Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended

I only own the plot and some characters; I don't own Harry and co.

Guardian Of Magic

By: Kakole

Chapter Five: When Everything Changed

The next morning, Harry woke up after a refreshing sleep. When he looked around his room, the first thing that he noticed was that Tonks was nowhere to be seen. That fact didn't trouble him greatly, but he was a little depressed that she left while still mad at him. As Harry got up and prepared to go for his morning run, he mentally went through all of the prior days activities. When Harry got outside and started doing his stretches, he felt more than the usual pair of eyes on him, so as he started jogging, he took a different path, so that if he was followed, he would know all hiding spots available to him. When Harry got into a rhythm, he focused on going further faster, than the day before. However, Harry's sense of tranquility was destroyed because he couldn't stop thinking about Tonks crying and how bad it made him feel. When Harry was finished with his warm down exercises, he went and took a quick shower and dressed in some of his new clothes. Before fixing breakfast for the family, Harry looked through the reference book and found a small yet close gym that offered self defense courses. Harry made it a point to go there some time that day to request a membership.

While Harry was making breakfast, his Aunt Petunia came into the kitchen complaining about him being a useless bum when she took notice to his new clothing. "Where did you get those, it's not like your kind have real jobs. I bet you and that harlot stole them. I would call the police if I thought that those people wouldn't interfere." Harry's aunt kept complaining, but Harry tuned her out. Harry was distributing the food when his uncle came in the room demanding to know where Harry received his new clothing. Harry simple replied that one of the Order members took him shopping. When they asked where they got their money, Harry remained quiet.

"Boy, you will answer me, or you will not eat."

"Okay, I won't eat then" replied Harry in a bored tone.

"You will do the chores that you have been neglecting lately, or I will put you out on the street where your kind belongs."

"Why can't Dudley do it, I have been your personal slave for 15 years and I am sick of it. If you want to kick me out, I will be gone by the end of the day, but I want you to write up a contract saying that you want nothing to do with me, and that you will not come looking for me if you change your mind. I want it in writing that you don't mind not having the blood protection over you house keeping you safe. Once you have written it and signed it, in the presence of a witness, I will be out of your house for good and never come back. I mean never. Do we have a deal?"

"What are you hiding boy" questioned Vernon.

"Do you really want to know, it would involve me talking about my kind."

"Yes" responded Petunia before Vernon could say anything.

"Very well. The same person that killed my parents is trying to take over the entire continent. When I was one year old, he broke into my parent's home, and killed them with a killing curse. If you watch the news and hear about a mysterious unexplainable death where the victim or victims were perfectly healthy and the next moment dead, then they were probably the recipient of a killing curse. Now back to what I was saying, he came to our house and killed my parents. My mother sacrificed herself so that I could live and so when he tried to curse me it backfired and killed him instead. The reason that I came to live with you is because of my mother's blood. Since she sacrificed herself, there is protection for me and you while I stay here."

"If that man died while trying to kill you, then why are you still here?"

"Because he had followers that were loyal to him, that were looking for me."

"I still don't see why you have to stay with us now."

"Let me finish. During my fourth year, I was kidnapped, and a very dark ritual was performed in which they forcibly took my blood and resurrected Voldermort. Last summer, they sent Dementors to Surrey in an attempt to kill us. Most grown wizards cannot produce a patronus, which is the only thing that can harm them. To make a long story short, I am here to protect you now, because I am fully capable of looking after myself. I have been fighting evil since I was 11, and now I am pretty good at it. In fact myself and Tonks, the female Auror, took on 12 Death Eaters and won. Again, I am here not for my own protection, but for yours." With that being said, Harry got up, and started walking toward the door.

"You act like you're so important, like they made a movie about your life or something."

Harry laughed then said "Would several books do?" The Dursleys were stunned; they never knew that Harry was so important in his world. However, the wheels in Vernon's head were turning fiercely.

"Boy, you will do your chores, or I will forbid you to return to your abnormal world." Vernon had a huge grin on his face as he spoke.

"You will do no such thing. As I said earlier, I am here to protect you not be used as your bargaining chip. Do you know what an Emancipated Minor is?"

Vernon paled "Yes Vernon, it's what you think. I am now a legal adult, which means that I can perform magic legally or just leave you unprotected. I am only here so that my last living relatives remain so" stated Harry, for emphasis, Harry pulled his form from his back pocket and showed it to them. Harry was about to leave the room when Vernon said "Boy, my sister is coming for a visit and I will have none of your abnormality or this Voldie- whatsit will be the least of your worries. Harry spun around walked straight up to Vernon and looked him straight in the eyes and said. I will not tolerate ANYONE talking about my parents. If she can do that I will be cordial, I will even help out with chores to help you maintain appearances. However, should she cross the line, you will all remember me in fear. Don't you ever threaten me again; I have seen more death and faced things that would cause you to go insane. Don't tow the line with me." Harry continued to stare into Vernon's eyes until the older man averted his gaze. Harry turned on his heels and walked out of room. As soon as Harry got to his room, he wrote a quick letter to the Order requesting that he be moved. He knew that no matter how much he tried, his Aunt would go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that he was unhappy. After writing that letter, Harry wrote a letter to Nicolas Flamel thanking him for his kindness, he mentioned that he had given Harry the means to empower himself, and that he would be eternally grateful. Harry also included a list of his new found talents. Once Harry had finished the letters, he tied them to Hedwig's leg and told her to deliver the letters only when she was well rested.

Instead of starting on a new book, Harry started revising all of his notes and storing them on his computer. After a couple hours, Harry's hands started to cramp up so he decided to take a break and go to the gym. As Harry walked down the stairs, he noticed that the Dursleys were in the kitchen sitting down for lunch. Harry waved and left. As Harry walked down the street, he could tell that there was only the usual person there watching him, and he wondered when he would hear from the mystery guest. Harry put those thoughts to the back of his mind, and started wondering when the Aurors and Order members would be around to question him. All he wanted was to be normal. Now, Harry realized that he would never be normal; in fact, all Harry wanted now was to limit his media exposure as he knew that the battle would make front page news today for sure. Then his thoughts gravitated toward Tonks, and he desperately hoped that he hadn't gotten her into any trouble.

Before Harry could dwell on the issue, he arrived at the recently opened fitness center. When he went inside, he was conscious of the temperature change as well as the eyes that were on him. As he walked to the receptionist, he could feel at least six pairs of eyes on him. When he turned to confirm, he saw six people avert their gaze. Harry inwardly chuckled to himself as he asked the pretty young woman what self defense classes the gym offered. She gave him a list, and he chose to attend four out of five offered classes. After setting him up with a membership, Harry bought some work out clothes, changed, and went to meet his personal trainer. The man that greeted him could qualify as a half giant because he was so tall and muscular. The man, Bob, was built like a farm trained bull. He carried himself with grace and could usually be seen flirting with the female patrons. When Bob looked at Harry, he immediately tried to act condescendingly but Harry just ignored his verbal tirade and asked for another trainer. The next trainer, Gail was much nicer. She introduced herself and said "Don't mind Bob, he acts like that to all newbie's that is if you're male. So what are you looking to achieve. Do you want to bulk up, increase your stamina, tone yourself, or do you not have a clue?" "Well I want to bulk up a little bit, but my main goal is to improve my endurance and add a little definition. I don't want to end up like man-mountain over there." Gail laughed and showed him which machines he should use, the proper amount of repetitions he should do, and the acceptable weight. In total, they spent the entire time coming up with an adequate routine. After they finished, they both went to the self defense course.

When Harry finished at the gym, he made his way home, and continued with his revision. He finished up just as the Dursleys were sitting down to dinner. When Harry started his meal, two delivery owls came through the open kitchen window. Harry took the letters, and read them while his uncle had a triumphant look on his face.

"You have finally done it; they are kicking you out of that freak school of yours aren't they."

"Quite the contrary, I just from our Prime Minister nominating me for an Order of Merlin award, he wants to go over the particulars of yesterdays battle."

"Your lying let me see that." Harry snatched the letter and read it once, then again before saying "What is the Minister of Magic? I thought you said the Prime Minister."

"The Minister of Magic is the highest position in our government, it is comparable to your Prime Minister position" Harry stated frankly.

Harry ignored his uncles sputtering and opened the second letter, which was from Professor Dumbledore stating that someone would be by the corresponding day to debrief him on his actions during the battle. Harry desperately hoped that Tonks would be the Order member sent to talk to him, because he really wanted to speak with her, not to mention, he was waiting for her so he could open Sirius letter. Harry was deep in thought as he finished his dinner, and for once Harry didn't study after dinner, but went to bed. That night his scar was burning, and he could tell that Voldermort was not happy, but he didn't have a vision.

Time flew by for Harry and his research was going extremely well. Harry had gone through several lengthy books on complex curses, and hexes; and he was becoming very adept in transfiguration theory. In addition, Harry had brewed the Animagi potion that told the brewer what animal they would become, and focused on Enchantments. With these two specialties, his regular research, workout/ self defense time, and the random chores Harry had no excess time. Both debriefings were concise and positive for the most part, but they were the least of Harry's worries. It was getting closer to the time when Harry knew his aunt would be arriving, but Dumbledore kept on refusing to move him like he expected Harry to blow a fuse. Another thing that worried Harry was the lack of replies from Tonks. Harry had written her twice with no responses. After two weeks, she sent a brief curt letter telling Harry to 'just open the damn letter', but Harry held out hope and waited for her.

Then in the second week of July, the unspeakable happened. Marge came to Privet Drive and things would never be the same. The day started off like many others. Harry woke up early that morning went for his morning run. While Harry stretched, he thought about the chores he had to do. The previous week, Harry had come to an agreement with the Dursleys; Harry would do the gardening once a week and they would leave him alone. Today being Saturday, he prepared himself for the fortuitous task of weeding the garden. As he was running, Harry sensed that there was a second pair of eyes following him as he turned the corner. Harry mentally went a list of possible spells that he could use if there was a Death Eater present. Once he was adequately prepared, he focused on lengthening his strides in an attempt to get his limbs limber in case he had to do a lot of dodging, and subconsciously Harry took a shorter route than usual in an attempt to conserve energy. When he returned home, the first thing Harry noticed was a rental car parked in the driveway. "Well Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" Harry muttered as he opened the front door. Inside, the family was in uproar, and the Dursleys feared for the worst when they saw Harry walk through the door. ************************************************************************Shou ld I end it there?

No.

Okay

When Harry entered the house, he knew that something was wrong; the fist thing that he heard was Vernon arguing or better yet pleading for his sister to leave.

"You don't know what you have done; you have to leave now for your own safety."

"I will not leave because of some petty juvenile delinquent. I would have thought you would have him trained by now."

"You don't understand and I don't have the time to explain it to you, how about we go out for a nice breakfast. Come on old girl, let's go."

"I will not leave my belongings unattended while that little criminal is here, or my poor Ripper for that matter. Had that ingrate been here to carry my bags and feed my poor little starving baby, this would have never happened. You should have gotten rid of that little criminal when you had the chance. Where is he so early in the morning? Probably up to no good I bet. I swear you have been too easy on that little leech. Have you seen your yard lately, what is he good for if not physical labor."

"Come along Marge, let's go to breakfast. Dudley and Petunia will take care of Ripper and make sure that your belongings are taken care of."

"Oh my little Dudley is becoming such a fine lad, unlike that other one. Bad breeding I tell you. No offense Petunia, but I can tell the bad genes come from your side of the family. Look at those boys parents. Just shameful."

Harry was standing at the door seething. In less than five minutes his Aunt Marge had successfully gotten under his skin, and she hadn't even seen her. Furthermore, Harry was wondering what had gotten his uncle so scared. Harry decided now was a good time to make an appearance. He pushed open the door and went unnoticed by his four relatives until he heard a familiar growl coming from behind him. The conversation ceased and the Dursleys came running into the hallway followed closely by a whale sized Marge. Harry smirked because in the time that elapsed since he had seen her last, she had put on so much weight that her height must have shrunken due to the strain. When Harry looked at the Dursleys he could see that they were in shock, but he could also sense their fear.

Marge took one look at Harry and turned to Vernon and said "I will let you deal with the boy." With that she turned and waddled back into the kitchen.

"Harry, how nice of you to join us. There was a slight complication this morning that." sputtered Uncle Vernon, but he was cut off by an uneasy Harry.

"What happened?"

"Well you see.Petunia, why don't you tell him, he's your kin."

"Harry dear, why don't you sit down" Petunia said in her saccharin sweet voice with a forced smile.

"Will someone tell me what's going on?" While Harry was waiting for someone to answer him, he looked around. Everything was normal until he laid eyes on Ripper who had been unusually quiet. As Harry focused on the dog, he noticed that it was licking some red stuff off of his paws.

"Did Ripper get into a fight with a neighborhood animal?" Nobody answered him. As Harry looked at his aunt, more specifically he looked at her apron and saw more blood. As he was looking away, his eyes caught on an off white feather that almost blended into the color of the apron.

"Oh my God" Harry whispered as he got to his feet and launched at the stairs. As Harry ran up the small flight of stairs, all he kept thinking was 'No this isn't happening', but when he opened his door, his worst fears came to life in front of his eyes. His once tidy room looked like the set of a bad B Horror movie. There was blood all over the floor, the bottom of his trunk had claw marks on it, and his moldy mattress had a huge hole in it. Harry was broken from his daze when he heard a soft hoot. Harry frantically searched his room for his beloved companion. After a couple of minutes, Harry found Hedwig lying on her side under his bed. With the window closed it was the only place she found refuge from her attacker. As Harry reached for her, she snapped at him and bit deeply into his finger. Harry ignored the pain as he pulled her to him. As he pulled her from under the bed he saw that she was leaving a trail of blood.

"It's okay girl, it's me. You're safe now" Harry said as he stroked her mangled body. Hedwig turned her amber eyes toward her owner and tried to nuzzle into him, but she was too weak. Harry heard a deep gasp come from the doorway, but he was too detached to pay any attention. Tears poured from his eyes as he stroked her blood soaked feathers. Hedwig's plumage had been magnificent, but now he could only see red that came from the deep gash in her side. "I'm so sorry girl. I'm so sorry" Harry sobbed while cradling his first friend. Hedwig sensing her masters distress started hooting in an attempt to console him, but it took too much of her energy. By the fourth hoot, Hedwig expired. Harry looked at her as her amber eyes closed for a final time, and clutched her lifeless form to his chest while letting out a deep, primal scream of pain. The scream was so loud that it woke the neighbors and startled the on duty Order member. Harry sat there rocking back and forth uncontrollably as pain, hatred, and a deep sorrow coursed through his veins.

Harry sat there for a very long time until one singular thought came to him. Revenge. Harry slowly got off his knees, and gently placed Hedwig on his bed. He slowly turned toward the doorway. Once in the hallway, he heard nothing. He slowly descended the stairs, but there was still nothing. Harry searched the entire first floor of the house only to find it empty. Harry was so mad that he couldn't see straight, he was so angry that he didn't even notice his scar tingling to notify him that Voldermort was extremely happy. Harry was so irate, that he didn't notice the dark aura forming around him. The only thing he could think about was revenge, so he let his frustration and rage grow. He let his rage be fueled by every injustice, beating or disservice that he had suffered because of the Dursleys. When Harry could no longer contain the rage and hatred he bellowed "Come out here and face me, you effing bloody muggles." As Harry yelled his aura started destroying any and everything that was close to him. The sofa that Harry was standing behind went flying toward the wall, but there was no damage because it disintegrated before impact could occur.

Mundangus Fletcher's P.O.V.

After hearing the loud yell coming from Harry's house, he pulled his wand and activated his Phoenix pendant requesting backup. When Gus started to approach the house, he noticed that his hand held dark detector was going haywire. The next thing that Gus saw was that all of the Dursleys pushed a portly woman carrying a dog out the front door. They then proceeded to stuff her into a car, and speed off down the street. Gus first reaction was to wait for backup, but his curiosity got the best of him; so, he silently snuck to the front of the house, kneeled down and crawled to the front window. What he saw chilled his blood. Inside Gus saw Harry standing in the middle of the room surrounded by the darkest aura he had ever seen. Before Gus could avert his eyes, Harry let out a blood curdling scream that caused Gus to lose control of his bodily functions. Gus watched in terror as Harry's unnatural aura started lashing out, and he fainted when he saw Harry's aura disintegrate the sofa Harry's P.O.V.

As Harry's anger started to subside, the aura weakened. Soon his rage had run its course, and Harry fell to his knees in exhaustion. In the distance, Harry could hear the sound of running feet; and within the next few seconds he was greeted by Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, and a few Order members. As they took in the destroyed room, they all tried to imagine what type of battle could have caused so much destruction without resulting in a few dead bodies. Professor Dumbledore was the first person to recover.

"My God Harry, what happened here?"

Harry's eyes narrowed on the old wizard and a sliver of his rage was rekindled. He got to his feet, and started to approach the old wizard as he spoke "Get out of my house. I blame you for today's actions, and I will never trust you or value your opinion again." When he finished speaking, he looked directly into Dumbledore's eyes and the aged wizard could see the darkness trying to break free. The Order members were so surprised at Harry's icy tone that they subconsciously recoiled. Professor Snape, being the man that he is, started goading Harry with comments like "Tsk tsk Potter, trouble in paradise. What the muggles decided to stop worshiping you for the day or something." Harry's dark aura started to appear again as he launched at his potions professor. By the end of the scuffle, Professor Snape fell to the floor unconscious with a broken nose and a broken arm. The Order members had drawn their wands and were following Harry's every move. Dumbledore sensed the danger and decided that himself and the Order should leave and give Harry some time to calm down. "Harry, we will leave, but before that may I ask whose blood that is on your clothing?" Harry looked down at his clothing and his eyes started to well up with unshed tears. As he turned away from the Order members and started to climb the stairs, Harry spoke in a low voice when he said "It's Hedwig's blood. She's dead."

Dumbledore P.O.V. As Professor Dumbledore walked to the end of Privet Drive, the Order members noticed that he looked very frail and old. Before they could say anything, he spun around and faced his followers. "Call an emergency meeting, take Severus to Poppy, and have Minerva go to my office and retrieve my pensieve." With that he apparated to Grimmaud Place to prepare for the meeting. When he arrived he was practically jumped by Harry's best friends and an unruly gang of Weasleys. "Where is Harry, did something happen to him" said Ron and Hermione in unison. "Mr. Potter is physically fine; I will explain everything when all the members arrive. The gang wasn't satisfied, but they didn't get the chance to interrogate him further because Professor Dumbledore locked himself in the study. When the Order members were finally all in attendance, barring Professor Snape, Dumbledore walked into the room very slowly. Molly was the first person to say anything. "Why are the children here?"

"They are here because they are Harry's friends. The children deserve to know what is happening with him, and they also know how he thinks." Everyone was quiet as Dumbledore told them about the prophecy, Harry's reaction to the prophecy, and his actions and words to Dumbledore. They listened with increased horror as Mundangus Fletcher recounted what he saw. After he was finished with his reenactment, he asked to be oblivated so that he would never have to think about it again. Dumbledore agreed, but had him place the memory in his pensieve beforehand. Then he faced the Order "I fear that Harry is turning away from us. He has grown weary of this war and right now I am at a loss as to how to sway him back to the right path. Now that you all know what his destiny is, do any of you have any suggestions?"

Remus Lupin, whom had been on mission with the werewolves, stood. "I think that Harry is just overwhelmed by everything that has happened. I believe that we should bring him here, where his friends are. That way we can talk to him and keep an eye on him at the same time."

Molly Weasley looked at the faces of her children, and then at her husband. She stood and said "I agree with Remus, Harry is like one of my own, and I want him here. In my experience with Harry, he has lived a life where people don't love him, and if he continues to walk that road then we will lose him." After speaking, she sank into her seat and started sobbing into her hands. Arthur Weasley was quick to hug her and speak soothing words into her ear, until she calmed down.

Before the Order could vote, Tonks got to her feat and started pacing. After awhile, people started to notice the female Auror, and wondered why she hadn't said anything. Dumbledore spoke " Nymphandora do you have anything to add?" Tonks stopped in mid stride and nearly fell over but didn't. "It's a good idea, but I don't think that Harry will want to be here. This place reminds him too much of Sirius. Furthermore, he thinks we're trying to manipulate him; and from what you have told us and my conversations with Harry, he has no trust in you Professor, so he won't come near you or anyone else he doesn't trust. I suggest that you send one of his friends, the Weasleys, or Moony and myself. That is if you don't want another incident like earlier today." After speaking, she went back to pacing while the Order considered what she said.

After much deliberation, Professor Dumbledore said "Very well, you may go. When Harry makes a decision on where he wants t go, let me know." Tonks nodded to Dumbledore, the Weasleys's, Hermione, and Remus and left. "Remus how are things with the werewolves?"

Harry's P.O.V.

Meanwhile Harry slowly climbed the stairs, went into his room. Once inside, he took out his old trunk and carefully placed Hedwig's body into the trunk. Harry took out one of his wands and cast a cleaning charm on the room, and a repair charm on his bed. After that he went and took a long shower, where he cried until he had no tears left. After getting out of the shower, Harry proceeded to pack all of his belongings into his multi compartment trunk. As Harry was packing away his parchment, he took out a single sheet and scribbled out a single letter informing the Dursleys that he would never be back and that they might want to move for their own safety. Once finished with the letter, Harry checked his room for anything that he didn't belong there. When he was satisfied, he descended the steps and made his way toward the end of Privet Drive.

When he got to the end of the street, he heard a popping noise, signifying that someone had apparated behind him. Harry kept walking as if he hadn't heard the noise, while he secretly took out his wands from their holsters. When he got to the desired abandoned alley, Harry quickly spun and crouched and trained his wands in the direction in which he had heard the footfalls. "Easy there Harry" said Tonks from beneath an invisibility cloak. "Why are you following me" replied Harry in a threatening tone. Tonks was somewhat taken aback by his tone so took off the cloak, walked up to Harry and glared at him while saying "I heard about Hedwig, and I thought that you could use someone to talk to; but if your going to act like that. I will just leave you to your own devices." With that Tonks spun around and started walking away. Harry grabbed her arm and said "Wait, I didn't mean it like that. It's just been three weeks with no word from you; I thought you were mad with me or something, and then you show up today of all days. I just thought that the Order sent you." Tonks looked at him for a second and her scowl softened. "The Order did send me, but I am your friend first. It would do you some good to remember that" replied Tonks with a cheeky grin.

"So where are we going anyway?"

"To a place that I haven't been in a very long time" replied Harry cryptically. Before Tonks could inquire further, Harry raised his wand and summoned the Knight Bus. As the bus arrived Harry put on his cloak and lowered his hood. Harry and Tonks boarded the bus and Harry said something to the conductor that Tonks didn't catch. After Harry paid, they were led to their beds and notified that their cocoa would be along shortly. As the bus took off, Tonks was thrown off balance and would have fallen hard, had Harry not caught her and pulled her into a tight hug. Tonks still being a little shaken melted into Harry's arms seeking protection. Harry held her close until she came to her senses and started to pull away from him. Before Tonks could fully pull away, Harry made sure that she was nicely situated on her bed before finding seating for himself. Soon the cocoa arrived, and the two drank their beverages deep in thought. They were both broken from their thoughts when the conductor yelled "Next Stop Godric's Hollow." Harry stood and prepared to get off with Tonks in tow.

The next Chapter has Harry/Tonks romance, O.W.L scores, studying, and trio reunited. Remus also makes an appearance.

I am really happy that I have over 10,000 words. Anyway, I would like to thank everyone that has read the story so far. Before posting this chapter I read the reviews, and I altered the paragraph lengths (For Lauren), and I will keep the story H/T for as long as I can, but it's kind of hard to rework the storyline that I have already hand written. I'm sorry. I will write another story that is exclusively H/T or you could check out a really good story called Changing Faces by eQuasarus. It has a really great story line. My condolences go out to BferBear, I have actually read your work and its one of the reasons I started writing. I will send you the next chapter sometime between now at Monday afternoon. Hopefully, I might be able to take your mind off of things for a while. Oh and I will give you free reign to change anything in the next chapter before I post it. ^.^ I will take it as a personal challenge to see if I can get the story back on track after that. Are you up for the challenge? Well, I have some typing to do, so see you all later.

Kakole