Last Time: The Winchesters have just started to work at Hogwarts. Dean has already had a heart to heart with Malfoy, Sam is angry at Umbridge for slicing Harry's hand, oh and Umbridge has began to dig into the Winchesters past. She now has said information, Sam needs to sleep, and Sirius has contacted the Golden Trio...now the adventure continues...
Chapter Ten: Auror's Logic
Earlier on that Evening, Ministry of Magic, London, England
It was tedious, it was boring, and yet it had to be done. The first impression most people got of Aurors was that they led exciting action filled lives and went on sexy or exotic or dangerous missions, that somehow followed the plot line of a Muggle Spy film. Well, that was half of the truth, Aurors did lead high profile missions and were trained in espionage, but when it came down to it they were just like any other law enforcement group, they still had paperwork, good old paperwork.
Tonks sighed, placing her long elegant eagle feathered quill down, and she began to flex her hand. After writing for four straight hours in an effort to complete four reports, her hand was definitely feeling it. Not that the reports were important. Once written they would be sent off, stamped and lost forever in the crappy Ministry filing system and no one would give them a second thought.
Tonks rubbed her temple, eyes closed, mouth opened wide as she let off a yawn. Oh how she wished to have a higher clearance as an Auror but she was still a rookie, still third grade, still being sent on mediocre missions.
Suddenly soft footsteps could be heard approaching. Tonks snapped open her eyes to see the Department Head of Magical law Enforcement, Amelia Bones stop in the doorway of her cubicle.
"Wotcher Madame Bones!"
"Isn't it time for you to be heading home?"
"And do what? Be drilled about the Dark Arts and the problems of young people by Moody? I think not," deadpanned Tonks. Bones' eyes twinkled in amusement. It was well known that ever since Mad Eye Moody had returned from his stint locked up for nine months, that the Ministry now thought the ex-Auror too insane (his various other offences had been taken into consideration) to live alone. No one had wanted him, so naturally as an Order member and as a gesture of thanks to her mentor Tonks had offered her place.
She regretted in some ways allowing him into her comfortable one bedroomed (the Ministry had placed a second bedroom for Moody) London apartment. Her building was mostly filled with young people that had a habit to hold late night parties and call in at random times. In the end Tonks told her neighbours to clear off whilst her 'paranoid great uncle from the country who needs medical assistance, hence why he is staying with me' was staying.
"How is Alastor going?"
"Fine, if you count attempting to hex my neighbours as fine,"
"What?" said Bones in alarm.
"Oh, it was nothing," Tonks chuckled, "Actually it was pretty funny. I'd gone to beg some tomato paste from a neighbour, and this guy called Nick, went into my apartment with the intention of asking for coriander and Moody though he was a Death Eater and hexed the guy," Bones looked like she was going to have a heart attack, "Don't worry I cleaned it up with Magical Law Enforcement, and besides it was only the body bind curse, so no biggie,"
"I hope not," sighed Bones and then with a small smirk she added, "Just make sure it's all cleaned up,"
Bones left sharply, and Tonks smiled, before turning back to her paperwork. She knew Bones quite well, since her mum, Adromeda, and Bones were old friends, and it wasn't the first time Bones had turned a blind eye to the little misdemeanours Moody had gotten himself into. In her book, as long as no one got hurt and it was all cleared up, no harm. In fact she was probably the only reason Moody wasn't sitting in a cell in Azkaban. Fudge knew after all that Moody was friendly with Dumbledore and everyone knew what Fudge thought of the Hogwarts Headmaster.
She froze as she heard soft murmuring from down the hall. Straining her ears, she heard the gruff voice of her boss, Rufus Scrimgeour and the softer voice of John Dawlish. Feeling a tingle of excitement in her stomach and she rose quickly, grabbing her bag and cloak, and left her cubicle.
Sneaking along the corridor, she stopped just short of Dawlish's cubicle. Making her ears grow she listened carefully. To her a meeting between Scrimgeour and Dawlish couldn't bode well for the Order.
Dawlish (in Tonk's opinion, and no, she hadn't based it solely on that date – if you could call it that even – a year ago) was an incompetent idiot who only made it into the Auror office because of his daddy's large paycheck. Though to be fair he was smart and had nearly beaten Moody's marks in the Training Course (something no one had ever gotten close to before), but his never ending snide hints about a promotion to deputy head, his cheap aftershave, and the fact he ass kissed Fudge all the way home was enough to make Tonks want to puke.
Scrimgeour, on the other hand, had Tonks respect in the bag. Tough and dedicated to catching Dark Wizards, he was the perfect boss for Aurors. He was loyal like a lion to his 'kids' and would take a killing curse for a civilian without a second's thought. He was a good man, though she remembered when Kingsley had told her that Scrimgeour was breathing down his neck about the Sirius issue. That and Fudge's meddling left Tonks with a feeling of great unrest.
"Winchester?" there was a slight pause in which a large stone dropped into Tonks' stomach, before Scrimgeour continued, "I've never come across that name,"
"They're Muggles boss –"
"And you're investigating because she decided to cut through the red tape? Dawlish, I do not like being kept out of the loop," growled Scrimgeour, "Don't you trust me? Because if that's the way you feel then...?"
The question hung in the air and Tonks felt a small smile tug at her lips. Take that Dawlish!
"No disrespect sir, but Umbridge asked me specifically," replied Dawlish in rapid fire, though there was a light shake in his usual confident tone, "and I didn't think it would amount to this,"
Tonks' heart skipped an extra beat. What had he dug up? What had he dug up?
"And what is this exactly?" came Scrimgeour's voice.
"The Winchesters are wanted felons in the USA, look at it," the shuffling of papers were heard, whilst Dawlish narrated, "And Dumbledore has just employed them,"
A long pause before a short curse from her boss.
"Exactly sir," said Dawlish smugly.
"Ignore what I said earlier, this is a serious breach of our laws. What was he thinking when he hired two criminals...let alone Muggles! Lupin, Snape, Moody and even that Lockhart fellow were one thing but this..." there was a thud as what sounded like the file landed on Dawlish's desk, "That's not all is it?"
A sharp intake of breath, "No it appears that Nymphadora has –"
"Tonks has been seen in company," growled Scrimgeour.
"Yes, the bartenders words were, and I quote, 'they should have gotten a room sooner', end quote,"
Her cheeks reddened, as did her hair. No way Dawlish had found out about her date, no way, she had been so careful, changing her appearance and everything. She had looked Spanish for Christsakes! And what was that bartender playing at? She had not been snogging Dean! She recalled the icy glare he had given her when she didn't tip and immediately wanted to bust that guy's ass all the way to Kingdom Come.
"Perfect...," said Scrimgeour sarcastically and Tonks could envision his eye roll, "how did you find out about Tonks? And does Umbridge know about this?"
"The other day she was talking about some American who had just come over the pond and how she was heading on a date with him," Tonks wanted to die, "After checking some records, it became clear that a few days before that, Dumbledore had hired two Americans who had just arrived in England to work," Tonks really wanted to die, "feeling concerned, I put the two and two together, hoping that she wasn't being played by a –"
"Cut the bullshit Dawlish," interrupted Tonks' boss, "You just wanted to catch Tonks' date out and get him deported, so you followed her," a long pause in which Tonks wondered what was the best way to murder Dawlish. She blinked as Scrimegeour began to speak again, "Don't think that I don't know what goes on in my own department. Now, does Umbridge know about your findings?"
"I...uhhh... I sent her an owl just before," stuttered Dawlish, and now Tonks really wanted to die and take down Dawlish when she did. She froze though as Dawlish continued, "Only the wanted felon Muggle part, I didn't mention Tonks' date,"
Tonks heart skipped an extra beat, and she felt pure relief. Though still murderous at Dawlish for digging up on the Winchesters and stalking her on her date, she was at least grateful that he had an ounce of loyalty to his fellow Auror.
"Thank god." murmured Scrimgeour in an undertone and then louder, "I want a copy of this on my office tomorrow morning, and if you find anything else, or if Umbridge comes to you again, or anyone for that matter, I want your ass in my office to tell me, understand?"
"Yes sir," came an abrupt reply. Tonks, sensing that that was the end of the conversation, began to head towards the elevator. As she moved back she heard Dawlish ask almost tentatively, "Um sir?"
"Yes?"
"What will happen to Tonks?"
"Go home."
Tonks sighed, and cleared off, keeping her head low. Just as she reached the elevator she heard the familiar bark of Scrimgeour's voice, "Tonks!"
Turning around in an instant, she watched as he approached her, before replying softly, "Yes sir?"
"In my office tomorrow at nine, don't be late,"
"Sure thing..." said Tonks. Scrimgeour nodded curtly and went into the elevator.
"Aren't you coming?" he asked, watching the young Auror as she stood stopped in her track. Blinking and nodding, she entered the elevator, all thoughts on reporting to Dumbledore on what she had just heard.
Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts, Scotland
"Sirius?"
Even as Harry uttered his godfather's name he couldn't believe it. Staring at the flames, his mouth gaping, he stared at the smiling face of Sirius Black, as the flames licked at Sirius' face. Harry blinked, why was his godfather here? His mind briefly thought back to the letter he had sent and knew that this was the reply. Hell, he hadn't of expected a reply this fast, though he was grateful for some council on his scar, Umbridge, and where Hagrid could be.
Hermione stared at Harry, "What did you say," she looked at the fireplace, "– Sirius?"
"Well, hello to you too Hermione," grinned Sirius.
"What are you doing here mate?" came Ron's bemused voice.
"Thought I'd check up on you, make sure you're not getting into any trouble,"
Hermione frowned, "Trouble? Sirius, what if someone saw you?"
"Hermione, I was careful, only popping up every half hour, for about a second," Sirius deadpanned, "And besides, I think only one girl saw me, and she probably thought I was a funny looking log or something..."
Harry and Ron snorted with laughter at the thought of one of the first years seeing a wanted criminal head pop up in a fire. Poor kid...
Hermione cleared her throat, "That was awfully risky –"
"You sound like Molly,"
Another snort of laughter from the boys; sent a dagger stare from Hermione. Ron raised his hands up defencelessly and sobered up under the murderous gaze from his friend. He sighed and asked, "Seriously Sirius, why are you here?"
"Besides the fact I'm freaking bored?" Sirius rolled his eyes, "Listen, I needed a way to reply to Harry's letter –"
Harry cringed instantly, his death sentence had just been written. He knew he should of told his friends, well he had been going to in all fairness, the whole Cho incident up in the Owlery had pretty much pushed the letter out of his mind.
Hermione turned to her friend, eyes narrowed, "You didn't say you wrote a letter!"
"It sorta slipped my mind..." shrugged Harry hopelessly. When her glare didn't break he cried out, "I did write it in code! No one could have gotten any information out of it, other than Sirius! Right?"
"No, it was good," smiled Sirius, "Anyway we should get on with this in case we are interrupted – about your scar –"
"What –" gaped Ron, now also staring at Harry.
"Later Ron," interrupted Hermione, "Go on Sirius,"
"Well I can guess it's not fun when it happens," hypothesised Sirius, "But now that he's back it's bound to happen more often,"
"I know, Dumbledore mentioned that last year," said Harry "I guess Voldemort," he froze as he thought back to his detention with Umbridge, "was feeling really angry or something when it happened..." he sighed, "So you don't think it has any connection to Umbridge...?"
"Trust me on this, I know her reputation, and Umbridge isn't –"
"She could be one," muttered Harry darkly.
"The world isn't painted in black and white Harry," said Sirius wisely, "Though she is a nasty piece of work – you should hear Remus talk about her,"
"Lupin knows Umbridge?" asked Ron.
"Hardly," snorted Sirius, "'Bout two years ago she drafted some anti-werewolf legislation making it impossible for Moony to get work,"
"What's she got against werewolves?" cried out Hermione.
"Scared of them probably," replied Sirius and he expanded, "Apparently she loathes part humans. Last year I think she tried to round up and tag merpeople and about three years ago she was trying to get the centaurs put in a 'wildlife' reserve which really was just this big paddock somewhere in Wales – that reminds me how are her lessons? She training you to kill dangerous halfbreeds?"
"No," answered Harry bitterly, "We're not allowed to use magic at all, just read this stupid textbook,"
"Yeah, and besides, if we wanted to learn to kill part humans, we could just ask Sam and Dean," joked Ron.
"That's not funny Ron!" said Hermione.
"What – I just –"
"She's right Ron," said Sirius. Harry glanced at his friends in annoyance. They were heading way off topic.
In an attempt to steer the conversation back on topic he asked, "Do you have any idea why we can't use magic?"
"We have a theory," Sirius nodded, "Apparently Fudge doesn't want you guys trained in combat,"
There was complete and utter silence.
"What the hell? Trained in combat? What are we supposed to be doing, forming an army? A rebellion to take down the evil empire?"
"Well, apparently you are, according to Fudge," Sirius paused and rephrased, "Well Dumbledore is anyway,"
Ron shook his head in disbelief, "That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, and that's including all the stuff Loony Lovegood's been saying,"
"So we can't learn Defence because Fudge is scared that we'll attack the Ministry!?" cried out Hermione in anger.
"Yeah, he reckons Dumbledore is power hungry – which is ridiculous since the guy has been offered the position of Minister like twenty times and has never even considered it to date," said Sirius, "Sooner or later he's going to arrest Dumbledore on some trumped up charge,"
At those words, Percy's letter strolled into Harry's mind. Glancing up at the ceiling and then back down to his godfather he asked, "D'you know if anything about Dumbledore is going to be in the paper tomorrow morning? Coz Ron's brother Percy says there is going to –"
"I don't know," cut off Sirius, "haven't heard any news from any Order members – everyone is too busy, even my damn cousin. Oh yeah that reminds me, tell Dean to talk to Tonks, because you just do not take a woman out on a nice evening and then not call back,"
"You been watching a few Muggle movies Sirius?" winked Hermione which was met by an eye roll.
"No," he replied bluntly, "I did date you know, I do know how to treat a woman and –"
"So, hold up – Dean and Tonks?" said Ron.
Sirius ignored Ron, "Just tell Dean to talk to Tonks – though secretly because obviously it wouldn't be a good thing to publicise –"
"Dean and Tonks? I don't believe it," muttered Ron softly. Hermione frowned at him.
"Like you didn't notice Ron, they did kiss before they went to Hogwarts –"
"They did what – how –"
Harry cut off his friend's sentence. He really didn't want to hear about Dean and Tonks' personal relationship. He asked, "Have you heard any news from Hagrid?"
"Ah," said Sirius, looking slightly awkward, "Well he's supposed to be back..." at Harry, Ron, and Hermione's panic stricken expressions he added, "Listen, Dumbledore isn't worried so there is no reason –"
"But if he's supposed to be –" said Hermione.
"Madame Maxime was with him and we've been in touch and she said they just got separated coming home," interrupted Sirius quickly, "Listen, just don't ask too many questions about where Hagrid has gone. We don't want to draw attention to the fact he isn't back. Hagrid's tough, he'll be okay," the golden trio's faces were still filled with worry, "Think about it if Sam and Dean can go on a hunting road trip, then Hagrid who knows all the ins and out of the wizarding world, and is a half giant nonetheless, will be perfectly fine," he froze, "Hey, is anyone there at your end?"
Harry shook his head, "Nah, must be –"
Sirius frowned and briefly his head vanished and then reappeared again, "Shit, Tonks!" he swore, "I'm not supposed to be –"
"Just go!" Hermione hissed.
"Okay, okay! Stay safe and Harry, no more little outbursts," Sirius grinned.
Harry rolled his eyes, being told to be careful by his godfather was so belittling, it's not he that was the wanted criminal. Rolling his eyes, but with a slight smile, "Yes, mother,"
"See you mate," farewelled Ron cheerfully.
"Yeah, good bye," smiled Sirius and then at Hermione and Harry's stare, "I'm going, I'm going, I'm gone!"
And he was truly gone and all that was left behind was the flickering flames of the Gryffindor's fireplace.
Number 12 Grimmuald Place, London, England
Sirius rose quickly from the fireplace and headed to the hallway. His curiosity was piqued, since he knew his cousin wasn't here for a social visit. Glancing at Tonks, and taking in her flustered face, messy hair, and wide eyes, he instantly knew something was amiss.
"Tonks...?" he started.
"Sirius, I need to talk to Dumbledore!" she said urgently, "Can I use Phineas?"
"Yeah sure,"
Tonks nodded and raced forward, intent on getting up to Phineas Nigellus' portrait, when Sirius grabbed her, holding her left forearm tightly.
"What?"
"What happened Tonks?" asked Sirius, as Tonks tugged away from her cousin. She sighed, and said shortly, "Umbridge - she knows about the Winchesters – we need to warn them!"
She took in a deep breath trying to calm herself down. Sirius frowned, his grip tightening. He could tell that wasn't the only thing on Tonks mind.
"Let me go!" said Tonks breaking through Sirius' thoughts. Sirius shook his head.
"What else?"
She blinked, "Scrimegeour knows – they found out about me and Dean!"
"Crap,"
"Exactly!" said Tonks indignantly. She pulled away from Sirius and raced to the portrait leaving her cousin, standing alone, running his hands through his hair.
Winchesters' Room, Hogwarts, Scotland
"Sammy?"
Sam breathed in deeply.
"Sam?"
Sam wished the voice would go away.
"Sam!"
Sam buried his head into his pillow, curling up in a ball.
"I know you're awake Sam!"
Sam snuggled into the doona, still willing the voice to leave.
"Sam Winchester!"
Sam's eyes opened slightly. He immediately closed them as the softest light stung them. He mumbled something and rolled onto his other side, away from the voice.
"C'mon Sammy..."
The voice was gentle now, softer. Sam groaned, slowly opening his eyes, his body dead. It was rare that Sam, felt like this, so warm, so safe, so relaxed, so out of it but not in a you just got knocked out kind of way, more like the best sleep ever but now you're awake. It was heaven and Sam didn't want to leave it not for anyone or anything.
"Sam," called the voice again.
"'mma getting up," yawned Sam, stretching out his long body, eyes now fully open. He rolled over and faced his big brother. To Sam's surprise Dean was already dressed in jeans and a long black robe. His hair was slightly damp, signifying that Dean had showered. That confused Sam slightly, how early was it? Dean was hardly ever awake and dressed before Sam, and since Sam woke up around six every morning, what was the damn time?
Sam sat up slowly and swung his legs out of bed. Yawning deeply, he pushed back his bangs and asked, "Time?"
"Quarter to eight," smirked Dean.
"What?"
"How did you sleep Sam?"
Sam met his brother's gaze and smiled. Last night Dean had managed to obtain a Dreamless Sleep Potion from the Potions Master and thus allowing Sam to have the most peaceful night of sleep in a long time. Just plain sleep – no apocalyptic dreams, painful visions, just blackness and the soft comfort of peace.
"Told you so," said Dean. Sam nodded and then his nose twitched as a familiar smell met his nostrils. Sam looked over to his bedside table, eyes widening.
"Is that Starbucks? Mocha Latté?" asked Sam, hardly believing his words. He missed Starbucks – true it was a generic chain coffee house, but he had been practically raised drinking it so it was like the icing on the top after his long slumber.
Dean nodded, "Go get a shower, get dressed and then we can head over to breakfast,"
Sam ignored his brother, "How?"
"House Elves!"
Sam eyed his brother, his mind taking a while to note what Dean had said. House Elves? Those little gremlin type things that cooked and cleaned for the Hogwarts occupants?
"You got a house elf to get Starbucks?" laughed Sam in sheer disbelief. His mind immediately thought of one of those little wrinkly elves ordering a Starbucks coffee in the middle of a London shopping mall. He could pitchy the little voice, and the poor kid who had to listen to the elf, probably freaked out beyond his wits.
"Yep," came Dean's smooth reply.
"But -?"
"I asked, they obeyed, thought I might be nice to you,"
The last comment, granted an eye brow raise from Sam, "What's the occasion?"
"We've made it through our first week of teaching and are about to start our second, and considering our record of law abiding jobs I thought that Starbucks was perfect," explained Dean, emphasising the words law abiding with amusement. Sam chuckled.
"I don't know about you bro, but I have held a job longer than a week,"
"When?" asked Dean, shocked. Sam smiled and got up, grabbing a towel and some clothes. He wandered over to the bathroom door. Sam stood there for a moment as he remembered getting a job at the local Wall-Mart. In fact, if it wasn't for his crappy minimal salary paying job he would never have met Jess.
It had been his first day on the job, and he had been moving shopping trolleys from the car park and into the supermarket. Jess had been walking across the car park when her cell had rung. Answering it immediately, she had stopped for a few vital seconds. Sam had heard the roar of the engine and then seen a white SUV racing through the car park heading straight her. Naturally Sam had leapt out and pulled her to the side.
"Holy shit!" she had said, shaking slightly.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just...thanks," she had said blushing. She breathed in and then had stared at Sam for about a minute.
"Hello?" he had asked, snapping his fingers near her face.
She had nodded, "yeah, just...I'm Jess,"
"Sam," he had offered. Suddenly her eyes had wandered slightly, once again drinking in his appearance, as if she was trying to recognise him.
She smiled, "You're in one of my classes - History of Conviction 101?"
Now it was Sam's turn to stare, as everything feel into place in his head. Shit, he had just saved Jessica Moore's life. From various rumours he knew that Jess lived in a sorority just off campus and came from the Upper East Side in New York. Apparently she came from a family of cops and had a reputation for being a party girl.
"Yeah..." he had replied. Jess glanced at her watch.
"Well, I had better go," she said, apologetic, "Nice meeting you Sam,"
"Nice to meet you too," he had replied weakly and then she had left. It was only a few months later at a New Year's party they had finally started dating. Shaking his head and jolting his mind back to the present he said to Dean, "How do you think I afforded the rent on that apartment when I was at Stanford?"
"Well since we've started hunting then –"
"Thanks Dean," said Sam shortly, moving into the bathroom. He showered quickly, enjoying the initial icy blast of the shower that woke him up, and then the slow gathering heat that entered the water. Grabbing some of the Hogwarts supplied Shampoo he washed his hair and then for the hell of it squirted some Conditioner into his palm.
He left the shower after making sure all the product was washed out and dried himself off. Wrapping the towel around his head like a turban, he pulled on his briefs (yes he was a brief man unlike Dean), and grabbed his jeans. Thanks to the Hogwarts meals they felt slightly tighter the usual.
Sam slipped into a light blue shirt and then unwrapped the towel, rubbing the soft fabric against his hair in an attempt to try it. Satisfied, Sam placed the towel on the towel rack and left the bathroom. He grabbed his Starbucks and sipped it slowly, savouring the taste.
"Let's go," said Dean, standing up from his bed, Starbucks clasped in his own hand. Sam nodded and quickly grabbed a robe from the wardrobe and pulled it over his head. Both brothers left the room and began the journey to the Great Hall.
They entered the large hall just as the Post arrived. Dean grumbled as an owl nearly scraped him, whilst Sam made a direct beeline for the staff table. As they began to serve themselves bacon, toast and eggs, Dean started to laugh.
"What is it?" asked Sam. Dean motioned his head to the Slytherin table. Sam stared in slight shock, and he too started to laugh.
"What is so funny?" came Snape's voice from next to Sam, looking up from a letter. Sam cocked his head to the Slytherin's table. Snape too stared in shock for a moment but he didn't break into laughter, but rose and rushed over to his students.
"Poor kid," commented Sam, sobering up a little. Dean nodded and sipped his Starbucks.
"Well it was bound to happen eventually – owls do need to shit too," said Dean, still looking at the second year, who now had a brilliant shade of white, running through his dark curly locks.
Sam had been about to take a mouthful of bacon and egg, when the Charms Professor squeaked next to him. Sam glanced over to the little man, and was about to ask what was wrong, when his eyes were drawn to the Daily Prophet before Flitwick.
"Dean," said Sam quickly, placing down his knife and fork. Dean glanced over, and he swore as he saw the headline for the Prophet.
MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM
DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED
FIRST EVER HIGH INQUISITOR
"What the hell is a High Inquisitor?" asked Dean, "How did she...?"
Sam read it in a heart's beat and looked up at Dean. He opened his mouth and quickly summarised the article, "It's an attempt to take over Hogwarts basically. The apparent reasoning behind it is that parents of students have been getting worried about the goings on at Hogwarts, so the Minister has appointed Umbridge to basically be the Internal Affairs of Hogwarts. It also says the only reason Umbridge is even working here is because the Minister passed some law saying she had to,"
"How did he manage that?"
"Basically it's the same system used with substitute teachers. You know if a teacher is sick, school's have to have a replacement and if they can't the government has a list of subs that can be used," explained Sam.
"So Umbridge now has the power to inspect us or something," said Dean, drawing from Sam's rat squad comment.
"Yep,"
Dean paled, "Sam, she's going to be out to get us, you realise,"
"Huh?"
"Well she's already looking into our pasts – if she finds anything, which she probably will, we are screwed,"
Sam nodded in silent agreement. He sighed and said softly, "We'll just keep on doing our jobs, and talk to Dumbledore, that's all we can do, short of -" he glanced around the hall and saw the 'High Inquisitor' enter, "Let's go,"
Dean couldn't agree more. The two hunters rose, and grabbed their Starbucks, clearing out of the Hall as fast as they could without looking suspicious. As they made it into the corridor, Dean muttered, "I wonder what the student's will think of this."
Tonks' Apartment, London, England
"Can't I call in sick?"
Mad Eye Moody glanced up from the Daily Prophet, and zeroed in on Tonks. She was sitting across the table, a plate of Muesli untouched, a now cold cup of coffee (also untouched) in front of her, and her face was giving of a pained expression. Instead of hair being its usual perky new age multicoloured style, it was shoulder length and mousey brown.
"No," he replied, turning back to the paper, nose wrinkling in disgust as he read the front page. He was imagining wasn't he? How dare they write something like that! Those ungrateful snobs, if it wasn't for him Azkaban wouldn't even be filled. The nerve of the media these days was absolutely outrageous. In his day Auror's were shown respect, and the Prophet kept its nose in its own business.
"Please!"
"No,"
Tonks groaned, "Why not?"
"It will look suspicious," commented Moody dryly, reading the paper with one eye, and staring at Tonks with the other.
"How the hell will it look suspicious?" when Moody didn't answer Tonks growled, "Answer me you senile –"
Moody's temper flared and he whipped out his wand, pointing it straight at Tonks heart, "Never call me senile Nymphardora Athena Margaret Tonks!"
Tonks, placed her arms up slowly in a defensive position, eyes never leaving her mentor's wand, "Okay Moody, I'm sorry I called you se –" she froze as Moody's other eye looked at her, "I'm sorry that I showed you disrespect!" she said quickly.
"That's better," growled Moody, placing his wand in his pocket, turning his attention back to the paper. He sighed and pushed it away and then said, "Tonks, why do you think it would be suspicious if you called in sick?"
Tonks rolled her eyes; she hated this, when he treated her like a school girl. She glanced out her kitchen window, staring at the London skyline and replied, "Because Scrimegeour has already ordered me to his office and if I don't turn up I'm obviously hiding something. And that could result in him coming over here and maybe by freak chance finding some Order stuff that you have,"
"Exactly,"
Tonks, leaned against her chair, "But what -?"
"Tell Scrimegeour the truth, well not the complete truth, but you know what you can say and what you can't so don't worry, and just stick to the story,"
"Hello, he practises Legilmency,"
"And you are an Occlumencist," countered Moody.
Tonks frowned and bit her lip. She couldn't believe that she was being such a wuss about this. She couldn't believe she was considering burying her head in the sand. Dean needed help and she could do just that. She knew that the Winchesters would be put before Wizengamot and probably have their memories erased and handed over to Muggle FBI Authorities, and she wasn't going to let that happen.
She breathed in and screwed her face up in concentration. In rapid concession her hair, shrunk back to her nape, and changed to a wicked purple. Opening her eyes, they changed to an icy blue. Smiling she stood up.
"That's my girl," said Moody. Tonks raised an eyebrow at him.
"What are you, my father?"
"Watch your tongue Nymphadora – I might as well be,"
Tonks rolled her eyes and went to her bedroom. Pulling off her 'I Love NY' t-shirt, she changed into her new black, with blue lining robes. Admiring herself in the mirror, she made sure her wand was pocketed and that her bag was ready.
Heading into the living room, she called, "Ciao later Moody!"
He grunted in reply and Tonks smiled. She walked over to her fireplace, and cupped some Floo Powder in her hand. Chucking it on the fire, a smoky aroma filled her apartment, as emerald green flames rose up. Tonks stepped into the hearth, allowing the fire's warmth to wash over her. She breathed in and roared, "Ministry of Magic!"
Suddenly Tonks was eternally grateful that she hadn't had that much to eat for breakfast as she was sucked down a black hole, a terrible roaring in her ears. Something knocked against her left elbow and she tucked it in and closed her eyes.
A few minutes later, she felt her feet find solid ground. The shock made her knees give way and she found herself doubling over. She clambered to her feet and quickly brushed the soot of her robes.
"Are you okay Nymphadora?" came a cold sneer. Tonks felt her blood turn cold as she wheeled around to see her uncle standing a few metres behind her.
"Fine Malfoy," she said softly.
He smiled cruelly, "Of course Nymphadora," taking careful deliverance as he pronounced her name. He continued, "I am surprised that you took the Floo though – still having trouble with Apparation? I wouldn't bring it up but," his eyes tinkled in delight as Tonks squirmed, "your aunt was curious,"
Tonks eyed him and shrugged, "What are you talking about? I can Apparate fine," it was a lie, she still struggled not to leave fingernails or even clothing behind. Luckily if it was a body part (a small one at that like fingernail) it wasn't a problem for Tonks. Still, it was hell embarrassing. She just couldn't get those 3 D's right.
"Course,"
"What brings you here?" asked Tonks quickly, raising an eyebrow, "I didn't think you worked,"
"Oh I do," he chuckled, "And I believe it's none of your business Nymphadora,"
"Must be real hard too when you can't even take you head out of your ass for one moment.," snapped back Tonks. Of course he wasn't going to announce to the world what he was doing.
"Your humour...has always been amusing,"
Tonks cheeks flushed at the comment. Tonks really didn't like the way he said it. If he had sneered she couldn't have cared less, but the way he held himself, the careful deliverance as he spoke, that fine proper British accent that you expected of the royal family, and also that cold empty look he got in his eyes, except for that small evil spark, reminded her of someone talking to a dumb mule.
All her life certain pure blooded families (the Muggle hating ones) had always spoken to her like that, they always picked up on her little Muggle habits, or teased her because she spoke with a slightly cruder tongue.
"See ya later Malfoy," said Tonks sharply and began to walk over to the elevators – determined to get to the break room where she could get a nice big cup of tea. Sadly though, she realized, as she stood in the elevator surrounded by fellow Ministry workers; that wouldn't be possible since she needed to be in Scrimegeour's office soon.
The elevator pinged as it stopped at her floor. Tonks wormed her way out and headed straight to her cubicle. Dawlish yelled a greeting to her, which she ignored. Just before she hit the first lot of cubicles she signed in at the Log Book.
She sauntered to her cubicle and dumped her bag on her seat. She left the cubicle, and headed down the hallway away from the elevators, towards his office. Soon the fine oak door; and the large window with a venetian blind closed up to add privacy, came into view.
Raising her fist she rapped on the door.
"Enter," barked Scrimegeour's voice.
"You wanted to see me –"
"Sit down Tonks," he said simply, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk. Tonks slid into it, face set, mental shields up. She leaned back, trying to portray the image of someone unconcerned. Scrimegeour studied her for a moment, and Tonks found herself locked in his gaze. She suddenly felt like she was back in Potions in her seventh year and Snape had just called on her to answer a question to which she had no idea what the answer was.
"Do you know why you're here?" he asked quickly.
"No sir," she spoke, careful to keep her voice even, not to look away, not to fiddle, or do anything that would suggest she did know why she was here.
Scrimegeour sighed, "Don't lie to me Tonks – you overheard last night,"
"I don't –" Tonks flushed and cursed silently one of the basic tricks of Occlumency never look at the enemy in the eye – ever! She glanced away, "Yeah, well I did sir,"
"Then you do know why you're here?"
"Yes sir,"
"That's one lie already third grade Auror Tonks, and it's not even nine o'clock," growled Scrimegeour, he leaned in, eyes narrowing, trying to find her eyes again, "What did I say to you when you joined the team?"
"No lies, no matter how big or how small, as they can hamper justice and lose lives," Tonks recited instantly, she looked over his head to the many awards that hung from his wall and said softly, "Sir I didn't mean to -"
"I know Tonks," said Scrimegeour with a softer tone, "But you have to be completely honest with me now, completely. Understand?"
"Yes sir,"
"Okay then. Will you please tell me all you know about the Winchesters,"
"It's all on the record isn't it?" joked Tonks.
"Tonks,"
"Sorry sir," said Tonks, still remaining her eye contact with the motionless awards, she narrated the fantastic little tale that she had gone over with Moody and Dumbledore the night before, "Okay so I met the Winchesters whilst shopping around London. Dean flirted with me a bit and then he asked me out. I more or less said yes. I spent the rest of the day with him and his brother, in which I discovered they knew about the magical community,"
"And you didn't care to investigate how two Muggles knew?" he asked suspiciously.
Tonks shrugged, "Well I was shocked sir, but then I learnt that they were hunters," at his expression she quickly added, "It means that they hunt magical things that are hurting people –"
He waved her off, "I know what hunters are Tonks," he sighed, glancing up at the ceiling. Tonks heard him mutter, "Damn Americans," then he cleared his throat and returned to staring at her, like she was some interesting potion experiment gone wrong. "So did you learn what they were doing in England?"
This time Tonks did look Scrimegeour in the eye, "Dumbledore had asked them to teach at Hogwarts I think to give Muggle Studies a more personal touch – you know since they are Muggles so their knowledge would be valuable and since they already know about the Magical world then it really wouldn't be a exposure of magic,"
"Only Dumbledore," murmured Scrimegeour, face creasing as he made some quick mental notes, "You heard about their criminal records from yester –"
Tonks quickly cut in, "Which they wouldn't have if they didn't hunt, but since they do –"
"I'm not talking credit card fraud, or breaking and entering, or even grave discretion – I'm talking about murder –"
"Palo Alto?" asked Tonks suddenly.
"Dean mentioned it?" he pressed, quickly drawing conclusions.
"He found about my...abilities, sir, and for a second there –" she paused. She couldn't believe she was saying this, she had just told him that Dean was dangerous. Though, most definitely, he already thought that. Tonks sighed, remembering that morning when Dean had found out, the silent anger that had emerged, and for a second then, Tonks had been terrified. She hadn't shown it, hiding behind a mask, but she had been scared shitless for just that moment – she sighed, "He has the potential to be a threat, if he wanted to be he could be a danger..."
"But there is a but coming,"
Tonks lifted and eyebrow and nodded, "He wouldn't. Once I explained he calmed down, but that's not just it – his brother Sam...well Sam and him are like our Internal Affairs, they keep each other from going over the edge – well that's the way I see it. I don't see them as a threat to the Magical Community."
"You know them pretty well," he stated calmly, and then more roughly, "Well do you? How many times did you see them?"
"A couple – they're good people sir. If they were wizards I could see them as Aurors, seriously,"
Scrimegeour rested his palms on his desk, and closed his eyes for a moment. Tonks wondered what was going through her boss' head – he really could surprise people. Normally Tonks could pick up on what someone was thinking, a technique picked up through interrogations and only hardened by Moody, but he always escaped her.
He finally cracked his eyes open and got up, staring out the fake window that looked onto the 'London skyline'.
"Tonks if they went to trial would you defend them?"
Tonks blinked in surprise, "Yes, why?"
"Just think about your future when you do," Scrimegeour said nonchantly, "Fudge is on a warpath, obviously the Winchesters have some form of friendship with Dumbledore, and if you...just be careful, you're a good Auror, with many years ahead of you, don't screw it up over some guy you just met,"
Tonks flushed at the last comment; did he think she was being some lovesick teenager? She liked Dean obviously, but she barely knew him well enough to sacrifice her career, her life. Didn't he get it? She wouldn't give up everything without proof. She sighed. He had a strong point though, and once again Tonks saw that protective streak come out. But she already knew all that. "Sir –"
"Tonks, trust me, proceed carefully," said Scrimegeour sharply. He looked back down to the paperwork on his desk and picked up his quill and began to write. Looking up, he waved Tonks out, "You're dismissed,"
Tonks nodded and rose. She left the office and headed down the hall. Tonks quickly went towards Kingsley's cubicle. Stopping outside she said, "Shacklebolt?"
He glanced up, "What Tonks? This had better be im –"
In other words we don't usually work together so we don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves, Tonks thought. She walked in and whipped out her wand. Thinking of her meeting with Scrimegeour, she quickly stuck her wand in her ear, dropping her mind shields, and allowed the memories to flow into her wand.
She sauntered over to his desk, "I was wondering if you knew where to get form FC8?"
"I believe –" Tonks 'accidently' dropped her wand on his desk. He picked it up and flicked it up to his head, "Thomson has them," he handed back her wand, "Is that all you wanted?"
Tonks smiled, "Yeah, thanks,"
She left the cubicle and headed to her own.
Dumbledore's Office, Hogwarts, Scotland
It had always been a mistake to hire her – he had known that from the start. Not that he had chosen to employ Umbridge, he had been forced by bloody Fudge. Dumbledore had always had a lot of patience for Fudge, but now the Minister was just being annoying and quite frankly stupid. Dumbledore stroked his beard, he would have to keep an even extra careful eye on Umbridge now.
"Albus," came a deep voice. Dumbledore looked up to see Kingsley Shacklebolt's face in the small mirror that stood on his desk. Dumbledore smiled briefly – he was grateful that he had gotten hold of Sirius' little spell – communicating through mirrors was a great way to talk to other Order members when they were on the go.
"Yes?"
"Tonks just came out from her meeting," Dumbledore watched as Kingsley waved a little glass vial around which contained a silver substance, "I have the memory here,"
"I'll send Fawkes' around lunch," said Dumbledore, "Leaky Cauldron?"
Kingsley nodded and then his face wavered, and the mirror changed back to normal. Dumbledore lifted an eyebrow up at his red and gold plumed phoenix. Fawkes stared back at the Headmaster.
"I have a little job for you,"
Cold Oak, South Dakota, America
Ava Wilson lay on an old couch, leaning against the warm and muscular body of Jake Talley. Jake was fast asleep, his chest rising in a gentle rhythm. It was soothing, listening to his soft breaths, inhaling his musky, spicy odour. She suspected the spicy part came from the Burritos he had cooked last night.
At her feet, lay a few other young adults, all from various countries around the world, whilst a couple lay on an old king sized bed. They were all fast asleep, a few of them snoring softly. Old scratchy woollen blankets covered her fellow soldiers, whilst a small fire crackled in the grate. All the windows were boarded over, and the floor was covered with a thick rug.
Glancing around the room, she decided she couldn't wait until they got out of this crack hole. For that is what Cold Oak was. Sure they had a whole town to themselves, but since nearly every single building was structurally unsound, all thirty five of them had all crammed into this one house. Half of them slept in one room, whilst the other half slept in the other.
They had a small crappy kitchen, in which they all pitched in to cook. At least they didn't have to go shopping, was all Ava could say – she hated supermarket shopping. Once a week a group of Azazel's lackeys would turn up with food – ranging from steak to cup cakes – and drop it off, leaving the kids to investigate.
She sighed and got up, easing herself up slowly from Jake. Carefully weaving around the sleeping bodies she made it to the door. She left the room and made her way down to the kitchen. She trod cautiously and slowly, not wanting to make a sound.
She reached the kitchen and headed over to the cupboard. Grabbing a large chocolate chip muffin she left the old house, and walked over to the fence line that boarded a small pitch where they would practice sparring.
Ava sat up on the fence, picking at her muffin, chewing it slowly. It was stale.
She threw it into the air. As it began to fall to the ground it stopped. As she squinted her eyes the muffin rocketed up into the air. Sticking her pinkie finger up, she made small circular motions in the air. The muffin also moved in the same direction.
"Howdy Ava," came a smooth southern male voice from behind her.
Ava grinned and slipped off the fence and turned.
"Howdy to you too," she greeted, leaning back against the fence.
"Now, why are you up so early?" the man asked raising his eyebrow.
"Couldn't sleep," she said, she glanced to the right, and looked at the dense trees that were the start of the forest that surrounded Cold Oak. She sighed and as her vision was swamped with the forest she was reminded of a certain brown haired boy.
"When's Sam coming?" she blurted out.
Azazel surveyed Ava for a second. He had an excellent poker face and she couldn't grasp what he was thinking. After a few tense minutes he cleared his throat, a small smile appearing on his face, "Soon enough,"
"He'll be out of practice," said Ava bluntly. She couldn't see why he wasn't here already. It was obvious; to her at least, that Sam was his favourite. Sure the rest of them fought for top dog but it was Sam. That little gleam of pride he got in his eyes when she sometimes mentioned him.
For these reasons, and the fact she missed him, it was mystery as to why Sam wasn't at Cold Oak already, training. Why would Azazel place Sam at such a disadvantage? Unless...
"Stop worrying about Sammy," said Azazel sharply, breaking her train of thought, "Worry about staying alive,"
She raised an eyebrow, "Huh?"
He smiled cruelly and the next moment he was gone.
TBC
Author's Note: Sorry for the late update, I actually had this written ages ago but alas I kept on writing and then I hit a snag and then my beta went on a holiday...oh and I had H/W...and well that's it. Anyway I hope you all enjoyed this and feel free to drop a line...