Present is the Future's Past

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by J. K. Rowling…

Summary: This story starts at the beginning of the Order of the Phoenix when the Advanced Guard gets Harry to Grimmauld Place. This story is AU where in the end of the fourth year Barty Crouch manages to do a little bit more mayhem than in cannon. In the fight between him and Harry after the third task, Crouch kills Hermione. Harry isn't allowed to go to her funeral which results in him becoming resentful towards Dumbledore. Story will contain time travel and several other clichés. If you don't like those please don't read. All this will be shown in the story.

Pairings: Harry/Hermione/Tonks and several other minor pairings

Warnings: Language, violence, sexual references, bad grammar…

A/N: Reviews are welcome, especially those that comment on writing style and the story itself. Also if someone is interested in Beta work for this story, let me know. Please note that English is not my first language and while I speak it fluently I can make significant grammatical mistakes while writing it because I tend to think of the story in my language and then try to translate it which isn't a good way to write. I will update this story every twenty days or so.

***

Prologue

Harry watched as the wizards and witches hustled around him while they entered the dark foreboding house. He was being dragged by Mad-eye Moody as he wasn't exactly cooperative with their plans for him. He was resentful towards everyone and their behaviour towards him since the Dementors' attack gave him even more to hate them for. Especially Dumbledore who didn't even sent him a note to ask for his side of the story. No, all he got was the reprimand from Sirius and four days of silence. Then they barged into his relatives' house tonight. They were at least eight of them and they all worked for Dumbledore. He was furious and acted childishly while they tried to help him leave the hell on Earth that was Dursley's residence. But it didn't matter to him, nothing mattered to him as his best friend wasn't alive anymore to help him.

Hermione died at the end of the last year when she got hit with the Killing curse from the Death Eater Bartemius Crouch. Harry thought that it wasn't fair, she only came there to help him but she got killed for her trouble.

Harry blinked as the corridor in which they entered was poorly illuminated. He saw a door at the end of the corridor that opened. Mrs Weasley hurried towards the group that he was caught in. She smiled when she saw him and Harry turned his gaze downwards. He didn't want to see her concern towards him. It would make his self pity and wallowing meaningless.

Mrs. Weasley approached them and whispered to the group that they were late and they should go right to the meeting. Everyone hurried to the doors at the end of the corridor. Harry felt a soft hand on his shoulder and he looked up at the person who dared to comfort him. He saw the cheerful face of Nimphadora Tonks who softly smiled at him and winked when he looked at her. She then hurried with the rest of the crowd.

Mrs. Weasley led him to up the stairs to the second floor and showed him the room he would be staying in. She excused herself as she was needed at the meeting. Harry entered the room and looked around. Hedwig flew from the perch she sat on and softly barked to him in greeting. Harry noticed that the room was dirty and had signs of not being lived in. He looked at his things at the foot of the bed and sighed. He sat heavily on the bed that was positioned in the middle of the room. He saw from the corner of his eye as a small spider passed over the floor. He chuckled at this thinking how Ron would like sleeping with spiders crawling all over the place. Then he thought what would Hermione say and that caused his mood to darken considerably. He was anguished that she wasn't there with him.

Next hour or so Harry tidied the room and put his things in the closet that was present in the room. When he was satisfied with state that the room was in he decided to try to find someone who could tell him where he was. He exited his room and slowly passed through the corridors trying to remember the general outline of this large mansion. He went down the stairs to the ground floor where he noticed Ginny, the twins and Ron sitting on the staircase.

"Hey." He greeted them.

Everyone jumped at the sound of his voice and he found it somewhat satisfying to startle them this way.

"Harry," Ron exclaimed. "You scared the kneazle out off me, mate. It's good to finally see you." Ron gave him a one arm hug while grinning at Harry.

"Yeah mate, you should be a little quieter when sneaking up on people," Fred sarcastically observed. George shushed them with a hand motion while his other hand held a strange string that Harry thought was some kind of meat. Ginny saw his questioning expression and answered his unasked question.

"That is an Extendable Ear, a listening device that the wonder boys invented this summer. We're using it to try to listen to the meetings. Anyway, it's good to see you Harry. How are you holding up," she hugged him hard.

Harry's answer was cut off by the twins' frantic attempt try to hide their ear when the doors opened. Large number of people exited the meeting and Harry saw Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape as they hurried off through the front doors. People passed by them on their way out in careful and silent manner while whispering among themselves. Harry noticed that the Tonks closed the front doors and then promptly stumbled over a troll foot that was positioned by the doors. Commotion she caused was the reason that the most annoying shrieking started from the portraits on the wall of the corridors. As the Mrs Weasley reprimanded Tonks on causing the racket Harry helped her to get up from the floor where she fell. Tonks smiled her thanks to him.

From the opened door Sirius rushed through yelling expletives on the loudest portrait. Harry noticed that the portrait had quite a collection of curse words which she used on Sirius. Harry found the situation slightly funny as he watched Sirius manually trying to shut the drapes of the portrait while simultaneously having a cursing contest with her. Tonks rolled her eyes and with a quick flick of her wand shut all the drapes.

"Really Sirius, you could just use magic to shut her up," she admonished.

Sirius smiled ruefully. "Where's the fun in that," he answered. He noticed Harry and engulfed him in a strong hug. "It's good to see you again Harry."

"You too, Padfoot," Harry answered him.

"You had the pleasure of meeting my mother," Sirius began.

"Your mother…" Harry was surprised.

"Yes, this is my big cousins house and that was the portrait of my aunt Walpurga," Tonks answered.

"Your cousin…" Harry asked confusedly.

"Yeah, Nimmie here is my cousin. Her mother is my favourite cousin actually;" Sirius answered.

Tonks hit Sirius with tickling charm. "Don't call me that," she growled.

"What," Sirius answered as he shielded himself from her charm. "Ooh, you mean Nimmie."

Tonks growled and casted a hair dye charm on Sirius which he ducked and returned with the charm of his own. Somehow in the short duel Harry managed to acquire a new hair colour of vivid orange and he sported thick blue moustache that reached to his beard. Sirius had long green hair that trailed on the ground behind him and his eyebrows were cleanly shaven. Tonks had a t-shirt with the message that stated that she liked to date Slytherins in flashing letters.

While Tonks and Sirius were laughing their heads off in the kitchen the rest of the room's occupants tried to hold their mirth at the sight of scowling Harry with a moustache.

After that little show Remus dispelled the effects on Harry. Harry met Mr. Weasley, Bill, Mundungus Fletcher and the rest of the order that remained at the house. He was curious about everything that was going on but restrained himself from asking questions as the rest of the house occupants weren't giving him much attention. He remained mostly silent through the dinner while the rest of the table maintained loud conversations.

After the dinner Sirius sat across of him. He kept the ridiculous hair that Tonks cursed him with.

"What's up with you Harry," he asked. "I thought that you would be all over us with questions and here you are, silent as Merlin."

"You're right, I have questions but they're not important," Harry answered. He was confused and hurt as he watched them having good time at dinner. He wondered if anyone even thought how he felt being locked up at the Dursleys for the rest of the summer. "After all, you would just say to keep my head down and let Dumbledore take care of it."

With that he stood up and stormed out of the room followed by confused glances of the younger and sympathetic glances of older occupants of the room.

Harry stormed to his room loudly banging the doors behind him. He threw himself at his bed fuming at the whole world. Hedwig landed at the headboard and softly barked at him expressing his support.

"Thanks Hedwig," Harry smiled at her. "You are the only one that knows."

***

At the kitchen, after they silenced Sirius' mother, the mood was a little gloomier than before.

Sirius gazed at the fire in the fireplace thinking about Harry. He didn't understand why Harry behaved so childishly and he tried to put himself into his position so he could understand what Harry felt. Remus sat in a chair next to him.

"Are you okay;" he asked.

"I just don't understand him," Sirius responded. "James would die to know everything that happened and wouldn't be sulking in his room while he could be having fun."

"Yes, James would," Remus answered him silently. "But Harry is not James, he is more mature than James was and he is more emotional than him."

"I know that he's not James. I just don't understand why he's angry with me."

"He's hurt because no one wrote him or tried to contact him," Remus answered.

"But the owls are monitored. We couldn't…" Sirius began only to be cut off by Remus.

"I know that. But he doesn't. You should talk to him about everything that happened last year and this summer." he suggested.

"And what could I say to him," Sirius snapped. "That I'm sorry for caring for his safety, that I did the responsible thing and made sure he was protected? Or should I coddle him and say everything will be all right."

Remus frowned at Sirius and forcefully responded. "Stop thinking of yourself and think about him. Or you don't realise Harry deserves to know the truth?"

"Of course he deserves to know the truth," Sirius bit out. Their conversation acquired attention from the rest of the room but they didn't notice it. "But you heard Dumbledore, it's better for his safety that he doesn't know."

"And since when you listen to Dumbledore, Padfoot," Remus responded. "Harry needs to know everything. He is mourning for his best friend and the possibility that the connection with Voldemort is something else…" He was cut off by several shrieks, gasps and one broken cup that fell from Molly's hands. Remus closed his eyes in annoyance and turned to the room. "Stop flinching every time someone says his name. How can you hope to fight him if you're afraid of his BLOODY NAME, FOR MERLIN'S SAKE," he yelled. "And I think it is quite rude to listen in to a private conversation," he finished quietly.

Moody grunted something intelligible. The kids muttered their apologies and the adults looked properly chastised. All except Molly who started walking towards Remus.

"And your concern towards Harry is also rude when you didn't bother to contact him before," she accused him. Several people gasped and the Weasleys cringed at her words.

"You don't know nothing about my life Molly and I would be thankful if you kept your comments to yourself," Remus calmly responded.

"I know enough to see that you don't really care about Harry. You're similar to Severus in your dealings with the boy," Molly said.

Remus' eyes flashed and he jumped out of his chair. No one was brave enough to try and stand between them.

"I'm nothing like that treacherous Death Eater," he spat out. "You're talking nonsense because you think that Harry is one of your children and no one should care for him beside you. I have news for you Molly, Harry is a Potter and my friends' child and I care for him deeply. I will not allow you to boss him around like you do your children. Good night," he finished and stormed out of the room still furious.

"Molly, I will not tolerate you insulting my family while staying in my house," Sirius stood up. "Please apologize to Remus when you can."

"Yes, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I apologise Sirius, I was over the line," Molly responded.

"It's this house, it brings the worse in everyone," Sirius responded. "Don't worry, everyone is on edge and the fact that you're not at the Burrow can't help." He took a cup of tea and took a seat by the table.

Molly nodded and returned to her work in the kitchen trying to calm down.

Sirius sat at the table trying to put things into perspective. His thoughts were in turmoil and he couldn't come to a decision about what to do with Harry.

***

Several minutes passed in peace for Harry who sank into his bitter thoughts filled with regret. He regretted the fact that he didn't notice Hermione's physical beauty until it was to late. He always thought of her as a friend and never as a love interest. While his hormones lusted for Cho last year Hermione was the one to help him through the tournament and she was the main reason why he managed to win it. She spent numerous hours drilling him with spells and helping him prepare for the tasks and he hadn't thanked her properly for it.

His wallowing was interrupted by a forceful knock on the door. He thought about not responding but he acted immaturely enough for one day already.

"It's open," he bellowed.

Tonks entered the room. She looked around carefully before slowly sitting on the end of his bed.

"What do you want," Harry rudely asked her.

"I came to see if you need anything," she responded.

"No, I'm fine. Now please go away."

"You don't have to be so rude towards me. I didn't do anything to you, you know."

"I'm sorry," Harry stated. "Now leave."

"No."

"Huh…"

"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong with you," Tonks stated.

"You don't know me, why would you want to know that," he answered.

"I want to get to know you. I hear all this stories about you and I don't know what to believe," she responded. "Do I believe Snape, Dumbledore, Molly or Sirius."

"You believe who you want to believe, I don't care," Harry responded.

"Well, I think that you're currently close to Snape's description," she stated just to see how he responded.

Harry looked at her forcefully for the first time seeing her since she entered his room. She had long black hair that accented her dark eyes. She was watching him with sympathetic look.

"Harry," she began softly, "I don't know what bothers you but you need to let someone know what that is. I'm here if you want to talk."

Harry looked at her and she saw an inner battle in his thoughts. After long silence in which Harry stared intently at Tonks, he finally said.

"Why," he asked.

"I told you…"

"You want to help me, why?"

"I like you," she admitted.

"What," Harry asked confusedly.

"I like you," she repeated. "I was in my seventh year when you were a first year. I kept an eye on you all the time because you were the Boy-who-lived and got to like you, Harry. I joined the Order because I thought it would be a good way to see you again."

"Wait, you're twenty one years old and I'm only fifteen. How…"

"How come I like you," she interrupted him. She shrugged. "I don't know but I do. I've followed your progress at Hogwarts this few years and I've heard what you did…"

"So you think that I'm some kind of hero," he accused her.

"You are a hero, Harry. There is nothing wrong with that. But I also know that you don't like it," she answered. "Harry, you need to talk to someone. It isn't healthy to simmer in your misery although I know that that is one of teenagers' favourite past-times."

"You sound just like Hermione," he said. "I miss her."

"I heard people talk about her. I would have liked to meet her. She must have been a great person."

Harry stared at the ceiling not responding and Tonks saw the dark circles below his eyes. She waved her wand casting a sleeping charm on Harry. She looked at Hedwig who was perched on the headboard of the bed watching her carefully. She smiled at the owl and looked around the room. It looked neglected and dark and she thought for a moment what could be done to change that. Coming to a decision she smiled and clapped her hands enthusiastically. Hedwig barked at her for disturbing her master's sleep and Tonks said sorry. She cast mild silencing charm around Harry so he wouldn't be woken up by the racket she made and then she went to work.

***

When Harry woke up the next morning he didn't recognise the room he was in. He remembered falling asleep while talking with Tonks and he felt slightly ashamed. He lokked around the room and slowly rubbed the back of his head at the cheerful look that the room now had. He shook his head confusedly and slowly made his way to the bathroom.

The room was painted in warm subtle orange colour. There were several posters of Hogwarts and some muggle posters of half-naked girls on the walls. The bed was painted in brown colour and had drapes around it like at Hogwarts. The doors were painted black which clashed slightly with the walls. All of the closets and at the desk were painted the same. There was a large bookshelf which had several books in it but other than that gaped empty.

As he returned from the bathroom half an hour later, Harry noticed the note on the desk. He opened it.

Dear Harry,

I've taken the liberty and lightened your room. I've added the bookshelf and few books from my collection that I thought you would like.

We will buy more when we go to the Diagon. I hope you slept well and, please, let me know what you think about the posters.

Tonks

Harry looked up at the posters. He liked the large poster of Hogwarts. He noticed that it was wizarding poster as the clouds slowly travelled over the castle. He turned to the posters on the other wall. He blushed lightly when he noticed them. He was still standing admiring knickers on one of the models several minutes later when someone knocked on his door.

"Wake up, Harry. Mum wants us to help her clean the house," Ron shouted through the doors.

Harry opened the door and quickly exited the room.

"Good morning, Ron," he greeted. "Let's get breakfast."

***

Next few days Harry spent cleaning the living room with the Weasleys. Mrs. Weasley didn't allow them a moment of free time and Harry noticed that everyone was actually scared of her. He was indifferent to everything as he fell in some kind of apathy. He learned the history of Sirius' family – the Ancient and Noble House of Black. Sirius brother was a Death Eater and his parents were dark supporters and his cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix were also. Harry noticed that Sirius' mood wasn't any better than his. He realised that Sirius hated everything about the house and that he hated being locked up there.

Sirius was stumped with Harry's behaviour. When he wasn't helping with the work around the house, Harry was locked up in his room. Sirius tried to talk with him several times but Harry's lack of interest prevented that. He noticed that Harry only talked at length with Tonks. What they talked about he didn't know but he was relieved that Harry communicated with someone. His thoughts turned towards the Order. They were guarding the entrance to the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry and generally tried to keep a low profile. His contribution was minimal and the fact that he was a wanted criminal prevented him from working for the Order. Dumbledore convinced him that it would be better if he stayed in the house all the time and he was slowly going crazy sitting on his arse doing nothing. He was grateful for the company that he had currently at the house but he knew that once Hogwarts started house would remain empty and only company he would have will be his elf and Buckbeak, a hippogriff.

Only problem he currently had were Molly's and Dumbledore's attitudes towards Harry. He understood Dumbledore's reasoning but that didn't mean he agreed with it. Harry wasn't a child anymore, not after what he went through at that cemetery. Unfortunately his voice count for little around here when it came to important matters like Harry.

***
Tonks knocked at Harry's bedroom door. She didn't have the time to speak with him seriously these past few days and she noticed that Harry thought that she forgot about their talk. She opened the door when he said it was open. She entered the room. Harry was sitting on his bed reading one of his schoolbooks. He looked at her questioningly.

"Wotcher, Harry," she greeted.

"Hello, Tonks," Harry returned.

"I brought a few books that I thought you would like to read," she motioned to the package she carried. Harry groaned slightly and smiled.

"I don't read quite as much as you imagine. I've read only one of the books you left that first time."

"No worries, it took me several months to read all of them. I just thought that you would like something to help you pass the time. There is rather limited selection of things you can do around here."

"Okay. How's your work," he asked.

"Boring, Fudge suspended almost half of the Departments funds and they lowered our pay as a result;" she began as she sorted the books on the table. "Then there is the work for the Order. I don't have any free time anymore, you know."

"What is the Order actually doing," Harry asked curiously. "I've heard snippets here and there but I don't know what you actually do."

"Well, a good part of the Order is guarding something in the Ministry. Don't ask me what - they didn't tell me what it is. I just know it's something in the Department of Mysteries so it's got to be something dangerous. The rest, like Bill or Remus, are trying to get as much people as they can on our side. That's not going well as most people believe everything that writes in the Prophet and don't want to believe that You-Know-Who is back."

"What about Voldemort and the Death Eaters? How are you fighting them," asked Harry.

"We don't…"

"What do you mean - you don't."

"You don't understand. The Ministry is monitoring everybody who utter Dumbledore's or your name in any positive manner," Tonks said as she began to pace around the room. "Fudge thinks that Dumbledore wants to take his position and he doesn't want to believe anything else. The fact that Lucius Malfoy is his most trusted advisor currently doesn't help us either."

"So you do nothing," Harry stated.

"We do everything we can," Tonks shouted. "It won't help if we end up in Azkaban while fighting Death Eaters. We monitor known Death Eaters and Snape is invaluable in providing information."

"Snape, you rely on Snape for information" Harry shouted.

"Dumbledore trusts him and his information helped us already. We wouldn't know what You-Know-Who is searching without him."

"He's a git and I don't trust him. You shouldn't either."

"Well, I don't trust him," she admitted. "Actually, Dumbledore is the about only one who actually has any faith in him. Moddy tried to speak with Dumbledore about Snape but he wouldn't even listen."

"Yeah, I know the feeling," Harry whispered bitterly. "Why does Dumbledore avoid me?"

"I don't know. I've thought he would speak with you when we brought you but he told us what to tell you about Order and then left, nothing more."

After several moments of silence Harry responded. "Thanks for telling me the truth."

"No problem. I'll always tell you the truth, that's one of my flaws, actually that and my inability to behave properly," Tonks joked. She sat on the edge of his bed before softly asking. "How are you, Harry?"

Harry's response died on his lips as she began glaring at him. He considered for a moment how he actually felt.

Sighing he responded. "I could be better."

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong," Tonks softly implored.

"Don't worry, Tonks, I'll be fine. I just have to put things into perspective."

"What things?"

"Everything that's been happening to me lately. Hermione's death especially."

"I am always available if you need help."

"Thanks. I…I appreciate it."

***

Over the next few days Harry's mood darkened considerably. He was nervously waiting the day of his hearing. He had several conversations with Remus and Sirius about it and they tried to put his fears to rest. Harry's fear that he wouldn't be allowed to return to Hogwarts grew every day. He overheard several whispered conversations about the current situation at the Ministry and he knew that the Minister would like nothing more than to toss him in Azkaban and throw away the key.

Harry had matured greatly in the last few weeks that he was at the Headquarters. He thought long and hard about his current life but most of the time he thought about Hermione. The pain he felt when she was hit with the Killing curse Harry didn't want to feel again. He missed her and her nagging to do his work, her support and the strength she gave him when she would smile at him if he did something right. Harry started to study harder this summer. He knew that Hermione wouldn't be there to help him now and he would have to do his work himself. He would make her proud, Harry concluded. One day when his luck run out and he saw her again, she would be proud by his achievements.

***

Later that week Harry was sitting in front the Wizengamot trying to defend himself from the serious charges. He almost missed the hearing as they changed the place and the time of the proceedings. Now he sat in the chair in the middle of the courtroom while in front of him the whole judge body of the wizarding world was gathered to decide on his faith. After first ten minutes Harry knew that it he would be lucky if he returned to Hogwarts. Minister Fudge led the hearing with several witches and wizards asking questions at random. Only one that stood on Harry's side was Albus Dumbledore and although Harry currently held him responsible for Hermione's death he was happy that he had his help.

Dumbledore calmly defended him and even brought Mrs. Figg to testify on Harry's behalf. Unfortunately that didn't went well as all she saw was Harry and his cousin having a fight and than she blacked out. Harry saw the look of triumph on Fudge's face when she couldn't confirm if there were Dementors in that street that evening. For all Dumbledore's effort it seamed that Minister managed to convince most of the Wizengamot in Harry's guilt.

When the time for the vote came Harry's nerves were on edge. After the Minister called for a vote Harry's heart stopped. He didn't dare to look as they counted the votes. When he heard a sharp gasp that normally composed Dumbledore released he knew that it was all over. He was found guilty and his schooling terminated. Fudge ordered that he surrenders his wand and Harry looked at Dumbledore panicked. What he saw would forever remain in his memory.

Dumbledore stood up from the armchair he conjured before and stood tall. As Fudge celebrated the fact he got Potter out of Hogwarts, Dumbledore looked straight at Harry's eyes and gave him a grim smile. He then turned to the Wizengamot that began packing their stuff and was preparing to leave. His deep voice rang through the courtroom.

"Only thing that Harry is guilty of is the truth, Cornelius. I will not allow you to surrender the wizarding world into the waiting hands of Death Eaters. Mr. Potter's involvement in the coming fight is more important that anyone imagines and for that he already suffered enough," Albus began as everyone stared at him. Even Harry never saw this side of the Headmaster as his true power flowed through his figure. "Has this esteemed body investigated the death of my students? Do you even remember their names," Albus asked. He looked at everyone before continuing. "My personal opinion of you, Cornelius, is that you are a small, petty man. You fear me and my influence while working with Lucius Malfoy. I feel sorry for all the lives that will be lost because of your inactions. And remember this parody of a trial when you inevitably find yourself in need of my help. Come, Harry."

Dumbledore turned and went to the doors and Harry followed him astounded at what happened. Before they could reach the doors, Minister's Undersecretary Umbridge was heard.

"Haven't you forgotten something, Mr. Potter?"

"No, he hasn't. Mr. Potter will need his wand in the coming years," Dumbledore responded.

Fudge lost it at that. "Madame Bones, apprehend this two criminals for disobeying the Wizengamot's decision," he shouted while drawing his wand. The next moment the whole court room was filled with smoke and Dumbledore dragged Harry through the doors. He calmly locked the heavy doors and then turned to Mr. Weasley who waited on Harry.

"Arthur, we have stumbled on a bit of a problem. Harry is a fugitive from this moment and we have to leave the Ministry as soon as possible," he stated in his calm voice. Harry looked at him and then at the doors of the courtroom before looking back at Dumbledore. He was still trying to process what just happened.

Mr. Weasley just nodded. "I will remain here and try to find out what happened."

"Splendid idea. Come Harry, we must hurry or we will have a fight on our hands," Dumbledore responded and began walking towards the elevator. Harry followed knowing that his best chance of leaving the Ministry was with Dumbledore. Before they could reach the elevator, they ran into Lucius Malfoy. Harry saw the faint smirk that passed Dumbledore's face when he saw the man.

"Hello Lucius, you're just the man I wanted to see," Dumbledore pleasantly greeted before quickly disarming the Death Eater. Lucius was caught surprised when his wand flew into the Dumbledore's waiting hand.

"What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore," he snarled.

"I know why you are in this corridor. You aren't going to get it," Dumbledore said as he looked over Malfoy's wand. "You should change your allegiance before it's too late." With that remark he snapped the Malfoy's wand. Malfoy tried to use his cane on Dumbledore only to be disarmed again. Dumbledore flicked his wand and Malfoy's cane disintegrated. After that he continued on his way, Harry following.

Half an hour later, Dumbledore and Harry arrived at the Grimmauld Place. They quickly entered and made their way to the kitchen where everyone was gathered. Harry noticed the nervous looks that were directed at him and Dumbledore. Mrs. Weasley paled when she saw Dumbledore with Harry. Sirius was first to speak.

"What happened," he asked anxiously.

"I…I was found guilty," Harry whispered hoping that no one would hear. Mrs. Weasley screeched at that. "What? Albus how could they," she exclaimed.

"Apparently my former colleagues from the Wizengamot are more corrupt than I thought they were. Cornelius has them on his side and there is nothing I could do to prevent this."

"So, Harry was expelled from Hogwarts," asked Ginny.

"Unfortunately, they have agreed that Harry's wand should be snapped and he was expelled. I acted at that and now we are both fugitives," Dumbledore responded. He grinned as he turned to Sirius. "Do you have place for two more wanted criminals," he asked cheerfully.

Sirius barked his laugh at that. "You can stay as long as you want, Albus."

"Thank you. I shouldn't be much of a burden on you all," Dumbledore turned to Harry. "We will need to talk later. I have a plan that will help us immensely but you will have to be patient a little more."

Harry barely heard the words but he nodded. His mind was caught at the expelled part. He wasn't returning to Hogwarts, his true home. He was a fugitive like Sirius.

"I'm sorry, mate. I thought that they would free you for sure," Ron said.

"Yeah, Harry. You acted in self defence which is permitted by law," Fred offered.

"I'll be in my room," Harry responded and quickly left before anyone could stop him.

Mrs. Weasley tried to follow him but Dumbledore stopped her. "Let him go, Molly. He went through shock today; he needs to think things through."

"What will happen to him now? How will he learn the things he needs for life," Molly asked.

"I will teach him what he needs to know about magic," Dumbledore responded and everyone looked at him astonished. "As I have said I have a plan that will help him immensely."

***
Harry moped around the house for the next few days while he waited for Dumbledore to tell him what to do next. He hated the fact that he had to rely on the old man for his protection but he thought that there were really no other options. Dumbledore hasn't returned to the house since the day of the hearing and no one knew what he was doing except that he was a real pain in the arse of the ministry.

Almost the same day as the Dumbledore was proclaimed a criminal, the Ministry took control of Hogwarts. Harry saw that Umbridge, that awful woman from the hearing, became the new Headmistress and that from what he read in the Daily Prophet she was a firm believer of pureblood agenda. What hurt Harry the most was when Ron became a prefect day after the hearing which meant that he was chosen for the position before Harry was expelled. Harry thought that he deserved that position more than the redhead and he felt betrayed by Dumbledore and McGonagall. He was also remembered Hermione as he thought she was perfect for the position of the prefect and that she would probably be one if she was alive. When he went to Sirius with this issue needing someone to talk with he was unpleasantly surprised when Mrs. Weasley butted in the conversation and yelled on him for his selfishness as he thought only about himself and not what her son accomplished at the school. When he pointed out that her son wouldn't accomplish half as much if not for Hermione and him he got an earful about his ungratefulness towards Ron and his friendship. She also made one good point in that that Harry had the same grades as Ron. After Sirius diffused the situation by taking Mrs. Weasley side and thus irreversibly hurt their relationship.

Harry thought about Mrs. Weasley point about him having the same grades as Ron. He was better at Defence but in the rest of the classes they were around the same level of competence. He also realized that he relied on Hermione just as much as Ron although eh could write his assignments without her help they were as a half as good as when she would look over them and point him to the mistakes. This just made him more miserable as he thought how he treated her. He wasn't as bad as Ron but he wasn't showing her the appreciation she deserved either.

Thus began a new chapter in his life. Harry decided he needed to study more and to study better so he began by rereading his textbooks filling gaps in his knowledge. It was a hard and slow work as he could go through three or four chapters a day at most at the beginning but Harry wasn't afraid of the work and it wasn't like he had anything else to do as Ron didn't speak with him and Harry wasn't speaking with Sirius. Actually Harry only spoke with Remus occasionally. He also spoke with Tonks but she was almost constantly at work and was tired when she would arrive to the Grimmauld Place to speak with him, Harry was grateful for that as she always found a way to cheer him up a little be it with a joke or a ready ear for his problems. Harry listened to her problems in kind and told her his opinion. She was disillusioned with her work for the Ministry as they worked more for the politics than the justice.

A week and a half past the hearing Harry was still at the Headquarters without any news from Dumbledore. He heard only what Tonks told him how three of the more shady Aurors tracked him down to some village in the middle of nowhere. They attacked him after he refused to surrender. They were in St. Mungo's currently and they were going to recover fully in three to four months. Tonks was a little more subdued than usual in the last few days and Harry managed to get her to tell him why. She was seriously considering quitting her job as she doubted that she could work for Fudge and the current Ministry.

Weasleys left the house as the kids left for Hogwarts. Harry was relieved that he was left alone with Sirius and Remus at the house although Sirius was sulkier and moodier as the days passed.

***

Tonks entered the Knockturn Alley scowling at anyone who passed her path. She was on an assignment from Dumbledore that included following Lucius Malfoy. She was following him for the last five hours using her metamorphomagus abilities to disguise herself. She noted two hooded figures that emerged from the shadows and started to follow her. Malfoy entered one of the seedier bars in the Alley where the filth of the society usually frequented. Tonks followed.

She noted the stale, stinky air of the bar and the shadowy atmosphere. In the corner of the bar stood Malfoy who looked decidedly out of place with his regal look. Tonks sat at the empty table by the door and motioned for the bartender. A small man with a greasy short hair and a scar on his cheek moved over and took her order. Two hooded figures entered the bar and skilfully searched the room with their eyes. They approached the bar and ordered their drink.

Tonks watched Malfoy as he drank his drink. As the time passed, Malfoy looked more uncomfortable and two robed figures grew more anxious. Tonks prepared for a fight.

Another ten minutes passed before anything happened. Tonks was bored and awaited anything that could be entertaining. Three figures entered the bar and moved to Lucius immediately. They whispered something urgently and Tonks took the opportunity to take out the two figures at the bar with two silent confundus. Lucius left the bar shortly after that and his companions followed him few moments later. Tonks followed morphing her appearance as she exited the bar.

Three persons started apparating right on the exit and Tonks casted a stupefy on one of them before they completed the apparation. Person slumped down on the ground and Tonks quickly searched him taking a small bundle of papers and his personal documents before anyone could prevent her. She gasped when she noticed who the person she was robbing was. Furiously she took her spare wand and tapped it twice on the man's head. With that she pointed the wand at the sky and murmured "Morsmordre".

She apparated the same moment to the Grimmauld Place and ran into the house before anyone could see her. First thing she did was run to the room she was using at the house. She locked the door behind her and spelled the windows. She took her spare wand, a gift from her father when she was accepted in the Aurors and snapped it. She put the remains in the Garbage Bin and took the documents that she took from the person at the Alley. With a furious hand movement she tore them apart and those them in the bin. Finally she took her wand and flicked it causing the contents of the bin to burst into fire.

She watched with satisfaction as the papers burned. Her dark eyes reflected the fire and her hair elongated to her waist and turned the colour of midnight.

***

The next morning Tonks entered the kitchen cheerfully greeting the three men that sat there having breakfast. She sat next to Harry who offered her a bright smile. She returned the smile and patted his thigh which in turn made him spit the mouthful of juice he just took at Remus across the table.

"Tonks, what are you doing to my godson," Sirius asked accusingly.

"I didn't do anything," Tonks replied innocently. "Did I Harry," she continued while squeezing his thigh.

"No, nothing at all," Harry stammered while blushing. He ducked into his plate so Sirius and Remus couldn't see his face that sported a truly tremendous blush.

"You see," Tonks said while smiling innocently at Remus.

Remus just cleaned his face with a handkerchief and returned the innocent smile at Tonks. Harry narrowed his eyes when he saw the slightly mischievous look he sported.

Sirius threw the Daily Prophet to Tonks. "Look at the fifth page."

She opened the newspapers and read the article. "Greyback is dead," she said casually. "Good."

Harry turned to her. Tonks continued eating and reading the Prophet while at the other side of the table Remus almost choked with his breakfast.

"It's curious. The most wanted werewolf found dead in Knockturn Alley with a Dark Mark over him," Sirius said while looking pointedly at Tonks.

"Did the Death Eaters kill him," Harry asked curiously.

"Probably, there are a lot of people who would like to be the one to kill him. He wasn't the best person," Remus answered.

Tonks snorted. "Aurors had a standing order to kill him on sight."

"What did he do to earn that?"

"He liked to bite children," Remus sighed. "He was the one to bite me for something my father did. That's how he operated, he would find his victim, wait for the full moon and then transform. There were some rumours he liked to eat human flesh, especially young human flesh."

Tonks sniffed at that and left the kitchen in a hurry. Harry was surprised at her behaviour as she was a strong and cheerful person and this shouldn't hit her as hard as it seemed to.

Half an hour later he found her in the Buckbeak's room petting the Hypogryph.

"Hey, Tonks," He greeted her. She had long midnight blue hair and her face was somehow sharper. Harry had to admit that he liked her appearance.

"Harry," she greeted back. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to feed Buckbeak;" He answered and opened the sack he was carrying. Buckbeak started sniffing around while Harry tossed him a dead rat.

"What's wrong," Harry asked as he saw her distant expression.

"I hate that monster," she answered quietly. "He killed a friend of mine. She was fifteen and he just killed her. It was awful, blood everywhere. But her expression….I will never forget it….."

"I'm sorry," Harry answered quietly. He didn't know what to say. "I know how you feel, Tonks." And he did, his nightmares consisted of Hermione's death and Crouch's maniacal laughter as he died.

"Thanks, Harry. It comes up sometime when something similar happens. I'll be all right. I just need to calm down a bit."

***

Two days later, Tonks stood in front of a grave of Danielle Bones. The gravestone indicated that she died six years ago at fifteen years of age. Tonks sadly smiled while she reminisced about their time at Hogwarts.

"I only wish I was the one that killed that bastard," Madame Bones said as she put a flower on the ground. She flicked her wand at the gravestone and it started sparkling under the sun.

"I know how you feel, ma'am," Tonks responded. She was startled when the older woman started speaking as she didn't hear her approach.

Madame Bones pierced her with her gaze. Tonks felt slightly intimidated as Amelia watched her like a particularly interesting suspect.

"I've received your resignation from the Auror department."

Tonks looked at the gravestone where the names of Amelia's daughter and husband were engraved. She didn't know how to respond.

"Please join me on lunch, Dora."

"Of course, Mrs. Bones."

Two women walked out of the Hogsmeade's graveyard and slowly made their way to the Three Broomsticks. They walked in pleasant silence and Tonks relaxed slightly. They found a seat in the pub and ordered their meals before they continued their conversation.

"Why are you leaving the Ministry, Dora? I thought this is what you wanted," Madame Bones asked.

Tonks sighed and her face darkened slightly. "How can I work for the Ministry when we are prosecuting a fifteen year old boy because he defended himself…."

"This is because of Harry Potter." Amelia was surprised.

"His case was the last straw. I can't track Dumbledore and him and I don't want to. If there is a man who knows right and wrong then it is Dumbledore. He stood for Potter when no one would and he is a wanted man now. We search for two icons of our world while people are dying with a Dark Mark over them in the middle of London," Tonks passionately stated. She was derailing Amelia's attention from Harry and Dumbledore to Greyback's murder. "When will we find the people responsible for his murder," she asked rhetorically.

"We have got several anonymous notes that claim that the man who killed Greyback was Black. Apparently he is hunting the disloyal Death Eaters," Amelia responded. She took note of Tonks' reaction on Black's name.

Tonks huffed sarcastically. "Did you know ma'am, that Black didn't have a trial or an actual interrogation. They took his ramblings as a statement of guilt and shipped him off to Azkaban and continued celebrating the downfall of You-Know-Who."

"I know Auror Tonks," Amelia replied darkly. "I led the investigation." Tonks looked at her surprised. Then she grimaced slightly before shocking her head in despair.

"Don't be so quick to judge me," Amelia said. "You have no idea how it was then."

"No, I don't Madame Bones. But I know that the situation hasn't changed. Lucius Malfoy walks through the Ministry like he owns the place and Minister Fudge is prosecuting children. The greatest wizard of the century is proclaimed as a fool and an enemy while people don't know where is You-Know-Who." Tonks passionately began. "My father knows how it is to live in this world without the support of someone important. He is ridiculed because of his ancestry and blood. I hate that. Because of that I joined the Aurors. To change this country and get the bad guys of the streets. And now I resign because I'm unable to do that."

She paused for a sip of a butterbeer before continuing. "Madame Bones, I always thought of you as a role model. Someone I can admire. I see now that you are just the same as the rest." With that last remark she left the pub.

Amelia sighed as she took a sip of her drink. She turned to her right where with a shimmer of a spell two figures appeared. "Follow her but don't hurt her. She could be an important ally."

Figures just nodded and disappeared again. Moments later doors opened and closed of their own accord.

***

Two days later, Harry was reading his school books. He reasoned that he shouldn't stop his education just because he was expelled. After all, you never knew when something might come useful. And that tiny bit of his conscience that sounded suspiciously like Hermione berated him because of his laziness.

Harry was studying Transfiguration from last year. He wasn't certain at what level he was with his studies as he didn't took his tests last year because of the Triwizard tournament. He understood most of the concepts behind the magic in the book but didn't dare to cast any spells because of the Ministry's search for him. He learned form Tonks that they monitored whole country just for his magical signature and that it was eating up lot of resources of the Aurors. Any accidental or underage magic in the last few weeks was reported to the Aurors and they had to dispatch a team to the field. Harry was reluctant to use magic ever since he heard that.

Three hours later he finally finished with his lesson. Harry stretched as he stood up. He returned the book in its usual spot in the bookshelf. Smiling slightly he exited his room. He hated the dark brooding feel that the house emitted and the eerie quiet didn't help to make the house any lighter. Harry's good mood carried him to the kitchen. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw Dumbledore sitting at the table. Maybe now he could get some answers form the old man.

Dumbledore hadn't returned to the Grimmauld Place since the day of the trial and Harry was angered that he was avoided again. But now wasn't the time for useless anger and Harry suppressed those feelings while he took a seat at the kitchen table and looked expectantly at Dumbledore.

All of the current house occupants were in the kitchen and Dumbledore was amused by the versatility of magical talent in the room. Across of him sat Harry Potter, a young boy that had a talent for implementing extraordinary magic when he needed it. Then there was young Nymphadora Tonks, a Metamorphomagus with Auror training. Next to her was Sirius Black, an Animagus wizard with a good grasp of Transfiguration and Dark Arts and the last was Remus Lupin, a Werewolf with intense knowledge of darkness and ways to battle it. He was relieved that Harry had their support.

Albus noticed Harry's curious and expectant gaze. He saw that he was more in control of himself, he was calmer and his eyes were somehow lighter than before. Dumbledore cursed Tom for what he had dome to the boy. He knew the hard truth of Harry's destiny and he despised himself for it. But one small part of him, that part that saw the whole picture was perfectly all right with Harry's imminent sacrifice.

"How are you, Harry," he asked the boy.

"I'm fine, sir," Harry responded.

"Good. You couldn't arrive at the better time. I have just planned to fetch you. We need to speak about your…future in the past." Dumbledore chuckled at his word play.

"My future, sir," Harry asked confusedly.

"Yes. I need you to listen to me without interruptions, Harry. I will explain everything to you but it would be better if you wouldn't interrupt me," Dumbledore said seriously.

When Harry nodded to him he continued. "What I'm going to tell shouldn't be heard by anyone beside Harry so I ask you to leave the room. We will call you when we're finished."

As Sirius, Remus and Tonks were leaving the room, Harry interjected. "Tonks, please stay."

"Harry…" Dumbledore began.

"Professor, I think I know what you are going to say to me and I trust Tonks not to reveal my secrets. After all, you trust her too; otherwise she wouldn't be in the Order."

"But do you trusts her enough for what I'm about to tell you," Dumbledore asked.

Harry turned to Tonks and after a long look answered. "Yes, I do." Tonks smiled at Harry at that and took a sear next to him. Dumbledore's appearance hadn't changed but Harry knew that he was slightly annoyed at him because of Tonks' presence.

"Very well, Harry," Dumbledore sighed. "At the end of your first year at Hogwarts you asked me why Tom wanted to kill when you were a baby. I didn't answer you as I believed you were too young to carry such a burden. I still think you're too young for it. Unfortunately, events have transpired that force me to tell you the truth."

"A few moths before you were born I had an interview with a candidate for the position of Divination professor at Hogwarts. You know about whom I'm talking about. She arranged a room for us in Hog's Head, a pub in Hogsmeade where men of questionable reputation often had a drink. During the interview, in which I came to a conclusion that Divination wasn't necessary at the school if my only option for a professor consisted of Sybill Trelawney, Sybill made a genuine prophecy. At first I was reluctant to believe in it, thinking that it was a clever ruse to hire her for the job. But I wasn't the only one to hear it. You see, first two paragraphs was overheard by Tom's spy. He went to him immediately and Tom got knowledge of the prophecy. But that knowledge was incomplete and it contributed to his downfall."

Dumbledore reach into his pockets and pulled out a small white orb. He tapped it with his wand ad the orb shattered, small, ghostly figure of Sibyll Trelawney slowly twirled while reciting the words of the 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 hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."

Harry stared at the place where the ghostly visage of his Divination professor was twirling not long ago. He tried to wrap his mind around the words of the prophecy but his mind seamed to shut down. He slowly looked at Dumbledore.

Shocking his head he almost yelled. "No…no…Tell me this is not true. Please, sir. Tell me that this doesn't indicate me." Harry begged frantically.

"I'm sorry but this prophecy is about you, Harry," Dumbledore answered sadly. His eyes welled with tears. "This prophecy wouldn't matter if Tom didn't hear first two sentences. He decided to kill you before you were a threat and thus he defeated himself." He stopped speaking giving Harry some time to calm down.

Harry was frantically thinking about everything that happened in his life so far. While he wanted to deny the prophecy and tell Dumbledore that it was fake prophecy and that Trelawney was a fraud, he finally understood the obsession that Voldemort had for him. He was the one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord. Not likely, Harry thought.

Tonks wrapped a hand around his shoulder giving Harry her support. She was startled at what she heard. Harry could defeat Voldemort. From what she heard about Harry's magical prowess she knew he had some talent but not the drive needed to learn and transform the talent into true ability. She looked at Dumbledore and wondered what else he would drop on Harry's back today.

After few minutes of quiet, Dumbledore continued speaking. "This is what we are protecting in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry. This orb could only be removed by a select few to insure the safety of the information contained within. I replaced the orb with a fake one that contains slightly reworded prophecy. Just enough to confuse Tom if he ever manages to get his hands on it. Harry, this prophecy is not important for you. You are in danger because of Tom's persistence in his attempts to kill you. In that neither can live while the other survives, he or you can't live fully while you are alive."

Harry stared at Dumbledore not fully comprehending his words. "Are you telling me I have to die?"

"Yes, because you have a piece of Tom's soul in yourself and he can't be defeated until it's destroyed."

Tonks gasped and held harder to Harry as if he would die that moment.

"Then why I'm still alive," Harry asked stoically.

"There is a chance that you will survive. You see, when Tom used your blood in his ritual he unintentionally strengthened the piece of his soul in your body and at the same time became the enemy of that piece. He has your blood with the protection of your mother's sacrifice and there is a possibility that if he casts the killing curse on you, you could survive it for the second time. There is the matter of the manner of your death, Harry. You see, you would have to sacrifice yourself willingly without resistance or a fight."

"I…I don't know what to say," Harry responded. After few seconds of silence he responded. "When?"

"Oh, there is time, Harry. You see, the piece of Tom's soul in you isn't the only piece that he put to safekeeping, so to speak. I don't know how many of these Horcruxes he has, but I know the location of one and suspect about another."

"And he can't be killed before these Horcruxes are destroyed," Tonks asked.

"Indeed, Harry destroyed one in his second year. He can confirm the dangerous nature of these vile pieces of Dark magic."

"The Diary, it was a Horcrux," Harry stated incredulously. "He made it when he was in Hogwarts."

"Yes, that was the first piece he made. To create a Horcrux you have to split your soul and only the foulest deeds can do that to you. Young Tom killed his relatives when he was fifteen years old and created his first Horcrux. A truly remarkable achievement for someone so young."

"And what this has to do with me," Harry asked.

"You will help me hunt them down, Harry." Dumbledore stated simply.

"Me," Harry asked¸ "Wouldn't I be a liability, sir."

"Nonsense, Harry. With a lot of hard work you will became an exceptional wizard."

"But, we don't have that time...."

"Yes, if time would be a linear term," Dumbledore smiled. "For wizards and witches that doesn't have to be the rule." He took out two time turners from his robes. "I acquired this while doing some research on Tom. It will give us all the time in the world. "

Harry watched Dumbledore in amazement. It seemed that the old man had the solution for every problem.

"Now, Miss Tonks will have to join us in the past. We will go back a year for ten times. That should give us enough time to give you some knowledge and skills."

"Don't I have a choice in the matter," Tonks asked indignantly.

"No," Dumbledore answered simply and looked at her over his spectacles. Tonks mumbled something and looked away. "Miss Tonks, you choose to be here. I know why you joined the Order and am giving you a chance."

Tonks looked at Harry and nodded slightly. "Okay, professor. It's just..."

"You were shocked. Don't worry; your help will be invaluable." Dumbledore answered. He looked at Harry sharply. "I know that you are angry at me and most of it is with a good reason. But…I hope that one day you will understand my position and responsibility in this world." He sighed softly. "We will meet tomorrow morning. Use this short time to relax and go through the revelations this day has brought."

***