Disclaimer: It's JKR's rather than mine. She kindly shares.
Chapter 7
Mistakes
When Harry arrived in his scheduled classroom, several strange adults were having a heated discussion about some problem. A thin, blonde witch approached Harry and asked, "Who are you and what class are you here for?"
Curious about what had happened, Harry answered, "I'm Harry Potter," the witch did the customary sweep of her eyes to stare at Harry's scar as he continued, "I'm here for the duties of a head of family class."
She looked at him strangely and asked, "What about house elves?"
"What about them?" asked Harry.
"Are you in that class, too?" she inquired.
"No," said Harry, "I tested out of that one."
"Thank Merlin," said the witch.
"Drew," she said. An extremely tall wizard of about forty years of age with ebony hair and Elvis-like sideburns looked up. "This one is here for the head of family class. He tested out of house elves."
"Come with me, young man," said Drew marching Harry out of the classroom and down the hall. The wizard talked very fast. "I'm Andrew McGonagall. I teach the headship class. Some how the ministry scheduled the house elf and headship classes at the same time, which normally would be fine, but three of the people in my class are also in the house elf class. We didn't discover the problem until Justin Finch-Fletchley pointed it out during his courtship and marriage class this morning."
"What are you going to do?" asked Harry curiously as he followed the talkative wizard.
"I don't know," said McGonagall. "Something will have to be rescheduled, but I don't know what. It would have been fine, but all of the house elf and head classes meet at the same time."
Drew McGonagall opened a door some distance from the original classroom. Inside waited Seamus Finnegan. "Hi, Harry," said Seamus.
"Hi, Seamus," said Harry.
McGonagall looked at Seamus and said, "I'm Drew McGonagall. Please tell me you are here for the head of family class."
Seamus smiled. "I am, sir," he said.
McGonagall smiled, "Thank Merlin," he said.
Before he could tell Seamus the tale of the mixed up classes, the blonde witch came into the room with Justin trailing behind her. "Okay, Drew," she said, "this is what we've come up with. Mr. Finch-Fletchley here," she indicated Justin, "needs this class more than he needs house elves since he's heir to a dukedom. The other two will alternate with house elves one block and this class the other. Hopefully, with your study guide and the etiquette and politics classes, they will be able to keep up. The other two will join you after the break."
"What will Mr. Finch-Fletchley do about his house elf requirement?" asked McGonagall.
"He'll do it as an independent study," she replied. "He'll take quizzes and exams and turn in homework on Sundays at seven. I'll also talk to him during breaks and meal times if he has any questions."
"I suppose that will have to do," said McGonagall. "Next summer, this problem will be taken care of, I suppose?"
"I'm sure it will be," agreed the witch. "I guess no one realized that someone who needed your class would need house elves as well. Mr. Finch-Fletchley," she continued turning to Justin, "I will see you during the break in my classroom to give you the study guide and a brief outline of what we will cover today."
"Yes, Miss Lane," said Justin.
"Well, gentlemen," said McGonagall, "let's have a seat."
At the front of the classroom was a round conference table with six chairs. McGonagall sat in the middle seat in front of which were several stacks of parchment and books. "I am Drew McGonagall," he said. "Welcome to duties of the head of a family. I'm sure you all know each other, but for my benefit, tell me who you are."
The teacher faced Seamus who stood and said, "Hello, sir, I am Seamus Robert Finnegan. Upon the death of my grandfather, hopefully, in the far distant future, I will become head of the O'Hara family." Seamus then returned to his seat.
McGonagall looked at Harry who took a deep breath and, doing his best to copy Seamus, said, "Hello, sir, I am Harry James Potter. Upon the death of my father, nearly fifteen years ago, I became head of the Potter family. Recently, upon the death of my godfather, I became head of the Black family. Next summer, on my seventeenth birthday, I will assume the titles and duties of Lords Potter and Black." Harry then took the chair next to Seamus.
McGonagall smiled at Justin and nodded. "Hello, sir," said Justin, "I am Justin Talmadge Finch-Fletchley and, upon the death of my grandfather, the Duke of Antheon, I will assume his title, and, in the wizarding world, at least, become head of my family though I am unsure if that means the Finches or the Fletchleys." He quickly seated himself in the chair next to Harry.
"Mr. Finch-Fletchley," said McGonagall drily, "as long as your father is alive, you cannot become head of the Finch-Fletchleys." He paused a moment and said, "Now, let me introduce myself. I am Andrew Brian McGonagall. Upon my grandfather's death some twenty years ago, I assumed the headship of the Gordon family and the title, Lord Gordon. As no sons lived to carry on the name, as per the tradition in my family, I gave my grandfather's name to my sons rather than my father's; however, upon my father's death, hopefully in the far distant future, I will also assume the duties of head of his family. Fortunately, since I have male cousins and a younger brother as well, my father's family name will not die out. Are any of you Gryffindors?"
"We are," said Harry and Seamus together as they pointed at each other. "Then I am sure you know my mother quite well. She's head of Gryffindor House and teaches transfiguration at Hogwarts." Harry could see a resemblance between the man before him and his head of house.
Harry raised his hand. Drew nodded at him and so Harry said, "Sir, I had lunch with Professor McGonagall today and she asked that I tell you 'hello.'"
Drew smiled, and said, surprising them all, "Since we are all of equal standing, you will call me 'Drew' and I will call you Seamus, Harry, and Justin. The first lesson in being the head of a family," he continued ignoring their looks of surprise, "is to feel comfortable enough around other family heads to call them by their first names. You don't have to like them or be friends, but you never know when you might have to arrange a marriage or, Merlin forbid, resolve a custody or property dispute with someone years older or younger than yourself. Some families use the great ages of their heads to intimidate families whose heads are young, like you, Harry. In this class, you will learn how to avoid that."
Drew handed them study guides, textbooks, and syllabi and the three boys took massive amounts of notes. When the break chime sounded, Drew reminded Justin to seek out the blonde witch, whom he called Melly, and told the others he'd see them in ten minutes.
Since neither Seamus nor Harry had attended a previous class, Drew directed them to the restrooms and student lounge area located just down the hall.
Hermione pounced on Harry the moment he arrived in the lounge. "Where have you been," she demanded, forcefully grabbing his upper arm. "I was so worried when you didn't come to courtship and marriage and when I mentioned it to Professor Flitwick, he told me you were excused for that class. Then when you never came to house elves I was sure something terrible had happened to you."
Harry looked around to be sure no one was listening to their conversation and said, "I had to go to the reading of Sirius's will this morning. Afterward, I had lunch with some of the other heirs. I'm not taking house elves; I have head of family instead."
Hermione's expression was a peculiar cross between sympathy and ire. Sympathy won out. "Oh, Harry," she said engulfing him in a strong hug, "was it very awful? Are you okay?"
Harry pulled away and said, "It wasn't so bad. Draco Malfoy wanted to contest the will, but his mother wouldn't let him. Sirius let Tonks's mum back into the family and kicked Bellatrix LeStrange out. He gave Mrs. Malfoy control of some investments. That's why she wouldn't let Draco contest. If he had lost, she'd have lost the investments. They must be pretty important to her."
"What about Professor Lupin and Dumbledore and you?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"He left Professor Lupin some gold and permission to marry Tonks. He's now my godfather. After everyone else inherited, he left the rest to me. He didn't leave anything to Dumbledore though. I think it was because Dumbledore was the executor," added Harry quietly. "Oh, and he left Snape some money to find a cure for lycanthropy and started a foundation to administer distribution of the cure once it's found and to watch over Snape to be sure he actually uses the money on finding a cure. He left some money to Tom at the Leaky Cauldron and his family—he said because of all they'd done for him—and some to McGonagall to watch out for me at school, and he made Tonks's parents my legal guardians. That's all I remember," he finished.
Before Hermione could ask any more questions, the chime signaling the end of the break period sounded and Harry left to return to his class.
"Harry," called Hermione, "I'll meet you back here and we'll go to dinner."
Harry waved a hand in her direction and hurried back to class.
Drew entered soon after the five boys and took his seat at the table. He continued teaching as if there were not two students present who had not attended the first half the class. About ten minutes before the end of the class, Drew introduced himself to Dean Thomas and Stephen Moon and gave them the course materials. He assigned some reading for homework and told them he would see them at seven.
When the students remained in their seats, Drew looked at them and asked, "Did you not realize I just dismissed the class?"
The boys did not need telling twice. They quickly gathered their things and exited the classroom.
Harry visited the loo and then waited on Hermione in the lounge area. He used the time to make a start on the reading for the homework assignment in case he needed it for the seven o'clock session of the class. The material was interesting and he was almost finished reading it when Hermione called his name. Harry folded down his page to mark his place and put the textbook back into his backpack.
"What was that," asked Hermione curiously.
"The textbook for HOF," said Harry.
"What's HOF," asked Hermione, confused.
"Head of Family," replied Harry. "That's what Drew told us to call it."
"Who's Drew," Hermione asked.
"Drew McGonagall," answered Harry. "He's Professor McGonagall's son. Anyway, he teaches the class."
"You shouldn't call your instructor by his first name, Harry," admonished Hermione firmly.
Annoyed, Harry snapped, "First of all, Hermione, he told us to call him Drew. Second of all, all family heads call each other by their first names because we're on the same level—it's an important rule we all must follow. Finally, do you know how confusing it would be for us to refer to him as McGonagall. No one would ever know which one we meant."
"Well, it still seems disrespectful," said Hermione placatingly. "Come on, it's been a long day and we're both tired and hungry. Let's visit the ministry cafeteria and see what's for dinner."
Tiredly, Harry agreed and, offering his arm to his friend, left the lounge area to walk toward the lifts.
As they waited for the next lift to arrive, a familiar bubble-gum pink-haired auror stepped toward them. "Wotcher, Harry, Hermione," she said smiling. "Mum and Dad think they've solved everything and want you to have dinner with us in the cafeteria. You're welcome to join us, Hermione."
"We were just headed to the cafeteria for some dinner," said Harry, "so that works out great."
Hermione hesitantly asked, "Are you sure your parents won't mind me joining you? I don't want to be in the way."
"They won't mind in the least," promised Tonks entering the recently arrived car. They chatted about inconsequential things as the lift made its way to the main floor of the ministry. Tonks led the way to the cafeteria. Andie and Ted waved to them from a table located in the center of the room. Harry was surprised to see Lupin and Moody sitting with them. The trio hurried over to the table as the gentlemen rose and Andromeda said, "Hello, Harry, Dora. And who is this?"
"Oh," said Harry, "Hermione Granger, these are Tonks's parents, Andromeda and Edward Tonks. Mr. and Mrs. Tonks, this is one of my best friends, Hermione Granger."
"It's lovely to meet you, Miss Granger," said Andromeda. "I hope to meet more of Harry's friends soon."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Tonks," said Hermione. "Sirius told us that you were his favorite cousin."
"After me, of course," said Tonks. "Wotcher Remus, Mad-Eye. Hello, Mum, Dad."
"Please, all of you, sit down," said Andromeda.
The men stood while Hermione and Tonks were seated and then joined them. "How were your classes today, Hermione," asked Remus.
Hermione launched into a discussion about the quiz Harry had missed in courtship and marriage and how no one in her house elves class seemed to see that the system of enslaving house elves was wrong other than herself. Remus knew that Hermione would talk for some time if encouraged and shamelessly did so with Moody's help so that the rest could talk without the rather brash girl's interference.
Andromeda informed Harry that his tutors had been lined up and that he need not attend any more ministry classes. She added that she and Professor Dumbledore had visited the Dursleys and retrieved all Harry's things and brought them to Casablanca, the Tonks home. Andromeda had vowed never to let Harry know of his relatives' reactions to his leaving. She did not understand how anyone could raise a child for fifteen years and be so absolutely delighted at the thought of never seeing him again.
By the time their food arrived, Harry felt as if he had been caught up in a whirlwind and dropped far from home. He nibbed at his food, only speaking when spoken to and giving short, though polite, answers.
Hermione realized she had been left out of Harry's conversation with the Tonkses about the time dessert arrived. She quickly began plying them with questions about their plans for Harry now that they were his guardians. To the secret amusement of everyone except herself and Andromeda, who was offended, Hermione gave them a stern lecture on the necessity of protecting Harry and steering clear of both the Minister for Magic and the Dursleys. Finally, Harry had listened long enough and burst out laughing; everyone except Andromeda and Hermione quickly joined him.
"Hermione," he laughed, "I don't think Dumbledore would let me move in without the proper protections in place. I promise I'll be very careful while I'm in their house."
"You're going to their house," asked Hermione, worriedly. "What about your classes? We have classes every day from eight until eleven ten through the third week in August. Oh, I suppose you'll be going after the language final the last Monday in August. But, Harry, what about the Weasleys? We're supposed to spend those last few days of the summer holiday with them. Ron will never understand if you're not there…."
"Whoa, stop, Hermione," interrupted Harry holding up his right hand. "I'm going to the Tonkses' right after dinner. I'm having tutors for the subjects that they can't teach me. As soon as they think I'm ready, I'll sit the exams. Mr. and Mrs. Tonks have already talked to Mr. Weasley about my visit to the Burrow. If I do well on my exams, I'll spend several days there, but not the entire week. Oh," he finished searching through his book bag for his HOF materials, which he placed on the table next to Hermione, "would you please ask Justin to return these for me since I'll have to purchase my own copies? The ministry does not provide them for home schooled students."
"But, Harry," said Hermione, "you can't be home schooled. That's only for pure-bloods. The rest of us have to attend these summer classes."
"Actually, Miss Granger," said Andromeda in a haughty voice reminiscent of Narcissa Malfoy, "any parent or guardian may choose to hire his or her own tutors for any of the summer courses as long as the students successfully pass the final examinations. It is unfortunate that Harry could not have had the opportunity to learn these subjects from childhood, but I believe a one-on-one experience tailored specifically to him will meet Harry's needs far better than any education provided by the ministry."
Hermione looked ready to cry. "But, Harry," she argued, "surely you would rather attend classes with your friends?"
"Truthfully, Hermione," said Harry carefully. "I think I'll learn a lot more from tutors who are able to concentrate on what I need to know than from ones who have to try to cover what the class as a whole needs. I mean, today in HOF, Seamus already knew the proper way to present himself as a potential head of family, while Justin and I needed to learn. Justin and I already knew all about proper handshakes and deference to elders, but Seamus did not. Granted in a class of only three students, it doesn't really hurt for one or two to wait while the other is instructed in something they already know, but once Dean and Stephen came in, we had to wait while they were taught not only what we had already learned, but what we already knew and, frankly, it was tedious."
"Well, then, Harry, why don't I join you in your private classes? Since we had similar upbringings, we probably know the same things," suggested Hermione.
Andromeda, who was not hiding her dislike of the younger witch, looked as if she was about to explode at Hermione's audacity. Before she could say anything, Harry said, "Hermione, I tested out of several courses that you need. I'm also taking two classes that you do not meet the criteria to join. We would have to schedule my tutorial sessions around your ministry classes, and I don't think it would work."
Hermione tenaciously clung to her suggestion, "But, Harry, other than the HOF and hereditary duties, we have all the same classes. Surely, it would be easy for both of us to learn together. If it's a question of cost, I'm sure my parents would be happy to help pay the tutors."
Harry sighed tiredly. It had been a really long day. "Hermione," he said, "we don't have the same classes. You have house elves; I have HOF and hereditary duties. You have Latin; I have French. You have criminal law and apprenticeships; I don't. The only classes we have in common are courtship and marriage, business law, etiquette, and politics.
"Do you realize that, with the exception of the question about birth order, any error on any one of those test questions enrolled us automatically in the class appropriate to the question, regardless of how much we truly knew about the subject? Professor McGonagall said the only reason I have etiquette is because I am unfamiliar with the types of attire for different occasions. I answered every other etiquette question correctly. Now, who will benefit more from being in that class, me who knows the behavior, but not the attire or Stephen Moon who knows neither? In the politics class, we will learn how the members of the Wizengamot and the Hogwarts board of governors are selected. In hereditary duties, I will learn what to do when I am selected to serve in the Wizengamot and as a director. In courtship and marriage, we've already learned that the heads of the families make the arrangements for formal courtship, betrothals, and marriages. In HOF, I will learn what those arrangements should be and how to make them for my family's benefit. With a private tutor, I will learn, in one class, how members Wizagamot and Hogwarts board of governors are selected while also learning their duties so that when my turn to serve comes, I will know what to do. Do you understand the difference?"
"Of course I do, Harry," cried Hermione. "What you don't seem to understand is that, if you have private tutoring while the rest of us attend ministry classes, it will only re-enforce the beliefs of our classmates that you receive preferential treatment. If I join you, it will look as if your guardians just want to help you learn a bit more quickly, and face it, Harry, without me to prod and poke you, you will never do your homework."
"You know, Hermione," said Harry exasperatedly. "I did my homework just fine before I ever met you. I do my summer homework just fine by myself whenever the Dursleys allow it. I'm sorry if you are upset about the arrangements Mr. and Mrs. Tonks have made, but they've made them with help from Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Lupin. They've also talked with their friends who have previously hired tutors and with Mr. Weasley.
"Hermione, every one of the Weasley children was privately tutored in French and Latin. They didn't need to be tutored in the other subjects because they grew up in the wizarding world. Mrs. Weasley taught them about the functions of government when she taught them primary school history. They learned etiquette at their family table. Ron's clothes might be hand-me-downs, but he and Neville were the only ones in our dorm who knew how to tie those stupid uniform ties. They taught the rest of us. They also taught us how to properly wear school robes so that we wouldn't roast in summer and freeze in winter. It would be like you or I taking a special class on what to wear to meet the Queen. We may never have done so, but if we had to, we know what to wear and we certainly do not need a class to cover the concept. It's the same way for those raised as wizards. They know tons of stuff we will never know. These classes are to cover the basics to give us a working knowledge of how to function so that we don't embarrass ourselves.
"My tutors will help me there because, face it, next July, I will have to assume the duties of Lord Potter-Black. Still being in school will only go so far. I may miss some social events, but I will be required by law to attend others. I need knowledge that Moon and Dean will never need. Heck, I even need to know how to do stuff Ron will never need, but, because he was raised in our world, he does know. Mr. and Mrs. Tonks are trying to get me that knowledge. I'm sorry, Hermione, but adding you to the mix will only clog up the works."
Hermione looked near tears by the time Harry was finished. The adults had quietly listened as Harry talked. Remus and Tonks were proud of the way Harry handled the situation and were waiting to see what Hermione would do. Ted was fascinated by this young man who was now part of his family. Andromeda was relieved that Harry seemed able to handle the annoying witch he called friend and truly hoped "friend" wasn't a euphemism for "girlfriend." Moody was proud Harry had the stones to stand up to the girl.
After giving a sniff, Hermione said frostily, "Really, Harry, if you didn't want me to join you, you only had to say so."
Feeling slightly guilty but knowing he was right, Harry decided to placate Hermione just a little, "Look Hermione, if we had the exact same classes, I'd want you to join me in a heartbeat, but with you having so many subjects I don't, it just won't work. It would be like you hiring tutors to help you with your Hogwarts classes and me wanting to join. You have arithmancy and ancient runes. I have divination and care of magical creatures. We'd need separate tutors. So what would be the point?"
"I do see your point, Harry," admitted Hermione. "I guess the truth is, I just don't want to have to spend all these hours in classes without either of my best friends. Since Ron's pureblood and doesn't need these classes, I will be all alone without you."
"Hermione, that's just not true. Several people from the DA that you are friendly with are in these classes. Dean is in our year and our house and I'll bet you haven't had a class without him yet," reminded Harry.
"That's true," agreed Hermione, "but all he wants to talk about is Ginny."
"Then talk about Ginny," suggested Harry. "It's something the two of you have in common. Begin with that and slowly broaden the topics. Dean's got a wicked sense of humor and he's a great artist. Ask him to show you some of his drawings. He has hilarious caricatures of Malfoy and Parkinson and Snape."
Hermione stood and began gathering her things and the HOF stuff from Harry. "I need to get upstairs if I am going to catch Justin before class," she announced. "Good evening, everyone." She leaned over and kissed Harry cheek as the others wished her farewell. "Write me every once and a while, all right?"
Harry grinned at her. "You know I will," he said.
Hermione nodded and left the cafeteria. Her posture was of one about to go into battle. Harry laughed a little. To Hermione, facing her classmates alone without Harry or Ron probably was a battle.
"Well," said Ted Tonks jovially. "I think we should get Harry home and settled in. His owl is probably wondering where her master is, and I'm sure Ninie is fretting over what to do with Harry's things." He stood and held his wife's chair. She allowed him to help her as Remus moved to do the same for Tonks. Harry and Moody stood as well and the group left the cafeteria (Ted settled the bill on the way out.).
Once at the apparition point, Tonks grabbed Harry's arm in preparation for side-along apparition. Remus and Moody said their good-byes and apparated away. Mr. and Mrs. Tonks assured Harry and their daughter that they'd see them at the house and disappeared with small "pops." Tonks grinned and said, "Until Dad keys you into the wards, you won't be able to enter the house unless one of us is touching you. Hold on tight until I tell you to let go."
Before Harry could do more than nod, the newly familiar oppressive feel of apparition threatened to overwhelm him. Just when he thought he'd never be able to take a deep breath again, he and Tonks appeared next to a white picket fence.
After reminding Harry not to let go, Tonks walked through the fence pulling Harry behind her. It was like going through the barrier at Platform 9 and ¾. One minute the fence was there, the next they had literally gone through it. On the other side was a white, Tudor-style multi-storied house with an expanse of green grass in front of it. Still clutching Harry's hand, Tonks trekked up the cobblestone path to a white stone stairway that led to the front door.
Ted Tonks came out of the door and took the steps two at a time to join them. He handed Harry a silver knife similar to the one Harry used in potions class to chop ingredients. After informing Harry of the need for a bit of blood to be keyed into the wards, Harry used the knife to slice his thumb and dropped blood on the ward stone located in the exact center of the middle step. If Mr. Tonks had not told Harry the ward stone was there, he would never have noticed it as it blended in with the stone of the steps imperceptibly. The way it glowed once Harry's blood touched it, however, left no doubt that it was a ward stone. When the stone stopped glowing, Tonks pointed her wand at Harry's thumb and healed the cut completely. She then let go of him and her father welcomed Harry to Casablanca, home of the Tonks family, and they preceded to enter the house.
The only wizarding home Harry had ever been in before was the Burrow, home of the Weasleys. Casablanca was nothing like the Weasley home. From the grey stone floor of the entranceway to the elaborate wide stone staircase leading up to the next floor, the Tonks home screamed elegance and wealth. Harry knew his Aunt Petunia would give her right arm to have such a home. Even with his limited knowledge, Harry realized he had moved from upper middle class to near royalty.
Before he could fully take in his new surroundings, Mrs. Tonks came into the hallway and beckoned them into a room off to the left. It was comfortably furnished with upholstered sofas, love seats, chairs, and ottomans. Wooden tables were scattered throughout the room within easy reach of the various seats. Between two chairs, a wizard's chess set rested on a games table with built in drink holders.
Vaguely, Harry wondered where the Tonks's money came from since, until this morning, Mrs. Tonks had been disowned from her family and Mr. Tonks was a muggle-born who worked for the Ministry for Magic. Before he could ponder this question any more, three house elves appeared in the room.
After introducing the elves—Tangie, Potsie, and Ninie—and sending them on about their business, Mrs. Tonks suggested they further discuss what had been arranged for Harry's summer.
Everyone sat comfortably in a grouping of a love seat and two chairs near the fireplace and Mrs. Tonks began, "Harry, we've arranged for Solomon Democratus to tutor you on Monday and Wednesday mornings from nine until twelve in courtship and marriage, politics, business law, and head of family and hereditary duties. Professor McGonagall is providing him with a copy of your culture exam so that he will be able to develop an appropriate lesson plan. She told us that as far as etiquette classes go, you only need to learn appropriate dress and how to dance. Ted, Dora, and I can teach you that. We've thought long and hard about your French lessons and, although all of us speak fluent French, we decided, along with Professor Dumbledore, for you to spend weekday afternoons in France with the Delacour family."
"In France," croaked Harry.
Tonks grinned at him, "In France, Harry. You'll take a port-key to the Delacour home at two o'clock and return here at six. That will immerse you in the language, which will teach you much faster and better than any ministry class. After all, you only have to prove you can speak the language, not that you can read or write it."
Harry felt uncomfortable being thrust into the home of a bunch of strangers in a foreign country whose language he did not speak and said so.
Again, Tonks grinned at him and said, "Don't worry, Harry. You know Fleur and Gabrielle. Plus, Bill Weasley will be there for the first week. He's spending some time getting to know the Delacours before he marries their daughter."
This was news to Harry. He remembered the twins making comments the previous summer about Bill giving Fleur "special lessons," but had not realized they were to be married.
"Will I have a chance to learn about the courtship process while I'm there," asked Harry.
"Bill and Fleur have already done all that," said Tonks, "but I'm sure Bill will answer any questions you might have."
Andromeda Tonks decided it was time for her to wrestle the conversation back from her daughter. "You will have your evenings and weekends free for the most part, but, we will be invited to dinners and do some entertaining as well. You will attend, of course."
Harry nodded. It had been a long, stressful day and, more than anything, he wanted to climb into his bed and go to sleep, but Andromeda was still talking and he did his best to concentrate on what she was telling him.
"Your lessons will begin next week," she continued. "We will spend this week getting to know each other and purchasing any clothes that you need. I'm sure you've grown since last summer and probably need a thing or two."
Harry nodded. His school robes were a little short and tight, and, of course, he would not be getting his yearly allotment of oversized Dudley hand-me-downs.
Ted Tonks, seeing Harry's obvious exhaustion, interrupted his wife to say, "I'm sure we can work out the rest tomorrow. Harry probably wants to unpack his things and see to his owl. Follow me, Harry, and I'll show you your room."
Harry gratefully followed Mr. Tonks after bidding the ladies good night. His room was on the second floor, and the windows overlooked the rear garden. The first thing he noticed was his owl, Hedwig, seated on an elaborate perch next to the open French doors. Harry hurried over to pet her while looking around the room.
His new bedroom was done in soothing shades of blue, green, and silver. The sleigh-style bed was large enough for three adults to rest comfortably and a matching wardrobe, chest of drawers, floor-to-ceiling bookcase, and desk and chair were arranged around the room. His school trunk sat at the foot of the bed. A door on the wall across from the bed led to a private bathroom with a garden tub and a separate shower. Two french doors led to a balcony with a comfortable wicker patio set including a table and two lounge chairs with pillowed cushions. Had it been lighter outside, Harry would have seen a kidney-shaped swimming pool and a large green pasture surrounded by a thick forest.
"Dora tells us you play quidditch," said Ted as Harry looked around the room. "You can fly whenever you want to; we've no muggle neighbors to see you, and all my family knows about the wizarding world."
Harry, who was anxious to fly after having been banned from quidditch the previous fall, smiled in excitement. "I've missed flying," he said. "If you're sure it's okay, I'd love to go up sometime tomorrow."
Ted grinned at him. He had been a beater on the Ravenclaw team while at Hogwarts and had never lost his love of flying. "You'll have to see what Andie's got in mind first, but I'll make sure some flying time is factored in every day."
"Thanks, Mr. Tonks," said Harry.
"Harry," said Ted perching on the edge of Harry's bed, "call me Ted. You're family after all. I'm sure you're nervous about living with us and I know we're nervous about having you, but it's not because we don't want you. It's because we need to take time to get to know each other. We're all afraid of doing the wrong thing—and sometimes we will, but if we try, I know we'll make a great family. Give us a chance, and I know we'll be fine."
The thought of someone actually wanting him to be a part of his family was almost overwhelming for Harry. "All right, Ted," he said. He knew that nothing else was going to get through the blockage he felt in his throat.
Ted rose from the bed and headed toward the opened door. "Good night, Harry," he said.
"Good night, sir," replied Harry quietly.
After unpacking and putting away his few possessions and clothes, Harry took a quick shower and got into his pajamas. He pulled some parchment, a quill, and some ink from the desk drawer and penned quick note to Ron notifying him of his new living arrangements and another to Hermione letting her know he had arrived safely. Hedwig, who seemed delighted to deliver the letters, nipped Harry's ear affectionately and took off into the night. Yawning tiredly, Harry climbed into bed. In the distance, a clock struck nine o'clock.
A/N: Next up, the obligatory shopping chapter!