Tonks picked up the spell quickly, even quicker than I did. After practicing it a few times around Headquarters we set out to canvass Cheapside to find our quarry. We both Apparated to the designated Apparation Point for the area and decided upon a plan.

( Off to Cheapside )

Hermione sent me an interdepartmental memo earlier at work inviting me to stop by and pick up an outfit for Lily. So instead of heading straight home from work to Godric's Hollow I've stopped over in Hogsmeade. I Apparated near the Three Broomsticks and stopped in and put in an order with Rosemerta for me to pick up and take home for supper tonight. That done I stroll leisurely up High street and make the turn onto the lane the cottage the three of us shared for six months. I chuckle as I realise that I'm not the only homeowner that could benefit from Neville's expertise.
( Learning the Spell )

It feels odd to be leaving Ginny and Lily home alone to return to work. Truthfully, I'd prefer to stay home longer with them, but Viktor Crabbe and Gustuv Goyle aren't going to wait for me to master the art of changing nappies. Besides the owlpost I received from that official ministry owl stated that if I didn't return today I risked disciplinary action due to me not filing the proper paperwork prior to taking my leave of absence.

( This Stinks of Dawlish's Doing. )

The day seems to be going all right. Despite the world going insane with our esteemed Minster exonerating one Severus Snape, the murdering bastard, and now McGonagall's gone insane and is letting him teach again. I've resigned myself to the fact that it appears one Zemelda Smith is every bit as corrupt and incompetent as the previous three ministers. The good news is she won't be Minister forever.

( Stalled Case Load )

I'm really starting to enjoy the breakfasts Ron, Tonks, and I share each morning before our shifts begin. This morning we spent the meal debating the Cannon's chances of moving from the bottom of the table. Ron, of course, is convinced this is their year, but Tonks and I are pretty sure they will again be trolling in the bottom. ( Read more... )

I pace back and forth in front of the fire. While the flames send eerie shadows of light throughout the room, there is no heat generated, which given the heat wave outside I'm devoutly thankful. As I turn back around Ginny gives me an amused smile from the loveseat where she sits sipping her pumpkin juice.

( Meeting with Ron and Hermione )

Sweet Merlin!


My eyes are starting to cross. I honestly thought once we finished going through all the reports on the at large Death Eaters that they'd assign us partners and let us start working cases. That was a foolish thought. Dawlish delighted in assigning me the task of going back through the files and writing recommendations on how to proceed with the further investigation on each of them. The git didn't even try to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

( Read more... )

CRACK!

I suck in a breath of air and survey my surroundings. As usual everything is quiet and not for the first time do I pat myself on the back for my decision to build our home further back on th property, away from the village proper, rather than on the sight of my parents old home. I do sigh heavily as I realize something really needs to be done about the garden. It's probably too late to save it this year, but perhaps some proper work this fall and winter can produce results this spring.

( Finally Home... )

I finished my twenty-four hour ready-response team shift, Apparated home and passed out in bed. To keep us sharp for twenty-four hours we are required to take a Pepper-Up Potion every four hours of the shift. Pepper-Up has the tendency to keep you sharp and alert, but when used in this manner your body usually needs somewhere in the neighborhood of sixteen hours of sleep.

( More About The Weekend )

I'm awakened by a tapping at the window. I blink my eyes and spot the owl hovering outside the bedroom window. I wonder who would be sending me an owl post at five in the morning. I quietly drag myself out of bed, careful not to disturb Ginny, who for once seems to be resting completely peacefully, instead of rolling about trying to find a comfortable position. I open the window and allow the owl in and realise it is a Ministry owl.

( Early Morning Owls )

After Apparating to Diagon Alley to pick up another bottle with thirty doses of Headache Potion. I decided to pick up take-out in Muggle London before heading home. I try to cook for the two of us when I feel up to it, but on nights when my head hurts it is just best to bring something home. She's had a taste for Pizza ever since we got a pie on those vouchers Hermione gave us for Christmas.

( Going Home )

"Ugh!" I drop the parchment onto my desk and close my eyes while I massage the headache settling in my temples. I'm going to need to stop at the apothecary and purchase another batch of headache potions. I've needed one every night this week. Ron and I finished our training and graduated on my birthday. Since then we have been at Auror Headquarters each day for our assimilation.

( This isn't what I signed up for... )

I gaze about the small locker room located on Level 2 of the Ministry of Magic. When Ron and I arrived this morning we found deep midnight blue Auror robes sized to fit us already in our lockers. We quickly changed then the two of us sat on the bench to wait for us to be summoned to the ceremony that will take place in the Atrium above. As we sit I reflect on what a difficult thirty-one days it has been for the two of us and those we love.

( Waiting... )

I'm tense this morning. Although I didn't need to be up until five o'clock this morning my eyes popped open sometime around four. Rather than getting up that early, I ended up staying in bed, snuggled with Ginny.



I finally rose just before my alarm went off to for a quick shower and to get dressed. I arrived downstairs to find Ginny waiting for me on our breakfast porch with a light fare. She greeted me with a kiss and murmured to me that she knew I would do fine and that she was extremely proud of me.

( Read more... )

Slowly I blink my eyes and try wake up. Momentarily I stiffen when I realise I'm not alone in bed. Quickly a familiar, flowery scent assaults me and I relax. I lay curled around my wife, her head pillowed on my arm, with my other hand resting on her swollen belly. I grin with the thought that this is how I want to wake up every day for the rest of my life.

( Waking Up With the One You Love... )

Finally!

I'm waiting on the Platform 9 3/4 for the Express to arrive. It seems like forever since January.

( Trying to Be Patient as I Wait... )

I eye the surroundings sceptically, wondering not for the first time how she talked me into it, but according to Hermione this is the wave of the future. "Are you certain this will take off? I mean sure Yanks drink a lot of coffee, but really, what could beat a good cup of tea?"

( Erm... okay, coffee... )

I take a sip of my cold butterbeer and let out a soft belch before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. For some reason Ron and I decided to pretend we were still school lads on a Hogsmeade visit today while Hermione sits her Ancient Runes and Arithimancy NEWTS. Currently we are sitting at a small table near one of the windows in the Three Broomsticks. Before us lay the remains of our lunch and several empty butterbeer bottles. "You know mate, it's a shame that you have to grow up isn't it?"


( Bloke Time at the Three Broomsticks )

Ginny and I are sitting huddled together on the stairs quietly whispering. The entire week has moved like a blur and it seems we only get a few fleeting moments like these to talk. It's hard to concentrate though... talk of the Azkaban breakout is dominating most conversation and the absence of the Ministry Hit Wizards whom Umbridge had dispatched to ensure I didn't overstay my welcome after the exams are over each day is glaring. I would probably going out of my mind with anxiety and desire to try to be involved somehow if I didn't have Ginny by my side grounding me and distracting me with more immediate concerns.


( Defense Against the Dark Arts )

While I could be in Godric's Hollow today trying once again to perfect the Building Charms on the cottage I have something more important to do.

( Bloke Time... )