A/N: Thanks to everyone that leaves reviews. Enjoy…

CHAPTER 10: Hunt's End – Pieces #27-30

Another morning, another glorious way to wake up. Nym was literally sprawled out on top of Harry. Her head rose up and down with his chest. Her long, black curls messily covered either side of his torso. When Harry stirred, she did too. And like yesterday, he woke first. Again, he admired her but this time he gently ran a hand down her back. Her skin reacted to the touch, and goose bumps appeared. He smiled as she groggily lifted her head to give him a goofy grin. "Morning."

"Morning… God you're beautiful."

Nym made a half-laugh-half-squeal that Harry had never heard before. "You're so full of shit."

"I would never lie to you about that, and even if I did, it'd still be true."

"Smooth." Nym kissed his chest and proceeded down. Harry's aura started to seep out. Odd thing, this bloody aura. They had kinda noticed it when things got heated but weren't that worried. It should be alarming to find yourself on fire in mid-thrust, but they just rolled with it. His aura never hurt her, but it did singe the sheets. Winky, who made their bed had to buy more in case they ran out.

Another thing about his aura, while they originally thought it was Harry simply tapping into his magical core, it seemed to function like Nym's metamorph abilities – which is tied to her emotions. If he's angered, it will furiously emerge; if he's blue, it will faintly simmer; if he's pleasured, it will burst. Right now, it was pulsing with his breath. Eventually, it would explode… when he did.

After their morning wake-up, Nym received a patronus message from the Minister: Kingsley Shacklebolt, who requested her immediate appearance at the Ministry. Today would be the first time they would be apart since the Battle, which was only five days ago. Despite how they didn't want to return to the real world, they had to sooner or later. They just preferred it to be later. However, it wouldn't be good to have the Minister—friend or not—looking for them.

So, it was decided that she would go to the Ministry while Harry went to Hogwarts, he still had some things to collect and most were in the Headmaster's office. After a quick breakfast, solo showers, and quick goodbyes, Nym left. Harry wasn't in a rush and found Andromeda in the library, admiring the family tapestry. Unlike the Black's, it was untarnished. "Hi."

"Hello, dear. Has Nymphadora left?"

"Yeah." Harry let out a light sigh. "I'm the only one left, aren't I?" When Andromeda cocked an eyebrow at him Harry pointed to the tapestry.

"Oh. Well, in the UK, yes; but not in the world."

"What?" Harry moved closer to the tapestry, standing next to Andromeda.

She pointed to a name and face. The man in question looked similar to Harry and his father. It appeared he even had similar round glasses. "Abraham Potter was one of the original twelve Aurors in America. Looks like he had a small family. They're yours, too, Harry."

Harry turned to woman who was quickly becoming the aunt he should have had. "But they're not really my family, though. We just share a name and blood. To me, that's not family…" He never said what he wanted to.

Andromeda had an idea what that was but didn't push. "Well, you're not alone… So, how long will you be at Hogwarts?"

"Um, not that long. An hour at the most. Why?"

"I was wandering when you wanted to start studying for your NEWTs."

Harry was a little shocked. While he and Andromeda had talked about it, he wasn't ready to commit to another year of study. Maybe his unwillingness was why she was pushing. "Oh, I-I don't know."

"Do you really want to do them?"

"I… Yeah-yes. I want to, I just don't know how."

Andromeda placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't flinch. A good sign. "When you get back we'll make a plan. Trust me, with me teaching you, it won't take a full year."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "That's a plus."

She tapped his shoulder encouragingly. "Now, off you go. I'll be here when you return." And with that, Harry flooed to his former school.

Nym walked through the Ministry Atrium. The place was starting to return to its former craziness. Thankfully, that awful 'Magic is Might' monument had been eviscerated and replaced with its predecessor – the Fountain of Magical Brethren.

She easily made her way to Shack's office, knocking on the door before entering. "Wotcher, Shack-I mean 'Minister'."

Kingsley smiled at his younger friend. Despite not wanting to be Minister, he had no choice. "Tonks! Please, take a seat."

Nym sat down with the same nonchalant swagger she had when she walked in. "What's up? I was kinda worried when your patronus came."

Kinsgley stroked his freshly-shaven chin. "Yeah. You know the state of the Auror Department, right? It's not good. I'm promoting you to Head Auror."

Nym burst out with laughter that only lasted a couple of seconds when she realised that he wasn't laughing with her. "Oh, shit… Merlin's balls, Shack! Surely there's someone else."

He shook his head tiredly. "Nope. You're the best we have-that's not a dig, just a fact. I really can only trust you with this."

"Oh, come on! I was hoping for two more weeks off before coming back!" Nym flayed her hands dramatically.

"Sorry. We need more Aurors and we need them now… In fact, I was hoping you could persuade Harry and his friends to join."

Nym cocked an eyebrow at that. "Why me? Surely it'd be better coming from you – the Minister himself."

"History shows Harry hasn't had the best relationship with the Minister or Ministry. Besides, you're…" He didn't dare finish the sentence.

"I'm what…? Huh? Say it." She was growing annoyed very quickly, judging by the rate her hair had gone from a lavender bob to long flaming red.

"I-I don't want to presume, but you are close to Harry. He listens to you."

"Because I don't lie to him, which extends to manipulating."

"Just ask. Please?" He didn't want to appear manipulating. He'd seen how Harry responded to that with Dumbledore.

"Fine, I'll ask. I won't promise anything, though." She figured it wasn't a terrible idea. If the Aurors really were struggling, then they needed the help.

"Thanks. Now, as for the vacation, I'll give you until Monday." He tossed her a small gold shield. It said 'HEAD AUROR'. "You'll need this. Add it to your badge."

"Thanks." Nym left and stopped off at the Auror Offices. To say things were bad… was an understatement. There was only a single Auror there. She was a newbie that Nym hadn't really gotten to know. "It's… Renshaw, right?"

Said Auror dropped what she was doing and snapped to a salute. "Head Auror Tonks, ma'am!"

"Whoa. Ah, at ease, Renshaw." Nym was rather startled even if she shouldn't have been. However, she had never been on the receiving end of a salute. "Yo-you know I'm Head Auror?"

Renshaw relaxed somewhat. "Of course, ma'am. Kingsley told me before you arrived."

"Okay, can you not call me 'ma'am'? I can't be that old."

Renshaw blushed slightly. "Sorry, Tonks. I just thought- It's protocol."

"Ah, it's all good…?" Nym felt bad for forgetting her name and wore her apologies.

Renshaw seemed to catch on. "Nemo."

Nym cocked an eyebrow. "Nemo? What's that short for?"

Nemo gave a pained expression before sighing. "Nemophila."

Nym's eyes widened. "Wow. I thought Nymphadora was bad… Kinda put's things in perspective."

Nemo crossed her arms. "Thanks. Still, Nymphadora's no picnic. What were our mother's thinking? Did they not say the names out loud?"

"I know, right!" They both laughed. Nym liked her already. After settling down, she looked around the empty space. "Is this it? Where is everyone?"

"Um, there's four others: Rollards, Tothman, Robbard, and Seers; they're all on leave for the next couple of days."

"What about you?"

Nemo looked puzzled. "Aren't we needed here?"

"We're not exactly in tip-top form, are we? Look, I appreciate the dedication, but honestly, I'm gonna spend the next three days with my man. After what he's been through, he needs it. So, take a break, we all deserve it. We'll start again soon, okay?"

Nemo nodded. "Okay, you're the boss… Who's your man?"

Nym grinned. "Oh, I'm sure you've heard of him." Nym waved while walking out the door to the apparition point.

Meanwhile, Harry was standing in the Headmaster's—technically, Headmistress'—Office. He had made sure McGonagall was there before stepping through. He didn't to give her the impression someone was intruding. After he explicitly revealed he wouldn't be returning as a student, they talked. It was a rather odd experience for Harry. They were somewhat close, but never did they talk before. Harry explained the Lordships and Manor and what he was after. Minerva wasn't reluctant to hand over the items he requested: the pierced Riddle Diary and Pensieve Memories that Albus had collected pertaining to Tom. He shrunk them all and placed them in the velvet sack. "Good riddance. I trust they'll be safest with you, Harry."

"Thanks." Harry paused and thought he might be able to summon- It appeared in his hand, silver, ruby encrusted, and shiny.

Minerva gasped. "How did you do that?!"

Harry grinned as he held the Sword. "I'm Lord Gryffindor… Technically, it belongs to me." He didn't realise that he now had items belonging to all four Founders in his possession. He'd mostly keep that to himself.

Minerva was trying to work up an argument about 'it belongs in Hogwarts' but failed when she knew he was right. "Hmm… that is true… Would you like the Sorting Hat as well, Lord Gryffindor?" That question was said with a thin smirk.

Harry responded with a smirk of his own. "I guess it can stay here."

Minerva became more serious. "Could I persuade you to take the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, then?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow. "Uh… I'm flattered, but it'd be a little weird. Besides, I don't have my NEWTs yet… Give me a couple of years to figure out what I want to do, and if you need the position filled we'll talk then."

That seemed to please Minerva for the mean time. "Very well. I'll hold you to that." Harry made to leave the office, but not the way she expected. He made for the door. "Harry, where are you going?"

He turned and smiled. "I have to find something. I'll be back shortly." He left before she could answer.

Harry entered the girls' bathroom on the Second Floor and stood at the familiar basin. "Open." The sinks shifted and moved and soon the entrance was revealed. He made his way into the Chamber of Secrets and stood in front of Salazar's head. After another 'Open', the mouth separated, allowing Harry access to walk inside the statue.

Inside was vast, no surprise seeing as it housed the Basilisk. At the centre, though, and on a small pillar stood a book. Much like the Gaunt Tome, it was bound in snake's skin, however, it appeared to be Basilisk. Harry claimed his birthright and read the preface. It detailed Salazar's intentions with it, the Basilisk and the Chamber itself. Harry's previously held beliefs were destroyed. However, that didn't change the ominous atmosphere of the Chamber.

So, he sealed it again, making sure no one could enter. It actually annoyed him that Ron gained entry after reciting one word of parsletongue. Although, if he didn't the Hufflepuff Cup wouldn't have been destroyed. Harry reconfigured both the Chamber's door and bathroom entrance to only accept a set password: 'I am Slytherin, open'. He wrote it into the Tome so only his heirs could know. It wouldn't do anyone any good, though, seeing as the Chamber of Secrets was now an empty, extra room in a ginormous Castle.

In her office, Minerva was organising the Castle's repairs, finding new Professors, and hoping the students would return for another year. All this work was giving her a headache. A small but welcomed break came when her former pupil and star Seeker re-entered her office. What intrigued her was the book he was holding in one hand. "Ah, is that book from the Library? I understand you're Lord of two Founders but that doesn't grant you permission to the school's literature."

Harry looked from the Tome to Minerva. "Oh, no, this is the Slytherin Tome."

"Where did you find that?"

"The Chamber of Secrets."

Her breath hitched at hearing that. "Y-you were down there?"

"Yeah. I always wondered why the Chamber of Secrets was plural if it just housed the Basilisk." Harry held up the Tome. "I think the Chamber was made to keep this safe, and the Basilisk was there to guard it."

Minerva crossed her arms and appeared sceptical. "And how do you know that?"

"It's in the Tome, ma'am. Black and white, from Salazar himself. I haven't read it fully and the ethnic cleansing may still be there, but surely this changes things."

"Maybe… But you have to realise, Harry, that the Wizarding World's beliefs have been set in stone for hundreds of years. It won't be easy to change that… Although, if anyone can, it'd be you."

"Is that just because we're Gryffindors?"

Minerva smiled. "Not entirely."

They were interrupted by a third voice coughing. They looked around and saw the Sorting Hat blowing dust off his brim. Harry walked over to the bookcase the Hat was resting on. "Did you want to say something?"

The Sorting Hat finished blowing the dust and looked Harry directly in the eye. "Your Slytherin ancestor was a great but cruel wizard. Who else would create a Basilisk and keep it hidden in a school? You ought to be ashamed of that blood."

"I'm Lord Gryffindor, too. Should I be ashamed of that? I know my ancestor created you, and you're a hat. At least the Basilisk is creature. You determine a person's life for seven years. The snake was protecting its creator's heirloom. I see no difference."

Minerva was gobsmacked to hear her Lion speak like this. "Mister Potter! Show some respect!"

Harry turned to McGonagall apologetically. "Sorry, but I won't stay quiet just because my beliefs are somewhat radical to the masses." He addressed the Sorting Hat, who somehow raised an eyebrow at him. "For future reference and as Lord Gryffindor-Slytherin, I propose that you have unilateral say in deciding a first year's House. They don't know what they need, only what they hear. Maybe if you didn't listen to me and I was placed in Slytherin, maybe I wouldn't have been in nearly as much trouble. However, I don't blame you for that decision, you were created to take-in the student's preference."

Harry turned, nodding to Minerva before moving towards the fireplace. The Sorting Hat started laughing. "You always were the hardest—but not longest, I might add—to sort! Both exceptionally brave and cunning. Your wish is my command." The Hat bowed, and Harry left via the floo.

When Harry returned to the Manor and dispensed the day's collection. Afterwards, he and Andromeda—or 'Andi' as she noticed he always looked uncomfortable saying it—sat down and finalised a study plan. Firstly, he chose his subjects: Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Potions. Because Andi was basically the 'Hermione Granger' of her year he was fairly confident he'd do well with her teaching.

Secondly, a timetable was constructed: each subject would have a full day of teaching; Potions on Monday, Herbology on Tuesday, Transfiguration on Wednesday, Charms on Thursday, and Defence on Friday. The weekends were free time. Andi purposely placed Defence last so Harry could focus on his weakest subjects first. Seeing as how it was Thursday, Andi gave him until Monday to actually start, which coincidentally fit perfectly with Nym's remaining freedom.

Thirdly, it meant the three of them would be together for another few months. Harry wasn't entirely sure about it but remained optimistic. He tried to be subtle when approached Andi about it. "Um, Andi, does that mean you'll be here?"

"Do you not want me to be?"

"No- I mean yes! I was… just wandering about your home."

She gave him a warm smile. "Oh, don't worry about it. It'll be fine. It… I know it wouldn't be the same. And I'd much rather spend time with you. We're a family, right?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Because of that bearded bastard we never got the time together when you were a boy. I want to correct that… Now, spend your free time wisely, Harry, but have fun. We'll start on Monday."

At that moment, Nym has apparated into the sitting room, slightly startling her 'man' and mum. Harry was quick to welcome her back. "Nym, how was it? What did Kingsley want?" Nym handed her Auror badge to him and saw the raised eyebrows from both him and Andi. "You're… Head Auror?"

"Yeah…"

"That's great!" Harry wrapped his arms around her and spun them around the room a couple of times. "I thought it was something bad!"

After they and the room stopped spinning she regained her bearings. "Whoa, chill. Uh, Harry, Shack wanted me to ask you something…"

"He wants to be an Auror, right? He wants me to help round up the Death Eaters."

"Uh, yeah… I told him I'd ask, nothing more."

Harry looked in thought. "I know. Would I have to be an Auror, though, like train for years and all that?" He looked back to her; perfect-green met perfect-green.

"I don't know about all that, but I think he'd want it. So, you know, it'd be legit."

"Can't you just train me up and roll me out when you need me? Andi's gonna help me study for my NEWTs."

"Really?" Nym looked to her mother, who nodded gracefully. Nym turned back to Harry. "Harry, you don't need to decide now. If you want, we can see Kingsley on Monday. That's when I officially start."

Harry didn't respond and remained deep in thought. Andi lightly clapped her hands. "Now, how about lunch? I think Daffy has-"

Said house-elf apparated into the sitting room with a tray full of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. "Master and Mistresses, lunches is readies!" Daffy bowed dramatically.

"Thanks, Daffy. This looks amazing!" Harry knew he'd have to face Hermione's tirade about 'enslaving' house-elves. He knew enslavement, and this wasn't it. Wizards and House-Elves shared a symbiotic relationship. Elves needed to bond to survive off a Wizard's magic. Without it, they'd die. It kinda made Harry feel guilty thinking about Dobby being unbonded for as long as he was. He wouldn't have done things differently by freeing him, but he'd make sure he was properly bonded to him and not just in friendship. Although, Harry always had a sneaking suspicion that Dobby had somewhat bonded to him and never told Harry about it. Either way, Dobby was a good friend.

They tuck in to the lunch. Andi being the lady she was, handled herself with elegance. Nym on the other hand, was more akin to a truck driver… or Ron Weasley. After a swift kick to the shin from her mother a light nudge from Harry, she enacted her table manners with a slight blush. "Sorry. Me and food…"

Harry chuckled and kissed her cheek. "I forgive you."

Andi tied to display pompous annoyance. "Well I don't, young lady. You better have learnt some manners before your inauguration to the Wizengamot."

Harry had completely forgot that. "When do you think that will be, Andi?"

"Oh, I'm not sure. No doubt the Ministry has a mountain of paperwork needing to be processed. It's going to be a scandal when it is discovered. I wouldn't rush it."

Nym wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Harry, seeing as we have the next few days to ourselves, how about I show you a few things?" Harry cautiously glanced at Andi, who had raised her eyebrows. Nym picked up on what they were thinking. "Not that! I meant some training."

"Oh! I thought… Brilliant. What kind of training?"

"Well, let me think… You have a lot of power, so that's not gonna be a problem. Your shields are pretty good, as well. And with your aura, we just need to practice bringing into combat… Still, you can learn more, get better."

"Cool. Now?"

"No time better!"

They left and the coffee table in between the two sofas was cleared of plates and trays. Andi went to Flourish & Blotts to buy books Harry would need for his studies. Downstairs in the training arena, Nym schooled Harry in a single-wand duel. He was no slouch, having bested the Dark Lord himself, but Nym had Auror training designed specifically for combat. Harry's style was a little learn-as-he-went, which gave him unpredictability but greater exposure. He stepped it up by using both phoenix wands, gaining advantage but Nym quickly adapted using Draco's as well as her own. After an hour of back and forth, Nym finally had him disarmed and bound. They were both out of breath. "That… was good… Harry…"

"Really…? I lost… though…"

She vanished the bonds and straddled him, sighing. He could be a real dum-dum when he wanted to be. "Everyone loses at some point."

"Hmm. Good thing I broke the Eldar wand, otherwise, I think you'd be its new master."

Nym's hair snapped from its long, black burls to a straight, ghostly white. "Really?!" She then realised he said 'broke'. "Oh. Dumb… Not fair."

"All's fair…" He realised she was situated above his waist. "You know, I think we've trained enough for today. How about a swim?"

Nym leaned down so they were an inch apart and licked her lips. "Mmm, I don't know. What if mum came down?"

Harry started closing the small gap. "I think she's wise enough to wait until we resurface."

"You know, we won't be able to do this all the time, right?"

"Yeah, I know."

Just as their lips were about to connect Nym pulled back. "Are you ready, though, for the public?"

"Nothing they do or say is gonna change my mind. Nothing… They're opinion means nothing to me."

"It's not just me they'll come after you for, though. You have five Lordships, you need five heirs. Witches will be throwing themselves at you."

"So?" Harry realised what that sounded like. "I mean, I don't want them. I choose who I'm with, not them. Why are you saying all this?"

Nym lay her head on his chest. It rose and fell in steady intervals. Despite the pair being exhausted, hot, and sweaty, neither were uncomfortable in this moment. "I worry, Harry."

He wrapped his arms around her, worried about her sudden worry. "I worry, too… But not about us."

They remained like that before slipping into the Turkish Bath to further relax, each working out the other's knots and sore spots. Kreacher brought them towels and fresh clothes. An hour later they finally ascended to find Andi in the conservatory. Nym curled up to Harry and drifted off to sleep. Andi quietly showed Harry his new books before kissing both their foreheads and leaving them in peace. Nym's mood never returned to her usual bubbly self and she clung to Harry like glue. Their promise-pendants were simultaneously blue and comforting, mimicking their wearers.

They all turned in early that night. Nothing physical transpired as the couple curled around the other. Harry was becoming equally worried and angered by Nym's anxiety. Not because of her, though, but because she was so fearful of what the public would think of them. While she slept in his arms he laid wide awake. His hunt for lost things may be over for now, but soon he'd have other, more pressing problems to concern himself with. His aura was regularly pulsing as his mind travelled to a dark place. He thought about what he'd do to anyone who'd even try to hurt them. However, these thoughts were side-lined when Nym stirred, and Harry returned his attention on her. He closed his eyes but kept her image in his mind.

They slept long and undisturbed.

end of chapter 10

A/N: This isn't the end, just the end of the first arc. More to come…