a/n: thanks for all the reviews. AND YES, the song is from 10 things i hate about you! and i thought i was the only one who watched it. oh MAN, you are so cool for knowing it!

He'll be reporting to us monthly. Well, to Dumbledore at least. I'll be stationed right here, in this crummy village.

Hogsmeade used to be great. Every student rushed to Honeydukes to get their hands on anything and everything. The Three Broomsticks served the best drinks if you were old enough to get them. Zonkos was fascinating enough, even though I wasn't too fond of that stuff. Neither would the owner let me in. I had accidentally set of some fireworks, exploding the whole store.

But I always loved Madam Puddifoot's. It was quaint, cute, and lovely.

I had been here numerous times with him.

Not that we were a couple or anything. I had once told him I really loved their cakes. Puddifoot's really did have the best cake around - it could even give Molly Weasley a run for her money.

The first time we went together was after Christmas break of last year. Remus and I had just dropped off Harry and the others back to school by taking the Knight Bus. I was never too great on that thing. Seeing as I'm a clumsly slob, I had a hard time keeping still. But then, who didn't whilst riding the Knight Bus? Maybe I just had a harder time adjusting to it. We didn't sit together. I stayed with Harry and his friends, while Remus stayed with the rest of the Weasley clan. The Knight Bus is murder. I hate it.

I don't do too well on that wretched bus. My butt was awfully sore from falling backwards, and having owl cages topple on me numerous times. Since we both didn't want to endure the bus again, we deicided to get into the villiage and Apparate from there.

While walking down the almost deserted lane, we got to talking about food. Don't ask me how - it's one of those topics that we would just freely discuss.

'I prefer cake to ice cream. It just tastes better,' I had said, walking closely to him. It was freezing. And the only means to get more warmth.

'No, ice cream is far better. It's much lighter,' he replied, pulling his cloak higher and walking closer to me. I shivered. I didn't know what it was then - it could have just been the cold.

'Are you subtley implying that I'm fat?'

'No! I didn't mean it that way!'

'So what's it mean?'

'All I meant was that ice cream is a lighter choice of dessert. You're not fat. Far from it.'

I smiled to myself. It was fun playing around with his words, using them against him.

'So what, now I'm stick thin?'

'What! How did we get to you being skinny?'

'You said I was far from fat. So it probably means I'm literally a toothpick.'

'No, you're not a toothpick.'

'So what am I?'

'You're perfect.'

By now, his face was all red. But once again, I wasn't sure whether it was because he was embarassed by his own remark, or because of the cold.

His words stuck in my head. "You're perfect".

'So,' he said, as there was a brief silence in our conversation. He sounded airy. 'What kind of cake do you like?'

'Well, many people think it's chocolate,' I answered. Our pace had slowed down, and we were closer now. But the wind was howling, so we needed to hear each other. Still, I enjoyed the closeness.

'Think?'

'Yeah, think. I mean, I don't mind chocolate cake. I just always liked vanilla cake better. But I always had chocolate cake for my birthdays. It was weird.'

'Well then. For your next birthday, I'll make a mental note to get you vanilla instead of chocolate.'

It was a nice gesture. No one really ever took the time to ask me such silly things. Yet they weren't so silly after all. I was tired of chocolate cake. And it was nice to have someone give me something I'd actually prefer.

'Hey!' I exclaimed, as we reached the end of the lane. The path lead uphill. But I had just realized it.

'What?' he asked, alarmed at my sudden exclamation. He looked wildly around as if we were being cornered.

'We're near Madam Puddifoot's!'

I had looked over at him. He seemed indifferent to my remark. Not many people had known about Madam Puddifoot's. Back when I was in school, it was one of those joints usually where couples went to, for some private time. I knew about, for I had dated Eric Morse, a fellow Gryffindor. We went out for all of seventh year, but he was offered a job at the Scotish Ministry. I haven't seen him since.

'Madam Puddifoot's,' I repeated, trying to get it into his head.

There was no need for that. 'I know. I've been there a few times.'

I hadn't known this bit of information. I tried to paste it all together, but I just couldn't see Sirius, Remus, James and Peter sitting together at a small table full of floating hearts.

'I didn't know you and your friends were that close.'

He laughed at this. I glimpsed at him. When he laughs, his whole image transforms into someone new. Someone I liked to look at. But then, I liked looking at him any time. He's a handsome bloke.

'No, I've been here with someone else.'

I was curious. He never mentioned any other girlfriend except Sadie Simonetti, the woman who broke his heart/

'Who?'

'Amelia Bones. She called herself Mia back then.'

'Amelia Bones! The judge!'

'Yes.'

'What happened?'

'Personality clash. Ended things in that shop up there.'

We just stood there, facing each other in the snow. I looked yearningly at the top of the hill. I knew he felt uncomfortable going up there, with his past expirience and all. But I really wanted to go.

I was still looking up the hill when I felt him tug at my elbow.

'Come on. Let's go.'

I had obliged, and started walking to the left, where the park was. If we were to Apparate, we usually did it at the park.

'Where are you going?'

I turned around. He was looking at me as if I lost my mind. I lifted an eyebrow.

'Back to Grimmauld place. Where else?'

'I thought we were going to Puddifoot's.'

I gave him a suspicious look. He wanted to avoid that place, yet he was now offering to accompany me there. He stood there, with his hands clasped behind his back, staring back at me blankly.

'You want to go to Puddifoot's,' I said, unsure of the situation.

'I guess so.'

'Why?'

'Because you do. And since I have nothing better to do, why not tag along?'

And he did. We reached the store where I looked into the window, seeing the marvelous displays of cakes upon cakes.

'Are we going in? Because if not, I would just turn around and go home.'

He ushered me inside the store, where we took a seat at their small tables. In my opinion, the tables should be smaller. You can hardly fit your legs under there, let alone two pairs.

And we both sat there, for a pretty long while. Ordering cake. Something I wouldn't have thought would ever happen; sitting at Puddifoot's, eating cake with a man who isn't too fond of both the shop and the food. But he sat with me anyway.

I was quite surprised on my twenty-sixth birthday. Almost half a year later, he still remembered I liked vanilla cake.

'Well, you said you preferred vanilla, didn't you? So I got Molly to bake you one,' he said, as I cut it up. 'She was about to make it chocolate.'

He always had a good memory. He never forgot a single thing anyone told him. In fact, he even remembered me telling him that Hinkypunks were secretly elves.

Since that time, we've always went up that hill. Always ordering cake - and sometimes ice cream just to make it even. All those happy afternoons in that little shop. Those innocent moments where you're well aware of each other, but trying to ignore those stupid feelings pulsating through your entire being. Those feelings that were always there. That have always been there.

- - - - - - - - - - -

"Whatcha got there, Tonks?"

Today was actually a pretty dull day at the Ministry, considering that Voldemort was back. The one interesting thing was that Stan Shunpike got arrested. I mean, come on! That's complete rubbish. Bugger the damn Ministry. Just when you think everything'd be alright now that we've got Scrimgeour.

Though he's a much better Minister that Fudge, Scrimgeour isn't exactly the best of people. He was Head of the Auror Department. Which means, being my boss and all, he was a very powerful man. And a very disturbing man. He had once tried to get me into an affair with him. I didn't exactly know how to react. He was married to one of the nicest women I've ever met, Ivy Scrimgeour, who was friends with my mother. And I was dead scared of him. He was my boss; he controlled everything I ever did in my job. And we gave me the job. How could I defend myself? There were numerous times where he made comments about how I looked, saying things like 'suits you well, Tonks' or 'Maybe that could be worn lower'. And he was a bit sexist, thinking us females were weak.

I had considered commenting to Sirius on this, before he had passed. This was during last year - when the Ministry was still acting dumb about the whole Voldemort case. But I knew if I told Sirius, he might just come charging into the building without a second though - something that would cause him and Kingsley Shacklebolt danger. Kingsley, being in charge for the whole Sirius Black hunt, kept feeding the Ministry information that he was in various places around the globe. If Sirius were to suddenly show up, he would most likely end up in Azkaban, be tortured, or be sentenced to death. Same with Kingsley. So telling my dear cousin was a no-go.

I then also thought about telling Remus. But the Ministry knew about him being a werewolf. They wouldn't take him seriously. And they might put him into Azkaban for false facts. And besides, Remus had enough on his plate, what with the Order and everything. No, I didn't bother him either.

So I told Mad-Eye Moody. Mad-Eye was always one I could trust - even with my entire life. Never once has he let me down. Sure, he's snapped at me numerous times for being clumsly. He's told me to 'shut up, 'bugger off', and 'piss away', but he was always there to listen. So I told him.

Moody always had his ways with certain people. He never exactly liked Scrimgeour. Yes, Scrimgeour was a great Auror; he was Head of the Department. But Moody always thought he was careless. And of course, selfish. He told Scrimgeour something - I'm still not exactly sure what it was to this day. But the day after I reported this bit of information to Moody, Scrimgeour had come up to me and given me a full apology.

Scrimgeour was a bit thick in the head. I don't know why he'd arrest Stan. I mean, the boy's literally useless. It's like as if he's only arresting the poor kid so that the public would think the Ministry was doing something. Yeah, we are doing something. The wrong something, but still. It's something.

Psh, whatever. I'm only here to scoop as much shit to report back to the Order anyway. So's Kingsley. Well, the both of us are also in it for the pay. We got a raise since the Voldemort story leaked out and people started believing it (finally), and panicking.

"Tonks?"

Startled, I look up from my desk. Kingsley Shacklebolt, one of my favourite people, stood on the other side of my desk. "Yes?"

"You seem very comfortable. What are you doing?"

I guess I was more comfortable than I should've been. My feet were up on my desk, and I was sitting back in my chair, lounging, reading, and having a nice cup of coffee.

"Yeah, I guess you can say I'm feeling quite at home," I answered, taking my legs off the desk, sitting down properly. "Something bothering you?"

"Oh, no. Just bored. Felt like having some small talk."

"Small talk? Since when have you been one for small talk?"

"Since now."

He smiled a very large, fake smile.

Kingsley often reminds me of Remus. But then again, they were best friends. True, Remus had Sirius and James. But then, Sirius had James. It was always those two. Although I knew they included Remus in every little thing they did, he wasn't exactly the 'best' friend. Remus considered Sirius and James to be his brothers. Friends as close as brothers. But not 'best' friends.

Kingsley and Remus had met a year after Remus left Hogwarts. Kingsley was a year older than Remus, but they still got along well. Both into politics, both book lovers, both serious, and inwardly funny. I didn't know they knew each other until I entered the Order. Their friendship was a weird one. You'd never guess they were close, unless you observe them closely. They always talked to each other in brief moments, exchanging whatever comments. Sometimes, they would go through a few meetings in a row without speaking to each other. I never knew, until Remus had mentioned Kingsley one time in Grimmauld, when everyone was gone, and it was one of those rare moments where he, Sirius and myself were together. He told us him and Kinglsey were very good friends. Best friends in fact. I had made a very surprised exclamation, which he just smiled at.

'Kingsley and I are best friends. It might seem weird, Nymphadora, but it's true. Actually, it still seems a bit weird to me. But it's true.'

Kingsley was a lot like Remus. Extremely sunny when he wanted to be, quiet, and observant. But he was much more of a risk taker than his best friend. He got married.

"So, Kingsley. What topic did you have in mind?" I asked, putting my book down to a corner of my desk.

He eyed my book. "Muggle book?"

"Yeuuup."

"Pride and Prejudice."

"Yes..."

"Never really thought you were into such books."

"Well, I am!"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, giving him a defiant look.

"What do you think of Mr. Darcy?" he asked, folding his arms, raising an eyebrow.

"He's got a lot of pride."

"And Elizabeth?"

"Quite prejudice."

Where this conversation was going, I don't know.

"Seems like another two people I know."

At this comment, I looked up at him suspiciously. He looked impassive. But then, he always did. That's what made him a great Auror.

"Who?" I asked, rolling my chair closer, thus, getting closer to him.

"Oh, just these two people."

"Who?"

"Nobody."

"They wouldn't be nobody if you know them!"

"Okay, so they're somebodies."

Kingsley Shacklebolt has many good qualities. He's loyal, honest, hardworking, friendly, respectful, and above all, kind. But to subject the negative points, he's also stubborn, difficult, and secretive.

I attempted deeper into the conversation, hoping he'd give me clues. But for some reason, I had a feeling I already kenw them. "Do I know these people?"

"I don't know. In a way, I guess."

" 'In a way' ?"

"Yes."

"What do you mean, in a way?"

"Let's just say, the man is a lot like Mr. Darcy."

"Proud?"

"Both proud and ashamed. He knows his faults, but he doesn't really do much to change anything. Very secretive. Likeable. I know a few women in fact."

"Okay, so what about the woman?"

"Well, in a way, she's a bit prejucie. Not exactly, but she's got some. Makes big assumptions on situations."

After these clues, I wasn't too sure who he was talking about. My first guess still lingered, but I'm a bit confused.

"You know, Tonks, he's not as proud as you think he is. He's actually a bit ashamed."

"What -"

And then I realized, my first guess was on target. I had my suspicions that he was talking about Remus and myself.

"Kingsley, the guy said flatly that he didn't want anything to do with me! Romantic-wise, of course..."

"So?"

"So? He thinks I'm too young! Well, I think he's just too stupid to see that something good might happen. He's so thick, you know that, Kingsley? No offense, seeing as you and him are best mates and everthing, but he can just be the biggest bugger in the world!"

"And there it is, ladies and gentlemen; her prejudice persona coming into play."

What? When was I being prejudice?

"How was that prejudice!"

"Oh, I think I shall quote you. 'I think he's just too stupid to see that something good might happen'. Isn't that a bit... how to put it... deeming?"

"How!"

"He knows. He's not that stupid. I'm sure his attitude might have been a bit crude, but he knows."

"What? What does he know?"

"He knows how 'good' it will be. He's just... ashamed of himself. Oh, and scared."

"Scared? Of me? I didn't do anything!"

"He's scared of many things."

"I just wish he'd tell me..."

"Well, seeing as how you react to such things, like just now, I know why."

"Piss off, Kingsley."

"Gladly, my fair lady."

He stood up from the chair, smiling. That's Kingsley. He knows I don't mean it, and he knows my quick mood swings. I roll my eyes at him.

He walked away, but just before turning the corner away from my office, he stopped. "Did you ever get to the end of that book?"

That was an unexpected question. "Yeah, many times. Why?"

"What happens to Darcy and Elizabeth?"

"They end up getting married, forgetting their proud and prejudice ways."

"Exactly."

"What's that mean?"

"Maybe Remus will forget his pride too."

"Not likely."

"And maybe - just maybe - you'll stop being so prejudice."

"What! I'm not - "

"Tell me how it ends in the future. I'm quite curious."

And with that, he left.

I'm not prejudice. Sure, I make the odd assumptions here and there. But hey - who doesn't?

Besides, only in books do two people, desperately in love with each other, no matter whatever troubles they're in, manage to find each other and be together. Even if Romeo and Juliet killed themselves, at least they were together. Even if it were for a short period of time. Only in books do happy endings come.

I just don't see a happy ending here.

But then again, I'm just assuming.

hello! if you're going to bother reading this, how about you also bother to review? alright, thanks. )