A Godfather's Vow Chapter 8 (Patreon)

Chapter 8: Tonks

Little had changed since her time at Hogwarts. The Thestral-drawn carriages stood on the dirt path next to Hogsmeade station, ready to transport them to the castle. Thoughts weighed heavily on her mind as they exited the station and walked to the waiting carriages. Ron and Hermione had made brief appearances near the very end of their train ride, only to disappear again as the train pulled into the station to help Hagrid corral the first years onto boats. Ron’s behaviour in the short time he’d spent with Daphne had been surprising. Friendly rivalries had existed between the different houses during her time at Hogwarts, but no one had hated someone simply because they wore a uniform of the wrong colour. She had thought to ask Harry about it as they left the station, but decided against it. Harry, feeling forced to choose between his best friend and the girl he liked, was the last thing she wanted. Little had changed since her time at Hogwarts, yet everything felt different. 

“Tonks?” Daphne poked her head out of the carriage window. “Are you coming? Harry’s worried you changed your mind.”

“Am not!” Harry shouted from within the carriage.

“Don’t worry. He doesn’t get off that easily.” Tonks grinned and took the offered hand to hoist herself into the seat opposite the one Harry and Daphne occupied. “Now, isn’t this a pretty sight?”

Daphne leaned away from Harry and pulled her arms closer, crossing her hands over her lap. She straightened, stiff as a board, and glared at Tonks. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t listen to her.”

“No, Harry, I’m curious. What did your girlfriend mean by that statement?” Daphne asked, narrowing her eyes.

“It’s a beautiful night, the full moon is shining, and a cool breeze is blowing. A pretty sight. Almost makes you want to hop down and walk to the castle.”

“A splendid suggestion,” Daphne shot back, her face remaining impassive in response to Tonks’ grin. “I might take it.”

“A young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be walking alone. You never know what might happen. Harry will accompany you.”

“I will?”

“I can take care of myself,” Daphne said sweetly. “And Harry too, if needed.”

“Oh, mon ami,” Tonks drawled, unbothered by the weak taunt. She could see Daphne’s heart wasn’t in it. The blonde could have chosen much more hurtful words if she had truly wanted to hurt her. “I’m counting on it.”

Daphne’s cheeks turned pink, then crimson. She leaned back into the seat with a quiet huff and crossed her arms over her chest. Turning away from them, she resolutely stared out the window, clearly intent on ignoring them.

“So, uh-” Harry cleared his throat. “The carriages are different this year. I wonder why?”

“What do you mean, Harry?” Tonks asked with a gentle smile. Her sweet man, always uncomfortable to see a lady in distress, and so unsubtle about it. 

“The horses. Never had those before. I wonder why they added them? Hopefully they’re not Hagrid’s new pets.”

“The Thestrals? Nahhhh.” Tonks rolled the word on her tongue. Daphne was still ignoring them, but she’d seen her ears perk when Harry spoke. Poor girl, down bad and no idea how to deal with it. She wondered what it felt like to be that repressed. If Daphne was any indication of the norm, and the Black family were the biggest puritans in pureblood society, no wonder her mother’s sisters turned out to be miserable nutcases. “They’ve always been there,” she added, turning her attention back to Harry.

“Really? Didn’t see them last year. I wonder why. Maybe they were sick or something.”

“Harry, you can only see Thestrals after you’ve witnessed death,” Tonks said kindly. “I can see them because I was with an Auror when he passed. You… I think you can see them now because of Cedric,” she said softly, knowing it was still a sore topic with her boyfriend. The nightmares had stopped, but she knew the pain would take longer to heal. 

“Oh.” Harry visibly deflated. “But I saw my mother die,” he said softly. “I can hear her voice in my nightmares. Why couldn’t I see them before?”

“I don’t think you did, Harry. I think you just heard her. I think Cedric was the first time you saw someone die. I’m sorry.” Tonks reached out and grasped Harry’s knee. “Thestrals get a bad rep, but my mother always told me that they contain a piece of everyone who has passed in this world. They’re gentle creatures. Being around them reminds us that death isn’t the end.”

“But it still hurts. And you’re allowed to be sad,” Daphne said quietly. She reached out and grasped Harry’s hand. “You’re allowed to grieve in whatever way works for you. Are the nightmares back?”

Harry shook his head. He hesitated for a second, then leaned into Daphne’s side. She looped an arm around his shoulder and laid her chin on his head, letting him rest against her shoulder. “Not really.”

“What about the headaches?”

“Still there. I tried the potion you sent me. Didn’t help.”

“Don’t worry,” Daphne whispered. “We’ll figure it out.” Her gaze shifted to Tonks for a brief second. “Does being around Tonks help?”

Harry shook his head. “They’ve been bad all summer, but they’ve gotten worse since the dementors attacked.”

“Is it still a dull aching pain with occasional sharp jolts?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.” Daphne sighed and leaned back into the seat. She looked at Tonks, who responded with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Tonks and I will figure out what’s going on in that head.”

“Tonks?”

“Yes, love?” Tonks asked. She pulled herself onto the opposite seat and wrapped her arms around Harry as well, trapping him between herself and Daphne. “I’m right here.”

“No inappropriate jokes?”

“That’s not all I have to offer, you know?” Tonks kissed his temple. “You’ll be okay. Come on, I think we’ve reached Hogwarts,” Tonks said as the carriage shuddered to a halt. She pushed open the door and hopped to the ground, mud squelching loudly beneath her boots. Tiny flecks splashed everywhere, including on Daphne’s cloak. “Sorry,” Tonks said in response to Daphne’s glare.

“This is cashmere, Tonks,” Daphne hissed.

“Not Tonks.” Tonks turned to Harry. “Not Nymphadora or Nym, either. Remember, I’m Aurelia St. Clair.”

“Well, Miss St. Clair, this is cashmere!”

“Why’re you wearing a cashmere cloak to the Welcome Feast?”

“All my cloaks are cashmere.”

“Fuck, you’re a rich brat. Just use a cleaning spell.”

“You can’t use an ordinary spell on cashmere!” Daphne said with a scandalised expression.”You’re an uncultured grungehead.”

“Ladies!” Harry yelled, physically pushing himself between the two women.

“Oi! Harry! Are you and the ladies coming? You’ll miss all the good food!” Fred yelled.

“Coming!” Harry shouted back. “Come on.”

Harry offered his arm to Tonks, who happily locked her arm with his. She noticed that he was still holding Daphne’s hand, and that she didn’t make any effort to pull it free as they walked towards the castle. They already loved each other, even if they were still in denial about it. Engineering a confession would not be as difficult as she had originally envisioned. Her thoughts were pulled away from the beautiful mystery that was love as they entered the Atrium. Seated at the high table with the rest of the teachers was a familiar figure wearing a bright pink cardigan.

“Fuck me,” Tonks swore under her breath. Raising her voice, she said, “Harry, I think Neville wants to talk to you.”

“Me?” Harry turned to where Neville was standing and waved. The round-faced boy waved in response. “Oh, okay. I’ll be back.”

Tonks reached out and grabbed Daphne’s arm, stopping her from walking into the Great Hall. Such familiarity was unwise even if she wasn’t in disguise; given her current get-up, it was downright foolhardy. She was met with raised eyebrows and a guarded expression. 

“Sorry,” she said quickly. “This can’t wait. I need you to sit with Harry and walk with him to his dormitory.”

“This is a misguided attempt to force us together,” Daphne hissed. “It will backfire. Have you lost your mind?”

“I’m not playing games right now, Daphne,” Tonks replied in a deathly calm voice. She rarely used it, but when she did, those who knew her usually realised they had to trust her. That, unfortunately, was not the case with Daphne. The blonde’s expression did not change, causing her to sigh and point at the teacher’s table. “Umbridge is here.”

“What’s she doing here?” Daphne followed Tonk’s finger, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the familiar and unwelcome face. “Fudge wants a spy in Hogwarts?”

“Probably. But someone in the Ministry also warned me that he’s not done with Harry. You need to make sure he doesn’t do anything rash during and after the feast. If I’m sorted into Hufflepuff again, I’ll need to sit at the Hufflepuff table tonight to keep up appearances.”

Tonks knew Daphne was smart enough to understand what she meant. A new student not sitting with her House the night she was sorted would be odd enough, but if she accompanied Harry to Gryffindor instead of following the prefects to her ‘new’ dormitory, everyone would talk. She didn’t need any extra attention on her and Harry’s relationship. 

“Ron and Hermione will take care of Harry,” Daphne said, chewing on her lip.

“They’re prefects. They won’t be with Harry after the feast,” Tonks pointed out. She knew Daphne was smart enough to know everything she was saying, but if hearing someone else say it helped, she was happy to oblige. “I don’t mess around with Harry’s safety. No games. Keep him far away from that woman, please,” Tonks said urgently, watching Professor McGonagall approach them from the corner of her eye.

“Miss St. Clair,” Professor McGonagall said loudly. “Please come with me. It is time for your sorting.”

Tonks glanced at Daphne and nodded before following Professor McGonagall into the small antechamber attached to the Great Hall.

“Feeling confident?” Professor McGonagall asked. “I’m sure Hufflepuff will appreciate a steady hand like yours this year.”

“You’re glad that I’m back.” Tonks grinned. “It’s that bad, huh?”

“You have a good heart, Nymphadora,” Professor McGonagall smiled. She paused, then added, “Try to keep your extracurricular proclivities to a minimum this time.”

Tonks grinned and allowed the older woman to usher her into the Great Hall. Nothing had changed since her time at Hogwarts. Most students at the four long tables paid little attention to her. Tonks glanced at Umbridge as she sat on the chair in front of the teacher’s table. The woman was staring ahead with a placid expression and did not appear to be interested in her in the slightest. Good.

She closed her eyes as the tattered hat was placed on her head. Her memories of her original interaction with the hat were fuzzy. He had been kind to her, unlike with some others-

“I’m always kind, young lady!” The sharp voice echoed in her head. “Back again, eh?”

Yep. You’re in my head, right? So you already know everything.

“Yes,” the hat sighed. “Such fierce determination to protect a loved one. You’re perhaps the finest Hufflepuff I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in a very long time.”

I’m also brave.

“I don’t deny that. I see what you want. You’re brave, yes, but Gryffindor isn’t the right house for you.”

Does it matter? I’ll only be here for a year. I need to be in Gryffindor.

“I can’t go against the magic that binds me, girlie,” the hat sighed. “I must choose the House I think you’d fit best in.”

That’d be Gryffindor.

“Oh? Convince me.”

You’re right. I’m the perfect Hufflepuff or whatever. I normally wouldn’t be a good fit in Gryffindor. But I’m brave enough to ask for it anyway. I’ve always been kind, but I’m choosing to be brave now. I’m scared of losing Harry, but I’m still letting myself love him. I’m worried about leaving my cousin alone, but here I am, despite my fears. This entire year, I’ve chosen to be brave. Isn’t that what you look for in a Gryffindor? 

“That is true,” the hat mused. “Perhaps you are correct. Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs are very alike in temperament.”

I’ve always thought sorting students was a mistake. 

“Perhaps. But we all live with the burden of our pasts, Nymphadora.” The hat was silent for a brief second. “GRYFFINDOR!”

Tonks grinned. She allowed Professor McGonagall to pull the hat off her head, then skipped towards the Gryffindor table to raucous cheers. Ignoring the spots cleared by several overeager boys (and girls), she sauntered over to where Daphne was sitting and poked her shoulder until the girl reluctantly shifted closer to Harry and made space for her. The sorting of the new first years had begun, but she (and many others) paid little attention to it. 

“Don’t you want to sit next to Harry?” Daphne asked quietly.

“Not particularly.” Tonks managed to seat herself without tripping, only for her efforts to be ruined as her hand slipped and sent a bowl full of mashed potatoes tumbling to the ground. “Shit,” she whispered under her breath, glancing at the stone floor. Her cloak was splattered with potatoes, and she was no good at cleaning charms. She cleared the glass shards and potato off the floor and left it at that.

“You’re making quite the impression,” Daphne said mildly. “So much so that barely anyone has noticed a Slytherin is sitting at their table.”

“Would they say anything even if they had noticed?” Tonks asked, flicking a speck of potato off her lap. “Everyone’s terrified of you.”

“Who said that?” Daphne pretended to be nonchalant, but the barely perceptible twitch of her eyebrows gave away her curiosity. She glanced at Harry for a brief second. He was engrossed in a conversation with Neville and paid them no attention. “Was it Harry?”

“Yes, but he doesn’t understand why.” Tonks bit into a chicken nugget. For someone who’d grown used to boiled eggs and instant ramen, the thought of a whole year of amazing meals was a welcome one. “He thinks you’re the nicest girl he’s ever met.”

“Stop putting words in his mouth,” Daphne retorted primly. She straightened her back and picked up her knife and fork, using them to cut tiny bites of roast chicken. “I doubt he said that.”

“Not in so many words. But he did tell me he liked spending time with you. You’re too smart to think he actually needs medical attention for every little cut and sprain.”

“He’s-” Daphne paused, fork hung mid-air. “He’s terrible at taking care of himself and prone to getting stuck in dangerous situations. That is not a good combination. I simply give him the same care I would every other patient.”

“So you spend hours at the bedside of every patient talking about everything under the sun? Seems inefficient, if you ask me,” Tonks said as she licked her fingers clean.

“What’re you talking about?” Harry interjected, having finally finished his conversation with Neville. 

“Miss St. Clair’s terrible table manners,” Daphne answered before Tonks could speak. “Everyone is staring at her.”

“I don’t think that’s because she’s making a mess of those chicken wings, Daph. Besides, she’s not the only one people are staring at, and I see no issues with your table manners.”

“Men were not built to handle this much blonde sexiness at the same spot, Harry dear. Don’t mind them,” Tonks grinned. 

“You’re disgusting.”

“Do you deny that you’re sexy, Daphne Greengrass?”

“I think it's none of your business, Miss St. Clair.”

“You two argue like an old married couple.”

“Oh? Is that so, Harry? Do you know anyone else who argues this sweetly with ickle Daphnekins?” Tonks asked sweetly. “I think insults are Miss Greengrass’s love language. I wonder who else she insults on a regular basis.”

Daphne elbowed Tonks’ side, causing the metamorphmagus to scowl and wiggle away from her new friend. She tried to lightly stomp on Daphne’s foot, only for the blonde girl to pull it away at the last minute. She easily parried Daphne’s subsequent attack, and before long, the two girls were engaged in a light-hearted game of footsie.

“Hush, you two,” Hermione cut in tersely. The brunette and Ron had shifted to occupy the empty spaces on the opposite bench. Ron looked up, only to shrug and return to his plate of food as Hermione added, “Professor Dumbledore is going to speak.”

Tonks, Harry, and Daphne glanced at Hermione, then turned to the golden dais in front of the teacher’s table. Dumbledore was standing behind it, surveying the Great Hall with a serene expression. After a minute, he raised his wand, and the resulting bang echoed through the cavernous room. All conversation ceased abruptly, and nearly everyone turned to look at the headmaster.

“I apologise,” Professor Dumbledore said calmly. “I would normally not use such drastic measures, but it is important that I have your undivided attention for the next few minutes. We return after a difficult year. It was not too long ago that we lost one of our own. While the wound may heal, it will take a while for the pain to subside.”

Dumbledore paused at the sound of a loud sob from the Ravenclaw table. A pretty Asian girl was furiously dabbing her eyes with a purple handkerchief. Cedric’s girlfriend, Tonks thought with a sigh. Harry had told her she’d taken his death especially hard. Poor girl. Tonks wondered how she was faring now. Not well, by the looks of things.

“While grief is natural and healthy, we must not give in to despair,” Dumbledore said softly. “These are dark times. Our courage will be tried in more ways than one. Only together shall we triumph. In the coming-”

“Hem. Hem.”

“In the coming days-”

“Hem. Hem.”

This time, instead of continuing, Professor Dumbledore turned to look at Umbridge. He was not the only one. Nearly every teacher was staring at the short woman with looks of undisguised loathing.

“Is something the matter, Professor Umbridge?” Dumbledore asked courteously.

“I would like to speak, headmaster,” Umbridge simpered with an artificial smile plastered on her face. 

“Only the headmaster has the privilege to address the students at the welcome feast,” Professor McGonagall interjected coldly.

“Professor McGonagall must absolutely loathe her,” Daphne whispered. “I’ve never seen her act improperly before tonight.”

Tonks nodded. Whatever their personal feelings, teachers had never contradicted each other in front of students during her time at Hogwarts. It was clear the same courtesy would not be extended to Umbridge. She wondered why the Minister had sent his most disliked crony to Hogwarts. Was his fear of Harry and Dumbledore so great? 

By the time Tonks returned her attention to the dais, words had clearly been exchanged. Professor Dumbledore was seated in his high chair once more, placidly surveying the hall. Umbridge was behind the dais, tapping her finger on the polished wood as she waited for the commotion to die down. Her smile didn’t waver for a second.

“Professor Dumbledore is correct. This is indeed a dark time. The Ministry is concerned, and the Minister of Magic has taken personal interest in the situation.”

“Has Fudge had a change of heart?” Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes. 

“Pigs will fly before that happens,” Daphne said.

“What’s she talking about, then?”

“I guess we’re about to find out,” Tonks said, reaching out to pat Hermione’s arm.

“The falling academic standards at Hogwarts portend a dark future for our standing in the wizarding world. The Minister is concerned about the deficiencies at Hogwarts. He has exercised his powers as laid out in the founding charter for the school and appointed me as the High Inquisitor. I shall fulfil those responsibilities in addition to teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.”

“What’s a High Inquisitor?”

“Someone who investigates, innit?”

“Very helpful, Ron,” Harry responded caustically.

“A made-up role with made-up powers that’ll allow her to spy on whatever she wants, if I had to guess,” Daphne muttered. 

“As part of my role, I shall investigate and correct deficiencies wherever I find them in this castle. From the moral turpitude of students to the academic deficiencies of the teachers. Everything will be scrutinised and rectified.” Umbridge kept looking at the students, clearly waiting for something that was not going to come. Her smile never wavered one bit, and she appeared (or pretended) to be completely oblivious to the hatred radiating from the people behind her.

“Oh.” Daphne smacked her lips. It was so unlike her that everyone turned to look at her. “This is so much worse.”

“I don’t see how this is any worse than what we were imagining.”

“Spying is passive, Hermione,” Daphne said, using her fork to spear the chicken on her plate with unnecessary force. “Fudge doesn’t just want her here to keep an eye on Professor Dumbledore or Harry. Now I see why he sent her. It had to be someone truly vile. He wants her to make the students as miserable as possible and beat out any imaginary resistance he thinks is brewing at Hogwarts.”

“She’s gone,” Tonks murmured. Umbridge had returned to her seat at the teacher’s table. Every teacher was fastidiously ignoring her, even Snape. Her smile was still plastered on her face, but the slight narrowing of her eyebrows and rigid posture made it clear to Tonks that she was not happy. “I don’t think she expected this reaction. She’s either disappointed that her little speech wasn’t well-received or angry that it didn’t have a bigger impact on the students. If you’re correct, Daphne, and she’s been sent here to beat out resistance in the students, she’s off to a poor start.”

“How do you know all this?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Daphne’s good at understanding the politics of a situation, and I’m good at reading people. She’s pissed,” Tonks answered with a shrug. She refused to elaborate and navigated the conversation to safer waters. She understood Hermione’s curiosity, but worrying about something out of their control would do none of them any good. Instead, she spent her time talking about potions with Hermione, leaving Ron to his food and Harry and Daphne to their verbal sparring. It was quite adorable, watching Daphne fuss over her boyfriend like she was born to do it.

“No, Harry. You don’t get the entire tart,” Daphne said, slapping Harry’s hand away once the main courses had been replaced with desserts. “It’s bad for you.”

“Treacle tart is bad for you?” Ron asked with a full mouth. He seemed to have gotten over his initial objection to Daphne’s presence, and had settled for a policy of ignoring her presence.

“Everything in excess is bad for you,” Daphne said. Her expression hadn’t changed, but the slight flaring of her nostrils betrayed her disgust. “One slice. I know you’ve missed eating proper desserts, but you’ll thank me tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, mother,” Harry groaned. He patiently allowed Daphne to cut a slice for him, digging into it once she had carefully placed it on his plate. “Thank you!”

Daphne, for her part, arranged a few strawberries carefully on her empty plate and drizzled chocolate sauce on them. She stiffened when Tonks leaned in.

“Kiss his cheek,” Tonks whispered.

“What?” Daphne hissed.

“Kiss his cheek before it’s too late and things get awkward. You wanted my advice, I’m giving it.”

“What’re you talking about?” Hermione asked.

“Just apologising for accidentally stepping on Daphne’s cloak,” Tonks lied smoothly. “It’s cashmere, you know?”

Daphne’s glare would have felled a normal person. It had no effect on Tonks. The blonde huffed and turned to Harry, leaning in for a quick peck. Her lips barely touched his cheek before she withdrew, struggling to maintain her composure. “You’re welcome,” she squeaked.

“I’d never have pegged the Ice Queen for a domestic goddess,” Tonks said.

“A proper woman is always prepared to care for her loved ones,” Daphne answered primly.

“Is that so?”

Daphne squeaked and practically buried her face in her plate, busying herself with the strawberries. No one got another word out of her until the end of the meal. She followed the group of Gryffindors out of the Great Hall, visibly wilting at the sight of her sister and best friend, both of whom sported identical grins. 

“Uhm,” Daphne vacillated. “I should go. Tori and Tracey are waiting.”

“Thank you for sitting with us tonight,” Harry said. “I know it wasn’t easy. People will talk.”

“I don’t care what people think.” Daphne shrugged, some of her confidence returning. “I’m just glad you’re happy,” she added shyly. She squeaked and froze when Harry pulled her into a quick hug, and had to be pulled back into reality by Tonks discreetly pinching her side. 

“Want to do this more often?”

“I’d love to, Harry,” Daphne answered. “Can Tori and Tracey join us? I’d invite you all to the Slytherin table but I think that’d go over poorly.”

“Of course.”

Daphne beamed and practically skipped over to her sister, behaviour that was so unusual that it attracted stares from more than one person.

Hermione and Ron had already left, leaving Tonks alone with Harry. While people still stared, most gave her and Harry a wide berth. She preferred it that way. It let her talk to him without having to pretend they were just friends. His hand brushed against hers as they climbed onto a moving staircase. She almost grabbed it and laced their fingers together, stopping herself just in time. Keeping up appearances was going to be harder than she had originally anticipated.

“So, what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Daphne.” Tonks gratefully accepted his help in hopping from one staircase to another. With her coordination, there was always the risk of plummeting to the floor. 

“She’s a good-”

“Harry,” Tonks interrupted. She had no intention to play along with their intentional obtuseness. It was stupid and counterproductive. “I know you well enough by now to know when you’re lying. Don’t insult me.”

“Sorry.” Harry’s cheeks turned pink. “I didn’t mean to.”

“I know you didn’t.” Tonks quickly squeezed his hand. “You’re forgiven. Now, the truth, please.”

“I like her. She’s smart and funny and always makes me laugh,” Harry mumbled shyly.

“And the arguing?”

“I don’t think she knows any other way to communicate.” Harry shrugged. He hopped from the staircase as it shuddered to a halt on the seventh floor and helped Tonks do the same. “She doesn’t like all the touchy feely stuff.”

“Pureblood girls,” Tonks grinned. “Always so repressed. What do you plan to do?” They paused in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, who surveyed them with interest.

“New student?”

“That’s correct. Recent transfer from Beauxbatons, miss,” Tonks replied with an angelic smile. “Has anyone told you what a beauty you are?”

“Oh, hush!” The Fat Lady tittered. “You’re too kind. The password is ‘felicitas’. The prefects will inform you in case it is changed.” Her portrait swung outward, revealing the entrance to the cosy Gryffindor common room.

“So, Daphne?” Tonks pressed as they entered Gryffindor tower together. “What do you plan to do?” Harry stood rooted in place, mulling the question. He was thinking so hard, Tonks could practically see gears turning in his head. “There’s a right answer, Harry. Answer carefully,” she said. 

“Ask her out? I think she likes me too. Is that what you’re implying?”

“Good man,” Tonks smiled. She resisted the urge to kiss him. “She’ll never be as direct as me, so you’ll need to take the first step. Forget about it for now, though. Go spend some time with Ron and Hermione. You’ve hardly talked to them today,” Tonk said, nodding in the direction of his friends. They were seated in armchairs close to the fireplace and waving at them. 

“What about you?”

“I’m tired,” Tonks said, feigning a yawn. “I’ll meet you here at eight, okay? We can go down to the Great Hall for breakfast together.”

“Goodnight.” Harry leaned in, but was stopped by her discreetly placed hand on his shoulder. 

“Incognito, remember? You’re courting Nymphadora Tonks and soon you’ll be courting Daphne Greengrass. We don’t need people talking about your mystery French paramour.”

“Gotcha.” Harry gave her a playful little bow. “Goodnight, Miss St. Clair.”

“Goodnight, Master Potter,” Tonks responded with a grin. She slipped away from him and made her way to her assigned dormitory. It was empty, which suited her just fine. She didn’t plan to stay in it for too long. She walked to her bed and pulled the curtains around it to block her from view by anyone unexpectedly entering the room. Her uniform was shed within seconds, and replacing it was a simple long black cloak. She picked up her wand and cast a disillusionment charm on herself before carefully fixing her wand in her hair. 

Tonks peeked through the gap between two curtains to ensure no one was around before slipping out. The journey down the stairs and across the common room took an eternity. She was confident in her disillusionment charm, but less confident in her ability to navigate a crowded common room without incident. The last thing she needed was to knock something over or bump into someone while invisible. She breathed a sigh of relief when she reached the staircase leading to Harry’s dormitory without doing either. It took her three tries, but she eventually found the right room and Harry’s bed. 

The dormitory was dark, empty, and silent. A toad croaked without warning, causing Tonks to trip and land face-first onto the carpet-covered floor.

“Ow,” she muttered, rubbing her forehead. She glared at the offending creature. It stared into the distance with an empty expression, unaware of her presence. “I hate toads. There better be silencing charms around Harry’s bed,” she muttered to herself.

Tonks shut the curtains around her boyfriend’s bed before shedding the cloak she wore. She pulled her wand free from her hair and carefully set it on the nightstand, next to a picture of James and Lily. Looking at them caused an unexpected pang of pain to seize her chest. 

“I promise Harry will have the life you wanted for him,” she whispered as she climbed onto the bed. She reverted to her typical appearance before wriggling under the blanket. Turning in the direction of the door, she propped her head on her hand and waited for her boyfriend’s arrival with not a stitch of clothing on her body.

Notes:

Ayo, look who's back after Christmas, bringing back new chapters of old fan favourites? I think this story is particularly well-received because it's a rare pair from me. I rarely write Harry and Tonks material, but I do enjoy it in this story. Harry and Daphne are mainstays for me, as you well know by now. I hope everyone had a good holiday, with fun, food, and cheer. The last pairing in this story is supposed to be Pansy, which is another rare pair for me. But, I think you will enjoy what I have in store!