"If this is truly what you want and it would make you happy, I will do my very best. Please understand that this is all new to me. I have never had, as you'd call it, a proper relationship. I will give you whatever you want, as long as you are happy and safe. That is all that matters to me."

Tonks' eyes were now drying. Remus sat in front of her, having eaten her terrible cooking, insulted her, and now asking for the chance she had already offered him before. It was painfully obvious that Remus had been torturing himself in these self-destructive thoughts. She wondered if he had never been in a proper relationship before, not because of his status as a werewolf, but because of his own insecurities. Though being a werewolf obviously had its challenges, the walls he had put up surrounding this condition had clearly affected everything about his life. How could this mild-mannered, gentle, generous soul be so tortured?

"I have some questions of my own for you, Remus," began Tonks.

"Anything. Ask me anything," replied Remus. His own eyes were warm and full of anxiety; it was a look Tonks had seen many times before.

"If we try at a proper relationship, will you promise to give it your best?" asked Tonks.

"I'll do everything I can."

"Will you promise to tell me when these fears come back?"

"I will do my best."

"Will you acknowledge that I really want this, that I want you, and whatever being with you might bring?"

"I believe you when you say you want this, and when you want me," said Remus, dumbfoundedly. "In turn, I ask you to be patient with me as I try to understand how you accept the complications of my life."

"What does that mean?" Tonks demanded.

"If we want to start slowly, I would prefer if we kept our relationship as private as possible, as long as we can," said Remus.

Tonks thought carefully about her next words. She was beginning to understand the mountain of insecurities that Remus held; for such an intelligent and kind man, he had a tremendous amount of misgivings about himself.

"I understand, Remus," said Tonks, finally. "I can understand why you would like to keep this private." She continued, "I hope that one day it will not have to be like this, but I can wait until you are ready, if this is what you need."

Remus let out a heavy sigh of relief. I said the right thing, she thought. She remembered Sirius' words again: be kind to him, and be patient. Patience had never been her strength, but she would try her hardest to be patient, as long as she saw Remus trying his hardest to be with her.

"I have to apologize again, Tonks," said Remus, sheepishly. "I don't know how to be in a relationship or how to begin one."

"Most people start with dates," she said. "No need for extravagance," she added, seeing the anxiety in his face again. She knew he had very little money due to his limited career options as a registered werewolf. She wanted to assure him again that this was not a sufficient reason to avoid being with her.

"A date," Remus said slowly. "I can do that."

"Have an idea for one, then?"

"Yes, and we should get going if we're going to make it."

"Huh?"

"Just trust me."

Tonks snorted. "Am I dressed appropriately?"

"You look lovely," answered Remus. "Let's go."

…

They Apparated near a small city. It was now late in the evening. Tonks asked, "Where are we?"

"Cardiff," replied Remus. "This is where my parents met."

"We'll have a date here?" asked Tonks. She looked around and saw a playground. It appeared to be a small park, dimly lit in the late evening.

"We'll be there with a bit of walking, if you don't mind," said Remus. He offered his arm to her, and she held onto it as they walked into a lit street. Tonks walked with him as they stopped in front of a pub.

"Is this it?" Tonks asked.

"Yes," replied Remus. He opened the door to the pub and they sat down at one of the available tables.

"Why here?" Tonks asked. It was decidedly a Muggle pub. Onlookers were curious at the two of them; she wasn't sure if it was due to the apparent age difference between them, their robes, or her azure curls. It was exceedingly ordinary, as pubs go.

"This is where my parents had their first date," replied Remus. "It's the first place I thought of for us."

"I'm impressed, Remus," said Tonks. "This is surprisingly appropriate for a first date."

"It bodes well for me that you're easily impressed," said Remus, smiling sheepishly.

The next few hours were filled with lighter conversation; Remus told Tonks about how his parents had met over an incident with a boggart. Tonks told him about her first crushes in school, and learned that Remus' dating history was indeed sparse. Tonks felt at home with Remus. Their first "real" date was simple, sweet, and exactly what she had always imagined it would be. No worries about their future, no consternation over werewolf welfare, simply the two of them, engaged in conversation, enjoying one another's company.

When the bill finally arrived, Remus took it swiftly.

"You don't have to pay, Remus," said Tonks. "I don't expect you to pick up the tab for me every time."

"I invited you to dinner, Tonks," he said. "While I don't have much to offer, I would like to share what I have with you. It's not much, but I want to share it with you all the same."

"I pay next time!" Tonks insisted.

"You assume there will be a next time?" Remus asked, coyly.

"I would hope so, given our unnecessary argument tonight," Tonks replied. "I was under the impression you enjoyed yourself."

"I did," said Remus. "Very much so."

"So when are we doing this again?" asked Tonks, now grinning.

"I'll have to check the schedule with the Order," said Remus. "We'll need to know what your week with the werewolves looks like as well. I can hardly take you on a date if you're running for your life."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "If other werewolves are infuriating as you are, I'll chucking them with anything I can get my hands on, not running away."

"Let's hope that doesn't happen either, then," said Remus.

"Will you come back to my flat with me tonight?" asked Tonks.

Remus hesitated. Tonks saw the tension grow again in his body, anxiety showing on his face.

"Remus, if you don't want to, you don't have to," assured Tonks. "It's just to be with me, nothing else. I promised we'd go slowly. I meant it."

"I feel terrible for wanting it this way," said Remus. "When you clearly don't."

"If going slowly is how we need to do this, I consider it a victory," replied Tonks. "I want you to be happy, too."

"Okay," murmured Remus. "I'll be glad to come back with you, if you'll have me."

"Of course," beamed Tonks. "It's what I've been telling you this whole time."

…

Tonks was replaying their first date when she had arrived back to work on Monday. They had rowed, they had enjoyed their first date, and they had spent the evening in each other's arms in her bed. Though they remained chaste for Remus' sake, Tonks felt that he might relent on his self-imposed celibacy. There was a hunger in his eyes for her; as usual, his insecurities were holding him back. Patience, she thought, patience will be her guide.

Alfie's voice broke her reverie. "Oi, Tonks! Meeting with Scrimgeour, now."

Tonks sighed. She had always dreaded meetings with Scrimgeour, but with the new assignments of chasing after Dark and other-than-fully-human creatures, she felt further dejected walking into his office with Alfie.

"New assignment this week for you both," began Scrimgeour.

"Go ahead, sir," beckoned Tonks.

"Werewolves," said Scrimgeour. "We have a list of registered werewolves , but we don't expect you to meet with all of them."

"Which ones would you like us to meet with, sir?" asked Alfie.

"As many as you can get to," replied Scrimgeour. "Spend today sending notices to all those on this list to expect a house call from you in the next week or so. Don't ask for a reply. Go to each of their homes and conduct interviews to determine their allegiance. Have a report ready for me in two weeks."

"Sir, what if they are out of their homes at the time we visit?" asked Tonks.

"If they are with the Ministry, they will be home," said Scrimgeour. "All those failing to comply with the notice will be subject to further interrogation."

"What if they work, sir?" asked Tonks.

"That's hardly our problem," replied Scrimgeour. "As I made myself clear, if they fail to present themselves at their homes during the specified time, they will be subject to further investigation. Do I need to make myself clear again?"

"No, sir," replied Tonks. "I understand completely. I do have another question, sir."

"Yes?" asked Scrimgeour.

"Do we know of any non-registered werewolves and where they might be living?" asked Tonks. "I fear they may be less likely to be loyal to the Ministry if they are not registered."

Scrimgeour stared at Tonks, apparently lost in thought. "We ask that you interrogate the registered werewolves for information on non-registered ones," said Scrimgeour, slowly. "Failure to comply with providing information will result in further interrogation."

"Yes, sir," replied Tonks. She was fuming about this assignment. What right did they have, she thought, to demand werewolves drop everything and appear for questioning? Perhaps this is something Remus has been subjected to. Her heart sank for him. This was just another part of his life.

"When do you expect us to leave, sir?" asked Alfie. "I'm sure that Tonks and I can go as early as tomorrow."

"Tomorrow would be ideal," said Scrimgeour. "Alert us at once with any aggression. You may use near-lethal force if necessary."

Tonks' jaw dropped. "Near-lethal, sir? Do you think that will really be necessary?"

"Expect aggression, Tonks. These are werewolves we are talking about, not unicorns," stated Scrimgeour. "Do what you need to protect yourselves."

Tonks gaped at him. For as much as she had known about the poor treatment of werewolves, gathered from her own observations and now with Remus in her life, this tugged at her heart. How could they possibly want her to use near-lethal force on those who might be as kind and thoughtful as Remus?

"Let's go, Tonks," Alfie said. "We need to get the notices out. You work on surnames A to L? I'll work M to zed."

"Okay, Alfie," Tonks agreed. "I'll get on that right away."

…

"Did you get a notice today, Remus?" asked Tonks. They were enjoying dinner, kindly cooked by Remus, in her flat.

"I did, in fact. I should expect a visit from you this week or next?" asked Remus.

"Yes, but it won't be for fun," sighed Tonks. "Alfie has to come too." She put her hands over her eyes, rubbing her temples with her fingers.

"At last, I'll meet the famed Alfie," Remus said. "I'm sure we'll get along swimmingly."

"How can you be so calm about this?" asked Tonks.

"Do you think this is the first time I've been visited by Ministry officials?" asked Remus.

Tonks felt foolish; of course he'd been visited by the Ministry officials. They regularly checked-in on those they found suspicious.

"I suppose not," replied Tonks. "It feels terrible for me, since I'll be doing the investigation."

"You don't see this as a wonderful opportunity to interrogate your new boyfriend under the auspices of the Ministry?" Remus asked, a coy smile on his face.

"When you put it that way…" started Tonks. "Wait a moment – did you just refer to yourself as my boyfriend? Seems rather presumptuous, if you ask me." She crossed her arms over her chest, struggling to keep a laugh in her chest.

"I was under the impression that was my role in all this," said Remus. "Unless you feel otherwise?"

"No, it's just funny hearing yourself calmly describe yourself as my boyfriend," said Tonks. "I really hadn't expected that."

"You underestimate me, Tonks," said Remus. "I'm a fast learner." He got up out of his chair and bent down over Tonks, holding her hands in his. She could see into his warm, gentle eyes. She could feel the scars on his hands, crisscrossed over his palms. She saw the fine lines of silver in his amber brown hair. She was taking in everything about him.

Remus kissed her slowly and gently. She stood up out of her chair, head now bent towards Remus'. He ran his hands through her scarlet waves, running them down to rest at her waist. She brought her hands up to run them through his hair, holding his head close towards hers, as she began to taste his tongue with her own. She felt him pressing into her, and her own body growing hotter and wetter in turn.

He broke the kiss off before she was ready, leaving her hungry for more. "Has anyone ever told you that you're an excellent kisser?" she asked. "Makes me wonder if you're excellent at anything else." Her eyes were twinkling at him, pleading to continue their affection.

"We'll have to wait on that, Tonks," Remus murmured. "I want to. I really do. I want us to be ready. I want me to be ready."

"I can wait for you, Remus," whispered Tonks. "I will wait for you."

"So you accept me as your boyfriend?" asked Remus, running his hands through her hair again.

"Of course I do!" exclaimed Tonks. "Does that make me your girlfriend?"

"I believe that's how it works," said Remus. "That makes you my first and only."

Tonks thought about that for a moment. If she was truly his first and only girlfriend, was it possible that he had never slept with anyone? Perhaps that explained his hesitation, she thought. I won't push him yet, she decided, I'll wait for him to tell me when he's ready.

"That's a lot to live up to, Remus," said Tonks. "I hope I don't ruin the whole concept for you." Tonks laughed.

"Never, Tonks," whispered Remus. "You could never ruin anything for me."

"Except for pasta, perhaps?" joked Tonks.

"How do you ruin pasta, Tonks? How?" Remus laughed.

"Looks like you'll have teaching to do for me too," smiled Tonks.

"How about our next date? Cook with me?" asked Remus.

"Yes, please!" agreed Tonks. "How will we do that with the Ministry investigation?"

"Do you know which date you plan on visiting me?" asked Remus. "You'll get the distinct pleasure of seeing my shabby cottage for the first time."

"There? Are you sure?" asked Tonks. "I think we'll be getting to you near the end of the week. We're going alphabetically, for whatever reason. Alfie's idea." She rolled her eyes.

"If you're coming my way for work, then yes," said Remus. "I'll do the little I can to improve its sorry state."

"I'm sure it's lovely, Remus." She meant it. She was eager to see Remus in his own home, to spend time with him there. For the first time this week, she was looking forward to her work assignment.

…

The first few werewolves they interviewed were unquestionably unhappy to see Tonks and Alfie. The conversations were largely the same:

"Hello, sir or ma'am, we are here on behalf of the Auror offices at the Ministry of Magic. We are calling upon you for a check-in. May we enter your home?" Tonks always spoke first, hoping her friendly and kind voice would increase their chance of success.

Most werewolves they met with were obviously destitute. The homes they had were worn, off-the-beaten-path, or merely makeshift shelters. The werewolves themselves were like Remus in some ways, thought Tonks. They bore similar scars on their hands, faces, and arms. Some had newer bite marks; others were older. Few werewolves lived with families; if they did, their families were cold and distant, keeping their werewolf relatives living separately from them. None of the werewolves were particularly warm or enthusiastic to be meeting with the young Aurors.

Tonks noticed that most werewolves had little to say, if anything, about the Ministry. If they spoke, it was typically to denounce anti-werewolf legislation or their cruel lot in life as a result of a life they didn't choose. Alfie took special note of these werewolves, careful to mark them down for increased surveillance. Tonks wished Alfie hadn't been there. As she saw the poverty of the werewolves, one after the other, she became angrier and angrier that they were so poorly treated. Her heart ached for Remus, kind, gentle, generous Remus, and how he and all the other werewolves deserved much better lives than what they had.

After visiting an especially vocal opponent of the anti-werewolf legislation, Alfie spoke.

"You'd think they would understand why we would have to pass those laws, considering how dangerous they are," said Alfie.

"They are only dangerous at the full moon, Alfie," Tonks sighed. "As you've been able to see, most of them are ordinary people who got stuck with a life they never chose."

"Who cares if they didn't choose it?" Alfie retorted. "It's not our fault, either, and we're just doing what we need to do in order to protect others from suffering the same fate."

"It wouldn't be such a terrible fate if we didn't make it that way, Alfie," said Tonks. "I wish there was more we could do for them. So many of them live in such squalor. It just doesn't feel fair to me, I guess."

"Fair or not, it's what's safest for everyone," stated Alfie.

Tonks hated Alfie's attitude. Though she had never been anti-werewolf in the same way that others had been around her, she had always felt fear towards them. After getting to know Remus and seeing so many other werewolves in their poverty, her heart had never been more open to their suffering. I'll work to make their lives better, she promised herself. I'll work to make Remus' life better.

At last, it was nearly the end of the week. Alfie looked down at the list of registered werewolves and found Lupin. "This one should be our last for the week, thankfully," Alfie said. "With any luck he'll be cooperative and we can head back to the Ministry in one piece."

Tonks and Alfie Apparated to Yorkshire to find Remus' cottage for his own Ministry investigation. Tonks recognized the cottage before she knew it was his; there was something undoubtedly warm and cozy about the lonely cottage, despite its rundown appearance. It was shabby, she thought, but charming in its way. She barely contained her excitement to see it, and Remus within.

A few raps at the door, and Remus answered it. He was wearing a worn jumper and threadbare trousers, but he had never looked so lovely to Tonks. He was standing in his cottage, just as she had pictured it.

Tonks broke the silence. "Hello, sir, we are here on behalf of the Auror offices at the Ministry of Magic. We are calling upon you for a check-in. May we enter your home?" Tonks asked Remus, struggling to maintain a level tone of voice and hiding a grin.

"Of course, sir and ma'am," said Remus. "Always my pleasure to host Ministry representatives." He smiled and gestured for them to enter.

Tonks saw Remus eyeing Alfie. Alfie was taken aback by Remus; not a single werewolf had ever responded so warmly and sympathetically.

Alfie stammered, "Are-are you Mr. Remus Lupin, sir? I'm afraid we may have gotten the wrong address."

Tonks stifled a laugh; of course he thought they had reached the wrong home. Remus was charming as ever, and Alfie couldn't understand.

"I am he," replied Remus. "I am Remus John Lupin, registered werewolf and owner of this cottage. I've been expecting you from your notice. May I ask your name?"

Tonks rolled her eyes. She loved the way Remus could be so charming and pleasant. It was one of her favorite things about him. He was so polite and gentlemanly, even in the presence of a Ministry official.

"I-I'm Alfie, and this is Tonks," Alfie said, gesturing to Tonks.

"What an unusual name, Tonks," said Remus. "Is it a surname?"

Tonks struggled more than ever to control her laughter. "It's a surname, yes, Mr. Lupin. I prefer to go by my surname."

"Very well, Alfie and Tonks," said Remus. "Might I offer you tea? I must admit I have plans this evening, so I hope this visit isn't terribly long."

"Plans?" asked Alfie. Tonks saw his brow furrowed. Most werewolves never mentioned anything about plans. They lived inherently itinerant lives due to their natures.

"I have a date, if you must know," said Remus. "I wouldn't want to keep my girlfriend waiting."

"A date?" asked Alfie, incredulously.

"Yes, sir," replied Remus. "A date, when two persons who fancy one another spend time with each other."

Tonks was now biting her knuckles to keep from bursting out into laughter. The entire exchange had become absurd and she kept her energy focused on keeping her mouth shut.

"I know what a date is," rushed Alfie. "I-I-I…" he was now stammering.

"I understand that it may be unusual for a werewolf to date," explained Remus. "I have had the good luck to meet someone who is understanding of my condition. Fortunately, we live apart and she avoids me at the full moon. It's an unusual arrangement, I suppose, but it's working for us." Remus shrugged, crossed his arms over his chest, and smiled broadly.

Alfie remained at a loss for words. Tonks decided to step into the conversation, to take over for her dumbfounded coworker.

"Well, Mr. Lupin," she began, a twinkle in her eye, "I am hoping you'll be willing to cooperate with our questions today."

"Of course, Tonks," he replied. "I'm happy to answer anything you ask of me."

Tonks grinned. "Do you support the Ministry and all its endeavors?"

Remus smiled and said, "The Ministry works hard to protect the safety and welfare of witches and wizards in this country. I am thankful and grateful for the work they do." Tonks knew this was all a lie; she had given Remus the list of questions ahead of time and he had prepared his answers accordingly.

"Very well said, sir," replied Tonks. "A further question for you – do you believe the allegations that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is at large once more?"

"Absolutely not," replied Remus, very evenly.

Alfie finally spoke up. "It says in our report that you were once employed at Hogwarts as a professor. Can you tell us about why you resigned? And whether your loyalties lie with Professor Dumbledore?"

"Excellent question, Alfie," Remus said. "I was offered the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor last year at the request of the Headmaster. I was lucky enough to receive Wolfsbane Potion in order to mitigate the risks of my monthly transformation. Unfortunately, the evening of the last full moon of the year, I had discovered the known murderer Sirius Black roaming the grounds of Hogwarts. In my panic to rescue students from him, I forgot to take my Wolfsbane Potion that evening. It was a terrible error on my part, and one I regret deeply. I was ashamed of my forgetfulness, and felt it most appropriate to resign. While I am thankful to have had the opportunity with the Headmaster, I do believe his reasoning is quite flawed. As I look back on that year, I understand more deeply that I should never have accepted the post."

Tonks gaped at Remus. Though she knew he had resigned over a full moon transformation, and that Remus' explanation had been prepared to impress them both that Remus' loyalties were with the Ministry, the entire explanation spoke truth to Tonks. After speaking with so many werewolves, it became ever more apparent that Remus' one-year employment at Hogwarts had been an anomaly.

Alfie spoke again by asking, "Do you know of any non-registered werewolves we should be aware of? Please bear in mind that we expect cooperation."

"I unfortunately know very little of non-registered werewolves," lied Remus. "I spend most of my time with Muggles now, as I find working with them rewarding. My most recent post was selling shoes at a nearby shop. I would be happy to direct you to them for further questions."

Tonks was surprised to hear this, too. She knew that Remus had various contacts with "feral" werewolves, but she had never bothered to ask what he had done after teaching at Hogwarts, or before, for that matter.

"Can you tell us more about your career?" Tonks asked. This had not been scripted, so the look of surprise on Remus' face was genuine. "That is, what kinds of jobs have you held?"

Remus looked at Tonks with a puzzled expression, but obliged. "I was lucky enough to have been educated at Hogwarts. After my schooling, I had various jobs, mostly in Muggle communities. Being a werewolf has its challenges in keeping a steady job, as you might have observed with others. While I have been unable to keep a steady post for many years, I have been able to support myself well enough through my own efforts." Tonks saw the shame and hurt in his eyes; she regretted asking him such a personal question with Alfie at her side. Everything in her mind screamed to rush to Remus' side and assure him that none of that mattered to her, ever.

"I think that's all the questions we have for you, Mr. Lupin," said Alfie. "I'm glad the Ministry has your support."

Remus offered his hand to Alfie to shake it. Alfie looked down, dumbfounded, mumbling that he had elsewhere to be. While in Alfie's eyesight, Tonks took Remus' hand to shake it. Looking into his eyes, she said, "It was a pleasure to be here, Mr. Lupin. I hope our paths cross again sometime." Alfie gaped at her; she realized that shaking a werewolf's hand was unusual, but she had forgotten to care.

"Alfie, it's time to be off," Tonks said. "Let's head back to the Ministry."

"Oh, and before I forget, Mr. Lupin," Tonks continued. "I hope you enjoy yourself on your date tonight." She smiled at him, winked, and turned back with Alfie to Apparate back to the Ministry.

As soon as they had returned to the Ministry, Alfie spoke, "How does a damned werewolf get a date and girlfriend but I can't?"

Tonks stifled a laugh. "I dunno, Alfie. Maybe it's his manners that help. Maybe he's got something that a lady finds irresistible." At this, Tonks finally burst into laughter.

"What're you laughing for?" Alfie demanded.

"Of all the things that could've happened this week, I never expected you to be jealous of a werewolf!" Tonks laughed again. "We'll be sure to leave that out of this week's report!"

Alfie glowered at Tonks, but she didn't care. She was itching to get back to Remus' cottage and enjoy his company all to her own.