A/N: Sorry the recent chapters have been so short, but there's significant action in the next one. This chapter is utter fluff. It may be a while until the next update.

Chapter 16

April had been an unusually cool and damp month. It did nothing for Tonks' spirits as the number of Dementor attacks steadily grew and the world seemed closer everyday to total war.

After an Order meeting, at which both Dumbledore and Remus were present, one evening, Dumbledore asked to speak with Remus alone.

"Good evening, Remus. How are you tonight?" Remus was little more than skin and bone these days, and he had had fresh scars every time he returned to Grimmauld Place, but he was smiling and his eyes were untroubled.

"Tonight, I am quite well, Albus." He had been able to get away from the pack earlier than usual that evening and had more time to spend with Tonks.

"I'm glad." His eyes twinkled, and he seemed to know the reason for Remus' cheerfulness. "Now, at our last meeting you said that you were fairly confident that you had a few converts to our side."

He nodded. "I think that there are four who will fight for our side if given the opportunity. I offered them the Order's protection, and they seemed keen to take it should a battle commence. There's a fifth who might be persuaded, but he's older and has more loyalty to the core of the pack. I don't believe that I can sway any of the others."

Dumbledore smiled slightly. "That's good news. Is there anything else to report?" Remus shook his head. Dumbledore drew a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans out of his robes. He took what looked to be a strawberry cheesecake one out of the bag. "The pink ones are my favorite. They always seem to be the safest, and the loveliest."

Remus blushed, sensing the double meaning behind his words, and Dumbledore smiled kindly at him. "I'm quite partial to pink myself."

"Undoubtedly, and with good reason." His eyes twinkled even more. "Well, if you have no more news, I dare say we should join the others."

Remus was a little surprised because Dumbledore rarely lingered after meetings. Because they were finished earlier than usual, someone had turned on the wireless. Molly and Arthur were dancing while Bill, Sirius, and Kingsley were taking turns twirling Tonks and Hestia Jones around the parlor. Moody was watching the proceedings with badly disguised amusement.

The song changed to a smooth upbeat number. Remus extended his hand to Tonks. "May I have this dance?"

She grinned cheekily at him. "Well, considering my other options," she gestured to where Moody and Mundungus were talking, "I suppose you'll have to do." He spun her around under his arm a few times and, as she came back in toward him, he had to admit that he was grateful that she took off her heavy boots. But, at that moment, he wouldn't have traded gliding, and sometimes stumbling, around the room with her for anything.

Even Dumbledore got caught up in the music, and he was dancing with Minerva McGonagall with a wistful and contemplative expression on his face. After several more songs, he departed and the way he lingered, simply smiling at them, suggested that he didn't think he would see them many more times.

After everyone had gone, besides Sirius, Remus, and Tonks, the three of them had a nightcap and talked for a while. Then, Sirius left them.

"Tonight was nice," said Tonks, lightly wrapping her arms around him as they sat on the couch.

He murmured, "Yes, quite." He took her hand in his and softly kissed her fingertips. She never got tired of that sweet simple gesture. He wanted to tell her that he would probably be able to come home soon, that could really be together again. However, he didn't want to get her hopes up, and he knew the last few months were the most dangerous; some of the more senior werewolves really were disgusted with his behavior.

"We may not have many more like it." He didn't like the melancholy turn in their conversation. "But Bill and Fleur's wedding should be fun."

"When is it?"

"August sometime. Molly's in a right tizz. She's still convinced that Fleur is only dating Bill for his looks, but she has been helping her plan it."

"I'm sure they'll grow to like each other more in time. These things usually work themselves out." He tangled his fingers in her hair and smiled as she sighed against him. "Although, I must say, I don't think your mother will ever really approve of me." It was a thought that had been bothering him for some time.

"She's coming around. My parents keep asking why I haven't brought you to dinner in such a long time." He looked at her doubtfully. "I didn't say she was thrilled, but, when this is all over, you and my parents will get to know each other better and she'll love you."

He decided to let the subject drop, and they simply enjoyed the little time that they had to spend together.

A/N: I love reviews; therefore, I feel I should continue in the grand tradition of R/T fics and start giving bribes. Everyone who reviews gets a dance with Remus : ).