July 17th, Wednesday

Almost-declarations of love: 0 (though about 15, if you interpret "Hi Nymph! How are you today?" long enough), amazing, great, wonderful, life-changing news: 1; invitations to dinner: 1

Spent all day practically glued to Remus waiting for something to slip (like a compliment, proposal or declaration of his undying love for me). Unfortunately, he didn't come up with anything new and instead was very silent. And I had the suspicion that he was still a little embarrassed, because he kept trying to get away from me. He even blushed a little when I handed him a cup of tea and our hands met. It was so cute! I mean, it's not as if we hadn't been a lot closer already, but still. Of course, the situation was a bit like walking on eggshells, because not only did I have to deal with Remus' sudden shyness, but Molly, my mum and the girls kept sneaking around us and giggling or giving me conspiratorial winks and grins. It was so exhausting that I instantly retired to my room as soon as Remus had managed to flee to his. I was just playing with the thought of going over under some dumb pretence and trying to feel him up (I haven't done that for ages, I'm practically on draught) when Dumbledore knocked on my door and asked if he could talk to me.

That's when the miracle happened. Well, before it could happen I had to steer him away from my room, because there were clothes and books and magazines and a few lonely butterbeer bottles strewn around, and there's no way on earth I would let Dumbledore see this.

But once we had moved up to Buckbeak's room (I don't know why, I sorta like it there) he brought along the happy news:

I AM ALLOWED TO GO OUT AGAIN! ME! NYMPHADORA TONKS!

I AM NO LONGER AN OUTCAST! NO LONGER SHUNNED FROM SOCIETY AND BANNED FROM WORK! I CAN GO SHOPPING AND GO TO MY FAVOURITE CAFÉ IN DIAGON ALLEY AND OF COURSE DO GREAT THINGS TO SAVE THE WORLD!

I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M STILL WRITING IN CAPITAL LETTERS!

Later:

Had to interrupt my entry because of some very important running around the house screaming-action. After all, everyone has a right to know that, from this day on, Nymphadora Tonks will be a free person again, and hopefully, will never be imprisoned anywhere.

I can't believe I've used my dreadful full name two times on the same page.

And then I had the great idea to use my current ecstatic state as an excuse for doing crazy things. So I went over to Remus' room, screamed "I am free!" and gave him a bear hug and a kiss on the cheek. AND THEN he did one of his unbelievably cute Remus things again:

He lifted me up and twirled me around and laughed with me and congratulated me on finally getting out of the house. AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, then he said:

"You know, Nymph, I think we should celebrate your freedom. Are you free tonight?"

"Did you not listen? Of course I am free! I'm the freest person in the world!"

"Well, then I insist you go out with me. I'll pick you up at seven, alright?"

I could only nod, stunned. Was this a date? Did he just ask me out? I think he did!

Did another round of "running around the house screaming".

Eventually, the girls heard me in spite of their incredibly loud music and asked me what's going on. I told them everything, and we all started giggling and group-hugging. And then, of course, there were a million things to do: We had to alarm Mum and Molly, and of course, figure out what I will be wearing.

It was all so exciting!

Later:

I have to call the Pope to tell him he has to canonize my mum. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have anything to wear! As it is, I can choose just about everything from a golden bikini (a souvenir from the Bahamas) to a dark red, empire-style evening dress. I settled for something in between: a lavender, knee-length chiffon dress with a very modest cleavage, but a back that dips dangerously low. Honestly, one wouldn't believe a mother would give something like that to her daughter. See, that's how desperately she wants me to get married. I morphed into my natural appearance, left my hair open and put a mother-of pearl comb into it. As the girls and Molly confirmed, I looked gorgeous. The only thing I wasn't so sure about were the black kitten-heel shoes, because I'm not used to walking on heels. But those were the lowest ones we could find, and the girls insisted I wear heels because, apparently, sneakers look stupid with fancy dresses. Ginny assured me I would get used to it, which earned her an inquiring look from her mother, who probably wondered when her little daughter had learned to walk on high heels.

Thinking about it, I realise I shouldn't have to get so dressed up, since Remus said he likes the fact that I'm so natural and that I shouldn't change just for a man. But, hey, I'm also doing this for myself. Everyone needs a little makeover from time to time. And besides, this isn't just any man we're talking about, this is Remus.

Oh, I'm soooo excited. He didn't tell me where we're going, I hope I won't be overdressed.

Ooh, somebody just knocked on my door, that's probably Remus. Alright, okay, stay calm, Nymphadora. One last look in the mirror, one last deep breath, a bit of perfume, one last freshening charm – I open the door. Remus opens his mouth to greet me, but never says anything. The look on his face is similar to that one morning when I tried the turquoise dress, and even though I know its inappropriate to say that, I think I might have made quite an impression.

"Shall we, Remus?", I say in my sexiest voice, giving him my sexiest smile and just generally trying to be as sexy as possible while I take the lead down the stairs. I can literally hear his jaw drop at the view of my back.

This is going to be one fun evening!