Chapter 4 - Tonks
Tonks slowly woke as the morning light entered Harry's bedroom window rousing her from her nights rest. She had gotten up once in the middle of the night when the pain relief potion had started to wear off and the knitting of her ribs had woken her up. After taking another dose she had drifted back to sleep with the same grin on her face she had fallen asleep with the first time, happy to be where she was.
She was lying on her back as she opened her eyes, giving them a minute to adjust to the soft light of the room before she pushed the sheet that was covering her down and tested her ribs. Much to her satisfaction, they seemed completely healed.
Sitting up, Tonks picked up her wand which she had placed on the nightstand next to the bed before taking a quick look at Harry who she found was still asleep. A wave of her wand later her bandages were gone and she was able to do a more thorough inspection of her side. Finding no problems she looked around for her shirt before remembering she had vanished it from under her bandages the night before.
Letting out a groan, Tonks pulled the bed sheet up around her chest and lay on her side to wait for Harry to get up. She couldn't help but smile softly as she watched him sleep. He looked so peaceful, something she hadn't seen very often since she had known him and it warmed her heart to see it.
As she continued to watch him sleep, she began to daydream about the many possible outcomes of the summer ahead. So lost in her thoughts she was that she failed to notice Harry wake.
"Morning Tonks."
Tonks jumped in surprise as she realized Harry's brilliant green eyes were staring back at her. Getting her breathing back under control, she smiled brightly.
"Morning Harry."
"How are you feeling this morning?"
She knew he was very caring and would have been worried about anyone in her place, but it still made her happy to know he was worried about her. Grinning internally at Harry's concern she answered his question.
"I'm fine," she said stretching her arms above her head. As the sheet started to slide down she let out a little 'eep' and quickly pulled it back up.
"Umm," she said blushing a little, "I could use a shirt if you wouldn't mind lending me one. I took off my bandages earlier and don't have anything to wear."
Feeling more comfortable around his new roommate all the time, Harry couldn't help but tease her a little since she had been teasing him the night before.
"I don't know, I mean Jake did tell me to take your clothes to keep you in bed."
Tonks internal grin got even bigger as Harry began flirting with her. She didn't think he knew he was actually flirting, but she loved it just the same.
"Ok," she said sitting up but being careful to keep the sheet wrapped around her body, "no problem, but I'm still getting up… unless of course you want to, what was the other thing he said?... oh yeah, snuggle." she finished with a suggestive wink.
Harry blushed and knew he was outmatched. Climbing out of his sleeping bag, he opened his trunk and fished out one of his white school shirts for her to wear. After giving her the shirt, Harry pulled out a change of clothes for himself and went to use the bathroom down the hall.
After taking a shower and dressing for the day, Harry returned to his room and knocked lightly on the door not wanting to walk in unannounced in case Tonks was still changing.
"Come on in Harry."
Entering the small room, Harry found Tonks sitting on the edge of his bed waiting for him. She had changed her pajama bottoms back into jeans and put on the shirt Harry had given her. It looked like the shirt was a little bit big for her so she had rolled the sleeves up until they only came down to mid forearm.
"I called Jake after you left. He should be over anytime to hang out with you while I go take care of a few things."
Harry frowned. "I don't need a sitter."
"I know you don't, I'm just a little nervous about your uncle after what happened yesterday."
"I can handle them. I have been for the last fifteen years."
His tone was harsh and Tonks knew he was getting upset with her, thinking that she believed he needed a minder.
"Harry," she began softly in a conciliatory voice, "I know you can look out for yourself, I think you've made that obvious over the years, it's not you at all, it's me." Seeing him begin to calm down she pushed forward, "I feel like this is all my fault. I always seem to mess everything up and I think I've messed this up as well."
Tonks was still sitting on the bed with her hands clasped in her lap as she looked down. Feeling bad about getting angry with her, Harry stepped forward and sat on the bed next to her.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have gotten mad, you're just trying to help. It's just that Dumbledore and the Order have to watch and control everything I do and it just felt for a minute like that's what you were doing, why you're really staying here."
Shock and a bit of horror appeared on Tonks face as she listened to Harry's sad voice. "Harry, no!" she said firmly. "I'm not here because of them. I really want to be here. I haven't even talked to them yet. I didn't mean it like that at all."
Harry seemed to cheer up a bit and even smiled at her admission.
"As a matter of fact one of the things I need to go do is tell Dumbledore that I'm staying here." Tonks saw another unhappy look flash across Harry's face and held up her hands. "Now wait a minute, I'm not telling him so he knows what you're doing, I'm telling him because he watches the wards around here and will know I'm hanging around. Best to be upfront with this and avoid an inquisition by him later in front of the whole Order."
"That makes sense." Harry said though he was clearly upset with Dumbledore for some reason. Once again filing the information away for later, Tonks decided to change the subject.
"Besides, Jake's been wanting to get to know you for awhile anyway."
Harry looked up to find Tonks smiling at him. "Oh? Why's that?"
Tonks looked away as she realized she had just cornered herself. "Uh, well, I told him a bit about you and he thought you sounded pretty cool."
She breathed a sigh of relief as there was a knock at Harry's door and a male voice yelled from the other side.
"Come on guys, quit smooching and answer the door!"
Harry and Tonks snickered at each other and rolled their eyes. Getting up from the bed, Tonks threw the door open and crossed her arms glaring at Jake who was grinning mischievously.
"Sorry, did I interrupt something?" Jake said wagging his eyebrows.
"Shut it Trapp." Tonks said shaking her fist at her amused friend.
"Hey Harry." Jake said with a wave.
"Morning Jake."
"You guys have breakfast yet?"
"No, but I need to get going. Why don't you and Harry go grab a bite and I'll catch up with you both this afternoon."
"Fair enough," replied Jake.
The three made their way downstairs and left through the front door. After saying their goodbyes, Tonks went to the back yard where she would be out of sight to apparate home to her flat.
"Well, just the boys then. I saw a place on the way over that looked like it might be worth a try. What do you think?"
Harry smiled, he was looking forward to getting to know Tonks friend. "Works for me."
"Cool. Hop in." Jake said indicating a four wheel drive SUV parked at the curb.
Tonks appeared in a messy flat on the edge of London and immediately began looking around for a clean change of clothes. After finding the necessary items, she jumped in the shower to get ready for her day.
Cleaned and dressed she grabbed a doughnut from a box on the kitchen counter and made a glass of juice. Excited about the way the summer was starting out, it didn't take her long to finish her breakfast. After a quick look around to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything, Tonks apparated to Hogsmeade and began the long walk to Hogwarts.
She found the front doors open as she approached the castle and walked inside to find a grumbling Argus Filch cleaning an unidentifiable substance from the floor while muttering about Peeves and the many things he wanted to do to the exasperating poltergeist.
"Aye, what do you want?" Filch growled as Tonks passed by.
"Just here to see Professor Dumbledore." she replied with a fake smile and a wave.
Tonks was pretty sure he mumbled some sort of insult about her pink hair but let it slide knowing it was just the cranky old man's way. Besides, he was a bloody git.
Walking quickly through the halls it wasn't long before she found herself face to face with the stone gargoyle guarding the revolving stairway to Dumbledore's office. Realizing she didn't know the password, Tonks walked over to a nearby portrait of a young boy and girl.
"Hey there, could you tell Professor Dumbledore I'm here?"
"Sure we could." the boy answered cheerfully.
After a few seconds Tonks crossed her arms and frowned as the young boy made no effort to do as she had asked. 'Man I hate this friggin portrait,' Tonks thought.
"Well?" she asked.
"Well what?"
"You said you were going to tell the professor I was here."
"No I didn't."
"You did."
"No, I said we could, I never said I was going to."
"Arghhh." Tonks growled in frustration.
Seeing the young witch dangerously close to cursing her brother, the young girl in the portrait slipped away to let the professor know Tonks was there. A moment later just as Tonks was drawing her wand, the Gargoyle leapt aside and the stairs started moving.
With a final glare at the boy in the painting, Tonks replaced her wand in its holster and climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office. She was about to knock on the large wooden door when it swung open on its own.
"Ah, Nymphadora. Please come in and have a seat." Dumbledore said gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk.
Tonks winced at the use of her given name but let it pass. "Wotcher Professor."
"Lemon drop?" he asked with twinkling blue eyes as he held up a small glass dish filled with the offered sweets.
"No thanks." Tonks declined politely.
Placing the dish back on his desk, Dumbledore popped one of the sweets in his mouth before returning his gaze to the young woman sitting before him.
"So what brings you to Hogwarts Nymphadora?"
Groaning internally, she decided to just get to the point. "I had a bit of trouble with the
Dursleys yesterday and wanted to let you know I'll be staying there with Harry this summer."
The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed considerably and his face became much more serious. "What happened?"
Taking a deep breath, Tonks told him the story of what had happened the day before. She was sure to detail the injuries she had received but skipped over the part about the Dursleys being led to believe Harry could use magic.
"Where is Harry now Ms. Tonks?"
"He's with a friend of mine, Jake Trapp," she replied glad he had skipped her first name this time round.
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure."
"I met him a year ago. He saved my life when me and my partner ran in to a couple Death Eaters outside the Leaky Cauldron last summer."
Dumbledore nodded. "I remember the incident well. And you trust Mr. Trapp?"
"Completely."
Tonks began to get nervous as Dumbledore gave her a long appraising stare.
"Thank you for offering to take care of our Mr. Potter this summer. If you need any help with the Dursleys, please let me know."
Dumbledore was known for maintaining an even temper, but the tone of his voice made it clear he was not happy with Vernon Dursley.
"I would also like very much to meet Mr. Trapp if he is to be spending much time around Harry this summer."
Tonks was surprised at his request and the words Harry had spoken to her earlier when he thought she was to be his minder for the summer echoed in her head.
"Not to be rude, but I don't see how Harry making a new friend is any of your business sir."
Dumbledore sighed. "Mr. Potter is very important to our current struggle. Far more important than anyone realizes. It is critical that he is well protected and as part of that I feel it's prudent that I monitor the individuals he interacts with to ensure that he is safe and not being guided down the wrong path."
Tonks was beginning to get angry as she listened to the wizard's justifications for controlling Harry's life.
"So you're saying it's up to you whether or not Harry can be friends with someone?" Tonks said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Not at all Ms. Tonks, I merely want to make sure that Harry is safe."
"And if you don't like or approve of Jake?" she asked pressing the issue.
Dumbledore let out another sigh, this was not going well at all. "Then I'm afraid for Mr. Potter's safety I would insist Mr. Trapp stay away from him and if necessary I would adjust the wards to ensure my recommendation is followed."
Tonks mouth fell open in shock at what she had just heard Dumbledore say.
"I see," she said standing up from her seat. After sharing a long look with the leader of the light, Tonks turned and made her way to the door.
"You're making a mistake," she said turning her head to face the old wizard as she left. "He feels like a prisoner in that house. If he can't even choose who his friends are then what's left? Why fight at all?"
Without waiting for a response Tonks turned and left the office. As she walked down the stairs and through the many halls, her mind was working furiously thinking about everything that had been happening lately.
Tonks knew a lot about Harry's situation, probably more than most members of the Order, but if what Dumbledore had said was true then Harry was far more important to the war with Voldemort than she or anybody else for that matter realized.
She also thought about what Dumbledore had said about screening Harry's friends. When Harry had made the comments about being watched and controlled earlier that morning he had said it in such a resolved way that she had let it pass concentrating instead on making sure he wasn't angry with her.
It was a long walk back to Hogsmeade where she would be able to apparate to her next stop for the day, the Ministry of Magic. She spent the whole time deep in thought about what she had learned and trying to figure out what she needed to do. By the time she reached the gates to the schools grounds, she had come up with several ideas.
With a last look back at the school, Tonks apparated away.
Jake and Harry chatted amicably as they drove down various streets and roads, finally pulling into the parking lot of the small restaurant he had seen on the way over.
"Here we are," said Jake as he shifted the transmission into park. "You ever eaten here?"
"Nope," Harry replied looking out the front windshield of the truck. "I haven't been much of anywhere," he admitted softly.
Jake was curious about the boy's comment but let it slide. "Well, this should be an adventure then, could be some nasty slop."
Harry laughed and climbed out of the truck. The restaurant was a small diner that greatly resembled a train car or mobile home. Inside, a counter ran the length of the restaurant with a wide assortment of grills, stoves, sinks and every other kind of equipment needed to run an eating establishment lined up along the wall on the other side.
Following Jakes lead, Harry walked to one end of the room and slid into a booth opposite him. As they sat down, Jake grabbed a couple of menus from behind the condiments and passed one to Harry.
"It's on me Harry, whatever you want."
Harry nodded shyly, not used to having people offer to buy him things.
Several minutes later the waitress finally made an appearance. "Good morning gentlemen. What can I get you today?"
Jake looked up grinning widely at the pretty young woman.
"Well good morning to you too darling. I think I'd like a cup of coffee, black… and how about this lumberjack special, over easy."
"And you sir?" she said turning to Harry.
"Umm, orange juice and some eggs please."
"What?" Jake said with his usual grin and humor, "That ain't gonna cut it, you're a growing boy! Make that another lumberjack special sweetheart."
The waitress nodded at Jake and turned back to Harry. "How would you like your eggs?"
"Scrambled. Thanks."
The waitress nodded and went off to fill their order.
"Thanks Jake."
"My pleasure Harry, besides, I think Tonks would kill me if I didn't feed you right."
Harry smiled shyly not quite knowing how to respond. Sensing the awkwardness, Jake changed the subject.
"So, what do you think of the waitress?"
"What?" Harry asked shocked at the abrupt change of topics.
"The blond honey that's getting your food, not bad eh?" Jake said wagging his eyebrows.
Harry couldn't help but grin and let out a chuckle. "Yeah, not bad."
Completely unable to help himself Jake continued forward. "Yeah, but not as good looking as Tonks huh?"
Jake smiled internally as he watched Harry wander off to dreamland for a moment before snapping back to reality. "Uh, well, I mean yeah I guess so, yeah."
'Well, well, well, isn't this interesting.' thought Jake. Harry was by far the biggest topic of conversation when he was hanging out with Tonks and while she had never come right out and said how she felt, Jake would have had to be an idiot not to have figured it out. He was thrilled for Tonks to find out Harry might like her as well.
"Come on Harry, she's not bad to look at. Not someone you'd kick out of bed is she?"
Harry blushed bright read and his eyes opened wide at Jake's comment. Seeing the look, Jake was only able to hold in his laughter for a few seconds before it spilled out.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. All kidding aside, you should go for it."
"I, I couldn't. I mean she's my friend and is older than me and I'm just a skinny little kid to her."
Jake stopped laughing and took a good look at the young man sitting before him. He saw a man that had precious little good in his life and if he judged him correctly, a lack of good role models to learn from and look up to.
"Well, she's your friend right now, and that's always a good place to start. She's what, about six years older than you?"
Harry nodded.
"That's nothing Harry. I know it seems like a lot right now cause you're young, but six years is a drop in the bucket. Think of it this way, wizards live around a hundred and fifty years or more right? What's six years when compared to that?"
He could see Harry was listening to him but still uncomfortable with the situation. The conversation stopped for a minute while the waitress and another gentleman placed an unbelievable amount of food on the table.
"Wow," Harry said as he surveyed their meal.
"Damn straight!" Jake added as he rubbed his hands together and grinned widely.
The pair took a minute to prepare their food before Jake continued. "She's told me quite a bit about you Harry and I can promise you she doesn't see you as a little kid. As far as being skinny goes, we just need to keep stuffing you to the top of your neck like this and do some working out. If your," Jake looked around to make sure no one was listening and spoke more quietly, "magic is anything like mine, it'll help your body out and we'll have you covered with muscles in no time."
"You'd really help me with that?" Harry asked looking hopeful.
"Of course."
Harry looked nervous as he posed his next question. "Tonks told me about how you two met. Do you think, I mean could you teach me to fight too?"
Jake gave him another appraising look. "I suppose I could, why do you want to learn?"
"I can't really talk about it here, but I do need to learn. I was planning on asking Tonks to help me learn magical dueling as well."
Nodding in understanding, Jake took another large bite of his breakfast before responding. "Why don't we discuss this later with Tonks then."
At Harry's agreement the conversation turned to lighter topics while the pair ate their enormous meal.
Tonks appeared in the atrium at the Ministry of Magic with a soft pop. It wasn't quite lunchtime yet and with the exception of a few random people coming and going from the fireplaces lined up along the walls, there wasn't much happening in the large hall. Walking from the apparition point where she had arrived to the guard on duty, Tonks flashed her badge confirming her identity as an auror. With a single nod the man on duty waved her through.
Passing through the golden gates next to the security desk, Tonks stepped into an available lift. She was about to press the button for level two where Auror Headquarters was located when she had another thought. Changing her mind, she pressed the button for level three where the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes was.
Stepping out of the lift she waved to a friend who was walking past and headed down the hall. Approaching the end of the long corridor, Tonks pushed open a large set of wooden doors and entered the Ministry Research Library.
"Hey Tonks." the guard at the door greeted.
"Wotcher Arland." she said handing the wizard her badge.
"Haven't seen you down here in awhile. What you been up too?" Christopher Arland asked as he scanned in her badge.
"Oh, the usual, not much. How's the wife and kid?"
"Not bad, little Beth just got her second tooth," he said proudly as he handed back her badge.
"Cool. Tell Beth and Beth I said hi." she said with a wave as she headed into the stacks.
It took her a fair amount of time to locate the books she was looking for but she finally found them in a dusty, unused section in a back corner. Taking a quick look around to make sure no one was looking, Tonks drew her wand and began undoing the enchantments on the books. Not wanting anyone to know what she was researching, she decided the best course of action was to borrow the books without anyone knowing.
Unfortunately the Ministry archivists weren't very trusting and there were several spells placed on each book to ensure they didn't leave the Ministry without proper authorization. Fortunately Tonks had briefly dated a man who worked in that area and had been shown the way around the charms. It took about ten minutes to complete her work, but finally the books were freed of the charms and Tonks was able to shrink and pocket the three books.
Scanning the shelves for something appropriate, Tonks grabbed a book on counter curses as she returned to the desk by the front door. Handing the woman behind the desk the book and her badge she waited patiently while the Librarian checked the book out to her. A minute later Tonks was leaving the library, waving to the guard as she passed back out through the doors. Climbing into an available lift, Tonks pressed the button for her initial destination, Auror Headquarters.
Tonks stepped out of the elevator and into a much busier area of the Ministry. People bustled around in every direction performing various tasks and duties, some escorting prisoners and others looking lost, unsure where they needed to go. Entering her area of the large offices, Tonks passed by many cubicles covered with pictures of wanted criminals, family members and favorite Quidditch teams.
Finally arriving at her cube, Tonks tossed the book she had checked out of the library on her desk and sat down. She grinned at the picture of Harry on the wall in front of her that was smiling and waving for a few minutes before she began sorting through the pile of folders that had appeared on her desk since the last time she had been in the office.
"Sup Tonks." Kingsley Shacklebolt said as he appeared in the doorway to her cube a few minutes later.
"Wotcher Kingsley." Tonks greeted the bald Auror before returning to her work. "What can I do for you?"
"Bones wants to see you. I think she's wondering where you've been," he said seriously.
Tonks dropped the folder she'd been looking at on her desk and rubbed her eyes. "Great." she muttered.
Standing up she tripped on the leg of her chair ending up on the floor in a tangle of limbs. "Bugger. This day just keeps getting better and better."
Using her desk to pull herself up, Tonks glared at a chuckling Kingsley before shoving him out of the way and heading to the Head of Magical Law Enforcements Office. Reaching the outer doors, she took a deep breath and entered the room.
"I'm Auror Tonks. I'm here to see Madam Bones." Tonks said to the receptionist.
"Go on in, she's expecting you."
Tonks took another breath and entered her boss's office. The room was large but surprisingly simple. A conference table filled one end of the room while the other held several chairs and a large mahogany desk behind which sat the object of her search, Amelia Bones.
"Director Bones." Tonks said formally as she stepped up to the desk.
Amelia looked up and motioned to a seat in front of her desk, she did not look happy. "Take a seat Auror."
Tonks complied with out a word wondering what this was about.
Picking up a sheet from the file she was currently looking over Amelia began. "I'd like to start by saying that I am aware you are part of a vigilante organization run by Albus Dumbledore." Glancing over the top of the sheet she was reading she noticed Tonks did not appear shocked that she knew of the Order.
"I tolerate the group because of Albus Dumbledore and because to my knowledge the group is not involved in any illegal activities. To date I have tolerated your involvement with the group in spite of the fact that it has repeatedly affected your ability to adhere to your scheduled shifts and on occasion to perform the duties that are expected of you. Unfortunately as I look through your file I am forced to admit that regardless of and in all probability because of the activities you indulge in outside of this office, your performance in your current position is slipping and you are in danger of being put on probation."
Tonks was shocked at what she was hearing. She had expected this to be about the magic she used at the Dursley's home.
"With this in mind, I would like to know about the charge of underage magic use sent to one Harry Potter and why you were at his residence. I would also like to know why you were unable to report to work on time this morning. Be advised Auror Tonks that if I don't like your answers I will be forced to take action in this matter to prevent future occurrences."
Tonks swallowed heavily before beginning her tale of the last day's events. After covering all of the pertinent facts she waited for Amelia's response.
Amelia looked thoughtful for several minutes before she began. "Based on what you've told me, I'm inclined to dismiss the underage use of magic charge against Mr. Potter."
Letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, Tonks relaxed slightly and waited for the rest.
"Has Harry Potter been abused by his relatives in the past?"
"I can't say for sure Madam, not to my knowledge."
After making a quick addition to her notes Amelia continued. "Are you planning on pressing charges against Vernon Dursley for assault on a law enforcement official?"
"No Ma'am."
Amelia nodded and added a few more lines to her notes. After reading over them again she laid the papers down on Tonks folder and entwined her fingers as she looked across the desk at Tonks.
"Unfortunately, I find that your activities outside of this office are having a serious and detrimental impact on your duties. I have no choice but to place you on three months administrative probation at this time."
Tonks mouth fell open and her heart clenched. Administrative probation meant a desk job pushing paperwork. She had enough problems as it was dealing with the other Aurors. Being a clumsy metamorphmagus and a woman meant they didn't give her much slack, this would make them unbearable. Unfortunately Amelia wasn't finished.
"I have also read many things into the story you have just told me. Is it your intention to live with Mr. Potter, an underage wizard I might add, for the duration of his summer holidays?"
Almost to the point of hyperventilation, Tonks was barely able to answer. "Yes."
"And what is your relationship with Mr. Potter?"
Tonks mind was frozen. Try as she might, she was completely unable to form an answer.
After a very long minute Amelia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Disregard that last question. Frankly, I don't want to know the answer."
Tonks was nearly in tears as Madam Bones sat back in her chair.
"Auror Tonks, your living with an underage wizard who is not your brother or any other relation to you is unacceptable. Being an Auror is an important job that brings with it duties and responsibilities that demand, that require a certain amount of professionalism and decorum be maintained at all times. Your living with a male underage wizard regardless of whether or not it is innocent reflects badly on our profession and this department and will not be tolerated."
The brief silence that settled between them was unbearable to the young Auror.
"I ask again Auror Tonks, what are your intentions concerning your living arrangements this summer?"
A single tear made its way down her cheek as she stood. Her hand shook as she held her badge, looking at it one last time before laying it on Amelia's desk.
"The names just Tonks ma'am. I'm sorry."
Without another word, Tonks left the office to collect her things.
"Hey Tonks." Kingsley said somberly as he entered her cube to find her placing her things in a small box.
"Hey." Tonks replied looking up briefly from her work. "I take it you're here to escort me from the building."
Kingsley nodded. "Sorry."
Silence reigned for several minutes while Tonks continued to pack.
"Maybe we could go talk to Bones or maybe Dumbledore could help." Kingsley tried.
Tonks just shook her head. "Thanks Kingsley but no. I wasn't sacked, I quit."
Getting up from her seat, Tonks shrank the box she had just finished filling with all of her things before placing it carefully in her pocket.
"Well, that's it," she said looking up at her friend.
"Alright then."
The pair was leaving the office when a large man named Burt Freedans walked up with a grin on his face and a glint in his eye. He had always had it in for Tonks ever since she had turned down his advances causing him to lose a bet he'd had with some of his other Auror friends.
"Always new you'd wash out you worthless bi…"
His words were cut short when Kingsley's fist flew fast and hard into his face, dropping him to the ground like a sack of stones. A moment later Kingsley was standing over the downed Auror with his wand pointing at the man's face.
"One more word Freedans, just one more and your own mother won't be able to recognize you," he said fiercely. "She's the best damn Auror I've ever had the pleasure of working with. You'd be lucky to be half the Auror she is, which you're not."
Tonks was touched by her friend's words and placed a hand on Kingsley's arm drawing his attention away from Burt and forcing him to lower his wand. "It's ok Kingsley. He's not worth it."
Their eyes stayed connected for several long seconds before Kingsley nodded and replaced his wand in its holster. With a final look down at Burt, Kingsley spit on the man and let Tonks lead him out of the office.
They walked in silence to the lifts not feeling the need to talk. After a quite ride to the Atrium, Kingsley escorted Tonks to the apparition point.
"Good luck Tonks, if you need anything, anything at all, let me know."
Tonks shook his hand and stepped onto the apparition point. Turning around she saw Kingsley walking away. "Kingsley!"
Stopping where he was, Kingsley looked back over his shoulder.
"Thanks." Tonks said quietly.
With a final nod, Kingsley continued on his way and Tonks apparated out of the Ministry.
Jake stepped out of the restaurant and stopped to take a look around at the day ahead. It was warm and sunny and looked like it was going to be a good one. Patting his stomach with both hands, he let out an impressive belch. Looking to his left he found Harry grinning and gave him a little nod. After a brief look of concentration Harry let out a burp of his own. Though not as impressive as Jake's, it had them both laughing like idiots.
"At a boy Harry, nice one!"
Harry couldn't help but let out another chuckle.
Pulling his keys out of his pocket, Jake looked at them a second before tossing them to Harry. "Why don't you drive back, I drove here."
"Uh, I don't know how to drive." Harry said trying to hand the keys back.
"Really? Huh. Well I guess it's about time you learned then." Stepping around the stunned teen, Jake got in the passengers side of the truck.
It took a minute but Harry finally realized this was for real, after which he excitedly climbed into the driver's seat.
"Alright Harry, first scoot the seat up so you can reach the pedals comfortably. Good. Now, this is an automatic so you shouldn't have too many problems. The brakes on the left, gas is on the right."
Jake enjoyed watching Harry's enthusiasm and excitement as he adjusted everything and checked out the pedals as he told him about them. He would freely admit to anyone that asked that he was having a great time with Harry and even wondered if this is what it would have been like to have a son. Seeing Harry looking up at him he shook himself out of his wonderings and continued.
"Alright, start her up. That's it. Just enough to start the engine otherwise you'll grind the starter gear on the flywheel."
Harry had no idea what Jake was talking about as far as gears and flywheels were concerned but he was thrilled about being taught how to drive.
"Now, press down on the brake and shift it into reverse. Good. Check for traffic. Clear? Alright then ease up slowly on the brake and let the truck roll back. Turn the wheel a little, watch the front, you don't want to swing it into one of the other parked cars. Nice job Harry."
Harry was grinning from ear to ear as he finished backing the SUV out of the parking space. Following Jakes instructions, he then shifted it into drive and let off the brake again easing the truck towards the exit of the parking lot.
"Well done Harry. I don't see any cars coming so let off the brake and give it a little gas as you turn onto the road."
Having a pretty good idea of what was about to happen, Jake sat back and held on. He was not disappointed.
Harry looked for cars and seeing the coast was clear did as he was told and let off the brake. Moving his foot to the gas he pressed the pedal down.
Screeeeeech… With a spin of the tires, the pair set off on a wild ride down the road.
"Sorry," Harry said as he got the vehicle under control.
When he was finally able to stop laughing Jake looked over at a beaming Harry. "No problem, I figured that'd happen the first time or two." As Harry slowed down to turn Jake spoke up again. "Naw, don't turn here, go on down."
"But Privet Drive is that way."
"I know, but I figured you probably ought to practice a bit more, don't you?"
"Yes!"
Jake couldn't help but smile at his excitement. "We're not in any hurry so go wherever you want to."
The pair spent the rest of the morning driving all over Surrey and chatting about whatever crossed their minds. Eventually they stopped for lunch followed by a short ride back to Privet Drive. After parking the truck next to the curb in front of his uncle's house, Harry handed Jake his keys back.
"Thanks Jake, that was awesome."
"No problem Harry, any time."
Climbing out of the truck, Harry and Jake walked up to the front door. "You did real good for your first time Harry."
Harry was grinning widely, the excitement of learning to drive still fresh in his mind. He also wasn't afraid to admit he'd had a great time hanging around with Jake. He really liked the man.
Entering the front door, they tried to ignore the looks the Dursleys were giving them, but Harry couldn't help but notice the look of jealousy his cousin shot him. Obviously they had been watching their arrival and seen Harry climb out of the drivers side of the truck. Harry suspected Dudley would bully his uncle into teaching him to drive very soon.
They climbed the stairs in good spirits and headed down the short hallway to Harry's room. "Did you see the look on my cousin's face?" Harry said almost laughing at the thought.
Jake let out a chuckle. "Yeah, what do you think the odds are your uncle will be teaching him to drive soon?"
"One hundred percent, probably today."
They continued to laugh as they entered Harry's room. Noticing it was dark, Harry flipped on the light. The sight that greeted their eyes caused them both to sober instantly.
"Tonks…" Harry said softly as he approached her.
Tonks was sitting on the bed with her legs folded up against her chest and her arms wrapped around them. Tear tracks ran down her cheeks and it was obvious she'd had a very bad day.
Not sure what to do, Harry looked to Jake who nodded his head indicating to Harry he should move forward and see what was wrong. Tonks was like a little sister to Jake and he had to fight his natural instincts to comfort her. He just felt like it would be a good idea for Harry to do it.
Taking a deep breath, Harry stepped forward and sat on the bed next to her. "Hey, you ok?" Harry groaned internally as he heard his own words. 'Of course she isn't ok. Stupid, stupid, stupid.' he thought to himself.
Tonks let out a half hearted snort and wiped the tears from her face. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"No you're not, that was a stupid question. What's wrong? What happened?"
Continuing to wipe the tears from her eyes Tonks finally got it out. "I… I lost my job."
Harry and Jake were both shocked at her admission. It took awhile, but finally she managed to tell them the whole story.
"I don't know what I'm going to do now. I don't have a job. I have a little money saved up but it won't last long. I… I don't know…" Her words trailed off as she broke down into tears again.
Harry's heart was breaking for her and he had no idea what to do. Looking back to Jake for help, he saw him make a gesture with his arm telling Harry to hold her. Harry looked back unsure and received another nod from Jake. Taking another large breath and hoping he wasn't about to get cursed, Harry carefully moved closer to Tonks and wrapped an arm around her.
Tonks flinched at first not expecting the contact but almost immediately fell into the embrace grabbing hold of Harry's shirt and crying into his chest. She loved the feeling of being held by him and it didn't take her long to calm down. After holding on to him for several minutes longer, she leaned back a little, letting go with one hand to wipe her latest tears away.
"Sorry," she said softly.
"It's ok. Don't worry, we'll figure something out."
It was quiet for another minute before Jake stepped forward pulling the chair away from Harry's desk and sitting in front of them. "Your money would last longer if you got rid of that flat of yours, you're staying with Harry this summer right?"
Tonks nodded and reluctantly separated from Harry and slid back on the bed so she was leaning on the wall. She did, however, stay close enough that their legs were touching. "Yeah, I mean if Harry still wants me too."
"Of course I do." Harry said a little faster than he meant to causing Jake to smile and Tonks heart to flutter a little bit.
"I'll still need a place to live come September though," she said sadly.
"No problem there, you can come stay at my place." Jake said.
"Really? You mean it?" Tonks said sitting up straight with hope filled eyes.
Jake let out a chuckle and Harry was smiling. "Of course I mean it. I've got a spare room you can have and it's not like I get a lot of company. It'll be fun."
Tonks let out a squeal as a little bit of the pressure she had been under was lifted. Jumping up in excitement, she gave Jake a quick hug before jumping back on the bed and giving Harry one. Harry's lasted a little bit longer.
"Thanks guys, this really means a lot to me," she said sitting back on the bed next to Harry again. She was still upset about losing her job, but her immediate fears about her future were taken care of. For a bit she had been terrified she would have to move back in with her parents.
"Well," Jake said standing up, "I'm outta here."
"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Not really, what's up?"
"Well," he said looking back and forth between Tonks and Jake, "I wanted to talk to you both about learning some stuff this summer and there's some things I should probably tell you both if you're gonna help me."
"Alright. How about I swing by around lunch time?"
"Cool. Thanks again for everything Jake."
"No problem kid."
"See ya Jake." Tonks said waiving.
"Later." With a wave of his own, Jake headed for the door. "I've got a lot of work to do. It's gonna take me the whole summer to Tonks proof my apartment." Ducking to avoid the pillow Tonks threw at him, Jake laughed all the way to his truck.
Harry and Tonks sat quietly for a while longer. Tonks was thinking about everything she needed to do, pack all her stuff, turn off the utilities and end her lease. Luckily she was renting month to month so she didn't have to worry about a rental agreement. Harry could think of nothing except how close Tonks was sitting to him.
"Well, I guess I'm gonna pop over to my place to pack all my stuff and turn my key in. Shouldn't take too long, I'll be back in an hour or so. You be ok?"
"Sure, see you in a bit."
Tonks climbed off the bed and started out of the room before she remembered the books in her pocket. "Oh, right." she said removing the three books and setting them on Harry's desk. With a wave of her wand they returned to their normal size. "I almost forgot. Remember what I told you about Dumbledore saying he would adjust the wards to keep Jake out if he didn't like him.
Harry nodded.
"Well, I appropriated these from the Ministry Archives before I left earlier."
Getting up from the bed himself, Harry moved to inspect the books. Sorting through the tomes he found 'Blood Magic – Protecting and Warding', 'The Bond of Blood' and 'Creating and Transferring Wards of all types'.
"I don't know a lot about blood magic but I do know a fair amount about wards. I think since the wards are tied to your blood you can take control of them…" she trailed off and waited for Harry to catch on to what she was thinking.
"So if I take control of the blood wards, Dumbledore won't be able to keep Jake out." Harry said as he began to see the possibilities. "But wouldn't he just find another way like adding another ward?"
"Maybe, but I don't think so. I don't know how the wards are setup here, actually nobody but Dumbledore does, but I would bet money the blood ward is the base and anchor for whatever other wards he's added and if that's the case and you take control of that ward then he wouldn't be able to make any changes without your permission."
Harry and Tonks shared a mischievous grin.
"Well, anyway, have a look if you want, I better go get my stuff done."
"Later."
Tonks returned an hour later to find Harry sitting on his bed leaning against the wall reading one of the books she had 'borrowed' from the Ministry.
"Wotcher Harry!"
Looking up from his book, Harry couldn't help but grin. He was sure she was still upset about her job but was glad she had been able to rebound so quickly from the morning.
"Hey Tonks. All set?"
"Yup. I'm single and free with nothing tying me down," she said with a lopsided grin.
After sharing a smile with Harry, Tonks drew her wand and began looking around the room. Twirling the wand in a circle above her head she muttered an incantation and the room gave a lurch, expanding until it was twice as big as it had been.
"Cool." Harry said looking around.
Tonks grinned as she scanned the new room as well. "Still not big enough though." Repeating her spell twice more the room doubled in size again and again until it was eight times its original starting size and Tonks was satisfied. She then began tossing spells around the room to make it more comfortable. The carpet was changed to a comfortable shag pile that was Ravenclaw blue and the walls were given a fresh coat of paint. Next she adjusted the lighting making it easier to work in but still soft so it wasn't hard on the eyes.
With her changes to the room complete, Tonks removed a trunk from her pocket and set it on the floor before returning it to its original size. Opening the lid, she dug through the contents for several minutes before pulling out a small box. Reaching inside, she removed a small queen size bed which she returned to its full size with a wave of her wand. After levitating it into a corner of the room, she repeated the process several more times until there was a complete living room setup as well.
After finishing with her furniture, she turned her attention to Harry. "Hey, move to the couch will you?"
"Umm, ok." Harry said curious as to what she was planning.
Tonks looked at Harry's bed for several minutes before waving her wand in an intricate pattern transfiguring the mattress to be much more comfortable. She then transfigured his sheets and blankets so they were silky and soft. After finishing with the bed, she repeated the process with his desk and chair.
"This is brilliant Tonks!"
Looking around Tonks had to agree. "It did come out pretty good didn't it?"
Grabbing the other two books off the desk, Tonks joined Harry on the couch and they spent the afternoon working on the wards.