For the Hogwarts Forum
Honeycomb (Alastor Moody)
475 words
Tonks bounces into the office, a bright smile on her face. "Do you know what today is?" she calls.
Alastor fights a smile. Ordinarily, excessive cheerfulness would make him cringe, but somehow it's endearing. "The day you're sworn in as an Auror," he says, the pride heavy in his voice.
The young witch nods, her bright pink hair falling in her face. She quickly tucks the strands behind her ears. "So, now that I'm going to be your colleague, I have a question."
He isn't surprised. All new recruits have dozens of questions about the job. Alastor has learned to be patient over the years. Taking a swig from his flask, he makes a gesture with his free hand for her to continue.
"Why do you like me so much? Everyone says you're grumpy, but you're like a big teddy bear."
Alastor chokes on his pumpkin juice. Of all the questions he's ever been asked, this is definitely a first. Then again, most people have been too afraid to ask him anything even bordering on personal. "I am not," he says gruffly.
"Maybe not to anyone else," she agrees. "But you like me."
"You're a pain in the ass like the rest of them," he assures her, but his lips quirk into an almost smile for just a moment.
He expects Tonks to give up. At the very least, she might look hurt. Instead, her smile broadens almost triumphantly. She rests a hand on his desk. "Admit it. You like me," she says in a sing-song voice. "You're like a really cool grandpa!"
Alastor groans. The girl is more stubborn than anyone he's ever met. Again, it should be annoying, but it just adds to her character.
Without responding, he turns his attention to the nearest file and rummages through it, pointedly keeping his attention away from Tonks. "Shouldn't you be meeting with Madam Bones to be sworn in?"
"I've got another ten minutes. Thought I might spend it with my favorite mentor," she says sweetly. "Are you ready to admit it?"
With another groan, his attention still fixed upon the documents, he shrugs. "Fine."
"Fine?"
"I never wanted kids," he says. "But you make me think that if I ever had a daughter, I'd want her to be like you. And-"
His sentence dies as Tonks throws her arms around him without warning. Alastor fights his instinct to draw his wand. The hug is awkward, but he has to admit that it's comfortable.
When they break apart, her smile softens. Alastor rests a hand on her shoulder. "You should go, kid. You've got a big day ahead of you," he says.
She nods, offering him a salute. "I'll make you proud. Promise."
"You already have," he tells her. "And Tonks? Don't ever tell anyone I'm a teddy bear."
"Your secret is safe with me."