Disclaimer: I dont own Harry Potter or any of the characters, I only own the plot that I am laying out for this story.
AN: Hello readers! First I want to offer a huge apology for not updating. My files became corrupted somehow and I couldn't save them so I had to start all over. Second I will continue this story and hopefully everything will go smoothly and I can update regularly. So thank you again for the positive feedback and keep those reviews coming. Alright let's get started!
Dragonthunder89
Love Amidst the Darkness
Harry recognized that Tonks had apparated them to Grimmauld Place. The memories of his godfather came rushing back and that horrible night. Tonks had turned to look at Harry and noticed the haunted look in his eyes and knew immediately what must have been going through his mind.
"Harry are you ok?" Tonks asked.
Harry nodded and quickly masked the pained expression on his face; Tonks looked as though she wanted to argue but decided against it for now.
"I better floo Dumbledore about what's going on," Tonks said as she moved towards the fireplace.
Tonks approached the floo and tossed the powder in to call Dumbledore as Harry stood behind her as she bent down.
'Well, she certainly has a cute bum' Harry thought but quickly shook that thought away as he heard the voice of his headmaster.
"Nymphadora whatever are you doing there? You're supposed to be on guard duty watching Harry tonight," Dumbledore asked.
"I brought Harry here with me Albus, and please don't call me that," Tonks replied.
"What could possess you to do that? I must insist that you return Harry to Privet Drive," Dumbledore said.
"I refuse to take him back there; he is never going back there, I suggest you get here as soon as possible. We need to talk," Tonks replied irritably.
"Very well, I am on my way," Dumbledore replied.
Tonks straightened and turned towards Harry and flashed him a reassuring smile before the fire flashed a brilliant green and out stepped Dumbledore.
"Now Nymphadora would you care to explain why you have disobeyed orders and compromised Harry's safety?" Dumbledore asked.
"Are you aware of how Harry is treated by those people?" Tonks asked ignoring his use of her first name.
"Yes, it is unfortunate how they view the magical world but as I recall Alastor and Remus had discussed Harry's treatment with them," Dumbledore replied.
"Well apparently it didn't do any good, in fact quite the opposite," Tonks said getting irritated with him.
"Whatever do you mean?" Dumbledore asked.
"It was lucky that I decided to go in and check on him, I went up to his room after they were all asleep and found Harry slumped on the floor half dead. The bruises and gashes were horrific, I could give you the memory if you'd like," Tonks explained.
"My dear, surely there is an explanation?" Dumbledore asked optimistically.
"There is! Those god damned people beat the bloody hell out of him!" Tonks shouted angrily as her hair began turning red to reflect her anger.
"Calm yourself there is no need to shout," Dumbledore replied.
"Well I refuse to take him back there to those awful people," Tonks said.
"You'd be willing to risk Harry's safety and leave him here alone in the house of his godfather?" Dumbledore challenged.
"He's just as safe here Albus, no one but the Order knows of it and no I will stay here with Harry and look after him if it makes you feel better. Not that it is really necessary, Harry's a big boy and can handle himself, but I will still stay here to look after him and keep him company," Tonks argued fiercely.
Dumbledore decided that her argument was far too solid for him to contradict and with a heavy sigh he reluctantly nodded before turning to Harry.
"Very well, but Harry I must insist that you stay indoors, I have other business to attend to so I shall say goodnight and will be back soon to check on things," Dumbledore said as he reentered the floo and was gone.
Tonks sighed happily, now she could turn all her attention to Harry. She turned and saw him staring at the place Dumbledore had stood just a moment ago before he locked eyes with her.
"I don't know how to thank you Tonks," Harry said finally.
"Harry I care about you a great deal and there is no way I would allow you to be treated like that, you deserve so much better," Tonks replied.
Harry said nothing as he dropped his gaze, obviously troubled and Tonks approached him.
"Well I expect you're tired we should get some sleep," Tonks said.
"Yeah, thank you again Tonks for everything," Harry replied.
"Of course now let's get some rest shall we?" Tonks asked.
Tonks led the way upstairs with Harry close behind her and they came upon the master bedroom and Harry's pain came back as he approached his godfather's bedroom. Tonks turned and saw the pained expression on his face.
"Harry?" Tonks asked gently.
"I'm alright," Harry replied quickly as he opened the door.
Tonks followed him inside and led him over to the bed and sat him down before sitting next to him.
"Harry I can tell you're not alright, I won't push you but I want you to know that I'm here for you," Tonks said.
Harry nodded but couldn't speak for a minute and Tonks reluctantly got up and made to leave when she heard him speak.
"Do you resent me?" Harry asked with a hint of fear.
"What?" Tonks asked startled by the question as she turned to face him.
"He was your cousin and it's my fault that he's gone. I would understand if you did resent or even hate me," Harry replied not able to look at her.
Tonks quickly sat down next to him again and gently took his hand in hers and made him lift his eyes to hers.
"Harry I could never hate you, in fact it's quite the opposite. You are an incredible young man and it was not your fault. You thought he was in trouble and rushed to save him, and that takes guts Harry. Not many are so willing to charge into danger like that," Tonks explained.
"But if I hadn't fallen for Voldemort's trap Sirius would still be alive," Harry protested.
"Harry you didn't know, any one of us could have been faced with the same dilemma. Sirius knew the risk but he loved you and rushed to save you just as you rushed to save him," Tonks replied.
Harry pondered this and Tonks waited patiently for his mind to process what she told him and after a few minutes he managed a weak smile to which Tonks silently celebrated. It was a weak smile but it was a start and she always adored his smile.
"Thank you Tonks, you've done so much for me already," Harry said.
"Not at all Harry, now get some rest I won't be far away if you need me," Tonks replied.
"Likewise," Harry said.
Tonks smiled sweetly before she got up and headed for the door. Before closing it behind her she gave Harry a playful wink and then headed for the room right next to his so she could be close. She changed into a conservative night gown since Harry was around considering she usually slept in almost nothing. For his part Harry removed his shirt and climbed into bed and shortly thereafter he managed to fall asleep.
Voldemort paced back and forth in front of his followers. They all tried to control their fear as they saw the cold fury etched on his snake like face. Lucius lay writhing in pain on the floor as Voldemort had just finished torturing him for his failure. Only Lucius and Bellatrix had managed to get away from the battle in the Department of Mysteries. The rest had been captured and he had not obtained the prophecy bringing him no closer than before the battle. Unfortunately for now all he could do was wait and plan.
"Damn you Harry Potter!" Voldemort screamed.
Harry awoke screaming as his head exploded with pain. He could tell that Voldemort was truly and royally pissed off. He clutched his head as he struggled out of bed but an even stronger blast of excruciating pain ripped through his scar forcing him to the floor on his knees. He was glad he had cast a silencing charm in case this happened so he didn't wake Tonks. She had done so much for him already and he didn't want to worry her. The pain began to subside as Harry guessed Voldemort was calming down. Harry was finally able to get up and quietly headed for the bathroom. He turned on the faucet and splashed water over his face and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
"Bloody hell you look terrible," Harry told his reflection.
Harry had left the bathroom door open and the running water was enough to awaken Tonks as she quietly got up and peeked out her door to see the bathroom light on. Tonks checked her attire before she crept towards the bathroom. She heard Harry comment negatively on his appearance to which she argued the point silently.
'I don't know where he is getting that because I think he's really cute' Tonks thought.
Tonks reached the bathroom and gasped when she saw Harry's now visible body. He wasn't wearing a shirt with his pants and she saw many scars littering his body. Harry turned when he heard her gasp.
"Tonks, I'm sorry did I wake you?" Harry asked.
Tonks however slowly approached him as he turned to face her. Her eyes were locked on a particularly large scar on Harry's upper chest it ran from just above his right pectoral up to his right shoulder blade. Harry stiffened slightly when she walked towards him; he wasn't used to this from anyone let alone the girl of his dreams. Tonks couldn't help herself as she reached out and lightly touched the angry scar on his chest lightly. Her touch was so gentle and yet at the same time it was like an electric current.
"Harry...how?" Tonks managed to ask.
Harry dropped his gaze but when he raised his eyes to meet hers she saw something new in them, as if he had reached a decision about something. On his end Harry looked back into her beautiful eyes and had the strangest feeling that he could tell her anything and everything. Finally he sighed before deciding to speak.
"Tonks, you've done so much for me and saved me. Although it would probably be better if you stayed away from me," Harry said.
"What? But why?" Tonks asked.
"I'm dangerous Tonks, being around me is dangerous for you or anyone else for that matter. I don't want you to get hurt, I care about you too much," Harry replied as he dropped his gaze to the floor again.
Tonks mentally sighed in relief, she was afraid it was her, but no Harry was trying to protect her. Of course this only made her feel even more for him as she cupped his chin and raised his head so she could look at him.
"I'm not going to leave you Harry because I care too much about you to do that," Tonks argued gently.
Harry was going to argue but the passion he saw in her beautiful eyes made him swallow any argument he may have had.
"Okay I suppose I should let you go back to bed I'm sorry I woke you, and as for these scars, I will begin explaining in the morning when you wake up. You deserve to know everything if you are going to be around me, although I warn you much of it you won't like," Harry replied.
"What about you?" Tonks asked.
"Don't worry about me I'll be alright," Harry replied.
"Harry I don't have to be on duty for another two days and it doesn't look as though either of us is going to get any more sleep anytime soon. So let's go down and get something to drink and we can talk some more," Tonks said offering her hand.
After a moment Harry took her hand and she smiled before she led him from the bathroom and they headed downstairs into the kitchen. Tonks sat Harry down before getting a couple of butter beers and joining him.
"Thanks," Harry said as he took a sip.
"Of course," Tonks replied as she sipped her own while watching him.
"Okay Tonks what do you want to know?" Harry asked.
"Well I'd like to know everything I can about you at least as much as you are willing to share with me," Tonks replied.
"Dumbledore hasn't told any of you very much has he?" Harry asked.
"No not really," Tonks admitted.
"Well, Tonks I feel like I can trust you but I don't want everyone to know what I'm going to tell you," Harry replied nervously.
"I understand Harry and I will never betray your trust," Tonks promised.
Harry turned more so he was facing her and pointed to the large scar she had touched earlier.
"In fourth year I was forced to compete in the Tri Wizard Tournament and take on three tasks," Harry began.
"I remember Sirius mentioning it but I never did find out much," Tonks replied.
"Well, the entire school turned against me, thinking I had cheated and forced my way in. Even Ron sided with everyone else. The first task we had to retrieve a golden egg that held the clue to what the second task would be. Problem is, I had to battle a dragon to get the egg," Harry revealed.
"A dragon? Are they insane?" Tonks cried.
"I fought a Hungarian Horntail and this scar that you were touching was from him. Bastard got me with his spiked tail," Harry replied.
"I've heard from Charlie that Horntails are particularly nasty dragons, I can't believe you fought one and lived," Tonks said her eyes shimmering.
"Well every dragon was chained up in the arena but my dragon of course managed to break his chain and move freely. I was able to summon my Firebolt and our fight took to the air but I managed to fight it off thanks to all of my experience as a Seeker," Harry explained.
Tonks listened in awe, she couldn't believe Harry had fought and won against a dragon, especially a Horntail.
"The second task we had to swim to the bottom of the Black Lake and retrieve something valuable to each of us within an hour. Those Grindylows have some sharp tentacles," Harry continued as he brought her attention to a lighter scar on the side of his neck.
Tonks found herself wanting to touch him again but managed to restrain herself and Harry continued.
"The final task was an enormous maze in which the cup lay at the center and the first to reach it would be the winner. But there was something wrong with the maze. As I walked it was dead quiet and dark. I heard Fleur scream and rushed to see if she was alright," Harry began.
"What happened to her?" Tonks asked.
"I don't know, but I came across Krum not long after and he had been bewitched. I think he may have had something to do with it. He almost attacked me but somehow managed to lower his wand and he disappeared again. Long story short, a little later I stumbled upon Cedric and Krum and they were fighting. Cedric managed to knock Krum out but the maze was corrupting all of us and he intended to finish Krum off. I was able to stop him from killing him and the two of us pushed and clawed our way towards the cup. Cedric was tripped by vines that were trying to pull him in, I fought the urge to leave him there and managed to help free him. The maze then began to move again and Cedric insisted that because I saved him I should take the cup but I said we should grab it together," Harry explained his voice starting to fail him.
"Wait so it was a tie? Dumbledore said you won the tournament?" Tonks asked.
"The cup was a portkey and we landed in the graveyard in Little Hangleton. When we got our bearings, Wormtail appeared and approached us. Pain ripped through my scar forcing me to my knees and I ordered Cedric to get back to the cup, but Wormtail raised his wand and killed Cedric and I was helpless to do anything about it," Harry continued sadly.
"Oh Harry, it was beyond your control his death wasn't your fault," Tonks replied soothingly as she took his hand in hers.
"But it was, I should have just taken the cup myself, the whole thing was a trap to get me to that bloody graveyard. Wormtail then resurrected Voldemort to a body. Once he was resurrected he summoned his Death Eaters and wanted to duel me so he could kill me. He tortured me first with the Cruciatus, but once he lifted it I got up and we both sent curses at one another and deadlocked," Harry continued.
"So what happened?" Tonks asked.
"Priori Incantatum, my parents and Cedric appeared. Cedric asked me to take his body back to his father, while my mum and dad helped me break the connection and shrouded Voldemort and his followers in a thick fog to give me a few seconds to escape," Harry finished.
"Why the hell didn't Dumbledore tell any of us any of this?" Tonks demanded.
She saw Harry flinch from her outburst and quickly smiled gently and squeezed his hand reassuringly. But Harry merely shook his head, knowing she had misread his action.
"No you're right, he only tells everyone what he wants them to know but he told you guys very little about me and I know why," Harry replied.
"Really? Why then?" Tonks asked curiously.
"Do you know why exactly this war is centered on me?" Harry asked.
"Of course I do, there is a prophecy about you but I don't understand why that bastard is so intent on killing you, even more so than Dumbledore," Tonks admitted.
"The reason is because the prophecy, in a nutshell, basically says that either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. So in other words, one of us is going to die. I have to kill him, or he will kill me and he is so intent on my death because I'm the only one who can kill him, Harry revealed.
Tonks was fighting back tears but it was no use as she had her hand covering her mouth at this horrible revelation. How could Dumbledore keep something like this to himself? Or a better question crossed her mind, why the hell did something so terrible have to burden such a sweet man like Harry? She had strong feelings for Harry but now she knew because of the burden of this prophecy, things were all making more sense. The abuse Harry suffered, the isolation, and the fate of the wizarding world resting squarely on his shoulders. Yet Harry still managed to remain an amazing young man who loved his friends and determined to keep fighting. Harry was far more mature than any boy his age, hell he was more mature than some of the jerks she worked with. But he endured such pain that it ripped her apart to see the man she now knew she loved to suffer so much. She flung her arms around Harry, surprising him but Harry shook it off and returned her embrace as she cried silent tears for him.
"It's alright Tonks," Harry soothed.
Tonks slowly regained herself and looked into his face and he offered her a smile to cheer her up. She loved his smile and she smiled back gently as she reluctantly broke away from him. Although she rather liked having his arms around her.
'Get a hold of yourself Dora' Tonks scolded herself.
On his end Harry thoroughly enjoyed the hug, it was different than any hug he had received in the past, but so much better. She was warm, and he felt comfortable and peaceful in her arms. When she managed to look at him and smile, Harrys heart fluttered.
'God she is so beautiful, her smile is downright gorgeous, stop it Potter she is way out of your league' Harry thought.
When Tonks slowly pulled away it brought Harry back to reality and he saw how tired she looked and chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Tonks asked.
"Not funny exactly, you just look so tired now and it's cute," Harry replied.
'What the bloody hell did I just say? Damn you've done it now Potter' Harry cursed inwardly.
'Harry thinks I look cute when I'm tired? Maybe there is a chance...Dora come on don't get your hopes up' Tonks thought.
"Come on Tonks let's go try and get some sleep you look exhausted and I know that what I talked about was a lot to take in," Harry said standing and offering her his hand.
Tonks smiled sweetly up at him and accepted his hand and let him lead her upstairs. She would find any excuse to hold his hand in hers. Once they reached the room where she was sleeping next to his, Harry turned and gave Tonks a reassuring smile silently telling her that he was ok. Tonks smiled back at him and decided to test the waters a little. She leaned in and pecked Harry on the cheek and winked at him before going into her room, making sure to catch his reaction and she wasn't disappointed. Harry was shocked, in a good way and his face showed it as a blush found its way to his face before he left her and returned to his room to get some much needed sleep, his mind swimming with the thoughts of the beautiful witch in the next room.
AN: Well there we are, again I fiercely apologize for the long delay also as some will notice I used the short version of the maze in Harry's fourth year from the movie instead of the book. Hopefully now that things are working again I should be able to update fairly regularly. So stay tuned and dont forget to leave a review!
Dragonthunder89