Senses working overtime
Trying to taste the difference,
'tween a lemon and a lime,
Pain and the pleasure,
And the church bells softly chime.
Monday, July 30 :: Early evening

---

Benefit of being the new boss: Playing hooky was completely without risk.

Penalty of being the boss: Taking off early came after a couple of days working overtime with the new recruits and trying to get the Station back to a semi-useful state after a couple years of neglect.

A few stores in Hogsmeade and London should have been delighted with the orders Tonks had made to restock the storerooms. The Station's budget overage had been approved right off, which was just as well; as it was Tonks was supremely proud of her determination that no matter what, she would not be asking the Minister what pet project the funds that should have been spent on Hogsmeade Station all along had gone to when she encountered him at Wilson's funeral service Thursday morning.

Scrimegour was Shacklebolt's project, not hers, although she'd help if she could. More importantly, the town was in her hands now.

( Merlin help it.Collapse )

How did you survive all those fires and floods?
Saturday, July 21 :: Afternoon

---

Not too long ago Tonks wanted more than anything to get into this room. She wasn't a stickler for order or anything, but the state of Wilson's office went past a bit mussed into an outright detriment to anything they wanted to do.

He'd even had charms put on so the paper-airplane memos she sent never made it to him; they flew off to who knew where.

Nothing to keep her out of the supervisor's office now, though.

Tonks had made a couple of borderline-insubordinate comments this morning when Kingsley, who'd come up from London himself to direct the aftermath of last night's debacle, had suggested she go home and get some sleep after the initial interview were over.

( It felt like the war again.Collapse )

If you could save me
From the ranks of the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone
Thursday, July 12 • Evening

---

Nymphadora Tonks had argued with herself all day.

You know you're going to throw yourself into this and be in over your head before you know it. Why not go slow this time? Because it's Bill, and I know him and ... What if he's just being gentlemanly and "sure, I'm interested in you" because of the moon and now it's "oops, I seem to have spent all night shagging you, so the polite thing to do is go for a bite to eat"? ... How about you stop worrying and just have some fun? Because that's what got me in trouble last time. ... Yeah, but we're both older now, smarter, and we're not going to end up not-friends over this.

All in all, dwelling over Bill, what had happened and what might happen if things went well tonight was definitely more interesting than spending all day worrying about the inquiry, which had gone surprisingly OK if "saying exactly what you thought and maybe torpedoing your career again, but pfft, this time you didn't do anything at all wrong, so suck it, Scrimmy" was going OK.

So Tonks was chuffed by the time she got home to get ready, her customary optimism in place. Heck, even the charms to keep her stocking seams up and straight seemed to be working, which was a minor miracle in and of itself.

( Until she hit a roadblock.Collapse )

I would just like to go on record as saying I still think this is a bad idea.
Saturday, June 30th - Afternoon

---

Somehow, when the matter had been broached at Malfoy's party the night before, Bill hadn't been able to come up with a good enough excuse to keep Tonks away for the night.

No, he hadn't actually ever hurt anyone - that he could remember. There were a handful of moons he had managed to drink himself into such a stupor that he really didn't have a clue what had happened the next morning, other than the hangover. But that didn't mean the urge to break things, and people, hadn't been there.

That's why he'd kept Fleur away. Hell, that's why he kept just about everyone away, other than a few nights spent in the company of Chuckles, but Bill knew Charlie could take care of himself if something were to happen. The man dealt with dragons, for Merlin's sake.

( Read more...Collapse )

WWN Broadcast
Friday, June 29th ~ Evening

---

"- I had know that was all it would take to keep that hag Witherpool off my case and away from my stories, I would have volunteered to bring lunch for everyone before. It is not my fault she's got a thing for chicken salad. How was I supposed to know you aren't supposed to use the entire - What? - What do you mean I'm on the air? Already? Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"This is Rita Skeeter live in the gardens of the Black Orchid Hotel - which is the closest I can get thanks to security and that restraining order. That sound you hear is an almost tribal rhythm emanating from the hotel ballroom."

The noise grew momentarily louder before being drowned out by the unmistakable sounds of snapping twigs and a whispered curse. "They nearly saw me that time."

"Almost a primal beat, primal enough to remind this reporter of the events that occurred in that very ballroom just a few short months ago. Will tonight's festivities end in yet another veil of silence, much like the day after the Valentine's Ball and the rumored, yet sadly unsubstantiated, orgy that may or may not have taken place?"

"As always, ladies and gentlemen, WWN is always interested in the comments and concerns of our listeners. More importantly, if you personally witnessed a sensational bit of scandal, owl me, Rita Skeeter, care of the WWN. The Wizarding Wireless Network now returns you to our regularly scheduled programing."

And so it begins.
Sunday, June 10th - Early Afternoon

---

Bill Apparated to Glen Hollow, one arm full of the carefully wrapped package, the other wrapped firmly around Tonks for a Side-Along Apparation.

Little had he known back when Tonks had told him about Longbottom's suspected fate - so that he could be ready in case Ginny needed comforting or a big brother's hold to keep her from going after someone for revenge - that he would be end up in the thick of everything.

"Remember, officially, I was just doing a favor for a friend when I agreed to look it over. Harry didn't go through Gringotts, and they could have my job if they thought I was doing paid, freelance work. If you weren't you, Nymph, I wouldn't even have told you what I found because it's Potter's, not mine, but this is big and - Oh, crap, this is big, isn't it?"

He knocked on the door once more, hoping the Potters were home and that someone would answer soon enough. The package was giving him the creeps, making the short hairs on his neck stand on end.

No, my child, this is not my desire
and then she said,
I'm digging for fire
Wednesday, May 30 :: Early evening

---

It was obvious in retrospect that her lease had one or two loopholes you could ride a hippogriff through. The wizened old witch who was the owner of the building in which Tonks had found a flat had come by just as Tonks was about to go up to the roof to enjoy the warm weather and fix a bite to eat.

Plans had quickly changed.

Fire hazard my arse.

She grumbled a bit and adjusted the paper sack in her arms to rest on her hip while she knocked on the door of Bill's cabin.

This is the night, it's a beautiful night and they call it Bella Notte
May 18th, Early Evening

---

One thing he could say with certainty, Charlie preferred going out on Friday night with Anne to working in the club. The club owner was sorry to see him go but Charlie no longer needed the money since Chauncy wasn't in the equation.

Charlie smiled down at Anne as he opened the door for her, thrilled that she was giving him a chance to make amends although it would be a bit hard to revert to hands off after their one morning together but he could do that. She was worth doing that.

It keeps coming up anyhow
Don't decoy, avoid, or make void the topic
'Cuz that ain't gonna stop it
Sunday, May 6 :: Morning

---

Sunlight tried to filter into Tonks' consciousness, but she was having none of it.

She'd kicked the covers off of her, as was her wont, and the dream with the ... was it a jungle? With an anaconda, or a tree branch, or something on her shoulders and anyway it went away for a while and now it was back but it was comfortable so she wasn't fighting it any longer.

"Mmmnph. Later."

Tonks stretched a bit, then turned over toward the center of the bed. She tightened her grip on the pillow under her head.

"Waffles?" she mumbled to herself.

If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.
- Abraham Sutzkever
Saturday, May 5th ~ Afternoon

---

Roger grabbed a bottle of ale and set the broom he had just dismounted carefully aside. Looking around he couldn't keep the grin off his face. Some friends, a picnic, a few rounds of Quidditch, and a cold ale to drink - there was no better way to celebrate your birthday in his opinion.

And the best was yet to come.

Roger made his way over to Vera, thinking of the surprise he had enlisted the house elves help in setting up back in his quarters. Roger couldn't stop smiling as he plopped down next to his - hopefully - future wife and gave her a kiss.

"And what have you been up to?"

I should really be getting paid for this.
Tuesday, May 1st ~ Early Afternoon

---

The one good thing about Bill's "condition" was the way he could say he was taking the afternoon off for personal reasons, add a glare or two, and get away without having to answer any questions. All it took today was one quick glance at the calendar by his boss, and there was a flurry of hand waving and "We'll see you on Thursday." Not that Bill made a habit of using the moon as an excuse to play hooky, but the goblins knew he was good for making up the missed time, and letting him go saved the entire department being forced to walk on eggshells in case his temper decided to flare up.

( Read more...Collapse )

Is this official business?
Monday, April 23rd - Early Evening

---

Severus heard the bell over the shoppe door tinkle, and ignored it for the moment. The small vial of Re'em blood had cost more than the Apothecary earned in a week, and he wasn't about to risk spoilage by not storing it correctly. He carefully inspected the seal to make sure it was air tight, and set the vial inside a padded container.

Once he was satisfied, he stopped to wash his hands, and then ventured out into the shoppe proper.

"Can I help you find something?"

Crimes have been swept aside
Somewhere where they can forget
Saturday, April 21 • Evening

---

"Anyway, I've been meaning to have you come along for an information session, but every time I try to schedule an appointment I'm told Harry's unavaliable after 5, and I doubted the goblins would let you come and play early. I could put my foot down, play the Auror card with more force — probably should, before I can be accused of favoritism — but pfft. He's a newlywed, and won't have his brain back where it can help an investigation for Merlin knows how long."

And it wasn't like there wasn't a backlog of other cases that needed her attention just as much.

Tonks shrugged and drew her knees up. She had her back to the wall, sitting sideways in what had become their usual booth. As she reached over to select a rapidly cooling chip out of the heaping pile left on the plate, her glance fell on the shiny golden star in Bill's hands.

"You should pin it on your shirt. Let people know who they're dealing with."

WWN Broadcast
Friday, April 6th ~ Evening

---

"This is Rita Skeeter, standing just outside, around the back, in an alley behind, the Three Broomsticks, where a reception for one of Hogsmeade's former most eligible bachelor's - and his blushing bride - is taking place, to bring you a WWN exclusive."

"Can it, Anastasia, I don't care who got the assignment from the boss, the story is Mine. Keep it up, and I just might forget to take that gag off before I leave. Understand?"

"Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the quicky wedding of hunky recluse and defense school owner, Harry Potter, to restaurateur and frump, Daphne Greengrass occurred weeks ago with almost no fanfare and a tragically small guest list. Once word of the marriage hit the streets, some of the most delicious rumors began to circulate over the mysterious circumstances behind the event."

"Some sources say the couple had been estranged, and were shocked to hear of the wedding when I told them, still others speculated on the need for such a rapid and quiet affair. So far there are no signs of impending motherhood - although the bride has been carrying a few extra pounds for quite some time - but one can't help but wonder if there might be a new member of the Potter family showing up soon."

"What? I said if, they can't sue us for merely voicing some of the public opinion, Anastasia. Stop being such a worrywart."

"As always, ladies and gentlemen, WWN is always interested in the comments and concerns of our listeners. More importantly, if you personally witnessed a sensational bit of scandal, owl me, Rita Skeeter, care of the WWN. The Wizarding Wireless Network now returns you to our regularly scheduled programing."

99 Bottles of butterbeer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer
Friday, March 23rd ~ Evening

---

Bill slipped through the door of the bar, and waved at Aberforth and a few others. He stopped to order a couple of bottles of ale and some of that greasy food that Tonks seemed to favor, and then headed to the back corner to claim their booth.

Perhaps he was enjoying these little under-cover gatherings a bit too much, but Bill was tired of going home or to the 'Sticks after work and wondering what the fuck was up with Charlie or if Mum and Dad were doing naughty things in the kitchen. Yeah, there was that whole "Stolen werewolf heart is sort of a big deal and needs to be found" aspect, but there was also getting to talk to someone he wasn't directly related to.

He shifted lower in his seat to put his feet up on the other booth bench and waited for Tonks to show up.

With your feet in the air and your head on the ground
Try this trick and spin it, yeah
Your head will collapse
But there's nothing in it
And you'll ask yourself
Where is my mind
Wednesday, March 14 • Early evening

---

Wilson had left for an "early lunch" and had never come back.

At this point, Tonks was very seriously considering writing Kingsley for permission into assuming his face (why come up from London, there's no need to bother), and acting as a senior officer, hex some sort of work ethic into the lackadaisical Auror.

Or maybe Scrimegour's face would work, but there was no way he'd give Tonks permission, and she didn't need to get thrown out again after just getting back on her feet.

Oh! Maybe there's a potion that could work. Make him sick if he doesn't put in enough hours. Serve him right, add a pinch of shrivelfig for fun ...

It was just possible that the stress of being back in the game — with no real partner — was getting to Tonks. There were months of cases backlogged, and not enough time to work on solving her first priority: what had happened to Hestia and Kevin.

Tonks found leaning back in her chair, staring at the ceiling and slowly twirling herself in circles was a good way to clear the cobwebs in her head.

I'm making good friends with you
When you're shaking your good frame
Fall on your face in those bad shoes
Lying there like you're tame
Friday, March 2 :: Evening

---

Kingsley had warned her about Wilson, but ... ye gods and little fishes had Tonks not been prepared for the reality.

Instead of working on Hestia and Kevin's disappearance full time — not to mention boning up on this newfangled ward system of Vector's — she'd had three weeks of backlog to take care of as well.

Wilson had been "traumatized" and therefore hadn't done a thing.

But now it was Friday, and to heck with him. There was a pub with people and unhealthy food and firewhiskey calling her name.

There wasn't much room at the bar, but a grin, a wink and some misdirection secured her a newly vacated stool.

WWN Broadcast
Wednesday, February 14th ~ Evening

---

"We interrupt the 'Lover's Serenade' to bring you news from the Black Orchid Hotel. This is good, so straighten your clothes and listen to Rita for a moment, you lucky lovers out there.

"Witnesses say Healers from St. Mungo's had to be called to the scene because of a scandalous outbreak on the main dancefloor.

"Spokespeople for the Malfoy-owned establishment had no official comment to give, but according to guests it was socialite and friend of the family Pansy Parkinson who caused the disturbance. Gentlemen, please, if you're going to start panting and rioting over a witch, do it over someone with her own nose. This is 100-percent Skeeter here — get it while it's hot!

"Apparently the scene has quieted down now, but with a near-orgy going on out in the open, who knows what might have happened in the more secluded rooms? Shocking behavior indeed to be linked with one of the wizarding world's stiffly upstanding (Floo me, Lucius!) families.

"As always, ladies and gentlemen, WWN is always interested in the comments and concerns of our listeners. More importantly, if you personally witnessed a sensational bit of scandal, owl me, Rita Skeeter, care of the WWN. The Wizarding Wireless Network now returns you to our regularly scheduled programing."

The time has come for me
To break out of the shell
I have to shout
That I'm coming out
-- Diana Ross
Saturday, January 27th - Afternoon

---

It had been over a week, and Percy had finally managed at least one good night's sleep without any of the dreams. However, he still could not stop thinking about what he had overheard at the Three Broomsticks. He had thought long and hard about what he could possibly do to help Charlie - preferably without having to face him and look him in the eye - and had decided that subtlety was the best course of action. If that didn't work, then he would have to take more drastic action.

Though he still couldn't think of an option that meant he would never have to see his brother again. Unfortunately, that was no longer an option.

And thus he made his way to his brothers' cabin, a copy of The Joy of Gay Sex shrunken and secreted about his person for later planting in an appropriate location.

Holding back a shiver of apprehension, and gathering up every last bit of his Gryffindor courage, he knocked at the door - a part of him desperately hoping only Bill was home.

One brother is as good as another.

Wednesday, January 17th ~ Evening

---

Pansy didn't particularly care which of the two Weasley brothers opened the door when she knocked. Either of them would suit her purposes for the evening.

Her fingers flicked yet another button open on her blouse as she waited.

When the door finally opened and the bigger one was standing there, scowling, Pansy felt a shiver of excitement race through her.

"Do not cease to drink beer, to eat, to intoxicate thyself, to make love, and to celebrate the good days"
~ Egyptian Proverb

Sunday, January 14th ~ Evening

---

Bill was giddy. No, not giddy, manly men did not get giddy.

Screw it, he was giddy.

Gabby had gotten married and freed Bill of his obligation. Best yet, she'd told Arthur and Molly so that Bill didn't have to.

He wiped the wide grin off his face and pulled open the door to the 'Sticks. Remember, you've just been dumped. No giggling.

Neither of his parents were at the bar when he walked in so Bill ordered an ale and a sandwich and found himself a table near the back.

Christmas Day broadcast

---

The quick fanfare announcing a feature piece lilted over the WWN airwaves, followed by the familiar voice of Horace Knickerbocker.

"Ciaran McIrney remembers his first Cribbage's Wizarding Cracker well."

A high-pitched male voice came over the network.

"I was two years old, and my older sisters were squabbling over the last cracker. I somehow got hold of one end when Marcia let go and sort of fell on it as it opened — my face was blue from the smoke for a month after. Mum was angry at the time, but brings the piccies out now whenever I have a bird over. Still have the Screaming Yo-yo I got from it, though."

The smooth voice of the narrator ( took up the thread.Collapse )