A/N: Hello my lovely readers! (If you've read the most recent chapter of Monsters, skip this A/N). I have been toying with the idea of a collection of one-shots inspired by you. This is to show my appreciation for all your support. Feel free to send any prompts or things you'd like to see within this collection and I will begin compiling and writing. I love you all so very much! Enjoy!
Ginny sat across from Tonks, nervousness making her stomach flip even though this wasn't their first date. It was their second, and Ginny couldn't help the overwhelming nerves that seemed to take over her whole body when she was near the older witch. She had been through so many more terrifying things. She was Ginevra Weasly, dammit, and she would not let her feelings for the incredible, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, Tonks make her nervous! Ginny steeled herself, pushing her nerves down violently. She adored the clumsy witch across from her, wanted nothing more than to experience life with her.
"Thanks for coming out with me again, Tonks. I really enjoyed our last date," she said, breaking the silence between them. It wasn't an awkward silence, more like a nervous one. Neither really knew what to say they just knew they wanted to say something.
"I-me too, Ginny. It was wonderful. I'm really glad you wanted to see me again. I wasn't sure you would, considering," Tonks trailed off, not needing to finish the thought. Her hair and face were tinged with pink.
"Considering how you tripped into the waiter as we were leaving and ended up with a roast chicken on top of you?" Ginny asked, her eyes bright with laughter.
"Yeah, but, you know, it could've happened to anyone," Tonks said, tapping her fingers nervously together.
"That's fair but it definitely wouldn't have been adorable on anyone else, just you," Ginny admitted quietly.
They both blushed, looking down at the table and sneaking peeks at each other. Neither of them was sure what to talk about. So much had happened and was happening that they weren't sure where to begin.
"So, what do you want to do after you finish school?" Tonks asked, curious if the redhead would pursue a Quidditch career.
"I actually haven't given it much thought, to be honest. I love Quidditch a lot but I'm not sure if I could go pro. I suppose I could also try to be an Auror or something. How did you know you wanted to be an Auror?"
"Well, I always wanted to protect the people I cared about. My mom, mostly. Before I knew the truth about my aunts I was worried when Bella escaped she would try to hurt mum, so I became an Auror so I could learn to keep her safe."
"And what about now?"
"Well, things are a lot different now. I have a lot of people to protect. With the way things are changing, I want to make sure I keep protecting my family."
"That's really admirable, Tonks."
"Thanks," Tonks whispered, blushing. She was nervous the redhead wouldn't want to continue dating her, even though this was only the second time they had been out together. It was different to be alone with her, just the two of them. They sipped their Butterbeer at the same time, giggling as they set their mugs down. Being together outside of Order meetings was better, they were able to talk freely without having to worry about giving their alliance away. Now, they didn't have to worry about that at all, since the war was finally over. They could focus on each other, and see where life took them. Both of them secretly hoped life would take them to each other, but neither witch was ready to voice that yet. It was too early for either of them to admit their feelings, afraid it would be too much too soon.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Gin. What's on your mind?"
"This whole thing with Sirius and Moody. It just seems too convenient that they were so ready to give up the war. And now Sirius is running for Minister and Moody is basically taking care of the Ministry. It just makes me a little worried. I mean, can people really change so quickly?" Ginny chewed her lip nervously. She hadn't wanted to bring up the subject but something about the whole situation didn't sit right with her.
"That's actually a really good point. I've been so busy with other things. Hermione, too. It didn't even occur to me that there might be more to it. And I know Hermione and Bella are just ready for the war to be over. But, yeah. It is a little suspicious that they both were pretty quick to drop everything they stood for and then help rebuild the Ministry. I actually haven't even been part of anything regarding the Ministry." Tonks tapped her chin thoughtfully. She had been too happy that the war was over to question the motives of Sirius and her former partner, but it was unlike either of them to change their minds so quickly.
"I just can't help but wonder if it's part of Dumbledore's plan. I mean, once he lost Hermione he had to know the Order would probably lose. What if this is like a contingency plan? I'm sorry, I think I just ruined our date."
"Not at all, Ginny. I'm actually really glad you brought it up. I think it might've gone completely overlooked if you hadn't mentioned it. I guess we were a little too quick to celebrate the end."
"I just don't want anything to happen to anyone. I care a lot. And I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm worried I'm not."
"It's okay, Gin. We'll figure it out. You were with the Order almost to the end, and I trust you. I should send a message to Hermione, but I can wait if you'd like."
"No, it's okay. The sooner, the better. I'm enjoying our date but we can always pick it up another time. Our safety is too important."
Tonks nodded, summoning her Patronus and sending a message to Hermione. The young witch appeared a few minutes later, more frazzled than usual.
"Hey. What's going on?" She asked, breathlessly. She had been in the middle of a run but was concerned about the news her two friends had to share. They relayed the conversation they had earlier, taking turns sharing the story. They made sure to stay quiet so they wouldn't be overheard by anyone nearby. Hermione's mouth had formed a tight line by the end of it, her face grave.
"Thank you for telling me. It hadn't even crossed my mind, I've had so many other things to worry about and I just wanted this war to be over. We'll have to confirm everything first, but I have the feeling you might be right, Ginny. I just don't want to act before we know anything for sure. It would create too much controversy if we made a move against them." The wheels in Hermione's head turned, forming half-thoughts and ideas. Ginny nodded, knowing Hermione didn't see. She was glad Hermione believed her and agreed with her. It was also worrisome because it meant they might not be as finished with the war as they thought they were. Still, she wished she was wrong, for the sake of her friends.
"What should we do?" Tonks asked, unsure of how they should proceed.
"I'm not sure. For right now, carry on, as usual, I suppose. If they are planning something, it's better they think we don't know. In the meantime, Ginny, I know you need supplies for school. Let me take care of whatever you need. And I'd like to get you both new wands."
They both opened their mouths to protest, deciding against it in the end. Hermione was too stubborn to change her mind, and they knew this. Hermione would have ignored their protests, anyway, mind clearly focused on the news they had just told her. They walked alongside each other, meandering through Diagon Alley until they reached Ollivander's. A tinkling bell broke the silence as they entered the cluttered wand shop, organized in a way only Olivander understood.
"Hermione, welcome back. I hope your wand isn't giving you trouble already?" The wand-maker greeted, eyes bright as he looked at each witch.
"No, it's perfect. I'm actually here to get them new wands if they need it."
"Excellent!" Ollivander beckoned each witch to hand their wands over, studying each with careful consideration, "Hermione, I feel I must thank you for keeping your word and protecting my store. This is my entire life."
Hermione was slightly taken aback at the unexpected gratitude. "Of course. I gave you my word and I intend to always keep it. You gave me the greatest gift you could, it was only fair I do the same."
Ollivander nodded, not quite paying attention. He set the wands on his desk, careful not to lose them in the mess, and browsed the wall of wands, mumbling to himself as he inspected each. He would occasionally shake his head and shove it back into its spot, moving through the endless stacks of wands in a way that was almost dizzying.
"For you, Tonks, an alder wand with a unicorn core, 11 inches, and rigid flexibility. And you, Ginny, a spruce wand with a unicorn core, 10 inches, and rigid flexibility." Ollivander handed each witch their wand, waiting expectantly for them to try it.
They each gave their wands a wave, suddenly feeling an empty part of them fill. Ollivander made a satisfied sound at their realizations, pleased with his work. Hermione paid him generously, wanting to make sure he was fairly compensated for his time, expertise, and product. It was no secret that he was among the best wandmakers in the world, and Hermione valued his willingness to properly equip witches and wizards. He didn't seek to provide anyone with a wand that would not respond to them because he was an honest man, something Hermione had always admired about him.
The three witches left the crowded wand store, continuing their shopping for Ginny's supplies. Hermione also bought her new Quidditch equipment for the upcoming year. She hated seeing her friend have to make do with what she had. Education meant a great deal to Hermione, and Ginny always took her studies seriously, so she deserved new things for the upcoming school year. Hermione didn't care much for Quidditch, but it meant a lot to Ginny, so she was more than happy to provide anything she thought Ginny could use. She didn't understand much about Quidditch, but she had been a careful observer of her friend whenever she talked about equipment. She never thought she would have the money, but now that she did, she was going to make sure her friends and family were well provided for, no matter how much protesting they did.
"Ginny, for the last time, you are accepting all of this because you deserve nice things. You are my family and now that I have the means, I'm going to take care of anything I can, especially school," Hermione said, growing exasperated. She loved Ginny to death, but sometimes her stubbornness was annoying. She could only imagine how everyone felt about her.
Ginny looked to Tonks for help, earning a shrug in return. "Thanks for the help."
"Anytime," Tonks smiled, morphing slightly into a pig to make Ginny laugh. It worked, and Hermione was able to complete her shopping without further protestation. As the last item was purchased, Hermione sent everything they had purchased to Ginny's room at the Burrow, hooking her arms through her friends'.
"How would you two like to join our family for dinner?" She asked.
They both nodded, feeling the sensation of Side-Along Appartition almost immediately. They were just in time for dinner, Narcissa giving Hermione a pointed look at her near tardiness. Hermione blew her a kiss, taking up her usual seat next to Bellatrix. Ginny sat on her other side, flanked by Tonks. It was the first time Ginny had joined them for dinner, but the young witch didn't feel out of place in the grand home. The Burrow was nothing compared to this, but she didn't feel left out. She was, after all, among family. It was an odd thought, but she felt more at ease with Hermione in Malfoy Manor than she did with her actual blood family, aside from Fred and George. She just hoped her mum wouldn't be too upset she had missed dinner.