Disclaimer: Nothings mine, its all Rowling's.
Chapter 1 – Missing You
At a small table in a dark corner of a muggle pub a young woman sat alone. A single tear ran down her cheek as she stared at a picture of her one true love. The only man she had ever known who truly understood her and accepted her for who she was not who she could be. They had been together in secret for two wonderful years until one week ago when he had been taken from her. The young auror had returned from a two week assignment to find him gone. Sure there had been explanations but she did not believe them and he had never been given a chance.
Looking at her watch she realized it was time to go. She tipped her glass of whiskey back swallowing the last sip of the amber liquid, letting the numbing feeling wash over her before leaning in to place a light kiss on the photograph of her lover.
"I'll see you soon. I love you."
Placing the picture safely in a pocket she tossed a few coins on the table as she stood and made her way to the door. The woman raised a hand over her eyes as the early afternoon sun shined down. She stumbled unsteadily around the corner of the bar and down a side alley. Hiding behind a large trash bin she removed a short stick from within her sleeve and pointing it at herself muttered a word, "Sobrius."
Free from the effects of the alcohol she took several deep breaths preparing herself for what she was about to do. After casting several more spells she waved her wand a final time and with a soft popping sound disappeared.
The imposing visage of Albus Dumbledore the most powerful wizard alive strode across a desolate piece of rock. This was a cold lonely place devoid of all plant life and completely lacking in happiness and hope. He paused briefly looking up at the castle situated high above the sea. A shiver ran down his spine as the dreaded guardians of the weather beaten keep could be seen gliding soundlessly about on their rounds removing everything that made life worth living from the air with their very breath.
Shaking his head to remove the images the creatures conjured he continued on to the large wooden doors that protected the interior of castle Azkaban. Approaching a pair of aurors he presented them with several official looking documents.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, please take these to the duty officer inside and he'll take care of this for you."
He said nothing but made a short bow that was closer to a nod and passed through the large wooden doors into the fortress.
He moved through the entrance hall ignoring the looks of awe he was receiving from various aurors as he passed, his every thought and motion set on a single purpose. Entering a large and simply decorated office at the rear of the hall he presented the officer on duty with his documents.
"I am here to obtain temporary custody of this prisoner. He is to accompany me to Hogwarts where he will be detained in a cell we have prepared for him. He will be returned to you in one week's time."
The guard was shocked at the name on the papers but what auror would deny the head of the Wizengamot anything? Certainly not him.
"Of course Sir. Right this way."
A pair of dementors joined them as they made their way through the prisons many stairways and passages finally arriving at a nondescript cell door. Entering the cell Dumbledore approached a shivering pile of rags in the back corner. Turning to the auror he spoke loudly the authority in his voice making it clear that his commands would be fulfilled immediately and without question.
"Send the dementors away. I need to speak with the prisoner."
Nodding the auror waved the pair of dementors away and turned back towards the cell.
As the dementors left the filthy figure in the corner stopped shivering and slowly looked up. Albus Dumbledore's breath hitched as he found himself staring into the now dull and lifeless emerald green eyes of Harry Potter. It took everything he had to not break down at the sight but he could not afford to indulge in the luxury of grief, not now.
"Harry James Potter by order of the Wizengamot you are to be given into my charge for a period of one week after which you will be returned to your cell at Azkaban Prison to fulfill the remainder of your sentence. Any attempt at subterfuge or escape will be met with extreme and deliberate force. You will now be placed in shackles and moved to a secure location at Hogwarts."
With a wave of his wand steel bands appeared around Harrys wrists and ankles. The bands were connected with magical chains which would expand and contract allowing just enough movement for him to be able to fulfill any requests Dumbledore made of him but no more. Turning to the door he faced the auror guarding them.
"Please retrieve our escort."
"Yes sir." Turning away the auror headed down the hall to fetch the dementors.
"Let me give you a hand up Harry." said Dumbledore. As he grasped Harry's arm he leaned in close to his ear and quietly whispered, "Wotcher Harry."
His green eyes widened filling with surprise and hope as he received a wink from the now violet eyes of the old man standing before him. 'Tonks! Is it really her? She wasn't at the trial. I thought she hated me now. Please god let this be real.' He thought.
A mask of indifference returned to the mans face his eyes changing from violet back to Dumbledore's normal twinkling blue as he heard the auror returning now accompanied by a pair of dementors. The elation and hope fled from Harry's face at the first signs of his worst memories bubbling to the surface of his mind as the returning dementors began to affect him again.
"This way Potter."
The auror led the way back through the maze of passages followed by Harry and Tonks disguised as Albus Dumbledore the two dementors trailing behind. They passed through the large entrance hall towards a set of stairs on the far side leading down through the cold grey stone of the island. The stairs wound their way down finally leading them into a large grotto with a stone pier along one side. As they walked along the pier several aurors could be seen standing on balconies high above them all with their wands pointing at Harry.
'Just hang on Harry it'll all be over soon… soon.' Tonks thought to herself as she helped Harry into a small but very ornately carved wooden boat.
The boat began to move of its own volition as the pair sat down. The two dementors joined them continuing their guard from positions at the rear of the craft. Passing through a short tunnel they entered the open sea. As the boat clipped along at an unnaturally quick pace with a ride that was far smoother than it should have been, one could only speculate there was magic at work.
After skimming across the top of the water for almost an hour a land mass could be seen in the distance. A few minutes later as they began to slow and approach the dock they were able to make out several figures standing at the landing point.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit." Tonks began to mumble. She looked at Harry and knew he was suffering from the effects of the dementors and would be unable to help. Turning her gaze back to the dock she found herself looking directly at three members of the Order of the Phoenix. Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, Head of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones and the one person she hoped most not to see Albus Dumbledore.
"Bloody hell."
Acting quickly and stealthily she began to cast the strongest wards and shields she knew extending them up from the front of the boat. The instant they were in place she acted. Springing up from the bench she turned with her wand drawn facing the dementors and concentrating on her favorite memories of Harry shouted, "Expecto Patronum!"
A large silver mare erupted from the end of her wand and charged the dementors forcing them to flee from the boat. Before she could move she heard the sound of spells impacting her shields. Quickly spinning around, she found three Order members hurling curses towards her. The shields were holding but it was only a matter of time. After banishing the chains from Harry she quickly stashed her wand in her holster and changed into her animagus form, a large brown and white eagle. Grabbing Harry by his robes she launched herself into the air flying with everything she had away from the wizards while staying low to keep the boat and shield between her and them.
Several seconds later she swerved to avoid a curse and looked back to see Albus Dumbledore standing in the boat they had vacated. She changed direction and began to gain altitude as she continued to dodge incoming curses. Hearing a groan she felt Harry go limp in her grasp and knew he'd been hit with a stunner. Crossing the boundary of the wards surrounding the prison she immediately changed back into her normal form pulling Harry tightly to her and wrapping her legs around him as they began to fall. She reached in her shirt pulling out a long thin necklace and placed it around Harry's neck. Removing her wand she tapped the necklace and with a familiar tug behind the naval they disappeared.
Albus Dumbledore stood in the back of the boat as the pair vanished. Lowering his wand a grin appeared on his face and a twinkle in his eye as he spoke softly to the now empty sky. "Good luck Harry and Nymphadora."
Tonks reappeared behind the dumpster in the alley she had apperated away from earlier but this time she was not alone.
"Enervate. Harry! Harry! Oh Merlin Harry please wake. Please don't leave me again"
Tears slid down her cheeks and she held him tightly as he opened his eyes. "Tonks…"
"Harry!" She hugged him wanting to stay there holding him forever but they weren't safe yet.
"Harry can you walk? We need to get out of here."
"I think so." He stood up with a lot of help from Tonks leaning heavily on her to keep from falling over. She transfigured their robes into muggle clothes and changed her appearance to that of a woman in her forties. She then began to cast a series of charms on Harry changing his hair color and general look. With one final charm to keep owls from locating them she put away her wand and they made their way to the street to summon a taxi.
"This guys probably gonna think your wasted the way your leaning on me Harry."
He grinned at her comment as she helped him into the back of the cab holding on to him tightly the whole time. She was worried about him but happier than she had ever been to have him back. Handing the driver fifty pounds she simply said "Drive."
Daily Profit Special Edition
HARRY POTTER ESCAPES FROM AZKABAN
In a daring daytime raid on the wizarding prison Azkaban, now former Auror Nymphadora Tonks a known metamorphmagus assumed the identity of Albus Dumbledore and presented forged documents temporarily transferring inmate Harry Potter into her custody. Eye witnesses indicate that the Head of the Aurors Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones and the most powerful wizard alive Albus Dumbledore were waiting at the dock when Tonks arrived. A skirmish ensued during which Tonks was able to elude said law enforcement officials with Harry Potter in tow.
Harry Potter was convicted of murdering Draco Malfoy with the use of an unforgivable curse and sentenced to life in Azkaban without the possibility of parole. Though it can not be confirmed at this time it is rumored that Mr. Potter and Ms. Tonks are involved in a relationship and have been for some time.
For more information on metamorphmagus see page 2, for information on Harry Potters trial see page 3.
The kitchen at Grimauld Place was in an uproar as they read the article. All of the Weasleys were there except for Percy as well as Hermione Granger, Mad Eye Moody, Mundungus Fletcher, Minerva McGonagall and to everyone's pleasure Severus Snape. It wasn't long before they were joined by Kingsley Shacklebolt, Amelia Bones and Albus Dumbledore who were just arriving from a long afternoon at the ministry.
"Is it true professor? Did Tonks really break Harry out? Where are they?" Hermione couldn't stand it throwing a barrage of questions at Dumbledore before he was even able to sit down.
Waving her off he began. "Yes Miss Granger it is true. Miss Tonks affected Harry's Escape earlier today. Quite ingenious if I may say so. Using her natural abilities she took on my appearance and used my position and reputation to have Harry transferred to her custody." He became pensive for a moment before continuing, "I do hope she got my twinkle right I'd hate to think I'd been seen without the proper amount."
"Professor! Honestly!" said an exasperated Hermione to a grinning Headmaster.
"Oh quite right, I do apologize." chuckled Dumbledore. "The three of us were at the dock when they arrived. I saw her begin to raise some wards around the front of the boat and must say I was most looking forward to seeing what her plan of escape would be she really is a most excellent Auror you know."
"Aye that she is." grumbled Mad Eye.
"She used The Patronus Charm to chase away the dementors and we started firing low level curses into her shields when she turned around and surprised us. You see it turns out Miss Tonks is an Animagus."
Gasps and exclamations of surprise were heard all around the table.
"Yes I quite agree I had no idea she was an animagus, in fact I had no idea a metamorphmagus could even be an animagus though it makes sense I suppose. Her form was that of a very large eagle and she flew away with Mr. Potter. Once outside the wards surrounding the dock and boat she returned to human form and port keyed them away."
Silence filled the room until it was broken by the harsh laughter of Moody. "Yup she's a tough one that girl is. She'll have her hands full with that Potter boy though." As he continued to chuckle.
"Albus, where are they? Will they come here?" asked Minerva.
"I do not know where they are now and no I do not expect them to come here. Though we all believe him to be innocent and would gladly assist in their hiding neither of them realizes this. Harry was placed in Azkaban without our being able to contact him and Nymphadora was out on assignment when the incident occurred. We were also trying to curse them, though I believe they will eventually figure out that we let them escape."
Moody jumped into the conversation. "Trust me, she already knows Albus."
Nodding in agreement he raised his own question, "Does anyone know if the rumors of a relationship are true?"
Dumbledore had expected an answer from Hermione or Ron but it was Moody who spoke up.
"Aye, I knew about it. I caught em with my eye but promised I'd keep their secret."
"How long have they been together?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know for sure, couple of years I spect."
Hermione and Ron seemed upset about Harry not sharing this with them. Moody picking up on this continued. "You do realize why he had to keep this a secret right? Can you imagine what a prize the girlfriend of the boy who lived would be to the dark lord?"
The pair nodded in understanding and Hermione sighed. "I know I just wish things didn't have to be so complicated for him all the time."
The Dark Lord Voldemort sat in his throne room an evil smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as a random Death Eater writhed in agony before him. Lifting the curse he spoke slowly, malice dripping from his voice.
"Leave me."
Trembling and gasping for breath the Death Eater replied "Yes my lord." and quickly scurried from the room before the Dark Lord changed his mind.
Moments later Lucius Malfoy rushed into the chamber holding a special edition of the Daily Profit. "My Lord, I have just discovered news that I knew you would want to be made aware of immediately."
Lucius was getting more and more nervous as Voldemort scanned the paper, his anger increasing the further he read. By the end of the article he was in a towering rage.
"Find him Lucius! Take whomever you need and find him. Make sure he is returned to Azkaban before my plans are spoiled and bring me the girl."
"Yes my lord." He said bowing as he backed away.
"Oh and Lucius, in the future I expect you to show proper respect before addressing me."
The elder Malfoy cringed in fear knowing what was coming next.
"CRUCIO!"
A taxi pulled to a stop at the curb in front of a small apartment building on the outskirts of London. Two people stepped out the older woman helping the young man who was leaning heavily on her for support. Passing through a security door they entered the building and climbed the stairs to the second floor. Stopping and number 207 Tonks removed a small brass key from her pocket inserting it into the lock on the door to gain entrance.
The flat was small consisting of a living room with a kitchen and bar along one wall, a small bathroom and a bedroom. The only furnishings were a leather sofa in the living room and a bed in the bedroom. Both items had been delivered earlier in the week after she had rented the apartment under an assumed name using fake muggle identification she had conjured.
Helping Harry to the bathroom she removed his cloths and cleaned the stench and filth of the infamous wizarding prison from his body before helping him to bed. She was turning to leave when she felt Harry grab her hand.
"Please don't go."
Returning her gaze to her boyfriend she almost cried at the look of desperation and fear clearly displayed on his face. She carefully climbed over him lying on the bed next to him and wrapping her arms protectively around him.
"It's ok now. Everything's ok."
"I didn't see you at the trial. I thought you believed them, that you hated me."
The anguish in his voice brought tears to her eyes. "Never Harry, not for a second. I only found out when I returned from my assignment and by then you had already been sent to Azkaban. I believe in you and will always be here for you. I love you."
Harry pulled her close holding her tightly. "I love you too." he whispered.
"You need to get some sleep would you like something to eat first?"
"No, just don't go, please stay with me. I'm afraid to sleep. Afraid that I'll wake up and this will all have been a dream."
"Shhh, sleep Harry. I'm not going anywhere. I promise I'll be right here in your arms when you wake up. I promise."
Tonks reached up slowly running her fingers through his hair and it wasn't long before his breathing slowed and he was fast asleep. She watched the young man she loved with all her heart sleep for a long time wondering how he found the strength to go on. Time after time he faced adversity and pain always managing to fight his way back from the brink somehow finding the strength to continue fighting for what was right and for those who could not fight for themselves. She pulled her hand away from his hair and leaned in placing a soft kiss on his lips before once again whispering to him. "I promise."
Laying her head on his chest it wasn't long before she too was fast asleep.
Tonks woke the next morning to the feeling of someone running their fingers through her hair. Tilting her head she found herself looking into the eyes of Harry Potter. She noticed his green eyes which had only yesterday been dull and lifeless had regained much of their warmth and happiness.
"Morning luv."
"Mmmm, morning. How long have you been awake?"
"I don't know about an hour I guess." Harry said shrugging slightly.
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"You looked so peaceful and content I just wanted to watch you sleep and was thinking things through. I can't believe what you did for me yesterday, what you risked."
"I love you Harry. I couldn't stand the thought of you in that place or of living without you."
Harry looked deep into her eyes seeing the truth of her words and the love shining through. A love she shared only with him.
"Marry me."
Tonks gasped as the words registered and she sat up staying as close to him as possible. "What?"
Harry reached up cupping her cheek and leaned in to place a tender kiss on her lips. "I love you Tonks. I couldn't imagine my life without you in it and I wouldn't want to. You proved to me yesterday how much you love me and I want to spend the rest of my life proving the same to you. Will you marry me?"
Tears of happiness were shining in her eyes and she was wearing the largest smile she ever had as she threw her arms around him.
"Yes, oh Harry, yes. I love you so much!"
They held each other passionately kissing for a long while until the need for air forced them to separate.
"I'm sorry I don't have a ring but I'll get you one as soon as I can."
"I'm not worried about that Harry. Just knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with you makes me happier than I've ever been. When do you want to get married?"
"I want to do it now but that's probably not going to happen seeing as we're both fugitives. Hopefully we can clear our names before too long so I can give you the wedding of your dreams."
Tonks smiled at his thoughtfulness. "No, I don't want to wait and I was never one of those girls who dreamed about a big fancy wedding. The only thing I want is to be married to you."
"Well, we could go to the States. I've heard of places there you can get married quickly. Plus it might not be a bad idea to get as far away from Europe as we can until we figure out what to do. What are we going to do for money though? I can't exactly go wandering around in Diagon Alley."
"Don't worry about that luv. I went to Gringotts and talked to your friend Griphook before I came to get you. Interestingly enough he said that most of the goblins including the banks board don't believe you're guilty not that they really care one way or the other. They setup another vault for us under the names of Harold and Adora Jameson transferring about half of your money into it. They also gave us muggle credit cards to access it. They would have transferred it all but knew if I was able to get you out the aurors would be watching your account to try to find you and we didn't want to implicate the goblins for aiding in your escape."
"You truly are brilliant."
"Well, I wasn't in Ravenclaw for nothing." she smiled. "Come on time to get up. There are some clean cloths in the bathroom for you. I'm going to fix us some breakfast."
The newly engaged couple stayed in the apartment for a week making sure Harry was fully recovered from his time in Azkaban before heading to Heathrow Airport and eventually Las Vegas Nevada in the United States.
The desert sun beat down upon them as they exited the airport and made their way to a taxi. After climbing into the back the taxi pulled away from the curb and the driver addressed the couple.
"Where too?"
"We need to make a couple stops actually." said Harry, "Could you take us to a jewelry store, some place where we can get married and a nice hotel?"
"Your getting married? Congratulations. Why don't I take you to the Bellagio it's a nice hotel with jewelry stores inside and there are loads of places to get married within walking distance on the strip."
"That sounds great, thank you."
Harry held Tonks in the back seat both of them enjoying the sites as the taxi slowly worked its way through traffic finally arriving at the hotel Bellagio.
After paying the driver they entered the hotel and checked in. Once they had paid for their room and received their electronic key card they went in search of Tiffany's. For Tonks they selected an elegant silver setting with an emerald-cut diamond in the center and emeralds the color of Harry's eyes on either side. For Harry they chose a simple platinum band. On the inside of each they had engraved 'All my love, forever.'
With their purchases in hand they left the hotel wandering along the strip in search of a place to make their vows. They entered a small chapel on the side of the road and after filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a small fee they waited for their turn.
Hand in hand they stepped up to the minister laughing in delight as they realized they were about to be married by Elvis Presley.
Relishing in the love that was clear to see in each others eyes they made their vows slipping the rings on to each others fingers. As the ceremony came to an end they leaned towards each other sharing a long passionate kiss, their first as husband and wife.
They left the chapel to a rock and roll version of the wedding march arm in arm making their way quickly back to their hotel intent on spending some quality time together in their room.
"Of course you realize Mrs. Potter that I can no longer call you Tonks."
"I hadn't thought of that."
Harry smirked and started to speak but was abruptly cut off. "Don't even think about using my first name Potter!" she said with a mock glare and a tone similar to Professor McGonagall's causing them both to break down laughing.
"I wouldn't think of it luv. How about Adora? I actually like it better than I liked Tonks. It seems more personal than using your last name. You could of course go by Potter but that would probably get confusing when both of us are around."
"Hmm, Adora. Yah, I think I like that."
The newly christened Adora smiled and kissed Harry firmly on the lips.
"I love you Harry."
"I love you Adora."
They spent the next several days as many honeymooning couples do. When they weren't in their hotel room they were exploring the strip stopping to watch the shows in front of the various hotels sneaking kisses and hugs whenever they felt like it.
They were wandering around hand in hand and decided to stop and watch their favorite show in front of the Treasure Island Hotel for the third time. Harry stood behind Adora his arms wrapped around her as the battle ensued. As the ship sank and the show ended she turned in his arms and they shared a mind numbing kiss before turning around to leave and running into an old man accidentally knocking him to the pavement.
"I'm so sorry." Harry apologized as he helped the man up.
Harry and Adora's breath hitched as they took in the man's appearance. Though he seemed rather old and was dressed in muggle clothing it was immediately clear the man was a wizard and an extremely powerful one at that.
As uncomfortable as they were running into another wizard while on the run it was what he said next that worried them the most.
"That's quite all right, no harm done… Mr. Potter."