Summary:
AU: Sirius is dead, the ministry has acknowledged Voldemort's return, and the rift between Harry and everything around him deepens. Things are spinning out of control and many surprises are around the corner…..
Note:
This story is post-OoTP. It will cover the summer after Sirius' death and Harry's 6th school year. I may also extend it to include his 7th year, but I haven't decided. Not sure of the pairings yet. Harry will become involved with multiple girls/women, but will only ultimately fall for one. This story WILL contain sexual content, so if you don't like reading sex scenes, don't fuckin' read the story. It will also contain violence and coarse language, so meh.
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Previously:
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Harry gingerly got up off the bed. That action with Tonks had certainly made him rise. "So, what's this about a present?"
"Hmm?" Tonks asked dazedly. Then her face cleared of desire and its aftermath and she sobered up. "Oh, I figured I'd take you to Diagon Alley and buy you something. Although, I'm not sure what you might want."
Harry gave a nod as his crotch started to settle down. "We're going now?"
Tonks gave a nod as she put on the same clothes as last night. Her body morphed as she took on her regular appearance. "Yep, we're leaving now." And with that she grabbed his hand and they apparated.
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Chapter 7: Birthday
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Harry and Tonks reappeared in Diagon Alley. Harry looked around and noted that it all looked the same as it always did. Tom obviously hasn't hit Diagon Alley yet, he concluded.
Tonks grabbed his arm and began to drag him around. "Come on," she urged eagerly, like a kid after a lollipop. Harry resigned himself to being on his feet all day.
The duo visited numerous places; bookshops, petshops, Madam Malkins, and so on. Tonks had explained that she didn't have a specific present to give to Harry, so she'd brought him here so he could choose.
"So, you want me to pick something, and you'll buy it for me?" he asked.
"Within reason. I don't have as much money as you, after all."
"Uh, okay…"
Tonks let out a sound of exasperation. "Be excited, Harry! It's your birthday." Harry cringed as her loud voice caused one or two heads to swivel in their direction. "You know what," Tonks decided, "Let's get you a new cloak. A fancy one."
"I don't really care about fancy, Tonks," Harry argued. Tonks pouted as she lead him back to Madam Malkins.
"Don't complain, Harry. A fancy cloak will make all the girls want you."
Harry smirked arrogantly. "But I don't need all the girls to want me." He poked her in the side as he pointed out, "I've got you."
Tonks blinked at him, then narrowed her eyes. "And what the hell happened to the hesitant, stuttering guy from last night, huh?"
Harry ducked his head, beginning to feel ashamed of the way he was acting with Tonks. But isn't that how lovers act? Why does everyone else know these things except me?! I mean – holy god! – I bloody helped her get her rocks off this morning! Do people even do that during the day?! Do you learn these things with a family? Is this what fathers teach their sons?
He broke out of his thoughts as he saw Tonks still looking at him, waiting expectantly for an answer. "Yeah, well you told me to be confident, so that's what I'm doing," he said waspishly.
Tonks held up her hands in surrender. "Whoa, calm down Harry. I wasn't saying it's a bad thing. Just different. You're normally shy and insecure; this new confidence you have will take a bit of getting used to."
Harry ducked his head again, ashamed of his outburst. "Sorry," he muttered. "I'm just, like you said, trying to be more confident. I've never had much exposure to women, so I don't really know how to act, especially the morning after."
"Ooh, Harry, don't say 'morning after'. This wasn't a one night stand, after all."
"It wasn't?" Harry's heart started beating harder in his chest.
"Course not. I'm gonna train you up, so you're ready for all the beauties at Hogwarts," Tonks said with a smirk.
"So, we're… lovers?"
Tonks nodded.
Harry gave a genuine smile. "I think I'd like that." Then he frowned. "But Tonks… um, how do I say this?" Tonks looked at him quizzically and he just blurted it out. "I'm not in love with you."
Tonks chuckled, which was something Harry certainly hadn't expected. "You're something, Harry. Most guys would claim to love any girl just to get laid. I'm glad you're a truly honest and decent bloke." She saw his disbelieving look and continued on, "It's okay, Harry. I'm not in love with you either. I love you, but I'm not in love with you. Do you understand?"
They had paused in the doorway of Madam Malkins, looking intensely into each others eyes. Harry spoke first. "I understand the distinction Tonks. But I don't really know what love is in the first place."
Tonks just gave a knowing smile. "Yes, you do, Harry. And one day, you'll realise that." Then she turned and entered the store, leaving Harry to ponder for a moment before he followed her.
Madam Malkin had come out to greet Tonks and they were chatting. Harry noticed two other girls working over in a corner of the store, sifting and sorting through robes. Harry saw them give a glance at him, and he met their eyes. They blushed and looked away, giggling, then began to speak in frantic whispers, their eyes flying back to him every few seconds.
Harry just ignored them and tuned into Tonks' conversation. "Well, Nymphadora, what can I help you and Mr. Potter with today?"
Tonks growled at the name, then shrugged. An impish smile lit her face. "We're here to get Harry a fancy cloak; to impress all the ladies, you know?"
It was Harry's turn to growl. Both women smirked at him. "Well, follow me then Mr. Potter." Harry's shoulders slumped as he followed Madam Malkin towards the counter, and then past it. They entered a back room and he was led over to a single rack.
Tonks gave a whistle as she saw the cloaks that were on show. "Wow! Harry, you'll get so many girls if you wear this," she said, picking up an exquisite green robe that matched his eyes.
"I think I have just the thing," Madam Malkin exclaimed happily, her eyes lit with an inner fire that Harry didn't like the look of. She turned and walked away. Thirty seconds later she came back holding a robe that even Harry thought was wonderful. He gingerly reached out a hand to touch it, and felt shock hit him when he thought he was touching Honoria's feathers.
"Erm, forgive me, but… it looks like a plain black robe." Harry saw the Madam's look of ire and quickly amended, "I mean, you know, it's the finest robe I've ever seen, but, still… a black robe…" Harry almost quailed under her look.
"Hmmph! This robe happens to be my latest invention. I haven't even started selling it yet!"
Tonks jabbed Harry in the ribs with her elbow. Hard. "Well, try it on, you dolt!" Harry grumbled, then moved forward and put the robe around his shoulders. Tonks tied the robe around his neck with the string provided, causing the cloak to form an upside down v-shape. The front of the robe was open, allowing for Harry's second-hand clothes to be seen.
"So, it's not meant to keep you warm?" Harry questioned.
Madam Malkin narrowed her eyes, miffed. "Boys," she muttered. "No fashion sense, whatsoever." To her surprise, Harry smiled.
"That's why I brought dear Tonks with me; to help me pick out robes and such." Harry threw Tonks a genuine smile, and she couldn't resist smiling back.
Madam Malkin cleared her throat. "Isn't she a little bit old for you, Mr. Potter?" she questioned, picking up on the subtle vibe bouncing back and forth between the two.
Harry turned his gaze to the Madam and his smile faded, replaced by a look of complete apathy. His Occlumency was at full power, trying to keep his anger and emotions in check. He didn't want to be treated like a child! "I fail to see how that's any of your business." His voice was calm, but both women seemed to pick up on the threat behind it.
Madam Malkin smiled. "Ah, good to see our 'Chosen One' isn't afraid of conflict."
Harry scowled at her statement, and began to pace. Tonks' sound of amazement brought him to a stop. He followed her gaze and looked at the cloak he was wearing. The outside of the cloak was black and stayed that way. The inside, when he walked, shimmered either red or green. When he stood still, it returned to its original colour; grey. Harry raised a brow at Madam Malkin, silently asking the question.
She gave a proud smile. "It reacts to your innate nature. I modelled the colours off of the house colours from Hogwarts. You are obviously very cunning and very courageous."
Harry narrowed his eyes at her for a second, and his aura flared accidentally. Was she intimating that she knows that the Sorting Hat had almost put me in Slytherin? Madam Malkin took a step back, then exhaled in relief as Harry relaxed completely.
"How much for the cloak?" Tonks asked, trying to dissipate the remaining tension.
"Well, it'll be expensive when I market it. That cloak that Mr. Potter is wearing is a prototype of sorts. So, you can keep that cloak for one hundred galleons, but I expect you to send me some letters detailing some feedback about its performance." Her voice was still nervous and she glanced warily at Harry.
He gave an apologetic nod. "Of course," he said, his voice once again pleasant. He moved to pull out some money from his pockets when Tonks protested.
"Remember, Harry. It's your birthday! I'm buying the cloak." Harry scowled again.
"Fine," he sighed.
Madam Malkin wrapped up the cloak and they headed back out to the front of the store. Harry noticed that there were now four girls giggling and pointing at him. His gaze stayed on them steadily for a moment or two, and then passed on. He didn't blush, and felt slightly impressed with himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Madam Malkin whispering to Tonks.
Tonks purchased the robe and she and Harry exited the store. "How bout some lunch, Harry?"
"Sure, Tonks."
The Leaky Cauldron was sparsely populated when they arrived, and Tom rushed over to take their orders. Harry and Tonks enjoyed a meal of butterbeer and fish and chips.
"You know, Tonks, I think one hundred galleons was a bit too much for a birthday present," Harry grumbled.
"You can work it off with sex later on."
Harry looked pleased for a second, then hesitant. "I still think it's too much," he mumbled.
"Yeah? Well, I don't. Remember, Harry, we've been inside each other's heads. We know each other's most intimate secrets. I know exactly how many birthday presents you received when you were younger."
Harry scowled at the reminder of his useless relatives. But he let it go. He could tell that this was something Tonks really wanted.
"Fine. Then I suppose I could let you tell the press you slept with the Boy-Who-Lived, so you could have your fifteen minutes." Harry daintily examined his fingernails, as though he'd just given someone the greatest gift ever.
Tonks burst out into loud peels of laughter. "I see you're getting adjusted to your fame and all the attention, huh Harry?"
Harry was suddenly quieter, and Tonks knew he was still very uncomfortable with it all, but he was burying it all inside his occluded mind. "Yeah, well, gotta do it sooner or later."
Tonks smirked. "So, I saw those girls in Madam Malkins checking you out, lover."
Harry growled when he heard what she said, then paused and smiled as she spoke her final word. Lover, he thought. That sounds… nice.
"I also saw how much you didn't blush, Harry."
"Yeah, I felt kinda proud of myself for that."
"Well, we've still gotta toughen you up, my friend. You'll have all the girls rubbing up against you at school. Quite possibly some very blatant sexual propositions too."
"How much more blatant can you get than rubbing your body against someone?"
Tonks smirked and Harry knew he wouldn't like the answer. She leaned over, whispering right in his ear. "Harry," she purred, "I want you to pick me up, right now, and fuck me against the wall."
Harry blushed harshly, and his second-hand jeans were suddenly feeling very strained. He ducked his head and continued eating in silence. Tonks, with a smile, decided to let him calm down.
Eventually, Tonks told him that they should get back to Privet Drive.
Harry just sat there, staring out the window. "Tonks," he finally said.
"Yeah, Harry?"
He hesitated, then plunged on. "Where can I get a tattoo?"
Tonks blinked at such a random subject. "Erm… well, there's a place in Knockturn Alley, but I don't think you should get a tattoo, Harry."
Harry gave a small smile. "I think I should," he murmured. "I want to get a tattoo of a stag with a lily in its mouth, and a tattoo of a large grim, and a tattoo of a werewolf."
Tonks sat there with her mouth open, wondering where all this had come from. "Erm…"
Harry's small smile turned sad. "My mum is the lily, my dad is the stag, Padfoot's the grim, and Moony's the wolf."
Tonks' expression softened, but she was still hesitant. She bit her lip. "I don't know Harry. Maybe we could come back another day."
"No," Harry denied. "It can't be another day. It's got to be today. I don't know why." At Tonks' inquisitive look, he explained as best he could. "It's just… a feeling I've got. I don't know how to explain it. But, if I get them anytime after my sixteenth birthday, then they'll be meaningless. I don't know why or how, but that's the way it is."
Tonks let out a sigh. "Okay, Harry, we can do that. But I'm clearing out when Molly finds out. She'll kill me. And if there's any sign of trouble, no matter how small, we're out of there. Got it?"
Harry nodded gratefully and stood up.
----
Tonks had led Harry to a place in Knockturn Alley called Odds and Endz. It looked like a beauty salon, except you know, dark, and dreary, and all-together not a place he'd like to go. But still, something was pushing him in this direction, and he felt like he couldn't ignore it.
He pushed open the door and Tonks followed him. Harry saw one person having their hair cut. He did a double take and noticed it was done with scissors and clippers; the muggle way! Random, he thought. His observations were broken as a man came up to him. He was large, beefy, and, Harry thought, totally clichéd for a tattoo parlour.
"Somethin' I can help you with, kid?"
Harry raised his chin and straightened his shoulders. "Need a tattoo."
The man grunted, then turned around beckoning for Harry to follow him.
It was over two hours later that he came out of the backroom. After half an hour Tonks had tried to barge in, and Harry had yelled at her to promptly 'get the fuck out'. She had then taken to pacing back and forth for the better part of the next hour and a half, waiting impatiently.
Harry walked out, occasionally grimacing in pain, but with a satisfied smile on his face.
"What the hell took you so long?!" Tonks demanded. "I was going spare!"
"I got four tattoos, Tonks. It wasn't a single tattoo, and therefore it takes more time."
"Don't get smart with me! Jesus, I thought you'd been abducted or something!"
Harry could see that the waiting had really stressed Tonks out. She had obviously been really worried about him.
"I'm sorry, Tonks," Harry said with an apologetic smile. "I didn't know it was going to take that long. I'm glad you waited, and didn't go nuts or call Dumbledore or something."
Tonks glowered at him. "Probably should've," she muttered darkly. Then her expression softened and she gave a dramatic sigh. "Come on then, Harry. Let's get out of here."
Harry paid the man, collected Tonks and together they stepped outside. Tonks took a hold of his arm and they disappeared with a pop.
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They appeared back at Privet Drive with only a single bag. Normally when he came back from Diagon Alley, Harry had a whole trunk full of new books and stuff. I guess I'll have to go again closer to September.
Harry slumped on his bed, and Tonks plopped down next to him. "Hey, Tonks."
"Yeah?"
"What was Madam Malkin whispering at you?"
"Oh, well, contrary to your beliefs, she has added a few charms to your cloak. It will react to your innate nature, and she added warming charms, and impervious charms, so things won't spill. And there's also automatic cleaning charms, and a few other things."
"Oh. Cool. I thought for a second she was giving you a lecture about us hooking up."
"No, she wasn't." Tonks took on a thoughtful look. "Although, if it becomes public knowledge, then a lot of people are going to have opinions."
Harry snorted. "A lot of people? Try everyone. Bloody nosy gits."
"Hey, I used to be a nosy git. I used to read up about any and all news about you."
Harry raised an eyebrow in disbelief, then just shrugged. "Whatever."
"So when do I get to see these tattoos, lover?"
Harry gave a cheeky smile. "Not for awhile. I've gotta leave bandages on them for twenty four hours. So, not until tomorrow."
Tonks pouted, then relaxed, moving closer to Harry on the bed.
The silence resumed for a while, and Harry felt relaxed. His mind was calm and soothed. Listening to Tonks breathing was surprisingly therapeutic. After about fifteen minutes, Harry spoke. "So what's happening for the rest of the day?"
Tonks took a minute before answering. "Well, you've got the rest of the afternoon with me, and then we're heading to Grimmauld Place for the night. I know you don't really want to go there, but Dumbledore wants to see you."
Harry let out a sigh. It was true; he didn't want to go to Grimmauld Place. All the memories of Sirius would just be too fresh there. Harry would wander through the halls, expecting the shaggy haired mutt to come around the next corner and start yelling for Kreacher. Of course, Sirius was dead, so when Harry next saw Kreacher he wouldn't be yelling; Kreacher would be dead too. "Why can't I talk to Dumbledore here?"
"Dunno. He just said he wants me to bring you to HQ."
Another sigh from the Boy-Who-Lived. "It won't do me any good to act like a spoilt child and tell him I don't want to go, will it?"
Tonks grinned. "Probably not. Besides," she turned to Harry, "I don't shag childen."
Harry let out a bark of laughter before Tonks jumped him, pressing her lips firmly to his.
----
Harry materialised in a pillar of flame as he arrived at Grimmauld Place. Honoria had brought him straight into Buckbeak's room. The hippogriff, temporarily startled, looked warily at Harry and his companion.
"Hello Buckbeak," Harry murmured quietly. He took a step forward and bowed, waiting for Buckbeak to reciprocate. The hippogriff did, then purred as Harry moved forward and stroked its feathers. "I'll bet you miss Sirius almost as much as me, don't you boy?"
Buckbeak kept purring.
Harry looked around the room, noticing how worn the walls were, how dirty and unkept everything was. Sirius had been trapped in this place. This room, this house. He'd liked playing with Buckbeak, feeding him rats, probably wishing one of them was Wormtail. But Sirius was gone now; Harry had to let him go. "You're free now, Padfoot," Harry whispered. "You and Prongs can ride again."
Sad phoenix song filled the room, quietly rendering Harry some comfort. The phoenix lament continued for a minute or two, before dropping off slowly.
Harry moved to the door, then turned for one last look about Sirius' favourite room. "Be at peace," he whispered reverently. Honoria gave one final cry of sorrow and then disappeared in a green flash. Harry opened the door and moved out. Heading downstairs, he opened the kitchen door. Just like last year when he arrived, there was a loud shriek before Harry found his vision obscured by even bushier hair. He felt something collide hard with him, something smashed into his chin and with a grunt he collapsed onto his back, the thing still latched onto him.
Harry blinked as black dots threatened his vision. His head had smacked hard on the floor. Voices were now screaming his name as he slowly reached up and felt the back of his head. "Ow," was all he managed. The weight was lifted off him and he blinked as someone started shaking him, still calling his name. His eyes finally cleared enough to make out a shape he'd spent the afternoon worshipping. "Tonks," he whispered. "What the hell hit me?"
Tonks ignored him, waving her wand over his body as Molly Weasley rushed over to help. Harry heard someone crying in the background and his eyes focused on Hermione Granger's tearful form. Right, she hit me… why did she hit me? Something poked his head and he instantly felt better, a dull pain the only evidence that any such event had taken place. Gingerly testing his limbs, he allowed Tonks to help him up. He leaned on her as he hesitantly surveyed the room.
There was the majority of the Weasley clan, Remus, Hermione, Tonks, Mad-Eye, Kingsley and… Fleur? Hermione was sniffling quietly, her eyes downcast. Everyone else was looking expectantly at Harry, some with smiles, others with calculating gazes (Mrs Weasley was no doubt checking to see if he had eaten enough over the last few weeks).
Harry's first action was to reach up and rub his head, then his chin. "Ow," he said again. Ron gave a guffaw at Harry's movements. After all, Harry never really was a talkative one. "Alright mate?" he said, coming over to (more gently than normal) slap Harry on the back.
"Yeah, alright. Just got a sore head," Harry murmured.
Hermione took hesitant steps forward. "Harry, I'm so sorry! I was just so happy to see you, I didn't think about what I was doing. Oh, I'm so sorry, please, I – "
"It's fine," Harry interrupted, his voice softly spoken. "Just… be gentler next time, or don't do it again." There was no censure in his voice, no indication that he was angry in any way, yet Hermione still flinched. However, she was happy enough that he'd forgiven her that she just nodded her head eagerly.
Another voice spoke, this one much more cheerful. Well, a pair of voices, really. "Well Harry, our esteemed backer – "
" – you're looking mighty comfortable there – "
" – snuggled up to Tonks – "
" – all cozy like – "
" – is there anything we should know?"
Harry gave a soft smile and ignored the question. "It's good to see everyone."
"But Harrikins," they pressed on, "you and Tonks!"
Harry raised a brow and tilted his head. "Me and Tonks?" He looked at her at length, objectively studying her, then he turned back to the waiting crowd. "Oh, yeah, we've been shaggin'."
There was instant pandemonium. The twins abruptly got up and prostrated themselves infront of Harry, proclaiming his godly-status. Hermione and Ginny gasped. Ron goggled at them. Harry noticed a flash of pain across Remus' face for an instant before it was gone. Molly Weasley was by far the most vocal. Her screams and denials raged for a good minute or two before she finally demanded an explanation. Abruptly, the pandemonium stopped, and utter silence reined; everyone was waiting to hear Harry spoke.
"Yeah. You might not believe me, but we've been shagging like rabbits. Nearly five years now. You see," he enjoyed the comedic looks of disbelief and bewilderment, "when I found out I was a famous wizard at age eleven, I called around. Went through half the phonebook, searching for other wizards like me. Called everyone. Eventually came across Tonks and her family and we've been shagging for nearly five years now."
Tonks was nodding along eagerly, playing the story up. "Best sex ever." It was at this time that she, Harry, Ginny and the twins burst out into ridiculous laughter. Tonks lost her balance, her face red, and dragged Harry down with her as he pounded the floor, trying to breathe enough to laugh some more.
Eventually it all quieted down and everyone heard Molly's sighs of relief as she sat down, clutching her heart, berating Harry for scaring her so much.
"Well," Harry spoke up to the room in general, "It might happen one day." He threw a wink at Tonks, who was only now standing back up.
Hermione gasped again. "Harry," she scolded, "when did you get so, so… flirty?"
Harry moved and put an arm around her shoulder. "What? Don't like it?"
He noticed Ron seething slightly behind him. Harry turned and winked at him too. "Don't worry mate, I won't steal her from you."
Ron sputtered, his face colouring as he tried to deny his attraction to the bushy haired witch next to Harry.
She, however, was scowling. "I'm not his for you to steal from, Harry! And what's happened to you?! After everything with Sirius – "
The reaction was predictable. Harry unlooped his arm from around her shoulders and stepped back. His face, especially his eyes were completely empty as he stared over her shoulder at the wall. "I'm hungry," he interrupted in a flat voice.
Everyone took the hint, bustling around to present plates of food and drink to him. Well, everyone except Hermione; and like always, she pressed on bossily. "But Harry, we need to talk about Sirius. You didn't say anything about it in your letter about how you're coping. You need to talk about it! You can't keep bottling it up inside! You – "
Her speech was stopped as Ron clamped a hand over mouth very tightly. Tonks was watching the drama from the a spot next to Remus, shaking her head. Harry finally turned his empty eyes from the wall. They met Hermione's and she felt sadness grip her. There was nothing there. "We're done here," Harry said with finality. Then he turned around and walked away, heading back upstairs.
Tonks followed, leaving a silent room full of people.
Ron turned on Hermione. "Damnit, Hermione! We talked about this! You know Harry'll never want to talk about it! Why can't you let it go?!"
"So what?!" she demanded. "We let him wallow in grief and self pity?! And don't swear at me, Ronald Bilius Weasley!"
Ron winced at the use of his middle name while Fred and George began cackling. Molly began making more food. "Well," she said, "we'll just wait for him to come back down, and then we'll have the party, just like planned. The poor dear. He really loved Sirius."
Mad-Eye, Kingsley and Remus had taken to conferring in the corner. "Boy looks better," Mad-Eye said gruffly. "Well fed."
Kingsley nodded sagely, his voice deep and soothing. "Looks like the muggles took our warning to heart."
Remus sighed sadly. "Wouldn't be too sure of that. I think Dumbledore's had Dobby the house elf around there, supplying Harry with extra food and such."
"Ruddy muggles," Mad-Eye grouched. "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Meanwhile, Fleur had waited a few minutes before following Tonks upstairs. She found them in Buckbeak's room, sitting on the floor, leaning against each other, talking peacefully.
"Eet was a bold play," she said, stepping fully into the room.
Tonks jerked her head around to stare at Fleur; Harry didn't move. He'd sensed her coming, heard the door open. His training with Albus was paying off. "What was?" he asked.
Fleur smiled beautifically. "Pretending to be lovairs. Zey may not 'ave guessed ze truz."
Harry raised a brow while Tonks looked panicked. "How do you know?!" she demanded.
"Well, you're reaction downstairs gave eet away. When 'Arry zed you 'ad been shaggeeng. You turned red, like ze youngest Weazley does when I am een ze room. And zen zere's my veela senses, wheech indicated a sexual tenzion between you two."
Harry gave a chuckle. "Yeah, Ron does tend to embarrass himself whenever you're around, doesn't he."
Fleur gave a soft tinkling laugh that Harry couldn't help but like. It set him at ease. Then Fleur spoke to Tonks. "So," she said, eagerness clearly written on her face, "'ow was 'e?" She continued looking at Tonks but tilted her head at Harry.
Harry realised what she was asking and fought down a blush. He cleared his throat and ducked his head.
Tonks laughed next to him, then reached up and scruffed up his hair. "He was bloody magnificent."
This time the blush did come; Harry couldn't stop it. "I doubt there's any legitimate reason for us to discuss how good of a shag I am," he growled.
Tonks and Fleur both laughed, completely ignoring his statement. "I am glad," Fleur spoke. "Eet would not do for ze Boy-Who-Leeved to be bad een bed." She waited another few seconds before asking, "Eet was your first time, oui, 'Arry?"
Harry's face burned fiercely. He gave a very reluctant nod.
Fleur turned back to Tonks. "'E deedn't come early?"
"Oh, my god!" Harry blurted. "I cannot believe you just asked that!"
"Actually," Tonks spoke up, "she makes a good point. You didn't come early, and yet it was your first time. And I know there was a lot of alcohol, but you were still nervous as hell." She raised an blonde eyebrow. "Care to explain?"
"Its – I… I was… I used Occlumency alright?! To help, you know, control it or whatever."
Tonks giggled and Fleur gave a sad sigh. "Ah… eef only most men could control zemselves like 'ou, 'Arry."
Harry growled again, but Fleur continued speaking. "Anyway 'Arry, let's go back downstairs. I am 'ungry! Come on, Nympheedora." Then she swept out of the room.
Harry stopped blushing he and Tonks shared an amused glance, then got up and followed her downstairs. By the time they entered the kitchen, Harry had his temper and emotions under firm control.
----
Harry was sitting at the kitchen table, a small smile gracing his handsome face. It was nearing midnight and his party was raging around him; everyone was cheerful, laughing, having fun. He only wished Sirius was still here. He took another swig from his glass. He was drinking Firewhiskey, a practice that Mrs Weasley had tried to rid him of. Remus had stuck up for him however, and now the adults around him were joining him in a drink. Ron had complained bitterly about how Harry got to drink alcohol while he couldn't. Everyone else, including the twins, was drinking butterbeer.
Empty food plates were laid out on the table and a bunch of unopened presents were stacked down the end. Harry was still uncomfortable with receiving gifts from people, but he liked the idea behind it. The idea that someone liked you enough to spend money on you. To the people around him, this was probably something they took for granted, but Harry had always found it a strange concept. Comes with growing up with the Dursleys; bloody pricks!
Hermione was currently trying to talk to Harry; he wasn't really paying that much attention. "Harry, listen to me. I know its painful, but you have to talk about it, you can't – "
"Hermione," he interrupted in a terribly soft voice. "I do not wish to talk about it."
"But, Harry – "
Harry got up and moved around the table, wondering through all the guests. Ron, Ginny and the twins were talking emphatically about quidditch and pranks; Kingsley, Molly and Arthur were conversing about the state of the government in the time of war. Harry continued his wondering until he entered a conversation with Remus, Tonks and Mad-Eye. "So Harry," Tonks said, "got any special plans for your birthday tomorrow?"
Harry flashed a grin. "Well, since we've been shagging for five years, we might as well continue tomorrow night." Tonks choked on her drink as the rest of the group shared a laugh. Harry downed another mouthful of his drink.
"Harry," Remus said softly, something like sorrow in his voice. "I hate to bring it up, especially at a time like this, but… Sirius' will-reading is the day after tomorrow, at Gringotts. You and I and Tonks have to attend."
Harry was quiet for a minute, contemplating. "It's alright, Moony," he said at length. "I've known this was coming for a while now."
An uncomfortable silence suddenly came between Harry and Remus. It was broken when Mad-Eye suddenly spoke up. "Got a present for you, lad," he said, producing a package from somewhere behind his back.
Harry hesitantly accepted the package. "Thanks, Mad-Eye," he murmured shyly. He placed it on the table with all the rest of his presents.
"Well, open it boy! Don't leave it for anyone to find! That's how things go pear-shaped!"
"What things have you ever seen go pear-shaped, Mad-Eye? Besides pears?" Tonks asked.
"He raises a good point," Moony said with a mischievous grin. "Time to open presents, Harry."
Harry groaned at Moony's raised voice. He'd spoken louder and now everyone was crowding around Harry and his stack of presents. Remus forced Harry down into a chair and passed him Mad-Eye's gift. Harry sighed and unwrapped it. A book fell into his hands. Harry raised a brow and opened the book, scanning quickly through the pages. "Is this what I think it is?" he asked sharply, raising his head.
Mad-Eye Moody grinned. "Sure is lad. Heard you wanted to join the Auror Corp. Figured that might give you a head start."
Harry nodded and looked down at the scrappy book. It contained the majority of Moody's Auror strategies and spells, as well as data on current, past and suspected Death Eaters. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "This will be very useful."
Harry then proceeded to unwrap the rest of his presents. The twins gave him a mischief starter pack from their shop. Ron's gift was, predictably, a Chudley Cannons poster and cap. The rest of the Weasleys had banded together and bought him a dragon-hide wand holster. Harry was very appreciative of that gift. Remus had brought Harry a new guitar. This drew a lot of queries from Ron and Arthur as to just what a guitar was and did. Kingsley explained that he'd added some contributions to Moody's gift. Fleur gave him a Charms book, although Harry couldn't figure out why. When he asked, she just winked, causing Harry to nod, and Ron to flush and stammer.
Harry opened Hermione's gift and froze. It was a book, obviously. But it was the title of the book that caught his attention. Human Psychology 101: Dealing With Grief. Harry looked briefly at Hermione, then put the book down far away from himself and ignored it. "Thank you," came his polite speech.
Frigid tension filled the room, thankfully broken by the opening of the kitchen door. Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonogall walked in, both smiling. Well, Albus was smiling, his eyes twinkling. Professor McGonogall was trying to stretch her lips into what might have passed as a smile.
"Evening, Potter," she spoke. "And happy birthday."
Harry nodded to her with a small smile. "Thank you, Professor."
Dumbledore walked up to Harry and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hello, Harry."
Harry gave a friendly smile. "Albus."
Shocked gasps erupted around the room. Mrs Weasley scowled disapprovingly at Harry's use of Dumbledore's given name. Ron goggled once again at Harry, although this time not for claiming he was sleeping with Tonks. Hermione immediately launched into a lecture about showing proper respect.
"Harry James Potter! What's the matter with you! You don't address the Headmaster by his first name! Where are your manners?! You're lucky he doesn't give you det – "
Hermione's rave was interrupted by a chuckle from the Headmaster. "It's quite alright, Miss Granger. I asked Harry to address me in such a way many weeks ago, during one of his training sessions."
"Oh! I completely forgot! Harry! You haven't told us about your training yet!"
Harry ignored her and looked at Albus. "What are you doing here?" More gasps rang around the room, and most people thought this an incredibly rude question.
Albus however, just twinkled those thrice-damned eyes. "Ah, well there are a few purposes to this visit, my friend. The first, I'm sorry to say, is about Sirius. His will reading will be held – "
"I know."
Albus bowed his head in acknowledgement. "The other two purposes are far more joyous. One is to give you a birthday present. And the other is dependent upon you, and must wait until it truly is your birthday."
Harry tilted his head questioningly, but knew better to ask. The Headmaster liked his riddles, after all. "Okay," he said instead, his confusion evident in his voice.
"Excellent. Now, young Harry, here is your gift. I believe it may come in very useful." He reached in a pulled something out of his pocket, placing it on the table. Then, tapping it with his wand, the whole room watched as the item slowly began growing to its original size. A beautiful porcelain bowl now sat on the table. Golden runes were arrayed around the edges.
"What is it?" Ron asked dumbly.
"It's a pensieve," Harry murmured. Harry slowly reached out a hand and reverently traced one of the runes. A bright gold spark flashed where his fingers touched the pensieve and he felt a tingle run up his arm. Harry looked questioningly at Dumbledore.
"The pensieve has just formed a bond with you, Harry. Now, only you and those you designate can use the pensieve without suffering severe consequences."
"Excellent!" Ron exclaimed excitedly. "Now we can put memories of Snape in there and watch him get pranked and stuff a million times over and over again!"
Hermione frowned, then brightened. "Professor Snape, Ron! Oh, this is great Harry! Now you can show us your memories! We can see - "
"I'm not showing you my memories, Hermione."
Molly was scolding her son. Tonks and Remus grinned appreciatively at Ron's comment. It was Hermione's idea however that prompted Harry's next action. He picked up the book that Fleur had given him on charms. He was rifling through pages when he suddenly smiled, a satisfied look on his face. He eagerly read a passage from the book, then pulled his wand out of his pocket. Ignoring everyone's gasp at his wand, he pointed it at the pensieve and spoke. "Absigmum." A blue light flashed around the pensieve, and Harry spoke again. This time, however, it was not in Latin, it was in the hissing tongue of serpents. /s/ Padfoot and Prongs ride again! /s/
Everyone flinched as they heard him speaking Parseltongue. Harry gave a satisfied smile. "There we go. The password is set."
"Password?!" Ron demanded. "You set the password to snake-talk? How the hell am I supposed to use it now?!"
Harry looked up with a completely composed expression, nothing showing on his face. "That's the point. You can't." Ron gawked at him as he looked around the room, meeting everyone's eyes. "No one can."
He noticed Ron and Hermione sharing a conspiratorial look.
Remus, thank merlin, spoke up in the awkward silence (seem to be a lot of them). "Harry, what about your gift from Tonks? Haven't opened it yet."
Harry gave Remus an appreciative look for covering the moment. "I already know what it is, Moony. I was there when she bought it for me."
"Well, open it anyway."
Harry shrugged and reached for Tonks' gift. Then he froze.
It's time, young one…
"Who said that?" he asked, looking around the room.
Everyone looked confused. It was Ginny who spoke up. "Said what, Harry?"
"Someone just said 'it's time' to me."
"No one spoke, Harry. We were all watching you open your present."
Harry frowned and slowly stood up. Somebody spoke to me, he insisted to himself. I've heard that voice before.
Harry's thoughts on the matter were put on hold as his head suddenly throbbed. "Ouch," he hissed. His left hand moved up, cupping his head, trying to dull the pain. It wasn't his scar. What the hell's going on?!
Darkness was invading his vision and he strained to fight it. He dimly saw Honoria flash in front of him, crooning a soothing song to him. He heard, as if through a solid foot of concrete, someone calling his name. His last thought before he fell into darkness was that he wished Sirius was there.
Just before he completely blacked out, the voice spoke again, from the surrounding darkness.
You are not only Tom Riddle's Chosen One, young one…
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A/N: Okay, I didn't like how this chapter came out. Just doesn't sit right with me, and I might change it at a later date, but couldn't be fucked at the moment, so meh. Really just filler anyway, I guess.
Anyway, I've been trying to portray Hermione in a light where she's trying to get Harry to open up about Sirius and his childhood and all his problems. I think that's obvious, but what I failed to make obvious is that she does care for Harry. She just believes that the only way for him to heal is for him to talk to her. She's used to being the person he comes to with problems, and that'll change in this story. By trying to get him to open up, she'll inadvertently push him further away each time. I took the idea from a story by fakeasmile called Taking Control. Good story, btw.
So, yeah, Hermione's pushing Harry too hard. Meanwhile, Ron'll be the opposite. He figures Harry will never want to talk about Sirius, so he doesn't talk about it. He's fine with that. He'll also be busy trying to contain his jealousy in the first half of the school year. So, essentially, Harry will be rather short of confidantes, and it'll eventually push him to do something he never ever thought he would. But that's something I don't want to give away (evil grin).
So, the story might be a bit dry atm, so bear with me. Oh, and the tattoos will have meaning later on in the story. Please R&R!
