Tonks walked into the Academy expecting it to be somewhat normal. Whatever that was considering that they were starting what she liked to call the proper part of their Auror Training and had no real clue what that actually entailed.

What she hadn't been expecting was all of the other trainees to be already there (she wasn't late, was she?) and for them to basically pounce on her as soon as she walked through the door.

"Hey!" She complained as she was dragged off to the side.

She would like to point out that the receptionist did absolutely nothing to stop this manhandling of her. Hmpf. What sort of security was that if something was actually going wrong?

She did try to struggle away but whoever had her had too good a hold on her.

That and she was kind of being swept away by the rest of them. If she got herself free, she'd just get shoved along anyway.

Finally, they came to a stop. It wasn't even a logical stop. Tonks looked around them, noting that it was just an empty corridor. Seriously?

Then they were all talking at once. At her. With each other. She didn't know but she did know that she felt dizzy just trying to figure it all out. It didn't take her long to reach her breaking point.

"Hey!"

But none of them paid her any mind which was ridiculous considering that they were talking about her! Okay, that was it. She was already done and the day hadn't even started yet.

She wrenched her arm free from Dubois' surprisingly strong grasp - why was he even still holding her? Scared she was going to escape or something?

"What are you all playing at?" She demanded, hands flying to her hips.

Did they really think that this was funny? Because this was definitely not funny. This was less than funny.

And now they were all staring at her again but Tonks didn't care. For once she didn't feel awkward with all eyes on her. Mainly because she was furious. What did they think they were playing at just dragging her in here? Did they no care what the other Senior Aurors thought of them? You know, the o es that they were all trying to impress? Were they trying to make her look like a fool? Because she was pretty sure they had managed that easily enough.

And now, after all that, they had the audacity to just stare at her and not say anything? Really? They were really going to do that right now? Well, she certainly wasn't going to make this any easier for them. Mainly because she had no clue what they wanted. Did they even know what they wanted? They were acting particularly brainless today. Idiots. All of them. Tonks cross her arms over her chest and stared at them in a way that she hoped was intimidating.

It must have been, just a little bit because now they were all shifting uncomfortably on their feet and looking at each other nervously. Some of them - Jean and Gaffrey, were flicking their eyes anxiously between her and the floor.

Well?" Tonks eventually demanded in exasperation, fed up with waiting for them.

That and the stares were starting to get uncomfortable.

"You could all talk just fine just minutes ago," she continued. "Kneazle got your tongue?"

And yes, that came out taunting. She just couldn't help herself. McCabbert actually snorted at that and looked shocked that she did. Though, that seemed to be just what was needed to break the uneasy silence that had fallen over them and suddenly they were all talking again.

"We went round to your flat yesterday and you weren't there." Partridge said accusingly.

"And?" She folded her arms. "It's a free country."

She didn't have to stay in her flat all day if she didn't want to.

"Wait," she said. "Why were you even around at my flat?"

Tonks hadn't thought that any of them would want anything to do with her after the other day and all their weird looks and whispering and staring. They had treated her like she was some sort of freak!

"To check on you!"

"I said you'd be out drinking your sorrows away." Mainwaring said in a proud voice.

"I wasn't," Tonks said with an eye roll.

There were no sorrows to drink away, after all. Merlin, she hadn't even eaten anything last night because of a mixture of nerves, excitement and amazement. Nothing substantial anyway, unless you counted handfuls of dry cereal and a suspicious looking banana.

"Huh."

"I thought that you were out shopping." Dubois said sheepishly.

"All day?" McCabbert asked sceptically before Tonks could.

"Isn't that's what girls do?" He asked cluelessly.

Surprisingly, Jean was the one who thumped him on the arm for that response before Tonks or McCabbert could get at him. Probably for the best, too, her fingers itched for her wand.

"I thought you'd gone and scarpered. Quit the program." McCabbert threw her opinion in the ring.

"Thanks for that, McCabbert," Tonks said sarcastically. "Glad to know you have faith in me."

"No problem," she said brightly.

"Well, I'm here, aren't I?"

"Yeah, I guess," Young said, eyeing her suspiciously.

"To stay?" McCabbert asked sceptically only to be elbowed by Matt. "What? She looked like she was ready to run for the hills, yesterday."

Tonks squared her shoulders stubbornly at that. "Yeah, I'm here to stay."

McCabbert gave her a careful look. "Good." She announced.

And then the stupid silence was back again. Though, this wasn't as uncomfortable but it did feel a little weird.

"So, who's your Mentor?" Mainwaring asked.

Tonks noticed that everyone was looking at her expectantly. Well, everyone except McCabbert, who just looked bored. But that was pretty normal for her.

"Auror Moody," she said slowly. "Like the board said."

"That was real?" Dubois asked sceptically.

"Yes!"

That came out sounding very defensive but Tonks couldn't help it. Especially since she had thought it was a joke as well. But somehow it was different her thinking it was a joke compared to everyone else thinking it was a joke.

And there it was again, none of them knowing what to say to her about that. Not even a congratulations or anything.

"Where were you yesterday?" Partridge demanded

"Here."

That got her odd looks. And a lot of disbelieving ones. Why would she even lie about something like this?

"Moody wanted me in."

No one seemed to know what to say to that. Seriously, Tonks was pretty sure there had been more silence than actual talking today. It was weird. The day hadn't even started yet!

Speaking of starting their day...

"Shouldn't we all be going back?" Tonks asked. "Like right now?"

That, thankfully, got them all moving and not talking about her anymore. The atmosphere was easier too. Well, Tonks didn't feel awkward anymore which is a she cared about.

"I can't believe I got Scrimgeour of all people," Jones complained.

"Isn't he supposed to be good?" Fontaine asked, with a puzzled look on her face.

"Who cares about that?" He scoffed. "It's Scrimgeour."

"I'm pretty sure him being known for being a good teacher is the whole point," McCabbert pointed out.

"But it's Scrimgeour."

"What's wrong with having Scrimgeour?" Matt asked cluelessly.

Tonks had to admit that she was pretty confused why Jones was kicking up quite a big stink over this as well. Scrimgeour was known to be a good Auror, what more could you want?

"He's a Scrimgeour."

"That is his name," Tonks said drily though she had a sinking feeling in her stomach to where this was going.

However, before anything else could be said, the doors in front of them were flung open with a 'BANG'.

"What are you? Lost sheep?" Auror Taylor barked at them as he walked past them in the opposite direction, they had been going in. "This way!"