An Auror's Work is Never Done

Chapter 7 Maps and Plays

Returning the next afternoon, I signed in and went to speak with the librarian. "Good morning, Miss Parker. How are things today?"

"Very well, thank you. I've got those maps you requested." She handed me a thick pile of topography maps. "I do hope they'll help, Auror Weasley."

"Actually, it's Trainee, ma'am."

"Either way, dear, I'm glad to be of service."

"Thanks, Miss Parker. I'm sure they'll be just what I was looking for."

Eyeing a map depiction of the immediate area I walked towards one of the back tables. I was almost there, not paying much attention to where I was headed when I slammed into a rock hard chest. Papers flew out of my hands as I tried to brace myself for the expected spill. Strong arms steadied me.

"So we meet again, Aurora."

"Oh Nick, I'm so sorry. And just look at the mess I made! Merlin, I'm such a klutz." I bent down to gather the scattered documents, hoping beyond hope he wouldn't notice the blush that stained my cheeks once again in his presence.

"It is I who should apologize. I was so pleased to see you I did not notice your preoccupation. What were you studying so intently?"

"Topography maps of the outlaying regions."

"For work?"

"Um hmm," I answered setting said maps on the table and sitting.

"Do you mind?" he asked indicating the spare chair.

"Not at all. After the way I barreled into you, you should probably rest for a minute."

He laughed.

'What a great sound. Wait! Stop it this instant. No thinking about him. You're here to work!'

"What kind of career requires you to spend the day in a dark literary tomb?"

"I'm an Auror trainee." Figuring it was common knowledge by now, or would be soon, I added, "We're here tracking a Dark Wizard."

"I have heard this. I simply cannot understand why our Ministry has not joined the search."

"Neither can we. Draco, that's my partner, thinks they don't want to believe it." I picked through the maps and selected one of the northern countryside.

"Until it is proven otherwise they should assume he is."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For the support." I gave him a wry grin. "We haven't encountered much since we arrived other than Miss Parker."

"Yes, she is a sweet old lady. She must like you."

"Why would you say that?"

"She only lets a select few view her precious maps out of her presence. Some of these are very ancient."

"Oh great. Now I'm sure I'll end up spilling something on them."

"Do not get any liquids around them and they will be safe," he grinned.

"I'll have to remember that."

"I should let you get back to your research."

"Oh." I felt strangely disappointed. I didn't want our conversation to end so soon.

"Would you care to accompany me to a play this evening? The school is performing 'Romeo and Juliet' tonight."

"Um."

"If you have other plans I understand."

"Actually, I'd love to. That's one of my favorite plays."

" 'But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief,
that thou her maid art far more fair than she.' "

I smiled; pleased to hear I wasn't the only one who could quote Shakespeare. " 'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for that name which is no part of thee take all myself.' "

"When did you learn that? Not many Wizards can quote the Bard."

"My friend Shawna and I learned it when we were 13. We thought the balcony scene was terribly romantic."

He laughed again. "I will come by your hotel to collect you at 7:30."

"I'll be ready."

Only after he'd left did I realize I had never told him which hotel I was staying at. 'Oh well. There are only two. I'm sure he can figure it out.'

Since we weren't leaving until late, I ate dinner with Draco, Sirius, and Tonks. Halfway through the meal I regretted the decision.

"What does he do?" Sirius grilled.

"I don't know. We never got around to discussing it."

"Where's he from?"

"I don't know."

"How old is he?"

"About 25...I think."

"Do you know anything about this man you're going out with?" he said, clenching his teeth.

"I know he thinks the Romanian Ministry is clueless, has impeccable taste in clothing, and can quote Shakespeare," I growled back. 'Plus he's pretty damn hot.'

Draco laughed and winked at me.

"What is so bloody funny? I would've thought you'd want to learn more about this guy too, Draco," Sirius scowled.

"I've heard enough. She's a big girl."

"Well, I for one say go for it. Everyone deserves a chance at romance." Tonk's eyes got dreamy and she sighed wistfully.

"Where are the two of you going?"

"Sirius, I already told you twice! To see a play at the school."

"Which school?"

"URGH! Y'all deal with him. I'm gonna go get ready. Oh, and Draco? If I need help, I promise I'll call." I sent Sirius a scorching look and stalked off.

************************************************************************

Nick located me in the hotel's lounge sipping on a chocolate martini at 7:15.

"You look amazing, Aurora."

"Thanks. So do you." After debating for an hour, I'd finally settled on black dress pants and a lavender blouse. Nick, I was pleased to see, looked particularly handsome. He had on a pair of slate grey slacks and a crisp white shirt that had lacing instead of buttons. The shirt paired with his dark hair and skin gave him the air of a debonair pirate.

"Would you like another, ma'am?" the bartender asked a few minutes later.

"No, thank you." I handed him the empty glass and a tip.

"Shall we go?" Nick held out his arm.

"Certainly."

Nick suggested we walk since the school was only right down the main road. "You seem in high spirits tonight," he commented. "Perhaps your drink was too much to your liking?" he asked with a grin.

"No. But it did help me relax."

"Relax?"

"I was a little mad earlier. Sirius, one of my training supervisors I'm here with, was being too nosy about our date."

"Ah."

"Chocolate always helps get me out of those sort of moods."

"I see. Another woman infatuated by the lure of the cocoa bean."

"Exactly. So, tell me about yourself."

"What is it you wish to know?"

"How old you are, where you grew up. Stuff like that."

"Very well. I am 27 and grew up not far from here. I do not have to work so I am able to enjoy researching historical facts. I am a writer."

"Really? Are you working on something now?"

"Yes. It is a book on the history of interactions between humans and vampires."

"Sounds interesting."

"I like to think so. Here we are."

The teenager at the door waved us in and Nick led me to the balcony where we had front seats. At my look of surprise he said, "I am a patron of the Arts at this school. All I ask in return are these two seats for my personal use."

"Nice set up for the school."

"I consider it a fair exchange. I enjoy the beauty that is created with my endowments. Now be silent. It begins." He softened the rebuke with a smile.

Two hours later:

"I'm sorry. I don't usually cry like this. It was just so moving. They're all so talented."

Nick handed me his handkerchief. "Would you like to meet them?"

"Sure."

He took my hand and guided me backstage where he knocked on a door labeled 'Cast' and we stepped in.

"Nicky!" someone squealed. Soon twenty or so kids had surrounded him, causing me to laugh and move aside. He was obviously well liked.

"Nick, what did you think?" a young boy of around six asked.

"It was brilliant as always, Roman."

"How was I?" an older girl asked, batting her eyelashes.

"I feared you would steal the show from our fair Juliet, Consella."

"Hey!"

"I feared it, but she did not, Mikala. You were the embodiment of our tragic heroine. And you, Antoni, were perfect for Romeo."

"Thanks, Nick."

"Aurora?" he called loudly searching for me.

"Yes?"

His eyes darted to me. "Everyone, this is Aurora. She's a trainee in the British Auror program." Nick introduced them all.

"Y'all were wonderful."

"You made her cry," my date stage-whispered.

"I'm sorry, Miss Aurora," the little boy said.

I kneeled down and took his hand. "It was a happy cry, Roman. Y'all were so awesome it made me cry."

"Oh...You talk funny. Why?"

"I'm from America."

The kids begged me to tell them about the U.S. For the next thirty minutes I shared stories about growing up in the South before Nick told them all goodnight but we had to be leaving. We walked back to the hotel in a comfortable silence.

"I had a great time tonight."

"As did I."

"I guess I'd better go in. Thanks for a really nice evening, Nick." I leaned up, brushed a kiss on his cheek, and went inside.

************************************************************************

"So...how'd it go last night?" Draco asked over breakfast. It was just the two of us. Sirius and Tonks were off hunting down leads.

"Very good."

"How good?" he smirked.

"Perv. All he got was a kiss on the cheek."

"Poor guy."

I slapped his arm playfully. "Watch it, Dragon."

"No, really I'm happy. It's about time you started dating again."

"Yeah. I think it's finally happening."

"What?"

"My getting over him."

"Good. I don't want you pining over someone who's that dumb anyway. He had a great girl and let her go. Dumbarse."

"Say it with me...dumbass."

"Dumbass."

"Seriously though, I think a part of me will always love Harry."

"I know."

"It sucks."

We laughed. It felt like old times.

Two days passed before I heard from Nick. After dinner I'd gone to the hotel's front desk to ask if we'd had any messages. The clerk handed me a long, white box with my name embossed on the card.

I went back upstairs, flopped down on my bed, and opened the mysterious package after casting several hex counter-spells on it. Inside was a snow-white lily and a large box of assorted Godiva chocolates. I read the enclosed card.

For the one that outshines the sun itself.

Nick

'Now here is a man who knows about romance!' I sighed a lot that night.

Dreams when they came were sweet. I was back at Hogwarts and we were putting on a play, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Professor McGonagall chose me for the lead and the Marauders (plus Shawna) as the dwarves. (Harry was Dopey.) Only she wouldn't reveal the prince's identity. Suddenly the scene shifted and I was in front of everyone I'd ever known acting on stage. When the time came for Prince Charming's entrance Nick walked out, illuminated by a bright spotlight. I woke up when 'the Prince' kissed me.