Author's note - Suprise update!
Apologies for the delay, as I mentioned in the previous chapter, January is a super busy month for me. Thank you for all the lovely feedback on the last chapter and a special thank you to K; I had juggled with the idea of naming Maggie's dog either Pepper or Peggy and got that confused while writing, called the dog both names! Though I can confirm that our favourite four-legged friend is in fact, called Peggy!
Again, this will be the last update for another two weeks, I've just been super busy! Further apologies as this chapter is more filler than anything else, though it sets up the next arc nicely and our favourite red-headed wizard will be making an appearance!
Hope you all enjoy this chapter and don't forget to leave a review!
Most of the time you will fail, but you will also occasionally succeed. Those occasional successes make all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile.
- Dean Kamen
March 1994
"I still can't believe Mad-Eye Moody is your mentor!" Maggie squealed as she added milk to her mug of tea. "That's insane; how the hell did you manage that?"
Tonks chuckled as she ran a hand through her electric blue hair, what she considered to be a colour match to Moody's eye. "Haven't got a clue! I thought for sure I'd end up with some sourpuss like Dawlish; thank Merlin I dodged that spell."
"What's he like?" Maggie asked as she walked over from the kitchen, tea in hand, and took a seat beside Tonks on the sofa. She curled up, tucking her legs in and turned to face Tonks with a curious smile. "Is he really as doolally as everyone says he is?"
"Not really. I mean, he's really paranoid about everything. He nearly hexed me to Hull when I offered him a biscuit," Tonks laughed at the thought and shook her head. "He knows what he's doing, which is the main thing. And he picked me!" She exclaimed excitedly, throwing her arms up with enthusiasm.
Maggie's mug of tea almost went flying at the witch's enthusiasm and Tonks jumped to her feet with gusto. After quickly recovering, hissing slightly as the hot liquid touched her hand, Maggie looked over at Tonks, who was still squealing with excitement.
"Sorry, but do you know what this means?" said Tonks, her smile wide and hopeful. "Mad-Eye only mentors the students who scored top of the class. This must mean that I passed Stealth and Tracking!"
"You flew through the rest of the exams, why not that one?" Maggie said with encouragement.
Tonks barked out a laugh. "Believe me, Mags, that was the one exam that I thought would get me kicked out."
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad!"
"Maggie, I nearly blew the entire operation! Thank Merlin it was only a drill, I wouldn't be able to face everyone if it was an actual assignment."
Maggie frowned in confusion. "Wait, what actually happened? You never got a chance to tell me."
Tonks smiled sheepishly, her expression slightly guilty. "Well, it may have involved tailing a 'Death Eater'" Tonks air quoted the term. "It was only Savage disguised, but we still had to pretend."
"Okay, so you were following a 'Death Eater'," Maggie nodded, considering her friend's words. "What's so bad about that? Isn't that what begin an Auror is all about?"
"Yeah. I mean, that and a ton of paperwork. But it's what happened afterward, that's the problem." Tonks said, her expression bashful. At Maggie's raised eyebrow, the witch continued. "Okay, so the scenario was that this Death Eater was planning to break out a bunch of Dark wizards from Azkaban-"
"They're really hyping up the Sirius Black breakout, aren't they?" Maggie quickly interjected, and Tonks grinned.
"I think this year's training is all about covering their arses after the whole incident. Especially since they've still got no idea where Black is," Tonks shook her head. "But I digress. The scenario was a potential breakout from Azkaban, and I had to tail this wizard for information."
Tonks paused for a moment, fidgeting with her sleeves as she pondered her next words.
"So, I'm tailing this Dark wizard, which is really just Savage in disguise. He heads to Borgin and Burkes; you know, that shop in Knockturn Alley that's basically a recruitment centre for Dark Wizards?"
"For the sake of the story, let's just say I do," Maggie said, giving her friend an encouraging smile. "You're in Borgin and Burkes, so then what happens?"
Tonks groaned. "It was so embarrassing! I'd barely stepped into the shop when I get spooked by one of the artifacts! It had been jinxed to start caterwauling whenever someone stepped into the shop. And because of that, I may have bumped into a few other things...and knocked over three bookcases, which then hit a Crushing Cabinet that Savage may have been stood next to..."
Tonks trailed off, leaving the room in silence. Maggie stared at the witch, who avoided Maggie's eye and stared at the floor with dejection. After a moment, Maggie blinked. Then blinked again.
A peal of laughter sounded from Maggie before she could stop herself. Despite everything, Maggie could not help but laugh. Though Tonks's expression was melancholic, after a few moments, a small laugh echoed from the Auror and both witches began cackling at Tonks' words.
"That is brilliant!" Maggie exclaimed between laughs, her eyes watering with amusement. "I would have paid to see that!"
"Stop, it's not funny!" Tonks said, flopping on to the couch and swatting Maggie's arm. "This is my career!"
"Your career's fine, you've got Mad-Eye as a mentor! They clearly have a good sense of humour!"
Tonks opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out. After a few moments of gapping like a fish, she sighed and let her head fall back, resting against the back of the sofa.
"Career over," She muttered helplessly. "Life ruined. Sanity gone and my reputation in ruins. How did this happen?"
"In fairness Nymph, everyone knows just how clumsy you are," Maggie pointed out, trying to sound optimistic. "And despite the whole 'knocking down a few shelves', you still passed!"
Tonks squeaked out a noise of defeat and Maggie rolled her eyes.
"Don't be such a drama witch, everyone will have forgotten by Monday!" Maggie exclaimed, patting Tonks' arm in reassurance. "You still passed, and you got Mad-Eye as a mentor. That clearly means he thinks you did a good job! Or that he actually has a sense of humour," At Tonks' slight movement, Maggie grinned wickedly. "Or maybe they decided that you'd drop out after working with Mad-Eye!"
"Hey!" Tonks yapped, her head snapping up.
"Well, I mean, you said Mad-Eye hardly ever takes on apprentices, maybe you are just a pet project of his?"
Tonks narrowed her eyes at Maggie, who smiled innocently. "I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work."
"What am I trying to do, Nymphie dearest?" Maggie asked, her voice as sweet as sugar. "You're the one who is being all doom and gloom; I'm simply supporting your views."
"Mags, stop it!"
"All I'm doing is saying what you're thinking. If you don't like it, then stop thinking it and change it!" Maggie said earnestly, her tone growing louder. "You're a bloody good Auror, Nymph, qualified or not.
Stop being such a dramatic witch and accept that you screwed up. So what? You think Mad-Eye came into the world hexing Dark Wizards left right and centre? He had to train too, and he undoubtedly messed up at some point down the line. So, stop kicking yourself over one tiny thing and focus on the positives. You passed everything else!"
Tonks was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed in thought as she stared at Maggie, contemplating her words. Maggie stood tall and stared back at the witch, her arms folded across her body and her expression serious.
"You're right, I'm being an idiot," Tonks said quietly, avoiding Maggie's gaze.
"What was that? Didn't quite hear you over the self-doubt," Maggie teased, and Tonks rolled her eyes playfully.
"You heard me full well, Magnolia Ainsworth. You were right!" Tonks exclaimed, nudging Maggie's arm. "Merlin, I'm never gonna live this one down, am I?"
"Nope," Maggie grinned. "I should have brought a camera. Then I would have had proof that you admitted I was right!"
"Don't let it go to your head, it was only one time," Tonks conceded, holding her hands up in mock surrender. "Though I'm pretty sure I win the title of being right; I usually am."
"Now who's got the big head?" Maggie laughed. She was about to continue her jesting when there was a tap at the window.
Both witches turned to see an owl perched outside, a letter attached to his leg. With a sigh, Maggie heaved herself to her feet and opened the window. The bird flew in and Maggie immediately recognised it at Joe's owl. At the realisation, her stomach sank. With careful hands, Maggie untied the letter from the owl's outstretched foot and opened the envelope. After reading the words, Maggie sighed and slumped down onto the sofa.
"What's up?" Tonks asked, noticing her friend's dejected state.
"Joe has to work late again," Maggie muttered, burying her head in a cushion. "Practise got extended and he says he won't be finished till at least eleven."
"Seriously?" Tonks said, grabbing the letter. "That's like, the third time this week!"
"I know," said Maggie with an unhappy nod. "He knows I'm back on nights tomorrow, this was our last chance to do something!"
"There's always next week?" Tonks said hopefully. "I mean, once the Quidditch league ends, you'll have plenty of time then."
"I know," Maggie sighed, trying her hardest to stay positive. "It's just...he's being doing this a lot lately. Ever since he got that promotion. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for him but some days it feels like he's choosing to stay at work on purpose when he knows we have plans!"
"It's his first time in the big leagues, maybe he's just feeling nervous and needs the extra practice?" Tonks offered in an attempt to remain optimistic.
"Maybe...I don't know, it just feels like I'm only here when it suits him," Maggie confessed, her tone quiet and disheartened. "He seems to think that he's the only one who works crazy hours, and when he wants to do something and I'm at work, he gets annoyed."
"But you can't help your work schedule!" Tonks exclaimed in support.
"Exactly! I tried to explain that to him, but it just ruffled his feathers and we spent the night in total silence," Maggie mumbled, curling into a small ball and relishing in the comfort of the sofa. "He knew tonight was important, I'd booked tickets to go and see The Phantom of the Opera; I've been waiting for ages to see it!"
Maggie's head fell dejectedly onto the cushion beside her as she tried her hardest not to overreact. It wasn't Joe's fault that he had to work late! It was...the universe, the universe was sending Maggie a sign. The sign was...Okay, maybe Maggie didn't entirely know what it meant but the facts were laid out in front of her.
Number one; Joe had to work late. There was no getting around that fact, no matter how much Maggie wanted to ignore it. Joe was committed to his job – the job that he'd worked incredibly hard to get – and Maggie did not want to get in the way of everything he had worked so hard for.
Joe would do the same for her!
Fact number two; there were now two Phantom of the Opera tickets sat on her dressing table that were about to go to waste. Two expensive tickets that Maggie fought tooth and nail to get.
Maybe she could ring the ticket office and ask for a refund? Maggie was sure they'd understand – 'Yes, I'd like a refund on my tickets? Why? Oh, because my boyfriend had to work late even though he promised he'd be home on time, and I don't want to get in the way of his career. Thank you!'.
Final fact; Maggie seriously needed chocolate.
And maybe wine?
Disheartened, Maggie lumbered over to the fridge and pulled out the bottle of rosé wine that she'd bought especially for the occasion. She contemplated drinking the liquid straight from the bottle but quickly ushered the thought away – she wasn't that depressed!
She pulled a red mug from the cupboard – she and Tonks hadn't quite gotten round to buying proper crockery – and poured herself a healthy measure before going back to sit on the couch. Maggie ignored Tonks' questioning glance and took a large drink of wine, savouring the feeling.
"Maggie," Tonks said from beside her but the witch in question avoided her gaze. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Maggie said, a bit too enthusiastically. "It's going to be a great night, I've got wine and chocolate! Who could ask for more?" The last part came out more pitiful than Maggie realised it would and she internally cursed herself.
"No, you're not," Tonks said gently, taking the mug away from the blonde witch. "You're upset, and it's understandable. But I think you're missing a few things."
"Like what, Nymph?" Maggie wailed. "Joe cancelled on me, again. He knew this was important to me!"
Tonks gave a despondent smile. "It's shite, I know," She said reassuringly, patting her friend's shoulder. "And you need to tell Joe that, so he knows how shite you feel. But before that, at least you can show him what he missed."
Maggie frowned. "What do you mean?"
"You want to go and see Phantom of the Opera? So then, go!"
"I can't go myself!" Maggie exclaimed. "I don't want to be that loner that everyone stares at, wondering who would go to a musical by themselves!"
Tonks rolled her eyes. "Maggie, for being so smart, you really are thick. I'll go with you!"
"What?" Maggie blinked, taken back at Tonks' words.
"I'll go with you to see the musical! It beats sitting home alone, and this way I don't have to deal with you getting drunk on wine and watching that muggle TV show – what do you call it? Friends! This way, we can get you dolled up, Joe will realise what he missed out on and you can still see the show!"
"But Nymph, you had plans to go see your parents -" Maggie began but Tonks quickly cut her off.
"Mum and Dad will understand," She insisted, pulling Maggie to her feet. "And this way, I don't have to listen to Mum's ranting about how I can't fold a pair of socks properly!"
Despite her mood, Maggie managed to choke out a laugh. Overwhelmed by Tonks' gesture, she pulled her best friend into a tight hug, appreciating the gesture.
"I take it all back, you really are the best friend I've ever had," Maggie smiled as Tonks' arms wrapped around her.
Tonks chuckled. "Like you'd ever doubt it! Just promise me you'll wear that red dress you bought the other week; that'll really make Joe regret cancelling on you!"
June 1994
Maggie shifted uncomfortably as she berated herself for her choice of outfit. She knew she shouldn't have listened to Louisa, but the fashion-forward girl insisted on lending Maggie an outfit for her interview.
"You're trying to get a job at Hogwarts Maggie, you need to look your best!"
Louisa had ignored Maggie's pleas and objections and used every advantage of working in a fashion magazine to dress Maggie up in the newest robes she could get her hands on. During the escapade, Tonks fell off the bed from laughing too hard, causing both Maggie and Louisa to glare at the witch.
"Honestly, you two! How in Merlin's name have you survived this long?" Louisa cried, forcing Maggie to change her outfit again. "It's a wonder you haven't accidentally killed yourselves; you're the most accident-prone people I know!"
Maggie huffed as she waited patiently in the Entrance Hall, hoping that she did not look overdressed. Louisa had finally settled on midnight-blue robes, which Maggie had to admit, were very pretty. The only problem was that they were very constricting...clearly fashion models did not understand the importance of chocolate.
Just as Maggie began contemplating using a small enlargement charm to let out the waist of the robes, she heard footsteps approaching. Maggie turned, cursing her hesitance, to see Professor McGonagall approaching. Despite the situation, Maggie couldn't help but smile at the sight of the Professor, feeling at ease almost instantly.
"I must say, it is a pleasure to see you back in Hogwarts, Miss Ainsworth," The Professor greeted politely, a hint of a smile pulling at her lips.
Maggie smiled widely at the Professor's words. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall, it's lovely to see you," Maggie replied as she followed Professor McGonagall up the Marble Staircase. "It's strange being back here, but at the same time, it doesn't feel like I've left."
"I'm sure you'll settle back," Professor McGonagall reassured her. "You were Professor Dumbledore's first choice, you know?"
"Really?" The dumbfounded words escaped Maggie before she could stop herself. She blinked and scolded herself before recovering. "I mean, I appreciate Professor Dumbledore's consideration, regardless of the outcome."
The Professor shot Maggie an amused smile. "You shouldn't be so surprised, Miss Ainsworth. We've had glowing reports from Matron Hughes, and plenty of Healers from St Mungo's. Healer Smethwyck from the Dai Llewellyn ward personally wrote to Professor Dumbledore, saying you were the ideal candidate."
Maggie's cheeks flushed red, from a mixture of embarrassment and shock. When the bulletin had appeared on the noticeboard in the staffroom, Maggie would never have thought that she'd actually be considered. She'd applied, of course, as had all the other Healers-in-training, but she thought for sure that some of the more experienced apprentices would be considered.
Matron Hughes had approached Maggie a few days later, asking to speak to her privately in the Matron's office. Maggie felt sick to her stomach – the only reason you were asked into the Matron's office was if you had done something drastically bad! Leo and Georgie sent her encouraging looks, but even their expressions couldn't disguise the worry in their eyes.
Pale as a sheet and whiter than a ghost, Maggie had followed the Matron into her office and waited patiently for the tongue-lashing she had somehow earned.
But it never came.
Instead, Matron handed Maggie an envelope sealing with the signature red Hogwarts stamp, a rare smile stretched across her lips.
"Never would I have thought that a Healer-in-Training would be invited to interview for this position, especially not one as young as you," Matron had said. "You're excused from your shift tomorrow; and make sure you do us proud!"
Since then, Maggie had been in a state of euphoric bliss. She'd floated around the wing, as though she was on cloud nine, and put everything she had into her work. Leo and Georgie were ecstatic, as were Tonks and Louisa when Maggie told them.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, bringing Maggie out of her thoughts and back down to reality. Maggie smiled sheepishly, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Try not to worry too much, Miss Ainsworth, I remember what you were like during exam times," Professor McGonagall said gently, making Maggie's cheeks flush once more. The Professor was silent for a moment before adding, "This is off the record, but you would be my choice for the role."
She then gestured towards the stone Gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's Office. Still slightly dumbfounded by Professor McGonagall's words, Maggie stepped forward, unsure of what to do.
"Mint humbugs," Professor McGonagall said.
Maggie blinked in confusion just as the stone gargoyle moved, revealing a stone staircase. She turned back to look at Professor McGonagall, who gave her an encouraging nod. Maggie slowly took a step, making her way up the staircase until she reached a large, wooden door. Hesitantly, she leaned forward and knocked on the door loudly.
"Enter," The voice echoed from behind the door.
Maggie grasped the bronze handle and pushed the door open. She stepped into the room before her eyes widened in amazement. During her time at Hogwarts, she had never stepped foot in the Headmaster's office, but it was certainly a sight to see.
It was a large, circular room, with windows lining the walls and portraits in-between. Everywhere was covered in portraits, and after her eyes quickly took in the room, Maggie realised all the portraits were of past Headmasters and Headmistresses. Looking around the room, Maggie couldn't help but notice all the different objects perched upon spindly tables. Extravagant silver instruments emitted smoke at random intervals and the amount of books that lined the walls made Maggie want to squeal with amazement.
"Miss Ainsworth, thank you for accepting my invitation," The words quickly snapped Maggie away from her thoughts.
Professor Dumbledore sat behind a large wooden desk in the centre of the room and was smiling down at Maggie. A collection of parchment scrolls sat before him, which vanished with a swish of his wand.
"Thank you for inviting me, Professor," Maggie said, stepping forward.
"Please, take a seat," The Headmaster gestured to an empty chair in front of the desk.
Maggie smiled and eagerly sat down. She nervously fiddled with the sleeve of her robe, knowing that Louisa would be cursing her for doing so. Professor Dumbledore was silent for a moment, as his eyes drifted over the remaining parchment on his desk.
"If memory recalls, you were quite the academic during your years at Hogwarts," Professor Dumbledore said, his eyes finding Maggie's. "I see that has not changed, your references all cite that you are a hard-worker and empathic towards those in your care."
Maggie blushed at the words, smiling sheepishly. "Thank you, sir. I only want to do a good job," She replied, struggling to find the right words.
Professor Dumbledore nodded. "A very good attitude to have. It is an important quality to have in this world, the ability to respect those in your care, regardless of their history."
"Illness can hit anyone, regardless of their position," Maggie said, straightening up in her chair. "It shouldn't matter who they are, everyone has a right to life."
"A very good ideal indeed," The Professor smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I trust you know what event is being held here this year? It would seem that, despite the Ministry's best attempts, even the most important of secrets can find it's way to the ears of others."
Maggie's cheeks burned red in panic. "Please Sir, it's not Eddie's fault. He didn't mean to tell us, I swear-"
Her words were cut off by Professor Dumbledore's raised hand. "That is not why I have called you here. Best assured, Mister Summers is not in any trouble what so ever; there have been those in higher positions who have let bigger secrets slip, to many more people as well."
The Professor paused for a moment, studying Maggie's expression. "In truth, the reason I invited you here was because of the Triwizard Tournament. Tell me, did you read the advertisement?"
"Yes Sir," Maggie nodded, before frowning slightly. "I did wonder though. It was rather vague in explaining its purpose."
"Yes," Professor Dumbledore chuckled, a smile stretching across his features. "The reason for that was because I needed the right sort of person, not just someone who would apply for the sake of applying." At Maggie's confused expression, the Professor continued.
"It is not just that we require another Healer this year at Hogwarts. Madame Pomfrey does an excellent job and by no means do I wish to step on her toes, but the Triwizard Tournament will bring about an encore of different situations. Not only will there be additional students at Hogwarts this year, but there will also be more staff who may require medical attention as well as the other side of the Tournament."
Professor Dumbledore paused again. His eyes continued to twinkle but Maggie could not help but noticed the serious undertone that crept into his eye.
"The Triwizard Tournament has been notorious throughout the years. It is renowned to be dangerous, and the exceedingly high death toll has not helped his reputation. While the Ministry has put actions in place to ensure that safety is a priority, there is also the student's wellbeing to consider.
"That is why, Miss Ainsworth, I created the advertisement. Not only am I looking for someone who can assist Madame Pomfrey, but I am also looking for someone the students can speak to, the Triwizard Champions in particular. The Tournament is still dangerous, and those participating may need someone to speak to about their experiences and any worries they may have."
"So, you are looking for someone to look after the students' mental wellbeing?" Maggie asked, her voice unsure.
Professor Dumbledore nodded with a smile. "Exactly that, Miss Ainsworth. Which is why I invited you here. From your time at Hogwarts, it is clear that you are approachable, and you have experience in this area after being Head Girl. Your mentors all cite you as hard-working and more than capable in your field, something I have no doubt Madame Pomfrey will appreciate.
"But Miss Ainsworth," The Professor said, his gaze locking with Maggie's brown eyes. "The real reason I want to offer you this job is because of how you answered my earlier questions. It takes a great deal of courage and an exceptional amount of tolerance to care for people who may not respect you.
Those are the qualities I need at Hogwarts this year. I warn you now, it will be hard work. But from all concerned, I believe that you are the ideal choice. So, Miss Ainsworth, will you accept my offer?"