Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros.,
Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended
I only own the plot and some characters; I don't own Harry and co.
Guardian Of Magic
By: Kakole
Chapter Six : A New Place to Call Home
When the conductor (not Stan) announced the destination, Tonks cringed. As Harry got up, and held out his hand to her, she grasped it and let him lead her off the enchanted bus. As they got off, they headed toward an inn that was situated at the end of the block. Once they were inside the Inn, Harry lowered his hood, and an elderly woman nearly screamed "James is that you, it's been so long. Where have you been?"
Harry spun on his heels and looked at the elderly woman and replied "Sorry ma'am, James was my father, I'm Harry. I have come to pay my respects to my parents. Would you happen to know where the cemetery is?"
"Little Harry, is that really you?" The woman seemed to be in a trance, so Harry let her revel in her thoughts for a few minutes before speaking.
"Yes, I am Harry Potter. May I ask what your name is and how you knew my parents?"
"Certainly, I used to watch you sometimes, when your parents' friends couldn't. I live in the house right next to the ruins. It's a shame that the bloke that purchased the lot didn't have the house restored."
"Someone bought my parents house" Harry said Harry with trepidation in his voice.
"Why yes, some man named Darius showed up about two years ago and bought it. He spent nearly a month putting up wards; but when he left the house in disrepair, most of the villagers gave up hope of ever seeing the house restored."
Harry was depressed because it had been one of his long time goals to rebuild Godric's Hollow and raise a family there. Harry put aside the thoughts and turned to the woman again.
"Do you know where my parents are buried; I would like to speak to them."
"Sure thing Harry, it's at the end of the village on the right hand side. The Potters have their own plot at the top of the hill. Just follow the cobblestone path and you can't miss it."
Harry thanked the woman, reserved a room, and made his way to the cemetery followed closely by Tonks. When they got to the cemetery, Harry asked the attendant for two small grave markers and a shovel. The attendant gave Harry a queer look but filled the order. As Harry and Tonks made their way to the Potter plot, Tonks asked "What is the second marker for?"
Harry paused for a minute then replied "For Sirius" in a neutral tone.
When they arrived, Harry kneeled next to his parents' grave and started talking to them. Harry told them about his life with the Dursleys, about his years at Hogwarts, including his adventures. Harry poured his soul out for them to hear. He talked about his fears, his joys, his problems with girls, and his sorrows. After a few hours time, Harry told his parents to look after his owl. Harry was emotionally drained when he rose to his feet, took the shovel and started digging. Throughout the process, Tonks had seen a totally new side of Harry. She heard firsthand how inadequate he believed himself to be and it made her see him as fallible man instead of the savior of the Wizarding World. When Harry mentioned that he was sorry that he hadn't been allowed to visit them earlier, it nearly broke her heart and she had the urge to find Dumbledore and hex him into oblivion. She could now see the enormous burden that he silently carried, and all she wanted to do was lessen it.
"Harry, I know that you loved Hedwig, but why are you burying her in your families plot?"
Harry looked at her and replied "She was a family member to me." Tonks was perplexed by his answer and let out a small chuckle. Harry rounded on her in an instant. "Do you find this amusing" he asked in a cold detached voice.
"Yes, in a morbid kind of way, I just don't understand."
Harry drew in a deep breath and said "Hedwig was my very first friend beside Hagrid, and she was also the first birthday present that I ever received. She was there for me when I didn't receive any messages from my friends; she was there for me after long days of berating or beatings. If it wasn't for Hedwig, I wouldn't be here today. There was a day after fourth year when I didn't want to live anymore. I sat on my bed with my wand in my hand, wishing for nothing more than peace. When I was going to cast the killing curse on myself, she swooped down and knocked the wand from my hands. She didn't go hunting; instead she stayed with me that whole night. That's why I consider her family, and that's why I am burying her in this plot." After finishing Harry turned, placed his trunk in the hole, and started covering it with earth. Tonks was too stunned to speak. Never in 100 years would she think that Harry Potter would think about committing suicide; she knew now that she would have to watch him now that Hedwig couldn't. Another thought that struck her as peculiar, was that she now had a newfound respect for the deceased snowy owl. Unlike all the humans in Harry's life, Hedwig had always been there for him, and would never forsake him even when he lost hope in himself. Tonks remained quiet while Harry dug a hole for Sirius gravestone and paid his respects.
On the way back to the village, Harry felt the full effects of his magical exertion from earlier in the day. He collapsed and Tonks tried to catch him and toppled to the floor with him.
Tonks trying to lighten the mood yelled "For once it wasn't me." After saying the words, Tonks and Harry break down into laughter. But soon the only laughter came from Tonks, fore Harry had succumbed to sleep. When Harry woke up, he recognized that he was in his bedroom at Grimmaud Place. When he started to get out of bed, hands came toward his chest and pushed him back into the mattress and covered him with the sheet that he had recklessly pushed aside. When he looked up, Harry saw the concerned eyes of Hermione Granger, his best friend. Sitting next to her was a very nervous Tonks.
"Why am I here?" were the first words that came out of Harry mouth.
"This was the only place that I could think of that you would be totally protected. I know that you can look out for yourself, but you were unconscious and I knew that you couldn't protect yourself adequately."
Harry nodded and turned his attention to Hermione, and was stunned to see her usually happy face, tear stained and blotchy. In other words, it was an understatement to mention that she had been crying.
"What's wrong Mione?"
"Tonks was telling me about Hedwig before you woke up... Why didn't you ever tell us that you were suffering at the Dursleys, why didn't you tell me? Why do you have to always bottle up your feelings?" but before Harry could think about answering the questions, Hermione started to sob again. She turned quickly and ran out of the room. Harry looked at Tonks, but she just shrugged. Harry got to his feet, left his room, and started searching the manor, but he didn't find Hermione. The House was empty at the moment, so Harry went back to his room, where Tonks was still sitting. Harry took out his trunk, and enlarged it. For the next 20 minutes, Harry searched the compartments of the trunk and when he was finished, he resurfaced with a CD player, a CD, and an enchantments book.
"Tonks can you watch over this spell that I'm about to do to make sure that its cast properly?"
"Sure, what are you going to cast?"
"I was going to enchant the CD player so that it acts like a Wizard Wireless set, and so that it never needs batteries." After Tonks agreed, Harry immersed himself in the book, and soon came away with the proper incantations. After casting the spells, Harry took the CD and put it into the player and tested it. When he saw that it worked, Harry turned to Tonks and said "Do you want to hear a song that I can relate to?"
"Sure...I hope its punk or ska" replied Harry with a smirk.
"Sorry, but I'll let you borrow some of my collection later...That is if your good." Tonks pouted and stuck out her tongue at Harry but put on the headphones nonetheless. While listening to the song, her eyes started to water as she looked at Harry. By the time the song ended, she was near tears. Tonks took off the headphones and nearly tackled Harry. They shared a long embrace, and when they parted Tonks left the room mumbling something about rethinking something. Harry shrugged and set off to find Hermione. This time Harry was successful. Hermione was in the corner gently weeping. Harry looked around the room, and became very conscious of the fact that he was in Sirius room and that Buckbeak was no longer there. Harry decided to place that thought to the back of his mind as he sat next to Hermione, and put one arm around her. She looked into his eyes with her watering ones and gave him a slight smile.
"Do you want to tell me what's wrong" said Harry while massaging her back.
"Not really" answered Hermione in a defeated tone.
"I know that I'm not the best with telling you about my problems, but would you talk to me if I let you hear a song that I think describes how I see myself sometimes."
"I guess that would be a start" replied Hermione, so Harry placed the headphones over her ears after gently pushing back her hair. The song began, and Harry leaned close to her and started singing along with the music.
"I'm so tired of being here
suppressed by all of my childish fears
and if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
because your presence still lingers here
and it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
and I've held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
by your resonating light
but now I'm bound by the life you left behind
your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
and I've held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
and though you're still with me
I've been alone all along" When the last note sounded Harry looked at Hermione, and much like Tonks, she was in tears. The two long time friends hugged for a long time, but Hermione broke the silence.
"I never knew that you felt that way. I have known you for a long time now, but it seems like I don't know you at all."
"Of all the people who claim to know me, you are one of the only people that come close. I try to keep everyone at a distance for their own safety. Being a friend of mine is a death warrant in some ways. Now that I know why Tom is after me..." Harry's voice trailed off when he realized he had said too much.
"What do you mean? You know what the prophecy says don't you?" Harry cursed himself for his big mouth, but nodded nonetheless.
"Hermione, I can't tell you what it says because it will put you in danger, and it could change the way that you see me" whispered Harry as he put his head in his hands.
"You're going to die aren't you" shrieked Hermione as her voice trembled and her eyes watered anew.
"No, I'm not going to die if I can help it" answered Harry with conviction in his voice.
Hermione didn't seem convinced, so Harry drew in a deep breathe and started reciting the prophecy.
****Prophecy***** "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... And either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches..."
"That's dreadful Harry, but how do you know that the prophecy was talking about you? I'm sure that there are other people born at the end of July."
"Hermione, there is one other person that the prophecy could have applied to, but I wouldn't wish my life upon him."
"Who is it? I mean there has to be someone else."
Harry pulled up his bangs and showed her the scar on his forehead. "There is nobody else that the prophecy could refer to because Voldermort marked me as his equal. Before that night the only other person that the prophecy could have applied to was Neville because his parents were in the original Order, defied Voldermort three times, and he was also born at the end of July. However, when Voldermort attacked me, he marked me his equal" said Harry in a depressed tone.
"That's horrible...I'm so sorry Harry, I never knew."
"It's okay Mione, you were never supposed to know. I didn't even know until Sirius died for that matter."
"I thought you said that the prophecy was destroyed, how did you learn it?"
"Dumbledore has known this whole time. I believe he found out even before my parents died."
"But Harry..."
"I know Mione, that's why the headmaster and I aren't speaking at the moment. In fact, I will be leaving before any of the Order members get here. I just wanted to talk to you before I left."
"Why are you leaving?"
"This house has too many memories, and I am not ready to deal with them."
"Where will you go? Who is going to protect you?"
"I'm not sure yet, but Tonks said that she would teach me some Auror level spells, and I can take care of myself."
"Why won't you let the Order protect you? I just can't understand you sometimes."
"I'm just so tired of being used, I am tired of being manipulated. I will fight this war, but it will be on my own terms."
"Why do you think you have been manipulated and used?"
"Well now that you know the prophecy, I should tell you what I think." Harry paused took a deep breath and began to speak."
"Dumbledore was the person who heard the prophecy. He told me at the time that there were two possible families. If he knew about the prophecy why didn't he tell them. The only reason my parents aren't alive is because he didn't warn them. Even now it took him five years to tell me a prophecy that could have helped me earlier. At the end of first year, I asked Dumbledore why Voldermort was after me, but he only told me when I started looking for answers myself...if I had only known I would have begun training a long time ago. Every time I face Voldermort the situation becomes more and more dire. If I had an inkling of what was to occur I would have focused, studied harder, and things could be different. I would have made a better effort at Occulmency if he had told me what it was for. That man didn't even so much as look at me all year, and then he has the audacity to tell me that he thinks of me as a grandson. Now I have so many deaths on my conscience, and I will never be his tool, I will never be his friend or ally, he burned that bridge long ago."
Hermione looked at Harry, but for once she was speechless. When she regained the capacity to make coherent speech, she said "What are you going to do during the school year?"
"Who's to say that I am going back to Hogwarts?"
Hermione let out a high pitched shriek "You have to go back to Hogwarts, how would you be educated, who would protect you, how would you learn when you're still underage?"
Harry let out a little chuckle but stopped when he saw the glare that Hermione gave him. "Well, there are a lot of things that you don't know about me. First off, I am about to purchase a house, I am an emancipated minor, I have been practicing really diligently since the end of term and I believe that I will be ready to take my N.E.W.T.S. by the end of the first term this year if things go as planned. Also, I have learned a lot of useful tidbits about myself after getting a little help from a notable figure from our first year." Harry looked at Hermione as the gears worked in her heard, after about thirty seconds she whispered out "Mr. Flamel".
"Right in one Mione, you were always the brains of the operation." Hermione blushed and thanked him for the complements. Harry then told her about everything that had happened to him thus far. He brought out his trunk and put an enchantment on his laptop, and showed her his already foreboding database of spells and his theories on spell enhancement. He also told her about his theory to make his own spells, and the corresponding books that supported his claim. When Harry had finished his little dissertation, Hermione was looking at him with awe, pride, and another emotion that Harry couldn't place. For good measure, Harry took out some parchment, a quill, and the Kame Stone and placed it in the palm of Hermione's hand. She took on a look of deep concentration for a good twenty minutes until she was finished. When she looked at her list she was really pleased with herself. She showed it to Harry and he was happy to see that she had some of his talents. Harry then loaned her some of his books, and they promised to swap ideas.
"Harry you simply have to come back to Hogwarts; now that you actually like to study I might have some competition for the top spot."
"You know that I will never overtake your position as the Valedictorian of Hogwarts" replied Harry jokingly.
Hermione pouted, but Harry pulled her into a tight hug before she could respond. Surprising himself, Harry gave her a quick peck on her forehead, and started to make his way toward the door. Soon after leaving Hermione, Harry started to pace around Grimmaud Place aimlessly. He was looking for Tonks so that they could leave, but as Harry kept walking he could feel eyes on him, but whenever he would look, he wouldn't find anyone. When Harry got closer to the steps leading to the kitchen, he could distinctly hear snickering noises coming from Mrs. Black's portrait. When he was close enough, he saw Kreacher recounting on how he had led Sirius to his death. He then told the painting about an duel between 'blood traitor' and his 'Mistress' and how he had been told that Sirius had fallen beyond the veil. Harry by this point was beyond reasoning and the dark aura started to surround him, he let the hatred and rage roll off of him as he gracefully glided down the remaining steps. When he reached the landing, the portrait of Mrs. Black saw him and started laughing and taunting him by saying comments about the world being a better place with one less blood traitor.
Harry was beyond reasoning by now and once again he succumbed to the darkness. He steadily walked toward the portrait, and when he was in striking range, his aura started to lash out at the portrait. Instead of remaining indestructible, black dots appeared wherever his aura touched. Mrs. Black let out a blood curdling scream that prompted Kreacher to try to attack Harry. As Kreacher jumped at Harry, Harry smirked and caught him midair by the throat.
"Weren't you both talking about my Godfather a few seconds ago...Please don't stop on my account" whispered in a voice that would petrify a basilisk. In the background, Harry could hear the portrait scream in pain, he could hear Kreacher gasping for air, and the low but distinct sounds of footfalls. Within minutes, the portrait was almost completely destroyed, and Harry seeing that Kreacher would die without air, calmed himself so that his aura was only flickering. In that time, Harry also released the chokehold he had over the house elf.
"Mrs. Black, I have spared you and Kreacher. If I ever hear either of you talking about my family or friends again then I will end your existences. Kreacher stand up." The gasping house elf took several deep breathes before it stood.
"I have only spared your life because I know that Hermione wouldn't forgive me if I killed you. If you wish to remain alive and with Mrs. Black then you will have to abide by my rules. They are as follows, you are to never leave this manor, you will remove anything that you treasure and place those things in the attic otherwise they will be destroyed or thrown out. You will never speak about what goes on in this house to any of the remaining members of the Black family or their friends. This excludes the Weasley family, and the Tonks family. Furthermore, you are now responsible for the cleaning that you have so dutifully neglected, and will answer the door respectfully whenever needed. There are to be unannounced visitors, and the only people permitted in this house are to member from the order, and my friends. If you abide by these rules you will be treated with respect and kindness, if not you wont live long enough to see all of your Mistress' possessions burned with her. Have I made myself clear?"
Kreacher stood there transfixed by the hatred and malice that he saw in Harry' eyes, the elf quickly nodded its head and popped out of the room. Harry then turned to the painting and said "You will greet all guest that come here with respect. If I hear that you have been screaming or calling anyone out of their names, I will personally end your attempt at immortality, and don't try to leave your portrait or I will capture you and use some magical paint thinner to make your life hell." After speaking, Harry turned around and walked past the stunned Order members. When Harry got back to the room that he usually spent his summers in, he took out his trunk and started researching and practicing techniques for Occlumency. Harry was quite content to spend his time in solitude, but too much time had gone by and the book bag that Sirius had left weighed heavily on Harry's mind. Before Harry could give it much thought, there was a knock at the door.
"Is there a reason that you're hiding from everyone."
"I didn't even want to be here, I was just waiting for you so that I could open this letter from Sirius and leave."
"I would have thought that you would have opened that letter weeks ago."
"Well, I don't give my word easily, so when I say I will wait then I will."
"Well...let's have at it then."
Harry took out his trunk and brought out the aged satchel and broke the seal on the letter.
Dear Harry,
After I escaped Hogwarts on Buckbeak, I used one of my assumed aliases to get myself some land. I figured with myself being on the run, that I should set something aside for you aside from Grimmaud Place, which is yours if you are reading this. So I used the name Darius Snuffles to purchase Godric's Hollow. While under disguise, I spent nearly four months setting up wards, and making the house unplottable. To everyone else, the house will look like it is still in ruins, but to the select few that you tell, the house will look as magnificent as the day it was initially built. The company that was contracted to do the job was oblivated upon the houses completion. The deed to the house in the book bag. I know that it would have been your fathers dream for you to raise a family in your ancestral home, so happy early 17th birthday, since if you're reading this I know I am not around. Should you ever need to get away, the house is there for you. The only people who can get in are yourself and Moony. I also made a Marauders Map for the house, so that you can maintain security. There is a ring inside the book bag that will only work for you. Once you put it on, and think the words 'Take me to GH' it will take you home. I have also made it so that it is enchanted to remain invisible to everyone but you, and that it's reusable. Well, that's all for now.
Darius Snuffles a.k.a. Padfoot
"Well I guess that takes care of your living arrangements."
"You can say that again."
"So, when do I get to see your bachelors pad?"
"How about now?"
"I think that we should at least tell someone that we are leaving so that they don't send out a search party."
"I guess your right, but it has to be someone that I trust."
"Okay, how about Moony, in the letter it said that he knew about it, so you can trust him."
"Good idea."
So the two went scouring Grimmaud Place, and soon found Remus sitting in a daze in the library.
"Professor, I am about to leave and I wanted to let you know so that you won't worry."
"Where are you going, it's not safe for you to be seen now. You have to stay where you are..." Harry cut him off before he could finish his sentence,
"I am going to a property that a good friend of mine gave me." After saying that Harry handed him the letter, and waited for Moony to finish reading it. "So you see, I will be safe, and I will be taking Tonks with me so I will have an Order member with me. On second thought, you are welcome to join us if you would like. The only rule that I have is that I don't want any other Order members there."
"That's okay, you go. I will be by in a few days to check on you."
"Okay, that sounds good."
Harry then turned to Tonks and asked if she was ready to leave, and she responded by saying.
"You lead, and I'll follow."
"Is that so" said Harry with a huge smirk. Tonks colored nicely and swatted his arm. Harry poked her in the arm, and Tonks tackled him, and it turned into a huge tickle fest. When Tonks gave up, Harry pulled her up, grabbed their things and put on the ring. Harry then scooped Tonks up in a tight hug and thought 'Take me to GH'. Harry closed his eyes as he felt a tug coming from behind his navel. Harry instinctually tightened his hug on Tonks, and only opened his eyes when he crash landed into something soft. A second later, he felt Tonks squirming beneath him. "Will you get off me?"
"Why, you're more comfortable than my four poster at school" said Harry while he squirmed to get more comfortable. "I swear I could get used to this" muttered Harry, but Tonks heard him and yelled "Get up now."
Harry jumped up, and said "All you had to do was ask" while picking her up with ease. Tonks glared at him, but blushed when he gave her the once over look.
"I don't see why she would ever change your appearance" Harry thought aloud.
"What, why would you say that?"
Harry shook his head vigorously and his face flushed badly. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it" Harry stuttered. Tonks looked at him thoughtfully then said "Why did you say it then?"
"Umm... I actually didn't think that you would hear me."
Tonks was quiet for a moment and was about to ask a question when Harry said "While we are here we might as well explore the place."
So the two were off, exploring the almost bare rooms, each painted in deep house colors. Each room had a very high ceiling and windows with illusion charms on them. In the library, there were several ancient looking tomes, some looked waterlogged, and others were in pristine condition. Both Tonks and Harry were awed by the number of books in the library that looked half empty. Harry estimated that there were three times the number of books in his personal library then were books in Hogwarts. When Tonks started to sneeze uncontrollably, Harry only then noticed the thick layer of dust in the room, but he was broken from his thoughts when Tonks sneezed so violently that she fell. Harry not thinking twice, quickly ushered her out of the room and sat her down and got out a handkerchief for her. She took a deep but slightly hastened breath and said "You are in need of some really powerful cleaning charms or a devoted house-elf."
"That's not a bad idea really, how about we go down to the town and get some dinner. I have to send a letter to some old friends of mine."
Tonks looked at Harry in a peculiar manner, but said nothing. As they left the house, Harry made sure to make sure that he had the ring on. When they found the storefront district, they browsed through many stores and slowly made there way toward the carrier owl store when Tonks suggested that Harry look into getting another owl. Initially Harry was rather cross with her for even suggesting it, but when she made a valid argument about him needing a secure method of communication, he begrudgingly acquiesced. While in the store, several owls, and various raptors actually sought him out, but he knew in his heart that he could never have another owl. After looking for nearly a half hour, the two started looking toward other animals as potential companions for Harry. They looked at dogs, but were sorely reminded of Sirius. After awhile Harry decided to look into one of his books that pertained to familiars once he returned home. After sending off their letters and doing some much needed grocery shopping, the duo returned to the manor.
Since it was quite late, Harry cooked them a small dinner and they retired for the evening. While getting ready for bed, Harry pulled out the book on familiars and started reading. The next morning, Harry found himself tangled in sheets, but the peculiar thing was that he felt slight pressure coming from his chest. As he opened his eyes, the first thing that he saw was two large, brown eyes looking down at him. The second thing he noticed was the high pitched squeal that came from the house-elf's mouth. "Master Harry Potter is awake, Master Harry Potter is awake. Dobby has been waiting for master to wake up. Dobby is most honored that such a great and powerful wizard wants Dobby working for him." With that Dobby proved the house-elves are quite strong by nearly crushing Harry in a bear hug. At that moment the door opened and Tonks swept into the room with her wand drawn, but in her haste she tripped on the front of her dressing gown, tumbling and tearing it in the process. As she tried to get to her feet, she was unaware of her state of undress as she took her first steps toward Harry; however, when she felt a draft of cold morning air, she looked down and let out a small scream. She quickly turned to leave when Dobby snapped his fingers, fixing her nightdress.
"You can turn around now, your clothes have been repaired miss."
"Thanks Dobby, so you have decided to work for me." The excited elf was nodding his head vigorously. "Okay Dobby then I will hire you and bond myself to you if you agree to these simple requests of mine. First, I would like for you to be a free elf, to remain paid, to have off days, and that you no longer punish yourself. If you can live with that then you have my employment. What do you think?"
As the two hashed out the agreement, Tonks just stood there amazed, and a little flustered. She was put out by the fact that Harry had just seen her starkers and hadn't seemed in the least, but she was also surprised by the amount of compassion that he was showing for the small elf. She could tell that there was some history that was between the two, but she couldn't remember him mentioning it. As the concluded their discussion, Harry turned to Tonks and said, "Dobby will be staying with us from now on, and by the way, you're an extraordinarily beautiful woman." After saying that, Harry gave Tonks the once over again, and turned over to get some more sleep. Against her better judgment, Tonks didn't yell, but allowed her feet to lead her to bed. The only peculiar fact was that the bed she found herself in was Harry's. Harry rolled over and looked Tonks in her eyes before shrugging and closing his eyes and getting comfortable.
Things at the Potter Mansion were quiet for the most part. In the mornings, Harry would exercise for the first few hours of the day, then have breakfast while reading his books. During Lunch, Tonks and he would have lengthy conversations about the current events in the Wizarding World or they would talk about any and everything, After Lunch, the two would have mock duels, do more research, or practice their Animagus training. In the evening, the two would sit down to dinner with Dobby and exchange pleasantries over the sumptuous meals. After that, Harry would practice his Occlumency and do research. In fact, Harry and Tonks had become so familiar and intimate with each other, that it was not uncommon for the two to sleep together. Consequentially, there sleeping arrangement wasn't strictly for gratification, but primarily for comfort. Harry at the time was still dealing with the loss from his godfather death, and Tonks was still mourning the death of her cousin. Harry also talked to Tonks about his problems, she listened and occasionally gave him good advice. In total during their brief time together, Harry grew into a confident man and powerful wizard. It wasn't that Harry got more powerful, but with his newfound confidence and knowledge, he was finally able to start tapping into his almost immeasurable potential.
With two weeks until September 1st, Tonks and Harry decided to make a trip to Grimmaud Place, if for no other reason than to get Harry's O.W.L. scores and to make another trip to Diagon Alley. When they to arrived at the front door, it swung open before either could ring the bell.
"Hello young master" greeted the little elf with a sachrine sweet smile.
***************Authors Notes Thanks for sticking with me for so long, I had a monumental case of writers block. This chapter was supposed to be a lot longer, but someone stole my journal with my outline for the story so I have had to start over. I hope you like where it is going, and I promise that the new chapter will have a lot more action.
Next chapter: O.W.L scores, snogging (I didn't say who), birth of a familiar, Hogwarts Express, a glimpse into Harry's Training and his relationship with Tonks.
I only own the plot and some characters; I don't own Harry and co.
Guardian Of Magic
By: Kakole
Chapter Six : A New Place to Call Home
When the conductor (not Stan) announced the destination, Tonks cringed. As Harry got up, and held out his hand to her, she grasped it and let him lead her off the enchanted bus. As they got off, they headed toward an inn that was situated at the end of the block. Once they were inside the Inn, Harry lowered his hood, and an elderly woman nearly screamed "James is that you, it's been so long. Where have you been?"
Harry spun on his heels and looked at the elderly woman and replied "Sorry ma'am, James was my father, I'm Harry. I have come to pay my respects to my parents. Would you happen to know where the cemetery is?"
"Little Harry, is that really you?" The woman seemed to be in a trance, so Harry let her revel in her thoughts for a few minutes before speaking.
"Yes, I am Harry Potter. May I ask what your name is and how you knew my parents?"
"Certainly, I used to watch you sometimes, when your parents' friends couldn't. I live in the house right next to the ruins. It's a shame that the bloke that purchased the lot didn't have the house restored."
"Someone bought my parents house" Harry said Harry with trepidation in his voice.
"Why yes, some man named Darius showed up about two years ago and bought it. He spent nearly a month putting up wards; but when he left the house in disrepair, most of the villagers gave up hope of ever seeing the house restored."
Harry was depressed because it had been one of his long time goals to rebuild Godric's Hollow and raise a family there. Harry put aside the thoughts and turned to the woman again.
"Do you know where my parents are buried; I would like to speak to them."
"Sure thing Harry, it's at the end of the village on the right hand side. The Potters have their own plot at the top of the hill. Just follow the cobblestone path and you can't miss it."
Harry thanked the woman, reserved a room, and made his way to the cemetery followed closely by Tonks. When they got to the cemetery, Harry asked the attendant for two small grave markers and a shovel. The attendant gave Harry a queer look but filled the order. As Harry and Tonks made their way to the Potter plot, Tonks asked "What is the second marker for?"
Harry paused for a minute then replied "For Sirius" in a neutral tone.
When they arrived, Harry kneeled next to his parents' grave and started talking to them. Harry told them about his life with the Dursleys, about his years at Hogwarts, including his adventures. Harry poured his soul out for them to hear. He talked about his fears, his joys, his problems with girls, and his sorrows. After a few hours time, Harry told his parents to look after his owl. Harry was emotionally drained when he rose to his feet, took the shovel and started digging. Throughout the process, Tonks had seen a totally new side of Harry. She heard firsthand how inadequate he believed himself to be and it made her see him as fallible man instead of the savior of the Wizarding World. When Harry mentioned that he was sorry that he hadn't been allowed to visit them earlier, it nearly broke her heart and she had the urge to find Dumbledore and hex him into oblivion. She could now see the enormous burden that he silently carried, and all she wanted to do was lessen it.
"Harry, I know that you loved Hedwig, but why are you burying her in your families plot?"
Harry looked at her and replied "She was a family member to me." Tonks was perplexed by his answer and let out a small chuckle. Harry rounded on her in an instant. "Do you find this amusing" he asked in a cold detached voice.
"Yes, in a morbid kind of way, I just don't understand."
Harry drew in a deep breath and said "Hedwig was my very first friend beside Hagrid, and she was also the first birthday present that I ever received. She was there for me when I didn't receive any messages from my friends; she was there for me after long days of berating or beatings. If it wasn't for Hedwig, I wouldn't be here today. There was a day after fourth year when I didn't want to live anymore. I sat on my bed with my wand in my hand, wishing for nothing more than peace. When I was going to cast the killing curse on myself, she swooped down and knocked the wand from my hands. She didn't go hunting; instead she stayed with me that whole night. That's why I consider her family, and that's why I am burying her in this plot." After finishing Harry turned, placed his trunk in the hole, and started covering it with earth. Tonks was too stunned to speak. Never in 100 years would she think that Harry Potter would think about committing suicide; she knew now that she would have to watch him now that Hedwig couldn't. Another thought that struck her as peculiar, was that she now had a newfound respect for the deceased snowy owl. Unlike all the humans in Harry's life, Hedwig had always been there for him, and would never forsake him even when he lost hope in himself. Tonks remained quiet while Harry dug a hole for Sirius gravestone and paid his respects.
On the way back to the village, Harry felt the full effects of his magical exertion from earlier in the day. He collapsed and Tonks tried to catch him and toppled to the floor with him.
Tonks trying to lighten the mood yelled "For once it wasn't me." After saying the words, Tonks and Harry break down into laughter. But soon the only laughter came from Tonks, fore Harry had succumbed to sleep. When Harry woke up, he recognized that he was in his bedroom at Grimmaud Place. When he started to get out of bed, hands came toward his chest and pushed him back into the mattress and covered him with the sheet that he had recklessly pushed aside. When he looked up, Harry saw the concerned eyes of Hermione Granger, his best friend. Sitting next to her was a very nervous Tonks.
"Why am I here?" were the first words that came out of Harry mouth.
"This was the only place that I could think of that you would be totally protected. I know that you can look out for yourself, but you were unconscious and I knew that you couldn't protect yourself adequately."
Harry nodded and turned his attention to Hermione, and was stunned to see her usually happy face, tear stained and blotchy. In other words, it was an understatement to mention that she had been crying.
"What's wrong Mione?"
"Tonks was telling me about Hedwig before you woke up... Why didn't you ever tell us that you were suffering at the Dursleys, why didn't you tell me? Why do you have to always bottle up your feelings?" but before Harry could think about answering the questions, Hermione started to sob again. She turned quickly and ran out of the room. Harry looked at Tonks, but she just shrugged. Harry got to his feet, left his room, and started searching the manor, but he didn't find Hermione. The House was empty at the moment, so Harry went back to his room, where Tonks was still sitting. Harry took out his trunk, and enlarged it. For the next 20 minutes, Harry searched the compartments of the trunk and when he was finished, he resurfaced with a CD player, a CD, and an enchantments book.
"Tonks can you watch over this spell that I'm about to do to make sure that its cast properly?"
"Sure, what are you going to cast?"
"I was going to enchant the CD player so that it acts like a Wizard Wireless set, and so that it never needs batteries." After Tonks agreed, Harry immersed himself in the book, and soon came away with the proper incantations. After casting the spells, Harry took the CD and put it into the player and tested it. When he saw that it worked, Harry turned to Tonks and said "Do you want to hear a song that I can relate to?"
"Sure...I hope its punk or ska" replied Harry with a smirk.
"Sorry, but I'll let you borrow some of my collection later...That is if your good." Tonks pouted and stuck out her tongue at Harry but put on the headphones nonetheless. While listening to the song, her eyes started to water as she looked at Harry. By the time the song ended, she was near tears. Tonks took off the headphones and nearly tackled Harry. They shared a long embrace, and when they parted Tonks left the room mumbling something about rethinking something. Harry shrugged and set off to find Hermione. This time Harry was successful. Hermione was in the corner gently weeping. Harry looked around the room, and became very conscious of the fact that he was in Sirius room and that Buckbeak was no longer there. Harry decided to place that thought to the back of his mind as he sat next to Hermione, and put one arm around her. She looked into his eyes with her watering ones and gave him a slight smile.
"Do you want to tell me what's wrong" said Harry while massaging her back.
"Not really" answered Hermione in a defeated tone.
"I know that I'm not the best with telling you about my problems, but would you talk to me if I let you hear a song that I think describes how I see myself sometimes."
"I guess that would be a start" replied Hermione, so Harry placed the headphones over her ears after gently pushing back her hair. The song began, and Harry leaned close to her and started singing along with the music.
"I'm so tired of being here
suppressed by all of my childish fears
and if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
because your presence still lingers here
and it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
and I've held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
You used to captivate me
by your resonating light
but now I'm bound by the life you left behind
your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
and I've held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
and though you're still with me
I've been alone all along" When the last note sounded Harry looked at Hermione, and much like Tonks, she was in tears. The two long time friends hugged for a long time, but Hermione broke the silence.
"I never knew that you felt that way. I have known you for a long time now, but it seems like I don't know you at all."
"Of all the people who claim to know me, you are one of the only people that come close. I try to keep everyone at a distance for their own safety. Being a friend of mine is a death warrant in some ways. Now that I know why Tom is after me..." Harry's voice trailed off when he realized he had said too much.
"What do you mean? You know what the prophecy says don't you?" Harry cursed himself for his big mouth, but nodded nonetheless.
"Hermione, I can't tell you what it says because it will put you in danger, and it could change the way that you see me" whispered Harry as he put his head in his hands.
"You're going to die aren't you" shrieked Hermione as her voice trembled and her eyes watered anew.
"No, I'm not going to die if I can help it" answered Harry with conviction in his voice.
Hermione didn't seem convinced, so Harry drew in a deep breathe and started reciting the prophecy.
****Prophecy***** "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... And either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches..."
"That's dreadful Harry, but how do you know that the prophecy was talking about you? I'm sure that there are other people born at the end of July."
"Hermione, there is one other person that the prophecy could have applied to, but I wouldn't wish my life upon him."
"Who is it? I mean there has to be someone else."
Harry pulled up his bangs and showed her the scar on his forehead. "There is nobody else that the prophecy could refer to because Voldermort marked me as his equal. Before that night the only other person that the prophecy could have applied to was Neville because his parents were in the original Order, defied Voldermort three times, and he was also born at the end of July. However, when Voldermort attacked me, he marked me his equal" said Harry in a depressed tone.
"That's horrible...I'm so sorry Harry, I never knew."
"It's okay Mione, you were never supposed to know. I didn't even know until Sirius died for that matter."
"I thought you said that the prophecy was destroyed, how did you learn it?"
"Dumbledore has known this whole time. I believe he found out even before my parents died."
"But Harry..."
"I know Mione, that's why the headmaster and I aren't speaking at the moment. In fact, I will be leaving before any of the Order members get here. I just wanted to talk to you before I left."
"Why are you leaving?"
"This house has too many memories, and I am not ready to deal with them."
"Where will you go? Who is going to protect you?"
"I'm not sure yet, but Tonks said that she would teach me some Auror level spells, and I can take care of myself."
"Why won't you let the Order protect you? I just can't understand you sometimes."
"I'm just so tired of being used, I am tired of being manipulated. I will fight this war, but it will be on my own terms."
"Why do you think you have been manipulated and used?"
"Well now that you know the prophecy, I should tell you what I think." Harry paused took a deep breath and began to speak."
"Dumbledore was the person who heard the prophecy. He told me at the time that there were two possible families. If he knew about the prophecy why didn't he tell them. The only reason my parents aren't alive is because he didn't warn them. Even now it took him five years to tell me a prophecy that could have helped me earlier. At the end of first year, I asked Dumbledore why Voldermort was after me, but he only told me when I started looking for answers myself...if I had only known I would have begun training a long time ago. Every time I face Voldermort the situation becomes more and more dire. If I had an inkling of what was to occur I would have focused, studied harder, and things could be different. I would have made a better effort at Occulmency if he had told me what it was for. That man didn't even so much as look at me all year, and then he has the audacity to tell me that he thinks of me as a grandson. Now I have so many deaths on my conscience, and I will never be his tool, I will never be his friend or ally, he burned that bridge long ago."
Hermione looked at Harry, but for once she was speechless. When she regained the capacity to make coherent speech, she said "What are you going to do during the school year?"
"Who's to say that I am going back to Hogwarts?"
Hermione let out a high pitched shriek "You have to go back to Hogwarts, how would you be educated, who would protect you, how would you learn when you're still underage?"
Harry let out a little chuckle but stopped when he saw the glare that Hermione gave him. "Well, there are a lot of things that you don't know about me. First off, I am about to purchase a house, I am an emancipated minor, I have been practicing really diligently since the end of term and I believe that I will be ready to take my N.E.W.T.S. by the end of the first term this year if things go as planned. Also, I have learned a lot of useful tidbits about myself after getting a little help from a notable figure from our first year." Harry looked at Hermione as the gears worked in her heard, after about thirty seconds she whispered out "Mr. Flamel".
"Right in one Mione, you were always the brains of the operation." Hermione blushed and thanked him for the complements. Harry then told her about everything that had happened to him thus far. He brought out his trunk and put an enchantment on his laptop, and showed her his already foreboding database of spells and his theories on spell enhancement. He also told her about his theory to make his own spells, and the corresponding books that supported his claim. When Harry had finished his little dissertation, Hermione was looking at him with awe, pride, and another emotion that Harry couldn't place. For good measure, Harry took out some parchment, a quill, and the Kame Stone and placed it in the palm of Hermione's hand. She took on a look of deep concentration for a good twenty minutes until she was finished. When she looked at her list she was really pleased with herself. She showed it to Harry and he was happy to see that she had some of his talents. Harry then loaned her some of his books, and they promised to swap ideas.
"Harry you simply have to come back to Hogwarts; now that you actually like to study I might have some competition for the top spot."
"You know that I will never overtake your position as the Valedictorian of Hogwarts" replied Harry jokingly.
Hermione pouted, but Harry pulled her into a tight hug before she could respond. Surprising himself, Harry gave her a quick peck on her forehead, and started to make his way toward the door. Soon after leaving Hermione, Harry started to pace around Grimmaud Place aimlessly. He was looking for Tonks so that they could leave, but as Harry kept walking he could feel eyes on him, but whenever he would look, he wouldn't find anyone. When Harry got closer to the steps leading to the kitchen, he could distinctly hear snickering noises coming from Mrs. Black's portrait. When he was close enough, he saw Kreacher recounting on how he had led Sirius to his death. He then told the painting about an duel between 'blood traitor' and his 'Mistress' and how he had been told that Sirius had fallen beyond the veil. Harry by this point was beyond reasoning and the dark aura started to surround him, he let the hatred and rage roll off of him as he gracefully glided down the remaining steps. When he reached the landing, the portrait of Mrs. Black saw him and started laughing and taunting him by saying comments about the world being a better place with one less blood traitor.
Harry was beyond reasoning by now and once again he succumbed to the darkness. He steadily walked toward the portrait, and when he was in striking range, his aura started to lash out at the portrait. Instead of remaining indestructible, black dots appeared wherever his aura touched. Mrs. Black let out a blood curdling scream that prompted Kreacher to try to attack Harry. As Kreacher jumped at Harry, Harry smirked and caught him midair by the throat.
"Weren't you both talking about my Godfather a few seconds ago...Please don't stop on my account" whispered in a voice that would petrify a basilisk. In the background, Harry could hear the portrait scream in pain, he could hear Kreacher gasping for air, and the low but distinct sounds of footfalls. Within minutes, the portrait was almost completely destroyed, and Harry seeing that Kreacher would die without air, calmed himself so that his aura was only flickering. In that time, Harry also released the chokehold he had over the house elf.
"Mrs. Black, I have spared you and Kreacher. If I ever hear either of you talking about my family or friends again then I will end your existences. Kreacher stand up." The gasping house elf took several deep breathes before it stood.
"I have only spared your life because I know that Hermione wouldn't forgive me if I killed you. If you wish to remain alive and with Mrs. Black then you will have to abide by my rules. They are as follows, you are to never leave this manor, you will remove anything that you treasure and place those things in the attic otherwise they will be destroyed or thrown out. You will never speak about what goes on in this house to any of the remaining members of the Black family or their friends. This excludes the Weasley family, and the Tonks family. Furthermore, you are now responsible for the cleaning that you have so dutifully neglected, and will answer the door respectfully whenever needed. There are to be unannounced visitors, and the only people permitted in this house are to member from the order, and my friends. If you abide by these rules you will be treated with respect and kindness, if not you wont live long enough to see all of your Mistress' possessions burned with her. Have I made myself clear?"
Kreacher stood there transfixed by the hatred and malice that he saw in Harry' eyes, the elf quickly nodded its head and popped out of the room. Harry then turned to the painting and said "You will greet all guest that come here with respect. If I hear that you have been screaming or calling anyone out of their names, I will personally end your attempt at immortality, and don't try to leave your portrait or I will capture you and use some magical paint thinner to make your life hell." After speaking, Harry turned around and walked past the stunned Order members. When Harry got back to the room that he usually spent his summers in, he took out his trunk and started researching and practicing techniques for Occlumency. Harry was quite content to spend his time in solitude, but too much time had gone by and the book bag that Sirius had left weighed heavily on Harry's mind. Before Harry could give it much thought, there was a knock at the door.
"Is there a reason that you're hiding from everyone."
"I didn't even want to be here, I was just waiting for you so that I could open this letter from Sirius and leave."
"I would have thought that you would have opened that letter weeks ago."
"Well, I don't give my word easily, so when I say I will wait then I will."
"Well...let's have at it then."
Harry took out his trunk and brought out the aged satchel and broke the seal on the letter.
Dear Harry,
After I escaped Hogwarts on Buckbeak, I used one of my assumed aliases to get myself some land. I figured with myself being on the run, that I should set something aside for you aside from Grimmaud Place, which is yours if you are reading this. So I used the name Darius Snuffles to purchase Godric's Hollow. While under disguise, I spent nearly four months setting up wards, and making the house unplottable. To everyone else, the house will look like it is still in ruins, but to the select few that you tell, the house will look as magnificent as the day it was initially built. The company that was contracted to do the job was oblivated upon the houses completion. The deed to the house in the book bag. I know that it would have been your fathers dream for you to raise a family in your ancestral home, so happy early 17th birthday, since if you're reading this I know I am not around. Should you ever need to get away, the house is there for you. The only people who can get in are yourself and Moony. I also made a Marauders Map for the house, so that you can maintain security. There is a ring inside the book bag that will only work for you. Once you put it on, and think the words 'Take me to GH' it will take you home. I have also made it so that it is enchanted to remain invisible to everyone but you, and that it's reusable. Well, that's all for now.
Darius Snuffles a.k.a. Padfoot
"Well I guess that takes care of your living arrangements."
"You can say that again."
"So, when do I get to see your bachelors pad?"
"How about now?"
"I think that we should at least tell someone that we are leaving so that they don't send out a search party."
"I guess your right, but it has to be someone that I trust."
"Okay, how about Moony, in the letter it said that he knew about it, so you can trust him."
"Good idea."
So the two went scouring Grimmaud Place, and soon found Remus sitting in a daze in the library.
"Professor, I am about to leave and I wanted to let you know so that you won't worry."
"Where are you going, it's not safe for you to be seen now. You have to stay where you are..." Harry cut him off before he could finish his sentence,
"I am going to a property that a good friend of mine gave me." After saying that Harry handed him the letter, and waited for Moony to finish reading it. "So you see, I will be safe, and I will be taking Tonks with me so I will have an Order member with me. On second thought, you are welcome to join us if you would like. The only rule that I have is that I don't want any other Order members there."
"That's okay, you go. I will be by in a few days to check on you."
"Okay, that sounds good."
Harry then turned to Tonks and asked if she was ready to leave, and she responded by saying.
"You lead, and I'll follow."
"Is that so" said Harry with a huge smirk. Tonks colored nicely and swatted his arm. Harry poked her in the arm, and Tonks tackled him, and it turned into a huge tickle fest. When Tonks gave up, Harry pulled her up, grabbed their things and put on the ring. Harry then scooped Tonks up in a tight hug and thought 'Take me to GH'. Harry closed his eyes as he felt a tug coming from behind his navel. Harry instinctually tightened his hug on Tonks, and only opened his eyes when he crash landed into something soft. A second later, he felt Tonks squirming beneath him. "Will you get off me?"
"Why, you're more comfortable than my four poster at school" said Harry while he squirmed to get more comfortable. "I swear I could get used to this" muttered Harry, but Tonks heard him and yelled "Get up now."
Harry jumped up, and said "All you had to do was ask" while picking her up with ease. Tonks glared at him, but blushed when he gave her the once over look.
"I don't see why she would ever change your appearance" Harry thought aloud.
"What, why would you say that?"
Harry shook his head vigorously and his face flushed badly. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it" Harry stuttered. Tonks looked at him thoughtfully then said "Why did you say it then?"
"Umm... I actually didn't think that you would hear me."
Tonks was quiet for a moment and was about to ask a question when Harry said "While we are here we might as well explore the place."
So the two were off, exploring the almost bare rooms, each painted in deep house colors. Each room had a very high ceiling and windows with illusion charms on them. In the library, there were several ancient looking tomes, some looked waterlogged, and others were in pristine condition. Both Tonks and Harry were awed by the number of books in the library that looked half empty. Harry estimated that there were three times the number of books in his personal library then were books in Hogwarts. When Tonks started to sneeze uncontrollably, Harry only then noticed the thick layer of dust in the room, but he was broken from his thoughts when Tonks sneezed so violently that she fell. Harry not thinking twice, quickly ushered her out of the room and sat her down and got out a handkerchief for her. She took a deep but slightly hastened breath and said "You are in need of some really powerful cleaning charms or a devoted house-elf."
"That's not a bad idea really, how about we go down to the town and get some dinner. I have to send a letter to some old friends of mine."
Tonks looked at Harry in a peculiar manner, but said nothing. As they left the house, Harry made sure to make sure that he had the ring on. When they found the storefront district, they browsed through many stores and slowly made there way toward the carrier owl store when Tonks suggested that Harry look into getting another owl. Initially Harry was rather cross with her for even suggesting it, but when she made a valid argument about him needing a secure method of communication, he begrudgingly acquiesced. While in the store, several owls, and various raptors actually sought him out, but he knew in his heart that he could never have another owl. After looking for nearly a half hour, the two started looking toward other animals as potential companions for Harry. They looked at dogs, but were sorely reminded of Sirius. After awhile Harry decided to look into one of his books that pertained to familiars once he returned home. After sending off their letters and doing some much needed grocery shopping, the duo returned to the manor.
Since it was quite late, Harry cooked them a small dinner and they retired for the evening. While getting ready for bed, Harry pulled out the book on familiars and started reading. The next morning, Harry found himself tangled in sheets, but the peculiar thing was that he felt slight pressure coming from his chest. As he opened his eyes, the first thing that he saw was two large, brown eyes looking down at him. The second thing he noticed was the high pitched squeal that came from the house-elf's mouth. "Master Harry Potter is awake, Master Harry Potter is awake. Dobby has been waiting for master to wake up. Dobby is most honored that such a great and powerful wizard wants Dobby working for him." With that Dobby proved the house-elves are quite strong by nearly crushing Harry in a bear hug. At that moment the door opened and Tonks swept into the room with her wand drawn, but in her haste she tripped on the front of her dressing gown, tumbling and tearing it in the process. As she tried to get to her feet, she was unaware of her state of undress as she took her first steps toward Harry; however, when she felt a draft of cold morning air, she looked down and let out a small scream. She quickly turned to leave when Dobby snapped his fingers, fixing her nightdress.
"You can turn around now, your clothes have been repaired miss."
"Thanks Dobby, so you have decided to work for me." The excited elf was nodding his head vigorously. "Okay Dobby then I will hire you and bond myself to you if you agree to these simple requests of mine. First, I would like for you to be a free elf, to remain paid, to have off days, and that you no longer punish yourself. If you can live with that then you have my employment. What do you think?"
As the two hashed out the agreement, Tonks just stood there amazed, and a little flustered. She was put out by the fact that Harry had just seen her starkers and hadn't seemed in the least, but she was also surprised by the amount of compassion that he was showing for the small elf. She could tell that there was some history that was between the two, but she couldn't remember him mentioning it. As the concluded their discussion, Harry turned to Tonks and said, "Dobby will be staying with us from now on, and by the way, you're an extraordinarily beautiful woman." After saying that, Harry gave Tonks the once over again, and turned over to get some more sleep. Against her better judgment, Tonks didn't yell, but allowed her feet to lead her to bed. The only peculiar fact was that the bed she found herself in was Harry's. Harry rolled over and looked Tonks in her eyes before shrugging and closing his eyes and getting comfortable.
Things at the Potter Mansion were quiet for the most part. In the mornings, Harry would exercise for the first few hours of the day, then have breakfast while reading his books. During Lunch, Tonks and he would have lengthy conversations about the current events in the Wizarding World or they would talk about any and everything, After Lunch, the two would have mock duels, do more research, or practice their Animagus training. In the evening, the two would sit down to dinner with Dobby and exchange pleasantries over the sumptuous meals. After that, Harry would practice his Occlumency and do research. In fact, Harry and Tonks had become so familiar and intimate with each other, that it was not uncommon for the two to sleep together. Consequentially, there sleeping arrangement wasn't strictly for gratification, but primarily for comfort. Harry at the time was still dealing with the loss from his godfather death, and Tonks was still mourning the death of her cousin. Harry also talked to Tonks about his problems, she listened and occasionally gave him good advice. In total during their brief time together, Harry grew into a confident man and powerful wizard. It wasn't that Harry got more powerful, but with his newfound confidence and knowledge, he was finally able to start tapping into his almost immeasurable potential.
With two weeks until September 1st, Tonks and Harry decided to make a trip to Grimmaud Place, if for no other reason than to get Harry's O.W.L. scores and to make another trip to Diagon Alley. When they to arrived at the front door, it swung open before either could ring the bell.
"Hello young master" greeted the little elf with a sachrine sweet smile.
***************Authors Notes Thanks for sticking with me for so long, I had a monumental case of writers block. This chapter was supposed to be a lot longer, but someone stole my journal with my outline for the story so I have had to start over. I hope you like where it is going, and I promise that the new chapter will have a lot more action.
Next chapter: O.W.L scores, snogging (I didn't say who), birth of a familiar, Hogwarts Express, a glimpse into Harry's Training and his relationship with Tonks.