Chapter 6
A Pride of Two
Harry and Hagrid chatted for a while, Hagrid apologised for missing his Birthday because he had to get his surprise. Shortly after Harry had said it was fine and told him about visiting the Weasleys, Hagrid took Harry outside and round to the paddock, behind his hut. As they rounded the corner they where greeted with a mighty roar.
Hagrid smiling broadly introduced Harry to Godric, asking Harry rhetorically "Isn't he Beautiful?" Harry smiled at the name and at Hagrid's description of the very large agitated cat. There had been a few times Harry had agreed with Hagrid's descriptions of animals, this was one of them. Godric was large and muscular, his fur golden and his mane jet black, he paced the paddock with a majestic grace as Hagrid explained how Godric was originally from a pride that lived on the outskirts of a forest, but the pride had been taken over by three nomadic males. As was the practice with lions the new males would kill all the cubs, but Godric's mum had obviously done enough to protect him and Godric escaped the infacide and become a nomad.
Hagrid told Harry that he'd been well fed and watered but they would spend a few hours sat outside the paddock watching him so he could get used to them before they entered so Hagrid could introduce Harry properly. This made Harry rather nervous the young lion as he was only about three years old, looked like he could give the half giant a good run for his money, and the presence of two animals that would make a tasty meal seem to make Godric pace more menacingly.
As he sat outside the paddock Harry was transfixed watching the massive cat, studying the movements and listening to the sounds the animal made, roaring to mark the unfamiliar territory, Harry was fascinated by the cats intelligence as it tested the magic barrier around the paddock checking for signs of weakness and final settling down to watch the two people.
Professor McGonagall had already explained and given Harry several books on the anatomy of lions, over the two hours watching the cat, Harry practised his transformation, finding it easier to accurately change the parts he could, given the presence of a lion to study. Harry's next step according to the Professor was to grow the fur over his body and with Godric there in front of him he found he was able to grow a smooth golden fur on his legs and arms. The overall effect of his part transformation was quite amusing, the part lion, that was Harry, had pig paws for hands, an elongated mouth and nose, a thick mane of black hair and golden fur on his arms and legs and he found when he was content, as he was now he would produce a low rumbling purr. Harry knew how the cats vocal arrangement differed from a humans and about the purring motor that allowed the cat to purr almost continuously while still breathing.
When Harry returned to his fully human form and Hagrid asked if he was ready to meet Godric, slightly reluctantly Harry agreed. The pair carefully climbed over the fence, the proximity of the intruders caused the lion to raise its head and a low rumbling growl originated from the lions throat. Hagrid, completely undeterred started talking calmly to the animal and as they got closer the lion relaxed and stopped its growl. They pair where now about four feet away from Godric and Harry could clearly see the definition of the muscles on the cat's shoulders and hind legs caused by hunting zebra and wilderbeast. All was quiet for several minutes as the lion, the human and the half giant inspected each other, and the silence was broken as the cat effortlessly rose and made towards the pair, Hagrid stepping forward to intercept the large predator, but the action was unnecessary as the animal stopped at a sound Harry had made. Instinctively at Godric's sign of aggression Harry had growled, and not human trying to impersonate a large cat, the sound was from deep in Harry's chest it was deep and rumbling, the cat looked suspiciously at the funny looking lion, and eventually settled back down. Harry's relief changed the growl to a purr, which further relaxed Godric who as the evening was fast becoming dusk, and he had no need to hunt that night. Lions preferred to hunt at night but having eaten well that day he now was ready to sleep.
Hagrid told Harry it was time for them to sleep too and they should return to cabin, but Harry protested saying he wanted to stay Godric, the game keeper smiled recognising Harry's affiliation with the lion and not being the most responsible of adults agreed. Hagrid insisted that Harry was to sleep at the edge of the paddock and should anything happen he was to get out straight away. Going back to the cabin and returning with a massive quilt that he folded several times and placed on the ground for Harry. The evening was still warm and a covering was not needed so when Hagrid returned to the hut, Harry lay on the quilt purring and watched Godric soundly sleeping. Harry had watched Godric for several hours until the evening had melted away leaving a night lit by a moon that was a day from being full, then wrapping himself in his cloak as the temperature dropped Harry fell asleep. During the night Harry awoke briefly when he felt the large cat approaching, Harry could tell from the approach silent but not stealthy that there was no aggression intended and was quickly back to sleep when Godric lay next him and responded to Harry's purrs with purrs of his own.
Harry was woken the next morning with a roar from Godric and a booming laugh, rubbing the sleep from his eyes Harry saw that Godric was stood at his side and Hagrid was the source of the laughter, "Looks like we got ourselves the makings of a pride at 'ogwarts all we needs now is some girl lions." Said the massive grounds keeper, Harry smiled mischievously and let out a long low growl. This caused another booming laugh from Hagrid, before he responded saying well its time for breakfast and hefted a wilderbeast off the floor and threw it into the centre of the paddock, Godric sniffed a few times and went to examine the animal while Hagrid handed Harry a plate of sausages and eggs, "Not sure you quite got the stomach for wot tha' there lion eats yet."
After eating breakfast, Harry and Godric stretched out to bask in the morning sun occasionally getting up to wander the perimeter of there territory as a lion would, while Hagrid went about his daily ritual feeding whatever animals he had in his care and tending to the grounds of the school. At around noon Godric became a little agitated and stood letting out a loud roar, Harry could see the cause for the young lions outburst, rounding the corner of Hagrid's hut was a short, pink haired, rather attractive young woman and a sickly pale looking, slim man, both chatting away amicably. Then Remus's eyes stared at the paddock and comprehension dawned in his eyes he ran at the paddock shouting "Harry get out of there !" like a maniac. Godric let out snarl and crouched low moving towards the edge of the paddock. It was then Harry remembered the moon last night and why the teacher was looking so pale. Remus started to climb up onto the fence but Harry quickly darted forward with skills and reactions from Quidditch and fencing, pushed the teacher hard causing him to toppled backwards from the fence almost landing on Tonks, who had a look of shock in her eyes as Harry let out a long growl.
Godric responded with a roar of approval at his fellow lions actions, "What do you think your doing Moony?" Said Harry scolding his professor. "You know what Godric thinks you are?" In a voice that was quite close to a lions roar "You're a funny looking wolf, who just tried to invade our territory."
"Godric?" responded the professor looking shocked and confused. "Our territory?"
In response Harry turned walked next to the young lion and sat on the ground, the lion did the same both boy and lion both keeping the two teachers fixed in their vision.
Tonks started to giggle and Remus face turn from one of confused panic to that of a self conscious school boy after being told off.
From behind the hut came the sound that could only loosely described as singing the tune was off, the words were wrong and it was accompanied by an out of time bark. Hagrid and Fang came round his hut and seeing Tonks and Remus still sat on the floor in a bit of a heap said cheerfully. "You've both met Godric then?"
"What are you doing Hagrid?" Asked the younger man rising to his feet. "Letting Harry stay with a two hundred and fifty pound lion?"
Hagrid laughed again, "Do you want to try and separate two lions in their territory?" Replied the grounds keeper, clearly very amused by the idea. Tonks obviously thought the same thing, the boy and the lion where clearly friends and laughed along with the half giant. The younger man admitted defeat, smiled at the young Auror who playfully pushed his arm, Harry smiled at this, he had little or no experience with it, but it reminded him somewhat of how Ginny acted around him, was Tonks flirting with Remus? Did that mean Ginny was flirt with him?
Harry was loathed to leave the paddock but was badly in need of a wash and a change of clothes. Harry promised both lion and the Hagrid he would return later to spend more time with Godric. So Harry and Godric parted company and student accompanied his two teachers, Harry under his invisibility cloak, back towards the house. About two minutes from their destination Harry walked to Tonks's side and pulled the hood of the cloak so she could see his face and nudged her arm and holding a vertical finger to his mouth. Harry then silently moved round behind his mentor and imagining he had lion vocal apparatus, transfigured internally, and exhaled produced a loud, rumbling roar. Moony leapt about three foot in the air spun round and drew his wand, at this point he paused looking down at Tonks who had doubled over laughing.
Harry walked round to the side of Remus and mischievously whispered, "I told you I'd get you back for what you did in the department store."
The teachers face split into a grin, saying softly, "And so it begins."
The three returned to the house, Tonks teasing Remus with comments like 'I thought cats where supposed to be scared of dogs not the other way round." At which point Remus blushed, and with a little concentration Tonks turned her hair a red colour, stating that now they matched.
Upon arrival, Harry ran up the stairs, and entered his room greeting Hedwig, who had returned from the Burrow in his absence bringing letters from the Weasley household and his Hogwarts letter. Untying them and leaving them on his desk, which was covered in texts and parchments he got changed into a bathrobe and went into his little bathroom. After washing and changing clothes Harry proceeded to the kitchen, for it was now lunchtime and all three of his teachers where now waiting for him. Remus talking to Professor McGonagall about Godric, the stern Professor showing signs amusement, hearing about the lion's protective nature. During lunch Tonks and Harry chatted about her next assignment as she said after this week she would be returning to normal duty, but assured him she would be able to see him off from Kings Cross, following a one night stay at the Leaky Cauldron, so Harry could collect his school things during the day. Harry couldn't believe his holidays training was almost at an end and he would have to leave the house he had come to think of as home. He told her that he hoped he would get to see her some time during the term and if she ever needed an extra pair of hands making a potion to send him an owl. She smiled and told him that the school would have a number of Aurors around for the duration of the school year and she hoped to at least get one or two assignments there. Taking the opportunity, Harry asked his other two teachers what would happen with his training when the school year started. To Harry's disappointments Remus told him that once the new school year started he would be doing some work for the Order, and he believed he could teacher Harry little more about fencing. But seeing the look on Harry's face he promised he would stop by, now and again, to check he was still practising. The news from Professor McGonagall was more favourable, telling her student she had arranged the time tables so that twice a week they would have free periods at the same time and would continue the training. However she would require a suitable room, to which Harry told her, he knew the perfect room and explained about the 'Room of Requirements.'
After lunch Harry had an impromptu lesson with the Transfiguration teacher, following Harry's night with Godric. Harry found the visualisation of the lion shape was much easier with first hand knowledge and after an exhausting four hour lesson, due to the teachers eagerness to exploit this. Harry had managed to transform his entire head into that of a lion and looking in the mirror found he had black markings round his eyes where his glasses had been and a lighting shape tuft of black on his otherwise golden furred head. The professor was impressed with his remarkable progress and rewarded him with news that Hagrid hoped to keep Godric for the duration of the first school term, with the excuse that he would also acquire a griffin. The students in Care of Magic Creatures would research the difference between the magical creature and that of one of its non magical relatives.
Harry returned to his room with a bit of a headache from the transfiguration of his own head, he settled at his desk to read the letters from his friends. Hermione's made Harry smile, she was already preparing for the new term and was her usual over excited self, so much so that for the first time since the start of the holidays, her letter didn't mention Ron once, instead concentrating on how much she couldn't wait to start the NEWT course and her fears she wouldn't be good enough. Harry knew this was as likely as Snape not trying to pick on Harry, he then thought about it, realising he would probably be the only Gryffindor in the potion lessons. She also said she was looking forward to seeing Harry again and that Professor McGonagall had sent an owl say you would be shopping on the last day of term and so the Weasleys had agreed to wait till then to do there shopping.
Ginny had sent her usual letter with all the gossip about the household, also telling Harry, Neville had returned to his Gran's for the rest of the holiday and signing off with the same sentiments she expressed in the garden at the Burrow, that she missed Harry and additionally she was looking forward to seeing him again in a week.
Ron's letter brought another grin to his face, Ron had been informed he was to be the new Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. He ranted about he was sure it should have been Harry, but maybe the Quidditch suspension last year had been taken into account. Harry knew he would have like to be captain, but also knew he wanted to be an Animagus more. Ron's years as a Quidditch fan made him tactically a much more suitable choice. Ron's letter also ended telling him he was looking forward to seeing Harry in a week.
Harry quilled replies to all his friends and folded them ready for Hedwig to take in a few days. Harry liked to have his Owl around for a little while and she had spent most of the holiday flying backwards and forwards to the Burrow and she needed the break. Then Harry having finished work on all his chosen subjects' days before, studied some advanced literature he had that he found to be on the reading list from Hogwarts, that he already owned. In particular he was surprised to find that the work he had done with Tonks on both charms and potions mirrored a good proportion of the first NEWT year's syllabus, knowing the first person Snape would ask a difficult question too would be himself, Harry was looking forward to shocking the sadistic teacher by knowing the answer.
In Harry's final week the lessons continued, and no effort was spared to use the best of the time, by either the teachers or Harry. They crammed in as much as possible before school restarted, Dobby insisted Harry ate more and more as according to the elf he was under weight. Harry couldn't help thinking, that maybe he was, for a weight lifter but the weeks of fencing had further developed his athletes physique. On the Wednesday night Harry spent another night with Godric, who had instantly recognised him and welcomed him like a friend. Following his second encounter, his transformation took another step forward being able to cover himself in golden fur which McGonagall claimed was extraordinary progress and he had obviously got his father talent in transfiguration. Also telling him that six months now sounded like a conservative estimate and she expected he might be fully transforming before Christmas. She did point out however that it was unlikely he would able to hold the form for very long.
Finally the day arrived when Harry was to leave for London. Harry had packed the previous night and in the morning he spent almost an hour thanking his teachers and exclaiming it was one of the best summers he had ever had. Harry was now walking towards Hogsmead accompanied by Tonks and under his invisibility cloak. Harry's Trunk floating behind him magically guided by Tonks, the pair went to 'The Three Broomsticks', to meet up with three other Aurors who the ministry had provided escort for Harry and his friends, until they reached Kings Cross station. The flu journey to 'The Leaky Cauldron' was uneventful and Harry easily slipped out from under his cloak in the pub, which was very crowded with parents and children doing last minute shopping, before the start of the new term. Tonks went and talked to Tom the proprietor organising the rooms for the night and leaving Harry's trunk with him, the five settled at a booth at the back of the room to wait for the arrival of the others. When Tom came and greeted them, Harry asked 'what they would like to drink?' and was told they where 'on duty', but Harry persuaded them to at least have a pumpkin juice and ordered five.
The Weasleys and Hermione arrived after about ten minutes, Ron first then Hermione and finally Ginny, Harry noticed they all wore shiny prefect badges; they spotted Harry and walked over to the table.
"Hia." Said Harry, "Good trip?" He added knowing they had come by flu and the journey took about three seconds.
"Hi Harry." Replied Hermione. "Not really, traffic round London was a nightmare as usual." Playing along and grinning at the confused looks on the others faces.
"Don't worry about it..." Harry said to the crowd "Muggle raised humour. Hi Ron, Ginny, congratulations on being the next in a long line of distinguished Weasley Prefects." still in a playful mood.
"Oh this ?" Said the fire haired girl, "It just fell outta my letter and mum seemed to think it was important, so I put it on to keep her happy, you know anything for a quiet life." She gave Tonks a grin "Red hair suits ya."
Harry laughed, long gone was the bashful little girl who used to hide when Harry entered the room, what was left was an attractive, quick witted and when she wanted to be fiery 15 year old who had grown up with six brothers.
Tonks winked at her, and Harry took charge again. "So you ready to torture us boys by dragging us round all the robe shops?" The three young women looked at each other and grinned. The party, having finished their drinks, exited the back of the pub and proceeded to Diagon Alley. Harry already had quite a lot of galleons left over from his previous trip but Hermione needed to change some muggle money for her supplies. Hermione always liked to take the lead when shopping and they visited Flourish and Botts the famous bookstore first, in order to purchase there book lists, Ginny had hers as she was taking mostly what Ron was taking the previous year, with the exception of Divination, she was taking Arithmancy and she had the Percy's old book. Harry had all but a couple of his, so bought them quickly and they hung back with the Aurors as the other two collected theirs.
"So you looking forward to your OWLs?" asked Harry.
"Most of them." She replied. "Hope we get a decent DADA teacher this year."
"Can't be much worse." said Harry. "I think most people did okay anyway."
"That's cause of you Harry; none of the fifth years who joined DA got less than an 'O'."
Harry blushed, Ginny was smiling at him and he saw a couple of Aurors shifting uncomfortably.
Hermione and Ron returned, Ron carrying two bags, Harry imagined mostly full of Hermione's books. The group departed and proceeded onto their next stop, Harry and Ginny restocked their potions kits, to comments from Ron that he couldn't believe Harry hadn't dropped potions, to which Harry replied he wanted to be an Auror and you had to have a potions NEWT. The unfamiliar Aurors all looked quite proud when they heard this comment from Harry. Harry thought it was because they were proud about their NEWTs, in reality they knew this was the famous Harry Potter, the boy had faced Voldemort more times than any other wizard alive and he wanted to be an Auror.
The company then entered Madam Malkins Robes and the boys stood to the side as the girls and Tonks wandered round the shop. Harry had all the robes he needed and Ron hadn't grown since last year, so it was only Hermione and Ginny, both having developed fuller figures, who needed he sets. Ginny had obvious used her present from becoming a prefect, to purchase some new day robes and was fitted with Hermione as Tonks commented on the fit or the hem. Once this was finished the boys made for the door having already been present for about an hour, but were immediately called back, as the girls intended to look at more formal wear.
Ron and Harry passed the time chatting about the Chudley Cannons season and how they had a new Seeker who had won them a couple of games, but they were still only languishing just above the bottom of the table. The conversation was interupted by a screech from Hermione bringing Ginny and Tonks over, she had in her hands a beautifully simple flowing pale white dress robe, which the others were informed would suit Ginny perfectly to nods of agreement from Tonks. The younger girl blushed slightly, Harry guessed she probably could not afford it, but gave in to the insistence of her peers and returned to the changing rooms to try it on. Hermione found herself a some robes in a soft violet, slightly more fussy but much more what Harry remembered her in from the previous Yule Ball.
The two girls returned some minutes later and walked to Tonks for her opinion, the boys both stood opened mouthed staring at the girls who looked stunning, each consentrating on a different girl, and after several compliments from the older woman the girls returned to the changing rooms. Now dressed in their ordinary clothes they return, quite unintentionally having given both Harry and Ron time to regain their composure.
Hermione gave her robe to the women at the counter telling her she would like it, while Ginny looking slightly embarrassed and a little upset told the shop assistant she 'would have to see what her mother thought'. After Hermione had paid they left for 'The Leaky Cauldron', when Harry turned to Tonks and nudged her slightly, "I've left my cloak in Madam Malkins Robes, I'll just go back and get it."
Tonks looked at Harry for a second then replied, "Right, I'll go with you..." Then turning to her colleagues. "You go on ahead and get a table we'll see you in there."
Harry and the young lady returned to the shop, Tonks checked to see the others go and turned to Harry and said, "You put your cloak in your bag earlier."
"I know replied Harry." Walking to the counter and asked the women at the counter, "The white robe, the young red haired girl tried on, do you still have it there?"
"Yes dear." Replied the women.
"Can I buy it please and get it delivered?"
"Of course dear, it will be 12 galleons for the robe and another 1 for delivery. Where would you like it delivered."
Harry turned to Tonks, "Will you do me a favour?"
The young women smiled and said "What is it?"
"The Weasleys haven't got a lot of money and I'd like to get it for Ginny, but I don't want her knowing I bought it yet. Could I have
it delivered to you? You could come to Hogwarts and give it to me some time, so she won't see an owl delivering it?"
Tonks grinned broadly, "Definitely, I always liked her; she's tough and has lots of spirit. You two make a nice couple."
Harry blushed and then his face straightened, looking slightly pained. "She's seeing a friend of mine Neville Longbottom, I'm just doing it because it will make her happy."
"Then I definitely can't refuse." And young Auror turned to the assistant and gave her the delivery address and Harry paid the bill and the pair left to meet up with the others in the dinner area of the wizarding pub.
*****
A Pride of Two
Harry and Hagrid chatted for a while, Hagrid apologised for missing his Birthday because he had to get his surprise. Shortly after Harry had said it was fine and told him about visiting the Weasleys, Hagrid took Harry outside and round to the paddock, behind his hut. As they rounded the corner they where greeted with a mighty roar.
Hagrid smiling broadly introduced Harry to Godric, asking Harry rhetorically "Isn't he Beautiful?" Harry smiled at the name and at Hagrid's description of the very large agitated cat. There had been a few times Harry had agreed with Hagrid's descriptions of animals, this was one of them. Godric was large and muscular, his fur golden and his mane jet black, he paced the paddock with a majestic grace as Hagrid explained how Godric was originally from a pride that lived on the outskirts of a forest, but the pride had been taken over by three nomadic males. As was the practice with lions the new males would kill all the cubs, but Godric's mum had obviously done enough to protect him and Godric escaped the infacide and become a nomad.
Hagrid told Harry that he'd been well fed and watered but they would spend a few hours sat outside the paddock watching him so he could get used to them before they entered so Hagrid could introduce Harry properly. This made Harry rather nervous the young lion as he was only about three years old, looked like he could give the half giant a good run for his money, and the presence of two animals that would make a tasty meal seem to make Godric pace more menacingly.
As he sat outside the paddock Harry was transfixed watching the massive cat, studying the movements and listening to the sounds the animal made, roaring to mark the unfamiliar territory, Harry was fascinated by the cats intelligence as it tested the magic barrier around the paddock checking for signs of weakness and final settling down to watch the two people.
Professor McGonagall had already explained and given Harry several books on the anatomy of lions, over the two hours watching the cat, Harry practised his transformation, finding it easier to accurately change the parts he could, given the presence of a lion to study. Harry's next step according to the Professor was to grow the fur over his body and with Godric there in front of him he found he was able to grow a smooth golden fur on his legs and arms. The overall effect of his part transformation was quite amusing, the part lion, that was Harry, had pig paws for hands, an elongated mouth and nose, a thick mane of black hair and golden fur on his arms and legs and he found when he was content, as he was now he would produce a low rumbling purr. Harry knew how the cats vocal arrangement differed from a humans and about the purring motor that allowed the cat to purr almost continuously while still breathing.
When Harry returned to his fully human form and Hagrid asked if he was ready to meet Godric, slightly reluctantly Harry agreed. The pair carefully climbed over the fence, the proximity of the intruders caused the lion to raise its head and a low rumbling growl originated from the lions throat. Hagrid, completely undeterred started talking calmly to the animal and as they got closer the lion relaxed and stopped its growl. They pair where now about four feet away from Godric and Harry could clearly see the definition of the muscles on the cat's shoulders and hind legs caused by hunting zebra and wilderbeast. All was quiet for several minutes as the lion, the human and the half giant inspected each other, and the silence was broken as the cat effortlessly rose and made towards the pair, Hagrid stepping forward to intercept the large predator, but the action was unnecessary as the animal stopped at a sound Harry had made. Instinctively at Godric's sign of aggression Harry had growled, and not human trying to impersonate a large cat, the sound was from deep in Harry's chest it was deep and rumbling, the cat looked suspiciously at the funny looking lion, and eventually settled back down. Harry's relief changed the growl to a purr, which further relaxed Godric who as the evening was fast becoming dusk, and he had no need to hunt that night. Lions preferred to hunt at night but having eaten well that day he now was ready to sleep.
Hagrid told Harry it was time for them to sleep too and they should return to cabin, but Harry protested saying he wanted to stay Godric, the game keeper smiled recognising Harry's affiliation with the lion and not being the most responsible of adults agreed. Hagrid insisted that Harry was to sleep at the edge of the paddock and should anything happen he was to get out straight away. Going back to the cabin and returning with a massive quilt that he folded several times and placed on the ground for Harry. The evening was still warm and a covering was not needed so when Hagrid returned to the hut, Harry lay on the quilt purring and watched Godric soundly sleeping. Harry had watched Godric for several hours until the evening had melted away leaving a night lit by a moon that was a day from being full, then wrapping himself in his cloak as the temperature dropped Harry fell asleep. During the night Harry awoke briefly when he felt the large cat approaching, Harry could tell from the approach silent but not stealthy that there was no aggression intended and was quickly back to sleep when Godric lay next him and responded to Harry's purrs with purrs of his own.
Harry was woken the next morning with a roar from Godric and a booming laugh, rubbing the sleep from his eyes Harry saw that Godric was stood at his side and Hagrid was the source of the laughter, "Looks like we got ourselves the makings of a pride at 'ogwarts all we needs now is some girl lions." Said the massive grounds keeper, Harry smiled mischievously and let out a long low growl. This caused another booming laugh from Hagrid, before he responded saying well its time for breakfast and hefted a wilderbeast off the floor and threw it into the centre of the paddock, Godric sniffed a few times and went to examine the animal while Hagrid handed Harry a plate of sausages and eggs, "Not sure you quite got the stomach for wot tha' there lion eats yet."
After eating breakfast, Harry and Godric stretched out to bask in the morning sun occasionally getting up to wander the perimeter of there territory as a lion would, while Hagrid went about his daily ritual feeding whatever animals he had in his care and tending to the grounds of the school. At around noon Godric became a little agitated and stood letting out a loud roar, Harry could see the cause for the young lions outburst, rounding the corner of Hagrid's hut was a short, pink haired, rather attractive young woman and a sickly pale looking, slim man, both chatting away amicably. Then Remus's eyes stared at the paddock and comprehension dawned in his eyes he ran at the paddock shouting "Harry get out of there !" like a maniac. Godric let out snarl and crouched low moving towards the edge of the paddock. It was then Harry remembered the moon last night and why the teacher was looking so pale. Remus started to climb up onto the fence but Harry quickly darted forward with skills and reactions from Quidditch and fencing, pushed the teacher hard causing him to toppled backwards from the fence almost landing on Tonks, who had a look of shock in her eyes as Harry let out a long growl.
Godric responded with a roar of approval at his fellow lions actions, "What do you think your doing Moony?" Said Harry scolding his professor. "You know what Godric thinks you are?" In a voice that was quite close to a lions roar "You're a funny looking wolf, who just tried to invade our territory."
"Godric?" responded the professor looking shocked and confused. "Our territory?"
In response Harry turned walked next to the young lion and sat on the ground, the lion did the same both boy and lion both keeping the two teachers fixed in their vision.
Tonks started to giggle and Remus face turn from one of confused panic to that of a self conscious school boy after being told off.
From behind the hut came the sound that could only loosely described as singing the tune was off, the words were wrong and it was accompanied by an out of time bark. Hagrid and Fang came round his hut and seeing Tonks and Remus still sat on the floor in a bit of a heap said cheerfully. "You've both met Godric then?"
"What are you doing Hagrid?" Asked the younger man rising to his feet. "Letting Harry stay with a two hundred and fifty pound lion?"
Hagrid laughed again, "Do you want to try and separate two lions in their territory?" Replied the grounds keeper, clearly very amused by the idea. Tonks obviously thought the same thing, the boy and the lion where clearly friends and laughed along with the half giant. The younger man admitted defeat, smiled at the young Auror who playfully pushed his arm, Harry smiled at this, he had little or no experience with it, but it reminded him somewhat of how Ginny acted around him, was Tonks flirting with Remus? Did that mean Ginny was flirt with him?
Harry was loathed to leave the paddock but was badly in need of a wash and a change of clothes. Harry promised both lion and the Hagrid he would return later to spend more time with Godric. So Harry and Godric parted company and student accompanied his two teachers, Harry under his invisibility cloak, back towards the house. About two minutes from their destination Harry walked to Tonks's side and pulled the hood of the cloak so she could see his face and nudged her arm and holding a vertical finger to his mouth. Harry then silently moved round behind his mentor and imagining he had lion vocal apparatus, transfigured internally, and exhaled produced a loud, rumbling roar. Moony leapt about three foot in the air spun round and drew his wand, at this point he paused looking down at Tonks who had doubled over laughing.
Harry walked round to the side of Remus and mischievously whispered, "I told you I'd get you back for what you did in the department store."
The teachers face split into a grin, saying softly, "And so it begins."
The three returned to the house, Tonks teasing Remus with comments like 'I thought cats where supposed to be scared of dogs not the other way round." At which point Remus blushed, and with a little concentration Tonks turned her hair a red colour, stating that now they matched.
Upon arrival, Harry ran up the stairs, and entered his room greeting Hedwig, who had returned from the Burrow in his absence bringing letters from the Weasley household and his Hogwarts letter. Untying them and leaving them on his desk, which was covered in texts and parchments he got changed into a bathrobe and went into his little bathroom. After washing and changing clothes Harry proceeded to the kitchen, for it was now lunchtime and all three of his teachers where now waiting for him. Remus talking to Professor McGonagall about Godric, the stern Professor showing signs amusement, hearing about the lion's protective nature. During lunch Tonks and Harry chatted about her next assignment as she said after this week she would be returning to normal duty, but assured him she would be able to see him off from Kings Cross, following a one night stay at the Leaky Cauldron, so Harry could collect his school things during the day. Harry couldn't believe his holidays training was almost at an end and he would have to leave the house he had come to think of as home. He told her that he hoped he would get to see her some time during the term and if she ever needed an extra pair of hands making a potion to send him an owl. She smiled and told him that the school would have a number of Aurors around for the duration of the school year and she hoped to at least get one or two assignments there. Taking the opportunity, Harry asked his other two teachers what would happen with his training when the school year started. To Harry's disappointments Remus told him that once the new school year started he would be doing some work for the Order, and he believed he could teacher Harry little more about fencing. But seeing the look on Harry's face he promised he would stop by, now and again, to check he was still practising. The news from Professor McGonagall was more favourable, telling her student she had arranged the time tables so that twice a week they would have free periods at the same time and would continue the training. However she would require a suitable room, to which Harry told her, he knew the perfect room and explained about the 'Room of Requirements.'
After lunch Harry had an impromptu lesson with the Transfiguration teacher, following Harry's night with Godric. Harry found the visualisation of the lion shape was much easier with first hand knowledge and after an exhausting four hour lesson, due to the teachers eagerness to exploit this. Harry had managed to transform his entire head into that of a lion and looking in the mirror found he had black markings round his eyes where his glasses had been and a lighting shape tuft of black on his otherwise golden furred head. The professor was impressed with his remarkable progress and rewarded him with news that Hagrid hoped to keep Godric for the duration of the first school term, with the excuse that he would also acquire a griffin. The students in Care of Magic Creatures would research the difference between the magical creature and that of one of its non magical relatives.
Harry returned to his room with a bit of a headache from the transfiguration of his own head, he settled at his desk to read the letters from his friends. Hermione's made Harry smile, she was already preparing for the new term and was her usual over excited self, so much so that for the first time since the start of the holidays, her letter didn't mention Ron once, instead concentrating on how much she couldn't wait to start the NEWT course and her fears she wouldn't be good enough. Harry knew this was as likely as Snape not trying to pick on Harry, he then thought about it, realising he would probably be the only Gryffindor in the potion lessons. She also said she was looking forward to seeing Harry again and that Professor McGonagall had sent an owl say you would be shopping on the last day of term and so the Weasleys had agreed to wait till then to do there shopping.
Ginny had sent her usual letter with all the gossip about the household, also telling Harry, Neville had returned to his Gran's for the rest of the holiday and signing off with the same sentiments she expressed in the garden at the Burrow, that she missed Harry and additionally she was looking forward to seeing him again in a week.
Ron's letter brought another grin to his face, Ron had been informed he was to be the new Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. He ranted about he was sure it should have been Harry, but maybe the Quidditch suspension last year had been taken into account. Harry knew he would have like to be captain, but also knew he wanted to be an Animagus more. Ron's years as a Quidditch fan made him tactically a much more suitable choice. Ron's letter also ended telling him he was looking forward to seeing Harry in a week.
Harry quilled replies to all his friends and folded them ready for Hedwig to take in a few days. Harry liked to have his Owl around for a little while and she had spent most of the holiday flying backwards and forwards to the Burrow and she needed the break. Then Harry having finished work on all his chosen subjects' days before, studied some advanced literature he had that he found to be on the reading list from Hogwarts, that he already owned. In particular he was surprised to find that the work he had done with Tonks on both charms and potions mirrored a good proportion of the first NEWT year's syllabus, knowing the first person Snape would ask a difficult question too would be himself, Harry was looking forward to shocking the sadistic teacher by knowing the answer.
In Harry's final week the lessons continued, and no effort was spared to use the best of the time, by either the teachers or Harry. They crammed in as much as possible before school restarted, Dobby insisted Harry ate more and more as according to the elf he was under weight. Harry couldn't help thinking, that maybe he was, for a weight lifter but the weeks of fencing had further developed his athletes physique. On the Wednesday night Harry spent another night with Godric, who had instantly recognised him and welcomed him like a friend. Following his second encounter, his transformation took another step forward being able to cover himself in golden fur which McGonagall claimed was extraordinary progress and he had obviously got his father talent in transfiguration. Also telling him that six months now sounded like a conservative estimate and she expected he might be fully transforming before Christmas. She did point out however that it was unlikely he would able to hold the form for very long.
Finally the day arrived when Harry was to leave for London. Harry had packed the previous night and in the morning he spent almost an hour thanking his teachers and exclaiming it was one of the best summers he had ever had. Harry was now walking towards Hogsmead accompanied by Tonks and under his invisibility cloak. Harry's Trunk floating behind him magically guided by Tonks, the pair went to 'The Three Broomsticks', to meet up with three other Aurors who the ministry had provided escort for Harry and his friends, until they reached Kings Cross station. The flu journey to 'The Leaky Cauldron' was uneventful and Harry easily slipped out from under his cloak in the pub, which was very crowded with parents and children doing last minute shopping, before the start of the new term. Tonks went and talked to Tom the proprietor organising the rooms for the night and leaving Harry's trunk with him, the five settled at a booth at the back of the room to wait for the arrival of the others. When Tom came and greeted them, Harry asked 'what they would like to drink?' and was told they where 'on duty', but Harry persuaded them to at least have a pumpkin juice and ordered five.
The Weasleys and Hermione arrived after about ten minutes, Ron first then Hermione and finally Ginny, Harry noticed they all wore shiny prefect badges; they spotted Harry and walked over to the table.
"Hia." Said Harry, "Good trip?" He added knowing they had come by flu and the journey took about three seconds.
"Hi Harry." Replied Hermione. "Not really, traffic round London was a nightmare as usual." Playing along and grinning at the confused looks on the others faces.
"Don't worry about it..." Harry said to the crowd "Muggle raised humour. Hi Ron, Ginny, congratulations on being the next in a long line of distinguished Weasley Prefects." still in a playful mood.
"Oh this ?" Said the fire haired girl, "It just fell outta my letter and mum seemed to think it was important, so I put it on to keep her happy, you know anything for a quiet life." She gave Tonks a grin "Red hair suits ya."
Harry laughed, long gone was the bashful little girl who used to hide when Harry entered the room, what was left was an attractive, quick witted and when she wanted to be fiery 15 year old who had grown up with six brothers.
Tonks winked at her, and Harry took charge again. "So you ready to torture us boys by dragging us round all the robe shops?" The three young women looked at each other and grinned. The party, having finished their drinks, exited the back of the pub and proceeded to Diagon Alley. Harry already had quite a lot of galleons left over from his previous trip but Hermione needed to change some muggle money for her supplies. Hermione always liked to take the lead when shopping and they visited Flourish and Botts the famous bookstore first, in order to purchase there book lists, Ginny had hers as she was taking mostly what Ron was taking the previous year, with the exception of Divination, she was taking Arithmancy and she had the Percy's old book. Harry had all but a couple of his, so bought them quickly and they hung back with the Aurors as the other two collected theirs.
"So you looking forward to your OWLs?" asked Harry.
"Most of them." She replied. "Hope we get a decent DADA teacher this year."
"Can't be much worse." said Harry. "I think most people did okay anyway."
"That's cause of you Harry; none of the fifth years who joined DA got less than an 'O'."
Harry blushed, Ginny was smiling at him and he saw a couple of Aurors shifting uncomfortably.
Hermione and Ron returned, Ron carrying two bags, Harry imagined mostly full of Hermione's books. The group departed and proceeded onto their next stop, Harry and Ginny restocked their potions kits, to comments from Ron that he couldn't believe Harry hadn't dropped potions, to which Harry replied he wanted to be an Auror and you had to have a potions NEWT. The unfamiliar Aurors all looked quite proud when they heard this comment from Harry. Harry thought it was because they were proud about their NEWTs, in reality they knew this was the famous Harry Potter, the boy had faced Voldemort more times than any other wizard alive and he wanted to be an Auror.
The company then entered Madam Malkins Robes and the boys stood to the side as the girls and Tonks wandered round the shop. Harry had all the robes he needed and Ron hadn't grown since last year, so it was only Hermione and Ginny, both having developed fuller figures, who needed he sets. Ginny had obvious used her present from becoming a prefect, to purchase some new day robes and was fitted with Hermione as Tonks commented on the fit or the hem. Once this was finished the boys made for the door having already been present for about an hour, but were immediately called back, as the girls intended to look at more formal wear.
Ron and Harry passed the time chatting about the Chudley Cannons season and how they had a new Seeker who had won them a couple of games, but they were still only languishing just above the bottom of the table. The conversation was interupted by a screech from Hermione bringing Ginny and Tonks over, she had in her hands a beautifully simple flowing pale white dress robe, which the others were informed would suit Ginny perfectly to nods of agreement from Tonks. The younger girl blushed slightly, Harry guessed she probably could not afford it, but gave in to the insistence of her peers and returned to the changing rooms to try it on. Hermione found herself a some robes in a soft violet, slightly more fussy but much more what Harry remembered her in from the previous Yule Ball.
The two girls returned some minutes later and walked to Tonks for her opinion, the boys both stood opened mouthed staring at the girls who looked stunning, each consentrating on a different girl, and after several compliments from the older woman the girls returned to the changing rooms. Now dressed in their ordinary clothes they return, quite unintentionally having given both Harry and Ron time to regain their composure.
Hermione gave her robe to the women at the counter telling her she would like it, while Ginny looking slightly embarrassed and a little upset told the shop assistant she 'would have to see what her mother thought'. After Hermione had paid they left for 'The Leaky Cauldron', when Harry turned to Tonks and nudged her slightly, "I've left my cloak in Madam Malkins Robes, I'll just go back and get it."
Tonks looked at Harry for a second then replied, "Right, I'll go with you..." Then turning to her colleagues. "You go on ahead and get a table we'll see you in there."
Harry and the young lady returned to the shop, Tonks checked to see the others go and turned to Harry and said, "You put your cloak in your bag earlier."
"I know replied Harry." Walking to the counter and asked the women at the counter, "The white robe, the young red haired girl tried on, do you still have it there?"
"Yes dear." Replied the women.
"Can I buy it please and get it delivered?"
"Of course dear, it will be 12 galleons for the robe and another 1 for delivery. Where would you like it delivered."
Harry turned to Tonks, "Will you do me a favour?"
The young women smiled and said "What is it?"
"The Weasleys haven't got a lot of money and I'd like to get it for Ginny, but I don't want her knowing I bought it yet. Could I have
it delivered to you? You could come to Hogwarts and give it to me some time, so she won't see an owl delivering it?"
Tonks grinned broadly, "Definitely, I always liked her; she's tough and has lots of spirit. You two make a nice couple."
Harry blushed and then his face straightened, looking slightly pained. "She's seeing a friend of mine Neville Longbottom, I'm just doing it because it will make her happy."
"Then I definitely can't refuse." And young Auror turned to the assistant and gave her the delivery address and Harry paid the bill and the pair left to meet up with the others in the dinner area of the wizarding pub.
*****