A/N: Alright, a quick note. My friend said that I should at least keep ownership of the plot, so here it is. I own the plot.

BUT I DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS OR ANYTHING IN THE HARRY POTTER UNIVERSE.

If there's something wrong let me know...


Alex quickly strolled out of the boy's dormitories to the Great Hall to be met with perfectly normal acting students. Yes! Alex was doing a mini-jig inside; hey wait a second, when did he do a jig? Damn that Auror… Anyways, Alex sat in his usual spot and found that Daniel and Ron were still talking about the Firebolt X. Tonks was busy talking about something that Alex didn't bother to listen, Hermione was pouring over a book, and he was as normal as he can be. Great, looks like nothing much to note this morning besides James Potter having a very noticeable handprint on his face. Ouch… Alex felt sorry for him.

Daniel was impatient. Extremely impatient at this point. He didn't bring the broom with him today, but he couldn't wait until he could fly again with the Firebolt X. When he thought of flying, it's not the gentle sweeps and curves his Nimbus could do. No, we was thinking of the suicide like dives, the extreme bursts of acceleration, and the wind constantly howling at him as if it wanted him to slow down. He smiled when he remembered the day before.


Daniel beamed at his parents and brought his newfound broom along when he entered the DADA classroom.

"Hey Dad! Look what I got today!"

James smiled at his son, but inwardly gasped for two reasons. One, it's the bloody Firebolt X! Two, his wife was so going to kill him if Daniel was going to ride that broom.

Lily smiled too and hugged Daniel, "Aww… how sweet. Look James, Daniel got a… F…i…r…e…"

James counted in his mind. Three…two…one…

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME JAMES?! WE ARE NOT ALLOWING OUR SON TO RIDE THIS DANGEROUS AND DEADLY BROOM. PERIOD!"

James immediately quailed at her glare and intensity and his voice raised an octave, "O-OF"

Daniel made a puppy-dog face, stuck his bottom lip out, and made his eyes shine, "Come on mum! Please! I want to try it just once!"

Lily continued glaring at James for a minute and then said, "James, if Daniel comes back with as much as a little scratch on him, you are dead. Understood?"

James hurriedly nodded, "Of course Lil's, he won't come back with a scratch!"

Turns out Daniel found the broom to be too quick for him on the first try, earning him a couple scratches on his knees when he crash landed. His next try went better and the one after was smooth. Of course, his mother was there the entire time. At the end, Daniel heard a loud slapping noise and some scream that sounded suspiciously like, "I told you James! Not a single scratch on him!" Daniel silently chuckled; he wondered who was in control some times. The Auror or the witch?


Alex found the rest of the day to be… boring. Define the definition of boredom. Alex found that the definition of boredom was more interesting than boredom itself today. But he was going to survive this for another couple months. Hey! There's the Triwizard Tournament right? Yeah, but there's only three trials… and like two hundred something days in between. Alex found himself wondering why he kept arguing with himself; he made the decision, so deal with it. Right, so what about a visit to an old friend?

Alex as normal walked up the stairs of the boy's dormitories and Tonks followed. Instead of flaming them back to his home, he asked Tonks, "Do you think you can bunk in your dorm today?"

Tonks replied, "Why? So that you won't embarrass yourself like this morning?"

Alex shook his head at that, "No, it's not because of that. It's that… I got some things to deal with."

Tonks was not moved, "Like what? Needing to deal with personal needs because of this morning?"

Alex sighed, "It's complicated, alright? I promise I'll let you know tomorrow. And I'm not a perverted teen for the matter."

Tonks just had to pout, "Oh come on Alex! At least can I still sleep over? I won't bug you."

Alex's fortitude crumbled at her cute-puppy face. Hey, it's not his fault! She's the one that's doing that insanely cute look that Alex couldn't resist! And when did he start thinking about a cute look? Alex ran a hand through his hair, "Alright, just don't disturb me ok?"

Tonks of course nodded.

Alex flamed himself out of the dormitories and appeared at his home. He quickly made a trip to the study; he had something very important to do. He made sure the room was securely locked and smirked; a blonde Pureblood was going to get a letter from him today. Personally delivered too.

Lucius Malfoy was not in a good mood. One, he had somehow lost favor with his Lord. Why would Severus be in charge of something even he doesn't know? Two, those cronies at the bar he had hired had bloody disappeared! He gave them the portkeys and they all looked ready to do the job. But now, days and days have passed and there's no sign of them. Or the girl for the matter. Well, Draco told him the girl was actually saved by this Alex Groza and that she's still at Hogwarts. Now that was the pinnacle of his foul mood. Damn him! If it wasn't for him, Lucius would probably be in very good standing with his Lord. But no, Alex had to kill some vital members of the inner circle and now Lucius was working his ass off in an attempt to fix the problem. Apparently, it hasn't worked as his Lord is not giving him anything of note to do lately or giving him a promotion.

The thoughts of Lucius Malfoy were interrupted by a big black bird that flew into his office. Or as what Lucius could describe something with a pair of wings that was looked awfully strange. After scrutinizing the bird, Lucius found it looked something akin to a phoenix… except who has heard of a black phoenix? Nah, probably one of those weird defected mudblood owls he thought. He took the letter from the leg from the bird-thing and opened it.

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

It has come to my attention for some time now that you have some "disagreements" with me as of the late. I have been keeping an eye on your son and he is doing no better than his father. Alright, that's not the point of my letter.

Don't get all cozy because Fudge is wrapped around your finger Mr. Malfoy; remember that the Ministry can simply tell me to make you disappear one of these days; I would gladly do it for no pay. And you know what? Dear Fudge can do nothing about it; not even if you transfer your whole estate to him, lick or kiss his ass, or prostrate to him like he's Merlin incarnate. Oh, and if Voldemort, oh dear me, I forgot that's a forbidden name, I must apologize for the slip up. Ahem. Oh, and if the Dark Lord comes back on of these days, you might find yourself right next to the Carrows; I will make sure of it.

Now, that's not the exact reason why I am writing to you Mr. Malfoy. The reason I am writing to you is about a certain contract you had with thirteen men you hired at a pub in Knockturn Alley. Seriously Mr. Malfoy? A quarter of a million galleons for a girl? I mean, couldn't you have tried to kidnap her yourself and do whatever the hell you want? Aren't you an inner-circle Death Eater? But no, dear Icklefoy had to hid behind a pair of trousers and send out some minions to do the work. Let me tell you right now Mr. Malfoy; a pair of trousers don't conceal you very well at all if you haven't learned that yet.

To be blunt to the point, I have always reserved a spot for you on my list for me to hunt you down. Now, I have a reason for you to be on the top of it. Actually, it doesn't matter; knowing you, you're going to end up dead anyways; by my hand or your master one of these days. Either way, it's sometime soon or sometime down the road. Funny fact of life? Indeed Mr. Malfoy. I would watch your back if I were you, although being a back-stabbing asshole yourself would probably mean you are already some sort of paranoid git. Maybe I need to let Mad-eye know he's going to lose in the Most-Paranoid Wizard Prize this year.

By the way, I bid ye a very good and long rest.

Signed by: PHNX

Oh yeah, one more thing, your hair is going to disappear and you will feel the pain of twelve reductos about ahh… right now. And this letter will turn into nothingness so you can't go crying to Fudgy-poo to dispose of me and your memory will be toasted also. Another good and long rest to ye.

Lucius' eyes widened and he promptly writhed on the ground, bald and in extreme agony clutching nothing but ashes in his hands; the letter having been incinerated. The black phoenix had flamed himself away, satisfied that his work was done.


Alex felt relaxed after he finished delivering the letter; he was going to make sure this Malfoy wasn't going to do that stint again. Money can talk, but actions can, no cross out the can, WILL make things walk. Now what was the other order of business? Before he could give it much thought, a slight explosion rocked through the home.

Alex ran out of the study to find a that quite a lot of the home was blackened. Except for his bedroom, a living room, and the kitchen, the rest of the house was quite blackened. He heard a trill and faced a nervously-shuffling Charles.

Alex heard a voice in his mind, "Sorry master, I uh accidentally set off something in the potions lab and uh… you see the result."

Alex face-palmed, "Are you serious Charles? What did I tell you?"

By then, Tonks walked in, "Hey Tonks."

Tonks nodded, "Hi Alex… what happened?"

Alex shook his head, "Ask Charles. Apparently he set something off in the potions lab."

Tonks questioned, "You have a potions lab?"

Alex replied, "Yep, just in case I need something that the stores don't have or if I feel like it. Or in this case… causing a mess."

Tonks pointed at the bedroom that she had originally stayed in, "Now what? The bedroom I was in is toast. Literally."

Alex finally realized that at that moment. He looked at Charles, "Can you fix that now?"

Charles huffed, "What? I'm a noble phoenix, not a wonder maid."

Alex sighed, "Noble phoenixes don't torch a house Charles. Now what do I do?"

Charles replied, "Easy. Share your bed."

Alex of course was irked by that, "Are you serious Charles? You know how wrong that is?"

Charles innocently shook his little head, "Nope, not at all master. I recall that human couples share the same bed."

Alex lightly cuffed the phoenix, "Right-o there Charles. We ARE NOT a couple. That's the main thing different. And for the love of Merlin, it's Alex! Master sounds so… medieval."

Charles glared at Alex, "Fine! You don't want my advice master, then deal with this yourself."

Charles flamed away, leaving Alex slightly fuming. That… that bird-brat! He made a mess and now Alex has to take any repercussions… how sweet of the phoenix. He turned to Tonks and said, "You can use my bed. I'll take one of these couches."

Tonks shook her head, "Nope, not going to cut mister. Take Charles' advice and share the bed."

Alex didn't listen to Tonks and trooped to his room and started to get a pillow and a blanket. Before he could grab a pillow, a weight slammed into him and he was pinned onto his own bed.

Tonks whispered into Alex's ear, "Now you are not going to sleep on a couch mister. You are either to sleep on the bed or I will hex you until you do. So which one will you pick?"

Alex sighed, "Alright."

Tonks smiled, "Good to know we both agree on something."

"It's not like I have a choice you know."

"Ah… but I recall you are a hitwizard Alex."

Alex shook his head and tucked himself in at the edge of the bed, well away from Tonks. He inwardly smirked; Charles collaborating with Tonks? It's not like he didn't notice that there was evidence of a fire, but there's no smoke. Now who's heard of that? And Charles refusing to clean the mess up even though with a flick of his wing things will be normal? Now, that's definitely something strange. Oh well, he didn't care about that right now; he just hoped the land of dreams would be better. But his dreams weren't any better either.

Alex was frozen… completely frozen; his body refused to cooperate and his mind ground to a halt. All he could feel was the weight of the pink-haired Auror on top of him. Pink hair obscured his vision, but he could feel her lips smashed into his. Now that feeling was something Alex found he didn't need to see to know; he could feel it. He could feel-

Tonks abruptly lifted herself up, a little red-faced from the effort, "Now that's for calling me Nymphadora."

Alex at first was still dazed, but quickly retorted, "Now is that so? If that's what it takes for a kiss, I think I'll keep calling you Nymphadora. And come on; it was only ten seconds!"

Tonks lifted an eyebrow, "Whoa Alex, I didn't take you as someone who liked a snog. I thought-"

Alex didn't need a second prompting and quickly captured his lips onto hers. He didn't care what he used to think; he only did what he was urged to do. And what his urges were right now was to smother the breath out of Tonks. Or attempt to for the matter. Alex felt something in him surge in him for some reason. Something he never felt before and felt something perk-

Alex immediately opened his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. He was NOT going to revisit that extremely awkward moment when Tonks found that he was uh… more than just kissing and it wasn't his fault. Especially a part of your body that when it's reacted you cannot control…

Alex shook his head and went back to sleep. Must be some late hormones kicking in.


Alex found the days that passed between the day he was selected as champion to the day that that ceremony of what's the name again? The Weighing of the Wands? Yeah, something like that. Alex found himself meeting his fellow champions again. He smirked at Viktor, curtly nodded at Fleur, and didn't react to the presence of Longbottom. Alex saw that the Pureblood was a sneering brat; Alex found that he was actually much less tolerable than the Malfoy. Yes, the ones that sent some wands for hire after Tonks. Alex found the Malfoy's to be actually slightly more tolerable than Longbottom. At least they were versed in the arts of public acting. Now behind that façade of course, that's a totally different story, but Alex didn't need to dig his nose to know what's behind those masks they wear.

Alex waited… and waited. Finally, the headmasters, Ollivander, some of the organizers and… that Rita. Alex made a definite mental note to see if he could undermine that prude one of these days. She's too nosy and knows way more than what she lets forth. She must have something up her sleeve… Alex decided he would figure it out later, but he had a feeling it would get her out of his hair.

Alex didn't really pay attention to all the talk around him; it was pointless. Oh hey! Hi there! Long time no see! Alex scowled at these statements; all a damn façade to seem so nice and noble. Damn pitless and cruel innards some of those people have despite such a charming exterior, something life had handed to him. Little did Alex know, he was actually partially right, but he didn't know it at that point; he was just suspicious of the people he didn't know.

Alex shook his head as he checked his surroundings. He was in the middle of a bustling street it seems in some part of wizarding Britain. The thing that was strange was that the men and women around him walked with an air of business and haste; there was no small talk or conversations. Gruff yes's and no's were heard and exchanges of money, but that was all. It seemed like society had its voice box changed to a monotonous yes and no with a clink of coins following a yes. Alex quickly strolled down the street, eager to get out of this stuffy, unbearable, and dark atmosphere. Before he could go a few steps, a man leapt from the shadows and stuck his hand out, "Well hello there little kid! You shouldn't be here you know; Knockturn Alley is a very bad place to be around kid. If you are lost, I can help you get back to Diagon Alley. Name is Ryan, yours?"

Alex shrugged, "Nice to meet you Ryan, name is Alex."

Alex briefly shook the man's hand and Ryan spoke, "So you need help? I need to go back to Diagon anyways."

Alex nodded and followed this Ryan guy. Before he could get a block or so away from the start, Alex had a sneaking suspicion this guy had an ulterior motive. Why were the streets starting to get darker and darker? And why were the people around here even more secretive than the previous ones?

Ryan, out of the blue, said, "I'll be right back Alex, need to get something."

Alex didn't need to wait for long before he got his answer to his quandary.

A couple of hooded men walked to him with Ryan in the lead, "Sorry Alex."

Alex knew that he had been tricked, but why? Alright, his wand was practically irreplaceable, but that wouldn't signify… slavers. That was the only reason why they would be interested in him. At that thought, his anger started to boil. No one was going to try to control him. A pair of Voldemort's followers were enough on the plate. He was NOT going to tolerate being a slave.

Alex grinned and fingered his wand, "Do you care for some advice gentlemen?"

The men looked at each other and chuckled, "This boy has some nerve. Definitely going to fetch a price."

Alex pointed at the ground and uttered a Reducto. Blasting a sizeable hole on the street, Alex continued to grin, "This mere "boy" isn't going to go with you. Not at all gentlemen, not at all."

The men quickly stopped their playing and started firing random but nonlethal hexes at him. Before they knew what happened, one of their compatriots fell to the ground with a giant hole in his chest.

Alex shook himself from the memory. Nah, he admitted it's not likely here, but he's still wary of obviously too friendly people like that Crouch or that Bagman guy that he never met. Of course, Tonks is completely another thing… wait how did she pop up? He cleared his mind; no he couldn't look like a phased out fool while there were people here especially that Rita. She would be feasting on anything he did like a vulture or any one for the matter. Don't want that happening at all.

After some time, they started to calm down and Ollivander looked eager to start the ceremony, "Now which one of you would like to be the first?"

A pause followed that and Viktor stood up, "I vill."

He walked over to the grizzled old wandmaker, handed the wand over and waited.

Ollivander gingerly picked the wand up and closely scrutinized it, "Ahh… 10 1/4 inches hornbeam… with a dragon hearstring core… A creation from Gregorovitch as usual; rigid and strong; good for duels… not as good for the finer points of magic, but that will not hamper you Mr. Krum, not at all...

Ollivander pointed the wand at a toothpick on his table and transfigured it into a mini-gryffin. He nodded approvingly and handed Viktor his wand back.

"Good, next?"

Fleur walked up to the wandmaker and handed him her wand.

The wandmaker again gingerly held it and scrutinized the wand he was given, "Hmm… interesting. This is not a creation of mine nor ones that I know Miss Delacour."

Fleur replied, "It was made when I was young."

Ollivander nodded and continued, "Nine 1/2 inches… Veela hair core. Very interesting choice of core indeed. Veela hair requires a strong vessel to contain… The creator of this wand is very skilled at his craft to make your wand with a strand of Veela hair. Your maintenance is impeccable Miss Delacour, I suggest you keep at it.

The wandmaker then pointed the wand at the ceiling and made the room rain with flowers. He nodded approvingly and handed Fleur her wand back.

"Good, next please."

Alex simply sat back and waited. Neville gave a furtive glance at Alex and then walked over to the wandmaker and handed over his wand.

The wandmaker again did this thing, "Hmm… I remember this wand very well, I remember the very day I finished this one. Eleven inches… holly wood and phoenix core, nice and supple. One of my very own creations; one of the twin wands that told of power…

Ollivander looked disapprovingly at Neville, clearly slightly miffed at the abuse of his creation, "Now I see that you have been slacking off on your maintenance Mr. Longbottom. I suggest that you should maintain it in order for it to serve you well and for a long time."

The wandmaker pointed the wand at the wall and a loud bang was heard. He nodded approvingly and handed Neville his wand back.

"Now, the last champion please."

Alex walked up to the wandmaker and handed him the wand… or rather, his second wand.

The wandmaker's eyes shot up immediately, "Oh my… how unexpected Mr. Groza. I did not recall you acquiring a wand from my shop. No, this is not my work… nor is this anyone else's work that I can think of. Twelve inches… elder wood. Very interesting choice of wood… Twin phoenix cores… A very unique and powerful wand you hold Mr. Groza. I expect that this was a custom wand?"

Alex nodded, "Indeed Mr. Ollivander."

The wandmaker looked at Alex, "Could I hold it for a little longer?"

Alex nodded again. He could hear the wandmaker muttering constantly and examining every single detail on the wand. If Alex could read minds, he swore he would probably be seeing an old man waltzing in ecstasy at the wand in his hand.

A voice emanated in his mind, "It is true master; the old man is-"

Actually, forget that please. Alex forgot about mind-reading phoenixes… especially Charles.

The wandmaker looked back again to Alex, "I myself have not been able to furnish any wands with elder wood so far. Would you mind to impart on the maker of this wand? I would be delighted to be in touch with him or her one of these days."

Alex smirked, "It would not be anyone you would know of Mr. Ollivander."

The wandmaker replied, "It does not need to be anyone I know of Mr. Groza. Simply give me the name and that will be sufficient."

Alex pretended to ponder for a moment, "Let me remember… ahh… sorry Mr. Ollivander, I don't recall the person who created my wand."

The wandmaker pressed, "Certainly could you remember at least where you got it from?"

Alex again pretended to mull over the questions, "Hmm… I think it's in Montana or something like that."

Ollivander raised an eyebrow, "Montana? I don't recall a country of that name."

Alex shrugged, "Knowledge has been imparted Mr. Ollivander. Actually, there was no wandmaker that made my wand; I made it."

Ollivander held a small smile, "Impressive Mr. Groza. I have attempted to create wands out of elder wood, but I could find no suitable core. Could you do an old man a favor by asking how you made yours Mr. Groza?"

Alex smirked and showed his hand that had its glamours lifted, "It took a lot of time, effort, and almost my hand."

Ollivander smiled, "Ah, the dangers of the art. But as you know, I will not shirk from a challenge because I fear I could lose my hand Mr. Groza."

Alex shook his head, "Sorry Mr. Ollivander, trade secret."

Ollivander continued to smile, "I expected no less of you Mr. Groza. It was an honor to examine your wand."

Alex smiled back, "I could donate though two phoenix feathers for you to experiment with. I will supply you the elder wood also. My only request is that if it is successful for me to acquire it. The price won't matter."

Ollivander immediately beamed at Alex, "You have made an old man feel like he is in his youth again Alex. For that, I am grateful. As for the phoenix feathers, convey my thanks to the phoenix."

Alex nodded, "Don't thank me Mr. Ollivander; consider this as another opportunity to have a challenge in your craft."

Ollivander raised his wand as if to let forth some magic and looked questioningly at Alex. Alex nodded an affirmative. Ollivander pointed the wand at the ceiling and it made no noticeable action to the observers. Ollivander continued to smile, "Mr. Groza, your wandmaking skills are excellent, maybe excelling beyond some of my own crafts. Again, it was an honor to examine your wand Mr. Groza."

Alex accepted the wand from Ollivander and walked to the other champions for a group picture. Urgh… why Rita? Meanwhile, a pair of blue eyes twinkled madly; another elder wand? The owner of the pair of blue eyes continued to ponder about this Alex Groza; he was surely a wildcard. If the owner of the pair of blue eyes knew that Alex owned a much rarer and magic-defying wand, he would have fainted from the sheer thinking.


Alex quickly walked out and headed towards the Great Hall to tuck himself in for dinner. He slid into his usual spot and waited for the food to appear.

Tonks asked first, "So what did they make you do?"

Alex replied, "Ollivander just twirled my wand and made sure it worked."

Tonks looked slightly skeptical, "That's it? There's no actual weighing of the wands? There's-"

Alex stopped her, "Yes Tonks, the only thing that happened was an examination of the wands and testing to see if they worked. That's all that mainly happened."

Tonks still looked skeptical but shrugged, "Whatever."

Alex turned to Daniel, "So how's your day going?"

Daniel beamed, "Bloody brilliant! IgottoridetheFireboltXyesterdayagainandIcan'tevene xplainhowfriggin'fastthatbeastcangodespiteridingit fivetimesalready!"

Alex smirked, "Woah there Daniel, you can slow down you know. You're not on the broom and we're in the Great Hall. No need to rush it!"

Daniel sheepishly nodded and sighed, "Yeah… it's to keep my mind of the OWLS. I can't believe these OWLS are so hard; they're pounding me out."

Hermione next to him remarked over a textbook, "You better not slack off Daniel. I'll check your practice test for DADA later."

Daniel pointed at her, "See Alex? Exactly the reason why the OWLS are going to pound me out."

Ron agreed, "Definitely, these bloody OWLS are kicking the shite out of us."

Hermione meanwhile persisted her side, "No they're not! It's…"

Alex sighed and smiled, things were normal. And if it's how it's going to be for the time being, Alex wasn't going to mind. Except for some strange aroma he smelled from Tonks' direction. No… it's not her scent or anything like that. Alex sniffed and after a few moments, his eyes widened. Amorentia?! Someone must have bribed the elves! Tonks was luckily conversing with some girl next to her at the time, so Alex quickly swapped goblets. Alex was relieved when he did it without her noticing.

Tonks took a sip from the new goblet and looked at it strangely, "Hmm… I swear I had pumpkin juice; not water…"

Alex nearly groaned aloud. He was going to consume his swapped goblet laced with Amortentia before Tonks could find out. He chugged the entire goblet; pumpkin juice slightly dribbled from his mouth and created an orange colored mustache.

Tonks raised an eyebrow at his behavior, "Are you alright Alex?"

Alex took a gulp of air as he finished the goblet, "Never better Tonks!"

The more pressing matter in Alex's mind was who managed to bribe, coerce, or force a house elf to let the contaminated goblet through. It had to be someone who knew where the kitchens were. That scratches off many people in the hall. It had to be someone who had the skill to brew the potion; it is tightly controlled by the Ministry. Or it had to be someone with deep pockets or knowing a black-market. All of these options pointed at someone with power, money or knowledge, or quite possibly, all of the above. That automatically made 99% of the occupants in the hall out of the question. Alex was disturbed by the fact that Tonks was targeted again. What's up with the world anyways?


A red-headed girl sitting next to Tonks lightly tapped her shoulder, "Psst… can I talk to you?"

Tonks turned her head around and shrugged, "Sure."

The girl replied, "I think we've met before, but I'm Ginny. Ginny Weasley. And you are apparently Tonks, right?"

Tonks nodded, "Right-o there missy. Now what were you going to ask?"

Ginny took a glance Tonks' head, "Uh… do you know if Daniel is going out with anybody right now?"

Tonks looked incredulously at Ginny, "Are you serious? I don't know much about him."

Ginny sighed, "Oh… I thought you did."

Tonks at that moment noticed something odd. Why did Alex just switch goblets? She shrugged the thought off and continued talking.


Alex found the rest of the meal to be without incident and quickly walked to the Gryffindor tower with Tonks following. As usual, when he got into the boy's dormitories, he flamed them both back to his home.

Alex gestured at Tonks to sit down on the patio. He then sat himself on the patio and started, "Do you owe someone or some people anything Tonks?"

Tonks was sort of miffed by the question. Who would ask that kind of question anyways on a clear day like this? "What do you mean Alex? I don't gamble or bet."

Alex replied, "I'm not kidding Tonks. Do you owe anybody anything?"

Tonks shook her head, "Nope. Never had; never will. Does this have to do with that goblet switching thing you did at dinner?"

Alex was straight-faced, "Sort of."

Tonks waggled a finger at Alex, "Now explain mister why you swapped my perfectly fine goblet of pumpkin juice for that yucky plain clear water and hogging all of my precious pumpkin juice?"

Alex sighed, "Your pumpkin juice was laced with Amortentia."

Tonks immediately went serious, "You are not kidding Alex?"

Alex shook his head, "Nope. I'm positive that somehow your goblet was laced with Amortentia."

Tonks raised an eyebrow at that, "Now how are you not affected mister?"

Alex pointed at this arm, "Basilisk venom, remember?"

Tonks' mouth was the shape of an o,"Oh… right. I totally forgot."

Alex shrugged, "Anyways, knowing that you're an Auror, I suggest that you should test you food and water from now on and watch you back."

Tonks groaned, "Are you serious Alex?"

Alex grimaced, "Yes, I know it'll be tedious Tonks, but it'll be worth it."

Tonks shook her head, "It's not just that. I don't want to become a Mad-eye Moody reincarnate. I'm bleeding twenty-three, not seventy-three!"

Alex slightly smiled at that, "Don't worry, you're not missing an eye or using a crutch. You're just going to be cautious."

Tonks snorted at that, "Paranoid is the better term."

Alex raised his hands up in exasperation, "Whatever, it's your back, not mine. I'm going to hit the bed early today."

Tonks nodded, "I'll be in there in a few."

Alex stopped in his tracks, dreading what he thought it was, "I recall that Charles fixed your room a couple days ago."

Tonks replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "Yes Alex, I know that, but it got trashed AGAIN."

Alex had a feeling something didn't add up for sure. He was going to interrogate Charles sometime soon. That rascal… Alex sometimes wondered who was the more mature one out of the relationship; himself or Charles?


A/N: To be honest, this chapter was harder to make than the rest. Sorry for the terrible wand weighing scene, I totally had nothing on mind :P

Anyways, thanks for reading (123 follows? Weird coincidence... but thanks of course!) and your support. Could you do me a favor and drop five reviews for this chapter? That would be awesome!

Expect the next update in a couple days; it'll be a short chapter.

(Someone knocks on my bedroom door) CRAP! Lawyers at my door! Gotta run! Burn the computer!

Nah... just kidding. But seriously, if my disclaimer doesn't sound right, let me know. Don't want the story flagged for removal right?