Chapter 10 – Dementors And Time-Turners

"Are you sure you'll be fine?" Tonks asked as she and Hermione climbed the stairs of the Underground.

"Yes", Hermione grinned. "It's only one night and then I'll be leaving for Hogwarts. Besides, the Weasleys will be staying there as well."

"I know, that's the only reason I'm going to let you stay the night at the Leaky Cauldron", Tonks muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing! Look, here we are."

The two sisters crossed the street over to the old pub. Hermione held up the door to let Tonks pass through with the trunk.

"Hermione!" Ron shouted across the pub and ran to greet her.

"Hi Ron", Hermione grinned. "Good summer? I saw the news clip! How was Egypt?"

"It was really cool! Bill showed us around the pyramids and stuff."

"Wow! I would really like to go there sometime", Hermione said. "The magical history is amazing!"

"Yeah, sure", Ron shrugged. "Come on! Let's go see if we can find Harry. He's supposed to be staying here after he blew up his aunt."

"He blew up his aunt?!" Tonks exclaimed.

"Not like in an explosion", Hermione hurried to reassure. "He just inflated her. They got her down as far as I know."

"Oh", Tonks still looked slightly shocked.

"So come on!" Ron said. "Let's go find him and ask how big she got!"

"One second", Hermione asked and turned to Tonks.

"I'll come by Kings Cross tomorrow to say goodbye", Tonks told her. "So have a good night here and make sure to buy all your books."

"You know I will", Hermione said.

"I know", Tonks laughed and hugged her. "Also, before you go; your birthday is in a few weeks and I know you've been talking about getting an owl. So take this", she handed her a small bag of coins "as an early birthday present."

"Thank you", Hermione smiled.

"Be aware though; I'm still sending a cake on your actual birthday."

Hermione laughed and waved as she ran out into Diagon Alley with Ron. Tonks watched her disappear.

"Nym – I mean – Tonks", mrs Weasley said as she came down the stairs.

"Wotcher mrs Weasley!" Tonks grinned. "I just came to drop Hermione off; I've got to be at the Ministry."

"I see", mrs Weasley smiled. "Where is she then?"

"She ran off with Ron", Tonks said.

"Of course. I'll take her trunk up to her room for you."

"Thank you. And thank you for keeping an eye on her."

"It's my pleasure dear", mrs Weasley said. "She's a sweet girl."

"Yes, isn't she", Tonks smiled.

Mrs Weasley took her hand briefly and when Tonks looked at her she wore a serious expression.

"You're doing a good job, Tonks", mrs Weasley said. "Raising Hermione. I know it must be tough being a single parent – or caregiver – to a child. And I'm impressed that you can handle that as well as pursue your dream job as an auror. You're so young, but so mature."

Tonks smiled, touched by her words.

"Thank you", she said sincerely. "I am lucky to have her. She is a great kid; she makes it easy."

"I can tell", mrs Weasley smiled. "She really loves you."

"I love her too."

They stayed silent for a moment before Tonks clapped her hands together.

"I should be going", she said. "Bye, mrs Weasley! See you tomorrow at the station."

"Bye, Tonks", mrs Weasley said. "And I really meant what I said. You are doing a great job. Your parents would be proud."

Tonks smiled and left the pub.

Hi Tonks

There are dementors outside Hogwarts! Did you know that? Why didn't you tell me? They even went on and searched the train. I get that they are here to protect us from Sirius Black, but is it really necessary? They are very scary. One went in to our compartment on the train and Harry had some kind of fit. He was shaking a lot and blacked out. I almost did too, but I don't think anyone noticed; it was dark. I heard a loud noise, like a horn or something, but no one else heard it. What was it?

Fortunately for us the new DADA teacher sat in our compartment (he was sleeping the whole ride up until that point) and he got rid of it. His name is Remus Lupin and he gave us chocolate.

None of us felt that good after the dementor. Won't they do more damage than good?

Also, why would Sirius Black come to Hogwarts? Do you know anything about all this?

That said, I should also tell you that I got the time-turner from professor McGonagall. I haven't tried it out yet, but McGonagall said it works perfectly. I'll try tomorrow. And don't worry, she warned me several times about being spotted while using it. I'm going to be careful.

By the way, Hagrid is the new Care of Magical Creatures professor!

Ron and Harry said hi!

Love Hermione

Dear Hermione

No, I didn't know that they've put dementors outside Hogwarts. It sounds a bit disturbing. But I figure Dumbledore won't let them into the actual school, so you don't need to worry.

I would've asked Mad-Eye about it, but he's unusually grumpy these days. Rumour is that the Minister is making him retire in a year. I hope that's not true; half the people in Azkaban are there because of him. It would be a terrible loss for the Auror Department.

It's still crazy here, by the way. Everyone is looking for Sirius Black. And on that note; no, I don't know why he would come to Hogwarts. Why are you asking? Is there something you're not telling me?

Dementors are awful creatures that suck the joy and happiness right out of you. Because of that; people who have tragedies in their pasts are often more affected than others. That was probably why Harry collapsed and why you felt the way you did. The two of you have something in common; you both were there when your parents died. You have experienced something that most people haven't; you've been exposed to such deep sadness. That's why you were so affected by the dementor. It's nothing to worry about but if you want to Floo-call me, ask McGonagall. She'll understand.

Now, you better be careful with the time-turner! I don't know why I let you have it. It's a lot of risks, just for some extra classes. Why do you want to take Muggle Studies, for example? You parents were muggles and we practically live like muggles. You know everything about it already! All these classes are going to be a lot of work and I know you're prepared for it, but take it easy and remember to do other stuff, like hanging out with your friends.

Hagrid? A professor? That's awesome. He'll do a great job as long as he doesn't bring in too dangerous creatures to class.

Say hi to Crookshanks for me!

Hugs, Tonks

Dear Tonks

I am being careful with the time-turner! I tried it out; it's amazing! I can only imagine the kind of magic that went in to making it. I've borrowed a book at the library about it but I've only just started it. The homework is already swarming in. Not that I'm not able to handle it; I am! It's just an abrupt start.

I'm taking Muggle Studies because it will be interesting to read about it from wizards' point of view. We have a good teacher, as well; professor Burbage. She says wizards and muggles are more alike than we think. Well, most wizards think. Which is true and it's nice to hear that from someone else.

I didn't know that about dementors. Now that I think about it, I know very little about them. So I understand why I felt like I would pass out, but why did I hear that noise? Harry said something about a noise too; that he heard someone screaming. But me, Ron and Ginny didn't hear anyone.

I only asked about Sirius Black because I didn't know how much you knew. I'm not even sure I should tell you this, but you're my sister. Apparently Sirius Black is out to get to Harry. I don't know why and neither does Harry. But he heard the Weasleys' talking about it the night we all stayed at the Leaky Cauldron. Mr Weasley also told him about it at Kings Cross right before the train left, when I met up with you. He didn't tell him why though. The good thing is that Harry doesn't seem too freaked-out. He's more upset about not being able to go to Hogsmeade since his uncle didn't sign the permission slip. But maybe it's for the best. He'll be safe from Sirius Black.

Our new Defence Against Dark Arts teacher, professor Lupin, is really good! He actually teaches us things; good, valuable things. We learnt about boggarts the other day. That lesson was interesting; he brought an actual boggart for us to practice on. Unfortunately, I never got to cast the spell, but the others did really well.

How are you doing with the training?

Love Hermione

Wotcher Hermione!

I'm doing well, thanks. I think I'll be able to take the exams this summer and if I'll pass them I'll be an actual auror!

I'm not surprised that the time-turner is amazing. If you haven't already, read Time Through Time by Allen Heckelstav. It's a pretty cool book about it. Even I found it interesting.

Sirius Black is after Harry? I had no idea. That must be why they've upped the security at Hogwarts. Why would he be after Harry, though? It doesn't make much sense. Is it as revenge for You-Know-Who? Though, for some reason it doesn't feel like it is.

That noise you heard when the dementor showed up was probably a memory. Dementors tend to bring up the most painful moments of your life. So I'm thinking the noise you heard was the car-horn from the car accident.

I repeat; if you want to see me then talk to McGonagall.

It must be nice having a good DADA professor for once. Even when I went to school they weren't too bright. We had one guy who was so paranoid that he never ate in the Great Hall and he always checked of our names in the door before we could step inside his classroom. He didn't even last to the summer. I think it was Charlie Weasley and his friends who scared him away.

Have fun in Hogsmeade! Bring Harry back some candy or something; it's too bad he can't go.

Love Tonks

Tonks dragged herself into her apartment with the few groceries she'd picked up on her way home from the ministry. She put them away in the fridge before popping down on the couch. The unopened letter she hadn't had time to read before work lay on the coffee table. Picking it up, she saw that it was from Hermione.

She opened it and threw the envelope aside. Skimming through the text told Tonks that Hermione was, quote; fine, but would write if she felt worried.

Or have nightmares, Tonks thought bitterly. She had been eight when her parents died and when the memories resurfaced she would wake up screaming in the middle of the night. She really hoped Hermione wouldn't have to deal with that.

Suddenly she realized that she still had her cloak on. Without moving an inch, she pulled it off and threw it at the armchair. A piece of parchment flew out of the pocket and hit the floor. Groaning, Tonks bent down to pick it up.

Clean Water Is Every Human's Right was spelled out in bold letters. Under it was a moving picture of a couple of people wandering around and digging in a completely dried-out lake. A logo picturing a circle with a dove holding a wand with its beak grazed the upper right corner.

Tonks stared at the parchment for a moment before remembering that Lizzie had given her this brochure at lunch. She put it aside and got up to go to bed. She would write back to Hermione in the morning.