Disclaimer: I own everything except the character, Tonks, from Harry Potter.
Tonks wandered down the street, checking her watch precicely every 3 minutes. Exiting the wizarding world was a very dangerous task; yet it gave Tonks a thrill that not even magic could give her.
She had chosen San Diego, California. The streets were packed with people; the weather; the buildings. It really was a beautiful city. She leaned up against a brick wall and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. She removed a single one and put it in her mouth, looking for a lighter.
"Need a light?" a voice asked. Tonks looked up to see a young girl standing in front of her. She was smiling behind her large dark eyes and her hair fell messily onto her shoulders. She held out a lighter.
"Yes," Tonks finally answered, allowing the girl to light up her cigarette. She took a deep drag, running her fingers through her pink hair. The girl, who was still standing in front of her, pulled out one of her own and lit it up. She sat on the floor, back leaning against the brick wall. She closed her eyes and sighed.
"Aren't you a little young to be smoking?" Tonks asked her, plopping down on the floor beside her.
"I'm 18. Last time I checked, you can smoke at that age," the girl retorted. Tonks smiled at her smart ass attitude.
"I'm Violet," the girl said, tucking her long black hair behind her ears.
"Violet," Tonks repeated, "Pretty. My name's Tonks."
"Tonks?" Violet laughed, taking a drag from her cigarette. Tonks was silent. She watched as Violet rubbed the cigarette on her jeans, putting it out. It was then Tonks really noticed her clothes.
Violet's jeans were covered in holes and saying they were dirty would be an understatement. She was wearing a patchwork jacket that's colors were faded. Tonks could see what was left over of blue, orange, green, yellow and red. And when she went to study Violet's shoes, she realized that the girl had none.
"Helllllllllllllo? Tonks?" Violet called, waving her hand in front of Tonk's face. She shook her head quickly and turned to face Violet.
"I'm sorry, what?" Tonks asked, snapping out of her daze.
"I asked where you were from," Violet repeated, throwing her cigarette into the street.
"Oh...well, I live far from here that's for sure," Tonks answered nervously. She wasn't about to tell Violet that she was a witch coming from the wizarding world. She laughed at this silly thought. When she looked at Violet, she saw how desperate she looked. This girl was calling out for help; it was obvious.
"Listen, I'm staying at a hotel a few minutes from here. Do you want to come back to my room and clean up a bit? No offense, but you are a little dirty," Tonks said. Violet stared at her, a smile crossing her face.
"Well, do you expect me to be squeaky clean while living on the streets?" Violet joked.
"Streets...you mean you're...homeless," Tonks said, staring into Violet's large eyes. Violet grinned.
"Is that what your calling it nowadays? I've always been referred to as a street kid. Been living on the streets since I was 12," Violet informed her.
"12? Good lord. What about your parents?" Tonks asked.
"Kicked me out. Made the mistake of telling them I wasn't straight," Violet answered calmly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Tonks said with pity in her voice. She stood up and helped Violet up and they started walking towards Tonk's hotel.