Harry retreated to his room. He was embarrassed and confused over Dora's suggestion. Sara was never that forward with him and he didn't know what to do or think. He was pulled from his musings by a knock on the door. Harry saw Dora dressed in a short dressing gown and allowed her to enter. She took a seat on the edge of the bed and spoke.
"Harry I'm sorry; I get carried away sometimes."
"It's okay. Its just that I never seen a girl in a bikini before." Harry said looking down blushing.
"You've never been to the beach or the local pool?" Dora asked.
"I've never really been anywhere. The first time I left the Dursley's was to go to Hogwarts." Harry said remorseful.
"I'm glad you said something. I know Sara had plans to take you to the beach this summer; we need to get you a swim suit as well. I assume you can't swim."
Harry shook his head looking at his new friend and she said. "Not to worry, I'll teach you. If you like I'll transfigure a suit for you and I'll change into something less revealing." She said winking.
"Okay, if you want." Harry said.
Dora squealed happily and gave Harry a big hug. She retrieved a pair of boxers from his dresser, drew her wand from its holster, and transfigured a tasteful pair of swim trunks. She returned to her room to change and Harry changed as well. They met at the pool and Dora was wearing a less revealing one-piece blue suit. Harry complemented her on her suit and she thanked him by pushing him into the pool. She dove in and the rest of the afternoon was spent playing in the water and learning to swim.
Meanwhile, Hedwig was busy delivering her parcels. Her first stop was The Burrow, then to Sirius, then finally to Hermione where she took a well deserved rest. Hermione gave Hedwig several owl treats and water. Hedwig was perched happily in a nearby tree as Hermione read the letter; she missed Harry as well. Studying had been so much more enjoyable when she could have a good snuggle afterwards. She decided to write a reply later once Hedwig had rested.
The twins read their letter and grinned evilly towards each other. They both decided to return The Marauders' Handbook to Harry, after they copied it with Bill's help. They asked Ginny how to get in touch with Harry and she called the mail elf to deliver the parcel. They weren't sure if it would work, since Harry was under heavy wards.
Sirius read the letter from his godson and his face dropped. Remus read it and started to chuckle aloud. Sirius said.
"What's so bloody funny Moony?"
"It seems that the son of Prongs is having a go at you. You didn't think he was serious did you Sirius?" Sorry couldn't resist
"That joke is old Moony. No but it could happen; he is quite a handsome young buck after all."
"True but you saw him with Miss Granger; the lad is smitten. He reminds me of James when Lily finally broke him down." Remus said smirking.
"He's much too young for that but that's another story. What should we do about the 'other' matter?" Sirius said.
"Didn't you say that you three started in your third year? With your experience and Harry's talents he should be a full Marauder in no time."
"True, very true. I'll have to go to that house to retrieve a few things first. Let's go."
The two agreed and apparated to Grimmauld Place. They reappeared just outside the old house and Sirius sighed heavily. He never wanted to return to this place. With great trepidation, the two old friends entered the dark house. Upon entering, they drew their wands and prepared for anything. The house hadn't been occupied for a long time and who knows what could be inside.
The torch lights lit but it wasn't very bright. Suddenly a crazed house elf appeared and started ranting Sirius ordered him silent and the two wizards proceeded towards their destination. They passed a portrait if Sirius' mother who began berating her worthless blood traitor of a son for defiling her house with his presence. Sirius just greeted her sarcastically nice and continued.
They entered Sirius' old room and he went about retrieving the necessary things for his godson. He also found two mirrors that would definitely come in handy. Remus looked at the pictures on the wall and shook his head. The photos of scantily clad ladies were fading but still pleasant to admire. After Sirius gathered all his things Remus asked.
"Padfoot, does this place have a library?"
"Yes, but most of the books are dark; some are down-right scary."
"I'm sure we can find something to help Harry with his . . . task." Remus said with a lump in his throat.
Sirius nodded solemnly and the two went to the library to retrieve some interesting tomes.
Harry and Dora were enjoying the pool when a house elf appeared. Dora drew her wand immediately but was stopped by Harry. He explained who the elf was and accepted the parcel. Prior to her departure Harry asked.
"Evie how did you get past the Fidelius Charm?"
"House elves not affected by such things. Evie can find Harry Potter anywhere."
"Thank you. I have nothing for you right now."
Evie bowed and popped away. Harry and Dora sat at a nearby table and he opened the parcel. When he saw the handbook, he knew he was in luck. Dora spoke.
"I'll have to inform Madam Bones about the House Elf problem. If death eaters ever figured that out, it would be a nightmare."
"I never thought about that. They could order an elf to deliver a bomb to an address and just leave. They would have the perfect alibi."
"Exactly. You'll make a great auror some day. I wish I knew exactly what a house elf can do." Dora said.
"The only one I know besides Evie is Dobby." With that statement and another pop an excitable elf appeared and said.
"Harry Potter is asking about Dobby."
"Hello Dobby, how are you?" Harry said.
"Harry Potter is asking Dobby how Dobby is. Harry Potter is most wonderful wizard." He said bouncing and crying.
Dora was chuckling at Dobby's antics and Harry's reaction. Harry spoke.
"Dobby this is Dora, would you answer some questions for her please?"
"Anything for you sir." Dobby agreed.
"Thank you, can house elves deliver dangerous packages to other witches and wizards if ordered to?"
"No Miss Dora. House elves my not bring harm to wizards and witches. House elves is bound by magic not to."
"But Dobby, you charmed a bludger to come after me. How is that different?"
"Dobby is sorry for doing that to Harry Potter sir. Dobby was trying to save Harry Potter from harm not harm him." Dobby said mournfully and started to bag his head on a nearby chair. Harry spoke quickly.
"Dobby stop punishing yourself; I forgive you. I know you meant well."
"Harry Potter is forgiving Dobby. Harry Potter is greatest wizard of all." He said sobbing.
"So when you hexed Lucius Malfoy, you were just protecting me. You didn't really harm him, just pushed him away."
"Yes sir."
"He hexed Lucius Malfoy. I would love to have seen that. How far did he fly?" Dora said laughing.
"Twenty meters." Dobby replied proudly.
"Nice job. Can you apparate with people and kidnap them?" Dora asked.
"House elves do not apparate; we pop. Yes we can take people but not by force. Wizard magic prevents this; wizard must want to go with the elf."
"Okay, I guess that makes sense. I don't have anything else at the moment but may I call you if I think of anything?" Dora said.
"Dobby will come when Harry Potter calls. Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter. Harry Potter freed Dobby."
"Are you happy Dobby? Where are you now?" Harry asked.
"Yes sir, Dobby is very happy. Dobby is working at Hogwarts and is getting pay."
"That's great Dobby, I'm happy for you. Thank you for your help." Harry replied.
"Harry Potter is thanking Dobby." He said hugging Harry's legs sobbing.
Harry removed Dobby from his legs and with a soft pop he was gone. Harry looked at Dora who was rolling with laughter. He stuck out his tongue causing her to laugh even harder. Harry just shook his head and started laughing as well. He was truly happy for his friend. Harry took his parcel inside and returned to the pool carrying two butterbeers. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool chatting and just enjoying the beautiful weather.
Dinner that evening was a pleasant affair. Everyone talked about their day; Sara remarked that another shopping trip may be in order. She was thankful for Dora's discovery of Harry's in ability to swim and for her willingness to teach him. John told Harry that swimming is fantastic exercise and Harry asked about using their home gym. Dora volunteered to teach Harry the auror workout to help him stay fit. The evening wound down by watching Star Wars on the big screen. Harry was really starting to like his summer.
Hedwig arrived as the movie ended and he took Hermione's letter and retired to his room. He read it and missed her even more. They had been apart only one full day but for a teenager that is an eternity. His dreams were filled with his girlfriend almost wearing a pink bikini.
Over the next two weeks, Harry began settling into a routine; breakfast, homework, workout, swimming lessons and just relaxing in the sun. Once his homework was completed, John began teaching Harry basic finance. For the first time he could remember, Harry was happy and tan. His letters from Hermione were fun and flirty but made them miss each other more. One day Dora spoke to Harry.
"I want to talk to you about something. Remember when I asked you about your hair?"
"Sure, what was that about?"
"You see, I'm what is called a metamorphamagus. That means I can change my physical appearance at will. I can't change genders, only my features. Watch this." She said as she began to change into Sara, then Tia. She changed her hair from bubblegum pink to violet to orange and back again. Harry was amazed at her unique abilities and asked.
"Do you think I can do that?"
"It's possible. I found out what I was when my hair changed color every time I sneezed. Try this, concentrate on your hair. Try to change its length."
Harry did as instructed and concentrated. He used his breathing techniques to calm himself and just concentrated on his hair. After a few minutes, nothing happened. Dora spoke.
"Don't worry about it. Your hair thing may just be your force of will. When did you learn meditation?"
"I learned when I studied occlumency last summer."
"Really, aurors learn that as well. It helps us focus and stay calm in stressful situations. How strong are your shields?"
"I don't know. I've never been tested, that I know of." Harry replied.
"I'll talk to Madam Bones when I report in, we have experts that can test you; if you're interested."
"That would be cool. Would you ask if Hermione could be tested as well?"
"I'll see what I can do. You miss her don't you?" Dora asked.
"Yes, I do. I wish we could get together, maybe go to the cinema or something."
"If you do, I have to go with you. I'm your body guard and protecting your body if a full time job."
"And you love every minute of it." Harry teased.
"Damn right I do. I got the best assignment there is and a great tan as well."
"What happens after I leave here?" Harry said with a hint of sadness.
"I was told that once you're placed permanently, I return to the ministry for reassignment. Don't worry; you can't get rid of me that easily."
"It won't be the same. Everything is different and it's going to change again later. It gets to me sometimes." Harry said.
"I understand, but eventually it will all work out."
"I hope you're right." He said.
The two friends sat in comfortable silence for some time when Anne called them in for lunch. Afterwards, Anne invited the two to go antique shopping with her. The two agreed and went to change into more appropriate attire; they were in their swimming gear. Having changed into jeans and t-shirts, the three piled into Anne's pick-up truck and set off on their journey.
Along the way, Anne informed Harry that her inquiries of his house in Milan had returned and she would show him later. She also had a report of everything she had appraised to date and would go over that as well. They arrived at a small town and went into one of the many shops. Anne wasn't looking for anything in particular, just keeping her eyes open. Dora and Harry never went shopping like this before so it was an enjoyable experience for them.
After searching a few shops, they stopped for tea and chatted about this and that when Harry spotted something in a furniture store across the street. Finishing their refreshments, the three went into the store. Harry made a bee-line towards his target. It was a large roll-top desk. It was in poor shape but had extreme potential. Anne examined the desk and discovered it was made of oak and well crafted but the previous owners neglected it and over time it became a nuisance and discarded. Anne haggled with the store owner for a fair price and the deal was made.
Two large clerks loaded the desk into the pick-up and offered to follow the 'little ladies' home to unload it. Anne just smiled at her companions, who were grinning fiercely and politely refused. Both Anne and Dora found items of interest as well in the store and were loaded along with a desk chair for Harry the store owner threw in for ridding him of the desk. Everything loaded the three were on their way. Once outside of town Anne pulled off to the side and exited the truck. She drew her wand and shrunk everything quickly and brought them into the cab and continued on. Harry thanked the 'little lady' and the three burst into laughter.
Returning home, Harry carried the items to Anne's workshop and they were promptly resized. They went to the kitchen where John had purchased Chinese take-away. Harry had never eaten such things and enjoyed the different flavors. Sweet and sour pork, pepper steak and shrimp fried rice were his favorites; he even learned to use chopsticks. Everyone went the workshop after eating to view the new items. Sara asked.
"Harrison, what's up with the desk? I know it has to mean something."
"When I was little, I went with my aunt to an estate sale. I saw a man with his son sitting at a desk just like this laughing and having a good time. I promised myself that one day I would have a desk like this so I can do the same."
Sara hugged Harry warmly and said. "That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. If you need any help restoring it let me know."
Harry smiled and thanked her. Everyone else agreed that it was a wonderful sentiment and Anne knew once the desk was restored it would be valuable, but not as priceless as what Harry wanted it for.
John and Anne took Harry to their home office to talk business while the ladies watched the telly. They say Harry down and began to go over what Anne had discovered. Harry's was stunned as they informed him of their findings and of his current investment earnings. He still didn't truly understand everything but he knew enough to know it was a lot.
Meanwhile, the young ladies were talking adamantly about various things when Dora said.
"We have to get Harry and Hermione together, he misses her terribly."
"I agree, but what can we do?" Tia asked.
"Leave that to me. I'll apparate to her house tomorrow at lunch time and work something out." Sara said with a gleam in her eyes.
"What are you up to?" Tia asked.
"Just a little girl time with Hermione and if Harrison happens to show up."
"Sounds like a plan. Let me know where and when." Dora said.
"No worries. Now tell us about those cute guys at the store little lady." Sara said giggling.
The three giggled like young teenagers and spoke of even more pleasant topics.
Harry returned to his room for the evening and found a package on his bed. It was from Sirius and he wasted no time unwrapping it. Inside were several books on advance defense and warding as well as Animagus training. Harry grinned and thought about what his animal form will be. He chose to retire early because he was going to have a busy day tomorrow. Anne was showing him how to refinish his desk and Minerva and Filius were visiting later that day.
Harry awoke and began his new routine. He still hadn't had an opportunity to prank Sara because all of his ideas involved using magic and he couldn't. After finishing his workout and breakfast, he met Anne in her workshop. She handed him a smock and started explaining how to use both magic and muggle means to refinish furniture. They started by removing all the drawers and hardware then they coated an area with stripper. After a few minutes, Anne waved her wand and the used chemicals disappeared and the wood was bare. Harry continued to apply the stripper to his desk and Anne worked on her own piece, a curio cabinet.
Before long both pieces were stripped of the old varnish and were now bare wood. Normal muggle means would have taken days or longer; it took them ninety minutes and no waste. Anne showed Harry how to use the Reparo Charm to fix the damage to his desk. Thirty minutes later, both pieces were ready to be refinished. They decided to take a break when John informed them they had visitors.
Anne and Harry returned upstairs and were greeted by Minerva and Filius. Harry bowed in respect to his dueling master who returned the gesture. Harry went to his surrogate aunt and gave her a warm hug which she returned. The Jefferies watched their former deputy headmistress embrace their young charge and smiled. She was human after all. Everyone went to the living room, except John who went to the kitchen, and got comfortable. John returned shortly with tea for all and they started chatting. Minerva spoke.
"Harry I must say you look well. Are you enjoying your summer?"
"Yes I am. I've completed my homework; John and Anne are helping me with my financial stuff; I'm learning to swim and learned some interesting things about how muggle things and magic can work together. This has been a great summer."
"I'm pleased to hear you say that. Merlin knows you deserve it. We can not stay long but we wanted to check on you. We weren't sure how else to contact you."
"We discovered that house elves can get through the Fidelius Charm. Don't worry they can't bring harm to me or the Jeffries; it's against their magic. If you need to contact me, just use my mail service, but I like seeing you as well."
"How did you learn this about house elves? I've never heard such things before." Filius stated.
"My mail elf delivered a package and I asked her." Harry said plainly.
"It never occurred to me to ask. I knew house elves were different but I never bothered. It appears that the student had become the teacher." Minerva stated smiling.
"Maybe someday; I still have a long way to go." Harry said sheepishly.
"You are already a good teacher. Don't forget we watch you in the training room. We watched you teach your friends the Patronus Charm and were most impressed." Filius said.
"You can do the Patronus Charm? I can't do that." Anne said.
"Neither can I. would you mind teaching us?" John said.
"I'd be happy to. It's the least I could do for everything you've done for me." Harry said.
"You see you are a teacher, Professor Potter." Minerva teased.
Harry blushed at her praises then Filius spoke.
"We also wanted to speak with you about your international magic idea. We would like to be there when you all get together. We are most interested in what you all come up with."
"I was going to ask you. I'm both nervous and excited about what we will learn. I almost forgot, on the train we talked to a few Slytherin students and they want to join our study group."
"Wonderful, I was hoping you would consider that. This will most certainly promote house unity that we desperately need." Minerva said.
"I hope others feel the same way. I know a few people that won't like it." Harry said.
Everyone nodded in agreement and continued chatting about more pleasant topics. Before their departure, Minerva said to Harry.
"I have an unusual assignment for you that I would like you to work on."
"What is it Aunt Min?"
"I would like you to learn how to dance. Trust me." She said with a wicked smirk.
"Okay, if you say so." Harry said carefully.
His two favorite teachers left with a crack and Harry was left with his thoughts. Dancing?
Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter.
A/N: Sorry about the slow update. I'm doing a rewrite of earlier chapters. Nothing major just cleaning it up a bit. I'll post the updated version as soon as I'm finished.