A/N: Hey everyone! So I've made a bit of a mistake… I'm using the GI Bill to go back to school (thank you for your tax dollars), and I'm finishing my History degree while taking some Masters classes at the same time. This semester I'm taking 5 400+ level classes, on top of working, so it's gonna be a bit hectic. I meant to get this chapter out a couple days ago, but that's just not how it worked out. I managed to write a new chapter, but didn't have the mental energy to look at my computer for any longer.

I'm willing to sheepishly promise once a week uploads, though I'm sure there will be times around midterms and finals where that shifts to once every 30 years as I've moved to a remote cabin in Canada completely bereft of technology and neighbors with only my dogs and the sound of yetis for company… Geez, that sounds nice.

Chapter 32

"How many you got?"

"Five," Harry answered with a grin. "There's two men in overly large jackets that stopped a few shops down, and three others in the piazza not doing much of anything."

"I only counted two in the piazza, but the lady at the corner table has a bulge at her hip."

He and Sirius had made a weird game out of spotting their government tails after Harry told the group about them, and so far the pair were about even in how many they'd noticed. The team's constant presence was comforting, and Harry wished he'd had another chance to thank Mr. Ricci.

"Nice spot," Harry congratulated before taking another bite of his pizza.

His group was spread out along a large table in the restaurant, an impressive amount of food scattered between them. Ron appeared to be in absolute heaven, and he'd waxed poetically about the country's food for days. Pizza and gelato were his obvious favorites, though he hadn't turned down a second bite of anything. Daphne and Hermione were discussing how to use their remaining time to Harry's left, allowing him a bit of privacy with Sirius on his right.

"I have a question about tomorrow," he said softly.

"I was wondering when you'd ask for a date night," Sirius grinned in response.

"I know asking for a private date would go over like a lead balloon, but I was thinking we could do a couples dinner. Unfortunately, we're an uneven number…"

"I'm happy to play lookout, kiddo. I'd never begrudge you a date with your girlfriend, in Italy, this close to Valentine's day. You pick the restaurant and I'll make the reservations. If it feels weird to sit by myself, I'll hang out at the bar."

"You're sure?"

"Harry," the man replied softly with a smile. "Watching you with Daphne is my new favorite hobby. It's like watching your parents, without as big an urge to interrupt. I'll take you and Ron to find flowers beforehand… just think of me as your own personal cupid."

"That's a heartwarmingly terrifying thought. I thank you for it, and I'll punish any Marauderness appropriately."

"I'll be on my best behavior. Scout's honor."

"You weren't a scout."

"And don't have much honor now that I think about it, but I promise just the same."

"I really appreciate it," Harry said with a grin. "I don't wanna waste this experience."

"Good. And I'll expect special mention for my assistance at the wedding."

"Pads," Harry whispered frustratedly.

He was interrupted by Daphne turning back to him, her eyes alight with excitement. The sight sent Harry's stomach on another ride, and he forced the feeling away as well as he could.

"Hermione said there's live music and a night market at the Palazzo Vecchio," the blonde said energetically. "Let's go dance!"

"If I ever say no to dancing with you," he replied with a grin. "Go ahead and buy me a tombstone."

—

February 10, 1996

"Harry," Ron called from their impressive bathroom. "This feels amazing!"

The pair purchased silk oxford shirts earlier in the day, Daniel's expertise in fashion coming in handy. He and Sirius accompanied the teens to buy the essentials for their coming dates, while the women enjoyed a spa day at the hotel. Arthur and Jonathan Granger had elected to take a tour of a muggle glass-blowing shop, which the elder Weasley had found fascinating.

"I'm glad," Harry replied with a roll of his eyes. "Now let's go."

"Keep your pants on, mate. If Daphne's anything like Hermione she won't be close to ready yet."

Harry knew his girlfriend's normal routine was much shorter than his bushy-haired friend, and guessed she was just as impatient with her current roommate. After an interminable few minutes, Ron finished preening at his reflection, donned his new leather jacket, and led the way across the hall.

Daphne answered immediately, a frustrated look on her face, while Hermione called for a few extra minutes from their bathroom. Harry led his girlfriend down the hall a bit, and offered the beautiful flowers with a smile.

"No dahlias at the market, but I figured roses were more fitting for our almost-Valentine's date anyway."

"They're gorgeous, Harry," the girl answered happily, accepting the bouquet. "Do you mind if I put them in a vase in my room?"

"As opposed to me lugging them around all night? I'd prefer it."

Daphne smiled in response, standing on her toes to kiss him lightly. She disappeared back into her room as Hermione finally exited, repeating the greeting with her boyfriend. When she returned, Harry took the time to appreciate Daphne's choice of attire.

She wore a beautiful black dress, the hem falling just above her knees, her hair curled impressively as it fell to the middle of her back. The jewelry he bought her for Christmas accompanied the look, shining in the light of the hallway. Daphne noticed his attention, and spun confidently in her matching black heels.

"You look incredible, Daph."

"I'm glad you finally noticed," the girl grinned, kissing him a second time before taking his arm. "I expect you to cast warming charms periodically."

"And if I don't?"

"Then my own will be followed by a stinging hex, of course."

"In that case, I'd be happy to."

"I thought you might. Let's go interrupt the lovebirds."

Harry's brain broke for a moment as he tried to figure out exactly where in the ensemble his girlfriend had hidden her wand, but the appearance of her father quickly ended that line of thought.

"Everyone ready?" Emily asked with a smile, looking beautiful in a black dress of her own.

—

The restaurant had been suggested by a museum tour guide earlier in the week, and Harry appreciated the young woman's expertise. It was a small shop lit by paraffin lamps at each table, and its menu was exactly seven items long. He and Daphne shared the booth at their table facing the door, in wonder of the quality of their meal.

Harry ordered a wild boar tortellini that was absolutely divine. Daphne's seafood pasta was lighter, but just as delicious. The pair had a small bottle of wine to share with the food, but the almost privacy of the meal was the best part.

The other four couples were scattered throughout the restaurant, with the Greengrass' and Weasleys closest to the door. Sirius sat at the bar near the back, ignoring everyone, his eyes scanning the restaurant constantly. Harry had counted five government tails before they entered the restaurant, and knew there was at least one seated near his godfather at the bar.

"I think I'm having that moment of realization you had the other day," Daphne said, squeezing his hand.

"It's overwhelming, isn't it?"

"Entirely. I'm sitting here with my gorgeous boyfriend, surrounded by government bodyguards, after watching the Minister for Magic get locked away. And that's not adding you going all bureaucrat and having meetings with world leaders."

"That's been the scariest part for me," Harry replied honestly.

"Why?"

"Because I'm still a teenager, Daph. I woke up one day, hoping to survive some bullshit maze, and a few months later my words are shaping worldwide political stances. I'm not ready for this."

"Harry," she began, turning towards him sobrely. "I know it feels that way, and I'm not ready for this either. I'm not ready for how you make me feel, or the stubbornness I feel to follow you into whatever comes… but I need you to understand how the rest of the world sees you."

"The rest of the world doesn't know me from Adam."

"Of course not, but they've heard your story. They've heard rumors of what you're doing, when nobody else was preparing for what's coming at all. The fact that you came back to us, and hit the ground running with your plans, means that you're exactly the person that needs to be meeting with those leaders."

"But, Daph," Harry argued gently. "Albus, or your Dad, or Sirius… There's a long list of people that should be leading this movement before me."

"None of them affect people like you do. And I know I'm biased, and more easily affected, but it's true. The certainty you carry with you is contagious. The optimism you share when you're riled up is something I see when I close my eyes at night. It has to be you, and that's incredibly terrifying for me."

"I'm sorry…"

"No," she interrupted with a smile. "I'm not complaining... If anything I'm bragging. I have a partner who's meant for something. Something bigger than our relationship, and bigger than any silly court case for two idiot politicians. Most people will never understand what it feels like to be me, and that's okay. I'm willingly taking a backseat to your immediate future, hoping I'll hop into the front afterwards."

"I'd put you in the front in a heartbeat," Harry countered honestly. "Just say the word. Sirius has a beach he's been meaning to show me…"

"Not happening," she replied, squeezing his hand again. "If I let you walk away, you'd regret it 'til the day you died. So instead, I'm gonna be right behind you through everything. You go have your fancy meetings, and I'll be waiting to pop your ego when you're done. But don't you dare think I'm not following you into whatever's coming."

"I can't let you…"

Harry trailed off, his magical senses firing warningly. He couldn't tell if it was a spell, or some sort of explosion, but he knew it was bad, and it was headed for the front of the restaurant.

He reacted on instinct, drawing his wand and allowing his quickly building magic an outlet. His eyes glowed brightly as he pulled Daphne behind him as much as he could from his awkward position, and focused on pushing as much power as possible into a shield in front of the building.

The shield was immediately struck by a huge force of angry magic, and Harry reinforced it by pushing more power into the construct. The shield was immediately struck a second time, the attacking magic nearly overwhelming it. He reinforced it once more as he noticed Sirius, Daniel, and Arthur move towards the exit.

"STAY INSIDE!" Harry called powerfully, the words halting the wizards before they could touch the door.

He saw the government tail pull a phone out of her pocket from her spot at the bar, whispering into the device desperately. Another wave of magic hit his shield, and Harry finally felt his huge reserves finally start depleting.

He reinforced the shield again stubbornly, but the next attack never came. After thirty seconds of silence, Harry warily uncoiled himself from around Daphne, glancing out the window.

A government force, forty strong at least, stood in the square looking around for further targets. Half held what looked like submachine guns, while the others held wands. The witch from the bar quickly approached his table, balking at the power he was radiating.

"Mr. Potter," she offered soothingly. "The attack has been dealt with. You may end your spell."

"I won't lower my shield until I see for myself," Harry replied distractedly.

He slid out from behind the table, moving around it carefully, his eyes searching the street outside for any further attacks. Seeing none, he approached the door, and was met by Sirius, Arthur, and Daniel.

"You three stay here," he ordered immediately, not caring if his tone was terse.

The three men followed the instruction, wands raised protectively. Harry opened the heavy wooden door carefully, his wand following its path as he scanned the area. Seeing no danger, he stepped outside cautiously.

"Mr. Potter," a nearby man called. "We got all seven of them."

"All seven of whom?"

"The Magical Mafia. Our muggle counterparts got four before the rest of us even got here. The other three are stunned and restrained."

Harry took a moment to scan his surroundings, and saw the seven men lying in the nearby piazza. Only three remained unbloodied, and those were covered by eight guards with wands. He turned back to the man that addressed him, and nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Mr…"

"Moretti," the young man answered with a nod. "Enzo Moretti. Captain of the joint task force."

"Thank you, Captain. I'm guessing the Mafia is part of the 'dangerous minority' I've been warned about?"

"The most dangerous. Our Minister will be thankful for the capture."

"I don't plan to be here to witness it," Harry admitted with a forced smile. "I've enjoyed my time in your country, but I refuse to be the cause for attacks when innocents stand between. We'll head for home this evening."

"I regret that you need to, but I understand. I hope you come back when tensions are lighter."

"Thank you. Could you give Signor Ricci my regards?"

"I will," the man replied. "I'm sure he'll reach out soon. I'll prepare a team to follow you back to the ho…"

Harry interrupted the man by tugging his arm, pulling Moretti behind him. The Killing Curse fired at his back was met with a brick wall, its caster cut down with a stunner a half moment after the wall exploded.

He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart, before turning back to the Captain with a wry grin.

"You say we'll have an escort to the hotel?"

"Uh… yes. Should be entirely safe…"

—

February 16, 1996

Daphne checked herself in the mirror one final time before heading towards the common room to meet her friends. The week since they'd been back from Italy was blessedly normal, full of classes, training in the Room, and as much time spent with Harry as possible. Dumbledore, however, decided to shake things up a bit for Friday dinner, allowing couples to reserve private tables to celebrate Valentine's Day.

When he'd made the announcement at breakfast on Monday, her eyes found Harry's immediately. The Gryffindor raised his eyebrows in question, which she'd answered with a grin, and their names were the first added to the reservation list. She couldn't help the butterflies she felt at the thought of their first meal together in the great hall, despite the stares she knew they'd receive.

Blaise had surprised her by inviting Ginny, and Tracey happily accepted an invitation from Terry Boot. Astoria, however, kept them in the dark about who she'd be dining with. She told Daphne someone had asked, and how excited she was about it, but refused to tell her who. The younger sister said it was payback for leaving her alone for the last week, which she tried to feel guilty for, but couldn't.

Daphne reached the common room, assuming she and Astoria would be the first as their routines took much less time than the other girls'. As she exited the stairwell, however, she realized she was only half right. Astoria sat woodenly in a nearby chair, while Draco stood over her, clearly unhappy. Daphne drew her wand, unwilling to let the arrogant wizard intimidate her younger sister.

"What's going on here?" she asked coldly, her public mask at full effect.

"None of your business," Draco snarled over his shoulder.

"It is if it has to do with my sister, Malfoy. Now why don't you take a few steps back."

"I'm fine, Daph," Astoria answered brightly, clearly unafraid of the boy. "Draco was somehow under the assumption that I think any more of him than dirt on my shoe, and he's hilariously demanding to know who I'm going to dinner with."

"You little…"

"Ah ah ah," Astoria interrupted, standing and pointing her wand at the boy's forehead. "Finishing that sentence will go poorly for you."

"You spent all last week flirting with me!" Malfoy hissed dangerously.

"Flirting?" the younger girl asked confusedly. "Draco, I barely said a single word to you. I just let you prattle on about yourself, and how your father is so important. And the only reason I did was so Harry wouldn't have to kill you when he returned. I have no doubt that there are many younger girls who would love to hear your life story, but it's not me. Parkinson would probably take you back if you want…"

"Unbelievable," Malfoy responded angrily. "I've tried everything I can think of to save your family, and I've been spit on multiple times for it. You two are making a mistake, and you're gonna pay for it soon."

"Someone here is definitely making a mistake," Daphne agreed. "I told you Astoria makes her own decisions before I left. You've just heard it, so I suggest you walk away."

"Or what?"

"Or I turn you into a fucking rat, and drop you in the owlery," she answered with a polite smile. "The Greengrass girls, and their fortune, are off limits to pathetic, sniveling bootlickers. Enough of your empty threats, move along before I help you do so."

"You'll see how empty…" Draco sneered, though the expression turned neutral as Daphne raised her wand. She allowed the anger she felt towards the boy finally show, and saw a brief flicker of fear in his eyes as she did.

"NOW, Malfoy."

The boy followed the directive, quickly leaving the common room. He was too slow, however, to avoid a discreet spell cast from Astoria, a small sign appearing on his back that read,'Ask me about my Father.' Daphne couldn't stop a snort of laughter from escaping, and turned back to her sister when the door closed behind him.

"I thought you said it was fine," she asked of the younger girl.

"It was, Daph. I let him profess his love for his dad, and Blaise or Tracey would pull me away after a few minutes. It was fine, but I'm glad you're back."

"You should've come with us."

"And what? Hang out with Sirius the whole time? He's okay, but I'd have just been in the way. Now come here, I need to fix your hair."

"What? I just did it."

"Yeah, but you pulled a Potter and kicked all sorts of stuff about in your anger," Astoria grinned in response. "You two are gonna need plates made of iron when you're married."

Daphne was left a bit dumbfounded by the statement, knowing she'd never forced things to move inadvertently before. She sat next to her sister, turning her back to allow Astoria to plait her long hair once more. After a few long moments the girl finished, and Daphne turned back to face her.

"I don't want you alone with him… or any of his group."

"Like I do? Have your boyfriend kick him out."

"He would if he could. Just stay away from him."

Before Astoria could reply, Blaise made his way into the room smiling excitedly. His expression quickly fell at the sight of the concerned pair, and he made his way to them sobrely.

"I take it Draco raised his concerns?"

"Effusively," Astoria confirmed.

"I warned him not to. Want me to curse him?"

"Maybe later. You need to focus on your date."

"Fine, but just say the word."

"Are you nervous, Blaise?" Daphne asked with a grin. "You've been pining all week..."

"Zabinis don't pine," he denied arrogantly. "I decided I like Ginny, and I made my move. Better than can be said for you and Harry with all the 'will they, won't they' nonsense."

"Fair enough," she admitted with a smile. "Though the 'will they' won out overwhelmingly."

"Thank god. Harry should be here any moment. He said he'd bring Ginny with him, if you wanna wait in the hallway with me."

"I think I'll come, too," Astoria interjected with a mysterious grin.

"It's Neville!" Blaise and Daphne whispered simultaneously.

"You've seen him!" Astoria defended, her cheeks reddening. "He's so much more confident this year… and gorgeous..."

"He's great," Daphne agreed with a happy smile. "But don't rush things. He has too much else to deal with right now."

"I know," Astoria agreed. "After he asked me we went for a walk, and he was very open about everything he has going on. I just wanna enjoy the night, and see where things go."

"Mum'll be over the moon. She loves him."

"Then let's go, ladies," Blaise added with a grin. "I'll escort you two defenseless maidens to your protectors, and pick up my own protectee in the process."

"Better get that nonsense out now," Daphne countered. "Ginny would wipe the floor with you."

"And I'd enjoy every second of it."

"You're disgusting."

—

Harry smiled as he saw the waiting Slytherins, though his vision seemed to narrow onto Daphne alone. He quickly conjured a dahlia, handing it to the girl as he approached.

"You look beautiful, Daph."

"Thank you," she answered, kissing him on the cheek.

The pair led the other couples towards the great hall, as Tracey promised to meet them there. The girl was always the slowest to get ready, and had warned Terry to be a few minutes late. As they reached the doors, the other two couples falling behind, Daphne pulled Harry close.

"There might be trouble with Malfoy," she whispered.

"I saw him storming through the corridor," he admitted with a serious look. "Is Astoria okay?"

"She's fine, but he won't like seeing her with Neville."

"Nev can handle him, but they're at the next table if things kick off."

Daphne nodded at his confidence, and followed him into the impressively decorated great hall. Harry paused for a moment to allow the group to appreciate the effort, before leading the way towards empty tables near where Ron and Hermione already sat. He pulled Daphne's chair out for her, intentionally choosing his own seat to face the Slytherin table. Ron must have noticed his tension, as he leaned in close once he took his seat.

"Everything okay?"

"Keep an eye on Malfoy," Harry whispered in response. "Let Neville handle it, but be ready if things turn ugly."

"No problem, mate," Ron answered. "Any chance of pizza tonight?"

"I doubt it," he answered with a grin. "I bought Winky all sorts of cookbooks, though. I'm sure she can figure it out over the summer."

Harry turned back to his beautiful date, noticing Daphne was staring at her sister worriedly.

"Daph, try to relax. I'm keeping an eye out. She'll be fine."

Her eyes moved to his own, and he smiled comfortingly. She seemed to accept that as a promise, and some of the tension left her shoulders.

"Sorry. I'll just wait for your eyes to go all weird before I start worrying again."

"Weird, huh? I thought you said you liked it."

"It's incredibly attractive," she admitted with a grin. "But weird all the same. I'd say we should just count the last dinner in Italy as our official Valentine's, but that didn't go so well either."

"I disagree. I think it was absolutely perfect up until we almost died."

"Why do I feel like that afterthought is going to be a common theme?"

"It keeps things interesting!" he countered with a grin. "What's dinner without a little friendly attempted murder among friends?"

"Dinner, Harold. It's still dinner."

"In fifty years, you'll be begging for a little excitement."

"Fifty years, huh?" Daphne asked with a smirk, as he blushed at his lack of thought. "I may hold you to that."

"I… just…"

"Close your mouth," she interrupted as his blush deepened. "You look ridiculous."

"Your fault."

"A slanderous assertion…"

Dumbledore rose from his seat at the head table, welcoming the students to the special evening. Those that chose not to find dates were granted an especially impressive spread of food, but the couples at the separate tables had a menu similar to that at the Yule Ball. The headmaster bid them to enjoy their meals, and Harry quickly ordered a shepherd's pie.

Daphne chose some sort of poultry dish that he'd never heard of, and rolled her eyes at his expected order.

"Your taste in food is pedestrian."

"My taste in women makes up for it," he countered easily, forcing a smile to Daphne's face. "You enjoy your alligator or whatever, and leave me to my meat and potatoes."

"It's aligot, and it's basically the same as your potatoes with cheese mixed in."

"I can get behind that," Harry grinned, reaching over for a forkful.

"Excuse me," Daphne argued indignantly, fighting off his fork with her own. "You enjoy your child's plate, and leave the sophisticated food to me, sir."

"Yeah," he grinned, having successfully stolen a bite. "Cheese and potatoes are so refined. It's good, though."

Harry's stomach flipped as Daphne smiled joyfully at him, their meals forgotten for a moment. The pair joked back and forth as they ate, often turning to include Ron and Hermione or Astoria and Neville. It was a nice change to be able to eat with his girlfriend in the great hall, but he knew their group was receiving unhappy looks throughout the entirety of their meal.

He shook the attention away, though he was focused on the magic around them, unwilling to be caught unaware. Astoria sat across from him to his right, and Harry had a front row seat to her excitement. Ginny was a table down from Hermione, and seemed just as happy. He made a mental note to congratulate Neville and Blaise, but knew better than to expect the couples to move as quickly as he and Daphne had, if at all. As they moved to their desserts, Harry's stomach dropped as he saw Malfoy rise from his seat at the Slytherin table.

"Look alive, Nev," he whispered to his friend, glad to see the teen had already noticed and drawn his wand under the table.

Sure enough, the Slytherin headed their way, though Harry saw Snape stand from his seat as well. Malfoy approached with a sneer, but the effect was lessened by the snickering that followed him as the students saw the sign still spelled to his back.

"So this is who you choose over me," the arrogant blonde hissed. "A pathetic squib instead of a Malfoy… Unbelievable."

Harry forced his own response down, knowing this was Neville and Astoria's battle, but his muscles tensed in anticipation.

"I think she'd be better off with a single sock than a Malfoy," Neville answered easily, forcing a smile from his date.

"Hilarious," Draco countered dryly. "I'd mention how dangerous your attitude is, but after what happened to your grandmother, I assumed you'd understand."

Neville raged to his feet, his larger frame dwarfing the angry Slytherin. Draco seemed surprised by the size difference, and absentmindedly took a small step backwards to create space. Harry stood from his seat, though he hoped he wouldn't have to intervene.

"Draco," Neville whispered, more harshly than Harry believed possible from the normally gentle teen. "My Gran looked down your master's wand and told him to go fuck himself. If she isn't afraid of the almighty Lord Voldemort, what makes you think I'm scared of a pathetic excuse for a Malfoy? You're nothing to me. You're a waste of breath and space, and you'll learn that for yourself either right now, or sometime in the immediate future. I'm personally hoping for right now."

Draco was unprepared for the response, and his uncertainty showed in the flushing of his pale face. Unwilling to look a fool, however, he stepped forward and dropped his hand towards his wand.

"Draw it," Neville encouraged softly. "Please. It might ruin my date, but your regret will outweigh mine tenfold."

"By all means… it won't ruin my evening," Astoria promised, her wand in hand.

Malfoy's face flamed scarlet, his embarrassment obvious to the entire room. Neville's newfound refusal to be bullied had clearly shaken him, and he hesitated in response.

Neville scoffed dismissively as he returned to his seat. "Someone ask this prick about his father so he'll leave me alone."

Harry remained standing, incredibly proud of his friend's response, ready to step in if Crabbe and Goyle moved forward. He noticed Ron standing behind him, though the redhead seemed happy not to interfere. Malfoy took a quick glance around the room, storming away and through the doors without a backward look. Astoria grabbed Neville's hand as he did so, and Neville blushed at the action, his anger quickly turning to a shy smile.

Snape followed Draco out of the hall, and Harry and Ron returned to their seats. He smiled apologetically to Daphne, who countered with a raised eyebrow.

"You're lucky I'm yours," his girlfriend said with a smirk. "Because I'd be all over your friend after that."

"I might beat you to it," he grinned in response.

"We can hear you," Astoria whispered with a roll of her eyes.

"Then you know you have competition," Harry grinned. "Nev, say the word, and we'll run away together."

"I'm not big on people with messy hair..."

—

February 17, 1996

Remus sat behind Harry's desk, shuffling through mounds of paperwork looking for the one he required. Finding the update from Jim Griggs, he began copying the relevant information onto his notepad. The new alley was finally under construction, as the team wanted to be sure of what they needed from it before breaking ground. They planned for around twenty shopfronts, including five restaurants, with a large town hall and hospital on either end.

The school was a more complicated issue, but Jim had enlisted the help of some former primary school teachers to provide input. The plan was for an all-inclusive day school, teaching the muggle subjects the kids would need in the future, as well as the basics of the magical side of things. Charlie suggested starting small with room to build as they needed, but their growing numbers quickly proved 'small' was going to be a relative term.

Currently there were sixty children aged six to ten, with another twenty that would need the school in the coming year, and many more on the elves' lists. It was an exciting prospect for Remus, as he'd felt like an educator at heart since his time at Hogwarts, and he couldn't wait to get the planned institution up and running.

A knock on the office door broke his concentration, and he set the plans and his frustration aside.

"Come in."

The door opened quickly, Tonks entering with a tired smile and plopping onto a couch. Remus felt a brief flutter in his stomach at the sudden entrance, but forced the feeling away.

"Hello, Tonks."

"Hi, Remy. Whatcha doing?"

"Working on reports to share with Harry," he replied neutrally. "What can I do for you?"

"I have the evening off, and I was bored after ten minutes," she grinned, though her exhaustion was clear to see. "Figured I'd come see what you were up to."

Remus warmed at the thought, though he felt as confused as ever by the woman's attention.

"I'm nearly done here, but planned to head to Diagon afterwards. I need to restock some potion ingredients, and I don't trust the post office not to mishandle them."

"Then I'll come with," Tonks offered quickly. "I haven't left the village in weeks."

"I'm more than capable of handling it alone."

"But where's the fun in that? Take a girl out for a bite... I could use the distraction."

"We've talked about this."

"We have, and your excuses weren't acceptable to me."

"They weren't excuses. They were facts."

"And I'm supposed to care?" she asked frustratedly. "With everything else going on, everything that actually matters, I'm supposed to care that you have to lock yourself in a room once a month? Remus, I lock myself in my room once a week just to have some peace."

Remus felt torn at the response, knowing the woman was interested, but also sure that interest would eventually fade as it always had for him.

"If you don't take me, I'll owl Harry to say you're being rude."

"And I'm supposed to be scared by that?"

"Maybe not, but the twins consider him a close friend, and they're quickly growing bored in the village."

He couldn't help but shudder at the thought, knowing the pair were as creative as his group had been in their heyday.

"Bringing the twins into this is a low blow."

"So is blowing me off without a real reason. Just say you aren't interested and I'll go to bed."

"You look like you need it."

"What a lovely thing to hear!"

"I… I didn't mean it like that."

"Relax," Tonks countered with a grin. "You can make it up to me by taking me for a coffee. I'll help you carry your supplies afterwards."

"Let me tell Sirius," Remus relented with a sigh, his stomach fluttering again at the thought. "One coffee, and the apothecary."

"And maybe some dinner if the mood strikes."

"Fine."

"And dessert afterwards."

"Fine."

"And a movie..."

"You'd be asleep before the opening credits."

"Then we can watch one here," she answered brightly before turning serious. "I need a break, Remy, and you're the person I want it with. Please."

"I'm honored," Remus replied as seriously. "I know how busy you've been. Let me go tell Sirius I'm out for the evening."

Sirius' opinion of the possible relationship had shifted dramatically when Remus told him he had nothing to worry about. Instead of feeling protective of his cousin, he'd immediately been offended for her. He found the conflicted man in his office on the second floor, and entered without knocking.

"What's up, Moony?"

"I'm heading out with Tonks for the evening."

"Oh really? And you've come to ask her head of house for permission... How proper of you."

"I've come to tell her head of house to stick his permission up his ass," Remus countered with a smirk. "Just wanted to let you know."

He turned to leave, but Sirius quickly crossed the room to stand in front of the door.

"Give her a chance," he said softly. "I know you, and how you feel about dating, but Tonks clearly doesn't care. You deserve to be happy, and I think she'd keep you young."

"I can't promise anything, Padfoot," he replied seriously. "She's incredible, but I can't help how I feel about my lot in life."

"So damn negative all the time. Look, if you take her out tonight, and give it an honest try and still aren't interested, I'll leave it alone. Where are you taking her?"

"I need to stop by the apothecary."

"You're running errands on your first date?"

"No, I'm doing my job, and she asked to come. We'll grab some coffee or dinner while we're out."

"I'll place privacy charms on your room."

"You'll do no such thing," Remus argued, though he couldn't fight the blush at the thought. "If she's not dead on her feet we may watch a movie in the den, but my rooms don't need to be tampered with."

"I'll tell Daniel and Emily to steer clear."

Remus, feeling supremely uncomfortable by the lack of jokes from his friend, shook his head. His nerves were rising in a way he didn't enjoy, and a sudden thought flashed across his mind with a jolt.

"Sirius," he hissed urgently. "Go distract her for a few minutes... I haven't showered since training this morning."

"I was gonna say something," Sirius answered with a grin. "But I figured you were going for a pheromone thing."

"Just go talk to her, would you? I'll be back down in ten minutes."

—

Remus picked up his pre-ordered ingredients quickly, wanting to get into the muggle world as soon as possible. Tonks seemed happy to escape the tense alley, and the pair eventually found a Chinese restaurant. The food was great, but he was a bit blindsided by how comfortable her company felt. She was incredibly quick-witted, even while exhausted, and she seemed to treat everything like an adventure.

Remus knew his own life was far too serious at the moment, and that Tonks' was even moreso. He found himself smiling and laughing more and more throughout their time, however, and as he paid the bill, he realized he was reluctant for the night to end. Fortunately, she solved that problem for him, and offered to pick the movie since he paid the bill. The pair found a deserted alley, and apparated back to the entrance hall of the Manor.

"Winky be finished setting up the room, Mister Remus," the elf squeaked from the stairs.

"Er… Winky… who asked you to set anything up?" he asked, though he knew the answer.

"Mister Sirius be very specific."

"Thank you, Winky," Tonks interrupted with a grin. "I'm sure it's perfect. We won't need anything else from you, if you wanna go to bed."

"Winky be checking on Silly Dobby, but be listening if you need her."

The elf popped away and Remus slowly turned to Tonks, a horrified look on his face. She countered it with a laugh, brushing off his concern.

"Don't worry about it... I know how he is."

She led the way to the second floor and into the den, the pair briefly shocked by the transformation of the room. The entire floor was covered in rose petals, and Winky had somehow replicated the floating candles from Hogwarts. Soft music played in the background, and a bottle of champagne sat in a bucket of ice on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"I'm sorry," Remus began. "Sirius was always going to do something, and I made the mistake of giving him too much information."

"It's fine," she answered with a laugh. "You get rid of the flowers and the music, I'll pick the movie. Leave the candles, though. I love them."

Remus bemusedly moved to do so, impressed by her ability to shrug off embarrassment. He turned the overhead lights off in the room, the effect of the candles growing impressively. Tonks inspected their bookshelf full of VHS tapes, and quickly found one she thought appropriate.

"Teen Wolf," she said with a joking smile, turning to present the film to him.

"Seen it, unfortunately" he countered with a grin of his own.

"Lucky you."

She picked a movie at random, inserting it into the VCR expertly.

"You've done this before," Remus noted as he sat on the couch.

"Of course! The obnoxious purebloods don't know what they're missing. I even had cable tv in my old apartment... Now lay down."

Remus did so, though he couldn't help the confused expression that appeared on his face.

"You were right about how tired I am," Tonks admitted with a smile. "And that couch looks wide enough..."

She climbed over him nimbly, and Remus tensed at the closeness. She squeezed into the space between his body and the back of the couch, resting her head on his chest.

"Now you enjoy whatever movie I picked, and I'm gonna drool on your shirt."

"Tonks, I can walk you back to your house…"

"Do you want to?" she asked, snuggling closer into him.

"Not really," he admitted with a grin, though he knew he'd feel guilty later.

"Then shut up, Remy."

She looked up at him, and his butterflies returned at the sight of her smile. He returned it, and she lightly kissed his chest in response before resettling. His guess that she'd be asleep before the opening credits proved correct, but he wasn't willing to wake her to celebrate the victory.

A/N: I've read plenty of Tonks/other fics, and I've enjoyed many of them, but for some reason, Tonks/Remus just makes me happy. They are two of my favorite characters, and both deserve someone good. I'll NEVER FORGIVE JKR for how they died in such an unemotional way in canon… Two incredible characters, let's just make them a brief footnote!

Anyway… thanks for reading!