A/N: Thank you to everyone that read and reviewed. I can't believe I've been put on story alert. I'm particularly glad that some people got the reference to David Thewlis. If you think I'm out of character or anything please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm particularly awkward when it comes to dialogue. Cheers. I'm trying really hard to create sexual tension. Please tell me what you think.

Chapter Two: Remus

An Order meeting commenced shortly after Molly entered the room. There wasn't much time for catch-up between old school friends or intriguing metamorphmagi.

Sirius had improved immensely since Remus had last seen him. His hair was no longer lank and dull, his face had more flesh and he seemed more full of life. The biggest improvement was in his eyes. They still carried the haunting look instilled in him since Azkaban, but it was no longer their most dominant feature. The glint of mischief had returned. Not to mention his choice of wardrobe. Sirius, who sat beside Remus, kept nudging him for some unknown reason. Padfoot had a sly smile on his face, so it was safe to say it had nothing to do with letting the name 'Snuffles' slip.

Remus, however, was far more interested in the lovely young lady in front of him who was currently bopping along quietly to some unheard tune. He found her appearance unusually attractive, with her pert nose and sensuous lips. There was a constant air of vibrancy about her. He had entered Grimmauld Place feeling old and worn, but on catching site of her he had felt old Moony rearing his furry head, devilish and looking to tease. Her robes were open, displaying some lovely feminine clothes with a rather funky air. He was particularly taken by her choker. He had a thing for those.

His attention was drawn back to the meeting. Kingsley's resonant voice was detailing Sirius' apparent sightings while Moody popped out is eye and rubbed it with one of Molly's napkins, Arthur had placed a hand on her arm to restrain her.

As Remus looked around the kitchen he noticed a pale bit of string creeping under the door. He smiled to himself as he got up under the pretence of getting a drink. He made sure to stamp down hard on the little bit of fleshy coloured skin as he made his way to the sink. He thought he heard a muffled shout.

The meeting was drawing to a close. Molly made everyone drink tea before they left and then went to check the children were sleeping. Sirius, Remus and Tonks withdrew to the living room. Sirius soon had the fire blazing using the wand he had procured from a stunned Ministry Of Magic official shortly after his stay at Remus' flat. Occupying the only armchair for himself, Remus and Tonks were forced to take the couch, which released a great cloud of dust as they sat down. The glass cabinets on either side of the fireplace were full of crystal glasses and bottles of vintage wine. They sat in comfortable silence.

Tonks folded her legs under her as she regarded her cousin. Remus felt an uncharacteristic thrill when she removed her robes. Her hair was short, and her shirts neckline was wide, revealing an expanse of creamy skin. Sirius was studiously ignoring her, and as she leaned over the armrest to poke him, Remus caught sight of smooth skin across her flat tummy. He felt a little faint. Merlin, what the devil is wrong with you? Here he was, a thirty six year old man, eyeing up someone a decade or more younger. She was awfully attractive, though….

"So, Snuffles." Remus smirked at her tone of voice.

"Can it, Nymphadora."

"Low blow, dog breath," and she promptly smacked him on the nose. Remus couldn't help laughing at the stunned and outraged expression on Sirius' face. "Molly's always telling me to keep a rolled up news paper handy." Sirius got up, mumbling something about needing a drink. "Me, too."

"I'll have one also, since you're offering." Much grumbling later, all three sat with a decent glass of firewhiskey in hand.

"Come on, out with it. I assure you that there is nothing you can say to me that Remus and James haven't already said."

Tonks sipped her drink before answering. Strangely, she turned to Remus. "You never told me how he got that name."

"No, I didn't."

"You didn't?"

"Of course not, Sirius. What do you tale me for? I keep always keep a friends secrets."

"Ha! You do not. You're just waiting to use it against me." He turned abruptly to Tonks. "Got a boyfriend?"

"Nope. Not that it's any of your business, but why?"

"Remus was staring at you for the whole meeting." He gestured expansively while Remus choked on a mouthful of firewhiskey. Tonks turned her entire body to look at him. She didn't even have grace enough to blush.

"I- I was not! Padfoot, old friend, you're losing it." A deep blush covered his cheeks and neck, but his face was nonchalant.

"Nonsense! You were eyeing her up! Personally, I approve." Tonks raised her eyebrows at this. "Horny old devil, you're not still celibate, are you?" This time, Tonks did blush and look away. Remus wanted to crawl under a rock and die. What the fk was wrong with Sirius?! An abrupt change of topic was called for.

"How much have you had t drink, exactly?" The wolf was completely scandalised.

"This is my first one," this earned him stares. After a pause he said: "since I was with Buckbeak."

"In other words, you're completely sloshed?"

"You know? I do believe I am."

"Right. Tonks, kindly disregard he has said as the words of a mad man. He is completely disillusioned."

"Uh-huh," she was looking at him with a curious smile, but thankfully she had turned her body towards the fire.

Remus was suddenly overcome with disgust. What must she think? An old man lusting after her, shabby and decrepit. For Heaven's, did she even know what he was? A monster, a ravenous werewolf. There was a reason he was celibate, and it wasn't just because of his scarred appearance.

"Remus?" It took him a moment to realise he was being called.

"Yes, Tonks?" Her face held no disgust. That was something at least.

"I think it's fair for you to tell me how Sirius got that name." She was giving him a lifeline. He felt an immense wave of gratitude, and hastily regained some of his previous poise.

"I think you're right."

A/N: I'm gonna leave it there. Felt really bad about making Remus not like his appearance. I mean, has he looked in a mirror?! Anyway, I want the next scene to be from Tonks' point of view. Is it just me, or has anyone noticed J. K. Rowling's fondness for names ending in 's'? Never knew there were so many.