Chapter six

The Time Before School

When Harry stepped out of the fire he saw his friends sitting in the family room, he and Serena grinning at them. They quickly stopped at the look of seriousness on the faces of Hermione, Ron, and worst of all Ginny. Seeing this Harry looked up at Remus, who seemed not to know what to say. Harry, his grin returning, asked Remus to unshrink the packages he bought earlier.

"Bloody hell, you guys look like you could use some cheering up! Good thing I got just what you need! Come one come all, to my new birthday tradition! I'm giving you presents instead of getting them myself!" Harry said loudly his grin getting wider as he looked around the room. He started handing out presents to each of them. "Hermione you made out the best this year! I'll give you your books later." Harry said as he watched Hermione's sadness disappear into a broad smile. Handing presents to Ginny he whispered. "Love I don't think I could give you enough presents. I hope these will do until I can find something better." He handed Ron his presents "To a best mate, willing to go to the ends of the earth and face hell and back just to help!" He said as Ron started smiling again. Turning finally to Serena, handing her boxes as well. He got close and whispered to her "to the greatest godmother a wizard could ever have." then looking at Remus he just smiled. "Sorry Moony, no gifts for you. But hey, you've got me as a godson! good enough?" Harry and Remus both started laughing.

"I think I might have preferred a puppy!" Remus said causing them both to laugh some more, and getting the rest in the room to laugh. This was stopped quickly by shouting starting from the kitchen.

"Oh so you think all this is funny! Think I like to know my children are doing god knows what while people around here don't set up strong enough rules! Act like my children are adults well they're not! Last time I trust people around here! To think I trusted her with my daughter! And now poor Harry! Has a godmother who isn't fit to raise a pet! I can't believe-" Mrs. Weasley went on until Harry had enough.

"YOU WILL NOT TALK ABOUT TONKS LIKE THAT!" Harry screamed at her, everyone became shocked as the house began to vibrate as Harry shook in anger. Closing his eyes he tried to calm himself down. He felt two soft hands on his back and opened his eyes. Standing on one side was Ginny, on the other Serena both saying the same thing.

"Calm down, Harry, It will be ok. I promise it will be ok." They said in unison, much the same as when Harry had destroyed the painting in the hall. The rest stood still, too shocked to do anything, some fearing what would happen. Suddenly Harry looked up at Mrs. Weasley calmly.

"Do you have any idea what you did to Tonks saying those things to her? What she felt like after hearing you say those things about her? She came to see me as soon as you stopped screaming at her and blaming her for everything you could, saying she wasn't fit to raise a pet, that you were going to talk Dumbledore about her being my godmother. Let me make this clear. It was my choice who my godmother was, not Dumbledore, not Remus, not even Sirius chose, I did. I chose her because at a time when everyone either thought I was trying to get attention or just giving up, she actually tried to help me. She is more fit to be my godmother than anyone else I know. Not you, not Dumbledore, not Remus, not Voldemort himself will take that away from me! I know your children have your rules, and now I have my own. But you didn't give Tonks any rules to follow but you blame her for not setting them strong enough! Why didn't you tell her the rules for your children to follow? WHY DO YOU BLAME HER FOR ME AND GINNY ONLY DOING WHAT KIDS OUR AGE DO?" Harry said his anger starting to rise again, he walked out of the room, leaving everyone else stand there shocked. no one moved no one said anything. When they heard the door slam they all knew that those were Harry's final words on the matter. Mrs. Weasley looked at the children at this then at Remus.

"Was I too hard on her Remus? Is Harry right? Have I really gotten so old I forget being a teenager myself?" Molly asked. Normally she could handle a child who was angry, but she had never seen this type of response from Harry before.

"Molly I remember when a kiss like that could be seen in the common rooms and even more at times. They are young, and as Harry put it they are in love. Do you remember when you first found Arthur? I'm sure if you think about it you will see it is no different. However you have children in this very room who can answer your question. Ron, Hermione, did their kiss seem so out of place from what you see of couples in school?" Remus said, adopting a diplomatic role. Ron and Hermione both shook their heads in response.

"Well Molly it seems that maybe you did overreact a bit about that. But with Tonks you overreacted completely. Harry is right, she did not deserve to be treated that way. As I said to Tonks, if Harry and Ginny love each other like they say, can they really be blamed no matter how fast they move? Both obviously realize that Harry may only have a few years left. This battle hangs over Harry's head, leaving him to feel like he only has today. When these children think of the future, they may think ten, twenty years into the future, but Harry doesn't. He doesn't look forward at all, only seeing today. Serena you should go talk to Harry, see if you can calm him down. Take Ginny too, I feel that it will take you both." Remus said, staying quiet until the girls left the room.

"Molly, you have seen this coming for five years. We all knew it as early as last summer the way Harry started looking at Ginny. I feel bad for him, truly. To find love and have to fight so hard to hold onto it, purely because he may not have tomorrow. His life is more uncertain than any other person in the world, save Voldemort. I don't think anyone has yet come to terms with that fact aside from those three upstairs, me, and Tonks. We are all coping as best we can with it. However, you saying things like what you said to Tonks only brings that worry out more. I feel you owe more than her an apology, but that is only my opinion. However on this situation, know I stand behind Harry one hundred percent." Remus finished calmly as he started. Ron stood next to Remus.

"I agree Mum. You were harsh on Tonks, on all of us. I'll stand by Harry too." Ron said, for the first time in his life defying his mother. Shockingly Hermione also stood up next to Remus.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley but I agree with them. I hope you understand." Hermione said, quietly, not liking to rebel against adults. Molly, realizing that all of these people were right, she sighed and bowed her head.

"You are right. I acted to quickly, thinking that you children were still to young to act that way. I forget that you are all growing up. I guess I should go and talk to them." She said slowly walking upstairs.

Harry heard a soft knock at the door and thought strongly about not making a sound to allow whoever it was to enter. But the knock was soft and he knew it was not anyone who would begin to yell at him. So he rolled over on the bed.

"Come in you two" Harry said smiling, knowing exactly who it was. When Serena and Ginny came in, they smiled back at Harry. Serena rushed to him and held him close.

"Harry that was brilliant! I don't know how you managed to do it, but Molly is listening to Remus now. Thanks Harry." Serena said smiling as she let him go. "That settles it, you are coming home for Christmas for being such a good godson." she said laughing.

"I've never seen anyone talk to my Mum like that! Brilliant doesn't begin to describe it! And she LISTENED! You are amazing Harry Potter!" Ginny said, hugging him, then curling up into his lap making him laugh.

"This is how we got in trouble to begin with!" Harry said, still laughing.

"No we got in trouble for doing this!" Ginny said kissing him firmly. Serena just laughed, turning around then looking over her shoulder and rolling her eyes.

"Enough you too! God I am definitely going to have to throw cold water on you both! Every time." Serena said, causing them to stop just as someone knocked on the door. Harry started laughing again.

"Good timing it seems!" he said. Then sobering himself "Come in."

Molly entered the room and the scene she saw was simply astonishing. Harry who moments ago looked ready to kill, suddenly looked happier than she had ever seen him. True she was not to happy to see her daughter resting in his lap, but it actually looked innocent. Serena, sitting next to Harry kept whispering things to them both and they were laughing all the time. She almost felt like she was intruding on these three on some deeper level than any could think of.

"Harry do you know any way to get in touch with Tonks dear?" Mrs. Weasley said calmly.

"I do but if you are going to yell at her some more I won't." Harry said in a calm yet cool manner.

"No dear I promise, no yelling. I want to apologize to her, as well as you and Ginny. I also want to talk to you. Would that be alright dears?" Molly said, a bit of sadness in her voice. She watched Harry as he seemed to think about this.

"Serena, would you be kind enough to get the mirror from yours and Ginny's room and ask Tonks to come?" Harry asked grinning again. Serena nodded and walked out of the room, though she looked a bit put off by having to leave her friends behind. Mrs. Weasley did not see her grinning happily behind her. A few minutes later Tonks apparated right into Harry's room, facing him grinning.

"Wotcher Harry!" She said cheerfully, acting as if she hadn't had a care in the world and she didn't know why she was here.

"Hey Tonks, can you please have a seat, Mrs. Weasley said she wanted to talk to all three of us." Harry said quietly. Tonks looked at Mrs. Weasley and sat still a bit upset about what was said earlier.

"Tonks, first I want to tell you I'm sorry about what I said earlier today. I was upset, not seeing that my baby is no longer a baby. I took a lot of that out on you and I'm sorry. Harry made me see how wrong I was, and I hope you'll forgive me. Before you do however I want to talk to all of you. Though I was wrong to act that way, you need to set firmer rules for them. I'll let you decide how strong they should be because Harry is your responsibility, but remember how I feel about everything too. Harry, I'm sorry for hurting you as well. I didn't realize that Tonks meant so much to you. I thought this was a choice of Sirius', not yours. I was wrong to judge her and you the way I did. Ginny, I'm not mad at you dear and pay no attention to the things I said earlier. As I said I still think of you as the little girl just going to Hogwarts, not the young woman you are growing up to be. I will ask you to keep that kind of thing to a minimum around me though, dear. Perhaps I should have a talk with you about these things soon dear. I called you here mostly Tonks, to ask you to keep an eye on these children because I'm going to go back to the Burrow tomorrow. I think I do more harm than good right now, and I need to have some time to myself. Will you be able to do that dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked. They saw how big of an issue this was to her, but Tonks being who she was, was having trouble with an answer. Till Harry provided an easy way out for her.

"Well Mrs. Weasley Tonks won't be able to tomorrow, but I can ask Remus. Serena is going to be going back home for a while and Tonks is going to take her. She will return the day after tomorrow, but Serena will be gone for a month. A pity really, marauders' heirs being split up and all, but she will be back in time to start Hogwarts with us. Would Remus be a good substitute until Tonks returns?" Harry said, leading this lie on as if he had rehearsed it a thousand times.

"Well, yes dear if Remus would do so. It is a shame that girl is leaving so soon. You three seem to have a strong connection. I will see you children a few days before you leave for Hogwarts that should be enough time. Come now let's go ask Remus. Tonks are you coming?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"No wish I could I am supposed to report back to Dumbledore as soon as I finished here. Sorry Molly. See you later Harry." Tonks said.

"See you around Tonks." Harry said smiling . We are to good at this! Harry thought. Tonks apparated as Ginny, Harry, and Molly made their way downstairs, followed shortly after by Serena, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"Moony would you be so kind as to baby-sit us impressionable teenagers while Tonks is away? Mrs. Weasley said she plans to leave for the Burrow. So Moony it seems its all up to you." Harry said smiling. Remus laughed at him and ruffled his hair.

"Well with asking like that how can I say no? What are the rules for them Molly?" Remus asked smiling.

"I will leave that to you and Tonks, you two seem to know children better than I right now. Come here children." Molly said, hugging every child in turn, even Serena, who was left shocked at this. Then she flooed off to the Burrow. At this all five of the kids looked at each other, then at Remus, then grinning they all screamed.

"Freedom! Woo Hoo! Lets party!" Serena said, her laughter already starting.

"I'd prefer a more intimate encounter with someone sweet and cheerful!" Harry said.

"Well that would be Ron then, so go on and get him Harry!" Serena said laughing.

"No way keep your hands off Harry, he belongs to me!" Hermione said laughing

"Wait how about if I take Harry and Hermione and Serena take Ron?" Ginny said grinning wickedly.

"Hey I'm willing to share if your up to it Hermione." Serena said laughing.

"I'm not sharing my boyfriend!" Hermione said, giggling.

"Well, fine, then I'll just take Remus here. Come on you big strong man you!" Serena said, making them all laugh was the way Remus turned beet red in that exact second. "Aha I have found my guy for the night! Look at him blush! I think he kind of fancies me!" All of them starting laughing except Remus who decided he had to be an adult.

"OK that's enough. If someone from the order were to come in and see you children acting like this, I'd have my arse in a sling. Not to mention Molly, who won't take to the excuse that I was asleep when all this managed to happen." Remus said. They all pouted and pretended to be sad. There was some things they could get away with now, but they knew it wouldn't be completely wild. "Ok now has everyone got that out of their systems?" they all nodded. "Good, now how about a small, quiet party for Harry's birthday?" They all looked at each other then at Remus with and eyebrow raised. "Ok a small not so quiet, not so wild as you want it party for Harry's birthday?" At this they all cheered. Harry went to get his radio and they asked Dobby for dinner, which Dobby was only too happy to provide, after which he was invited to join this insane party that had happened in a moments notice. This finally stopped around midnight when they all drifted off to bed. Harry laid in his bed a long time, thinking about this day. Even with the few problems that came up it was still without a doubt the best birthday ever.

The next month seemed to pass just as quick as the time before Harry's birthday. With few people coming in and none staying after seeing the children act like they had lost their minds. As the day approached for them to return, Harry began to get excited about how this year was going to be. He began dreaming up plans to make his pranks similar to the marauders with small differences to make them completely unique.

Tonks, after explaining what was going on to Ginny, began putting them both through physical training needed for becoming an auror. The dummies she had installed in Harry's trunk were charmed to teach hand to hand combat, as well as dodging maneuvers. They had a basic plan worked out for every day. Since they couldn't use magic till in school, they did physical training from seven till ten in the morning, followed by defense and advanced defense theory from ten until noon. Then after lunch, they practiced dodging for one hour, followed by hand to hand combat from two until five. After that they were free to do whatever they wanted, but had to be in bed by eleven, so they could start again the next day.

They enjoyed this so much, that normally they studied more during the evening, though they sometimes spent their time wrapped up in each other, avoiding everyone in the world but each other. Ron and Hermione asked them more than once what they did with all their time, to which they would always reply 'studying' . On the day before Tonks was supposed to disappear, and Serena was supposed to return, Tonks and Remus gave them both a test.

This is something they were not expecting, considering Tonks never mentioned a test before. However, they were amazed when at the end of an hour both Ginny and Harry had managed to remove Tonks' and Remus' wands alone with no wands of their own three times each, and managing not to get his by one spell. Tonks and Remus smiled at both of them afterwards and told them to keep working on their physical training when they got to school, but to spend more time on magic, and they would be able to take any wizard easily.

With that the two settled into a smaller version of their practice, knowing they would have to keep this routine through school. This also left more time for the marauders to start planning their pranks, and figure out which should be kept and which should be changed. They even talked to Remus about more than a few, to which he would just laugh and say they would probably have given the original marauders a run for their money.

The days passed quick even when Mrs. Weasley returned. Ron and Hermione never really noticed that they weren't hanging out with the three marauders, as they were a bit too absorbed in themselves. The day before they left for school the two actually apologized for not spending much time with anyone else, but the other three just grinned and shrugged it off saying they knew they had to get used to being a couple. Ginny and Harry however, had lost nothing from their relationship. Going from friends to dating only added the fact that they were more comfortable with each other and they spent some 'quality time' as Serena termed it, together.

They all felt that the day to leave came way to soon.