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Chapter 22
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Harry gradually finished his session. He blinked trying to regain the awareness of his surroundings. He knew someone had apparated so he looked about to see Tonks sitting on the porch with Remus. He smiled softly. She had become more and more of a fixture in their new life. He was glad, she always had a way of making him laugh and he felt comfortable around her. She didn't have that star struck look in her eyes when she looked him, which most people, even half the Order did. Maybe it was because in some little way her metamorph abilities made her different too, she knew at least a little how he felt about being different. He wasn't really sure why, and he didn't really care; he was just glad she could see him for himself.
He turned his attention back to Mikhail who was trying to impress upon him the importance of maintaining focus without losing touch of his surroundings. Harry blanched. He hadn't thought about what would have happened if it had not been Tonks. He had become comfortable here at the cabin and had let his guard down. Something he could ill afford to do. He muttered an apology and tried to continue the lesson but it was no use. He was distracted wondering what brought Tonks around again. Finally, Mikhail realized they weren't going to accomplish anything else at the moment and dismissed Harry.
Harry tore up the grass towards Remus and Tonks.
"Hello Tonks." He greeted.
Harry startled at the tension in the air. "Something wrong?"
Remus smiled brilliantly. He was relieved Harry had shown up and gotten him off the hook. He was going to have to be more careful, however. He could not believe he had called her that again, right after she called him on it. Realistically, Remus knew it would never work between them, she was far too young, eight years maybe ten younger them him. Not to mention, he was after all a werewolf. Unfortunately, his dreams were another matter altogether and not as easy to convince. And that nickname, the one he moaned out in his dreams, had the most uncanny way of slipping from him when he least expected it. "Nothing, Cub. Nothing at all. Tonks was just telling me we created a bit of a stir at headquarters."
Harry faltered.
"No need to worry. The Dursleys are safe as are everyone else, though the Weasleys are a bit worried. I though we might dash off a note to them later."
Harry smiled warmly. "Could I send one to Ron and Hermione and maybe Ginny too?"
"Sure. Why don't you go start on them?"
"Thanks."
To Remus' relief, Tonks let the subject drop. They bantered back and forth for a bit until Mikhail made his way towards them. "Mikhail meet Nymphadora..."
"Just Tonks," she interrupted as she glared at Remus.
"Nymphadora Tonks." Remus retorted.
Tonks greeted him with a small smile. "Wotcher."
Mikhail smiled deviously, "A pleasure to meet you, Dora."
Dumbledore looked over the list of demands he received from Harry, with some of Remus' influence he had no doubt. Access for his tutors for lessons, continuation of the DA, Harry's class schedule, and even research access to the library... most of it was reasonable and well thought out Dumbledore had to admit. It made him all the more exasperated with the situation. He could even understand the reasons for wanting a tutor for Potions; however, this was the one demand that had bothered him the most. Couldn't Harry and Remus see that they needed a working relationship with Severus? Couldn't they see the importance of having a spy in Voldemort's ranks?
Dumbledore noticed the post box address. He noted it was sent from Little Whinging. He smiled softly to himself, the twinkle returning to his eye. Clever Remus, but not quite clever enough, I think. He sat down to draft a response.
Harry,
I am sure you believe that you are conducting yourself in a manner that is for the best. I do believe most of these requests could be taken care of quite easily. I will certainly allow your tutors, with the exception of someone unknown to me. I do have some concerns about Potions however, especially since you qualify for the NEWT Potions class. I look forward to seeing you shortly.
Albus Dumbledore
Albus used a drop of orange wax to seal the letter. He called for a house elf to send it off the Owlery as soon as possible.
Harry sat down at the desk he had been using, pulled out some parchment and began to write. He had to let them know he was okay, really okay. He scrunched up his face trying to thing of something that only they would know. They needed to know the letter were really from him.
Dear Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Hermione and Ginny,
I wanted to get this to you guys right away. I just wanted to let you know that I am fine. I did not want you to worry. I am still dealing with Snuffle's disappearance, but, I am still with Remus and am enjoying my first real summer holiday. No bars! Real food! Still not as good as yours though, Mrs. Weasley! I understand that you are concerned about what happened with my relatives, and I am sorry the wards came down, but I had to do this you me. I could not spend one more awful minute in that place. I'd have needed a bed in St. Mungo's, wandering around like I'd been hit on the head like that troll in first year. I'd been going through the motions, not really living why I was there. I am planning to return to Hogwarts, but that depends on Dumbledore and his willingness to finally permit me to control my own fate. The DA will continue, so get busy planning Hermione. I am planning on getting my position on the quidditch team back so look forward to some competition Ginny. Tell Hagrid's little brother I said, Hi. I hope to see you all soon.
Harry
P.S. – Yes, I am studying Hermione.
Harry smiled malevolently and sent one more letter. It wasn't fair to keep to himself, he knew, but he didn't want the adults in the Order to know he knew, at least not yet. They might need to keep things a bit of a secret.
Dear Ron,
I didn't want to send this in a letter your mom was going to see. Did you know that if someplace is unplottable the ministry cannot pick up underage magic?
Harry
Harry was glad Tonks was still there when he came back out. She was getting ready to leave. He asked her to mail the letter. It would look a bit odd if she carried it into headquarters and he didn't want to get her in trouble. He wanted them to get it soon though. She happily agreed and took off for the evening.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. It wasn't often that one saw a grown adult all but skipping around. Remus was doing exactly that. More importantly, Harry thought that Remus had no clue that he was doing it. Tonks, huh. He thought it was great. Remus deserved some happiness. Things were too often too hard on the werewolf. Harry had to admire his endurance. He always seemed to be able to bounce back from what life threw at him. Harry doubted he would be able to function if something happened to Ron or Hermione, not to mention both. He'd have to find a reason to get her to stop back a bit more.
