The Hagrid's son

The year at Hogwarts ended on a somber note.

The news about what happened at the Triwizard Tournament's final spread like wildfire, and despite the Ministry of Magic's attempts to downplay the events, whether people believed them or not, many were on edge.

The magical world's atmosphere became tense, waiting for signs that would confirm or dismiss their fears. But the changes were clear to all.

Because of this, Barnaby felt a deep emptiness... in his pockets.

Apparently, just a few "rumors" of Voldemort's return were enough to cause prices to skyrocket overnight in Diagon Alley. He had to shell out a good sum to stock hundreds of boxes in his home's storage, but at least he was smart enough to limit himself to buying magical supplies and used his contacts to get them straight from the source, avoiding middlemen.

Things like canned food and other basic necessities could be bought in the Muggle market at a much cheaper price. And while one had to ignore the shocked looks from grocery store staff at the sheer amount purchased in each place, they were real bargains.

Sanshi even took the opportunity to get some spices and ingredients to try new recipes, but what amused Barnaby most was that Sanshi seemed to have fallen in love with the taste of peaches in syrup.

Especially when mixed with other canned fruits like pears or cherries, though she never turned down some dark chocolate or cream. It was her favorite dessert.

Her cheeks puffed up like a squirrel's were so adorable that Tonks couldn't resist hugging her whenever it happened!

"Your parents don't want to come back with us?" Barnaby looked at his fiancée in surprise after hearing the news.

"According to them, they can take care of themselves and don't want to bother us," Tonks said, resting her head on Barnaby. "I told them it wasn't a problem and they wouldn't be a bother, but they're so stubborn..."

Yeah, it's not like anyone else around here is that stubborn, right?

"They'll need someone for the DADA position at Hogwarts this year. I was thinking of trying my luck," said Tonks.

"Are you sure?" Barnaby raised an eyebrow as he looked down at her.

"Given the level of the last five years, I think I'm overqualified for the job. I'm a former Auror from the Ministry of Magic, after all. I don't think there's many people more qualified than me on paper," Tonks didn't hesitate to joke at the expense of past professors. "Besides, how many people do you think will apply for the job this year while Harry, that guy's target, is still at Hogwarts?"

The argument was solid and well-founded, but Barnaby realized that his love had overlooked a small detail. One that was crucial.

"Do you think Aunt Minerva would take you seriously as a professor at Hogwarts?"

Silence fell, and Tonks was speechless.

Come on, she'd admit she was a bit mischievous as a student, but she wasn't that irresponsible!

Now she was an adult, and the situation was completely different!

But then again, they were talking about McGonagall...

Tonks deflated like a balloon the more she thought about it.

"But if I can teach there, we'd be able to spend more time together."

What she didn't say was that she had some exciting thoughts about being called "Professor" with Barnaby in a secret corner of the school...

Barnaby started thinking, it'd be like going back to the time they first met.

"You know about the curse, right?" Barnaby reminded her.

"Obviously," Tonks rolled her eyes. "As for the duties, you know I prefer practical over theoretical. I could copy the curriculum I had, but if that guy is back like Harry said, then the kids need more practical experience than ever."

Barnaby stared at her for several silent seconds.

"You're thinking about asking me for help with all the paperwork, aren't you?"

"Who do you take me for?" Tonks looked at him, offended.

"Right... You're probably hoping Sanshi and I will help you."

...

"Maybe?" Tonks said tentatively, testing how possible that option was.

"We're expensive," Sanshi chimed in with a grin, eyeing Tonks curiously, eager to see how she would "ask" them for help.

Barnaby wasn't against helping either, especially since it would be three people reviewing one person's work, but it would still be more work than he already had.

A little compensation didn't sound bad.

"One extra can of peaches in syrup per week in exchange for helping me grade homework and exams," Tonks began her negotiations with Sanshi, the easiest to please.

"Five," the nyokai countered, holding up five fingers.

"Two."

"Three."

"Two," Tonks stood firm, slightly concerned about too much sugar. "And I'll ask my mom to give you a copy of her personal recipe book," she added as an extra incentive, knowing Sanshi had a great interest in cooking.

Sanshi weighed the offer with furrowed brows for several minutes but eventually agreed, begrudgingly, while laughing internally at Tonks for being so soft.

She would've done it for just one!

Having convinced Sanshi, Tonks turned her attention to Barnaby, who was going to be a tougher nut to crack.

They stared at each other silently, the atmosphere subtly shifting, while Sanshi covered her smile with her hand and quietly slipped away.

It was going to be a tough negotiation~