Chapter 12. Muggle Competition
Returned to her room at the 'Leaky Cauldron', Tonks was trying to sleep. After a filling dinner at the Burrow Dora's eyes were heavy, but now all the dreams vanished into thin air.
The witch hated that state. Tonks knew she would think about her parents first. Nymphadora left the family house about nine months ago. It was her victory. Tonks didn't have to hear complaints about the mess in her bedroom, late arrivals or too bright hair color, and it was awesome.
Dora could find another place to stay, more comfortable and nice, but the room at the 'Leaky Cauldron' seemed to be a very good variant for the girl. Tonks liked the company. Moreover, she didn't have to bother herself with cooking or cleaning the house. Halleluiah! It's a perfect life, isn't it?
Sleep was gone, taking away calm too. No, she loved parents, of course. Daddy was so understanding and so kind. Tonks really missed that big old slovenly. And mum… they were just too different, that's all. Andromeda and Tonks may deal with each other one day. Yeah, one day… Nymphadora wrapped up. She needed to stop thinking about that or sleep would never come.
She remembered Remus instead. Tonks was delaying those thoughts, hiding them somewhere inside. And now that horrible box opened, releasing all fear.
Tonks was learning something new about the Order members day by day. For example, Sirius could be very nice, at least, if he wanted to. Tonks found a lot of similar between him and Andromeda. Dora noticed the same coldness and arrogance she managed to see in her mum sometimes. But, to be honest, that feature was very suitable for a man. Uncle Sirius seemed to be very charming…
Remus was absolutely different. He has never been eye-catching and tried to hide in the darkness. Tonks considered this as modesty, but she was wrong. He was a werewolf. Tonks remembered the horrible pictures she have seen while studying a new course. Their teachers were always repeating the fact that werewolves weren't human at all, and communication with them was too dangerous. Monsters. Bitten by werewolf was even worse than to be a leper. Tonks was learned to be afraid of them. She had no idea what to do now.
Hasn't anyone told you? I'm a werewolf.
Hoarse voice sounded inside of Tonks's head. Her heart sank. She felt ashamed suddenly; ashamed of that speechless moment, when Lupin told the girl about his illness; ashamed she was thinking of werewolves badly. Lupin was so ill… But Remus was so polite, so gallant, so understanding. Remus was humane and better than the biggest part of her friends. Tonks was blushing. Remus didn't deserve to be feared or pitied. He was an amazing wizard. He deserved to be respected.
Falling asleep, Nymphadora decided she should treat Remus as a norml person. Tonks wanted to forget that embarrassing moment. Eventually, it was only prejudice, that's all. Big deal, werewolf…
Arthur caught her in the elevator. He noticed Tonks and jumped in the last moment before the doors closed.
'Great, there is noone's here except you … Moody has just sent me a massage. He prepared everything for the mission. It's time for you to make the Dursleys leave the house'.
Tonks smiled.
'Awesome. Tell Moody I'll do everything. It's gonna be great!'
'Do you have any plan?' Arthur asked accurately and looked around again, as though he was searching for muggle cameras. 'The Dursley family is quite... eccentric.'
Dora laughed. Twins told her about their joke with the sweet about a year ago.
'I know. Don't worry, Arthur. I have a plan.'
Woke up yesterday morning, Tonks caught a great inspiration. She realized that a good task can make all troubles fade. Nymphadora spent her lunch time not far from the Dursleys house, examining muggles and inventing a good reason for them to leave their home.
One conversation was especially remarkable.
'How are you, Vernon?' asked his neighbour, leaning on the hedge. Mr. Dursley stepped closer. 'I haven't' seen Dudley for a while.'
Mr. Dursley made a strange face... or he might had such an idiot look all the time. Dora nearly laughed, watching him. Taking a bite of sandwich she had brought with herself, Tonks continued listening.
Of course, Vernon was afraid to show his dear son to strangers. Dudley felt really bad after his meeting with the dementors.
'He…hmm… is preparing for a new school year, you know. Doesn't want to miss anything', he blurted out.
'Oh, that's great. But Dudley can't spend his vacations in vain. Although…' the neighbour smiled. 'You may be right leaving him inside of the house. This horrible weather destroyed everything. Look at this…'
The grass turned yellow and dried up. Vernon bustled and started to examine his lawn just like trying to find a glittering diamond. It was as ugly and empty as neighbor's, but Mr. Dursleys said:
'That's right. But I'm lucky, you know. We have been taking care of the lawn for the whole summer. It's not like the others did…'
The neighbour was offended.
'Well, you must expect the invitation, then', he said sarcastically. 'The contest, you know. Best Kept Lawn Competition'.
Still offended, the neighbour went to his house. That words affected on Vernon in a very strange way. He didn't realized sarcasm and stood still, despite of the risk to get a sunburn. His face changed, his cheeks looked flabby. Vernon woke up only when Petunia called for help.
'Vernon, I need your here, darling!'
'What? Ah, yeah… coming… Best Kept Lawn… award…'
Talking to himself, he came back to the house. Dora smiled. She knew what to do.
When Arthur gave her the permission, Tonks had a day ahead to finish her task. She didn't have to use magic and could try muggle post instead. Nymphadora created a fake invitation to the event that could make Vernon lose his head.
The Dursleys family was invited to the All-England Best Kept Suburban Lawn Competition.
She could bet muggles would believe in it.
Tonks arrived at the Greyhound very early. Even Moody hasn't apparated here yet. Tonks was flattered. She was so professional than could outrun even the former teacher.
'Come here, darling', said Molly, whispering. 'But stay quiet, please. She is turning mad today. Has been shouting the whole morning…'
There was a noise sound heard from the curtains.
'They shame my noble family… Merlin, I hate them all... I'm going to lose my mind…'
'We would be pleased if you do. You make me mad even after your death!'
Sirius was standing in the corridor too. He must be decided to irritate everyone and meet guests with his best insolent look. Dumbledore forbade Black to participate in the mission. Again.
Despite his anger, Black gave Tonks a hand, helping to reach the kitchen safely.
'What's about muggles? Have you decided how to make them leave?' he asked when they sat at the table.
Nymphadora noticed the box with cookies and took a couple.
'Don't worry. '
While eating, she told Sirius about the fake letter. Weird, but uncle managed to understand the words although her mouth was filled with cookies.
He laughed, when Dora finished her story.
'What's going on?' somebody asked, stepping down to the kitchen.
The biscuit stuck in her throat. Tonks started to cough trying to find precious air. Tears reached her eyes.
'Sorry', said Remus, stepping closer and slapping Tonks on the back accurately. He looked concerned. Dora noticed the circles round wizard's eyes turned darker.
'I'mmm fffinne', she croaked and made a cough again.
'I'll bring you some water'.
Few second later Tonks accepted a glass.
'Better?' asked Lupin with a true care, examining her. Tonks nodded.
'I didn't know you can scare a young girl, Remus', said Sirius with a wild smile.
Tonks saw Lupin to blush. Or it was only the light from the fireplace…
'He saved my life, at least', she answered, turning back to Black. 'I could choke and you did nothing to help me! Bastard!'
Sirius continued balancing on his chair. Tonks managed to reach one of its legs and kicked it. Black lost balance and almost fell to the floor. He managed to poise at the last moment.
Nymphadora laughed. Remus caught up her joy. Black forgot to look offensive and joined them.
'Nobody doubts that, Tonks. I'm a rogue. That's why I came to Azkaban.'
They laughed again. It was so easy for Dora to stay here, inside of that dusty flat. Tonks forgot about everything for a moment. All was well…
…Until Mad-Eye appeared on the threshold.
'Lupin, Tonks, we are leaving', he said loudly. 'It's time to start the rescue mission, if you still want to participate.'
Tonks was stepping ahead feeling Remus's eyes fixed on her. Well, it was really good.
Lupin would always help her to avoid the falling.
