Chapter 8

"Fancy date?"

Kathy turned to find Bronwyn had returned, a knowing smile on her face. She blushed lightly. "I don't know. The guy is the victim of persistant matchmakers. I thought I'd at least be an attractive girl to eat with."

The portrait laughed. "Kind of you. You do look lovely, though," she answered sincerely.

Kathy beamed. "Thank you!" She turned to the mirror. Her buttermilk blonde hair had been pulled back in a tight ponytail, though said tail consisted of big, bouncy ringlets that slept on her shoulders. Light make-up accented her bright blue eyes and creamy complexion while a simple, yet form-fitting black dress hugged her curves. This was one of those outfits that, rather than hiding her big bust, accentuated it, but in a way that was still tasteful. Low-rise black sandals completed the look, and she almost hated to put on her cloak, she looked so cute.

"I'm just worried you'll freeze your toes off."

Kathy giggled at that. "It's alright, I'm Apparating there. I won't have to worry about the cold."

"Well, that's reassuring," the girl replied. "Do have fun,dearest. Tell me all about it when you get back, eh?"

She smiled and nodded. "Of course."

--

My turn, Moony!

They always say, 'gentlemen prefer blondes', so I got you a cute one - maybe you'll enjoy her. She's a nice enough girl, although a little shy. She's a coworker, though, so please, be kind. I have to work with her after this, still.

Meet her at Donnigin's, 7:30. Take it easy on the wine!

James

Gentlemen prefer blondes.

It was a phrase Remus hadn't heard in a while. But, it could be true. He'd fancied a few blondes himself. Lily wasn't a blonde, but who didn't love a red? Everyone loved her, regardless. She was just that kind of person. Although, to be honest, she was a bit of a flirt, even married. Sirius often said the reason she married James instead of him or Remus was because James is lenient enough to share her.

7:15, said the clock on the wall. The place was a little crowded. The table was set so that the main entrance that led into the room was at his side, and he could watch for his lady friend.

On the other side of the wall, Katherine Wilson arrived at Donnigin's, surprisingly early. She'd left twenty minutes in advance so she wouldn't be late, but she'd found the restaurant with little trouble. Since she'd gotten there early, she asked the usher to show her to the nearest powder room. After a bit of freshening up, and freaking out, she exited and, with the help of the nearest usher, found the way to her table.

When she arrived, Mr. Moony was facing the entrance she should have come through. After a moment's thought as to whether it was best to go around or just surprise him, she decided that it wasn't really worth the long trip around the restaurant in heels. So, with a light clearing of her throat, she made herself known.

Seeing as how this gentleman was a wizard she was meeting at a Wizarding establishment through a wizard acquaintance at a Wizarding government job, it was very surprising to her when the believed Muggle Remus Lupin was the man who turned to face her.

--

For a moment, neither could speak. Both were obviously surprised at the other, and there was an awkward pause. Being no stranger to awkward pauses, Remus was the first to break the silence. He stood up as was his custom, and gathered his dress robes - they were the same casual style he preferred, even as a Muggle, but they denoted a certain amount of taste that led one away from the idea that they were either name brand or rubbish bin prizes. It was a balance of sophistication and taste, and casual homeyness that was just so comfortably him. Even in robes, he still carried that air of awareness of not only himself, but those around him. He let himself take in the lovely lady before him and he found that, as a gentleman, he did prefer blondes. And he had fancied himself a leg man!

"It is a pleasure to meet you, milady," he said with a corteous bow. "Please, sit." He pulled out a chair and she sat in it, amused at the predicament, now that the shock was wearing off. "It is an honour to share you company this evening," he said with a nod.

"I'll bet you say that to all of your lady friends," she answered, a coy grin on her face. Well, what would Mr. Moony say about this lady tomorrow at the office. "My name is Katherine Wilson. You are...?"

"Oh, my manners," he accused himself. "Do forgive me. Remus Lupin, at your service." As he bowed, he sat himself in his chair.

She smiled. "A pleasure, Mr. Lupin."

"So... Ms. Wilson." She grinned at his suspicious grin. "Tell me about yourself."

"Well, I'm originally from Maine, but I've lived here for a good three days now."

Remus chuckled. "And how is that working for you?"

"Oh, it's quite lovely. I've met this charming gentleman in Muggle London and have been readily accepted by my co-workers already."

"And you do what, now?"

"I'm an auror in training."

Remus let out a sound of understanding. "Rookies do the paperwork - got it."

She nods. "Oh, and I lost my virginity to a pirate," she added with a smile.

That wasn't something she'd shared yet.

Remus raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right?"

She shook her head with a mischeivous grin. "Actually, I'm not. He does Renaissance Faires and the like when it's in season."

"You know, I actually once took a job as a pirate, myself?"

She cocked her head at the strange coincidence. "That's pretty crazy."

"Summer job craziness."

"What about you?"

"Well, as I've said before, I am a bit of a do-gooder. Was prefect and best friends with the Head Boy and Girl of my year at school."

"Really? What's a prefect?"

"Er..." Remus tried to remember the American equivalent. "It's an over-glorified hall moniter of sorts." She giggled, and he grinned. "Yeah, that's sounds pretty awful, doesn't it?"

Kathy wrinkled her nose. "Boy, you really are a do-gooder."

Remus smirked. "Actually, I'm a prankster at heart. I was part of a quartet - not that we did much singing - thank Circe - " He gave her a moment to giggle at that "- and we were called the Marauders. I think Dumbledore - he was still headmaster - rather, principal, sorry - at that time - made me a prefect to make them behave, but honestly, I think they got away with a lot more that way."

Kathy laughed again - a sound like tinkling Christmas bells. "So, is that where you got the nickname 'Mr. Moony' from?" The smile nearly slipped off of Remus' face, but he caught it just in time.

"Yes, actually. May I ask you which of my doltish friends shared my secret name?" He could hazard a guess, but not every one who knew the name knew why it was a secret.

"A Mr. Potter?"

"Ah." Remus took a sip of wine. "Yes, he was one of the quartet as well. 'Mr. Prongs'."

"Those are some strange nicknames," she replied. She might've been getting tipsy off the wine. She'd had finished a glass already.

"The stories behind them are even worse." The sound of her laughter made Remus feel a little better, but he was treading on thin ice with the way the conversation was headed.

"I can only imagine they are! What were the other two?"

"Well, Pete, who I've mentioned before, is 'Mr. Wormtail', and Sirius, my room mate, is 'Mr. Padfoot'."

"Let me guess - he likes dogs?"

"Sympathises with them, really. The poor bloke is allergic to chocolate."

"Oh, no!"

"Oh, yes. So I always piss him off by bringing home chocolate desserts so he can't have any."

She gave him a shocked laugh. "Evil! Troublemaker!"

"Marauder!" he barked back. They both laughed and laughed, and Remus had to admit that he was having more fun than he had in a long time.