Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y5 ~ Number 12 Grimmauld Place

The dimly lit room at Grimmauld Place was an odd mix of cozy and eerie, the peeling wallpaper and tarnished silver ornaments giving the space a gloomy air despite the warm flicker of the fire in the hearth. Y/N sat curled up on the small sofa in her room, a tattered book resting on her lap, its spine cracked from countless readings. She was too preoccupied with her thoughts to fully absorb the words on the page.

The sound of hurried footsteps on the landing broke her focus. The door creaked open to reveal Mrs. Weasley, her face flushed and glowing with the sort of energy that made even the dreariest corners of Grimmauld Place seem brighter. She held a wooden spoon in one hand and her wand in the other, her apron slightly askew as though she'd rushed up the stairs mid-stirring.

"Y/N, dear—" Mrs. Weasley's voice carried a warmth that felt like a hug in itself. She smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Tonks is here. In the kitchen."

"She is?" Y/N's heart gave a leap, excitement bubbling to the surface and momentarily pushing aside her usual shyness. Tossing her book aside, she shot to her feet, her socks skidding slightly on the rug as she bolted for the door. "Finally!"

The creak of another door opening behind her made her stop in her tracks. Ron stepped into the hallway, his hair sticking up in odd directions, as though he'd just woken from a nap. His brows furrowed in confusion as he watched Y/N's hasty retreat.

"What's happening?" Ron asked, glancing at his mother. His tone was casual, but the curiosity in his eyes was unmistakable. "Why's she so excited to see Tonks?"

Mrs. Weasley adjusted her apron, her own enthusiasm evident in the way she clapped her hands together. "Tonks has been looking into Y/N's powers as a Nightingale. She's been investigating her background and abilities, and she promised to report back when she found anything important. Well, she's back now."

Ron's expression brightened, a grin spreading across his face. "That's brilliant!" he said, trailing after his mother and Y/N as they made their way down the creaky, narrow staircase.

The kitchen of Grimmauld Place was its own peculiar world, a mixture of foreboding shadows and bustling activity. The long wooden table bore the scars of years of use, and the mismatched chairs creaked in protest as Tonks sat at the end, her bubblegum-pink hair standing out like a beacon against the dark, aged walls. She was slouched back in her seat, twirling her wand absentmindedly, her demeanor as casual and approachable as ever.

Tonks stood by the counter, her purple hair shimmering like an enchanted amethyst as she casually leaned against the cabinets, laughing at something Sirius had said. Her wand twirled between her fingers with absentminded ease. Sirius, seated at the head of the table, sipped from a chipped coffee mug, his dark eyes crinkling with humor. The scene was a stark contrast to the tension that often lingered in the house.

The door swung open with a creak, and Y/N burst into the room like a gust of wind, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as they landed on Tonks, and she let out a delighted gasp.

"About time!" Y/N exclaimed, her cheeks flushed from the rush.

Tonks broke into a wide grin, leaning forward in her chair. "Missed me, did you?" she teased, her voice light but carrying a hint of sincerity beneath it. "I knew you'd be eager for an update."

Y/N nodded eagerly, her earlier shyness melting away like frost under the morning sun. "What did you find out?" she asked, her voice a mixture of hope and apprehension, as if bracing herself for an answer she both longed for and feared.

Ron, leaning casually against the doorframe with his arms crossed, threw in his two knuts. "Hermione's going to be gutted she missed this. She went home for more clothes, but Lupin's bringing her back soon. Reckon she'd have a list of questions ready for you, Tonks."