24th of June 1995

It was the final day of the Triwizard Tournament. Gwen was walking through now empty Hogsmeade. Everyone was around the Hogwarts quidditch pitch, just like she hoped they'd be. It was more than six months since she left Hogmeade, and yet nothing there changed. She kept walking until she reached her house. She took a deep breath, and unlocked it with the key, not her wand. She liked that more, and of course the key was enchanted, so it wasn't really any difference.

Once she was in, she put her suitcase on the floor, and took a deep breath. In her childhood, she moved constantly, so there wasn't one place she called home. But her Hogsmeade house seemed like it more than anywhere before. She was born in London, but shortly after that her parents, Cyril and Anastasya, moved to New York. They stayed there for three years and then moved to Moscow. They didn't stay there much longer either, and moved to Paris when she was seven. When she turned eight, her father decided to leave them, and she and her mother went to Bulgaria. That was the last time Gwen saw her father. Out of all that, she liked living in Sofia the best because her mother was born there, so she felt connected to the place.

When Gwen was almost eleven, she received her Hogwarts letter. It was expected because both of her parents attended it, and her father's whole family went there. Her mother was reluctant, but eventually they came back. Anastasya bought the Hogsmeade house, and lived there while Gwen was at Hogwarts. Gwen was placed in Ravenclaw house, just like her mother. She didn't have many friends. The only person she considered a friend was a Hufflepuff girl named Polly Griffith. Over the school breaks, Gwen would travel all around the world because her mother was a Magizoologist. Gwen loved the adventures they had when she was just a girl.

The exception was the summer of 1981. Anastasya thought that it's safer for them to be in Hogsmeade, with Hogwarts and Dumbledore close. Lots and lots of rumours were circling in the wizarding community, about Voldemort finding the key to his success, and things like that. Neither Gwen, or Anastasya, believed it. Not until the day of Gwen's 13th birthday when her mother stormed into the house yelling that they have to move quickly. Gwen never understood why, but she figured it was connected to her father, so she never asked. Since her father left, it was only the two of them, and they rarely mentioned Cyril Doherty.

They moved to Bulgaria, and Anastasya managed to get Gwen transferred to Durmstrang. Gwen never liked it because it was too cold and too silent, and she simply liked Hogwarts better. And she missed Polly. After the horror that took place in the Godric's Hollow on Halloween night, Anastasya became more paranoid than before. She was scared for Gwen, and that's when she gifted her the enchanted cup. The one with the raven that she used when Sirius Black was on her housecare. Gwen never used it. Even when she got in trouble, she would get herself out of it all by herself. She was skilled witch, especially talented with potions, charms and transfiguration spells, and she liked learning more and more.

In November 1983, Gwen received another life-changing letter. Her father died, and as his only daughter, she became the heiress to everything Cyril Doherty owned. She knew that her father's family is one of the oldest Irish wizarding families, and she knew he was rich, but she was mortified when she found out how rich he really was. Even more because when he left her and her mother, they were really tight with the money. At the age of only fifteen, Gwen became so rich that she didn't ever have to work, or really do anything. Her inheritance included three estates; one vast manor in Ireland, near Wicklow Mountains National park, one townhouse in Paris, and one smaller manor near Cuddington. She got the key to Doherty's family vault in Gringotts, and to her father's one. The Goblins refused to send the list of all that those vaults kept by owl post, and demanded that Gwen comes to pick it up.

Anastasya was trying to convince Gwen to claim her inheritance. She even agreed with coming back to live in the UK, and she sent an owl to Dumbledore, asking him if Gwen can be transferred again. Dumbledore accepted, but Gwen still needed to prove her skill because the teachings at Hogwarts and Durmstrang were quite different. Gwen passed that without blinking, leaving even Severus Snape speechless when he evalued her Draught of Peace. That was, in fact, first out of four times Gwen left Snape speechless. Gwen was glad to be back at Hogwarts, but she still didn't want to claim the inheritance. However, she could do that anytime until she was 17. And she finally did it on her 17th birthday.

She emptied half of the Gringotts vault the same day. She donated the gold to the wizarding hospital in Sofia, and to many other organizations. She knew her father would hate to see her selling the family possessions, but she didn't care. Well, she did and she did that in spite of her father, still angry for leaving her. After her final year at Hogwarts, she and Polly travelled for some time. Then Polly got pregnant after a one-night stand, and they came back to London. Even though they never made it official, Gwen was the godmother of Polly's daughter, Brianna.

When she was 20, Gwen decided to find out more about her father, so she started to investigate his steps after that day in Paris when she and her mother left for Sofia. The more she knew, the more she resented her father. That year was the year that changed the course of Gwen's life. Brianna and Polly were attacked, and that resulted in Brianna's death. Polly couldn't handle it, and committed suicide. Gwen was devastated when she heard that news, angry at everyone and everything. She was disgusted by world they all lived in, and decided to live in the Muggle world. Like a squib. The only thing that linked her to magic was her mother. And that lasted for two years until Anastasya went missing, and eventually pronounced dead.

After her mother's death, Gwen settled in Hogsmeade, heartbroken because of all the losses she had. She lived there quietly, doing some freelance business with the ministry, or helping the healers at St Mungo's. She closed her heart to everyone, and only person who she could still call her family was her own godmother. But Gwen didn't like her family, so they communicated mainly by owl post. In fact, she hasn't seen her in years, until this little trip she took after Sirius left. When she left Hogsmeade, she stayed with her for a while, and then took off.

It was all business. Gwen was smart and talented, so she always had some business opportunities. She was really grateful to be in that kind of position, too. Not to mention that the gold was worth it because she even though she was rich, she didn't want her father's anything, so she didn't use her inheritance at all. She never even visited any of her estates, but she still couldn't get herself to sell them. She just needed to go away for a while, not wanting to risk getting caught when helping Sirius, or blowing his cover. The thing she said to Sirius as a joke, was in fact true, she really was pro-Potter.

With one hand movement, she removed the dust from everything in her house at once, making it spotlessly clean. With another hand movement her suitcase flew upstairs and unpacked itself. Wandless magic was one of Gwen's favourite skills she had, and she was very pleased when she finally perfected it. She was standing in the hallway, at the entrance to the living room which was connected with the kitchen and dining space. The bathroom was downstairs in the hallway, as well as her mother's old room. Now it was a room stacked with books. Gwen's bedroom was upstairs in the attic, and in the basement, she did have a pair of rusty old shackles, and a room reserved for potion making. It wasn't much, but she loved it, and called it home for a while now. At that moment she felt dizziness she did experience once or twice before. She felt her legs go numb, as she fell on the hardwood floor. It all went suddenly black.

She woke a minute or two later, still dizzy and confused. She got herself up, and placed herself on the couch. Her head felt like it will explode, but then all became clear. She knew what happened to her. Just as she summoned a cup from the kitchen cupboard, she noticed a big black dog entering Hogsmeade through her window. Sirius. She knew it was him. She stood up quickly, still dizzy, and watched him through sheer curtains. He was heading to the quidditch pitch. Suddenly, she felt the urge to go there to. Not because of Sirius, she just felt like something will happen, and that she should be there.

Gwen thought fast, summoning couple of potions from the basement, drinking them instantly. In a second, she felt better. A lot better. The last thing that needed to be summoned was her wand, and she was good to go. She did that, and left the house. It was the beginning of the summer, and it was quite hot. She didn't even put any other clothes on, so she left in dark blue maxi-dress. A bit unusual choice for hanging around wizards, but that was the last thing on her mind. She just wanted to get to Hogwarts.

She quickened her walking pace, her eyes locked on the big black dog in front of her. She didn't really know what she was doing, but she was glad to see Sirius alive, and still free. And then he turned, and saw her. He raised his ears in surprise, as she approached him. Gwen crouched, so their head were on the same level, looking him straight in the eyes.

"Don't be stupid, please. I assume you're going to the quidditch pitch, and so am I," she said, and patted his head. Sirius squealed, but then he started to jump happily around her, like he was greeting her. Gwen smiled and said, "Well, lead the way."

But Sirius didn't do that, he stayed by her side rather than in front of her.

"Do you have a plan, or you just decided to go there? Squeal once if first, twice if second," Gwen took a small glance at Sirius, who was looking at her most of the time. She wasn't around for a while, and he became the local stray dog in the eyes of the Hogsmeade population. Gwen was just thinking how the two of them shouldn't look suspicious to anyone. Sirius admitted he didn't have any plan by squealing twice.

"Great. Fine. Well, I think something is happening there. Not sure what, but it's something fishy. I know you are worried about Harry, but don't be foolish. Stay behind, or close to Dumbledore," Sirius was a bit surprised. Was she really just boss him around like he really was a dog?

"Don't give me that look," she said when she looked at him. "He will have no use of you if you're back in Azkaban, and you are risking blowing your cover just like that. Don't be an idiot, you know I'm right."

Sirius lowered his look, and was now sniffing around. Gwen assumed he was thinking about something foolish enough to get himself arrested. And she was right, if he's in Azkaban, Harry is on his own again. They continued walking in silence. Sirius would zoom around Gwen from time to time, just to get her attention. They got closer and closer to the quidditch pitch, the sound of festivities becoming louder and louder.

"Well, this is where I'm leaving you, Padfoot," Gwen said, crouching again. Sirius told her to call him that when he was in his dog form. His old nickname, the reminder of the good old days back at Hogwarts. "I will try to find Severus. I know you don't like him, but he can be helpful now, and he will help if I ask him to."

Sirius was a bit confused. Gwen told him that she worked with Snape for some time. He was like a mentor to her, but she didn't really need one. They just shared the talent of potion making, and liked working together. Gwen couldn't call Snape a friend, but she respected him and he respected her. Still, Sirius couldn't see a way of Snape helping him. However, he wasn't worried about Snape. It's even better for Snape to be occupied. He nodded to sign his agreement.

"It'll be okay, just be careful," Gwen said, patted his head once more, stood up and was now heading towards the castle. Snape wasn't the type to be early for that kind of thing. Quite the opposite, he would come as late as he could, so Gwen decided to look for him in his office.

It was an hour before the third task should start. Sirius decided to lurk around for a while, deciding which spot is the safest and the best one. He just wanted to see Harry, and to be close to him. He lurked around, and noticed that many people were here. Some were in the kind of business attires, so Sirius figured that they are Ministry employees. It was quite crowded, with all of the students of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. People were talking in groups, kind of separated. Sirius was just looking around when he felt a flash of pain right after his ribs. He squeeled, jumped, and looked behind himself. He saw a young, pink haired woman, dressed in the Weird Sisters shirt and ripped jeans. She was red in her face.

"Oh," Tonks muttered, getting herself up. Mary and Audrey, her group of work-friends started to get her clean from the dust. "I'm fine, that silly dog…" Tonks was now looking straight at Sirius. Their eyes met, but Sirius sqealed once more, and ran off. He would recognise those cheekbones even in his sleep. "That must be Andromeda's daughter," was his last thought before he started running. He knew that his cousin Nymphadora was an auror now, reading about some raid in the Daily Prophet.

Tonks looked in his direction for a while, but eventually went back to talking with her colleagues. Sirius assumed she wasn't there as an Auror, she was dressed too casually. He wasn't really sure what to do, but he noticed a good spot for him to watch, with the clean view of the maze entrance. And he waited.

Gwen found herself in the Hogwarts front courtyard in a matter of a few minutes. Just as she stood to breathe the Hogwarts air, she noticed professor Flitwick standing in front of the castle's entrance. She walked straight towards him. He knew about Gwen and Snape working together, so he wasn't really that surprised to see her.

"Miss Doherty. It's really nice to see you. What brings you here on such fine day? Came to the Triwizard Tournament's final I presume?" Flitwick said, smiling at his ex-student.

"Professor Flitwick! Nice to see you too. And yes, and no. I would love to talk with you some more, but I really need to see Sev…" she stopped at once. Gwen wasn't sure how comfortable would Snape be with her calling him by his name in front of… well, anyone. "Professor Snape. Do you maybe know where I could find him?" She asked, like nothing happened.

"Last time I saw him he was heading to his office, as usual," Flitwick said with no emotion in his voice or on his face.

"Thank you, professor. I hope I will see you later," she smiled at him, and headed inside the castle. Once she was in the entrance hall, she looked around herself. Out of all places she's been, Hogwarts was the most magical. It felt like home, even though she knew it wasn't. She headed straight to the Snape's office, hoping she won't meet any of the students along the way. She didn't want to be involved in some school gossips. Her wish was granted, and she didn't meet anyone on her way. Most of the students were on the pitch, eager to see who will become the winner. She was right in front of the office's door, taking a deep breath, and knocking three times.

"Come in," she heard Snape's voice, and she entered the room. He lifted his look from his books, and pierced her with his eyes. "Gwen…" he stood up at once.

"Hi, Severus… I hope I'm not interrupting you," she smiled lightly, closing the door, not knowing what reaction to expect.

"No, but I don't remember that we had an appointment," his voice was quiet, but she understood him perfectly.

"I know, I'm sorry. But I really needed to see you," she was nervous, but was determined to get Snape to help her.

"Are you in trouble?" He asked accusingly, squinting at her.

"No, I don't think so. But something will happen… I saw it," Gwen was even more nervous. The air down there was colder than in the rest of the castle.

"You saw what?" Snape stood out from behind his desk, and was now slowly walking towards Gwen.

"I don't know. I… I fainted. But it was a vision, I just know it."

"Sit, let me help you," Snape said, and got to his potion cabinet. Gwen sat in the armchair placed across his desk chair.

"Thank you, but I already did everything. Just like before," She said calmly, but with a sight. She was relieved by his behaviour. He turned, and looked at her, his eyebrows flinching a bit.

"I thought you well then," he said and poured her a glass of firewhiskey instead. "Then I presume this will help better." Gwen took the glass, lifting it a bit like cheering, and downed it. Snape was surprised by that, and he leaned on his desk, his arms crossed on his chest.

"Please, Severus. I know you don't like to do it, but I need to know what I saw. It's the same as that night with the werewolf…"

"Alright, alright, just stop talking," now Snape was the one with the nervous voice. "Prepare yourself, and don't reject me," he said, and Gwen nodded. "Legilimens," he muttered silently, Gwen closed her eyes, and he was now in her mind. She let him in without any resistance. He saw a man with the Triwizard Cup, and an angel statue. Just that. He didn't hear her words, and then he saw a big black dog, more like a memory outside of anything he was looking for. And then she snapped him out of it.

Gwen opened her eyes, and was now looking at Snape's suspicious look.

"What was that?" he asked her, his voice a bit louder now.

"Nothing, just a stray dog in Hogsmeade. It's not relevant for anything, and if you went there it means you went too far. What did you see, tell me please? Did you hear it?"

"It doesn't work like that, and you know it, Gwen. No, I didn't hear it, but I saw the cup, and some kind of an angel statue? What is that all about, focus," he spat.

"I don't know. I just know that… Look Severus, I know we had our… Differences, but don't be a fool. You've seen it twice, and you know that it's true," she tried to get him to remember the last year when she barged into his office. They did the same thing, only then she only saw a werewolf, and Snape knew that he has to keep an eye on Lupin. Two prophecies were made that night, and yet neither one of them were recorded.

"Alright, alright," Snape sighed, admitting that she's probably right. "So, I assume you don't have a plan?"

"No, I came straight to you. You are the only one I would let in…" she stood up, and stood right in front of him now.

"Am I supposed to be flattered by that? I don't know if I consider you a fool, or a smart woman for that," he said, and his eyebrows flinched again. His arms fell to his sides now. He was a bit more relaxed now.

"I'm sorry to bother you, forget it," she lowered her look, looking at the floor now, and turned herself to leave. Gwen didn't like Snape's reactions, and she didn't have much time, so if he'll act like this, their conversation is pointless. Just when she turned, she felt his hand grasping her upper arm, preventing her from leaving. She turned to look at him again, bit surprised by this move.

"Don't act like a girl," he turned her, so they were face to face again, and put his other hand on her other upper arm. "First, you need to calm yourself because we both know how tense you can get," he said, and rubbed her upper arms like it was cold, even though it was summer. Gwen was surprised by his behaviour, but she was used to Snape's changeable behaviour. Every time she saw him, he treated her differently, and that's why she couldn't say they were friends. She never knew what reaction she will get. But he was right, she was too nervous.

"Right, I didn't take anything for that," she was a bit embarrassed to admit that.

"Okay, then I'll get you something for that, and we'll go together down there," Snape said, let go of Gwen, and got to his potion cabinet again.

"You'll tell Dumbledore?" Gwen asked.

"Yes, and no. I will warn him, but I won't mention you, or your abilities," he said while searching for the right potion. Just as he found it, he poured it into another glass, and handed it to Gwen.

"Thank you," she said, and drank. "You want me to come with you?"

"Again, yes, and no. We will go together to the pitch, but I will go to talk with Dumbledore, and you will try to find Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Who?"

"He is an Auror. Dumbledore trusts him, and I expect that he's down there, watching out for Sirius Black."

Gwen flinched at the sound of Sirius' name. That means he really was in danger to get caught. The Aurors are here because of him. She just hoped that Sirius is all right, and that he listened to her advice. Snape noticed that, but decided not to say anything.

"Shall we go then?" He said stretching his arm, pointing the doors now. Gwen nodded, and they exited the office together. They started walking towards the pitch, and Snape walked a bit slower than usual, trying to keep the same walking pace as Gwen.

"So, where have you been? I've been in Hogsmeade, but I noticed you were gone," he asked.

"Oh, and you came looking for me?" She was now looking at him, and he returned the look.

"Gwen…"

"Sorry. I went to do some business. Brought something interesting though, planned to visit you in Spinner's End once the summer break starts," she was much calmer now when potion started to work.

"You can still do that if you want to," he said, now looking in front of him again. Gwen didn't say anything. He was always like that with her, saying things like that, but acting like he's annoyed with her. Snape liked working with Gwen because she knew that he was a Death Eater, but never asked anything about that. Their experimenting with potions made them even better at potion making, if that was even possible. They talked about everything, and nothing. He didn't want to tell her about his past either, but she accidentally noticed the Dark Mark on his arm.

"And what have you done this year?" she asked, trying to ease the tension.

"Teaching these children takes much time, Gwen. And with this Triwizard Tournament, let's say complications, Dumbledore kept me a bit busy with keeping an eye on Karkaroff."

"Ugh, I hate him. Glad I escaped Durmstrang in time…" Gwen said with disgust in her voice.

"Likewise. So it wasn't really pleasing, or amusing around here," he said flatly.

"Maybe he…" Gwen started.

"No. He's a coward. He won't do anything, and if something happens he will flee that instant."

"Oh… You think this is somehow connected to Sirius Black?" she asked out of pure curiosity. Snape was surprised by her question, but he did answer.

"No, I don't think Black did something, but I bet he'll be here tonight."

Gwen didn't say anything. She knew about their rivalry, and didn't want to pry. They were on the Hogwarts grounds now, heading for the pitch.

"So, how will I know this Kingsley what's his surname again bloke?

"Shacklebolt. He is tall, bald and dark skinned. Try looking around where the Ministry employees are settled," Snape was nervous, and it was undeniable. What will Dumbledore tell him? He felt his Dark Mark burning his whole year, couldn't ignore it. He knew that Dumbledore trusted Shacklebolt, so it was logical to notice him as well. And, if he came to Dumbledore with Gwen, the old man would see right through them.

"It's time for us to part," Snape said quickly as he stopped. Gwen stopped as well.

"Good luck, Severus, I hope we'll talk again soon. Please, take care," Gwen said, turned from Snape, and headed to where the Minister and Ministry high-ranked employees were placed. Snape went in the direction of his Headmaster. It will be alright, they both thought the same thing, still afraid that maybe it won't be.

Tonks was seated in the booth reserved for the Ministry employees. Ministry was coordinating the tournament, so they could get passes to be there for the final task. However, Tonks expected something more exciting, especially after hearing about the dragons and the first task. They didn't see what was actually going on in the maze, so she didn't have anything to do, but to talk to Mary and Audrey. They were both married with children, or two. Mary was an Auror for three years now, and Audrey was there for six years. Tonks appreciated their friendliness, and they liked Tonks because of her enthusiasm, and positive energy.

Tonks was a bit bored, so she stopped listening to the conversation Mary and Audrey had, and started to observe her surroundings. There were a small crowd of people, mostly families of the students, and Hogsmeade citizens. She saw Kingsley looking a bit nervous, strolling around the pitch. He looked like something's going on, like he expected something to happen. She didn't see Moody anymore, though. Tonks saw Moody earlier from a distance, and waved at him, but he completely ignored her. That was odd because nothing misses Mad-Eye's eye. And he didn't have any reason to be angry at her, so Tonks was a bit confused by his behaviour.

However, now when Kingsley seemed nervous, she knew that something is really going on, but decided not to act. If they are needed, they will be called. She didn't have any chance to talk about Kingsley about the things her mother said, and about all the things she noted in her Marauder's files, as she called them, since he went back from guarding the Muggle prime minister. Tonks saw a glance that Kingsley had a positive reaction when she told him she'll be at the Triwizards Tournament final. She knew that Kingsley will have to be there because of Harry Potter, and his connection to Sirius Black. Kingsley was one of the few people in the Ministry who knew that Sirius was Harry's godfather. Tonks found that out from her mother, and Kingsley knew that.

Then she noticed the dark red haired woman approaching Kingsley, telling him something. When he heard the news, Kingsley nodded, and the woman went away, in the direction of the faculty member's booth. She had noticed that woman talking to Kingsley once before that, right before the champions entered the maze. Now Tonks was positive that that woman was involved in whatever is going on. While she was staring at Kingsley lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Kingsley noticing her. She flinched when he started to walk in the direction of the booth, and their seats. Tonks was nervous now, feeling embarrassed for getting caught. She didn't want to look like an amateur in the eyes of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Kingsley reached Tonks quickly, and smiled.

"Good day, ladies," he greeted his colleagues. Mary and Audrey replied happily. "May I have a word with you, Nymphadora?"

She flinched again at the sound of her name. The name she hated, and now she knew that Kingsley is serious because he never called her like that. She stood up, excused herself to Mary and Audrey, and joined Kingsley, walking away.

"Don't pretend you didn't see that," he said coldly. "But I'm kind of glad you did. You can be of help now. I figured you know something new about, well, you know, but that has to wait for now. Understand?"

"Nice to see you too, King," Tonks said jokingly, still embarrassed.

"No time for that. Did you notice something odd here today?" He asked.

"Well, no… Although, Mad-Eye pretended he didn't see me earlier. What's up with him? I mean, hello? How can you not notice me?" Tonks shook her head in disbelief.

"I noticed that he's strange, too. But I thought that maybe he's just tense. You know how he can get… cranky."

Tonks knew perfectly what was Kingsley talking about.

"I want you to stay here for a bit. If you notice something strange, you do something, don't wait, or hesitate. Got it?"

"Alright, but where are you going?"

"I need to see professor Dumbledore. And don't ask me too much now, just do as I say," Kingsley's authority yet again froze Tonks for a moment. Just like Mad-Eye's.

"No problem. I've been trained just for this. Constant vigilance," she did the funny hand gestures, just like she did at cubicle months before. Kingsley chuckled a bit, and said.

"The more, and more I work with you, I understand Mad-Eye's words. Constant vigilance, Tonks," he said, turned and left.

Tonks stood there, and observed. The spot he left her was a bit up the qudditch pitch. She had a nice look of the booths with the visitors, and of the maze's entrance. She observed the surroundings. It was a warm evening, and she was definitely not in a mood for duelling, but duty is duty. And then she noticed a couple of red sparks coming from the maze. One of the champions is giving up the fight. She saw people entering the maze, and bringing Fleur Delacour out of it. She was carried to the healer's tent, and her headmaster Madam Maxine followed, but the atmosphere was too cheerful to believe that something serious happened to her. While she was observing that, she noticed that woman who was talking to Kingsley again. This time, she was talking to Snape, right outside of the booth's area. Tonks never liked Snape, he was too dark, and negative. She liked morphing into him though, but she didn't like the detention she got after doing so.

Then another jet of red sparks appeared in the air above the maze. In a matter of minutes, Viktor Krum was carried out of the maze. Tonks was suspicious now. There was no sight of Igor Karkaroff, and the healers that took a first sight on Krum looked frightened. Something happened there. Now Tonks became more nervous than before. Should she get down there, and do something? No, Kingsley said to her that she needs to stay put. Krum was carried away straight into the Hogwarts' hospital wing, no doubt. Then, Tonks noticed a big black dog running towards the castle. She looked in the direction from which the dog came, and there was that red haired woman again, walking towards the faculty's booth again.

Tonks waited some more. The crowd was less cheerful now, the atmosphere became somewhat tense. She noticed Moody limping near the entrance, looking around, but yet again ignoring her. She didn't really know what to think. She scoped the surroundings one more time, and noticed Kingsley hurrying towards her. He looked even more nervous, or maybe a bit furious.

"Someone hit that Krum kid with the Imperius curse," he said quickly, looking at Tonks. "Did you notice something unusual here?"

"Karkaroff is missing. And that pretty friend of yours," Tonks said, morphing her hair in the same colour as Gwen's, "was pretty active too." She morphed her hair back. "She has many friends, I suppose."

"She's helping us. Just like you," he said. "I guess we have some time to talk now, so talk, Tonks".

Tonks didn't need to be persuaded into sharing her thoughts. She told Kingsley everything she could remember from her notes, and findings. She told him what her mother said about the Marauders, she told him about missing Dark Mark, and about the bond between Sirius and James. They talked as they were approaching the maze's entrance.

"Humph… You really outdone yourself," Kingsley said. "I must disappoint you, but I already know everything you just said. But, it's nice knowing that there is someone who sees the same. Good job, if this was a test, I would give you the highest mark." And Tonks became so proud of herself.

At that moment, a loud crack filled the tournament noise. The music started, and they saw everyone circling two people on the ground. Kingsley and Tonks shared a look, and started to run down there. Then they heard Fudge yelling that Cedric Diggory is dead. Questions filled Tonks' head. She wasn't sure what was going on. If Diggory's dead, then what about Harry Potter? Just as they approached the people in the entrance area, and started to move closer, Tonks noticed Mad-Eye dragging Harry out of there.

"Kingsley. Look…" she nudged Kingsley by his robes, and pointed into Moody and Harry.

"Humph… Maybe Dumbledore told him to do that," Kingsley tried to find a reason in the thing they just saw. They finally reached Dumbledore, but he was occupied arguing with Fudge.

"Tonks, please, go and get Mary and Audrey. Get all the students out of here," Kingsley said. Tonks didn't even want to ask any questions. She just didn't want to be there. The energy, the dark magic that she felt just by taking a glance at Cedric's dead body. She wanted to get out.

"When you do that, and when you're sure that students are safe, go home. And I mean it, go home, and wait for my instructions," Kingsley was now commanding her. Not like ever before.

"Oh…" She was a bit surprised. She was fully trained Auror, she could help, why would she go home now?

"Do as I say, Auror Tonks," Kingsley pierced her with his look. She knew that the battle is lost, and hurried to get Audrey and Mary.

When Tonks told them their orders, both of them stood up, and told her to lead the way. Tonks was now so exciting, senior Aurors gave her the task to lead. It wasn't much, but it was important because those were just children. Children just like Cedric Diggory, who died tonight. "How did that happen?", Tonks asked herself. Professors Sinistra, Sprout and Flitwick joined, and helped them. Tonks noticed professor Sprout smiling at her proudly. Tonks was grateful for the words that Sprout used with her. If she wasn't that strict, Tonks would never get herself to become an Auror.

When they did the task that was given to them, Mary and Audrey took off. Tonks roamed around the castle a little bit more, and then noticed that big black dog hurrying from the hospital wing to get outside of the castle. The dog noticed her, but didn't react. She will definitely ask Kingsley about that dog and that woman later. She deserved some answers. She got outside of the castle, crossed the viaduct, and exited the school's grounds. She took one last look at Hogwarts, still confused about all the things that happened. She could swear that she heard someone saying that Voldemort's back. But he can't be, can he?

This one is a bit longer, but I hope you don't mind. I know I said that this chapter will include everyone presented, and that there isn't any Remus here. I planned something different for this chapter, but changed my mind while writing it. What was supposed to be one chapter became two chapters, and this is the first one.

Gwen's story is a bit vague, I know that, but no worries she will explain everything soon :)

Don't forget to let me know what you think, the next chapter is almost ready for publishing!