The hazy morning light filtered into Harry's room fighting away the darkness. Hedwig fluffed her wings nosily and waited for Harry to wake up. Her owner slept on wrapped up with his friend. Undaunted, Hedwig hopped out of her cage and took flight. She swooped around the room a few times and came to rest on the bed.
She bobbed her head a few times trying to wake up Harry. Failing again, Hedwig flittered further up the bed and stopped when she landed on Harry's shoulder. From her position, her tail feathers were covering Tonks' head completely. Hedwig nudged Harry's head getting no response. She made a noise that could only be deciphered as frustration.
The snowy owl nipped at her owner's ear and finally saw a stirring. She repeated the action two more times before she saw green orbs revealed by their opening eyelids. Hedwig gave Harry the unhappiest look and waited for a response.
"Hedwig?" Harry asked softly. "How did I slight you today, girl?" The owl held his gaze. "You have food and water. The window is open. What?" He received a blank stare in answer. "I have ignored you, haven't I?"
For the first time, Hedwig moved and cuffed his head with her wing. "I am sorry, girl. We can go to the park today and you and I can play. How does that sound?" Hedwig closed her eyes and hopped into the air and settled on her cage.
"You are so whipped, Harry," called a sweet voice muffled by the pillow.
"What do you mean, Nymph?"
"Hedwig has you wrapped around her…wing. She chirps; you ask how high. You are so adorable with her."
"Glad you approve, Nymph." Harry buried his head into her neck and gave her a kiss and started nibbling lightly.
Tonks arched her back and wiggled a little in response. "Oh, Harry, I like that you know." Tonks giggled softly as she pressed herself into Harry. The minutes passed as Harry kissed and touched Tonks in various places earning the same attention in return.
Returning from a quick trip to the loo, Harry entered his room to find Tonks reading Sirius's journal. Harry looked on eagerly awaiting his chance to read the contents.
"It will be worth the wait, Harry. I promise. I knew Sirius was out of control, but this is something completely over the top."
"Well, hurry up, Nymph. I am not getting any younger here."
"Thank Merlin for that, Harry, or I would be in some serious trouble."
"Back to my age again, Nymphie?"
"Hey, that is name is off limits, sexy. You stick with the others or no more fun for you." Tonks did her best to look resolute on that statement.
"It would work both ways, Nymphadora. If I don't get to have any fun, neither would you."
"Well, bollocks on that then. I am not giving up on you now. I have too much effort put into your."
"I am glad to hear that, Nymph. So, what are the plans for today?
"Not much, Harry. You have to walk Hedwig or something or she will hate you forever and there is an Order meeting tonight. Otherwise, we have the whole day to ourselves."
Harry nodded and gathered what he thought he would need for the day. He was wearing another new outfit that Tonks had handed him when he left for the bathroom. He mentally checked for his wand, vault keys, the ring for portkeys, and his money pouch which he had shrunk for a better fit in his pocket.
Harry looked around the room and saw Tonks using the mirror to choose a hair style and color for the day. Pink gave way to blue, to red, to blond, to brown, to purple. The purple was a duller purple than normal, but Harry could see the color waiting to appear. Tonks decided to keep her normal style and spun to face Harry. She gave him a winning smile and Harry mentally paused.
"You like it?" Tonks asked brightly.
"I like it, Nymph. Let's go." Hedwig launched from her perch and landed on Harry's shoulder like she had done it a thousand times before. Tonks watched the pair lead the way out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen. When they entered the room, Harry was glad Hedwig went to sit on the light over the table.
"What in the bloody hell is that pigeon doing in our kitchen?" Vernon bellowed. "It is bad enough the filthy animal stays in your room, but I won't have it in the kitchen. No sir."
"Hedwig is cleaner than you are, Vernon," Harry spoke clearly. "She goes where I go. Don't like that, too bad." Harry continued to the cooker and found that some food remained from earlier.
Harry split the food into equal portions on two plates and made his way to the table where Tonks had taken a seat next to Petunia, who was trying to scoot her chair away, and Dudley, who's eyes never ventured further than her chest. With a sigh, Harry moved an extra chair into the gap next to Tonks.
"Keep your eyes to themselves, Dud, or you might lose them."
Vernon almost yelled at Harry for threatening his clone-of-a-son until he saw that Dudley's eyes were locked onto Tonks' chest. He quickly cleared his throat gaining his son's attention.
"That is better. Remember that for next time, Dud, or I will defend her honour." Harry began eating as did Tonks. When she wasn't eating, she put her hand on Harry's leg and rubbed it.
The Dursley's watched everything and two of them looked appalled while the last one looked hopeful. They were nearly finished when another owl entered the open window and landed on the edge of the table. It had a letter attached to its leg and it waited to be relieved of its burden.
"More owls," Vernon snapped. "No more owls, I am done with them."
Harry silenced Vernon wandlessly and removed the letter and gave the owl a bit of his bacon. It ate the offered food and took flight joining Hedwig on the light. Vernon went still when he realized what had happened. He was afraid of worse things should he continue with his outburst. Harry unrolled the letter and the included article. He gazed at the letter and sighed loudly.
"What is it, Harry?" Tonks asked not sure she really wanted to know.
Silently, Harry handed her the letter.
Harry,
I told you nothing good would come of it. It seems that idiot didn't learn his lesson the last time. Please be safe, son.
Oh, and the owl is Perman. We needed to retire Errol in the worst way, poor thing.
With love, Molly
The article was a cut out of the Daily Prophet.
Harry Potter Not Fan Of Fudge?
"Yesterday, Harry Potter attended the will reading of Sirius Black. Also in attendance, were a few selected others including Albus Dumbledore and Minister Fudge. We at the Prophet learned that Harry objected to the presence of the Minister and had him removed from the reading as was his right as the primary beneficiary.
"Reports say that the Minister challenged his removal, but his request was dismissed quickly by Director Ragnok in accordance with the rules governing will readings. Harry supposedly challenged the Minister and made certain threats against him.
"The Minister refutes our account of the meeting between the two stating, 'Mr. Potter and I have mended our past differences and are working together to fight the current problem plaguing our society. I have Harry's full support.'"
"We would love to hear from Harry Potter on this matter to see what he has to say on this situation. Our readers should be aware that, with the inclusion of the Black estate, Harry Potter is now one of the richest wizards in the world. A current tally is not available and our requests to Gringotts have been refused by Director Ragnok himself."
Tonks finished reading and looked to find Harry concentrating intently. A few seconds later, a quill and a piece of parchment flew through the door and were caught by Harry's quick movements. He started writing with an angry flourish and paused now and then to think through something before writing it down.
Tonks watched and waited until Harry was done. He asked Perman to deliver his letter to Gringotts immediately. The owl did as asked and left the kitchen quickly. Harry took a deep breath and calmed himself. He noticed how Hedwig was reacting and called her down as well.
"Sorry, girl, but we have plans for today. That letter wasn't that important." Hedwig puffed out her feathers in an attempt to make herself look more important. Harry offered her a much larger piece of his bacon, a bit of toast, and some of his juice. Petunia scowled at the actions of her nephew.
"Harry, what did you do?" Tonks asked softly and saw Harry grow angry again.
"I did what I should have done yesterday. I just asked Ragnok to tell me everything he has on Fudge. I guess Fudge has never been a fan of goblins and the feeling is mutual. I intend to remove him from office. How dare he say I support him. The pompous arse won't know what hit him."
"Look at you all fired up at the Minister of Magic, such as he is. You go get him, Harry."
"What have you done to my husband?" Choked out Petunia.
Harry turned to look at Vernon and saw him turning red from fury. "I silenced him when he was raging about the owls. Hedwig doesn't like loud noises especially from Vernon." Harry went back to eating his food and stroking Hedwig now and then.
"Could you fix him?" Petunia asked quietly knowing that yelling wouldn't get her anywhere. Harry looked up and removed the spell.
"Yell like that again and I will leave that spell in place for a few days, Vernon." Harry made eye contact and held it for a few seconds before returning to what was left of his breakfast.
"What Minister were you talking about?" Dudley asked refusing to look at Harry.
"Minister of Magic," Harry answered between bites.
"You can just remove a Minister like that?" Petunia questioned. "It is that easy? What kind of government do you people have anyway?"
Harry kept quiet and proceeded to finish his food and pet Hedwig.
"For the most part, we are just like the muggle system," Tonks offered. "The thing is, Harry kind of carries public opinion right now and he can back it up. If the goblins join him, then Fudge is sure to be out. After last year, Fudge won't be hard to remove."
"How can you carry anything, boy?" Vernon blustered. He shrunk when he met Harry's gaze.
"Harry can do pretty much whatever he wants, fatso," Tonks replied. "He is Harry Potter after all." The confusion on Vernon's face remained until Tonks stood to leave the kitchen with Harry and Hedwig who led the way.
"What does that rubbish mean? He is Harry Potter after all. What kind of codswallop is that?" Vernon wanted answers to his questions.
"He is a hero in our world and everyone knows who he is," Tonks said. "You are looking at one of our most famous people and he can make a lot happen if he wants."
Harry hastily led the way out of Number Four with Hedwig on his shoulder. Tonks caught up and they headed to the park. Hedwig took flight after a few houses and soared ahead. Harry looked at the haze that hung in the air and wondered if that was how the rest of the day was going to be.
"Did I do the right thing, Nymph? Is ousting Fudge the right thing to do now? Did I just stuff up the war effort that much more by getting mad?" Harry watched the cracks in the sidewalk move beneath him as he mindlessly walked to the park.
"Fudge is an idiot that needs to be removed, Harry. You did what you thought was right and honestly I think it is the right thing to do. He isn't the leader we need right now. He can't be effective with his job sitting so precariously. A leader needs to have leverage over others to make things happen. Not that Fudge ever did the right thing mind you, but it is a fact."
"Ragnok told me yesterday that Fudge has been trying to make the goblins' lives more difficult for years. He has either sponsored or supported every single law that restricts what they can do since he got into the Ministry. Ragnok told me he has tried to reason with Fudge over the years, but our git of a minister won't listen.
"I just want to be left alone, Nymph. That is all I have ever wanted. The Ministry, Fudge, the Prophet, Voldemort, the Death Eaters; I just want them to leave me be. Is it too much to ask for that? Is my life so cursed that I will never have that?"
Tonks put an arm around Harry and hugged him tightly. She cooed in his ear softly trying to calm him. "You dictate your own life, Harry. You are your own man now." Tonks held him as his body relaxed in her embrace. With a quick kiss on his cheek, Tonks said, "Except for the part that I dictate." She smiled widely as she pulled back and nudged him forward.
Harry chuckled lightly but kept his head down the remaining distance to the park. When they entered the gate to the park, Hedwig flew down from her perch in one of the trees. Tonks followed her flight around the park as she flew up behind Harry who seemed to be lost in thought.
At the last second, Harry held his left arm up and Hedwig landed perfectly as if they had coordinated the whole thing. Tonks watched Harry stroke her softly in a loving way. Hedwig moved around so Harry would rub the spots she wanted. Tonks could see Harry's lips moving, but she couldn't hear the words he was saying.
She watched how the two companions bonded. She could see Hedwig controlled the majority of their friendship. Tonks had seen the owl get Harry to do things he never would have for someone else. She had seen how Hedwig kept a close eye on Harry when he moved about his room. She knew that she had also seen the snowy owl following them when they went to dinner the night before and around the neighborhood a few other times in the last week too.
At that moment, Harry lifted his arm and Hedwig took to the air pumping her wings a few times to gain altitude. She floated around the open area in a few lazy circles before heading north over the trees. Tonks looked to Harry and saw him following his owl with a lost look and a loving smile on his face.
"You love her, don't you?" Tonks asked softly.
"She was my first true friend, Nymph. She is the only one who has been with me both at school and here. She doesn't care if I am famous or unknown, hated or adored. She has no expectations more than a little care and attention now and then. If I stuff things up, she lets me know right away and you know she won't give in." Harry caught sight of a brighter white in the sky when Hedwig flew in front of a chimney.
"Do I love her? If I knew what love felt like, I might be able to answer that question, Nymph. I know that I would do anything to keep her safe if she was in danger."
"Do you think that way about anyone else, Harry?"
"Sure I do. Ron, Hermione, Molly and Arthur, the rest of the Weasleys I guess, you. I would do whatever I had to do to keep everyone safe. I have so few real friends that I want to keep the ones I already have. Is that what love is?"
"It is whatever you make of it, Harry. Everyone is different, but you should be used to that comment by now. Love is the most confusing thing in the world. It is the greatest and worst thing as well. All I can say is that you will know it when you feel it. The rest is up to you to figure out. Now, what are we going to do now?"
"Well, Hedwig is about ten seconds away from landing on me so you better wait on doing anything right now." Tonks counted the time and at ten, Hedwig landed on Harry's arm again.
"How did you know that she would do that?"
"It is the same every time we do this. She flies the same pattern and for the same amount of time. I am not sure why, but that is what she does. I knew what she was doing by how she took off. Hedwig has two other routines that she likes, but she takes off differently for them." Harry stared at his owl and caressed her soft feathers.
Tonks was captivated by the exchange between the two. She had an owl since she was in school, but they had never bonded like that. Tonks let her owl do his thing when he wanted and he always showed up in the morning for letters. 'I have yet to see anything normal about him. Not one thing is the same as another. He can't even own an owl like most people.'
Hedwig took off again. "She will fly to the left, then the right a few times. Then she will do spirals before doing a fly by and circling around to land on my right shoulder," Harry spoke as if he was reading from a book and not describing what an animal was going to do.
Sure enough, Hedwig did exactly as Harry had predicted. Tonks could only shake her head a few times in surprise. When Hedwig took off again, Harry turned to Tonks.
"She is doing her own thing now," Harry said simply. "What would you like to do, Nymphadora?"
"I would like to sit under the tree, dear sir." Tonks grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him over to a gathering of trees to the side of the park. Harry sat down first and Tonks followed him in an uncontrolled way. She ended up sitting on him rather than next to him. With a perky smile, Tonks kissed Harry forcefully.
The snog session continued for an hour or so as the haze remained hanging over Surrey. Tonks had pulled away to look into Harry's eyes when movement drew his attention away from the sexy creature in his lap. Harry watched as people moved along the far fence line toward the other entrance.
The people emerged from behind the bushes and Harry saw that it was Emma, Jonathan, and Cathy Williams. He smiled when he saw the purple cast on her arm covered in writings and drawings. Tonks couldn't help but smile at Harry's reaction.
Tonks slid off of Harry and stood up brushing the grass from her pants. Harry stood up and unconsciously ran a hand through his hair. Emma ran ahead of the others and stopped short of hitting Harry at the knees.
"Hi, Harry," called the little girl.
"Why, hello, Emma," replied Harry offering his hand in a gentlemanly way. "How are you today?"
"I'm fine. Mum wanted me to come back here so I could, what was it, overcome my demands or something like that."
"Demons, maybe?"
"Yeah, that is it. Demons. There aren't really demons here, are there?" Asked Emma looking around the park quickly.
"Nah, I scared them all away for you." Harry smiled and nodded to Cathy and smiled at Jonathan. "Pleasure to meet you again, Mrs. Williams."
"Harry, it is Cathy," she smiled at Harry warmly and gave Tonks a quick once over before the smile returned. "Not the best weather we have had, but it is Britain after all. What are you two doing today?"
"We were enjoying our Sunday, Cathy," Tonks replied. "Emma here to get back on the horse, then?"
"Yes, she is," Cathy answered laying her hand on her daughter's head. "Have to turn the other cheek on something like this. Can't let one bad experience beat you."
"I couldn't agree more," Tonks said elbowing Harry in the ribs.
"What?" Harry asked Tonks. "Anyway, I was just spending the morning with Tonks and Hedwig."
"What's a Hedwig?" Emma asked showing a very confused look on her face.
"I'll show you," Harry answered. "Hedwig!" Harry called out and waited for her to arrive. A rustle in the far tree revealed her location and she flew out of the dense cover. She circled the group twice and dive-bombed Harry but pulled up in the last second spreading her wings wide to slow herself.
Emma and Cathy ducked when the large owl flew at them. They watched the beautiful bird come to rest on Harry's shoulder perfectly. Emma was bouncing with excitement and Cathy was speechless at being so close to a real owl outside of a zoo.
"Hedwig," Harry introduced, "this is Emma, Cathy, and Jonathan. Everyone, this is Hedwig."
Emma hopped forward and reached out to touch the owl. Cathy went to grab her hand away, but Harry lowered himself quick enough showing it was okay. Jonathan came forward next and Cathy did so last.
"She is a snowy owl and we have been friends for about five years now," Harry explained.
"What kind of name is Hedwig for a girl?" Emma asked.
Harry hesitated and looked at Hedwig. She turned her head to him and titled it expectantly. "Um, well, it just kind of came to mind when I got her. I am not sure other than that. If I say anything more, she might get mad at me so I won't."
"Harry isn't joking," Tonks added. "Hedwig will let you know if she is mad and Harry folds like baby when she does." Tonks laughed at Harry as he shook his head and made a face.
"I am smart for not trying to fight her, Tonks. You have never been on her bad side. It is not pleasant." Harry let everyone pet Hedwig before he stood up and let her fly off to her perch in the tree.
"Aren't you afraid she will fly away?" Emma asked.
"Nope," Harry answered. "Hedwig knows her way home and I think she likes me enough to stick around."
"An owl as a pet?" Cathy said quietly. "You have any other surprises, Harry?"
"Maybe one or two more, Cathy," Harry replied coyly. "But I am not telling. Tonks burst into laughter and nearly fell over.
"What did I miss?" Cathy asked.
Harry scowled at Tonks and turned his attention to Emma. He reached a hand out, which she quickly grabbed, and led her over to the play park equipment. Jonathan followed but he was giving Tonks a few odd looks not sure what to make of the woman who was laughing uncontrollably.
"What did I miss, Ms. Tonks?" Cathy wanted to know if it was her or what she had said.
"It was Harry saying he had one or two surprises," Tonks forced out gaining some control of herself. "If that isn't the biggest understatement I have ever heard. He surprises me two or three times a day and I know him." Tonks couldn't stop most of the giggles from continuing.
"Well, he is not your normal teenager, is he?" Cathy asked watching the young man in question push her daughter on the swing.
"Normal is not a word that has ever been used to describe Harry," Tonks explained, "except when he is doing the describing of course. Look at him. You could not tell by seeing him, but he has never been around children before that were younger than himself outside of school. That alone is surprising considering how he is with Emma and Jonathan."
Cathy watched Harry move about the park assisting both of her children when they needed it. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. "Surprising, yes," Cathy said mostly to herself.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Tonks chimed. "And those kisses…" Tonks' sentence drifted off as did her thoughts.
"He is still a child, Ms. Tonks," Cathy assumed the voice of a disapproving mother.
"Cathy, Harry hasn't been a child since he was one year old," Tonks said mournfully. "Every year since then has reinforced that fact. If I had to gauge Harry's age most of the time, I would put it somewhere around forty. All the things he has been through. It would make you cry for days for him. Yet, there he is playing with your children trying to live a carefree life through them…If only it was that simple."
Cathy looked from Harry to Tonks and saw the true sorrow written on her face. "How bad has it been? He is 'only' fifteen after all."
Tonks shook her head slowly. "I can't even begin to tell you. Some you can't know, others you wouldn't want to know, and a few even I don't know. He has seen more than I and that is saying something." Tonks turned to Cathy and weighed her opinion of the woman. "Have you ever seen death, Cathy?"
The shocked and surprised woman shook her head slowly. "I have seen my grandmother pass, but I don't think that is what you are getting at, is it?"
Tonks dropped her head in a defeated way. "Harry has seen death, far too many actually. He has looked into the face of a murderer, a few of them, and held his ground while others would have run screaming. He has fought for his life and the lives of his friends too many times. I know one thing about Harry that many don't know. As fragile as he may look, as quiet mannered as he seems; I will never stand against Harry. To do so would be your own folly."
"How can someone so young go through all that?" Cathy asked the first thing that came to mind. "How can I not have heard about that? You know little escapes the press."
Tonks barked out a laugh. "You have to know what to read first of all. Secondly, Harry either finds himself the center of the happenings or he puts himself there. That is just how he is."
"You care about him, don't you?" Cathy asked simply.
"Most definitely, I do," Tonks replied. "How could you not once you get to know the real Harry."
"Do I know the real Harry?" Cathy pondered.
"Yes," Tonks said pointing towards the group of three. "He is right there."
Cathy looked from Tonks to Harry and saw that he was holding Emma's hand trying to get her on the see-saw. It was the place she had gotten hurt a few days ago. The mother in her wanted to go console her daughter, but the adult in her forced her to remain where she was. She watched the fear in her daughter's eyes grow. She saw Emma wrap her arms around Harry's legs in protest. She watched Harry lower himself and speak with Emma.
Emma's face slowly changed from fear to determination. Her little girl turned away from Harry and stared at the see-saw. She held her left hand up and Harry grabbed onto it. Emboldened, Emma stepped towards the see-saw and sat on it. Harry slowly removed his hand and went to the opposite side and started working the toy. Her daughter's smile grew with every cycle.
"That is the real Harry, Cathy," Tonks said softly. "How can you not care about him? How could I not fall in…How could I not do anything for him? You want a real hero in the world, you are looking at him."
"It took me this long to even get her to come to the park," Cathy spoke with a slight amount of awe to her voice. "She sees him and she forgets her fear. She didn't even hesitate in running to him. He got her on that thing and she never doubted him. How does he do that?"
"That is another one of his surprises," Tonks supplied. "So that is two in the last what, fifteen minutes? And he told you that he only had one or two left. Now you see why I was laughing so hard. He can't help himself. He is who he is."
Cathy watched how Harry worked with Emma and included Jonathan when it was possible. "I see what you mean, Ms. Tonks. I wish you both well in your life. I hope things get better for him."
"It's Tonks and you aren't the only one hoping for that. I know a whole group of people wanting the same thing. I am afraid that his life will never be boring enough for his wishes. If it isn't one thing, it will be another that much is guaranteed."
The morning gave way to early afternoon and the Williams's had to go home for lunch. Harry politely refused the offers to join them and remained with Tonks. Harry settled against the tree again, and Tonks returned to her original position in his lap.
"Miss me?" Tonks asked cheekily.
"Not really," Harry said earning himself a slug to the arm. "Hey! I was in the company of another cute girl. There is no reason to get violent." Harry rubbed his arm while fighting his smile.
"You were brilliant with her, you know. Cathy was so happy. You are a natural when it comes to children."
"Funny, that, since I never really was one." Harry started looking depressed.
Tonks leapt at the chance to change his mood and kissed him passionately. She snogged him in every way she could think of and even a few that she hadn't. The flap of wings broke their embrace as Hedwig landed on a branch above them. She hooted a few times to get Harry's attention.
"Yes, Girl," Harry said. "It is your day after all." Harry gave Tonks a peck on the lips and urged her off so he could stand up. When he did, Hedwig flew down and landed on his outstretched arm. After a few pets, Harry tossed Hedwig into the air and followed her movements with his eyes.
"How do you know what she wants?"
"After a time, you learn or she nips your hand until you figure it out. She is a slave driver when she wants to be, but I wouldn't trade her for anything."
It was nearly two o'clock when Hedwig landed and Harry knew she was done for the day.
"I am hungry," Harry said. "How about you?"
"Same. Where to?"
"Let's go get the motorbike and then we can find someplace to eat. I really don't feel like dealing with 'them' again today."
"That sounds like a plan." Tonks ruffled Harry's hair a little and jumped ahead leading the way back to the Dursleys'. Harry, with Hedwig, followed.
When they arrived at Number Four, Harry hefted Hedwig into the air and she flew in the open bedroom window. Harry walked to where the bike was parked and took up the driver's position. Tonks joined him from behind. Harry started the bike and they roared out of the driveway and down the street gaining quite a lot of attention from Mrs. Number Seven in the process as she stared out of her front window.
A very short ways out of Little Whinging, Harry felt a thump on his chest and saw a finger point to a deli indicating that he should stop there. Harry slowed and parked the bike then helped Tonks off.
Being the gentleman that he was, Harry bowed and swept an arm to the front of the business as Tonks walked by. She gave him a coy smirk and walked on. She never saw Harry come up behind her and grab both of her sides until it was too late. It took them at least five minutes to walk the final thirty feet to the restaurant.
The couple drove around the neighboring area for the remainder of the day. The haze had abated somewhat, but it still hung around for the most part diffusing the sunlight. Harry learned his way around Surrey and the surrounding towns in one afternoon. During a break at a nearby park, Tonks received a message spell from Dumbledore.
"Harry, guess what?"
"What?"
"Albus would like me to bring you to the Order meeting tonight. What do you think this is about?"
"Knowing him, he probably wants a chance to corner me and get information out of me. That or he wants to yell at me for yesterday. Either way, I don't really care. I am not going to apologize or back down. He owes me too much for what he has done. I hope he understands that."
"He isn't your real enemy, Harry. Please remember that tonight. Now, it is around five so unless we are going to use magic to get there, we should start on our way now. I can direct you when we get closer to headquarters, but until then I will have to use Point Me. Think, you showing up on this thing should cause enough mayhem for the rest of the day. How much fun will that be?" Tonks' smile turned evil looking.
"You are a bad influence, Nymph. You know that, right?"
"I am only following orders, Harry. I have certain expectations to meet, and I plan to do so."
"Alright, let's go Nymph."
Harry turned left at the next major road and Tonks directed him with her wand. The journey took them a fair amount of time and a few wrong turns that didn't go through as hoped. At the beginning, Harry tried to memorize the street names he took, but after the twelfth street, he gave up and just concentrated on driving. They were cut off twice and only Harry's reflexes saved them from crashing.
At one point, a police car followed them for a few blocks, but Harry stayed within the law of the road and the car turned off. As the neighborhoods became nicer, then rougher, then nasty; Harry figured they were getting close. He knew they were nearby when Tonks stowed her wand and started directing him with more confidence. The familiar rundown homes told Harry that he was on the correct street.
The street sign had been torn off the corner post so Harry didn't know for absolute certainty until Tonks tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the house numbers. Eighteen, sixteen, fourteen, ten; Harry pulled the bike to the curb and shut off the engine. He dismounted and assisted Tonks.
"No matter what happens, Harry, please keep your temper," Tonks pleaded. "I know you will want to kick some arse, but don't. You can yell, throw things, even hit them, but do not use magic. That is something you need to keep hidden as long as possible. Remember, I am here and I will help you when I can or when I have to. Oh, and if Snape gets in your face, smack him. He can't do anything to you with all of us around. Spy or no, he doesn't have many friends here."
"I will do my best, but no promises, Nymph." Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. "I will not use magic on purpose, but if they get to me too much I am not sure what will happen."
"If you lose it here, Horace will kick your arse tomorrow. If that isn't enough motivation, then I won't sleep in your bed tonight. How you do like that?"
"Not much, Nymphadora," Harry said. "I will do my best."
"Then you will be fine, Harry. Your best is so much better than anyone else's. Now what do you say we go get yelled at?"
"Sounds like fun," Harry said offhandedly. "Nothing new there at least."
Harry concentrated on Number Twelve Grimmauld Place and the house appeared between two other dilapidated homes. Harry kept walking up to the door and knocked lightly. Tonks joined him on the front step, placed a hand on his back, and started rubbing it softly. The front door opened after numerous locks were thrown open. Molly's head appeared and she broke into a forced smile.
"Harry," Molly said with a hushed voice. "What was that noise we heard? It sounded like the twins were messing about out here."
"That was my motorbike, Mrs. Weasley." Harry waited for the reaction he was expecting. He got it and then some.
Molly pulled him in the house and Tonks followed closely. The door was thrown closed and one lock was secured. Molly put a hand in the small of each of their backs and hustled them into the partially filled living room. Molly gave a shove and both newcomers were sent in the direction of a couch.
"What in the world did you think you were doing, Tonks?" Molly raged. "Driving that deathtrap all the way here from Surrey, Harry could have been hurt or worse. You are an auror and should know about safety not to mention how much noise that thing makes. How could you take a risk like that? I am waiting, young woman."
"I was driving, Mrs. Weasley and it was my idea," Harry said evenly. He looked around the room and saw the twins, Ron, Ginny, Arthur, Bill, Hagrid, and a few others standing in the back of the room. Remus was directly across from Harry and Tonks, sitting on the other couch, wearing a large grin. "If you are going to yell, yell at me."
Molly seemed to deflate, but it was clear she wanted to continue yelling. "Harry, that thing is dangerous. You really should just sell it. You could probably get a new broom or something."
"I already have a good broom, Mrs. Weasley, and I like the motorbike. It is great fun and I am not going to sell it."
"Harry, please, think of your safety," Molly was becoming less angry and more concerned.
"I am as safe as you can be with Voldemort after you." Harry watched the shivers spread around the room and sighed internally. "Ron, Ginny, Twins."
"Harry!" They chimed at once.
"The meeting will be a little delayed," Remus said. "I believe Severus couldn't get away until later. Why don't you tell us how your summer has been so far, Harry."
Harry looked right into Remus's eyes. "Enlightening, Remus." Harry scanned the room once more and found hesitant looks on the faces of his friends. "How has your summer been so far?"
"Not bad, Harry," Ron said.
"Good for the most part, Harry," Ginny replied.
"Smashing, Mr. Potter," Fred responded.
"You should come by the store, Mr. Potter," George said. "You might see something worth putting your money into."
Molly scowled and crossed her arms. Remus laughed as did Ron and Ginny. Tonks giggled. "Maybe I will, George."
"Enough of that talk," Molly interrupted. "Why don't you kids go up stairs and visit." They stood up and turned to go up the stairs. Tonks was stopped by Molly's hand. "You should stay, Tonks."
"If you are going to yell at her, then I am staying," Harry spoke. "She did nothing wrong and you need to understand that."
"Harry," Molly placated, "Tonks is the adult here and she knows better than to let something like this happen."
"I made it happen, Mrs. Weasley, and there is nothing more to it. Leave Tonks out of this."
"Oh, Harry, you are still a child and she is not," Molly seemed to deflate.
"I am as much an adult as anyone else, am I not?" Harry challenged.
Molly went quiet as Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sadly, yes, Harry," Arthur answered slowly with regret. "Molly just needs time to get used to that fact. What is done is done, right dear. No more yelling tonight."
Under his breath, Harry said, "yeah right." His friends heard him clearly enough. They resumed their trip upstairs and Tonks remained behind with a determined glare. "Tonks?"
"I am fine, Harry," Tonks said. "Don't worry about me. If I need help, I will get you." She waved them on and Harry hesitantly walked away. They went up the stairs and turned into the room that Ron and Harry had shared last summer.
"Well done, Harry," Fred announced.
"Really well played, Harry," George said. "You have to get in front of mum before she gets going."
"Otherwise," Fred chimed in, "she will go on and on."
"Stop it," Ginny said. "You two are annoying when you do that."
"How about when we do this, sis?" Fred asked as he messed up her hair and knocked her back on the bed.
"Fred!" Ginny snapped from under her hair. "I know where the money came from so you better be nice to me."
"What was that little sister?" George asked.
"Are you threatening us?" Fred seconded.
"I am making a statement," Ginny answered while sitting up. "Take it however you want to. I know and mum doesn't know…yet."
Fred and George shared a startled look. "You wouldn't."
"You don't hate us that much?"
"We love you like a sister."
"Since you are one."
"And you treat me the same, too," Ginny added.
"We treat you better than Ron at least," Fred retorted.
"Prats," Ron answered.
The sibling squabble continued for some time as Harry watched it. It was like a tennis match that Petunia seemed to enjoy when the neighbors talked about it. She always said that it was a respectable sport played by proper people. His spectating was ruined by one last comment.
"You wouldn't endanger Harry like that," Fred said. "You like him too much."
"As you saw for yourself," Ginny answered. "Harry can take care of himself when it comes to mum. You know she has a soft spot for him."
"I was referring to the soft spot you have for him, actually," Fred replied then stopped instantly. "Ew, that was all wrong that was."
George paused, and then hit his brother on the head. "Pillock, that's our Gin-Gin you are talking about."
"Sorry, got caught up in the moment," Fred apologized. "Either way, you wouldn't risk Harry like that. He is Harry Potter after all."
"Yeah," George added, "who would save your life next time? If mum kills Harry then he is not an option."
"Hey, how did I get brought into this," Harry asked.
"You gave them the money to start up the business, that is how you got into this," Ginny answered. "Dug your own hole you did."
"Well, they put it to good use at least," Harry replied. "Good for them."
"You gave these two money?" Ron asked confused. "Where did you get it?"
"Oh, Ron, are you that thick?" Ginny questioned. "His own vault or the Triwizard winnings. Either way, it is not like Harry doesn't have the money to give away. You read that article the same as the rest of us."
"Yeah, but Harry would have told me," Ron paused and looked at his best friend. "You have told me, right?"
"You were jealous of me once already that year," Harry said plainly. "I didn't want to risk it again. I gave them one thousand galleons and I was glad to do it. If you need more, let me know. And don't be mad at me, Ron. I really don't need more people mad at me right now especially if they are my friends."
"No worries, mate," Ron said quickly. "Just let me know if you want to get me a really nice Christmas present this year."
Harry smiled widely before he was tackled by one of the twins. The other followed closely behind the first. Harry quickly found himself on the bottom of a Weasley pile. A few shrieks from Ginny and a grunt from Ron signaled that the pile had fallen over onto the floor.
Harry moved a foot out of his face and discovered an armpit had replaced it. He poked lightly getting a response and more movement. Quickly a soft mound of flesh ended up in his face blocking all view of the room. Soon the pile stopped moving and a pair of cackles erupted from the silence.
Harry moved when others were removed from him and the laughter increased. He saw Ginny move off of him and back away turning red. Harry figured out what had happened and pushed away from the group quickly trying to get to his feet. He was 'helped' by Ron.
"That is my sister you were feeling up there, Potter," Ron said clearly as he grabbed the front of Harry's shirt balling it up in his fist. "You better apologize to her or I will pound you into the floor."
Harry looked at Ron and saw the conflicting emotions of pride and humour battling out. He smiled and calmly apologized to the reddening Ginny. The twins' mouths dropped open when Harry moved around Ron to speak to Ginny.
They stepped forward and pushed Ron away and pulled down on Harry's shirt. "Where did you get these, Harry?" Fred looked quite angry.
"Did those worthless muggles do this to you?" George asked.
"Do what?" Harry asked completely lost. He looked down and saw that the hickeys from the night before were uncovered. There were many of them and Harry didn't know how to explain it. "Um…well you see…" Harry started turning bright red.
"Oh, I get it," Fred said quickly changing his stance. "You got these by choice. I see. So who is the lucky girl, Harry?"
"Anyone we know?" George asked continuing the interrogation.
"Um, maybe, but I am not going to answer any questions," Harry stated. "I will not say anything about it. Sorry guys."
"You know that an entire generation or two of women just became insanely jealous of some poor bird, right?" Fred asked.
"She better be able to hold her own or they will tear her apart," George said shaking his head.
"Our poor Gin my never be the same now," Fred spoke solemnly shaking his head.
"Sorry, Gin-Gin, it looks like he is taken," George said sadly. "You will have to find someone else to drool over."
Ginny looked at the bit of Harry's exposed chest and stilled for a minute. "Like I said, I got over Harry last year." She nodded her head with emphasis. "So, Harry, who is it? Does she make you happy?"
Harry looked around the room and found he was the center of attention. "I am happy and I am still not saying who. She has helped me this summer and I intend to keep it that way. Do not say anything to anyone or they will try to lock me away even more. I have a lot going on right now and I don't need more people in the way. Please don't tell anyone."
"If you are happy, Harry, then I am happy for you," Ginny said. "You deserve some happiness. Now, does Tonks know about her? She has been watching you, hasn't she?"
"She has been watching me and she knows who it is, but she won't say either." Harry calmed himself as he knew he had to speak to Tonks before anyone beat him to it. He started edging his way towards the door so he could be the first one to it should the Weasleys decide to test Tonks' resolve.
"Well, I guess we will have to hope you slip up," Fred said.
"Or better yet," George interjected.
"We drop in to visit you some day," Fred completed.
"Yeah, I would appreciate it if you didn't just drop by," Harry explained. "I hear enough yelling from the Dursleys as is so I don't need anymore thanks."
"Is it really that bad?" Ginny asked.
"Not as bad as before, but they won't change," Harry admitted. "How can they? They have spent too many years hating me for one summer to fix it all. I just can't wait to get out of there for good. At least now, I have a place to go if I have to."
"Really?" Ron spoke up.
"Yeah," Harry nodded, "here. I own all of it. Lot of good it does me. I would just be exchanging one prison for another. I have other places but I don't know where or what they are."
"What terrible problems you have, Harry," Ginny joked. "Too many houses, not enough time, huh."
"Something like that," Harry said.
The conversation became lighter as Ginny infused it with humour and insults directed at the twins. Ron didn't seem to let Harry's financial news get to him too much, but he was more subdued than usual. It was a loud room that Tonks found after she escaped the other Order members in the living room.
"Hey, Tonks," Ginny chirped as the door opened and closed letting Tonks slip in the room.