6. Warning

A few days later I was sitting at my desk at work shuffling paperwork as usual. Kingsley popped his head into my cubicle.

"Good morning, Kingsley."

"Good morning, Tonks. Good thing I caught Arthur in the elevator, Harry's hearing was moved up."

"Sounds to me like they were trying to keep Harry from being on time. Easier to make him look bad than to let the truth be heard. I swear these people are crazy."

"I wouldn't say crazy so much as calculating. Keep that in mind just in case we get ousted as Order members," Kingsley looked at me pointedly. "Keep your head down, do your job, and don't get caught talking to anyone you didn't before joining."

"Are we talking about people I may pass in the hall at work or people that I would not have met if it weren't for the Order?"

"Both."

I looked at Kingsley blankly, "Who are you referring to? You do know I'm an outgoing person and will talk to literally anyone, right?"

"Yes, now let's go grab lunch and have a chat."

"It's only 11 o'clock," I protested.

"So it's an early lunch."

We were seated at a table in a sandwich shop. Kingsley was watching me inhale my food. "I thought you were upset that we were getting lunch at 11?"

"A girl has to eat when she gets the chance. Now what did you want to talk about?"

"Don't take this the wrong way because I like the guy. He is a good man that has been dealt a shit card but you still need to be careful. And no, I'm not worried about him causing you harm or anything like that. I'm worried about the ministry finding out you have been spending time with him. The ministry knows he's an Order member."

"Who are you talking about? I haven't spent any time with any Order members outside of Order missions or meetings."

"Remus, that's who. Are you that slow today?"

"Remus? We haven't spent any time together outside of meetings or missions. Other than spending time together with Snuffles in headquarters on occasion."

"I know, but that doesn't mean you won't. And I'm not saying don't spend time with the man because he is a good friend to have. All I am trying to say is be careful who knows or who sees you with him because it could put your job on the line if the wrong person finds out. I know how hard you worked to get here and I don't want your hard work to go to waste all because someone can't see beyond his monthly problem."

"Look, I know what he is and who he is and I am not worried. I will do you a favor and heed your warning just to make you shut up about it. You know that Dumbledore has given us a couple of new missions together?"

"I noticed."

"Then stop worrying. I can handle myself and I will use discretion."

"That's all that I ask."

"I think I fancy him, though."

"I know. Most of the Order has noticed at this point."

"What do you mean most of the Order has noticed at this point? I just now realized my feelings! Please tell me Remus hasn't noticed," I said with a groan. I could not believe that so many people knew how I felt before I did. I was mortified.

Kingsley looked amused. His expression softened as he said, "Don't worry so much. I don't think Remus has noticed and as far as I know no one has said anything to him. I think you know who would tell Remus but he probably hasn't since he would get more entertainment by letting things play out as they will."

I groaned again putting my face in my hands. "I guess I will be making a stop later to see if I can find out if he told or not."

Later back in the office I found Kingsley standing by the water cooler. "Something just occurred to me, do you think they did the right thing and let Harry go back to school?"

"I don't think it was a case of doing the right thing so much as being forced to let Harry go back to school. If my sources are correct, Dumbledore showed up long enough to stand up for Harry. The minister wasn't happy."

"I bet not. Oh well, guess it's back to the grind then."

I went back to my desk and sat and stared at my stack of paperwork. I looked at the clock on the wall and wanted to cry, it was going to be a very long last few hours.

I finally finished up at work and made a mad dash to Grimmauld Place to determine if Sirius had blabbed to Remus about my feelings or not.

"Wotcher, Ginny! Have you seen Sirius lately? I need to talk to him."

"He's in the drawing room brooding."

"Thanks. How's Harry doing after today? I heard the proceedings were a bit tense. Something about Dumbledore showing up and all that."

"He's okay as far as I know. He hasn't said much, at least not to me."

"Okay, thanks, Ginny."

I headed up to the drawing room glad that I didn't have to walk too near the umbrella stand. I found Sirius in the drawing room lounging on the sofa. He looked up at me and lazily waved.

"Hey, Sirius. Am I disturbing you? You look like you might be busy."

"No, I'm trying not to die of boredom. What can I help you with?"

I looked around the room to make sure we were alone. I closed the door and sat at Sirius' feet.

"I want to ask you something very important and I need you to tell me the truth."

"I know what you are going to ask and no I haven't said anything to him. Not yet, anyway."

"I…how…"

"Stop stuttering. I know you fancy him. I also know that it isn't my place to tell him about your feelings. Believe it or not I don't make it my business to tell people about someone's feelings for them, I stick my nose where it doesn't belong later. But I am getting really bored and watching the two of you squirm would be entertaining so you better tell him soon."

"Please let me be the one to tell him, I don't want it coming from someone else. I just figured out my feelings and I need time to find out if he could return them. This is going to be so awkward if he doesn't, Sirius."

"I am pretty sure he will let you know if you're wasting your time or not. He isn't the type to string you along so just tell him how you feel."

"Promise me you won't tell him. I will tell him just give me some time, okay?"

"I promise I won't say a word. Now you promise me that you won't toy with him."

"For Merlin's sake, Sirius. I won't toy with him, I promise," I gave Sirius an incredulous look. "I need to head out. I'm supposed to have dinner at Mum and Dad's tonight."

"See you later, baby cousin. Tell your mum I said hi."

"I will. Bye!" I hurried downstairs and out the front door. I knew better than to be late to dinner with my parents.