A/N: Here's the new chapter. Remus gets a talking to from Molly. I'm almost done with chapter 3 too, but not quite. Anyway, I want to give you a little time to give me nice, juicy reviews! And since I hardly ever do multi-chaptered fics, I never get a chance to thank my reviewers, so I'll do that now. I do ADORE reviews. Not hinting….I swear!

Lady Maundrell: The Remus/Tonks interaction is coming next! I'm almost done with it actually, and it's my favorite chapter so far! Hang in there!

Taniita: Yes, Tonks is wonderful! I love her. And Remus does too, he's just a stubborn idiot.

Grasshopperron: Ahhh, my outlet for R/T squeegee. Thanks for your review. Don't worry Tonks is going to put Remus in his place very soon. As in, next chapter. But first we have to see his side of the story. And the mistletoe part was the most fun to write. I can do angst but fluff is where my heart lies.

unknown species: Oh, you didn't scare me at all. Flattered me beyond belief, but not scared me. Hope you like the update as much!

Tonksbaby: Okay, Here I am giving you more. I don't do multi-chapters much, but I couldn't resist doing more. Thank you!

Trish: Thank you! I have to get them to a happy ending! I couldn't just let it be a one-shot that ended sadly!

Lily Christie: Thank you for a really constructive review! I'll take everything you said into consideration! I love lengthy reviews. I'm glad you think I got the characters down well. Characterization is the most important thing to me!

TrinityDD: The Grimmauld place part was my favorite to write, so I'm glad readers enjoyed it. I miss Sirius!

Luvable-Cutie: Wow, I'm glad you could relate to it. I hope you got, or will get the happy ending Tonks eventually gets. That makes me really happy, knowing it was believable enough to resemble a real life situation.

Rachel: I went with the suggestions of my reviewers, and here's more. I hope you like it!

Loop-da-Loopy: I'm glad you liked it, and I love being told I have the characters down well above all else, so thank you! I love them too much to change the way JKR made them!

Jesus.Lives: Thank you for the nice long review! I know my timeline might be a bit iffy, but it's summer and I can't make my brain figure it out perfectly. In order to have the plot line go the way I wanted, I needed to make Tonks not know about his mission until later on. It didn't say exactly when he was assigned, I don't think, so in order for Tonks to get a bit of dignity and awesomeness back, I had to make her not know yet. Anyway, Molly definitely had her suspicions about R/T stuff. Well hopefully things will clear up as I add more chapters. Glad you liked it.

MissGarfield: aww! I didn't want to make anyone tear up! But I get weepy at some fics too, so I guess it's a good thing in a way. I'm afraid their will have to be some more sadness up ahead, but don't worry. We know there's a happy ending. We just don't know how they'll get there!

Bella: Thanks, I'm glad it was believable!

Andrea 35: Yeah, I missed old Sirius so much, and I always liked to think of him being supportive of a Remus/Tonks relationship, so I went to the next level and decided to make him indirectly cause it!

Xanya Forever: Thank you! Don't worry, I'm just glad you liked it enough to come back to it at the end of the day! I try to avoid making dialogue too scripted, which sometimes means lots of ellipses!

Lupinslady: Hehehe, deranged Sirius was definitely one of the most fun parts to write!

Moogie: Hehe, I'm glad you enjoyed that part. I liked the idea of Tonks being so impulsive and just trying to make poor Sirius amused, but then getting in a lot deeper than she planned!

Alli-baby: Yeah, when I was planning this out, I was thinking of dialogue and points that could be made, and I thought of how happy Molly is with Arthur and how much they adore each other, fights and all, and even though they have to struggle sometimes with money, they've raised 7...well 6 COUGHpercyisagitCOUGH wonderful children. Silly Remus. Look around you.

Emilou87: I just HAD to have a cute background story, even though the overall tone was a little sad, because I'm a fluff addict. I wanted to show how great their friendship was and show a contrast in their personalities. Remus being all proper and shy and Tonks just going right for it, only to realize it was more meaningful than she expected.

Anne Nyltiak: Thanks! Hope you like this as much as the first chapter!

Blue Eyes At Night: I hate how people reacted to Tonks being upset. It's not like he's some stupid childhood crush, he's REMUS. We all know how amazing and kind and gentle and smart her is, even though he thinks he's unworthy. She had so much to deal with that year, and I'm sure she wouldn't have waited a WHOLE YEAR for Remus unless they knew each other really well the year before HBP. She missed him and he was off risking his life and he was breaking her heart! She has every right to be upset. She's still smart and strong and she's an AUROR. That's not a role any teenage fan girl can get easily. Tonks has substance, and I think I like her MORE because she showed how much she values love and how loyal she is, not less. It showed she can be really fun, but she also has serious emotions. I heart Tonks.

Wooo! wipes brow That took a while! But I love you guys and you're worth it! Reviews mean a lot to me, and I always get happy when an author does the thank you thing and I'm mentioned. And this is not a HINT or anything, but if you notice the longer reviews get longer comments. Heh. Anyway, on with the story.

Remus Lupin sat at the Weasley's dinner table, and helped himself to more mashed potatoes, knowing that far too soon he would have to do without such delicious food. He looked around it again, feeling foolish for searching for someone who wasn't there. They'd been here for about forty five minutes, and despite breaking everything in sight on the way to a place, she was almost always on time.

If she wasn't here by now, she surely wasn't coming. Which was a good thing, he tried to tell himself. He avoided her during the last two Order meetings, and that was the right thing to do, he knew, yet here he was, hoping she would show up at a much less official gathering. What good would come of it?

He was starting to come to terms with the fact that he was wrong. It wasn't just a stupid crush she had. It would be so much easier if it was. Then they could just get passed it and go back to being great friends, friends who could tell each other important things, or pointless things or just be comfortable not talking at all. He loved the marauders more than anything, but having a woman who he could confide in as well as do stupid things like joking was an entirely different experience. She'd given him a friendship he never imagined having, and he felt horrible, seeing her at the meetings, trying to catch his eye, her own dark ones filled with such deep emotion, knowing he couldn't give her what she wanted. It was agony, knowing she was still struggling with Sirius's death, still blaming herself for not finishing Bellatrix off, suffering from being overworked and on dementor duty, and knowing that he had added even more pain to her life.

He wanted to be there for her more than anything. He wanted to be able to wrap his arms around her and know that even though he might be harboring feelings for her, she had none for him, so it was just a friendly hug. But now that she had gone and just acted so…like herself really, they could never go back to the way things were, nor could they move forward. It was hard enough to keep what he felt inside during all the time he'd known her, trying to convince even himself that he felt nothing more than platonic protectiveness and care for the young woman who somehow kept him young as well.

Knowing that he was not alone in those feelings should have been the best feeling he'd ever experienced. Knowing that a woman, despite being aware of who he was and what his life was like could somehow love him regardless of it, was something he'd never even let himself hope for, despite encouragement from two of his very randy friends to try and 'get some' for years. He wasn't going to let it happen though. It was impossible. He had nothing to offer except a few galleons and a sickness that would be with him for life, making it impossible for assured safety. What woman, let alone a woman so young, funny, intelligent and brave, would go for a penniless werewolf who was years older than her?

A part of him still couldn't believe it. But then when the memory of her earnest, hopeful face on that last night, as she asked if he was saying he did like her back filled his mind, and he knew that she really did feel something deep for him. Or at least she thought she did. One of the characteristics of youth was optimism and a feeling of invincibility. She couldn't see that being able to confide in someone, to laugh with them, and enjoy their company wasn't enough. Not yet. But when she was their sole provider and he got too old to keep up with her or she realized the problems that came along with lycanthropy she would have a wasted life and he'd have a broken heart. No good could co-

"Remus? Are you all right, dear?" Molly's voice called, cutting into his thoughts. "Remus, I've been calling you for ages!"

"Wha…oh, I'm sorry Molly, I er…was distracted," he said, a faint color rising to his cheeks. He scoffed inwardly at himself. It's not like Molly knew who he was thinking about.

"She couldn't make it, dear, but you could always floo her if you wanted to talk," Molly said, and Remus's eyes widened.

"Er, whose that?" he asked, though he had a feeling he knew just who Molly was talking about.

Molly raised her eyebrows. "Playing dumb doesn't suit you, Remus. Now, you said there was some Order business you needed to talk about to me or Arthur before you left?"

"Yes, that's right," he said, looking around warily at the children who were all within ear shot if they chose to end their conversation about the Kenmare Kestrel's chances at winning the league. Indeed, Hermione was probably not even listening at all, he thought, amused, and would probably enjoy a chance to eavesdrop on conversation of a more intellectual nature. And she'd waste no time in informing the lot of him of his mission.

"Well," Molly said, understanding his look. "I'm just going to do the washing up. If you can use a towel, I'll listen."

"Fair enough," he smiled, taking a few of the plates up in his arms and following Molly towards the sink.

"Now, Remus, what is it," Molly asked.

"I've…I've been assigned to a mission from Dumbledore," he said, finding it difficult to contain his distaste, knowing he was the only man for the job. "I'm going to live amongst the werewolf packs as a spy, and hopefully do my part in convincing them to stay away from Voldemort's side, though that will prove nearly impossible, if Greyback has as much influence as I think," Remus said, trying to ignore the horrified look on Molly's face.

"But Remus! How can he ask you to….? That's horrible! When he knows how you hate-"

"Molly, we all have to do our parts. None of us enjoyed guarding the Department of Mysteries every night, and none of the aurors enjoy fighting dementors day and night, but we have to do anything we can to prevent the death of innocent people. Unless we know what the werewolves are up to and how much influence Voldemort has over them we won't be able to stop them. I'm the only one who has a chance of doing so."

Molly nodded, still looking as though she thought it was terrible.

"Anyway, I'm to report back every 3 weeks or so, whenever I can get away without looking suspicious. I can't be gone long, so I can't give my reports directly to Dumbledore. I need somewhere where I have the best chance of running into someone as quickly as possible. Even if you're not home, there's a chance Arthur or Bill or one of the twins might be in, so we decided here was the best. That way I can get back before anyone realizes I'm gone and gets suspicious. I reckon I will have a hard enough time gaining their trust as it is."

"That's…that's fine Remus. Of course you can come here. But you poor dear, living with such foul people when you're so lovely. I dread to think of it. And what if they find out you're still a wizard? They could turn on you so quick. And there are loads of them! And I take it you're not allowed to bring your wand, either?"

"No, I'm not Molly. But don't worry. It will be fine Molly, we've sorted it out. It'll be miserable, but I'll be fine."

"Have you told Tonks?" Molly asked suddenly looking concerned. Remus's stomach dropped. Why on earth would she ask that?

"Er…no….why would I do that? She'll…she'll find out in the meetings won't she? When you give my reports?"

"You're not even going to SAY GOODBYE?" Molly burst out, looking angry. Remus looked at her, surprised, for her infamous temper had never been thrown his way.

"Well…I…no…I have to leave…in the morning…no…time," he said, sweating profusely.

"Remus, what is wrong with you? I'm sure Dumbledore didn't just spring this on you last night. You've had plenty of time to tell her. I always said you were a good man, but if you're just going to go off and put you're life in danger without telling the woman who loves you, who was one of your dearest friends until a couple of weeks ago, just because of a stupid fight, then I think I may have been gravely mistaken!"

"You know…You know about that?" Remus asked, biting his lip.

Molly paused, as though she just realized what she said and regretted it slightly. Her hesitation did not stop her from finally continuing in a manner that made Remus feel as though he were a small child.

"Well the poor dear had to tell SOMEONE, as her current most trusted confidant won't even look at her! And I must say, I think you're being a complete fool. You should see her Remus. She's a wreck. I know you're not the sole reason for it, but you were the one who really pushed her to the limit. At least before THAT she had someone she could talk to and be comforted by. I don't know if you either don't realize how much she came to rely on you and need you over her first year in the Order, or if you do know and are carrying on like a buffoon anyway, but you need to tell her. You're hurting her enough as it is, but if you leave without even bothering to say good bye I don't know what she'll be like."

"Molly, I can't," Remus sighed, eyes cast downward. "I need to give this time to blow over. If I don't I'll end up…doing something stupid, something we'll both regret…"

"Oh, what's that? Allowing yourself to be happy for once? Letting someone who loves you know that she didn't put her heart on the line in vain? That you love her just as much, if not more than she loves you? Because you may have managed to make her believe you don't, but I know you're mad about her, Remus."

"I…mad? I don't know what you're on about Molly. We were just…good friends and Tonks…a crush…and-" Remus's stuttering was cut off by Molly's louder, more sure voice,

"Stop trying to make her feelings seem less real, just because they scare you. She's far from a stupid woman. She wouldn't go and tell you something like that unless she really, really meant it. I've talked to her Remus. She means it. Just put a little trust in her, and I know she won't let you down-"

"Molly, it's not about me! A small, small part of it maybe, but Molly you must understand, feelings aren't what matter right now. Her safety is all I care about-"

"Remus, it's not you're job to make those decisions for her."

"Well, when she is unable to make the right choice for herself, I have to. One of us has to be smart about this. I owe it to her to be strong."

"Remus, you owe it to her not to make her lose all self confidence by getting rejected by the man she loves. If you honestly didn't care for her, she would have to get over it, but you DO, Remus and you're purposely hurting her. Remus, you two could be really happy together if you'd stop being ridiculous. You really would."

"Molly, be reasonable. You're not 23, I would expect you to understand why I can't give in to her," Remus said, exasperated.

"Well, you thought wrong Remus. All I see is a man who feels something for someone who feels the same way, but is being a complete fool about it and keeping them both from being happy."

"Molly, eventually she'll get over this. She'll see that I'm right. She'll meet someone…young, with a decent job, who won't be a danger to her…who can give her the life she deserves….and she'll…she'll fall in love with him and she'll be happy…"Remus said trying to sound convincing, though the thought of Tonks starting a family with a young, handsome bloke caused a searing pain to shoot through him and a lump to form in his throat. "I'm not going to let her throw her youth away on an old man who has nothing to offer her."

"Really, Remus? Nothing? Will you just turn away and leave her to cry when she's upset? Will you never be able to make her laugh? Or make her dinner when she's tired? Or tuck her into bed if she's not feeling well? Because I've seen you do it all, and that's all she wants. She has a fine job. She doesn't need money-"

"Well that doesn't change the fact that I turn into a vicious monster once a month-"

"Whose never bitten anyone in his life!"

"That still doesn't change the fact that it COULD hap-"

"Tonks puts herself in danger every day. She's not only an auror, she's in the Order. She is willing to take risks for a chance at having peace and getting rid of evil. But when we do have peace it's not going to mean anything to her if she doesn't have someone to come home to."

"Molly, I'm going to live with my kind tomorrow morning. They're more vicious than you can possibly imagine. I know just about everything there is to know about Greyback, and if he finds out how deeply connected I am to the wizarding world, I'll be in trouble. But if he finds out I have someone I love in it as well, they'll be in worse danger than I.

"I don't care what you say Molly," Remus said with a sharp finality in his voice that was unusual. "You can tell me love is all that matters until you're blue in the face, but it won't do any good. My life would not be worth living if a young woman threw her life away or was killed because of me. It's not going to happen and that's it. It's not open for negotiation. Now I'm going to go pack some things. I'll be checking in 3 weeks from now. Thank you for the dinner," Remus said shortly.

Before Molly could get another word in, he was gone. She sighed sadly. She didn't know how she could bear to see the look on the poor girl's face when she was forced to break the news to her that the person she cared about most in the world was going into an extremely dangerous situation without even saying goodbye.

A/N: Okay, do we all want to hex Remus into next week or what? He's a butthead, I know, but he THINKS he's doing the right thing, so we must keep our love for him up, because he comes to his senses by the end of HBP.

Anyway, I know this chapter was a little slower, but I had to show Remus's side of the story, as well as give an opportunity for Tonks to get seriously angry at Remus. Oh yes, he's in trouble next chapter. I have most of it written, and it will be up soon. Going off without telling her he's going to endanger his life or saying goodbye is not going to sit well with her. But the plus side, apart from getting rid of some of our frustrations at the overly noble werewolf, is that there is lots of interaction between them! It's all R/T next time!

goes off to finish chapter 3!

And just a last reminder! Reviews are my life source. Any comments, criticisms and suggestions are not only welcome but adored!