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

Chapter 3: Diagon Alley and Developments

August 25th 1996 The Burrow

The end of the summer holidays was quickly approaching. Both Hermione and Ron had reprised their roles as prefects and, upon reading the second part of his letter, Harry had found out that he'd been made Quidditch captain.

Mrs Weasley had congratulated all of them and made a special dinner to celebrate.

To be honest, Harry wasn't sure how he felt about the captaincy. On one hand it was great, on the other however, it would severely impact his already near non-existent free time.

A bit of a quandary really.

He supposed that he could write to professor McGonagall and explain that he'd rather not have the place due to time constraints. But that seemed to smack of ungratefulness to him, she had obviously given some thought to the decision and come to the conclusion that he would be best for the position.

He'd simply have to make time.

As the holidays drew to a close, a sense of activity settled over the Burrow. Everyone getting ready for school; making sure everything they needed was there, washing all of the school clothes and a trip to Diagon Alley. Of course that's when it got interesting.

-oOo-

August 25th 1996 The Leaky Cauldron

Arriving with a loud swoosh and a crash, Harry came flying out of the Floo and crashed onto the floor of the popular Wizarding pub. He felt a pair of hands grasp him under the arms and then he was lifted up with a great heave.

"C'mon sweets, you're making a mess of the place" Tonks said with a grin as she dusted him off. She was part of the group tasked to escort both himself, Hermione, Ginny and Ron through Diagon Alley during their little excursion. Hagrid, Kingsley and Remus were also along for the Journey.

"And what a fantastically entertaining journey it is" Harry thought to himself, sarcastically.

"Thanks Tonks" He said distractedly as he watched the rest of the escort and the group of friends tumble through the Floo.

"No problem sweets" She smiled before looking over the group. "So, where to first?" She asked.

Only Hermione and Ginny needed potions ingredients, Harry And Ron needed owl treats, they all needed books and Harry wanted to get some wand polish. Recalling something Moody had mentioned when he stopped in one night.

"Remember lad, Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you." He'd said in his deep growl. "Keep your wand clean, your feet dry and your wits about you and you'll be fine."

Harry had to admit, his wand was looking a little worn down. The pale holly wood was covered in small scratches and smudges.

"Well" Harry began. "We could start in Flourish & Blotts, the, whilst Hermione and Ginny go to the Apothecary Ron and I can go to Eyelops Owl Emporium."

"Makes sense" said Ginny but Tonks looked a little apprehensive.

"I don't think we should split up" She was chewing her lip as the other escorts agreed with her.

"If you and Remus come with Ron and I then Hagrid and Kingsley can go with Hermione and Ginny. We'll be fine." Was Harry's reply.

Tonks still looked a little unsure. "Well, I guess that'd work" But she went along with it. Harry wasn't really sure what had her worried, but whatever it was but him on edge a little bit too. Tonks was quite a calm person, if something had got her back up then something must be on her mind.

They all began to head for the book shop, passing Tom the barkeeper on their way out.

That's when it hit him.

The Leaky Cauldron was damn near empty, where was everyone? The pub was usually packed with chattering Witches and Wizards. Today however, there was hardly anybody to be seen.

It was eerily quiet.

Walking up besides Remus he asked.

"Professor-

"Remus, Harry, Remus." He said with a smile.

"Right, sorry. Remus, where is everyone? I've never seen the place this empty." As they walked through the brick wall entrance to Diagon Alley it soon became apparent that the Alley itself was also quite empty.

Remus sighed. "I have, during the first war." A dark look passed over his usually gentle face. "Nobody wanted to leave their homes; people were terrified to go down the road, Friends became enemies, brothers began to distrust each other, husbands became suspicious of wives." He ran a hand over his face as they walked, side by side.

"It was a rough time Harry, and this is exactly how it started last time." He looked around.

"Empty shops, few customers. First the business dries up, then shops close, people go into hiding, nobody stops outside any more." He looked at Harry.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better Harry. By the time you were born James, Sirius and I were having to fight off the occasional death eater attack just to go to the pub, on the few occasions we tried that is."

"But how could that happen?" asked Harry in shock. "How could people let it get so bad?"

Remus sighed once more. "That was Voldemort's weapon Harry, fear. He's as evil as they come but he's also intelligent. He knew that if everyone in magical Britain rose up then he wouldn't stand a chance. So, he made sure they wouldn't. No one knew who was on which side. It was never spoken of in public. You had to be absolutely sure who was who before you could speak of anything but the most inconsequential of crap with anyone. There were trying times."

He let out a small chuckle as they walked into Flourish & Blotts "James described it as 'The golden lion of English pride having it's knackers cut off' said it was shameful that people just took it laying down, he had some half baked plot to 'Rally the people' before Dumbledore invited us to join the Order."

Harry went about collecting his books as Remus continued.

"When we first left Hogwarts, it really hit us all how bad things had gotten. We were disgusted with what was happening, but I think it really hit your dad the most Harry."

Harry looked around, a small pile of books in his hands. "Why?" He asked. "I mean I understand why he was horrified, any sane person would be, but why him more so than you or Sirius or my mum?"

Remus shrugged. "It was just the way he was Harry, both of your parents were two of the most passionate people I've ever met in my life. Your dad grew up in privilege but his mother never let him forget that it made him no better than anyone else." Remus chuckled. "So instead he found other things to be arrogant about." Seeing the look on Harry's face he continued. "Your father was a great man Harry, a hero amongst men, or a dwarf amongst midgets as he liked to say. But he wasn't without his faults."

Harry looked at him strangely.

"My Father described himself as a dwarf amongst midgets?"

Remus snorted. "Yeah, once or twice. He was a little odd as well"

"But anyway, one of his biggest faults Harry was his ego. Though by the age of nineteen he had humbled himself greatly."

It really struck Harry how young his parents really were. He looked towards Tonks, who was currently twirling a pink lock of hair around her finger. At twenty two she was already older than his parents ever were.

"It could be argued that most of his ego was well deserved. He was, after all an incredibly talented individual. Not to blow my own horn but we all were, myself included. But at fifteen, James did have quite a large head. Over the next two years your mother changed that completely though. He never quite lost his love of pranks but Lily hammered out most, if not all, of his arrogance."

Remus had a smile of days gone by firmly on his face by now. Obviously reliving treasured memories.

"So how does his ego make him more susceptible to Voldemort's crimes?" Harry asked, trying to get Remus back on subject as he finished picking out his school books.

Remus chuckled. "Sorry for going off topic, got a little caught up. Anyway, your dad grew up having it drilled into him that to be a Potter was to be a person in position to do great things. Your name is quite powerful, even without the 'Chosen one connotation. So, James got it into his head from a young age that He was practically duty bound to stand up for the light."

Harry paid for his books.

"That was one thing that really defined your dad, duty." Remus and Harry sat down waiting for everyone else to finish. "He had a sense of duty practically tattooed onto his forehead, it was so obvious. Duty to his friends, duty to his family, duty to his house and duty to his people. So when he stepped out of Hogwarts and into the real world at the tender age of seventeen, he took what Voldemort was doing as a personal insult."

Remus shook his head.

"We were all so young back then, so full of life and courage. So foolish."

"We didn't really have a clue what we were getting into but we did it anyway and we did it gladly because, to our minds back then, it was the right thing to do."

Harry frowned.

"It's still is the right thing to do Remus, to stand up and fight for what you believe in will always be the right thing to do."

Remus looked at Harry. "You really are your father's son Harry, he would be unspeakably proud of you and all you've done, your mother too."

Harry blushed.

"And you're right of course. It's still foolishness but we're righteous fools." Remus said with a tired smile.

It seemed everyone else was just about done paying for their own books as Tonks wandered over with Ron.

"Hermione and Ginny are just paying for their books and then Kingsley and Hagrid are taking them to the apothecary." Tonks said as she looked at Remus and Harry. "You two ready to head over to the Owl emporium?"

Remus nodded and stood up.

"Sure" Harry stood as well as they went to leave the shop.

-oOo-

After everyone had got what they needed they met at Fortescue's ice cream parlour, only to find it shut.

As they were heading back towards to the Leaky Cauldron in order to leave, Harry caught sight of Malfoy heading down into Knockturn Alley. He looked towards Ron and Hermione but they were caught up in their own quiet conversation over who knows what.

"Oh bugger!" Harry called out. "I forgot to get a new pair of dragon hide gloves for Herbology." He slapped his forehead, trying to be convincing without giving the game away.

"Tonks, could you run back with me to pick some up?" He asked, eyes pleading.

Remus looked unsure.

"Harry, that might not be a good idea. It's not safe, you could just owl order some when you get to Hogwarts."

'Think fast Potter'

"I know but I'll be fast, and I'll be safe with Tonks." He turned his pleading eyes on Remus.

"Hmm" He seemed to mull it over for a moment. "Well, all right. Don't take long, we'll meet you back at the Burrow and Don't leave Tonks' sight Harry."

"Great, thanks!" He grabbed Tonks' hand and shot back down the Alley.

Waiting until Remus and the group went into the leaky cauldron, Harry started to pull Tonks towards Knockturn Alley.

"Harry, stop! Wait." She said as she tugged him to a halt.

"What on earth is going on?" She asked, tapping her foot.

"Look Tonks, no time to explain but Malfoy just shot off down into Knockturn Alley. He's up to something and I want to find out what." He went to start moving again but Tonks grabbed his shoulders.

"Oh no Harry. We are not gallivanting off down into Knockturn Alley, it's too dangerous and I'm meant to be protecting you! If you get hurt I'll have my arse over a spit." He looked at her quickly.

"Tonks please, I promise to be careful but whatever he's up to can't be good." She bit her lip.

"Please Tonks. Trust me." He said looking into her eyes.

"Well... Oh sod it! Fine but just a quick look and no getting caught!" She glared at him.

'Yes!'

He gave her a quick hug. "Great, now come on, we have to hurry!"

He took her hand again, looked about for people and then darted down into Knockturn Alley.

They caught up with Malfoy a few minutes later, heading into Borgin & Burkes.

"We can't follow him, we'll be caught for sure." She whispered.

"I know that, but we can probably get a listen." He smirked and dipped his hand into the back pocket of her Jeans, she squeaked.

"What are y!- oh." She said calming down when she saw that Harry had pulled out the extendable ear she had picked up earlier. "How did you know that was in there?" She asked.

Harry, in his distraction, answered honestly. "I've been known to pay attention to your behind every now and then." Then, realising what he'd said, he began to glow like a candle.

Tonks smirked.

"Moving swiftly on." He muttered and walked into a back alley by the shop.

He jumped up, grabbed a window ledge and began to climb up the side of the shop, a few moments later and he was stood on the roof.

He peeked his head over the edge.

"C'mon Tonks, hurry up."

Tonks quickly followed grabbing onto loose bricks and windowsills to shimmy her way up the side.

When she got to the top harry was lowering the extendable ear down the chimney. She stepped closer.

"-And I expect you to be holding it for me when I next return. I wouldn't want to have to ask a good friend, Fenrir Greyback, to come by and make sure it's being held. Now would I?" Harry could hear Malfoy talking, as Tonks gasped at the mention wizard.

"Of course not Mr Malfoy" Borgin replied, obviously shaken.

"Good. Now, whilst I'm here I would like to make some purchases." Malfoy's superior tone was thick and heavy.

"Why of course, what would you like to buy?" Borgin's tone, on the other hand, went from shaken to oily in a matter of moments.

"This" There was a ruffle.

"Ah, what wonderful taste you have. The Hand of Glory, friend to thieves and plunderers everywhere." Borgin was in full swing.

"Quite" replied Malfoy's dry voice. "That as well."

"Ah, a most interesting piece, it has so far claimed the lives of nineteen muggles to my knowledge. A very clever tool."

There was a jingle of coins and the swish of a cloak before the sound of retreating footsteps filled Harry's ears.

He pulled the ear back up the flue before sitting down, leaning on the chimney stack.

"I knew he was up to something." He said as he handed the ear back to Tonks .

She nodded. "Seems you were right sweets" She grabbed his hand and hauled him up to his feet. "Now though, we have to get back to the Burrow. C'mon, I'll apparate us to the Leaky Cauldron and we can Floo back.

With a twist Harry and Tonks disappeared from the roof of Borgin and Burkes to the sound of a soft pop.

-oOo-

August 26th 1996 The Burrow

After arriving back from Diagon Alley yesterday Harry had thought briefly about telling Ron and Hermione about Malfoy but had ultimately decided against it, for now at least. There wasn't anything they could do for now anyway, he would tell them on the Hogwarts Express.

Mrs Weasley had invited Tonks to stay for dinner, which was uneventful, and had then extended the offer to stay the night. Tonks had debated it for a moment before accepting and Thanking Molly for opening her home to her.

Mrs Weasley had brushed it off with a smile and Tonks had claimed the settee for the night.

After dinner everyone had split up to do their own things. Ginny had retreated to her room, Ron and Hermione had disappeared off upstairs, Mr and Mrs Weasley had moved into the living room, Bill and Fleur had gone down into the village and Harry and Tonks had gone to sit in the Garden.

Harry briefly thought on the fact that the garden seemed to be the place he spent the most time recently. It was a nice garden though and the fresh air did him good.

He spent the night chatting away with Tonks about what Malfoy could possibly be up to. Multiple theories arose but none of them seemed likely. However he had learned that Fenrir Greyback was the Werewolf who had bitten Remus as a child. What he needed was more information. He'd have to watch Malfoy throughout the year to see if he could piece together more clues as to what he was up to.

Harry ended up going up to bed at about eleven. Tonks had said goodnight with a soft hug and a kiss to his forehead. He'd walked up the stairs to Ron's room with a goofy smile on his face. Until he'd opened the door that was, then he'd gone back downstairs with a blush. He'd walked in on Ron and Hermione engaging in a goodnight kiss of their own, one which showed no signs of stopping any time soon.

Harry had spent the next hour and a half snuggled up on the settee with Tonks, covered with a blanket and listening to the wireless. It seemed that a tired Tonks was a cuddly Tonks. Not that he was complaining in any way mind you.

Tonks had fallen asleep, head resting on his lap at around Half past midnight and Harry had decided that now was the time to go back to Ron's room. He'd slipped out from beneath her, propped her head on a cushion and, feeling bold, placed a kiss on her forehead before heading upstairs. He'd found Ron asleep and the room Hermione free.

That night he had dreams of; pink hair, flowers, sandalwood and vanilla.

-oOo-

When Harry woke up he went through his normal routine up until he entered the living room, cup of tea in hand.

Tonks was sprawled out on the settee, mouth slightly open, breathing quietly. Harry sat down in the armchair and turned the wireless on low.

Tonks rolled over in her sleep and bit the cushion she was using as a pillow.

When Harry had finished his tea; he turned off the wireless, went into the kitchen, washed up his cup and found Tonks' coat hanging over one of the chairs at the table. He slipped his hand into the inside pocket, pulled out the pack of cigarettes and took one before picking up the matches and heading outside.

Five minutes later and he was back in the kitchen, making both himself and Tonks a cup of tea. He walked back into the living room, cups in hand. He set his own cup down by the armchair and then went over to Tonks sleeping form. He wasn't quite sure how to wake her, given his trouble doing so last time.

He wafted the cup of sweet tea under her nose and watched as it twitched cutely. "Tonks, time to get up." She mumbled something.

"Tonks" He drew her name out longer this time. Nothing.

He frowned.

"C'mon sleeping beauty, up you get." He poked her forehead.

"Wassamatter?" She mumbled sleepily as she cracked one eye open. Harry noticed that, just like her hair, her eyes seemed to subconsciously change colour as she slept. They were currently going through different shades of green.

"I brought you tea, everyone else will be up soon and I thought you might want to get up first." He handed her the cup as she sat up.

She took a sip. "Mmm, thanks sweets. You're a babe." She took another, longer sip. "What time is it?"

"Ten to seven." She nodded before leaning back and taking another sip of her drink.

"Right." she put her tea to one side, pulled out her want and cast a quick cleaning charm over her clothes. She Picked up her boots from the foot of the settee and put them on before standing up, grabbing her tea and heading into the kitchen to grab her coat and nip outside.

Five minutes later she came back in and handed her empty cup to harry who was washing his own cup.

"Thanks Harry, it was sweet of you." she smiled and at him and went into the living room. Harry finished washing the cups and followed after her. She was sat on the settee and patted the spot next to her when she saw him. He sat down next to her and she leant her head on his shoulder. He slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"You're a nice bloke Harry, never let any one tell you different." She said.

"Thanks Tonks" He said as he gave her a smile.

"I mean it Harry, you're a great guy." He chuckled.

"But?"

"But, nothing." He smiled to himself. Sometimes it was nice to be complimented.

"Well, I do try." She kissed his cheek. He blushed.

They sat like that for a while, just enjoying the quiet and each others company.

Mr and Mrs Weasley came downstairs fifteen minutes later and Tonks lifted her head from Harry's shoulder.

"Morning" Both Harry and Tonks said as the Weasley parents walked into the front room.

They get two 'mornings' in return.

Fifteen minutes later and Mrs Weasley was in the kitchen. Full English for breakfast today.

Mr Weasley and Tonks were chatting idly as Harry sat back and tried not to make it too obvious as he watched Tonks' lips form each word.

'I've got it bad. This is silly. There is no chance Potter, all you're doing is being a dick to yourself.' He thought to himself as he tried to tear his eyes from the pretty witch.

'Give it up Potter, you're just the friend she enjoys making look like a tomato. Don't bugger yourself up over it.' Sometimes he really hated that little voice in his head that most people called common sense.

Soon Mr Weasley went into the kitchen to join his wife and Tonks kicked off her boots and settled comfortably on the settee.

Harry watched as she relaxed, curling up and twisting her hair around her index finger as she changed its colour.

Harry sat, entranced. He shook his head, he was going to be caught staring, if he hadn't been already.

"I don't mind when you watch me Harry, in kind of like it in fact" Tonks' voice was quiet, soft seemed to be hinting at something.

"W-what?" He said with a shake.

She looked at him, grasped his hand and pulled him closer. "I said" Her face was close to his, her scent invading his senses. "I like it when you watch me."

He tried to get his head on straight.

Her head got closer to his.

"You make me feel good" Her voice was a breathy whisper. "I can act myself around you, you don't judge, you don't expect anything. You're just nice, about everything." Her forehead touched his and she held onto his hands.

"You make me laugh, you make me Happy" She slipped her arms around his waist. "You make me feel comfortable around you, you listen when I speak." She got just a little bit closer, her mouth mere millimetres away from his now, their breaths mingling.

"You hold me when I'm tired. You play along when I'm bored but most of all, You make me feel wanted."

She pressed her lips to his, slowly, softly.

Harry closed his eyes, his mind went utterly blank and he simply felt.

It didn't last long and it was hardly some magical, all defining moment of love and passion but it was soft and it was sweet and it was caring.

For a moment Harry had thought his heart had stopped but then his pulse started, skipped and doubled in pace.

'Sweet virgin Merlin...'

For everything that it wasn't and everything that it was, Harry honestly thought that he'd remember this moment for the rest of his natural life.

He pulled back gently after a moment, opening his eyes slowly. He hadn't got a single bloody clue what to say... but he tried.

"Tonks I-" She pressed a finger to his lips.

"Just tell me you want me, tell me I haven't just screwed up so hard that I completely misread everything." She was looking right into his eyes and for the first time that he could remember, Tonks looked vulnerable.

He gave her hands a squeeze.

"I, I want this. I want you, so badly." No point avoiding the issue. "But how are we going to make this work?"

She crawled into his lap and snuggled against his chest, tossing the blanket over both of them she slipped her arms around him again.

"We'll worry about that later, right now though: Hold me."

A/N: So, how hard did I derp? Read,review, enjoy and let me know :)