A Walk Around Hogwarts – Tonks' Confession
After breakfast, Tonks hesitated for a moment—then tapped Keith lightly on the shoulder.
"Hey… Keith? Can we talk?"
Keith nodded easily.
"Of course."
They walked side by side through the Hogwarts grounds, the castle towering behind them. The lake shimmered quietly, the morning breeze cool and calm—perfectly suited for a conversation neither of them wanted to rush.
After a few moments of silence, Keith spoke first.
"So," he said gently, "what are you planning to do next, Dora?"
Tonks stopped walking.
"I've decided," she said, taking a breath. "I'm joining the Ministry of Magic. I'll be training to become an Auror. The training starts in about a month."
Keith turned to her and nodded—proud, not surprised.
"That suits you," he said. "You're brave. Strong. And stubborn enough to survive the Ministry."
Tonks laughed softly… then her smile faded.
"I'll be leaving Hogwarts," she added quietly.
Keith's eyes softened.
"I'll miss you."
Tonks froze.
Her cheeks flushed pink, her hair shifting unconsciously to match. She took a deep breath, clenched her fists—and finally spoke.
"Keith… I like you. Not just as a friend. I've liked you for a long time."
She looked at him, nervous for the first time in her life.
Keith didn't look surprised.
"I know," he said calmly.
Tonks blinked.
"Y-You knew?! Since when?!"
Keith smiled faintly.
"Since the first time you pretended not to blush and failed spectacularly."
She stared at him—then laughed, half embarrassed, half relieved—and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
Keith returned the hug without hesitation.
"Tonks," he said softly, "or Dora—whichever you prefer—promise me one thing."
She looked up.
"Be careful. Aurors don't get second chances."
Her voice wavered, but she nodded.
"I will."
Keith leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Tonks' hair turned a deep rose-red instantly.
Then Keith placed two fingers against her forehead.
Golden runes flickered for a brief moment.
"What was that?" Tonks asked, startled.
"Spells," Keith replied. "Ones I created myself. Defensive, counter-lethal, emergency escape magic."
Her eyes widened.
"You created them?"
Keith nodded casually.
"I give dangerous gifts to the people I care about."
Tonks hugged him again, tighter this time.
"Idiot," she whispered. "You really are unfair."
Before they parted, Keith handed her a sealed letter—black parchment edged in silver, stamped with the Runcandel crest.
"A recommendation," he said. "Use it when you start Auror training."
Tonks stared at the seal, stunned.
"With this… I'll pass instantly."
Keith shrugged.
"Good. Less time wasted."
She nodded, clutching the letter to her chest.
They walked back hand in hand, neither speaking—but both smiling.
At the castle steps, Keith gently let go.
"I need to see Dumbledore," he said.
Tonks smiled warmly.
"Don't disappear on me, okay?"
Keith smirked.
"I won't. You'd hunt me down."
She laughed—and watched him walk toward the Headmaster's office.