An; A new short story here, hope you like it.
Bird song broke through the air as Hermione was crushing her ingredients with a mortar and pestle. "Tonks please, I need to get this right, I've only got this to work with. I can't afford to make another."
Tonks canary yellow beak morphs back into her usual nose and mouth and sheepishly smiles. "So the real birds can do it, but I can't?"
Hermione emptied the now powder-like substance into the cauldron in front of her. "The real birds aren't singing into my ear."
"Right. No noisy animals. Got it." Tonks said convincingly.
Hermione looked down to stir her potion in a clockwise motion and when she looked up she rolled her eyes. Although simultaneously had to battle her natural instinct to smile.
Tonks eyes were so bugged out the eyeballs were touching each other through the skin of her eyelids.
"Is it too much to ask that you take this seriously?" Hermione enquired.
"I'm watching you make a potion in the forest with nothing to pass the time with" Tonks complained as her eyes returned to normal.
"You're more than welcome to help, there's plenty amount of lacewing flies that are being unattended to" Hermione offered.
Tonks examined her fingernails as if they were the most interesting things on the world. Hermione shook her head and reached out for the wings herself.
Another glance back at Tonks "Oh for the love of...why?"
Tonks, or Hermione as she now appeared to be, replied in Hermione's own voice. "I don't know what your talking about".
Hermione glared at which only resulted in Tonks Hermione glaring back. "So childish."
Hermione went back to her work, actively trying to ignore the other her as she mimiced her exact movements, whilst void of any equipment or ingredients.
"Darn good help you are" Hermione commented uncaringly, but this was clearly a front because she didn't have to say anything if she didn't care.
Eventually though even Tonks grew bored. In her normal appearance she grumbled "Is it nearly done yet, it's just I had plans of sleeping tonight?"
Hermione disregards the sarcasm and answered "Ten minutes. That's all you need to wait for. Can you do that?"
Tonks sighed and thought back on her day.
Her spontaneous decision to swap her lousy apartment for the Three Broomsticks during her time off, seemed an ingenious idea two hours ago. She wanted a much deserved glass of Ogden's to conclude another strenuous week at work.
It so happened to be Hogsmeade weekend for the third year and up students of Hogwarts. So in the middle of Tonks second order, in stepped four sixth years and a fifth year girl she knew well. Harry the scruffy, Ron the greedy, Neville the unfortunate, Hermione the brainey and Ginny the...well Ginny.
Tonks ruffled some hair, had a few laughs, and managed to guzzle down her drink before Hermione told her "I wish I knew you'd be here beforehand, I would've owled you".
Fought a flattered blush Tonks replied "I didn't know I was going to be here an hour ago. Why may I ask?"
"Well, we've been given this potions project, by Slughorn. Experimentation with Polyjuice potion. Each of us had to choose an aspect of the potion to experiment with, and I chose the hair" Hermione told her.
"Ok" Tonks replied, waiting for where she came into it.
"More specifically, I wanted to explore the morphing abilities of the potion, its accuracy, its boundaries. And I thought the best way to test it's true morphing potential is to use Metamorphagus hair."
Tonks nodded. "Ok"
When Hermione didn't continue and looked at her expectantly, Tonks soon caught up. "You mean my hair".
"I was going to owl you in a weeks time requesting that you send a strand back... but as your here" Hermione explained.
Tonks was going to respond but Ron intervened "Mione, Tonks came here for a drink not a potions lesson."
"Of course. You're right, I can wait a week or so." Then Hermione realised that Tonks hadn't even agreed at all yet. "If that's okay by you, if not I can speak with Professor Slug-"
"Sure" Tonks said, she cleared her throat of the sticky brandy lingering around in it. "I mean if you can find a suitable schedule around my work hours I'd be more than happy to help."
Actually it would be a pain in the arse because Tonks work hours were strict, getting permission to enter Hogwarts grounds requires a lot of signatures and communication as well...just a lot of work to do on Tonks part compared to Hermione's.
In the end that problem never came into the equation because Hermione excitedly replied. "Really? Oh, to heck with it, I'll run back to Hogwarts for my supplies, it shouldn't take long."
"Do you have to spoil everything?" Ron groaned.
Hermione gave him a withered stare. "It's easier in the long run, it means we can get it done and out of the way."
"Doesn't Tonks need permission to be on Hogwarts grounds?" Harry knowingly asked.
Tonks nodded in apologetic confirmation.
Hermione defiantly replied "Then we just have to sneak her in; somewhere no one is going to see her coming or going."
Tonks chuckled. "Did you just suggest we break the rules? What have you guys been teaching this girl?"
"That girl has always been a dark horse, she's just never admitted it" Ginny teased.
"Oh shut up" Hermione commented half-heartedly. With sudden acknowledgment, Hermione added "the Forbidden forest. Nobody in there right minds will be there, bar Hagrid, the chances of bumping into him are slim. And he's likely the only Professor who wouldn't think anything of it."
"The Forbidden forest, are you mental?" Ron asked, before hokfong a hand-up "wait, do not answer that"
"I'm perfectly capable, and Tonks even more so. I think we can handle it" Hermione replied.
Tonks smirked at the flattery "Thank you, I really don't hear that enough."
With the matter clearly settled, Harry said simply "Well it was nice seeing you Tonks, however briefly".
Tonks wasn't at all bothered by this initially. She enjoyed Hermione's company above most, and to sacrifice a couple more glasses of brandy with a casual afternoon with her, was not really much of a loss.
So Tonks and Hermione exited the Three Broomsticks with reciprocated farewells, and walked to the end of the village. Once there Hermione kindly requested that Tonks wait here whilst she ran back to Hogwarts. And run she did, in the direction of the Shrieking Shack.
Tonks quite enjoyed the peace whilst she waited. She watched the snowfall, allowing the flakes to melt into her gloves. She watched some Hufflepuff students enjoying the snow. She witnessed young courting couples, quite melancholy for someone single like her to see, but sweet in general.
In a shorter time than Tonks expected, Hermione was back with her bag equipped onto her shoulder. "I'm sorry, I wasn't too long was I?"
"No, I was just here enjoying the scenery" Tonks looked Hermione over "Where's your cauldron?"
Hermione tapped her bag proudly "everything is in here."
"Wonders never cease with you do they?" Tonks complimented her, causing the intended flush of the brunettes cheeks.
Tonks was rather excited at that point. Precisely what she was excited about she didn't know, she just sensed fun of some kind.
Tonks was now starting to think her senses were off.
"Alright. It's ready" Hermione said back in the present. "Now your hair."
Tonks sharply tugged a strand of bubblegum pink and a hair popped out rather painfully. "Aaa, that stung."
Hermione reached over with a potion flask "just bung it in here".
Tonks took the hair into her fingers and it wasn't until then that Tonks realised she was shaking. Hermione noticed too "are you okay?"
Tonks forced a smile and tried to play it off. "I'm colder than I thought I was."
Hermione wasn't fooled and Tonks knew it. She said nothing and took the hair from Tonks, dropping it end first into the empty flask. Hermione then spooned the grey mixture into it and gave it a swirl.
"What now?" Tonks asked.
Hermione started lifting the flask to her mouth and Tonks quickly objected. "Wait! I didn't know you were going to test it on YOURSELF. Think about what it could do to you."
Hermione lowered it again "Well, I suppose you're right. But I can't test it without consuming it can I?"
"What if it does something permanent to you? I heard about your little cat incident." Tonks challenged.
"Tonks, you may be a Metamorphagus but your still a human species defautly, something like the cat incident will not happen here. I have researched this thoroughly you know, if there was any danger from me drinking this then I wouldn't consider drinking it would I" Hermione explained calmly.
"You have a theory, not a fact. At least do it under professional supervision" Tonks pleaded.
"I am. You're here.
"I meant a Professor" Tonks responded.
"You're as good as. I know the requirements an auror needs, one of them is advanced potion-making skills. If anything goes wrong you can simply reverse it."
Tonks knew she wasn't going to win at this point. "You're putting me in a lot of trouble for doing this."
Hermione met Tonks eyes sincerely "I know, but I trust you. I wouldn't be doing this otherwise."
Tonks couldn't fight those eyes, and neither could she fight that horrible feeling inside her. Truthfully, it had nothing to do with safety.
Tonks grew quiet with dread "just do it."
Hermione obliged, tilting her head back she allowed the disgusting potion to flow directly down her oesophagus. After recoiling and balking at the taste Hermione eventually recovered.
She was very much aware of how Tonks grew increasingly more anxious, but just put it down to her inclination towards safety. Hermione meanwhile took out some parchment, ink and a quill. Hermione sat and waited for the change.
Not too long after, Hermiome felt the bubbling of her skin and let the feeling of the change overcome her.
Tonks could see the change happen and her worst fears were confirmed. Tears appeared in her eyes.
Hermione felt the transformation end and immediately began examining herself. She spoke as well as wrote her findings down.
"Skin tone successful...body shape.
..hair change, wait" Hermione looked up at Tonks questioningly "you have natural blonde hair."
Tonks simply nodded morosely.
Hermione knew the pink clearly wasn't her natural colour, but she'd never had guessed light blonde.
Hermione finished her checklist with a proud sigh. "Well, as far as I can tell it went well. I can't morph into another form like you can but I knew that beforehand."
Tonks was looking at Hermione but not really listening. Hermione began to get worried. "Tonks what's wrong?"
Tonks shook her head "I'm just gonna go...it was nice seeing you Hermione."
Tonks slowly got to her feet, an incredibly sad expression in place of the usual charming smile. "Tonks wait."
Tonks began walking backwards; apologetic but eager to get away. "It's okay, i'm not angry at you...I'm just tired."
Hermione left her ingredients and approached Tonks carefully "clearly something's upset you. Was I too pushy? Did you-"
"No Hermione...I just need to go." Tonks quickened her escape. Turning her back on Hermione, she began to run. Hermione called after her but Tonks never looked back and before long she was gone.
Hermione stood there completely baffled and guilty as sin. She felt awful, and vowed to apologize to Tonks at the nearest opportunity for...
For what? Did Hermione push too hard? Surely if she had she wouldn't have relented, and she only got upset once Hermione drank the potion. Hermione was perfectly fine, she didn't feel like the potion had failed. Either way, Tonks would not have run away instead of help Hermione had something gone wrong.
So caught up in the confusion and regret of sending Tonks away, Hermione completely forgot she no longer looked like herself. She started collecting up her equipment and leaving the area where she was enjoying her afternoon with Tonks from.
Slinging her bag full of shrunken items over her shoulder, Hermione had one thing on her mind. She was already formulating a plan and constructing a letter of apology to Tonks, meanwhile she found herself exiting the forest near the bank of the lake.
A couple of Ravenclaw students reading under a tree looked up at Hermione as she walked by, and it was as Hermione glanced at them that she ackowledged their repulsed faces. It was enough for Hermione to stop and snap at them "do you mind?"
The boy was apparently just as rude as he was disgusted. "Word of advice, get that checked out before you talk to us again. I'd pay more attention to you if I wasn't being distracted by that."
"How dare you, your attitude needs a real seeing to you know that?" Hermione replied.
"Not as bad as that face does. Seriously, get it checked out." The girl added.
Hermione was about to grill them both for all they deserved, until she clocked onto what they were saying. She momentarily froze as she began joining the dots.
Hermione drinks Polyjuice potion and turns into Tonks natural form. Tonks gets upset and disappears. Five minutes after Tonks is gone Hermione is getting criticised for her appearance; Tonks' appearance.
Hermione bolted away from the rude students in the direction of the water. She stopped right on the edge of the bank and peered in at her reflection.
Now everything made complete sense.
The first thing Hermione noticed was that fundamentally Tonks was beautiful, there wasn't many areas in which Tonks needed improvement. Except one thing. The second thing she noticed was that one thing was so distracting that any simple-minded person couldn't look past it.
And that thing was a bright red-purplish birthmark covering a large part of Tonks left cheekbone and jaw. It wasn't huge but it was big enough to be subconscious about, exactly how Tonks felt five minutes ago when Hermione changed into her.
Hermione couldn't have felt worse for Tonks, or any more sorrowful. Tonks hid this face for a reason, never did she think it would be seen in the flesh. Then Hermione had to come along and reveal it all, and bring some unwanted attention to a part of her that she held so little confidence with.
'What have you done Granger?' Hermione blasted herself. She knew she had a lot of work to do, and she was no longer thinking of the potions assignment.