her speech about being responsible and staying safe.

Tonks, and the twins, were saved from having to endure a lecture by Dumbledore entering the room. A glance at the clock told Tonks it was past midnight. She looked back at Dumbledore with awe and concern. He was still able to maintain a strong aura about him, but the recent injury to his arm proved that even the best wizards have weaknesses.

Everyone took their seats and the meeting began.

I can't believe it's already April! There are less than 100 days until the Deathly Hallows comes out. In 100 days we'll all be able to read more about our favorite werewolf. WOOT!