-

"Lillie's mum hates me," said Will, thrusting fists into denim pockets.

Remus glanced sideways as they walked out of the council estate, toward the city centre. "Perhaps it is merely her demeanour that—"

"No, she wants to AK me." Will kicked a beer can off the pavement. "Thinks an uneducated werewolf isn't good enough for her daughter." He laughed shortly. "Too bad for the old hag that Lillie doesn't give a damn what she thinks."

Lillie might not, but it was obvious that Will was affected by Delia Bowen's ill opinion. "You're not uneducated," Remus said. "You were schooled at home. There's a difference."

"I'm not a wizard. That's the true difference."

Remus frowned. "You're a werewolf. It's a magical condition. You had to have demonstrated signs of magic as a child."

"I don't have a wand. I didn't learn any spells. I'm not a wizard."

"Those aren't requirements—" Remus began.

"I don't want to talk about it. We're almost there. Follow me." Will straightened his shoulders and quickened his pace. He led the way past boarded-up shops, an off-licence, and a pawnshop toward what looked like a pub gone out of business. Windows were covered with plywood boarding. Graffiti had been sprayed across the walls.

Ahead of them, two men and a woman walked around the back of the building. When Remus and Will neared the rear entrance, they found a burly dark-skinned wizard standing guard. He ran his wand over both of them before asking Will, "Who's the gaffer?"

The man's slow, deep voice reminded Remus of Kingsley Shacklebolt. He held out his hand. "Remus Lupin."

After a moment of consideration, the guard engulfed Remus' smaller hand in his. "Cleave."

Crack!

A wizard appeared behind the pair waiting to gain entrance. Cleave jerked his head toward the door. "Go on in," he said to Remus and Will, holding a hand out to block the man following. "You know the drill, Waghorn."

Waghorn's complaints followed them into the building. "I'm one of the founding members of this pack! I deserve better treatment!"

"Wagtongue would be a better name for that gobshite," Will said in an undertone. "He hasn't moved up because Greyback doesn't trust him to keep his mouth shut." The boy's face lit with puckish glee. "Hope Cleave gives him the Probity Probe treatment."

Remus preferred not to think about the details of such a probe. Instead, he let his gaze wander across the dark-panelled room, keeping a tally of those present. Dumbledore would want to know how large the pack was. So far, there were fourteen present, counting himself and the two men still outside. Out of the nine men and five women, most pack members looked to be in their twenties. Black seemed to be the most popular colour of attire.

"Want a beer?" Will said, heading toward the bar after receiving a nod of agreement. When Remus asked who had provided the cask, he said without turning around. "Dix. He makes real ale. He's also our leader. That's why he gets the first beer and stands beside his mate Brenda while she serves everybody else."

Rather like training dogs, Remus thought. James' had always had dogs. Once, he joked that as Head Boy, he was the alpha, and allowed his "pack" to eat by not giving them Detention. Sirius had shot back that if anybody tried to set up a pecking order, he would find himself at the bottom of a dog pile with a bloodied nose. Remus had laughed along with his friends, but inwardly, he'd ruefully acknowledged that in the Marauder band, he and Peter followed where James and Sirius led.

The alpha male of the Salford pack was deceptively average in appearance. Medium height and build, mid-thirties; only the intensity of his pale blue gaze hinted at the power he wielded. Dix stood beside his wife, smiling slightly as people jockeyed for position around him.

"Hello, I'm Brenda. Have a pint."

Remus glanced at the curvy woman whose smile matched her unique shade of yellow-blonde hair. "Thank you. I'm—"

"Remus Lupin. I remember you. I was a second year when your gang left school." Brenda heaved a deep sigh. "Gryffindor House was never the same."

"My wife fancied Sirius Black." Dix's dry tone was accompanied by a measuring stare. "I, on the other hand, felt Hogwarts greatly improved."

Remus said, "I'm sure it did—for Slytherin House. Weren't you a Chaser?"

"Without rival, once Potter left the pitch. Slytherin won the Quidditch Cup my last two years." His smile displayed prominent canine teeth. "Taught me a valuable life lesson, that."

"How so?" Remus asked, although he was almost certain of the answer. He sensed that the other man wanted to speak, not only to him, but also to those listening.

Sure enough, Dix raised his voice slightly. "I learned that if an opposing team loses their best players, it's a hell of a lot easier for my side to win the match."

"Not much fun for those watchin'," said Brenda. She served a newcomer a beer. "Be like playin' Hufflepuff. Over in ten minutes."

Remus adjusted his mental tally. Fifteen pack members, ten males.

Dix chuckled. "I'm talking about more than Quidditch, sweet, and I play to win." He looked at Remus. "What about you, Lupin? Are you in this to win, or are you content to watch from the sidelines?"

"I prefer winning to losing, like any other man," said Remus. He took a sip of beer. It was soft and creamy, with less bitterness than he was used to. An ironic counterpoint to my life.

"How does the ale suit you?"

Brenda had asked the question, but her husband was the one waiting for an answer. His expression warned that if he didn't like it, there would be grave consequences.

"The taste is different from what I'm accustomed to," said Remus, "but I'm enjoying it." He shrugged. "I may come to prefer it."

Dix's smile was predatory. "You will. It's not only the taste, but the yeast. It's alive in real ale—still active."

Brenda said while refilling flagons, "S'ppose you're talkin' about more than ale." She winked at her husband.

The man's chuckle cut off when the back door slammed open. The guard's deep voice halted all conversation. "Muggles arrested Kemp!"

Delia Bowen shouldered Cleave aside. "He sent his Patronus to me, said they're holding him at the Pendleton station. He gave a false name, but if we don't get him out of there, Magical Law Enforcement is sure to find out."

Remus listened to those around him react to the announcement. Dumbledore would be more interested in this development than in learning there were seventeen werewolves in the Salford pack.

Will leaned in to say, "Dix will get him out, you'll see."

"Kemp was told not to work alone, that smash and grab wasn't the way we do things," the leader said when voices died down. "Why should I help?"

"He's pack," said Delia.

Remus had kept his eyes on the leader, so he saw the way the man's jaw tightened, even as he replied lightly, "So he is." Blue eyes shifted from the woman who challenged to the man who watched. "What do you suggest I do, Professor?"

A memory flashed into mind of Peter bursting into his room, flushed and almost hysterical. "They arrested Padfoot for disturbing the peace! What do we do, Moony? What do we do?"

Although his expression remained calm, Remus was torn by indecision. Here was a chance to prove his loyalty, but at what cost? He had sworn never to use a certain item again—sworn it with such conviction, Sirius had promised never to get that tanked in the future.

He could almost hear Sirius now. Lucky I didn't make an Unbreakable Vow, eh, mate? That goes double for you!

Remus didn't feel fortunate when he said, "I would pose as his solicitor, facilitate bail, and advise Mr. Kemp to steer clear of entanglements with the Muggle legal system."

Behind him, Delia Bowen said, "Lupin's a tame wolf. He can't be trusted, Dix."

The leader's eyes slid to his wife. Brenda smiled. "He sounds like a solicitor."

Dix's gaze flickered to Remus. "Do have an ace up your sleeve?"

Remus inclined his head. "In a manner of speaking."

What he had was a Perception Paper, created shortly after the Marauder's Map. Resembling a blank sheet of parchment, the paper was enchanted. When the holder verbally stated something was written on the paper—whether identification or a release form authorising bail—anyone looking at it had their perception altered to see the item exactly as described.

Sirius had taken advantage of the paper's persuasiveness to drink and get into clubs while underage. James had used it to meet Lily in the Restricted Section for midday snogs. Peter repeatedly got out of History of Magic, claiming Binns had forgotten giving him a pass to do research in the library.

Remus had only used the Perception Paper once, to get Sirius out of jail after they left school. That was why he had been entrusted to keep the paper. His friends had unanimously agreed that he alone could be trusted to use it for good.

He always had, until now.

After retrieving the paper and using an Appearance Charm to project the illusion of an overweight man wearing a three piece suit, Remus made his way to the police station to free his client.

"You did a bang-up job, Pettigrew," said Kemp, clapping his "solicitor" on the back as they left the station.

"My name isn't Peter Pettigrew, and I'm only following orders," said Remus. Disavowing his actions didn't make him feel any less unprincipled. The satisfaction he'd taken in impersonating Peter tasted like ashes. He handed the man an envelope. "Dix told me to give this to you."

Apprehension crossed sharp features. "What is it?"

"I don't know. Good night."

"Hey, wait," Kemp said. "If Dix wants to meet, do you want to go with me?" He laughed a little. "As my solicitor?"

Remus shook his head. He walked a few paces before conscience made him turn back. "If I were you, I would admit fault and ask to make restitution."

Kemp scratched his head. "Yeah?"

"Yes. Good night." Attempting to leave his misgivings behind, Remus strode quickly toward an alleyway and Disapparated.

-

She wanted to give Remus a hug so badly her arms ached. Tonks' heart went out to her lover. Placed in a tough situation, he had done the right thing. When she said so, the eyes looking back at her from the communication mirror crinkled with amusement. "Is that you or your 'Black streak' talking?"

Tonks stuck out the tip of her tongue. "Both." Unable to help it, she laughed. "What I'd give to see the look on Scrimgeour's face when a report with Peter Pettigrew's name on it crosses his desk!"

A smile chased across Remus' face. "I'd pay the few Galleons that remain to my name as well."

"What do you mean, the few Galleons? When you lived with me you never ran out of money." The instant the words were out of her mouth, Tonks wished she could stuff them back in. She didn't mean to sound accusing. It was worry that sharpened her tone.

After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Remus said, "Will spends most of what the Ministry gives him on beer and his girlfriend, so I end up doing the marketing."

"And the cooking, and the cleaning—"

"Yes," Remus cut in. "But remember. William invited me to be his flatmate. He's the reason I'm in Salford. The reason I'm on this mission."

"I remember," she said tartly. "That's what makes me like him so much."

Remus smiled at her tone. "If I were able, I'd kiss that pouting lower lip."

She ran her tongue over the lip mentioned.

He grinned. "I would do that too."

Tonks made a strangled noise of frustration and kissed his image. "Can't you look up a spell so we're able to feel lips instead of glass?"

Boyish mischief gleamed in his eyes. "Why don't you ask Dumbledore?"

She snorted. "Oh, yeah, that would be brilliant." An idea struck. Tonks began to giggle. "Actually," she said, "it would be abso-bloody-lutely brilliant! Ask me why."

"I probably shouldn't ask, but why?"

Her grin rivalled the Cheshire Cat. "Because Dumbledore would think twice about using Legilimency on someone he thinks is into mirror sex!"

Her giggles stilled when Remus said, "Mirror sex?"

Merlin that sounded kinky when he said it! If only she could morph and hide her blush. "I made that up," she said, "from what Cousin Rita told me about Muggles who like to talk dirty to each other on the telephone."

The corners of Remus' mouth twitched. "Is there another reason—besides deterring Legilimency—that inspired you to make something like that up?"

Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. "What do you expect me to say? That if we don't get to visit each other regularly you're going to find out what—you know—is like?"

Remus shook his head. "I was only teasing. Forgive me."

"No, I overreacted. I'm sorry I brought the subject up."

"I'm not. I found our conversation very cheering."

Tonks said, "Thanks, although I'd still rather be with you in person."

Remus gave a bark of laughter. "I meant that teasing you cheered me up."

"Oh. Good." She changed the subject before she could embarrass herself further. "I'll send my Patronus to Hogwarts and see whether Dumbledore wants to see me tonight or have me owl in the morning."

Dumbledore wanted to see her right away.

"Luminous Lollies," she told the gargoyles, who leapt aside to reveal the secret entrance to the headmaster's office. Once she ascended the stairs, Tonks stood taking deep, calming breaths. It was vital that she control her emotions. The last thing she needed was Dumbledore viewing a memory of her laughing down at Remus and talking about mirror sex!

"Come in, my dear."

She almost jumped out of her skin. So much for control—she would have to avoid eye contact.

Dumbledore smiled when she entered. "Have a seat, Nymphadora, and before we begin, I would like to apologise for my inadvertent use of Legilimency at the Weasleys. I assure you, you may meet my gaze freely. I will not intrude upon your thoughts."

Tonks met his gaze. "You accidentally performed Legilimency?"

Her lingering resentment faded when he nodded like an awkward schoolboy. "At my level of proficiency, an idle thought accomplishes the same result as another's concentrated effort, I'm afraid."

She remembered Scrimgeour's "accidental" view of the showgirl she'd morphed into as his bodyguard. What if Dumbledore had similar thoughts about McGonagall? "My Gran would call that a mixed blessing."

Blue eyes behind half-moon glasses twinkled. "It can be."

A question popped into her mind and out of her mouth. "Sir, when you were a student, were you made prefect?"

"Head Boy, too." His smile was impish. "Occlumency and meticulous planning of escapades camouflaged my inability to behave myself."

Tonks grinned. No wonder she'd always liked him, even when she was hacked off. Feeling at ease, she told him what Remus had relayed to her about the Salford pack.

Dumbledore's raspy chuckle when she spoke of Remus impersonating Peter made several eavesdropping portraits cluck their tongues disapprovingly. "Not every former Head of this school possessed a sense of humour," he said, before his expression became serious. "I would advise that such an impersonation not be done again, however. The consequences could be—unpleasant."

My nightmare coming true, faceless Death Eaters taking Remus away; I couldn't bear it! Tonks looked down at her lap, blinking rapidly. "Yes, sir."

She heard a drawer open and close. "Take this with you when you leave, my dear," said Dumbledore.

She leaned forward to take the chocolate bar. "I've never had Supervitamin-Chocolate before."

"It will improve your health and your spirits."

Tonks eyed the brightly coloured wrapper dubiously. "Does it taste like veg?"

Once again, his warm, raspy chuckle enfolded her like a hug. "No. Dark chocolate."

Yummy Belgian chocolate, thought Tonks, as she made her way down the steps to the dungeon corridor. She had already eaten most of the bar. It had lifted her spirits so much, she felt ready to corner a snake in his den—or whatever it was that snakes lived in.

When she reached Snape's private quarters, Tonks' used a knock that was purposeful, yet friendly.

Rap, Rap, Rap, Rap, Rap—Rap, Rap!

Instantly, the door opened. Snape stared down his long nose at her.

Tonks craned her neck to try to see over his shoulder. She couldn't see anything. He was too tall and the lounge behind him was too dark. Her curiosity over what a snake's den looked like would have to go unsatisfied. She gave him her most persuasive smile. "Hi!"

He continued to gaze at her impassively.

She decided not to bother with small talk. "You know why I'm here. I'm assigned to Hogsmeade, so I have the time to learn to brew Wolfsbane Potion."

His expression didn't change.

Tonks lifted her chin. "I want you to teach me."

After another minute of nerve-wracking silence, he said, "The evening hours are mine to spend as I please. I no longer squander them tutoring."

She grabbed the door when he moved to shut it. "I won't take no for an answer."

Snape's eyes narrowed into black slits.

Determination kept her from fleeing. "Look," she said bluntly, "Whatever you want, whatever it takes, name your price and I'll pay it."

Tonks felt a pull on the door handle. She tightened her grip until it dawned that Snape was opening the door wider, not shutting it. Holding fast to her resolve, Tonks stepped out of the torch-lit corridor and into the shadows.

-

A/N: Special thanks to Carnivalgirl for using Doctor Who's psychic paper in one of her stories. It made me look up the gadget and tweak its properties to create my Perception Paper. In the sci-fi series, the psychic paper is used as a form of disguise by the Doctor, to allow him access to places he wouldn't otherwise be able to go. Only time will tell how handy Remus will find his Perception Paper! Not much time left until we have DH in our hands, but until the midnight hour strikes, I hope there will be readers passing the time by reading fan fiction. :D For anyone wondering, yes, Luminous Lollies and Supervitamin-Chocolate were borrowed from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Those who not only read, but didn't leave me wondering if they enjoyed the last chapter by kindly reviewing this past week were...40/16, alix33, AudreyLovesRemus, Calenmarwen, ElspethBates, Enorance, excessivelyperky, FNP, Freja Lercke-Falkenborg, GraceRichie, Ioci, Io.sono.Emilia, ishandtwofourths, Kates Master, Kylie1403, Ladyofthebookworms, LolaCherryColaGirl, Machiavelli Jr, MollyCoddles, Moontime, n1264, Operamuse, Phoenixtear19, potteronpotluvhim, remus R us, Slipknot-3113, Sophia Loren, sunny9847, worldsapart, and WriterMerrin.