A/N: Edited for spelling. 30/05/14

Chapter Two: The Burrow

August 2nd 1996 The Burrow

With the uncomfortable feeling of being squeezed through a garden hose, Harry potter appeared in the Weasley family's front garden with a sharp gasp and a soft pop.

"You okay there lover boy? Not going to puke are you?" Tonks' lightly teasing voice sounded from over his shoulder.

"No, no. I'm good, I think." Harry rubbed his stomach slowly before turning to the Pink haired metamorphmagus. "Thanks though" He gave her a small smile.

She grinned and ruffled his hair some more "You're very welcome sweets" Tonks then prodded him in the back "Now come on, time to go say hello"

Harry walked slowly towards the Burrow's front door, Tonks close behind. He knocked twice and waited.

"Who's there?" Moody's low growl carried through the thick door easily.

"Harry and Tonks." Said Harry.

"What did I tell you about putting your wand in your back pocket Potter?"

"That better Wizards than I had lost buttocks doing such a thing" Tonks pinched Harry's bum and he nearly jumped a foot in the air.

"What a shame that'd be, huh?" her voice was a sultry, breathy whisper against his neck. He shivered. Sooner or later he was sure Tonks would drive him off the deep end.

Harry briefly thought to himself that he probably wouldn't care at the time. He could hear locks clicking and the door opened.

He was met with Moody's scarred visage and a wand pointed towards him.

"Get in here, quick" Moody growled, "Does you no favours, lingering on doorsteps."

Tonks slipped into the home, cycling her hair colour as she went. Harry followed closely.

"Oh Harry dear, it's good to see you safe" Harry turned around just in time to catch a full on hug from Mrs Weasley. She pulled back after a moment and held him at arms Reach.

"You're Looking a bit peaky dear, let me get you something to eat, How about some nice onion soup? That should sort you out nicely." She gave him a warm smile.

"That'd be great Mrs Weasley, thanks." He smiled back and looked over his shoulder to see where Tonks had gotten too, he didn't really want her sneaking up on him again. Or maybe he did? Oh well, that was neither here nor there.

"You sit down dear, I'll have your soup in a jiffy." Mrs Weasley gestured to an empty seat at the brushed wooden dinner table.

Harry gave her another smile. "Thanks again Mrs Weasley." He sat down and watched as Mrs Weasley bustled about the kitchen levitating pots this way and that whilst heating up a ring.

Tonks came and sat next to him as he waited, Mrs Weasley looked over her shoulder and levitated another bowl over to the counter.

"So, how are you Harry? Didn't Really have time to ask back with the muggles"

He ran his fingers through his hair, he seemed to be doing that a lot more lately.

"I'm... doing better. I'm definitely doing better Tonks. Thanks for asking." He looked at her face, a small smile playing at her mouth. "How about you?"

She shrugged "The same to be honest, it's been hard but I'm getting there. It's still fresh, you know?" The small smile had disappeared. Harry reached out and gently rubbed her shoulder.

"Yeah, I definitely know what you mean" He was sure his own face was now downcast as well.

Tonks looked at him. "To be honest Harry, I'm surprised you're taking this as well as you are, I was expecting more... angst"

He looked at her for a moment before sighing.

"Mmm." He paused "I think the reason I'm handling it the way I am is because I think that Sirius would want me to be more... grown up about it, I think"

He looked at the table.

"I reckon if I moped around too much and didn't even try to move on then Sirius would come back as a ghost just to give me a good kick in the arse. I'm not over it, not by a long shot. It hurts, deep in my heart whenever I think of him but I'm getting there"

Tonks smiled at him slightly as they sat there in silence.

Mrs Weasley soon came over, set two bowls down in front of them both and gave them each a smile.

"Thanks Mrs Weasley" Harry said, giving her a one armed hug from the chair.

"Yeah, thanks Molly, it smells divine" Tonks chirped from her spot.

"That's all right dears, you two eat up. Ron's waiting upstairs for you after you've eaten Harry." Mrs Weasley gently patted Harry's shoulder as she picked up a cup of tea and went to sit in the living room.

Harry picked up his spoon and took a mouthful of the steaming soup. It tasted just a good as it smelled. He let out a small noise of satisfaction and had another mouthful.

He could hear Tonks slowly sipping at her soup next to him. He finished quickly and was about to leave the kitchen when Tonks called out to him.

He looked towards her and, rather than the teasing sparkle that was usually present in her dark twinkling eyes, she looked at him with a warm expression that spoke of genuine affection. "Thanks for the chat Harry, really, it meant a lot"

He gave her a small smile "No problem Tonks, whenever I'm around, we can talk when you want me"

She grinned suddenly "I don't know Harry, I think I might want you quite a bit" She shot him a wink.

He went bright red "Really walked into that one, didn't I?"

Tonks nodded and chuckled "Yup, see you later Harry"

He nodded to her and began to head up to Ron's room.

-oOo-

August 5th 1996 The Burrow

The next few day's went past quite fast. Ron, Ginny and the Twins had given him his birthday gifts when he'd made his presence known the first night. Remus had shown up the next day and given his then, having to have headed back to headquarters to get it. Both Ron and Ginny had given him an assortment of sweets, Fred & George had given him a few samples from their shop and Remus had given him his most precious gift of all.

The Marauder diary from their school days. Remus had explained that by fourth year The Marauders or more specifically James and Sirius had come to the conclusion that they were simply too mind-numbingly epic not to write down their experiences. Thus the Marauders diary was born. Remus had chuckled when he'd handed it over to Harry saying that he'd never seen Sirius so interested in a book before in his life. All four of them had added bits to it over the years and it went from mid way through fourth year to the end of seventh year.

Harry had very nearly cried when he'd read the cover and had almost squeezed Remus to death in thanks.

After Remus had left Harry had bumped into Bill and had congratulated him on his engagement to Fleur. Every now and then Harry would spot the two moving around the corridors but with both working they weren't around very often.

Tonks was also flitting around most days, which was a little surprising. She had explained to Harry that Molly kept inviting her over for tea in the hopes that bill would notice her and leave Fleur. Harry had rolled his eyes at this and Tonks had chuckled before saying that the only reason she kept accepting was because she was hoping for a cheeky peak on him coming out of the shower.

He'd beat a hasty retreat after that, blushing his way back to Ron's room, Tonks' laughter following him up the stairs.

Now though, he wasn't really sure what to do. Hermione would be here soon and Ron, for whatever reason was suddenly obsessed with having a clean room so Harry had been wandering around the burrow for the last fifteen minutes before settling on sitting outside, in the garden by the pond.

He sat and contemplated for a while.

What was he doing? Really doing? The war was heating up and he sat around doing nothing.

He ran his fingers through his hair.

Things needed to change, even he could see this. With the revelation of the prophecy at the beginning of the summer Harry knew that he needed to improve. Not just for himself but for the people around him.

He didn't want to be a liability and with his current skills that's exactly what he'd be if it really came down to it.

He barely held his own at the ministry and they hadn't really been trying to off him.

He groaned.

When it came down to it, he knew that when Voldemort came knocking He would end up as a puddle at the dark lords feet. Not that he'd make it easy of course, but he knew he was no match.

It would take work, lots of work, work that he needed to begin as soon as possible.

He laid back on the grass, staring at the blue sky. He had so much to improve on. He rubbed his eyes slowly.

He needed to work on his fitness, his spell repertoire and his casting speed.

Luckily he could improve his fitness anywhere, what was the point in knowing every spell out there if he was struck down by the first stray killing curse that came at him because he couldn't move fast enough?

On the flip side, there was no point being able to dodge every spell that was thrown his way if he didn't know how to retaliate.

He could improve both casting speed and his spell knowledge whilst at Hogwarts. Perhaps he could spend a few nights a week in the room of requirement? All he needed was a bit of private space. He could set up a target and send of spells as fast as he could, then step it up to moving whilst doing it.

After all, it was naïvety incarnate to think he'd get a chance to stand still in a real fight. Maybe once he was comfortable with it he could find a way to make the target move as well?

A plan began to form in his mind, two hours in the evening on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week he could spend trying to improve his fitness.

Spend Tuesday and Thursday on his aim and speed? Then take some time on the weekend to to read up on spells. It seemed reasonable enough to him.

Then a thought hit him.

What about Quidditch? What about Homework?

He sat up and rubbed a hand over his face, groaning. He'd have to work exceptionally hard this year.

He was about to lay back down when a shadow fell over him. "Wotcher Harry, what are you up to out here all by your lonesome?"

He flopped back down on the grass before leaning his head back to see her. She was stood behind him, her heart-shaped face blocking the sun from his eyes.

"Just thinking, Ron's spacking out over the general cleanliness of his room for when Hermione gets here so I decided to give him some space."

Tonks gave him a knowing nod before practically collapsing on the ground next to him.

"Well, you picked a good spot, it's quite nice out here during the day." She looked around slowly before laying back and putting her hands behind her head.

Harry closed his eyes and enjoyed the companionable silence.

Tonks, however, had different ideas of course.

A few moments after he closed his eyes he found himself pinned to the floor by the pink haired metamorphmagus as her small hands tickled him relentlessly.

He squirmed, jerked and laughed uncontrollably as she ran her fingers over his ribs.

Quickly losing his breath, he gasped up at her. "No, stop- hahaha- please, no more" he giggled "I can't take- hahaha- any more!"

Eventually she stopped and grinned down at him, she was sat astride his waist.

"Sorry lover boy, couldn't resist" she chuckled at his flushed face, the laughter still evident in his eyes even as he gave her a half-hearted glare.

He rolled his eyes and blew at his fringe.

Tonks rolled off of him after a moment, still chuckling.

"So, what were you out here thinking about?" she looked at him curiously.

Harry looked at her for a moment, silently. "...The war." Tonks frowned at him, as if willing him to elaborate.

"Well, more specifically, my own part in it and what I can do about it."

"But you're still in school Harry." She gave him a funny look. "Not to belittle you or anything but what can you do from Hogwarts?"

He sighed. "Admittedly, not much. But that doesn't change the fact that Voldemort-" she flinched ever so slightly and he frowned "-Has a bit of an obsession with me."

"True, he does have a rather twisted fascination with you. You already knew this though. What was there to think about?" She questioned.

He looked at her. "Sooner or later Tonks, Voldemort is going to get what he wants. And what he wants is a one-on-one with me." A grim look settled over his features. "Right now, I wouldn't survive the encounter, at least not without phenomenal levels of collateral damage." He rubbed his brow. "I can't afford that, I need to be better. That's what I was thinking about."

She gave him a worried look and cycled through various hair colours before settling on dark green. "So, what? You figured you'd hit the library and hope for the best?"

He shot her a slightly angry look. "Not much else I can do, now is there?"

Tonks gave him a look.

"I didn't mean it like that Harry but be reasonable, he's the most powerful dark lord in the last fifty years! I don't think hitting the books is going to cut it."

He sat up and let out a frustrated breath. "I know Tonks, but I don't really have too many options at the moment!" He ran his fingers through his hair. "It's the best I've got at the minute." He said quietly.

Tonks scooted closer. "Chin up Harry." she slipped an arm around his shoulders. "Talk to Dumbledore, maybe he can sort something out?"

Harry glanced at her. "I don't think that'll work Tonks."

"Why not?" She looked puzzled.

"Dumbledore's got it in his head that, until I'm seventeen, I should be blissfully unaware of everything around me." He grumbled. "Something about being able to enjoy what's left of my childhood or some such bullshit."

She frowned at him, well more at the situation really, then sighed. "well, talk to him anyway but go ahead with whatever plans you had already. I trust your judgement Kiddo but don't go doing anything silly that blows your cute arse up."

She gave him a lecherous grin, lightening the mood.

"Then what would I think about on lonely stakeouts."

She did a little happy dance in her head as Harry turned bashful.

"You're terrible, you know that?"

"And proud" She chuckled. "Now let's head on inside, I could do with a drink and I think I can hear the kettle."

Tonks got up to leave and Harry couldn't help but sneak a quick peek as she walked off, hips swaying.

-oOo-

August 6th 1996 The Burrow

The next day found Harry awake at six in the morning, completing three sets of ten push ups to the rhythmic noise of Ron's snoring. Finishing up, he rubbed his shoulders and shook out his wrists before; hitting the floor, bracing his feet under Ron's wardrobe, crossing his arms over his chest and setting out to do three sets of ten sit ups as well.

Never too early to establish a habit after all.

He got up after completing his three sets, grabbed a towel and headed off to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later he left the room, all cleaned up, clothes in hand and towel wrapped around his waist.

He got back to Ron's room, placed his sleep clothes on his camp bed and started to root through his trunk.

He looked at the tops he'd adjusted and Dudley's circus tent jeans.

'sod it, I'm wearing something that fits today.'

He pulled out a pair of black school trousers and a white shirt and quickly got dressed. He looked in the mirror afterwards and decided that, when he wore clothes that actually fit, He didn't look half bad. He'd rolled the sleeves up, tucked the shirt in and left the top button undone. In true teenage boy fashion, he grinned at himself before feeling slightly silly and set off to find some socks.

Pulling a pair of socks on he grabbed his school shoes and quickly did them up before heading downstairs for a drink.

As Harry walked into the kitchen He realised that the back door was open and He could smell cigarette smoke. Poking his head out of the door to have a look, he slid his wand into his hand.

He relaxed when he saw a shock of electric blue hair and a feminine hand wearing a finger-less glove.

"Didn't know you smoked Tonks." He said as he stepped out into the brisk morning air. He smothered a smile when Tonks jumped and made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like 'Eeep!' She span around and relaxed when she saw him.

"Oh, its you sweets." She smiled. "Merlin, almost gave me a heart attack"

He chuckled.

"Heh, sorry. But anyway, since when did you smoke?" She took a toke and winked at him as she breathed out.

"I don't."

"Of course" He smiled. "Neither do I." He took the back from her hand and pulled one out with his mouth before handing it back.

'Chesterfield Menthol' He Raised a brow at her, She simply shrugged as if to say 'Cheap'.

He waited for her to take another toke before pressing the tip of his cigarette against the lit tip of hers and inhaling. He breathed out a moment later, happy that it had lit properly.

Tonks was looking at him strangely.

"And you thought my smoking was a surprise, imagine how I feel?"

Harry shrugged. He wasn't a heavy smoker by any means but the occasional fag took the edge off of the stress he was under most of the time.

Tonks breathed out a plume of smoke between her parted lips and Harry couldn't help but notice that they were rather full and pouty.

"So, why are you up so early Harry?" She asked as she leaned back against the wall.

"I'm an early riser I guess, always have been." Due, in no small part, to the Dursleys.

"How about you? I didn't even know that you stayed here last night." She nodded.

"Early riser like you, Molly asked if I wanted to stay the night. I think she's getting desperate to get rid of Fleur in the most passive aggressive way I've ever seen" She chuckled slightly. "It won't work, Fleur has thick skin and the two are obviously in love. Oh well, I don't mind hanging around, the foods a hell of a lot better here than anything I can get at my flat anyway"

She winked at him.

"Besides, if I'd said no to Molly last night then I wouldn't have seen you wandering about in towel earlier."

She laughed quietly, mindful of the sleeping Weasleys, as Harry steadfastly ignored her. Eyes closed and head against the wall, even as the tips of his ears went red.

He cracked one eye and looked at her. "See anything you liked?" He was feeling bold and besides, he was beginning to get used to her teasing. It wouldn't be as fun if he didn't man up and join in.

Tonks gave him a comical leer. "Oh sweets, it got me all flustered it did."

Harry chuckled as she fanned her face in an exaggerated fashion. She smiled at him and finished her fag, crushing the butt underfoot she moved toward the door.

"Want a cup of tea Sweets?"

He nodded and smiled at her.

"Please, one sugar."

Tonks nodded and went into the kitchen as Harry slowly finished the rest of his own cigarette.

Five minutes later Tonks and Harry were both sat on the Weasley's settee, slowly sipping their drinks.

Tonks was softly humming to herself as Harry thought on the woman next to him.

He had to admit, Tonks was a beautiful person both inside and out. He'd come to enjoy their conversations over the last year, even if he did end up looking like a cherry half the time.

She had a certain charm about her; that little something that drew people in, made them want to like her, made them appreciate their company. She was bright, bubbly and funny if a little flirtatious.

He chuckled softly.

"And what are you laughing about?" She asked.

"It's nothing, just thinking." He replied with a smile.

Tonks raised one electric blue eyebrow "Uh huh, what about?"

'no point in lying.'

"You actually."

"Oh? And what has little old me done that's so funny? Something on my face?"

He smiled. "No, just thinking about how much I appreciate you being around, is all."

She grinned "Aww sweets, I'm touched." She placed a hand on her chest and fluttered her eyelashes.

Harry grinned back "I mean it, you've been a great friend Tonks. Just thought you should know."

Tonks gave him a soft smile and scooted over to wrap her arm around his shoulders and give them a squeeze.

"Thanks Harry" She finished her tea, ruffled his hair and stood up. "Hermione will be here later" She said.

"Really, what time?" He asked as he finished his own drink and followed her to the kitchen to wash the cup.

"About half four, I'll be gone by then though." She took his cup and washed it along with her own.

"Work?" He questioned.

"Nah, I'm on leave. Just don't want to impose too much on Molly's hospitality."

"Ah right" He replied. "What time are you heading off then?"

"After lunch I expect, I want to get another good meal in me before I go back to take-away"

Harry glanced at the clock, it was only ten to seven.

Tonks turned back around from the sink. "So, what'cha wanna do until the House wakes up?" She asked as she leant against the counter.

"Haven't a clue, it's up to you Tonks, I can't think of a thing"

She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Want to play cards?"

Harry nodded. "Sure"

Tonks smiled, conjured a deck of playing cards and headed towards the living room, Harry trailing behind.

-oOo-

August 6th 1996 The Burrow

An hour later the Weasleys plus Harry, Tonks and Fleur were sat around the dinner table in the Kitchen tucking into a breakfast of porridge, sliced apple and currants.

Ron was wolfing his down in the usual fashion; Fleur was delicately eating her breakfast with small mouthfuls, The twins Ate hurriedly but cleanly, Ginny ate a sedate pace, both Mrs and Mr Weasley ate at an average pace with proper tables manners, Bill had nearly finished and Tonks had somehow managed to spill a little down her front and was currently growing out her tongue in order to lick it off the front of her shirt, much to the amazement of Harry.

Harry watched, eyes wide, as Tonks' now extra long tongue snaked out from between her lips and manage to lick a spoonful of porridge off of her chest. His breathing quickened ever so slightly at the sight.

Tonks shot him a wink and licked her lips, with her now normal sized tongue.

Bill, having seen Harry's intake of breath and Tonks' wink chuckled at the both of them and shook his head.

"So" Mr Weasley began. "Any plans for the day kids?" He'd be Apparating to work soon.

The twins looked at each other before answering together "Getting back to the shop." Harry watched a Mrs Weasley frowned slightly. It seemed she still didn't quite agree with their career choice.

Bill spoke next "Work for us," He indicated to both himself and Fleur. "I have to go over some reports at the bank." Fleur nodded.

"I 'ave to book some time off for ze 'oneymoon and then go through some apprenticeship paperwork."

"I have homework to do, at least until Hermione gets here." Ginny piped up from her seat.

Ron's ears were slightly red when he spoke. "I have to, um, tidy up my room." he continued to eat.

'It was perfectly clean this morning, what are you up to?" Harry thought to himself. He tried to catch Ron's eye but he was wholly focused upon his porridge.

After breakfast was over, they all thanked Mrs Weasley; Mr Weasley, Bill, Fleur Fred and George went outside to apparate away, Ron shot off upstairs and Ginny poured herself a glass of milk before heading to her room.

Mrs Weasley began the washing up and Harry Migrated to the living room, Tonks following behind him.

"What do you reckon Ron's up to then sweets?" She said as she sat down next to Harry on the settee and propped her legs up on his lap.

Harry looked down at Tonks rather shapely legs, visible through her tight trousers, before replying.

"I'm not sure, the cleaning excuse is bollocks though. His room's fine. I reckon it's got something to do with Hermione getting here later but I don't really know."

She nodded thoughtfully as she got comfortable. "Reckon there's something going on between Ron the Mighty food disposal unit and our friendly neighbourhood bookworm?"

Harry chuckled at the nicknames before answering.

"Dunno, maybe. If there is then I don't know about it." He didn't have any problem if there was anything going on... but he wasn't sure what would happen if it ended badly.

On one hand, Ron was his best friend, on the other, so was Hermione.

Tonks looked at him curiously before poking him with her toe. "Would it bother you if there was something going on?"

Harry looked at her "Nah, I don't think it would, really. If they want to get together then who am I to stop them? I just hope it doesn't go all arse over tea kettle."

She nodded slightly "What if it does?"

"Then there will be much crying, followed by teenage angst with me stuck in the middle whilst I try to ignore the obvious awkwardness and try to get into your Technicolour panties" He said dryly.

Tonks snorted.

"What an interesting summary sweets."

He chuckled. "Thought you might like that."

"Aww, little Harry's growing up" She giggled. "starting to flirt with old Tonks and all."

She smiled as his ears went red.

"That's more like it."

He poked her calf. "Hush you."

She twirled around on the settee, putting her legs over the arm rest and laying her head in his lap.

"What's the matter Harry, don't you want me?" she whispered with a pout.

His breath caught in his throat. "You are something else Tonks" He said embarrassedly.

"Aren't I just?" She grinned up at him.

He shifted beneath her. "Stop moving, you're comfy."

He rolled his eyes. "Yes master."

"Ohh, a girl could get used to that. I rather like the idea of having my very own potter slave."

He chuckled and she reverted to her last position.

They stayed like that for a while, just enjoying the quiet of each others company.

After some time Harry looked over at Tonks, it appeared as if she'd fallen asleep. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was slightly open, it was rather cute he decided. He poke her.

"Tonks, wake up. You can't sleep down here, you'll hurt your neck" He poked her again.

With surprising strength, she tugged him over before clumsily pressing a finger to his lips, it just barely hit the corner of his mouth.

"Hush, sleep now. Talk later. Tired." Her voice was low and full of sleep. She through an arm over him. Pinning his own arm against his side "Shhh" She muttered in her sleep.

'Well, I suppose a nap couldn't hurt?"

A/N: I don't really like this chapter. It seems forced and the dialogue is stilted, but hey, I'm tired. As always; read, review, criticise and enjoy. :) any spelling mistake shall be fixed either tomorrow or the day after.