BLOOD OF THE MOTHER By BertaS March-05

Chapter 4

Description: Harry's predictions seem to have come true and Tonks breaks cover. We also hear Dudley say "My wishes take longer to come true."

It all belongs to JKR

Birthday Surprises

By Harry's birthday, Dudley had lost nearly 75 pounds and turned what fat was left into muscle.

Harry on the other hand had put on about 10 pounds of pure muscle and his speed and agility had increased noticeably.

Using the books he and Dudley had found on one of their shopping trips early this summer had taught Harry a lot of things that were not taught at Hogwarts. The book on weapons had been especially useful and had prompted them to shake their shadow and make a trip to the Chamber of Secrets.

Also the instructor at the gym was willing to spend extra time with them when they expressed an interest and some knowledge of weapons.

Their training had progressed remarkably fast and their instructor thought they would be ready to take the test for next belt by the end of the summer.

The boys had been to their usual Wednesday workout and on the way home Dudley suddenly steered Harry into one of the pubs they often passed but Harry had never been in.

Dudley practically shoved Harry into a booth and went to the bar. He returned shortly with a coke for each of them.

A few minutes latter a waitress carrying a piece of cake with a candle in it, followed by most of the pubs staff, came to the table and they all sang Happy Birthday to Harry.

Harry was so overwhelmed he couldn't think of a single thing to wish for as he blew out the candle.

About the time he was taking his first bite a very pretty girl with spiky black hair tight black tee (with a yellow smiley face) and jeans slid into the seat next to Harry and said, "Wotcher Harry? Happy Birthday."

Harry started, did a double take, and said, "Tonks?" He then proceeded to slide his arm around her for a brief hug.

When Harry turned to Dudley to introduce him, he found him staring opened mouthed. Smirking Harry said, "Earth to Dud. Can you hear me now?"

Dudley shook himself and blushed, "Sorry," then he grinned, "So, that what you wished for? Cause my wished take a little longer to come true."

Harry blinked and looked at Tonks who was laughing. She batted her eyelashes as she leaned her head on his shoulder looking up at him and cooing "Oooh Harry."

Harry blushed and rolled his eyes, "Dudley, this is Nymphadora Tonks," Tonks shivered and frowned, "She is one of my minders. If you want to know just how nasty a witch she can be just call he by her first name. Tonks this is my cousin Dudley Dursley.

"Pleased to meet you Dudley." Tonks said. She then turned to Harry, "Arrangements are being made for you to come to headquarters, I haven't been told the exact day but be ready as someone will be sent in the next couple of weeks."

Harry had recently realized that the meditation they were doing in yoga class was working to clear his mind; he had also found a book that explained Occlumency and Legilimency and was now able to tell when someone was telling the truth or omitting things. He could tell there was something she wasn't saying.

"Voldie's up to something, isn't he?"

She glanced at Dudley, "I'm not sure, um, ah, You-Know-Who appears to be upset with Sn… um… well… you know who we have been getting information from?" At Harry's nod she continued, "He was a real mess the last time he came back. Dumbledore is furious with him too, I over heard him call him worthless, I don't know why. I don't understand it." She seemed a little upset as she looked all around the pub this time, "We really shouldn't talk about this here."

"We should be OK, the only magic I can sense is coming from you, me and Dudley's jacket." Harry stated offhandedly.

Tonks stared, "You can sense magical activity?" at his nod she said, "That's a rare talent. I only know a few people I'm sure can do it. One is Moody, but it might just be that eye of his, ya know?"

Harry shrugged, "We all have our little talents." He grinned and she realized that he was referring to her talent. "What made you decide to break cover anyway, Tonks? Not that I'm complaining, I mean, you are definitely capable of being a wish come true."

She blushed and looked pointedly at the chocolate cake on Harry's plate. "I didn't think you would mind," she picked up his fork, "knowing what is being planned for you." She put a bit of cake in her mouth making a sound of pleasure and looking at the ceiling, "besides, this way I get to tell Hermione that I had some of your birthday cake."

Harry laughed pushed the plate in front of her.

"She and Ginny were quite irritated that we couldn't spring you for a party."

Dudley said thoughtfully, "I don't remember Harry ever having a birthday party. He wasn't even aloud to attend mine. God, I can't believe what a brat I was." He looked disgusted, "Harry, I'm glad you pushed to talk that night. I have more than a cousin now. I have a friend."

"Thanks Dudley, that means a lot to me." Harry said quietly.

Nest Chapter: Flashback – Harry Thinks about the trip to the Chamber of Secrets he and Dudley took over the summer.