Chapter 3- Who Would've Thought

Tonks woke the next morning with the feeling that someone had hit her in the head with a stunning spell. She looked around and noticed that she was in a bedroom. She couldn't quite recall how she got there. Looking toward the door, she noticed her suitcase was sitting by the door and had no recollection of putting it there. Being completely oblivious to her actions last night, she had a feeling that she made a complete idiot of herself. She wondered why she didn't feel sick at her stomach. Typically when she has too many drinks, she always gets sick.

While trying to get her thoughts in order, she suddenly remembers she has a meeting today. She looked over at the clock and her heart jumped. She had only eight minutes until the meeting with Dumbledore started. She leaped out of bed and got dressed as fast as possible. She ran out of the Three Broom Sticks, receiving strange looks from the employees as she ran through. Making her way to Honeydukes cellar, she wondered what she did last night that would make everyone stare strangely at her. Tonks just shook it off; there was no reason to dwell on silly stuff when professional situations lie ahead. She knew about the One-Eyed Witch passageway and was in the castle in less than four minutes. Completely out of breath, she made it to Dumbledore's office only one minute late. She thought to herself, this is a new personal best. Considering Tonks is usually late to every Auror meeting.

She ran up the gargoyle steps and busted in loudly. Dawlish, Proudfoot, and Savage were already in there, and judging with disappointment. "I'm so sorry I'm late, Dumbledore," Tonks said as she stood next to the other Aurors.

"Not to worry dear, we were just about to start." Dumbledore was always patient with Tonks, but she is part of his secret organization. "Now that everyone is here, I would like to welcome each of you to this year at Hogwarts. The Three Broomsticks is where you will be residing the next nine months. Breakfast and Dinner will be provided in the Great Hall or in Hogsmeade paid by the school." Dumbledore picked up a piece of candy from his bowl and put one in his mouth. "Lemon Drop?" he offered all the Aurors. Everyone shook their head no and he continued. "Logically everyone knows the students will be arriving today. I will give you a task specifically for today and then I will give you your permanent job. Dawlish I want you to check all bags and students as they come onto the grounds. Proudfoot I want you to guard the front door as the students walk in. Savage, I want you to guard the Great Hall, and Tonks you will monitor the students at the train station. Any questions?"

Everyone shook their head no.

"Great! I will send you an owl once I find your permanent job. I have protected the gates and borders of Hogwarts with powerful enchantments and only the professors will have access to its doors. Should you ever require entrance to the school contact must be made to one of them or myself." He gave them all a smile. The Aurors look frustrated. Minister Scrimgeour wanted the Aurors to sneak around the castle to see if Dumbledore was up to something. Dumbledore of course knew the hidden motive behind the Aurors being at Hogwarts. "I'm afraid that's all I have to say at the moment. Off you go." Dumbledore concluded.

They all turned around to leave when Dumbledore asked politely, "Nymphadora, may I have a moment of your time?"

"Of course sir." She responded. Once everyone was out, Dumbledore shut the door behind them.

"I see the pepper-up potion worked. I almost thought you weren't going to make it." Tonks gave Dumbledore a confused look. "Oh that's right you probably don't remember." Her face turned a bright red. She was extremely embarrassed. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, Nymphadora, we have all been there at some point or another."

Tonks couldn't help but ask, "Sir what do you mean by pepper-up potion?" She was utterly confused.

"Rosmerta sent me a Patronus stating that you needed assistance into bed and something to help you in the morning. So naturally I called upon Severus to help you." Dumbledore responded. Tonks could not believe what she had just heard come out of his mouth. Snape was the one who helped her last night. Of all people, she never suspected Snape would help anyone but himself.

Tonks was at a loss for words. She wished that she could recollect the details of last night, but she was trashed. Dumbledore could see the internal struggle she was facing and how embarrassing it was for her.

"I called you back because we have an Order meeting in three days. It will be held in my office at midnight."

"How am I going to get away from the other Aurors, sir? I'm sure it will look very suspicious heading to the castle at that time of night." Tonks questioned.

"You will have no problem getting away, Nymphadora. As it just so happens your duty will consist of patrolling inside the castle every night. During the day you will sleep or patrol Hogmeade." Dumbledore stated.

"Sounds great professor. Will there be anyone else patrolling with me?" Tonks questioned. She didn't feel like spending time with anyone, especially Dawlish or Proudfoot.

"Argus and Severus always patrol the halls at night. They honestly have no need for extra assistance, but the Ministry insisted I put an Auror patrolling the halls at night. I guess they suspect secret activity is happening here in my office." Dumbledore winked at her and continued, "So… naturally I chose you."

"I'm honored, sir. Is there anything else I need to know before I head out?" she asked.

"Yes. Make sure you keep a distant eye on Harry. After all, he is who Voldemort is after."

"Will do, sir. Oh… and thank you for last night." Tonks added awkwardly.

"I'm not the one you should be thanking." Dumbledore smiled.

"Right, well I must go and clean up. I'll see you later."

As Tonks turned around to leave Dumbledore's office, he stopped her yet again. "Oh and Nymphadora,"

She turned around and responded, "Yes sir."

"You may find that some people around here know exactly what you are going through. That is, if you wish to confide in someone. Just a thought." Dumbledore added.

Tonks shook her head and walked out the door, down the steps, and made her way to the One-Eyed Witch passageway. She was particularly relieved that she didn't run into Snape in the hallway. She refuses to be grateful for his help. After all the times he gave her detention or points from Hufflepuff without proper reason, he owed this to her. Every year in potions he would cater to Slytherin students and deduct points from the other houses.

Tonks was a natural at potions and didn't have to study much. Charlie Weasley and Tonks were potion partners. When Snape assigned a new potion in class, she would stray from the instructions and try to brew it using different techniques. After the potion was brewed to completion, Snape would walk up to assess their work. He would accuse them of cheating and say a Hufflepuff and a Gryffindor are incapable of brewing a potion of that quality. He would deduct five or more points from both houses. When Tonks would argue back, Snape gave her detention.

For five years, Snape was firm on Tonks. It wasn't until sixth year potions when Snape eased up on her. In sixth year potions the students work individually and are not assigned partners. Sure he would make snide comments about her work, but he stopped taking points away and giving her detention. She thought it was because she earned an Outstanding on her O.W.L. exam and proved that she was gifted in potions.

Whatever the reason was, it surprised Tonks that he helped her last night. When she made it back to her room, she took a shower, put on a clean outfit, and unpacked.

Once she was settled in her room, she felt it was best to apologize to Rosmerta. She was ashamed of her actions last night, but she needed to escape from the pain even if it was for one night. When she went downstairs, Rosmerta was wiping down the bar. Before Tonks could muster up the courage to speak, Rosmerta commented, "You look well considering your state last night." Tonks blushed at her comment. "You've got to hand it to him; Severus makes a mean hangover cure all." Rosmerta added.

Tonks reddened and confessed, "He sure does." Tonks walked over to the bar and sat down. "I am ashamed of my actions last night and I am sorry. I don't usually behave that way. I am just not in a good place emotionally right now. If there is ever anything you need, please let me…."

Before Tonks could finish, Rosmerta cut her off, "Oh Tonks, we all have been there one time or another. I have seen and dealt with much worse believe me. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Tonks could see that she was preoccupied and thought it best to leave her to her job. She gave her a smile and stated, "I'll see you later. I have to patrol Hogsmeade station."

Rosmerta waved and Tonks headed out the Three Broomsticks doors.