A/N AS you obviously know if you read Chapter 9 I have read Order of the Phoenix and I am for now ignoring certain events from said book. I will though as time permits be utilizing some tidbits of the book mainly a couple intriguing characters along with a certain location. At this time my plan is to hold off on anything dealing with Japan should Amy be going beyond revealing if she is going.
Chapter 10 AH The Burrow Awaits
Before Amy knew it the time had come to pack her trunk for a time period so she could head back to Hogsmeade and ultimately the Burrow. Amy even took the time to think about The Events coming up during the Holidays The Twins Birthday, Christmas, Fred and Angelina's Anniversary, Tyler's birthday. As Amy was packing her trunk Emily glanced over at her.
"You are certainly packing a lot?"
"One never knows what they'll need. Especially with your dad, George, and the Archer Twins. Hopefully No one will try and embarrass the family since Translet Kykoju's daughter will be with us."
"Why is Hitari coming with us?"
"Her mom will be busy most holidays with stuff for the Dark Forces Defense League so Hitari is spending holidays with us. For the record I don't know if Marcus is going to be spending Christmas with us. To be honest we haven't discussed it. He's been busy as it is with classes and studying for the OWL's being that he is a fifth year.
"Ugh you realize in two years we have to worry about them."
"I doubt they're that bad. WE can always ask our parents about them."
The girls then headed down to the Great Hall with their trunks where they saw Kari hugging Hitari goodbye and of course a Carriage was standing nearby with the Thestrals hitched up. They quickly loaded their luggage and headed for Merlin Ave where the Potter House was.HH
"Those things creep me out," Amy said. It almost makes me wish I hadn't seen Paulsen die."
"Why is that Amy?" Emily wondered.
"In order to see what pulls the Carriages you have to have seen somebody die and well I saw my kidnapper die at Hecate's hands."
"Amy, try not to mention her too much I'm still frightened of her even after a few months away from her," Hitari said.
After a nice leisurely ride they arrived at the house. Dionia was waiting when they arrived.
"Everything in order Dionia?"
"Yes Amy Potter. Where would you like your trunks?"
"Place mine and Emily's in my room, Shiki's in her room and I believe Hitari has a room prepared for her. Amy then went in search of her mother and her younger siblings. Shiki simply glanced around.
"Something bothering you Shiki?" Hitari asked her.
"I'm just remembering how things were for me before last Christmas. I was a mere orphan taking part in an exchange program with a school in Tokyo when Amy's parents decided I deserved a real home. As a Christmas present they gave me that real home by adopting me. What do you think of Hogwarts?"
"The school is nice but Binns is boring and well I'm not real fond of Professor Snape even if he does treat me fairly well."
"Amy uses special charms before she goes to History of Magic. Apparently she came close to failing first year and she doesn't want a repeat of that."
"I don't blame her."
A short time later Amy and Ginny walked in.
"OK here is the travel plans. A couple days before Christmas we are heading for the Burrow. According to my parents we are having guests this year for the actual day but she hasn't revealed who yet. WE are coming home from the Burrow on the 30th that way we can Celebrate Fred and Angelina's anniversary. Emily, you'll be going home with your parents after Christmas. "
The next morning Amy received an owl with her breakfast.
Amy
My dad is wondering if you would like to spend some time over the holidays at #12 Grimmauld Place in London the home of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Before you owl back let me know what your parents think.
JaimieGinny read the note over her daughter's shoulder.
"I hope Sirius found a way to get his mother's portrait down. Man what a loudmouth. I think a few days at Grimmauld Place are in order. Might even be able to find time for you to spend a day or two with Lynda," Ginny hinted.
"OK I'll quickly send Jaimie an owl so I can find out when she wants me to come," Amy said.
"I wouldn't bother Amy because an owl wouldn't get there in time."
"Mom, it's not like I'll be going there today," Amy said.
A Short time later Amy was packing her travel pack with enough clothes to last her until it was time to go to the Burrow. She slipped through the Floo Network to Grimmauld Place. When she left the Fireplace at the Black House she heard Sirius's High Bass voice singing off key Christmas Carols. She had wished she had her wand on her but she had left it at home in her trunk. When Amy slipped into the front sitting room she saw the weirdest sight of a witch in her late thirties with Pink Hair. Amy decided to have some fun and changed into TailFeathers. Soon as she had changed she flew over towards the pink haired witch.
"Wotcher Bird. Where is the letter that supposedly you are carrying?" The witch asked her.
"I don't think that's a messenger eagle Tonks," Sirius said. "Jaimie had invited Harry's daughter to join us but is awaiting an owl back."
Amy decided to return to human form.
"Amy, did you fly all the way from Hogsmeade?" Jaimie asked her.
"No I took the Floo Network from home and changed into TailFeathers when I arrived. One question what kind of parents would name their kid Tonks."
Jaimie then distracted Amy for a couple seconds while Tonks changed her hair around.
"Amy, the question you should be asking is what kind of parents would name their kid Nymphadora which I hate so I go by my surname which is Tonks."
Amy then glanced at her and saw Long blond hair and a different nose.
"Tonks is a Metamorphmagus so she can change her appearance," Sirius informed Amy upon seeing her shocked expression.
"How long are you here until?" Tonks asked her.
"My family is scheduled to go to the Burrow on the 23rd. We spend Christmas there every year."
"Did you bring your broom at all?" Jaimie asked her.
"No I didn't besides it's too cold to fly. I didn't even bring my wand."
"You Amy would make a poor Auror. An Auror needs to be prepared at all times which means having your wand with you."
"What do you do Tonks?"
"I'm an Auror Team Leader I'm also great at being undercover since I can alter my appearance."
A short time after that Jaimie was showing Amy to a guest room.
"All the time I've known your family Jaimie and it's hard to believe this is my first time visiting your house."
"I know my mom has to periodically put silencing charms on the portrait of my Grandma Black because any slight noise would get her screaming. Did you know that Lynda is related to my family. My dad and her Grandma Malfoy were cousins. So is my dad and Tonks's mother. In fact Tonks mother and Lynda's grandmother were sisters."
"I never knew that and Lynda and I have been friends for years. In fact my mom has already given me permission to spend time with Lynda over the holidays and Lynda hasn't even invited me yet."
"Wonder if it's because of the Japan trip that they are going easy on you. I certainly didn't expect you to arrive today."
Amy glanced over at one point and noticed a young dark haired girl a little older then Amy.
"What do you two want to do?" The girl asked her. Amy of course recognized the girl's voice.
"Nice one Tonks."
"Being that you are without any of your usual security like the Spectral Guard I figured I would help you out. I also figured I should try and blend in."
"Too bad you can't accompany me to Hogwarts," Amy said.
"I bet I could I would just have to arrange something."
"Let me talk to my dad first."
"I have a feeling your parents will go along with it. After all I've met them. Of course it was back before you were born," Tonks informed her. "Back in the days of You Know Who."
Shortly after that they started a game of exploding snap. Tonks ended up with singed eyebrows which she quickly concealed.
"For someone older then your dad and younger then my dad Tonks is a lot of fun," Jaimie commented as they were sneaking down to the kitchen in the basement. The Black's house elf though spotted them.
"Nice try girls but no snacks between meals."
"Come off it Kricket we're just after a little snack," Jaimie said.
"You know your father's instructions Mistress Jaimie."
"Petrificus Totalus," Jaimie said as she attempted to put the Full Body Bind on the house elf. Kricket though snapped her fingers and the curse reversed course and went back towards Jaimie. Amy took the time to pull Jaimie out of the kitchen into a room she could reverse the curse in.
"Thanks Amy. I've got a sneaky idea."
"What Jaimie?"
"What if TailFeathers was to distract her long enough for me to nick some food."
"No way I'm not using my Animagus form for something like that."
"Amy, about your Animagus form. The Ministry is aware of you being an Animagus I hope."
"As a matter of fact Tonks I registered first thing after I ended up one."
"That's a relief otherwise I would have had to decide whether or not to turn you in."
The next morning After breakfast and a little cleaning up Amy grabbed some floo powder and called home to wish Melissa and Melanie a Happy Birthday. The twins were slightly annoyed that Amy wasn't actually there.
"How did your call go?" Sirius asked her.
"It went well Sirius even if the twins weren't too pleased I was here and not there."
"Any pranks planned this year?"
"To be honest no. I usually save my pranks for the portion of the year that with my luck I won't be there for."
"Is this because of the Japan trip that Jaimie was nominated for?"
"Yes but well the actual reps that I know of haven't been chosen yet. It seems like a lot of people think I'll actually get picked."
Amy managed to stay the last couple days flooing over Early on the 23rd with Tonks by her side. Ellie was just walking down stairs when they showed up.
"Amy, you just arriving?"
"Yes I am Ellie."
"Where's the rest of your family?"
"I was at Jaimie's and simply came over. Who else is here?"
"Uncle Bill, Uncle George, Sadia, her two kids, some French Woman and her two boys. The French lady is some old friend of Bill's. Your family and Ron's bunch are expected today and Percy and Fred's bunch tomorrow.
A Short time later two reddish blond haired boys walked down.
"Morning Ellie," One of the boys said.
"Morning Alfred, Pierre, this is my cousin Amy. I'm not sure who her friend is."
"I'm Tonks I'm sorta part of Amy's protective detail."
"I take it you two boys are with my Uncle Bill's friend from France."
"Yeah our mom took part in the Tri-Wizard Tournament several years ago with Harry Potter. She was the Champion for Beauxbatons."
Before too long everyone at the Burrow was awake and Tonks received several polite greets.
"Greetings Amy I am Fleur," A Silvery Blond haired woman said. "Alfred and Pierre are my boys."
"How is Gabrielle doing Fleur?"
"She is doing good Amy. How did you know of my sister?"
"My dad has been known to talk about the Tournament. Besides I'm considered a defender of the Mer People in the Lake at Hogwarts."
Shortly before lunch Harry and the others arrived
"Wotcher Harry?" Tonks asked him "Ginny."
"Tonks," Ginny exclaimed. "What brings you here?"
"Amy. I was over visiting Sirius and his family and figured that as an Auror it was my duty to protect your daughter."
"How would you handle it at Hogwarts?"
"I'm sure a way could be found."
Things got busy right then. Christmas Morning everybody was gathering around the Fire when There was a knock on the door. Amy went over and her eyes almost bugged out. "Marcus, Mrs. Flint, what brings you two here?"
"Your grandparents invited us," Mathalda said.
Shortly after that the presents were just starting to get distributed when another knock occurred Tonks who was still on hand grabbed her wand while Molly answered the door.
"meri-kurisumasu, monjosei no keisho Weasley," A voice said.
"Yeah Same to you," Mrs. Weasley replied though she had no clue what the visitor was saying.
"meri-kurisumasu, Translet kykoju," Amy greeted the most recent arrival."
"meri-kurisumasu Amy-sama," Kari replied.
"What was that mouthful as it is?" Molly inquired.
"It's Japanese Mrs. Weasley. meri-kurisumasu is Japanese for Merry Christmas. When I had greeted you after you answered the door I was saying Merry Christmas Mrs. Weasley," Kari said.
"Ok I think that's everyone."
The first gift Amy opened was from Shiki.
"Just so you know Kai and the others chipped in," Shiki told her.
Inside was several Kimono's in Red with pink belts.
"The colors were adjusted slightly this year. Even if you don't make the trip these might come in handy," Shiki said.
Hitari was amazed at the dictionary she received. IT was a Japanese dictionary that gave the English meaning and pronunciation. Amy by this time had just unwrapped her Gold with Red trimmed Sweater from her grandmother. Another present consisted of several books on caring for Unicorns. Amy suspected they were because of Sunic her unicorn foal. Whenever she could she would spend time with the young foal that she had "acquired" during her Care of Magical Creatures class when the mother only permitted her to pet it.
A while later Amy was standing on the front porch looking out onto the yard.
"It's a lovely landscape isn't it?" A voice asked her.
"That it is Marcus. I think the look of my grandparents yard on Christmas day is something I enjoy the most. It's something I'll miss next Christmas. I'm not even sure if Tokyo gets snow. Even if they do I doubt the view is as nice as it is here."
"You have an easy way to find out."
"I know but I think I'd rather be surprised."
"What are your plans the rest of the holidays?"
"Spend the coming week with my family and right after new years maybe spend a week over at Tate Plato with Lynda and her mom."
"Does Lynda even still live with her dad at all? The last few times you've visited her she's been at her moms."
"I don't even know. It's possible her mom could have custody."
Mrs. Weasley that night made an absolutely huge spread for her guests.
"Let's face it Mrs. Weasley you make the best Christmas Feast I know of," Mathalda said.
"When you raise seven kids and end up with a pile of grandkids all home for Christmas well you have to make a lot of very good food."
The week following Christmas proved a tad busy but Amy was able to make it up to the Terrible Twosome for missing their birthday. Promptly at Midnight on New Years Eve A whole bunch of some special fireworks that Fred and George had created back before They dropped out of Hogwarts which soon ended up on the list of forbidden items went off. Amy spent the next couple days with her family before packing her travel bag making sure she had her wand and lined up at the queue for the Fireplace with Hitari and Tonks.
"Amy Potter this is a surprise," Shauna commented.
"Lynda, wasn't fully aware I was coming."
"You are welcome anytime though Amy," Sarah said as she walked out. "Hitari, still hanging around with Gryffindors huh."
"I sorta have to. Who is your friend?"'
"I'm Tonks. My mother Andromeda was Narcissa Malfoy's sister."
"Narcissa being my former mother in law. Why should I let you remain here?"
"Maybe because I'm an Auror and have never been involved with Dark Magic. Besides I'm here for Amy's protection."
"Then you are welcome here anytime Tonks," Sarah said. "Lynda is upstairs getting her room setup. She finally moved the last of the stuff from her father's house. Draco sadly was found dead last month. They aren't sure but Hecate might be involved in his death."
Amy went upstairs and found her usually cheerful friend working slow.
"Sorry about your dad. He was a great guy."
"Yeah he was. Amy, he was found dead Christmas Morning," Lynda said as she started crying into Amy's sweater.
"Lynda, I didn't even find out about his death until your mother told me. I brought your dad's cousin Tonks with me and she is probably getting backup as we speak. Hecate won't get you or your mother not while I'm around,"
Amy decided to go back downstairs.
"Mrs. Tate, I know you said I was welcome anytime but well I'm wondering if right now is a good time. I'm not sure Lynda is ready for visitors."
"Amy, I'm glad you are here though because well You and Hitari might be what she needs. Tonks is currently talking to Her boss with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and our house will be made extra secure. I told Tonks that I had no problem with anything short of the Fidelius Charm."
Tonks ended up talking to her boss for an hour. Afterwards Amy called her dad on the Fireplace.
"Yeah Amy?"
"Dad, were you aware of Draco Malfoy being found dead on Christmas Morning."
"Yes I was. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick handled things as far as representing Hogwarts went. Are you going to remain there to help Lynda?"
"Yes Tonks spoke with her boss and It looks like Her team is going to be stationed here for a while. I think she is still planning on accompanying me to Hogwarts next week."
"OK I'm going to talk to Professor McGonagall some and see if she will approve reactivation of the Hogwarts Defense Association. If you ask me such is overdue."'
"What is the Defense Association?"
"I'll explain later," Harry told her.
Just as Amy pulled out of the fire Edgar flew down and Amy saw the letter on her leg.
BRITISH MINISTRY OF MAGIC
DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
MISUSE OF MAGIC OFFICE
Dear Miss Potter
Due to the current Emergency we are going to allow you
to temporarily use magic outside of school for Defensive
Purposes only. Please use CONSTANT VIGILANCE
In determining when and where to use magic.
Sincerely
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Amy then went into the parlor and saw Hitari reading a similar letter.
"Kingsley said he would see if he could arrange those for you and Hitari," Tonks informed her.
"Tonks, my dad mentioned reactivating the Hogwarts Defense Association yet he wouldn't tell me what it was."
"I'm sure he had his reasons. Therefore I'm going to refrain from answering you question.
A short time after that Lynda walked downstairs.
"Amy, you and Hitari mind giving me a hand?" she asked them her voice not sounding cheerful.
"Sure Lynda," Amy said. "By the way my friend here is Tonks she has arranged for security here. Did Kingsley Shacklebolt owl you at all?"
"No he didn't."
The Three girls spent the day setting up Lynda's library. The next day the three girls noticed the increased security due to the team of Aurors.
"Amy, so my team can work uninterrupted today The four of us including Lynda are going to visit Diagon Alley."
After Shauna's cooking They headed for Diagon Alley. Neville's wife was working the bar that morning.
"Morning Mrs. Longbottom," Amy said.
"Amy, I thought I told you enough times to call me Luna," The blond haired woman said (A/N for you who have read OoTP yes Luna is Luna Lovegood).
"Luna or Loony," Hitari cracked.
"Luna I hate being called Loony,"
Lynda cracked a hint of a smile at the exchange.
Amy knew of one way to get Lynda to really crack a smile. She lead the crew to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes.
"I'm not in much of a joking mood right now."
"I'm sure my uncles will cheer you up."
"Not likely," Lynda told her.
They spent time in several shops that day with Tonks making periodic fire calls to check on progress at the house. Finally shortly before dinner They flooed back. Sarah was concerned about something when they returned."
"Something bothering you Ms. Tate?" Amy asked her.
"Kind of Amy. As I'm sure you are aware Lynda is descended from two very wealthy and influential families. Thing is being an only child she is to inherit both Tate Plato and Malfoy Manor. The Vanwicken's further more are also of extreme wealth with a manor of their own."
"Wouldn't Ricardo or Samantha inherit the Vanwicken estate though."
"They probably would. It still doesn't solve the problem of Lynda not really needing two huge estates."
"You'll figure something out. Besides she might marry someone else wealthy and gain an estate that way You never know," Amy pointed out
The rest of the trip was spent hanging out and by the time the holidays had entered Lynda was ready to return to Hogwarts.