A/N: Thanks for the reviews guys, I'm gonna try and move the plot along now, I feel I've dithered too much. Oh and by the way, if you don't particularly like this chapter, don't worry neither do I! I've had writer's block for a while now and I'm hoping that this has broken it. Thanks for reading :)
Harry, Tonks and Remus reached Number 12 Grimmauld Place later that afternoon, as the rain began to fall more heavily than before. Harry swallowed hard as the manor house appeared in front of him. Part of him was longing to see his friends again. A small part of him anyway. The rest of him would much prefer to hide up in his room until September 1st. He stood in the hallway, carrying his broom and breathed in deeply. The house still had it's old, fusty smell, and dark atmosphere. But it felt changed, empty as if something was clearly missing. Something or someone. Harry was brought back from his depressing thought by a rib-braking bear hug from behind. He tried to see who it was and got a face full of ginger hair. It was Ron.
"Harry!" he cried wildly then giggled like a schoolgirl. Harry looked to Tonks, confused. She sighed angrily.
"George! Fred! Get down here!" she yelled, waking Mrs Black, much to Remus' annoyance. He shot Tonks a glare and closed the curtains around her portrait, then headed downstairs to the kitchen.
"Er, hi there Ron. What … what are you doing?" Harry asked in bewilderment as Ron released him, then proceeded in taking out the contents of the troll-leg umbrella stand and turning it upside-down to use as a stool. He lowered himself on to it and missed by a great distance. At that moment, George Weasley crept timidly down the stairs.
"George, what have you done to your brother?" Tonks demanded. The twin hesitated; obviously thinking of an excuse, then gave up and came out with it.
"Me and George are inventing Soberup Sweets, '…fast relief for any drunken situation'. Of course, we had to test it first and Ron was more than willing to participate," he added quickly.
"Well, did you consider what your mother would do to you if she found out that you got your little brother drunk?"
"I'm not scared of her!" Ron slurred from the floor, then gave a hiccough. Harry had to admit that this wasn't the welcome he had been expecting, and he was pleased about it. He had been worried how Ron would act around him after their time apart. He now realised he needn't have bothered.
"Harry, would you help George drag Ron upstairs before Molly sees him." She turned to George, "And you and Fred better watch it, I'll cover for you now but I may not be as forgiving next time." Her words were sharp but she winked at him. George nodded with a grin and help Harry support Ron up the flight of stairs.
Tonks sighed and followed Remus into the kitchen. She was pleasantly surprised to find Charlie Weasley there, along with Bill.
"Hi," Charlie grinned at her. She felt stupid for blushing.
"Right Chas, we'd best get going," Bill said, matter-of-factly. Charlie looked put out.
"I'm gonna stay a little longer. See you at home." Bill took the hint that he was being dismissed and Disapperated. Tonks wished Remus wasn't there, and then chided herself for such a thought.Shesat there, uncomfortably silent and noticed Charlie doing the same. Remus, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to the couple's shy affections. He began to put the kettle on noisily.
"So… you like Quidditch?" Charlie asked randomly to break the ice. Tonks nodded.
"Yeah, well watching anyway. Wasn't much of a player myself," she added with a rueful smile. "I remember you on the Gryffindor team though, you played well." Charlie seemed to brighten at these words.
"Really?"
"Yeah, well we won the cup with you as Seeker didn't we. Can't be bad."
"Were you in the year below me?" Charlie asked, intrigued. Tonks gave a sharp laugh.
"Nah, course not. Two years above you. Bill's year." Charlie seemed to falter at this. It was if he had lost all chance he had with her, knowing that she was 2 years his senior. She picked up on this and cringed.
"I don't remember you," he admitted bluntly. "You seem to be the kind of person I would remember." Before Tonks could respond, Remus interjected as he made a cup of tea for himself. Tonks had forgotten he was there.
"Most people remember Tonks. Most fine China tea sets and antique ornaments remember her too." She glared at him and he smirked to himself, obviously pleased.
"Anyway…" she said loudly, changing the subject. "I'm gonna take Harry to Diagon Alley tomorrow so he can stock up. Did you wanna come or will you be too busy moping?" she teased. However, before Remus had the chance to even consider her offer, Charlie jumped in.
"I'll go with you if you want."
"Great," Tonks beamed. Remus rolled his eyes.
"I'll drop by in the morning then." Charlie rose from his seat. "Better get home." He sounded as if he wanted to stay. Tonks didn't mind though, she'd get to spend the next day with him. Her insides gave a silent cheer.
"See you tomorrow then." He offered her a small smile, nodded at Remus, then Disapperated. Tonks let out a sigh of content. Remus sat down next to her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Still got it!" she said smugly and he laughed.
"Did you ever lose it?"
"True. Hey you're not bothered about not going to Diagon Alley tomorrow are you? Hope I haven't offended you."
"No, not at all. I didn't want to go anyway. You have fun." She looked up at him.
"You know I could never replace you, right?" Not really knowing, he nodded anyway. She smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek.
"Right, I'm off to bed."
She rose, gave a little jig of excitement and climbed the stairs, leaving Remus alone.
"Wotcher Harry," Tonks called over her mug of tea the next morning as the teenager dragged himself down the kitchen stairs. He nodded to her but said nothing. "Sleep well?" He nodded again, helping himself to tea and again saying nothing. Tonks had a feeling that it was going to be a long day.
"Ah, Harry dear you're awake." Mrs Weasley bustled into the kitchen. She wore her apron around her waste and her sleeves were rolled up, indicating that she had already been busy that morning, though it was still early. "Tonks is taking you to Diagon Alley today. You look after yourself won't you, stay near her," she warned.
"Is Professor Lupin coming?" Harry asked, breaking his own silence.
"Err, no Harry. Charlie is coming with us instead." At this, Molly raised her eyebrows. Tonks offered her an awkward smile, which faded as she saw the look of disappointment flash across Harry's face. Harry liked Charlie and didn't really have a problem with him tagging along, but after having the spent the past few weeks of the summer dreading Lupin's presence, Harry had to admit that he had missed his old teacher.
The fresh morning had begun to brighten as Harry and Tonks set off from Grimmauld Place. Charlie was waiting outside for them.
"Hi Harry, how are you?"
"I'm fine thanks," Harry lied, hating how formal his voice sounded. They set off at a pace towards the nearest tube station. Harry noticed that both his accompaniers held their wands tightly in their pockets. The three of them rarely spoke, concentrating on those around them; those who may pose a threat. Harry was relived when they reached The Leaky Cauldron, even more so when the brick wall parted and they stepped into Diagon Alley itself. For Harry it was as if both Tonks and Charlie had relaxed, as if the very street itself would offer Harry the protection he needed. Unfortunately, Harry knew that this wasn't the case.
The street was packed with shoppers, who didn't give Harry a second glance much to his relief. He was jealous, however, that they did not seem to have as pressing worries as he did. The happy atmosphere was beginning to annoy him already.
"Right," said Tonks briskly, "First thing's first … ice-cream for breakfast, what do you recon?" She grinned down at him and he couldn't help but be pleased that her mood had lightened from the day before. He nodded and Charlie gave a laugh.
"Great, Florean Fortescue's it is then."
They found an empty table outside under a large parasol. Tonks and Harry sat down, while Charlie went to order.
"Chocolate for me, ta," Tonks called after him. "And … I dunno … banana or something for Harry. Fruit's supposed to be good for you." She winked at Harry and he laughed.
"So, what's going on with you and Charlie?" he asked innocently.
"Nothing, don't be nosey," she said mock-firmly but her grin was still there.
As the three of them ate their ice creams, Harry felt more and more as if he was the outsider. Tonks laughed at everything Charlie said, even if it wasn't particularly funny. They talked about work and family. Harry felt like he was an intruder on their first date. He thought about starting his shopping andbegan to rise from his seat, then thought they'd probably not let him go anyway and sat back down.
"So, you were in Bill's year were you? I didn't see you around much," Charlie was saying. Tonks nodded.
"Yeah, well I kept myself to myself, you know. Wasn't the loud and proud Tonks I am today."
"No? Well I still don't remember seeing you in the common room or anywhere like that. Still, if you changed your hair as much as you do now that's probably why."
"Well, I was ill quite a bit too," she said quietly into her ice cream. Charlie, who hadn't noticed her avoiding topic, carried on.
"Yeah? What was wrong with you?" he asked. She hesitated, twiddling her spoon.
"I had depression." She risked a glance up at her two friends. Charlie looked at the table uncomfortably. Harry looked shocked, he had always thought of Tonks as a bright and bubbly woman. She offered a weak smile.
"It's ok, don't worry bout it. I'd rather not talk about it though."
They left the ice cream parlour shortly after that and headed for Flourish and Blotts. Harry's book list for the new school year was relatively short. He saw Neville being squashed in a corner of the packed shop, his grandmother close at hand. Harry offered him a wave and the boy waved back feebly but they never got chance to talk. His grandmother, however, scowled at Harry. He guessed that she blamed him for the broken nose Neville obtained just before the end of term. He grabbed the books he needed off the shelves and bumped into Tonks who was avoiding knocking over a precarious pile of Gilderoy Lockhart's Magical Me (They were in the sale.)
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"Just got to pay." He handed her the books while he retrieved his moneybag from his pocket. At that moment, he heard a familiar sneering voice coming from behind him, followed by a smooth, cynical female voice. Harry closed his eyes, dreading who it was going to be, but already knowing. Tonks spun around and gave a small gasp.
They stood face to face with Draco Malfoy and his mother Narcissa. Both had shocking blonde hair and pale faces, though they seemed more so than usual. Narcissa had dark rings under her eyes and looked incredibly pale for a woman of such power.
"Dora," she muttered quietly.
"Aunt Sissy," Tonks replied, hoping that that would be it to the conversation. Narcissa's eyes flicked on to Harry and then back to her niece. She leaned in closer to her.
"You've got a nerve bringing him here, after all the damage he's caused. He should be the one locked up!" she hissed. Tonks didn't flinch.
"You know that's not true, Narcissa." She began to walk off, Harry following closely behind. Narcissa stop her with a comment.
"You're on the wrong side of this war Dora. One day you'll realise that. I just hope it's not too late." And with that she turned and fled from the shop so abruptly that her hair swung after her like a white cape. Tonks realised that she was breathing heavily.
"Come on, let's find Charlie and go," she said without looking at Harry.
After her run-in with her aunt, Tonks didn't feel like staying in Diagon Ally much longer. Harry purchased some supplies from the Apothecary for his Potions set, and hurriedly bought Hermione a book about House-Elf Rights though he knew he'd regret it, for her birthday which was coming up in September. They didn't even stop off in Fred and George's shop on the way home, much to Harry and Charlie's disappointment. Tonks seemed to be distracted by what her aunt had said to her for the rest of the day. Harry was even glad when they reached Grimmauld Place, as Tonks' reverie was beginning to drag him down into a fit of the sullens too. Charlie said goodbye to them as the house came into view.
"Well, it's been fun. We should meet up again sometime, Tonks." She nodded but said nothing. Charlie seemed a tad crestfallen. "See you around Harry." He Apperated.
The pair entered Grimmauld Place in silence and headed for the kitchen. Bill Weasley was there, sat in the corner reading a long piece of parchment. He smiled as they entered. Remus was also there, talking Lady Thompson. This annoyed Tonks even more, though she didn't know why. She felt a pang of something, jealousy? Was she jealous of Lady spending time with Remus? She knew that was silly, after all she had just spent the day with Charlie. However, there was something about the woman that Tonks just did not like. Remus looked up as Tonks banged some of Harry's books on the table.
"Have fun?" he asked. Tonks shook her head and picked up the books again.
"I'll take these upstairs for you, Harry." She walked out without a second glance.
"Is she ok?" Remus asked in concern.
"Well she was fine this morning, until we had a run in with her aunt." Remus' jaw dropped. "Narcissa Malfoy," Harry explained and the alarmed look on Lupin's face faded. He sat down, very much aware that he was being stared at.
"Erm hi, I'm Harry, who are you?" he asked. The woman offered her hand, which he reluctantly took.
"I'm Lady Thompson, I'm new to the Order. Remus here has been telling me all about you." Harry wasn't sure if he was pleased about that but smiled at her politely. He turned to his old teacher.
"Hey, did you know Tonks used to suffer from depression?" he asked, taking his chance to ask now while she wasn't in the room. Remus frowned and shook his head.
"No, she never said. Neither did Sirius. Are you sure?"
"Yeah she admitted it to Charlie, but didn't say anything else."
Bill gave a cough from the corner. Harry spun round in his seat and Bill offered him a grin.
"Tonks was bullied at school, she doesn't like to talk about it."
"Bullied?" he echoed in surprise.
"Yeah, maybe not in the conventional sense but it was still bullying. She was ignored mainly, and didn't have many friends." He gave a little laugh. "I remember her mum had to drag her on the train, kicking and screaming most of the time, and I'm not over exaggerating either. There came a point when her parents wouldn't let her go home during holidays in the year because she wouldn't want to go back. Plus she was banned from going to Hogsmeade because she tried to run away." Bill smirked at the shocked look on Harry's face. "Unbelievable isn't it, looking at her now. And it was all to do with what she is. Her mum tried to force her to hide the fact that she's a Metamophmagus. Tonks didn't want to, she said it would be like pretending to be someone she wasn't. That was what caused it all, people simply didn't trust her." Bill's voice had an edge of regret to it, as if he himself wished things could have been different. Remus swallowed hard. He had had no idea things had been so bad for Tonks. Even he, a werewolf, had managed to enjoy school and make close friends.
"Have you quite finished Mr Weasley?" They looked up to see Tonks stood at the top of the stairs, hands on hips.
"Oh Tonks, um… I'm sorry –"
"Don't worry bout it," she shrugged descending the stairs slowly. "Harry was curious, I didn't want to tell, you can't keep you're mouth shut. No harm done." She smiled at them all. They stared back at her.
"Seriously guys, I'm fine."
Harry looked at her sympathetically, as if he wanted nothing more than to give her a big hug. She thumped him on the arm, and then ruffled his hair.
"Ahh get off!" he growled and tried to do the same to her short spikes. She laughed and over powered him.
"Don't think that, coz I was a wet lettuce at school, I'm a pushover now. I had enough beatings off Sirius when I was younger to learn how to fight back." She winked over at Remus who offered her a smile and was then roped back into a conversation with Lady. She scowled at them but it went unnoticed, then progressed in grabbing Harry in a headlock, pulling them both sideways off their seats, shouting all the way.
A/N: Review please : )
