Moonlight

9- A Sudden Shift

July 28, 1995

"So, Miss Tonks, could you tell me a bit about yourself?" The employer at a magical hospital asked Ellie.

"Well, I graduated from Hogwarts last year. I was Head Girl, and the two years before that, I was a prefect. I studied N.E.W.T. level Charms, Potions, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration. I played on the Quidditch team since my second year, and I assisted Madam Pomfrey when I wasn't studying or hanging out with friends," Ellie gave a polite smile.

"Sorry if this may seem rude, but may I ask how you received the scars on your face?" She questioned.

"I was attacked by a werewolf shortly before I turned five," she explained.

"And are you now a werewolf yourself?" the interviewer asked.

"Yes..." Ellie answered. From experience, she now knew that this is where all her interviews went awry. The woman gave a smile, but it seemed less genuine than the ones she'd given before. She continued to ask questions until it seemed appropriate to end the interview. "Thank you for your time, Miss Tonks, but I am sorry to let you know that you will not be invited back for another interview," she informed her

Ellie sighed. "Thank you for your consideration," she said softly, before leaving the building and the room. The young woman then went to the Leaky Cauldron, where she was meeting up with her boyfriend and family. She sat down at the booth and joined Oliver, who gave her a smile. "How'd your interview go?" he asked her.

Ellie huffed, "Not great. I got rejected again. It's like the moment they find out I'm a werewolf, hiring me is no longer an option. I've looked pretty much everywhere."

Oliver put his arm around her. "If anything, you can rely on me or your family. All of us would be glad to support you," he comforted. "We understand that things have been hard on you lately. With Cedric dying, and you not being able to find employment. It can be a lot. We're all by your side."

Ellie rested her head on his shoulder. "I miss Cedric and Cass... they deserve to be here right now, and they deserve to be happy."

Oliver thought sadly about their fallen friends. He and Cassandra were pretty much on opposite ends of the friend group, but he'd admired her integrity, and how she was tough. In the past, he and Cedric had been good friends, often discussing the latest Quidditch news, and even having meaningful conversations with each other. "Did I ever tell you that Cedric wrote me a letter to ask for my blessing when he wanted to ask you to the Yule Ball?" he questioned.

Ellie shook her head, yet smiled through the tears welling up in her eyes. A small laugh escaped her mouth. "He was such a good person..." the werewolf sniffled.

Oliver kept his arm around her as he noticed the rest of the Tonks family arrive. With his free arm, he gently waved to them.

"What are you two talking about?" Andromeda asked the couple.

"Some of my struggles," Ellie explained. "I got rejected yet again."

Her older sister looked at her and quietly said, "Well, the Order of the Phoenix would gladly let you in."

August 3, 1995

(Nymphadora) Tonks took her sister to her interview, and, hopefully, inauguration as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Once they got inside, Ellie was guided to the room where she'd meet the board who would decide her status. This board consisted of Dumbledore, Lupin, Sirius, the real Mad-Eye Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. The young woman was easily accepted into the order, having her qualifications, and knowing three of the five members of the board.