Intimations ((Openeth))

[Mira Noth]

Mira gave the librarian at the desk a thin smile before shuffling towards her corner in the library. Students dotted here and there at the tables, feverishly studying or whispering to each other, but all Mira wanted to do was grab a book and fall asleep under the warm sun. It was a bad night in her dorm. The other girls stayed up late into the dark hours finishing a batch of love potions, whispering little evil plots. Mira had no problem with little evil plots, but when a bunch of love-high girls were squealing like dying rats over a, rather nice smelling, love potion while one's trying to sleep, it gets irritating. Practically howling when her watch said four in the morning, Mira tripped out of bed and sent the girls out of the room with raged hexes, bottling a bit of the potions for good measure before collapsing into bed, only to waking up two hours later.

Rounding a tight corner, Mira turned to her usual desk to see someone already there, in her seat, taking her spot. A muscle twitched, with her mouth twisting into a dark smile, "And what are you doing here?" She said, barely stoping herself from sighing, cursing the gods, and ultimately growling at the person all at once.

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Tonks sat, her nose deep in a book. Of course she didn't exactly look like herself. Disguised, more or less, as a pale faced Hufflepuff, her hair was mousy brown and she had managed to change her overall appearence slightly, it was hard with complicated changes. Tonks was trying to catch up. She had missed so much after her death, and she needed to know what was happening, how to help. She noted that Remus was now Minister of magic, bu8t she still was curious if she would be reconized.

Tonks's eyes darted up as a Slytherin girl turned the corner to her. The dark smile was the key. Slytherin. "And what are you doing here?" Tonks's answering smirk was only somewhat warm, "Just catching up on what I missed." She said lightly. Her eyes landing back on the book as she returned to reading.

[Mira Noth]

The student turned around and Mira blinked, catching her breath and swallowing her words at the older appearance. Mira didn’t recognize her; she must be in her last year, paled probably from hanging around the library all the time. Sighing inwardly, this would have been that much easier if the girl was a first year. Eyes flickered over the brown hair to the invader's robes, a Hufflepuff.

She smirked, offhandedly replying Mira’s question before turning back to her book, pointedly ignoring the Slytherin. Mira's grin curled sourly, an exhausted, quite laugh escaped her lips. Running a shaky hand through her hair, she eyed the girl, "And could you just catch up somewhere else," she asked bluntly, before pointing out, "Only you'd fall asleep here and won't get any further with you're homework." The spot was popular for its seclusion and the ease one could sleep without being bothered, relatively safe from prying eyes and teachers. Mira took it up as her own, since it remained empty after a mysterious mouse infestation which led one girl screaming from the library and prompted many a twisted rumour. She wondered vaguely why this Hufflepuff came here, and now. Students knew the stories and generally stayed away since there were loads of other places to sit.

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Tonks, if she hadn't been assured that the girl was Slytherin now. She sure knew. It was obvious, encluding the sewn on Slytherin coat of arms on her robes. "And could you just catch up somewhere else," Tonks's eyebrows moved up her face, "No, I don't think I can." She said in a confident manner. "Only you'd fall asleep here and won't get any further with you're homework." Tonks smiled coldly, her eyes darkening fiervely.

"Poor little Slytherin, wants her seat back" Tonks said softly, mostly to herself. Her hair changing from a brown color to black slowly. "And trust me, I won't fall asleep." Tonks said cheerfully. Returning her eyes back down to her book, only stealing a few glances at the Slytherin girl, her eyes remaining the same color, as she examined her hair, changing it back to a rainbow color. It was better that way.

[Mira Noth]

Mira would have shrugged the whole incident off, label it as just one of those extremely unlucky days where nothing went your way, and would have walked away and forgot about it. A seat was a seat, she wasn't going to duel over it, maybe a little kid but a seventh year was usually a little smarter. Walking away or calling peace was something she did. Really. At least, before she would get back later, anonymously, of course.

But the Hufflepuff's tease pricked Mira, Poor little Slytherin? Mira's smile twitched slightly, but other than that her irritation did not show, but before she could give a few kind words in return, her eyes flickered to the girl's hair. Pausing, Mira blinked, whatever the girl said sunk into the back of her mind as Mira wondered if her sleep deprivation was finally kicking in. The girl's brown hair turned black, as if invisible ink spilled over it. Mira opened her mouth, trying to focus, but at the sight of the rainbow coloured hair, she snapped her mouth shut into a grim line. Metamorphagus.

Mira knew about it, she excelled in Transfiguration so this wasn't anything knew to her, in fact, she secretly wished she had it, but it was a rare skill only gained though blood, it seemed. Suddenly, her thoughts backtracked, how could she not have heard of a student who had it? Such rare skills, it'd easily be talked about, or at least easily found out. Mira paused, her every persistent grin flickered back on her face, "Curious and curiouser, the mighty Hufflepuff scaring the Slytherin. Such a daring deed, I didn't quite catch the name of my honoured opponent?"

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Tonks smirked slightly. Although she did still have those hints of concern pestering her mind. She was hoping that the current Headmaster was someone she knew, because if the Slytherin girl brough her up there, then she would be in trouble. Maybe they'd think they were seeing things, after all, she had been dead for quite a while. But if it was someone she knew, maybe they would welcome her back. She doubted it was Sirius though. Possibly Remus, but she wasn't sure. And she hadn't gotten that far in her book yet. Tonks stood up slowly, her hands crossed slightly in front of her. She didn't want to be at a point of weakness.

Tonks's eyes watched the Slytherin girl steadily, noticing when her mouth seemed to gape open, and the close. Tonks seemed to almost here the gears clicking in the girl's head. And she knew that the girl knew. "Curious and curiouser, the mighty Hufflepuff scaring the Slytherin. Such a daring deed, I didn't quite catch the name of my honoured opponent?" Tonks grinned, "I'll tell you. But first, who is the headmaster? I forgot." She said strongly. Drumming her fingers against her arms, "I'm Nymphadora. Nymphadora Tonks." She said softly, her eyes glowing in a strong and defiant manner.

[Mira Noth]

Mira's smile did not falter as she raised an eyebrow, "No wonder you're studying so intensely, if you're forgetting you're own headmistress' name." It was obvious now this person was not a Hogwarts student, but what was an outsider doing sneaking around, even without knowing who the Headmistress was? Either way, the imposter couldn't gain anything from knowing, "The headmistress is Professor McGonagall," Mira stated easily.

Then Nymphadora Tonks gave, as promised, her name in return, and Mira's mind buzzed painfully, she was getting too much information under too little sleep, but she continued to smile benignly. "Nymphadora? Lovely name, a dead one though, isn't it," Mira questioned lightly. Her pale blue eyes passive, returned Tonk's strong gaze as she smiled calmly, while her mind was wondering how... problematic this situation was. Another Order had returned from the veil. Her mind hesitated, wondering if she could try stunning Tonks and make it out as an act of defending the school, but a student against an adult? Even just for the heck of it, and Mira really wanted to, it would be a stupid move.

"So, my esteemed rival, are you planning to pummel me like in those muggle fights? Or are you going to run away and hide behind the head's back?" Mira teased playfully, "If so, I must say, don't go, we just met and we're getting on so well." She pushed further, "Why so urgent to know Professor McGonagall’s name?"

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Tonks's grim smile remained as she waited for the Slytherin girl to answer her question. "No wonder you're studying so intensely, if you're forgetting you're own headmistress' name." Tonks shrugged slightly, "So what?" She said, her voice darkening and venom seeping into her voice. If the Slytherin girl hadn't figured out something was up yet, then she must not be very smart. "The headmistress is Professor McGonagall," Tonks nodded slightly. Relieved. Atleast she knew who Professor McGonagall was. Atleast she would be welcomed back. Filled in on what she had missed after she had died. That was, if Tonks could manage to find McGonagall. Or talk to her alone.

"Nymphadora? Lovely name, a dead one though, isn't it," Tonks chuckled darkly. She knew that the gears had been clicking in the girls head. "A smart one?" She said softly, "Well, it's not a dead name anymore." She said bravely, proudly. Watching the Slytherin girl. She looked comfortable with Tonks's presence, but uncomfortable with it at the same time, she mused, thoughtfully. "So, my esteemed rival, are you planning to pummel me like in those muggle fights? Or are you going to run away and hide behind the head's back?" Tonks chuckled softly, "Why would I have to do that? I still have a wand. Though the headmaster would appreciate seeing me, I suppose. Rival . . . . . That must make you, a Death Eater." Tonks spoke softly, musing over her last thought. Of course. That made sense. A Death Eater. "If so, I must say, don't go, we just met and we're getting on so well." Tonks chuckled slightly, "I suppose you want to bring me to your master, then? Is there some sort of prize on my head?!" She demanded softly. Her eyes darkening. "Why so urgent to know Professor McGonagall’s name?" Tonks smiled a grim smile, "I was just making sure one of his followers weren't the headmaster - or, I suppose, headmistress. She said strongly. Her eyes watching the Slytherin girl acutely.

[Mira Noth]

Mira smiled, "Whoever said I was dumb?" She said smoothly. It was an awkward situation and she could feel the tension reverberating like a string stretched too tight being plucked; all she could do was play the nosy Slytherin and let it pass before anything happened.

Tonks chuckled softly, quirky words ready to be thrown back danced on Mira's tongue when Death Eater was said. It was practically a whisper but Tonks may as well have shouted the way Mira flinched at the words. Voices were shouting inside her, but the loudest pulsed like wild blood through her ears, NO I'M NOT! I'M NOT I'M NOT NO I- "I'm not a murderer," Mira practically snarled, wand gripped in her hands, "I'm not a murderer," she growled again, quietly before she even realized what she said. Mira blinked, she had loomed closer to the fake Hufflepuff and took a slow step back, breathed in and cleared throbbing mind.

Mira recovered quickly, and took advantage of the moment, "Just cause I hate Mudbloods doesn't qualify me as a Death Eater," she shrugged, a thin smile on her paleface as she gave a shaky laugh. "But I'm sure once the right people realize it, one way or another, there'd be a bounty on your colourful head." Mira stared at it pensively before the moment passed, oblivious and obscure.

Realizing she had her wand out she stuffed it into her pocket. Why did being called a Death Eater shake her like that? Was it just self-defence, instinct to protect her identity? Yes, an elaborate guise, to hide something her mind kept turning away from, a moment long ago. She didn't want to think about it, so she turned back to Tonks, "But who knows, the Arithmancy teacher has a lot of troubling rumours around her," Mira teased.

[Nymphadora Tonks]

"Whoever said I was dumb?" Tonks smiled slightly. She hadn't thought of the dirl as dumb technically. She hadn't judged the girl on her smarts. Not really. She was more focused on what the girl was saying. "I'm not a murderer," She heard the girl say. Twice. It almost seemed like she was emphasizing it. Trying to comfort herself by saying that she wasn't a murderer. But Tonks wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. Her hand twitching torwards her wand. Towards safety.

"Just cause I hate Mudbloods doesn't qualify me as a Death Eater," Tonks raised an eyebrow slightly, "Sure it doesn't." She said softly, "Sure it doesn't." Her eyes dark and thoughtful. She still knew she couldn't trust the girl. The same as she couldn't trust her aunts. There wasn't anything to do. But wait. "But I'm sure once the right people realize it, one way or another, there'd be a bounty on your colourful head." Tonks smirked slightly, "Yes, my Aunt Bellatrix, I believe you know her, will find out. Or perhaps Aunt Narcissa. It'd be one of them. For sure." She said, smirking.

"But who knows, the Arithmancy teacher has a lot of troubling rumours around her," Tonks smirked slightly, "Sure she does. Or you're just using her to cover your trail. Sweep away your footprints." Tonks said, dark eyes twinkling slightly. The idea of Aunt Bellatrix, or Narcissa finding her was amusing. She would get her revenge on Aunt Bellatrix, if she met up with her. Which was bound to happen sooner or later. The world wasn't that big.

[Mira Noth]

Mira stared back coolly at Tonk, she didn't believe her, and it was as obvious as the nose on your face. But who would, considering the house Mira was in. Smiling thinly, she felt sick on the inside, almost queasy. Rubbing her hands together to stop them from shaking, Mira shrugged of Tonk's subtle accusations. Any Slytherin had connections, one way or another, with some shady figures, and who wouldn't want to relieve such vital information to get on the Dark Lord's good side.

When Tonks did not believe her, a laugh escaped Mira's lips, "Seriously?" She stared almost in disbelief, "I'd have thought someone who had the time to sneak into Hogwarts would at least background check some of the teachers here, but-" laughing again, Mira looked expectantly at Tonks, wondering if she was joking, "Wow, that's - well truthfully - pathetic."

Footsteps thudded over their conversation, and Mira gave one final glance at Tonks, "And I don't need to sweep away my tracks if I never leave any." Then Mira wiped the smile of her face, replacing it with a worried, helpless look, which wasn't too hard considering Mira felt nauseous, just as the librarian ran around the bend, face livid, as she found Mira and Tonks facing off. "What is this? Yelling in the library about murderers, I'd have -" She stalled, glancing at Mira's worried face and then suspiciously at the imposter student. Ms. Pince new all the older students, especially since in their final years they visited the library often, and she defiantly never saw this student before. "Who are you?" She commanded, hand reaching for her wand.

Taking advantage of the situation, Mira took a step away from Tonks as if she were about to bite her, "I don't know who she is Ms. Pince, she just came in demanding who the Headmaster was, I didn't know what to do," Mira rung her hands desperately, "I think she's after Professor McGonagall," she added, her voice strained and shaking. It was a good show, and the librarian fell for it. Without a moment of hesitation, Ms. Pince flicked her wand, aiming a stunning spell at Tonks.

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Nymphadora raised an eyebrow as the slytherin girl spoke, "Seriously?" Nymphadora smirked slightly, "I'd have thought someone who had the time to sneak into Hogwarts would at least background check some of the teachers here, but-" She wouldn't respond to that. She couldn't If this girl knew him she could very well convey the news. Which was something she couldn't let get out. "Wow, that's - well truthfully - pathetic." Nymphadora smirked, "Sure it is. Sure it is." She said softly.

Nymphadora heard the footsteps coming. And she slipped her hand into her robes, holding her wand. "And I don't need to sweep away my tracks if I never leave any." Nymphadora raised an eyebrow. It seemed as if the girl was admitting to the crime. She watched as the girl's face changed into a worried, helpless expression. And the person rounded the corner. Madam Pince. And Nymphadora began changing. Slowly her hair changed into a rainbow like color, and her characteristics became more of her own, as Madam Pince said "Who are you?" Nymphadora opened her mouth to talk, "I don't know who she is Ms. Pince, she just came in demanding who the Headmaster was, I didn't know what to do," Nymphadora took out her wand. And held it at her side. Almost a threat.

"I think she's after Professor McGonagall," And then Madam Pince cast the spell. Lifting her wand just as quickly she said a quick shield spell to block the stunning spell, "I'm Nymphadora Tonks." She said softly. "I suppose you most remember me." She said, finishing the transformation back, "Metamorphmagus. Well. I came back, I suppose you could say." She said with a smile, her wand held at the ready. Aurors were trained to be ready for anything. And she was one of them.