Pink Daisy
Chapter 1
"They're late." Remus Lupin shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably as he, (for the hundreth time), scanned the train platform for the 6th year transfer student and her uncle.
"They arenot late. We are early." Stated Nymphadora Tonks in a huff. "It's barely quarter past 10. Unlike you, they don't live by your little 'If your on time your late, if you 20 hours early your on time.' Motto." She muttered folding her arms in irritation.
Lupin looked at her un-amused. "You've been watching muggle movies again haven't you."
"Oh shut-up!" she turned to storm away only to run into a baggage trolley, splaying its contents across the platform.
After many minutes of apologies and putting everything back on the trolley Tonks waved at the little old lady as she rolled her trolley away and boarded a train.
Lupin remained quiet as Tonks returned to stand next to him. She had been stressed lately. All the aurors had. Hell. The entire wizarding world had fallen into a state of anxiety.
But over the past few weeks the aurors had been pushed way beyond their limits. Over worked, sleep deprived, and tense, they were starting to wear thin. Even the ever up-beat Tonks had become moody and short tempered.
Lupin snuck a look at Tonks. The aurors had done more than he thought humanly possibly. Not only were they managing to keep Voldamort's followers at bay. They had taken it upon themselves to maintain security of any institution in Ministry jurisdictions. Although the Ministry didn't directly influence Hogwarts they were still included. Many people suspected Voldamort would attack Hogwarts students as they started the new school year. Security was air-tight. You couldn't cough without someone getting suspicious. Aurors were everywhere, as were many other special agents from the ministry.
"When was the last time you slept?" asked Lupin quietly. Staring forward at the people walking around the platform.
Tonks was silent. Lupin began to think she wasn't going to answer.
"About 88 hours ago." She replied with a tired laugh.
Lupin's worried expression brought a small smile to her lips.
"Tonks –"
"Is that your student?" Tonks cut him off. Looking towards the brunet who was walking purposely in their direction. Relief washed over her as the girl approached, Tonks drew in a deep breath, thankful for the distraction. She didn't want to talk about anything at the moment. Things were getting worst for the aurors. Tonks feared she might break if she spoke of it. The pepper-up potions she had been taking religiously for the past few days were starting loose effect, she had little energy left to argue with Remus about taking care of herself properly.
Lupin quickly spotted the girl, confirming that it was indeed Phnx Cresman, the 6th year transfer student they had been waiting for.
"Where did she transfer from?" Tonks questioned as they started walking to meet Phnx and her uncle.
"The Kanada Institute." Replied Lupin.
"She's from Canada?" Tonks spotted the girls Uncle handing Phnx the duffel bag he had been carrying.
"Nova Scotia specifically."
"Remus!" Burnie Cresman Bellowed, taking the hand Remus had extended and shaking it vigorously. "Good to see you boy! And who is your lovely companion." Burnie laughed heartily releasing Remus and squeezing Tonk's hands, kissing her cheeks without hesitation.
"Call me Tonks." Burnie held a fatherly aura. The rather large man seemed like a stereotypical St. Nick with his large belly, rosy cheeks, and beard that wasn't quite long and white, but a beard non-the-less. Tonks grinned.
"I want this girl back in one piece ya hear?" Stated Burnie, placing an arm around his nieces shoulder.
"Uncle Burnie…" she laughed rolling her eyes.
"Ok, Ok. You're a big girl. You can handle your self, your perfectly capable for differentiating between right and wrong, blah blah blah…. What's a girl your age know the word differentiating for anyway? Come ere' you!" Phnx was scooped up into a crushing hug, her duffel bag thudded to the ground.
Lupin and Tonks smiled as they watched the exchange.
"Be careful, don't be too hard on the boys, play nice with the girls, and keep your ears clean." Stated Burnie as he set her down and steadied her. Phnx gave him an exasperated look. "Have fun. I love you and don't forget to write."
"I love you too, I'll write when I get the chance, and you're late for your business meeting." Replied Phnx as she picked up her duffel and slung it over her left shoulder.
"Oh my." Burnie looked at his watch. "See you at Christmas darling." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and was off.
"See ya soon!" Called Phnx, waving at her Uncle as he left the station. She tuned slowly to look at the two older magical-folk (Wizard and Witch). They were finally able to get a good look at her.
She stood tall, her posture relaying to everyone the confidence she had. Her brown hair had been pulled back into a messy ponytail, the few strands that had fallen loose were tucked behind her ears. Intelligent brown eyes watched them expectantly, and gracing her face was a welcoming smile.
Subconsciously Tonks had started a barely visible nodding of her head. It was a nod of approval. She sensed something good about this girl. Something that made Tonks want to smile and laugh.
Phnx extended her hand.
"Hey, I'm Phnx Cresman. Pleased to meet you."
