Changes

by malko050987

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and no profit is made from this.

A/N: Many thanks to LunaMoon224 for betaing this for me. Very much appreciated, Luna. HBP is ignored here.

Summary: Halloween has never been a regular holiday for Harry. The Halloween in his seventh year is no exception. Harry/Tonks, gender-bending, femslash.

Warning: Gender-Bending: This fic will have a male being turned into a female. If such things are not what you prefer to read, go away now. Femslash: This fic will feature a femslash relationship, a relationship between two females. Also mentions of slash.

Chapter Three – Confessions and Conclusion

Tonks woke up slowly, going through her instinctual check. All her senses responded to her. She could feel and move all her limbs. Then came the memories of the previous night, and they shattered her routine.

'How could I be so stupid? Why, why did I let myself fall for him?'

The first time she had felt something past friendship towards Harry Potter had been at the beginning of his sixth year, when they had fought alongside against an attack on the Hogwarts Express.

She had taught Defense Against the Dark Arts for that year and had gotten to know Harry quite well, as she was his preferred choice when he felt the need to talk to someone in a position of authority. That, combined with their regular meetings to train and plan DA lessons, had formed a deep friendship between the two.

'Except you couldn't keep it at that, could you? You just had to fall for him.'

And now Harry had been permanently changed into a girl. Tonks had been able to deal with her feelings while Harry was male, but now it was much harder. She sighed, wrapping her arms tighter around Jamie's body, smelling her hair. She felt Jamie's arms tighten slightly in her sleep, and smiled briefly before her face fell.

She had dated Remus Lupin for most of Harry's sixth year. It had taken a while to convince the werewolf to date, and she didn't regret it. Remus, on the other hand...

'Bigot!'

During one of their talks, Tonks had commented on the attractiveness of the new Muggle Studies Professor, a Squib that was younger than her by a year. Remus, suddenly very serious, had asked her if she had leanings towards relationships with the same sex.

It had been the end of the relationship, as Remus clearly wasn't able to deal with the thought that she was bisexual. They were friendly when they met, although that was rare, thankfully.

Harry had been furious when he'd found out that Remus had ended their relationship. She'd persuaded him to leave the werewolf alone, and that it wasn't worth trying again. Harry still didn't know about the real reason of their breakup. He'd held her then, just as he'd done last night, and spent a few days constantly around her, just keeping her company and helping her get back on her feet.

And she'd fallen in love with him. She kept her feelings to herself and managed to ignore them when she was around Harry. It was best to have his friendship than nothing, she reasoned.

But Harry was gone, and Jamie was here. And Jamie was everything Harry had been, but in a package that Tonks found much, much harder to resist.

Sudden movement snapped her out of her dark thoughts and she opened her eyes. Emerald eyes filled with caring met hers from a few inches away.

Before she was fully awake of what she was doing, Tonks leaned forward and kissed Jamie, whispering "Morning, love."

Ten seconds into the kiss Tonks had dreamed about for the past few months, she realized what she was doing and pulled back, rolling out of bed with a horrified expression. She crawled in the corner of the room, fearing the harsh words she knew were coming. She felt the tears run down her cheeks as she desperately tried to find a way to take back what she'd done.

She flinched as she felt a hand come and rest on her shoulder. When nothing else happened she raised her head and looked at Jamie's eyes. She stiffened nervously when Jamie's other hand began brushing her tears away, although she couldn't resist leaning her cheek to her touch.

"I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have done that, but I don't know what came over me, and please forgive me, I don't want to lose your friendship, it means too much. Please forgive me, I didn't mean it, I just… I don't know what to do, and I'm sorry, and I hate this, and please don't hate me," she babbled among her sobs, griping Jamie's hands with her own, wanting to have at least the memory of the touch before she left.

When Jamie stood and pulled her up, Tonks moved slowly, her eyes not leaving the floor, still braced for the worst. She flinched when she felt Jamie's hand on her chin, lifting her face.

A small spark of hope burst into existence when she saw that there was no disgust on Jamie's face, no hate or anger. Just caring.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up and then we'll sit down and talk," Jamie said gently, leading Tonks toward the bathroom.

Almost afraid to hope, Tonks rushed through her wash, running to the kitchen when she was done. To her immense relief, Jamie was there, setting the plates for breakfast. Honey popped in, snapped her fingers to fill them, and popped out. Jamie motioned for Tonks to take a seat.

They ate in silence, Tonks afraid to say anything and Jamie waiting for Tonks to speak. Once they were done, they pushed their plates away, and Jamie reached over the table, grabbing Tonks' hand and running her fingers over it.

"Tonks?" she said softly.

"I'm sorry," Tonks whispered, eyes locked on their hands. "I'll get another bed and we'll be close enough so that I can reach you quickly in case you have a nightmare. Or if you want, I'll owl Marie and see if she can come and train you."

Jamie sighed. "We'll talk about this later, but don't go making any plans until you've talked with me."

Tonks nodded slowly.

Satisfied, Jamie continued. "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about. What happened this morning, Tonks? Why...?" she trailed off.

"I'm sorry," the Auror said slowly. "I promise I won't do it again, I don't know what came over me."

"Tonks, that's not what I meant. Why did you react like that after you kissed me? A simple apology would have been enough if you thought you were kissing the wrong person."

"Oh." Tonks fell silent for a while before sipping from her tea. After a deep breath, she started speaking. If Jamie hated her after this, she would at least say her piece. "I'm bisexual. It's why Remus broke up with me. I fell in love with you a while ago. I love you. When you were a guy I could just be your friend, but now..." She shrugged, meeting her eyes. It was obvious that Jamie was thinking about it, and Tonks took it as a good sign when she didn't withdraw her hands.

"In the Wizarding world, relationships between the same sex are almost taboo. There aren't that many of us, and it's an unofficial rule that everybody has to have a family, with one or two children. Same-sex couples can't have babies, so people don't like it when it happens."

"Oh. So you were afraid that I would react badly to it?"

Tonks nodded. "All the people who know about it have yelled at me about it, even Remus."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, you have nothing to be sorry about, Jamie. It's me and my bloody heart that ruined it."

Jamie snorted. Suddenly serious, she stood and dragged Tonks after her to the bedroom. She sat on the bed and patted a place in front of her. Once Tonks was seated, she took a deep breath.

"I've only been a girl for a couple of days, but you've been my friend for years. You stood next to me when the going was bad, and we enjoyed some good times together. I care about you. I don't know if that can turn into love. Maybe it will. Maybe it won't. What I do know is that I enjoy being around you, and waking up in your arms.

"If you're willing, we can give this a chance. If not, I hope you still want to train me, because I trust you, but I can't say the same about the other Metamorphs."

Tonks gasped and threw herself at Jamie, wrapping her arms around the younger girl. "Thank you, yes." Hesitantly, she met Jamie's eyes and leant in, their lips meeting halfway. The kiss was much better than she'd dreamed it would be, and much, much better than the one in the morning.

After a few minutes of snogging, they came up for air and fixed their clothing. "Thank you for giving me this chance and not being disgusted in me," Tonks said seriously, holding Jamie's gaze and letting what she was feeling show. Jamie simply hugged her, smiling.

--

The NEWTs passed surprisingly fast. Since she hadn't asked for special revision time, Jamie had two written tests per day and was done by her third day. She knew that she would only get an Acceptable in Potions, if that, but was more confident about her other scores, and knew for certain that she would get an Outstanding on the Defense Against the Dark Arts one. She was far above NEWT level in the subject.

She and Tonks spent a few hours each night snuggling in bed, talking and getting Jamie more used with her new body. Of course, Tonks took the opportunity to introduce Jamie to the more sexual aspects of a woman's body, chuckling at the mutterings of "Ah, so that's why she liked it so much."

She knew all of Harry's previous girlfriends now, and she was friends with three of them. Daphne she had only known while she was a teacher at Hogwarts, but she knew that Harry – or rather, Jamie – was a very good judge of character, so she knew that the girl was a good person.

Nobody had told her explicitly that Daphne had been Harry's mystery Slytherin girlfriend, but it had been enough to hear Hermione mention the Protection Ritual and that Harry had wanted all four of them to help.

Like all druidic rituals, it had very specific requirements. For this one, the chants needed to be sung by four women who had been deflowered by the focus of the ritual, who would then channel the power into a shape protecting the area. There were other requirements, but those were much easier to meet.

Of course, it wouldn't have mattered much. When The Change came, nothing and no one could stop it. It had been just Jamie's rotten luck for it to happen on Halloween. 'And my luck,' she thought, tightening her grip on Jamie's body.

Today was the start of Jamie's practical exams. She had Potions first, followed by Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Astronomy was not a NEWT subject unless one wanted to make a career in the Department of Mysteries, and they approached people silently, so the NEWT was not taken officially.

Harry had been approached, of course, and offered one of the field worker positions, but he had refused. Unspeakable Field Training was interesting, but Harry wanted something to do on his terms, not at the orders of some Ministry official.

With a yawn, Jamie opened her eyes, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep. "Morning beautiful," Tonks whispered, planting a kiss on Jamie's lips. Jamie held the Auror close, breathing in her scent.

Almost an hour later, they were at the Ministry, in the testing room. Tonks, as an Auror and Harry's current trainer, had been allowed to witness the proceedings, in case something went wrong with the Metamorph magic.

They had done a few tests, and Jamie had found that she needed a bit of extra concentration and power for most of her spells, but it wasn't a big hurdle to overcome. It would be a relief when her new powers were stable again, and she entered a trance to check the progress every night.

After a hug and a whispered endearment, Jamie walked to the small table with the cauldron and ingredients on it and took the sheet with the instructions. The supervisor was at the edge of the room, watching from afar.

After a deep breath filled with relief, Jamie smiled slightly and began preparing the ingredients for her first Practical NEWT.

That Friday evening, Jamie threw herself on the bed, watching Tonks in amusement as the Auror stumbled into the room. The amused grin turned to confusion as Tonks lifted her wand and dimmed the lights before starting a slow music with another jab of the wand.

"Tonks? Wha-?"

"Shh," Tonks whispered, putting a finger against the younger girl's lips.

Satisfied that Jamie would keep silent, Tonks began to move with the music, her movements slow and seductive in the dim light, making Jamie's mouth go dry. She licked her lips nervously as Tonks stepped closer.

"I am so, so very proud of you, Jamie," Tonks whispered in Jamie's ear, her hot breath sending shivers down Jamie's spine. "I love you, and tonight will be a night you will never forget."

Jamie returned to kiss Tonks pressed to her lips before settling back on the bed at Tonks silent urging.

It was quite a few hours later they fell asleep, neither hearing the silent pop as Honey appeared into the room, covering both of them with a blanket and tidying the room somewhat. "Honey wishes you good sleep," the elf whispered before popping away.

--

Hermione, Dean, Ron, Lavender, Parvati, Neville, Colin, Ginny, Padma as well as several other older students were in the Shrieking Shack, waiting for Harry and Tonks to arrive. It was the Hogsmeade weekend, and from what Harry's – 'Jamie,' she corrected herself absently – letter had said, she and Tonks would meet them there.

There had been an Article in the prophet, elaborating on the first one, also having the picture that Jamie had unwillingly posed for. The public's reaction was relatively small. After all, it was Harry James Potter they were talking about. Hermione was fully aware that Harry's magical potential was far above Dumbledore's, and she suspected that Dumbledore was more powerful than Merlin had been. Of course, given the lack of data from Merlin's period, all she had were speculation, and few people were aware of them.

After all his accomplishments, nothing was thought to be impossible for the "Boy-Who-Lived," or, as the press was calling him now "Girl-Who-Won."

In simpler terms, Jamie had gone from Most Eligible Bachelor and Richest Wizard in Britain to Prettiest Witch of the Century and Richest Witch in Britain.

Her musings were interrupted by the almost inaudible pops of two people Apparating in front of her.

"Hey, Hermione," Jamie said, hugging her friend. Hermione returned the hug, slightly taken aback at how comfortable Jamie seemed in her new body. Last time she'd seen Jamie, the girl had been resigned, but not comfortable.

"Harry!" the others called.

The group settled down for gossip and catching up, only separating in late afternoon, when the students had to return to Hogwarts.

Life continued that way for a while. Jamie and Tonks trained her Metamorphmagus powers, meeting their friends on the Hogsmeade weekends. Jamie was getting very good at controlling her powers, and, two weeks before Christmas, Tonks announced that Jamie was now good enough to avoid involuntary changes. Of course, they had no intention of changing their sleeping arrangements.

Jamie finally allowed herself to relax a bit and hope that her life would approach a bit of normality – as much as was possible in a world where magic existed and Fate had it in for you.

Of course, she should have known it wouldn't last. Christmas morning carried with it a Daily Prophet.

Taking up the front page was a picture of Jamie and Tonks, kissing. They both recognized the place and time – the morning of one of the Hogsmeade weekends – and Tonks sighed dejectedly.

"I'm sorry for ruining your life, Jamie," she said, letting the paper fall from her hands. She left the kitchen slowly, curling in bed and drawing the covers over her head.

A moment later, she felt a warm body slip into bed next to her, and slim arms wrapped around her. "Sorry," she mumbled against Jamie's shoulder.

The article next to the picture had been short, but the attitude was clear. For a person in Jamie's position, the idea of a relationship with a girl was inconceivable. Somebody of her power has a duty to the country to have children, powerful children.

"Shh," Jamie said. "If they don't like it, we'll just go away."

Tonks sighed at that. Her job was gone now, as were all possibilities of getting a job in Britain. Maybe going away was a good idea. 'I wonder what Remus thinks?' she thought with some grim amusement.

"Honey?" Jamie called. "Could you please direct all owls to the kitchen and leave their mail there? Destroy all Howlers, please."

"Honey will do so, Mistress Jamie," the elf said, popping away.

"Rest, love," Jamie said. "We'll deal with this later. We're safe here."

--

Dear Jamie and Tonks

I'm happy for you two, really. I wish you could have told me before, but I understand why you didn't. If you need help with anything, know that Ron and me will help you.

Yeah mate, we'll help you. Just... don't do anything where I can see you, okay? It would be too ruddy weird.

Your friends,

Hermione and Ron

PS: You might want to look for an owl from Bill Dear Jamie

Hermione said to owl you and assure you that we're okay with your new relationship. Of course, not that I didn't know it. Besides, can you imagine me being not okay with it, considering who I used to date? I am NOT that big a hypocrite.

Me and Ron have contacted Bill, you might receive and owl from him soon. Please, consider what he has to say. I can't tell you more about it, sorry. Not my secrets and all that.

If you plan on leaving Britain, the way Hermione seems to think (really, I don't think you can remain here, unless you want to stay inside all the time, or never show your real faces again) could you arrange a meeting with me and Neville (and some others, of course) so we can have a group picture? Colin is perfectly willing to take a picture, although he was a bit disappointed that he'll never get to see "Harry."

You've been the best friend, boyfriend and hero that I could ever wish for, Jamie. I know that you'll be able to get past this, just as you went through six years of battles. In case we never get to meet, give Tonks my love.

Love,

Ginny

--

Most of the letters from their friends were in the same vein, although some were more reserved. Remus' letter was patronizing to Harry, claiming that he "understood" that with his recent change, Harry was attracted to girls, and nasty to Tonks, accusing her of taking advantage of Harry's hormones.

Their reply was a small aconite plant. It wouldn't hurt Remus, just give him a bad case of sneezing. Well, unless he was stupid enough to eat it.

"I wonder what Bill wants with us," Jamie mused as they cuddled in bed that evening, both tired from their practicing.

"I don't know, but from the tone of Ginny's letter, he might help us somehow."

They got their answer the following morning.

Harry and Tonks,

I have a proposition for you. But we'd have to meet in person, since it would take too much parchment to explain it by owl, and I hate writing.

Can you meet us at the Burrow, this evening? The family will meet you there as well. If you have another location, let me know. If you don't reply, we'll wait for you at the Burrow.

Bill

The duo exchanged glances.

"Couldn't hurt to go, I guess," Tonks said.

Jamie nodded. It would be their chance to meet up with most of their friends before leaving Britain.

--

Later that evening, Jamie and Tonks followed Bill and Fleur on a walk on the Burrow grounds. Their reception had been happy, despite the older people not agreeing with their relationship. Eventually, after a few hours of chatting, Bill and Fleur had called the new couple outside.

"What's up, Bill?" Jamie asked when they stopped.

Bill sat down on the grass, Fleur joining him. Jamie and Tonks sat down facing them.

"As you know, me and Fleur work for Gringotts," Bill explained.

"As cursebreakers, yes," Tonks said, nodding.

Bill closed his eyes for a few moments, gathering his thoughts. "Cursebreakers are... they're a special breed of people. Almost all of us are people unable to work in the normal world, due to quirks, preferences, appearance or other things," he explained.

"What do you mean?"

"Many of ze cursebreakers are gay or bisexual," Fleur said. "Some of them prefer the company of animals to people. Zere is one who spends her time Polyjuiced as a half-cat being. Nobody remembers how her human face looks like."

At Jamie's and Tonks wide-eyed looks, Fleur hastily added, "She is the best at getting out of traps, and some of the feline agility carries over."

"Of course, can you imagine any of them trying to make a life here?" Bill asked, waving a hand to indicate their surroundings.

Jamie and Tonks nodded. The Wizarding world would be scandalized. "What does this have to do with us?"

Bill shrugged. "Just wanted to tell you of the possibility. If you want, you can go to Egypt and the Gringotts branch there will hire you after a test. Then you have some field training, under the tutelage of another cursebreaking team, probably us, and then you'll be full cursebreakers."

"Ze pay is very good, and ze work is fun," Fleur added.

"You don't have to answer now," Bill said when Jamie opened her mouth. "Spend some time, think about it. You're both capable of the work, and I know that you at least, Jamie, can become the best there is."

"We'll do it," Tonks said, smiling happily for the first time since the article. Next to her, Jamie nodded.

Bill and Fleur smiled.

--

One week later, a Portkey deposited two couples in the Egypt branch of Gringotts.

Fin