Chapter 6
Transformations
Remus watched Harry quietly from the small porch. He smiled happily at the scrawny boy who appeared to be enjoying a small piece of childhood, trying vainly to catch one of the toads down by the water. Remus could hardly believe that this was the same boy he held six days ago when grief overwhelmed him. The same boy he held again four days ago when he awoke screeching. The same boy he held three days ago when he appeared before him pale, scar dripping blood. Remus had almost given in that night, and returned but the boy begged to stay "just a little longer". He watched the boy who had so little happiness and could not bring himself to disturb his revelry. Soon, though, some decisions would need to be made.
"Hey Cub, come up here a sec." Remus called."Cub?" Harry asked.
Remus chuckled. "Well technically it should be fawn, but somehow I didn't think you'd appreciate that. So Cub it is."
Harry grinned and emphasized, "Okay Moony."
Remus grinned at the nickname. "At least you didn't start out with Prof. We need to make some decisions." Remus said turning serious.
Harry's demeanor darkened instantly. "Why?" He growled out.
Remus paled at his reaction. "Well, Harry. You see, I'm sure we created quite a stir, not to mention I'm probably wanted for kidnapping..."
Harry winced.
"We will need to deal with that but that's not really what I'm concerned about right now. My primary concern is two nights from now."
"Why? Er... Oh, full moon...Please, Moony, please, I can't..."
"Harry?"
"Remus, I know you've been more then patient, but, er, I'm just not ready." Harry said dejectedly.
"Well, 'kay, but then what do we do about Tuesday night. I know you can take care of yourself, Cub, and Fidelius or not, I'm not really comfortable leaving you here alone."
"Tonks?" Harry inquired.
"Well, I imagine we got her in enough trouble, but I'll see.
Tonks stared miserably at the fire. In the past week, she had been interviewed by Dumbledore, Kingsley, and more ministry officials then she could count. She had also been threatened with charges of aiding a kidnapping which personally amused her since she knew that hell would freeze over before the Dursleys would care that their ward was missing or entered a magical courtroom. In fact, the only response from Mr. Dursley on the matter was a gleeful, "So he won't be coming back?"
Remus crept up to Tonks' flat quietly under Harry's cloak. He squeezed into the lift with a couple of kids, holding his breath hoping not to be exposed then slowly crept back down the stairs when they had entered their flats. He kept a close watch on the hall and on her door for forty-five minutes, all the while berating himself for not planning how to get into the flat without causing a commotion. Just when he was about to give up, Tonks exited the flat.
He followed her to a little take away spot on the corner and then back up and into the flat, not daring to approach her in public. Remus waited until Tonks had placed the food on the counter so she wouldn't drop it, then moved toward her.
"Hello Tonks." Remus said quietly.
Tonks spun around knocking a stool to the floor while drawing her wand. Remus held his hands up. "I surrender."
"YOU!" She shouted.
Remus winced.
"Do you have any idea of the trouble your in? The trouble I'm in? Where is Harry?"
"Safe. Safe from Everyone."
Tonks stopped mid-stride in her rant, confused by his answer. "What do you mean everyone?"
"Tonks," Remus muttered. "There are a few things you need to know...Harry heard the prophecy."
She gasped.
"Yeah. And after hearing it ... it cleared up quite a few decisions that I have questioned for some time. I, well, I don't want to give Harry's confidences away at this point. I suppose I should have asked him what I could share with you. But anyways, he needs help. He's finally starting to cope with ... things ...Tuesday is the full moon, and I don't want to leave him alone and he doesn't want to go back at least not yet. He asked for you... Will you help?"
"Remus ... I."
"Yes?" He looked at her pleadingly.
"Don't use those puppy dog eyes on me." She snapped.
Tonks sighed. "Okay. I'll help ... BUT I want a full explanation when I get there Tuesday."
Remus handed her a portkey set for late Tuesday afternoon. He smiled sincerely and said, "Thanks, Dora."
